Making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]
- Committees
- Appropriations Committee
- Last action
- May 22, 2026
Bottom line
The bill funds the essential operations of the U.S. Legislative Branch for FY2027, incorporating specific policy directives on technology, security, and congressional conduct.
What it actually does
This bill appropriates funds for the operations of the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027. It allocates funding for the House of Representatives, Joint Committees, Capitol Police, Congressional Budget Office, Architect of the Capitol, Library of Congress, Government Publishing Office, and Government Accountability Office. Additionally, it includes several administrative provisions and policy riders related to cybersecurity, procurement, training, and appointments.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill ensures the continued, efficient, and secure functioning of the legislative branch, providing necessary resources for Members, staff, and support agencies. They emphasize the importance of investments in security, modernization initiatives, and transparency, as well as the responsible allocation of taxpayer dollars to maintain democratic institutions.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns about the overall spending levels, arguing for greater fiscal restraint or different allocation priorities. Some may object to specific policy riders, such as procurement restrictions or changes to appointment processes, viewing them as overreach or unnecessary limitations on congressional operations.
The bill is moderately detailed but structured clearly, allowing an informed reader to grasp its core provisions within a reasonable timeframe.
TITLE I, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Salaries and Expenses
Members' Representational Allowances
This provision appropriates $900,000,000 for Members' Representational Allowances (MRAs), which cover clerk hire, official expenses, and official mail for House Members. These funds are available until December 31, 2028, after which any remaining amounts must be used for deficit reduction or to reduce the federal debt.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that robust MRAs are essential for Members to effectively serve their constituents, maintain adequate staffing, and communicate officially. The provision for unspent funds to reduce the national debt demonstrates fiscal responsibility.
Critics contend
Critics sometimes argue that MRA levels are too high or that the allowances could be subject to misuse, though the deficit reduction clause addresses some of these concerns.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for Members to have sufficient resources to perform their duties with concerns about fiscal responsibility and potential for wasteful spending, addressed by the clawback mechanism for unspent funds.
TITLE I, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Salaries, Officers and Employees
Funding for Member Security
Within the appropriation for the Office of the Sergeant at Arms, $83,852,000 is specifically designated for activities related to providing security for Members of the House of Representatives, their immediate families, and other security purposes. This funding is available until expended, indicating a long-term commitment to these security enhancements.
TITLE I, Administrative Provisions, Sec. 113
Prohibition on Certain Information Technology Procurement
This section prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act for any Member, committee, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives to procure or purchase 'covered information technology equipment' (computers, printers, videoconferencing equipment) if the manufacturer or its parent/subsidiary is on specific U.S. government lists related to Chinese military companies, denied persons, or forced labor. This restriction applies even if a third-party contractor is involved in the procurement.
TITLE I, Administrative Provisions, Sec. 114
Mandatory In-Person Workplace Misconduct Training for Members Under Investigation
Beginning January 3, 2027, this provision mandates that any Member of Congress with a publicly disclosed matter under review by the House Ethics Committee must complete their Workplace Rights and Responsibilities training in person. This changes the standard training format for a specific subset of Members.
TITLE I, Architect of the Capitol, House Office Buildings
House Historic Buildings Revitalization Fund
This provision appropriates $153,597,000 for the maintenance, care, and operation of House office buildings, with $21,000,000 specifically designated as a payment to the House Historic Buildings Revitalization Fund. Disbursement from this fund is subject to approval by the House Committee on Appropriations, ensuring oversight of significant renovation projects.
TITLE I, Library of Congress, Salaries and Expenses
Funding for Key Library Programs and Modernization
The bill appropriates $607,954,000 for the Library of Congress, with specific directives including $1,278,000 to revise and extend the Annotated Constitution and no less than $17,500,000 for programs like Teaching with Primary Sources, the Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative, the Veterans History Project, the Surplus Books Program, and upgrades to the Legislative Branch Financial Management System and data storage. These funds support both core library functions and strategic initiatives.
TITLE II, General Provisions, Sec. 211
Appointment of Librarian of Congress and Director of GPO by Congressional Commission
This provision changes the appointment process for the Librarian of Congress and the Director of the Government Publishing Office. Instead of previous methods, these officials will now be appointed and removed by a majority vote of a congressional commission, without regard to political affiliation and solely based on fitness for office. The commission includes key leaders and committee chairs from both chambers.
Requires any Federal entity providing cybersecurity assistance to the House of Representatives to ensure the constitutional integrity of the separate branches of government, including applying minimization procedures to limit the spread or sharing of privileged House and Member information.
TITLE I, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Administrative Provisions, Sec. 112
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for ensuring inter-branch cooperation while protecting constitutional separation of powers and privileges, often placed in general administrative sections.
Case for: Proponents argue this is essential for protecting the confidentiality of legislative work and Member communications, ensuring that cybersecurity assistance does not inadvertently compromise the independence of Congress or privileged information.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as it aims to protect fundamental constitutional principles.
Estimated impact: Ensures that cybersecurity support for the House adheres to strict protocols for data handling, impacting all federal agencies that might provide such assistance.
Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act to acquire telecommunications or video surveillance equipment produced by specific Chinese companies (Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, Dahua) or any entity reasonably believed to be owned or controlled by a foreign adversary.
TITLE II, General Provisions, Sec. 208
Why it matters:This is a common national security rider in appropriations bills, often placed in general provisions to apply broadly. Its placement here ensures it covers all legislative branch entities funded by the Act.
Case for: Proponents argue this is a critical national security measure to prevent espionage, data exfiltration, and supply chain vulnerabilities by excluding equipment from companies linked to foreign adversaries, particularly China.
Case against: Critics might argue that such broad prohibitions could limit competition, increase procurement costs, or potentially delay necessary technology upgrades for various legislative branch entities.
Estimated impact: Significantly restricts procurement options for telecommunications and video surveillance equipment across the entire Legislative Branch, impacting all agencies and potentially increasing costs for secure alternatives.