When you hear the word “cardinal” your mind probably thinks immediately of a bird that lands in your yard, on your garage, or on a nearby tree. In many cultures throughout the world, the vibrant red color of the cardinal is a symbol of good luck and abundance. It is also said to represent vitality. Some believe that cardinals are signs that God is with you.

A cardinal can also be defined as a high ecclesiastical official of the Roman Catholic Church who ranks next below the pope and is appointed by him to assist him as a member of the College of Cardinals.

But in Congress, there is a different definition of “Cardinal”.

A Cardinal in Congress is the colloquial title given to each subcommittee chair in the Senate and House Appropriations Committees. The Appropriations Committees are powerful committees in that they control the power of the purse. They are responsible for funding the government. Openings on the Appropriations committee are often hotly demanded, and are doled out as rewards. It is one of the exclusive committees of the House, meaning its members typically sit on no other committee.

There is strong evidence that the cardinals, along with the ranking minority members, receive significantly more money from their subcommittee’s programs because of their institutional positions. The cardinal may need the support of his minority members, and winning over the ranking minority member could be useful in achieving this end. Moreover, the ranking minority member could be the cardinal after the next election, so the current cardinal may want to build good will and trust. In many cases, these two leaders will have worked together for many years, may have switched places as chair and ranking minority member, and will have built a strong partnership.

The Cardinals in the House in 2024 are:

Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD)

Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY)

Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) [Defense]

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)

Rep. David Joyce (R-OH)

Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) [Homeland Security]

Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID)

Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL)

Rep. David Valadao (R-CA)

Rep. John Carter (R-TX) [Military Construction & VA]

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)

Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR)

 

The Cardinals in the Senate in 2024 are:

Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM)

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)

Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) [Defense]

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) [Homeland Security]

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR)

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)

Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI)

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) [Military Construction & VA]

Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE)

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI)

 

EANGUS continues to work with every member of the Senate and House Appropriations committees, including the cardinals and ranking members, to ensure and secure proper funding for National Guard members, equipment, and facilities.

 

–EANGUS National Office