[House Report 113-508]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
113th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 113-508
======================================================================
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2015
_______
July 2, 2014.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Crenshaw, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
together with
DISSENTING VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 5016]
The Committee on Appropriations submits the following
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making
appropriations for financial services and general government
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015.
INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT
Page number
Bill Report
Title I--Department of the Treasury........................ 2
7
Title II--Executive Office of the President and Funds
Appropriated to the President.......................... 25
24
Title III--The Judiciary................................... 39
34
Title IV--District of Columbia............................. 48
40
Title V--Independent Agencies.............................. 59
45
Administrative Conference of the United States............. 59
45
Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.................... 59
46
Consumer Product Safety Commission......................... 62
47
Election Assistance Commission.............................
49
Federal Communications Commission.......................... 62
50
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation...................... 63
53
Federal Election Commission................................ 64
53
Federal Labor Relations Authority.......................... 64
54
Federal Trade Commission................................... 65
54
General Services Administration............................ 66
55
Merit Systems Protection Board............................. 78
64
National Archives and Records Administration............... 79
64
National Credit Union Administration....................... 80
66
Office of Government Ethics................................ 80
66
Office of Personnel Management............................. 81
67
Office of Special Counsel.................................. 83
68
Postal Regulatory Commission............................... 84
69
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board................ 84
69
Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board............. 84
70
Securities and Exchange Commission......................... 85
70
Selective Service System................................... 87
74
Small Business Administration.............................. 87
74
United States Postal Service............................... 91
79
United States Tax Court.................................... 93
80
Title VI--General Provisions--This Act..................... 93
80
Title VII--General Provisions--Government-wide:
Departments, Agencies, and Corporations................ 106
84
Title VIII--General Provisions--District of Columbia....... 138
86
Title IX--Additional General Provisions--Spending Reduction
Account................................................ 147
88
House of Representatives Report Requirements...............
88
Dissenting Views...........................................
147
Highlights of the Bill
The Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee
has jurisdiction over a diverse group of agencies responsible
for regulating the financial and telecommunications industries;
collecting taxes and providing taxpayer assistance; supporting
the operations of the White House, the Federal Judiciary, and
the District of Columbia; managing Federal buildings; and
overseeing the Federal workforce. The activities of these
agencies impact nearly every American and are integral to the
operations of our government.
However, with the Federal debt expected to continue growing
in excess of $17 trillion, the Subcommittee is committed to
reducing the cost and size of government. The bill provides a
total of $21,285,000,000 in discretionary budget authority for
fiscal year 2015 which is $566,000,000, or 2.6 percent, below
the fiscal year 2014 discretionary allocation. The bill is
$2,256,698,000, or 9.6 percent, below the Administration's
request.
TOTAL BUDGET AUTHORITY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2015
($ in millions) Enacted Request Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary................. 21,851 23,541 21,285
Mandatory..................... 21,229 21,498 21,498
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Revenue Service
The Committee remains troubled by the activities of the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) including the inappropriate
singling out of certain tax-exempt groups based on their
political beliefs, wasteful spending on conferences and videos,
and providing bonuses to staff without evaluating their conduct
or tax compliance. In the fiscal year 2014 Omnibus
Appropriations Act, the Committee took steps to begin reforming
the IRS including requiring extensive reporting on IRS
spending, training and bonuses; prohibiting funds for the
production of videos that have not been reviewed or certified
to be appropriate; prohibiting funds for targeting groups for
regulatory scrutiny based on their ideological beliefs; and
prohibiting funds for targeting citizens for exercising their
First Amendment rights. However, the Committee believes that
more needs to be done to ensure that the IRS is appropriately
allocating its resources and is not using its authorities to
single out groups or individuals based on their political or
ideological beliefs. Given these concerns, the Committee cannot
support the Administration's proposal to increase the IRS by
more than $1 billion over the fiscal year 2014 level. The
Committee recommends providing $10,950,000,000 for the IRS
which is $340,612,000 below current level and $1,526,527,000
below the request. This recommendation would fund the IRS below
their fiscal year 2008 level. In addition, the Committee
includes the following language to:
Prohibit funds for IRS employee bonuses and awards
that do not consider the conduct and tax compliance of such
employees;
Prohibit funds for targeting groups for regulatory
scrutiny based on their ideological beliefs;
Prohibit funds for targeting citizens for
exercising their First Amendment rights;
Prohibit funds for conferences that do not comply
with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration's
recommendations regarding conferences;
Prohibit funds for the production of videos that
have not been reviewed for cost, topic, tone, and purpose and
certified to be appropriate;
Require a report on the amount of official time
used by IRS employees;
Prohibit the White House from ordering the IRS to
determine the tax-exempt status of an organization;
Require extensive reporting on IRS spending; and
Provide TIGTA with a $1,625,000 increase to
enhance its audit and investigative oversight of the IRS.
The Committee also includes a funding prohibition to
prevent the Department of the Treasury from implementing their
proposed or revised regulation regarding the standards and
definitions used to determine the tax exempt status under
section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Committee
believes that the Administration should wait until the
investigations into the inappropriate singling out of certain
tax-exempt groups based on their political beliefs are
concluded before proposing make any regulatory changes
regarding section 501(c)(4). The Committee believes that the
resources used to promulgate this proposed rule could be better
spent responding to taxpayers correspondence and phone calls.
The Committee continues to be concerned with the IRS' role
in implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the individual
mandate in particular. At a time when the IRS has demonstrated
little ability to either self-police or self-correct, the IRS
has even more authority over Americans' health coverage. The
Committee finds this expansion of IRS authority to be
unacceptable and, therefore, prohibits funding to implement the
individual mandate and prohibits transfers from the Department
of Health and Human Services to fund the IRS' implementation of
the Affordable Care Act.
Small Business and Job Creation Activities
The bill makes programs that support small businesses and
assist in private sector job creation a priority. The bill
provides $195,226,000 for the Small Business Administration's
business loan program to provide $18,500,000,000 in 7(a)
lending and $7,500,000,000 in 504 lending. The bill also
provides $115,000,000 for Small Business Development Centers,
$15,000,000 for Women's Business Centers and $230,000,000 for
Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund
program. In addition, the bill requires certain regulatory
agencies to report to the Committee on their efforts to
eliminate duplicative, outdated and burdensome regulations.
Law Enforcement and Intelligence Activities
The bill provides $6,676,746,000 in discretionary funds for
the operations of the Federal Judiciary to fulfill their
statutory requirements to process criminal, civil, bankruptcy
and appellate cases; to supervise defendants and offenders
living in our communities; and provide defendant representation
to those that cannot afford it.
The bill continues to make combating illegal drugs a
priority by providing $245,000,000 for High Intensity Drug
Trafficking Areas, which is $51,600,000 above the
Administration's request, and $95,000,000 for the Drug-Free
Communities program, which is $9,324,000 above the
Administration's request.
For the District of Columbia, the bill provides an increase
of $1,588,000 for the operations of the District of Columbia
Courts and an increase of $2,016,000 for the supervision of
offenders and defendants. These amounts are offset by
reductions in other Federal payments to the District of
Columbia.
For Treasury's financial intelligence activities, the bill
provides $120,000,000 for the Office of Terrorism and Financial
Intelligence to enhance their capabilities to combat drug
lords, terrorists, weapons of mass destruction proliferators,
rogue nations and other threats. This is $18,000,000 above the
enacted level and $14,070,000 above the Administration's
request. In addition, the bill provides $108,661,000 for the
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to support the financial
intelligence requirements of law enforcement and intelligence
agencies.
Program Reductions and Terminations
In order to pay for the small business and law enforcement
priorities described above while reducing overall spending, the
Committee has reduced the operating expenses for many agencies
below the fiscal year 2014 level including: Department of
Treasury--Departmental Offices; the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau; the Bureau of the Fiscal Service; the Internal
Revenue Service; White House Repair and Restoration; the
Council of Economic Advisors; the Court of International Trade;
the Office of Administration; the Vice President's Office and
Residence; Federal payments for the District of Columbia for
resident tuition support, school improvement, and emergency
planning and security; the Federal Trade Commission; the
General Services Administration; the Merit Systems Protection
Board; the National Archives and Records Administration; the
Recovery and Accountability Oversight Board; the Selective
Service System; and the Tax Court.
In addition, the bill eliminates funding for several
programs including: Treasury's Department-Wide Systems and
Capital Investment; Executive Office of the President-
Unanticipated Needs and Data-Driven Innovation; a Federal
payment for the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority;
the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation; the Election
Assistance Commission; the Harry S Truman Scholarship
Foundation; the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall
Foundation; and the Public Company and Accounting Oversight
Board's scholarship program.
Additional Transparency and Accountability Measures
The bill includes the following language to increase
transparency and accountability:
Makes the Office of Financial Research (OFR) and
the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) subject to the
appropriations process next year.
Requires additional reporting on mandatory
expenses from OFR, CFPB, the Office of Financial Stability and
the Judgment Fund.
Makes the General Services Administration provide
extensive reports on spending and activities.
Freezes pay for the Vice President and senior
Executive Branch political appointees.
Checks the expansion of Executive Branch
authorities by: prohibiting funding for signing statements that
abrogate existing law; prohibiting funds for Executive Orders
that contravene existing law; requiring cost estimates to be
included for new Executive Orders; withholding funds from the
Office of Management and Budget until the budget request is
submitted; and prohibiting changes in agency spending without
the enactment of appropriations bill.
Prohibits spending from the Securities and
Exchange Commission's (SEC) mandatory reserve fund, making the
SEC live within the appropriation provided.
Requires the Government Accountability Office to
study whether Federal bank regulators are using cost-benefit
analyses appropriately in the rulemaking process.
Requires the Department of the Treasury Inspector
General to review duplicative reporting requirements imposed by
the Financial Stability Oversight Council and the Office of
Financial Research.
Requires Treasury to report monthly on the number
of individuals who have not paid their premiums for health
insurance provided by the Affordable Care Act.
Requires the Office of Management and Budget to
report on the costs of Dodd-Frank.
Requires extensive reporting by the Federal
Communications Commission and the Securities and Exchange
Commission on their organizational structure and activities.
Operating Plan and Reprogramming Procedures
The Committee will continue to evaluate reprogrammings
proposed by agencies. Although reprogrammings may not change
either the total amount available in an account or the purposes
for which the appropriation is legally available, they
represent a significant departure from budget plans presented
to the Committee in an agency's budget justification and
supporting documents, which are the basis of this
appropriations Act. The Committee expects agencies'
reprogramming requests to explain thoroughly the reasons for
the reprogramming and to include an assessment of whether the
reprogramming will affect budget requirements for the
subsequent fiscal year.
Section 608 of this Act requires agencies or entities
funded by the Act to notify the Committee and obtain prior
approval from the Committee for any reprogramming of funds
that: (1) creates a new program; (2) eliminates a program,
project, or activity; (3) increases funds or personnel for any
program, project, or activity for which funds have been denied
or restricted by the Congress; (4) proposes to use funds
directed for a specific activity by either the House or Senate
Committees on Appropriations for a different purpose; (5)
augments existing programs, projects, or activities in excess
of $5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less; (6) reduces
existing programs, projects, or activities by $5,000,000 or 10
percent, whichever is less; or (7) creates or reorganizes
offices, programs, or activities.
Additionally, the Committee expects to be promptly notified
of all reprogramming actions which involve less than the above-
mentioned amounts if such actions would have the effect of
significantly changing an agency's funding requirements in
future years, or if programs or projects specifically cited in
the Committee's reports are affected by the reprogramming.
Reprogrammings meeting these criteria must be approved by the
Committee regardless of the amount proposed to be reallocated.
Section 608 also requires agencies to consult with the
Committees on Appropriations prior to any significant
reorganization or restructuring of offices, programs, or
activities. This provision applies regardless of whether the
reorganization or restructuring involves a reprogramming of
funds. Agencies are encouraged to consult with the Committees
early in the process so that any questions or concerns the
Committees may have can be addressed in a timely manner.
Agencies are directed under section 608 to submit operating
plans for the Committee's review within 60 days of the bill's
enactment. Each operating plan should include: (1) a table for
each appropriation with a separate column to display the
President's budget request, adjustments made by Congress,
adjustments due to enacted rescissions, if appropriate, and the
fiscal year enacted level; (2) a delineation in the table for
each appropriation both by object class and program, project,
and activity as detailed in the budget appendix for the
respective appropriation; and (3) an identification of items of
special congressional interest.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Departmental Offices
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $312,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 308,734,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 175,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -137,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -133,734,000
The Departmental Offices' function in the Department of the
Treasury is to support the Secretary of the Treasury in his
capacity as the chief operating executive of the Department and
in his role in determining the tax, economic, and financial
management policies of the Federal government. The Secretary's
responsibilities funded by the Salaries and Expenses
appropriation include: recommending and implementing domestic
and international economic and tax policy; providing
recommendations regarding fiscal policy; governing the fiscal
operations of the government; managing the public debt;
managing development of financial policy; representing the U.S.
on international monetary, trade and investment issues;
overseeing Treasury Department overseas operations; directing
the administrative operations of the Treasury Department; and
providing executive oversight of the bureaus within the
Treasury Department.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $175,000,000
for Departmental Offices, Salaries and Expenses. The
recommendation fully funds the Department's cyber security
initiatives, contributions to international governmental
associations, and administrative expenses for implementing
Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourism Opportunities,
and Revived Economy of the Gulf Coast Act (RESTORE Act).
Beginning fiscal year 2015, the Committee provides the
Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence (TFI) with an
appropriation separate from the ``Departmental Offices,
Salaries and Expenses'' account. The scope and intensity of
TFI's economic sanctions work has grown recently through the
enactment of legislation and the adoption of Executive Orders,
especially with regards to Iran and Russia, adding to a
workload already heavy from safeguarding the U.S. financial
system from money laundering and terrorist financing and
severing weapons of mass destruction proliferators, narcotics
traffickers, and other threats to national security from
banking and financial services.
Economic Warfare and Financial Terrorism.--The Committee is
profoundly disappointed by the Department's complete failure to
provide a report on economic warfare and financial terrorism to
Congress for the fourth consecutive year. Treating
Congressional requests with indifference and disregard is
contrary to the cooperation and partnership that the
Administration is seeking with Congress. The Committee again
directs the Secretary to submit this report required by section
130; the report may be submitted in classified and unclassified
forms.
Automated Clearing House Fraud and Theft.--The Committee
encourages Treasury to work with bank regulators to examine
instances of electronic fraud and theft from hacking into the
online banking accounts of commercial account holders in order
to develop a set of best practices for regulated entities to
notify commercial customers when their accounts have been
compromised.
Puerto Rico.--The Committee encourages the Department to
provide technical assistance to Puerto Rico on stabilizing and
strengthening public financial management and financial
management systems.
Banking Regulations.--Section 302 of the Riegle Community
Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 requires
that when considering new regulations on insured depository
institutions that Federal banking agencies consider the
administrative burdens and benefits of such regulations. Within
180 days of enactment of this Act, the Government
Accountability Office is directed to report to the House and
Senate Appropriations Committees on Federal banking agencies
compliance with this law.
International Reporting.--The financial and capital markets
have become more global, and there is an increased need for
regulators to better coordinate with their international
counterparts on mechanisms to solve cross-border issues.
However, many of the proceedings between U.S. regulators and
their foreign counterparts are opaque and not subject to the
Sunshine Act (P.L. 94-409). In order to maintain the ability of
U.S. businesses to compete in an expanding global economy,
dialog between international and U.S. regulators must be much
more transparent.
Office of Financial Research.--The Committee believes the
Office of Financial Research (OFR), established under P.L. 111-
203, is unnecessarily opaque in its operations and that there
are inadequate checks on OFR actions, procedures, and funding.
The Committee has included language (Sections 123 and 125)
which requires quarterly reporting on budget obligations and
brings OFR under the Appropriations process so that this office
can be more transparent to the American people and Congress.
For fiscal year 2015, the Administration estimates OFR and the
Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) spending will
total $91,749,000 and $20,372,000, respectively. The ability of
OFR and FSOC to set their own budget and then assess private
institutions to pay for their operation, with no Congressional
check on their funding, is incongruous with the mission of both
entities. In producing research to support regulation of large
swaths of the economy, both OFR and FSOC should be subject to
more scrutiny from the Legislative Branch.
The Committee strongly encourages FSOC, in designating
Systemically Important Financial Institutions (SIFI), to take
into account the distinctions between different asset
management institutions. The Committee expects the FSOC to
consider the true risk to markets and the U.S. financial system
when making any SIFI designation. In addition, the Committee
expects the FSOC to solicit the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) for expert advice in the area of securities
regulation and management.
Insurance.--Neither the Department nor the Federal
Insurance Office (FIO) have regulatory authority over insurance
companies. That authority currently resides with the chief
insurance regulators of each of the fifty States, the District
of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. U.S. representation at
international insurance supervisory organizations is important,
but needs to be united in its policy objectives and strategy.
Recent negotiations by the Department and FIO involving
international capital standards for all internationally active
insurance groups, not just those insurers that are considered
systemically important, necessitates the Committee to remind
the Federal agencies involved in international financial
standard setting discussions to avoid advocating for or
facilitating international capital standards (or demands for
standards) that run contrary to the objectives of state
insurance regulators.
Cloud Computing Usage.--Well-planned cloud-based computing
solutions offer the opportunity for potential savings on the
order of millions of dollars. The Committee directs the
Department to provide a report to the Committees on
Appropriations by September 30, 2015, on current and planned
cloud computing usage by bureau and office. The report should
also include the costs and savings in 2014-15 realized as a
result of such usage, plans to retire associated legacy
systems, and milestones in meeting Federal security standards.
OFFICE OF TERRORISM AND FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014*...................... $ - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015*..................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... 120,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +120,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. +120,000,000
*Funding for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence was
previously provided and requested within the Departmental Office
heading.
Economic and trade sanctions issued and enforced by the
Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence's (TFI) Office
of Foreign Assets Control protect the financial system from
being polluted with criminal and illicit activities and
counteract national security threats from drug lords,
terrorists, weapons of mass destruction proliferators, and
rogue nations, among others. In addition to the enforcement of
sanctions, TFI also produces vital analysis with regards to
foreign intelligence and counterintelligence across all
elements of the national security community.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $120,000,000
for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence to carry
out TFI's central role in detecting and defeating security
threats and separates its appropriation from the ``Departmental
Offices'' account, where it was previously funded. The
recommended level is $14,070,000 above the amount requested for
these activities within ``Departmental Offices, Salaries and
Expenses'' in fiscal year 2015 and $18,000,000 above the fiscal
year 2014 level. The Committee expects these additional funds
to be used to strengthen the development and enforcement of
sanction programs.
Iran Sanctions Act.--The Committee directs the Department
of Treasury to post online and disseminate publicly those
companies that are not compliant with the Iran Sanctions Act as
well as any foreign entities doing business with the Iran
Revolutionary Guard Corps.
General Licenses for Humanitarian Assistance.--The fiscal
year 2014 Omnibus required Treasury to submit recommendations
for reducing the response times for applications to the Office
of Foreign Assets Control for a General License from
humanitarian non-governmental organizations seeking to provide
aid to famine victims in south central Somalia within 45 days
of enactment. While the Department has provided an initial
letter, the Committee has yet to receive the recommendations
and directs the Department to submit them within 30 days.
The Committee recognizes the dramatic escalation of
conflict in certain African states and supports the imposition
of sanctions on those perpetrating some of the worst atrocities
in the context of these conflicts. Within the funds provided,
the Committee expects the Office of Financial Assets Control to
increase sanctions development and enforcement related to
conflict in Sudan, South Sudan, the Central African Republic,
and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Such sanctions regimes
reinforce U.S. national security priorities by working to
prevent or respond to genocide and other mass atrocities.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $34,800,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 35,351,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 35,351,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +551,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides agency-wide
audit and investigative functions to identify and correct
operational and administrative deficiencies that create
conditions for fraud, waste, and mismanagement. The audit
function provides contract, program, and financial statement
audit services. Contract audits provide professional advice to
agency contracting officials on accounting and financial
matters relative to negotiation, award, administration,
repricing, and settlement of contracts. Program audits review
and evaluate all facets of agency operations. Financial
statement audits assess whether financial statements fairly
present the agency's financial condition and results of
operations, the adequacy of accounting controls, and compliance
with laws and regulations. The investigative function provides
for the detection and investigation of improper and illegal
activities involving programs, personnel, and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $35,351,000
for the OIG. The recommendation fully funds the cost of
overseeing the Department's Resources and Ecosystems
Sustainability, Tourism Opportunities, and Revived Economy of
the Gulf Coast Act (RESTORE Act) activities.
Duplicative Reporting Requirements.--The Committee is
concerned the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) and
the Office of Financial Research (OFR) may be imposing
duplicative and burdensome data collection requirements on the
institutions they oversee. Therefore, the Committee directs the
Treasury Office of Inspector General (OIG) to investigate
whether the data reporting required by FSOC and OFR from
financial and non-financial institutions, or any related
entities which FSOC regulates or oversees, is duplicative of
data required by other regulators and burdensome. The OIG is
directed to report to the Committee within 180 days of
enactment of this Act. FSOC, its member agencies, and OFR
should be focused on improving the quality and scope of
financial data available to regulators and the public, as well
as collaborating with the financial services industry and
financial regulators to help identify redundant and costly
reporting requirements for financial firms while ensuring the
security of this data.
Insurance.--Not less than 90 days from enactment of this
Act, the Inspector General shall submit a report to the House
and Senate Committee on Appropriations, the House Financial
Services Committee, and the Senate Banking Committee on the
Department's process for collecting input from State insurance
commissioners and developing a consensus with the State
insurance commissioners with respect to international insurance
standards and if the Department's representation at
international insurance supervisory organizations conforms with
such a consensus.
TREASURY INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR TAX ADMINISTRATION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $156,375,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 157,419,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 158,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +1,625,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. +581,000
The Office of Treasury Inspector General for Tax
Administration (TIGTA) conducts audits, investigations, and
evaluations to assess the operations and programs of the IRS
and its related entities, the IRS Oversight Board, and the
Office of Chief Counsel. The purpose of those audits and
investigations is as follows: (1) to promote the economic,
efficient, and effective administration of the Nation's tax
laws and to detect and deter fraud and abuse in IRS programs
and operations; and (2) to recommend actions to resolve fraud
and other serious problems, abuses, and deficiencies in these
programs and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $158,000,000
for TIGTA. The Committee appreciates the many issues that TIGTA
has brought to its attention and provides funding above the
request to enhance TIGTA's oversight of IRS activities and use
of appropriated funds.
The Committee encourages TIGTA to conduct joint audits and
investigations with the Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Inspector General into the implementation and
administration of the premium tax credits and advance premium
tax credits available under the Affordable Care Act, especially
in regards to coordination between the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services and the Internal Revenue Service.
SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR THE TROUBLED ASSET RELIEF PROGRAM
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $34,923,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 34,234,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 34,234,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -689,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The Office of the Special Inspector General for the
Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP) was established in the
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-
343). Its mission is to conduct, supervise, and coordinate
audits and investigations of the purchase, management, and sale
of assets by the Secretary of the Treasury under programs
established pursuant to the Troubled Asset Relief Program
(TARP).
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $34,234,000
for fiscal year 2015.
SIGTARP's operating expenses were initially funded with
mandatory appropriations in the TARP. These funds, however,
were provided in a limited amount. As such, every year the
amount of remaining mandatory funds has been decreasing over
time. In order to continue vigorous oversight of the
outstanding TARP amounts, additional discretionary
appropriations are provided. As TARP winds down, the Committee
expects the request for discretionary appropriations in this
account to also wind down in future years.
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $112,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 108,661,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 108,661,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -3,339,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is
responsible for implementing Treasury's anti-money laundering
regulations through administration of the Bank Secrecy Act
(BSA). It also collects and analyzes information to assist in
the investigation of money laundering and other financial
crimes. FinCEN supports law enforcement investigative efforts
by Federal, State, local and international agencies, and
fosters interagency and global cooperation against domestic and
international financial crimes.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $108,661,000
for FinCEN. The recommended amount is intended to ensure
FinCEN's information is accessible to the law enforcement and
intelligence communities and to ensure FinCEN can respond to
requests for assistance from law enforcement. The data compiled
and analyzed by FinCEN is a critical tool for investigating,
among other crimes, money laundering, mortgage fraud, drug
cartels, and terrorist financing.
Human Trafficking.--The Committee appreciates FinCEN's
history of supporting law enforcement cases that combat human
trafficking, and emphasizes the importance of continuing this
effort as part of the bureau's broader mission to detect and
disrupt all forms of financial crime. Wherever possible, FinCEN
shall marshal its unique expertise in analyzing financial flows
for this important effort in the course of ongoing strategic
operations, such as the Southwest Border Initiative.
Hiring Irregularities.--The Committee is frustrated that
FinCEN reportedly engaged in hiring irregularities. The
allegations are both significant and serious. The Committee
welcomes the on-going investigations, looks forward to their
findings, and expects FinCEN to reform its hiring processes.
Treasury Forfeiture Fund
(RESCISSION)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... -$736,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... -950,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... -750,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -14,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. +200,000,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a rescission of $750,000,000 of
unobligated balances in the Treasury Forfeiture Fund. The funds
collected, disbursed and rescinded out of the Treasury
Forfeiture Fund (the Fund) are incidental to law enforcement
activities and priorities that led to the seizures and
forfeitures. Disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations
that pose the greatest threat to public safety and security is
the highest priority of any law enforcement agency. The Fund
can ensure resources are managed efficiently to cover the costs
of an effective asset seizure and forfeiture program, including
the costs of seizing, evaluating, inventorying, maintaining,
protecting, advertising, forfeiting and disposing of property,
but it must neither augment agency funding nor circumvent the
appropriations process. Reliance on the Fund to offset the day-
to-day operations, or to pay for new activities, creates an
incentive to pursue cases suspected of high valued forfeitures
rather than to target individuals or organizations that
perpetrate the worst crimes against society.
The Committee directs the Department to submit to the House
and Senate Appropriations Committees a detailed table every
month reporting the interest earned, forfeiture revenue
collected, unobligated balances, recoveries, expenses to date,
and expenses estimated for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Bureau of the Fiscal Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $360,165,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 348,184,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 348,184,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -11,981,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The mission of the Bureau of the Fiscal Service is to
promote the financial integrity and operational efficiency of
the U.S. Government through accounting, borrowing, collections,
payments, and shared services. The Fiscal Service is the
Federal government's central financial agent. The Fiscal
Service also develops and implements reliable and efficient
financial methods and systems to operate the government's cash
management, credit management, and debt collection programs in
order to maintain government accounts and report on the status
of the government's finances. In addition, the Fiscal Service
is the primary agency for collecting Federal non-tax debt owed
to the government, and is responsible for the conduct of all
public debt operations and the promotion of the sale of U.S.
securities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $348,184,000
for fiscal year 2015. Of the funds provided, $4,210,000 is
available until September 30, 2017, for information systems
modernization.
The Committee appreciates the savings the Fiscal Service
has achieved and continues to realize through the consolidation
of the Financial Management Service (FMS) and the Bureau of the
Public Debt (BPD). Within this appropriation, funding is
included for USAspending.gov. The Committee expects the Fiscal
Service to meet its transparency goals within USAspending.gov
and will monitor progress in achieving government spending
transparency.
Judgment Fund.--The Committee appreciates Treasury's
release of the fiscal year 2011 and 2012 annual reports, and
looks forward to the 2013 report, regarding payments made by
the Judgment Fund under 31 U.S.C. 1304. The Committee directs
the Department to issue another report covering payments made
during fiscal year 2014 and directs that the report include all
judgment fund payments since 2008, unless the disclosure of
such information is otherwise prohibited by law or court order.
The report shall consist of: (1) the name of the plaintiff or
claimant; (2) the name of the counsel for the plaintiff or
claimant; (3) the name of the agency that submitted the claim;
(4) a brief description of the facts that gave rise to the
claim; and (5) the amount paid representing principal, attorney
fees, and interest, if applicable. The report regarding all
judgment fund payments since 2008 is due within 60 days of
enactment of this Act.
Do Not Pay Business Center.--The Committee supports the Do
Not Pay Business Center and its goal of preventing ineligible
recipients from receiving payments or awards from the Federal
Government. This program supports the implementation of the
Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act of
2012 (P.L. 112-248) which requires executive agencies to review
all payments and awards before issuance. The Do Not Pay
Business Center is fully funded within the Fiscal Service
appropriation for fiscal year 2015.
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $99,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 96,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 96,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -3,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is
responsible for the enforcement of laws designed to eliminate
certain illicit activities and to regulate lawful activities
relating to distilled spirits, beer, wine and nonbeverage
alcohol products, and tobacco. TTB focuses on collecting
revenue; reducing taxpayer burden and improving service while
preventing diversion; and protecting the public and preventing
consumer deception in certain regulated commodities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $96,000,000
for fiscal year 2015.
The Committee is concerned about the Bureau's ability to
maintain efficient operations at a time of exponential growth
for its regulated industries. According to the Bureau's own
statistics, in the last five years wineries have grown by 40
percent, the brewery industry has grown by 98 percent, and the
distilled spirits industry has grown by 107 percent. The
Committee appreciates the Bureau's efforts to use technology to
modernize its label and formula approval processes, and
recommends that it identify ways to streamline its processes,
including using increased flexibility in its staffing
decisions.
United States Mint
UNITED STATES MINT PUBLIC ENTERPRISE FUND
The United States Mint manufactures coins, receives
deposits of gold and silver bullion, and safeguards the Federal
Government's holdings of monetary metals. In 1997, Congress
established the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund
(Public Law 104-52), which authorized the Mint to use proceeds
from the sale of coins to finance the costs of its operations
and consolidated all existing Mint accounts into a single fund.
Public Law 104-52 also provided that, in certain situations,
the levels of capital investments for circulating coins and
protective services shall factor into the decisions of the
Congress.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a spending level for capital
investments by the Mint for circulating coinage and protective
services of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2015.
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $226,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 224,900,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 230,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +4,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. +5,100,000
The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI)
Fund provides grants, loans, equity investments, and technical
assistance, on a competitive basis, to new and existing CDFIs
such as community development banks, community development
credit unions, and housing and microenterprise loan funds.
Recipients use the funds to support mortgages, small business
and economic development lending in underserved and distressed
neighborhoods and to support the availability of financial
services in these neighborhoods. The CDFI Fund is also
responsible for implementation of the New Markets Tax Credits.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $230,000,000
for the CDFI Fund program. Of the amounts provided,
$177,000,000 is for financial and technical assistance grants,
$15,000,000 is for Native Initiatives, $18,000,000 is for the
Bank Enterprise Award program, and $20,000,000 is for the
administrative expenses for all programs.
Internal Revenue Service
In absence of an explanation of how inappropriate criteria
came into use to select certain groups for extra scrutiny, how
these criteria were allowed to be used for years, and who is
responsible for them, the IRS is no closer to putting to rest
this very dark chapter of IRS history than it was in May of
2013. While the IRS has repeatedly pledged since 2013 that this
practice has stopped and was limited to the Tax-Exempt
Division, the IRS also repeatedly testified before multiple
Congressional Committees in 2012 that there were very clear
safeguards to make the IRS operate in a non-partisan and non-
political manner. The Committee looks forward to final reports
from open and on-going investigations into why these safeguards
failed the IRS.
