Senate Passes FY 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act with Key Funding Provisions

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Senate has passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, providing critical funding support for physical and cyber security, technology infrastructure, and legislative work capacity within the Capitol complex. The bill allocates $7.1 billion in discretionary funding for legislative branch agencies, with additional support for the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation includes various funding provisions to enhance security, transparency, and accountability within Congress and its supporting agencies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FY 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act was passed by the U.S. Senate with a vote of 81-15.
  • The bill provides $7.1 billion in discretionary funding for legislative branch agencies, combined with $2.2 billion for the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • The U.S. Senate will receive $1.47 billion to support its legislative and oversight capacity, as well as continued physical and cyber security initiatives.
  • The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) will receive $855 million to support critical requirements, including the hiring of sworn officers and expanded resources for protective and intelligence operations.
  • The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) will receive $71 million to expand transparency efforts and responsiveness to Congressional requests.
  • The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) will receive $698 million for maintenance, preservation, and physical security of the Capitol complex.
  • The Library of Congress will receive $852 million, including $136 million for the Congressional Research Service and $66 million for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
  • The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will receive $812 million to support its oversight of federal expenditure of taxpayer dollars.
  • The bill includes additional funding for the Senate Sergeant at Arms and the USCP to implement Member security enhancements.
  • Provisions related to the telecommunications ban have been retained, prohibiting the acquisition of equipment from Huawei or ZTE Corporation.
  • The Chinese drone ban has also been retained, prohibiting the purchase of drones manufactured in China by the USCP and AOC.

Statistics:

  • $7.1 billion: total discretionary funding allocated for legislative branch agencies in FY 2026.
  • $2.2 billion: funding allocated for the U.S. House of Representatives in FY 2026.
  • 81-15: vote margin by which the FY 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act was passed by the U.S. Senate.
  • 855 million: funding allocated for the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) in FY 2026.
  • 71 million: funding allocated for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in FY 2026.

Sources:

  • "U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations. (2023). FY 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act."
  • Statement by Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, on the FY 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act.
  • Statement by Senator Markwayne Mullin, Chair of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, on the FY 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act.