Committee Reports
106th Congress (1999-2000)
House Report 106-231
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Committee Reports for the 106th Congress | |
| House Report 106-231 | 1 of 1 | |
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57-879
1st Session
106-231
TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2000
| July 13, 1999- Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed | |
| Mr. KOLBE, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the following | |
| REPORT | |
| together with | |
| ADDITIONAL VIEWS | |
| [To accompany H.R. 2490] |
The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for the Treasury Department, the Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, and certain Independent Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000, and for other purposes.
| INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT | ||
| Page number | ||
| Bill | Report | |
| Summary of the Bill | 2 | |
| Title I--Department of the Treasury: | ||
| Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms | 9 | 17 |
| Bureau of Engraving and Printing | 24 | |
| Bureau of the Public Debt | 14 | 25 |
| Departmental Offices | 2 | 5 |
| Department-Wide Systems and Capital Investments Programs | 2 | 7 |
| Federal Law Enforcement Training Center | 6 | 14 |
| Financial Crimes Enforcement Network | 4 | 9 |
| Financial Management Service | 9 | 16 |
| General Provisions--Treasury Department | 19 | 30 |
| Administrative Provisions--Internal Revenue Service | 16 | 29 |
| Inspector General for Tax Administration | 3 | 8 |
| Internal Revenue Service | 15 | 25 |
| Office of Inspector General | 3 | 7 |
| Treasury Buildings and Annex Repair and Restoration | 4 | 9 |
| Treasury Forfeiture Fund | 10 | |
| United States Customs Service | 12 | 13 |
| United States Mint | 25 | |
| United States Secret Service | 17 | 13 |
| Violent Crime Reduction Programs | 5 | 11 |
| Title II--Postal Service: | ||
| Payment to the Postal Service Fund | 34 | 31 |
| Title III--Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President: | ||
| Compensation of the President and White House Office | 35 | 34 |
| Council of Economic Advisers | 39 | 36 |
| Executive Residence at the White House | 36 | 34 |
| Federal Drug Control Programs | 42 | 42 |
| National Security Council | 40 | 37 |
| Office of Administration | 40 | 37 |
| Office of Management and Budget | 40 | 39 |
| Office of National Drug Control Policy | 41 | 40 |
| Office of Policy Development | 40 | 36 |
| Special Assistance to the President and Official Residence of the Vice President | 39 | 35 |
| Unanticipated Needs | 44 | 44 |
| Title IV--Independent Agencies: | ||
| Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely Disabled | 44 | 44 |
| Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund | 55 | 57 |
| Federal Election Commission | 45 | 45 |
| Federal Labor Relations Authority | 45 | 46 |
| General Services Administration | 46 | 47 |
| Merit Systems Protection Board | 54 | 56 |
| Morris K. Udall Scholarship Fund | 55 | 56 |
| National Archives and Records Administration | 55 | 57 |
| Office of Government Ethics | 59 | 59 |
| Office of Personnel Management | 59 | 60 |
| Office of Special Counsel | 62 | 63 |
| United States Tax Court | 63 | 64 |
| Title V--General Provisions: | ||
| This Act | 63 | 65 |
| Title VI--Governmentwide General Provisions: | ||
| Departments, Agencies, and Corporations | 68 | 65 |
| Compliance with House Rules | 69 | |
| Tables | 102 |
The accompanying bill contains recommendations for new budget (obligational) authority for fiscal year 2000 for the Department of the Treasury, the Postal Service, various offices in the Executive Office of the President, and certain Independent Agencies. The following table summarizes these Recommendations and reflects comparisons with the budget, as amended, and with amounts appropriated to date for fiscal year 1999:
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agency New budget authority fiscal year 1999 enacted to date Budget estimates of new authority, fiscal year 2000 Recommended in the bill Bill compared with
New budget authority fiscal year 1999 Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000
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Treasury 12,637,225 12,376,130 12,189,648 -447,577 -186,482
Postal Service 100,195 93,436 93,436 -6,759
Executive Office of the President 670,112 639,498 654,762 -15,350 +15,264
Independent agencies 14,515,180 14,887,990 14,862,262 +347,082 -25,278
Scorekeeping adjustments -800,575 463,195 199,759 +1,000,334 -263,436
Grand total 27,122,137 28,460,249 27,999,867 +877,730 -460,382
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RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total of $13.5 billion in discretionary resources for agencies under its jurisdiction; this includes $144 million for the Earned Income Tax Credit Compliance Initiative. After scorekeeping adjustments, the Committee's recommendation is the same as fiscal year 1999 in budget authority; and below the President's request by $460 million in budget authority and $430 million in outlays.
GENERAL STATEMENT
The Committee continues to face difficult choices for funding the many diverse programs that fall under the jurisdiction of the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Subcommittee. With approximately 90 percent of the funds being used to support the salaries and expenses of 163,000 employees responsible for federal law enforcement, the collection of revenues, violent crime reduction, and federal financial management, any cuts to base operations dramatically impacts an agency's ability to carry out its statutory responsibilities. In order to keep the base operations of these agencies operating at their current levels, the Subcommittee required an increase of approximately $600 million in budget authority; clearly, the allocation received by the Subcommittee could not sustain this level of effort without commensurate reductions to other programs. Compounding this already difficult situation is the fact that, over the past four years, the Committee has eliminated wasteful programs and cut back on bloated bureaucracies--including a cut of 26,300 employees from the Internal Revenue Service.
In reviewing the resource requirements of programs under the Subcommittee's jurisdiction, the Committee focused its attention on activities necessary to enforce laws that are currently on our books and, in particular, gun laws and IRS Reform. The Committee includes an additional $12,600,000 within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) to provide rapid gun tracing analysis to state and local law enforcement, add 60 new ATF agents for illegal firearm investigations, enforce Brady Law violations to keep convicted felons from obtaining guns, investigate illegal firearm dealers, and join forces with state and local law enforcement and prosecutors to fully investigate and prosecute offenders. In addition, the Committee includes $11,200,000 to expand ATF's Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative and $8,000,000 for the purchase and installation of additional Integrated Ballistic Identification Systems. Finally, there is $108,000,000 for the IRS to continue to implement specific provisions of the IRS Restructuring Act, such as employee training to make the IRS more responsive to the taxpayer and organizational modernization.
In order to support current law requirements, the Committee took reductions of approximately $400,000,000 from the General Services Administration's construction program. The Committee continues to believe that the inability to fund an annual construction program for federal buildings and courthouses due to significant budgetary constraints places this critical infrastructure program in jeopardy. There is clear and supportable evidence of unmet courthouse needs; as such, the Committee remains disappointed that the Administration did not propose to fund any new courthouses in fiscal year 2000. It further notes that the Administration's budget for programs under the Subcommittee's jurisdiction assumed a new tax of $312,000,000 for the base operations of the Customs Service. The Committee is not only concerned that the Administration failed to include a base request for the operations of this critical agency, but also that it has failed to submit the necessary legislation to implement this fee. Given the funding shortfall of $312,000,000 for the Customs Service, the Committee was unable to support any new construction activities in fiscal year 2000. The Committee believes that the President's recommendations for programs under the Subcommittee's jurisdiction are shortsighted and cannot persist without long term consequences for both Treasury law enforcement and the infrastructure requirements of the federal judicial system.
REPROGRAMMING AND TRANSFER OF FUNDS GUIDELINES
Due to continuing issues associated with agency requests for reprogramming and transfer of funds and use of unobligated balances, the following guidelines shall be complied with by all agencies funded by the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 2000:
- 1. Except under extraordinary and emergency situations, the Committees on Appropriations will not consider requests for a reprogramming or a transfer of funds, or use of unobligated balances, which are submitted after the close of the third quarter of the fiscal year, June 30;
- 2. Clearly stated and detailed documentation presenting justification for the reprogramming, transfer, or use of unobligated balances shall accompany each request;
- 3. For agencies, departments, or offices receiving appropriations in excess of $20,000,000, a reprogramming shall be submitted if the amount to be shifted to or from any object class, budget activity, program line item, or program activity involved is in excess of $500,000 or 10 percent, whichever is greater, of the object class, budget activity, program line item, or program activity;
- 4. For agencies, departments, or offices receiving appropriations less than $20,000,000, a reprogramming shall be submitted if the amount to be shifted to or from any object class, budget activity, program line item, or program activity involved is in excess of $50,000, or 10 percent, whichever is greater, of the object class, budget activity, program line item, or program activity;
- 5. For any action where the cumulative effect of below threshold reprogramming actions, or past reprogramming and/or transfer actions added to the request, would exceed the dollar threshold mentioned above, a reprogramming shall be submitted;
- 6. For any action which would result in a major change to the program or item which is different than that presented to and approved by either of the Committees, or the Congress, a reprogramming shall be submitted;
- 7. For any action where funds earmarked by either of the Committees for a specific activity are proposed to be used for a different activity, a reprogramming shall be submitted; and,
- 8. For any action where funds earmarked by either of the Committees for a specific activity are in excess to meet the project or activity requirement, and are proposed to be used for a different activity, a reprogramming shall be submitted.
Additionally, each request shall include a declaration that, as of the date of the request, none of the funds included in the request have been obligated, and none will be obligated, until the Committees on Appropriations have approved the request.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
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Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date 1 $124,651,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 134,630,000
Recommended in the bill 134,206,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +9,555,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -424,000
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MISSION
The Departmental Offices' function in the Treasury Department is to provide basic support to the Secretary of the Treasury, who is the chief operating executive of the Department. The Secretary of the Treasury has the primary role in formulating and managing the domestic and international tax and financial policies of the Federal Government. The Secretary's responsibilities funded by the salaries and expenses appropriation include: recommending and implementing United States domestic and international economic and tax policy; fiscal policy; governing the fiscal operations of the Government; maintaining foreign assets control; managing the public debt; overseeing the law enforcement functions carried out by the Treasury Department; managing development of financial policy; representing the United States on international monetary, trade and investment issues; overseeing Treasury Department overseas operations; and directing the administrative operations of the Treasury Department. This account also includes funding for the Office of Professional Responsibility.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $134,206,000 for Departmental Offices, $9,555,000 more than the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and $424,000 below the budget request. The amount provided includes the additional resources requested for the Office of International Affairs; however, due to the budgetary situation, the Committee has not provided the additional resources requested for the Office of Tax Policy.
The Committee notes that the budget request includes sufficient funding for the Department to make up to $500,000 in contract awards to the National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade. The Committee supports this program, which will aid Federal government efforts to conduct legal research specific to relevant trade issues.
TREASURY LAW ENFORCEMENT FUNDING AND PERSONNEL ISSUES
The Committee continues to be concerned by the Administration's lack of emphasis on the critical role Treasury Law Enforcement plays in protecting the integrity of our Nation's borders, it's financial institutions, and the physical protection of its leaders. This lack of emphasis is evidenced in the funding requested by the Administration for Treasury Law Enforcement as well as ongoing recruitment and retention problems for some of the Treasury bureaus. The Committee is concerned by both the types and numbers of issues that are continually raised by the individual bureaus and believes some of these issues may be systemic. The Committee directs the Secretary of the Treasury to initiate a study on the overall requirements for Treasury Law Enforcement and to forward recommendations to ensure full funding and staffing for the law enforcement bureaus. These recommendations should include, but not be limited to, funding requirements, hiring authority, personnel compensation, overtime practices, training, and other areas critical to meeting the investigative and protective missions of Treasury Law Enforcement. The Secretary is directed to consult with the House Committee on Appropriations to determine the breadth of this study and to submit a final report by November 1, 2000.
SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE ALLOCATIONS
The Committee recognizes some discrepancy in allocations of Senior Executive Service (SES) positions among the Treasury Law Enforcement bureaus. When compared to comparable Justice agencies, these allocations seem disproportionate. The Committee recognizes that SES allocations are reviewed every two years and the next review will occur in the year 2000. In order to mitigate this apparent disparity, the Committee directs the Secretary of the Treasury to review the SES allocations of its law enforcement branches and to make recommendations to the House Committee on Appropriations by August 1, 1999 on those actions which might alleviate SES imbalances.
DEPARTMENT-WIDE SYSTEMS AND CAPITAL INVESTMENTS PROGRAMS
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Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $28,690,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 53,561,000
Recommended in the bill 31,017,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +2,327,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -22,544,000
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MISSION
This appropriation succeeds the Automation Enhancement appropriation established by the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1997, and funds Treasury bureaus, at the Secretary's discretion, to modernize business processes and increase efficiency through technology investments, as well as other activities that involve more than one Treasury bureau or Treasury's interface with other governmental agencies.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $31,017,000 for Department-Wide Systems and Capital Investments Programs, $2,327,000 above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and $22,544,000 below the budget request. The amount provided includes an additional $4,327,000 for the completion of activities related to Year 2000 computer conversion, and an additional $1,000,000 for critical infrastructure protection as proposed in the budget request. Due to the budgetary situation, the Committee has provided an increase of $6,000,000 for the Human Resources Reengineering and Systems Modernization Project, instead of $15,944,000 as proposed in the budget. The Committee has also provided $5,400,000 for the International Trade Data System in this account rather than in the Customs Service Salaries and Expenses Appropriation, as proposed by the Administration.
The Committee has not provided the funds requested for money laundering grants and land mobile radio conversion. The Committee notes that the Administration has proposed to fund land mobile radio conversion activities through the establishment of a fee for use of the analog spectrum by commercial television broadcasters. Since this fee has yet to be authorized, the Committee has deferred action on this request.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
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Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date 1 $29,616,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 32,017,000
Recommended in the bill 30,716,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +1,100,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -1,301,000
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MISSION
This appropriation provides agency-wide audit and investigative functions to identify and correct operational and administrative deficiencies which create conditions for existing or potential instances of fraud, waste, and mismanagement. The audit function provides program, contract, and financial statement audit services. Contract audits provide professional advice to agency contracting officials on accounting and financial matters relative to negotiation, award, administration, repricing, and settlement of contracts. Program audits review and evaluate all facets of agency operations. Financial statement audits assess whether financial statements fairly present the agency's financial condition and results of operations, the adequacy of accounting controls, and compliance with laws and regulations. The investigative function provides for the detection and investigation of improper and illegal activities involving programs, personnel, and operations. The Office of Inspector General also provides for internal investigations made by the Office of Internal Affairs and Inspection in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Customs Service, and the Secret Service.
The Inspectors General Auditor Training Institute provides the necessary facilities, equipment, and support services for conducting auditor training for the Federal Government Inspector General community. Institute personnel develop and deliver instructional programs related to basic government audit skills. The cost of training is recovered by tuition charged to a student's agency.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $30,716,000, $1,100,000 more than the amount available in fiscal year 1999, and $1,301,000 below the budget request. Due to the budgetary situation, the Committee has not provided the additional resources requested for the Investigative Unit of the Office of Inspector General.
INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR TAX ADMINISTRATION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
--------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date 1 $108,418,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 112,207,000
Recommended in the bill 112,207,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +3,789,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
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MISSION
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 established the Office of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and abolished the IRS Office of the Chief Inspector. The Office was established in January of 1999 as required by that legislation.
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration conducts audits, investigations, and evaluations to assess the operations and programs of the IRS and its related entities, the IRS Oversight Board and the Office of Chief Counsel. The purpose of those audits and investigations is to : (1) promote the economic, efficient, and effective administration of the nation's tax laws and to detect and deter fraud and abuse in IRS programs and operations; and (2) recommend actions to resolve fraud and other serious problems, abuses, and deficiencies in these programs and operations.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $112,207,000, $3,789,000 above the amount available for the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration in fiscal year 1999 and the same as the budget request.
TREASURY BUILDING AND ANNEX REPAIR AND RESTORATION
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Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $27,000,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 23,000,000
Recommended in the bill 23,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 -4,000,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
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MISSION
This appropriation funds repairs, selected improvements, and construction necessary to maintain the Main Treasury, the Treasury Annex, and other Treasury buildings.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $23,000,000, $4,000,000 below the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and the same as the budget request. These funds will permit the Department to continue the program of renovation and modernization of the historic Main Treasury Building in Washington, D.C.
FINANCIAL CRIMES ENFORCEMENT NETWORK
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
----------------------------------------------------
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Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $24,000,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 28,418,000
Recommended in the bill 29,656,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +5,656,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 +1,238,000
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MISSION
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is responsible for implementing Treasury money laundering regulations through administration of the Bank Secrecy Act, 31 U.S.C. section 5311, et seq., and serves as a United States Government source for the systematic collection and analysis of information to assist in the investigation of money laundering and other financial crimes. FinCEN also represents U.S. interests in international efforts to combat money laundering through its participation in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) of the Group of Seven. As part of this work, FinCEN has been instrumental in encouraging and assisting in the establishment of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) in foreign countries. FinCEN implements these responsibilities through analytical and technological platforms geared to combat money laundering through prevention-using its regulatory authority in partnership with the financial sector; detection-combining technology with intelligence to identify underlying criminal financial activity and emerging patterns of domestic and international money laundering; and enforcement-empowering Federal, State, local, and international agencies to take action against financial criminals through the transfer of information and expertise.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $29,656,000, $5,656,000 above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and $1,238,000 above the budget request. The Committee funds the Administration's proposed initiatives related to money laundering, Suspicious Activity Reports and the Secure Outreach Network in this account instead of the VCRTF, as proposed by the President. Additionally, instead of $702,000 for the Secure Network, the Committee has provided $677,000, without prejudice, due to budgetary constraints.
TREASURY FORFEITURE FUND
MISSION
P.L. 102-393 authorized the establishment of the Treasury Forfeiture Fund, replacing the Customs Forfeiture Fund, and making it available to pay or reimburse certain costs and expenses related to seizures and forfeitures that occur pursuant to the Treasury Department's law enforcement activities. The Coast Guard also participates in the program.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee has provided no appropriation for the Treasury Forfeiture Fund, as none was requested by the Administration. The Committee assumes the use of $142,106,000 in super surplus balances in fiscal year 2000, instead of $141,916,000 as proposed by the Administration.
SUPER SURPLUS AND THE SECRETARY'S ENFORCEMENT FUND
In recent years, the funding available for discretionary law enforcement funding other than appropriations to the Department of Treasury has varied from approximately $53,663,000 in fiscal year 1998 and estimates of $42,950,000 in fiscal year 1999 and $141,916,000 for fiscal year 2000. The Committee recognizes that the amount of funding available will vary depending on the amount of revenue generated from asset forfeiture as well as the level of mandatory costs associated with such seizures. In addition, recent growth has been partly due to a one-time transfer of funding from the Special Forfeiture Fund. While the Committee appreciates that asset forfeiture is an important tool in addressing crime, and helps offset necessary expenses, it is concerned that reliance on asset forfeiture to offset reductions in regular appropriations risks creating an unhealthy dependency on such spending. Two negative consequences of funding base operations this way may be (1) vulnerability to significant funding cuts if the Super Surplus declines or disappears, and (2) a `perverse incentive' for law enforcement agencies to seek seizure in order to support their core operations. Both situations should be avoided, and the Committee strongly urges the Department and Administration to budget in the future so as to avoid creating such a hazard.
The Committee recognizes that the Department has planned for use of the $141,916,000 it estimates will be available in the Super Surplus in fiscal year 2000. The Committee supports the Department's proposed use of the Surplus, but directs that $43,693,000 be available to the U.S. Customs Service; $19,947,000 be available to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; $75,466,000 be available to the U.S. Secret Service; and $3,000,000 be available for the Federal Law Enforcement Wireless Users Group (FLEWUG). In some cases, such as for the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) and Customs Integrity Enhancement, funding was also included in the regular appropriation accounts. The differences with the Department reflect the Committee's preference to fund, wherever possible, base requirements in the regular Salaries and Expenses accounts.
The Committee recommends specific funding levels as follows:
| U.S. Customs Service | $43,693,000 |
| Vehicle Replacement | 8,600,000 |
| FTE/Equipment from S&E | 11,964,000 |
| Other Base equipment funding | 12,129,000 |
| Integrity enhancement | 6,000,000 |
| Training Initiative | 5,000,000 |
| Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms | 19,947,000 |
| IBIS | 3,000,000 |
| Mobile Radios/vehicles | 6,300,000 |
| Canine explosives detection | 1,000,000 |
| Post incident investigations | 3,600,000 |
| Arson and explosives repository | 1,608,000 |
| Lab Equipment Modernization | 3,800,000 |
| Building security annualization | 639,000 |
| U.S. Secret Service | 75,466,000 |
| Treasury Std Financial Systems | 250,000 |
| LAN Replacement | 250,000 |
| TCS | 3,700,000 |
| Counter Chem/Bio Threats | 3,325,000 |
| Upgrade WH Complex Security | 1,843,000 |
| Replace mainframe financial system | 1,151,000 |
| 2000 Presidential Campaign--add'l protection workload | 27,515,000 |
| 2000 Presidential Campaign--recurring protection workload | 7,732,000 |
| Vehicle Replacement--from VCRTF | 6,700,000 |
| Anti-terrorism supplemental follow-on costs | 23,000,000 |
| Other Treasury (FLEWUG) | 3,000,000 |
| Total | 142,106,000 |
VIOLENT CRIME REDUCTION PROGRAMS
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $132,000,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 132,127,000
Recommended in the bill 132,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -127,000
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MISSION
Amounts for the Department of the Treasury's portion of Crime Control Programs are derived from transfers from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund (VCRTF), as authorized by the Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $132,000,000, the same as the amount available in fiscal year 1999, and $127,000 below the budget request. Specific funding levels are as follows:
| Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms: | |
| Administration of GREAT Program | $ 3,000,000 |
| GREAT grants and contracts with local government | 10,000,000 |
| YCGII Expansion | 11,200,000 |
| Integrated Violence Reduction Strategy | 12,600,000 |
| Subtotal, ATF | 36,800,000 |
| U.S. Customs Service: | |
| Land Border Automation Initiative/Canopies | 4,000,000 |
| Vehicles | 11,464,000 |
| Maintain FY 1998 Inspection Equipment/Canopies | 3,640,000 |
| Continue FY 1999 Child Labor Initiave | 3,000,000 |
| Agent/Inspector Relocation | 8,000,000 |
| Lab Modernization | 5,735,000 |
| Narcotics and Money Laundering | 4,817,000 |
| Continue Cybersmuggling Initiative | 2,400,000 |
| Maintain FY 1997 HARDLINE/GATEWAY Equipment | 5,430,000 |
| Hiring for projected attrition | 15,514,000 |
| Subtotal, Customs | 64,000,000 |
| U.S. Secret Service: | |
| Forensic technologies and assistance | 2,000,000 |
| NCMEC Operational Support | 2,200,000 |
| Subtotal, Secret Service | 4,148,000 |
| Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement | 27,000,000 |
| Total | 132,000,000 |
USE OF THE VIOLENT CRIME REDUCTION TRUST FUND FOR BASE ACTIVITIES
The Committee regrets the continued use of the VCRTF to fund basic operations and programs, rather than requesting such funding in the General Fund accounts for salaries and expenses, operations and maintenance, and construction. Funding in the VCRTF is authorized only through fiscal year 2000. Future funding for base activities will therefore need to be included in the regular appropriations, and sufficient room found for them within already tight budget limits. Relying on the VCRTF for routine and ongoing activities may result in misleading budget presentation, and puts programs at risk if VCRTF funding decreases or is discontinued. If the VCRTF is reauthorized, the Committee strongly recommends that the Department reserve its use for activities that are either new or short-term initiatives.