The Committee recommends providing $10,950,000,000 for the
IRS which is $340,612,000 below current level and
$1,526,527,000 below the request. This recommendation would
fund the IRS below their fiscal year 2008 level. In addition,
the Committee includes language to:
Prohibit funds for IRS employee bonuses and awards
that do not consider the conduct and tax compliance of such
employee;
Prohibit funds for targeting groups for regulatory
scrutiny based on their ideological beliefs;
Prohibit funds for targeting citizens for
exercising their First Amendment rights;
Prohibit funds for conferences that do not comply
with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration's
(TIGTA) recommendations regarding conferences;
Prohibit funds for the production of videos that
have not been reviewed for cost, topic, tone, and purpose and
certified to be appropriate;
Require a report on the amount of official time
used by IRS employees;
Prohibit the White House from ordering the IRS to
determine the tax-exempt status of an organization;
Require extensive reporting on IRS spending; and
Provide TIGTA with a $1,625,000 increase to
enhance its audit and investigative oversight of the IRS.
The Committee is also troubled that the IRS would propose
new regulations for determining the tax-exempt status of
501(c)(4) organizations without the benefit of the findings and
conclusions of multiple, on-going investigations. It is not
evident what clarity these proposed regulations will provide
when the root cause of the problem has yet to be determined. If
the problem is poor management, as the IRS has asserted, then
new divisions of duty, stronger lines of communication, and
greater accountability of managers and executives is what is
needed. Given these concerns, the Committee includes a funding
prohibition to prevent the Department of the Treasury from
implementing their proposed or revised regulation regarding the
standards and definitions used to determine the tax exempt
status of organizations under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
The implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
continues to vex the Committee. The IRS has also shared very
little with the Committee about how it is currently
administering the advance premium tax credits payments (APTCP)
in 2014 and how it plans to reconcile those payments when 2014
tax returns are filed in 2015. The IRS is responsible for
accounting for all APTCP on its 2014 financial statements, but
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) obligates
and disburses APTCP from an IRS account to insurance companies.
This unorthodox administration of a tax credit has never been
explained or justified to the Committee. Therefore, for fiscal
year 2015, the Committee directs the IRS Commissioner to submit
monthly status reports to the House and Senate Appropriations
Committees, the Ways and Means Committee in the House, and the
Finance Committee in the Senate on actions completed and
planned for reconciliation, including coordination with CMS and
the effects of missing or incomplete information as a result of
the employer reporting and mandate delay. Furthermore, the
Committee prohibits funding to implement the individual mandate
and prohibits transfers from the Department of Health and Human
Services to fund the IRS' implementation of the ACA.
A description of the Committee's recommendation by
appropriation is provided below.
TAXPAYER SERVICES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $2,122,554,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 2,317,633,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 2,130,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +7,446,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -187,633,000
The Taxpayer Services appropriation provides for taxpayer
services, including forms and publications; processing tax
returns and related documents; filing and account services;
taxpayer advocacy services; and assisting taxpayers to
understand their tax obligations, correctly file their returns,
and pay taxes due in a timely manner.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,130,000,000
for Taxpayer Services. Within the amount provided, the
Committee expects the IRS to fund sufficiently the Taxpayer
Advocate Service. The Committee expects the $7,446,000 provided
above the fiscal year 2014 level to be used to improve IRS
response times to phone calls and written correspondence.
Identity Theft.--Identity theft remains a persistent
obstacle to accurate, fair, and efficient tax collection.
Innocent taxpayers, who otherwise comply with their tax
obligations, have their refunds delayed and are drawn
unwittingly into the IRS examination process because their
identity was stolen and misused. This problem is especially
pernicious in the U.S. territories and possessions, where
organized schemes fraudulently use the taxpayer identification
numbers of territorial residents to obtain credits or refunds
on tax returns filed with the United States, costing American
taxpayers billions of dollars.
Last year, the Committee required a report from the IRS
that covers the 2009-2013 period on: the number of taxpayers
who have had their tax return rejected because their Social
Security or taxpayer identification number was improperly used
by another individual to commit tax fraud; the average time to
resolve the situation and provide innocent taxpayers with their
refund, when a refund is due; and the number of cases involving
taxpayer identification numbers of residents of the
territories. The report will also include a discussion on the
effectiveness of IRS actions taken or plans to take to expedite
resolution for these taxpayers, to prevent non-victims from
becoming victims, to educate the public on the threat of
identity theft, and to detect and prevent identity-based tax
fraud and actions.
The Committee directs the IRS to submit an updated report
to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, reviewed by
the National Taxpayer Advocate and the Federal Trade
Commission, on the same information by June 17, 2015, for the
2014 time period.
Fraud Detection.--The Committee strongly encourages the IRS
to dedicate resources to replace its outdated fraud detection
system and to develop robust, analytical systems that
authenticate the identity of the taxpayer and to prevent fraud.
It also especially important for the IRS to use data that is
reported by taxpayers and third-parties, collected, and stored
in the Individual Master File to recognize historical filing
patterns, match deductions with corresponding income across
taxpayers, and match certain contributions or withdraws to
income and time limits.
Pre-Filled or ``Simple'' Tax Returns.--The Committee
believes that converting a voluntary compliance system to a
bill presentment model would represent a significant change in
the relationship between taxpayers and their government. The
simple return model would also strain IRS resources and the
data retrieval systems required would create new burdens on
employers, particularly small businesses. In addition, a
fundamental conflict of interest seems to be inherent in the
nation's tax collector and compliance enforcer taking on the
simultaneous role of tax preparer and financial advisor. The
Committee expects that the IRS will not begin work on a simple
tax return pilot program or associated systems without first
seeking specific authorization and appropriations from
Congress, and should instead focus on helping Congress and the
Administration achieve real tax simplification and reform.
Free File.--The Committee strongly supports the Free File
program, which has allowed over 40 million people since 2003 to
use their choice of name-brand Federal tax preparation software
to securely e-file their tax returns at no cost for qualifying
taxpayers. The program saves people both time and money, while
promoting tax compliance. As such, the Committee is
disappointed that the IRS abandoned multi-year agreements with
the Free File Alliance, the group of private firms that provide
the software, subjecting the program to modification or
discontinuation from year-to-year. The current one-year
memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Free File Alliance
expires on October 30, 2015. The IRS announced in May its
intentions to enter into a multi-year agreement prior to the
expiration of this one-year MOU. The Committee directs the IRS
to report monthly on the status of negotiations until the next
MOU is signed.
ENFORCEMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $5,022,178,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 5,371,826,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 4,950,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -72,178,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -421,826,000
The Enforcement appropriation provides for the examination
of tax returns, both domestic and international; the
administrative and judicial settlement of taxpayer appeals of
examination findings; technical rulings; monitoring employee
pension plans; determining qualifications of organizations
seeking tax-exempt status; examining tax returns of exempt
organizations; enforcing statutes relating to detection and
investigation of criminal violations of the internal revenue
laws; identifying underreporting of tax obligations; securing
unfiled tax returns; and collecting unpaid accounts.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,950,000,000
for Enforcement. Of the funds provided, the Committee
recommends not less than $60,257,000 to support IRS activities
under the Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement program. None
of the funds requested for implementation of the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act are provided.
Tax Preparers.--While most tax preparers provide a valuable
and convenient service to their clients, other tax preparers
range from incompetent to unscrupulous and either unwittingly
draw their client into making improper claims or deliberately
conspire with their clients in perpetrating fraud. The
Committee encourages the IRS to use its existing authority to
conduct on-site visits and preparer audits, and to investigate
abusive or suspicious preparers.
Healthcare.--Since 2010, the Department of Health and Human
Services has transferred nearly $500,000,000 to the IRS for
implementation of Affordable Care Act provisions. The Committee
prohibits further such transfers during fiscal year 2015 in
section 110 of this Act.
Reporting Interest Paid to Nonresident Aliens.--On April
19, 2012, the IRS issued final regulation TD 9584 requiring all
banks in the United States to report to the IRS the amount of
interest paid to non-resident alien individual depositors. The
Committee directs the Government Accountability Office to
conduct a study of the effect of the regulation on depository
financial institutions.
Guidance on the Definition of Political Subdivision.--The
Committee is concerned that recent actions by the IRS have
caused confusion concerning the definition of a political
subdivision under the tax-exempt bond rules, including for
entities long-recognized as political subdivisions, and have
resulted in the inability to move forward with or the delay of
economic development projects throughout the country. The
Committee encourages the IRS to issue guidance to clarify the
definition of political subdivision, to provide opportunity for
public comments prior to any changes, and to make changes, if
any, prospective.
Improper Payments.--The IRS greatly strengthened the due
diligence program to verify eligibility for Earned Income Tax
Credit (EITC) for tax returns filed by paid preparers three
filing seasons ago. The Committee believes a similar due
diligence program for tax returns filed by self-preparers may
further help to discourage erroneous EITC claims, provided that
such requirements are not so burdensome as to discourage
participation by eligible taxpayers. Not later than 120 days
after enactment of this Act, the Office of Compliance Analytics
shall develop and submit proposals for such a due diligence
program to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.
OPERATIONS SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $3,740,942,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 4,456,858,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,620,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -120,942,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -836,858,000
The Operations Support appropriation provides for overall
planning and direction of the IRS, including shared service
support related to facilities services, rent payments,
printing, postage, and security. Specific activities include
headquarters management activities such as strategic planning,
communications and liaison, finance, human resources, Equal
Employment Opportunity and diversity, research, information
technology, and telecommunications.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,620,000,000
for Operations Support. None of the funds requested for
implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act are provided.
Official Time.--Labor and management have a shared
responsibility to ensure that official time is authorized and
used appropriately for the ultimate benefit of the American
people. The accounting for official time hours is the
responsibility of the IRS' Official Time Program Unit. Not
later than 90 days from the enactment of this Act, the IRS
Official Time Program Unit shall submit a report to the House
and Senate Appropriations Committees on the total number of
bargaining unit employees, the number of bargaining unit
employees who use official time, the number of hours of
official time, the number of official time hours used per
bargaining unit employee, the number of employees, if any, that
use official time 100 percent of the time, and official time
wage costs for fiscal years 2011-2014, including the year-over-
year percentage change and a description of how the Official
Time Program Unit monitors official time for compliance with
the bargaining agreement on behalf of labor and management.
Obligations and Employment.--Not later than 45 days after
the end of each quarter, the Internal Revenue Service shall
submit reports on its activities to the House and the Senate
Committees on Appropriations. The reports shall include
information about the obligations made during the previous
quarter by appropriation, object class, office, and activity;
the estimated obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year
by appropriation, object class, office, and activity; the
number of full-time equivalents within each office during the
previous quarter; and the estimated number of full-time
equivalents within each office for the remainder of the fiscal
year.
Records Management.--The Committee is deeply dissatisfied
with the inadequacy of the IRS' email retention policies and
information technology (IT) priorities that may have led to the
loss of emails potentially useful to on-going investigations in
to the use of inappropriate criteria for selecting 501(c)(4)
applications for additional scrutiny. To prevent other critical
failures and data losses, the Committee directs the IRS to
provide to the Committees on Appropriations, within 100 days of
enactment, a report on its policies on document retention and
classification of official records. The report should include
the current government best practices, the cost to the IRS to
achieve these practices, the education and outreach to
employees on retention standards, and the methodologies the IRS
uses to prioritize the use of IT resources.
BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $312,938,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 330,210,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 250,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -62,938,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -80,210,000
The Business Systems Modernization (BSM) appropriation
provides funding to modernize key business systems of the
Internal Revenue Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $250,000,000
for BSM.
The funds provided under this heading were at watershed
amounts in recent years. While the Committee understands that
IRS is building capabilities into the CADE2 system, such as
linking historical returns with current returns and building a
single interest and penalty calculator, the major costs of
development and implementation are complete. The Committee
expects funding requests to decline as the IRS realizes savings
from retiring legacy systems and resumes funding levels closer
to their historical average.
Administrative Provisions--Internal Revenue Service
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Section 101. The Committee continues a provision, with a
modification, that allows for the transfer of five percent of
any appropriation made available to the IRS to any other IRS
appropriation, upon the advance approval of the Committees on
Appropriations.
Section 102. The Committee continues a provision that
requires the IRS to maintain a training program to include
taxpayer rights, dealing courteously with taxpayers, cross-
cultural relations, and the impartial application of tax law.
Section 103. The Committee continues a provision that
requires the IRS to institute and enforce policies and
procedures that will safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayer
information and protect taxpayers against identity theft.
Section 104. The Committee continues a provision that makes
funds available for improved facilities and increased staffing
to provide efficient and effective 1-800 number help line
service for taxpayers.
Section 105. The Committee continues a provision requiring
videos produced by the IRS to be approved in advance by the
Service-Wide Video Editorial Board.
Section 106. The Committee continues a provision that
requires the IRS to notify employers of any address change
related to employment tax payments.
Section 107. The Committee continues a provision that
prohibits the IRS from targeting U.S. citizens for exercising
their First Amendment rights.
Section 108. The Committee continues a provision that
prohibits the IRS from targeting groups based on their
ideological beliefs.
Section 109. The Committee includes a new provision that
requires the IRS to comply with procedures and policies on
conference spending as recommended by the Treasury Inspector
General for Tax Administration.
Section 110. The Committee includes a new provision that
prohibits funds made available in the healthcare reform act to
the Department of Health and Human Services from being
transferred to the IRS for implementing the healthcare reform
act.
Section 111. The Committee includes a new provision that
prohibits funds from being used to implement the individual
mandate of the Affordable Care Act.
Section 112. The Committee includes a new provision that
prohibits funding for bonus programs that do not consider
conduct or Federal tax compliance in determining whether an
employee should receive such a bonus. When considering Federal
tax compliance, the Committee expects the IRS to focus on
outstanding Federal tax debt, which has not been paid after an
assessment of a tax, penalty, or interest, which is not subject
to further appeal or petition.
Administrative Provisions--Department of the Treasury
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Section 113. The Committee continues a provision that
authorizes the Department to purchase uniforms, insurance for
motor vehicles that are overseas, and motor vehicles that are
overseas without regard to the general purchase price
limitations; to enter into contracts with the State Department
for health and medical services for Treasury employees who are
overseas; and to hire experts or consultants.
Section 114. The Committee continues a provision that
authorizes transfers, up to two percent, between ``Departmental
Offices--Salaries and Expenses'', ``Office of Inspector
General'', ``Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset
Relief Program'', ``Financial Crimes Enforcement Network'',
``Bureau of the Fiscal Service'', ``Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau'', and ``Community Development Financial
Institutions Fund Program'' appropriations under certain
circumstances.
Section 115. The Committee continues a provision that
authorizes transfers, up to two percent, between the Internal
Revenue Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax
Administration under certain circumstances.
Section 116. The Committee continues a provision that
prohibits the Department of the Treasury from undertaking a
redesign of the one dollar Federal Reserve note.
Section 117. The Committee includes a provision that
provides for transfers from the Bureau of the Fiscal Service to
the Debt Collection Fund as necessary for the purposes of debt
collection.
Section 118. The Committee continues a provision that
requires congressional approval for the construction and
operation of a museum by the United States Mint.
Section 119. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds in this or any other Act from being used to
merge the United States Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and
Printing without the approval of the House and Senate
committees of jurisdiction.
Section 120. The Committee continues a provision deeming
that funds for the Department of the Treasury's intelligence-
related activities are specifically authorized in fiscal year
2015 until enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for
fiscal year 2015.
Section 121. The Committee continues a provision permitting
the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to use $5,000 from the
Industrial Revolving Fund for reception and representation
expenses.
Section 122. The Committee continues a provision that
requires the Department to submit a capital investment plan.
Section 123. The Committee continues a provision that
requires quarterly reports of the Office of Financial Research
and Office of Financial Stability.
Section 124. The Committee continues a provision that
requires a report on the Department's Franchise Fund.
Section 125. The Committee includes a new provision that
limits the fees available for obligation by the Office of
Financial Research (OFR) to the amount provided in
appropriations acts beginning in fiscal year 2016. The
Committee believes that the activities of OFR should be subject
to the annual review of Congress.
Section 126. The Committee includes a new provision with
respect to the so-called people-to-people category of travel.
As set forth in title 31, section 515.565(b)(2) of the Code of
Federal Regulations, this category of travel contravenes the
explicit prohibition against tourist activities as provided in
section 910(b) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export
Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA). Furthermore, the stated purpose
of people-to-people travel, which is to promote the Cuban
people's independence from Cuban authorities, cannot be
accomplished through itineraries that mainly feature
interactions with representatives of a dictatorship that
actively oppresses the Cuban people, nor can it be accomplished
through itineraries that do not require meetings with pro-
democracy activists or independent members of Cuban civil
society.
Section 127. The Committee includes a new provision that
requires a report on a certain category of travel to Cuba.
Section 128. The Committee includes a new provision that
prohibits the Department from finalizing any regulation related
to the standards used to determine the tax-exempt status of a
501(c)(4) organization.
Section 129. The Committee includes a new provision that
prohibits the Department from enforcing guidance for U.S.
positions on multilateral development banks which engage with
developing countries on coal-fired power generation.
Section 130. The Committee includes a new provision that
requires the Department to submit a report on economic warfare
and financial terrorism.
Section 131. The Committee includes a new provision that
requires the Department to submit a monthly report on unpaid
premiums.
TITLE II--EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO
THE PRESIDENT
Funds appropriated in this title provide for the staff and
operations of the White House, along with other organizations
within the Executive Office of the President (EOP), which
formulate and coordinate policy on behalf of the President,
such as the National Security Council and the Office of
Management and Budget. The title also includes funding for the
Office of National Drug Control Policy and certain expenses of
the Vice President.
The White House
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $55,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 55,110,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 55,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -110,000
The White House Salaries and Expenses account supports
staff and administrative services necessary for the direct
support of the President.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $55,000,000
for the White House.
Executive Residence at the White House
OPERATING EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $12,700,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 12,700,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 12,700,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
These funds provide for the care, maintenance, staffing and
operations of the Executive Residence, including official and
ceremonial functions of the President.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $12,700,000
for the Operating Expenses of the Executive Residence. The bill
continues the same restrictions on reimbursable expenses for
use of the Executive Residence as were included in past years.
White House Repair and Restoration
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $750,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 750,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 500,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -250,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -250,000
Funding in this account provides for the repair,
alteration, and improvement of the Executive Residence at the
White House.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $500,000 for
White House Repair and Restoration. The recommendation is below
the request because the Committee understands that there are
substantial prior year unobligated balances in this account.
The Committee appreciates that the spending from this account
is carefully managed. The Committee expects that future budget
requests take into account the estimated level of prior year
balances available for this activity.
Council of Economic Advisers
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $4,184,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 4,192,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,765,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -419,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -427,000
The Council of Economic Advisers analyzes the national
economy and its various segments, advises the President on
economic developments, recommends policies for economic growth
and stability, appraises economic programs and policies of the
Federal Government, and assists in preparation of the annual
Economic Report of the President.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,765,000 for
the Council of Economic Advisers.
National Security Council and Homeland Security Council
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $12,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 12,621,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 12,600,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -21,000
The National Security Council and the Homeland Security
Council have been combined to form the National Security Staff
which advises and assists the President in the integration of
domestic, foreign, military, intelligence, and economic aspects
of national security policy, and serves as the principal means
of coordinating executive departments and agencies in the
development and implementation of national security and
homeland security policies.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $12,600,000
for the National Security Council and Homeland Security
Council.
Office of Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $112,726,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 111,441,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 111,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -1,726,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -441,000
The Office of Administration is responsible for providing
administrative services to the Executive Office of the
President. These services include financial, personnel,
procurement, information technology, records management, and
general office services.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $111,000,000
for the Office of Administration. Of the recommended amount,
not to exceed $12,006,000 is available until expended for
modernization of the information technology infrastructure
within the Executive Office of the President.
Office of Management and Budget
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $89,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 93,450,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 89,300,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -4,150,000
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) assists the
President in the discharge of budgetary, economic, management,
and other executive responsibilities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $89,300,000
for OMB. The recommendation also continues several long-
standing provisos, not requested by the President, limiting
certain OMB activities.
The recommendation provides sufficient funds for OMB to
consult with and provide Congressional Committees with an
appropriate number of printed and electronic copies of the
President's fiscal year 2016 budget request, including
documents such as the Appendix, Historical Tables, and
Analytical Perspectives. The Committee believes that if the
Administration wants the Congress to consider its proposed
budget that it should provide the Congress with copies of the
budget request.
The Committee includes language limiting the level of
funding available to OMB until the budget request is submitted.
While OMB has many responsibilities, the Committee believes
their most important one is preparing and submitting the budget
request. Delay in the submission of the request can result in
the delay of drafting and approval of a budget resolution and
appropriations bills. The Committee believes in non-transition
years, the Administration should be held to the statutory
deadline for submission of the budget request.
The Committee directs OMB to provide the House and Senate
Appropriations Committees with quarterly reports on personnel
and obligations consisting of on-board staffing levels,
estimated staffing levels by office for the remainder of the
fiscal year, obligations by object class incurred to date, and
estimated total obligations by object for the remainder of the
fiscal year.
The Committee believes that in some instances using
transaction-based or no-cost contracting models for delivering
or procuring information technology goods and services can save
resources and increase efficiencies. The Committee believes
that OMB should provide guidance to agencies on transaction-
based and no-cost funding models, including when it is
appropriate to consider using these contract tools, how to
calculate potential savings from their use, and standards and
best practices for conducting their procurement. In fiscal year
2014, the Committee directed OMB to report on the Federal
government's use of transaction-based or no-cost funding models
for procuring information technology goods and services. The
Committee looks forward to receiving this report and directs
OMB to provide an updated report on activities related to
transaction-based or no-cost funding models in fiscal year
2015, within 120 days after enactment of this Act.
Within OMB, the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs (OIRA) implements executive regulatory oversight
activities under Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and
Review) and Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and
Regulatory Review). It is imperative that OIRA ensure that
Federal agencies proposing regulations are properly evaluating
the economic impact of their proposed rules, conducting
thorough regulatory impact analyses, and ensuring that the
benefits of any proposed rules outweigh the costs.
The Committee understands that the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) is currently reviewing the process
the Administration used to develop estimates to calculate the
social cost of carbon. The Committee believes that the OIRA
should not allow any regulations to be finalized using the
Technical Support Document: Technical Update of the Social Cost
of Carbon for Regulatory Impact Analysis Under Executive Order
12866, Interagency Working Group on Social Cost of Carbon,
United States Government, May 2013 until public comments on the
document have been evaluated, the GAO report has been submitted
and reviewed, and any necessary changes to the technical
support document are incorporated.
The Committee believes that OMB should consider whether
their guidance on cost principles for educational institutions
should be updated to facilitate appropriate technology transfer
activities.
The Committee continues to strongly support the Office of
the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) and
its important mission and directs that funds be made available
for additional permanent staffing within the office to ensure
it can carry out its statutory mission. The Committee
recommends that IPEC continue promoting voluntary efforts among
stakeholders to reduce online copyright infringement. IPEC is
directed to report within 120 days of enactment of this Act on
what meaningful, concrete preventive measures have been taken
to implement the commitments made by numerous advertising
stakeholders to reduce the flow of advertising revenue to
operators of sites engaged in significant infringing activity.
In the fiscal year 2014 Committee report, the Committee
directed OMB to report on the implementation of Memorandum M 12
12 that called for agencies to reduce travel expenses by 30
percent compared to the fiscal year 2010 level and limit
conference spending. The Committee looks forward to getting
this report and evaluating the impact of this OMB policy. The
Committee would like OMB continue reporting on this travel
policy. OMB is directed to submit a report no later than 120
days after enactment of this Act on whether agencies have
complied with this memorandum during the previous fiscal year.
The report shall identify the savings achieved by each agency,
whether the 30 percent savings goal was achieved, and how or if
the changes in travel and conference policies have impacted
agencies' ability to perform mission critical activities. The
report shall also include recommendations to improve upon OMB's
travel policies. OMB shall ensure that agencies are
implementing policies regarding travel, event, meeting or
conference locations based on the most efficient use of
taxpayer funds.
The Committee believes OMB should work with agencies across
the Federal government to ensure processes are in place to
eliminate payments to deceased persons. OMB is directed to
report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committee within
120 days of enactment of this Act on how it is ensuring that
agencies are not making improper payments to deceased
individuals.
In April of 2011, the Administration issued Executive Order
13571--Streamlining Service Delivery and Improving Customer
Service. The Committee appreciates that the Administration has
tried to improve customer service. However, more needs to be
done to improve the services that the government provides
whether it is citizens trying to use Healthcare.gov, taxpayers
calling the Internal Revenue Service with questions, or OPM
processing Federal employment retirement programs. The
Committee directs that OMB provide, within 90 days of enactment
of this Act, a report to the House and Senate Appropriations
Committees on the implementation of Executive Order 13571, the
development of standards to improve customer service, and how
these standards are incorporated into the performance plans
required under 31 U.S.C. 1115.
In the fiscal year 2014 explanatory statement, the
Committee directed that the head of each agency link agency's
performance plans with their funding requests included in the
President's budget request. While some progress was made on
this effort in the fiscal year 2015 request more needs to be
done. Performance measures in future budget justifications
should clearly demonstrate the extent to which performance
reporting under 31 U.S.C. 1116 demonstrates that prior year
investments in programs, projects, and activities are tied to
progress toward achieving performance and priority goals and
include estimates for how proposed investments will contribute
to additional progress. In particular, performance measures
should examine outcome measures, output measures, efficiency
measures and customer service measures as defined in 31 U.S.C.
1115(h). The Committee urges OMB to work with agencies to
ensure that agency funding requests in fiscal year 2016 are
directly linked to agency performance plans. The Committee
directs OMB to report to the House and Senate Appropriations
Committees within 180 days of enactment of this Act on its
progress improving the use of performance measures in the
Executive Branch's budgeting processes. The Committee expects
each agency and OMB to consult with Government Accountability
Office on these issues.
Office of National Drug Control Policy
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $22,750,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 22,647,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 22,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -750,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -647,000
The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) was
established by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 and most
recently reauthorized in 2006. The Office is the President's
primary source of support for counter-drug policy development
and program oversight. Its responsibilities include developing
and updating a National Drug Control Strategy, developing a
National Drug Control Budget, and coordinating and evaluating
the implementation of Federal drug control activities. In
addition, ONDCP manages several counter-drug programs which are
discussed under the ``Federal Drug Control Programs'' heading
below. These include the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas
(HIDTA) program and Drug-Free Communities grants.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $22,000,000
for ONDCP Salaries and Expenses. The Committee expects ONDCP to
focus resources on the counter-drug policy development,
coordination and evaluation functions which are the primary
mission of the Office and the original reason for its
existence.
The National Drug Control Strategy (Strategy) serves as a
comprehensive plan to reduce illicit drug use and its
consequences in the United States and the territories. The
Committee notes that the Strategy does not adequately address
the problem of drug trafficking and associated violence in the
territories. The Committee expects ONDCP to give appropriate
consideration to the territories in preparing future reports.
The Committee notes that the Office of National Drug Control
Policy is developing a biennial Caribbean Border
Counternarcotics Strategy, on terms equivalent to the existing
Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy and the Northern
Border Counternarcotics Strategy. The Committee is pleased with
their progress thus far and expects that ONDCP will continue to
keep the Committee informed of its efforts.
The Committee continues to be concerned with
methamphetamine production, trafficking and its widespread
abuse. The Committee expects ONDCP to continue to work with
various agencies, such as the Departments of Justice, State,
Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services, along with
State and local governments, to develop and implement
strategies to reduce the demand for and supply of
methamphetamine in the U.S.
The Committee is aware of and recognizes the difficulty
that small and rural law enforcement agencies face with regard
to overtime compensation for participation in multi-agency drug
task forces. The Committee expects the ONDCP to coordinate with
small and rural law enforcement agencies and develop strategies
to improve the effectiveness of drug eradication efforts
through shared intelligence, technology, and manpower despite
limited resources.
FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS
HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS PROGRAM
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $238,522,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 193,400,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 245,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +6,478,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. +51,600,000
The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program
provides resources to Federal and State, local, and tribal
agencies in designated HIDTAs to combat the production,
transportation and distribution of illegal drugs; to seize
assets derived from drug trafficking; to address violence in
drug-plagued communities; and to disrupt the drug marketplace.
Currently, 28 HIDTAs operate in 45 States plus the District
of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Each HIDTA is
managed by an Executive Board comprised of equal numbers of
Federal, State, local or tribal officials. Each HIDTA Executive
Board is responsible for designing and implementing initiatives
for the specific drug trafficking threats in its region.
Intelligence and information sharing are key elements of all
HIDTA programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $245,000,000
for the HIDTA Program. The Committee believes that the HIDTA
program has demonstrated its effectiveness and can serve as an
important tool in combating problems of drug trafficking and
drug-related violence.
The Committee includes language requiring that existing
HIDTAs receive funding at least equal to the fiscal year 2014
level unless the Director submits a justification for doing
otherwise to the Committees on Appropriations, based on clearly
articulated priorities and published performance measures.
The recommendation includes language directing ONDCP to
notify the Committees on Appropriations of the initial
allocation of HIDTA funds no later than 45 days after enactment
of this Act, and to notify the Committees of the proposed use
of discretionary funds no later than 90 days after enactment of
this Act. The bill directs the ONDCP Director to work in
consultation with the HIDTA Directors in determining the uses
of that discretionary funding.
Finally, the Committee recommendation specifies that up to
$2,700,000 may be used for auditing services and related
activities.
OTHER FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $105,394,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 95,376,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 108,250,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +2,856,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. +12,874,000
This account supports a variety of other drug control
activities managed or undertaken by ONDCP.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $108,250,000
for Other Federal Drug Control Programs. The recommended level
for fiscal year 2015 is distributed among specific programs and
activities as follows:
Drug-Free Communities................................. $95,000,000
Anti-Doping activities................................ 8,600,000
World Anti-Doping Agency dues......................... 2,000,000
Discretionary grants.................................. 2,650,000
Within the total for the account, the Committee recommends
$95,000,000 for the Drug-Free Communities program. This program
makes grants of up to $125,000 per year to support local
coalitions to develop and implement community-based plans to
reduce drug abuse among youth. These coalitions are required to
include participants from a wide range of interests, including
local government agencies, schools, the media, service
organizations, law enforcement, parents, youth, and the
business community. Local matching contributions are required.
Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and may be renewed
for up to five years, after which time the coalition must
compete again for any further funding.
Within this account, the Committee recommends $8,600,000
for anti-doping activities. Anti-doping activities support
athlete drug testing programs, research initiatives,
educational programs, and enforce compliance with the World
Anti-Doping Code. In addition, the Committee recommends
$2,000,000 for the United States membership dues to the World
Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). WADA is the international agency
created to promote, coordinate, and monitor efforts against
doping and illicit drug use in sport on a global basis.
