Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026

This bill funds the day-to-day work of Congress for fiscal year 2026. It pays for the House of Representatives and shared offices like the Capitol Police, the Congressional Budget Office, the Architect of the Capitol, the Library of Congress (including the Congressional Research Service and the Copyright Office), the Government Publishing Office, and the Government Accountability Office. By long‑standing practice, the Senate’s funding is handled separately. It also sets rules for how this money can be used.

Key points

• House offices: Car leases paid with office budgets are capped at $1,000 per month, and any outside help on House cybersecurity must protect privileged House information. The child care center may use funds for phones and other communications.
• Capitol Police: Training outside the United States needs prior approval, and leadership rules are updated.
• Tech and equipment: House offices may not buy certain computers, printers, or video gear from companies linked to China’s military or forced‑labor lists. Networks funded by this bill must block pornography, with exceptions for law enforcement. Tours of the U.S. Capitol led by staff and interns must stay open unless limited for security.
• Broader policies: No funds may be used for DEI training that promotes “divisive concepts” (for example, saying one race or sex is superior, or that a person’s moral worth is determined by race or sex). The bill also bars federal actions against people who act or speak based on the belief that marriage is between one man and one woman, including actions that affect taxes, grants, contracts, benefits, or access to federal property.
• Pay and purchases: There is no cost‑of‑living pay increase for Members in 2026. Offices may not buy or lease vehicles from companies owned or controlled by China, naming BYD, Geely, and those on Defense lists such as CATL. Offices may pay employees who have DACA work permits.
• Projects and programs: The Architect of the Capitol may not pay bonuses to contractors who are late or over budget unless justified. Certain Library of Congress activities have a set spending cap for 2026.
• Telecom security and timing: Agencies using these funds may not buy or contract for “covered telecommunications” equipment or services. The direct purchase ban starts in FY2026; the contracting and loan/grant bans start in FY2027. A one‑time waiver of up to two years is possible with a detailed phase‑out plan.
• When funds are available: In general, money in this bill is for FY2026 and does not carry over unless expressly allowed.