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109th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 109-520
======================================================================
SCIENCE, STATE, JUSTICE, COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
BILL, FISCAL YEAR 2007
_______
June 22, 2006.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Wolf, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the following
R E P O R T
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 5672]
The Committee on Appropriations submits the following
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making
appropriations for Science, the Departments of State, Justice
and Commerce, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2007.
INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT
Page Number
Bill Report
Title I--Department of Justice............................. 2
9
Title II--Department of Commerce and Related Agencies...... 34
66
Office of the United States Trade Representative... 34
66
International Trade Commission..................... 35
69
Department of Commerce............................. 35
69
Title III--Science......................................... 54
93
Office of Science and Technology Policy............ 54
93
National Aeronautics and Space Administration...... 55
94
National Science Foundation........................ 58
100
Title IV--Department of State and Related Agency........... 61
104
Department of State................................ 61
104
Broadcasting Board of Governors.................... 73
127
Title V--Related Agencies.................................. 80
131
Antitrust Modernization Commission................. 80
131
Commission for the Preservation of America's
Heritage Abroad................................ 80
131
Commission on Civil Rights......................... 80
132
Commission on International Religious Freedom...... 81
132
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe... 81
133
Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's
Republic of China.............................. 82
133
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission............ 82
134
Federal Communications Commission.................. 83
134
Federal Trade Commission........................... 84
136
HELP Commission.................................... 86
136
Legal Services Corporation......................... 86
136
Marine Mammal Commission........................... 87
137
Securities and Exchange Commission................. 87
137
Small Business Administration...................... 89
138
State Justice Institute............................ 93
141
United States-China Economic and Security Review
Commission..................................... 93
142
United States Institute of Peace................... 94
142
Title VI--General Provisions............................... 94
142
Title VII--Rescissions..................................... 108
147
Summary of Estimates and Recommendations
The Committee recommends a total of $59,839,000,000 in
discretionary budget authority for the departments and agencies
funded in this bill. The recommendation is $136,893,000 above
the request and $2,631,000,000 above the amount enacted for the
current fiscal year. The Committee also recommends $354,000,000
for mandatory programs funded within this bill.
The following table provides a comparison of the new budget
authority recommended in the accompanying bill with the amounts
appropriated for fiscal year 2006, and the budget request for
fiscal year 2007.
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2006 Compared with
Enacted FY 2007 -------------------------
including request Recommendation FY 2006 FY 2007
supplementals enacted request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary*............................ 57,208 59,702 59,839 +2,631 +137
Mandatory................................. 361 354 354 -7 ...........
Total................................. 57,569 60,056 60,193 +2,624 +137
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*$1 billion of the increase in discretionary budget authority in the request and in the recommendation is the
result of a $1 billion reduction in Security and Exchange Commission offsetting collections.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL
Major initiatives and highlights contained in the
recommendation follow:
TITLE I.--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2006 Compared with
Enacted FY 2007 -------------------------
including request Recommendation FY 2006 FY 2007
supplementals enacted request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary............................. 21,397 21,094 22,116 +719 +1,022
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--$22.1 billion in discretionary funding for the Department
of Justice, $724 million above the fiscal year 2006 level and
$1.0 billion above the President's request;
--$1.7 billion for the United States Attorneys;
--$826 million for United States Marshals Service;
--$6.0 billion for the Federal Bureau of Investigation;
--$1.8 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration; and
--$2.6 billion to assist State and local law enforcement to
fight crime, which is $1.1 billion above the request including:
the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants program
($368 million), the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program
($405 million), juvenile justice and accountability programs
($281 million), law enforcement technologies and interoperable
communications ($100 million), the DNA backlog elimination
program ($176 million), meth enforcement ($99 million), and
violence against women prevention and prosecution programs
($390 million).
TITLE II.--DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND RELATED AGENCIES
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2006 Compared with
Enacted FY 2007 -------------------------
including request Recommendation FY 2006 FY 2007
supplementals enacted request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary............................. 6,583 6,288 5,964 -619 -324
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--$1.77 billion for the Patent and Trademark Office;
--$533.5 million for the international trade agencies;
--$3.4 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, including $882.3 million for the National
Weather Service; and
--$627 million for the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, including full funding for the American
Competitiveness Initiative and $92 million for Manufacturing
Extension Partnership Program.
TITLE III.--SCIENCE
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2006 Compared with
Enacted FY 2007 -------------------------
including request Recommendation FY 2006 FY 2007
supplementals enacted request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary............................. 22,183 22,818 22,734 +551 -83
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--$16.7 billion for the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration; and
--$6.0 billion for the National Science Foundation,
including full funding for the American Competitiveness
Initiative.
TITLE IV.--DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2006 Compared with
Enacted FY 2007 -------------------------
including Request Recommendation FY 2006 FY 2007
supplementals enacted request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary............................. 9,433 10,049 9,658 +225 -391
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--A 2.2 percent increase over fiscal year 2006 for the
basic operations of the Department, including supplemental
appropriations;
--Additional new positions to respond to high priority
diplomatic requirements, including new positions for the Office
of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization; and
new positions for critical needs language training, including
Arabic, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Dari, Pashto, Korean,
and Farsi.
--A total of $351 million specifically for public diplomacy
programs to counter Anti-American sentiments around the world,
and a total of $436 million to enhance efforts to engage
foreign audiences through educational and cultural exchanges,
especially with the Arab and Muslim world.
--$1.7 billion for embassy security programs, an increase
of $115 million over fiscal year 2006, including 50 new
diplomatic security personnel. A total of $800.5 million is
provided for an overseas capital security cost sharing program,
including $671.1 million from the State Department, which will
result in acceleration of the program to construct secure
replacement facilities for American personnel serving overseas;
--$1.15 billion for assessments for U.S. membership in the
United Nations and other international organizations;
--$1.35 billion for contributions for international
peacekeeping activities, the full amount requested; and
--$659 million for international broadcasting, including
increases for radio and television broadcasting to the Middle
East.
TITLE V.--RELATED AGENCIES
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2006 Compared with
Enacted FY 2007 -------------------------
including request Recommendation FY 2006 FY 2007
supplementals enacted request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary............................. 3,248 2,292 2,275 -973 -17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--$213 million for the Federal Trade Commission including
the National Do-Not-Call program;
--$901 million in total budget authority for the Securities
and Exchange Commission to protect investors and combat
corporate fraud; and
--$643 million in total budget authority for the Small
Business Administration, including $90 million for the Small
Business Development Centers to conduct outreach to the
Nation's small businesses and a record $17.5 billion 7(a)
business loan program, as requested, to help small businesses
access capital.
Right-Sizing the United States Government Overseas Presence
The Committee strongly supports interagency efforts to
right-size the overseas presence of the United States
Government. The Committee understands the definition of right-
sizing to be the systematic and thorough review of all overseas
missions and staffing levels and the reallocation of resources
to achieve a leaner, streamlined, more agile, and more secure
U.S. Government presence abroad. The Committee expects agencies
funded in this bill to cooperate fully with all interagency
efforts to achieve effective right-sizing.
The 1998 terrorist attacks on two U.S. Embassies in Africa
highlighted security deficiencies in diplomatic facilities.
Many U.S. personnel overseas continue to work in locations and
facilities that do not meet security standards. The attacks on
the American Embassies in Africa prompted the creation of the
Overseas Presence Advisory Panel, which proposed significant
recommendations regarding right-sizing that have subsequently
been embraced by this Committee, and included in the
President's Management Agenda. In addition, the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) has studied right-sizing the
Nation's overseas presence. The GAO reports found that U.S.
agencies' staffing projections for new embassy compounds are
developed without a systematic approach or comprehensive right-
sizing analysis. In response, the GAO developed a framework of
questions designed to link staffing levels to three critical
elements of overseas diplomatic operations: (1) physical/
technical security of facilities and employees; (2) mission
priorities and requirements; and (3) cost of operations. In
light of continuing security vulnerability, the Committee
intends to ensure that such a framework is established and
followed.
The Committee expects that the fiscal year 2008 budget
request will continue to reflect the application of a right-
sizing methodology. Increases or expansions should be justified
in terms of mission priorities both within the agency, and
within the specific diplomatic mission, and should be, to the
maximum extent possible, accompanied by offsetting decreases to
maximize the allocation of scarce resources to emerging
priorities. A proper plan should include a systematic analysis
to bring about a reconfiguration of overseas staffing to the
minimum level necessary to meet critical U.S. foreign policy
goals. The Committee expects to receive this additional
analysis prior to the establishment or expansion of any
activities beyond those currently approved.
American Competitiveness Initiative
America's advantage in science, math and technology is
eroding. Our systems of basic scientific research and education
are in crisis, while other countries are redoubling their
efforts. The United States can remain the world's technological
leader if it makes the commitment to do so. The growing
innovation capacity of our economic competitors makes it
increasingly important to make our own economy more flexible
and responsive.
The Committee is pleased that the Administration has heard
the call of the Congress and identified the linkage between
funding for science with maintaining our Nation's economic
health and national security by including in its request
funding for the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI). The
ACI supports bold investments in science and innovation,
including investments in research and development, science
education, and entrepreneurship. Over ten years, the
Administration has proposed a total commitment of $50 billion,
which will double the Federal investment in basic scientific
research.
The recommendations in this bill include $6 billion for the
National Science Foundation, an increase of eight percent, and
$627 million for the National Institute for Standards and
Technology, an increase of 24 percent for core programs, to
help keep America's economy strong by establishing the
groundwork for the development of new technologies. The
Committee believes there is no more important investment we can
make to ensure the security and economic well-being of future
generations of Americans.
Reprogrammings, Reorganizations, and Relocations
As in previous years, section 605 contains language
concerning the reprogramming of funds between programs and
activities.
The Committee expects each department and agency to follow
closely the reprogramming procedures listed below, which are
similar to provisions that applied in statute during fiscal
year 2006. These procedures apply to funds provided under this
Act, or provided under previous Appropriations Acts that remain
available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 2007, or
provided from any accounts in the Treasury available to the
agencies funded by this Act.
The Committee expects that the Chairman of the
Appropriations Subcommittee on Science, the Departments of
State, Justice and Commerce, and Related Agencies will be
notified by letter a minimum of 15 days prior to--
(1) Reprogramming of funds, whether permanent or temporary,
in excess of $750,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less, between
programs or activities. This provision is also applicable in
cases where several activities are involved with each receiving
less than $750,000. In addition, the Committee is to be
notified of reprogramming actions which are less than these
amounts if such actions would have the effect of committing the
agency to significant funding requirements in future years.
(2) Increasing funds or personnel by any means for any
project or activity for which funds have been denied or
restricted.
(3) Creating new programs, offices, agencies or commissions
or substantially augmenting existing programs, offices,
agencies or commissions.
(4) Relocating offices or employees.
(5) Reorganizing offices, programs, or activities.
In addition, the Committee expects any department or agency
funded in the accompanying bill that is planning to conduct a
reduction-in-force to notify the Committee by letter 30 days in
advance of the date of the proposed personnel action.
The Committee also expects that any items that are subject
to interpretation will be reported.
The Committee is concerned that, in some instances, the
departments or agencies funded within this Appropriations Act
are not adhering to the Committee's reprogramming policy and
procedures that are set forth in this report and in section 605
of the accompanying bill. The Committee expects that each
department and agency funded in the bill will follow these
notification policies precisely and will not reallocate
resources or reorganize activities prior to submitting the
required notifications to the Committee. The Committee has
provided each of the departments, NASA and the Small Business
Administration, with transfer authority, which is the same as
the transfer authority provided in the fiscal year 2006
Appropriations Acts. The Committee believes such authority,
together with the traditional reprogramming policy, gives each
department or agency the needed flexibility to respond to
unanticipated circumstances and requirements, which may arise
throughout the fiscal year.
Relationship With Budget and Comptroller's Offices
Through the years the Appropriations Committee has
channeled most of its inquiries and requests for information
and assistance through the budget offices or comptroller
organizations of the various departments, agencies, and
commissions. The Committee has often pointed out the natural
affinity and relationship between these organizations and the
Appropriations Committee that makes such a relationship
imperative. The Committee reiterates its position that, while
it reserves the right to call upon all organizations in the
departments, agencies, and commissions for information and
assistance, the primary contact between the Committee and these
entities must be through the budget offices and comptroller
organizations.
The workload generated in the budget process is large and
growing, and, therefore, a positive, responsive relationship
between the Committee and the budget and/or comptroller offices
is absolutely essential to the appropriations process to ensure
that the information needs of the Committee are met in order to
fulfill the Constitutional responsibilities of the Congress.
Full Compliance With the Telework Directive
Advances in information and computer technology, the
development of the Internet, and the growth of wireless and
digital products have given some Federal employees the ability
to telework, or work anytime from almost any place. Management
considerations, such as productive and satisfied workers;
environmental considerations, such as reduced traffic
congestion and improved air quality; and quality of life
considerations, such as accommodating the short- or long-term
health needs of employees, require the establishment of
telework programs.
Telecommuting provides Federal agencies with a viable
option to ensure continuity of operations in the event of an
emergency. Following Hurricane Katrina, lapses in the Federal
government's performance could have been mitigated by
telecommuting. The Committee is aware of businesses that were
able to continue operations following Hurricane Katrina due to
telecommuting programs already in place. By reducing automobile
trips, telecommuting helps to reduce dependence on foreign oil
and to reduce car emissions.
In light of the benefits of telecommuting, the Committee
remains concerned about the lack of progress being made by
Federal agencies in this area. The Committee believes that
agencies should be taking extensive measures to certify more
Federal employees as eligible to telecommute.
The Committee directs the Departments of Commerce, Justice,
and State, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Small
Business Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration and the National Science Foundation to provide a
report to the Committee in no less than six months from
enactment of this legislation detailing plans to increase the
eligible number of telecommuters as well as what major
obstacles exist.
The bill includes a provision requiring that the
Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Securities and
Exchange Commission, the Small Business Administration, the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National
Science Foundation certify that telecommuting opportunities
have increased over the fiscal year 2006 levels. Language is
repeated from fiscal year 2006 requiring that $5,000,000 be
made available only after certification is made; requiring
agencies to designate a Telework Coordinator. Previous public
laws have required the departments and agencies to each
establish a policy under which eligible employees may
participate in telecommuting to the maximum extent possible
without diminished performance.
Budget Presentation
The Committee is supportive of budget and performance
integration so that government programs can become more
results-oriented. While the amount of performance data included
in budget documents has increased, in many cases it has been at
the expense of programmatic budget data and justifications that
are critical to the work of the Committee. The Committee
expects all Departments and agencies covered under this Act to
consult with the Committee on this issue before submission of
the fiscal year 2008 Budget Request and justification
materials.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Despite severe funding limitations faced by the Committee
in fiscal year 2007, the recommendation for the Department of
Justice reflects the Committee's overriding priority to ensure
that Federal, State and local law enforcement entities have
sufficient resources to combat terrorism while continuing to
perform traditional law enforcement activities to prevent and
investigate crimes. The recommendation reflects the Committee's
commitment to combat terrorism, espionage, cybercrime, gang-
related crime, illegal drugs, and corporate fraud.
The Committee recommends $22,347,225,000 in new budget
authority in the accompanying bill for the Department of
Justice for fiscal year 2007. This amount is $723,144,000 above
the current year and $1,022,222,000 above the budget request.
Of the total amount provided, $22,116,225,000 is derived from
general purpose discretionary funds and $231,000,000 is scored
as mandatory spending.
Once again, the Committee is disappointed in the budget
gimmicks included in the Administration's request including
large new regulatory fees, proposed rescissions for the Federal
Prison System and the United States Attorneys for programs in
which the funds identified are not available, and irresponsible
reductions to State and local law enforcement. The Committee
hopes that future budget requests discontinue the use of
disingenuous budget gimmicks and the Administration submits a
more responsible budget proposal for the Department of Justice.