GUN VIOLENCE INITIATIVES
The Committee recommends $11,200,000 for the expansion of the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII) from 27 to 37 cities, and $12,600,000 for the requested Integrated Violence Reduction Strategy (IVRS). This funding was requested by the Administration as part of the Salaries and Expenses appropriation for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). The Committee strongly supports aggressive enforcement of the nation's firearms laws, and understands that this funding will require no additional statutory authority to carry out. ATF did not provide separate funding estimates for the different activities to be funded within the IVRS. The Committee therefore directs ATF to report by January 1, 2000, on implementation of the strategy, including specific activities and the level of obligations and FTE devoted to each activity.
GREAT PROGRAM
The Committee recommends $13,000,000 to continue the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program, $3,000,000 less than the amount available in fiscal year 1999 and equal to the Administration's request. This includes $10,000,000 for grants to local law enforcement organizations and $3,000,000 for ATF administrative support. The Committee understands that the longitudinal impact study of the GREAT program now underway at the National Institute of Justice and the University of Nebraska will be completed in the summer of 2000. The Committee urges ATF to expedite completion of the study and provide the results to the Committee. In addition, the Committee directs that ATF report by August 1, 1999 on its detailed financial plans for the $3,000,000 administrative portion of the GREAT program in fiscal year 1999 and proposed for fiscal year 2000.
U.S. CUSTOMS OPERATIONS
The Committee recommendation provides funding requested by the Administration to fund base Customs operations through the VCRTF. This includes funding for the land border automation initiative, vehicles, laboratory modernization, maintenance of equipment for inspection technology and for operations HARDLINE and GATEWAY, as well as base costs for money laundering, agent/inspector relocation, and replacement for personnel attrition.
The recommendation also includes $2,400,000 to continue funding operations at the fiscal year 1999 level for the U.S. Customs Cybersmuggling Center , which supports Customs investigations of child pornography, child sexual exploitation, sex `tourism', and other crimes pursuant to Title 18 U.S.C., Sections 2251-60 and 2243. The Committee provides additional funding of $1,600,000 for the Customs Cybersmuggling Center in the Salaries and Expenses account. Also included in the VCRTF is $3,000,000 for continued funding of the initiative to enforce the U.S. prohibition on importation of goods produced by forced or indentured child labor.
As noted above, the Committee regrets that the Administration has requested funding its base activities through the VCRTF rather than the Salaries and Expenses appropriation. While the current tight budgetary situation makes this unavoidable, the Committee notes that most of these activities will need to be requested as part of the regular appropriation for fiscal year 2001.
U.S. SECRET SERVICE
In addition to the $2,000,000 requested by the Secret Service to fund forensic services to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Committee recommends increasing the level of grant assistance for the Exploited Child Unit from $1,196,000 to $2,200,000.
FINANCIAL CRIMES ENFORCEMENT NETWORK
The Committee recommends that $1,000,000 for FinCEN be included in the regular Salaries and Expenses appropriation, $400,000 less than enacted in fiscal year 1999 and $263,000 less than requested.
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
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Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date 1 $75,471,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 86,846,000
Recommended in the bill 82,827,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +7,356,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -4,019,000
-------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center provides the necessary facilities, equipment, and support services for conducting advanced, specialized, and refresher training for Federal law enforcement personnel. This appropriation is for operating expenses of the Center, for research in law enforcement training methods, and curriculum content. In addition, the Center has a reimbursable program to accommodate the training requirements of various Federal agencies. As funds are available, law enforcement training is provided to certain State and local law enforcement, and in some cases, foreign government and private sector security personnel, on a space-available basis.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $82,827,000, $7,356,000 above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and $4,019,000 below the budget request. These funds will permit FLETC to carry out all its requested activities, with the exception of the proposed expansion in counter terrorism training, a cost accounting system, and scheduling automation. Funding for these activities is denied without prejudice due to tight budgetary constraints. The Committee would have no objection if the Treasury Department were to support these activities with funding from the Treasury Forfeiture Fund, if Super Surplus balances become available. The Committee includes $900,000 for training vehicles in this account, which the Department had indicated it planned to fund through the Super Surplus.
ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS AND RELATED EXPENSES
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $34,760,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 21,000,000
Recommended in the bill 24,310,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 -10,450,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 +3,310,000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This account provides for the acquisition, construction, improvements, equipment, furnishings and related costs for expansion and maintenance of facilities of the Federal law Enforcement Training Center.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $24,310,000, $10,450,000 below the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and $3,310,000 above the budget request. The recommendation includes a new classroom for basic training workload and $4,600,000 for an expanded chilled water facility that the Department had planned to fund from the Super Surplus. The Committee denies without prejudice the request for a counter terrorism facility, again, as for the Salaries and Expenses appropriation, because of budgetary constraints. As noted above, the Committee would not object to funding this activity if balances are available in the Super Surplus.
BASIC TRAINING
The Committee continues to be committed to the principle of consolidating federal law enforcement training, and is greatly concerned that the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Border Patrol training facility in Charleston, South Carolina will not be closed in fiscal year 2001, as originally planned and agreed to by the Departments of Justice and Treasury, with all basic training conducted at FLETC. The Committee understands that the obstacle to this closure and subsequent consolidation of all Border Patrol basic training at FLETC is the lack of adequate capacity at the two existing FLETC sites. Based on testimony provided to this Committee in budget hearings, the budget request--fully funded in this recommendation--is consistent with a revised plan to have adequate basic training capacity by fiscal year 2004. The Committee strongly urges FLETC and the Department to keep it informed of any problems that may cause further delays, and directs the Treasury Department to report by January 1, 2000 on progress in meeting this target.
INTERAGENCY LAW ENFORCEMENT
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $51,900,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 26,184,000
Recommended in the bill 48,900,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 -3,000,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 +22,716,000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This program consists of nine regional task forces which consolidate resources and expertise of 11 member Federal agencies, in cooperation with State and local investigators and prosecutors, to target and destroy major narcotic trafficking and money laundering organizations. The funding for Treasury Department participation was previously funded in the Department of Justice appropriation prior to fiscal year 1998. With the funding provided here, Treasury administers its own program through its Departmental Offices.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $48,900,000, $3,000,000 below the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and $22,716,000 above the budget request. Together with $27,000,000 provided in the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund, total funding of $75,900,000 is provided, the same level as for fiscal year 1999, and the amount requested by the Administration.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $196,490,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 202,670,000
Recommended in the bill 201,320,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +4,830,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -1,350,000
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MISSION
The Financial Management Service (FMS) is responsible for improving the quality of Government financial management and collecting Federal debt. As the Government's central financial agent, FMS receives and disburses public monies, maintains Government accounts, and reports on the status of the Government's finances. FMS is also accountable for developing and implementing the most reliable and efficient financial methods and systems to manage and improve the Government's cash management, credit management, and debt collection programs.
Pursuant to the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, FMS became the primary agency for the collecting of Federal non-tax debt which is due and owed to the government. Through FMS, there is a coordinated effort to collect debt from those who have defaulted on agreements with the Federal government.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $201,320,000 for the Financial Management Service, $4,830,000 more than the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and $1,350,000 below the budget request.
The Committee recommendation includes an additional $2,200,000 for Regional Finance Center restructuring as requested by the Administration. Due to the budgetary situation, the Committee was unable to provide the additional funds requested for central accounting systems modernization and security enhancements.
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $541,574,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 584,859,000
Recommended in the bill 567,059,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +25,485,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -17,800,000
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MISSION
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is responsible for the enforcement of laws designed to eliminate certain illicit activities and to regulate lawful activities relating to distilled spirits, beer, wine and nonbeverage alcohol products, tobacco, firearms, explosives, and arson. Its responsibilities are focused on reducing the future number and cost of violent crimes; collecting revenue, reducing payer burden and improving service while preventing diversion; and protecting the public and preventing consumer deception in ATF's regulated commodities.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $567,059,000 for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, $25,485,000 more than the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and $17,800,000 below the budget request.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 for base costs for investigative equipment that the Department had proposed to fund through the Super Surplus. As requested, the recommendation includes $6,309,000 for implementing the tobacco compliance provision arising from the 1997 balanced budget agreement, and for carrying out a promotion assessment system. In addition, $23,800,000 requested for an expanded Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative and the Integrated Violence Reduction Strategy is included in the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund. The Committee also includes an increase of $5,000,000 above the amounts requested for the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS). Additional funds of $3,000,000 are provided from the Super Surplus of the Treasury Forfeiture Fund. Finally, the Committee continues a provision allowing a Federal firearms licensee to perform a background check before a firearm is offered as collateral for a loan (Section 634). The Committee is aware of concerns regarding the implementation of this provision and directs ATF to review its implementation and report back on its findings no later than August 1, 1999. This report must include the views of the industry affected by this provision.
INSPECTOR SHORTAGES
The Committee is concerned that ATF continues to operate with an insufficient number of inspectors needed to adequately fulfill its inspection mission. As a result, it is unable to carry out necessary inspections related to explosives or firearms with sufficient frequency, potentially putting public safety at risk. The Committee directs ATF to review its inspection workload and staffing levels, including identifying shortfalls in inspectors needed to fully satisfy standards for regular inspections, and report its findings by September 30, 1999. The report should make clear the basis for its estimations and include administrative, legislative, or resource recommendations.
Additionally, the Committee expects that ATF will coordinate its report with the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure that the staffing requirements for inspectors is included as part of the overall Treasury Law Enforcement evaluation.
TOBACCO COMPLIANCE
The Committee has included $5.2 million for funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to fund the enforcement of certain provisions of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 related to gray market tobacco products and to ensure collection of floor stock taxes. Effective, January 1, 2000, the provisions of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 prohibit, and impose penalties on, the domestic distribution of certain tobacco products labeled for export. The Bureau is instructed to provide the Committee with periodic reports regarding its progress in eliminating such gray market trade through its enforcement activities. The first such report shall be provided to the Committee by February 1, 2000, followed by semi-annual reports thereafter. Such reports will include the number of FTE's utilized in this program area during the reporting period, the number of complaints received, number of investigations initiated, and the number of cases referred for prosecution.
LABORATORY FACILITIES AND HEADQUARTERS
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 $15,000,000
Recommended in the bill
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -15,000,000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This account would provide funding for relocation of ATF headquarters employees to alternate building facilities better suited to meeting physical protection and security needs than existing leased space provides.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee denies, without prejudice, the President's request for funding for the design and site acquisition for the new headquarters at this time. The Committee is well aware of the security threats facing ATF and its need for secure headquarters facilities and hopes that future budgetary resources will allow progress on funding this move.
UNITED STATES CUSTOMS SERVICE
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
----------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date 1 $1,748,865,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 1,720,370,000
Recommended in the bill 1,708,089,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 -40,776,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -12,281,000
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MISSION
The United States Customs Service is the nation's principal border agency. Its mission is to ensure that all goods entering and exiting the United States do so in accordance with all United States laws and regulations. This mission includes enforcing U.S. laws intended to prevent illegal trade practices; protecting the American public and environment from the introduction of prohibited hazardous and noxious products; assessing and collecting revenue in the form of duties, taxes, and fees on imported merchandise; regulating the movement of persons, carriers, merchandise, and commodities between the United States and other nations, while facilitating the movement of all legitimate cargo, carriers, travelers, and mail; interdicting narcotics and other contraband; and enforcing certain provisions of the export control laws of the United States.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,708,089,000 for the U.S. Customs Service, $40,776,000 below the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and $12,281,000 below the budget request.
The Committee recommendation fully funds the Administration request, with the following adjustments: +$1,296,000 for the annualization of FTE that was proposed for funding in the Treasury Forfeiture Fund, +$1,011,000 for unspecified base operations for which VCRTF funding was requested, +$1,600,000 for the Customs CyberSmuggling Center, and +$212,000 for renovations to the Louisville International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky. When combined with the $2,400,000 provided in the VCRTF, the Committee recommends total funding of $4,000,000 for CyberSmuggling, instead of $2,400,000, as proposed by the President. The Committee proposes to fund $5,400,000 requested for the International Trade Data System from the Department's Systems and Capital Investment Programs. Finally, instead of directly funding $11,000,000 requested for the integrity enhancement and education initiatives, the Committee directs the Department to provide such funding from the Super Surplus of the Treasury Forfeiture Fund.
CUSTOMS AUTOMATION
The Committee is extremely disappointed that the budget request fails to adequately fund Customs automation requirements, either to maintain the existing Automated Commercial System (ACS) or to lay the groundwork for the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). Not only is there a lack of funding, but the funding proposed--collections from a new user fee on users of Customs automation--was not credible and has yet to be submitted to Congress for consideration. This short-sighted strategy has added to delays in a sensitive and essential Customs investment requirement and only serves to confirm this Committee's sense that the Administration has been looking the other way while Customs has been struggling to keep its operations afloat.
ACS has been used to process information on Customs import clearance and trade compliance. It is almost two decades old, comprised of hardware and software that is increasingly obsolete and hard to maintain, and has been operating at almost full capacity. Increasingly, `crashes' in the system have led to serious breakdowns in the normal clearance process, imposing significant costs on importers and commerce and affecting the smooth flow of trade. Without adequate funding--and a complete replacement is required--there is a risk of a disastrous logjam as automated systems can no longer cope with increasing volume, and as industries rely on rapid movement of trade to support modern commercial requirements, such as `just in time' manufacturing and delivery. The President's budget includes an increase of $35,000,000 for expanded memory for the ACS system, which is $32,000,000 less than needed for ACS to stay functional.
Additional funding for the ACS, however, is a bandaid. This system must be replaced, and Customs has been planning that replacement--ACE--for several years. The first phase of this, the National Customs Automation Program, has received funding from Congress. However, progress has been slow. Additionally, funding estimates for this program have grown from $800 million to as much as $2 billion. The sheer magnitude of this automation effort demands that certain prerequisites be met. One is the completion of an Enterprise Information Systems Architecture (EISA) that is in conformance with the Treasury Information Systems Architecture Framework (TISAF). While some progress has been made in this development, differences remain over the appropriate level of detail and specificity required for an EISA to be considered `complete', accepting that an EISA is a `living document' and not a static one. In addition, the Customs Service and Treasury Department must have the organization, people and processes in place to guarantee that systems development and procurement will be in compliance with the architecture and follow a firm milestone schedule. Unfortunately, studies completed this year by the General Accounting Office showed that Customs did not have the requisite capacity to either develop or manage the development of such a major acquisition without incurring significant risk of failure or waste.
Customs has announced plans to contract out this effort through a prime integrator, and is developing its plan for prime selection. The Committee backs this approach and urges Customs and the Department to both move swiftly and to report regularly to the Committee on its progress. Development and installation of a successor system to ACS that meets all Customs' systems needs, and which conforms to the best practices in information technology procurement, are extremely high priorities for this Committee. A recent estimate of funding for ACE, based on a four-year timeline, is $1.8 billion. The Committee will need the system blueprint, schedule, and budget: when those are provided, this Committee will seek to provide the necessary funding.
NORTH AMERICAN TRADE AUTOMATION PROTOTYPE
The Committee encourages the Customs Service to continue the ongoing NATAP operations for motor carriers until such time that the International Trade System program replaces it.
OPA-LOCKA AIRPORT
The Committee continues to have concerns regarding customs service at the Opa-Locka Airport in Dade County, Florida. The Committee is aware that this airport now has customs service from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private aircraft arriving after 5:00 p.m. are serviced by Customs inspectors who are dispatched from Miami International Airport; the Committee believes this arrangement is less than satisfactory and strongly recommends that the Customs Service provide customs service at Opa-Locka airport from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
CUSTOMS INSPECTION SERVICES FOR INTERNATIONAL AIR CARGO
The Committee is concerned about the availability of Customs Service personnel to provide inspection services for airports that are seeing increased traffic or project such increases as part of regional development patterns. In many locations, Customs has been asked to initiate or expand the level and availability of such services. The Committee understands that the decisions to allocate inspection personnel must be based on availability of staff and funding and should also be a function of the level of current or expected traffic, as well as concerns about enforcing trade laws and countering smuggling threats. At the same time, the Committee recognizes that some airports, such as Dulles International Airport, are experiencing growth and may have good cases for initiating or increasing cargo traffic operations, which are dependent on the availability of specific Customs inspection services. The Customs Service is in the midst of creating a comprehensive model for assessing and allocating its inspection and investigative staff. The aim of this model should be an allocation of staff and resources that directs Customs staff and resources to where the need for Customs services is the greatest. The Committee directs the Customs Service to report by September 1, 1999 on the status of implementation of the comprehensive staffing model. The Committee directs the Customs Service to work closely with airport authorities and the trade community to ensure that it will meet the requirements of airports such as Miami International Airport and Dulles International Airport that need new and expanded service.
FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The Committee is aware that the Customs Service has agreed to staff full-time Customs operations at Fort Lauderdale International Airport in consideration of a gift of $1,100,000 from Broward County, to cover 12 months beginning July 1999, but that this gift will not cover full fiscal year 2000 operations. If by June 1, 2000, the volume of international cargo processed by Customs that transits Fort Lauderdale International Airport should reach a level that demonstrates significant growth of international traffic, the Committee encourages the Customs Service to continue to staff Customs services for the duration of fiscal year 2000.
PRIMARY INSPECTION LANES
Growing international trade on the US southern border is continually hampered and threatened by border crossing delays. The Committee directs the Customs Service to prioritize funding of operations at ports of entry, to reduce processing and wait times, and deter drug trafficking. Customs should report to the Committee by March 31, 2000 on the success of these efforts in meeting the Customs' target of no more than 20-minute wait times during peak hours.
AIRPORT INSPECTION PRACTICES
The Customs Service recently appointed an advisory panel to investigate allegations that African-Americans were being targeted for customs inspections, detention and for personal searches at Hartsfield International Airport and other locations, including border crossings. The Committee is extremely concerned about these allegations and commends the Customs Service for their prompt attention to investigating this matter. The Committee directs the Customs Service to report back on the matters investigated by the advisory panel no later than February 1, 2000.
INSPECTION TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENTS
The Committee is encouraged by the potential of public-private initiatives to enhance the inspection capabilities of U.S. Customs at major seaports, international airports, and along the U.S. and Canadian border. The Committee strongly encourages the Customs Service to pursue these possibilities and consider a pilot test in order to determine the viability of a partnership of this type. The Committee believes that advanced technology can act as a force multiplier to enhance our enforcement capabilities in the detection of illegal contraband as well as expedite the flow of legitimate commerce.
CUSTOMS INTEGRITY
The Committee is concerned about the portion of the report `An Assessment of Vulnerabilities to Corruption and Effectiveness of the Office of Internal Affairs, U.S. Customs Service' that states:
Most serious, however, is the belief that inspectors who are hired locally, particularly along the Southwest border and assigned to the local ports of entry, could be at greater risk of being compromised by family members and friends who may exploit their relationships to facilitate criminal activities. Although they could not offer any solid evidence, senior Customs officials expressed a real apprehension over the possibility that individuals were attempting to infiltrate Customs by seeking jobs as inspectors for the sole purpose of engaging in corrupt and criminal behavior.
The Committee takes strong exception to any implication that individuals of Hispanic background are particularly susceptible to corruption and expects the Customs Service to address unsubstantiated bias by senior Customs officials as it implements its anti-corruption strategy.
PORT OF RACINE, WISCONSIN
The Committee is concerned about the U.S. Customs Service proposal to consolidate the Ports of Racine and Milwaukee in Wisconsin. The Racine Port provides a valuable service to many area businesses which is critical to their daily operations and survival. The U.S. Customs Service, however, has provided conflicting information about its plans for the Port of Racine, and caused confusion in the surrounding community of the Port of Racine as to whether there might be a reduction in service.
The Committee is pleased with the commitment by the Commissioner of Customs that the proposed consolidation will not impair service to area businesses or to the general public. In keeping with that commitment, the Committee directs the U.S. Customs Service to continue to provide service to the Port of Racine and that any change in service to the Port of Racine shall only be an improvement in service. In addition, it is imperative that the U.S. Customs Service articulates this under any future or pending proposals for the Port of Racine.
OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND PROCUREMENT, AIR AND MARINE INTERDICTION PROGRAMS
--------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date 1 $276,388,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 109,413,000
Recommended in the bill 109,413,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 -166,975,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
--------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Customs Air and Marine Interdiction Program combats the illegal entry of narcotics and other items into the United States. This appropriation provides all operations, maintenance and procurement for the Customs air and marine program and support for the interdiction of narcotics by other Federal, State, and local agencies. Included in this mission is the requirement to support the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Secret Service.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $109,413,000 for the U.S. Customs Service Operation, $166,975,000 below the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and equal to the budget request.
AIR AND MARINE INTERDICTION MODERNIZATION
In the fiscal year 1999 appropriation, the Committee directed Customs to provide its air and marine program modernization plan with its fiscal year 2000 budget. The report remains under review within the Administration, and has not yet been submitted. The Committee strongly urges the prompt completion and submission of this report. The Committee expects this report will address Customs organizational, fleet modernization, coordination and operational requirements, and will be essential to evaluating future resource requirements.
