[House Report 114-594]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
114th Congress { } Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session { } 114-594
======================================================================
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2017
_______
May 25, 2016.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Graves of Georgia, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
together with
MINORITY VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 5325]
The Committee on Appropriations submits the following
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making
appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes.
INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT
_______________________________________________________________________
Page number
Bill Report
Highlights of Bill.........................................
2
Title I--Legislative Branch Appropriations................. 2
3
House of Representatives........................... 2
3
Joint Items:
Joint Economic Committee................... 11
6
Joint Committee on Taxation................ 11
7
Office of the Attending Physician.......... 12
7
Office of Congressional Accessibility
Services............................... 13
7
Capitol Police..................................... 13
8
Office of Compliance............................... 15
9
Congressional Budget Office........................ 15
9
Architect of the Capitol (except Senate Office
Buildings)..................................... 16
9
Library of Congress................................ 25
15
Government Publishing Office....................... 33
19
Government Accountability Office................... 37
20
Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund............ 38
21
John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training
and Development................................ 38
21
Title II--General Provisions............................... 39
21
Bill-wide Reporting Requirements...........................
21
Minority Views.............................................
43
SUMMARY OF BILL
The accompanying bill contains recommendations for new
budget (obligational) authority for fiscal year 2017 for the
Legislative Branch. The following table summarizes these
recommendations and reflects comparisons with the budget and
with amounts appropriated to date for fiscal year 2016:
SUMMARY OF THE BILL
[Note: Excludes Senate items, including those Senate items under the Architect of the Capitol]
(Amounts in Thousands)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2016 FY 2017 Bill vs. Bill vs.
Recapitulation enacted request Bill enacted request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
House of Representatives
Salaries & Expenses......... 1,180,734 1,187,309 1,189,049 8,315 1,740
Joint Items..................... 20,732 21,010 19,565 -1,167 -1,445
Capitol Police.................. 375,000 409,588 391,300 16,300 -18,288
Office of Compliance............ 3,959 4,315 3,959 - - - -356
Congressional Budget Office..... 46,500 47,637 46,500 - - - -1,137
Architect of the Capitol........ 528,683 605,895 551,735 23,052 -54,160
Library of Congress............. 599,912 667,215 628,912 29,000 -38,303
Government Publishing Office.... 117,068 117,068 117,068 - - - - - -
Government Accountability Office 531,000 567,825 533,100 2,100 -34,725
Open World Leadership Center.... 5,600 5,800 1,000 -4,600 -4,800
430 430 430 - - - - - -
Scorekeeping Adjustment......... -1,000 1,000 -1,000 - - - -2,000
Grand Total............. 3,408,618 3,635,092 3,481,618 73,000 -153,474
Payment to Widows and Heirs 174 - - - - - - -174 - - -
of Deceased Members of
Congress...................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL
The Committee recommends $3,481,620,499 in discretionary
resources for operations of the Legislative Branch of
government (excluding Senate items). The fiscal year 2017
recommendation is $73,000,000 above the current fiscal year
level and is a decrease of $152,472,652 below the budget
request.
Conforming to longstanding practice under which each body
of Congress determines its own housekeeping requirements and
the other concurs without intervention, funds for the Senate
are not included in the bill as reported to the House. The
budget request for the Senate for fiscal year 2017 including
those under the Architect of the Capitol totals $1,024,092,420.
This bill reflects a continued acknowledgment that the
Legislative Branch must set itself as an example for fiscal
restraint while continuing to serve the Nation. This bill will
require strict fiscal discipline on the part of all
Congressional offices and all agency heads in the Legislative
Branch.
Legislative Branch-Wide Matters
Staffing Data in Budget Documents: Legislative branch FTE
data is not consistently reported across the Legislative Branch
agencies when submitting their budget justifications. The
Committee directs the legislative branch agencies to include
data on FTE levels that would actually be supported by the
associated request or enacted funding levels. The Committee
further directs the Legislative Branch Financial Managers
Council to coordinate on a plan for aligning FTE levels with
the Legislative branch agencies for consistency in reporting.
Zero Base Budgeting: The Committee continues to direct all
agencies of the Legislative Branch to develop budget requests
from a zero base. The Committee believes that this valuable
budgeting process has given agencies the opportunity to take a
fresh look at all areas of their operations and make funding
reductions and alignments within the current budget base. The
Committee believes that there are continued opportunities to
realize meaningful savings by carefully reviewing each agency's
budget requirements from a zero base.
Committee Requests, Furloughs and Performance Based Merit
Increases: The Committee directs that adherence to the language
carried in House Reports 112-148, 112-511 and 113-417
pertaining to Committee Requests and Furloughs to be continued
unless otherwise so directed. Performance Based Merit Increases
are not to exceed the maximum allowable for agencies with a
certified SES performance appraisal system.
TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Salaries and Expenses
The Committee recommends $1,189,050,766 for the operations
and maintenance of the House of Representatives. This amount is
$8,314,766 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is
$1,740,766 above the budget request.
House Leadership Offices
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $22,278,891
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 22,278,891
Recommended in the bill............................... 22,278,891
The Committee recommends $22,278,891 for salaries and
expenses of staff in House leadership offices. This amount is
the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is the same
as the budget request.
The allocation by office follows:
Office of the Speaker................................. $6,645,417
Office of the Majority Floor Leader................... 2,180,048
Office of the Majority Whip........................... 1,886,632
Republican Conference................................. 1,505,426
Office of the Minority Floor Leader................... 7,114,471
Office of the Minority Whip........................... 1,459,639
Democratic Caucus..................................... 1,487,258
-----------------
Total............................................. $22,278,891
Members' Representational Allowances
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $554,317,732
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 554,317,732
Recommended in the bill............................... 562,632,498
The Committee recommends $562,632,498 for the
representational allowances of the Members of the House (MRAs).
This amount is $8,314,766 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted
level and is $8,314,766 above the budget request. This level of
funding will allow the MRAs to operate at current authorized
levels as approved by the Committee on House Administration.
House Committees
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $147,174,177
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 150,324,377
Recommended in the bill............................... 150,324,377
The Committee recommends $150,324,377 in total for House
Committees. This amount is $3,150,200 above the fiscal year
2016 enacted level and the same as the budget request.
This account includes funding for staff salaries and
official expenses of Committees including equipment,
telecommunications, printing, and contract services. Funding is
available until December 31, 2018.
This amount includes $3,150,200 made available for
committee room renovations.
Included in the total is $23,271,004 for the Committee on
Appropriations. The amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016
enacted level and the budget request.
Salaries, Officers and Employees
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $178,531,768
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 181,756,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 181,487,000
The Committee recommends $181,487,000 for the salaries and
expenses of House officers and employees of the various
activities funded through this consolidated item. This amount
is $2,955,232 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is
$269,000 below the budget request.
The following table summarizes the funding allocation
provided to each component of the account:
Office of the Clerk................................... $26,268,000
Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms........................ 15,505,000
Parking for Pregnant Women: The Committee recognizes the
value of and supports parking accommodations for Members and
Staff during pregnancy. The Committee supports efforts by the
Office of the Sergeant at Arms, in conjunction with the
Committee on House Administration to provide accommodating
temporary parking for Members and Staff during their pregnancy.
Garage Security Implementation Plan: The Committee commends
the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives and the
Capitol Police for their work to secure the Capitol Complex.
