House Report 115-199 - LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2018

[House Report 115-199]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

115th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session } { 115-199

======================================================================

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2018

_______

July 6, 2017.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed

_______

Mr. Yoder, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following

R E P O R T

together with

ADDITIONAL VIEWS

[To accompany H.R. 3162]

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, 2018, and for other purposes.

INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT

Page number

Bill Report
Highlights of Bill.........................................
2
Title I--Legislative Branch Appropriations................. 2
4
House of Representatives...........................
Joint Items:
Joint Economic Committee................... 10
9
Joint Committee on Taxation................ 10
9
Office of the Attending Physician.......... 10
10
Office of Congressional Accessibility
Services............................... 11
10
Capitol Police..................................... 12
10
Office of Compliance............................... 13
11
Congressional Budget Office........................ 14
12
Architect of the Capitol (except Senate Office
Buildings)..................................... 14
12
Library of Congress................................ 18
18
Government Publishing Office....................... 23
22
Government Accountability Office................... 27
23
Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund............ 29
24
John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training
and Development................................ 29
24
Title II--General Provisions............................... 29
24
Bill-wide Reporting Requirements...........................
24
Additional Views...........................................
42

SUMMARY OF BILL

The accompanying bill contains recommendations for new
budget (obligational) authority for fiscal year 2018 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 2017:

[Note.--Excludes Senate items, including those Senate items under the Architect of the Capitol]
(Amounts in thousands, rounded)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2017 FY 2018 Bill vs. Bill vs.
Recapitulation enacted request Bill enacted request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
House of Representatives 1,189,049 1,223,187 1,194,049 +5,000 -29,138
(discretionary)................
House of Representatives 174 - - - - - - -174 - - -
(mandatory)\1\.................
Joint Items..................... 19,565 20,654 19,940 +375 -714
Capitol Police.................. 393,300 422,307 422,500 +29,200 +193
Office of Compliance............ 3,959 4,056 3,959 - - - -97
Congressional Budget Office..... 46,500 49,945 48,500 +2,000 -1,445
Architect of the Capitol........ 529,481 672,919 581,837 +52,356 -91,082
Library of Congress............. 631,958 703,420 648,027 +16,069 -55,393
Government Publishing Office.... 117,068 117,068 117,068 - - - - - -
Government Accountability Office 544,506 590,678 544,506 - - - -46,172
Open World Leadership Center.... 5,600 5,800 5,600 - - - -200
Stennis Center for Public 430 430 430 - - - - - -
Service........................
General Provisions\2\........... -1,000 - - - -2,000 -1,000 -2,000
Other Scorekeeping Adjustments.. - - - -4,000 -4,000 -4,000 - - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand total................. 3,480,590 3,806,464 3,580,416 +99,826 -226,048
Discretionary........... (3,480,416) (3,806,464) (3,580,416) (+100,000) (-226,048)
Mandatory\1\............ (174) - - - - - - (-174) - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\FY2017 funds provided in Continuing Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 114-223).
\2\FY2017 is Sec. 175 of Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 114-254).

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL

The Committee recommends $3,580,417,919 in discretionary
resources for operations of the Legislative Branch of
government (excluding Senate items). The fiscal year 2018
recommendation is $100,000,000 above the current fiscal year
level and $226,046,874 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 2018 including
those under the Architect of the Capitol totals $1,058,294,376.
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

Security: The Committee believes there is no higher
priority in this bill than providing adequate resources for the
physical security of Members of Congress, staff and their
constituents. The recent shooting at a Congressional Baseball
Game practice was a humbling reminder of the threats Members
and staff face as public servants. The shooting incident was
also a reminder of the heroic capabilities of the men and women
of the United States Capitol Police department (USCP). After
reflection on the recent shooting the Committee has heard from
many Members expressing concerns about the current level of
available security. To that point, this bill provides
additional resources to the USCP in the amount of $7,500,000
and House Sergeant at Arms in the amount of $5,000,000 to
enhance security for Members both in Washington D.C. and in
Congressional districts.
Specific plans are being developed for how the additional
resources will be used and what security procedures may need to
be adjusted. The Committee supports taking a comprehensive and
collaborative approach in developing the additional security
measures. This approach should take into account enhanced
security options for Members' personal safety, residential
security, district office security and protecting the Capitol
complex. Although the specific plans, issuance of additional
guidance, and any required authorizations are still being
finalized the Committee believes the resources included in this
bill will be able to address district office security needs as
well as a heightened USCP posture. Furthermore, the Committee
has provided resources necessary to support the Committee on
House Administration's plan to increase Member's
Representational Allowance (MRA) by $25,000 per account this
year for the purpose of providing Member security when away
from the Capitol complex. Additionally, the Committee is aware
of a pending request of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)
to issue guidance on the allowance of all Members to use
campaign funds for security improvements to their residences. A
continued priority of this Committee will be to work with our
stakeholders to ensure every reasonable effort is made to
provide the safety Members, staff, and their constituents
deserve.
Reprogramming Guidelines: It is expected that all agencies
notify the Committees on Appropriations of the House and the
Senate of any significant departures from budget plans
presented to the Committees in any agency's budget
justifications. In particular, agencies funded through this
bill are required to notify the Committees prior to each
reprogramming of funds in excess of the lesser of 10 percent or
$750,000 between programs, projects or activities, or in excess
of $750,000 between object classifications (except for shifts
within the pay categories, object class 11, 12, and 13 or as
further specified in each agency's respective section). This
includes cumulative reprogrammings that together total at least
$750,000 from or to a particular program, activity, or object
classification as well as reprogramming FTEs or funds to create
new organizational entities within the Agency or to restructure
entities which already exist. The Committees desire to be
notified of reprogramming actions which involve less than the
above-mentioned amounts if such actions would have the effect
of changing an agency's funding requirements in future years or
if programs or projects specifically cited in the Committee's
reports are affected.
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

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $1,189,050,766
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 1,223,187,891
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,194,050,766
Change from enacted level......................... +5,000,000
Change from request............................... -29,137,125

The Committee recommends $1,194,050,766 for salaries and
expenses of the House of Representatives.

House Leadership Offices

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $22,278,891
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 22,278,891
Committee recommendation.............................. 22,278,891
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommends $22,278,891 for salaries and
expenses of staff in House leadership offices.
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 2017....................... $562,632,498
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 567,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 562,632,498
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... -4,367,502

The Committee recommends $562,632,498 for the salaries and
expenses of the Members Representational Allowances. This level
of funding will allow the MRAs to operate at authorized levels
as approved by the Committee on House Administration.