INTERDICTION TECHNOLOGIES
The Committee has been impressed with the additional capabilities offered by new passive detection technology that enhances Customs air operations by permitting more effective searching and tracking, as well as land-based detection systems to augment aircraft and aerostat interdiction assets. The Committee also supports, as it has in the past, the use of advanced imaging technology such as electrooptical and infrared sensors to enhance Customs interdiction and investigative capabilities. The Committee requests Customs to review the applicability of such technological complements to their current operational needs.
HARBOR MAINTENANCE FEE COLLECTION
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $3,000,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000
Recommended in the bill
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 3,000,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
---------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Harbor Maintenance Fee is established to provide resources to the Army Corps of Engineers for the improvement of American channels and harbors. It is assessed on the value of commercial imports and exports delivered to or from certain specified ports. The fee is collected by the U.S. Customs Service and deposited into the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends no appropriations, as requested by the President. Instead, statutory language is proposed for the Salaries and Expenses appropriation to require that this funding be derived from the Harbor Services Fund. The Committee has included $3,000,000 in the Customs Salaries and Expenses account for this purpose.
BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING
------------------------------------------------
1999 2000
------------------------------------------------
Federal Reserve Notes 11.4 billion 9.0 billion
Postage Stamps 18 billion 15 billion
Cost of operations $524 million $488 million
Revenue $549 million $518 million
------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), a non-appropriated revolving fund account, designs, manufactures, and supplies Federal Reserve notes, various public debt instruments, as well as most evidences of a financial character issued by the United States, such as postage and internal revenue stamps. The BEP executes certain printings for various territories administered by the United States, particularly postage and revenue stamps.
The operations of the BEP are financed by means of a revolving fund established in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 656, August 4, 1950 (31 U.S.C. 181), which requires the BEP to be reimbursed by customer agencies for all costs of manufacturing products and services performed. The BEP is also authorized to assess amounts to acquire capital equipment and provide for working capital needs. The anticipated work volume is based on estimates of requirements submitted by agencies served.
UNITED STATES MINT
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Circulating coins Numismatic coins Protection
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1999:
Number of coins 13.7 billion 2.8 billion
Cost of operations $204 million $842 million $17 million
Revenue $563 million $1,415 million
2000:
Number of coins 13.8 billion 3.9 billion
Cost of operations $175 million $921 million $20 million
Revenue $408 million $1,730 million
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MISSION
The United States Mint manufactures coins, receives deposits of gold and silver bullion, and safeguards the Government's holdings of monetary metals.
In fiscal year 1997, Congress established the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund which authorizes the U.S. Mint to use proceeds from the sale of coins to finance the cost of its operations. This has eliminated the need for appropriations to support the mission of the U.S. Mint.
BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT
ADMINISTERING THE PUBLIC DEBT
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $172,100,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 177,819,000
Recommended in the bill 176,919,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +4,819,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -900,000
-----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This appropriation provides funds for the conduct of all public debt operations and the promotion of the sale of U.S. savings-type securities.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total appropriation of $181,319,000 for the Bureau of Public Debt. This amount is offset by $4,400,000 in receipts, resulting in a final appropriation of $176,919,000, $4,819,000 above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and $900,000 below the budget request. Due to the budgetary situation, the Committee was unable to provide the additional funds requested for information technology infrastructure upgrades.
The Committee has agreed with the Administration's proposal to make the funds appropriated for systems modernization available until expended. The Committee directs that the Bureau of the Public Debt include in the justification material submitted with the President's budget request each year a report on the status of funds that have been appropriated for information systems modernization. The report should include the balances at the end of the prior fiscal year, the amount expected to remain available at the end of the current year, and a plan for expenditure of the funds.
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
PROCESSING, ASSISTANCE AND MANAGEMENT
----------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date 1 $2,984,778,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 3,312,535,000
Recommended in the bill 3,270,098,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +285,320,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -42,437,000
----------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This appropriation provides for processing tax returns and related documents; processing data for compiling statistics of income; assisting taxpayers in correct filing of their returns and in paying taxes that are due; overall planning and direction of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); and management of financial resources and procurement.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,270,098,000, $42,437,000 below the budget request, and $285,320,000 more than the amount available in fiscal year 1999. The amount provided includes an increase of $13,098,000 for additional customer service training for IRS employees, and an increase of $16,900,000 for the IRS to implement provisions of the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, instead of an increase of $31,900,000 as requested by the Administration. The Committee has also provided $27,437,000 for implementation of the IRS Organizational Modernization plan instead of $54,874,000 as proposed by the Administration.
TAX LAW ENFORCEMENT
-------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $3,164,189,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 3,336,838,000
Recommended in the bill 3,301,136,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +136,947,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -35,702,000
-------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This appropriation provides for the examination of tax returns, both domestic and international; the administrative and judicial settlement of taxpayer appeals of examination findings; technical rulings; monitoring employee pension plans; determining qualifications of organizations seeking tax-exempt status; examining tax returns of exempt organizations; enforcing statutes relating to detection and investigation of criminal violations of the internal revenue laws; collecting unpaid accounts; compiling statistics of income and compliance research; and, securing unfiled tax returns and payments.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,301,136,000, $35,702,000 below the budget request and $136,947,000 more than the amount available in fiscal year 1999. The amount provided includes an increase of $3,950,000 for additional customer service training for employees as proposed in the budget. The Committee has also included an additional $31,702,000 to implement the IRS Organizational Modernization plan instead of $63,404,000 as proposed by the Administration. The Committee has provided $2,000,000 for grants to low income taxpayer clinics, the same as the amount provided in fiscal year 1999 and $4,000,000 below the budget request. The Committee is aware that the IRS plans to award the first grants under this program in July of this year. Without any evidence of the effectiveness of this program, the Committee feels it would be inappropriate to triple its funding at this time. The Committee also assumes IRS will absorb the cost of vehicle replacement ($1,003,000) proposed for funding in the Treasury Forfeiture Fund.
EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT COMPLIANCE INITIATIVE
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $143,000,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 144,000,000
Recommended in the bill 144,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +1,000,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
-----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Earned Income Tax Credit Compliance Initiative provides for expanded customer service and public outreach programs, strengthened enforcement programs, and enhanced research efforts to reduce overclaims and erroneous filings associated with the Earned Income Tax Credit.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $144,000,000, $1,000,000 more than the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999, and the same as the budget request.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
----------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date 1 $1,259,530,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 1,455,401,000
Recommended in the bill 1,394,540,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +135,010,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -60,861,000
----------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This appropriation provides for Service-wide data processing support, including the evaluation, development, and implementation of computer systems (including software and hardware) requirements.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,394,540,000, $60,861,000 below the budget request and $135,010,000 more than the amount available in fiscal year 1999. The amount provided includes $200,426,000 for the IRS to complete the work necessary to make its computer systems Year 2000 compliant instead of $250,426,000 as proposed by the Administration. The Committee has also provided an additional $4,000,000 for telecommunications equipment necessary to increase toll-free access for Spanish-speaking citizens and for the enhancement of Internet access for taxpayers and tax practitioners, and an additional $10,861,000 for implementation of the IRS Organizational Modernization plan instead of $21,722,000 as requested by the Administration.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $211,000,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000
Recommended in the bill
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 -211,000,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
-----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This appropriation provides for funding of the PRIME Systems Integration Services Contractor to build the information technology described in the IRS Modernization Blueprint of May 15, 1997.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends no appropriation, as proposed by the President.
To date, a total of $505,670,000 has been appropriated to the Information Technology Investments account and that amount is available for obligation for the Prime Systems Integration Services contract awarded in December of 1998. The Internal Revenue Service believes that those resources are sufficient for activities to be undertaken under the contract through the end of fiscal year 2000. Accordingly, the Administration has not requested appropriations for the Information Technology Investments account in fiscal year 2000. The Administration has, however, requested a fiscal year 2001 advance appropriation of $325,000,000 for this program. In response to questions posed by the Committee, the IRS indicated that it is still in the process of developing a schedule for the expenditure of funds that are currently available and that will be required in fiscal year 2001 for this program in coordination with the PRIME contractor. In the absence of such a plan, the IRS is unable to justify the amount requested for fiscal year 2001. The Committee has, therefore, denied the request for an advance appropriation. However, this action should in no way be interpreted as a lack of support for the Internal Revenue Service's current efforts to modernize its computer systems. The Committee agrees that the modernization of IRS information systems is essential, and is very pleased with the steps the IRS is taking to put in place the organization and procedures that will be required to successfully complete this extremely difficult task.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
Section 101. The Committee continues the provision which allows the transfer of 5 percent of any appropriation made available to the IRS to any other IRS appropriation, subject to Congressional approval.
Section 102. The Committee continues the provision which requires the IRS to maintain a training program in taxpayer's rights, dealing courteously with taxpayers, and cross cultural relations.
Section 103. The Committee continues the provision which requires the IRS to institute policies and procedures which will safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayer information.
UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
--------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date 1 $681,110,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 661,312,000
Recommended in the bill 662,312,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 -18,798,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 +1,000,000
--------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Secret Service is responsible for the security of the President, the Vice President and other dignitaries and designated individuals; for enforcement of laws relating to obligations and securities of the United States and financial crimes such as financial institution fraud and other fraud; for protection of the White House and other buildings within Washington, DC, and direction and coordination of planning and operations for security of major events, as directed by the President.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $662,312,000 for the U.S. Secret Service, $18,798,000 below the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and $1,000,000 above the budget request. This fully funds the request, plus adds $1,000,000 in base funding that the Department had proposed to fund from the Super Surplus of the Treasury Forfeiture Fund. The recommendation assumes that $35,000,000 in protective costs associated with the 2000 Presidential campaign, and $23,000,000 in recurring costs from the fiscal year 1999 anti-terrorism initiative, will be funded through the Super Surplus. The Committee is concerned about reliance on the Super Surplus to fund basic operations and expects that care will be taken in the future to request all base funding requirements through the General Fund appropriation accounts.
ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS, AND RELATED EXPENSES
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $8,068,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 4,923,000
Recommended in the bill 4,923,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 -3,145,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
---------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This account supports the acquisition, construction, improvement, equipment, furnishing and related costs for construction and maintenance of the new Secret Service Headquarters Building.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,923,000 for U.S. Secret Service Acquisition, Construction, Improvement and Related Expenses, $3,145,000 below the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and equal to the budget request.
JAMES J. ROWLEY TRAINING CENTER
The Committee believes that providing the necessary training facilities is critical to a state-of-the-art protective training environment. To this end, the Committee directs the Secret Service to report to the Committee on Appropriations on the status of the Master Plan for the James J. Rowley Training Center, including project priorities, timelines for completion, and its overall priority within the Secret Service and Treasury Law Enforcement mission.
GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Section 110. The Committee continues the provision which requires the Secretary of the Treasury to comply with certain reprogramming guidelines when obligating or expending funds for law enforcement activities.
Section 111. The Committee continues the provision which allows the Department of the Treasury to purchase uniforms, insurance, and motor vehicles without regard to the general purchase price limitation, and enter in to contracts with the State Department for health and medical services for Treasury employees in overseas locations.
Section 112. The Committee continues the provision which requires expenditures of funds so as not to diminish efforts under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act.
Section 113. The Committee continues the provision which authorizes transfers, up to 2 percent, between law enforcement appropriations under certain circumstances.
Section 114. The Committee continues the provision which authorizes transfers, up to 2 percent, between Departmental Offices, Office of the Inspector General, Financial Management Service, and the Bureau of Public Debt appropriations under certain circumstances.
Section 115. The Committee continues and modifies the provision which provides that no funds may be obligated for the purchase of law enforcement vehicles until the Secretary of the Treasury certifies that the purchase is consistent with Departmental vehicle management principles.
Section 116. The Committee includes a new provision which authorizes the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to offer voluntary separation incentives in order to provide the necessary flexibility to carry out the plan to establish and reorganize the Office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Section 117. The Committee includes a new provision which prohibits the Department of the Treasury from undertaking a redesign of the $1 Federal Reserve note.
Section 118. The Committee includes a new provision which amends Title 5 USC 5547 and authorizes Treasury Law Enforcement agencies to pay their officer's premium pay in excess of the pay period limitation. The annual equivalent of the limitation will remain in place. The Committee is concerned with the growing number of Treasury Law Enforcement criminal investigators who have taken other employment, citing extended work hours, extensive travel, and other quality of life issues with little or no compensation. The Committee believes that ensuring fair compensation for Treasury Law Enforcement officers is a significant factor in the retention and recruitment of quality investigators. Further, the Committee directs that the Secretary of the Treasury report back to the Committee on Appropriations by August 1, 1999 with an annual cost estimate for this provision by Treasury Law Enforcement bureau.
Section 119. The Committee includes a new provision which authorizes the Financial Management Service to offer voluntary separation incentives to employees of the Chicago Financial Center, which is scheduled to be closed in November 2000.
TITLE II--POSTAL SERVICE
PAYMENTS TO THE POSTAL SERVICES
PAYMENT TO THE POSTAL SERVICE FUND
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $100,195,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 93,436,000
Recommended in the bill 93,436,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 -6,759,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
-----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
Funds provided to the Postal Service in the Payments to the Postal Service Fund include the costs of revenue forgone on free and reduce-rate mail for the blind and overseas voters; reconciliation adjustments for amounts appropriated for free and reduced rate mail and the actual amounts required; and partial reimbursement for losses which the Postal Service incurred as a result of insufficient appropriations in fiscal years 1991 through 1993 and the additional revenues it would have received between 1993 and 1998 in the absence of certain rate phasing provisions of the Revenue Forgone Act of 1993.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $93,436,000 for Payments to the Postal Service Fund, the same as the amount requested by the President and $6,759,000 below the amounts appropriated in fiscal year 1999. Of this amount, $70,880,000 is provided for free mail for the blind and overseas voters and -$6,444,000 is assumed as a reconciliation adjustment for estimated free mail volumes and final audited volumes for fiscal year 1997. The total appropriation of $64,436,000 for free mail for the blind and overseas voters is made available on October 1, 2000. The Committee also includes $29,000,000 as reimbursements to the Postal Service for prior year reimbursement shortfalls due to insufficient appropriations and rate phasing provisions of the Revenue Forgone Act of 1993.
PORTAL, ARIZONA
The Committee is aware that the town of Portal, Arizona has requested a unique zip code designation. The Committee urges the Postal Service to study and evaluate the need for a zip code to be designated to Portal, Arizona and to report its findings to the Committee.
GILFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Committee is aware that the town of Gilford, New Hampshire has requested a unique zip code designation. The Committee urges the Postal Service to study and evaluate the need for a zip code to be designated to Gilford, New Hampshire and to report its findings to the Committee.
RAINBOW CITY, ALABAMA
The Committee is concerned about the postal needs of Rainbow City, Alabama, located in Etowah County. The US Postal Service anticipated a need for a classified Post Office in this community by the late 1980's, yet the community is still served by a small contract facility. The Committee recommends that the US Postal Service evaluate the need for a classified post office in Rainbow City, Alabama, working with local officials and community leaders. The Committee further recommends that the US Postal Service report its findings to the Committee.
GOOD HOPE, ALABAMA
The Committee is concerned about the postal needs of Good Hope, Alabama, located in Cullman County. The Committee recommends that the US Postal Service reevaluate the need for a Post Office or contract Post Office in Good Hope, Alabama, working with local officials and community leaders, including an offer from the community to provide existing space to preclude the cost of building a facility. The Committee further recommends that the US Postal Service report its findings to the Committee.
FAIRVIEW, ALABAMA
The Committee is concerned about the postal needs of Fairview, Alabama, located in Cullman County. The Committee recommends that the US Postal Service reevaluate the need for a Post Office in Fairview, Alabama, working with local officials and community leaders, including an offer from the community to provide existing space to preclude the cost of building a facility. The Committee further recommends that the US Postal Service report its findings to the Committee.
LITTLEVILLE, ALABAMA
The Committee is concerned about the postal needs of Littleville, Alabama located in Colbert County. The Committee recommends that the US Postal Service evaluate the need for a Post Office or contract Post Office in Littleville, Alabama working with local officials and community leaders to determine what options are available to address the postal needs of Littleville, Alabama and report its findings to the Committee.
PRICEVILLE, ALABAMA
The Committee is concerned about the postal needs of Priceville, Alabama located in Morgan County. The Committee recommends that the US Postal Service evaluate the need for a Post Office or contract Post Office in Priceville, Alabama working with local officials and community leaders to determine what options are available to address the postal needs of Priceville, Alabama and report its findings to the Committee.
BRIDGEPORT, ALABAMA
The Committee is concerned about the proposed location of the new Post Office for Bridgeport, Alabama, located in Jackson County. The Committee requests that the US Postal Service work with local community leaders to determine the most favorable site for the new facility and report its findings to the Committee.
PITTSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
The Committee is concerned about the postal needs of the residents of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, due to the condition and accessibility of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Post Office. The Committee recommends that the US Postal Service work with city officials and community leaders to evaluate the need to relocate from the current building.
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
The Committee is concerned about the postal needs of Culver City, California because the zip codes do not correspond to the City's jurisdictional boundaries. This situation has led to incorrectly delivered mail, confusion when dispatching police and fire services, and other zip code related problems. Therefore, the Committee urges the Postal Service to review the zip code related problems in Culver City and report its findings to the Committee.
TITLE III--EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT
COMPENSATION OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE
COMPENSATION OF THE PRESIDENT
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $250,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 250,000
Recommended in the bill 250,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
-------------------------------------------------
MISSION
These funds provide for the compensation of the President as well as official expenses, as authorized by Title 3.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $250,000, the same as the amount requested by the President and the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $52,344,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 52,444,000
Recommended in the bill 52,444,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +100,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Salaries and Expenses account of the White House Office supports staff and administrative services necessary for the direct support of the President. This account also includes reimbursements to the White House Communications Agency.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $52,444,000, the amount requested by the President and an increase of $100,000 above the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level. This includes $10,313,000 as reimbursements to the White House Communications Agency.
EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE
OPERATING EXPENSES
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $8,691,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 9,260,000
Recommended in the bill 9,260,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +569,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
---------------------------------------------------
MISSION
These funds provide for the care, maintenance, and operation of the Executive Residence.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,260,000, the amount requested by the President and an increase of $569,000 above the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level.
WHITE HOUSE REPAIR AND RESTORATION
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 $810,000
Recommended in the bill 810,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +810,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
-------------------------------------------------
MISSION
To provide for the repair, alteration, and improvement of the Executive Residence at the White House, a separate account was established in fiscal year 1996 to program and track expenditures for capital improvement projects at the Executive Residence at the White House.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $810,000, the amount requested by the President and an increase of $810,000 over the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level.
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE PRESIDENT AND THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $3,512,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 3,617,000
Recommended in the bill 3,617,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +105,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
---------------------------------------------------
MISSION
These funds support staff necessary for the care and operation of the Vice President's official residence.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,617,000, the amount requested by the President and an increase of $105,000 over the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level.
OPERATING EXPENSES
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $334,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 345,000
Recommended in the bill 345,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +11,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
-------------------------------------------------
MISSION
These funds are to be used by the Vice President to carry out responsibilities assigned him by the President and by various statutes.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $345,000, the amount requested by the President and an increase of $11,000 over the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level.
COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $3,666,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 3,840,000
Recommended in the bill 3,840,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +174,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
---------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Council of Economic Advisers analyzes the national economy and its various segments, advises the President on economic developments, recommends policies for economic growth and stability, appraises economic programs and policies of the Federal Government, and assists in preparation of the annual Economic Report of the President to Congress.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,840,000, the amount requested by the President and an increase of $174,000 over the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level.
OFFICE OF POLICY DEVELOPMENT
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $4,032,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 4,032,000
Recommended in the bill 4,032,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
---------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Office of Policy Development supports the National Economic Council and the Domestic Policy Council in carrying out their responsibilities to advise and assist the President in the formulation, coordination, and implementation of economic and domestic policy. The Office of Policy Development also provides support for other domestic policy development and implementation activities, as directed by the President.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,032,000, the amount requested by the President and the same as the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level.
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $6,806,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 6,997,000
Recommended in the bill 6,997,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +191,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
---------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The National Security Council advises the President on the integration of domestic, foreign, and military policies relating to national security.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,997,000, the amount requested by the President and an increase of $191,000 over the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level.
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $28,350,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 39,198,000
Recommended in the bill 39,448,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +11,098,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 +250,000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Office of Administration is responsible for providing high-quality, cost-effective, administrative services to the Executive Office of the President. These services, defined by Executive Order 12028 of 1977, include financial, personnel, library and records services, information management systems support, and general office services.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $39,448,000, $250,000 more than the amount requested by the President and $11,098,000 over the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level. The Committee provides an additional $250,000 for implementation of the provisions of Section 638 regarding financial accountability.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN
The Committee is extremely concerned by the escalating costs of the Executive Office of the President's (EOP) Capital Investment Plan (CIP). Since fiscal year 1998, when this project was first funded, the Committee noted its concerns regarding the development of a solid architectural blue print and strategic plan to implement the CIP as well as the availability of valid cost estimates. Despite assurances that costs have been independently validated, and less than two years into the project, cost estimates have escalated from an original projection of $34,358,000 for the fiscal year 1999-2003 period to a current estimate of $70,189,000, including $17,591,000 for Year 2000 compliance efforts.
The Committee directs the Office of Administration to submit a report detailing changes in the CIP from EOP's original Modernization Plan submitted on February 28, 1998, including an updated architecture based on technical, financial, and business plans for the EOP, budgetary baselines for supporting the updated architecture, and specific cost data for individual projects identified in the architecture, including all cost validation data related to those projects. This report should be submitted to the Committee no later than September 1, 1999.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Over the past few years, several events and circumstances have highlighted vulnerabilities within the EOP's financial management and related systems, most recently an increase of more than 100 percent in cost estimates for ongoing information technology investments.
In order to address concerns regarding financial management and accountability within the EOP, the Committee has included a new provision (Section 638) authorizing the designation or appointment of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) within the EOP. Section 638 is identical to H.R. 437, which passed the House of Representatives on February 11, 1999 by a vote of 413-2. The Committee has included an additional $250,000 for the costs of implementing this Section, as estimated by the Congressional Budget Office.