The Committee notes that a plan to install magnetometers at the
entrances to the House office buildings leading from the
garages is a significant step forward in closing one of the
last gaps in internal building security. Having said that, it
is clear that the garage magnetometer program as presented will
not be operational in all of the House office buildings, making
it less effective than a program in which all three buildings
could be secured simultaneously. Nonetheless, comprehensive
garage security should move forward and the Committee expects
the Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol Police to implement those
security efforts after providing a plan that will outline how
the program will be implemented in all garages. Furthermore the
Committee encourages the Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol
Police to hold additional briefings to re-introduce and re-
orient offices to the details of the plan required above,
including providing information to new Members who will join
the 115th Congress.
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer............ 117,165,000
Continuity of Operations: The Committee continues to be
concerned about internal risks due to the complexities of the
House of Representative's network and application
infrastructures. The Committee encourages the House to adopt
solutions based on existing IT infrastructures and security
controls that isolate and segment sensitive application
information and maintains architecturally sound and secured
separation among networks. The Committee also encourages the
House to look at existing commercial solutions that provides
resiliency, automation and ensures the continuity of operations
for the House of Representatives' systems.
Food Service: In August of 2015 Sodexo Government Services
began operating House food services, which includes eateries,
vending services, and the in-house catering operation through
the subcontractor Capitol Host. Sodexo is taking over House
food service operations after 7 years of Restaurant Associates'
management. The Committee recognizes and understands the many
challenges of delivering affordable high quality food options
to the House community. The Committee also believes it is
important to obtain input from food service patrons. The Chief
Administrative Officer is directed to have food service vendors
establish a point of contact for Members, staff and visitors to
easily contact when they have issues with the food service,
recommendations or suggestions on cafeteria or dining room
operations. As part of establishing a point of contact and
mechanisms to contact them, follow up procedures should be a
part of the plan.
Donating Computer Equipment: The Committee is aware of
several Member's desire to review the regulations that outline
the eligibility of, and process by which, House equipment can
be donated to local and State governments as well as 501(c)(3)
charities. The Committee believes this is a worthwhile review
and that the Committee on House Administration is the proper
committee of jurisdiction to address any specific regulation
changes.
Office of the Inspector General....................... 4,963,000
Office of General Counsel............................. 1,444,000
Office of the Parliamentarian......................... 1,999,000
Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House....... 3,167,000
Office of the Legislative Counsel of the House........ 8,979,000
Office of Interparliamentary Affairs.................. 814,000
Other authorized employees............................ 1,183,000
-----------------
Total............................................. $181,487,000
Allowances and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $278,433,432
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 278,633,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 272,328,000
The Committee recommends a total of $272,328,000 for
allowances and expenses. This amount is $6,105,432 below the
fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $6,305,000 below the
budget request.
These funds include supplies, materials, administrative
costs, and Federal tort claims; the costs of official mail for
the Committees, leadership, and administrative offices;
employee benefits; miscellaneous items; Business Continuity and
Disaster Recovery, and Office of Congressional Ethics.
The following table summarizes the funding allocation
provided to each major component of the account:
Supplies, materials, administrative costs and Federal $3,625,000
tort claims..........................................
Official mail (committees, administrative, and 190,000
leadership offices)..................................
Government contributions.............................. 245,334,000
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery............. 16,217,000
Transition Activities................................. 2,084,000
Wounded Warrior Program............................... 2,500,000
Office of Congressional Ethics........................ 1,658,000
Miscellaneous items................................... 720,000
-----------------
Total, allowances and expenses.................... $272,328,000
Administrative Provisions
Section 101 provides for unspent amounts remaining in
Members' Representational Allowances account to be used for
deficit or debt reduction.
Section 102 prohibits the delivery of bills and
resolutions.
Section 103 prohibits the delivery of printed copies of the
Congressional Record.
Section 104 places a limitation on amount available to
lease vehicles.
Section 105 places a limitation on printed copies of the
U.S. Code.
Section 106 prohibits the delivery of reports of
disbursements.
Section 107 prohibits the delivery of the daily calendar.
Section 108 prohibits delivery of congressional pictorial
directory.
Section 109 prohibits cost of living adjustment for Members
of Congress.
Section 110 allows USCP dignitary protection detail to
travel overseas with Members of the Leadership.
JOINT ITEMS
The Committee recommends $19,565,000 for the various joint
committees and activities carried under this heading. The
recommendation is $1,167,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted
level and is $1,445,000 below the budget request.
JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $4,203,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 4,203,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 4,203,000
The Committee recommends $4,203,000 for the Joint Economic
Committee. This recommendation is the same as the fiscal year
2016 enacted level and the budget request.
The Joint Economic Committee was created by the Employment
Act of 1946. The primary tasks of the Committee are to review
economic conditions and to recommend improvements in economic
policy. The Committee performs research and economic analysis
and monitors and analyzes current economic, financial, and
employment conditions.
JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $10,095,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 11,540,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 10,095,000
The Committee recommends $10,095,000 for the Joint
Committee on Taxation (JCT). This recommendation is the same as
the fiscal 2016 enacted level and is $1,445,000 below the
budget request.
The Joint Committee on Taxation operates under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 and its predecessors dating to the Revenue
Act of 1926. It has responsibility to (1) investigate the
operation and effects of internal revenue taxes and the
administration of such taxes; (2) investigate measures and
methods for the simplification of such taxes; (3) make reports
to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate
Committee on Finance (or to the House and the Senate) on the
results of such investigations and studies and to make
recommendations; and (4) review any proposed refund or credit
of income or estate and gift taxes or certain other taxes set
forth in Code section 6405 in excess of $2,000,000 ($5,000,000
in the case of a C corporation). In addition to these functions
that are specified in the Internal Revenue Code, the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires the Joint Committee
to provide revenue estimates for all tax legislation considered
by either the House or the Senate.
OFFICE OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $3,784,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 3,838,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,838,000
The Committee recommends $3,838,000 for the Office of the
Attending Physician. This amount is $54,000 above the fiscal
year 2016 enacted level and the same as the request. The
increase above the current level provides for the increase for
the reimbursement to the Navy.
OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $1,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 1,429,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,429,000
The Committee recommends $1,429,000 for the operation of
the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services. This amount
is $29,000 above the fiscal 2016 enacted level and is the same
as the budget request.
The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services provides
and coordinates a variety of accessibility services for
individuals with disabilities including Members of Congress,
staff and visitors in the United States Capitol Complex.
CAPITOL POLICE
The Committee recommends a total of $391,300,000 for the
Capitol Police (USCP). This amount is $16,300,000 above the
fiscal year 2016 level and is $18,288,000 below the budget
request.
The Committee withholds $7,000,000 pending approval of an
obligation plan.
Firing Range: The Committee understands the newly opened
firing range for the Capitol Police was closed due to safety
concerns after complaints by officers of unsafe conditions. The
Committee is aware that the Architect of the Capitol is working
with USCP and the contractor to determine the cause or causes
of the identified problems. However, the Committee expects a
full accounting of how such an error could happen. As AOC and
USCP work to reopen the firing range, both agencies shall
report any additional costs to taxpayers that may be incurred
due to this incident 45 days after reopening.
Salaries
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $309,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 333,128,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 325,300,000
The Committee recommends $325,300,000 for the salaries and
benefits authorized for police services throughout the USCP
jurisdiction. This amount is $16,300,000 above the fiscal year
2016 enacted level and is $7,828,000 below the budget request.
Based on the rise in terrorist events and the tactics
displayed by the assailants, USCP reviewed its operational and
tactical posture, they believe that additional screening must
be used. The increase includes full year funding for hires
added in FY2016 and half year costs of hires expected to
address implementation of additional screening and pre-
screening at various building access points.
