A House Republican subcommittee advanced legislation on Friday that would cut funding for the FBI by $1 billion, and decrease overall funding for related agencies to 2022 levels.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies approved the bill, which includes a 9% cut in funding for the FBI, in a party-line vote. Included in the $1 billion cut is a $400 million decrease in FBI salaries and related expenses, and new spending limitations on the bureau.

[So they’re sending a message. A haircut like that would get attention in the FBI, even if it’s not going to be enough for those who really want to see FBI leadership punished. This might not make it through the Senate, but it’s still a signal that business as usual is over, and that playing politics has its costs. — Ed]