The Committee is aware that the Office of Administration oversees the financial management functions of eleven separate EOP entities and that each entity also has separate financial management functions in place. However, the Committee believes that the establishment of a Chief Financial Officer within the EOP will result in an improved system of accounting, financial management and internal controls for these entities. Additionally, the Committee is optimistic that the establishment of a CFO will result in more efficient fiscal management and potential cost savings to the taxpayer.
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $60,617,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 63,495,000
Recommended in the bill 63,495,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +2,878,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) assists the President in the discharge of budgetary, economic, management, and other executive responsibilities.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $63,495,000, the amount requested by the President and an increase of $2,878,000 over the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
One of OMB's stated strategic goals is to `provide management leadership to ensure the faithful execution of the enacted budget, programs, regulations and policies'. Over the past several months, the Committee has observed that OMB has failed to implement certain provisions of appropriations law in a timely way, in some instances has failed to adequately respond to concerns raised by Congress, and has instigated unnecessary confrontations with the Committee. In light of these observations, the Committee believes OMB has failed to meet its strategic goal of executing the enacted budget, programs, regulations and policies.
P.L. 105-277 included an emergency drug supplemental of $276,000,000 for the U.S. Customs Service. Despite a conference agreement between the President and Congress that a portion of these funds be used to support additional personnel for the Customs' air program, OMB denied the use of these funds for new personnel for the first portion of the fiscal year. Although the Committee is aware that OMB has since approved the use of these funds to hire new pilots, the Committee believes that OMB inappropriately delayed the use of these funds, thereby failing to perform its execution function properly.
Additionally, the Committee continues to find the President's proposed funding levels for Treasury law enforcement bureaus both inadequate and irresponsible. For instance, the President's fiscal year 2000 request proposes to fund a significant portion of Customs' base operations through a controversial new passenger tax. Without this tax, Customs will be forced to cut its workforce by 5,000 employees, or 28 percent. In addition, the President's budget assumes that this tax will be enacted by July 1, 1999. As such, the Committee is concerned to learn that, as of this writing, the legislative language has not been forwarded by OMB to the appropriate authorizing Committees for their consideration. The Committee believes that OMB's inaction in this regard is negligent and gives the Committee reason to believe that OMB either does not fully comprehend the critical role Treasury law enforcement plays in securing our nation or is not being candid about the priority it places on funding Treasury Law Enforcement.
The Committee is also aware of ongoing concerns that OMB has failed to perform its responsibilities in regards to the implementation of the Congressional Review Act and specifically that OMB has failed to implement this Act in a manner that supports the basic requirements of this legislation.
Finally, in regards to confrontations with the Committee, the Committee has found the performance of the Communication Office to be particularly antagonistic and questions the value of this Office as it relates to securing a responsible national fiscal policy.
Given these concerns, the Committee believes that OMB staff training and development is inadequate. For instance, the Committee has learned that OMB staff training includes two weeks of on the job training regarding the federal budget process, policy analysis, and issues for the upcoming budget cycle. In regards to Treasury Law Enforcement, the Committee has been told that, over the past four fiscal years, OMB staff within the Treasury Branch have conducted 18 site visits related to Treasury law enforcement field operations; as a means of comparison, OMB's Justice Branch staff have conducted 29 site visits during this time.
The Committee notes that OMB continues to include a performance goal of requiring each OMB division to develop and carry out a staff training and development plan. OMB is directed to submit a report on staff training and develop with the President's fiscal year 2001 budget request that includes, at minimum, division plans, total costs for each fiscal year 1998-2001, the relationship of these plans to OMB's strategic goals, and the contribution made by the Communication Office to OMB's strategic plan.
MANAGING THE FEDERAL WORKFORCE
The Committee is concerned that federal agencies sometimes place undue importance on personnel ceilings alone when managing the federal workforce. The Committee directs OMB to provide guidance to agencies to ensure that federal employees are managed by budgets and workloads, rather than arbitrary personnel ceilings. Such guidance should be provided to agencies by December 1, 1999, with a copy provided to the Committee on Appropriations.
OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
-------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date 1 $49,242,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 43,133,000
Recommended in the bill 52,221,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +2,979,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 +9,088,000
-------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Office of National Drug Control Policy, established by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, is charged with developing policies, objectives and priorities for the National Drug Control Program as defined by the Act and Executive Order 12880, and by the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 1998.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $52,221,000, $2,979,000 more than the fiscal year 1999 appropriation and $9,088,000 more than the budget request. This fully funds the request, with the exception of $800,000 requested for clearinghouse activity, an additional $100,000 for policy research, and $250,000 for 4 additional FTE. The Committee concurs with the Administration's request for additional FTE for HIDTA's and Financial Management but these FTEs are supported through reductions to the Office of Legislative Affairs. It also includes $13,250,000 for the technology transfer program operated by the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center, $250,000 more than the level appropriated in fiscal year 1999, and $10,250,000 more than requested by the President.
ONDCP STAFFING
The Committee is extremely disappointed in the performance of the ONDCP Office of Legislative Affairs. Recent failures by the Office to respond adequately and in a timely fashion to Committee requests for information, and to meet long established schedules associated with Committee hearings and production of reports, have interfered with Committee operations and affected the ability of the Committee to meet its legislative schedule. The Committee recognizes that the Office has not been staffed at its authorized level of seven employees, and that other parts of ONDCP may bear some responsibility for some of this weak performance.
The Committee supports adding two FTE for the HIDTA program and two FTE for the Office of Financial Management. However, given the continuing vacancies at ONDCP and inability to fully utilize the existing ceiling of 124 permanent FTEs, there seems no reason at this time to increase the total funding for FTEs. Moreover, as the benefits of these positions appear to outweigh those of continuing to maintain level of 7 FTE for Legislative Affairs, the Committee directs that the requested four FTE be taken from those authorized for the Office of Legislative Affairs. The Committee assumes a total reduction of four FTE's and $250,000 from the Office of Legislative Affairs.
DRUG TRAFFICKING FLOW MAPPING
The Committee is aware of conflicting reports about the patterns of drug trafficking from South America, whether from movement via fast boats and aircraft over the Caribbean or via small vehicles passing overland through Central America and Mexico. The Committee encourages ONDCP, as it continues its project to map drug flows, to ensure that mapping reflects current patterns as well as likely changes to those patterns, given the dynamic, fluid nature of drug trafficking.
RURAL DRUG CONFERENCES
The Committee is concerned with the increasing spread of drugs and drug-related crime in rural areas, as well as with the ability of rural law enforcement organizations to address these new trends. The Committee therefore encourages the Director to continue ONDCP's efforts in convening an annual national conference on rural drug crime, while including regional conferences in rural areas. These conferences should be designed to assess rural law enforcement needs and to provide information and assistance to help rural communities cope with drugs and drug-related crimes. The Committee believes that this rural conference program represents a foundation on which to build in the future. The Committee urges ONDCP to combine its knowledge and experience working with larger communities, and translate effective drug fighting practices to rural law enforcement, while taking into consideration their unique needs.
MEDIA CAMPAIGN TARGET AUDIENCES AND MINORITIES
The Committee is aware that concerns remain regarding whether the content and media outlets utilized by the media campaign will adequately convey the anti-drug message to African-American and other minority youth. The Committee therefore directs ONDCP, in its oversight of the media campaign, to ensure that the diversity of the target audiences is fully addressed, and to report to the Committee on progress in getting the message to minorities in the regular quarterly reports on the media campaign.
FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS
HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS PROGRAM
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $184,977,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 185,777,000
Recommended in the bill 192,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +7,023,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 +6,223,000
-----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program was established by the ONDCP Director, pursuant to section 1005 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, and now as reauthorized by section 707 of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Act of 1998 to provide assistance to Federal and State and local law enforcement entities operating in those areas most adversely affected by drug trafficking.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $192,000,000, $6,223,000 above the budget request and $7,023,000 over the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level. This amount fully funds the fiscal year 1999 level of HIDTA program costs, assumes $6,223,000 for the anticipated expansion of the HIDTA program, either for new HIDTA's as designated by the ONDCP Director or adjustments to existing programs, and adds $1,800,000 for the costs of conducting audits.
MEASURES OF HIDTA PERFORMANCE
The Committee knows of the strong demand for the creation of new HIDTAs and expansion of existing ones, and believes that the funding provided in this bill will meet current requirements. The Committee believes that ONDCP and regional HIDTA organizations should be given a chance to manage this program to meet the standards of performance set forth in ONDCP's own performance measures of effectiveness (PME) for the HIDTA program. The ONDCP Director is responsible for applying the standards set forth in the HIDTA authorization when designating new HIDTAs, and allocation decisions should be consistent with the PMEs as well. In the fiscal year 1999, ONDCP was directed to provide a request for HIDTA funding based on the these PMEs: such justification has yet to be provided. With the two additional FTE that this bill provides to assist the HIDTA office, the Committee expects to see tangible assessment of the performance of individual HIDTAs and the HIDTA program overall. The Committee also expects that ONDCP will use this information to assess the optimal allocation of HIDTA funding and all future requests for HIDTA funding will be supported by PME data.
SPECIAL FORFEITURE FUND
-----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date 1 $216,500,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 225,300,000
Recommended in the bill 225,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +8,500,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -300,000
-----------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Special Forfeiture Fund was established by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, as amended, to be administered by the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. While the fund was originally authorized to receive deposits from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and the Treasury Forfeiture Fund, its current source of funding is direct appropriations.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $225,000,000, $8,500,000 over the fiscal year 1999 appropriation and $300,000 below the budget request. This includes $195,000,000 for continued costs of the youth media campaign and $30,000,000 for continued implementation of the Drug-Free Communities Act (DFCA), as authorized. The Committee denies the $3,300,000 requested for support of agency performance measures of effectiveness (PME) data systems, on the grounds that such funding should be the responsibility of the federal agencies themselves, not ONDCP. The Committee also denies funding for the Director, which it understands was to be used to further support development of an architecture for interagency counterdrug intelligence. The Committee is aware of concerns that federal counterdrug intelligence capabilities and coordination need to be improved and encourages ONDCP to provide more detailed information about requirements, including a counterdrug intelligence architecture.
DRUG-FREE COMMUNITIES ACT
The Committee supports the goals of the Drug-Free Communities Act (DFCA). However, to maintain proper, fiscal oversight of this relatively new program, the Committee directs the General Accounting Office to review the management of the DFCA and to assess the effectiveness of these grants in achieving the intended objectives of the DFCA.
The Committee urges ONDCP to work with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to assure that proper consideration is given to communities in South Florida that meet the criteria for eligibility to receive DFCA assistance. The Committee is aware that communities with interest in participation in DFCA include Liberty City, Overtown, Carol City, Opa-Locka, and Wynwood.
FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT
UNANTICIPATED NEEDS
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $1,000,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 1,000,000
Recommended in the bill 1,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
These funds enable the President to meet unanticipated exigencies in support of the National interest, security or defense.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,000,000, the amount requested by the President and the same as the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level.
TITLE IV--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $2,464,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 2,674,000
Recommended in the bill 2,674,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +210,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled was established by the Wagner-O'Day Act of 1938, as amended. Its primary objective is to increase the employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities and, whenever possible, to prepare them to engage in competitive employment.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,674,000, the same amount requested by the President and $210,000 above the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level.
FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
-------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $36,500,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 38,516,000
Recommended in the bill 38,152,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +1,652,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -364,000
-------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Commission administers the disclosure of campaign finance information, enforces limitations on contributions and expenditures, supervises the public funding of Presidential elections, and performs other tasks related to Federal elections.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $38,152,000, $364,000 below the amounts requested by the President and $1,652,000 above the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level. The Committee provides sufficient funds to support a total FTE level of 351.5, a reduction of 5 FTE from the levels requested by the President and an increase of 14.5 FTE from current levels.
The Committee is concerned that the Federal Election Commission (FEC) has been unable to hire up to its fully authorized level of 347 FTE in fiscal year 1999 and, in fact, anticipates having an FTE level of 337 at the end of the year. In light of current FTE levels, the Committee has denied FEC's request to add an additional 9 FTE for fiscal year 2000 and instead provides funds for an additional 4 FTE. Of these, the Committee assumes +1FTE for the Audit Division and +3 FTE for the Office of General Counsel.
PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS REVIEW
The Committee is extremely pleased with the report issued by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) indicating that the FEC is a competently managed organization with a skilled and motivated staff. However, the Committee also notes that the PwC report clearly stated that the FEC can not afford to continue doing business as usual; the price for that is inefficiency and requests for additional appropriations that simply are not available. The PwC report set out a series of 21 recommendations for action, almost all of which can be accomplished administratively. Although the Committee is pleased to see that steps are being taken to implement many of recommendations included in the review, the Committee remains disappointed that FEC has not put forward a plan to bring on board a change consultant. The Committee believes that a change agent is critical to the successful implementation of management and organizational reform within the FEC.
The Committee has included three new legislative provisions that it believes will streamline FEC operations: Section 639 authorizes the FEC to require committees with a certain level of financial activity to file FEC reports electronically; Section 640 authorizes the FEC to establish an administrative fine schedule, subject to reasonable appeals procedures, for straightforward disclosure violations; and Section 641 authorizes candidate committees to report to the FEC on an election cycle basis rather than a calendar year cycle. These proposals have been recommended by the PwC review and have been forwarded to Congress for consideration by the FEC.
FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $22,586,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 23,828,000
Recommended in the bill 23,828,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriaton, fiscal year 1999 +1,242,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), established by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, serves as a neutral party in the settlement of disputes that arise between unions, employees, and agencies on matters outlined in the Federal Service Labor Management Relations statute, decides major policy issues, prescribes regulations, and disseminates information appropriate to the needs of agencies, labor organizations, and the public. Establishment of the FLRA gives full recognition to the role of the Federal Government as an employer. Pursuant to the Foreign Service Act of 1980, FLRA also supports the Foreign Service Impasse Disputes Panel and the Foreign Service Labor Relations Board.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $23,828,000, the same as the amount requested by the President and $1,242,000 above the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level.
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
FEDERAL BUILDINGS FUND
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $450,018,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000
Recommended in the bill
Bill compared with
Appropriaton, fiscal year 1999 -450,018,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
Limitations on availability of revenue (not an appropriation):
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 1999 to date $5,605,018,000
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 5,445,100,000
Recommended in the bill 5,245,906,000
Bill compared with:
Availability, fiscal year 1999 -359,112,000
Availability, fiscal year 2000 -199,194,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Federal Buildings Fund (FBF) finances the activities of the Public Buildings Service which provides space and services for Federal agencies in a relationship similar to that of landlord and tenant. The FBF, established in 1975, replaces direct appropriations by using income derived from rent assessments which approximate commercial rates for comparable space and services. The Appropriations Committee makes funds available through a process of placing limitations on obligations from the FBF as a way of allocating funds for various FBF activities. The Committee may also appropriate funds into the FBF as a way of covering the difference between the total revenues coming into the FBF and the total limitation on the expenditure from the FBF.
RECOMMENDATION
For fiscal year 2000, the Committee recommends a total limitation on obligations from the Federal Buildings Fund of $5,245,906,000, $359,112,000 below the fiscal year 1999 level, and $199,194,000 below the amount proposed in the budget request.
CONSTRUCTION AND ACQUISITION
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitations on availability of revenue (not an appropriation):
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 1999 to date $492,190,000
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 102,194,000
Recommended in the bill 8,000,000
Bill compared with:
Availability, fiscal year 1999 -484,194,000
Availability, fiscal year 2000 -94,194,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDATION
Due to the severe budgetary situation, the Committee is only able to provide $8,000,000 in new obligational authority for the construction and acquisition program for fiscal year 2000, $484,194,000 below the amount provided in fiscal year 1999 and $94,194,000 below the amount proposed in the budget. The Committee has provided the amount requested for non-prospectus construction projects minus the amount requested for continued operation of telecommuting centers. Funds for the operation of telecommuting centers have been provided under the Building Operations activity. In setting priorities for the General Services Administration, the Committee felt that it was essential that the inventory of existing Federal facilities be properly maintained. Therefore, the Committee elected to eliminate funding for new projects rather than significantly reducing funding for the repair, alteration and maintenance of existing facilities.
The Committee has not included the fiscal year 2001 advance appropriations requested for the Food and Drug Administration consolidation project and the new headquarters building for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
COURTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION
The Committee was extremely disappointed to learn that the Administration did not, for the third year in a row, request funds for new courthouse construction. For the last two of those years, the General Services Administration's budget request to the Office of Management and Budget included funds for courthouses. The Committee is disappointed that the Office of Management and Budget continues to delete those funds from GSA's budget request. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has testified that the Administration has no hostility towards the courts and that the funds for construction have not been included in the budget request simply because there were higher priority funding needs throughout the government. The Director also suggested that one of those areas of higher priority was law enforcement. Apparently the Director doesn't understand that after individuals are arrested and before they can be incarcerated, there has to be a place to try them to determine if they are guilty as charged.
In spite of the Director of OMB's statement to the contrary, the Committee is very concerned that the Administration's refusal to budget for new courthouse construction is based on more than simple budgetary constraints. For example, like all Federal programs, courthouse construction is subject to the two step authorization and appropriations process. As occurred last year, there is no reason why the Congress could not elect to fund courthouse construction even though it was not included in the Administration's budget request. However, to date, the Administration has not submitted the documents to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that are necessary for it to carry out its authorizing responsibility. In addition, the Administration did submit a request for construction of other Federal facilities, including the funds needed to begin a $500,000,000 consolidation of the Food and Drug Administration. One wonders why it was only courthouse construction that was not included in the budget request.
The Committee is aware that OMB has had a number of concerns about the courthouse construction program, one of the most important being the issue of courtroom sharing. In fact, the Judicial Conference of the United States has testified that OMB indicated that the courtroom sharing issue did contribute to the decision to delete courthouse funding from the budget request. The Committee shares some of those concerns; however, it does not believe that the answer to those concerns is the termination of the program.
The Committee fully understands that hard choices have to be made when allocating scarce resources. Last year, the Committee was able to find the resources necessary to fund the courthouse construction program recommended by the Judicial Conference of the United States in spite of its deletion from GSA's budget request by OMB. This year, it was unable to do so. In fact, the Committee was unable to fund any new construction projects in fiscal year 2000. The Committee does believe, however, that the courthouse construction program is important, and as this bill moves through the process, the Committee will continue to look for ways to accommodate the needs of the courts and the other space needs of the Federal Government.
REVIEW OF COURTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
The Committee is encouraged that the Judicial Conference of the United States is preparing to undertake an independent, comprehensive review of the courthouse construction program. According to the Judicial Conference, this review will include an examination of the issue of courtroom sharing. The Committee is aware that the current policy regarding courtroom sharing is at least partly responsible for the lack of support of the courthouse construction program by the Administration. Accordingly, the Committee urges the Judicial Conference in the strongest possible way to take steps to ensure that the review of the issue of courtroom sharing is independent and is undertaken without regard to current policies.
MIAMI, FLORIDA, COURTHOUSE
The Committee directs the General Services Administration to make every effort to include minority contractors, vendors, and employees in every phase of the design, construction, and operation of the new courthouse to be constructed in Miami, Florida. The Committee further directs the General Services Administration to provide a report by February 1, 2000, on its plans for achieving this essential objective and its progress to date.
CHILD CARE CENTERS
The Committee is aware that there is a critical need for child care facilities at the Central Islip Federal Courthouse in Central Islip, New York, and the Federal Government Complex in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A child care facility in Central Islip would be of immense value to the 1,400 Federal employees expected to be working at the site as well as the thousands of employees located at nearby state and county court facilities. The facility would also serve local residents. The Committee is also aware that there is an urgent need for quality, affordable child care in San Juan; however, there currently is no Federal child care center in operation in Puerto Rico. Accordingly, the Committee urges the General Services Administration to use funds available for non-prospectus construction project to proceed with the development of child care facilities in Central Islip, New York, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitations on availability of revenue (not an appropriation):
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 1999 to date $668,031,000
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 664,869,000
Recommended in the bill 559,869,000
Bill compared with:
Availability, fiscal year 1999 -105,000,000
Availability, fiscal year 2000 -108,162,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDATION
For fiscal year 2000, the Committee recommends new obligational authority of $559,869,000 for the Repairs and Alterations program, $108,162,000 below the amount provided in fiscal year 1999, and $105,000,000 below the budget request. In light of the reduction made in this account, the Committee has elected not to include amounts for specific projects and programs in the bill; however, the Committee expects the General Services Administration to use the funds provided to undertake the projects identified in the budget request.
FEDERAL BUILDING AT 300 NORTH LOS ANGELES ST., LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
The Committee directs the General Services Administration to include necessary funding for safety and accessibility enhancements of the Federal building at 300 North Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, California, in its fiscal year 2001 budget request.
FEDERAL BUILDING, BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK
The Committee recommends that the General Services Administration expeditiously commence repairs, including the preservation of windows, on the Federal Building in Binghamton, New York.
WICHITA, KANSAS, FEDERAL COURTHOUSE
Within the amount provided for Basic Repairs and Alterations, the Committee has provided $412,000 for the General Services Administration to complete the renovations of the Federal Courthouse in Wichita, Kansas.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HEADQUARTERS BUILDING
The Committee has included language in the bill which directs the General Services Administration to undertake the first construction phase of the project to renovate the Department of the Interior Headquarters Building in Washington, D.C.
INSTALLMENT ACQUISITION PAYMENTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitations on availability of revenue (not an appropriation):
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 1999 to date $215,764,000
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 205,668,000
Recommended in the bill 205,668,000
Bill compared with:
Availability, fiscal year 1999 -10,096,000
Availability, fiscal year 2000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDATION
For fiscal year 2000, the Committee recommends new obligational authority of $205,668,000 for Installment Acquisition Payments, $10,096,000 below the amount provided in fiscal year 1999, and the same as the budget request.
RENTAL OF SPACE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitations on availability of revenue (not an appropriation):
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 1999 to date $2,583,261,000
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 2,782,186,000
Recommended in the bill 2,782,186,000
Bill compared with:
Availability, fiscal year 1999 +198,925,000
Availability, fiscal year 2000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDATION
For fiscal year 2000, the Committee recommends new obligational authority of $2,782,186,000 for Rental of Space, $198,925,000 above the amount provided in fiscal year 1999, and the same as the budget request.