New Posts: The Committee continues to direct the USCP to
notify the Committee on Appropriations of the House when new
posts are created, including the annualized cost of maintaining
the new post, and how the cost will be offset.
Use of Grounds: The Committee understands the need to
maintain safety and order on the Capitol grounds and commends
the Capitol Police for their efforts. Given the family-style
neighborhood that the Capitol shares with the surrounding
community the Committee continues to instruct the Capitol
Police to forebear enforcement of 2 U.S.C. 1963 (``An act to
protect the public property, turf, and grass of the Capitol
Grounds from injury'') and the Traffic Regulations for the
United States Capitol Grounds when encountering snow sledders
on the grounds.
General Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $66,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 76,460,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 66,000,000
The Committee recommends $66,000,000 for general expenses
of the USCP. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016
enacted level and is $10,460,000 below the budget request.
Administrative Provision
Section 1001 provides for disposal of lost and found
property and acceptance of property from other Federal
agencies.
OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $3,959,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 4,315,151
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,959,000
The Committee recommends $3,959,000 for the Office of
Compliance. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016
enacted level and is $356,151 below the budget request.
The Office of Compliance was established to administer and
enforce the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-
91). The Act applies various employment and workplace safety
laws to Congress and certain Legislative Branch entities.
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $46,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 47,637,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 46,500,000
The Committee recommends $46,500,000 for the Congressional
Budget Office. This is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted
level and is $1,137,000 below the budget request.
Administrative Provision
Sec. 1101 authorizes senior level positions.
ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $528,683,499
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 605,895,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 551,735,733
\1\Does not include Senate Office Buildings
The Committee recommends $551,735,733 for the activities of
the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Excluded are Senate items
which are traditionally left for consideration by that body.
This amount is $23,052,234 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted
level and is $54,159,267 below the budget request.
Within the recommended level the Committee continues its
prioritization of projects that: (1) promote the safety and
health of workers and occupants, (2) decrease the deferred
maintenance backlog, and (3) invest to achieve future energy
savings. In addition, by including $17,000,000 for the House
Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund, the bill
continues the Committee's commitment to advance planning for
major capital renewal projects which will be essential to
sustaining the performance of historic House buildings.
The AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation,
development, and preservation of the United States Capitol
Complex. This includes mechanical and structural maintenance of
the Capitol, Congressional office buildings, the Library of
Congress buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power
Plant, and other facilities, as well as the upkeep and
improvement of the grounds surrounding the Capitol complex.
Working Capital Fund: The Committee has created a working
capital fund (WCF) for the Architect of the Capitol. The WCF
provides a tool to ensure that its appropriated funds are being
used in the most efficient manner possible to support Congress
and the Supreme Court. Specifically, the WCF will ensure that
the AOC's Construction Division can continue to operate in the
most efficient and economical manner. The AOC will establish
standard operating procedures to administer and operate the
WCF. The WCF will also be subject to AOC policies, internal
controls, and auditing requirements to ensure that the WCF is
operating within the parameters of appropriations law
requirements.
Baby Changing Stations: The Committee recognizes the
importance of providing designated baby changing stations for
members of the public and Members and staffers who visit the
Capitol Complex, including in both male and female publicly
accessible bathrooms. The Committee encourages the Architect of
the Capitol to take steps to provide baby changing stations at
easily accessible locations throughout the Capitol Complex in
both male and female bathrooms.
The following table summarizes the allocation of funds by
appropriation account:
Architect of the Capitol:
Capital Construction and Operations............... $88,542,234
Capitol Building.................................. 33,005,499
Capitol Grounds................................... 12,826,000
House Office Buildings subtotal................... 204,481,000
House Office Buildings........................ (187,481,000)
House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust (17,000,000)
Fund.................................................
Capitol Power Plant............................... 104,480,000
Library Buildings and Grounds..................... 47,080,000
Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security.... 26,697,000
Botanic Garden.................................... 14,067,000
Capitol Visitor Center............................ 20,557,000
-----------------
Total......................................... $551,735,733
Capital Construction and Operations
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $91,589,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 103,650,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 88,542,234
The Committee recommends $88,542,234 for personnel
services, equipment, communications, and other central support
activities of the AOC. This amount is $3,046,766 below the
fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $15,107,766 below the
budget request.
The recommendation supports an operating budget of
$83,274,234.
The recommended project budget of $5,268,000 includes the
following projects:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Legislative Call System Installation............. $1,368,000
AOC Backup Data Center............................... 3,900,000
------------------
Total............................................ $5,268,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Building
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $46,737,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 44,010,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 33,005,499
The Committee recommends $33,005,499 for the operation,
maintenance, and care of the Capitol building. This amount is
$13,731,501 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is
$11,004,501 below the budget request.
Flag Office Modernization: The Committee recognizes the
flag flying service available to House and Senate Offices and
their Constituents as an important and popular service the AOC
provides.
While the Flag Office operates as efficiently and
effectively as they can with their current operating
procedures, the process is often cumbersome and antiquated.
Numerous studies in the past have looked at the entire
life-cycle of the flag flying process, the results of which
have been little or no change to current operations. The AOC is
directed to perform an analysis of the current flag process and
identify improvements in order to make the process more
efficient and effective, including but not limited to
identifying ways to automate processes, streamline ordering and
delivery of flags. The automation approach shall take into
consideration several key aspects of the process such as order
entry and submission, order tracking, consolidated delivery of
flags from office supply, and payment for this service. Since
the flag flying process involves other House and Senate
organizations, the AOC shall coordinate the analysis with the
Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives
and the Secretary of the Senate in order to streamline one
agreed upon process.
The AOC shall complete the analysis and provide
recommendations to the Committee in 120 days. The
recommendations shall include but not be limited to a detailed
description of the options, associated implementation costs for
each option, and timeline for their implementation.
The recommendation supports an operating budget of
$24,000,000.
The recommended project budget of $9,005,499 includes the
following projects:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exterior Stone and Metal Preservation, West Facade, $4,906,499
Phase III...........................................
Conservation of Fine and Architectural Art........... 599,000
Minor Construction................................... 3,500,000
------------------
Total............................................ $9,005,499
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Grounds
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $11,880,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 13,083,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 12,826,000
The Committee recommends $12,826,000 for the care of the
grounds surrounding the Capitol. This amount is $946,000 above
the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $257,000 below the
budget request.
The recommendation supports an operating budget of
$9,880,000.
The recommended project budget of $2,946,000 includes the
following projects:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Square Infrastructure Repair................. $946,000
Minor Construction................................... 2,000,000
------------------
Total............................................ $2,946,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
House Office Buildings
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $174,962,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 189,528,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 187,481,000
The Committee recommends $187,481,000 for the operation,
maintenance, and care of the House office buildings. This
amount is $12,519,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level
and $2,047,000 below the budget request.
This amount includes $15,000,000 for the full year lease
cost of the Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Federal Office Building.
House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund: The
bill includes $10,000,000 for the House Historic Buildings
Revitalization Trust Fund. Public Law 111-68 established the
Fund to finance major repairs and renovations to facilities of
the House. Subject to approval of the Committee on
Appropriations of the House, the AOC may use these funds for
major renovation projects to preserve and maintain the
performance of the iconic buildings of the House of
Representatives.
Cannon House Office Building: The Committee is pleased with
the progress that the Architect of the Capitol has made
advancing the much needed renovation of the Cannon House Office
Building. Using an integrated project delivery method, the AOC
has successfully managed this project in collaboration with
congressional oversight to keep the renewal on time and on
budget. As Phase 0 concludes and Phase 1 begins, the Committee
is confident the AOC will continue to utilize best practice
methods and procedures to deliver the project in an efficient
manner to meet the needs of Congress and the public.