Additionally, the Committee includes $1,400,000 for drug
court training and technical assistance and $1,250,000 for
assistance to States in implementing effective drug laws. All
funds under this heading are to be awarded under a competitive
process.
Information Technology Oversight and Reform
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $8,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 20,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 9,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +1,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -11,000,000
These funds support efforts to make the Federal
Government's investments in information technology (IT) more
efficient, secure and effective.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,000,000.
The Committee appreciates OMB's efforts to improve program and
contract management of information technology investments as
well as the Administration's efforts to utilize cloud computing
and consolidate data centers. The Committee understands that
these efforts have saved over $2.4 billion since this
appropriation was first enacted. However, failures, such as the
launch of Healthcare.gov, in the development of information
technology systems historically have been pervasive throughout
the Federal government. The Committee expects OMB to improve
the processes used to develop information technology systems.
Using information technology to engage citizens can be a
powerful and efficient tool but only if the systems work and
citizens have confidence in them. Language is continued in the
bill requiring the submission of quarterly reports on savings
this program identifies by fiscal year, agency and
appropriation.
Special Assistance to the President
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $4,319,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 4,221,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 4,200,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -119,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -21,000
These funds support the executive functions of the Office
of the Vice President.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,200,000 for
the Office of the Vice President.
Official Residence of the Vice President
OPERATING EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $305,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 299,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 290,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -15,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -9,000
These funds support the care and operation of the Vice
President's residence and specifically support equipment,
furnishings, dining facilities, and services required to
perform and discharge the Vice President's official duties,
functions and obligations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $290,000 for
the Operating Expenses of the Vice President's residence.
Administrative Provisions--Executive Office of the President and Funds
Appropriated to the President
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Section 201. The Committee includes language permitting the
transfer of not to exceed ten percent of funds between various
accounts within the Executive Office of the President, with
advance approval of the Committees on Appropriations. The
amount of an appropriation shall not be increased by more than
50 percent.
Section 202. The Committee continues language requiring the
Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report on
the costs of implementing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act (Public Law 111-203).
Section 203. The Committee includes language prohibiting
funds to prepare, sign or approve statements abrogating
legislation passed by the House of Representatives and the
Senate and signed by the President.
Section 204. The Committee includes language prohibiting
funding to prepare or implement Executive Orders in
contravention of existing law.
Section 205. The Committee includes language requiring
Director of the Office of Management and Budget to include a
statement of budgetary impact with any Executive Order issued
during fiscal year 2015. The Committee believes the American
people should understand the impact on costs and revenues with
the President issues Executive Orders.
TITLE III--THE JUDICIARY
The funds recommended by the Committee in title III of the
accompanying bill are for the operation and maintenance of
United States Courts and include the salaries of judges,
probation and pretrial services officers, public defenders,
court clerks, law clerks, and other supporting personnel, as
well as security costs, information technology, and other
expenses of the Federal Judiciary. The Committee recommends a
total of $6,676,746,000 in discretionary funding for the
Judiciary in fiscal year 2015. The Committee recognizes that
the number of cases filed and the number of persons under
supervision is not under the control of the Judiciary. However,
the Committee believes the Judiciary needs to continue its cost
containment efforts and identify ways to reduce staffing,
travel, conferences, space and other financial requirements
through the use of technology and best practices.
In addition to direct appropriations, the Judiciary
collects various fees and has certain multiyear funding
authorities. The Judiciary uses these non-appropriated funds to
offset its direct appropriation requirements. Consistent with
prior year practices and section 608 of this Act, the Committee
expects the Judiciary to submit a financial plan, within 60
days of enactment of this Act, allocating all sources of
available funds including appropriations, fee collections, and
carryover balances. This financial plan will be the baseline
for purposes of reprogramming notification.
The Judiciary is the General Services Administration's
(GSA) second largest client in terms of space, with rent
accounting for approximately 20 percent of the Judiciary's
appropriation. The Committee appreciates efforts taken by the
Judiciary to reduce rental costs and limit growth through
several cost containment initiatives. The fiscal year 2014
enacted bill provided $50,000,000 for cost containment
initiatives and the Committee expects the Judiciary to continue
to take actions to reduce its space footprint and costs
associated with rent. To that end, the Committee recommends
$10,000,000 in fiscal year 2015 for an Integrated Workplace
Initiative, as proposed by the Judiciary, to reconfigure and
reduce space. The Committee directs the Judicial Conference of
the United States to provide the Committee with updates to its
space management plan, detailing its efforts to reduce
Judiciary space by fiscal year 2018.
Improving the physical security at buildings occupied by
the Judiciary and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and ensuring the
integrity of the judicial process by providing secure
facilities to conduct judicial business is a priority for the
Committee. Under GSA's Federal Buildings Fund appropriation,
the Committee recommends $20,000,000 for the Judiciary Court
Security Program for alterations to improve physical security
in buildings occupied by the Judiciary and USMS.
The Committee appreciates that the Judicial Conference is
reviewing the courthouse construction process, emphasizing
security needs in the prioritization of projects.
Supreme Court of the United States
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $72,625,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 74,967,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 74,937,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +2,312,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -30,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $74,937,000
for fiscal year 2015 for the salaries and expenses of personnel
and the cost of operating the Supreme Court, excluding the care
of the building and grounds. The Committee includes bill
language making $2,000,000 available until expended for the
purpose of making information technology investments. The
Committee requests that the Court include an annual report with
its budget justification materials, showing information
technology carryover balances and describing expenditures made
in the previous fiscal year and planned expenditures in the
budget year.
CARE OF THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $11,158,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 11,640,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 11,640,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +482,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $11,640,000
for fiscal year 2015, to remain available until expended, for
personnel and other services relating to the structural and
mechanical care of the Supreme Court building and grounds. The
Architect of the Capitol has responsibility for these functions
and supervises the use of this appropriation. Funding will be
used to perform maintenance and preservation of the exterior
facades of the Supreme Court Building. A significant amount of
stone cracking and deterioration of the building's facade
presents a life safety hazard to building occupants and the
public.
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $29,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 30,212,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 30,192,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +592,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -20,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has exclusive
national jurisdiction over a large number of diverse subject
areas, including government contracts, patents, trademarks,
Federal personnel, and veterans' benefits. The Committee
recommends an appropriation of $30,192,000 for fiscal year
2015.
United States Court of International Trade
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $19,200,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 17,807,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 17,807,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -1,393,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Court of International Trade has exclusive nationwide
jurisdiction of civil actions against the United States and
certain civil actions brought by the United States, arising out
of import transactions and administration and enforcement of
the Federal customs and international trade laws. The Committee
recommends an appropriation of $17,807,000 for fiscal year
2015.
Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $4,658,830,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 4,827,588,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 4,784,659,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +125,829,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -42,929,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,784,659,000
for the operations of the regional courts of appeals, district
courts, bankruptcy courts, the Court of Federal Claims, and
probation and pretrial services offices.
The Committee provides not to exceed $10,000,000 for
Integrated Workplace Initiative and includes language
prohibiting the obligation of funds until the Director of the
Administrative Office of the United States Courts has submitted
an analysis to the Committee outlining how the future year
savings estimated to occur as a result of each initiative will
exceed the up-front costs. The funds are provided to pay up-
front costs associated with facilities projects that, when
implemented, will reduce costs and result in lower future
funding requests. The Committee expects the analysis to outline
how the project will increase space utilization rates (the
number of staff per square foot) and decrease rental payments.
The Committee expects the costs of these initiatives to be
recaptured in less than five years.
The Committee provides an appropriate level of funding to
address needs associated with the Second Chance Act of 2007.
The Committee encourages the Judiciary to work closely with the
Bureau of Prisons to enhance the outcomes for reentry of
offender populations into the community and reduce the
occurrence of recidivism.
VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION TRUST FUND
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $5,327,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 5,423,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 5,423,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +96,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a reimbursement of $5,423,000 for
fiscal year 2015 from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust
Fund to cover expenses of the United States Court of Federal
Claims associated with processing cases under the National
Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986.
DEFENDER SERVICES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $1,044,394,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 1,053,158,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,044,394,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -8,764,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
This account provides funding for the operation of the
Federal Public Defender and Community Defender organizations
and for compensation and reimbursement of expenses of panel
attorneys appointed pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act for
representation in criminal cases. The Committee recommends an
appropriation of $1,044,394,000 for fiscal year 2015. Since the
budget request was submitted, the Judiciary has identified
additional available carryover. The recommendation provides
sufficient funding to meet the needs of the Defender Services
program.
FEES OF JURORS AND COMMISSIONERS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $53,891,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 55,827,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 55,827,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +1,936,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $55,827,000
for payments to jurors and land commissioners for fiscal year
2015.
COURT SECURITY
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $497,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 530,763,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 525,763,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +28,263,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -5,000,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $525,763,000
for Court Security in fiscal year 2015 to provide for necessary
expenses of security and protective services in courtrooms and
adjacent areas. The recommendation will provide for the highest
priority security needs identified by the courts and the U.S.
Marshals Service.
Administrative Office of the United States Courts
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $81,200,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 84,399,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 82,824,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +1,624,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -1,575,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AO)
provides administrative and management support to the United
States Courts, including the probation and bankruptcy systems.
It also supports the Judicial Conference of the United States
in determining Federal Judiciary policies, in developing
methods to assist the courts to conduct business efficiently
and economically, and in enhancing the use of information
technology in the courts. The Committee recommends an
appropriation of $82,824,000 for the AO for fiscal year 2015.
Federal Judicial Center
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $26,200,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 26,959,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 26,724,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +524,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -235,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Federal Judicial Center (FJC) improves the management
of Federal Judicial dockets and court administration through
education for judges and staff, and research, evaluation, and
planning assistance for the courts and the Judicial Conference.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $26,724,000 for
the FJC for fiscal year 2015.
United States Sentencing Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $16,200,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 16,894,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 16,556,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +356,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -338,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The purpose of the Commission is to establish, review, and
revise sentencing guidelines, policies, and practices for the
Federal criminal justice system. The Commission is also
required to monitor the operation of the guidelines and to
identify and report necessary changes to the Congress. The
Committee recommends $16,556,000 for the Commission for fiscal
year 2015.
Administrative Provisions--The Judiciary
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Section 301. The Committee continues language to permit
funds for salaries and expenses to be available for employment
of experts and consultant services as authorized by 5 U.S.C.
3109.
Section 302. The Committee continues language that permits
up to five percent of any appropriation made available for
fiscal year 2015 to be transferred between Judiciary
appropriations provided that no appropriation shall be
decreased by more than five percent or increased by more than
ten percent by any such transfer except in certain
circumstances. In addition, the language provides that any such
transfer shall be treated as a reprogramming of funds under
sections 604 and 608 of the accompanying bill and shall not be
available for obligation or expenditure except in compliance
with the procedures set forth in those sections.
Section 303. The Committee continues language authorizing
not to exceed $11,000 to be used for official reception and
representation expenses incurred by the Judicial Conference of
the United States.
Section 304. The Committee continues language through
fiscal year 2015 regarding the delegation of authority to the
Judiciary for contracts for repairs of less than $100,000.
Section 305. The Committee continues language to authorize
a court security pilot program.
Section 306. The Committee includes language requested by
the Judicial Conference of the United States to extend
temporary judgeships in the eastern district of Missouri,
Kansas, Arizona, the northern district of Alabama, the central
district of California, the western district of North Carolina,
the southern district of Florida, New Mexico, and the eastern
district of Texas.
Section 307. The Committee includes new language
establishing a place of holding court in Bakersfield,
California.
TITLE IV--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Federal Funds
The Appropriations Committees have a special relationship
with the District of Columbia that is unlike any other city in
the country. For example, the Appropriations Committees are
authorized by law to fund the court operations of the District
of Columbia. Title IV of this Act provides a Federal payment
totaling $553,790,000 for the cost of judges, court personnel,
offender and defendant supervision, and defendant
representation. Title IV also provides Federal Payments to
District of Columbia programs in areas such as education and
security. In addition, the United States Department of Justice
provides hundreds of United States Attorneys and Deputy United
States Marshals to prosecute local crimes and provide security
at the D.C. Superior Court. The Federal Bureau of Prisons
houses thousands of District of Columbia prisoners. Federal
taxpayers do not fund similar activities for any other city.
The citizens of the District of Columbia approved a
referendum providing local funds budget autonomy beginning in
fiscal year 2015. The Committee continues to consider the
recent referendum as an expression of the opinion of the
District of Columbia residents only, and without any authority
to change or alter the existing relationship between Federal
appropriations and the District. The Committee's position was
affirmed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in a
January 2014 opinion and a ruling by the United States District
Court for the District of Columbia in May 2014. Therefore, the
bill appropriates local funds to the District of Columbia
consistent with the Home Rule Act and opinions of GAO and the
Court.
The Committee notes that the fiscal year 2014 Consolidated
Appropriations Act language included providing the District
with the authority to spend their local funds in the following
fiscal year in the event of an absence in appropriations. This
authority is continued in section 816 of this Act.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR RESIDENT TUITION SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $30,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 40,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 20,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -10,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -20,000,000
The Resident Tuition Support program provides up to $10,000
annually for undergraduate District students to attend eligible
four-year public universities and colleges nationwide at in-
state tuition rates. Grants up to $2,500 per year are available
for students to attend private institutions in the D.C.
metropolitan area, private historically black colleges and
universities nationwide, and public two-year community colleges
nationwide.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $20,000,000
for the resident tuition support program. The Administration
proposed authorizing language reducing the annual household
income threshold for program eligibility to $450,000. The
Committee does not include this language but notes that
District of Columbia is already authorized to prioritize
applications based on income. In addition, the District of
Columbia can contribute local funds to this program if there is
demand for the program beyond the available level of Federal
funds.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR EMERGENCY PLANNING AND SECURITY COSTS IN THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $23,800,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 14,900,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 10,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -13,800,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -4,900,000
As the seat of the national government, the District of
Columbia has a unique and significant responsibility for
protecting the property and personnel of the Federal
government. The Federal Payment for Emergency Planning and
Security Costs is provided to help address the impact of the
Federal presence on public safety in the District of Columbia.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $10,000,000
for emergency planning and security costs. In fiscal year 2014,
a one-time reimbursement of $8,920,000 for security costs
associated with the Presidential Inauguration was provided.
These funds are no longer required. The Committee notes that in
recent fiscal years this appropriation has had large balances
of unobligated funds carryover from one year to the next. The
recommendation reduces the fiscal year 2015 appropriation to
account for the availability of prior-year balances.
FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $232,812,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 255,819,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 234,400,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +1,588,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -21,419,000
Under the National Capital Revitalization and Self-
Government Improvement Act of 1997, the Federal Government is
required to finance the District of Columbia Courts. This
Federal payment to the District of Columbia Courts funds the
operations of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals,
Superior Court, the Court System, and the Capital Improvement
Program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $234,400,000
for operation of the District of Columbia Courts. This amount
includes $13,400,000 for the Court of Appeals; $115,000,000 for
the Superior Court; $70,000,000 for the Court System; and
$36,000,000 for capital improvements to courthouse facilities.
The District of Columbia Courts are directed to provide
quarterly expenditures, unobligated balances and staffing
reports to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and
Senate for all programs, to be submitted within 30 days after
the end of each quarter.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR DEFENDER SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
COURTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $49,890,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 49,890,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 49,890,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The District of Columbia Courts appoint and compensate
attorneys to represent persons who are financially unable to
obtain such representation.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $49,890,000 for Defender Services
in the District of Columbia Courts. The District of Columbia
Courts are directed to provide quarterly expenditure and
unobligated balance reports to the Committees on Appropriations
of the House and Senate, within 30 days after the end of each
quarter.
FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE COURT SERVICES AND OFFENDER
SUPERVISION AGENCY FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $226,484,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 232,568,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 228,500,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +2,016,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -4,068,000
The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA)
for the District of Columbia is an independent Federal agency
created by the National Capital Revitalization and Self-
Government Improvement Act of 1997. CSOSA acquired the
operational responsibilities for the former District agencies
in charge of probation and parole, and houses the Pretrial
Services Agency (PSA) for the District of Columbia within its
framework.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $228,500,000
for the CSOSA. Of the amounts provided, $169,000,000 is for
Community Supervision and Sex Offender Registration and
$59,500,000 is for the PSA. The recommendation includes a
multi-year funds provision for costs associated with the
upcoming expiration of facility leases.
CSOSA is directed to provide a quarterly report on its
expenditures, unobligated balances and staffing to the
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate, to be
submitted within 30 days after the end of each quarter.
FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE FOR THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $40,607,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 41,231,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 41,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +393,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -231,000
The Public Defender Service (PDS) for the District of
Columbia is an independent organization authorized by the
National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement
Act of 1997, whose purpose is to provide legal representation
services within the District of Columbia justice system.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $41,000,000
for the PDS for the District of Columbia.
FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $1,800,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 1,900,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,900,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +100,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) provides a
forum for District of Columbia and Federal law enforcement to
identify criminal justice issues and solutions, and improve the
coordination of their efforts. In addition, the CJCC developed
and maintains the Justice Integrated Information System which
provides for the seamless sharing of information with Federal
and local law enforcement.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $1,900,000 to
the CJCC.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR JUDICIAL COMMISSIONS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 565,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 550,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +50,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -15,000
This appropriation provides funding for the two judicial
commissions. The first is the Judicial Nomination Commission
(JNC), which recommends a panel of three candidates to the
President for each judicial vacancy in the District of Columbia
Court of Appeals and Superior Court. From the panel selected by
the JNC, the President nominates a person for each vacancy and
submits his or her name for confirmation to the Senate. The
second commission is the Commission on Judicial Disabilities
and Tenure (CJDT), which has jurisdiction over all judges of
the Court of Appeals and Superior Court to determine whether a
judge's conduct warrants disciplinary action and whether
involuntary retirement of a judge for health reasons is
warranted. In addition, the CJDT conducts evaluations of judges
seeking reappointment and judges who retire and wish to
continue service as a senior judge.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $295,000 for
the Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure, and
$255,000 for the Judicial Nomination Commission. The
recommended increase is provided for the Judicial Nomination
Commission which has not received an increase in appropriations
since fiscal year 2010. The additional funding will provide for
staff and operation cost increases.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $48,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 43,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 45,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -3,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. +2,000,000
The Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act (SOAR)
authorizes funds to be evenly divided between District of
Columbia Public Schools, Public Charter Schools and Opportunity
Scholarships.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $45,000,000
for school improvement. Based on the statutory funding formula,
this will provide $15,000,000 for District of Columbia Public
Schools, $15,000,000 for Public Charter Schools and $15,000,000
for Opportunity Scholarships.
The Committee includes bill language directing the
Secretary of Education to provide opportunity scholarships to
students using the criteria from section 3103(3) of the
Scholarship for Opportunity and Results Act (SOAR), giving
priority to those students described in section 3006(1). The
Secretary shall use current and prior year balances to fund
scholarships to students currently enrolled in the program and
new students to the extent that funds are available. The
Committee wants to ensure that all eligible students have the
access to the program and that the Secretary of Education
administers the program as authorized by the SOAR using funds
provided by this and previous appropriations acts.
The Administration proposed and the recommendation provides
$3,000,000 for the administrative, parental assistance, student
academic assistance, and evaluation costs of the opportunity
scholarship program. The level of funding for these activities
is above the levels authorized for these activities by SOAR.
However, the Committee supports the Administration's request
and believes that it is critical that additional funding be
provided to effectively administer the program, to increase
parental assistance and outreach, and to provide academic
assistance to students.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL GUARD
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $375,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 435,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 375,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -60,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $375,000 for
the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia
National Guard Retention and College Access Program to pay the
costs of a tuition assistance program for guard members. The
Committee acknowledges the unique role of the D.C. National
Guard in addressing emergencies that may occur as a result of
the presence of the Federal Government.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR TESTING AND TREATMENT OF HIV/AIDS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $5,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 5,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 5,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
Currently, 2.4 percent of the population of the District of
Columbia has been diagnosed with HIV. The World Health
Organization defines an HIV epidemic as ``severe'' when the
percent of infection among residents exceeds one percent.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommendation includes $5,000,000 for a
Federal payment for testing and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
District of Columbia Funds
This bill provides local funds for the operation of the
District of Columbia as approved by the District of Columbia
Council and the Mayor. The local budget proposed by the Mayor
provides an appropriation of $12,618,418,000 for operations of
the District of Columbia. This amount includes estimated
funding of $7,065,551,000 of local funds, $2,074,811,000 in
Medicaid payments, and the remainder from other Federal and
local funds.
TITLE V--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
Administrative Conference of the United States
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $3,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 3,200,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -200,000
The Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS)
is an independent agency that studies Federal administrative
procedures and processes to recommend improvements to the
President, Congress and other agencies.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $3,000,000 for ACUS for fiscal
year 2015.
Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
The Committee remains disappointed that the operations and
expenses of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
remain hard to understand. The CFPB could vastly improve its
annual report to the Committee by including the cost of
specific initiatives of each office, itemizations and
explanations of specific increases and decreases in funding and
personnel, and an analysis of its transfers from the Federal
Reserve System.
The Committee also notes that funding outside the
appropriations process has not spared this very young agency
from some very old problems. The Office of Inspector General of
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, which has
oversight of the Bureau, recently issued reports that
recommended the Bureau improve its record-keeping and controls
around government travel cards, purchase cards, conferences,
information security, and procurement.
The CFPB has oversight over a wide range of consumer
financial products. As such, the CFPB's activities have the
potential to significantly affect access to credit and the
operations of banks and non-banks. The Committee believes the
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
provides inadequate checks on the CFPB's powers. The
Committee's experience with the Federal Trade Commission, the
Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Communications
Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and other
Federal agencies with powers to protect consumers or investors
leads the Committee to conclude that a five-member commission
is more suitable for guiding the CFPB than a single director. A
commission ensures that multiple disciplines, experiences, and
perspectives are brought to bear on CFPB rules, policies, and
enforcement actions. The appointment and removal process, and
staggered terms of commissioners, can provide checks and
balances, and a measure of continuity that a single head
cannot.
Financial Literacy.--The Committee directs the CFPB, in
consultation with the Financial Literacy and Education
Commission, to report on the feasibility of designating
qualified institutions, like universities, State and local
educational agencies, and qualified nonprofit agencies or
financial institutions as centers of excellence to develop and
implement effective financial literacy programs.
The Committee appreciates the CFPB's initiative to
integrate financial education into K-12 curricula and
encourages the CFPB to explore opportunities to highlight the
value of after-school programs in complementing formal
education to help youth learn money management in real-world,
practical settings.
Small Business Credit Cards.--The Committee is concerned by
reports of solicitations of small business credit cards to
households, rather than businesses, and directs the CFPB to
study the promotion of small business credit cards to the
households of private individuals and to post online and
disseminate publicly the report, including findings of whether
targeted households are aware of their lack of consumer
protections, relative to individual consumer credit cards.
The Committee includes the following provisions in the
bill:
Section 501. The Committee repeals the prohibition against
the Committees on Appropriations reviewing transfers from the
Federal Reserve System to the CFPB. Congress has a duty to
examine and critique the activities of the CFPB, especially
since its expenditures, like any other Federal agency,
contribute to a growing Federal debt.
Section 502. The Committee changes the CFPB's source of
funding from transfers from the Federal Reserve System to
annual appropriations beginning in fiscal year 2016. Under the
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the
CFPB can spend more than half a billion dollars without an
annual review by Congress. The Committee believes the CFPB
needs oversight as much as banks and nonbanks do and further
reminds the CFPB to remain steadfast to its mission to promote
fairness and transparency for mortgages, credit cards, and
other consumer financial products and services and not to stray
into consumer advocacy.
Section 503. The Committee appreciates the CFPB's practice
of making its transfer requests to the Federal Reserve System
and the response from the Federal Reserve System available on
the Bureau's public website. The Committee codifies this
practice and further requires the CFPB to notify Congress of
when it makes such a request and to describe how the funds will
be used in the course of protecting consumers.
Section 504. The Committee directs the CFPB to submit
quarterly reports on its activities and to testify on its
activities when requested. The report shall include, among
other things, how the CFPB allocates its funds and staff.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $118,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 123,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 118,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -5,000,000
The Consumer Product Safety Act established the Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an independent Federal
regulatory agency, to reduce the risk of injury associated with
consumer products.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $118,000,000
for the CPSC for fiscal year 2015.
Voluntary Recall.--As the agency with jurisdiction over
tens of thousands of consumer products, the CPSC has the
opportunity to leverage its resources and contacts within the
manufacturing industry to help drive education campaigns
related to proper use of consumer products. Through working
with industry, voluntary recalls have been largely successful.
This cooperative relationship with industry can help save lives
and CPSC resources, which can then be devoted to product
recalls and promulgating risk-based rules. The Committee is
concerned about proposed changes to the voluntary recall system
that would serve to negatively impact small businesses. The
Committee opposes making unnecessary changes to a recall system
that has worked well over the past 40 years, owing to a
successful partnership between businesses and the Commission.
Public Disclosures of Information.--Section 6(b) of the
Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) requires CPSC to take
reasonable steps to ensure that any disclosure of information
relating to a consumer product safety incident is accurate and
fair. This congressional mandate protects the consumer by
facilitating voluntary reporting by companies on potential
product hazards and defects, while also ensuring a timely and
thorough investigation is done to determine an appropriate
corrective action plan. Proposed changes relating to voluntary
reporting under section 6(b) of CPSA threaten to undermine a
successful partnership based on openness and trust between
industry and the Commission. The Committee cautions the
Commission about making changes to a process that has succeeded
in both protecting the consumer against harm and protecting
industry against inaccurate disclosures of information before
an investigation has been completed. The Committee expects the
Commission to work with industry and stakeholders on ensuring
the process for disclosing information on potential product
hazards and defects is both timely and accurate.
Certifications of Compliance.--The Committee is concerned
about proposed changes to current certification requirements
that would impose costly and burdensome changes to companies
who already comply with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement
Act's (CPSIA) certification requirements. Imposing costly and
redundant processes on stakeholders without the added benefit
of increased product safety is counterproductive.
Import Safety.--The Committee remains supportive of the
Import Safety initiative which places CPSC investigators at key
ports of entry in order to stop defective products from
entering the United States. The CPSC's coordination with U.S.
Customs and Border Patrol is a cost effective and efficient use
of CPSC resources and enforcement capabilities. The Committee
believes resources in this area are being spent in a targeted
and effective way and expects the CPSC to continue to devote
resources to this program.
Pool and Spa Safety.--The Committee commends the CPSC for
continuing to provide resources for the national and grassroots
``Pool Safety'' campaign, a safety information and education
program designed to reduce child drownings and neardrowning
injuries and maintain a zero fatality rate for drain
entrapments. This multifaceted initiative includes consumer and
industry education efforts, press events, partnerships,
outreach, and advertising. In fiscal year 2014, the Committee
provided $1,000,000 for the pool and spa safety grants program
established by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety
Act. The Committee expects CPSC to expeditiously administer
grant funding to eligible entities.
Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel.--The Committee understands
concerns exist regarding the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel
(CHAP) reporting process. The Committee expects CPSC to be open
and transparent to the public in regards to its involvement in
the CHAP process and ensure an appropriate peer review process
is in place and adequate opportunities exist for the public to
submit information and present its views before the CHAP
finalizes reports submitted to CPSC.
Window Coverings.--The Committee continues to support the
cooperative efforts of CPSC and the window coverings industry
to educate consumers on window covering safety. The Committee
encourages continued cooperation between CPSC and industry on
developing voluntary standards for its products through the
current voluntary standards setting process.
Election Assistance Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $10,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 10,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -10,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -10,000,000
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was established by
the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) and is charged with
implementing provisions of that Act relating to the reform of
Federal election administration.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee strongly supports the successful
administration of Federal elections and Help America Vote Act
(HAVA) of 2002. However, the Committee believes the EAC is no
longer effectively carrying out its mandate and should be
eliminated. At present, all statutorily mandated positions are
vacant and the agency has been operating without legislative
authorization since 2005. The EAC has been unable to finalize
rules approving new voting system standards to update those
last updated in 2005, and it has been unable to hold hearings
or rule on appeals. All of the funds appropriated for HAVA
grants have been distributed to the States, and for five years
the Administration has not requested additional grant funding.
Without HAVA grants to distribute, the work of the EAC consists
of auditing HAVA grant money previously distributed, a task
carried out by the EAC Inspector General, and examining new
voting technologies, a task largely performed by the National
Institute of Standards and Technology and private testing
laboratories.
In February 2013, rather than turn to the EAC, the
President chose to form a new ad hoc commission to review and
propose best practices related to concerns from the 2012
election regarding polling place wait times, and military and
oversees voting. This decision highlights the lack of
confidence the Administration has in this agency.
This Committee is not advocating doing away with the
changes made to voting law in HAVA. Rather, the Committee
believes these laws do not require an independent Federal
agency. The Committee supports legislation that has been
introduced in the 113th Congress, and reported by the Committee
on House Administration, to terminate the EAC, allowing the
stakeholders in the design and acquisition of voting systems to
consider an alternative mechanism for setting and implementing
standards. The EAC has been unable to attend to its
congressionally mandated duties for over a year and no longer
has a purpose. Especially during a time of fiscal constraint,
this Committee can see no way to justify spending any
additional taxpayer money on a non-functioning agency.
Federal Communications Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $339,844,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 375,380,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 322,748,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -17,096,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -52,632,000
The mission of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
is to implement the Communications Act of 1934 and assure the
availability of high quality communications services for all
Americans.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $322,748,000
for the Salaries and Expenses of the FCC for fiscal year 2015,
all of which is to be derived from offsetting collections.
The Committee recommendation includes bill language,
similar to language included in previous Appropriations Acts,
which allows: (1) up to $4,000 for official reception and
representation expenses; (2) purchase and hire of motor
vehicles; (3) special counsel fees; (4) collection of
$322,748,000 in section 9 fees; (5) a prohibition on amounts
collected in excess of $322,748,000 from being available for
obligation; (6) a prohibition on remaining offsetting
collections from prior years from being available for
obligation; (7) a cap of $106,000,000 for the administration
and implementation of incentive auctions, as required by P.L.
112-96; and (8) provides not less than $11,090,000 for the
Office of the Inspector General.
Organizational Structure.--The Committee believes the
current organizational and management structure of the
Commission does not reflect today's telecommunications market
or the Commission's current responsibilities. The Committee
believes the increase in market-based competition should result
in a smaller Commission with fewer staff. The Commission should
consider reorganizing divisions into program offices which
better reflect the work the Commission is currently conducting.
In the fiscal year 2014 Omnibus Appropriations Act, the
Committee directed the FCC to review its current structure. The
Committee looks forward to seeing the results of the review.
Within 180 days of enactment of this Act, the FCC is directed
to provide the Committees on Appropriations of the House and
Senate with an update on how the Commission has improved its
organizational structure.