BUILDING OPERATIONS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitations on availability of revenue (not an appropriation):
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 1999 to date $1,554,772,000
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2000 1,590,183,000
Recommended in the bill 1,590,183,000
Bill compared with:
Availability, fiscal year 1999 +35,411,000
Availability, fiscal year 2000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDATION
For fiscal year 2000, the Committee recommends new obligational authority of $1,590,183,000 for Building Operations, $35,411,000 above the amount provided in fiscal year 1999, and the same as the budget request. Within the total amount, the Committee has provided $1,974,000 for the continued operation of telecommuting centers. Of the funds provided for telecommuting centers, $150,000 is for the Shenandoah Telebusiness Center in Winchester, Virginia, and $200,000 is for the center in Woodbridge, Virginia, which will help to alleviate traffic congestion anticipated with construction at the I-95, I-395, and I-495 intersection.
The Committee is concerned that some of the existing telecommuting centers are being underutilized. The Committee expects GSA to conduct a fair evaluation of the utilization of all the centers, and directs GSA to close those telecommuting centers that are underutilized.
The Committee is concerned that ongoing interstate highway construction in the Springfield, Virginia, area could cause significant delays for federal employees who commute to work through the I-95/I-395/I-495 intersection. Already, Interstates 95, 395, and 495 have been shut down twice since construction began because of construction-related accidents. With a construction schedule encompassing more than eight years, future delays for hundreds of federal employees is a certainty. The Committee recommends that the General Services Administration, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Department of the Army explore the feasibility of establishing and equipping an emergency work station/telecommuting center in vacant office space at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, that would enable federal employees to perform their work on days when traffic conditions prevent them from reporting to work.
COMBINED LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER, ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
The Committee is aware of the need for a combined Federal, state, and local law enforcement center in St. Petersburg, Florida, and is further aware that the City of St. Petersburg is willing to donate to the Federal government the land for such a facility. Accordingly, the Committee directs the General Services Administration to utilize $500,000 to undertake a study and conceptual design of a combined Federal, state, and local law enforcement facility in St. Petersburg, Florida, and report to the Committee by February 1, 2000, on the results of that study.
POLICY AND OPERATIONS
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $109,594,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 122,158,000
Recommended in the bill 110,448,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +854,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -11,710,000
-----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This appropriations account provides for Government-wide policy, planning, and oversight associated with real and personal property asset management, supplies, information technology, electronic commerce, transportation and travel management, acquisition, and Federal advisory committees management. In addition, this activity provides for the internal policy, management, oversight, and coordination of all GSA programs.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $110,448,000 for Policy and Operations, $854,000 above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999, and $11,710,000 below the budget request. Due to the budgetary situation, the Committee is unable to provide the funds requested for the electric commerce infrastructure project, the Rapid Service Valuation and Preparation Access Program, and the program to validate the access performance of information technology.
SECTION 1122 PROGRAM
Section 1122 of the Defense Department Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 established a program under which states and units of local government may purchase `law enforcement equipment suitable for counter-drug activities' through the Department of Defense. The Act directed the General Services Administration, in cooperation with the Secretary of Defense, to produce and maintain a catalog of law enforcement equipment suitable for counter-drug activities that could be purchased under the program. The catalog of equipment that GSA is required to maintain is comprised of Federal Supply Schedules that have been established for the purchase of goods by Federal agencies. When the program was originally established, it consisted of 10 Federal Supply Schedules. However, in December of last year and February of this year, the program was greatly expanded such that it currently includes over 90 schedules which would permit the purchase of goods which appear to be completely unrelated to counter-drug activities, such as lawn and garden equipment and musical instruments. The Committee believes that the expansion of this program goes far beyond what was intended in the authorizing legislation and is counter to the intent of Congress when it repealed the cooperative purchasing provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act. Several members of the Committee expressed their concern over the vast expansion of this program when the Administrator of General Services testified on behalf of GSA's fiscal year 2000 budget. As a result of the concerns expressed by the members of the Committee, on April 29, 1999, GSA wrote a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the
- Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology requesting that the Army, as Executive Agent of the program, inform the participating State Points of Contact that GSA would be returning the program to the original 10 Federal Supply Schedules. The Committee approves of this action and expects GSA and the Department of Defense to consult with the appropriate committees of the Congress before implementing any further expansions of this program.
PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK
The Committee recognizes that Public Service Recognition Week, a program of the Public Employees Roundtable, has educated America about the value of the career workforce which carries out the daily operations of government. This program, which has existed for over 10 years, plays an important role in educating our nation's youth by providing them with timely information about their government. The Committee urges the General Services Administration to support the mission of the Public Employees Roundtable and provide $100,000 in administrative and logistical assistance to Public Service Recognition Week activities.
PER DIEM RATES
The Committee is very concerned that the methodology used by the General Services Administration to develop the new per diem rates for travel in the continental United States that became effective on January 1, 1999, has resulted in the unjustified lowering of per diem rates throughout the country. The Committee is aware that the GSA is currently reviewing the per diem rates issued in January to determine if modifications are warranted. The Committee urges GSA to continue that effort and directs GSA to revise its procedures to assure that next year's survey more accurately reflects the costs of travel by Federal workers.
CENSUS BUREAU FACILITIES
The Committee is aware that the General Services Administration (GSA) is conducting a study of significant environmental problems at the U.S. Census Bureau facilities in Suitland, Maryland, and directs GSA to submit to the Committee a report, no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, detailing the extent of all health and safety concerns associated with the Bureau facilities and a detailed plan for eliminating the hazards. The Committee is also aware that GSA is conducting a long-term study of the Census Bureau facilities and directs the GSA to garner the necessary information and input from the Census Bureau and the Department of Commerce to be able to develop a long-term plan for the establishment of an improved, modern facility for the Census Bureau.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $32,000,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 33,917,000
Recommended in the bill 33,317,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +1,317,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -600,000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This appropriation provides agencywide audit and investigative functions to identify and correct management and administrative deficiencies within GSA which create conditions for existing or potential instances of fraud, waste, and mismanagement. The audit function provides internal audit and contract audit services. Contract audits provide professional advice to GSA contracting officials on accounting and financial matters relative to the negotiation, award, administration, repricing, and settlement of contracts. Internal audits review and evaluate all facets of GSA operations and programs, test internal control systems, and develop information to improve operating efficiencies and enhance customer services. The investigative function provides for the detection and investigation of improper and illegal activities involving GSA programs, personnel, and operations.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $33,317,000, $1,317,000 above that amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and $600,000 below the budget request. Due to the budgetary situation, the Committee was unable to provide funds for the additional personnel requested in the budget.
ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $2,241,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 2,241,000
Recommended in the bill 2,241,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
---------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This appropriation provides support consisting of pensions, office staffs, and related expenses for former Presidents Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George Bush and for pension and postal franking privileges for the widow of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Also, this appropriation is authorized to provide funding for security and travel related expenses for each former President and the spouse of a former President pursuant to Section 531 of Public Law 103-329.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,241,000 for Allowances and Office Staff for Former Presidents, the same as the amount appropriated in fiscal year and the same as the budget request. The following table displays a breakdown for this account for fiscal year 2000.
FY 2000 BUDGET ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS
[In thousands of dollars]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2000 request
Former Presidents
Ford Carter Reagan Bush Widows Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personal compensation 96 96 96 96 0 384
Personnel benefits 24 5 24 39 0 92
Benefits for former personnel:
Pensions 152 152 152 152 20 628
Travel 50 2 25 57 0 135
Rental payments to GSA 99 93 285 138 0 615
Communications, utilities and miscellaneous charges:
Telephone 17 28 15 18 0 75
Postage 2 22 10 12 2 48
Printing 3 8 14 8 0 33
Other services 14 79 44 18 0 155
Supplies and materials 9 10 20 9 0 48
Equipment 5 9 3 8 0 25
Total obligations 471 504 689 555 22 2,241
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GENERAL PROVISIONS--GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Section 401. The Committee continues the provision that provides that costs included in rent received from government corporations for operation, protection, maintenance, upkeep, repair and improvement shall be credited to the Federal Buildings Fund.
Section 402. The Committee continues the provision providing funds for the hire of motor vehicles.
Section 403. The Committee continues the provision providing that funds made available for activities of the Federal Buildings Fund may be transferred between appropriations with advance approval of the Congress.
Section 404. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the use of funds for courthouse construction requests that do not meet GSA standards and priorities of the Judicial Conference.
Section 405. The Committee continues the provision providing that no funds may be used to increase the amount of occupiable square feet, provide cleaning services, security enhancements, or any other service usually provided, to any agency which does not pay the requested rent.
Section 406. The Committee continues the provision providing for Information Technology Fund repayment from sponsored projects that realize program savings.
Section 407. The Committee continues the provision which permits GSA to pay small claims (up to $250,000) made against the government.
Section 408. The Committee includes a new provision which provides that funds made available for construction projects in fiscal year 1997 shall remain available until expended provided funds for design or other funds have been obligated in whole or in part prior to September 30, 1999.
MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $25,805,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 27,586,000
Recommended in the bill 27,586,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +1,781,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Merit Systems Protection Board performs the adjudicatory functions necessary to maintain the civil service merit system. These include hearing appeals on adverse actions, reduction-in-force actions, and retirement. The Board reports to the President on whether merit systems are sufficiently free from prohibited personnel practices to protect the public interest.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $27,586,000, the same as the amount requested by the President and $1,781,000 above the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level.
FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE MORRIS K. UDALL SCHOLARSHIP AND EXCELLENCE IN NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FOUNDATION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 $3,000,000
Recommended in the bill 1,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +1,000,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -2,000,000
---------------------------------------------------
MISSION
Public Law 102-259 established the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Trust Fund. General Fund payments to that fund are invested in Treasury securities. Interest earnings from the investments are used to carry out the activities of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation. The Foundation awards scholarships, fellowships, and grants and funds activities of the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee has recommended an appropriation of $1,000,000 to the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Trust Fund, $2,000,000 below the budget request. No appropriation was provided to the Fund in fiscal year 1999.
ENVIRONMENTAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION FUND
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $4,250,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 1,250,000
Recommended in the bill 1,250,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 -3,000,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
---------------------------------------------------
MISSION
Public Law 105-156 established the United States Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution as part of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation. It also established in the Treasury an Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund to be available to establish and operate the Institute. The purpose of the Institute is to conduct environmental conflict resolution and training.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,250,000 for the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund, $3,000,000 below the amount provided in fiscal year 1999 and the same as the budget request. These funds will be used for operating expenses of the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
OPERATING EXPENSES
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $224,614,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 186,452,000
Recommended in the bill 180,398,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 -44,216,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -6,054,000
-----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The National Archives and Records Administration provides for basic operations dealing with management of the Government's archives and records, operation of Presidential libraries, and for the review for declassification of classified security information.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $180,398,000 for Operating Expenses of the National Archives and Records Administration, $44,216,000 below the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999 and $6,054,000 below the budget request. Due to the budgetary situation, the Committee was unable to include the additional funds requested by the National Archives and Records and Administration to increase its capacity to declassify records ($5,000,000), develop an agency-wide system for collecting performance data ($527,000), and develop requirements for an electronic system covering all phases of preparing Federal Register documents for issuance ($527,000).
The Committee is pleased with the progress the National Archives and Records Administration is making in its efforts to improve its ability to respond to requests for veterans' records. In testimony before the Committee, the Archivist stated that no additional resources were needed in fiscal year 2000 above the amount included in the budget request for this program. Therefore, the Committee has provided $1,790,000 for this effort, the same as the budget request. However, the Committee urges the Archives to expedite the completion of this very important program to the greatest extent possible.
REPAIRS AND RESTORATION
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $11,325,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 13,518,000
Recommended in the bill 13,518,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +2,193,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This appropriation provides for the repair, alteration, and improvement of Archives facilities and Presidential libraries nationwide. It enables the National Archives to maintain its facilities in proper condition for visitors, researchers, and employees, and also maintain the structural integrity of the buildings.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,518,000 for Repairs and Restoration, the same as the budget request and $2,193,000 more than the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999. Of the amount provided, $8,568,000 is for work associated with the restoration of the National Archives Building in Washington D.C., $500,000 is for the initiation of planning to develop alternatives for the existing regional archival facilities, and $4,450,000 is for the base repairs and restoration program.
NATIONAL HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS AND RECORDS AND RECORDS COMMISSION
GRANTS PROGRAM
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $10,000,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 6,000,000
Recommended in the bill 6,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 -4,000,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This program provides for grants funding that the Commission makes, nationwide, to preserve and publish records that document American history. Administered within the National Archives and Records Administration, which preserves Federal records, the NHPRC helps state, local, and private institutions preserve non-Federal records, helps publish the papers of major figures in American history, and helps archivists and records managers improve their techniques, training, and ability to serve a range of information users.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,000,000, the same as the budget request and $4,000,000 below the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999. The Committee has included language in the bill rescinding the funds provided in fiscal year 1999 for the grant to the Center for Jewish History.
RECORDS CENTER REVOLVING FUND
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----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 $22,000,000
Recommended in the bill 22,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +22,000,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Records Center Revolving Fund provides the mechanism for the operation of NARA's records centers on a reimbursable basis without direct appropriations. The Fund is available for expenses and equipment necessary to provide for storage and related services for all temporary and pre-archival Federal records which are stored at Federal National and Regional Records Centers. Resources in the Fund are derived from user charges received from Federal agencies as payment for storage of records.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee has included language in the bill establishing the National Archives and Records Center Revolving Fund and has recommended an appropriation of $22,000,000 for capitalization of the Fund as proposed by the Administration.
The Committee directs the National Archives and Records Administration to provide quarterly reports to the Committee on the operation of the revolving fund. The reports should include any instances where other Federal agencies have not paid the requested fees for storage of their records and related services.
OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
---------------------------------------------------
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Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $8,492,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 9,114,000
Recommended in the bill 9,114,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +622,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
---------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Office of Government Ethics (OGE), established by the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, provides overall direction of executive branch policies designed to prevent conflicts of interest and insure high ethical standards. The OGE discharges its responsibilities to preserve and promote public confidence in the integrity of executive branch officials by developing rules and regulations pertaining to conflicts of interest, post employment restrictions, standards of conduct, and public and confidential financial disclosure in the executive branch. It monitors compliance with public and confidential financial disclosure requirements of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and the Ethics Reform Act of 1989, to determine possible violations of applicable laws or regulations and recommending appropriate corrective action. OGE also consults with and assists various officials in evaluating the effectiveness of applicable laws and the resolution of individual problems, and prepares formal advisory opinions, informal letter opinions, policy memoranda, and Federal Register entries on how to interpret and comply with the requirements on conflicts of interest, post employment, standards of conduct, and financial disclosure. Finally, OGE issues and amends regulations implementing the procurement integrity provisions relating to negotiating for employment, post employment, and gratuities in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act Amendments of 1988, P.L. 100-679.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $9,114,000, the same amount requested by the President and $622,000 above the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level.
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $85,350,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 91,584,000
Recommended in the bill 90,584,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 5,234,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000 -1,000,000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the Government agency responsible for management of Federal human resource policy and oversight of the merit civil service system. Although individual agencies are increasingly responsible for personnel operations, OPM provides a Governmentwide policy framework for personnel matters, advises and assists agencies (often on a reimbursable basis), and ensures that agency operations are consistent with requirements of law, with emphasis on such issues as veterans preference. OPM oversees examining of applicants for employment, issues regulations and policies on hiring, classification and pay, training, investigations, and many other aspects of personnel management, and operates a reimbursable training program for the Government's managers and executives. OPM is also responsible for administering the retirement, health benefits and life insurance programs affecting most Federal employees, retired Federal employees, and their survivors.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $90,584,000, $1,000,000 below the amount requested by the President and an increase of $5,234,000 above fiscal year 1999 appropriated levels. The increases include $1,800,000 for Merit Systems oversight and effectiveness. It also includes $1,000,000 for the initial planning and design for a new `cyber corps' program, in partnership with colleges and universities, for government-wide recruitment of employees to meet a serious shortfall of technical competencies in government particularly as it relates to information technology security. This is $1,000,000 below the budget request, but will permit OPM to complete standards for classification and qualification for the program, and to work with high school and university educators on program design. The Committee understands that the Administration plans to initiate this program for the 2000-01 school year, and that the annual cost of the program, which may include federal payment of tuition for students, could be between $27,000,000 to $50,000,000. In order to better prepare and evaluate this initiative, the Committee directs OPM to report to the Committee by November 1, 1999 on the details of such a program, including necessary legislation and resources required. The Committee also includes statutory limitation language requested by the Administration providing that $4,000,000 shall remain available until expended for the cost of automating the retirement recordkeeping systems.
FORMER FAA POLICE OFFICERS
The Committee is concerned over an existing retirement benefit inequity for approximately 50 former Federal Aviation Administration police officers now with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) at Reagan National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. MWAA police officers hired after 1986 who are considered `law enforcement officers' are entitled to benefits unavailable to their colleagues hired prior to 1986, who perform identical duties, but are not classified as `law enforcement officers' and therefore not eligible for retirement benefits afforded to law enforcement personnel. The Committee is concerned that as a result of this difference in classification, some MWAA police officers hired after 1986 will be eligible for retirement before their pre-1986 colleagues, and at a higher retirement pay scale. The Committee directs the Office of Personnel Management to work with the affected MWAA employees and to resolve this issue equitably and expeditiously.
LOCALITY PAY BOUNDARIES
The Committee has learned of significant discrepancies in salaries among federal employees who live on the Central Coast of California, ostensibly caused by the configuration of the locality pay zone for the region. The Committee further understands that Monterey County has an exceptionally high proportion of federally owned land which reduces the area available for population settlement and development. Consequently, the population density formula may not have accurately represented the true population situation in Monterey County, resulting in Monterey County being excluded from the San Francisco locality pay area. Therefore, the Committee requests that the Federal Salary Council reconsider Monterey County for inclusion in the San Francisco locality pay area and report its findings to the Committee on Appropriations.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $960,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 960,000
Recommended in the bill 960,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
-------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This appropriation provides agencywide audit, investigative, evaluation, and inspection functions to identify management and administrative deficiencies which may create conditions for fraud, waste and mismanagement. The audits function provides internal agency audit, insurance audit, and contract audit services. Contract audits provide professional advice to agency contracting officials on accounting and financial matters regarding the negotiation, award, administration, repricing, and settlement of contracts. Internal audits review and evaluate all facets of agency operations, including financial statements. Evaluation and inspection services provide detailed technical evaluations of agency operations. Insurance audits review the operations of health and life insurance carriers, health care providers, and insurance subscribers. The investigative function provides for the detection and investigation of improper and illegal activities involving programs, personnel, and operations.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $960,000, the amount requested by the President and the same as the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level. The Committee also amends the statutory limitation on the use of administrative expenses to include investigation and other oversight of OPM's retirement and insurance programs.
GOVERNMENT PAYMENT FOR ANNUITANTS, EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS
-------------------------------------------------------
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Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $4,654,146,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 5,105,482,000
Recommended in the bill 5,105,482,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +451,336
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
-------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This appropriation covers: (1) the Government's share of the cost of health insurance for 1,885,000 annuitants as defined in sections 8901 and 8906 of title 5, United States Code; (2) the Government's share of the cost of health insurance for about 6,000 annuitants (who were retired when the Federal employees health benefits law became effective), as defined in the Retired Federal Employees Health Benefits Act of 1960; and (3) the government's contribution for payment of administrative expenses incurred by the Office of Personnel Management in administration of the act.
GOVERNMENT PAYMENT FOR ANNUITANTS, EMPLOYEES LIFE INSURANCE
----------------------------------------------------
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Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $34,576,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 36,207,000
Recommended in the bill 36,207,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +1,631,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This appropriation finances the Government's share of premiums, which is one-third the cost, for basic life insurance for annuitants retiring after December 31, 1989, and who are less than 65 years old.
PAYMENT TO CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND
-------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $8,703,180,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 9,120,872,000
Recommended in the bill 9,120,872,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +417,692
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
-------------------------------------------------------
MISSION
This appropriation provides for payment of annuities, including the payment of annuities under special acts for persons employed on the construction of the Panama Canal or their widows and widows of employees of the Lighthouse Service; payment of government share of retirement costs financing the current year's costs of the unfunded liability resulting from any statute authorizing new or liberalized benefits, extension of retirement coverage, or pay increases; transfers for interest on unfunded liability and payment of military service annuities covering interest on the unfunded liability and annuity disbursements for military service; payments for spouse equity providing survivor annuities to eligible former spouses of annuitants who died between September 1978 and May 1986 and did not elect survivor coverage, and; transfers for payment of FERS supplemental liability covering annual amortization payments financing supplemental liabilities for FERS.
OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $8,720,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 9,740,000
Recommended in the bill 9,740,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +1,020,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
---------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The Office of Special Counsel: (1) investigates Federal employee allegations of prohibited personnel practices (including reprisal for whistleblowing) and, when appropriate, prosecutes before the Merit Systems Protection Board; (2) provides a channel for whistleblowing by Federal employees; and (3) enforces the Hatch Act. The Office may transmit whistleblower allegations to the agency head concerned and require an agency investigation and a report to the Congress and the President when appropriate.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $9,740,000, the amount requested by the President and $1,020,000 over the fiscal year 1999 appropriated level. The Committee wishes to be kept fully informed of the impact this additional funding makes on the current case backlog.
UNITED STATES TAX COURT
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 to date $32,765,000
Budget estimate, fiscal year 2000 36,489,000
Recommended in the bill 36,489,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 1999 +3,724,000
Budget Estimate, fiscal year 2000
----------------------------------------------------
MISSION
The bulk of the Court's work is the trial and adjudication of controversies involving deficiencies in income, estate, and gift taxes. The Court also has jurisdiction to redetermine deficiencies in certain excise taxes; to issue declaratory judgments in the areas of qualification of retirement plans, exemption of charitable organizations and the status of certain governmental obligations; and to decide certain cases involving disclosure of tax information by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $36,489,000 for the United States Tax Court, the same as the budget request and $3,724,000 more than the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1999. A portion of the increase provided to the U.S. Tax Court is based on its expectation that its workload will increase as a result of provisions related to innocent spouse relief and the judicial review of adverse determinations relating to liens and levies included in the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. The Committee requests that the Tax Court include in the justification material accompanying its fiscal year 2001 budget request a report on the actual increases in workload resulting from enactment of that Act.