Rayburn House Office Building Garage Rehabilitation: The
Committee provides $30,789,000 for the second phase of a four
phased rehabilitation program for the Rayburn House Office
Building garage. There is severe corrosion of the reinforcing
steel and spalling and delaminating of the concrete slabs and
columns. This project provides structural and architectural
modifications for life safety, accessibility, lighting,
electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and security
system upgrades.
Security: The Committee understands additional phases of
the Rayburn garage security project and the security storm
window installation for the Cannon House Office Building will
be necessary and expects the Architect of the Capitol to keep
the Committee apprised of cost estimates and progress. Future
requests of this nature should be included in the regular
budget process.
The recommendation supports an operating budget of
$64,077,000.
The recommended project budget of $123,404,000 includes the
following projects:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Garage Rehabilitation, Phase II, RHOB................ $30,789,000
Emergency Power Upgrades, RHOB & HUG's............... 19,955,000
CAO Project Support.................................. 3,660,000
Restoration and Renovation, CHOB..................... 62,000,000
Minor Construction................................... 7,000,000
------------------
Total............................................ $123,404,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Power Plant
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $94,722,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 105,765,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 104,480,000
Offsetting collections................................ 9,000,000
-----------------
Total available................................... $113,480,000
The Committee recommends $104,480,000 for the Capitol Power
Plant. This amount is $9,757,501 above the fiscal year 2016
enacted level and is $1,285,000 below the budget request.
The recommendation supports an operating budget of
$86,141,000.
The recommended project budget of $27,339,000 includes the
following projects:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Refrigeration Plant Chiller System Replacement, $17,834,000
RPR, Phase IIIA.....................................
Roof Replacement, PPBP & PPGP........................ 3,805,000
Cogeneration Management Program, CPP................. 1,700,000
Minor Construction................................... 4,000,000
------------------
Total............................................ $27,339,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Library Buildings and Grounds
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $40,689,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 65,959,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 47,080,000
The Committee recommends $47,080,000 for the care and
maintenance of the Library buildings and grounds. This amount
is $6,391,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is
$18,879,000 below the budget request.
The recommendation supports an operating budget of
$24,943,000.
The recommended project budget of $22,137,000 includes the
following projects:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Garage Structural Repairs & Entry Improvements, JAB.. $8,722,000
Emergency Generator Replacement, TJB................. 4,901,000
Elevator Modernization, JMMB MC1-MC4, JAB 13-14...... 4,292,000
East and West Main Pavilion Roof Replacement, TJB.... 2,222,000
Minor Construction................................... 2,000,000
------------------
Total............................................ $22,137,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $25,434,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 37,513,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 26,697,000
The Committee recommends $26,697,000 for Capitol Police
buildings, grounds, and security. This amount is $1,263,000
above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $10,816,000
below the budget request.
The recommendation supports an operating budget of
$17,533,000.
The recommended project budget of $9,164,000 includes the
following projects:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chiller Replacement and Chilled Water System $7,664,000
Expansion, Phase I, ACF.............................
Minor Construction................................... 1,500,000
------------------
Total............................................ $9,164,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Botanic Garden
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $12,113,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 15,081,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 14,067,000
The Committee recommends $14,067,000 for the Botanic
Garden. This amount is $1,954,000 above the fiscal year 2016
enacted level and is $1,014,000 below the budget request.
The recommendation supports an operating budget of
$10,013,000.
The recommended project budget of $4,054,000, includes the
following projects:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Production Facility Renewal.......................... $1,954,000
Minor Construction................................... 2,100,000
------------------
Total............................................ $4,054,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Education Opportunities: Again the Committee congratulates
the Botanic Garden on the accomplishments of its education and
outreach programs, which have leveraged the Garden's
unparalleled expertise to provide unique educational
opportunities. The Committee continues to urge the Garden to
continue forming partnerships with national and local
organizations with a particular focus to increase urban
horticulture educational opportunities, and to utilize House
Office Buildings for visitors and constituents in order to
advance educational goals.
Capitol Visitor Center
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $20,557,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 21,306,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 20,557,000
The CVC was established to improve security for all persons
working in or visiting the U.S. Capitol and to enhance the
educational experience of visitors.
The Committee recommends $20,557,000 for the operation of
the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). This amount is the same as
the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $749,000 below the
budget request.
There are no capital projects in fiscal year 2017.
Administrative Provisions
Section 1201 prohibits payment of bonuses to contractors
behind schedule or over budget.
Section 1202 prohibits expenditure of funds for scrims for
projects performed by the Architect of the Capitol.
Section. 1203 establishes a working capital fund.
Section 1204 provides the Architect of the Capitol House
Office Buildings jurisdiction authority to operate shuttle
service between the House Office Buildings, O'Neill Building
and Capitol.
Section 1205 authorizes use of expired funds for
unemployment compensation payments.
Section 1206 establishes a flag office revolving fund.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Established by Congress in 1800, the Library of Congress is
one of the largest libraries in the world, with a collection of
more than 162,000,000 print, audio, and video items in 470
languages. Among its major programs are acquisitions,
preservation, administration of U.S. copyright laws by the
Copyright Office, research and analysis of policy issues for
the Congress by the Congressional Research Service, and
administration of a national program to provide reading
material to the blind and physically handicapped. The Library
maintains a significant number of collections and provides a
range of services to libraries in the United States and abroad.
Primary Computing Facility (PCF): The Committee includes
$24,000,000 to migrate the Library's Primary Computing Facility
in the James Madison Building to an alternate facility. The
Library's current PCF, built in the 1970's can no longer
provide the level of data center reliability and availability
that is needed. The current PCF is vulnerable in general to
environment threats such as weather and earthquakes; a prime
target for physical acts of terrorism and threats to
Washington, DC as well as the facility power and cooling
infrastructure to provide uninterrupted services are lacking.
National Collection Stewardship Fund: As stewards of the
national collection, the Committee supports the ongoing need to
provide secure, state-of-the art facilities in which to store
and preserve the Library's holdings. Costs for new Fort Meade
modules, upgrades to the Library's Capitol Hill facilities, and
related collections preservation work can, however, exceed
amounts available in annual budget allocations. To stabilize
the funding stream for collections preservation and storage
across fiscal years, the Committee includes a provision
establishing a National Collection Stewardship Trust Fund into
which the Congress may appropriate funds, the Library may
transfer funds, and funds may be donated to remain available
until expended. The trust fund will be available for
collections storage construction or leasing upon the approval
of the Joint Committee on the Library and the Committees on
Appropriations. The Library will report to the Committees
annually on use of the fund.
Veterans History Project: The Committee expects the
Veterans History Project to be funded at least at the fiscal
year 2016 level. The Committee recognizes the critical
importance of the Veterans History Project as a way to collect,
preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of American
war veterans for the benefit of future generations. As the
Veterans History Project relies on volunteers to collect and
submit veteran's stories, the Committee encourages the Library
of Congress to do further outreach with schools, Girl and Boy
Scout programs, and other potential partners to enhance the
project.
Mass Deacidification Program: Recognizing that the
Library's extremely diverse collections require a well balanced
approach of preservation assessment, treatment, reformatting,
environmental storage, and protective housing. The Committee
directs that the $5,500,000 base provided for the mass
deacidification program be maintained for the fiscal year as a
reasonable level of activity at this time for a balanced
preservation program. Other preservation approaches should not
be compromised by this investment in mass deacidification and
the Committee further recognizes that adjustments to long-term
program targets are necessary to reflect changes in overall
collection condition and other preservation alternatives.
