Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee hears FY2026 requests from CBO, GAO and GPO

Chairman Mullin convened the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee for a fiscal 2026 budget hearing in which the directors of the Congressional Budget Office, the Government Accountability Office and the Government Publishing Office outlined funding requests and operational priorities.

The hearing focused principally on three agency budgets and several cross-cutting issues, including agency staffing, cybersecurity and information-technology needs, how federal agencies are using artificial intelligence, and questions about the Government Accountability Office's handling of documents submitted under the Congressional Review Act.

Dr. Phil Swagel, director of the Congressional Budget Office, said CBO requested $75,800,000 for fiscal 2026, an increase of $5,800,000 (8.2%) from 2025. "The request would address increased cost for paying benefits, allow CBO to improve its IT infrastructure, and add staff in areas of especially intense legislative interest," Swagel said. He said about half of the requested increase—roughly $3,000,000—would cover pay and benefits for current employees and the remainder would support…