The recommendation continues the Committee's commitment to
Federal law enforcement efforts to combat terrorism and other
crimes by fully funding the requests for United States
Attorneys, United States Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau
of Investigation (FBI), and the Federal Prison System, Salaries
and Expenses account. In addition, the recommendation provides
$15,000,000 above the budget request for the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) to combat drug trafficking in drugs such
as methamphetamine. The recommendation proposes reductions to
the request for other lower priority Department of Justice
programs.
Finally, the recommendation continues the Committee's
commitment to supporting our nation's police and sheriffs'
departments by providing an increase of $1,086,414,000 above
the Administration's request for State and local law
enforcement grants. As Federal law enforcement agencies
continue to divert resources away from traditional crime
fighting to strengthen their counterterrorism capabilities, a
void is left that only State and local law enforcement are
positioned to fill. In this context, the Committee finds the
Administration's budget request, which proposes to reduce
funding for State and local law enforcement assistance by more
than 50 percent, to be woefully inadequate. In order to address
State and local law enforcement requirements, the Committee
recommends a total of $2,634,475,000 in new budget authority
for crime fighting grant programs for fiscal year 2007.
The recommendation provides increases above the request for
the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grants program
(+$367,852,000), the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program
(+$405,000,000), juvenile justice and accountability programs
(+$92,138,000), meth hot spots (+$58,916,000), gang violence
reduction (+$40,000,000) and law enforcement technologies and
interoperability grants (+$100,000,000).
Gangs.--According to FBI Congressional testimony on the
fiscal year 2006 budget request, ``Gangs and other criminal
enterprises, operating in the U.S. and throughout the world,
pose increasing concerns for the international law enforcement
and intelligence communities. Today, gangs are more violent,
more organized, and more widespread than ever before. They pose
one of the greatest threats to the safety and security of all
Americans. The Department of Justice estimates there are
approximately 30,000 gangs, with 800,000 members, impacting
2,500 communities across the U.S. The innocent people in these
communities face daily exposure to violence from criminal gangs
trafficking in drugs and weapons and gangs fighting amongst
themselves to control or extend their turf and their various
criminal enterprises.'' Over the past several years, the
Committee has provided the Department with increased resources
to attack this problem. The Committee has provided funding
increases to establish a National Gang Intelligence Center in
the FBI, established additional FBI Safe Streets Task Forces
and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Violent
Crime Impact Teams, provided additional Assistant U.S.
Attorneys and Criminal Division attorneys for gang
prosecutions, and provided grants to State and local
governments for enforcement and prevention efforts.
In addition to continuing funding for previously approved
Federal law enforcement programs, the recommendation includes
an increase of $6,081,000 for 61 additional United States
Attorneys positions, $20,000,000 for the Gang Resistance
Education and Training program, and $40,000,000 for grants for
communities to develop comprehensive gang prevention and
enforcement programs in coordination with local United States
Attorneys offices.
The Committee appreciates that the Attorney General has
directed the appointment of an Assistant U.S. Attorney in each
judicial district to serve as an anti-gang coordinator to
prepare comprehensive, district-wide strategies--in
consultation with partners from Federal and local law
enforcement, social services, and community and faith-based
groups--to coordinate anti-gang activity across the board.
However, the Committee is disappointed that the budget request
proposes reductions in anti-gang programs including eliminating
the Gang Resistance Education and Training program, eliminating
grants for communities to develop comprehensive gang prevention
and enforcement programs in coordination with local United
States Attorneys offices, and reducing funding for the FBI's
Safe Streets Task Forces. The recommendation restores funding
for all of these programs and the Committee hopes that future
budget requests will propose an appropriate level of resources
to address gang violence.
Child On-Line Protection.--The Committee commends the
Department for the development of its Project Safe Childhood
Initiative, which calls for U.S. Attorneys to work with
Federal, State and local officials to develop local plans to
address the growth of computer-facilitated sexual exploitation
crimes committed against children. In order to support the
Administration's efforts and reduce child exploitation, the
recommendation funds the Department's request for 26 additional
U.S. Attorney positions to increase Federal child exploitation
prosecutions and fully funds the requested $1,984,000 for the
continued development of a nationwide sex offender registry
system that links State systems together. In addition, the
recommendation provides $1,000,000 above the request for the
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, $5,000,000
above the request for Internet Crimes Against Children Task
Forces, and $5,000,000 above the request for the Federal Bureau
of Investigation's Innocent Images program to increase law
enforcement's ability to address these terrible crimes.
The Committee commends the Department and the United States
Marshals Service for Operation Falcon II, which led to the
arrest of 1,102 fugitives wanted for committing sexual offenses
and violent crimes against women, children and the elderly, as
well as unregistered convicted sex offenders. The Committee
encourages the United States Marshals Service to conduct
similar operations in fiscal year 2007.
Methamphetamine (meth).--According to the National
Association of Counties, 58 percent of counties ranked meth as
their number one drug problem, and it is estimated that there
are 583,000 people currently using meth in the United States.
However, the Administration's budget request proposes dramatic
reductions to Department of Justice programs that assist
Federal, State and local law enforcement in combating meth. The
increases provided in the recommendation should allow the
Department to take a leadership role in addressing this
problem. While the Committee is hopeful that new Federal laws
controlling meth precursor chemicals will dramatically reduce
the number of small toxic labs operating in the country, the
Committee understands that super labs operated by international
drug trafficking organizations are supplying the majority of
meth in America.
In order to help Federal, State and local law enforcement
address the meth epidemic, the recommendation provides
$367,852,000 for the Justice Assistance Grants program, which
the Administration proposed to eliminate; $99,000,000 for meth-
specific grants, which is the authorized level and $58,916,000
above the budget request; $40,000,000 for Drug Court programs,
which is $30,128,000 above the current year; $5,000,000 for
State Prison Drug Treatment programs, which the Administration
proposed to eliminate; and $15,000,000 above the request for
DEA.
General Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommends $90,136,000 for General
Administration, which is $32,730,000 below the current year and
$25,369,000 below the request.
This account supports the development of policy objectives
and the overall management of the Department of Justice. The
recommendation adopts the Administration's proposal to transfer
$31,162,000 for the Office of Intelligence Policy and Review
from this account to the newly authorized National Security
Division. The Committee does not adopt the proposed transfer of
$16,000,000 to this account to shutdown the National Drug
Intelligence Center. The recommendation fully funds the Office
of Privacy and Civil Liberties.
Once again, the Committee is extremely disappointed with
the amount of time it takes the Department to respond to
hearing questions submitted for the record by Members of the
Subcommittee. Many of these questions require factual responses
and should not require multiple layers of review or require
weeks, and often months, to submit. The Committee is concerned
that this practice, has resulted in the needless withholding of
budgetary and programmatic information that is necessary to the
Committee's work. The Committee believes that the open sharing
of information results in a more effective relationship between
the branches of government and improves the quality of
legislation.
Budget Models.--In fiscal year 2005, the Committee directed
the Department to report on the impact of hiring new
investigative agents on the workload of other parts of the
criminal justice system including U.S. Attorneys, U.S.
Marshals, the Detention Trustee, and the Federal Prison System.
The Committee appreciates the Department's efforts to complete
the report and encourages the Administration to continue to
develop these budget models. The Committee remains deeply
concerned that the Administration does not consider the impact
on the entire criminal justice system when it implements new
law enforcement initiatives.
General Services Administration (GSA) Rent.--The
recommendation fully funds the request for GSA rent for the
Department of Justice. However, the Committee notes that the
budget request includes substantial GSA rent increases for
several accounts including an 18 percent increase for General
Administration, an 11 percent increase for Administrative
Review and Appeals, a 12 percent increase for General Legal
Activities, a 19 percent increase for the U.S. Trustee System
Fund, a 21 percent increase for the U.S. Marshals Service, a 26
percent increase for the Community Relations Service, a 10
percent increase for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a 27
percent increase for the Drug Enforcement Administration, and a
39 percent increase for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives. The Committee has been unable to
verify from either GSA or the Department why such significant
increases are necessary or what the correct funding level
should be for facilities costs. Therefore, before obligating or
expending funds for these requested GSA rent increases, the
Committee directs the Administration to submit a reprogramming
in accordance with the procedures outline in section 605
describing why increased payments are necessary, including a
description of increases in facilities' operating charges and
changes in the amount of space occupied.
JUSTICE INFORMATION SHARING TECHNOLOGY
The recommendation provides $125,000,000 for this account,
which is $50,007,000 below the request and $1,596,000 above the
current year. This account provides funding for several
Department of Justice information sharing programs including
the following initiatives:
Joint Automated Booking System (JABS).--JABS enables
Federal law enforcement components to electronically share
criminal arrest data, which improves criminal identification
response times and avoids duplication of booking data entry.
Justice Consolidated Office Network (JCON).--JCON is the
standard office automation system upon which 16 Department of
Justice components operate their mission-critical applications
which allows attorneys and law enforcement officials the
immediate ability to exchange all electronic data with and
between components on a common platform.
Law Enforcement Information Sharing Program (LEISP).--LEISP
will implement the information technology tools needed to
facilitate timely, appropriate and secure sharing of
information across Federal, State and local law enforcement.
Through LEISP, the Department will develop a comprehensive
information sharing program that can help identify emerging
threats and patterns, find relationships among individual
groups, and provide useful tactical and strategic information
to criminal and counterterrorism investigators. This effort
includes the creation of national and regional data exchange
databases to facilitate the sharing of information. The
Committee expects the Department to work cooperatively with
State and local law enforcement on this initiative. In
addition, the Committee expects the Department to ensure that
this program will facilitate the reporting, analysis and
dissemination of intelligence related to organized retail
theft.
Litigation Case Management System.--Currently, the
Department's litigating components' case management systems are
highly decentralized and information is stored in numerous
disconnected systems. This project will consolidate the 94 U.S.
Attorneys Offices and seven headquarters litigating components
into one web-based common case management system, reducing
operating costs, and improving information sharing among law
enforcement and Intelligence Community agencies.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Secure
Communications.--PKI will provide the Department with enhanced
information technology security services to allow classified
information to be shared across the Department and with the
Intelligence Community. The Committee expects the Department to
allocate not less than $5,000,000 for this project.
Federal Investigation Case Management System (FICMS).--The
Committee understands that the Administration is working to
create a common information technology case management
architecture to facilitate information sharing across all
Federal law enforcement agencies. The Committee directs that
the Department's participation in this effort be managed by the
Office of Chief Information Officer.
Unified Financial Management System Program.--This program
will improve the Department's management of its funding and
address independent auditors concerns regarding the
Department's current outdated financial systems.
Department IT Investment Review Board (DIRB).--The
Committee appreciates the efforts of the DIRB, which is chaired
by the Deputy Attorney General, to improve oversight of the
Department's new major information technology programs
including the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) SENTINEL
program. In order to ensure accountability in the Department's
information technology programs and prevent a failure similar
to the FBI's Virtual Case Files project, the recommendation
includes new language under section 110. Before funding is
spent on major information technology programs, the Deputy
Attorney General and DIRB must certify to the Committees on
Appropriations that appropriate program management and
contractor oversight mechanisms are in place, and that each
program is compatible with the Department's enterprise
architecture.
TACTICAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FOR FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Committee recommends $89,000,000 for this account,
which is $149,000 above the current year and $217,000 below the
request. The purpose of this account is to provide radios and
wireless communications capabilities for Federal law
enforcement and manage the Department's efforts to comply with
the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
narrowband mandates. This account funds component legacy
network requirements, operations of the Wireless Management
Office, and the acquisition of new equipment and services.
In addition, this account funds the Integrated Wireless
Network, which is a partnership between the Departments of
Justice, Homeland Security and Treasury to modernize and
enhance the existing stove-piped agency-specific radio systems
that support Federal law enforcement, homeland security and
disaster response. The Committee understands that a successful
pilot has been implemented in Seattle, WA. During fiscal year
2007, the program will be expanded further in the Northwest and
will continue efforts in the Southwest. This program is
critical to improve radio communication interoperability and
agent safety.
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND APEALS
The Committee recommends $229,152,000 for this account,
which is $16,222,000 above the current year and $60,000 below
the request.
This appropriation supports the Executive Office of
Immigration Review (EOIR), which includes the Board of
Immigration Appeals, Immigration Judges, and Administrative Law
Judges who decide through administrative hearings on the
admission or exclusion of aliens seeking to enter the country,
and the transportation and adjustment of status of aliens whose
status has been challenged; and the Office of the Pardon
Attorney, which receives, investigates and considers petitions
for all forms of Executive clemency.
The recommendation fully funds the request for EOIR of
$226,883,000. This includes a program increase of $8,757,000 to
meet additional caseload requirements as a result of increase
immigration enforcement. Within the amount provided, the
Committee directs the EOIR to establish courts at three
additional locations based on EOIR's highest priority needs.
In addition, the recommendation includes $2,269,000 for the
Office of the Pardon Attorney.
DETENTION TRUSTEE
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The Committee recommends total spending authority of
$1,331,026,000 for the Federal Detention Trustee for fiscal
year 2007, which is $124,634,000 above the level provided in
fiscal year 2006 and $1,300,000 below the request. The
recommendation includes increases for inflationary adjustments
and for the anticipated daily cost of an increase in the number
of Federal detainees housed in Federal, State, local, and
private detention facilities. The recommendation includes the
requested transfer of $27,935,000 associated with the cost of
transporting prisoners. These funds were previously
appropriated under the United States Marshals Service account.
The Committee encourages the Department to continue to
examine the entire Federal detention process from arrest to
incarceration to find ways to contain costs. The Committee
applauds the efforts of the Detention Trustee to develop the e-
Designate system and to identify additional systemic
improvements to reduce the time from sentencing to commitment.
The Committee expects this program to be extended to all 94
judicial districts.
The recommendation deletes language, as requested,
regarding oversight of housing related to detention. Language
is also deleted regarding the Detention Trustee's role in the
Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The Committee recommends $70,558,000 for the Office of
Inspector General (OIG), which is $2,636,000 above the current
year and equal to the request. The Committee appreciates the
OIG's efforts to work closely with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) on the development of their new case
management system, SENTINEL. The Committee directs the OIG to
continue this close relationship with the FBI and to provide
regular updates to the Committee on the financial and
programmatic status of SENTINEL.
United States Parole Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommends $11,500,000 for the United States
Parole Commission, which is $641,000 above the current year and
$451,000 below the request.
This Commission is an independent body within the
Department of Justice that makes decisions regarding requests
for parole of Federal offenders who committed an offense before
November 1, 1987, and District of Columbia Code offenders who
committed an offense before August 5, 2005. In addition, the
Commission has jurisdiction over the conditions of supervision
of District of Columbia Code offenders who committed an offense
after August 5, 2005, and certain other offenders.
Legal Activities
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, GENERAL LEGAL ACTIVITIES
The Committee recommends a total of $668,739,000 for
General Legal Activities, which is $15,234,000 above the
current year and $15,585,000 below the request. As requested,
the recommendation transfers 74 FTE and $13,372,000 from this
account to the newly authorized National Security Division.
This appropriation supports the Attorney General through
the establishment of litigation policy, conduct of litigation,
and various other legal responsibilities. The distribution of
funding provided is as follows:
GENERAL LEGAL ACTIVITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2007
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Solicitor General.................................... $9,134
Tax Division......................................... 83,099
Criminal Division.................................... 134,578
Civil Division....................................... 209,291
Environment and Natural Resources.................... 93,913
Office of Legal Counsel.............................. 6,069
Civil Rights Division................................ 111,310
Interpol--USNCB...................................... 20,812
Office of Dispute Resolution......................... 533
------------------
Total............................................ 668,739
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criminal Division.--The recommendation annualizes the
$1,000,000 increase provided in fiscal year 2006 for gang
investigations and the $1,000,000 increase provided in fiscal
year 2006 to target, prosecute, and seize the assets of those
who commit crimes against the youngest and most vulnerable
members of society. In addition, the recommendation provides
the requested increase of $218,000 for intellectual property
rights crime enforcement.