Computer Network Activity: Section 208 of the general
provisions is not intended to limit the Library of Congress or
the Copyright Office from carrying out their work as required
under law.
Outreach: The Committee encourages the Library of Congress
to increase cooperative partnerships, fellowship opportunities,
and curriculum program associations with post-secondary
institutions that have significant percentages of minority
students including Hispanic Serving Institutions and
Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Teaching with Primary Sources Program: The goal of the
Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program is to teach
educators and librarians how to incorporate the digital
collections of the Library of Congress into educational
curricula. To help meet this goal, in the most recent fiscal
years, the Library's National and International Outreach Office
has launched a competitive program within the TPS for the
development of online and interactive apps for classroom use on
Congress and civic participation. The Committee applauds the
National and International Outreach Office for their efforts in
this regard and recognizes that these projects require
significant time and professional skills. As such, the
Committee directs the Library of Congress to prioritize the
support and expansion of existing projects rather than
initiating new ones. Additionally, the Library of Congress is
reminded that the original intention of the competitive program
was to facilitate the development of programs focused on
Congress and citizen participation, and existing programs
should reflect these priorities.
To the extent practicable, the Committee instructs the
Library to maintain certain subject headings that reflect
terminology used in title 8, United States Code.
Survey: The Committee directs the Library of Congress to
conduct a survey of ethnic collections of populations displaced
as a result of World War II conflict found throughout the
United States, and to share the results of the survey with the
Committee.
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $419,621,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 472,885,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 443,621,000
Offsetting collections................................ 6,350,000
-----------------
Total available................................... 449,971,000
The Committee recommends $443,621,000, plus authority to
spend $6,350,000 in receipts, for the salaries and expenses
appropriation. This amount is $24,000,000 above the fiscal year
2016 enacted level and is $29,264,000 below the budget request.
Copyright Office
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $23,098,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 28,331,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 27,098,000
Offsetting collections................................ 37,198,000
Prior Year Unobligated Balances....................... 4,531,000
-----------------
Total available................................... $68,827,000
Copyright Modernization: The Committee recognizes and
strongly supports the need for a robust information technology
modernization effort within the Copyright Office to support the
growth of creativity and commercial artistic activity in our
nation and to effectively serve users and copyright owners in
the 21st century.
Last year the Committee required the Copyright Office to
provide a plan on necessary IT upgrades to the Copyright Office
and to seek public comments on efforts to modernize. The
provisional report was received on February 29, 2016 with
public comments to be provided later.
The Committee directs the Copyright Office, in
collaboration with the Library of Congress Chief Information
Officer, to modify the plan to include cost estimates and a
timeline to execute this much needed improvement of the
Copyright Office in alignment with the Library's Strategic Plan
and Information Technology Strategic Plan. This report should
also include funding strategies based on the comments received
from the public. We expect these comments will give Congress a
path to move forward on a funding strategy to implement
modernization. The Committee remains convinced that the
Copyright community will support a fee structure change
alongside a commitment from Congress to improve the Copyright
system. Finally, the report shall include a comparison between
the software and requirements used by the recently modernized
Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark processes and the
software the Copyright Office plans to implement. This modified
plan is to be provided to the Committee within 90 days.
Therefore the Committee appropriates an additional
$4,000,000 above last year to support modernization totaling
$68,827,000, which includes authority to spend $37,198,000 in
receipts, and authority to spend $4,531,000 in prior year
unobligated balances for the Copyright Office. This is
$9,952,000 above the fiscal year 2016 level and is $5,199,000
below the budget request. The increase above the current level
is comprised of $5,952,000, offset with increased authority to
spend receipts of $1,421,000, and prior year unobligated
balances of $4,531,000. The increase of $1,421,000 in
offsetting collections authority will fund 5 FTEs for
supervision and staffing for emerging registration policies, 6
FTEs for public records and repositories staffing, and
mandatory pay related and price level increases for Copyright
Licensing Division and the Copyright Royalty Judges. The
authority to spend prior year unobligated balances of
$4,531,000 will fund the contract portion of the Data
Management Initiative ($1,091,000) and the Searchable Historic
Copyright Records Project ($3,440,000).
To be consistent with the Legislative Branch mandate on
shared services to achieve efficiencies and savings where
practical and GAO findings on the Library's information
technology investment management, the House directs the
Copyright Office to utilize the new hosting facility as the
primary data center for infrastructure support including data
storage and mission oriented software applications.
Additionally, any development or use of commodity information
technology services not provided by the Library should be done
only by exception after collaboration with the Library's Office
of the Chief Information Officer and approval of the Chief
Information Officer. Furthermore, all efforts by the Copyright
Office to modernize its mission critical software applications
should be accomplished in close collaboration with the
Library's Chief Information Officer to ensure there is no
duplication of any shared services currently supported by the
Library. The Committee expects to see savings from taking a
shared services approach.
The Committee understands the Copyright Office has offered
its expertise on copyright matters to the Executive Branch,
including participation in international discussions, and
expects the Office to continue that important role.
Consistent with historical practice, the Committee expects
the Library to continue to defer to the copyright expertise of
the Register of Copyrights.
Congressional Research Service
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $106,945,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 114,408,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 107,945,000
The Committee recommends $107,945,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Congressional Research Service (CRS). This
amount is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level
and is $6,463,000 below the budget request.
CRS works for Members and committees of Congress to support
their legislative, oversight, and representational functions by
providing nonpartisan and confidential research and policy
analysis.
Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $50,248,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 51,591,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 50,248,000
The Committee recommends $50,248,000 for salaries and
expenses of the National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped (NLS). This amount is the same as the
fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $1,343,000 below the
budget request.
The NLS administers a free national reading program for
blind and physically handicapped residents of the United States
and U.S. citizens living abroad since 1931. NLS provides
direction for the production of books and magazines in braille
and recorded formats and audio playback machines for
distribution through a nationwide network of 55 regional and 33
sub-regional libraries.
Administrative Provisions
Section 1301 authorizes obligational authority for
reimbursable and revolving funds.
Section 1302 establishes a national collection stewardship
fund.
Section 1303 continues to authorize the National Film
Preservation Program.
Section 1304 continues to authorize the Sound Recording
Preservation Program.
GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
GPO provides publishing and dissemination services for
Federal government publications to Congress, Federal agencies,
Federal depository libraries, and the American public.
The Committee commends GPO for its continuing use of
digital technology to support the information requirements of
Congress, including support for the development of the
Constitution, Jefferson's Manual, and the Rules of the House of
Representatives in XML format; the introduction of a new
website, govinfo, for providing permanent access to public
documents including congressional information; and the agency's
ongoing work to digitize all issues of the Congressional Record
dating back to its introduction in 1873. GPO's skilled use of
digital technology has allowed the agency to constrain the
costs of its operations while expanding Government information
access options to the American people, bringing greater
openness and transparency to the operations of the Government
and Congress.
Congressional Publishing
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $79,736,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 79,736,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 79,736,000
The Committee recommends $79,736,000 for Congressional
Publishing. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016
enacted level and is the same as the budget request.
This account funds the costs of publishing congressional
information products in both digital and print formats. The
amount is provided as a lump sum to cover various categories of
printing.
Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $30,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 29,500,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 29,500,000
The Committee recommends $29,500,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Public Information Programs of the
Superintendent of Documents. This amount is $1,000,000 below
the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is the same as the
budget request.
The Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of
Documents account funds the mailing of government documents for
Members of Congress and Federal agencies, as statutorily
authorized; the compilation of catalogs and indexes of
government publications; and the cataloging, indexing, and
providing of government publications in digital and tangible
formats to the Federal Depository and International Exchange
libraries and to other individuals and entities, as authorized
by law.
Business Operations Revolving Fund
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $6,832,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 7,832,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 7,832,000
The Committee recommends $7,832,000 for the Business
Operations Revolving Fund. This is an increase of $1,000,000
above the fiscal 2016 level and the same as the budget request.
The operations of the Government Publishing Office are
financed through the Business Operations Revolving Fund. This
business-like fund is used to pay GPO's costs in performing
congressional and agency publishing, information product
procurement, and publications dissemination activities. The
fund is reimbursed from payments from customer agencies, sales
to the public, appropriations to the fund, and transfers from
GPO's two annual appropriations.
The bill continues language authorizing the operation of
the revolving fund and authority to hire or purchase
automobiles, advisory councils, and consultants.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $531,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 567,825,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 533,100,000
Offsetting Collections................................ 23,350,000
-----------------
Total available................................... $556,450,000
The Committee recommends $533,100,000 in direct
appropriations for the Government Accountability Office (GAO),
plus $23,350,000 in offsetting collections derived from
reimbursements for conducting financial audits of government
corporations and rental of space in the GAO building. This
amount is an increase of $2,100,000 above the fiscal year 2016
enacted level, and is $34,725,000 below the budget request.
GAO was established by the Budget and Accounting Act of
1921. GAO works for Congress by responding to requests for
studies of Federal Government programs and expenditures. GAO
may also initiate its own work.
The Committee recognizes the important work that the
Government Accountability Office does on a daily basis to
provide oversight, transparency, and accountability for
Congress and the American people.
Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $5,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 5,800,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,000,000
The Committee recommends $1,000,000 for shut down costs.
This amount is $4,600,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted
level and $4,800,000 below the budget request.
For many years the Committee has had concern with the
placement of the Open World Leadership Center (OWLC) in the
Legislative Branch with it mirroring numerous similar or nearly
identical programs administered by other Federal agencies. In
this fiscal environment where our national debt exceeds $19
trillion, it is important to eliminate duplicative programs.
The Committee has provided $1,000,000 to cover the cost
associated with the shutdown of the OWLC. The Committee directs
the Director to retain any necessary prior year funds in the
Trust to cover any cost in excess of the $1,000,000 provided in
this bill to be utilized for the orderly shutdown. The Director
is further directed that the program termination is to be
finalized within one year of enactment of the Legislative
Branch fiscal year 2017 appropriation bill.
John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016....................... $430,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017...................... 430,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 430,000
The Committee recommends $430,000 for fiscal year 2017.
This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level
and is the same as the budget request.
TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Includes language regarding maintenance and care of private
vehicles, fiscal year limitation, rates of compensation and
designation, consulting services, the Legislative Branch
Financial Managers Council, a limitation on transfers, guided
tours of the Capitol, computer network activity, and the
spending reduction account.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT REQUIREMENTS
The following items are included in accordance with various
requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives.
Comparison With the Budget Resolution
Section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget Act
requires the report accompanying a bill providing new budget
authority to contain a statement comparing the levels in the
bill to the suballocations submitted under section 302(b) of
the Act for the most recently agreed to concurrent resolution
on the budget for the applicable fiscal year. That information
is provided in the table headed ``Comparison of Reported Bill
to Section 302(b) Suballocation.''
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
302(b) Allocation This bill--
-------------------------------------------------------
Budget Budget
authority Outlays authority Outlays
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee
allocations to its subcommittees: Subcommittee on
Legislative Branch
Discretionary........................................... $4,436 $4,336 $3,482 $3,600\1\
Mandatory............................................... 139 139 139 139\1\
Total................................................... $4,575 $4,475 $3,621 $3,739
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from both House and Senate prior-year budget authority.
Note.--Bill amounts excludes discretionary Senate related items.
Five-Year Outlay Projections
In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344), as
amended, the following table contains five-year projections
prepared by the Congressional Budget Office of outlays
associated with the budget authority provided in the
accompanying bill:
[In millions of dollars]
Budget Authority...................................... $3,621
Outlays:
2017.............................................. \2\3,008
2018.............................................. 396
2019.............................................. 99
2020.............................................. 48
2021.............................................. 33
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
Assistance to State and Local Governments
Pursuant to section 308(a)1)(C) of the Congressional Budget
Act of 1974, (Public Law 93-344), as amended, the amount of
financial assistance to State and local governments is as
follows:
The accompanying bill contains no funding for State and
local assistance programs.
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 to the Executive
Branch.
Transfer of Funds
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following lists the transfers of
funds included in the accompanying bill:
Indefinite transfer authority is authorized in Joint items
disbursed by the Chief Administrative Officer of the House,
Library of Congress, Congressional Printing and Binding, the
Superintendent of Documents, and the Capitol Police programs.
Rescissions
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following details the rescissions
in the accompanying bill:
The accompanying bill contains no rescissions.
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.
Appropriations Not Authorized by Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following lists the
appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not
authorized by law for the period concerned:
The accompanying bill contains no appropriations not
authorized by law.
Earmarks
Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House
of Representatives, this bill, as reported, contains no
Congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff
benefits as defined in clause 9(e), 9(f), or 9(g) of rule XXI.
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 in the
accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the
application of existing law:
1. The bill provides that certain appropriation items
remain available for more than one year, where programs or
projects are continuing in nature under the provisions of
authorizing legislation but for which that legislation does not
specifically authorize such extended availability.
2. The bill includes a number of provisions which place
limitations on or change or extend existing limitations,
appropriations, or authorizations, and which under some
circumstances might be construed as changing the application of
existing law.
3. The bill continues the practice of providing official
reception and representation allowances for officers and
offices of the Legislative Branch.
4. The bill authorizes disbursal of funds for various
agencies.
5. The bill authorizes transfer authority between accounts
for certain agencies in the bill.
6. The bill includes language allowing the use of funds for
studies and examinations of executive agencies and temporary
personnel services. Funds can also be available for
reimbursement to agencies for services performed.
7. The bill includes language providing funds for the
Family Room, the Superintendent of Garages, Office of Emergency
Management, and preparing the Digest of Rules.
8. The bill includes language providing funds for House
motor vehicles, interparliamentary receptions, and gratuities.
9. The bill requires unspent funds remaining in Members'
Representational Allowances to be used for deficit or debt
reduction.
10. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being
used for the delivery of bills and resolutions.
11. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being
used for the delivery of the Congressional Record.
12. The bill includes language that places a limitation on
the amount that a Member can spend on a leased vehicle per
month.
13. The bill includes language that places a limitation on
printed copies of the U.S. Code for the House of
Representatives.
14. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being
used for the delivery of the Reports of Disbursements.
15. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being
used for the delivery of the daily calendar.
16. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being
used for the delivery of the congressional pictorial directory.
17. The bill authorizes allowances for employees of the
Office of the Attending Physician and provides reimbursement to
the Department of the Navy.
18. The bill authorizes expenses of the Capitol Police for
motor vehicles, communications and other equipment, uniforms,
weapons, supplies, materials, training, medical services,
forensic services, stenographic services, personal and
professional services, the employee assistance program, the
awards program, postage, communication services, travel
advances, and relocation expenses.
19. The bill provides that the cost of Capitol Police basic
training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center be paid
by the Department of Homeland Security.
20. The bill includes language that authorizes
reimbursement for law enforcement assistance provided in
connection with any activity that was not sponsored by
Congress.