Committee Employees

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $150,324,377
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 152,288,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 150,279,373
Change from enacted level......................... -45,004
Change from request............................... -2,008,627

The Committee recommends $150,279,373 in total for
Committee Employees.
This account includes funding for salaries and expenses of
Committees including equipment, telecommunications, printing,
contract services, and supplies. Funding is available until
December 31, 2018.
This amount makes available $3,150,200 for committee room
renovations.
Included in the total is $23,226,000 for the Committee on
Appropriations.
Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission: The Committee received
testimony regarding the outstanding work of the Tom Lantos
Human Rights Commission done with very limited resources. The
Committee is supportive of the commission's request for
additional dedicated resources and is willing to work with the
Committee on House Administration to identify potential
additional resources for the commission.

Salaries, Officers and Employees

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $181,487,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 202,796,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 198,156,000
Change from enacted level......................... +16,669,000
Change from request............................... -4,640,000

The Committee recommends $198,156,000 for the salaries and
expenses of House officers and employees of the various
activities funded through this consolidated item.
The following table summarizes the funding allocation
provided to each component of the account:

Office of the Clerk................................... $27,945,000
Office of the Sergeant At Arms........................ 20,505,000

Member Security: The Committee has provided an additional
$5,000,000 to the House Sergeant at Arms with the intent of
enhancing security for Members when they are away from the
Capitol complex. The Committee is aware that a specific plan is
still evolving and once fully developed a plan will be
presented to the Committee.

Office of the Chief Administrative Officer............ 127,165,000

Cybersecurity: The Committee recognizes the importance of
cybersecurity even in a constrained fiscal environment. To that
point, the Committee has provided $10,000,000 in additional
funding to the CAO in order to enhance their cybersecurity
program. The House is a major target for cyber intrusions,
having prevented an estimated 4,700,000,000 cyber-attacks in
calendar year 2016 alone. The House must continuously improve
and adapt their cybersecurity posture in order to stay ahead of
the ever evolving threat. The Committee is encouraged that the
CAO is taking steps to evaluate and implement cyber protections
beyond traditional desktop computers. Protecting mobile devices
and home computing devices are areas that the Committee is
pleased to see the CAO making strides in. The results of
several on-going pilot programs in those areas are of interest
to the Committee and the Committee looks forward to the CAO's
recommendations.
Food Service: The Committee continues to have concerns
regarding current food service offerings. The recent emphasis
the Office of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) has put on
food service through the quality assurance surveillance program
is a step in the right direction. However, the Committee
continues to believe that making available additional branded
options to the House campus is an important aspect of improving
food service. The Committee believes that opportunities for
branded options exist in the Cannon House Office Building and
possibly in the recently acquired O'Neill House Office
Building. The CAO, in partnership with the Architect of the
Capitol (AOC) is directed to look at the feasibility of branded
food service offerings in those buildings as well as other
suitable locations such as current House cafeterias and report
the findings to this committee as well as the Committee on
House Administration.
Food Waste Reduction: The Committee believes that the House
should whenever possible, ensure that food waste generated at
House food services does not end up in a landfill. The
Committee urges the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to
explore composting and donation options for House food
services. The CAO should report those findings to the
Committee.
Information Technology Model: Information technology
resources are a critical component of the productivity and
cybersecurity of the Legislative Branch. Over the years, the
House of Representatives has adopted a model of outsourcing
direct information technology support to offices and
committees. Although this model provides Members and staff with
flexibility to obtain the level of services and support they
desire, it may not be the most secure or cost-efficient model.
Therefore, the Committee directs the Chief Administrative
Officer (CAO) to analyze the current cost and level of service
provided by the existing mix of contractor and government
provided information technology services. The report should
assess options to provide Members with government provided
information technology support in-line with other services of
the House while also preserving the options for Members to
utilize contract support.
Child Care Center Expansion: An expansion of the House of
Representatives Child Care Center continues to be a top
priority for the Committee. While expanding the center and
reducing the lengthy waitlist is in line with the Committee's
priority of promoting a family-friendly workplace, the project
must be done in a fiscally responsible manner. The Committee is
aware that several proposals for a possible expansion are being
reviewed and is committed to working with the House Office
Building Commission and the Committee on House Administration
to ensure any expansion be done in a manner that adds the most
value to the House community.
Wounded Warrior Program: The Chief Administrative Officer
(CAO) managed Wounded Warrior program is one of the House's
most supported initiatives. The program currently provides 54
two-year fellowship positions for wounded veterans in
Congressional offices. The Committee believes that with
effective management of the program and continued support in
appropriations, sufficient funding exists to expand the program
by an additional 31 fellowship positions. The Committee is also
aware that the CAO is evaluating the program and may be making
some recommendations as a result; the Committee is interested
in the CAO's observations of the program and any
recommendations to improve it.
Wellness Program: The Committee recognizes that
organizational well-being is an important issue for large
organizations. Multiple research shows the benefits of wellness
programs that have been implemented for veterans, schools,
Federal programs, and Fortune 500 companies. Wellness programs
have been shown to improve the overall health of the workforce
resulting in higher productivity, increased employee
engagement, lower rates of absenteeism, and reductions in
health care costs. The Committee supports a comprehensive
wellness program for the House of Representatives and directs
the Chief Administrative Officer to create a plan for the
establishment of a comprehensive wellness program for the House
of Representatives and to include as elements of the program
resources to assist interested employees with nutrition,
fitness, general health, and stress management techniques,
including meditation. The CAO is directed to work with the
Architect of the Capitol, the Sergeant at Arms, the Chief of
the United States Capitol Police, and the Attending Physician
to determine capabilities and requirements necessary for full
implementation. This actionable plan shall be submitted to the
Committee no later than December 31, 2017.
Controls over Property and Equipment: Each year the House
undergoes an outside independent financial statement audit, the
findings of which are made publicly available through the
House's Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The House
recently received its 19th consecutive clean audit opinion
which is an achievement that should be recognized. Although the
opinion was clean, the audit did raise concerns of ineffective
controls over property and equipment within the House. The
Committee is aware of the challenges the Chief Administrative
Officer (CAO) faces to implement an improved comprehensive
inventory process, which effectively adds, tracks, and removes
inventory items throughout their lifecycle. The risks that
exist to the House by not having an effective inventory process
are both financial and reputational. The Committee has an
oversight responsibility to ensure we are being good stewards
of tax payer dollars, part of that is making sure we have
effective processes in place to keep track of our inventory.
The CAO does consider this gap a priority and has assured the
Committee they are committed to improving the process. Although
the CAO has started to address the audit findings through a new
Asset Management directorate and improved some of the major
processes relating to receiving, CAO inventories and disposals
there are still areas that need improvement to be effective.
The CAO is directed to submit a plan on how to address the
auditor's findings specific to property and equipment to this
Committee as well as the Committee on House Administration
within 180 days of enactment.

