Senate · Standing committee
Senate Committee on Appropriations
Official site: http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/
Composition
29 members
Jurisdiction
The Senate counterpart to House Appropriations. Same 12 subcommittees, same bills, but the Senate typically writes a more bipartisan version that then gets conference-committeed with the House version. The chair is among the most senior senators in either party.
Why lobbyists care
Senate Approps is where House-passed bills get adjusted toward the political center. Lobbyists targeting a program that didn't make it into the House bill often get a second shot in the Senate version. Subcommittee chairs and ranking members hold individual programs hostage during conference negotiations.
Key programs / authorities
- • All twelve FY26 appropriations bills (Senate versions)
- • Conference negotiations with House
Recipients overseen
Federal contractors whose programs are authorized or funded (in whole or part) through this committee's jurisdiction.
Recent activity
FY26 Senate Defense Appropriations bill summary published July 2025; included additions for Tranche 3, C-130J, EA-37B, and Combat Rescue Helicopters above the President's request.
Leadership
Ranking member
Full roster · 29 members
Subcommittees (12)
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
18 members
Energy and Water Development
18 members · Deep editorial
Financial Services and General Government
10 members
Department of Homeland Security
12 members · Deep editorial
Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
15 members
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies
18 members · Deep editorial
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
17 members
State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
15 members
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
17 members
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
16 members
Department of Defense
17 members · Deep editorial
Legislative Branch
7 members