The FY24 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill promotes responsible spending and enhances efficiency within Congress, allocating $5.302 billion—a 4.7% decrease in funding from the previous year. This legislation provides for rigorous oversight of the Executive Branch by equipping agencies such as the Congressional Budget Office with the resources necessary for robust operations.

The FY24 Interior Appropriations Bill marks a step toward fiscal responsibility by scaling back discretionary spending to $25.417 billion, constituting a 35% reduction from the President’s Budget request. It implements rigorous cuts to federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), curbing the agency’s overreach. This bill protects vital funding for the Payments in Lieu of Taxes program and wildfire management efforts, critical for East Texas. House Republicans are prioritizing the importance of both accessible energy resources and the responsible stewardship of public lands.

These appropriations bills staunchly deny support for out of control spending and concentrate on essential services and safety measures. Following a dramatic rise in government spending during the COVID pandemic, it is critical that our nation reins in spending and reduces our annual deficit in this year’s appropriations package. I look forward to the passage of the three remaining appropriations bills, and will continue to work with my colleagues to pass full-year appropriations language to responsibly fund the government for the next year.