Within the level provided for the Criminal Division,
$6,781,000 is provided for the Office of Special Investigations
(OSI), which is $500,000 above the level requested. Funds are
provided above the request to increase investigations into
naturalized U.S. citizens who have committed human rights
abuses, such as genocide or torture, outside of the United
States.
Civil Rights Division.--The recommendation fully funds the
Civil Rights Division's efforts to combat human trafficking and
the Committee expects the Department to continue submitting
yearly updates regarding its efforts to address this horrific
crime.
Civil Division.--Within the level of funds provided for the
Civil Division, the recommendation includes $46,237,000 for the
Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL), which is equal to the
request. The recommendation provides a program increase of
$9,566,000 and 114 positions (86 attorneys) for OIL to address
increased workload associated with enhanced immigration
enforcement by the Department of Homeland Security.
Within the level of funds provided for the Civil Division,
not less than $250,000 shall be available to enforce
subsections (a) and (b) of section 642 of the Illegal
Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.
THE NATIONAL CHILDHOOD VACCINE INJURY ACT
The Committee recommends $6,292,000 for the Vaccine Injury
Compensation Trust Fund to cover the Department of Justice's
expenses associated with litigating cases under the National
Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. This amount is $40,000
above the enacted level and $41,000 below the request. The
Committee expects the Department to have procedures in place
that ensure the integrity of Vaccine Injury Compensation
matters, and that awards are made to vaccine-injured persons
quickly, easily, and with certainty and generosity.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, NATIONAL SECURITY DIVISION
The recommendation includes $66,970,000 for the National
Security Division, as requested. This is a new litigating
division authorized by the USA Patriot Improvement and
Reauthorization Act of 2006. The National Security Division
consolidates the Office of Intelligence Policy and Review, and
the Counterterrorism and Counterespionage Sections of the
Criminal Division into one litigating division focused solely
on national security. The consolidation of these components
into a new National Security Division is consistent with the
recommendation of the Commission on the Intelligence
Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass
Destruction.
Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Unit.--The Foreign
Agents Registration Act requires persons lobbying for foreign
governments to register with the Justice Department and
disclose their lobbying activities. The purpose of this Act is
to insure that the American public and its lawmakers know the
source of information or propaganda intended to sway public
opinion, policy, and laws. The Committee understands the FARA
unit is working to make its records available to the public on
the Internet, which will dramatically increase the transparency
to the public of companies who are lobbying for foreign
governments. The Committee urges the National Security Division
to complete this effort, as quickly as possible.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, ANTITRUST DIVISION
The Committee recommendation includes $145,915,000 in
budget authority for the Antitrust Division, $1,827,000 above
the current year and $1,827,000 below the request. This
appropriation is offset by $129,000,000 in pre-merger filing
fee collections, resulting in a direct appropriation of
$16,915,000.
The Division acts on antitrust cases before the Supreme
Court, represents the interests of the United States in cases
brought under Federal antitrust laws, reviews decisions of
regulatory commissions, and prepares and files amicus briefs.
Appopriations for both the Division and the Federal Trade
Commission are offset by Hart-Scott-Rodino Act pre-merger
filing fee collections.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS
The recommendation provides $1,664,400,000, for U.S.
Attorneys, which is $84,835,000 above the enacted level and the
same as the request. The recommendation does not adopt the
Administration's proposal to rescind $27,000,000 from this
appropriation associated with Project SeaHawk, a port security
program.
This appropriation supports the Executive Office of U.S.
Attorneys and the 94 U.S. Attorney Offices, which serve as the
principal litigators for the U.S. Government for criminal,
civil, and debt collection matters.
In addition to inflationary and other base funding
adjustments, the recommendation includes the following program
increases: $7,737,000 and 4 additional positions for
counterterrorism investigations and prosecutions; $1,430,000
for replacement and upgraded security equipment; $6,081,000 and
61 additional positions for gang investigations and
prosecutions; $842,000 and nine positions (five attorneys) for
human trafficking investigations and prosecutions in Northern
Virginia; and $2,625,000 and 26 additional positions for child
exploitation and obscenity prosecutions. In addition, the
recommendation provides a $4,490,000 increase to address U.S.
Attorneys' highest priority needs including the prosecution of
human traffickers referred to as ``coyotes'' and other criminal
aliens, methamphetamine traffickers, and identity thieves. The
Committee expects the Department to reallocate resources, if
necessary, to address these priority areas in accordance with
the reprogramming procedures outlined in section 605 of this
Act.
UNITED STATES TRUSTEE SYSTEM FUND
The recommendation provides $223,447,000 for the U.S.
Trustees Program (USTP), to be entirely funded from offsetting
collections. The amount recommended is $11,783,000 above the
current year and $12,669,000 below the request. The mission of
the USTP is to promote integrity and efficiency in the nation's
bankruptcy system by enforcing bankruptcy laws, and providing
oversight of private trustees. The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention
and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-8) provides
the USTP with important new statutory tools to identify and
civilly prosecute misconduct by debtors and others who misuse
the bankruptcy system.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, FOREIGN CLAIMS SETTLEMENT COMMISSION
The Committee recommends $1,431,000 for the Foreign Claims
Settlement Commission, which is $128,000 above the enacted
level and $128,000 below the request.
The Commission settles claims of American citizens arising
out of nationalization, expropriation, or other takings of
their properties and interests by foreign governments.
United States Marshals Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommends $825,924,000 for the United States
Marshals Service (USMS). The recommendation is equal to the
request and $25,252,000 above the current year, including
supplemental and construction funds.
The recommendation adopts the requested transfer of
$27,935,000 from this account to the Office of the Federal
Detention Trustee account and merges the Construction account
with the Salaries and Expenses account, as requested. In
addition to inflationary and other base adjustments, the
recommendation includes the following program changes: (1) a
$4,612,000 increase and 37 additional positions for protection
of the judicial process; (2) a $6,426,000 increase and 14
additional positions for information technology improvements;
(3) a $1,834,000 increase and 15 additional positions for
improved financial management and oversight; (4) a $533,000
increase and 5 additional positions for the Witness Security
Program; (5) a $214,000 increase and 2 additional positions for
the Marshals Service Tactical Operations Center--Special
Operations Group; and (5) a decrease of $9,414,000 in requested
program offsets.
FEES AND EXPENSES OF WITNESSES
The recommendation provides such sums as are necessary for
Fees and Expenses of Witnesses account. This appropriation,
which is considered mandatory for scorekeeping purposes,
provides for fees and expenses of witnesses who appear on
behalf of the Government in cases in which the United States is
a party, including fact and expert witnesses, mental competency
examinations, and witness/informant protection. The
Congressional Budget Office estimates this account will require
$171,000,000 in new budget authority in fiscal year 2007.
The Committee recommends bill language, which allows: (1)
up to $1,000,000 for the purchase and maintenance of armored
vehicles for prisoner transportation; (2) up to $9,000,000 for
installation, operation, and upgrade of a secure automated
network and secure telecommunications equipment; and (3) up to
$10,000,000 for construction of protected witness safesites.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, COMMUNITY RELATIONS SERVICE
The Committee recommends $9,882,000 for the Community
Relations Service, which is $346,000 above the enacted level
and $347,000 below the request. The Community Relations Service
was established by Title X of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to
provide assistance to communities in resolving disagreements
arising from discriminatory practices.
The Committee recommends bill language allowing the
Attorney General to provide additional resources for the
Community Relations Service, if emergent circumstances exist,
through the transfer of funds from other Department of Justice
programs, subject to the requirements of section 605 of this
Act.
ASSETS FORFEITURE FUND
The Committee recommends $21,202,000 for the Assets
Forfeiture Fund, which is $8,000 above the enacted level and
$9,000 below the request.
This account provides funds for additional investigative
expenses of the FBI, DEA, ATF, and USMS, such as purchase of
evidence and investigative expenses leading to seizure. Funds
for these activities are provided from receipts in the Assets
Forfeiture Fund resulting from the forfeiture of assets.
Expenses related to the management and disposal of assets are
also provided from receipts in the Assets Forfeiture Fund by a
permanent indefinite appropriation.
Interagency Law Enforcement
INTERAGENCY CRIME AND DRUG ENFORCEMENT
The recommendation provides $498,457,000 for the Organized
Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) account. This
program was created in 1982 to ensure a coordinated, multi-
agency approach to attacking and dismantling high-level drug
enterprises. Through its nine regional task forces, this
program utilizes the combined resources and expertise of its
Federal agency members, in cooperation with State and local
investigators and prosecutors, to target and destroy major drug
trafficking and money laundering organizations.
The recommendation fully funds the request for
participating Department of Justice agencies. The
recommendation does not transfer the High Intensity Drug
Trafficking Areas program from the Office of National Drug
Control Policy to this account, as proposed in the budget
request.
The recommendation provides the following amounts to
reimburse agencies for their costs of participating in OCDETF
task forces:
REIMBURSEMENT BY AGENCY
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drug Enforcement Administration......................... $197,451
Federal Bureau of Investigation......................... 136,945
United States Marshals Service.......................... 8,452
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives..... 11,392
United States Attorneys................................. 131,820
Criminal Division....................................... 2,701
Tax Division............................................ 981
Administrative Office/Fusion Center..................... 8,715
---------------
Total............................................... 498,457
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Bureau of Investigation
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommends $5,959,628,000 for the Federal
Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Salaries and Expenses account,
which is $29,030,000 below the request and $259,059,000 above
the current year.
FBI Transformation.--The Committee appreciates the efforts
of the Director and the men and women of the FBI to transform
the agency from one whose primary mission was investigating
crimes to one whose top priority is preventing terrorism. Since
the September 11th attacks, the Committee has called upon the
assistance of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the
National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), the Justice
Department Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Congressional
Research Service (CRS), and the Committee's Surveys and
Investigations staff to review FBI operations and make
recommendations for improvement. The Committee appreciates the
FBI's willingness to work with these organizations and expects
the FBI to continue to work with these organizations during
fiscal year 2007. The FBI is directed to continue to provide
the Committee with quarterly updates on its transformation
activities in fiscal year 2007.
Chief Operating Officer.--The Committee believes that the
FBI should create a Chief Operating Officer to manage the day-
to-day activities of the FBI, allowing the Director and the
Deputy Director more time to focus on investigations and long-
term strategic management issues. The Committee encourages the
FBI to create this position as soon as possible.
Adjustments to Base.--The recommendation includes all
requested adjustments to base except those outlined below. In
addition, the recommendation includes requested transfers with
the National Counterterrorism Center, the Office of the
Director of National Intelligence, and the Drug Enforcement
Administration.
The recommendation rejects the Administration's proposal to
non-recur the $5,000,000 increase provided in fiscal year 2006
for additional Safe Streets Task Forces to combat gangs. The
Committee remains concerned about the Administration's lack of
commitment to provide the necessary resources to address gang
violence.
The recommendation rejects the Administration's proposal to
non-recur the $5,000,000 increase provided in fiscal year 2006
for intelligence training only to ask for a $5,000,000 program
increase for the same purpose. This is a budget gimmick used to
artificially inflate the amount of program increases requested
for intelligence training without actually providing any
additional resources. The Committee expects the Administration
to discontinue the use of such disingenuous proposals in future
budget requests.
The recommendation also rejects the Administration's
proposal to non-recur a $4,600,000 increase provided in fiscal
year 2006 for the FBI's Sensitive But Unclassified Network
(SBUNet). The Committee finds the Administration's proposal to
reduce funding for this program bewildering and irresponsible.
The Committee believes that access to the Internet and
unclassified e-mail enhances employees' ability to obtain,
share and disseminate information. The Committee understands
that by the end of fiscal year 2006 most FBI employees will
have access to a SBUNet account but that less that 20 percent
of FBI employees will have Internet and unclassified e-mail on
their desktop. The Committee directs the FBI to continue to
expand employee access to SBUNet.
In addition, the recommendation transfers $29,030,000
requested in this account for alterations to create additional
sensitive compartmented information facilities (SCIF) space to
the Construction account. The Committee is puzzled that the
Administration's budget request includes $29,030,000 for build-
out costs to expand SCIF space in this account and $33,191,000
for the same purpose in the Construction account. The
recommendation consolidates all of the funding provided for
additional SCIF space into the Construction account in order to
increase efficiency and accountability.
Program Changes.--The recommendation provides the following
program changes: (1) a $15,078,000 increase for intelligence
infrastructure requirements; (2) a $16,009,000 increase and 57
additional positions for intelligence operations and production
enhancements; (3) a $1,000,000 increase for implementation of
an intelligence officer certification program; (4) a $6,666,000
increase for Law Enforcement Online to enhance information
sharing to all levels of law enforcement; (5) a $24,700,000
increase and 15 positions for enhanced counterterrorism
response capabilities including $15,000,000 for a radiological
evidence examination facility; (6) a $13,799,000 increase for
additional headquarters space and facility infrastructure; (7)
a $100,000,000 increase for SENTINEL, the FBI's new case
management system; (8) a $10,000,000 increase and 2 positions
for information technology infrastructure; (9) a $2,572,000
increase and 1 position for information technology program
management; (10) a $10,000,000 reduction for travel and
conferences; (11) a $22,762,000 increase for Next Generation
Integrated (NGI) Automated Fingerprint Identification System
(IAFIS) and the integration of this system with the Department
of Homeland Security's Automated Biometric Identification
System (IDENT); (12) a $22,500,000 increase and 167 positions
(100 agents) for field counterterrorism and counterintelligence
investigations to address existing and emerging threats; (13) a
$2,000,000 increase and 10 positions for the Center for
Operational Innovation; (14) a $1,000,000 increase for
organized retail theft enforcement; (15) a $2,000,000 increase
for intellectual property rights enforcement; (16) a $1,448,000
increase and 20 additional positions for headquarters
administrative support in finance, budget, facilities, and
human resources; (17) a $5,000,000 increase for the Innocent
Images program; (18) a $5,000,000 increase for retention and
recruitment programs; and (19) a $1,000,000 increase and 5
additional agents for the Innocence Lost program.
SENTINEL.--A new case management system for the FBI is
critically needed to modernize and transform the FBI. The
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United
States, the Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the
United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction, the OIG
and NAPA have all identified the FBI's information technology
capabilities as inadequate. Therefore, the recommendation
includes $100,000,000, as requested, for SENTINEL, the FBI's
new case management system. However, the Committee wants to
ensure that the information technology failures that occurred
in the FBI's last attempt to develop new case management system
are not repeated.
The Committee has been encouraged that the FBI has learned
from its previous failures. In a study released last year, the
Committee's Surveys and Investigations staff found that the FBI
has strengthened its Office of the Chief Information Officer
and has developed program management initiatives which should
enable it to better manage and oversee its future information
technology efforts. In March, the OIG released a report on
SENTINEL stating that ``we believe the FBI has adequately
planned for the project and this planning provides reasonable
assurance that the FBI can successfully complete SENTINEL if
the processes and controls are implemented as intended.''
However, the Committee wants to ensure the program stays on
track and directs the OIG to continue to work closely with FBI
and to provide regular updates to the Committee on the
financial and programmatic status of SENTINEL. In addition, the
Committee includes section 110, which requires that before
funding is spent on SENTINEL, the Deputy Attorney General and
Department IT Investment Review Board certify to the Committees
on Appropriations that appropriate program management and
contractor oversight mechanisms are in place, and that SENTINEL
is compatible with the Department's enterprise architecture.