Improved Economic Analysis and Staffing.--The Committee is
concerned that the Commission has too many administrative staff
and believes the FCC should improve efficiency by focusing
their hiring on essential technical staff. In a time of budget
constraints, the Commission should be prioritizing mission-
critical staffing positions within, for instance, the Office of
Engineering and Technology, not within the General Counsel's
office, the Office of the Managing Director, or administrative
staff across the agency. In addition, the Committee believes
the Commission should take seriously the use of its economists.
More cost-benefit analysis of Commission rules can help ensure
the Commission is promoting innovation and investment in the
sectors it regulates.
Auction Administration.--The Committee has been supportive
of the FCC's administration of incentive auctions, as required
by Public Law 112-96, and recognizes the substantial work
associated with the implementation of these auctions. The
Committee believes greater budget transparency is still needed
in order to better understand how the use of these revenues
fits into the Commission's overall budget request. In fiscal
year 2014, the Committee directed the Commission to provide
annually in the budget submission a detailed justification on
how the Commission intends to spend these funds, including FTE
levels and programmatic initiatives, to the Committees on
Appropriations in the House and Senate. The Committee believes
the disclosures of how auction administration funds are spent
is important and expects the Commission to continue to include
a detailed justification in its annual budget submission and
make the detailed report on the use of auction funds publically
available on the Commission's website.
Rulemaking.--The Committee is concerned that the
Commission's rulemaking process is unnecessarily opaque and
lacks participation by outside stakeholders and the public. The
agency's methodology has been questioned regarding the
Commission's determination of the costs and benefits of
proposed rules. The Committee strongly encourages the
Commission to improve and make more transparent its use of
cost-benefit analysis and to continue to review provisions
within its jurisdiction to identify and remove outdated and
onerous regulations.
Broadband Access.--The Committee encourages the FCC to
continue to allocate Universal Service Funds for broadband
expansion through the Connect America Fund (CAF), especially in
areas that could most benefit from increased job opportunities
that can come from access to broadband.
Territories.--The Committee is concerned about the
disparity in access to broadband between the territories and
the 50 states. The Committee encourages the Commission to
implement policies that increase broadband access and adoption
in the territories.
Universal Service Reform.--The Committee commends the FCC
for its ongoing work to reform the Universal Service Fund (USF)
High Cost Program and support the expansion of broadband
availability in rural areas. The Committee remains concerned,
however, that small rate-of-return rural local exchange
carriers (RLECs) are being disadvantaged.
Outdated universal service rules essentially require some
rural consumers to purchase a service they may not want (local
voice telephone) to maintain affordable access to a service
they still want (broadband). In addition, the FCC's recent
announcement that the ``local rate floor'' to which RLECs must
increase their local voice telephone service rates to avoid
losing universal service support could increase from $14 to
$20.46 in a few months. Although the FCC is considering
potential phase-ins or extensions of this ``rate floor''
requirement, its very existence highlights that consumers are
being required to purchase an increasingly expensive local
voice telephone product simply to obtain access to affordable
broadband. The Committee therefore urges the FCC to: (1) work
with State public utility commissions and other stakeholders to
find a more measured and balanced means of implementing the
``rate floor'' requirement that will ensure reasonable
comparability between rural and urban local voice rates; and
(2) implement, as soon as possible, a broadband-oriented
support mechanism that is tailored for the unique challenges of
small businesses operating in diverse rural areas and which
will provide RLECs with sufficient and predictable universal
service support for broadband-capable networks regardless of
whether any given customer chooses to take voice telephone or
broadband services on those advanced networks.
Positive Train Control (PTC).--The Committee is aware of
concerns regarding publicly-owned commuter railroads and the
potentially high costs associated with acquiring spectrum that
is necessary to comply with the Federal PTC mandate as part of
the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Publicly-owned
commuter railroads are an important part of our nation's
transportation network, and like many public agencies, have
significant budgetary constraints. The Committee urges the FCC
to evaluate and report on steps the FCC can take to alleviate
and address the high cost of spectrum to commuter railroads for
PTC purposes.
The Committee recognizes that the FCC has been working with
the rail industry to make the current PTC antenna review
process more efficient. However, the Committee is concerned
that the lack of a clear, timely review process has resulted in
significant delays to the Congressionally mandated build out of
PTC. Specifically, the Committee is concerned that, due to the
lack of an efficient tower review process, railroads have been
unable to install practically any of the 22,000 required PTC
poles since May 2013 and have lost significant valuable time in
their efforts to meet the December 2015 statutory deadline to
install PTC. The Committee feels strongly that the FCC should
ensure that its process does not further delay the timely
deployment of PTC.
Interference Concerns.--In prior fiscal years, the
Committee has included bill language prohibiting the FCC from
spending funds to remove the conditions imposed on commercial
terrestrial operations in the Order and Authorization adopted
by the FCC on January 26, 2011 (DA 11-133), or otherwise permit
such operations, until the FCC resolves concerns of potential
widespread harmful interference by such commercial terrestrial
operations to commercially available Global Positioning System
devices. The January 26, 2011 order has expired, therefore,
this prohibition is no longer required. The Committee
encourages the Commission to continue to address and mitigate
interference concerns from terrestrial broadband systems.
Cybersecurity.--The Committee is concerned that the
Commission is overstepping its jurisdiction in the area of
cybersecurity. There are a number of government agencies who
have both the expertise and jurisdiction to regulate in this
area. The Committee believes the FCC should be concerned with
things that are strictly within its jurisdiction and not
attempt regulatory overreach.
Joint Sales Agreements (JSAs).--The Committee is concerned
with the Commission's recent rules regarding JSAs. The
Committee expects the Commission to appropriately and fairly
review waiver requests from broadcasters and consider the
benefits to local broadcasting when reviewing waiver requests.
Smartphone Theft.--The Committee is concerned about the
scale and scope of smartphone theft throughout the nation.
Although the Committee is pleased that the industry has reacted
to legislative proposals by voluntarily agreeing to the
manufacture of devices with `kill-switch' technology, the
Committee remains concerned that further steps may be needed to
protect consumers. The Committee expects the Commission to
convene regular meetings with all interested parties--
consumers, manufacturers, service providers, and law
enforcement--to develop a process to quickly implement such
technologies, and to identify any barriers to this technology.
The Committee directs the Commission to provide, in
coordination with law enforcement and industry providers,
information on its website concerning smartphone thefts and
technology-based solutions. The Committee notes the FCC is
conducting a workshop on this issue and eagerly awaits the
results of this meeting.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $34,568,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 34,568,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 34,568,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
Funding for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is provided
pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1105(a)(25), which requires a separate
appropriation for each Office of Inspector General established
under section 11(2) of the Inspector General Act of 1978.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $34,568,000 from the Deposit
Insurance Fund and the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance
Corporation (FSLIC) Resolution Fund to finance the OIG for
fiscal year 2015.
Federal Election Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $65,791,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 67,500,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 67,500,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +1,709,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) administers the
disclosure of campaign finance information, enforces
limitations on contributions and expenditures, and performs
other tasks related to Federal elections.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $67,500,000
for the Salaries and Expenses of the FEC.
Federal Labor Relations Authority
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $25,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 25,548,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 25,500,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -48,000
Established by title VII of the Civil Service Reform Act of
1978, the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) serves as a
neutral arbiter in the labor activities of non-postal Federal
employees, Departments and agencies, and Federal unions on
matters outlined in the Act, including collective bargaining
and the settlement of disputes. Establishment of the FLRA gives
full recognition to the role of the Federal Government as an
employer. Under the Foreign Service Act of 1980, the FLRA also
addresses similar issues affecting Foreign Service personnel by
providing staff support for the Foreign Service Impasse
Disputes Panel and the Foreign Service Labor Relations Board.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $25,500,000
for the FLRA for fiscal year 2015.
Federal Trade Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $298,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 293,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 293,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -5,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The mission of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is to
enforce a variety of Federal antitrust and consumer protection
laws. Appropriations for both the Antitrust Division of the
Department of Justice and the Commission are partially financed
by Hart-Scott-Rodino Act pre-merger filing fees. The
Commission's appropriation is also partially offset by Do-Not-
Call registry fees.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $293,000,000
for the Salaries and Expenses of the FTC for fiscal year 2015.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates $100,000,000 of
collections from Hart-Scott-Rodino premerger filing fees and
$14,000,000 of collections from Do-Not-Call list fees will
partially offset the appropriation requirement for this
account.
Agency Overlap.--The creation of the Bureau of Consumer
Financial Protection (CFPB) transferred some areas of consumer
protection jurisdiction that were once the sole purview of the
FTC to the CFPB. The Committee is aware of the Memorandum of
Understanding signed by both the CFPB and the FTC and
understands that the agencies consult on areas of common
jurisdiction, such as debt collection. However, the Committee
intends to continue to monitor this issue as duplicative
efforts in regulatory rulemaking and enforcement activities
waste agency resources, and could place unnecessary burdens on
businesses, the economy, and the American taxpayer. The
Committee expects the FTC to continue to ensure duplicative
efforts on rulemakings are avoided before agency resources are
wasted.
Competition.--The Committee is concerned by the increasing
prevalence of foreign acquisitions of U.S.-based pharmaceutical
companies that have the potential to reduce U.S.-based research
and development pipelines. When successful, these transactions
could reduce competition, cut U.S. jobs, and impede innovation,
which could deprive patients of future therapies and cures. The
Committee is specifically concerned about the impact these
transactions will have on the future of competition in the
pharmaceutical industry. When reviewing these mergers, the
Committee expects the FTC to dutifully consider the cumulative
present and future anti-competitive implications of such
acquisitions on particular market segments and apply
appropriate remedies to effectively preserve competition.
General Services Administration
The General Services Administration (GSA) has undergone
reorganization and reform under new leadership, since Congress
and the American people learned of the terrible abuses and
excesses that took place during a time GSA was flush with money
and short on integrity. The Committee appreciates GSA's efforts
to rebuild a more humble and successful agency. However, the
Committee believes that GSA will benefit from continued
Congressional oversight to ensure the changes being put in
place today are both effective and long-lasting. To that end,
the Committee includes several reporting requirements for
fiscal year 2015.
Takings and Exchanges.--Using existing statutory
authorities, GSA has been working to dispose of properties that
no longer meet the needs of Federal agencies in exchange for
assets of like value. Some of these exchanges are very complex
in nature and involve multi-year, multi-party, and multi-
billion dollar contracts. In addition, GSA also has the
statutory authority to take properties. The Committee believes
in some instances employing such authorities can result in
savings to the taxpayer when appropriately executed and wants
to be kept informed of these activities. In order to provide
increased transparency for the use of these authorities, the
Administrator is directed to report to the Committee not later
than 30 days after the end of each quarter on the use of these
authorities. The report shall include a description of all
takings and exchange actions that occurred during the most
recently completed quarter of the fiscal year, including the
costs, benefits, and risks for each action. The report shall
also include the planned use of takings and exchange
authorities during the remainder of the fiscal year, including
the costs, benefits, and risks of each action.
Spending Report.--Within 50 days after the end of each
quarter, GSA shall submit spending reports to the House and
Senate Appropriations Committees. The reports shall include
actual obligations incurred and estimated obligations for the
remainder of the fiscal year for each appropriation in the
Federal Buildings Fund and regular discretionary
appropriations. The reports shall include obligations by object
class, program, project and activity.
State of the Portfolio.--Not later than 45 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit
to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees a report on
the state of the Public Buildings Service's real estate
portfolio for fiscal year 2014. The content included in the
report shall be comparable to the tabular information provided
in past State of the Portfolio reports, including, but not
limited to, the number of leases; the number of buildings;
amount of square feet, revenue, expenses by type, and vacant
space; top customers by square feet and annual rent; completed
new construction, completed major repairs and alternations, and
disposals, in total and by region where appropriate.
Activities Report.--The Committee directs GSA to submit a
report no later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act
regarding how it ensures an appropriate level of minority,
women, and veteran owned firms participation in its facilities
and procurement activities.
REAL PROPERTY ACTIVITIES
FEDERAL BUILDINGS FUND
LIMITATIONS ON AVAILABILITY OF REVENUE
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2014...... $9,370,042,000
Limitation on availability, budget request, fiscal 9,917,667,000
year 2015............................................
Recommended in the bill........................... 9,130,409,000
Bill compared with:
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2014......... -239,633,000
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2015 request. -787,258,000
The Federal Buildings Fund (FBF) finances the activities of
the Public Buildings Service (PBS), which provides space and
services for Federal agencies in a relationship similar to that
of landlord and tenant. The FBF, established in 1975, replaces
direct appropriations by using income derived from rent
assessments, which approximate commercial rates for comparable
space and services. The Committee makes funds available through
a process of placing limitations on obligations from the FBF as
a way of allocating funds for various FBF activities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation on the availability
of funds of $9,130,409,000 for the FBF.
To carry out the purposes of the FBF, the revenues and
collections deposited into the FBF shall be available for
necessary expenses in the aggregate amount of $9,130,409,000 of
which: $420,460,000 is for construction and acquisition,
$965,817,000 is for repairs and alterations, $5,500,000,000 is
for rental of space, and $2,244,132,000 is for building
operations.
Historically, prior to obligating funding for prospectus-
level construction, alterations or leases, the Administration
has waited for the project to be authorized through a
resolution approved by the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure in the House and the Committee on Environment
and Public Works in the Senate as required by title 40 of the
United States Code and in accordance with the proviso included
in the FBF appropriations limiting the obligation of funds to
prospectus-level projects approved by the authorizing
committees. The Committee supports this process and believes
that prospectus-level projects warrant a thorough review from
both the Appropriations Committee and the authorizing
committees. The Committee expects the Administration to
continue to follow this process.
CONSTRUCTION AND ACQUISITION
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2014...... $506,178,000
Limitation on availability, budget request, fiscal 745,449,000
year 2015............................................
Recommended in the bill........................... 420,460,000
Bill compared with:
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2014......... -85,718,000
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2015 request. -324,989,000
The construction and acquisition fund finances the project
cost of design, construction, and management and inspection
costs of new Federal facilities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $420,460,000 for
the following specific projects, as proposed in the budget
request, in the amounts indicated:
State Description Amount
CA............................... Calexico, United $98,062,000
States Land Port
of Entry.
CA............................... San Ysidro, United $216,828,000
States Land Port
of Entry.
NY............................... Alexandria Bay, $105,570,000
United States Land
Port of Entry.
The Committee recommends full funding for the United States
Land Port of Entry projects proposed in the fiscal year 2015
budget request in Calexico and San Ysidro, California and
Alexandria Bay, New York. With limited resources, the Committee
believes these projects represent a critical infrastructure
investment in strengthening trade, commerce, and border
security with our neighbors to the North and to the South. The
Committee directs GSA to work with surrounding communities to
develop design plans that incorporate the interests of
surrounding commercial and business areas, including
pedestrian, parking, and transit design elements.
REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2014...... $1,076,823,000
Limitation on availability, budget request, fiscal 1,256,738,000
year 2015............................................
Recommended in the bill........................... 965,817,000
Bill compared with:
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2014......... -111,006,000
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2015 request. -290,921,000
The repairs and alterations activity funds the project cost
of design, construction, management and inspection for the
repair, alteration, and modernization of existing real estate
assets in addition to various special programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $965,817,000 to
remain available until expended for repairs and alterations.
Major Repairs and Alterations.--The Committee recommends
$402,282,000 for repairs and alterations projects that exceed
the prospectus threshold. The funds are provided to address
GSA's highest priority facility needs. The Committee directs
GSA to submit a detailed plan, by project, regarding the use of
Major Repairs and Alterations funds, not later than 45 days
after enactment. GSA is directed to provide notification to the
Committee within 15 days prior to any changes in the use of
these funds.
Basic Repairs and Alterations.--The Committee recommends
$378,535,000 for non-recurring repairs and alterations projects
between $10,000 and the current prospectus threshold of
$2,850,000.
Fire, Safety, and Life.--The Committee recommends
$40,000,000 to improve building safety, abate hazardous
material, and repair structural deficiencies. These projects
include, but are not limited to, fire alarm, sprinkler,
electrical, ventilation, heating, and elevator systems.
Consolidation Activities.--The Committee recommends
$100,000,000 for the cost of consolidating space. Given the
reduction in the Federal workforce and Federal agency budgets,
the Committee believes that it is prudent to reduce the GSA
building inventory, particularly with regard to the thousands
of surplus and underutilized buildings. The Committee
appreciates the Administration's commitment to ``freeze the
footprint'' of the Federal government (OMB management
procedures memorandum 2013-02) by prohibiting increases in the
total square footage of domestic offices and warehouses.
Projects selected for consolidation should result in reduced
annual rent paid by the agency, not exceed $10,000,000 in
costs, and have an approved prospectus. GSA is required to
submit a spend plan and explanation for each project including
estimated savings to the Committee on Appropriations before
obligating funds.
Judiciary Court Security Program.--The Committee recommends
$20,000,000 for the construction, acquisition, repair,
alteration, and security projects for the Judiciary as
prioritized by the Judicial Conference of the United States.
Real Property Disposal.--The Committee is disappointed more
has not been done to dispose of unused and underutilized space.
The Committee recommends $25,000,000 for the cost of disposing
of vacant and underutilized property in GSA's portfolio. The
Committee understands the process of disposing of Federal
property consists of a series of complicated steps and cost
barriers. However, the Committee believes GSA should prioritize
shrinking the Federal footprint and recommends dedicated
funding to pay for the costs of property disposal. Projects
selected for disposal should result in reduced annual operating
costs. GSA is required to submit a spend plan and explanation
for each project including estimated savings to the Committee
on Appropriations before obligating funds.
RENTAL OF SPACE
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2014...... $5,387,109,000
Limitation on availability, budget request, fiscal 5,671,348,000
year 2015............................................
Recommended in the bill........................... 5,500,000,000
Bill compared with:
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2014......... +112,891,000
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2015 request. -171,348,000
The rental of space program funds lease payments made to
privately-owned buildings, temporary space for Federal
employees during major repair and alteration projects, and
relocations from Federal buildings due to forced moves and
relocations as a result of health and safety conditions.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $5,500,000,000 for
rental of space. The Committee appreciates that GSA estimates
it will slightly reduce the amount of leased space in its
inventory in fiscal year 2015. However, given the reduction in
staffing in parts of the Federal government and the space
consolidation program, the Committee encourages GSA to reduce
the amount of leased space in its inventory at a faster pace.
BUILDING OPERATIONS
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2014...... $2,221,432,000
Limitation on availability, budget request, fiscal 2,244,132,000
year 2015............................................
Recommended in the bill........................... 2,244,132,000
Bill compared with:
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2014......... +22,700,000
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2015 request. - - -
The building operations account funds services that Federal
agencies in GSA-owned buildings and occasionally in GSA-leased
buildings, when not provided by the lessor, directly benefit
from such as building security, cleaning, utilities, window
washing, snow removal, pest control, and maintenance of
heating, air conditioning, ventilating, plumbing, sewage,
electrical, elevator, escalator, and fire protection systems.
In addition, this account funds all the personnel and
administrative expenses for carrying out construction and
acquisition, repair and alteration, and leasing activities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $2,244,132,000 for
Building Operations and Maintenance. Within this amount,
$1,122,727,000 is for building services and $1,121,405,000 is
for salaries and expenses. Up to five percent of the funds may
be transferred between these activities upon the advance
notification to the Appropriations Committee. Not later than 60
days after the date of enactment, the Administrator shall
submit a spend plan, by region, regarding the use of these
funds to the Appropriations Committee. The recommendation will
provide for a reduction of 334 full-time equivalents from the
fiscal year 2014 level. The Committee appreciates GSA's efforts
to streamline operations and right size staffing.
GENERAL ACTIVITIES
GOVERNMENT-WIDE POLICY
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $58,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 59,206,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 58,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -1,206,000
The Office of Government-Wide Policy provides Federal
agencies with guidelines, best practices, and performance
measures for complying with all the laws, regulations, and
executive orders related to: acquisition and procurement,
personal and real property management, travel and
transportation management, electronic customer service
delivery, and use of Federal advisory committees.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $58,000,000
for Government-wide Policy.
Green Buildings.--The Committee shares the GSA's goal of
reducing building expenses through the efficient use of energy
and water. The Committee encourages energy efficiency to be
considered when purchasing construction and building materials.
The Committee is concerned, however, that GSA's current green
building policies and practices are tailored to reflect the
standards of a specific third-party certification systems
rather than the public interest in greater energy and water
efficiency. All agencies should be wary of becoming captured;
no third-party certification program has a monopoly on how to
attain efficiency, much less sustainability. For example,
efficiency and sustainability can be achieved not just through
the design of buildings or major renovations and the selection
of materials, but also through proper building maintenance and
usage, building codes, energy codes, energy efficiency rating
systems, or a combination thereof.
Where multiple green building rating systems have been
recommended by GSA as suitable for government use, GSA should
encourage competition among systems and savings for Federal
agencies and U.S. taxpayers by directly and clearly encouraging
Federal agencies to use any recommended system that meets their
needs on a project-by-project basis. When recommended systems
are equivalent with respect to ease of use and other features,
the Federal government should select the system with the lowest
operation and certification cost for each project so that
agencies and taxpayers can fully realize cost savings. The
Federal government should evaluate certification systems
consistent with the National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-113) and OMB Circular A-119,
and a strong preference should always be expressed for systems
that are developed as voluntary consensus standards.
Greening projects for Federal buildings should not be
undertaken unless GSA can clearly justify that the additional
expenses will be more than offset by a reduction in subsequent
operating expenses as a result of the project.
GSA contracting issues.--The Committee remains concerned
about untimely payments between prime contractors and
subcontractors. Small businesses are often subcontractors and
late payments from prime contractors create serious cash flow
management problems for these employers. Following up on the
guidance in the previous fiscal year, the Committee directs GSA
to make publicly available the list of untimely contractors
through the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity
Information System, as specified in section 1334 of the Small
Business Jobs Act of 2010. Further, the Committee requests a
report no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act that
describes steps taken by each member of the Federal Acquisition
Regulations Council to educate their contracting officers on
evaluating the performance of the prime contractors with a
history of unjustified untimely payments.
Federal Fleet Maintenance.--The Committee understands that
GSA uses re-manufactured vehicle components to maintain Federal
vehicles when it is timely, maintains quality, and is cost
effective. The Committee encourages the continued use of this
practice.
OPERATING EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $63,466,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 61,049,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 61,049,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -2,417,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
This account provides appropriations for activities that
are not feasible for a user fee arrangement. Included under
this heading are personal property utilization and donation
activities of the Federal Acquisition Service; real property
utilization and disposal activities of the Public Buildings
Service; the activities of the Civilian Board of Contract
Appeals; select management and administration activities
including support of government-wide emergency management
activities; and top-level, agency-wide management communication
activities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $61,049,000
for operating expenses. Within the amount provided under this
heading, $26,328,000 is for Real and Personal Property
Management and Disposal, $25,729,000 is for the Office of the
Administrator, and $8,992,000 is for the Civilian Board of
Contract Appeals.
Federal Real Property Profile.--GSA is charged with
compiling the Federal Real Property Profile. Numerous studies
have found that this profile contains a significant amount of
inaccurate information. The Committee is outraged that the
Federal government cannot provide an accurate accounting to the
American public of all the property that it owns. The Committee
expects GSA to work with agencies across government to improve
the data contained in this report and improve transparency to
the American taxpayer. Within 90 days of enactment of this Act,
GSA shall report to the Appropriations Committees on steps
taken to improve the quality of the profile.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $65,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 66,978,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 65,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -1,978,000
This appropriation provides agency-wide audit and
investigative functions to identify and correct GSA management
and administrative deficiencies that create conditions for
existing or potential instances of fraud, waste, and
mismanagement. The audit function provides internal and
contract audits. Internal audits review and evaluate all facets
of GSA operations and programs, test internal control systems,
and develop information to improve operating efficiencies and
enhance customer services. Contract audits provide professional
advice to GSA contracting officials on accounting and financial
matters relative to the negotiation, award, administration,
repricing, and settlement of contracts. The investigative
function provides for the detection and investigation of
improper and illegal activities involving GSA programs,
personnel, and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $65,000,000
for the Office of Inspector General.
ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $3,550,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 3,344,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,672,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -1,878,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -1,672,000
This appropriation provides pensions, office staff, and
related expenses for former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George
H.W. Bush, William Clinton, and George W. Bush, and for postal
franking privileges for the widow of former President Ronald
Reagan.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,672,000 for
allowances and office staff for former Presidents.
FEDERAL CITIZEN SERVICES FUND
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014*...................... $50,804,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 53,294,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 53,294,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +2,490,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
*Funding for this activity includes amounts previously provided under
the heading ``Electronic Government Fund''. The budget request
proposes to combine funding for the ``Electronic Government Fund'' and
``Federal Citizen Services Fund'' in Fiscal Year 2015.
The Committee combines the funding and authorities of the
Federal Citizen Services Fund and the Electronic Government
Fund in fiscal year 2015 as proposed by the budget request. The
missions and purposes of the two funds are similar, creating
opportunities for improved services, efficiency and savings
through the consolidation of appropriations and authorities.
While these funds were created at different periods of time and
developed different programs, they share a common objective--
making it easier for citizens to understand and interact with
their government. Whether that means delivering information in
the mail or in a tweet, answering questions on the phone or on-
line, or tracking grants and business opportunities, the
purpose is to provide electronic or other methods of providing
access and understanding of Federal information, benefits, and
services to citizens, businesses, local governments, and the
media.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $53,294,000
for the Federal Citizen Services Fund. The Committee expects
the funds provided for these activities, combined with
efficiency gains and resource prioritization will result in
increased delivery of information to the public and in the ease
of transaction with the government.
All the income collected by the Office of Citizen Services
and Innovative Technologies (OCSIT) in the form of
reimbursements from Federal agencies, user fees for
publications ordered by the public, payments from private
entities for services rendered, and gifts from the public is
available to the OCSIT without regard to fiscal year
limitations, but is subject to an annual limitation of
$90,000,000. Any revenues accruing in excess of this amount
shall remain in the fund and are not available for expenditure
except as authorized in Appropriation Acts.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Section 507. The Committee continues the provision
providing authority for the use of funds for the hire of motor
vehicles.
Section 508. The Committee continues the provision
providing that funds made available for activities of the
Federal Buildings Fund may be transferred between
appropriations with advance approval of the Appropriations
Committee.
Section 509. The Committee continues the provision
requiring funds proposed for developing courthouse construction
requests to meet appropriate standards and the priorities of
the Judicial Conference.
Section 510. The Committee continues the provision
providing that no funds may be used to increase the amount of
occupiable square feet, provide cleaning services, security
enhancements, or any other service usually provided, to any
agency which does not pay the assessed rent.
Section 511. The Committee continues the provision that
permits GSA to pay small claims (up to $250,000) made against
the Federal government.
Section 512. The Committee continues the provision
requiring the Administrator to ensure that the delineated area
of procurement for all lease agreements is identical to the
delineated area included in the prospectus unless prior notice
is given to the committees of jurisdiction.
Merit Systems Protection Board
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $45,085,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 42,645,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 43,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -2,085,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. +355,000
The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an
independent, quasi-judicial agency established to protect the
civil service merit system. The MSPB adjudicates appeals
primarily involving personnel actions, certain Federal employee
complaints, and retirement benefits issues. The MSPB reports to
the President whether merit systems are sufficiently free of
prohibited employment practices.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $43,000,000
for the MSPB. The recommendation includes a transfer of
$2,345,000 from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability
Fund. The Committee is aware of the unprecedented increase in
workload that MSPB had in fiscal year 2014 with historic levels
of appeals and has provided additional funds above the request
to help address the increased workload.
National Archives and Records Administration
OPERATING EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $370,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 360,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 360,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -10,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
This appropriation provides NARA with funds for its basic
operations for management of the Federal government's archives
and records, services to the public, operation of Presidential
libraries, review for declassification of classified security
information, and includes funding for the Electronic Records
Archives which preserves, stores, and manages digital Federal
records for archival purposes, ensuring long-term access.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $360,000,000
for the Operating Expenses of NARA for fiscal year 2015. The
Committee commends the Archives for finding savings within
their operations for fiscal year 2015. In times of budget
constraints, the Archives is an example of an agency that is
actively saving the American taxpayer money, while still ably
executing their mission. In addition, the Committee encourages
NARA to leverage private sector records management
capabilities, where private vendors have invested their own
capital to develop facilities that are compliant with NARA's
stringent building standards.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $4,130,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 4,130,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 4,130,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides audits and
investigations and serves as an independent, internal advocate
to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within NARA.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,130,000 for
the OIG for fiscal year 2015.
REPAIRS AND RESTORATION
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $8,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 7,600,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 7,600,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
This appropriation provides for the repair, alteration, and
improvement of Archives facilities and Presidential libraries
nationwide. It enables the National Archives to maintain its
facilities in proper condition for visitors, researchers, and
employees, and also maintain the structural integrity of the
buildings.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $7,600,000 for
repairs and restoration for fiscal year 2015.
NATIONAL HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS AND RECORDS COMMISSION GRANTS PROGRAM
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $4,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 5,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 5,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The National Historical Publications and Records Commission
(NHPRC) program provides for grants to preserve and publish
records that document American history. Administered within the
National Archives and Records Administration, the NHPRC helps
State, local, and private institutions preserve non-Federal
records, helps publish the papers of major figures in American
history, and helps archivists and records managers improve
their techniques, training, and ability to serve a range of
information users.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,000,000
NHPRC for fiscal year 2015.
National Credit Union Administration
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $1,200,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 1,071,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 2,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +800,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. +929,000
The Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Program
(CDRLF) was established in 1979 to assist officially designated
``low-income'' credit unions in providing basic financial
services to low-income communities. Low-interest loans and
deposits are made available to assist these credit unions.
Loans or deposits are normally repaid in five years, although
shorter repayment periods may be considered. Technical
assistance grants are also available to low-income credit
unions. Earnings generated from the CDRLF are available to fund
technical assistance grants in addition to funds provided for
specifically in appropriations acts. Grants are available for
improving operations as well as addressing safety and soundness
issues.
committee recommendation
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,000,000 for
the National Credit Union Administration's CDRLF for technical
assistance grants for fiscal year 2015. The Committee expects
the CDRLF to continue making loans from their available funds
derived from repaid loans and interest earned on previous loans
to designated credit unions.
Office of Government Ethics
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $15,325,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 15,420,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 15,420,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +95,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The Office of Government Ethics (OGE) established by the
Ethics in Government Act of 1978, partners with other executive
branch Departments and agencies to foster high ethical
standards. The OGE issues and monitors rules, regulations, and
memoranda pertaining to the prevention and resolution of
conflicts of interest, post-employment restrictions, standards
of conduct, and financial disclosure for executive branch
employees. The OGE is also responsible for creating and running
an electronic financial disclosure system under the Stop
Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $15,420,000
for the OGE.
