The U.S. Senate has approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, with a vote of 81-15. The measure allocates $7.1 billion in discretionary funding for legislative branch agencies, including $2.2 billion for the U.S. House of Representatives.
According to Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, “This bill provides funding to support the men and women of the Capitol Police who work hard every day to keep the Capitol complex safe. It also includes resources that help Congress fulfill its constitutional responsibilities and funding for the Government Accountability Office, Library of Congress, and other agencies that allow Congress to do its work in a transparent and accountable way.”
Senator Markwayne Mullin, Chair of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, stated, “The brave men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police and Sergeant at Arms work tirelessly every day to protect us as well as the millions of visitors. This bill will bolster their efforts to maintain a secure environment for Members of Congress, our families, staff, and visitors. It also continues to build on strategic investments to strengthen the capacity of the Legislative Branch and our agencies to work on behalf of the American people.”
Key elements in the legislation include $1.47 billion dedicated to supporting legislative and oversight capacity in the Senate while continuing security initiatives focused on both physical and cyber threats. The U.S. Capitol Police will receive $855 million aimed at mission critical needs such as hiring more sworn officers and expanding protective operations.
Other allocations feature $71 million for the Congressional Budget Office to improve transparency and responsiveness; $698 million for maintenance and security provided by the Architect of the Capitol; $852 million for Library of Congress programs including services for blind or print disabled individuals; and $812 million for Government Accountability Office activities related to federal spending oversight.
Security enhancements are included through additional funding for both Senate Sergeant at Arms operations and Capitol Police initiatives intended to address ongoing threats against lawmakers.
The act maintains existing bans prohibiting acquisition of telecommunications equipment from Huawei or ZTE Corporation as well as preventing purchase of drones manufactured in China by certain congressional agencies.