Center for Operational Innovation.--The recommendation
includes a $2,000,000 increase and 10 positions to create a
Center for Operational Innovation to research, develop, and
prototype unconventional and novel methods to collect and
analyze intelligence, and disrupt threats to national security.
The Center shall be staffed with experts on intelligence
operations from the FBI, other government agencies, the private
sector, and academia.
Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement.--The
recommendation provides not less than $13,000,000 for
intellectual property rights enforcement. Within the level of
funds provided, the FBI is directed to increase the number of
agents supporting U.S. Attorneys' Computer Hacking and
Intellectual Property Rights units in the field, and increase
the number of agents assigned to headquarters to support the
Criminal Division's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property
section and the National Intellectual Property Rights
Coordination Center.
Organized Retail Theft.--The Committee understands that
organized retail theft is estimated to cause approximately $15
billion in annual loses to the retail market. In order to
address these crimes, the FBI established an Organized Retail
Theft Initiative in 2003 to work with State and local law
enforcement and corporate security entities to address these
crimes. The Committee further understands that the FBI and the
National Retail Federation have been working together to create
an intelligence network to share and analyze organized retail
theft intelligence. In addition to the resources already
dedicated to the Organized Retail Theft Initiative, the
recommendation includes a $1 million increase. The Committee
also directs the FBI to ensure that the Law Enforcement Online
program is maximizing the sharing of organized retail theft
intelligence and analysis throughout law enforcement. In
addition, the Committee directs the Department ensure the
maximum sharing of intelligence and analysis of organized
retail theft in the development of the N-DEx and R-DEx
information sharing systems.
Innocent Images.--The Innocent Images National Initiative
is an intelligence-driven, proactive, multi-agency
investigative operation to combat the proliferation of child
pornography and child sexual exploitation facilitated by an
online computer. The program provides centralized coordination
and analysis of case information that by its very nature is
national and international in scope, requiring unprecedented
coordination with State, local, and international governments,
and among FBI field offices and Legal Attaches. The
recommendation provides an increase of $5,000,000 for the FBI's
highest priority needs to address these horrific crimes.
Innocence Lost.--According to some estimates, as many as
17,000 victims are trafficked into the United States each year,
many of which are women and children who are forced to work in
the sex industry, and in prison-like facilities. In order to
begin to address this issue, the FBI established 14 Innocence
Lost task forces. The recommendation fully funds the continued
needs of the 14 existing task forces and encourages the FBI to
continue to expand its efforts to combat human trafficking,
prostitution and sexual exploitation. In addition, the
recommendation includes a $1,000,000 increase and 5 additional
agents to establish a human trafficking task force in Northern
Virginia.
NGI-IAFIS and IDENT/IAFIS Interoperability.--The Committee
supports the FBI's efforts to improve the speed and accuracy of
IAFIS, expand the data available in the system, and improve its
latent print capabilities. The Committee also supports the
FBI's efforts to make the FBI's IAFIS system and Department of
Homeland Security's IDENT system fully interoperable. The
recommendation provides a $22,762,000 increase for these
projects. In addition, the Committee directs the FBI to use not
less than $48,376,000 from excess user fee collections for
various Criminal Justice Information Services programs for
these initiatives. The Committee expects the FBI to maintain
the fees charged for non-criminal fingerprint checks at a level
that will ensure that fee balances are available to continue to
modernize IAFIS.
National Name Check Program.--In fiscal year 2006, the
Committee included language directing the FBI to conduct a fee
review of background checks for United States Citizenship and
Immigration Service (USCIS). The Committee understands that
there remains a significant backlog in the processing of
background checks for USCIS and other organizations. The
Committee expects FBI to work with these agencies to ensure
that sufficient resources are made available to eliminate the
backlog as soon as possible. The Committee expects the FBI to
set the name check fee at a level that adequately covers the
cost to conduct requested background checks, eliminates the
backlog and improves the efficiency of the information
technology systems used to conduct the checks.
Retention and Recruitment.--The recommendation includes
$40,000,000 for retention and recruitment programs, which is a
$5,000,000 increase above the current year. This funding is
provided to expand retention and recruitment programs such as:
retention, recruitment and relocation bonuses; creation of
critical pay positions in areas such as intelligence analysts,
agents, information technology experts and other specialized
positions; and the University Education Program. The Committee
directs the FBI to continue to work with NAPA during fiscal
year 2007 to improve human resources management, including
implementing an effective organizational structure, successful
retention and recruitment programs, and successful leadership
development programs.
Training.--As the Committee has directed in previous years,
analysts should have joint training with agents and personnel
from other Intelligence Community agencies. The Committee
expects the FBI to continue to expand the University Education
Program, the Sabbatical Program, the Fellows Program and the
use of the Foreign Service Institute.
The recommendation does not adopt the Administration's
proposal to permanently transfer 300 agents from the criminal
program to counterterrorism. Counterterrorism is the FBI's
highest priority and the Committee will continue to support the
FBI's use of criminal agents on counterterrorism and
counterintelligence matters as needed. The Committee believes
that if additional counterterrorism agents are needed the
Administration should request funding for these positions. The
Committee's recommendation includes funding for 100 additional
national security agents that were not requested.
The Committee understands that mortgage fraud is a growing
problem and expects the FBI to continue its efforts to address
it.
CONSTRUCTION
The Committee recommends $80,422,000 for the FBI's
Construction account, which is $43,294,000 above the current
year and $29,030,000 above the request.
Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs).--
The recommendation includes $62,221,000 to expand available
SCIF space for secure work environments, including all
associated build-out costs. As discussed in the previous
section, the recommendation moves $29,030,000 requested in the
Salaries and Expenses account for this purpose to this account.
The Committee is puzzled that the Administration's budget
request includes $29,030,000 for alterations to expand SCIF
space in the Salaries and Expenses account and $33,191,000 for
the same purpose in this account. The recommendation
consolidates all of the funding provided for additional SCIF
space into the Construction account in order to increase
efficiency and accountability. This additional space is
critically needed to allow counterterrorism and
counterintelligence agents and analysts to exchange sensitive
information throughout the Intelligence Community.
Center for Intelligence Training.--Most of the FBI
Academy's facilities were designed in the late 1960s to
accommodate small groups in a traditional classroom setting.
However, given the FBI's growth and new mission requirements,
the Academy's current facilities are inadequate to provide
comprehensive intelligence training for agents and analysts.
Therefore, the recommendation includes $6,311,000 for
intelligence training facility enhancements.
Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) Space.--The
recommendation provides $9,890,000 for the improvement of the
CIRG facilities. With the significant growth in CIRG mission
requirements and staff since September 11th, improvement to the
current facilities is required.
Central Records Complex.--The recommendation includes
$2,000,000 for equipment and other necessary costs for the
establishment of a modern state-of-the-art records management
center. The Committee understands that consolidation of records
and collocation of records management personnel will achieve
business process efficiencies and personnel savings and will
make more space available in the FBI headquarters building,
allowing the FBI to reduce leased space in the Washington, D.C.
metropolitan area, and making available needed space in the
field as the number of FBI staff continues to increase.
Drug Enforcement Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommends total budget authority of
$1,963,569,000 for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA),
of which $212,078,000 is derived from fees deposited in the
Diversion Control Fund, resulting in a direct appropriation of
$1,751,491,000. The recommended appropriation is $76,573,000
above the enacted level including supplementals and $15,000,000
above the request.
In addition to providing inflationary and other costs to
maintain the current operating level, the recommendation
includes the following program increases: (1) $4,000,000 for
the Foreign-deployed Advisory Support Teams (FAST) operating in
Afghanistan; (2) $1,000,000 for international methamphetamine
investigations; (3) $1,000,000 for Operation Panama Express;
and (4) $11,981,000 and 57 positions for Intelligence Community
support.
Demand Reduction--Mobile Enforcement Teams (MET).--The
recommendation includes $4,649,000 for the Demand Reduction
program instead of eliminating the program as proposed in the
budget request. The Committee is disappointed that the
Administration continues to propose to eliminate this program
that provides a law enforcement perspective to prevention
groups and community coalitions at the national and local level
in the development and assessment of anti-drug strategies and
initiatives.
The recommendation includes $37,746,000 for the MET
program, which is $17,168,000 above the level requested. MET
teams are deployed on a temporary basis to assist State and
local law enforcement in areas that have been overrun with
drug-related violent crime. The Committee is very disappointed
that the Administration once again proposed a significant
reduction to this program to reduce drug-related violence
throughout the country.
The Committee is discouraged that the Administration does
not support the concept of Federal law enforcement working
cooperatively with communities to address drug trafficking and
abuse, and hopes that future budget requests will not continue
to propose reductions to these important programs.
Methamphetamine (meth).--According to the National
Association of Counties, 58 percent of counties ranked meth as
their number one drug problem and it is estimated that there
are 583,000 people currently using meth. The Committee is
hopeful that new Federal laws controlling meth precursor
chemicals will dramatically reduce the number of small toxic
labs operating in the country. However, the Committee
understands that super labs operated by international drug
trafficking organizations are supplying the majority of meth in
America. The Committee is supportive of DEA's efforts to
partner with the Mexican government to fight meth trafficking,
including training Mexican law enforcement to establish meth
enforcement teams, providing clandestine lab equipment to
Mexican law enforcement, exchanging diversion control staff,
and improving intelligence sharing. In addition, the Committee
strongly supports the border task forces DEA has established to
specifically focus on meth trafficking across the Southwest
border, and DEA's partnership with the Customs and Border
Protection Service to target suspicious cargo that could be
related to meth production and trafficking. The recommendation
includes $1,000,000 above the request to support DEA's efforts
to combat international meth trafficking organizations.
In addition, the recommendation provides $20,000,000 under
the Office of Justice Programs for DEA to assist State and
local law enforcement with proper removal and disposal of
hazardous materials at clandestine meth labs, including funding
for training, technical assistance, a container program, and
purchase of equipment to adequately remove and store hazardous
material.
The Committee also supports DEA's effort to create a web
site of the addresses of properties where meth labs or chemical
dumpsites have been found. The web site will provide owners and
renters with notice that a property may once have been used to
produce meth and that there may be potential toxic hazards
within the property.
Furthermore, the Committee understands that the new
clandestine lab training facility at the DEA Academy will be
completed in the fall of 2007. This new facility, funded by the
Committee in fiscal year 2005, will improve DEA's ability to
train Federal, State, local and foreign law enforcement on the
latest techniques in clandestine lab detection, enforcement and
safety. Since 1998, DEA has trained approximately 10,500 law
enforcement personnel to conduct investigations and safely
dismantle seized meth labs.
Diversion Control Fee Account.--The recommendation includes
$212,078,000 for this account, which is $10,405,000 above the
current year. In addition to inflationary and other base
adjustments, the recommendation includes a program increase of
$3,363,000 for 33 additional intelligence analysts.
During 2004, an estimated 6 million Americans abused
prescription drugs. The additional intelligence analysts funded
in this recommendation will improve DEA's ability to dismantle
organizations trafficking prescription drugs. In addition, the
recommendation includes $10,000,000 for a prescription drug
monitoring program under the Office of Justice Programs.
The Committee remains disappointed in the Administration's
lack of effort to comprehensively address prescription drug
abuse, especially its continued resistance to allowing law
enforcement to participate in the approval of labeling,
promotion and risk management plans for new drugs to prevent
another drug like OxyContin from being inappropriately
marketed.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The recommendation includes a total of $980,128,000 for the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),
which is $48,311,000 above the enacted level including
supplements and equal to the budget request. The recommendation
includes authority to collect $30,000,000 in explosives fees
instead of $120,000,000 as proposed in the budget request.
In addition to funding inflationary and other base
adjustments, the recommendation includes a $16,000,000 increase
to establish additional Violent Crime Impact Teams (VCITs). The
Committee appreciates ATF's work to combat gang violence and
expects ATF to continue these efforts.
The Committee directs the ATF to submit a financial plan
outlining the allocation of funding provided in this Act in
accordance with the procedures outlined in section 605 of this
Act. The financial plan shall describe the level of funding
proposed to be used for the new ATF Headquarters building. In
addition, the Committee directs that the financial plan provide
sufficient funding for the effective operation of the National
Integrated Ballistic Information Network.
The Committee has heard reports that ATF has pursued
license revocations and denials against firearms dealers based
on violations that consist largely of recordkeeping errors of
various types that are unlikely to impede tracing
investigations or prosecution of individuals who use firearms
in crime. The Committee encourages ATF to focus its efforts on
cases where licensees commit serious, material violations of
known legal duties. The Committee urges ATF to examine its
regulations, forms and recordkeeping requirements to prevent
inadvertent violations by licensees.
The Committee understands that the Office of Inspector
General (OIG) is planning a review of ATF's administration of
the National Firearms Act and its management of the National
Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The Committee
supports the OIG's plans to conduct this review.
The Committee has heard concerns that ATF regulations on
firearm possession by nonimmigrant aliens, combined with
policies of other Federal agencies, creates unnecessary
hardship for legitimate foreign sport shooters and hunters who
wish to travel through the United States on the way to other
destinations. The Committee expects ATF to work with other
relevant agencies to devise a regulatory solution to this
problem, consistent with legitimate security and border
enforcement concerns.
The Committee understands that during a disaster, ATF
agents do not have authority to temporarily or permanently
seize firearms in the possession of a person who is not
prohibited under Federal or State law from possessing a
firearm. The Committee expects ATF to continue to act only
within existing authorities.
The Committee recommends bill language similar to previous
years and the budget request, that: (1) prohibits funding for
consolidating or centralizing certain records; (2) prohibits
funding to amend the definition of ``Curios or relics''; (3)
prohibits funding for investigating or acting upon applications
for relief from Federal firearms disabilities under 18 U.S.C.
925(c); (4) makes funding available to investigate and act upon
applications filed by corporations for relief from Federal
firearms disabilities under section 18 U.S.C. 925(c); (5)
prohibits funding to transfer the functions, missions or
activities of the ATF to other agencies or Departments; (6)
prohibits funds from being used to disclose certain firearms
trace data; (7) prohibits funds to promulgate or implement any
rule requiring a physical inventory of any business licensed
under 18 U.S.C. 923; (8) prohibits funding to be used to
electronically retrieve information gathered pursuant to 18
U.S.C. 923(g)(4) by name or any personal identification code;
and (9) prohibits funds to deny an application for a license
under 18 U.S.C. 923 or renewal of such a license due to a lack
of business activity, provided that the applicant is otherwise
eligible to receive such a license and is eligible to report
business income or to claim an income tax deduction for
business expenses under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Federal Prison System
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommends a fiscal year 2007 appropriation
of $4,987,059,000 for the salaries and expenses of the Federal
Prison System, which is the same as the request and
$156,898,000 above the fiscal year 2006 level.
The Committee continues to be concerned about the
Administration's annual budget requests for the Federal Prison
System. Recent requests have been predicated on unreasonable
assumptions and rescissions of previously appropriated
construction funds. The Committee believes that the fiscal year
2007 proposal to rescind prison construction funds is short-
sighted since the inmate population is expected to steadily
increase and over-crowding is anticipated to remain a
significant problem. The Committee is concerned about the
safety and morale of staff working in Federal prisons, and
therefore believes that bringing additional bed space on-line
in a timely manner is critical. The Committee encourages the
Administration to look seriously at the needs of the Federal
Prison System when it develops its future budget requests.
Activation and Expansion of Prisons.--Within the amount
provided, the Committee expects the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to
activate the expanded and new facilities in Otisville, NY, and
Pollock, LA. Activating constructed prison facilities remains a
priority to the Committee.
Contract Confinement/Intergovernmental Agreements.--The
Bureau of Prisons is directed to continue to meet bedspace
needs using State, local, and private existing and new prison
capacity, as well as renew agreements with local governments
housing Federal criminal aliens, if these facilities meet
Bureau of Prisons' standards and a fair and reasonable price is
offered.
