Part 2: Full Committee Markup of FY27 Energy and Water Development, and Legislative Branch Bills

The House Appropriations Committee convened on May 21, 2026, for a full committee markup of the FY27 Energy and Water Development, and Legislative Branch bills. Key procurement-related discussions included debates over the authority and independence of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in pursuing lawsuits, with members expressing differing views on whether GAO should act independently or under majority control. Additionally, the committee considered an amendment aimed at protecting House food service workers' wages, benefits, and union recognition amid contractor transitions. The amendment sought to encourage contractors to rehire existing workers under previous collective bargaining agreements but was ultimately not adopted. The committee proceeded to approve the legislative branch appropriations bill with a recorded roll call vote, and technical and conforming changes were authorized for the bill's finalization.