Office of Personnel Management
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF TRUST FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $214,335,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 214,464,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 214,335,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -129,000
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the Federal
agency responsible for management of Federal human resources
policy and oversight of the merit civil service system. OPM
provides a government-wide policy framework for personnel
matters, advises and assists agencies (often on a reimbursable
basis), and ensures that agency operations are consistent with
requirements of law, with emphasis on such issues as veterans
preference. OPM oversees examining of applicants for
employment; issues regulations and policies on hiring,
classification and pay, training, investigations; and many
other aspects of personnel management, and operates a
reimbursable training program for the Federal Government's
managers and executives. OPM is also responsible for
administering the retirement, health benefits and life
insurance programs affecting most Federal employees, retired
Federal employees, and their survivors.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $95,910,000
for the General Fund. The Committee also recommends
$118,425,000 for administrative expenses, to be transferred
from the appropriate trust funds.
As part of OPM's mission to recruit and hire the most
talented and diverse Federal workforce, the Committee
encourages Federal agencies to increase recruitment efforts
within the United States territories.
OPM has struggled for decades to process Federal retirees'
pension claims quickly and accurately. As a result, tens of
thousands of new retirees wait months to receive their complete
annuities--some wait more than a year--and in the meantime they
struggle to get by on reduced interim pensions. The Committee
expects OPM to make retirement processing a priority and is
pleased with OPM's recent efforts to correct this problem
through the implementation of its strategic plan. Still, the
Committee believes that the backlog and delays in retirement
processing are unacceptable and directs OPM to provide the
Committee with monthly reports on its progress in addressing
the backlog in claims. The Committee is astounded by the
continued use of outdated paper processing and directs OPM to
prioritize moving to a fully-automated electronic filing
system.
The Committee has heard concerns about the continued
exclusion of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) from the base
pay used to calculate the amount of Federal employee retirement
annuities for Federal employees in non-foreign areas. COLA's
exclusion from this calculation results in a standard of living
discrepancy between retired Federal employees who reside in the
contiguous States and those who reside in non-foreign areas,
and has resulted in significant and ongoing litigation. The
Committee expects OPM to re-examine its current calculation
with regards to Federal employee retirement annuities.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF TRUST FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $26,024,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 25,724,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 25,724,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
This appropriation provides for the Office of Inspector
General's (OIG) agency-wide audit, investigative, evaluation,
and inspection functions, which identify management and
administrative deficiencies, fraud, waste and mismanagement.
The OIG performs internal agency audits and insurance audits,
and offers contract audit services. Internal audits review and
evaluate all facets of agency operations, including financial
statements. Evaluation and inspection services provide detailed
technical evaluations of agency operations. Insurance audits
review the operations of health and life insurance carriers,
health care providers, and insurance subscribers. Contract
auditors provide professional advice to agency contracting
officials on accounting and financial matters regarding the
negotiation, award, administration, repricing, and settlement
of contracts. The investigative function provides for the
detection and investigation of improper and illegal activities
involving programs, personnel, and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a general fund appropriation of
$4,384,000 for the OIG. In addition, the recommendation
provides $21,340,000 from appropriate trust funds.
Office of Special Counsel
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $20,764,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 21,452,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 21,452,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +688,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The Office of Special Counsel (OSC): (1) investigates
Federal employee allegations of prohibited personnel practices
(including reprisal for whistleblowing) and, when appropriate,
prosecutes before the Merit Systems Protection Board; (2)
provides a channel for whistleblowing by Federal employees; and
(3) enforces the Hatch Act. The Office may transmit
whistleblower allegations to the agency head concerned and
require an agency investigation and a report to the Congress
and the President when appropriate. Additionally, the Office
enforces the civilian employment and reemployment rights of
military service members under the Uniformed Services
Employment and Re-employment Rights Act.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $21,452,000
for the OSC.
Postal Regulatory Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $14,152,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 15,283,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 14,152,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -1,131,000
The Commission establishes and maintains the U.S. Postal
Service's ratemaking systems, measures service and performance,
ensures accountability, and has enforcement mechanisms,
including the authority to issue subpoenas.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation, out of the
Postal Fund, of $14,152,000 for the Postal Regulatory
Commission.
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $3,100,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 8,008,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 4,500,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +1,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -3,508,000
The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (the Board)
is an independent agency within the Executive Branch whose
purpose is to (1) analyze and review actions the Executive
Branch takes to protect the nation from terrorism, ensuring
that the need for such actions is balanced with the need to
protect privacy and civil liberties; and (2) ensure that
liberty concerns are appropriately considered in the
development and implementation of laws, regulations, and
policies related to efforts to protect the nation against
terrorism. The Board consists of four part-time members and a
full-time chairman.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $4,500,000 for the Board.
Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $20,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 20,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 15,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -5,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -5,000,000
The Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board
(Recovery Board) was authorized in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5) (Recovery Act). The
Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 extended the Board's
authorization for two years and expanded its responsibilities
to process, track, and oversee the $60.2 billion in Hurricane
Sandy spending. In addition, the Board assists other government
entities investigate fraud, waste, and abuse by providing data
analytic support through the Board's Recovery Operations
Center. The board is scheduled to sunset on September 30, 2015.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $15,000,000 for the Recovery
Board.
Securities and Exchange Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $1,350,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 1,700,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,400,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +50,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -300,000,000
Reserve Fund limitation, fiscal year 2015............. -70,000,000
The primary mission of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) is to protect investors, maintain the
integrity of the securities markets, and assure adequate
information on the capital markets is made available to market
participants and policy makers. This includes monitoring the
rapid evolution of the capital markets, ensuring full
disclosure of all appropriate financial information, regulating
the Nation's securities markets, and preventing fraud and
malpractice in the securities and financial markets.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,400,000,000
for the SEC for fiscal year 2015. The Committee designates not
less than $9,239,000 for Office of Inspector General and
$68,872,000 for the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis.
Reserve Fund/Information Technology.--The Committee is
supportive of the SEC's prioritization of robust and effective
information technology (IT) systems within the Commission. The
SEC has indicated the use of the Dodd-Frank mandatory Reserve
Fund to support the Commission's IT initiatives. However, this
fund is not overseen by Congress and it is left to the
discretion of the Commission as to its use. The Committee
believes emergency reserve funds should be used for natural
disaster emergencies and other crises, not discretionary
priorities within a Federal agency. While the Committee does
not support the use of the Reserve Fund, an increase to IT
funding is provided through the Commission's overall
appropriation. The Committee's recommended funding level for IT
initiatives increases the overall funding level by $50,000,000
specifically to support IT funding priorities. The Committee
includes a limitation (Section 625) prohibiting funds from the
Reserve Fund from being used by the Commission.
Economic Analysis.--Since 2001, the SEC's budget has
increased almost 300 percent. Based on the increases Congress
has provided, the Commission should be able to provide for
comprehensive economic analysis before promulgating rules that
affect the capital markets. It appears that thorough economic
analysis has not always been done before Commission
rulemakings, and courts have overturned SEC rules due to
insufficient economic examination. As the agency in charge of
overseeing U.S. capital markets, economic analysis should be a
cornerstone to all agency rulemaking. The Committee's
recommendation fully funds the Division of Economic and Risk
Analysis to support increased hiring of economists to perform
economic analysis before and after Commission rulemakings to
better enhance the understanding of the economic impacts of the
Commission's rulemakings. The Committee expects the SEC to
expand this division and prioritize nonpartisan economic
analysis as a fundamental part of the Commission's rulemaking
process.
Rulemaking.--The Committee is concerned that rules
promulgated by the SEC have been previously thrown out in court
in part due to the Commission's failure to meet statutory
requirements to thoroughly review the potential economic
repercussions of its rules. The Committee believes that the
Commission has an obligation to consider the effects of new
rules upon efficiency, competition, and capital formation. The
Committee strongly encourages the Commission to undertake a
review of the analysis used during the Commission's rulemaking
process to be sure the tangible economic impacts of its rules
are considered before issuing final rules.
Money Market Funds.--The Committee remains concerned with
the Commission's proposal to further regulate money market
funds. The Committee expects that the final rules will take
into account the substantive concerns of stakeholders who use
these products for short term financing needs. Impairing or
restricting the use of money market funds could potentially
result in a decrease in the ability of these products to
provide liquidity, potentially resulting in hundreds of market
participants issuing longer-term debt, significantly increasing
their funding costs, slowing expansion rates, and depressing
job and economic growth. The Committee believes before the
final rules are promulgated with respect to money market funds,
rigorous economic analysis should be conducted, including a
thorough review of all submitted comments. Specifically, the
final rules should carefully consider how any proposed changes
would affect: (1) investor returns and cash management
efficiencies; (2) the borrowing costs for businesses and
governments that access money markets for financing purposes;
(3) the concentration and capacity among providers of short-
term financing; (4) efficiency, competition, tax consequences,
and capital formation; and (5) the effectiveness of floating
the NAV as a tool to prevent run risk.
Organizational Structure.--The Committee remains concerned
that a lack of managerial accountability, focus,
prioritization, and internal communication hampers the
effectiveness of the SEC. The Committee has concurred with the
recommendation put forth in the Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
report that the SEC must reorganize in order to become more
efficient. While progress has been made in reorganizing certain
offices, the Committee believes there is more to be done to
make the Commission better able to respond to dynamic markets.
The Committee received the Commission's report from fiscal year
2014, but believes there is still work to be done in this area.
The Committee again directs the SEC to provide an updated
report on a reorganization plan outlining areas of improvement.
Within the report the Committee directs the SEC to undertake a
review of the overall organizational structure. This report is
to be delivered to the Committees on Appropriations of the
House and Senate within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
Disclosures.--Corporate disclosures are at the core of
investor protection, but disclosures must be timely and
relevant in order to be effective. Voluminous disclosures
encourage confusion while discouraging retail shareholder
participation in corporate elections and proposals. The system
must be overhauled, as the Commission has recently
acknowledged, to eliminate obsolete disclosures and make
disclosures more relevant to investors. The Committee received
the Commission's report from fiscal year 2014 and understands
that this is an important issue for the Commission. The
Committee directs the Commission to submit an updated report on
SEC's efforts to modernize disclosure requirements within 90
days of enactment of this Act.
Capital Formation.--The Committee believes the SEC should
do more to facilitate capital formation. The Committee strongly
encourages the SEC to prioritize and issue rule proposals, in
addition to the provisions included in the Jumpstart Our
Business Startups Act (P.L. 112-106), to implement a majority
of the recommendations made by the SEC's Government-Business
Forum on Small Business and its Advisory Committee on Small and
Emerging Companies. The Committee also encourages the
Commission to propose rules for public comment that would
modernize the Business Development Company regulatory
infrastructure.
Proxy Advisory Firms.--The Committee is concerned with the
conflicts of interest surrounding proxy advisory firms. The
lack of disclosure, transparency, and accountability is
troubling for market participants who rely on these companies
for advice and analysis. The Committee believes the SEC should
carefully consider the opinions expressed at the Commission's
roundtable on proxy advisory firm services in late 2013. The
Committee expects the Commission to keep the Committee informed
of any changes to its current guidance on this issue.
Industry 7 Guide.--The Committee strongly encourages the
SEC to update the Industry Guide 7 containing the SEC's basic
disclosure policy for mining in accordance with international
modern practices.
Copyright Infringement.--The Committee is concerned about
the potential for non-U.S. companies seeking access to the U.S.
capital markets that rely upon business models that facilitate
or engage in copyright infringement. There are media reports
that companies that have been named in the U.S. Trade
Representative's Notorious Market Report have expressed
intentions to register their securities for sale in the U.S. in
an initial public offering. The Committee expects the SEC to
work with other Federal agencies to take appropriate action,
including with respect to the oversight of the listing
standards of the national securities exchanges, to ensure that
companies identified by an agency of the U.S. Government as
engaging in practices that harm American businesses through the
infringement of intellectual property rights are not permitted
to access U.S. capital markets.
Cross Border Application of Title VII of the Dodd-Frank
Act.--The Committee believes that the rules regarding the
extraterritorial or ``cross border'' application of Title VII
of the Dodd-Frank Act should be promulgated jointly by the SEC
and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The
current lack of regulatory coordination between U.S. regulators
does not provide a cohesive landscape for investors, market
participants and foreign regulators. The Committee is also
concerned that unintended market fragmentation may be occurring
which may negatively impact liquidity in multiple asset classes
and impede access for some market participants. To avoid this,
the Committee strongly encourages the SEC and CFTC to work
swiftly toward promulgating one rule, to better coordinate
their approach with foreign regulators and to recognize
comparable non-U.S. derivatives regulatory regimes.
Volcker ``Interagency Working Group.''--The Committee
believes that there remain significant ambiguities around
implementation of the Volcker Rule and interpretations by
market participants that ultimately impact end-users. This
uncertainty is exacerbated by regulatory coordination
challenges and questions regarding the consistency of
examinations, inspections, enforcement, data analysis, and
reporting, for which the members of the Interagency Working
Group should promptly develop and share a transparent plan with
bank holding companies and their affiliates and other impacted
entities. To date, it is concerning that the Interagency
Working Group has published responses to very limited market
inquiries. Specifically, the Committee believes that the
Interagency Working Group should create a centralized and
coordinated process for developing and disseminating guidance,
including answering inquiries regarding interpretation and
examination issues. The Interagency Working Group should also
ensure that direction is clear, not contradictory, across the
five implementing regulators and provided on a timely basis
before examinations and enforcement actions are taken.
Collateralized Loan Obligations.--The Committee believes
the final Volcker Rule mistakenly and unnecessarily included
collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) in a prohibition
designed to restrict bank ownership in certain covered fund
investments. The Committee notes that CLOs have proven to be a
critical source of funding for U.S. businesses over the last 20
years and have provided over $300 billion in financing to U.S.
companies. CLO investments by banks and their affiliates did
not contribute to the financial crisis. The Committee is
disappointed with the temporary delay announced by the Volcker
Interagency Working Group to either restructure or divest of
CLOs that violate the covered fund definitions. The Committee
strongly encourages regulators to reconsider the delay and
instead exclude all CLOs from the final Volcker Rule. This
requirement has the potential to cause significant, immediate,
and permanent loss of capital for market participants that hold
these securities and are still recovering from the financial
crisis and unnecessarily impair reliable financing to thousands
of U.S. businesses.
The Committee believes the SEC should undertake all
statutory rulemakings of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) and the Jumpstart Our
Business Startups Act (JOBS Act) before undertaking any
discretionary rulemakings.
The Committee directs the SEC to work cooperatively with
the CFTC on all joint rulemakings as required by the Dodd-Frank
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
Selective Service System
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $22,900,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 22,900,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 21,500,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -1,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -1,400,000
The Selective Service System was established by the
Selective Service Act of 1948. The mission of the System is to
be prepared to supply manpower to the Armed Forces adequate to
ensure the security of the United States during a time of
national emergency. Since 1973, the Armed Forces have relied on
volunteers to fill military manpower requirements, but
selective service registration was reinstituted in July 1980.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $21,500,000
for the Selective Service System.
Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration (SBA) assists small
businesses through programs including loans, grants, and
contracting preferences. These programs maintain and strengthen
an economy that depends on small businesses for 60 to 80
percent of job creation. SBA programs also serve disadvantaged
populations so that these small business enterprises may
overcome economic and social obstacles to success.
The recommendation provides a total of $861,941,000 for the
SBA for fiscal year 2015. Detailed guidance for the SBA
appropriations accounts is presented below.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $250,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 256,882,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 253,882,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +3,882,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -3,000,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $253,882,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the SBA for fiscal year 2015.
``True'' Small Businesses.--The Committee is concerned with
the shrinking number of small business loans between $50,000
and $350,000. These loans have been decreasing since 2007, and
yet often these loans are for ``true'' small businesses which
have under $5 million in sales and employ less than five
people. The Committee believes the SBA should especially focus
on these ``true'' small businesses and less on larger
businesses in ``high-growth'' areas that have more capacity and
access to capital. The Committee is supportive of the Small
Loan Advantage Program and encourages the SBA to continue to
focus their lending efforts in this area.
Lender Oversight.--The Committee remains concerned about
the quality of lender oversight at SBA. SBA's loan programs
depend on an array of outside parties to be executed. In fiscal
year 2011, the SBA Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that
more than half of loan dollars guaranteed by the SBA were made
using delegated authorities with limited oversight. In an OIG
report released June 6, 2014, the OIG found that the SBA's Loan
Guarantee Processing Center (LGPC) ``emphasized quantity over
quality for 7(a) loan reviews'', and loan specialists were not
provided adequate guidance and training to conduct 7(a) loan
review assignments. The report also cited a decrease in staff
assigned to loan reviews, while at the same time an increase in
loan size and complexity.
The Committee has consistently provided SBA with robust
resources and expects the SBA to appropriately fund the LGPC in
order to provide a thorough review of all loans made by the
center. SBA loans made without an effective review process
leaves taxpayers on the hook for any defaults. The Committee
expects SBA to adopt the recommendations included in the OIG
report and will continue to monitor the SBA's progress in this
area.
The Committee recognizes the value of the 8(a) program in
helping small and disadvantaged businesses compete in the
marketplace. The bill provides sufficient funding to execute
the 8(a) program.
ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $196,165,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 197,825,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 197,825,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +1,660,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The SBA's Entrepreneurial Development Programs support non-
credit business assistance to entrepreneurs. The appropriation
includes funding for a network of resource partners located
throughout the United States that provide training, counseling,
and technical assistance to small business entrepreneurs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommendations for Entrepreneurial
Development Programs, by program, are displayed in the
following table:
ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
[In thousands of dollars]
7(j) Technical Assistance..................................... $2,800
Boots to Business............................................. 7,500
Entrepreneurship Education.................................... 7,025
HUBZone Program............................................... 3,000
Microloan Technical Assistance................................ 20,000
National Women's Business Council............................. 1,000
Native American Outreach...................................... 2,000
PRIME Technical Assistance.................................... 5,000
SCORE......................................................... 9,000
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).................... 115,000
State & Trade Export Promotion (STEP)......................... 8,000
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC)..................... 2,500
Women's Business Centers (WBC)................................ 15,000
Total, Entrepreneurial Development Programs $197,825
The SBA shall not reduce these non-credit programs from the
amounts specified above and the SBA shall not merge any of the
non-credit programs without advance written approval from the
Committee. The Committee recommendation includes funding above
the request level for Boots to Business, HUBZone, National
Women's Business Council, PRIME, SCORE, Small Business
Development Center (SBDC) Program, State and Trade Export
Promotion (STEP) program, and Women's Business Centers (WBC).
Women's Business Centers (WBC).--The Committee notes the
absence of Women's Business Centers (WBC) serving many of the
U.S. territories and other U.S. insular areas, and recommends
that the SBA consider including these areas in WBC services.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $19,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 19,400,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 19,400,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $19,400,000 for the Office of
Inspector General of the SBA for fiscal year 2015.
OFFICE OF ADVOCACY
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $8,750,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 8,455,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 8,750,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. +295,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $8,750,000 for the Office of
Advocacy of the SBA for fiscal year 2015. The Committee
supports the Office's mission to reduce regulatory burdens that
Federal policies impose on small businesses and to maximize the
benefits small businesses receive from the government. The
Committee is disappointed that the Administration proposed
reducing resources for the Office.
BUSINESS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $263,160,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 195,226,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 195,226,000
Bill compared with:...................................
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -67,934,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
The SBA Business Loans Program serves as an important
source of capital for America's small businesses. The
recommendation supports the 7(a) business loan program, the 504
certified development company program, Small Business
Investment Company (SBIC) debentures, and the Secondary Market
Guarantee Program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total of $195,226,000 for the
Business Loans Program Account for fiscal year 2015. Of the
amount appropriated, $147,726,000 is for administrative
expenses related to business loan programs. The amount provided
for administrative expenses may be transferred to and merged
with the appropriation for SBA salaries and expenses to cover
the common overhead expenses associated with business loans.
The amount provided for loan subsidies is reduced from the
fiscal year 2014 level because subsidy rates have declined. The
amount provided will support the same level of lending but
requires fewer government subsidy dollars. The recommendation
includes $45,000,000 for the subsidy cost of the 504 certified
development program. This funding will help to stimulate small
business investment and will contribute to economic growth. The
effect of small businesses on the economy is considerable.
Firms employing fewer than 500 employees comprise about 99.7
percent of all businesses in the nation and employ roughly half
of all private sector employees. The subsidy funding provided
in this account will help to ensure the continued strength of
the small business sector.
The recommendation also includes $2,500,000 in loan subsidy
for the Microloan Program. The amount provided is estimated to
support $25,000,000 in microloans.
The Committee notes the mission of the Surety Bond
Guarantee (SBG) program is to provide and manage surety bond
guarantees for qualified small and emerging businesses, in
direct partnership with surety companies and their agents,
utilizing the most efficient and effective operational policies
and procedures. The Committee is supportive of SBG's efforts to
encourage surety companies to bond small businesses who
otherwise would have difficulty obtaining bonding on their own.
DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $191,900,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 186,858,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 186,858,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -5,042,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. - - -
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
As required by the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, the
Congress is required to appropriate an amount sufficient to
cover the subsidy costs associated with all direct loan
obligations and loan guarantee commitments made in fiscal year
2015, as well as the administrative expenses of the loan
programs. The Committee recommends a total of $186,858,000 for
administrative expenses for fiscal year 2015. The Committee
provides $1,000,000 for the Office of Inspector General for
audits and reviews of the disaster loans program and $9,000,000
may be transferred to Salaries and Expenses for administrative
expenses.
The Committee wants to ensure that disaster victims have
full access to SBA's programs. The Committee has been very
supportive of the SBA Disaster Loan Program in past fiscal
years, including appropriating $804,000,000 for the Hurricane
Sandy disaster in fiscal year 2013. However, SBA has not
obligated all the funds appropriated for the Sandy Disaster and
has continued to carry over large amounts of no-year funding
for disaster subsidy. The Committee expects the SBA to take
into consideration these balances in future requests.
Report on Expansion of the Disaster Loan Program.--The
Committee directs the SBA to coordinate with Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) to evaluate and report on: (1) the
feasibility of expanding the SBA Disaster Loan Program to
applicants applying outside of a Presidential disaster
declaration; and (2) the feasibility of expanding the SBA
Disaster Loan Program to include pre-disaster mitigation
options that will fulfill FEMA's hazard mitigation standards in
reducing a structure's long-term flood risk and mitigating
potential damage from future disasters. The first report should
review if eligible activities of the program could include pre-
disaster mitigation projects that adhere to FEMA's standards of
mitigation activities that significantly reduce a structure's
long-term flood risk and weigh the financial exposure of the
SBA against the potential reduction of claims payments from the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The second report
should include a review of whether offering these loans would
sustainably reduce exposure to flood risk, as well as flood
insurance premium cost. The SBA should consider potential
applicants that are classified by FEMA and the National Flood
Insurance Program as high-risk and severe repetitive loss. In
the report, the SBA shall coordinate with FEMA to weigh the
financial exposure of the SBA against the potential reduction
of claims payments from the NFIP.
The Committee directs the SBA to submit the reports to the
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate, and the
House and Senate Committees on Small Business no later than 90
days after enactment of this Act.
The Committee directs the SBA to continue providing updates
on available resources for the disaster loans program on a
monthly basis.
The Committee funds this program within its discretionary
allocation. The Administration proposed funding these costs
with a disaster cap adjustment.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Section 513. The Committee continues a provision for the
SBA authorizing transfers of up to five percent of any SBA
appropriation to other appropriations, provided that transfers
do not increase an appropriation by more than 10 percent. The
provision also requires that transfers be treated as a
reprogramming of funds.
United States Postal Service
PAYMENT TO THE POSTAL SERVICE FUND
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $70,751,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 70,371,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 58,342,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -12,409,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -12,029,000
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is funded almost
entirely by Postal ratepayers rather than taxpayers. Funds
provided to the Postal Service in the Payment to the Postal
Service Fund include appropriations for revenue forgone
including providing free mail for the blind, and for overseas
absentee voting.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends appropriations totaling
$58,342,000 for Payment to the Postal Service Fund. In prior
years, these funds were provided as an advance. The House-
passed budget resolution (H. Con. Res. 96) does not allow for
this funding to continue to be provided as an advance. The
Committee believes that the funding provided in this
appropriation should be provided in the year in which the
estimated costs occur.
The recommendation provides for the USPS' estimate of free
mail for the blind ($48,773,000), overseas voting ($746,000),
reconciliation of prior year cost adjustment (-$20,177,000) and
$29,000,000 for revenue forgone as authorized by 39 U.S.C.
2401(d).
The Committee appreciates the work of the Postal Service
Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation (ACHP) in reviewing the Postal Service's
relocation and disposal process for historic properties. The
Committee believes the Postal Service should refrain from the
relocation of services from historic post offices, and should
suspend the sale of any historic post office until it is has
implemented the recommendations of the OIG and ACHP.
Title 39 of the U.S. Code requires the Postal Service to
provide the public with notice prior to closing or
consolidating a post office. The Committee understands that it
is the Postal Service's policy to inform Member of Congress'
district and Washington, D.C. offices when the public receives
notice. The Committee directs the Postal Service keep Members
of Congress informed of Postal Service activities impacting
their constituents and expects the Postal Service to ensure
that Members of Congress are appropriately informed
simultaneously or prior to all public notices.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $241,468,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 243,883,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 243,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... +1,532,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -883,000
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducts audits,
reviews and investigations, and keeps Congress informed on the
efficiency and economy of United States Postal Service (USPS)
programs and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $243,000,000
for the OIG.
United States Tax Court
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014....................... $53,453,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015...................... 52,300,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 50,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2014................... -3,453,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2015.................. -2,300,000
The U.S. Tax Court adjudicates controversies involving
deficiencies in income, estate, and gift taxes. The Court also
has jurisdiction to determine deficiencies in certain excise
taxes, to issue declaratory judgments in the areas of
qualifications of retirement plans and exemptions of charitable
organizations, and to decide certain cases involving disclosure
of tax information by the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue
Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $50,000,000
for the U.S. Tax Court.
TITLE VI--GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT
Section 601. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting pay and other expenses for non-Federal parties in
regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings funded in this Act.
Section 602. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting obligations beyond the current fiscal year and
prohibits transfers of funds unless expressly so provided
herein.
Section 603. The Committee continues the provision limiting
procurement contracts for consulting service expenditures to
contracts that are matters of public record and available for
public inspection.
Section 604. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting transfer of funds in this Act without express
authority.
Section 605. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds to engage in activities that would
prohibit the enforcement of section 307 of the 1930 Tariff Act.
Section 606. The Committee continues the provision
concerning compliance with the Buy American Act.
Section 607. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds by any person or entity convicted
of violating the Buy American Act.
Section 608. The Committee continues the provision
specifying reprogramming procedures. The provision requires
that agencies or entities funded by the Act notify the
Committee and obtain prior approval from the Committee for any
reprogramming of funds that: (1) creates a new program; (2)
eliminates a program, project, or activity; (3) increases funds
or personnel for any program, project, or activity for which
funds have been denied or restricted by the Congress; (4)
proposes to use funds directed for a specific activity by
either the House or Senate Committees on Appropriations for a
different purpose; (5) augments existing programs, projects, or
activities in excess of $5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is
less; (6) reduces existing programs, projects, or activities by
$5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less; or (7) reorganizes
offices, programs, or activities. The provision directs
agencies funded by this Act to consult with the Committee prior
to any significant reorganization. The provision also directs
the agencies funded by this Act to submit operating plans for
the Committee's review within 60 days of the bill's enactment.
Section 609. The Committee continues the provision
providing that fifty percent of unobligated balances may remain
available through September 30, 2016, for certain purposes.
Section 610. The Committee includes the provision
prohibiting funding for the Executive Office of the President
to request either a Federal Bureau of Investigation background
investigation or Internal Revenue Service determination with
respect to section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
except with the express consent of the individual involved in
an investigation or in extraordinary circumstances involving
national security.
Section 611. The Committee continues the provision
regarding cost accounting standards for contracts under the
Federal Employee Health Benefits Program.
Section 612. The Committee continues the provision
regarding non-foreign area cost of living allowances.
Section 613. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the expenditure of funds for abortion under the
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
Section 614. The Committee continues the provision making
exceptions to the preceding provision where the life of the
mother is in danger or the pregnancy is a result of an act of
rape or incest.
Section 615. The Committee continues the provision carried
annually since 2004 waiving restrictions on the purchase of
non-domestic articles, materials, and supplies in the case of
acquisition of information technology by the Federal
Government.
Section 616. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting officers or employees of any regulatory agency or
commission funded by this Act from accepting travel payments or
reimbursements from a person or entity regulated by such agency
or commission.
Section 617. The Committee continues the provision
permitting the Securities and Exchange Commission and
Commodities Futures Trading Commission to fund a joint advisory
committee to advise on emerging regulatory issues,
notwithstanding Section 708 of this Act.
Section 618. The Committee continues the provision
requiring certain agencies to provide quarterly reports on
unobligated balances after the end of the quarter.
Section 619. The Committee continues the provision
requiring certain agencies in this Act to consult with the
General Services Administration before seeking new office space
or making alterations to existing office space.
Section 620. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds for the Federal Trade Commission to complete
the draft report entitled ``Interagency Working Group on Food
Marketed to Children: Preliminary Proposed Nutrition Principles
to Guide Industry Self-Regulatory Efforts'' unless the
Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children complies
with Executive Order 13563, including the requirement in it to
provide quantified present and future benefits and costs.
Section 621. The Committee modifies the provision
prohibiting funding for certain czars including the Director of
the White House Office of Health Reform, the Assistant to the
President for Energy and Climate Change, the Senior Advisor to
the Secretary of the Treasury assigned to the Presidential Task
Force on the Auto Industry and Senior Counselor for
Manufacturing Policy, and the White House Director of Urban
Affairs, or any substantially similar positions.
Section 622. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funding made available by this Act to be used to
enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or
cooperative agreement with, make a grant to, or provide a loan
or loan guarantee to, any corporation that has any unpaid
Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all
judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or
have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner
pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for
collecting the tax liability, where the awarding agency is
aware of the unpaid tax liability, unless an agency has
considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and has
made a determination that this further action is not necessary
to protect the interests of the Government.
Section 623. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funding made available by this Act to be used to
enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or
cooperative agreement with, make a grant to, or provide a loan
or loan guarantee to, any corporation that was convicted of a
felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the
preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the
conviction, unless an agency has considered suspension or
debarment of the corporation and has made a determination that
this further action is not necessary to protect the interests
of the Government.
Section 624. The Committee includes language providing for
several appropriated mandatory accounts. These are accounts
where authorizing language requires the payment of funds. The
budget request assumes the following estimated cost for the
programs addressed in this provision: $450,000 for Compensation
of the President including $50,000 for expenses, $143,600,000
for the Judicial Retirement Funds (Judicial Officers'
Retirement Fund, Judicial Survivors' Annuities Fund, and the
United States Court of Federal Claims Judges' Retirement Fund),
$11,806,000,000 for the Government Payment for Annuitants,
Employee Health Benefits, $55,000,000 for the Government
Payment for Annuitants, Employee Life Insurance, and
$8,975,000,000 for the Payment to the Civil Service Retirement
and Disability Fund.