Drug Treatment Programs.--The Committee is aware that more
than half of the Federal prison population is incarcerated
because of illegal drug activity, and the Committee expects
that the BOP will continue the transitional drug treatment
program.
Reimbursable Agreement.--The Committee understands that the
Department of Justice continues to pursue an agreement with the
Department of Homeland Security to reimburse BOP for the costs
of criminal alien inmates awaiting deportation. The Committee
encourages this action, which would be consistent with
reimbursements that are made by States for their inmates who
are housed in BOP facilities.
Faith-based prisons.--The recommendation continues funding
for eight faith-based prison programs. Within the recommended
funding level, the Committee expects that these programs will
be fully operational and that an evaluation of the results of
these programs will be provided to the Committee within 180
days of enactment of this Act.
National Institute of Corrections (NIC).--To address
deficiencies in corrections reporting identified by the U.S.
Census Bureau, the Committee encourages the NIC to work with
State corrections agencies to develop procedures and systems
for collecting and maintaining corrections records.
The Committee recommends bill language, similar to that
included in previous Appropriations Acts, which provides: (1)
for the purchase of motor vehicles; (2) for the provision of
technical advice to foreign governments; (3) for transfer of
funds to the Health Resources and Services Administration; (4)
for the Director to enter into contracts to furnish health
care; (5) up to $6,000 for reception and representation
expenses; (6) up to $20,000,000 for contract confinement
expenses for the care and security of Cuban and Haitian
entrants; and (7) for the Federal Prison System to accept
donated property and services. The recommendation modifies the
number of new and replacement automobile purchases and includes
language, as requested, designating an amount to remain
available for two fiscal years.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
The Committee recommends $88,961,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the construction, modernization, maintenance, and repair of
prison and detention facilities housing Federal inmates. This
amount is the same as the fiscal year 2006 level, not including
supplemental appropriations and $28,141,000 below the request
for new budget authority. The recommendation does not include a
proposed $142,000,000 rescission of funds previously
appropriated for new prison construction. The net
recommendation for this account is therefore $113,859,000 above
the request.
The Committee remains deeply troubled by claims that
inmate-on-inmate and inmate-on-staff assaults are increasing.
The Committee believes that overcrowding can be a significant
contributing factor to this increase in violent activity, and,
for this reason, rejects the proposal to rescind balances from
prison construction funds.
The Committee recommends bill language, similar to that
included in previous Appropriations Acts, which allows: (1) for
planning, acquisition of sites, and construction of facilities;
(2) for acquisition, remodeling, and equipping facilities by
contract or force account; (3) up to $14,000,000 to construct
inmate work areas; and (4) for use of prisoner labor.
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES,
INCORPORATED
The Committee recommends a limitation on administrative
expenses of $2,477,000 for Federal Prison Industries,
Incorporated (FPI), for fiscal year 2007, which is $845,000
below the amount designated for fiscal year 2006 and the same
as the request. The Committee believes that those who are
repaying their debts to society should be provided
opportunities to prepare themselves to re-enter the community
as functioning citizens. The Committee notes that,
unfortunately, FPI's inmate employment has declined by 2,800
since 2001, a 13 percent decrease. The Committee expects the
Administration to continue to offer meaningful work
opportunities to inmates while respecting the interests of
small and medium-sized businesses.
Office on Violence Against Women
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION PROGRAMS
The Committee recommends $390,296,000 to support grants
under the Violence Against Women Act, which is $8,730,000 above
the current year and $43,283,000 above the request. The request
includes funding for certain Violence Against Women Prevention
and Prosecution Programs under the Justice Assistance heading,
but the recommendation continues to include all Violence
Against Women Prevention and Prosecution Programs under this
heading. The table below displays funding for programs
recommended under this heading compared to the level of funds
requested for the same activities under this heading and under
the Justice Assistance account.
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2007
enacted request\1\ recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Violence Against Women
Programs:
STOP Grants................... 184,916 172,990 174,500
(National Institute of (5,035) (2,477) (2,477)
Justice--R&D;)............
(Safe Start Program)...... (9,872) ........... ..............
(Transitional Housing (14,808) (14,862) ..............
Assistance)..............
Transitional Housing ........... ........... 14,808
Assistance...................
Grants to Encourage Arrest 62,269 55,147 63,075
Policies.....................
Rural Domestic Violence 38,666 38,799 39,166
Assistance Grants............
Violence on College Campuses.. 8,938 8,969 9,054
Civil Legal Assistance........ 38,719 45,774 42,000
Elder and Disabled Women...... 4,482 4,459 4,540
Safe Haven Project............ 13,717 13,766 13,894
Educ. & Training for Disabled 7,064 7,109 7,155
Female Victims...............
Other Violence Against Women
Programs:
CASA (Special Advocates)...... 11,745 11,750 11,897
Training for Judicial 2,258 2,263 2,287
Personnel....................
Grants for Televised Testimony 973 ........... ..............
Training Programs............. 4,895 4,918 4,958
Stalking Database............. 2,924 2,924 2,962
-----------------------------------------
Total................. 381,566 ........... 390,296
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Some programs shown for display purposes only. They were included in
the budget request but under other account headings.
Funding included under this heading will continue to
provide resources to expand units of law enforcement officers
and prosecutors specifically targeting crimes against women, to
develop and implement effective arrest and prosecution policies
to prevent, identify and respond to violent crimes against
women, and to provide much needed victim services including
specialized domestic violence court advocates to obtain
protection orders.
In response to the authorization contained in The Violence
Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of
2005 (Public Law 109-162), the Committee recommends an increase
of $16,822,000 above the enacted level for the Services,
Training, Officers, and Prosecutors (STOP) grant program. These
grants are intended to support coordinated community responses
to violent crimes against women.
Office of Justice Programs
The recommendation includes $2,244,179,000 for the Office
of Justice Programs (OJP), which is $1,043,131,000 above the
request and $171,932,000 below the current year. The
recommended amount includes $65,000,000 in mandatory
appropriations for Public Safety Officers Benefits. Again this
year, the budget request proposes merging all programs
administered by OJP under the Justice Assistance heading. The
Committee recommendation retains the account structure used in
previous fiscal years and funds State and local law enforcement
programs under different appropriation accounts.
JUSTICE ASSISTANCE
The Committee recommends $215,575,000 for the Justice
Assistance account, which is $14,679,000 below the enacted
level and $818,377,000 below the request. The request proposed
merging all OJP programs under this heading, and the
Committee's recommendation retains the current year funding
structure. The Justice Assistance program includes assistance
to States and localities in the form of research, evaluation,
and statistics; white collar crime; information sharing;
missing children assistance; and Justice for All Act
implementation, including victim notification. In addition,
funding for the management and administration of all grants
provided through OJP is provided under this heading. The table
below compares the fiscal year 2007 recommendation to the
fiscal year 2007 request for those programs recommended under
this account heading.
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2007
Program enacted request\1\ recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Institute of Justice. 54,298 56,241 55,000
Bureau of Justice Statistics.. 34,553 59,812 36,000
Victim Assistance............. 8,885 ........... ..............
Justice for All Act/Victim 1,974 9,960 10,960
Notification.................
National White Collar Crime 8,885 ........... 8,000
Center.......................
Regional Info. Sharing System. 39,719 39,676 39,676
Management and Administration. 34,553 10,466 10,466
Missing Children Program...... 47,387 50,928 55,473
-----------------------------------------
Total..................... 230,254 ........... 215,575
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Some programs shown for display purposes only because they were in
the budget request but under other account headings.
National Institute of Justice.--The Committee
recommendation provides $55,000,000 for the National Institute
of Justice (NIJ). In addition, NIJ will receive funding under
the Byrne Discretionary program, the Violence Against Women
Prevention and Prosecution program, and the DNA Initiative.
NIJ is the Nation's primary source of research and
development in the field of criminal justice. NIJ fosters
innovation in law enforcement technologies and practices,
investigates causes and patterns of crime, and informs the
public of research and development findings. The Committee
encourages NIJ to work with Federal law enforcement agencies in
the development of law enforcement technologies to ensure
coordination of research and development efforts.
The recommendation continues the current year level of
funding for the NIJ's National Law Enforcement and Corrections
Technology Centers. The Committee supports the Border Research
and Technology Center and recognizes the important technology
assistance and technical information it has provided to
Federal, State, and local law enforcement operations in the
border region.
Missing Children.--The Committee recommendation provides
$55,473,000 for the Missing Children Program for fiscal year
2007, which is $8,086,000 above the enacted level and
$4,545,000 above the request. This program provides funds to
combat crimes against children, particularly kidnapping and
sexual exploitation.
The recommendation includes an increase of $5,000,000 over
the request and $6,060,000 over the current year for Internet
Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces and $1,000,000 over
the request and $1,113,000 over the current year for the
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to
increase efforts to prevent child on-line exploitation.
The following table displays the Committee's funding
recommendation for this program:
MISSING CHILDREN PROGRAM
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2007
enacted request recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NCMEC......................... 23,693 23,806 24,806
Jimmy Ryce Law Enforcement 2,962 2,976 2,976
Training Center..............
ICAC.......................... 14,315 15,375 20,375
AMBER Alert................... 4,936 4,960 4,960
Missing and Exploited Children 1,481 1,488 2,356
Office.......................
Management and Administration. ........... 1,928 ..............
Unallocated................... ........... 395 ..............
-----------------------------------------
Total..................... 47,387 50,928 55,473
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regional Information Sharing System.--The Committee
recommendation provides $39,676,000 for fiscal year 2007 for
the Regional Information Sharing System (RISS), which is
$43,000 below the enacted level and the same as the request.
The RISS program maintains six regionally-based information
sharing centers throughout the United States, which are
connected electronically to form a nationwide network for the
automated exchange of crime and terrorism information between
Federal, State, and local agencies. The Committee is pleased
with the Administration's efforts to integrate RISS with the
Law Enforcement On-Line (LEO) program and other information
sharing programs. The Committee directs the Department to
ensure that other inter-state information sharing systems
funded by OJP and COPS utilize existing communications
infrastructure and are compatible with RISS and LEO.
Justice for All Act/Victim Notification.--The
recommendation includes a total of $10,960,000 for activities
authorized by the Justice for All Act, Public Law 108-405, to
increase enforcement of crime victims' rights, including
support for the Statewide Automated Victim Information
Notification (SAVIN) program.
White Collar Crime Center.--The Committee recommends
$8,000,000 for the National White Collar Crime Center, which is
$885,000 below the enacted level and $8,000,000 above the
request. This program provides training, technical assistance,
and investigative support to State and local law enforcement to
combat white-collar and economic crimes such as fraud and
identity theft.
Management and Administration.--The Committee
recommendation provides $10,466,000 in direct appropriations
for the management and administration of OJP programs, which is
$24,087,000 below the enacted level and the same as the
request. In addition, consistent with prior practice,
reimbursable funding for management and administration costs
will be made available from programs administered by OJP from
the ``Community Oriented Policing Services'' account. Further,
the Committee notes that remaining management and
administration funding will be made available from the
``Juvenile Justice Programs'' and the ``State and Local Law
Enforcement Assistance'' accounts, and that these funds will be
transferred to and merged with the ``Justice Assistance''
account.
STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE
The Committee recommends a total of $1,103,492,000 for
State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance programs. This
amount is $1,103,492,000 above the request and $149,619,000
below the enacted level. The Committee does not adopt the
Administration's proposal to consolidate this appropriation
under the Justice Assistance heading.
The table below displays funding for programs recommended
under this heading compared to the level of funding requested
under the Justice Assistance account for the same activities.
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2007
enacted request\1\ recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant......................... 411,159 .............. 558,077
(Boys and Girls Clubs)...................................... (83,914) 59,512 (75,000)
(National Institute of Justice)............................. (9,872) .............. ..............
(Byrne Discretionary Grants)................................ .............. .............. (115,225)
State Criminal Alien Assistance................................. 399,827 .............. 405,000
Southwest Border Prosecutors.................................... 29,617 29,757 30,000
Byrne Discretionary Grants...................................... 189,255 .............. ..............
Victims of Trafficking.......................................... 9,872 21,488 21,488
State Prison Drug Treatment..................................... 9,872 .............. 5,000
Drug Courts..................................................... 9,872 69,186 40,000
Prescription Drug Monitoring.................................... 7,404 9,919 10,000
Prison Rape Prevention and Prosecution.......................... 17,943 1,984 22,943
Capital Litigation.............................................. 987 14,879 2,000
Cannabis Eradication............................................ 4,936 10,713 ..............
Indian Assistance Programs...................................... 21,719 .............. ..............
Intelligence State and Local Training........................... 9,872 .............. 2,000
Missing Alzheimer's Patients.................................... 840 .............. ..............
Mentally Ill Offender Act....................................... 4,936 .............. 5,000
Sex Offender Registry........................................... .............. 1,984 1,984
What Works...................................................... .............. 992 ..............
Emergency Supplemental.......................................... 125,000 .............. ..............
-----------------------------------------------
Total....................................................... 1,253,111 .............. 1,103,492
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Some programs shown for display purposes only. They were in the budget request, but under other account
headings.
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants Program.--
The Committee recommendation includes $558,077,000 for the
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) program.
Of the amount provided, $367,852,000 is for the JAG formula
grant program authorized by the Violence Against Women and
Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Public Law
109-162). The recommendation for JAG formula grants is
$367,852,000 above the budget request and $50,479,000 over the
enacted level.
Funding under this program is authorized for (a) law
enforcement programs; (b) prosecution and court programs; (c)
prevention and education programs; (d) corrections and
community corrections programs; (e) drug treatment and
enforcement programs; (f) planning, evaluation, and technology
improvement programs; and (g) crime victim and witness programs
(other than compensation). Funding is not available for (a)
vehicles, vessels, or aircraft; (b) luxury items; (c) real
estate; or (d) construction projects.
The formula used for distributing funds under this program
allocates 50 percent of funding based on population, and 50
percent based on violent crime rates. The formula allocates 60
percent of funding to States and 40 percent to units of local
government.
Of the amount provided, $75,000,000 is for Boys and Girls
Clubs, which is $15,488,000 above the request. The Committee
provides these funds to deter young people from entering gangs
and participating in other criminal activities.
