H.R. 5166: Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2026

The bill outlines the budget and funding allocations for financial services and government operations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. It focuses on appropriations for several federal agencies, including the Treasury Department, and emphasizes cybersecurity and various government programs. Key details include:

Funding Allocations

The bill provides specific appropriations for the salaries and operational expenses of federal agencies such as:

• Administrative Conference
• Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Election Assistance Commission

Additionally, it includes a total of $6.8 million for the Office of Inspector General for expenses through 2029, along with $29.2 million from trust funds designed for the oversight of retirement programs.

Restrictions on Funds

The bill imposes certain restrictions regarding the use of allocated funds, which include the following:

• Funds cannot be utilized for diversity, equity, and inclusion training.
• No support is allowed for certain foreign laboratories.
• Restrictions are placed on enforcing campaign finance solicitation rules.
• Funds cannot be used for discriminatory actions based on religious beliefs concerning marriage.
• Provisions include limitations on budget allocations for various federal employee regulations.

Political Event Reimbursements

It mandates that advance payments must be made for reimbursable political events held at the Executive Residence. A deposit of $25,000 is required from the national committee of the President's party, and the bill establishes processes for billing and collecting expenses related to these events. It also requires reporting on the costs associated with political events held at the Executive Residence.

Conference and Travel Regulations

The bill includes specific guidelines for evaluating contractor costs related to conferences, requiring discussions about cost comparisons. Department heads must inform the Inspector General about any high-cost conferences within 15 days after the end of each quarter.

Additionally, appropriated funds cannot be used for unrelated conferences or for travel that does not comply with required regulations.

Education Provisions

There are provisions to adjust tuition and fee reduction thresholds for students eligible for certain financial aid, ensuring that appropriate funding is accessed by those who qualify. Moreover, the bill prohibits the use of funds from the District of Columbia in implementing specific provisions of the Human Rights Sanctuary Amendment Act of 2022.

Overall Purpose

The intention of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2026, is to allocate governmental resources effectively while imposing strict guidelines on how those funds can be used, particularly concerning political activities, agency funding, and oversight measures.

Relevant Companies

• None found