21. The bill includes language to authorize CBO to
establish senior level positions.
22. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to
purchase or exchange, maintain, and operate two passenger motor
vehicles.
23. The bill includes authorization allowing reimbursements
for chilled water and steam provided to the Government
Publishing Office, the Washington City Post Office, the Supreme
Court, the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, Union
Station Complex, and the Folger Shakespeare Library to be
credited to the AOC Capitol Power Plant appropriation and made
available for obligation.
24. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to expend
funds to maintain, care for, and operate the National Garden.
25. The bill contains language that prohibits the Architect
of the Capitol from expending funds for scrims containing
photographs of building facades during restoration or
construction projects.
26. The bill establishes Working Capital Fund for the
Architect of the Capitol.
27. The bill permits the use of expired funds for
unemployment compensation payments.
28. The bill establishes a Flag Office Revolving Fund.
29. The bill provides the authority to expend funds
collected under the authority of 2 U.S.C. 150 and for
international legal information, the balance to remain
available until expended.
30. The bill establishes that the amount available for
obligation by the Library of Congress is reduced by offsetting
collections.
31. The bill provides funds for the digital collections and
educational curricula program, and the American Folklife
Center.
32. The bill allows the Library of Congress to hire or
purchase one passenger motor vehicle.
33. The bill allows funds from offsetting collections to be
used for the Library's Copyright Office.
34. The bill includes language authorizing the expenditure
of receipts, with the exception of salaries and benefits, for
the administration of the Copyright Royalty Judges program.
35. The bill contains language which provides that no funds
in the Congressional Research Service can be used to publish or
prepare material to be issued by the Library of Congress unless
approved by the appropriate committees.
36. The bill provides funds to provide newspapers to the
blind and physically handicapped.
37. The bill contains language under the Library of
Congress placing a limitation on obligations for Reimbursable
and Revolving Fund activities.
38. The bill establishes a National Collection Stewardship
Fund.
39. The bill contains language restricting the use of funds
appropriated to the Government Publishing Office for the
permanent edition of the Congressional Record for individual
Representatives and Senators, Resident Commissioners, or
Delegates, and language providing that appropriations
recommended shall be available for the payment of obligations
incurred under appropriations for similar purposes for
preceding fiscal years, limiting the printing of certain
documents to a time certain, and authorizing the transfer of
unobligated balances.
40. The bill includes authorization of appropriations for
Congressional Publishing.
41. The bill includes language authorizing the Public
Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents to pay
for printing certain publications in prior years for the
depository library program. There is language authorizing the
transfer of unexpended balances.
42. There is language authorizing the operation of the
Government Publishing Office revolving fund, and which
authorizes travel expenses for advisory councils, the purchase
of not more than 12 passenger motor vehicles and that the
revolving fund may be used to provide information in any
format.
43. The bill includes language relating to the Government
Accountability Office, authorizing the direct procurement of
expert and consultant services under 5 U.S.C. 3109 at certain
rates; authorizing the hire of one passenger motor vehicle, as
required by 31 U.S.C. 1343; authorizing the Government
Accountability Office to make advance payments in foreign
countries in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3324; and providing
certain benefits, including rental of living quarters in
foreign countries. Appropriations are authorized for
administrative expenses of any other member department or
agency to finance an appropriate share of the costs of the
National Intergovernmental Audit Forum or a Regional
Intergovernmental Audit Forum.
44. In Section 201, there is language prohibiting the use
of funds in the Act for the maintenance or care of private
vehicles except for emergency assistance and cleaning as may be
provided under regulations relating to parking facilities for
the House issued by the Committee on House Administration and
for the Senate by the Committee on Rules and Administration.
45. Section 203 provides that whenever any office or
position not specifically established by the Legislative Pay
Act of 1929 is appropriated for herein, or whenever the rate of
compensation or designation of any position appropriated for
herein is different from that specifically established for such
position by such Act, the rate of compensation and the
designation of the position, either appropriated for or
provided herein, shall be the permanent law with respect
thereto: Provided that the provisions herein for the various
items of official expenses of Members, officers, and committees
of the Senate and House, and clerk hire for Senators and
Members shall be the permanent law with respect thereto.
46. Section 204 requires that certain information regarding
consulting services shall be a matter of public record.
47. Section 205 authorizes Legislative Branch entities to
share the costs of the Legislative Branch Financial Managers
Council.
48. Section 206 limits the transfer of funds in this Act.
49. Section 207 prohibits funds in this Act being used to
eliminate or restrict staff led guided tours.
50. Section 208 prohibits funds to be used concerning
computer network activity.
51. This bill provides language relating to cost of living
adjustment for Members of Congress.
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):
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1977
* * * * * * *
TITLE VI--ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
* * * * * * *
Capitol Buildings and Grounds
* * * * * * *
CAPITOL GROUNDS
For care and improvement of grounds surrounding the Capitol,
the Senate and House Office Buildings, and the Capitol Power
Plant; personal and other services; care of trees; planting;
fertilizer; repairs to pavements, walks, and roadways;
waterproof wearing apparel; maintenance of signal lights; and
for snow removal by hire of men and equipment or under contract
without regard to section 3709 of the Revised Statutes, as
amended, $1,832,800: Provided, That hereafter, funds
[appropriated under this heading] appropriated for any
available account of the Architect of the Capitol shall be
available for the purchase or rental, maintenance and operation
of passenger motor vehicles to provide shuttle service for
Members and employees of Congress to and from the buildings in
the Legislative group.
Not to exceed $94,500 of the unobligated balance of the
appropriation under this head for the fiscal year 1976 is
hereby continued available until September 30, 1977.
* * * * * * *
----------
SECTION 1003 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2003
Sec. 1003. Disposal of Surplus Property. (a) In General.--
Within the limits of available appropriations, the Capitol
Police may dispose of [surplus or obsolete property of the
Capitol Police] surplus or obsolete property of the Capitol
Police, and property which is in the possession of the Capitol
Police because it has been disposed, forfeited, voluntarily
abandoned, or unclaimed, by interagency transfer, donation,
sale, trade-in, or other appropriate method.
(b) Amounts Received.--Any amounts received by the Capitol
Police from the disposition of property under subsection (a)
shall be credited to the account established for the general
expenses of the Capitol Police, and shall be available to carry
out the purposes of such account during the fiscal year in
which the amounts are received and the following fiscal year.
(c) Effective Date.--This section shall apply to fiscal year
2003 and each fiscal year thereafter.
* * * * * * *
----------
NATIONAL FILM PRESERVATION ACT OF 1996
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF THE NATIONAL FILM PRESERVATION BOARD
* * * * * * *
SEC. 112. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Librarian for
the first fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act and each succeeding fiscal year [through
fiscal year 2016] through fiscal year 2026 such sums as may be
necessary to carry out the purposes of this title, but in no
fiscal year shall such sum exceed $250,000.
* * * * * * *
----------
TITLE 36, UNITED STATES CODE
* * * * * * *
SUBTITLE II--PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
* * * * * * *
PART B--ORGANIZATIONS
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 1517--NATIONAL FILM PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
* * * * * * *
Sec. 151711. Authorization of appropriations
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Library of Congress amounts
necessary to carry out this chapter, not to exceed--
(A) $530,000 for each of the fiscal years
2005 through 2009;
(B) $750,000 for each of the fiscal years
2010 through 2011; and
(C) $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years
2012 [through 2016] through 2026.
(2) Matching.--The amounts authorized to be
appropriated under this subsection are to be made
available to the corporation to match any private
contributions (whether in currency, services, or
property) made to the corporation by private persons
and State and local governments.