Section 625. The Committee includes language prohibiting
the obligation of funds in fiscal year 2015 from the Securities
and Exchange Commission Reserve Fund established by the Dodd-
Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The
Committee believes the Commission should request the level of
funding it believes is necessary in any given fiscal year and
not have access to reserve funding that is outside of the
Congressional review process.
Section 626. The Committee includes language prohibiting
funds for the Securities and Exchange Commission to require the
disclosure of political contributions, contributions to tax
exempt organizations, or dues paid to trade associations.
Section 627. The Committee includes a provision extending
the Multinational Species Conservation Fund Semipostal Stamp
Act of 2010. The National Strategy for Combating Wildlife
Trafficking calls for the extension of the requirement that the
Postal Service print the Multinational Species Conservation
Funds Semipostal Stamp as an important, consumer-driven source
of funding for Federal antitrafficking efforts. The provision
requires the Postal Service to continue printing the stamp
through 2017 and to offer consumers additional stamps depicting
endangered species supported by the Multinational Species
Conservation Fund.
Section 628. The Committee includes language requiring
certain regulatory agencies to provide a report on increasing
public participation in rulemaking, improving coordination
among Federal agencies, and identifying ineffective or
excessively burdensome regulations.
Section 629. The Committee includes language prohibiting
contracts for services to train Executive Branch employees to
support or defeat legislation pending before Congress.
Section 630. The Committee includes language prohibiting
funds for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to destroy,
deface, or dispose of records in contravention of the Federal
Records Act (FRA) and to require the Archivist to report on IRS
compliance with the FRA.
Section 631. The Committee includes language prohibiting
funds to require the disclosure by a provider of electronic
communications service or a remote computing services of wire
or electronic communications that is in electronic storage by
any other than a means authorized under section 2703(b)(1)(A)
of title 18 of the United States Code.
Section 632. The Committee includes language amending
section 716 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act.
TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS--GOVERNMENT-WIDE
Departments, Agencies, and Corporations
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Section 701. The Committee continues the provision
requiring agencies to administer a policy designed to ensure
that all of its workplaces are free from the illegal use of
controlled substances.
Section 702. The Committee continues the provision
establishing price limitations on vehicles to be purchased by
the Federal Government with an exemption for the purchase of
electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and hydrogen fuel cell
vehicles.
Section 703. The Committee continues the provision allowing
funds made available to agencies for travel to also be used for
quarter allowances and cost-of-living allowances.
Section 704. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the employment of noncitizens with certain
exceptions.
Section 705. The Committee continues the provision giving
agencies the authority to pay General Services Administration
bills for space renovation and other services.
Section 706. The Committee continues the provision allowing
agencies to finance the costs of recycling and waste prevention
programs with proceeds from the sale of materials recovered
through such programs.
Section 707. The Committee continues the provision
providing that funds made available to corporations and
agencies subject to 31 U.S.C. 91 may pay rent and other service
costs in the District of Columbia.
Section 708. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting interagency financing of groups absent prior
statutory approval.
Section 709. The Committee continues the provision, with a
modification, prohibiting the use of funds for enforcing
regulations disapproved in accordance with the applicable law
of the U.S.
Section 710. The Committee continues the provision limiting
the amount of funds that can be used for redecoration of
offices under certain circumstances.
Section 711. The Committee continues the provision to allow
for interagency funding of national security and emergency
telecommunications initiatives.
Section 712. The Committee continues, with modification,
the provision requiring agencies to certify that a Schedule C
appointment was not created solely or primarily to detail the
employee to the White House.
Section 713. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the payment of any employee who prohibits,
threatens or prevents another employee from communicating with
Congress.
Section 714. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting Federal training not directly related to the
performance of official duties.
Section 715. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting, other than for normal and recognized executive-
legislative relationships, propaganda, publicity and lobbying
by executive agency personnel in support or defeat of
legislative initiatives.
Section 716. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting any Federal agency from disclosing an employee's
home address to any labor organization, absent employee
authorization or court order.
Section 717. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds to be used to provide non-public information
such as mailing, telephone, or electronic mailing lists to any
person or organization outside the government without the
approval of the Committees on Appropriations.
Section 718. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds for propaganda and publicity
purposes not authorized by Congress.
Section 719. The Committee continues the provision
directing agency employees to use official time in an honest
effort to perform official duties.
Section 720. The Committee continues the provision
authorizing the use of funds to finance an appropriate share of
the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board.
Section 721. The Committee continues the provision
authorizing agencies to transfer $17,000,000 to the Government-
wide Policy account of General Services Administration to
finance an appropriate share of various government-wide boards
and councils.
Section 722. The Committee continues the provision that
permits breast feeding in a Federal building or on Federal
property if the woman and child are authorized to be there.
Section 723. The Committee continues the provision that
permits interagency funding of the National Science and
Technology Council and provides for a report on the budget and
resources of the National Science and Technology Council. The
report should include the entire budget of the National Science
and Technology Council.
Section 724. The Committee continues the provision
requiring documents involving the distribution of Federal funds
to indicate the agency providing the funds and the amount
provided.
Section 725. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds to monitor personal access or use
of Internet sites or to collect, review, or obtain any
personally identifiable information relating to access to or
use of an Internet site.
Section 726. The Committee continues a provision requiring
health plans participating in the Federal Employees Health
Benefits Program to provide contraceptive coverage and provides
exemptions to certain religious plans.
Section 727. The Committee continues language supporting
strict adherence to anti-doping activities.
Section 728. The Committee continues a provision allowing
funds for official travel to be used by departments and
agencies, if consistent with OMB Circular A-126, to participate
in the fractional aircraft ownership pilot program.
Section 729. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds for implementation of Office of Personnel
Management regulations limiting detailees to the Legislative
Branch, and implementing limitations on the Coast Guard
Congressional Fellowship Program.
Section 730. The Committee continues the provision that
restricts the use of funds for Federal law enforcement training
facilities.
Section 731. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits Executive Branch agencies from creating prepackaged
news stories that are broadcast or distributed in the United
States unless the story includes a clear notification within
the text or audio of such news story that the prepackaged news
story was prepared or funded by that executive branch agency.
This provision confirms the opinion of the Government
Accountability Office dated February 17, 2005 (B-304272).
Section 732. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting use of funds in contravention of section 552a of
title 5, United States Code (the Privacy Act) and regulations
implementing that section.
Section 733. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds from being used for any Federal Government
contract with any foreign incorporated entity which is treated
as an inverted domestic corporation.
Section 734. The Committee continues the provision
requiring agencies to pay a fee to the Office of Personnel
Management for processing retirement of employees who separate
under Voluntary Early Retirement Authority or who receive
Voluntary Separation Incentive payments.
Section 735. The Committee includes language prohibiting
funds to require any entity submitting an offer for a Federal
contract or participating in an acquisition to disclose
political contributions.
Section 736. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds for the painting of a portrait of an employee
of the Federal government including the President, the Vice
President, a Member of Congress, the head of an executive
branch agency, or the head of an office of the legislative
branch.
Section 737. The Committee continues the provision limiting
the pay increases of certain prevailing rate employees.
Section 738. The Committee continues a provision
eliminating automatic statutory pay increases for the Vice
President, political appointees paid under the executive
schedule, ambassadors who are not career members of the Foreign
Service, politically appointed (noncareer) Senior Executive
Service employees, and any other senior political appointee
paid at or above level IV of the executive schedule.
Section 739. The Committee continues a provision requiring
agencies to submit reports to Inspectors General concerning
expenditures for agency conferences.
Section 740. The Committee includes a provision with a
modification prohibiting funds to be used to increase,
eliminate, or reduce funding for a program or project unless
such change is made pursuant to reprogramming or transfer
provisions.
Section 741. The Committee continues the provision
concerning the non-application of these general provisions to
title IV and to title VIII.
TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Section 801. The Committee continues language that
appropriates funds for refunding overpayments of taxes
collected and for paying settlements and judgments against the
District of Columbia government.
Section 802. The Committee continues language prohibiting
the use of Federal funds for publicity or propaganda purposes.
Section 803. The Committee continues language establishing
reprogramming procedures for Federal and local funds.
Section 804. The Committee continues language prohibiting
the use of Federal funds to provide salaries or other costs
associated with the offices of United States Senator or
Representative.
Section 805. The Committee continues modified language
restricting the use of official vehicles to official duties.
Section 806. The Committee continues language prohibiting
the use of Federal funds for any petition drive or civil action
which seeks to require Congress to provide for voting
representation in Congress for the District of Columbia.
Section 807. The Committee includes language prohibiting
the use of Federal funds for needle exchange programs.
Section 808. The Committee continues language providing for
a ``conscience clause'' on legislation that pertains to
contraceptive coverage by health insurance plans.
Section 809. The Committee continues language prohibiting
the use of Federal funds to legalize or reduce penalties
associated with the possession, use, or distribution on any
schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act or any
tetrahydrocannabinols derivative.
Language is also included prohibiting local and Federal
funds to legalize or reduce penalties associated with the
possession, use, or distribution of any schedule I substance
under the Controlled Substance Act or any tetrahydrocannabinols
derivative for recreational use.
Section 810. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the use of funds for abortion except in the cases of
rape or incest or if necessary to save the life of the mother.
Section 811. The Committee continues language requiring the
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to submit a revised operating
budget for all agencies in the D.C. government, no later than
30 calendar days after the enactment of this Act that realigns
budgeted data with anticipated actual expenditures.
Section 812. The Committee continues language requiring the
CFO to submit a revised operating budget for D.C. Public
Schools, no later than 30 calendar days after the enactment of
this Act, that realigns school budgets to actual school
enrollment.
Section 813. The Committee continues language allowing the
transfer of local funds and capital and enterprise funds.
Section 814. The Committee continues language prohibiting
the obligation of Federal funds beyond the current fiscal year
and transfers of funds unless expressly provided herein.
Section 815. The Committee continues language providing
that not to exceed 50 percent of unobligated balances from
Federal appropriations for salaries and expenses may remain
available for certain purposes. This provision will apply to
the District of Columbia Courts, the Court Services and
Offender Supervision Agency and the District of Columbia Public
Defender Service.
Section 816. The Committee continues language appropriating
local funds during fiscal year 2016 if there is an absence of a
continuing resolution or regular appropriation for the District
of Columbia. Funds are provided under the same authorities and
conditions and in the same manner and extent as provided for in
fiscal year 2015.
Section 817. The Committee continues language limiting
references to ``this Act'' as referring to only this title and
title IV.
TITLE IX--ADDITIONAL GENERAL PROVISION
Section 901. The Committee includes language prohibiting
funds to pay for an abortion or the administrative expenses in
connection with a multi-State qualified health plan offered
under a contract under section 1334 of the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act which provides any benefits or coverage
for abortions with exceptions where the live of the mother
would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or the
pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest.
SPENDING REDUCTION ACCOUNT
Section 902. The Committee includes a provision
establishing a ``Spending Reduction Account'' in the bill.
House of Representatives Report Requirements
The following items are included in accordance with various
requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives:
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following is a statement of
general performance goals and objectives for which this measure
authorizes funding:
The Committee on Appropriations considers program
performance, including a program's success in developing and
attaining outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing
funding recommendations.
Rescission of Funds
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following table is submitted
describing the rescissions recommended in the accompanying
bill:
Treasury Forfeiture Fund.............................. $750,000,000
Transfer of Funds
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following is submitted describing
the transfer of funds provided in the accompanying bill:
UNDER TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Under the Department of the Treasury, ``Office of Terrorism
and Financial Intelligence, Salaries and Expenses'',
unobligated balances associated with these activities under the
Departmental Offices heading shall be transferred and merged
with this account.
Section 101 allows the transfer of five percent of any
appropriation made available to the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) to any other IRS appropriation, subject to prior
congressional approval.
Section 114 authorizes transfers, up to two percent,
between Departmental Offices, Office of Inspector General,
Special Inspector General for Troubled Asset Relief Program,
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Bureau of the Fiscal
Service, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program
Account appropriations under certain circumstances.
Section 115 authorizes transfers, up to two percent,
between the IRS and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax
Administration under certain circumstances.
Section 117 authorizes the transfer of funds from the
``Bureau of the Fiscal Service'' to the ``Debt Collection
Fund'' as necessary to cover the cost of debt collection.
UNDER TITLE II--EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Language is included under Federal Drug Control Programs,
``High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program'', which allows
for the transfer of funds to Federal departments or agencies
and State and local entities.
Language is included under ``Other Federal Drug Control
Programs'', allowing the transfer of funds to other Federal
departments and agencies to carry out activities.
Language is included under ``Information Technology
Oversight and Reform'', allowing the transfer of funds to other
agencies to carry out projects.
Language is included under the Official Residence of the
Vice President, ``Operating Expenses'', allowing the transfer
of funds to other Federal departments or agencies.
Section 201 permits the Executive Office of the President
to transfer up to 10 percent of any appropriation, subject to
approval of the Committee.
UNDER TITLE III--THE JUDICIARY
Language is included under ``Courts of Appeals, District
Courts, and Other Judicial Services, Court Security'', allowing
funds to be transferred to the United States Marshals Service
for courthouse security.
Section 302 permits the Judiciary to transfer up to five
percent of any appropriation with certain limitations.
UNDER TITLE V--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
Under Title V, Independent Agencies, a number of transfers
are allowed.
(1) Under the General Services Administration, amounts may
be transferred within the Federal Buildings Fund, under certain
circumstances, after approval of the Committee on
Appropriations.
(2) Under the General Services Administration, ``Operating
Expenses'', amounts not to exceed five percent may be
transferred to the appropriation for ``Real and Personal
Property Management and Disposal''.
(3) Under the General Services Administration, ``Federal
Citizens Services Fund'', transfers are allowed from the
Federal Citizens Services Fund to Federal agencies.
(4) Under the General Services Administration, ``Federal
Citizens Services Fund'', transfers are allowed from
unobligated funding provided to the ``Electronic Government
Fund'' as of September 30, 2014, to the Federal Citizens
Services Fund.
Section 508 permits the General Services Administration to
transfer funds in the Federal Buildings Fund after approval of
the Committee on Appropriations.
(5) Under Merit Systems Protection Board, an amount is
transferred from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability
Fund.
(6) Under Office of Personnel Management, amounts from
certain trust funds are transferred to the Salaries and
Expenses and Office of Inspector General accounts for
administrative expenses;
(7) Under the Postal Regulatory Commission, amounts are
transferred from the Postal Service Fund;
(8) Under Small Business Administration, Business Loans
Program Account, amounts may be transferred to and merged with
Salaries and Expenses.
(9) Under Small Business Administration, Disaster Loans
Program Account, amounts may be transferred to and merged with
the Office of Inspector General, and Salaries and Expenses.
(10) Under Administrative Provision-Small Business
Administration, amounts may be transferred between
appropriations of the Small Business Administration.
(11) Under United States Postal Service, Office of
Inspector General, amounts are transferred from the Postal
Service Fund.
UNDER TITLE VII--GOVERNMENT-WIDE
Section 721 authorizes departments and agencies to transfer
funds to the General Services Administration to support certain
financial, information technology, procurement and other
management initiatives.
UNDER TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Section 803 authorizes the District of Columbia to transfer
local funds and section 813 allows transfer funds between
operations and capital accounts.
Disclosure of Earmarks and Congressionally Directed Spending Items
Neither the bill nor the report contains any Congressional
earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as
defined in clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives.
Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3(e) (Ramseyer Rule)
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
DODD-FRANK WALL STREET REFORM AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
(Public Law 111-203)
* * * * * * *
TITLE I--FINANCIAL STABILITY
* * * * * * *
Subtitle B--Office of Financial Research
* * * * * * *
SEC. 155. FUNDING.
(a) * * *
(b) Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Funds obtained by, transferred to,
or credited to the Financial Research Fund shall be
[immediately] available to the Office as provided for
in appropriations Acts, and shall remain available
until expended, to pay the expenses of the Office in
carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the
Office.
[(2) Fees, assessments, and other funds not
government funds.--Funds obtained by, transferred to,
or credited to the Financial Research Fund shall not be
construed to be Government funds or appropriated
moneys.]
[(3)] (2) Amounts not subject to apportionment.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts in
the Financial Research Fund shall not be subject to
apportionment for purposes of chapter 15 of title 31,
United States Code, or under any other authority, or
for any other purpose.
* * * * * * *
(d) [Permanent Self-funding.--] Assessment Schedule.--
Beginning 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall establish, by regulation, and with the approval
of the Council, an assessment schedule, including the
assessment base and rates, applicable to bank holding companies
with total consolidated assets of 50,000,000,000 or greater and
nonbank financial companies supervised by the Board of
Governors, that takes into account differences among such
companies, based on the considerations for establishing the
prudential standards under section 115, to collect assessments
equal to the total expenses of the Office.
* * * * * * *
TITLE VII--WALL STREET TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
* * * * * * *
Subtitle A--Regulation of Over-the-Counter Swaps Markets
PART I--REGULATORY AUTHORITY
* * * * * * *
SEC. 716. PROHIBITION AGAINST FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BAILOUTS OF SWAPS
ENTITIES.
(a) * * *
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Federal assistance.--The term ``Federal
assistance'' means the use of any advances from any
Federal Reserve credit facility or discount window that
is not part of a program or facility with broad-based
eligibility under section 13(3)(A) of the Federal
Reserve Act, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
insurance or guarantees for the purpose of--
(A) making any loan to, or purchasing any
stock, equity interest, or debt obligation of,
any swaps entity;
(B) purchasing the assets of any swaps
entity;
(C) guaranteeing any loan or debt issuance of
any swaps entity; or
(D) entering into any assistance arrangement
(including tax breaks), loss sharing, or profit
sharing with any swaps entity.
(2) Swaps entity.--
(A) In general.--The term ``swaps entity''
means any swap dealer, security-based swap
dealer, major swap participant, major security-
based swap participant, that is registered
under--
(i) the Commodity Exchange Act (7
U.S.C. 1 et seq.); or
(ii) the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.).
(B) Exclusion.--The term ``swaps entity''
does not include any major swap participant or
major security-based swap participant that is
an [insured depository institution] covered
depository institution.
(3) Covered depository institution.--The term
``covered depository institution'' means--
(A) an insured depository institution, as
that term is defined in section 3 of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813);
and
(B) a United States uninsured branch or
agency of a foreign bank.
(c) Affiliates of [Insured] Covered Depository
Institutions.--The prohibition on Federal assistance contained
in subsection (a) does not apply to and shall not prevent [an
insured] a covered depository institution from having or
establishing an affiliate which is a swaps entity, as long as
[such insured] such covered depository institution is part of a
bank holding company, [or savings and loan holding company]
savings and loan holding company, or foreign banking
organization (as such term is defined under Regulation K of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (12 C.F.R.
211.21(o))), that is supervised by the Federal Reserve and such
swaps entity affiliate complies with sections 23A and 23B of
the Federal Reserve Act and such other requirements as the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or the Securities Exchange
Commission, as appropriate, and the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, may determine to be necessary and
appropriate.
[(d) Only Bona Fide Hedging and Traditional Bank Activities
Permitted.--The prohibition in subsection (a) shall apply to
any insured depository institution unless the insured
depository institution limits its swap or security-based swap
activities to:
[(1) Hedging and other similar risk mitigating
activities directly related to the insured depository
institution's activities.
[(2) Acting as a swaps entity for swaps or security-
based swaps involving rates or reference assets that
are permissible for investment by a national bank under
the paragraph designated as ``Seventh.'' of section
5136 of the Revised Statutes of the United States ( 12
U.S.C. 24), other than as described in paragraph (3).
[(3) Limitation on credit default swaps.--Acting as a
swaps entity for credit default swaps, including swaps
or security-based swaps referencing the credit risk of
asset-backed securities as defined in section 3(a)(77)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C.
78c(a)(77)) (as amended by this Act) shall not be
considered a bank permissible activity for purposes of
subsection (d)(2) unless such swaps or security-based
swaps are cleared by a derivatives clearing
organization (as such term is defined in section la of
the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. la)) or a clearing
agency (as such term is defined in section 3 of the
Securities Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c)) that is
registered, or exempt from registration, as a
derivatives clearing organization under the Commodity
Exchange Act or as a clearing agency under the
Securities Exchange Act, respectively.]
(d) Only Bona Fide Hedging and Traditional Bank Activities
Permitted.--
(1) In general.--The prohibition in subsection (a)
shall not apply to any covered depository institution
that limits its swap and security-based swap activities
to the following:
(A) Hedging and other similar risk mitigation
activities.--Hedging and other similar risk
mitigating activities directly related to the
covered depository institution's activities.
(B) Non-structured finance swap activities.--
Acting as a swaps entity for swaps or security-
based swaps other than a structured finance
swap.
(C) Certain structured finance swap
activities.--Acting as a swaps entity for swaps
or security-based swaps that are structured
finance swaps, if--
(i) such structured finance swaps are
undertaken for hedging or risk
management purposes; or
(ii) each asset-backed security
underlying such structured finance
swaps is of a credit quality and of a
type or category with respect to which
the prudential regulators have jointly
adopted rules authorizing swap or
security-based swap activity by covered
depository institutions.
(2) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection:
(A) Structured finance swap.--The term
``structured finance swap'' means a swap or
security-based swap based on an asset-backed
security (or group or index primarily comprised
of asset-backed securities).
(B) Asset-backed security.--The term ``asset-
backed security'' has the meaning given such
term under section 3(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)).
(e) Existing Swaps and Security-based Swaps.--The prohibition
in subsection (a) shall only apply to swaps or security-based
swaps entered into by [an insured] a covered depository
institution after the end of the transition period described in
subsection (f).
(f) Transition Period.--To the extent [an insured depository]
a covered depository institution qualifies as a ``swaps
entity'' and would be subject to the Federal assistance
prohibition in subsection (a), the appropriate Federal banking
agency, after consulting with and considering the views of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or the Securities Exchange
Commission, as appropriate, shall permit [the insured
depository] the covered depository institution up to 24 months
to divest the swaps entity or cease the activities that require
registration as a swaps entity. In establishing the appropriate
transition period to effect such divestiture or cessation of
activities, which may include making the swaps entity an
affiliate of [the insured depository] the covered depository
institution, the appropriate Federal banking agency shall take
into account and make written findings regarding the potential
impact of such divestiture or cessation of activities on [the
insured depository] the covered depository institution's (1)
mortgage lending, (2) small business lending, (3) job creation,
and (4) capital formation versus the potential negative impact
on insured depositors and the Deposit Insurance Fund of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The appropriate Federal
banking agency may consider such other factors as may be
appropriate. The appropriate Federal banking agency may place
such conditions on [the insured depository] the covered
depository institution's divestiture or ceasing of activities
of the swaps entity as it deems necessary and appropriate. The
transition period under this subsection may be extended by the
appropriate Federal banking agency, after consultation with the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and
Exchange Commission, for a period of up to 1 additional year.
* * * * * * *
TITLE X--BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION
* * * * * * *
Subtitle A--Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection
* * * * * * *
SEC. 1017. FUNDING; PENALTIES AND FINES.
(a) Transfer of Funds From Board Of Governors.--
(1) In general.--Each year (or quarter of such year),
beginning on the designated transfer date, and each
quarter thereafter, the Board of Governors shall
transfer to the Bureau from the combined earnings of
the Federal Reserve System, the amount determined by
the Director to be reasonably necessary to carry out
the authorities of the Bureau under Federal consumer
financial law, taking into account such other sums made
available to the Bureau from the preceding year (or
quarter of such year).
(2) Funding cap.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph
(1), and in accordance with this paragraph, the
amount that shall be transferred to the Bureau
in each fiscal year shall not exceed a fixed
percentage of the total operating expenses of
the Federal Reserve System, as reported in the
Annual Report, 2009, of the Board of Governors,
equal to--
(i) 10 percent of such expenses in
fiscal year 2011;
(ii) 11 percent of such expenses in
fiscal year 2012; and
(iii) 12 percent of such expenses in
fiscal year 2013, and in each year
thereafter.
(B) Adjustment of amount.--The dollar amount
referred to in subparagraph (A)(iii) shall be
adjusted annually, using the percent increase,
if any, in the employment cost index for total
compensation for State and local government
workers published by the Federal Government, or
the successor index thereto, for the 12-month
period ending on September 30 of the year
preceding the transfer.
[(C) Reviewability.--Notwithstanding any
other provision in this title, the funds
derived from the Federal Reserve System
pursuant to this subsection shall not be
subject to review by the Committees on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives
and the Senate.]
(3) Transition period.--Beginning on the date of
enactment of this Act and until the designated transfer
date, the Board of Governors shall transfer to the
Bureau the amount estimated by the Secretary needed to
carry out the authorities granted to the Bureau under
Federal consumer financial law, from the date of
enactment of this Act until the designated transfer
date.
(4) Budget and financial management.--
(A) Financial operating plans and
forecasts.--The Director shall provide to the
Director of the Office of Management and Budget
copies of the financial operating plans and
forecasts of the Director, as prepared by the
Director in the ordinary course of the
operations of the Bureau, and copies of the
quarterly reports of the financial condition
and results of operations of the Bureau, as
prepared by the Director in the ordinary course
of the operations of the Bureau.
(B) Financial statements.--The Bureau shall
prepare annually a statement of--
(i) assets and liabilities and
surplus or deficit;
(ii) income and expenses; and
(iii) sources and application of
funds.
(C) Financial management systems.--The Bureau
shall implement and maintain financial
management systems that comply substantially
with Federal financial management systems
requirements and applicable Federal accounting
standards.
(D) Assertion of internal controls.--The
Director shall provide to the Comptroller
General of the United States an assertion as to
the effectiveness of the internal controls that
apply to financial reporting by the Bureau,
using the standards established in section
3512(c) of title 31, United States Code.
(E) Rule of construction.--This subsection
may not be construed as implying any obligation
on the part of the Director to consult with or
obtain the consent or approval of the Director
of the Office of Management and Budget with
respect to any report, plan, forecast, or other
information referred to in subparagraph (A) or
any jurisdiction or oversight over the affairs
or operations of the Bureau.
(F) Financial statements.--The financial
statements of the Bureau shall not be
consolidated with the financial statements of
either the Board of Governors or the Federal
Reserve System.
(5) Audit of the bureau.--
(A) In general.--The Comptroller General
shall annually audit the financial transactions
of the Bureau in accordance with the United
States generally accepted government auditing
standards, as may be prescribed by the
Comptroller General of the United States. The
audit shall be conducted at the place or places
where accounts of the Bureau are normally kept.
The representatives of the Government
Accountability Office shall have access to the
personnel and to all books, accounts,
documents, papers, records (including
electronic records), reports, files, and all
other papers, automated data, things, or
property belonging to or under the control of
or used or employed by the Bureau pertaining to
its financial transactions and necessary to
facilitate the audit, and such representatives
shall be afforded full facilities for verifying
transactions with the balances or securities
held by depositories, fiscal agents, and
custodians. All such books, accounts,
documents, records, reports, files, papers, and
property of the Bureau shall remain in
possession and custody of the Bureau. The
Comptroller General may obtain and duplicate
any such books, accounts, documents, records,
working papers, automated data and files, or
other information relevant to such audit
without cost to the Comptroller General, and
the right of access of the Comptroller General
to such information shall be enforceable
pursuant to section 716(c) of title 31, United
States Code.
(B) Report.--The Comptroller General shall
submit to the Congress a report of each annual
audit conducted under this subsection. The
report to the Congress shall set forth the
scope of the audit and shall include the
statement of assets and liabilities and surplus
or deficit, the statement of income and
expenses, the statement of sources and
application of funds, and such comments and
information as may be deemed necessary to
inform Congress of the financial operations and
condition of the Bureau, together with such
recommendations with respect thereto as the
Comptroller General may deem advisable. A copy
of each report shall be furnished to the
President and to the Bureau at the time
submitted to the Congress.
(C) Assistance and costs.--For the purpose of
conducting an audit under this subsection, the
Comptroller General may, in the discretion of
the Comptroller General, employ by contract,
without regard to section 3709 of the Revised
Statutes of the United States (41 U.S.C. 5),
professional services of firms and
organizations of certified public accountants
for temporary periods or for special purposes.
Upon the request of the Comptroller General,
the Director of the Bureau shall transfer to
the Government Accountability Office from funds
available, the amount requested by the
Comptroller General to cover the full costs of
any audit and report conducted by the
Comptroller General. The Comptroller General
shall credit funds transferred to the account
established for salaries and expenses of the
Government Accountability Office, and such
amount shall be available upon receipt and
without fiscal year limitation to cover the
full costs of the audit and report.
* * * * * * *
----------
JUDICIAL IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 1990
* * * * * * *
TITLE II--FEDERAL JUDGESHIPS
* * * * * * *
SEC. 203. DISTRICT JUDGES FOR THE DISTRICT COURTS.
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(c) Temporary Judgeships.--The President shall appoint, by
and with the advice and consent of the Senate--
(1) 1 additional district judge for the eastern
district of California;
(2) 1 additional district judge for the district of
Hawaii;
(3) 1 additional district judge for the central
district of Illinois;
(4) 1 additional district judge for the southern
district of Illinois;
(5) 1 additional district judge for the district of
Kansas;
(6) 1 additional district judge for the western
district of Michigan;
(7) 1 additional district judge for the eastern
district of Missouri;
(8) 1 additional district judge for the district of
Nebraska;
(9) 1 additional district judge for the northern
district of New York;
(10) 1 additional district judge for the northern
district of Ohio;
(11) 1 additional district judge for the eastern
district of Pennsylvania; and
(12) 1 additional district judge for the eastern
district of Virginia.
Except with respect to the district of Kansas, the western
district of Michigan, the eastern district of Pennsylvania, the
district of Hawaii, and the northern district of Ohio, the
first vacancy in the office of district judge in each of the
judicial districts named in this subsection, occurring 10 years
or more after the confirmation date of the judge named to fill
the temporary judgeship created by this subsection, shall not
be filled. The first vacancy in the office of district judge in
the district of Kansas occurring [23 years and 6 months] 24
years and 6 months or more after the confirmation date of the
judge named to fill the temporary judgeship created for such
district under this subsection, shall not be filled. The first
vacancy in the office of district judge in the western district
of Michigan, occurring after December 1, 1995, shall not be
filled. The first vacancy in the office of district judge in
the eastern district of Pennsylvania, occurring 5 years or more
after the confirmation date of the judge named to fill the
temporary judgeship created for such district under this
subsection, shall not be filled. The first vacancy in the
office of district judge in the northern district of Ohio
occurring 19 years or more after the confirmation date of the
judge named to fill the temporary judgeship created under this
subsection shall not be filled. The first vacancy in the office
of the district judge in the district of Hawaii occurring 20
years and 6 months or more after the confirmation date of the
judge named to fill the temporary judgeship created under this
subsection shall not be filled. For districts named in this
subsection for which multiple judgeships are created by this
Act, the last of those judgeships filled shall be the
judgeships created under this section.