Report on Tools to Address Bias in Hiring and Management

The Committee recognizes that structural changes must be
made to improve diversity and inclusion in the House of
Representatives so that the people who serve America reflect
its diversity. The Committee directs the Chief Administrative
Officer to issue a report not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act addressing the ways in which
Members and staff who have hiring and management
responsibilities can be given the tools to combat unconscious
bias in hiring and promotion, and with education on the
negative impact of bias.

Office of the Inspector General....................... 4,968,000
Office of General Counsel............................. 1,492,000
Office of the Parliamentarian......................... 2,037,000
Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House....... 3,209,000
Office of the Legislative Counsel of the House........ 9,437,000
Office of Interparliamentary Affairs.................. 814,000
Other authorized employees............................ 584,000
-----------------
Total............................................. $198,156,000

Allowances and Expenses

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $272,328,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 278,825,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 260,704,004
Change from enacted level......................... -11,623,996
Change from request............................... -18,120,996

The Committee recommends a total of $260,704,004 for
allowances and expenses.
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.............................. 233,540,004
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery............. 16,186,000
Transition Activities................................. 2,273,000
Wounded Warrior Program............................... 2,500,000
Office of Congressional Ethics........................ 1,670,000
Miscellaneous items................................... 720,000
-----------------
Total, Allowances and Expenses.................... $260,704,004

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 amends the House Services Revolving Fund.
Section 110 prohibits cost of living adjustment for Members
of Congress.

JOINT ITEMS

JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $4,203,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 4,203,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 4,203,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommends $4,203,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Joint Economic Committee.
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 2017....................... $10,095,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 11,169,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 10,455,000
Change from enacted level......................... +360,000
Change from request............................... -714,000

The Committee recommends $10,455,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT).
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.
The Committee recognizes the unique needs of the Joint
Committee on Taxation to protect the limited access to taxpayer
return information protected under section 6103 of the Internal
Revenue Code. The Committee looks forward to working with the
Joint Committee on Taxation to enhance their cybersecurity
posture.

OFFICE OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $3,838,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 3,838,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 3,838,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommends $3,838,000 for the Office of the
Attending Physician.

OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $1,429,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 1,444,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,444,000
Change from enacted level......................... +15,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommends $1,444,000 for the operation of
the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services.
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.

Administrative Provision

Section 1001 authorizes senior level positions for the
Joint Committee on Taxation.

CAPITOL POLICE

Security: In light of recent events $7,500,000 has been
provided to enhance Member protection, including funds for
increased training, equipment and technology-related support
items.

Salaries

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $325,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 347,096,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 347,700,000
Change from enacted level......................... +22,400,000
Change from request............................... +604,000

The Committee recommends $347,700,000 for the personnel
salaries, benefits, and overtime requirements, to include the
cost of overtime necessary for providing training.
The increase also includes necessary half year funds to
hire the required officers to staff the O'Neill House Office
Building and garage security; half year funding for 48 civilian
positions that will replace positions currently staffed by
sworn officers and also allow the department to get utility out
of 48 additional sworn officers.
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 2017....................... $68,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 75,211,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 74,800,000
Change from enacted level......................... +6,800,000
Change from request............................... -411,000

The Committee recommends $74,800,000 for general expenses
to support the responsibilities for law enforcement, Capitol
complex physical and technological security, dignitary
protection, intelligence analysis, event management, hazardous
material/devices, information technology, and other specialized
responses, as well as logistical and administrative support.

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE

Salaries and Expenses

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $3,959,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 4,055,902
Committee recommendation.............................. 3,959,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... -96,902

The Committee recommends $3,959,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Office of Compliance.
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 2017....................... $46,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 49,945,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 48,500,000
Change from enacted level......................... +2,000,000
Change from request............................... -1,445,000

The Committee recommends $48,500,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Congressional Budget Office.
This office is responsible for producing independent
analyses of budgetary and economic issues to support the
Congressional budget process. Each year, the agency produces
dozens of reports, including its outlook on the budget and
economy, and hundreds of cost estimates for proposed
legislation.
The Committee is aware of the necessity to relocate to a
new hosting environment and expects a plan to be submitted to
the Committee so adequate funding can be provided.

ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL

(EXCLUDING SENATE OFFICE BUILDINGS)

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $529,481,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 672,919,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 581,837,000
Change from enacted level......................... +52,356,000
Change from request............................... -91,082,000

The Committee recommends $581,837,000 for the activities of
the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Excluded are Senate items
which are traditionally left for consideration by that body.
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 $10,000,000 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.
Cost Estimates: The Committee is concerned with the
accuracy of recent construction project cost estimates it has
received from the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). The AOC is
directed to re-evaluate their cost estimate process to ensure
it is in line with industry best practices and produces
reliable project cost estimates. Furthermore, as part of the
re-evaluation process the AOC should consider what steps of the
process can be done internally and if/when it is necessary to
engage with private companies to assist in the estimate
process. The Committee believes more of the work could be done
in-house rather than engaging with outside entities which
oftentimes lengthens the process and requires additional
taxpayer dollars.
The following table summarizes the allocation of funds by
appropriation account:

Capital Construction and Operations................... $93,000,000
Capitol Building...................................... 45,300,000
Capitol Grounds....................................... 13,333,000
House Office Buildings subtotal....................... 179,294,000
House Office Buildings............................ (169,294,000)
House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund (10,000,000)
Capitol Power Plant................................... 106,694,000
Library Buildings and Grounds......................... 76,097,000
Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security........ 33,249,000
Botanic Garden........................................ 13,400,000
Capitol Visitor Center................................ 21,470,000
-----------------
Total............................................. $581,837,000

Capital Construction and Operations

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $92,957,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 98,360,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 93,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... +43,000
Change from request............................... -5,360,000

The Committee recommends $93,000,000 for personnel
services, equipment, communications, and other central support
activities of the AOC.

