House · Standing committee
House Committee on Appropriations
Official site: https://appropriations.house.gov/
Composition
62 members
Jurisdiction
The House Appropriations Committee writes all twelve annual appropriations bills that determine how the federal government spends ~$1.7 trillion in discretionary funding. The full committee approves the bills written by its 12 subcommittees and sends them to the floor. The chair of this committee is arguably the most powerful single Member of the House on questions of where federal money actually goes.
Why lobbyists care
Every defense contractor, university research program, federal contractor, and state-and-local recipient of federal grants ultimately depends on appropriations. Lobbyists targeting discretionary federal spending begin here. Members of this committee receive substantially more campaign contributions from federal contractors than non-members.
Key programs / authorities
- • All twelve FY26 appropriations bills
- • Defense procurement ($839B)
- • Energy & water programs (DOE labs, Army Corps)
- • Homeland Security (DHS, ICE detention)
Recipients overseen
Federal contractors whose programs are authorized or funded (in whole or part) through this committee's jurisdiction.
Recent activity
Markup of FY26 appropriations bills proceeded through summer 2025; full bill HR 7148 (Defense) passed full committee in June 2025.
Leadership
Chair
Ranking member
Full roster · 62 members
Subcommittees (12)
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
15 members
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
12 members
Defense
17 members · Deep editorial
Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies
15 members · Deep editorial
Financial Services and General Government
13 members
Homeland Security
10 members · Deep editorial
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
11 members
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
17 members · Deep editorial
Legislative Branch
8 members
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
13 members
National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs
11 members
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
14 members