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
THIS ACT
Section 501. The Committee continues the provision limiting the expenditure of funds to the current year unless expressly provided in this Act.
Section 502. The Committee continues the provision limiting the expenditure of funds for consulting services under certain conditions.
Section 503. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the use of funds to engage in activities which would prohibit the enforcement of section 307 of the 1930 Tariff Act.
Section 504. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the transfer of control over the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center out of the Department of the Treasury.
Section 505. The Committee continues the provision concerning employment rights of Federal employees who return to their civilian jobs after assignment with the Armed Forces.
Section 506. The Committee continues the provision concerning compliance with the Buy American Act.
Section 507. The Committee continues the provision concerning prohibition of contracts which use certain goods not made in America.
Section 508. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting contract eligibility where fraudulent intent has been proven in affixing `Made in America' labels.
Section 509. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the expenditure of funds for abortions under the FEHBP.
Section 510. The Committee continues the provision which would authorize the expenditure of funds for abortions under the FEHBP if the life of the mother is in danger or the pregnancy is a result of an act of rape or incest.
Section 511. The Committee continues the provision providing that fifty percent of unobligated balances may remain available for certain purposes.
Section 512. The Committee continues the provision restricting the use of funds for the White House to request official background reports without the written consent of the individual who is the subject of the report.
Section 513. The Committee continues and modifies the provision providing that fifty percent of unobligated balances of the White House Salaries and Expenses account in fiscal year 1997 shall remain available through September 30, 2000.
Section 514. The Committee continues the provision that cost accounting standards under the federal Procurement Policy Act shall not apply to the FEHBP.
TITLE VI--GOVERNMENTWIDE GENERAL PROVISIONS
DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, AND CORPORATIONS
Section 601. The Committee continues the provision authorizing agencies to pay costs of travel to the United States for the immediate families of Federal employees assigned to foreign duty in the event of a death or a life threatening illness of the employee.
Section 602. The Committee continues the provision requiring agencies to administer a policy designed to ensure that all of its workplaces are free from the illegal use of controlled substances.
Section 603. The Committee continues the provision regarding price limitations on vehicles to be purchased by the Federal Government.
Section 604. The Committee continues the provision allowing funds made available to agencies for travel, to also be used for quarters allowances and cost-of-living allowances.
Section 605. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the Government, with certain specified exceptions, from employing non-U.S. citizens whose posts of duty would be in the continental U.S.
Section 606. The Committee continues the provision ensuring that agencies will have authority to pay GSA bills for space renovation and other services.
Section 607. The Committee continues the provision allowing agencies to finance the costs of recycling and waste prevention programs with proceeds from the sale of materials recovered through such programs.
Section 608. The Committee continues the provision providing that funds may be used to pay rent and other service costs in the District of Columbia.
Section 609. The Committee continues the provision providing that no funds may be used to pay any person filling a nominated position that has been rejected by the Senate.
Section 610. The Committee continues the provision precluding the financing of groups by more than one Federal agency absent prior and specific statutory approval.
Section 611. The Committee continues the provision authorizing the Postal Service to employ guards and give them the same special police powers as GSA guards.
Section 612. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the use of funds for enforcing regulations disapproved in accordance with the applicable law of the U.S.
Section 613. The Committee continues the provision limiting the pay increases of certain prevailing rate employees.
Section 614. The Committee continues the provision limiting the amount of funds that can be used for redecoration of offices under certain circumstances.
Section 615. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the expenditure of funds for the acquisition of additional law enforcement training facilities.
Section 616. The Committee continues the provision to allow for interagency funding of national security and emergency telecommunications initiatives.
Section 617. The Committee continues the provision requiring agencies to certify that a Schedule C appointment was not created solely or primarily to detail the employee to the White House.
Section 618. The Committee continues the provision requiring agencies to administer a policy designed to ensure that all of its workplaces are free from discrimination and sexual harassment.
Section 619. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the use of funds for travel expenses not directly related to official governmental duties.
Section 620. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the purchase of new technology not Year 2000 compliant.
Section 621. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the importation of any goods manufactured by forced or indentured child labor.
Section 622. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the payment of any employee who prohibits, threatens or prevents another employee from communicating with Congress.
Section 623. The Committee makes permanent the provision to promote protection of Federal law enforcement officers who intervene in certain situations.
Section 624. The Committee continues the provision requiring the President to certify that persons responsible for administering the Drug Free Workplace Program are not themselves the subject of random drug testing.
Section 625. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting Federal training not directly related to the performance of official duties.
Section 626. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the expenditure of funds for implementation of agreements in nondisclosure policies unless certain provisions are included.
Section 627. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting propaganda, publicity and lobbying by executive agency personnel in support or defeat of legislative initiatives.
Section 628. The Committee continues the provision directing OMB to provide an accounting statement and report on the cumulative costs and benefits of Federal regulatory programs.
Section 629. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting any Federal agency from disclosing an employee's home address to any labor organization, absent employee authorization or court order.
Section 630. The Committee continues the provision authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to establish scientific canine explosive detection standards.
Section 631. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting funds to be used to provide non-public information such as mailing or telephone lists to any person or organization outside the Government without the approval of the Committees on Appropriations.
Section 632. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the use of funds for propaganda and publicity purposes not authorized by Congress.
Section 633. The Committee continues the provision directing agency employees to use official time in an honest effort to perform official duties.
Section 634. The Committee continues and makes permanent the provision allowing a Federal firearms licensee to perform a background check before a firearm is offered as collateral for a loan.
Section 635. The Committee continues and includes technical modifications to the provision addressing contraceptive coverage in health plans participating in the FEHBP.
Section 636. The Committee includes a new provision authorizing the use of fiscal year 2000 funds to finance an appropriate share of the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program.
Section 637. The Committee includes a new provision authorizing agencies to transfer funds to the Policy and Operations account of GSA to finance an appropriate share of the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program.
Section 638. The Committee includes a new provision establishing a Chief Financial Officer in the Executive Office of the President.
Section 639. The Committee includes a new provision authorizing the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to require committees with a certain level of financial activity to file FEC reports electronically.
Section 640. The Committee includes a new provision authorizing the FEC to establish an administrative fine schedule, subject to reasonable appeals procedures, for straightforward disclosure violations.
Section 641. The Committee includes a new provision authorizing candidate committees to report to the Federal Election Commission on an election cycle basis rather than a calendar year cycle, as is now required.
Section 642. The Committee includes a new provision amending Section 636 of the fiscal year 1997 Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act to require agencies to reimburse qualified employees up to one-half of the cost of their professional liability insurance.
Section 643. The Committee includes a new provision authorizing agencies to provide child care in federal facilities.
Section 644. The Committee includes a new provision adjusting compensation of the President, effective at noon on January 20, 2001, to $400,000.
Section 645. The Committee includes a new provision adjusting the salary level of the U.S. Customs Service Commissioner.
Section 646. The Committee includes a new provision which transfers personnel of the General Accounting Office employed to carry out functions of the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program to the General Services Administration.
Section 647. The Committee includes a new provision regarding the Border Patrol Academy in Charleston, South Carolina.
Section 648. The Committee includes a new provision expressing the Sense of Congress that there should be pay parity between adjustments in compensation of members of the uniformed services and adjustments in the compensation of civilian employees of the United States government.
APPROPRIATIONS CAN BE USED ONLY FOR THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH MADE
Title 31 of the United States Code makes clear that appropriations can be used only for the purposes for which they were appropriated as follows:
Section 1301. Application.
(a) Appropriations shall be applied only to the objects for which the appropriations were made except as otherwise provided by law.
COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULES
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2), rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following is submitted describing the transfer of funds provided in the accompanying bill.
The table shows, by title, department and agency, the appropriations affected by such transfers:
APPROPRIATION TRANSFERS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account to which transfer is to be made Amount Account from which transfer is to be made Amount
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State and local entities 97,920,000 Federal Drug Programs--HIDTA 97,920,000
Federal Departments 94,080,000 Federal Drug Programs--HIDTA 94,080,000
State and local entities 13,250,000 Office of National Drug Control Policy, Salaries and Expenses--Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center 13,250,000
Federal departments 16,000,000 Office of National Drug Control Policy, Salaries and Expenses--Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center 16,000,000
Federal departments 225,000,000 Special Forfeiture Fund 225,000,000
Personnel Management 95,486,000 Trust Funds of the Office of Personnel Management 95,486,000
Inspector General, OPM 9,645,000 Trust Funds of the Office of Personnel Management 9,645,000
Merit System Protection Board 2,430,000 Civil Service Retirement and Disability Trust Fund 2,430,000
Treasury Department offices, bureaus and other organizations 31,017,000 Department-Wide Systems and Capital Investments Programs 31,017,000
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RESCISSION OF FUNDS
In compliance with clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee reports that it recommends rescissions in the bill, as follows:
| Department and activity | Amount |
| National Historical Publications and Records Commission, Grants Program | $4,000,000 |
CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY
Clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives states that: `Each report of a committee on a bill or joint resolution of a public character, shall include a statement citing the specific powers granted to the Congress in the Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution.'
The Committee on Appropriations bases its authority to report this legislation from Clause 7 of Section 9 of Article I of the Constitution of the United States of America which states:
`No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in consequence of Appropriations made by law * * *'
Appropriations contained in this Act are made pursuant to this specific power granted by the Constitution.
COMPLIANCE WITH RULE XIII, CL. 3 (RAMSEYER RULE)
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill,
as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman):
TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE
* * * * * * *
PART III--EMPLOYEES
* * * * * * *
Subpart D--Pay and Allowances
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 53--PAY RATES AND SYSTEMS
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER II--EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE PAY RATES
* * * * * * *
Sec. 5314. Positions at level III
- Level III of the Executive Schedule applies to the following positions, for which the annual rate of basic pay shall be the rate determined with respect to such level under chapter 11 of title 2, as adjusted by section 5318 of this title:
- Solicitor General of the United States.
* * * * * * *
- Administrator, Research and Special Programs Administration.
- Commissioner of Customs, Department of the Treasury.
* * * * * * *
Sec. 5315. Positions at level IV
- Level IV of the Executive Schedule applies to the following positions, for which the annual rate of basic pay shall be the rate determined with respect to such level under chapter 11 of title 2, as adjusted by section 5318 of this title:
- Deputy Administrator of General Services.
- Associate Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
* * * * * * *
- [Struck out->]
[ Commissioner of Customs, Department of the Treasury. ][<-Struck out]* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 55--PAY ADMINISTRATION
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER V--PREMIUM PAY
* * * * * * *
Sec. 5547. Limitation on premium pay
- (a) * * *
* * * * * * *
- (c)(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
- (3)(A) Subject to regulations prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management, if premium pay for a pay period consists (in whole or in part) of premium pay for protective services, then--
- (i) premium pay for such pay period shall be payable without regard to the limitation under paragraph (2); except that
- (ii) premium pay shall not be payable to the extent that the aggregate of the employee's basic pay and premium pay for the year would otherwise exceed the annual equivalent of the limitation that (but for clause (i)) would otherwise apply under paragraph (2).
- (B) For purposes of this paragraph--
- (i) the term `protective services' refers to protective functions authorized by section 3056(a) of title 18 or section 37(a)(3) of title I of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2709(a)(3)); and
- (ii) the term `premium pay' refers to premium pay under the provisions of law cited in the first sentence of subsection (a).
* * * * * * *
-
TREASURY AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1999
* * * * * * *
TITLE VI--GENERAL PROVISIONS
* * * * * * *
- SEC. 627. (a) * * *
- (b) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION- [Struck out->]
[ Notwithstanding ][<-Struck out] Effective on the date of the enactment of this Act and thereafter, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, for purposes of chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, or any other provision of law relating to tort liability, a law enforcement officer shall be construed to be acting within the scope of his or her office or employment, if the officer takes reasonable action, including the use of force, to--- (1) * * *
* * * * * * *
-
TITLE 31, UNITED STATES CODE
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 5--OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
* * * * * * *
SUBTITLE I--GENERAL
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER I--ORGANIZATION
* * * * * * *
Sec. 503. Functions of Deputy Director for Management
- (a) Subject to the direction and approval of the Director, the Deputy Director for Management shall establish governmentwide financial management policies for executive agencies and shall perform the following financial management functions:
- (1) * * *
* * * * * * *
- (7) Develop and maintain qualification standards for agency Chief Financial Officers and for agency Deputy Chief Financial Officers appointed under sections 901 and 903, respectively (excluding any officer designated or appointed under section 901(c)).
- (8) Provide advice to agency heads with respect to the selection of agency Chief Financial Officers and Deputy Chief Financial Officers (excluding any officer designated or appointed under section 901(c)).
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 9--AGENCY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERS
* * * * * * *
Sec. 901. Establishment of agency Chief Financial Officers
- (a) * * *
* * * * * * *
- (c)(1) There shall be within the Executive Office of the President a Chief Financial Officer, who shall be designated or appointed by the President from among individuals meeting the standards described in subsection (a)(3). The position of Chief Financial Officer established under this paragraph may be so established in any Office (including the Office of Administrator) of the Executive Office of the President.
- (2) The Chief Financial Officer designated or appointed under this subsection shall, to the extent that the President determines appropriate and in the interest of the United States, have the same authority and perform the same functions as apply in the case of a Chief Financial Officer of an agency described in subsection (b).
- (3) The President shall submit to Congress notification with respect to any provision of section 902 that the President determines shall not apply to a Chief Financial Officer designated or appointed under this subsection.
- (4) The President may designate an employee of the Executive Office of the President (other than the Chief Financial Officer), who shall be deemed `the head of the agency' for purposes of carrying out section 902, with respect to the Executive Office of the President.
* * * * * * *
SUBTITLE II--THE BUDGET PROCESS
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 11--THE BUDGET AND FISCAL, BUDGET, AND PROGRAM INFORMATION
* * * * * * *
Sec. 1105. Budget contents and submission to Congress
- (a) On or after the first Monday in January but not later than the first Monday in February of each year the President shall submit a budget of the United States Government for the following fiscal year. Each budget shall include a budget message and summary and supporting information. The President shall include in each budget the following:
- (1) * * *
* * * * * * *
- (31) a separate statement of the amount of appropriations requested for the Chief Financial Officer in the Executive Office of the President.
* * * * * * *
-
FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN ACT OF 1971
* * * * * * *
TITLE III--DISCLOSURE OF FEDERAL CAMPAIGN FUNDS
* * * * * * *
REPORTS
SEC. 304. (a)(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
- [Struck out->]
[ (11)(A) The Commission shall permit reports required by this Act to be filed and preserved by means of computer disk or any other appropriate electronic format or method, as determined by the Commission. ][<-Struck out]- [Struck out->]
[ (B) In carrying out subparagraph (A) with respect to filing of reports, the Commission shall provide for one or more methods (other than requiring a signature on the report being filed) for verifying reports filed by means of computer disk or other electronic format or method. Any verification under the preceding sentence shall be treated for all purposes (including penalties for perjury) in the same manner as a verification by signature. ][<-Struck out]- [Struck out->]
[ (C) As used in this paragraph, the term `report' means, with respect to the Commission, a report, designation, or statement required by this Act to be filed with the Commission. ][<-Struck out]- (11)(A) The Commission shall promulgate a regulation under which a person required to file a designation, statement, or report under this Act--
- (i) is required to maintain and file a designation, statement, or report for any calendar year in electronic form accessible by computers if the person has, or has reason to expect to have, aggregate contributions or expenditures in excess of a threshold amount determined by the Commission; and
- (ii) may maintain and file a designation, statement, or report in electronic form or an alternative form if not required to do so under the regulation promulgated under clause (i).
- (B) The Commission shall make a designation, statement, report, or notification that is filed electronically with the Commission accessible to the public on the Internet not later than 24 hours after the designation, statement, report, or notification is received by the Commission.
- (C) In promulgating a regulation under this paragraph, the Commission shall provide methods (other than requiring a signature on the document being filed) for verifying designations, statements, and reports covered by the regulation. Any document verified under any of the methods shall be treated for all purposes (including penalties for perjury) in the same manner as a document verified by signature.
(b) Each report under this section shall disclose--
- (1) * * *
- (2) for the reporting period and the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office), the total amount of all receipts, and the total amount of all receipts in the following categories:
- (A) * * *
* * * * * * *
- (3) the identification of each--
- (A) person (other than a political committee) who makes a contribution to the reporting committee during the reporting period, whose contribution or contributions have an aggregate amount or value in excess of $200 within the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office), or in any lesser amount if the reporting committee should so elect, together with the date and amount of any such contribution;
* * * * * * *
- (F) person who provides a rebate, refund, or other offset to operating expenditures to the reporting committee in an aggregate amount or value in excess of $200 within the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office), together with the date and amount of such receipt; and
* * * * * * *
- (4) for the reporting period and the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office), the total amount of all disbursements, and all disbursements in the following categories:
- (A) * * *
* * * * * * *
- (6)(A) for an authorized committee, the name and address of each person who has received any disbursement not disclosed under paragraph (5) in an aggregate amount or value in excess of $200 within the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office), together with the date and amount of any such disbursement;
- (B) for any other political committee, the name and address of each--
- (i) * * *
* * * * * * *
- (iii) person who receives any disbursement during the reporting period in an aggregate amount or value in excess of $200 within the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office) in connection with an independent expenditure by the reporting committee, together with the date, amount, and purpose of any such independent expenditure and a statement which indicates whether such independent expenditure is in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate, as well as the name and office sought by such candidate, and a certification, under penalty of perjury, whether such independent expenditure is made in cooperation, consultation, or concert, with, or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate or any authorized committee or agent of such committee;
* * * * * * *
- (v) person who has received any disbursement not otherwise disclosed in this paragraph or paragraph (5) in an aggregate amount or value in excess of $200 within the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office) from the reporting committee within the reporting period, together with the date, amount, and purpose of any such disbursement;
- (7) the total sum of all contributions to such political committee, together with the total contributions less offsets to contributions and the total sum of all operating expenditures made by such political committee, together with total operating expenditures less offsets to operating expenditures, for both the reporting period and the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office); and
* * * * * * *
ENFORCEMENT
SEC. 309. (a)(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
(4)(A)(i) Except as provided in [Struck out->][ clause (ii) ][<-Struck out] clauses (ii) and subparagraph (C), if the Commission determines, by an affirmative vote of 4 of its members, that there is probable cause to believe that any person has committed, or is about to commit, a violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, the Commission shall attempt, for a period of at least 30 days, to correct or prevent such violation by informal methods of conference, conciliation, and persuasion, and to enter into a conciliation agreement with any person involved. Such attempt by the Commission to correct or prevent such violation may continue for a period of not more than 90 days. The Commission may not enter into a conciliation agreement under this clause except pursuant to an affirmative vote of 4 of its members. A conciliation agreement, unless violated, is a complete bar to any further action by the Commission, including the bringing of a civil proceeding under paragraph (6)(A).
* * * * * * *
- (C)(i) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of a violation of any requirement under this Act relating to the reporting of receipts or disbursements, the Commission may--
- (I) find that a person committed such a violation on the basis of information obtained pursuant to the procedures described in paragraphs (1) and (2); and
- (II) based on such finding, require the person to pay a civil money penalty in an amount determined under a schedule of penalties which is established and published by the Commission and which takes into account the amount of the violation involved, the existence of previous violations by the person, and such other factors as the Commission considers appropriate.
- (ii) The Commission may not make any determination adverse to a person under clause (i) until the person has been given written notice and an opportunity for the determination to be made on the record.
- (iii) Any person against whom an adverse determination is made under this subparagraph may obtain a review of such determination in the district court of the United States for the district in which the person is found, resides, or transacts business, by filing in such court (prior to the expiration of the 30-day period which begins on the date the person receives notification of the determination) a written petition requesting that the determination be modified or set aside.
(6)(A) If the Commission is unable to correct or prevent any violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, by the methods specified in paragraph (4) [Struck out->][ (A) ][<-Struck out] , the Commission may, upon an affirmative vote of 4 of its members, insitute a civil action for relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or any other appropriate order (including an order for a civil penalty which does not exceed the greater of $5,000 or an amount equal to any contribution or expenditure involved in such violation) in the district court of the United States for the district in which the person against whom such action is brought is found, resides, or transacts business.
* * * * * * *
-
SECTION 636 OF THE TREASURY POSTAL SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1997
- SEC. 636. REIMBURSEMENTS RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE- (a) AUTHORITY- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts appropriated by this Act (or any other Act for fiscal year 1997 or any fiscal year thereafter) for salaries and expenses [Struck out->]
[ may ][<-Struck out] shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, be used to reimburse any qualified employee for not to exceed one-half the costs incurred by such employee for professional liability insurance. A payment under this section shall be contingent upon the submission of such information or documentation as the employing agency may require.* * * * * * *
-
SECTION 102 OF TITLE 3, UNITED STATES CODE
Sec. 102. Compensation of the President
- The President shall receive in full for his services during the term for which he shall have been elected compensation in the aggregate amount of [Struck out->]
[ $200,000 ][<-Struck out] $400,000 a year, to be paid monthly, and in addition an expense allowance of $50,000 to assist in defraying expenses relating to or resulting from the discharge of his official duties, for which expense allowance no accounting, other than for income tax purposes, shall be made by him. He shall be entitled also to the use of the funiture and other effects belonging to the United States and kept in the Executive Residence at the White House.FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
In accordance with section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344), as amended, the Committee provides no financial assistance to state and local governments.
COMPARISON WITH BUDGET RESOLUTION
Clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires an explanation of compliance with section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344), as amended, requires that the report accompanying a bill providing new budget authority contain a statement detailing how the authority compares with the reports submitted under section 302(b) of the Act for the most recently agreed to concurrent resolution on the budget for the fiscal year. This information follows:
[In millions of dollars]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
302(b) allocation This bill
Budget authority Outlays Budget authority Outlays
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary 13,562 13,969 13,466 13,946
Mandatory 14,385 14,394 14,534 14,394
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NOTE- Pursuant to section 314 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as amended, increases to the Committee's section 302(a) allocation are authorized for funding in the reported bill for the Earned Income Tax Credit Compliance Initiative. After the bill is reported to the House, the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget will provide an increased section 302(a) allocation consistent with the funding provided in the bill.