* * * * * * *
----------
TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, THE JUDICIARY,
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT,
2006
DIVISION A--TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT,
THE JUDICIARY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006
* * * * * * *
TITLE IV--THE JUDICIARY
* * * * * * *
Sec. 406. The existing judgeship for the eastern district of
Missouri authorized by section 203(c) of the Judicial
Improvements Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-650, 104 Stat. 5089)
as amended by Public Law 105-53, as of the effective date of
this Act, shall be extended. The first vacancy in the office of
district judge in this district occurring [21 years and 6
months] 22 years and 6 months or more after the confirmation
date of the judge named to fill the temporary judgeship created
by section 203(c) shall not be filled.
* * * * * * *
----------
21ST CENTURY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT
* * * * * * *
DIVISION A--21ST CENTURY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS
AUTHORIZATION ACT
* * * * * * *
TITLE III--MISCELLANEOUS
* * * * * * *
SEC. 312. ADDITIONAL FEDERAL JUDGESHIPS.
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(c) Temporary Judgeships.--
(1) In general.--The President shall appoint, by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate--
(A) 1 additional district judge for the
northern district of Alabama;
(B) 1 additional judge for the district of
Arizona;
(C) 1 additional judge for the central
district of California;
(D) 1 additional judge for the southern
district of Florida;
(E) 1 additional district judge for the
district of New Mexico;
(F) 1 additional district judge for the
western district of North Carolina; and
(G) 1 additional district judge for the
eastern district of Texas.
(2) Vacancies not filled.--The first vacancy in the
office of district judge in each of the offices of
district judge authorized by this subsection, except in
the case of the central district of California and the
western district of North Carolina, occurring [12
years] 13 years or more after the confirmation date of
the judge named to fill the temporary district
judgeship created in the applicable district by this
subsection, shall not be filled. The first vacancy in
the office of district judge in the central district of
California occurring [11 years and 6 months] 12 years
and 6 months or more after the confirmation date of the
judge named to fill the temporary district judgeship
created in that district by this subsection, shall not
be filled. The first vacancy in the office of district
judge in the western district of North Carolina
occurring [10 years] 11 years or more after the
confirmation date of the judge named to fill the
temporary district judgeship created in that district
by this subsection, shall not be filled.
(3) Effective date.--This subsection shall take
effect on July 15, 2003.
* * * * * * *
----------
SECTION 84 OF TITLE 28, UNITED STATES CODE
Sec. 84. California
California is divided into four judicial districts to be
known as the Northern, Eastern, Central, and Southern Districts
of California.
(a) * * *
Eastern District
(b) The Eastern District comprises the counties of Alpine,
Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn,
Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Modoc,
Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta,
Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity,
Tulare, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba.
Court for the Eastern District shall be held at Bakersfield,
Fresno, Redding, and Sacramento.
* * * * * * *
----------
SECTION 2 OF THE MULTINATIONAL SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND SEMIPOSTAL
STAMP ACT OF 2010
SEC. 2. MULTINATIONAL SPECIES CONSERVATION FUNDS SEMIPOSTAL STAMP.
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(c) Other Terms and Conditions.--The issuance and sale of the
Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp shall
be governed by the provisions of section 416 of title 39,
United States Code, and regulations issued under such section,
subject to subsection (b) and the following:
(1) Disposition of proceeds.--
(A) In general.--All amounts becoming
available from the sale of the Multinational
Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp (as
determined under section 416(d) of such title
39) shall be transferred to the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service, for the purpose
described in subsection (a), through payments
which shall be made at least twice a year, with
the proceeds to be divided equally among the
African Elephant Conservation Fund, the Asian
Elephant Conservation Fund, the Great Ape
Conservation Fund, the Marine Turtle
Conservation Fund, the Rhinoceros and Tiger
Conservation Fund, and other international
wildlife conservation funds authorized by the
Congress after the date of the enactment of
this Act and administered by the Service as
part of the Multinational Species Conservation
Fund.
(B) Proceeds not to be offset.--In accordance
with section 416(d)(4) of such title 39,
amounts becoming available from the sale of the
Multinational Species Conservation Funds
Semipostal Stamp (as so determined) shall not
be taken into account in any decision relating
to the level of appropriations or other Federal
funding to be furnished in any year to--
(i) the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service; or
(ii) any of the funds identified in
subparagraph (A).
(2) Duration.--The Multinational Species Conservation
Funds Semipostal Stamp shall be made available to the
public for a period of at least [2 years] 6 years,
beginning no later than 12 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(3) Limitation.--The Multinational Species
Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp shall not be
subject to, or taken into account for purposes of
applying, any limitation under section 416(e)(1)(C) of
such title 39.
(4) Restriction on use of funds.--Amounts transferred
under paragraph (1) shall not be used to fund or
support the Wildlife Without Borders Program or to
supplement funds made available for the Neotropical
Migratory Bird Conservation Fund.
(5) Stamp depictions.--Members of the public shall be
offered a choice of 5 stamps under this Act, depicting
an African elephant or an Asian elephant, a rhinoceros,
a tiger, a marine turtle, and a great ape,
respectively.
* * * * * * *
Changes in the Application of Existing Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following statements are
submitted describing the effect of provisions proposed in the
accompanying bill which may be considered, under certain
circumstances, to change the application of existing law,
either directly or indirectly. The bill provides that
appropriations shall remain available for more than one year
for a number of programs for which the basic authorizing
legislation does not explicitly authorize such extended
availability. In addition, the bill carries language, in some
instances, permitting activities not authorized by law, or
exempting agencies from certain provisions of law, but which
has been carried in appropriations acts for many years.
The bill includes several limitations on official
entertainment, reception and representation expenses. Similar
provisions have appeared in many previous appropriations Acts.
The bill includes a number of limitations on the purchase of
automobiles or office furnishings that also have appeared in
many previous appropriations Acts. Language is included in
several instances permitting certain funds to be credited to
the appropriations recommended. Language is also included in
several instances permitting funding for services authorized by
5 U.S.C. 3109 and for the hire of passenger motor vehicles.
Title I--Department of the Treasury
Language is included for Departmental Offices, ``Salaries
and Expenses'', that provides funds for operation and
maintenance of the Treasury Building Annex; hire of passenger
motor vehicles; maintenance, repairs, and improvements of, and
purchase of commercial insurance policies for real properties
leased or owned overseas. Language is also included designating
funds for the Office of the Secretary/Deputy Secretary and the
Office of Legislative Affairs; official reception and
representation expenses; unforeseen emergencies of a
confidential nature; and extending the period of availability
for certain funds.
Language is included for the Office of Terrorism and
Financial Intelligence, ``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides
funds combating threats to national security. Language is also
included designating funds for certain purposes and providing
for a transfer of funds.
Language is included for the Office of Inspector General,
``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds to carry out the
provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978, including
official reception and representation expenses, the hire of
vehicles, and provides funds for unforeseen emergencies of a
confidential nature.
Language is included for the Treasury Inspector General for
Tax Administration, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides
funds to carry out the provisions of the Inspector General Act
of 1978, including consulting services, official reception and
representation expenses, the purchase and hire of motor
vehicles, unforeseen emergencies of a confidential nature, and
specifies the period of availability for certain funds.
Language is included for the Special Inspector General for
the Troubled Asset Relief Program, ``Salaries and Expenses'',
that provides funds for the necessary expenses of the SIGTARP
in carrying out the provisions of the Emergency Economic
Stabilization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343).
Language is included for the Financial Crimes Enforcement
Network, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for the
hire of motor vehicles; travel and training of non-federal and
foreign government personnel attending meetings involving
domestic or foreign financial law enforcement, intelligence,
and regulation; official reception and representation expenses;
and assistance to Federal law enforcement agencies with or
without reimbursement. Language is also included that extends
the availability of certain amounts.
Language is included under the heading ``Treasury
Forfeiture Fund'' rescinding certain funds.
Language is included for the Bureau of the Fiscal Service,
``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides a certain amount for
official reception and representation expenses, and extends the
availability for systems modernization funds. Language is also
included specifying an amount to be derived from the Oil Spill
Liability Trust Fund.
Language is included for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds
for the hire of passenger motor vehicles and laboratory
assistance to State and local agencies with or without
reimbursement. Language is also included that specifies the
amounts for official reception and representation expenses and
cooperative research and development.
Language is included for the U.S. Mint, ``United States
Mint Public Enterprise Fund'', which identifies the source of
funding for the operations and activities of the U.S. Mint and
specifies the level of funding for circulating coinage and
protective service capital investments.
Language is included for the Community Development
Financial Institutions Fund Program Account that provides
specific amounts for: financial and technical assistance,
Native American initiatives, the Bank Enterprise Award program,
administrative expenses, and the cost of direct loans. Language
is included clarifying the cost of direct loans and the cost of
modifying direct loans, and specifying the limitation on gross
obligations for the principal amount of direct loans.
Language is included under Internal Revenue Service,
``Taxpayer Services'', that provides funds for pre-filing
assistance and education, filing and account services, and
taxpayer advocacy services, and dedicating funding for the Tax
Counseling for the Elderly Program, low-income taxpayer clinic
grants, and Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance grants.
Language is included for Internal Revenue Service,
``Enforcement'', that provides funds to determine and collect
owed taxes, provide legal and litigation support, conduct
criminal investigations, enforce criminal statutes, purchase
and hire of vehicles; and designates funding for the
Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement program.
Language is included for the Internal Revenue Service,
``Operations Support'', that provides funds for operating and
supporting taxpayer services and tax law enforcement programs;
rent; facilities services; printing; postage; physical
security; headquarters and other IRS-wide administration
activities; research and statistics of income;
telecommunications; information technology development,
enhancement, operations, maintenance, and security; hire of
passenger motor vehicles; and official reception and
representation expenses. Language is included specifying the
period of availability for certain funds and requiring reports
on information technology.
Language is included for Internal Revenue Service,
``Business Systems Modernization'', that provides for the
business systems modernization program, including capital asset
acquisition of information technology, including management and
related contractual costs and IRS labor costs of said
acquisitions, contractual costs associated with operations,
provides for an extended availability of the funds and requires
quarterly reports.
In addition, the bill provides the following administrative
provisions:
Section 101. Language is included that allows for the
transfer of five percent of any appropriation made available to
the IRS to any other IRS appropriation, upon the advance
approval of the Committees on Appropriations.
Section 102. Language is included that requires the IRS to
maintain a training program in taxpayers' rights, dealing
courteously with taxpayers, cross-cultural relations, and the
impartial application of tax law.
Section 103. Language is included that requires the IRS to
institute and enforce policies and procedures that will
safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayer information and
protect taxpayers against identity theft.
Section 104. Language is included that makes funds
available for improved facilities and increased staffing to
provide efficient and effective 1-800 number help line service
for taxpayers.
Section 105. Language is included requiring videos produced
by the IRS to be approved in advance by the Service-Wide Video
Editorial Board.
Section 106. Language is included to require the IRS to
issue notices to employers of any address change request and to
give special consideration to offers in compromise for
taxpayers who have been victims of payroll tax preparer fraud.
Section 107. Language is included to prohibit the use of
funds by the IRS to target citizens of the United States for
exercising any right guaranteed under the First Amendment to
the Constitution of the United States.
Section 108. Language is included to prohibit the use of
funds by the IRS to target groups for regulatory scrutiny based
on their ideological beliefs.
Section 109. Language is included to prohibit the use of
funds by the IRS on conferences that do not adhere to
recommendations made by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax
Administration.
Section 110. Language is included prohibiting funds made
available in the healthcare reform act from being transferred
to the IRS for implementing the healthcare reform act.
Section 111. Language is included prohibiting funds from
being used to implement the individual mandate of the
Affordable Care Act.
Section 112. Language is included prohibiting funds for IRS
employee awards programs that do not consider employee conduct
and Federal tax compliance in determining whether an employee
should receive such an award.
Section 113. Language is included that authorizes the
Department to purchase uniforms, insurance for motor vehicles
that are overseas, and motor vehicles that are overseas without
regard to the general purchase price limitations; to enter into
contracts with the State Department for health and medical
services for Treasury employees that are overseas; and to hire
experts or consultants.
Section 114. Language is included that authorizes
transfers, up to two percent, between ``Departmental Offices--
Salaries and Expenses'', ``Office of Inspector General'',
``Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief
Program'', ``Financial Crimes Enforcement Network'', ``Bureau
of the Fiscal Service'', ``Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau'', and ``Community Development Financial Institutions
Fund Program Account'' appropriations under certain
circumstances.
Section 115. Language is included that authorizes
transfers, up to two percent, between the Internal Revenue
Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax
Administration under certain circumstances.
Section 116. Language is included prohibiting the
Department of the Treasury from undertaking a redesign of the
one dollar Federal Reserve note.
Section 117. Language is included providing for transfers
from and reimbursements to ``Bureau of the Fiscal Service,
Salaries and Expenses'' for the purposes of debt collection.
Section 118. Language is included requiring congressional
approval for the construction and operation of a museum by the
United States Mint.
Section 119. Language is included prohibiting funds in this
or any other Act from being used to merge the U.S. Mint and the
Bureau of Engraving and Printing without the approval of the
House and Senate committees of jurisdiction.
Section 120. Language is included deeming that funds for
the Department of the Treasury's intelligence-related
activities are specifically authorized in fiscal year 2015
until enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for
fiscal year 2015.
Section 121. Language is included permitting the Bureau of
Engraving and Printing to use $5,000 from the Industrial
Revolving Fund for reception and representation expenses.
Section 122. Language is included requiring the Department
of the Treasury to submit a capital investment plan.
Section 123. Language is included requiring a quarterly
report from both the Office of Financial Research and Office of
Financial Stability Oversight.
Section 124. Language is included requiring the Department
of the Treasury to submit a report on its Franchise Fund.
Section 125. Language is included limiting the fees
available for obligation by the Office of Financial Research.
Section 126. Language is included with respect to the
people-to-people category of travel to Cuba.
Section 127. Language is included requiring a report on a
certain category of travel to Cuba.
Section 128. Language is included to prohibit the
Department from finalizing any regulation related to the
standards used to determine the tax-exempt status of a
501(c)(4) organization.
Section 129. Language is included prohibit the Department
from enforcing guidance for U.S. positions on multilateral
development banks engaging with developing countries on coal-
fired power generation.
Section 131. Language is included to require the Department
to submit a report on economic warfare and financial terrorism.
Section 132. Language is included to require the Department
to submit a monthly report on unpaid premiums.
Title II--Executive Office of the President
Language under The White House, ``Salaries and Expenses'',
provides funds for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 and 3
U.S.C. 103, 105 and 107, hire of vehicles, and official
reception and representation expenses; and the Office of Policy
Development.
Language under the Executive Residence at the White House,
``Operating Expenses'', provides funds for necessary expenses
as authorized by 3 U.S.C. 105, 109, 110, and 112-114.
Language under the Executive Residence at the White House,
``Reimbursable Expenses'', specifies the authorized use of
funds; specifies that reimbursable expenses are the exclusive
authority of the Executive Residence to incur obligations and
receive offsetting collections; requires the sponsors of
political events to make advance payments; requires the
national committee of the political party of the President to
maintain $25,000 on deposit; requires the Executive Residence
to ensure that amounts owed are billed within 60 days of a
reimbursable event and collected within 30 days of the bill
notice; authorizes the Executive Residence to charge and assess
interest and penalties on late payments; authorizes all
reimbursements to be deposited into the Treasury as a
miscellaneous receipt; requires a report to the Committee on
the reimbursable expenses within 90 days of the end of the
fiscal year; requires the Executive Residence to maintain a
system for tracking and classifying reimbursable events; and
specifies that the Executive Residence is not exempt from the
requirements of subchapter I or II of chapter 37 of title 31,
United States Code.
Language under ``White House Repair and Restoration''
provides funds for the repair, alteration and improvement of
the Executive Residence at the White House; and allows funds to
remain available until expended.
Language under Council of Economic Advisors ``Salaries and
Expenses'' is provided for necessary expenses in carrying out
the Employment Act of 1946.
Language under National Security Council and Homeland
Security Council ``Salaries and Expenses'', provides for
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.
Language under Office of Administration, ``Salaries and
Expenses'', provides funds for continued modernization of the
information technology infrastructure within the Executive
Office of the President, to remain available until expended,
and provides for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 and 3
U.S.C. 107, and for the hire of vehicles.
Language under Office of Management and Budget, ``Salaries
and Expenses'', provides funds for expenses, services
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, the hire of vehicles; carrying out
provisions of chapter 35 of 44 U.S.C., and to prepare the
budget request; specifies funds for official representation
expense; prohibits the review of agricultural marketing orders;
prohibits the use of funds for the purpose of altering the
transcript of testimony except for OMB officials; prohibits the
use of funds for evaluating or determining if water resource
project or study reports submitted by the Chief of Engineers
are in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and
requirements; and specifies the amount of time to perform
budgetary policy reviews of water resource matters on which the
Chief of Engineers has reported before the report is considered
approved, and specifies notification requirements; requires
consultation with House and Senate standing committees with
respect to the number of printed and electronic versions of the
fiscal year 2016 budget that should be provided by OMB; and
prohibits the obligation of certain funds until the President's
budget for fiscal year 2016 is submitted.
Language under the Office of National Drug Control Policy,
``Salaries and Expenses'', provides funds for expenses,
research, official reception and representation expenses,
participation in joint projects, and allows for the acceptance
of gifts.
Language under Federal Drug Control Programs, ``High
Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program'', provides for the
transfer of funds to State, local and Federal entities.
Language is also included regarding the availability of funds,
specifying the amount of funds for auditing and associated
activities, providing for the reprogramming of certain balances
requiring, each designated High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area
to receive not less than the fiscal year 2014 base allocation
unless the Director of the Office of National Drug Control
Policy determines otherwise and submits a report to the
Committees on Appropriations, and requiring reports regarding
initial allocations and discretionary funding.
Language under Federal Drug Control Programs, ``Other
Federal Drug Control Programs'' provides funds for drug-free
communities (with an amount specified to be made available as
directed by section 4 of Public Law 107-82, as amended by
Public Law 109-469), anti-doping activities, the U.S.
membership dues to the World Anti-Doping Agency, drug courts
and a competitive grant program. Language also allows for
transfers and makes funds available until expended.
Language under ``Information Technology Oversight and
Reform'' provides funds for the furtherance of integrated,
efficient, secure, and effective uses of information
technology, to remain available until expended; allows funding
to be transferred to agencies to carry out projects; and
requires quarterly reports on identified savings by fiscal
year, agency and appropriation.
Language under Special Assistance to the President,
``Salaries and Expenses'', enables the Vice President to
provide assistance to the President, services authorized by 5
U.S.C. 3109 and 3 U.S.C. 106, and the hire of vehicles.
Language under Official Residence of the Vice President,
``Operating Expenses'', provides funds for operation and
maintenance of the official residence of the Vice President,
the hire of vehicles, expenses authorized by 3 U.S.C. 106(b)(2)
and provides for the transfer of funds as necessary.
In addition, the bill provides the following administrative
provisions:
Section 201. Language is included permitting the transfer
of not to exceed ten percent of funds between various accounts
within the Executive Office of the President, with advance
approval of the Committees on Appropriations. The amount of an
appropriation shall not be increased by more than 50 percent.
Section 202. Language is included requiring the Director of
the Office of Management and Budget to report on the costs of
implementing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act (Public Law 111-203).
Section 203. Language is included prohibiting funds to
prepare, sign or approve statements abrogating legislation
passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate and
signed by the President.
Section 204. Language is included prohibiting funding to
prepare or implement Executive Orders in contravention of
existing law.
Section 205. Language is included requiring Director of the
Office of Management and Budget to include a statement of
budgetary impact with any Executive Order issued during fiscal
year 2015.
Title III--The Judiciary
Language is included under Supreme Court, ``Salaries and
Expenses'', providing for certain funds to remain available
until expended; the hire of passenger motor vehicles, official
reception and representation, and miscellaneous expenses.
Language is included providing funds for salaries of judges as
authorized by law.
Language is included under Supreme Court, ``Care of the
Building and Grounds'', permitting funds to remain available
until expended.
Language is included under United States Court of Appeals
for the Federal Circuit, ``Salaries and Expenses'', for
necessary expenses of the court. Language is included providing
funds for salaries of judges as authorized by law.
Language is included under United States Court of
International Trade, ``Salaries and Expenses'', for necessary
expenses of the court. Language is included providing funds for
salaries of judges as authorized by law.
Language is included under Courts of Appeals, District
Courts, and Other Judicial Services, ``Salaries and Expenses'',
providing funds for the salaries of certain judges, and all
other employees not otherwise provided for; necessary expenses;
the purchase, rental, repair and cleaning of uniforms for
Probation and Pretrial Services Office staff; firearms and
ammunition; and specifies certain funds remain available for
certain periods for specific purposes. Language is included
providing funds for salaries of judges as authorized by law.
Language is also included providing funding from the Vaccine
Injury Compensation Trust Fund for certain purposes.
Language is included under Defender Services, providing for
the compensation and reimbursement of expenses for attorneys,
investigative, expert and other services, the operation of
Federal Defender organizations, travel, training, general
administrative expenses and permitting funds to remain
available until expended.
Language is included under Fees of Jurors and
Commissioners, permitting funds to remain available until
expended and specifying limitations for the compensation of
land commissioners.
Language is included under Court Security, providing for
protective guard services and procurement, installation and
maintenance of security systems and equipment, building
ingress-egress control, inspection of mail and packages,
directed security patrols, perimeter security and services
provided by the Federal Protective Services. Language is
included permitting certain funds to remain available until
expended, which may be transferred to the United States
Marshals Service.
Language is included under Administrative Office of the
United States Courts, ``Salaries and Expenses'', providing for
travel, the hire of passenger motor vehicles, advertising and
rent in the District of Columbia. Language is included
specifying certain amounts for official reception and
representation expenses.
Language is included under Federal Judicial Center,
``Salaries and Expenses'', extending the availability of
certain funds for education and training, and specifying
certain amounts for official reception and representation
expenses.
Language is included under United States Sentencing
Commission, ``Salaries and Expenses'', specifying certain
amounts for official reception and representation expenses.
In addition, the bill provides the following administrative
provisions:
Section 301. Language is included permitting funds for
salaries and expenses to be available for the employment of
experts and consultant services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.
Section 302. Language is included permitting up to five
percent of any appropriation made available for fiscal year
2015 to be transferred between Judiciary appropriations
provided that no appropriation shall be decreased by more than
five percent or increased by more than ten percent by any such
transfer except in certain circumstances. In addition, the
language provides that any such transfer shall be treated as a
reprogramming of funds under sections 604 and 608 of the
accompanying bill and shall not be available for obligation or
expenditure except in compliance with the procedures set forth
in those sections.
Section 303. Language is included allowing not to exceed
$11,000 to be used for official reception and representation
expenses incurred by the Judicial Conference of the United
States.
Section 304. Language is included allowing the delegation
of authority to the Judiciary for contracts for repairs of less
than $100,000 through fiscal year 2015.
Section 305. Language is included allowing a court security
pilot program.
Section 306. Language is included requested by the Judicial
Conference of the United States extending temporary judgeships
in the eastern district of Missouri, Kansas, Arizona, the
northern district of Alabama, the central district of
California, the western district of North Carolina, the
southern district of Florida, New Mexico and the eastern
district of Texas.
Section 307. Language is included establishing a place of
holding court in Bakersfield, California.
Title IV--District of Columbia
Language is included under ``Federal Payment for Resident
Tuition Support'', permitting the amount appropriated to remain
available until expended; specifying conditions for the use,
award, and financial accounting of funds; and requiring
quarterly reports.
Language is included under ``Federal Payment for Emergency
Planning and Security Costs in the District of Columbia'',
providing that the amount appropriated shall remain available
until expended for providing public safety at events, including
support of the United States Secret Service, and to respond to
terrorist threats or attacks.
Language is included under ``Federal Payment to the
District of Columbia Courts'', authorizing official reception
and representation expenses; specifying certain amounts for
specific purposes; providing all amounts under this heading
shall be apportioned quarterly by the Office of Management and
Budget and obligated and expended in the same manner as funds
appropriated for salaries and expenses of other Federal
agencies; allowing funds made available for capital
improvements to remain available until September 30, 2016;
providing for the reallocation of funds and providing for
certain payments.
Language is included under ``Defender Services in the
District of Columbia Courts'', providing that the amount
appropriated shall remain available until expended; specifying
who shall administer these funds; and providing that all
amounts under this heading shall be apportioned quarterly by
the Office of Management and Budget and obligated and expended
in the same manner as funds appropriated for salaries and
expenses of other Federal agencies.
Language is included under ``Federal Payment to the Court
Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of
Columbia'', allowing the transfer and hire of motor vehicles;
authorizing official reception and representation expenses;
specifying certain amounts for specific purposes and programs;
allowing $6,990,000 to remain available until September 30,
2017; providing that all amounts under this heading shall be
apportioned quarterly by the Office of Management and Budget
and obligated and expended in the same manner as funds
appropriated for salaries and expenses of other Federal
agencies; allowing the use of programmatic incentives for
offenders and defendants who successfully meet the terms of
their supervision; authorizing the Director to accept and use
gifts to support offender and defendant programs in the form
of: space and hospitality, equipment, supplies, and vocational
training services necessary to sustain, educate, and train
offenders and defendants, including their dependent children;
and programmatic incentives for offenders and defendants
meeting terms of supervision; specifying for recording the
acceptance of such gifts; and authorizing the acceptance and
use of space and services on a cost reimbursable basis from the
District of Columbia Government.
Language is included under ``Federal Payment to District of
Columbia Public Defender Service'', allowing the transfer and
hire of motor vehicles; providing that all amounts under this
heading shall be apportioned quarterly by the Office of
Management and Budget and obligated and expended in the same
manner as funds appropriated for salaries and expenses of other
Federal agencies; and authorizing the acceptance and use of
voluntary and uncompensated services to facilitate the work of
the District of Columbia Public Defender Service.
Language is included under ``Federal Payment to the
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council'', specifying that the
amount appropriated shall remain available until expended to
support initiatives related to the coordination of Federal and
local criminal justice resources.
Language is included under ``Federal Payment for Judicial
Commissions'', specifying certain amounts for certain
commissions and allowing for appropriations to remain available
until September 30, 2016.
Language is included under ``Federal Payment for School
Improvement'', allowing for appropriations to remain available
until expended for payments authorized under the Scholarship
for Opportunity and Results Act including providing
scholarships to eligible students who were not offered a
scholarship in the previous year. Provides that $3,000,000 is
available for the administrative, support and evaluation
activities.
Language is included under ``Federal Payment for the
District of Columbia National Guard'', providing funds for the
National Guard Retention and College Access Program to remain
available until expended.
Language is included under ``Federal Payment for Testing
and Treatment of HIV/AIDS'' for testing and treatment.
Language is included under ``District of Columbia Funds'':
(1) providing funds as proposed in the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget
Request Act of 2014 submitted to Congress by the District of
Columbia; (2) limits the amount provided in this Act for the
District of Columbia to the amount of the proposed budget or
the sum of total revenues; (3) providing conditions for
increasing the amount provided; and (4) directing the Chief
Financial Officer to ensure the District of Columbia meets all
requirements, but prohibits the reprogramming of capital
projects.
Title V--Independent Agencies
Language is included for the Administrative Conference of
the United States, ``Salaries and Expenses'', providing for
expenses, including official reception and representation and
allowing funds to be available until September 30, 2016.
The bill includes the following administrative provisions
under the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB):
Section 501. Language is included repealing the prohibition
against the Committees on Appropriations reviewing transfers
from the Federal Reserve System to the CFPB.
Section 502. Language is included changing CFPB's source of
funding from transfers from the Federal Reserve System to
annual appropriations beginning in fiscal year 2016.
Section 503. Language is included requiring CFPB to make
transfer requests to the Federal Reserve System and the
response from Federal Reserve System available on the Bureau's
public website, in addition to requiring CFPB to notify
Congress of when it makes such a request and to describe how
the funds will be used in the course of protecting consumers.
Section 504. Language is included requiring CFPB to submit
quarterly reports on its activities and to testify on its
activities when requested.
Language is included for the Consumer Product Safety
Commission, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for
expenses, the hire of motor vehicles, services as authorized by
5 U.S.C. 3109 (with a limitation on rates for individuals), and
official reception and representation expenses.
Language is included under the Federal Communications
Commission, ``Salaries and Expenses'', permitting funds for
uniforms and allowances therefor, official reception and
representation expenses, purchase and hire of motor vehicles,
special counsel fees, and services as authorized by 5 U.S.C.
3109. Language provides for the assessment and collection of
offsetting collections, authorizes retention of such
collections, and provides that they remain available until
expended. Language prohibits the availability for obligation of
excess collections. Language limits the use of proceeds from
the use of a competitive bidding system. Language provides
funding for the Office of Inspector General.
Language is included for the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, ``Office of Inspector General'', that provides for
the funds to be derived from the Deposit Insurance Fund, and
the FSLIC Resolution Fund.
Language is included for the Federal Election Commission,
``Salaries and Expenses'', providing for expenses, including
official reception and representation.
Language is included for the Federal Labor Relations
Authority, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, the hire of experts and
consultants, hire of motor vehicles, reception and
representation expenses and the rental of conference rooms;
authorizes travel payments to public members of the Federal
Service Impasses Panel; and allows for fees collected to be
transferred to and merged with the appropriation.
Language is included for the Federal Trade Commission,
``Salaries and Expenses'', permitting funds for uniforms and
allowances therefor, services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109,
official reception and representation expenses, hire of motor
vehicles, and contract for collection services. Language
provides for the crediting and retention of certain fees.
Language also prohibits funds from being used to implement
subsection (e)(2)(B) of section 43 of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act.
Language is included for the General Services
Administration, ``Federal Buildings Fund'' that allows for
revenues and collections to be spent from the Fund; specifies
the conditions under which funds made available can be used;
limits the availability of funds for certain purposes;
specifies funding for construction and acquisition projects;
specifies funding for special emphasis programs; provides for
certain transfers of funds; requires spending plans; and
prohibits excess funds from being available.
Language is included for the General Services
Administration, ``Government-wide Policy'', that provides funds
for policy and evaluation activities associated with the
management of real and personal property assets and certain
administrative services; support responsibilities relating to
acquisition, telecommunications, motor vehicles, information
technology management, and related technology activities; and
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.
Language is included for the General Services
Administration, ``Operating Expenses'' that provides funds for
Government-wide activities associated with personal and real
property disposal, and services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109;
for expenses for activities associated with agency-wide policy
direction and management; for necessary expenses of the
Civilian Board of Contract Appeals; for official reception and
representation; designates funds for certain purposes; and
provides for certain transfers.
Language is included for the General Services
Administration, ``Office of Inspector General'' that makes
certain funds available until expended and provides for awards
in recognition of efforts that enhance the office. Language is
included for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 and
designates funds for information and detection of fraud.
Language is included for the General Services
Administration, ``Allowances and Office Staff for Former
Presidents'', for carrying out the provisions of 3 U.S.C. 102
note and Public Law 95-138.
Language is included for the General Services
Administration, ``Federal Citizen Services Fund'', that
provides funds for the Office of Citizen Services and other
information technology costs. Language is included allowing for
certain transfers to the Federal Citizen Services Fund.