(b) Limitation Related to Administrative Expenses.--Amounts
authorized under this section may not be used by the
corporation for management and general or fundraising expenses
as reported to the Internal Revenue Service as part of an
annual information return required under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986.
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 1524--NATIONAL RECORDING PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
* * * * * * *
Sec. 152403. Board of directors
(a) General.--The board of directors is the governing body of
the corporation.
(b) Members and Appointment.--(1) The Librarian of Congress
(hereafter in this chapter referred to as the ``Librarian'') is
an ex officio nonvoting member of the board. Not later than 90
days after the date of the enactment of this chapter, the
Librarian shall appoint the directors to the board in
accordance with paragraph (2).
(2)(A) The board consists of [nine directors] 12 directors.
(B) Each director shall be a United States citizen.
(C) At least six directors shall be knowledgeable or
experienced in sound recording production, distribution,
preservation, or restoration, including two who are sitting
members of the National Recording Preservation Board. These six
directors shall, to the extent practicable, represent diverse
points of view from the sound recording community.
(3) A director is not an employee of the Library of Congress
and appointment to the board does not constitute appointment as
an officer or employee of the United States Government for the
purpose of any law of the United States.
(4) The terms of office of the directors are 4 years.
(5) A vacancy on the board shall be filled in the manner in
which the original appointment was made.
(c) Chair.--The Librarian shall appoint one of the directors
as the initial chair of the board for a 2-year term.
Thereafter, the chair shall be appointed and removed in
accordance with the bylaws of the corporation.
(d) Quorum.--The number of directors constituting a quorum of
the board shall be established under the bylaws of the
corporation.
(e) Meetings.--The board shall meet at the call of the
Librarian for regularly scheduled meetings.
(f) Reimbursement of Expenses.--Directors shall serve without
compensation but may receive travel expenses, including per
diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702
and 5703 of title 5.
(g) Liability of Directors.--Directors are not personally
liable, except for gross negligence.
* * * * * * *
Sec. 152411. Authorization of appropriations
(a) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to the corporation for the first fiscal year beginning on or
after the date of the enactment of this chapter and each
succeeding fiscal year [through fiscal year 2016] through
fiscal year 2026 an amount not to exceed the amount of private
contributions (whether in currency, services, or property) made
to the corporation by private persons and State and local
governments.
(b) Limitation Related to Administrative Expenses.--Amounts
authorized under this section may not be used by the
corporation for management and general or fundraising expenses
as reported to the Internal Revenue Service as part of an
annual information return required under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986.
* * * * * * *
----------
NATIONAL RECORDING PRESERVATION ACT OF 2000
* * * * * * *
TITLE I--SOUND RECORDING PRESERVATION BY THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
* * * * * * *
Subtitle D--General Provisions
* * * * * * *
SEC. 133. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Librarian for
the first fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act and each succeeding fiscal year [through
fiscal year 2016] through fiscal year 2026 such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this title, except that the amount
authorized for any fiscal year may not exceed $250,000.
* * * * * * *
MINORITY VIEWS OF NITA LOWEY AND DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ
For the first time in many years, the subcommittee received
a fair allocation of $3.48 billion, $72 million more than the
fiscal year 2016 enacted level. However this bill continues to
neglect areas that would rebuild Congressional capacity and
continues to fund areas that promote politics over policy.
Congress must invest in itself to ultimately improve its
service to the Country. This bill is instrumental in what
should be a bipartisan goal of rebuilding Congress.
A small change in full committee improves the bill in small
measure. Representative Farr's amendment to increase the
Members Representational Allowance (MRA) by $8.3 million, or
1.5%, was adopted by voice vote after a group of bipartisan
Members gave examples of how additional resources for staff are
needed. According to the 2010 Census, the average congressional
district is a little over 710,000 people, which is 63,815 more
than the average sized based on Census 2000. As districts grow,
their representatives in Congress must keep pace to properly
serve their constituents. The MRA allows Members to provide
constituents with vital services in their districts and to
adequately analyze policy decisions while ensuring the
Legislative Branch of government remains an equal branch of
government. After three years of flat MRA budgets, the Farr
amendment is a small step toward strengthening the capacity of
Members' ability to serve their constituents.
Representative McCollum offered an amendment, which failed
20-28, which would have saved taxpayer dollars by defunding the
Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and
Commerce. This Select Panel is engaging in reckless and
political actions, through unilateral subpoenas, the public
release of names despite privacy and security concerns, and
denial of minority access to documents.
Unfortunately this is but one example of the House majority
using official taxpayer dollars to engage in partisan politics.
The Benghazi Committee has spent more than $6.5 million in
taxpayer funds to engage in partisan politics during the
Presidential election. House Republicans have also used
resources from the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill to
defend the Defense of Marriage Act, to sue the President over
the Affordable Care Act, and to hire an outside attorney to
work on a case against the President regarding his Guantanamo
Bay policy. The political parties have legitimate disagreements
about these important policy areas, but both should draw the
line at using taxpayer dollars to further political causes. It
is no wonder public approval of Congress, along with Congress'
policy-making capacity, are both at an all-time low. The
McCollum amendment would have allowed the House Energy and
Commerce Committee to focus on passing legislation rather than
engaging in McCarthyism, improving the public's view of
Congress.
As Member and Committee budgets have been cut, Congress has
had to rely on support agencies to fill the gaps in staff
expertise. One of those agencies is the Congressional Research
Service (CRS). The bill funds the agency at $107.9 million, $1
million above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level. At that
level, CRS remains $4.6 million below the fiscal year 2010
level. According to CRS, recent funding levels have led to a
loss of 13 percent of its purchasing power since 2010. The $1
million increase will not even cover mandatory pay for CRS'
current staff.
CRS's budget request sought to rebuild the agency. They
asked for two defense policy staff, five health policy staff,
three education policy staff, two budget/appropriations staff,
four technology policy staff, and two data management and
analysis staff. None of those staff would be funded under the
current bill, depriving Congress of a non-biased analysis of
these critical policy areas.
In addition to inadequate funding priorities, this bill
wades unnecessarily into the Nation's immigration debate by
including report language that seeks to influence the Library
of Congress to continue to use the term ``Illegal Alien'' in
its subject headings. Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz had an
amendment to remove the contentious language that failed on a
close vote of 24-25.
Subject headings serve as the mechanism for how the Library
catalogs or groups information--something the Library of
Congress is well positioned to understand. They use headings
that reflect current day uses of words and phrases so
information is easily accessible by its users. There was a time
when the Library used the subject heading ``Insanity;'' today
it uses ``Mental Illness.'' The Library once had the subject
heading ``Negro,'' then moved to ``Afro American,'' and now
uses ``African American.'' In March 2016, the Library found
that the term ``Illegal Aliens'' had become pejorative and
decided to use the terms ``Noncitizen'' and ``Unauthorized
Immigration.''
Four Republicans joined with the Democrats to strip this
language from the report. While the amendment did not pass, it
showed there is bipartisan support to reduce the political
rhetoric surrounding immigration and to allow the Library of
Congress to remain free of political influence.
While we appreciate increases to areas such as the
Copyright Office and the Historic Buildings Revitalization
Trust Fund, we remain disappointed by the inclusion of the
report language on ``Illegal Aliens.'' As this bill continues,
we stand ready to work with the majority to remove partisan
obstacles and return the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill
to a bipartisan endeavor with the goal of better serving our
constituents and passing legislation for the good of the
American people.
Nita M. Lowey.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
[all]