Appropriations

Steptoe's Appropriations team enjoys long-standing relationships with political appointees and senior career officials in key agencies, as well as bipartisan Members and staff on Capitol Hill. We have deep expertise in the appropriations process, having formerly served under the current Chairs of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Steptoe's engagement in the appropriations process has enabled our clients to shape policy and secure billions of dollars in funding over the years. This enduring success is why our clients retain our team for the long term.

In governance, few instruments hold as much power to shape public policy and drive progress as appropriations bills. As Congress becomes increasingly mired in political differences, the appropriations process has emerged as an essential tool for legislating. Members of Congress often attach everything from minor authorizing changes to wholesale authorization bills in year-end packages. Beyond traditional budgetary considerations, appropriations bills are used to determine the nation's policy priorities and direct resources accordingly. These bills not only serve as financial tools but also facilitate accountability, oversight, and evaluation of government programs.

Considered "must-pass" measures, annual appropriations bills create significant opportunities for clients. Securing funding through programmatic increases, program additions, or earmarks is an obvious reason to engage in the process. Steptoe's Appropriations team excels at crafting and securing language to ensure clients are well-positioned to receive federal funding. Additionally, we understand that appropriations bills are used to shape public policy and determine the nation's priorities. We provide strategic advice to clients on how to leverage these opportunities, including engagement with Congress during budget hearings, securing report language that directs agencies to act, and assisting with congressional letters to agencies, which allow Members to go on record about policy priorities.

Steptoe's Appropriations professionals regularly represent higher education institutions, national associations, and businesses, leading to key programmatic funding increases, earmarks, favorable report language, and other competitive advantages for our clients.