Language is also included for the ``Federal Citizen Services
Fund'' that authorizes funds to be deposited in the Fund and
limits the availability of funds in the Fund.
In addition, the bill includes the following administrative
provisions under the General Services Administration (GSA):
Section 507. Language is included providing authority for
the use of funds for the hire of motor vehicles.
Section 508. Language is included providing that funds made
available for activities of the Federal Buildings Fund may be
transferred between appropriations with advance approval of the
Congress to apply to funds provided in prior appropriations
Acts.
Section 509. Language is included requiring funds proposed
for developing courthouse construction requests to meet
appropriate standards and the priorities of the Judicial
Conference.
Section 510. Language is included providing that no funds
may be used to increase the amount of occupiable square feet,
provide cleaning services, security enhancements, or any other
service usually provided, to any agency which does not pay the
assessed rent.
Section 511. Language is included permitting GSA to pay
small claims (up to $250,000) made against the Federal
Government.
Section 512. Language is included requiring the
Administrator to ensure that the delineated area of procurement
for all lease agreements is identical to the delineated area
included in the prospectus unless prior notice is given to the
Committees.
Language is included for the Merit Systems Protection
Board, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, rental of conference
rooms, hire of passenger motor vehicles, direct procurement of
survey printing, official reception and representation
expenses, specifies the period of availability for certain
funds, provides for administration expenses to adjudicate
retirement appeals, and provides for the transfer of some
funds.
Language is included for the National Archives and Records
Administration, ``Operating Expenses'', that provides funds for
uniforms or allowances therefor, as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5901
et seq., including maintenance, repairs, and cleaning, the hire
of passenger motor vehicles, activities of the Public Interest
Declassification Board, the review and declassification of
documents, and the operations and maintenance of the electronic
records archive.
Language is included for the National Archives and Records
Administration, ``Office of Inspector General'', that provides
funds for the hire of motor vehicles.
Language is included for the National Archives and Records
Administration, ``Repairs and Restoration'', that provides
funds for the repair, alteration, improvement, and provision of
adequate storage; and provides that funds remain available
until expended.
Language is included under the National Archives and
Records Administration, ``National Historical Publications and
Records Commission Grants Program'', that provides funds for
allocations and grants for historical publications and records;
and provides that funds remain available until expended.
Language is included under the National Credit Union
Administration, ``Community Development Credit Union Revolving
Loan Fund'', that provides funds for technical assistance and
extends the availability of funds.
Language is included under the Office of Government Ethics,
``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for services
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, rental of conference rooms, hire
of passenger motor vehicles, and official reception and
representation expenses.
Language is included under the Office of Personnel
Management, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, medical examinations for
veterans, rental of conference rooms, hire of passenger motor
vehicles, official reception and representation expenses,
advances for reimbursements, payment of per diem and/or
subsistence allowances, and the transfer of administrative
expenses; directs that provisions shall not affect other
authorities; prohibits funds for the Legal Examining Unit; and
authorizes the acceptance of donations under certain
conditions.
Language is included for the Office of Personnel
Management, Office of Inspector General, ``Salaries and
Expenses'', that provides funds for services authorized by 5
U.S.C. 3109, hire of passenger motor vehicles, rental of
conference rooms, and a transfer for administrative expenses.
Language is included for the Office of Special Counsel,
``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for services
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, payment of fees and expenses for
witnesses, rental of conference rooms, and the hire of
passenger motor vehicles.
Language is included for the Postal Regulatory Commission,
``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides for transfer of funds
from the Postal Service Fund.
Language is included for the Privacy and Civil Liberties
Oversight Board, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that makes funds
available until September 30, 2016.
Language is included for the Recovery Accountability and
Transparency Board ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides
funds to develop and test information technology resources and
oversight mechanisms to enhance transparency and detect and
remediate waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal spending, and to
oversee disaster funds.
Language is included for the Securities and Exchange
Commission, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides for rental
of space, services, reception and representation expenses, a
permanent secretariat for the International Organization of
Securities Commissions, and consultations and meetings hosted
by the Commission. Language is included designating funds for
information technology initiatives and the economics division.
Language is included that provides for the crediting of
offsetting collections. Language provides for the assessment
and collection of offsetting collections, authorizes retention
of such collections, and provides that they remain available
until expended.
Language is included for the Selective Service System,
``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for attendance
of meetings, training, hire of passenger motor vehicles,
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, and official reception
and representation expenses; authorizes certain exemptions
under certain conditions; and prohibits funds used in
connection with the induction of any person into the Armed
Forces of the United States.
Language is included for the Small Business Administration,
``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides for hire of motor
vehicles and official reception and representation expenses.
Language is also included to provide authority to charge fees
and credit such fees to the account without further
appropriation. Language is also included designating funds for
lender oversight. Language is also included for the Loan
Modernization and Accounting System and co-sponsor activities.
Language is included for the Small Business Administration,
``Entrepreneurial Development Programs'', that provides for
supporting entrepreneurial and small business development grant
programs. Language is included extending the availability of
funds.
Language is included for the Small Business Administration,
``Office of Inspector General'', that provides funds to carry
out the provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978.
Language is included for the Small Business Administration,
``Office of Advocacy'', that provides funds to carry out the
provisions of the Independent Office of Advocacy Act of 2003
and the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 and allows funds to
remain available until expended.
Language is included for the Small Business Administration,
``Business Loans Program Account'', limiting commitments for
certain guaranteed loan programs and for providing for the cost
of direct loans and guaranteed loans. Language is also included
authorizing the transfer of funds to ``Salaries and Expenses''
for administrative expenses.
Language is included for the Small Business Administration
``Disaster Loan Program Account'', that provides for
administrative expenses, the transfer of funds to the ``Office
of Inspector General'' and to ``Salaries and Expenses'' and
allows funds to remain available until expended.
Language is included allowing for the transfer of funds
between Small Business Administration appropriations.
Language is included for the United States Postal Service,
``Payment to the Postal Service Fund'', that provides funds for
revenue foregone; stipulates that mail for overseas voting and
mail for the blind is free; provides that 6-day delivery shall
continue at not less than the 1983 level; prohibits funds in
this Act from being used to charge a fee to a child support
enforcement agency seeking the address of a postal customer;
and prohibits funds from being used to consolidate or close
small rural and other small post offices.
Language is included for the United States Postal Service,
``Office of Inspector General'', that provides for transfer
from the Postal Service Fund.
Language is included for the United States Tax Court,
``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for contract
reporting and services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, and that
travel expenses of the judges shall be paid upon the written
certificate of the judge.
General Provisions--This Act
In addition, the bill provides the following provisions
under this title:
Section 601. Language is included prohibiting pay and other
expenses for non-Federal parties in regulatory or adjudicatory
proceedings funded in this Act.
Section 602. Language is included prohibiting obligations
beyond the current fiscal year and prohibits transfers of funds
unless expressly so provided herein.
Section 603. Language is included limiting procurement
contracts for consulting service expenditures to contracts that
are matters of public record and available for public
inspection.
Section 604. Language is included prohibiting transfer of
funds in this Act without express authority.
Section 605. Language is included prohibiting the use of
funds to engage in activities that would prohibit the
enforcement of section 307 of the 1930 Tariff Act.
Section 606. Language is included concerning compliance
with the Buy American Act.
Section 607. Language is included prohibiting the use of
funds by any person or entity convicted of violating the Buy
American Act.
Section 608. Language is included specifying reprogramming
procedures. The provision requires that agencies or entities
funded by the Act notify the Committee and obtain prior
approval from the Committee for any reprogramming of funds
that: (1) creates a new program; (2) eliminates a program,
project, or activity; (3) increases funds or personnel for any
program, project, or activity for which funds have been denied
or restricted by the Congress; (4) proposes to use funds
directed for a specific activity by either the House or Senate
Committees on Appropriations for a different purpose; (5)
augments existing programs, projects, or activities in excess
of $5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less; (6) reduces
existing programs, projects, or activities by $5,000,000 or 10
percent, whichever is less; or (7) reorganizes offices,
programs, or activities. The provision also directs the
agencies funded by this Act to submit operating plans for the
Committee's review within 60 days of the bill's enactment.
Section 609. Language is included providing that fifty
percent of unobligated balances may remain available for
certain purposes.
Section 610. Language is included prohibiting funding for
the Executive Office of the President to request either a
Federal Bureau of Investigation background investigation or
Internal Revenue Service determination with respect to section
501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, except with the
express consent of the individual involved in an investigation
or in extraordinary circumstances involving national security.
Section 611. Language is included regarding cost accounting
standards for contracts under the Federal Employee Health
Benefits Program.
Section 612. Language is included regarding non-foreign
area cost of living allowances.
Section 613. Language is included prohibiting the
expenditure of funds for abortion under the Federal Employees
Health Benefits program.
Section 614. Language is included making exceptions to the
preceding provision where the life of the mother is in danger
or the pregnancy is a result of an act of rape or incest.
Section 615. Language is included waiving restrictions on
the purchase of non-domestic articles, materials, and supplies
in the case of acquisition of information technology by the
Federal government.
Section 616. Language is included prohibiting officers or
employees of any regulatory agency or commission funded by this
Act from accepting travel payments or reimbursements from a
person or entity regulated by such agency or commission.
Section 617. Language is included permitting the Securities
and Exchange Commission and Commodities Futures Trading
Commission to fund a joint advisory committee to advise on
emerging regulatory issues, notwithstanding Section 708 of this
Act.
Section 618. Language is included requiring certain
agencies to provide quarterly reports on unobligated balances
after the end of the quarter.
Section 619. Language is included requiring certain
agencies in this Act to consult with the General Services
Administration before seeking new office space or making
alterations to existing office space.
Section 620. Language is included prohibiting funds for the
Federal Trade Commission to complete the draft report entitled
``Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children:
Preliminary Proposed Nutrition Principles to Guide Industry
Self-Regulatory Efforts'' unless the Interagency Working Group
on Food Marketed to Children complies with Executive Order
13563, including the requirement to provide quantified present
and future benefits and costs.
Section 621. Language is included prohibiting funding for
certain czars including the Director of the White House Office
of Health Reform, the Assistant to the President for Energy and
Climate Change, the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the
Treasury assigned to the Presidential Task Force on the Auto
Industry and Senior Counselor for Manufacturing Policy, and the
White House Director of Urban Affairs, or any substantially
similar positions.
Section 622. Language is included prohibiting funding made
available by this Act to be used to enter into a contract,
memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with,
make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any
corporation that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has
been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative
remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not
being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the
authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, where
the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax liability,
unless an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the
corporation and has made a determination that this further
action is not necessary to protect the interests of the
Government.
Section 623. Language is included prohibiting funding made
available by this Act to be used to enter into a contract,
memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with,
make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any
corporation that was convicted of a felony criminal violation
under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the
awarding agency is aware of the conviction, unless an agency
has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and
has made a determination that this further action is not
necessary to protect the interests of the Government.
Section 624. Language is included providing for several
appropriated mandatory accounts including Compensation of the
President, the Judicial Retirement Funds (Judicial Officers'
Retirement Fund, Judicial Survivors' Annuities Fund, and the
United States Court of Federal Claims Judges' Retirement Fund),
the Government Payment for Annuitants, Employee Health
Benefits, the Government Payment for Annuitants, Employee Life
Insurance, and the Payment to the Civil Service Retirement and
Disability Fund.
Section 625. Language is included that prohibits the
obligation of funds in fiscal year 2015 from the Securities and
Exchange Commission Reserve Fund established by the Dodd-Frank
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
Section 626. Language is included that prohibits funds for
the Securities and Exchange Commission to require the
disclosure of political contributions, contributions to tax
exempt organizations, or dues paid to trade associations.
Section 627. Language is included that extends the
Multinational Species Conservation Fund Semipostal Stamp Act of
2010 and requires certain stamp depictions.
Section 628. Language is included that requires certain
regulatory agencies to provide a report on increasing public
participation in rulemaking, improving coordination among
Federal agencies, and identifying ineffective or excessively
burdensome regulations.
Section 629. Language is included that prohibits contracts
for services to train Executive Branch employees to support or
defeat legislation pending before Congress.
Section 630. Language is included that prohibits funds for
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to destroy, deface, or
dispose of records in contravention of the Federal Records Act
(FRA) and to require the Archivist to report on IRS compliance
with the FRA.
Section 631. Language is included prohibiting funds to
require the disclosure by a provider of electronic
communications service or a remote computing services of wire
or electronic communications that is in electronic storage by
any other than a means authorized under section 2703(b)(1)(A)
of title 18 of the United States Code.
Section 632. Language is included amending section 716 of
the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
General Provisions--Government-Wide
In addition, the bill provides the following provisions
under this title:
Section 701. Language is included requiring agencies to
administer a policy designed to ensure that all of its
workplaces are free from the illegal use of controlled
substances.
Section 702. Language is included establishing price
limitations on vehicles to be purchased by the Federal
Government with certain exceptions.
Section 703. Language is included allowing funds made
available to agencies for travel to also be used for quarter
allowances and cost-of-living allowances.
Section 704. Language is included prohibiting the
employment of noncitizens with certain exceptions.
Section 705. Language is included giving agencies the
authority to pay General Services Administration bills for
space renovation and other services.
Section 706. Language is included allowing agencies to
finance the costs of recycling and waste prevention programs
with proceeds from the sale of materials recovered through such
programs.
Section 707. Language is included providing that funds made
available to corporations and agencies subject to 31 U.S.C. 91
may pay rent and other service costs in the District of
Columbia.
Section 708. Language is included prohibiting interagency
financing of groups absent prior statutory approval.
Section 709. Language is included prohibiting the use of
funds for enforcing regulations disapproved in accordance with
the applicable law of the U.S.
Section 710. Language is included limiting the amount of
funds that can be used for redecoration of offices under
certain circumstances.
Section 711. Language is included allowing for interagency
funding of national security and emergency telecommunications
initiatives.
Section 712. Language is included requiring agencies to
certify that a Schedule C appointment was not created solely or
primarily to detail the employee to the White House.
Section 713. Language is included prohibiting the payment
of any employee who prohibits, threatens or prevents another
employee from communicating with Congress.
Section 714. Language is included prohibiting Federal
training not directly related to the performance of official
duties.
Section 715. Language is included prohibiting, other than
for normal and recognized executive-legislative relationships,
propaganda, publicity and lobbying by executive agency
personnel in support or defeat of legislative initiatives.
Section 716. Language is included prohibiting any Federal
agency from disclosing an employee's home address to any labor
organization, absent employee authorization or court order.
Section 717. Language is included prohibiting funds to be
used to provide non-public information such as mailing,
telephone, or electronic mailing lists to any person or
organization outside the government without the approval of the
Committees on Appropriations.
Section 718. Language is included prohibiting the use of
funds for propaganda and publicity purposes not authorized by
Congress.
Section 719. Language is included directing agency
employees to use official time in an honest effort to perform
official duties.
Section 720. Language is included allowing the use of funds
to finance an appropriate share of the Federal Accounting
Standards Advisory Board.
Section 721. Language is included allowing agencies to
transfer $17,000,000 to the Government-wide Policy account of
the General Services Administration to finance an appropriate
share of various government-wide boards and councils.
Section 722. Language is included permitting breast feeding
in a Federal building or on Federal property if the woman and
child are authorized to be there.
Section 723. Language is included permitting interagency
funding of the National Science and Technology Council and
provides for a report on the budget and resources of the
National Science and Technology Council. The report should
include the entire budget of the National Science and
Technology Council.
Section 724. Language is included requiring documents
involving the distribution of Federal funds to indicate the
agency providing the funds and the amount provided.
Section 725. Language is included prohibiting the use of
funds to monitor personal access or use of Internet sites or to
collect, review, or obtain any personally identifiable
information relating to access to or use of an Internet site.
Section 726. Language is included requiring health plans
participating in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program
to provide contraceptive coverage and provides exemptions to
certain religious plans.
Section 727. Language is included supporting strict
adherence to anti-doping activities.
Section 728. Language is included allowing funds for
official travel to be used by departments and agencies, if
consistent with OMB Circular A-126, to participate in the
fractional aircraft ownership pilot program.
Section 729. Language is included prohibiting funds for
implementation of Office of Personnel Management regulations
limiting detailees to the Legislative Branch, and implementing
limitations on the Coast Guard Congressional Fellowship
Program.
Section 730. Language is included restricting the use of
funds for Federal law enforcement training facilities.
Section 731. Language is included prohibiting Executive
Branch agencies from creating prepackaged news stories that are
broadcast or distributed in the United States unless the story
includes a clear notification within the text or audio of that
news story that the prepackaged news story was prepared or
funded by that executive branch agency.
Section 732. Language is included prohibiting use of funds
in contravention of section 552a of title 5, United States Code
(the Privacy Act) and regulations implementing that section.
Section 733. Language is included prohibiting funds from
being used for any Federal Government contract with any foreign
incorporated entity which is treated as an inverted domestic
corporation.
Section 734. Language is included requiring agencies to pay
a fee to the Office of Personnel Management for processing
retirement of employees who separate under Voluntary Early
Retirement Authority or who receive Voluntary Separation
Incentive payments.
Section 735. Language is included prohibiting funds to
require any entity submitting an offer for a Federal contract
or participating in an acquisition to disclose political
contributions.
Section 736. Language is included prohibiting funds for the
painting of a portrait of an employee of the Federal government
including the President, the Vice President, a Member of
Congress, the head of an executive branch agency, or the head
of an office of the legislative branch.
Section 737. Language is included limiting the pay
increases of certain prevailing rate employees.
Section 738. Language is included eliminating automatic
statutory pay increases for the Vice President, political
appointees paid under the executive schedule, ambassadors who
are not career members of the Foreign Service, politically
appointed (noncareer) Senior Executive Service employees, and
any other senior political appointee paid at or above level IV
of the executive schedule.
Section 739. Language is included requiring agencies to
submit reports to Inspectors General concerning expenditures
for agency conferences.
Section 740. Language is included prohibiting funds to be
used to increase, eliminate, or reduce funding for a program or
project unless such change is made pursuant to reprogramming or
transfer provisions.
Section 741. Language is included concerning the non-
application of these general provisions to title IV and to
title VIII.
General Provisions--District of Columbia
In addition, the bill provides the following provisions
under this title:
Section 801. Language is included that appropriates funds
for refunding overpayments of taxes collected and for paying
settlements and judgments against the District of Columbia
government.
Section 802. Language is included prohibiting the use of
Federal funds for publicity or propaganda purposes.
Section 803. Language is included establishing
reprogramming procedures for Federal and local funds.
Section 804. Language is included prohibiting the use of
Federal funds to provide salaries or other costs associated
with the offices of United States Senator or Representative.
Section 805. Language is included restricting the use of
official vehicles to official duties.
Section 806. Language is included prohibiting the use of
Federal funds for any petition drive or civil action which
seeks to require Congress to provide for voting representation
in Congress for the District of Columbia.
Section 807. Language is included prohibiting the use of
Federal funds for needle exchange programs.
Section 808. Language is included providing for a
``conscience clause'' on legislation that pertains to
contraceptive coverage by health insurance plans.
Section 809. Language is included prohibiting the use of
Federal funds to legalize or reduce penalties associated with
the possession, use, or distribution on any schedule I
substance under the Controlled Substances Act or any
tetrahydrocannabinols derivative.
Language is also included prohibiting local and Federal
funds to legalize or reduce penalties associated with the
possession, use, or distribution of any schedule I substance
under the Controlled Substance Act or any tetrahydrocannabinols
derivative for recreational use.
Section 810. Language is included prohibiting the use of
funds for abortion except in the cases of rape or incest or if
necessary to save the life of the mother.
Section 811. Language is included requiring the Chief
Financial Officer (CFO) to submit a revised operating budget
for all agencies in the D.C. government, no later than 30
calendar days after the enactment of this Act that realigns
budgeted data with anticipated actual expenditures.
Section 812. Language is included requiring the CFO to
submit a revised operating budget for D.C. Public Schools, no
later than 30 calendar days after the enactment of this Act,
that realigns school budgets to actual school enrollment.
Section 813. Language is included allowing the transfer of
local funds and capital and enterprise funds.
Section 814. Language is included prohibiting the
obligation of Federal funds beyond the current fiscal year and
transfers of funds unless expressly provided herein.
Section 815. Language is included providing that not to
exceed 50 percent of unobligated balances from Federal
appropriations for salaries and expenses may remain available
for certain purposes.
Section 816. Language is included appropriating local funds
during fiscal year 2016 if there is an absence of a continuing
resolution or regular appropriation for the District of
Columbia. Funds are provided under the same authorities and
conditions and in the same manner and extent as provided for in
fiscal year 2015.
Section 817. Language is included limiting references to
``this Act'' as referring to only this title and title IV.
Title IX--Additional General Provisions
Section 901. Language is included prohibiting funds to pay
for an abortion or the administrative expenses in connection
with a multi-State qualified health plan offered under a
contract under section 1334 of the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act which provides any benefits or coverage for
abortions with exceptions where the live of the mother would be
endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or the pregnancy
is the result of an act of rape or incest.
Section 902. Language is included establishing a Spending
Reduction Account.
Appropriations Not Authorized by Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following table lists the
appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not
authorized by law for the period concerned:
[Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation in
Last Year of Authorization Last Year of Appropriations in
Authorization Level Authorization this bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title I--Department of the
Treasury
Departmental Offices........ n/a n/a n/a 175,000
Office of Terrorism and n/a n/a n/a 120,000
Financial Intelligence.....
Office of Inspector General. n/a n/a n/a 35,351
Inspector General for Tax n/a n/a n/a 158,000
Administration.............
Special Inspector General n/a n/a n/a 34,234
for the Troubled Asset
Relief Program.............
Financial Crimes Enforcement 2013 100,419 110,788 108,661
Network....................
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and n/a n/a n/a 96,000
Trade Bureau...............
Bureau of the Fiscal n/a n/a n/a 348,184
Services...................
Community Development and 1998 111,000 45,000 226,000
Financial Institutions Fund
Internal Revenue Service:
Taxpayer Services........... n/a n/a n/a 2,130,000
Enforcement................. n/a n/a n/a 4,950,000
Operations Support.......... n/a n/a n/a 3,620,000
Business Systems n/a n/a n/a 250,000
Modernization..............
Title II--Executive Office of
the President
Office of Management and 2003 various 61,988 89,300
Budget.....................
Office of National Drug
Control Policy.............
Salaries and Expenses....... 2010 n/a 29,575 22,000
Other Federal Drug Control various various 105,550 108,250
Programs...................
High Intensity Drug 2011 280,000 238,522 245,000
Trafficking Areas..........
Information Technology n/a n/a n/a 9,000
Oversight and Reform.......
Title IV--District of Columbia
Federal Payment for the DC n/a n/a n/a 375
National Guard.............
Federal Payment for Judicial n/a n/a n/a 550
Commissions................
Federal Payment for Testing n/a n/a n/a 5,000
and Treatment of HIV/AIDs..
Federal Payment for Resident 2012 such sums 30,000 20,000
Tuition Support............
Title V--Independent Agencies
Federal Communications 1991 such sums 115,794 322,748
Commission.................
Federal Election Commission. 1981 9,400 9,662 67,500
Federal Trade Commission.... 1998 111,000 106,500 293,000
General Services n/a n/a n/a -548,243
Administration\1\..........
National Historical 2004 10,000 11,250 4,500
Publications and Records
Commission.................
Office of Government Ethics. 2007 such sums 11,148 15,420
Office of Special Counsel... 2007 such sums 15,524 21,452
Merit Systems Protection 2007 such sums 29,110 43,000
Board......................
Small Business n/a such sums n/a 861,941
Administration\2\..........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Deposits into the Federal Buildings Fund are available for real property management and related activities in
the amounts specified in annual appropriations laws, as provided by 40 USC 592. Various provisions of law
authorized other GSA activities including Operating Expenses, Government-Wide Policy, E-government, Citizens
Service Fund, and allowances for former Presidents, many of which have expired.
\2\The Small Business Administration's salaries and expenses, disaster and business loan programs, and
entrepreneurial development programs are authorized by various provisions of law, many of which have expired.
Comparison With the Budget Resolution
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives and section 308(a)(1)(A) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table compares
the levels of new budget authority provided in the bill with
the appropriate allocation under section 302(b) of the Budget
Act.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT
[In Millions of Dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
302b allocation This bill
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget Authority Outlays Budget Authority Outlays
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General purpose discretionary... 21,285 22,750 21,285 *22,679
Mandatory....................... 21,498 21,491 21,498 21,491
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Includes outlays from prior year budget authority.
Five-Year Outlay Projections
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and section
308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the
following table contains five-year projections of outlays
associated with the budget authority provided in the
accompanying bill, as provided to the Committee by the
Congressional Budget Office.
[In Millions of Dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015................................................ *38,376
2016................................................ 3,338
2017................................................ 50
2018................................................ -407
2019 and future years............................... -4,086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
Financial Assistance to State and Local Governments
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and section
308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the
Congressional Budget Office has provided the following
estimates of new budget authority and outlays provided by the
accompanying bill for financial assistance to State and local
governments.
[In Millions of Dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget Authority Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial assistance to State and 387 *400
local governments for 2015.......
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
Program Duplication
No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a
program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of
another Federal program, a program that was included in any
report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress
pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program
related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance.
Directed Rule Making
The bill does not direct any rule making.
Comparative Statement of New Budget (Obligational) Authority
The following table provides a detailed summary, for each
Department and agency, comparing the amounts recommended in the
bill with amounts enacted for fiscal year 2014 and budget
estimates presented for fiscal year 2015.
DISSENTING VIEWS OF THE HON. NITA LOWEY AND HON. JOSE E. SERRANO
We want to start by thanking Chairman Crenshaw and his
staff for their work in sharing information and keeping a
professional process in place. It is a testament to our
personal and professional relationships that we are able to
work these issues through in a respectful and productive
manner, even if we do not agree on the bill before us.
The fiscal year (FY) 2015 bill approved by the Committee
provides net budget authority of $21.285 billion, a cut of $566
million below the FY 2014 level and $2.3 billion (10%) below
the Administration's request.
While we are bound by the Ryan-Murray budget agreement's
overall number for the FY 2015 bill, nothing but partisan
politics forced the majority to reduce the subcommittee's
allocation. This subcommittee took the largest percentage cut
and it shows in the unacceptably high reductions to the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in critical government
functions being shortchanged. At these levels, services will be
shut down; taxes will go uncollected; and consumers, investors,
and taxpayers will lose vital protections.
The unsustainable cuts forced by the subcommittee's
allocation will impact all citizens. For example, the IRS
interacts with every taxpayer each year. Under this bill, the
IRS is slashed by more than $340 million below the FY 2014
level, which was already artificially low due to the sequester
and the budget deal made to end the government shutdown, and an
astounding $1.5 billion below the level requested by the
President. This will force the IRS to operate with 9,500 fewer
staff, which in turn will cause the percentage of taxpayers who
receive assistance on the IRS telephone helpline to plummet
from an already dismal 61% to less than 50%, with waiting times
for those who do get answers rising to 35 minutes or longer.
Plainly speaking, that means that as many as 24 million
taxpayers would be unable to reach the IRS for assistance. That
is unacceptable. Further, we can be assured that tax cheats
will not be pursued as vigorously. In fact, the IRS projects
that the cuts in this bill will result in $2 billion in
uncollected revenue compared to what could have been collected
at the Request level, thereby increasing the deficit. It does
not make economic or budgetary sense to once again severely cut
the IRS budget, because the end result is that honest taxpayers
will have trouble getting their questions answered, tax cheats
will go free, revenue will go uncollected, and deficits will
grow.
Moreover, this bill does not adequately ensure that our
financial markets are policed appropriately. By not providing
needed resources for the SEC, this bill invites mischief in our
markets. A cut of $300 million below the President's request
leads to less enforcement and hinders the ongoing
implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act. Dodd-Frank is the law of the land and
was enacted to deter truly outrageous behavior in our financial
sector. Without proper SEC enforcement, we cannot expect to
stop malfeasance. It is important to note that funding for the
SEC is deficit-neutral, as the agency is fee-funded. Therefore,
fully funding the agency at the President's request would not
cost a dime in taxpayer dollars, but would make significant
strides in greater enforcement, promulgation of Dodd-Frank
required rules, and improvements to the agency's information
technology infrastructure.
As our nation's landlord, superintendent and developer, the
General Services Administration (GSA) must have resources to
support the missions of all other federal agencies. We are
pleased to note that this bill fully funds the land port of
entry projects requested by the Administration that are crucial
to economic development. Even so, the bill does not fund $325
million in new construction projects--almost 80% of which would
have funded homeland security projects. This bill dramatically
reduces our investment in infrastructure at a time when we need
to create jobs.
Several smaller programs are eliminated in this bill,
including the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). Despite
ongoing attempts to hamstring the agency, the EAC remains vital
to ensuring the integrity and accessibility of our nation's
elections. Given the recent history of controversies and
mismanagement in several states, it is unwise to defund this
agency.
In addition to the severe cuts in this bill, we are also
distressed that it includes many controversial policy riders
that have nothing to do with the Committee's job of
appropriations and everything to do with partisan politics.
This year, even more were added in Committee.
The bill once again interferes in the District of
Columbia's local affairs, restricting the District from
spending its own funds in the provision of abortion services
for low-income individuals and deciding for the District's
local elected officials and law enforcement what local criminal
law and punishment should be. This micromanagement of the
District is not the proper role of Congress. Members who are
interested in these purely local issues should perhaps consider
resigning from their seats in Congress and running for D.C.
City Council. Or they should give the same courtesy to the
District's elected officials and let them pass laws for the
Congressional Districts they represent.
There are further restrictions in the bill that prevent
implementation of the individual mandate required in the
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), and a
prohibition added in Committee on the provision of the full
range of reproductive services coverage for all health benefits
programs provided under the Act. These issues have long been
settled, and it is inappropriate to use the Appropriations
process to unwind current law.
Democrats attempted to address many of these inadequacies
through the amendment process in Committee. We even offered an
amendment in Committee to remove fifteen of those riders--
riders which affected four agencies, the District of Columbia,
federal employee health benefits, and multi-state health plans
offered under the ACA. The majority strongly rejected that
effort, even though that list of the partisan riders in this
bill was hardly exhaustive. Unfortunately, our colleagues on
the other side rejected all efforts to improve the funding
allocation and to remove those riders which preclude compromise
in the Appropriations process.
We appreciate the efforts the Chairman made to adequately
fund the Small Business Administration, the Community
Development Financial Institutions Fund, the Federal Judiciary,
and anti-terrorism programs at the Department of Treasury.
However, these are the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal
bill. The functions carried out by agencies in this bill are
vital to taxpayers, consumers, businesses, and the economy as a
whole. Shortchanging these functions does nothing to help our
economy continue to grow, create jobs, or reduce the deficit;
in fact, this bill makes our markets less secure, reduces
spending on infrastructure, and increases the deficit. In its
current form, we cannot support the bill.
Nita M. Lowey.
Jose E. Serrano.