Total............................................ $93,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Capitol Building

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $32,584,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 54,898,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 45,300,000
Change from enacted level......................... +12,716,000
Change from request............................... -9,598,000

The Committee recommends $45,300,000 for the operation,
maintenance, and care of the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Visitor
Center (CVC).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses................................... $25,842,000
Projects:
Exterior Stone and Metal Preservation, East $12,125,000
Facade, Phase IV................................
Kitchen and Exhaust Renovation................... 1,734,000
Conservation of Fine and Architectural Art....... 599,000
Minor Construction............................... 5,000,000
------------------
Total........................................ $45,300,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flag Office Modernization: The Committee is encouraged by
the progress the Architect of the Capitol has made toward
modernizing the Flag Office and looks forward to the pilot
program which is expected to be implemented in the near future.

Capitol Grounds

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $12,826,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 14,279,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 13,333,000
Change from enacted level......................... +507,000
Change from request............................... -946,000

The Committee recommends $13,333,000 for the care of the
grounds surrounding the Capitol.

Victory Gardens: The Committee is aware of the recently
opened ``victory'' gardens on Capitol grounds which are managed
by the Architect of the Capitol and is interested in
identifying additional locations on Capitol grounds that may be
suitable for more gardens. The AOC is directed to share its
findings with the Committee.

House Office Buildings

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $202,731,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 186,948,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 179,294,000
Change from enacted level......................... -23,437,000
Change from request............................... -7,654,000

The Committee recommends $179,294,000 for the operation,
maintenance, and care of the Rayburn, Cannon, Longworth, Ford,
O'Neill House Office Buildings, and the House underground
garages.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses................................... $62,164,000
Projects:
Garage Rehabilitation, Phase III, RHOB........... 31,056,000
Garage Rehabilitation, Plaza Waterproofing 3,414,000
Restoration West................................
CAO Project Support.............................. 3,660,000
Restoration and Renovation, CHOB................. 62,000,000
House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust 10,000,000
Fund............................................
Minor Construction............................... 7,000,000

Total........................................ $179,294,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 by 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 Cannon Renewal Project's
Phase I is fully underway, with construction impacting the west
wing (New Jersey Avenue side of the building) from the basement
to the fifth floor. Major construction activities include
demolition/abatement, historic window and door restoration,
stone facade cleaning and stabilization, and temporary roof
enclosure preparation for demolition/re-construction of the
fifth floor. The Committee is pleased phase I is on schedule
for completion in November 2018. The Committee provides
$62,000,000 to continue the established funding strategy.
Rayburn House Office Building Garage Rehabilitation: The
Committee provides $31,056,000 for the third 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.
Rayburn Courtyard: The Committee has received an estimate
for necessary security upgrades to allow use of the Rayburn
courtyard on the west side of the Rayburn building. The
Committee believes the estimate is excessively high and directs
the Architect of the Capitol to partner with the United States
Capitol Police and the House Sergeant at Arms to explore
alternative options that are more cost-effective.

Capitol Power Plant

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $95,646,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 117,205,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 115,694,000
Offsetting collections................................ 9,000,000
Total available....................................... $106,694,000
Change from enacted level......................... +20,048,000
Change from request............................... -1,511,000

The Committee recommends $115,694,000 for the operations of
the Capitol Power Plant which is the centralized provider of
utility services for the Capitol campus.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses................................... $87,637,000
Projects:
West Refrigeration Plant Cooling Tower Renovation 19,190,000
and Electrical Upgrade, Phase IV................
City Water Piping Replacement.................... 2,886,000
Boiler Feedwater Piping Replacement.............. 1,017,000
Cogeneration Management Program, CPP............. 964,000
Minor Construction............................... 4,000,000
------------------
Total........................................ $115,694,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Library Buildings and Grounds

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $47,080,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 121,182,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 76,097,000
Change from enacted level......................... +29,017,000
Change from request............................... -45,085,000

The Committee recommends $76,097,000 for the care and
maintenance of the Thomas Jefferson Building; James Madison
Memorial Building; John Adams Building; Packard Campus, Ft.
Meade Collection Storage Facility; National Library Services
Facility and the St. Cecilia Special Services Facilities
Center.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses................................... $27,373,000
Projects:
Collection Storage Module 6, Fort Meade.......... 45,000,000
Exterior Envelope Repair and Restoration, JAB.... 1,224,000
Minor Construction............................... 2,500,000
------------------
Total........................................ $76,097,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $20,033,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 54,177,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 33,249,000
Change from enacted level......................... +13,216,000
Change from request............................... -20,928,000

The Committee recommends $33,249,000 for the maintenance,
care and operation of buildings, grounds and security
enhancements of the USCP and AOC security operations.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses................................... $20,949,000
Projects:
Barrier Lifecycle and Perimeter Security Kiosk 8,300,000
Replacement, Phase II...........................
Minor Construction............................... 4,000,000
------------------
Total........................................ $33,249,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Botanic Garden

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $14,067,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 13,400,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 13,400,000
Change from enacted level......................... -667,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommends $13,400,000 for the improvement,
operation, care, and maintenance of the USBG Conservatory;
National Garden; Administration Building; Bartholdi Park and
Fountain; heritage and other plant collections, and the USBG
Production Facility at D.C. Village.

Veterans' Outreach Program: Funding is provided to expand a
joint veterans' outreach program between the USBG and the
American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial to develop
educational, job training, and therapeutic horticultural and
agricultural programs for disabled veterans.
Education Opportunities: The Committee continues to commend
the Botanic Garden on the accomplishments of its education and
outreach programs, which have leveraged the Garden's expertise
to provide educational opportunities to communities across our
nation. The Committee urges the Garden to continue forming
partnerships with national and local organizations. The
Committee encourages the Botanic Garden to continue expanding
its urban agricultural and botanical education programs for
disabled veterans and underserved, food-insecure communities.
The Committee also directs the Botanic Garden to conduct a
feasibility study for a joint outreach program between the
Botanic Garden and urban local public gardens that engages
citizens in food-insecure, undernourished communities in the
production of nutrition-rich, healthy foods, and which includes
educational, job training, and therapeutic horticultural and
agricultural components. The Botanic Garden is to provide the
study to the Committee on Appropriations 180 days after
enactment.