FIVE YEAR OUTLAY PROJECTIONS
In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344), as amended, the following table contains five-year projections associated with the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill:
----------------------------------------------
Millions
----------------------------------------------
Budget Authority $28,000
Outlays:
Fiscal year 2000 24,797
Fiscal year 2001 1,914
Fiscal year 2002 295
Fiscal year 2003 148
Fiscal year 2004 and future years 60
----------------------------------------------
COMPLIANCE WITH RULE XIII, CLAUSE 3(F)(1)
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee has inserted at the appropriate place in the report a description of the effects of provisions proposed in the accompanying bill which may be considered, under certain circumstances, to change the application of existing law, either directly or indirectly.
The bill provides, in some instances, funding of agencies and activities where legislation has not yet been finalized. In addition, the bill carries language, in some instances, permitting activities not authorized by law, or exempting agencies from certain provisions of law, but which has been carried in appropriations acts for many years. Additionally, the Committee includes a number of new general provisions.
In title IV of the bill, in connection with the General Services Administration, certain limitations on availability of revenue in the Federal Buildings Fund and certain legislative provisions have been carried forward from last year.
The bill continues a number of general provisions applying to agencies covered by the bill as well as certain provisions applying Government-wide. These provisions have been carried in the prior year appropriations bill, and a number of them have been carried for many years. Additionally, the Committee includes a number of new general provisions.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for operation and maintenance of the Treasury Building and Annex, hire of passenger motor vehicles; maintenance, repairs, and improvements of, and purchase of commercial insurance policies for real properties leased or owned overseas; official travel expenses, official reception and representation expenses; and unforeseen emergencies of a confidential nature.
DEPARTMENT-WIDE SYSTEMS AND CAPITAL INVESTMENTS PROGRAM
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the development and acquisition of automatic data processing equipment, software, and services, providing transfer authority, and prohibiting expenditures for IRS's Information Technology Systems.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The Committee has continued language which provides funds to carry out the provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978, the hire of vehicles, official travel expenses, and unforeseen emergencies.
INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR TAX ADMINISTRATION
The Committee has included language which provides for the purchase and hire of motor vehicles, services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, travel expenses, and unforeseen emergencies.
TREASURY BUILDINGS AND ANNEX REPAIR AND RESTORATION
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the repair, alteration, and improvement of the Treasury Building and Annex.
FINANCIAL CRIMES ENFORCEMENT NETWORK
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for hire of vehicles and official reception and representation expenses and language allowing FinCEN to use appropriated resources for official reception and representation; the travel of non-federal personnel attending conferences or meetings involving financial law
enforcement; and allowing FinCEN to provide assistance to federal law enforcement agencies with or without reimbursement.
Authorization for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has not been enacted as of the date of this request.
VIOLENT CRIME REDUCTION PROGRAMS
The Committee has included language allocating amounts authorized by sections 190001(e) and 32401 of Public Law 103-322.
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for: material and support costs of basic training; the purchase and hire of vehicles; student athletic and related activities; uniform purchases; for the conduct of and participation in firearms matches, and presentation of awards; room and board for interns; training U.S. Postal Service, State and local law enforcement personnel; acceptance of gifts, including funding of a gift for certain honor graduate students; training of foreign law enforcement personnel on a space available, reimbursable basis with discretion by the Secretary to waive reimbursement; training of private sector security officials on a reimbursable space available basis; travel expenses of non-federal personnel to attend course development meetings and training sponsored by the Center; training for the GREAT program; and the provision of short term medical services for students undergoing training at the Center.
Authorization for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center has not been enacted as of the date of this report.
ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS, AND RELATED EXPENSES
The Committee has continued language for construction, repair, and other expenses to remain available until expended.
INTERAGENCY CRIME AND DRUG ENFORCEMENT
The Committee has continued language funding Treasury participation in and contribution to regional crime and drug enforcement task forces.
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE
The Committee has continued language which provides that funds for systems modernization will remain available for two years.
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the purchase and hire of vehicles, the hire of aircraft, the services of expert witnesses, the payment of per diem and/or subsistence allowances for the National Response Team, official reception and representation expenses, training of State and local law enforcement agencies, the provision of laboratory assistance to State and local agencies, the payment of attorney's fees, the equipping of certain vessels, vehicles, equipment or aircraft and payment of costs of State and local law enforcement personnel incurred in joint operations with ATF. The Committee has continued language that: provides that no funds shall be used to consolidate or centralize the records pertaining to firearms licenses; prohibits the payment of administrative expenses in changing the definition of curios or relics; prohibits the transfer of ATF's functions to another federal agency; prohibits the provision of ballistics imaging equipment to state and local authorities under certain circumstances; prohibits electronic retrieval of information gathered pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 923(g)(4) by name or personal identification; and prohibits ATF from acting upon applications for relief from Federal firearms disabilities.
Authorization for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (except for covering tobacco smuggling and explosives regulation) has not been enacted as of the date of this report.
UNITED STATES CUSTOMS SERVICE
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the purchase and hire of vehicles, official reception and representation expenses, personal services contracts abroad, compensation to informers, rental space for preclearance operations, special operations, procurement of automation infrastructure items, and uniforms. The Committee continues the provision establishing the aggregate overtime limitation, and includes new language providing $5,000,000 to be available until expended for repairs to Customs facilities. New language has been included to provide for the use of the Harbor Services Fund, previously appropriated as the Harbor Maintenance Fee Collection.
Authorization for the U.S. Customs Service had not been enacted as of the date of this report.
OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND PROCUREMENT, AIR AND MARINE INTERDICTION PROGRAMS
The Committee has continued language providing funds for the operation and maintenance of marine vessels, aircraft and other equipment; operational training and mission-related travel; rental payments; operations for interdiction of narcotics and other goods, provision of support to Customs and other Federal, State, or local agencies in enforcement or administration of laws enforced by Customs, and for other law enforcement and emergency humanitarian efforts; and prohibiting transfer of certain aircraft without prior Committee approval.
BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT
The Committee has continued language which provides funds may be used for reception and representation expenses and language which provides that a portion of the funds will remain available until expended. The Committee has also continued language which provides that appropriations from the General Fund will be reduced as fees are collected and language which provides that funds are to be derived from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for administration of the Fund.
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
PROCESSING, ASSISTANCE, AND MANAGEMENT
The Committee has continued language providing funds for the management services, rent and utilities, services authorized by 5 USC 3109, and official reception and representation expenses. The Committee has also continued language providing funds for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program.
TAX LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the purchase and hire of vehicles, and services authorized by 5 USC 3109. The Committee includes new language providing that funds provided for research shall be available for two fiscal years.
EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT COMPLIANCE INITIATIVE
The Committee has continued language providing that funds may be used to reimburse the Social Security Administration.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the hire of motor vehicles.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
Section 101. The Committee continues the provision which allows the transfer of 5 percent of any appropriation made available to the IRS to any other IRS appropriation, subject to Congressional approval.
Section 102. The Committee continues the provision which requires the IRS to maintain a training program in taxpayer's rights, dealing courteously with taxpayers, and cross cultural relations.
Section 103. The Committee continues the provision which requires the IRS to institute policies and procedures which will safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayer information.
UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the purchase and hire of motor vehicles, the hire of aircraft, training and assistance requested by State and local governments, services of expert witnesses, rental of certain buildings, improvements to buildings as may be necessary for protective functions, per diem and subsistence allowance, conducting of firearms matches, presentation of awards, travel of employees on protective missions, for repairs, alterations, and minor construction of the training center, making grants to conduct behavioral research, uniforms, research, reimbursement for protection as authorized by law, reception and representation expenses, assistance to foreign law enforcement for counterfeit investigations. The Committee continues language permitting some funding for protective travel to remain available until the end of fiscal year 2001.
Authorization for the U.S. Secret Service had not been enacted as of the date of this report.
ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT, AND RELATED EXPENSES
The Committee has continued language providing funds for the acquisition, construction, improvement, and related expenses of the Secret Service training facilities.
GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Section 110. The Committee continues the provision which requires the Secretary of the Treasury to comply with certain reprogramming guidelines when obligating or expending funds for law enforcement activities.
Section 111. The Committee continues the provision which allows the Department of the Treasury to purchase uniforms, insurance, and motor vehicles without regard to the general purchase price limitation, and enter in to contracts with the State Department for health and medical services for Treasury employees in overseas locations.
Section 112. The Committee continues the provision which requires expenditures of funds so as not to diminish efforts under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act.
Section 113. The Committee continues the provision which authorizes transfers, up to 2 percent, between law enforcement appropriations under certain circumstances.
Section 114. The Committee continues the provision which authorizes transfers, up to 2 percent, between Departmental Offices, Office of the Inspector General, Financial Management Service, and the Bureau of Public Debt appropriations under certain circumstances.
Section 115. The Committee continues and modifies the provision which provides that no funds may be obligated for the purchase of law enforcement vehicles until the Secretary of the Treasury certifies that the purchase is consistent with Departmental vehicle management principles.
Section 116. The Committee includes a new provision which authorizes the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to offer voluntary separation incentives in order to provide the necessary flexibility to carry out the plan to establish and reorganize the Office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Section 117. The Committee includes a new provision which prohibits the Department of the Treasury from undertaking a redesign of the $1 Federal Reserve note.
Section 118. The Committee includes a new provision which amends Title 5 USC 5547 and authorizes Treasury Law Enforcement agencies to pay their officer's premium pay in excess of the pay period limitation. The annual equivalent of the limitation will remain in place. The Committee is concerned with the growing number of Treasury Law Enforcement criminal investigators who have taken other employment, citing extended work hours, extensive travel, and other quality of life issues with little or no compensation. The Committee believes that ensuring fair compensation for Treasury Law Enforcement officers is a significant factor in the retention and recruitment of quality investigators. Further, the Committee directs that the Secretary of the Treasury report back to the Committee on Appropriations by August 1, 1999 with an annual cost estimate for this provision by Treasury Law Enforcement bureau.
Section 119. The Committee includes a new provision which authorizes the Financial Management Service to offer voluntary separation incentives to employees of the Chicago Financial Center, which is scheduled to be closed in November 2000.
TITLE II--POSTAL SERVICE
PAYMENT TO THE POSTAL SERVICE FUND
The Committee has continued language which prohibits funds made available to the Postal Service from being used to close or consolidate certain post offices, from charging employees of local and child support agencies, provides funds for free mail for the blind, and for six day mail delivery and rural delivery of mail at existing levels.
TITLE III--EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT
COMPENSATION OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE
The Committee has continued language which mandates that unused amounts of the President's expense allowance will revert to the Treasury and not be taxable to the President and which provides funds for service authorized by 5 USC, subsistence expenses, hire of vehicles, newspapers, periodicals, teletype news service, travel, and official entertainment expenses. The Committee has continued language making funds available for reimbursement to the White House Communications Agency.
EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for operation and maintenance of the White House for official entertainment expenses; language specifying the authorized use of funds; language specifying that reimbursable expenses are the exclusive authority of the Executive Residence to incur obligations and receive offsetting collections; language requiring the sponsors of political events to make advance payments; language requiring the national committee of the political party of the President to maintain $25,000 on deposit; language requiring the Executive Residence to ensure that amounts owed are billed within 60 days of a reimbursable event and collected within 30 days of the bill notice; language authorizing the Executive Residence to charge and assess interest and penalties on late payments; language authorizing all reimbursements to be deposited into the Treasury as a miscellaneous receipt; language requiring a report to the Committee on the reimbursable expenses within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year; language requiring the Executive Residence to maintain a system for tracking and classifying reimbursable events; and language specifying that the Executive Residence is not exempt from the requirements of subchapter I or II of chapter 37 of title 31, United States Code.
WHITE HOUSE REPAIR AND RESTORATION
The Committee includes new language which provides funds for required maintenance, safety and health issues, and continued preventative maintenance for the Executive Residence at the White House.
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE PRESIDENT AND OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for operation and maintenance of the official residence of the Vice President, the hire of vehicles, official entertainment expenses and provides for the transfer of funds as necessary.
The Committee has continued language which enables the Vice President to provide assistance to the President, services authorized by 5 USC, subsistence, and the hire for vehicles.
OFFICE OF POLICY DEVELOPMENT
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for expenses of the Office of Policy Development.
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for expenses of the Council.
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for expenses of the Office of Administration and the hire of vehicles.
The Committee includes new language making funds available for a capital investment plan which provides for the continued modernization of the information technology infrastructure.
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for expenses, the hire of vehicles, carrying out provisions of 44 USC, directs that funds shall be applied only to items for which appropriations were made, prohibits the review of agricultural marketing orders and the alteration of certain testimony.
OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for expenses, research, official reception and representation expenses, participation in joint projects, the Counter-Drug Technology Assessment Center, and allows for the acceptance of gifts.
The Committee includes language providing resources for model state drug law conferences and for a technology transfer program for State and local law enforcement.
FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS--HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS PROGRAMS
The Committee has continued language which provides a certain level of funding for drug control activities for State and local and federal drug control efforts, and requires obligation of funds within a specified period of time.
FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS--SPECIAL FORFEITURE FUND
The Committee has modified language providing funding for the youth media campaign to reflect recent authorization legislation, and continues language providing resources for carrying out the purposes of the Drug-Free Communities Act.
TITLE IV--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
COMMISSION FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for expenses of the Committee.
FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for expenses of the Commission and specifying a level of funding for internal automated data processing systems and reception and representation expenses.
FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the expenses of the authority, including authorized services, hire of experts and consultants, hire of passenger motor vehicles, and rental of conference rooms in the District of Columbia. The Committee has also continued a provision that public members of the Federal Service Impasse Panel may be paid travel expenses and that fees charged to non-Federal participants at labor-management relations conferences shall be credited and merged with this account.
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
FEDERAL BUILDINGS FUND
The Committee has continued language dealing with the conditions under which funds made available to the Federal Buildings Fund can be used and has designated certain projects which can be undertaken. Many technical provisions have been inserted regarding use of funds in the Federal Buildings Fund which are not specifically authorized by law.
The Committee has included language limiting funds available for construction and repair and alteration of building projects not authorized by law. A more detailed analysis of the Federal Buildings Funds can be found in the General Services Administration chapter of this report.
The Committee has included language in the bill which directs the General Services Administration to undertake the first construction phase of the project to renovate the Department of the Interior Headquarters Building in Washington, D.C.
POLICY AND OPERATIONS
The Committee continues language which provides funds for government-wide policy and oversight activities, the Board of Contract Appeals, accounting records management and other services incident to adjudication of Indian Tribal Claims, services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, and official reception and representation expenses. The Committee includes new language which provides that a portion of the funds appropriated will remain available until expended.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 expenses for the Office, payment for information and detection of fraud, and awards.
ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE AND STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for compliance with Public Law 95-138.
GENERAL PROVISIONS--GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Section 401. The Committee continues the provision that provides that costs included in rent received from government corporations for operation, protection, maintenance, upkeep, repair and improvement shall be credited to the Federal Buildings Fund.
Section 402. The Committee continues the provision providing funds for the hire of motor vehicles.
Section 403. The Committee continues the provision providing that funds made available for activities of the Federal Buildings Fund may be transferred between appropriations with advance approval of the Congress.
Section 404. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the use of funds for courthouse construction requests that do not meet GSA standards and priorities of the Judicial Conference.
Section 405. The Committee continues the provision providing that no funds may be used to increase the amount of occupiable square feet, provide cleaning services, security enhancements, or any other service usually provided, to any agency which does not pay the requested rent.
Section 406. The Committee continues the provision providing for Information Technology Fund repayment from sponsored projects that realize program savings.
Section 407. The Committee continues the provision which permits GSA to pay small claims (up to $250,000) made against the government.
Section 408. The Committee includes a new provision which provides that funds made available for construction projects in fiscal year 1997 shall remain available until expended provided funds for design or other funds have been obligated in whole or in part prior to September 30, 1999.
MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the Board.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
OPERATING EXPENSES
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the review and declassification of documents, the hire of passenger vehicles, and language that authorizes the Archivist to use excess funds available from the amount borrowed for construction of the National Archives facility for expenses necessary to provide storage for holdings.
REPAIRS AND RESTORATION
The Committee has included language which provides funds for the repair, alteration, and improvement of archives facilities and presidential libraries.
RECORDS CENTER REVOLVING FUND
The Committee has included a new language authorizing a Record Center Revolving Fund to be available for expenses necessary for storage and related services for Federal records stored at Federal National and Regional Records Centers. The Committee has also appropriated funds to capitalize the Fund
NATIONAL HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS AND RECORDS COMMISSION
The Committee has included language rescinding funds appropriated for the Grants Program in fiscal year 1999 and amending the fiscal year 1999 appropriations language.
OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the Office.
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
The Committee has continued language which provides for expenses of the Office, services authorized by 5 U.S.C., medical examinations under certain conditions, rental of conference rooms, hire of vehicles, official reception and representation expenses, advances for reimbursement per diem and/or subsistence allowances for employees affected by Voting Rights Act activities, transfers to appropriate trust funds, prohibition of funds for the Legal Examining Unit, and authority to accept certain donations for the White House Fellows program.
The Committee includes new language making funds available until expended for automating retirement recordkeeping.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for expenses of the Office, audit of the retirement and insurance programs, and the rental of conference rooms.
REVOLVING FUND
The Committee has provided authority to offset long-term losses in the revolving fund.
GOVERNMENT PAYMENT FOR ANNUITANTS, EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the payment of the government contributions.
GOVERNMENT PAYMENT FOR ANNUITANTS, EMPLOYEE LIFE INSURANCE
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the payment of the government contributions.
PAYMENT TO CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the payment of the government contributions.
GENERAL PROVISIONS--OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for the Office.
UNITED STATES TAX COURT
The Committee has continued language which provides funds for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 and language which provides that travel expenses of the judges shall be paid upon written certification of the judge.
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
THIS ACT
Section 501. The Committee continues the provision limiting the expenditure of funds to the current year unless expressly provided in this Act.
Section 502. The Committee continues the provision limiting the expenditure of funds for consulting services under certain conditions.
Section 503. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the use of funds to engage in activities which would prohibit the enforcement of section 307 of the 1930 Tariff Act.
Section 504. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the transfer of control over the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center out of the Department of the Treasury.
Section 505. The Committee continues the provision concerning employment rights of Federal employees who return to their civilian jobs after assignment with the Armed Forces.
Section 506. The Committee continues the provision concerning compliance with the Buy American Act.
Section 507. The Committee continues the provision concerning prohibition of contracts which use certain goods not made in America.
Section 508. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting contract eligibility where fraudulent intent has been proven in affixing `Made in America' labels.
Section 509. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the expenditure of funds for abortions under the FEHBP.
Section 510. The Committee continues the provision which would authorize the expenditure of funds for abortions under the FEHBP if the life of the mother is in danger or the pregnancy is a result of an act of rape or incest.
Section 511. The Committee continues the provision providing that fifty percent of unobligated balances may remain available for certain purposes.
Section 512. The Committee continues the provision restricting the use of funds for the White House to request official background reports without the written consent of the individual who is the subject of the report.
Section 513. The Committee continues and modifies the provision providing that fifty percent of unobligated balances of the White House Salaries and Expenses account in fiscal year 1997 shall remain available through September 30, 2000.
Section 514. The Committee continues the provision that cost accounting standards under the federal Procurement Policy Act shall not apply to the FEHBP.
TITLE VI--GOVERNMENTWIDE GENERAL PROVISIONS
DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, AND CORPORATIONS
Section 601. The Committee continues the provision authorizing agencies to pay costs of travel to the United States for the immediate families of Federal employees assigned to foreign duty in the event of a death or a life threatening illness of the employee.
Section 602. The Committee continues the provision requiring agencies to administer a policy designed to ensure that all of its workplaces are free from the illegal use of controlled substances.
Section 603. The Committee continues the provision regarding price limitations on vehicles to be purchased by the Federal Government.
Section 604. The Committee continues the provision allowing funds made available to agencies for travel, to also be used for quarters allowances and cost-of-living allowances.
Section 605. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the Government, with certain specified exceptions, from employing non-U.S. citizens whose posts of duty would be in the continental U.S.
Section 606. The Committee continues the provision ensuring that agencies will have authority to pay GSA bills for space renovation and other services.
Section 607. The Committee continues the provision allowing agencies to finance the costs of recycling and waste prevention programs with proceeds from the sale of materials recovered through such programs.
Section 608. The Committee continues the provision providing that funds may be used to pay rent and other service costs in the District of Columbia.
Section 609. The Committee continues the provision providing that no funds may be used to pay any person filling a nominated position that has been rejected by the Senate.
Section 610. The Committee continues the provision precluding the financing of groups by more than one Federal agency absent prior and specific statutory approval.
Section 611. The Committee continues the provision authorizing the Postal Service to employ guards and give them the same special police powers as GSA guards.
Section 612. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the use of funds for enforcing regulations disapproved in accordance with the applicable law of the U.S.
Section 613. The Committee continues the provision limiting the pay increases of certain prevailing rate employees.
Section 614. The Committee continues the provision limiting the amount of funds that can be used for redecoration of offices under certain circumstances.
Section 615. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the expenditure of funds for the acquisition of additional law enforcement training facilities.
Section 616. The Committee continues the provision to allow for interagency funding of national security and emergency telecommunications initiatives.
Section 617. The Committee continues the provision requiring agencies to certify that a Schedule C appointment was not created solely or primarily to detail the employee to the White House.
Section 618. The Committee continues the provision requiring agencies to administer a policy designed to ensure that all of its workplaces are free from discrimination and sexual harassment.
Section 619. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the use of funds for travel expenses not directly related to official governmental duties.
Section 620. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the purchase of new technology not Year 2000 compliant.
Section 621. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the importation of any goods manufactured by forced or indentured child labor.
Section 622. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the payment of any employee who prohibits, threatens or prevents another employee from communicating with Congress.
Section 623. The Committee makes permanent the provision to promote protection of Federal law enforcement officers who intervene in certain situations.
Section 624. The Committee continues the provision requiring the President to certify that persons responsible for administering the Drug Free Workplace Program are not themselves the subject of random drug testing.
Section 625. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting Federal training not directly related to the performance of official duties.
Section 626. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the expenditure of funds for implementation of agreements in nondisclosure policies unless certain provisions are included.
Section 627. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting propaganda, publicity and lobbying by executive agency personnel in support or defeat of legislative initiatives.
