The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations held a subcommittee markup on the FY26 Financial Services and General Government Bill on July 23, 2025, where significant concerns were raised regarding the impact of proposed budget cuts on American families and federal agencies. 
During the meeting, members expressed alarm over rising costs of living and the struggles faced by everyday Americans, who are increasingly living paycheck to paycheck. Critics, particularly from the Democratic side, accused the Trump administration and House Republicans of exacerbating the cost of living crisis by reallocating resources from essential programs. They argued that these actions undermine the federal government's ability to support the economy and ensure consumer safety.
A focal point of the discussion was the role of Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, who was criticized for allegedly prioritizing his own views over the bipartisan appropriations process. Lawmakers accused Vought of attempting to dismantle agencies that provide crucial services, thereby concentrating power within his office and favoring wealthy corporations at the expense of middle-class families.
The proposed bill was described as a "big ugly bill" that would provide substantial tax breaks to billionaires and corporations while cutting funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other regulatory bodies. This reduction in IRS funding is expected to slow down tax return processing and hinder the enforcement of tax obligations, particularly for the wealthiest individuals and corporations. 
Members highlighted that the bill would also weaken the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, potentially allowing corporate malpractices such as price gouging and market manipulation to flourish unchecked. They emphasized that these cuts would have real consequences for American families, citing recent product recalls that posed safety risks to children as an example of the dangers of reduced oversight.
In conclusion, the markup underscored a deep divide between party lines on fiscal policy, with Democrats advocating for the protection of essential services and regulatory oversight, while Republicans were seen as favoring tax cuts for the wealthy. The discussions set the stage for ongoing debates about the federal budget and its implications for the American public.