Capitol Visitor Center

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $20,557,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 21,470,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 21,470,000
Change from enacted level......................... +913,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommends $21,470,000 for the operations of
the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). The CVC was established to
provide a secure public environment to welcome and manage a
large number of visitors and to protect the Capitol, its
occupants, and guests in an atmosphere of open access.
There are no capital projects in fiscal year 2018.
Capitol Visitor Center Ticketing Process: The Committee
understands the cyclical nature of visitors to the CVC. Peak
visitor traffic typically starts in April right before the
Easter holiday and continues through the summer months. While
the types of traffic differ (e.g. school tours compared to
families), the volume remains consistent. As such, the
Committee has been made aware the high volume of traffic during
this time exacerbates the existing problems associated with
reserving and releasing ticket reservations and the
corresponding wait times for walk-up tours. To that end, the
Committee directs the CVC to develop potential alternate
policies to guide ticket distributions during this peak period.
The Committee recommends consulting with Member offices in the
process. The report should be provided to oversight committees
of the House and Senate within 180 days of enactment.
Expanded Availability of Tours in Foreign Languages: The
United States Capitol is an international tourist destination.
Among the millions of visitors each year, thousands are from
foreign countries. Many of the international visitors visit the
Capitol each year to experience firsthand the symbol of our
democracy. Currently, the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) provides
translated brochures for visitors available in thirteen
languages, and allows foreign speaking visitors to participate
in tours while reading along in the translated brochures. To
further enhance the visiting experience of foreign visitors,
the Committee encourages the CVC to explore the feasibility of
making listening devices available in additional foreign
languages.

Administrative Provisions

Section 1101 prohibits payment of bonuses to contractors
behind schedule or over budget.
Section 1102 prohibits expenditure of funds for scrims for
projects performed by the Architect of the Capitol.

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.
Increased funding is for information technology modernization
within the Library, the Copyright Office, and the Congressional
Research service.
Veterans History Project: The Committee expects the
Veterans History Project to be funded at least at the fiscal
year 2017 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 Veterans Service Organizations and
nonprofit and community stakeholders serving veterans from
historically underrepresented groups to enhance the project.
Outreach: The Committee encourages the Library of Congress
to increase cooperative partnership, fellowship opportunities,
and curriculum program associations with community colleges,
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving
institutions, Asian American and native American Pacific
Islander-serving institutions, American Indian Tribally
controlled colleges and universities, Alaska native and Native
Hawaiian-serving institutions, predominantly Black
institutions, Native American-serving institutions, Nontribal
institutions, and other minority-serving institutions.
Mass Deacidification: The Committee has long supported the
Library's mass deacidification program and regularly commended
the Library for the program's efficiency and effectiveness as a
key tenet of the Library's preservation mission.
Deacidification is still vital, and the Committee is concerned
with the Library's shift of fiscal year 2017 funds allocated
for mass deacidification into the cataloguing and management of
alkaline collections. The Committee calls upon the Library to
cease such transfers in funds and urges the Library to make a
separate request for funds to manage and catalogue alkaline
collections. Additionally, the Committee does not support the
reduction in deacidification below 200,000 volumes annually.
Such reductions in treatment increase the cost per book, add
years to the program, dramatically increase the long-term
program costs, and place hundreds of thousands of books at risk
for loss, with many of these books being rare. The $5,500,000
base provided for the program should be maintained.

Salaries and Expenses

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $457,017,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 504,260,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 464,209,234
Offsetting collections................................ 6,350,000
Total available....................................... 457,859,234
Change from enacted level......................... +7,192,234
Change from request............................... -40,050,766

The Committee recommends $457,859,234, plus authority to
spend $6,350,000 in receipts, for salaries and expenses.

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $23,098,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 31,416,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 28,446,000
Offsetting collections................................ 41,305,000
Prior Year Unobligated Balances....................... 2,260,000
Total available....................................... 72,011,000
Change from enacted level......................... +3,186,000
Change from request............................... -5,698,000

The Committee recommends $28,446,000 plus authority to
spend $41,305,000 in receipts, and $2,260,000 in prior year
unobligated balances for salaries and expenses of the Copyright
Office.
Copyright Modernization: The Committee is encouraged by the
collaborative work between the United States Copyright Office
(USCO) and the Library of Congress's Office of the Chief
Information Officer's Office (OCIO) and is looking forward to
the USCO's revised provisional IT plan which is expected in
early August. The Committee continues to support a shared-
services approach with regards to commodity IT services.
Copyright modernization is something the Committee fully
supports and will continue to provide appropriate resources. As
we go forward OCIO is encouraged to engage with stakeholders
both in the Congressional-community and beyond to outline clear
benchmarks for progress.
Registration: Through its Registration Program and other
services the USCO supports industries that contribute over one
trillion dollars to the U.S. economy and provide immeasurable
benefits to the public. One of the USCO's primary functions is
the registration of claims to copyright. For that reason,
modernization of the USCO's electronic copyright registration
system is of utmost importance. The Committee has provided
funding in fiscal year 2018, in coordination with the Library's
OCIO, to begin the next phase of the registration modernization
efforts: a thorough, comprehensive analysis of business
requirements. This funding will also ensure that the office
will be able to maintain its legacy systems while development
of a new system occurs. The Committee expects that
modernization efforts and requirements gathering to take into
account the needs of external users from across copyright
industries and user groups.
Recordation: Testimony received by this Committee stated
that it currently takes 18 months to complete the recordation
process at the USCO, compared to the Patent and Trademark
Office (PTO) processing time of 24-48 hours. The Committee
understands the processes for PTO and USCO are not identical,
however the statistic is illustrative of the difference a
modernized processing system can have. While the Committee is
encouraged to see progress on the development of a modernized
recordation system there is still great concern over the length
of this process. USCO has made the Committee aware that
requirements gathering has been completed and technical
development will begin in September 2017, with a pilot planned
in fiscal year 2019. This modernized recordation system will
enable web-based recordation submissions, create an updated
workspace for USCO staff to review and validate submissions,
and utilize a modular design to enable efficient growth,
development, and integration of the subsequent USCO IT
Modernization Projects. Future areas of improvement include
creating the capacity for self-recordation and document reviews
for legal validity.
Historical Records: A major challenge for the Office is how
to make historical copyright records searchable and available
online. To date, the Office has fully digitized and made
available online the Copyright of Entries (CCE). It has also
digitized and migrated to long term storage more than 43
million records and converted the entire 1971-1977 portion of
the digitized card catalog into machine-readable text using
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and related technologies.
Capturing machine-readable images is an important step that
will ultimately allow the digitized images to be imported into
the USCO online catalog of copyright records with links to the
original scanned images. Funding from fiscal year 2017 will
continue the conversion of the digitized records and will also
build and implement an online virtual card catalog that will
provide access to all of the digitized images in advance of the
full OCR conversion.
Licensing Division: The Division reviews thousands of
statements of accounts from filers subject to statutory
licensing provisions, and collects more than $200 million in
royalty fees on behalf of copyright owners each year. Even
though filings have become more complex and the demand for
licensing data has increased, the Division continues to use an
IT system that was first launched in 1992 and is not currently
fully supported by the database vendor. At the request of
stakeholders, the Division will begin accepting Excel versions
of the filings in July of 2017; however those submissions are
unable to be automatically ingested into the current system.
Overall: Most recently, the USCO and the Library are
collaborating to identify resource-sharing opportunities that
may be achievable through use of the Library's existing or
planned future technology resources and support services.
Currently, the Library is centralizing the IT functions of the
business units, including the USCO's IT functions. The planning
for a Library-led strategy for USCO IT modernization is ongoing
and is expected to result in additional synergies. The USCO, in
collaboration with the Library continues to mitigate identified
risks and to ensure that the existing legacy systems remain
available and operational until functionality can be more
permanently addressed through the USCO's and Library's joint
modernization efforts. The Committee is pleased to see the
ongoing collaborative efforts between the USCO and the Library
work to deliver improved technologies on behalf of customers
and stakeholders.
Copyright Expertise: 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 2017....................... $107,945,234
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 119,279,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 111,474,000
Change from enacted level......................... +3,528,766
Change from request............................... -7,805,000