Section 628. The Committee continues the provision directing OMB to provide an accounting statement and report on the cumulative costs and benefits of Federal regulatory programs.
Section 629. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting any Federal agency from disclosing an employee's home address to any labor organization, absent employee authorization or court order.
Section 630. The Committee continues the provision authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to establish scientific canine explosive detection standards.
Section 631. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting funds to be used to provide non-public information such as mailing or telephone lists to any person or organization outside the Government without the approval of the Committees on Appropriations.
Section 632. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the use of funds for propaganda and publicity purposes not authorized by Congress.
Section 633. The Committee continues the provision directing agency employees to use official time in an honest effort to perform official duties.
Section 634. The Committee continues and makes permanent the provision allowing a Federal firearms licensee to perform a background check before a firearm is offered as collateral for a loan.
Section 635. The Committee continues and includes technical modifications to the provision addressing contraceptive coverage in health plans participating in the FEHBP.
Section 636. The Committee includes a new provision authorizing the use of fiscal year 2000 funds to finance an appropriate share of the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program.
Section 637. The Committee includes a new provision authorizing agencies to transfer funds to the Policy and Operations account of GSA to finance an appropriate share of the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program.
Section 638. The Committee includes a new provision establishing a Chief Financial Officer in the Executive Office of the President.
Section 639. The Committee includes a new provision authorizing the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to require committees with a certain level of financial activity to file FEC reports electronically.
Section 640. The Committee includes a new provision authorizing the FEC to establish an administrative fine schedule, subject to reasonable appeals procedures, for straightforward disclosure violations.
Section 641. The Committee includes a new provision authorizing candidate committees to report to the Federal Election Commission on an election cycle basis rather than a calendar year cycle, as is now required.
Section 642. The Committee includes a new provision amending Section 636 of the fiscal year 1997 Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act to require agencies to reimburse qualified employees up to one-half of the cost of their professional liability insurance.
Section 643. The Committee includes a new provision authorizing agencies to provide child care in federal facilities.
Section 644. The Committee includes a new provision adjusting compensation of the President, effective at noon on January 20, 2001, to $400,000.
Section 645. The Committee includes a new provision adjusting the salary level of the U.S. Customs Service Commissioner.
Section 646. The Committee includes a new provision which transfers personnel of the General Accounting Office employed to carry out functions of the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program to the General Services Administration.
Section 647. The Committee includes a new provision regarding the Border Patrol Academy in Charleston, South Carolina.
Section 648. The Committee includes a new provision expressing the Senate of Congress that there should be pay parity between adjustments in compensation of members of the uniformed services and adjustments in the compensation of civilian employees of the United States.
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS IN REPORT
It should be emphasized again that a more detailed statement describing the effect of the above provisions inserted or continued this year by the Committee which directly or indirectly change the application of existing law may be found at the appropriate place in this report.
APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives, the following table lists the appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not authorized by law:
Treasury Department
- Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
- Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
- Salaries And Expenses
- Acquisition, Construction, Improvements & Related Expenses
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, except those activities related to the enforcement of tobacco smuggling and regulation of explosives
- U.S. Customs Service
- Salaries & Expenses
- Operation and Maintenance, Air & Marine Interdiction Programs
- U.S. Secret Service-except the Uniformed Division
- Funds Appropriated to the President
Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
- Federal Election Commission
- General Services Administration
- Policy and Oversight
FULL COMMITTEE VOTES
Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with the names of those voting for and those voting against, are printed below:
ROLLCALL NO. 1
Date: July 13, 1999.
Measure: Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Bill, FY 2000.
Motion by: Mr. Kolbe.
Description of Motion: To reduce appropriations in the bill by $239.9 million. The major reductions were in IRS and GSA.
Results: Adopted 33 yeas to 26 nays.
| Members Voting Yea | Members Voting Nay |
| Mr. Aderholt | Mr. Boyd |
| Mr. Bonilla | Mr. Clyburn |
| Mr. Callahan | Mr. Cramer |
| Mr. Cunningham | Ms. DeLauro |
| Mr. Dickey | Mr. Dicks |
| Mrs. Emerson | Mr. Dixon |
| Mr. Forbes | Mr. Edwards |
| Mr. Frelinghuysen | Mr. Farr |
| Ms. Granger | Mr. Hinchey |
| Mr. Hobson | Mr. Hoyer |
| Mr. Istook | Mr. Jackson |
| Mr. Kingston | Ms. Kilpatrick |
| Mr. Knollenberg | Mrs. Lowey |
| Mr. Kolbe | Mrs. Meek |
| Mr. Latham | Mr. Mollohan |
| Mr. Lewis | Mr. Moran |
| Mr. Miller | Mr. Murtha |
| Mr. Nethercutt | Mr. Obey |
| Mrs. Northup | Mr. Olver |
| Mr. Packard | Mr. Pastor |
| Mr. Peterson | Ms. Pelosi |
| Mr. Porter | Mr. Price |
| Mr. Regula | Ms. Roybal-Allard |
| Mr. Robers | Mr. Sabo |
| Mr. Skeen | Mr. Serrano |
| Mr. Sununu | Mr. Visclosky |
| Mr. Taylor | |
| Mr. Tiahrt | |
| Mr. Walsh | |
| Mr. Wamp | |
| Mr. Wicker | |
| Mr. Wolf | |
| Mr. Young |
FULL COMMITTEE VOTES
Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a)(1)(b) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with the names of those voting for and those voting against, are printed below:
ROLLCALL NO. 2
Date: July 13, 1999.
Measure: Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Bill, FY 2000.
Motion by: Mr. Obey.
Description of Motion: To provide $239.9 million for School Violence Prevention programs.
Results: Rejected 26 yeas to 33 nays.
| Members Voting Yea | Members Voting Nay |
| Mr. Boyd | Mr. Aderholt |
| Mr. Clyburn | Mr. Bonilla |
| Mr. Cramer | Mr. Cunningham |
| Ms. DeLauro | Mr. DeLay |
| Mr. Dicks | Mr. Dickey |
| Mr. Dixon | Mrs. Emerson |
| Mr. Edwards | Mr. Forbes |
| Mr. Farr | Mr. Frelinghuysen |
| Mr. Hinchey | Ms. Granger |
| Mr. Hoyer | Mr. Hobson |
| Mr. Jackson | Mr. Istook |
| Ms. Kilpatrick | Mr. Kingston |
| Mrs. Lowey | Mr. Knollenberg |
| Mrs. Meek | Mr. Kolbe |
| Mr. Mollohan | Mr. Latham |
| Mr. Moran | Mr. Lewis |
| Mr. Murtha | Mr. Miller |
| Mr. Obey | Mr. Nethercutt |
| Mr. Olver | Mrs. Northup |
| Mr. Pastor | Mr. Packard |
| Ms. Pelosi | Mr. Peterson |
| Mr. Price | Mr. Porter |
| Ms. Roybal-Allard | Mr. Regula |
| Mr. Sabo | Mr. Rogers |
| Mr. Serrano | Mr. Skeen |
| Mr. Visclosky | Mr. Sununu |
| Mr. Taylor | |
| Mr. Tiahrt | |
| Mr. Walsh | |
| Mr. Wamp | |
| Mr. Wicker | |
| Mr. Wolf | |
| Mr. Young |
FULL COMMITTEE VOTES
Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a)(1)(b) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with the names of those voting for and those voting against, are printed below:
ROLLCALL NO. 3
Date: July 13, 1999.
Measure: Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Bill, FY 2000.
Motion by: Mr. Hoyer.
Description of Motion: To amend 18 U.S.C. to extend a requirement for Brady background checks to purchases made at gun shows.
Results: Rejected 24 yeas to 35 nays.
| Members Voting Yea | Members Voting Nay |
| Mr. Clyburn | Mr. Aderholt |
| Ms. DeLauro | Mr. Bonilla |
| Mr. Dicks | Mr. Boyd |
| Mr. Dixon | Mr. Cramer |
| Mr. Edwards | Mr. Cunningham |
| Mr. Farr | Mr. DeLay |
| Mr. Forbes | Mr. Dickey |
| Mr. Frelinghuysen | Mrs. Emerson |
| Mr. Hinchey | Ms. Granger |
| Mr. Hoyer | Mr. Hobson |
| Mr. Jackson | Mr. Istook |
| Ms. Kilpatrick | Mr. Kingston |
| Mrs. Lowey | Mr. Knollenberg |
| Mrs. Meek | Mr. Kolbe |
| Mr. Moran | Mr. Latham |
| Mr. Olver | Mr. Lewis |
| Mr. Pastor | Mr. Miller |
| Ms. Pelosi | Mr. Mollohan |
| Mr. Porter | Mr. Murtha |
| Mr. Price | Mr. Nethercutt |
| Ms. Roybal-Allard | Mrs. Northup |
| Mr. Sabo | Mr. Obey |
| Mr. Serrano | Mr. Packard |
| Mr. Visclosky | Mr. Peterson |
| Mr. Regula | |
| Mr. Rogers | |
| Mr. Skeen | |
| Mr. Sununu | |
| Mr. Taylor | |
| Mr. Tiahrt | |
| Mr. Walsh | |
| Mr. Wamp | |
| Mr. Wicker | |
| Mr. Wolf | |
| Mr. Young |
FULL COMMITTEE VOTES
Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a)(1)(b) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with the names of those voting for and those voting against, are printed below:
ROLLCALL NO. 4
Date: July 13, 1999.
Measure: Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Bill, FY 2000.
Motion by: Mrs. Lowey.
Description of Motion: To ban the importation of large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
Results: Rejected 24 yeas to 34 nays.
| Members Voting Yea | Members Voting Nay |
| Mr. Clyburn | Mr. Aderholt |
| Ms. DeLauro | Mr. Bonilla |
| Mr. Dicks | Mr. Boyd |
| Mr. Dixon | Mr. Cramer |
| Mr. Edwards | Mr. Cunningham |
| Mr. Farr | Mr. DeLay |
| Mr. Forbes | Mr. Dickey |
| Mr. Frelinghuysen | Mrs. Emerson |
| Mr. Hinchey | Ms. Granger |
| Mr. Hoyer | Mr. Hobson |
| Mr. Jackson | Mr. Istook |
| Ms. Kilpatrick | Mr. Kingston |
| Mrs. Lowey | Mr. Knollenberg |
| Mrs. Meek | Mr. Kolbe |
| Mr. Moran | Mr. Latham |
| Mr. Olver | Mr. Lewis |
| Mr. Pastor | Mr. Miller |
| Ms. Pelosi | Mr. Mollohan |
| Mr. Porter | Mr. Murtha |
| Mr. Price | Mr. Nethercutt |
| Ms. Roybal-Allard | Mrs. Northup |
| Mr. Sabo | Mr. Obey |
| Mr. Serrano | Mr. Packard |
| Mr. Visclosky | Mr. Peterson |
| Mr. Rogers | |
| Mr. Skeen | |
| Mr. Sununu | |
| Mr. Taylor | |
| Mr. Tiahrt | |
| Mr. Walsh | |
| Mr. Wamp | |
| Mr. Wicker | |
| Mr. Wolf | |
| Mr. Young |
FULL COMMITTEE VOTES
Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a)(1)(b) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with the names of those voting for and those voting against, are printed below:
ROLLCALL NO. 5
Date: July 13, 1999.
Measure: Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Bill, FY 2000.
Motion by: Ms. DeLauro.
Description of motion: To require secure gun storage and safety devices for all handguns sold, delivered, or transferred by any federal firearms licensee.
Results: Rejected 24 yeas to 34 nays.
| Members Voting Yea | Members Voting Nay |
| Mr. Clyburn | Mr. Aderholt |
| Ms. DeLauro | Mr. Bonilla |
| Mr. Dicks | Mr. Boyd |
| Mr. Dixon | Mr. Cramer |
| Mr. Edwards | Mr. Cunningham |
| Mr. Farr | Ms. DeLay |
| Mr. Forbes | Mr. Dickey |
| Mr. Frelinghuysen | Mrs. Emerson |
| Mr. Hinchey | Ms. Granger |
| Mr. Hoyer | Mr. Hobson |
| Mr. Jackson | Mr. Istook |
| Ms. Kilpatrick | Mr. Kingston |
| Mrs. Lowery | Mr. Knollenberg |
| Mrs. Meek | Mr. Kolbe |
| Mr. Moran | Mr. Latham |
| Mr. Olver | Mr. Lewis |
| Mr. Pastor | Mr. Miller |
| Ms. Pelosi | Mr. Mollohan |
| Mr. Porter | Mr. Murtha |
| Mr. Price | Mr. Nethercutt |
| Ms. Roybal-Allard | Mrs. Northup |
| Mr. Sabo | Mr. Obey |
| Mr. Serrano | Mr. Packard |
| Mr. Visclosky | Mr. Peterson |
| Mr. Rogers | |
| Mr. Skeen | |
| Mr. Sununu | |
| Mr. Taylor | |
| Mr. Tiahrt | |
| Mr. Walsh | |
| Mr. Wamp | |
| Mr. Wicker | |
| Mr. Wolf | |
| Mr. Young |
FULL COMMITTEE VOTES
Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a)(1)(b) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with the names of those voting for and those voting against, are printed below:
ROLLCALL NO. 6
Date: July 13, 1999.
Measure: Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Bill, FY 2000.
Motion by: Mr. Mollohan.
Description of Motion: To amend the Walsh amendment to prohibit agencies from issuing any rule or order that relies on data produced under a federal award unless these data are made available to the public through the Freedom of Information Act.
Results: Reject 25 yeas to 32 nays.
| Members Voting Yea | Members Voting Nay |
| Mr. Aderholt | Mr. Bonilla |
| Mr. Boyd | Mr. Callahan |
| Mr. Cramer | Mr. Clyburn |
| Mr. Cunningham | Mr. DeLauro |
| Mr. DeLay | Mr. Dicks |
| Mr. Dickey | Mr. Dixon |
| Mrs. Emerson | Mr. Edwards |
| Mr. Istook | Mr. Farr |
| Mr. Kingston | Mr. Forbes |
| Mr. Knollenberg | Mr. Frelinghuysen |
| Mr. Latham | Ms. Granger |
| Mr. Lewis | Mr. Hinchey |
| Mr. Miller | Mr. Hobson |
| Mr. Mollohan | Mr. Hoyer |
| Mr. Nethercutt | Ms. Kilpatrick |
| Mr. Packard | Mr. Kolbe |
| Mr. Peterson | Mrs. Lowey |
| Mr. Rogers | Mrs. Meek |
| Mr. Sununu | Mr. Moran |
| Mr. Taylor | Mrs. Northup |
| Mr. Tiahrt | Mr. Obey |
| Mr. Visclosky | Mr. Olver |
| Mr. Wamp | Mr. Pastor |
| Mr. Wicker | Ms. Pelosi |
| Mr. Wolf | Mr. Porter |
| Mr. Price | |
| Mr. Regula | |
| Ms. Roybal-Allard | |
| Mr. Sabo | |
| Mr. Serrano | |
| Mr. Walsh | |
| Mr. Young |
FULL COMMITTEE VOTES
Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a)(1)(b) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with the names of those voting for and those voting against, are printed below:
ROLLCALL NO. 7
Date: July 13, 1999.
Measure: Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Bill, FY 2000.
Motion by: Mr. Walsh.
Description of Motion: To prohibit the use of funds to implement the provisions of the fiscal year 1999 appropriations bill related to OMB issuing revised regulations to Circular A-110.
Results: Rejected 25 yeas to 33 nays.
| Members Voting Yea | Members Voting Nay |
| Mr. Clyburn | Mr. Aderholt |
| Ms. DeLauro | Mr. Bonilla |
| Mr. Dicks | Mr. Boyd |
| Mr. Dixon | Mr. Callahan |
| Mr. Edwards | Mr. Cramer |
| Mr. Farr | Mr. Cunningham |
| Mr. Forbes | Mr. DeLay |
| Mr. Frelinghuysen | Mr. Dickey |
| Mr. Hinchey | Mrs. Emerson |
| Mr. Hoyer | Ms. Granger |
| Ms. Kilpatrick | Mr. Hobson |
| Mrs. Lowey | Mr. Istook |
| Mrs. Meek | Mr. Kingston |
| Mr. Miller | Mr. Knollenberg |
| Mr. Moran | Mr. Kolbe |
| Mr. Obey | Mr. Latham |
| Mr. Olver | Mr. Lewis |
| Mr. Pastor | Mr. Mollohan |
| Ms. Pelosi | Mr. Nethercutt |
| Mr. Porter | Mrs. Northup |
| Mr. Price | Mr. Packard |
| Ms. Roybal-Allard | Mr. Peterson |
| Mr. Sabo | Mr. Regula |
| Mr. Serrano | Mr. Rogers |
| Mr. Walsh | Mr. Skeen |
| Mr. Sununu | |
| Mr. Taylor | |
| Mr. Tiahrt | |
| Mr. Visclosky | |
| Mr. Wamp | |
| Mr. Wicker | |
| Mr. Wolf | |
| Mr. Young |
FULL COMMITTEE VOTES
Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a)(1)(b) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with the names of those voting for and those voting against, are printed below:
ROLLCALL NO. 8
Date: July 13, 1999.
Measure: Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Bill, FY 2000.
Motion by: Mrs. Northup.
Description of Motion: To delete the provisions in the bill authorizing ONDCP to include underage alcohol use in the anti-drug media campaign.
Results: Adopted 32 yeas to 23 nays.
| Members Voting Yea | Members Voting Nay |
| Mr. Bonilla | Mr. Aderholt |
| Mr. Boyd | Ms. DeLauro |
| Mr. Clyburn | Mr. Dickey |
| Mr. Cramer | Mr. Dicks |
| Mr. Cunningham | Mr. Dixon |
| Mr. DeLay | Mr. Forbes |
| Mr. Edwards | Mr. Hinchey |
| Mr. Farr | Mr. Hobson |
| Mr. Frelinghuysen | Mr. Hoyer |
| Ms. Granger | Ms. Kilpatrick |
| Mr. Istook | Mrs. Lowey |
| Mr. Kingston | Mrs. Meek |
| Mr. Knollenberg | Mr. Mollohan |
| Mr. Kolbe | Mr. Moran |
| Mr. Latham | Mr. Olver |
| Mr. Lewis | Mr. Packard |
| Mr. Miller | Mr. Regula |
| Mr. Nethercutt | Ms. Roybal-Allard |
| Mrs. Northup | Mr. Sabo |
| Mr. Obey | Mr. Serrano |
| Mr. Pastor | Mr. Wamp |
| Mr. Peterson | Mr. Wolf |
| Mr. Porter | Mr. Young |
| Mr. Price | |
| Mr. Rogers | |
| Mr. Skeen | |
| Mr. Sununu | |
| Mr. Taylor | |
| Mr. Tiahrt | |
| Mr. Visclosky | |
| Mr. Walsh | |
| Mr. Wicker |
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
This bill was a good bill and deserved bipartisan support in its original form. It was within its 302(b) allocation of $13,562,000,000 in discretionary budget authority. This FY 2000 appropriation bill was drafted in the spirit of bipartisanship, and we wish to express our appreciation to Chairman Kolbe and the subcommittee staff for the constructive and inclusive way in which the subcommittee has operated this year. While there have been differences of opinion, as is expected, the process pursued in considering this bill has been open and fair.
However, the unilateral actions of the House majority leadership in cutting the funding in this bill by $240 million below the 302(b) allocation has rendered this bill unsupportable. This reduction passed the committee on a straight, party-line vote, 33 to 26, and we are told that this reduction is necessary to relieve pressure on other appropriation bills that follow. However, $240 million will not begin to solve the more than $30 billion shortfall in the 302(b) allocations of other appropriation bills.
What's really happening here is that the Republican leadership is undercutting the Committee process to pander to a few of the most extreme members of their conference. This is the fourth appropriation bill to be cut based on the Republican leadership's dictates. But the worst part of this amendment is the damage it does to core government functions. It reduces funding for the Internal Revenue Service by $135 million, the General Services Administration Repairs and Alterations by $100 million, and Treasury Department efforts to automate human resource management by $5 million. These cuts are troubling and extremely ill-advised.
Last year the House voted overwhelmingly for the IRS Reform and Restructuring Act. That act followed recommendations of the Commission that studied the IRS, which states concerning budgets that `the IRS should receive stable funding for the next three years so that the leaders can undertake the proper planning to rebuild its foundation' and `furthermore, a stable budget will allow the IRS leadership to plan and implement operations which will improve taxpayer service and compliance.'
In a recent letter, IRS Commissioner Charles Rossotti stated the following concerning the FY 2000 requested level: `This level is the absolute bare minimum necessary to meet the Congressional demand to reform the IRS. Without these funds, the reform effort mandated by the Restructuring Act will be in jeopardy, and could, in fact, fail.' And less than a year later, the Republican majority is cutting funding for the IRS. We can't have it both ways. This cut of $135 million will jeopardize IRS's ability to reorganize, protect taxpayer rights and improve service.
We have mandated changes in the Reform and Restructuring Act that IRS simply can not deliver with reduced resources. For example, planned tax assistance in Spanish would be eliminated; IRS could not reach the 80% electronic filing by the mandated time; the mandated reorganization could not be implemented because IRS could not relocate employees or provide them with necessary information systems. This $135 million reduction in IRS includes $50 million cut from the amount that IRS needs to complete its year 2000 conversion! If the Y2K conversion is not completed on time, IRS will not be able to process returns and provide refunds to American taxpayers during the 2000 filing season!
GSA's Repair and Alterations account within the Federal Buildings Fund is reduced by $100 million. This reduction will impair GSA's ability to provide adequate physical security measures at over 8,400 buildings. In addition, planned relocations of agencies from costly leased space to government owned space will be delayed. The average age of a government owned building is more than 50 years; GSA needs a reasonable level of funding for the basic upkeep of 190 million rentable square feet. This reduction of $100 million is unwarranted and must be restored. Reducing funding now for GSA's Repairs and Alterations will cost the American taxpayer much more in the long run.
For these reasons, we cannot support this FY 2000 Treasury-Postal Service-General Government Appropriation bill. We continue to hope that bipartisanship can be restored to this bill and to the Appropriations Committee.
Dave Obey.
David Price.
Lucille Roybal-Allard.
Steny Hoyer.
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