The Committee on Appropriations holds the power of the purse, responsible for writing legislation that allocates federal funds to numerous government agencies, departments, and organizations. Its twelve subcommittees determine spending levels for discretionary programs across the government, after reviewing presidential budget requests and holding hearings.

The Committee on Natural Resources considers legislation related to public lands, national parks, wildlife, fisheries, mining, energy resources on federal lands, and Native American affairs. It oversees agencies like the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service within the Department of Agriculture.