The Committee recommends $111,474,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Congressional Research Service (CRS). 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.
Public Access to CRS Reports: The Committee directs the
Library of Congress's Congressional Research Service (CRS) to
make available to the public, all non-confidential reports. The
Committee has debated this issue for several years, and after
considering debate and testimony from entities inside the
legislative branch and beyond the Committee believes the
publishing of CRS reports will not impede CRS's core mission in
any impactful way and is in keeping with the Committee's
priority of full transparency to the American people. Within 90
days of enactment of this act CRS is directed to submit a plan
to its oversight committees detailing its recommendations for
implementing this effort as well as any associated cost
estimates. Where practicable, CRS is encouraged to consult with
the Government Publishing Office (GPO) in developing their
plan; the Committee believes GPO could be of assistance in this
effort.

Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $50,248,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 52,815,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 50,248,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... -2,567,000

The Committee recommends $50,248,000 for salaries and
expenses of the National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped (NLS).
The NLS has administered 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.
eReader Program: In 2016 Congress authorized the National
Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
to provide readers for electronic braille (Public Law 114-219).
The Committee included report language in the fiscal year 2017
omnibus supporting the NLS approach of a pilot program to study
braille eReaders, and with information learned from the pilot,
work with the network of participating NLS libraries to scale
the braille eReader program up so that it can deliver the
increased accessibility that Congress intended. The Committee
directs the NLS to share the results of that pilot with the
Committee in order to identify what, if any, additional
resources will be required to implement the braille eReaders
program nationwide.

Administrative Provision

Section 1201 authorizes obligational authority for
reimbursable and revolving funds.

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 the initial release of a new XML-based
composition system for congressional bills; a project to
convert a subset of enrolled bills; public laws, and the
Statutes at Large into 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 Congress and the
Government.

Congressional Publishing

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $79,736,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 79,528,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 79,528,000
Change from enacted level......................... -208,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommends $79,528,000 for Congressional
Publishing. 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.
Statutes at Large: The Committee continues to support the
work of the Legislative Branch Bulk Data Task Force,
particularly in its efforts to convert Statutes at Large into
United States Legislative Markup XML (USLM) format. Currently
the Government Publishing Office (GPO) is in the process of
converting all Statutes at Large from the 108th Congress
forward into USLM XML format. Also available online in
searchable PDF format are all Statutes at Large from 1951--
2002. The Committee directs the GPO to assess the costs
associated with converting Statutes at Large from 1789-2002
into the USLM XML format.

Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $29,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 29,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 29,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... -500,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommends $29,000,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Public Information Programs of the
Superintendent of Documents.
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 2017....................... $7,832,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 8,540,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 8,540,000
Change from enacted level......................... +708,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommends $8,540,000 for the Business
Operations Revolving Fund.
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....................... $544,505,919
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 590,678,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 544,505,919
Offsetting Collections................................ 23,800,000
Total available....................................... $568,305,919
Change from enacted level......................... +450,000
Change from request............................... -46,172,081

The Committee recommends $544,505,919 in direct
appropriations for the Government Accountability Office (GAO),
plus $23,800,000 in offsetting collections derived from
reimbursements for conducting financial audits of government
corporations and rental of space in the GAO building.
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.
Inspector General Reports: Within 180 days of enactment,
the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall issue a
report to the Committee that examines the costs, feasibility,
and utility of requiring all agency non-confidential inspector
general reports to be made available contemporaneously through
the GAO website.

Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $5,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 5,800,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 5,600,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... -200,000

The Committee recommends $5,600,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund.

John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017....................... $430,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2018...................... 430,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 430,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommends $430,000 for salaries and
expenses. The Center provides Congressional staff training and
development opportunities while it continues to achieve its
broader mission to promote and strengthen public service
leadership in America.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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 Publishing, the
Superintendent of Documents, and the Capitol Police programs.

Disclosure of Earmarks and Congressionally Directed Spending Items

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 of rule XXI.

