Full Committee Markup of FY27 Energy and Water Development, and Legislative Branch Bills

The House Appropriations Committee held a full committee markup on May 21, 2026, to consider the Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development, and Legislative Branch appropriations bills. The Energy and Water bill included a $27.1 billion allocation for the National Nuclear Security Administration, funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Energy's Office of Science, and investments in nuclear modernization, critical minerals, and energy innovation. Several members expressed concerns about significant cuts to critical minerals and energy innovation programs, nuclear non-proliferation funding, and environmental cleanup efforts. Multiple amendments were debated, including those addressing the release of withheld rebate funds, funding for fusion energy commercialization, and transparency regarding data centers' energy consumption. The committee also discussed the Legislative Branch bill, which provided funding for the Capitol Police, Library of Congress, and other legislative operations. A contentious debate occurred over proposed cuts to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), with amendments offered to restore funding and protect GAO's oversight role. Additional amendments addressed workplace misconduct training, support for DACA recipients to work in the legislative branch, and the establishment of an exhibition commemorating the January 6 Capitol attack. The committee adopted several manager's amendments and motions to report the bills favorably, though some amendments failed on close votes. The markup featured extensive discussion on budget allocations, contract terminations, and policy provisions affecting future procurement and oversight activities.