Of the amount provided, $115,225,000 is for discretionary
grants to help to improve the functioning of the criminal
justice system with an emphasis on drugs, violent crime, and
serious offenders. Grants shall be awarded for the same
authorized purposes as the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant program. Within the amounts provided, the
Committee expects OJP to examine each of the following
proposals, to provide grants if warranted, and to submit a
report to the Committee on its intentions for each proposal:
Virginia Attorney General's Office for law
enforcement initiatives;
Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Drug Task
Force;
The Women's Center in Vienna, VA;
Polaris Project;
Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force;
ChildSafeNet in Fairfax County, VA;
Tahirih Justice Center in Falls Chirch, VA;
William and Mary College's Courtroom 21 Project;
Pre-release and post-incarceration services
programs for Commonwealth of Virginia;
Court programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia to
combat drugs and drug related crime;
Virginia State Police for Gang Education and
Community Awareness Program;
Virginia Community Policing Institute;
Securing Emergency Resources Through Volunteer
Efforts (SERVE) for a re-entry program;
International Institute for Alcohol Awareness for
law enforcement training on liquor law enforcement;
National Association of Town Watch's National
Night Out crime prevention program;
National Citizens Crime Prevention Campaign;
National Institute on State Policy on Trafficking
of Women and Girls;
Mothers Against Drunk Driving;
Pegasus;
Concordia Parish, LA, Police Jury;
West Carroll Parish, LA, Sheriff's Office;
Texas Border Sheriffs' Coalition;
Texas Governor's Office for Operation Rio Grande;
City of Houston, TX, Violent Criminal Gang
Initiative;
Southwest Texas law enforcement initiative;
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network;
Operation Blue Ridge Thunder;
Cook County, IL, Cold Case Homicide Unit;
Yancey County, NC, Sheriff's Department;
Tarleton State University for Rural Law
Enforcement Information Technology and Anti-Terrorism Service
Center;
Coryell County, TX, Sheriff's Department;
Grass Valley, CA, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Women's Center of Tarrant County, TX;
Ohio State Patrol;
Clark, Greene, Fayette, and Pickaway Counties, OH,
for a law enforcement initiative;
University of Central Oklahoma for a law
enforcement initiative;
Training Demonstration Program for Oklahoma law
enforcement officers;
Enough is Enough;
Moultrie County, GA, Police Department;
Birmingham Family Services in Oakland County, MI;
Michigan Jewish Institute for a law enforcement
initiative;
San Bernardino County and Riverside County, CA,
Regional Fingerprint Identification Program;
City of Redlands, CA, East Valley Justice
Communications Center;
Riverside County, CA, Web Wise Kids Program;
San Bernardino County, CA, for a law enforcement
initiative;
City of Redlands, CA, Crime Analysis System;
Midwest Forensics Center at Iowa State University;
Iowa State University for a cyber crime program;
Drug Abuse Resistance Education;
Parents Anonymous;
Advanced Science and Technology Adjudication
Resource Center;
Operation UNITE for a drug enforcement, treatment
and education program;
London City, KY, Police Department;
Criminal Information Sharing Alliance Network;
Bannock, Bonneville, Madison, and Oneida Counties,
ID, for a law enforcement initiative;
New York State Center for Security Technologies;
Warren County, NY, District Attorney's Office;
Saratoga County, NY, District Attorney's Office;
Phoenix House in Delaware County, NY;
Center for Court Innovation;
University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation
Center;
Drug Court Program in Chattanooga, TN;
State Attorney Safe Schools Program, FL;
National Forensic Science Technology Center in
Largo, FL;
St. Petersburg College for law enforcement
training;
Elder Justice Information Center at Stetson
University College of Law;
National Clearinghouse for Science and the Law at
Stetson University College of Law;
RUSH Task Force in Virginia;
Davis County, UT, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Citizens Crime Watch of Florida;
National Association of Court Management;
Inner Harbor, GA, for Children and Families;
Phoenix House, TX;
Kane County, IL, for a mental health court;
Carpentersville, IL, Community Response Team;
City of Springfield, MO, law enforcement
initiative;
National Motor Vehicle Title Information System;
Ascension Parish, LA, Law Enforcement Training
Center;
Will County, IL, Sheriff's Office for a law
enforcement initiative;
Pasco County, FL, Sheriff's Office for a law
enforcement initiative;
National Institute of Justice's Cyberscience
Laboratory in Rome, NY;
Carroll County, NH, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Regional Crime Laboratory at Sam Houston State
University;
City of Denton, TX, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Midland County, MI, for a court program;
Salt Lake County, UT, Sheriff's Office;
Richmond, VA, Police Department for a law
enforcement training program;
Town of Culpeper and County of Culpeper, VA, for a
law enforcement and gang violence prevention program;
Page County, VA, for a law enforcement initiative;
Cincinnati, OH, Police Department for a law
enforcement initiative;
Laporte County, IN, Sheriff's Department;
City of South Bend, IN, Police Department;
City of High Point, NC, for a law enforcement
initiative;
SEARCH Program;
City of Chesapeake, VA, for gang suppression
activities;
Action in the Community Through Service in Prince
William County, VA;
Vienna, VA, Police Department;
Annandale, VA, Christian Community for Action;
Youth Crime Watch of America;
Oldham County, KY, Sheriffs Office for a law
enforcement initiative;
HELP House in Philadelphia, PA;
Greenville, PA, for a law enforcement initiative;
Bucks County, PA, for a gang enforcement
initiative;
Indian River Community College for a law
enforcement initiative;
New York City, NY, for a law enforcement
initiative;
City of Glendale, AZ, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Ventura County, CA, Sheriff's Office for a law
enforcement initiative;
Hackettstown, NJ, for a law enforcement
initiative;
All Kids Count;
National Council of Juvenile Family Court Judges;
City of Nacogdoches, TX, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Synergy Domestic Violence Program in Parkville,
MO;
American Prosecutors Research Institute;
Minnesota CrimNet;
Gang of One in Charlotte, NC;
Richmond County, NC, for law enforcement
equipment;
City of Chandler, AZ, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Mesa, AZ, for a law enforcement initiative;
Vincennes University Center for Applied Technology
for a law enforcement initiative;
Owen County, IN, for a law enforcement initiative;
Vanderburgh County, IN, for a law enforcement
initiative;
City of Greenville, SC, for a law enforcement
initiative;
City of Oceanside, CA, for a gang prevention
program;
McLean County, IL, for a drug court program;
Currituck, Duplin, and Tyrell, NC, for a law
enforcement initiative;
Phoenix House in Westchester County, NY;
Putnam County, NY, for a law enforcement
initiative;
National Training Center in Sioux City, IA, for
law enforcement training;
Steuben County, NY, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Monroe County, NY, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Rural Justice Institute at Alfred University in
Alfred, NY;
Horizon House, OH;
Atlantic County, NJ, and Cape May County, NJ, for
a law enforcement initiative;
Saline, Smith, Kearney and Meade Counties, KS, for
a law enforcement initiative;
Weld County, CO, Gang Task Force;
Eastern Colorado Plains Drug Task Force;
Crossroads Safehouse in Fort Collins, CO;
Mecklenburg County, NC, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Schoolcraft College, MI, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Rutherford County, NC, for a drug interdiction
program;
SUNY-Canton for a law enforcement training
program;
Central Ohio Drug Enforcement Task Force;
City of Henderson, NV, for law enforcement
initiatives;
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for law
enforcement initiatives;
Franklin County, OH, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Columbus, OH, for a law enforcement initiative;
King County, WA, for law enforcement initiatives;
Broward County, FL, for a law enforcement
initiative;
University of Connecticut for a law enforcement
initiative;
Dubois County, IN, for a law enforcement
initiative;
City of Albuquerque, NM, for a law enforcement
initiative;
San Carlos Apache Tribe, AZ, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Pinal County, AZ, Sheriff's Office;
Delaware County Community College for a law
enforcement initiative;
Chester, PA, for law enforcement initiatives;
City of Abilene and Taylor County, TX, for a law
enforcement initiative;
Lavonia, GA, Police Department for a law
enforcement initiative;
ACTION Project in San Joaquin Valley, CA;
Buchanan, Jones, and Scott Counties, IA, for a law
enforcement initiative;
Texas State University at San Marcos for a law
enforcement initiative;
Dona Ana County, NM, for a law enforcement
initiative;
MISSING Program in Indiana;
Smith County, MS, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Counties of Calhoun and Cleburne, AL, for drug and
violent crime task forces;
Talladega County, AL, for a drug task force;
Judicial Education Reference, Information and
Technical Transfer, MI;
City of Westminster, CA, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Miami Partnership for Action in Communities Task
Force for anti-gang initiatives;
Law enforcement training activities in
Hughesville, PA;
Eastern Montgomery County, PA, for law enforcement
training;
A Child Is Missing, WI;
City of Altoona, PA, Police Department;
Providence House, NJ, for domestic violence
programs;
Howell, NJ, for a law enforcement initiative;
National Center for Audio/Video Forensics, CO;
Kern County, CA, for law enforcement activities;
Bakersfield, CA, for gang violence activities;
Columbus, OH, for an anti-gang initiative;
Deschutes County, OR, drug court initiative;
City of Streator, IL, for a law enforcement
initiative;
Hilton Head Island and Beaufort County, SC, for a
law enforcement initiative;
Phoenix House, Long Island, NY;
Town of Amherst, NY, Police Department;
Town of Greece, NY, Police Department;
Noble County and DeKalb County, IN, for law
enforcement initiatives;
Greene County, MO, for law enforcement
initiatives;
Honolulu, HI, Youth Challenge Program;
Greater Portland, ME, program for victims of
violent crime;
Camden County, NJ, Collaborative Drug Intervention
Committees;
California Western School of Law California
Innocence Project;
Los Angeles City/County, CA, (CLEAR) anti-gang
program;
Calhoun County, GA, Family Connection program for
at-risk teenagers;
Parents for Megan's Law, NY;
Suffolk County, NY, Police Department Computer
Crimes Section;
Sac and Fox Tribal Police Force, IA;
Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy;
Ohio DOVE domestic violence program;
United Way for Southeastern Michigan for
recidivism reduction program;
Davidson County, TN, Mental Health Court;
Madison County, AL, for adult, juvenile, family
drug court and mental health court;
Madison, AL, Police Department for domestic
violence program;
Urban Criminal Justice Research and Training, MD;
Alabama New Options program;
F.A.I.T.H. Inc. to reduce recidivism, IL;
IL New Beginning program;
Neighborhood Re-entry Center, Chicago, IL;
A Child is Missing, CT;
New Haven, CT, Court Team;
University of Connecticut research on crime
prevention program;
Collaborative Network Security Development, MI;
Travis County, TX, Sheriff's Office program for
at-risk youth;
Duquesne/Carnegie Mellon University cyber crime
project;
Homestead Borough, PA, Police Department drug
prevention programs;
ALERRT Program;
Johnson County, TX, Police;
Johnson County, TX, Stop the Offender Program;
Somervell County, TX, Police;
East Palo Alto, CA, for a violence and gang
prevention initiative;
Ex-offenders program, PA;
FDRC in PA;
Philadelphia, PA, PSR Program to reduce violence
in schools;
San Diego County, CA, SAFE Task Force training;
Illinois Comprehensive Domestic Violence Program;
Los Angeles, CA, Community Policing Program;
Phoenix Academy of LA for at-risk youth program;
Children's Home Society of South Dakota;
Prince George's County, MD, State Attorney Office
for Rehabilitative Project;
Prince George's County, MD, Victim Advocate
program;
Suffolk County, NY, District Attorney Office for
Senior Abuse Unit;
Chicago, IL, metropolitan domestic violence
program;
Chicago, IL, CAPS program for at-risk youth;
Harris County, TX, Special Crime Task Force;
East Stroudsburg, PA, Cyber Crime and Forensics
Institute;
Luzerne County, PA, Drug Court Program;
Northwest, OH, program for at-risk youth;
John Jay College Crime Prevention and Control
Center;
RI Family Court for Mental Health Court;
Bridges to Success Transitional Project parolees
program;
Safe and Clean Detroit Initiative;
Wayne County, MI, Jail Diversion Assistance
Initiative;
East Bay, CA, Community Law Center;
Youth Uprising project for at-risk youth and young
adults;
NY Women's Justice Center;
Rockland County, NY, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement equipment;
Westchester and Rockland County, NY, for crime
prevention programs;
Westchester County, NY, for criminal intelligence
fusion center;
Stoughton, MA, for Community Policing initiative;
NY Education Outreach for at-risk youth and
adults;
The Doe Fund;
Hispanic Counseling Center for Mental Health
Domestic Violence Program;
Seattle, WA, Police Department for at-risk youth
programs;
MA Tech Mission for at-risk youth programs;
NY Domestic Violence Legal Connection;
Unity House of Troy, NY, Victims of Domestic
Violence progam;
Solano County, CA, Probation Department;
Fairmont State College program for law enforcement
personnel computational tools;
Glenville State College program for criminal
justice and overcoming geographical challenges in support of
law enforcement communications systems;
National White Collar Crime Center;
Salvation Army of Wheeling, WV, program for
domestic violence;
Steganography Analysis Research Center;
West Liberty State College program for law
enforcement technology commercialization and corrections
training;
West Virginia University programs for law
enforcement biometric analysis systems and environments, public
safety personnel protection system, and law enforcement
information technology and analysis program
Kansas City, KS, Police Department for the Victims
Services Unit
Wyandotte County, KS, Neighborhoods NOW program;
John Jay College of Criminal Justice;
Springfield, MA, for law enforcement equipment;
Westfield, MA, law enforcement training program;
WI Alliance for Children and Families;
Berkshire, MA, for law enforcement training;
Back on Track program for at-risk youth;
CA Department of Justice crime scene response;
San Francisco, CA, Ex-Offender Re-entry Services;
STP for legal programs;
Willmar, MN, for anti-gang programs;
Native Americans into Law Program at the
University of North Dakota;
Phoenix House, NY;
STRIVE program;
Fairleigh Dickinson University Computer Forensics
Laboratory;
Asian Pacific Womens Center for domestic violence
programs, CA;
Bienestar programs for at-risk youth, CA;
Resource Center on Workplace Violence, CA;
Hennepin County, MN, Automated Criminal Charging
Project;
City of South Gate, CA;
Anaheim, CA, Family Justice Center;
Eastern Montgomery County, PA, for law enforcement
training activities;
Girls Incorporated for at-risk youth programs, VA;
Citizens Advice Bureau, NY;
CONNECT Domestic Violence Program, NY;
Dominican Women's Development Center, NY;
The Bronx Coalition, NY;
Urban Justice Center, NY;
Buffalo City, NY, domestic violence program;
Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute for law
enforcement training;
Los Angeles, CA, Domestic Abuse Response Team;
Lancaster County, SC, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement training;
Mahoning County, OH, for anti-drug programs;
Essex County, MA, Sheriff's Office for anti-drug
programs;
State of New Mexico Narcotics Section for anti-
drug programs;
Maryland Regional Gang Initiative;
Winston-Salem & Forsyth County, NC, for law
enforcement equipment;
Center Point, CA, for re-entry services;
Washington County, OR, drug court;
Plymouth County, MA, domestic violence program;
Philadelphia, PA, domestic violence program;
Ready4Work juvenile offender re-entry program; and
Ouachita County, AR, Sheriff's Department.
State Criminal Alien Assistance Program.--The
recommendation provides $405,000,000 for the State Criminal
Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) for reimbursement to States
for the costs of incarceration of criminal aliens, which was
again proposed for elimination in the budget request. The
recommendation provides a $5,173,000 increase above the fiscal
year 2006 level.
Southwest Border Prosecutions.--The Committee recommends
$30,000,000 to provide assistance to State and local law
enforcement agencies (including prosecutors, probation
officers, courts, and detention facilities) along the southwest
border with the handling and processing of drug and alien cases
referred from Federal arrests. The recommendation is $383,000
above the fiscal year 2006 level.
Victims of Trafficking.--The recommendation includes
$21,488,000 to enhance State and local efforts to combat
trafficking of persons, as authorized by section 204 of the
Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005
(Public Law 109-164), and to conduct comprehensive research and
statistical review of sex trafficking and unlawful commercial
sex acts in the United States, as authorized by section 201 of
Public Law 109-164. The amount provided is $11,616,000 above
the enacted level and the same as the request. The Committee
encourages the Department of Justice to work with the
Department of State and the Department of Health and Human
Services to strengthen anti-trafficking training programs.
State Prison Drug Treatment.--The recommendation includes
$5,000,000 for state prison drug treatment programs, which is
$5,000,000 over the request.
Drug Courts.--The recommendation includes $40,000,000 for
the drug court program, which is $30,128,000 above the current
year.
Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.--The
recommendation includes $10,000,000 for the Harold Rogers
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to assist States in
building or enhancing prescription drug monitoring systems,
facilitating the exchange of information among States, and
providing technical assistance and training on establishing and
operating effective prescription drug monitoring programs. The
Committee expects that OJP will continue to work with the DEA
to implement this program. This amount is $2,596,000 above the
enacted level and $81,000 above the request.