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 italics, existing law in which no change
is proposed is shown in roman):

SECTION 105 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005

Sec. 105. (a) Establishment of House Services Revolving
Fund.--There is hereby established in the Treasury of the
United States a revolving fund for the House of Representatives
to be known as the ``House Services Revolving Fund'' (hereafter
in this section referred to as the ``Revolving Fund''),
consisting of funds deposited by the Chief Administrative
Officer of the House of Representatives from all amounts
received by the House of Representatives with respect to the
following activities:
(1) The operation of the House Barber Shop.
(2) The operation of the House Beauty Shop.
(3) The operation of the House Restaurant System
(including vending operations).
(4) The provision of mail services to entities which
are not part of the House of Representatives.
(5) The payment of fees for the use of the exercise
facility described in section 103(a).
(6) The collection of promotional rebates and
incentives on credit card purchases, balances, and
payments.
(7) The collection of a service fee from vendors of
the Master Web Services Agreement or the Technology
Services Contract for failure to abide by and maintain
House of Representatives security policies.
(b) Use of Amounts in Fund.--Amounts in the Revolving Funds
shall be used for any purpose designated by the Chief
Administrative Officer, including purposes relating to energy
and water conservation and environmental activities carried out
in buildings, facilities, and grounds under the Chief
Administrative Officer's jurisdiction, which is approved by the
Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(c) Transfer Authority.--The Revolving Fund shall be treated
as a category of allowances and expenses for purposes of
section 101(a) of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act,
1993 (2 U.S.C. 95b(a)).
(d) Termination and Transfer of Existing Funds and
Accounts.--
(1) In general.--Each fund and account specified in
paragraph (2) is hereby terminated, and the balance of
each such fund and account is hereby transferred to the
Revolving Fund.
(2) Funds and accounts specified.--The funds and
accounts referred to in paragraph (1) are as follows:
(A) The revolving fund for the House Barber
Shop, established by the paragraph under the
heading ``HOUSE BARBER SHOPS REVOLVING FUND''
in the matter relating to the House of
Representatives in chapter III of title I of
the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1975
(Public Law 93-554; 88 Stat. 1776).
(B) The revolving funds for the House Beauty
Shop, established by the matter under the
heading ``house beauty shop'' in the matter
relating to administrative provisions for the
House of Representatives in the Legislative
Branch Appropriations Act, 1970 (Public Law 91-
145; 83 Stat. 347).
(C) The special deposit account established
for the House of Representatives Restaurant by
section 208 of the First Supplemental Civil
Functions Appropriation Act, 1941 (2 U.S.C.
2041 note), or any successor fund or account
established for the receipt of revenues of the
House Restaurant System.
(e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect October
1, 2004, and shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2005 and
each succeeding fiscal year.
----------

SECTION 214 OF THE POSTAL REVENUE AND FEDERAL SALARY ACT OF 1967

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH EMPLOYEES

Sec. 214. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this title,
each officer or employee in or under the legislative branch of
the Government, whose rate of compensation is increased by
section 5 of the Federal Employees Pay Act of 1946, shall be
paid additional compensation at the rate of 4.5 per centum of
his gross rate of compensation (basic compensation plus
additional compensation authorized by law).
(b) The total annual compensation in effect immediately prior
to the effective date of this section of each officer or
employee of the House of Representatives, whose compensation is
disbursed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives and is
not increased by reason of any other provision of this section,
shall be increased by 4.5 per centum.
(c) The rates of compensation of employees of the House of
Representatives whose compensation is fixed by the House
Employees Schedule under the House Employees Position
Classification Act (78 Stat. 1079-1084; Public Law 88-652; 2
U.S.C. 291-303), including each employee subject to such Act
whose compensation is fixed at a saved rate, are hereby
increased by amounts equal, as nearly as may be practicable, to
the increases provided by subsection (a) of this section.
(d) Except as provided in the last sentence of section 218(a)
of this title, the additional compensation provided by this
section shall be considered a part of basic pay for the
purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United
States Code, relating to civil service retirement.
[(e) The per annum rate of compensation of the Chief of Staff
of the Joint Committee on Taxation shall be the same as the per
annum rate of compensation of the Legislative Counsel of the
House of Representatives.]
(f) This section shall not apply with respect to the
compensation of student congressional interns and the
compensation of employees whose compensation is fixed by the
House Wage Schedule under the House Employees Position
Classification Act.
(g) The annual rate of gross compensation of each officer or
employee whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of
the Senate, and the annual rate of gross compensation of each
telephone operator on the United States Capitol telephone
exchange and each member of the Capitol Police whose
compensation is disbursed by the Clerk of the House of
Representatives, (1) is increased by 4.5 per centum, and (2) as
so increased shall be adjusted, effective the first day of the
month following the date of enactment of this Act, to the
nearest multiple of $188.
(h) In any case in which the rate of compensation of any
officer, employee, or position, or class of officers,
employees, or positions, the compensation for which is
disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate, or any minimum or
maximum rate with respect to such officer, employee, position,
or class is referred to in or provided by statute or Senate
resolution, such statutory provision or resolution shall be
deemed to refer to the rate which an officer or employee
subject to the provisions of subsection (g) receiving such rate
immediately prior to the effective date of such subsection
would be entitled (without regard to such statutory provision)
to receive on and after such date. As used in this subsection
and subsection (g), the term ``officer'' does not include a
Senator.
(i) The annual rate of gross compensation of each employee in
the office of a Senator shall be adjusted, effective on the
first day of the month following the date of enactment of this
Act, to the lowest multiple of $188 which is not lower than the
rate such employee was receiving immediately prior thereto,
except that the foregoing provisions of this subsection shall
not apply in the case of any employee if on or before the
fifteenth day following the date of enactment of this Act, the
Senator by whom such employee is employed notifies the
disbursing office of the Senate in writing that he does not
wish such provisions to apply to such employee. No employee
whose rate of compensation is adjusted under this subsection
shall receive an increase under subsection (g) for any period
prior to the effective date of such adjustment during which
such employee was employed in the office of the Senator by whom
he is employed on the first day of the month following the
enactment of this Act. No increase shall be paid to any person
under subsection (g) for any period prior to the first day of
the month following the date of enactment of this Act during
which such person was employed in the office of a Senator
(other than the Senator by whom he is employed on such day)
unless on or before the fifteenth day following the date of
enactment of this Act such Senator notifies the disbursing
office of the Senate in writing that he wishes such employee to
receive such additional compensation for such period. In any
case in which, at the expiration of the time within which a
Senator may give notice under this subsection, such Senator is
deceased, such notice shall be deemed to have been given. An
increase under this subsection in the compensation of an
employee in the office of a Senator for any period prior to the
first day of the month following the date of enactment of this
Act shall be made without regard to the clerk hire allowance of
such Senator.
(j) [Omitted amendatory text]
(k) [Omitted amendatory text]
(l) [Omitted amendatory text]
(m) The limitation on gross rate per hour per person provided
by applicable law on the effective date of this section with
respect to the folding of speeches and pamphlets for the Senate
is hereby increased by 4.5 per centum. The amount of such
increase shall be computed to the nearest cent, counting one-
half cent and over as a whole cent. The provisions of
subsection (g) shall not apply to employees whose compensation
is subject to such limitation, or to employees referred to in
the last proviso in the second paragraph under the heading
``SENATE'' in the Second Deficiency Approriation Act, 1948.
(n) [Omitted amendatory text]
(o) [Omitted amendatory text]
(p) [Omitted amendatory text]

