Congresswoman Escobar Named as Conferee for FY2026 Government Funding Bills

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to participate in the Conference Committee to finalize the fiscal year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; and Legislative Branch funding bills.

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) was named as one of 13 Democrats appointed to the Conference Committee.

"I'm honored to have a seat at the table on behalf of El Paso and our veterans," said Congresswoman Escobar. "From slashing healthcare to nutrition programs and more, Republicans have broken their promise to lower costs for American families. El Pasoans have my commitment that I will continue to fight for adequate funding levels that truly reflect the needs of Fort Bliss and our community."

"Democrats will be laser focused on stopping President Trump from stealing dollars promised to our communities, lowering the cost of living for American families, and rejecting misguided Republican policies," Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro said. "Our first action was to fight against House Republicans' nutrition cuts. At a time when families around the country are struggling to afford health care, housing, and other essentials for their families, House Republicans failed to provide the resources needed to help Americans keep food on their tables. There will be no agreement without addressing these urgent issues."

In addition to Congresswoman Escobar, the following Democrats were appointed to the Conference Committee:

• Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Appropriations Committee Ranking Member
• Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02), Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member
• Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25),Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member
• Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member
• Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05)
• Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)
• Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)
• Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01)
• Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05)
• Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)
• Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49)
• Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03)

What is a conference committee?

A conference committee is a temporary, ad hoc panel composed of House and Senate conferees formed for the purpose of reconciling differences in legislation that has passed both chambers. Conference committees are usually convened to resolve bicameral differences on major or controversial legislation.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Escobar has been closely involved with the process of each bill.

As of today, the House has only passed the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill, which Congresswoman Escobar voted against.

She also voted against the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, as well as the Legislative Branch funding bill in the committee. These two bills have not been voted on by the entire House of Representatives.