Prison Rape Prevention and Prosecution.--The Committee's
recommendation provides $22,943,000 to implement the Prison
Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-79). This amount
is $5,000,000 above the enacted level and $20,959,000 above the
request. The Committee is disappointed that the
Administration's request significantly reduces funding for the
program and fears that this action demonstrates a lack of
commitment to fully implement the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
The recommendation provides $14,768,000 for the collection
of statistics, data and research; $1,000,000 for the National
Institute of Corrections for a national clearinghouse,
training, and education; $5,000,000 for grants to States to
protect inmates and safeguard communities; and $2,175,000 to be
transferred to the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission.
The Committee understands that experts have conservatively
estimated that at least 13 percent of the inmates in the United
States have been sexually assaulted in prison and that many
inmates have suffered repeated assaults. Under this estimate,
nearly 200,000 inmates now incarcerated have been, or will be,
the victims of prison rape. The total number of inmates who
have been sexually assaulted in the past twenty years likely
exceeds 1,000,000. The Committee understands that prison rape
contributes to the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases,
such as HIV and AIDS. The Committee also recognizes that
mentally ill and juvenile inmates are particularly vulnerable
to sexual victimization. The Committee further understands that
most prison staff are not adequately trained or prepared to
prevent, report, or treat inmate sexual assaults, and that
prison rape often goes unreported. The Committee looks forward
to the recommendations of the National Prison Rape Elimination
Commission and the data collected by the Bureau of Justice
Statistics (BJS) to further illuminate the problem and identify
ways to improve the Nation's prison system. The Committee hopes
that BJS will work to address the concerns raised by the Prison
Rape Elimination Commission on the question order of the 2006
National Inmate Survey of Sexual Assault so that the results
will be consistent with the intent of the Congress and will
fully display the prevalence of prison rape.
Capital Litigation.--The recommendation includes $2,000,000
for capital litigation improvement grants. This amount is
$1,013,000 over the enacted level.
Improving State and Local Law Enforcement Intelligence
Capabilities.--The recommendation includes $2,000,000 for the
implementation of the National Criminal Intelligence Sharing
Plan and the efforts of the Global Justice Information Sharing
Initiative. The Committee directs that this funding be used to
support training for State and local law enforcement on the
intelligence process, including planning, collection, analysis,
dissemination and reevaluation. This program should continue to
provide support for training in the use of intelligence as a
tool in identifying pre-incident indicators. It should also
include training to ensure that law enforcement officials are
protecting individuals' privacy, civil rights, civil liberties,
and constitutional rights while gathering intelligence. The
Committee also expects these funds to be available to promote
the use of information technology standards among law
enforcement to ensure that that data can be exchanged across
disparate information systems.
Mentally-Ill Offenders.--The Committee is concerned about
the effects of the criminal justice system on the mentally-ill.
The recommendation includes $5,000,000 for grants authorized by
the Mentally Ill Offender Act of 2004.
Sex Offender Registry.--The recommendation includes
$1,984,000, as requested, for the training and technical
activities of the Comprehensive Sex Offender Management
initiative as well as the implementation and maintenance of a
national citizen access portal for public State sex offender
registries.
COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES
The Committee recommendation includes $570,545,000 for the
Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program for fiscal
year 2007, which is $98,355,000 above the current year and
$468,449,000 above the request. The table below displays
funding for programs recommended under this heading compared to
the funding requested for the same activities under this
heading and under the Justice Assistance account.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2007
Program enacted request\1\ recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Training and Technical 3,949 3,997 3,997
Assistance...................
Tribal Law Enforcement........ 14,808 31,065 31,065
Methamphetamine Grants........ 62,778 40,084 99,000
Law Enforcement Technologies 138,117 ........... 100,000
and Interoperable
Communications...............
Management and Administration. ........... 26,950 26,950
Bullet-Proof Vests............ 29,617 9,820 20,000
Criminal Records Upgrade...... 9,872 39,180 4,873
DNA Initiative................ 107,145 175,568 175,568
Paul Coverdell Forensic 18,264 ........... ..............
Science......................
Crime Identification 28,407 ........... ..............
Technology Act...............
Project Safe Neighborhoods.... 14,808 58,523 54,808
Anti-Gang Initiative.......... 39,489 14,879 [40,000]
Weed and Seed Program......... ........... 49,348 49,348
Offender Re-Entry............. 4,936 14,879 4,936
-----------------------------------------
Total..................... 472,190 ........... 570,545
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Some programs shown for display purposes only. They were in the
budget request but under other account headings.
Tribal Law Enforcement.--The recommendation includes
$31,065,000 for tribal law enforcement efforts, which is the
same as the request. The recommendation combines funds in this
heading with funds previously appropriated under State and
Local Law Enforcement Assistance. These funds are intended to
meet the most pressing needs of tribes, including law
enforcement hiring, equipment, and training, court improvement
projects, and alcohol and substance abuse reduction programs.
Within the funds provided, tribal special enforcement agencies
shall be eligible for funding.
Methamphetamine Enforcement and Clean-Up.--The Committee
recommends $99,000,000 for grants to address public safety and
methamphetamine manufacturing, sale, and use in ``hot spots,''
including reimbursement of the Drug Enforcement Administration
(DEA) for expenses related to the clean-up of methamphetamine
clandestine labs. This amount is $36,222,000 above the enacted
level and $58,916,000,000 above the request. The Committee is
aware that the production, trafficking, and abuse of
methamphetamine, an extremely destructive and addictive
synthetic drug, continues to be a serious national problem.
Within the amount provided, the Committee has included
$20,000,000 to reimburse the DEA for assistance to State and
local law enforcement for proper removal and disposal of
hazardous materials at clandestine methamphetamine labs,
including funds for training, technical assistance, a container
program, and purchase of equipment.
The Committee expects the COPS Program Office, in
consultation with DEA, to examine each of the following
proposals, to provide grants if warranted, and to submit a
report to the Committee on its intentions for each proposal:
Virginia State Police for the NW Virginia Regional
and Harrisonburg Drug Task Forces to combat meth;
Partnership for a Drug Free America;
Louisiana Methamphetamine Task Force;
Macon County, NC, Methamphetamine Initiative;
Lamar County, AL, Sheriff's Office;
Etowah County, AL, Commission for Drug Enforcement
Unit;
South Central Missouri Drug Task Force;
Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force;
Mineral Area, MO, Drug Task Force;
Kentucky MethCheck;
Anti-meth activities in Montana;
Bradford County, PA, Sheriff's Office for a
methamphetamine initiative;
Tennessee Statewide Methamphetamine Task Force;
Metro Drug Task Force, Kanawha County, WV;
Polk County, FL, Sheriff's Office Methamphetamine
Project;
Hillsborough County, FL, Sheriff's Office for a
methamphetamine initiative;
Bibb County, AL, for a methamphetamine eradication
program;
Jefferson County, CO, Methamphetamine Response
Collaborative;
Arkansas Meth Hot Spots Initiative;
Criminal Justice Institute, AR, for
Methamphetamine Education and Training;
TEMPEST for on-going anti-meth activities in PA;
Pennsylvania Attorney General for anti-meth
activities;
Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force;
Bucks County, PA, for a methamphetamine
initiative;
Nebraska State Patrol for a methamphetamine
initiative;
Boys and Girls Home of Nebraska for anti-meth
activities;
Partnership Carson City, NV, Anti-Meth Coalition;
Franklin County, MO, for an anti-methamphetamine
initiative;
State of Iowa for Community Meth Enforcement
Teams;
Daviess County, KY, for Regional Methamphetamine
Eradication;
Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drug
Control;
California Methamphetamine Strategy;
Washington State University for methamphetamine
research;
Spokane County, WA, for anti-meth activities;
Washington State Methamphetamine Initiative;
Coconino County, AZ, for a methamphetamine
initiative;
State of New Mexico for anti-meth activities;
Hillsdale County, MI, for a drug enforcement team;
Sangamon County, IL, for anti-meth activities;
Indiana Criminal Justice Institute;
Integrating Systems Against Methamphetamine Abuse
at the University of Nebraska;
Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force, KY;
Riverside County, CA, Drug Endangered Children;
University of Nebraska for research on a
methamphetamine vaccine;
Crittenden County, AR, Sheriffs Office Narcotics
Department;
Second Judicial District, AR, Drug Task Force;
Grady County, GA, Sheriffs Office Meth program;
Multnomah County, OR, Comprehensive Stomp Out Meth
Project;
St. Louis County, MO, meth project;
Franklin County, IL, Sheriff's Department to
combat meth;
Union County, IL, Sheriff's Department to combat
meth;
Colbert County, AL, Sheriffs Office;
Madison-Morgan County, AL, Strategic Counter Drug
Team;
Morgan County, AL, Sheriff's Office special meth
response team;
Scottsboro, AL, Police Department;
McMullen County, TX, for drug hot spots;
14th Judicial District TN Drug and Violent Crime
Taskforce;
Lane County, OR, Methamphetamine Abatement
Initiative;
South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team (SCINT),
OR;
Tennessee 13th Judicial District for meth
enforcement;
Tennessee meth educational program;
Lincoln County, OR, Methamphetamine Initiative;
Marion County, OR, Kids First Initiative for
children affected by meth addiction;
Maine State Police to combat meth abuse;
Solano County Sheriff's Office multi-
jurisdictional methamphetamine enforcement team (Cal-MMET), CA;
Crystal meth campaign, NY;
Northeast Law Enforcement Administrator's Council
(NLEAC) to combat meth, MN;
Northwest WI STOP Meth Project;
White Earth Tribal Nation to combat meth, MN;
Willmar, MN, meth education;
Rural Methamphetamine Enforcement--North Dakota;
Phoenix House, CA, adolescent meth drug treatment;
Grand Junction, CO, Meth Drug Task Force;
Missouri Meth Program;
Jackson County, MS, Sheriff's Office to fight
meth; and
18th Judicial District, AR, meth initiative.
Law Enforcement Technologies and Interoperable
Communications Program.--The Committee recommendation provides
$100,000,000 for continued development of technologies and
automated systems to assist State and local law enforcement
agencies in investigating, responding to and preventing crimes,
and gathering and analyzing information, and for the continued
development of interoperable communications systems for State
and local law enforcement entities. The recommendation restores
$100,000,000 above the request. The Committee recognizes the
importance that sharing information among State and local law
enforcement agencies can have in preventing crimes and in
identifying and apprehending criminals. The Department of
Justice shall continue the interoperable communications grant
program to the maximum extent possible.
In examining all grant applications under this program, the
COPS Office is directed to ensure that proposals meet equipment
standards adopted by the National Institute of Justice and the
Bureau of Justice Assistance within the Office of Justice
Programs and the Office of Law Enforcement Standards within the
National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Within the amount provided, the Committee expects the COPS
office to examine each of the following proposals, to provide
grants if warranted, if each application complies with the
direction provided above, and to submit a report to the
Committee on its intentions for each proposal:
Statewide records management system for Virginia
law enforcement;
Integrated Criminal Justice Information System for
the State of Virginia;
Law enforcement communications planning in the
State of Virginia;
Town of Basile, LA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Southside Virginia law enforcement agencies for
law enforcement technologies;
Lake County, IL, Integrated Criminal Justice
Information System;
Northwest Chicago, IL, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of Melbourne, FL, for law enforcement
technologies;
Northwest Shoals Community College, AL, for law
enforcement technologies;
Law enforcement technologies for the Middle Rio
Grande Border Region of Texas;
City of Jacksonville, FL, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement technologies;
Nevada County, CA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Placer County, CA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Grass Valley, CA, Police Department for law
enforcement technologies;
Plumas County, CA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Morris County, NJ, Police Department for law
enforcement technologies;
Sussex County, NJ, Police Department for law
enforcement technologies;
Somerset County, NJ, Police Department for law
enforcement technologies;
West Essex Portion of Essex County, NJ, Police
Department for law enforcement technologies;
Greene County, OH, for law enforcement
technologies;
Pima County, AZ, for law enforcement technologies;
Cochise County, AZ, and City of Sierra, AZ, for
law enforcement technologies;
Long County, GA, Sheriff's Department for law
enforcement technologies;
Logan County, IL, for law enforcement
technologies;
Adams County, IL, for law enforcement
technologies;
Peoria County, IL, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of San Bernardino, CA, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of Banning, CA, for interoperable
communications for law enforcement;
Howard County, IA, Sheriff's Department for law
enforcement technologies;
Louisville, KY, Metro Police Department for law
enforcement technologies;
Stark County, OH, for law enforcement
technologies;
Wayne County, OH, for law enforcement
technologies;
Law enforcement initiatives in the State of
Montana;
Sedgwick County, KS, for law enforcement
technologies;
Wichita, KS, Police Department for law enforcement
technologies;
Onondaga County, NY, for interoperable
communications and law enforcement technologies;
City of Syracuse, NY, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of Chattanooga, TN, Police Department for law
enforcement technologies;
City of Oak Ridge, TN, Police Department for law
enforcement technologies;
City of Southaven, MS, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of Como, MS, for law enforcement
technologies;
Alcorn County, MS, for law enforcement
technologies;
Stafford County, VA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Weber County, UT, for law enforcement
technologies;
Interoperable communications for South Carolina
law enforcement;
Jefferson County, WV, for interoperable
communications for law enforcement;
Upshur County, WV, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of Norman, OK, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of Hialeah, FL, for law enforcement
technologies;
Klickitat County, WA, for law enforcement
technologies;
North Central Texas Regional Interoperability
Project;
Kane County, IL, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement technologies;
Webb City, MO, law enforcement technologies;
City of Ozark, MO, law enforcement technologies;
Mt. Vernon, MO, law enforcement technologies;
City of Norwalk, CT, for law enforcement
technologies;
Georgetown Special Taxing District, CT, for law
enforcement technologies;
Stamford, CT, for law enforcement technologies;
Anderson County, SC, for law enforcement
technologies;
Montgomery County, TN, for law enforcement
technologies;
Huntington County, IL, for interoperable
communications for law enforcement;
City of Corona, CA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Richmond, VA, Police Department for law
enforcement technologies;
Automated Fingerprint Identification System for
Delaware;
Cincinnati, OH, Police Department for law
enforcement technologies;
Automated Fingerprint Identification System for
Cincinnati, OH;
Midland, TX, for law enforcement technologies;
State of Wyoming for law enforcement technologies;
Chesterfield County, VA, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of Suffolk, VA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Prince George County, VA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Fairfax County, VA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Prince William County, VA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Fairfax City, VA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Lehigh Valley Regional Initiative, PA, for law
enforcement technologies;
Homestead, FL, for law enforcement technologies;
City of Virginia Beach, VA, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of Norfolk, VA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Northampton County, VA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Accomack County, VA, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of Hampton, VA, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of Dothan, AL, for law enforcement
technologies;
Florida Integrated Network for Data Exchange and
Retrieval;
South Plainfield, NJ, for law enforcement
technologies;
Clark, NJ, for law enforcement technologies;
Fanwood, NJ, for law enforcement technologies;
Edison, NJ, for law enforcement technologies;
Montgomery Township, NJ, for law enforcement
technologies;
Springfield Township, NJ, for law enforcement
technologies;
Bucks County, PA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Okeechobee County, FL, Sheriff's Department for
law enforcement technologies;
Lincoln, NE, for law enforcement technologies;
Municipality of Arroyo, PR, for law enforcement
technologies;
Municipality of Luquillo, PR, for law enforcement
technologies;
Municipality of Manati, PR, for law enforcement
technologies;
Municipality of Rio Grande, PR, for law
enforcement technologies;
Ponce Region, PR, for interoperable communications
for law enforcement;
Iredell County, NC, for law enforcement
technologies;
West Pikeland Township, PA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Huron County, PA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Center Township, PA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Ross Township, PA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Cities of Concord, Kannapolis, and Cabarrus
County, NC, for law enforcement technologies;
City of Tempe, AZ, for interoperable
