Rules Committee Hearing H.R. 7006.

The House Rules Committee convened to consider H.R. 7006, a two-bill minibus appropriations package covering Financial Services and General Government, and National Security including the Department of State for fiscal year 2026. The package reflects bipartisan and bicameral negotiations aimed at delivering full-year funding for critical government functions, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and regular order in the appropriations process. Key highlights include increased funding for election security grants, international humanitarian assistance, community development financial institutions, and the federal judiciary, particularly defender services to ensure access to justice. The committee also discussed oversight measures such as an amendment requiring architectural and engineering plans for a new FBI facility to address security concerns. Several amendments were debated, including those addressing the independence of the Federal Reserve, restrictions on the Office of Management and Budget, and prohibitions on certain construction projects. The meeting underscored the importance of Congress's power of the purse in maintaining government operations and safeguarding constitutional balances amid concerns about executive overreach and politicization of federal agencies.