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 includes language that amends the House
Services Revolving Fund.
18. This bill provides language relating to cost of living
adjustment for Members of Congress.
19. The bill authorizes allowances for employees of the
Office of the Attending Physician and provides reimbursement to
the Department of the Navy.
20. The bill authorizes senior level positions for the
Joint Committee on taxation.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. The bill includes language that authorizes
reimbursement for law enforcement assistance provided in
connection with any activity that was not sponsored by
Congress.
24. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to
purchase or exchange, maintain, and operate two passenger motor
vehicles.
25. 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.
26. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to expend
funds to maintain, care for, and operate the National Garden.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. The bill establishes that the amount available for
obligation by the Library of Congress is reduced by offsetting
collections.
30. The bill provides funds for the digital collections and
educational curricula program, and the American Folklife
Center.
31. The bill allows the Library of Congress to hire or
purchase one passenger motor vehicle.
32. The bill allows funds from offsetting collections to be
used for the Library's Copyright Office.
33. 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.
34. 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.
35. The bill provides funds to provide newspapers to the
blind and physically handicapped.
36. The bill contains language under the Library of
Congress placing a limitation on obligations for Reimbursable
and Revolving Fund activities.
37. 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.
38. The bill includes authorization of appropriations for
Congressional Publishing.
39. 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.
40. 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.
41. 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.
42. 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.
43. 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.
44. Section 204 requires that certain information regarding
consulting services shall be a matter of public record.
45. Section 205 authorizes Legislative Branch entities to
share the costs of the Legislative Branch Financial Managers
Council.
46. Section 206 limits the transfer of funds in this Act.
47. Section 207 prohibits funds in this Act being used to
eliminate or restrict staff led guided tours.

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 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.

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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary................. 4,490 4,440 3,580 \1\3,697
Mandatory..................... 143 143 143 \1\143
Total..................... 4,633 4,583 3,723 3,840
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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...................................... $3,580
Outlays:
2018.............................................. \1\3085
2019.............................................. 409
2020.............................................. 100
2021.............................................. 51
2022 and future years............................. 24

\1\ 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.

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF NITA LOWEY AND TIM RYAN

The fiscal year 2018 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill
provides $3.58 billion, $100 million above the level in the FY
2017 omnibus appropriations bill and $226 million below the
budget request, not including Senate items. The bill as written
was developed in a bipartisan manner, although there are some
spending levels we would have set higher and provisions we
would have written differently. It will allow most agencies
across the Legislative Branch of the Federal government to
carry out their missions.
In light of the tragic shooting at a Congressional Baseball
Game practice that took place less than three weeks before this
bill was marked up, we support the decision to provide
additional resources to the Capitol Police and the House
Sergeant at Arms for necessary security improvements for
Members of Congress, staff, constituents and visitors. It is
clear there are vulnerabilities that must be addressed in order
to keep those working in and served by the Congress safe. While
there is a specific plan for use of some of these additional
funds, a proposal for use of the remaining security money is
forthcoming and we look forward to working with bipartisan
leadership on a comprehensive strategy.
In addition to making a down payment on additional security
needs, this bill will allow many agencies to make much-needed
investments, including in IT modernization for the Library of
Congress, Congressional Research Service and Copyright Office;
cybersecurity enhancements for the House of Representatives;
and deferred maintenance and construction projects in the
Capitol Building, the Library of Congress buildings and
grounds, the Capitol Police buildings and grounds, and at the
Capitol Power Plant. We are also pleased that a manager's
amendment was agreed to at markup giving the Architect of the
Capitol's House Office Buildings account an additional $4
million.
We are concerned with the levels provided in a few areas.
As this bill progresses it is our plan to seek additional
funding for the Government Accountability Office (GAO). This
bill currently provides GAO $568.3 million for FY 2018, $46.2
million less than its budget request. It is irresponsible to
underfund the GAO, especially when Administration officials
have reportedly been ordered not to comply with Democratic
oversight requests. At this funding level, GAO would have over
200 fewer staff than planned by year's end, undermining its
ability to conduct oversight and ensure taxpayer dollars are
well spent.
Also, while the Library of Congress, which includes the
Congressional Research Service (CRS), received a 2.5% increase,
those funds are earmarked specifically for IT modernization.
Without additional funding for their workforce, the mission of
the Library as a whole, and specifically CRS, is greatly
compromised. Congress relies on the non-partisan expertise at
the Library to provide research that impacts the debate around
complicated issues. A degradation in services in Congress'
support agencies reduces the effectiveness of the policies
Congress is attempting to establish and ensures an over-
reliance on information from outside interest groups.
Finally, we are deeply concerned at the failure to pass a
budget resolution, the conspicuous absence of bipartisan talks
to adjust the draconian spending caps found in the 2011 Budget
Control Act, and the lack of any apparent plan to avoid a
catastrophic debt default in the fall. Republicans control both
houses of Congress and the White House and yet they cannot
agree on an overall level of discretionary spending for the
coming fiscal year. Without that topline number--the so-called
302(a) allocation for the Appropriations Committee--we are
marking up the 12 annual appropriations bills without knowing
how much is left to spend on the remaining bills. Indeed, at
the markup for the Legislative Branch and Defense
Appropriations bills, neither subcommittee received even its
own interim spending cap (a ``302(b) allocation''), which in
past years has been the bare minimum of budget process followed
by our Committee.
In summary, while this bill is worthy of our support and
the process by which it was written was inclusive and
bipartisan, we look forward to working on improving it further
in conference and we continue to object to the lack of
transparency and progress demonstrated by the majority in the
overall budget process.

Tim Ryan.
Nita M. Lowey.

[all]