communications for law enforcement;
Terre Haute, IN, for law enforcement technologies;
San Diego, CA, for law enforcement technologies;
Sevier County, TN, for interoperable
communications for law enforcement;
Tangipahoa Parish, LA, for interoperable
communications for law enforcement;
Town of Canton, CT, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of New Britain, CT, for law enforcement
technologies;
Town of Southbury, CT, for law enforcement
technologies;
Rockland County, NY, for interoperable
communications for law enforcement;
Osceola County, FL, for law enforcement
technologies;
Seminole County, FL, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of St. Cloud, MN, for interoperable
communications for law enforcement;
Cape May County, NJ, for law enforcement
technologies;
Cumberland County, NJ, for law enforcement
technologies;
Calaveras County, CA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Technology enhancements for law enforcement
agencies in Northwest Illinois;
Putnam County, FL, for law enforcement
technologies;
Shelby Township, Sterling Heights, and Utica, MI,
for law enforcement technologies;
City of Chino, CA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Escambia County, FL, for law enforcement
technologies;
Larimer County, CO, for law enforcement
technologies;
Shreveport, LA, Police Department for law
enforcement technologies;
Palmdale, CA, for law enforcement technologies;
Spokane, WA, Police Department for law enforcement
technologies;
Allegheny County, PA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Penn Township, PA, for law enforcement
technologies;
LaPorte County, IN, for law enforcement
technologies;
South Bend, IN, for law enforcement technologies;
City of Livermore, CA, for interoperable
communications for law enforcement;
San Joaquin County, CA, for interoperable
communications for law enforcement;
City of Morgan Hill, CA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Pierce County, WA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Town of Windham, CT, for law enforcement
technologies;
Will County, IL, for law enforcement technologies;
Lancaster County, PA, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of York, PA, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of Beaumont, TX, for law enforcement
technologies;
Fresno, CA, for law enforcement technologies;
City of Rockford, AL, for law enforcement
technologies;
City of Key West, FL, for law enforcement
technologies;
Neosho County, KS, for law enforcement
technologies;
Whitemarsh Township, PA, for law enforcement
technologies;
Marion County, FL, for law enforcement
technologies;
Town of Oyster Bay, NY, for law enforcement
technologies;
Somerdale, NJ, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Colton, CA, Police Department radio
interoperability project;
San Bernadino, CA, District Attorney for
investigative upgrades;
Green County, WI, Sheriff's Department for
computer upgrade;
Sun Prairie, WI, Police Department for an
integrated records management system;
Athens-Clarke County, GA, Police Department for
law enforcement equipment;
Richmond County, GA, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement equipment;
Barrington-Inverness, IL, Police Department for
law enforcement communications;
Lake Zurich, IL, Police Department for equipment;
North Las Vegas, NV, Police Department for records
management;
Baxter County, AR, for law enforcement
interoperable communications;
Guam Police Department for equipment and continued
development of technologies to improve forensics investigative
capabilities;
McAlestar, OK, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Alleghany, Craig, and Henry Counties, VA, for law
enforcement technology upgrades;
Lorain County, OH, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement equipment;
Baltimore County, MD, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment upgrades;
Villa Julie College Forensic Studies;
City of Stockton, CA, for law enforcement
equipment;
Stanislaus County and City of Modesto, CA, for law
enforcement interoperable communications;
City of Indianapolis, IN, for law enforcement
technology;
Woodford County, KY, for law enforcement
equipment;
Government of Virgin Islands for law enforcement
communications technology;
Claflin University Forensic DNA laboratory;
Trident Technical College Forensics DNA
laboratory;
Ardmore, AL, Police Department for law enforcement
equipment;
Decatur, AL, Police Department for law enforcement
equipment;
Hartselle, AL, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Huntsville, AL, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Jackson County, AL, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement equipment;
Lauderdale County, AL, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement equipment;
Lawrence County, AL, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement equipment;
Madison County, AL, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement equipment;
Moulton, AL, Police Department for law enforcement
equipment;
North Courtland, AL, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Rogersville, AL, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Saint Florian, AL, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Hillsborough, FL, for law enforcement training
equipment;
Roane County, TN, for law enforcement
communications;
San Diego, CA, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Tacoma, WA, Police Department for law enforcement
equipment;
Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police
Chiefs (WASPC) to implement ``30 Day DNA Stranger Rape
Program'';
Downriver Community Conference for law enforcement
equipment, MI;
Monroe County, MI, for law enforcement
communications;
Pittsburgh, PA, for law enforcement equipment;
Grimes County, TX, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Waco City, TX, Police for law enforcement
technology improvements;
Chicago, IL, Police Department Citizen and Law
Enforcement Analysis & Reporting project;
Westchester County, NY, Criminal and Counter
Terrorism Fusion Center;
San Mateo County, CA, forensics lab;
Cumberland County, NC, law enforcement
communications
Wake County, NC, for law enforcement
communications;
Litchfield, IL, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
City of Memphis and Shelby County, TN, for law
enforcement interoperable communications;
Houston, TX, for law enforcement training &
equipment;
West Palm Beach, FL, Police Department for law
enforcement technology;
Oglala Sioux criminal justice equipment;
Buffalo, NY, Police Department for law enforcement
equipment;
Chautauqua County, NY, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement equipment;
Tompkins County, NY, for law enforcement
communications equipment;
Cameron County, TX, for law enforcement
communications;
Borough of Steelton, PA, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Saint Clair, PA, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Franklin Township, NJ, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Marlboro Township, NJ, Police Department;
Township of Old Bridge, NJ, for law enforcement
communications;
Gladstone, OR, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Woodburn, OR, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Calvert County, MD, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement equipment;
Hyattsville, MD, for law enforcement
communications;
Laurel, MD, for law enforcement communications;
Prince George's County, MD, for law enforcement
equipment;
Homewood, IL, for law enforcement communications;
Matteson, IL, for law enforcement equipment;
South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association for
law enforcement equipment, IL;
New Orleans, LA, Police for law enforcement
equipment;
Dallas, TX, for law enforcement equipment;
Lucas County, OH, Sheriff's Department for law
enforcement communications;
Toledo, OH, Sheriff's Department for law
enforcement communications;
Middletown, RI, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Rhode Island State Police for law enforcement
equipment;
Tiverton, RI, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Woonsocket, RI, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Flint, MI, Police Department for law enforcement
equipment;
Narragansett, RI, Police Department for law
enforcement interoperable communications;
Bellingham, WA, Police Department for law
enforcement technology equipment;
Sultan, WA, Police Department for law enforcement
equipment;
Southington, CT, Police Department for law
enforcement communications;
Macomb County, MI, for law enforcement
interoperable communications;
MI cities for law enforcement equipment;
Brookfield, IL, Police Department for law
enforcement communications;
Westchester & Rockland County, NY, for law
enforcement equipment;
Westchester & Rockland County, NY, for law
enforcement communications equipment upgrades;
Lauren's County, GA, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement equipment;
Tifton, GA, Police Department for law enforcement
equipment;
Turner County, GA, Sheriff Office for law
enforcement technology;
Twiggs County, GA, Sheriff's Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Wilkinson County, GA, Sheriff's Office law
enforcement equipment;
City of South St. Paul, MN, Police Department for
law enforcement communications;
Holden, MA, Police for law enforcement equipment;
Brunswick County, NC, for law enforcement
communications;
Law enforcement equipment, NC;
North Carolina Forensic Science Education and
Training Program;
Haverhill, MA, Police Department for law
enforcement communications;
Middlesex Community College for Regional
Technology Training Law Enforcement Collaborative;
Opa-Locka, FL, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Houma Police, LA, Police Department for law
enforcement communications;
Lafourche, LA, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement equipment;
Solano County, CA, for law enforcement
communications;
Cities of Wheeling, Morgantown, Parkersburg,
Fairmont, Weirton, Moundsville, and Clarksburg, WV, for law
enforcement technology;
Fayette, Greene, and Somerset Counties, PA, for
law enforcement equipment;
Southwestern, PA, for law enforcement
technologies;
St. Louis County, MN, for law enforcement
communications;
Bayfield County, WI, for law enforcement
technology and equipment;
Chippewa Valley, WI, for law enforcement
technology and equipment;
Oneida County, WI, for law enforcement
interoperable communications;
Franklin, MA, Regional Council of Governments for
law enforcement communications;
Corpus Christi, TX, for law enforcement
interoperable communications;
Passaic County, NJ, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement equipment;
Cities of Phoenix and Mesa, AZ, for law
enforcement interoperable communications;
Cary, NC, Police Department for law enforcement
equipment;
Durham, NC, Police Department and Durham County,
NC, Sheriff's office for law enforcement equipment;
Raleigh, NC, for law enforcement interoperable
communications;
Wake County, NC, for law enforcement
communications;
ATI for law enforcement equipment;
Cabell County, WV, for law enforcement
interoperable communications;
El Paso, TX, Police Department for law enforcement
equipment;
Fort Lee, NJ, for law enforcement communications;
Saddle Brook, NJ, Police Department for law
enforcement interoperable communications;
Los Angeles, CA, Central City for law enforcement
equipment;
Anoka County, MN, Criminal Justice Integration
Hub;
Hennepin County, MN, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement equipment;
Minneapolis, MN, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Garden Grove, CA, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Abington Township, PA, Police Department for law
enforcement equipment;
Whitemarsh Township, PA, Police Department for law
enforcement technologies;
Kenmore, NY, Police Department for law enforcement
equipment;
Lewiston, NY, Police Department for law
enforcement communications;
Monroe County, NY, for law enforcement equipment;
Auburn, WA, for law enforcement communications;
Monterey Park, CA, for law enforcement
interoperable communications;
City of York, SC, for law enforcement technology;
Rock Hill, SC, Police Department for law
enforcement communications;
Hayward, CA, for law enforcement equipment;
CCE Central Dispatch Authority for law enforcement
communications, MI;
Michigan State Police for law enforcement
equipment;
Fairfield, CA, for law enforcement equipment;
Essex County, MA, Sheriff's Office for law
enforcement communications;
Gaithersburg, MD, for law enforcement equipment;
Lake County, IN, Sheriff's Department for
interoperable communications;
North Lake County, IN, for law enforcement
equipment;
Gardena, CA, for law enforcement equipment;
Burbank, Culver City, Glendale, Montebello, and
Torrance, CA, for law enforcement communications;
Saginaw, MI, for law enforcement equipment;
Prince George's County, MD, Police Department for
law enforcement equipment; and
Frio County, TX, Sheriff for law enforcement
communication equipment.
Bulletproof Vests.--The Committee recommendation includes
$20,000,000 for continuation of the Bulletproof Vest program to
assist State and local law enforcement in purchasing bullet and
stab resistant vests. The Committee recommendation is
$10,180,000 above the request to support this critical safety
measure for the Nation's law enforcement officers.
Criminal History Record Upgrades.--The Committee
recommendation includes $4,873,000 for the Criminal Records
Upgrade program. The goal of this program is to ensure that
accurate records are available for use in law enforcement and
to permit States to identify ineligible firearm purchasers,
persons ineligible to hold positions involving children, the
elderly, or the disabled, and persons subject to protective
orders or wanted, arrested, or convicted of stalking and/or
domestic violence. This program helps States build their
infrastructure to connect to national record check systems both
to supply information and to conduct the requisite checks.
DNA Initiative.--The Committee recommendation is
$175,568,000 for a DNA and forensics initiative, $68,423,000
above the current year level and the same as the request.
The recommendation fully funds the next investment to
eliminate the DNA backlog in five years. The Committee
recognizes that DNA technology will allow law enforcement to
identify certain criminals quickly and accurately, solve
additional crimes, especially violent crimes such as murder and
rape, and identify persons mistakenly accused or convicted of
crimes. Funds are available for the following activities: (1)
reduce the backlog of DNA samples; (2) increase State and local
lab capacity; (3) conduct research, development,
demonstrations, and evaluations; (4) provide training and
technical assistance; (5) identify missing persons and
unidentified remains; and (6) test DNA after convictions. The
Committee understands there is a critical need for advanced
crime scene investigation training and education for local law
enforcement personnel, and expects support to be given to
forensic science crime scene investigation for State and local
law enforcement, including funds for training, education, and
technical assistance.
Project Safe Neighborhoods/Anti-Gang Initiative.--The
Committee recommends $54,808,000 to combat violent crime
through Project Safe Neighborhoods with a focused effort on
areas plagued by gangs. Of the amount provided, $40,000,000
shall be for areas of the country experiencing high gang
activity. The Committee appreciates and supports the Attorney
General's efforts to strengthen Department-wide efforts to
combat gang violence and the appointment of an Assistant U.S.
Attorney in each judicial district as an anti-gang coordinator
to prepare a comprehensive, district-wide strategy--in
consultation with partners from Federal and local law
enforcement, social services providers, and community and
faith-based groups--to coordinate anti-gang activity. The
recommendation includes $40,000,000 for grants to implement
these strategies. The Committee directs that the remaining
$14,808,000 provided for Project Safe Neighborhoods will be
focused on the U.S. cities experiencing a high rate of violent
and drug trafficking crime involving firearms.
Offender Re-entry.--The Committee recommends $4,936,000 for
the law enforcement costs related to establishing offender re-
entry programs, which is the same as the enacted level.
Offender re-entry programs establish partnerships among
institutional corrections, community corrections, faith-based
organizations, social services programs, community policing
groups, and civic leaders to prepare for the successful return
of inmates to their home neighborhoods. The Committee expects
that OJP will continue working in collaboration with the
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and
Urban Development, and Education in the execution of this
program.
JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS
The Committee recommendation provides a total of
$280,739,000 for Juvenile Justice Programs for fiscal year
2007. The budget request proposes to fund juvenile justice
programs under the Justice Assistance account. The Committee
recommendation is $57,622,000 below the current year and
$92,138,000 above the request for similar juvenile justice
programs. The table below displays the Committee's
recommendation compared to the levels requested under the
Justice Assistance heading for the same programs.
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2006 2007 FY 2007
Program enacted Request\1\ recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part A--Management and 703 706 706
Administration...............
Part B--State Formula......... 78,978 93,187 75,000
Part C--Block Grants.......... ........... 33,452 ..............
Part D--Research and ........... 10,034 ..............
Development..................
Part E--Demonstration Projects 104,674 6,547 59,872
Title V--Incentive Grants..... 64,171 32,004 65,000
Juvenile Mentoring............ 9,872 ........... ..............
Secure Our Schools Act........ 14,808 ........... 14,808
Victims of Child Abuse 14,808 11,679 15,000
Programs.....................
Juvenile Accountability Block 49,361 ........... 49,361
Grant........................
Project Childsafe............. 987 992 992
-----------------------------------------
Total..................... 338,361 ........... 280,739
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Some programs shown for display purposes only. They were in the
budget request but under different account headings.
Within the overall amounts recommended under Part E--
Demonstration Projects, OJP is directed to review the following
proposals, provide a grant if warranted, and submit a report to
the Committee on its intentions regarding:
ChildSave;
Learning for Life;
Virginia Attorney General's Office for Class
Action and other educational programs in Virginia Schools;
National Character Education Foundation;
World Vision;
Eisenhower Foundation;
Big Brothers/Big Sisters;
Self-Reliance Foundation for an anti-gang program
for at-risk youth;
Law-Related Education;
Virginia Child Advocacy Center, Rocky Mount, VA;
Uhlich Children's Advantage Network;
Girls and Boys Town USA;
Pace Center for Girls, FL;
I Have a Dream Foundation, 12th District of TX;
A Child is Missing, 12th District of TX;
Wingspan Eon Youth Program, AZ;
Bethesda Home for Boys, GA;
Oakland County, MI, for juvenile delinquency
prevention programs;
Brooklawn Child and Family Services, KY;
Maryhurst, KY;
Father Maloney's Boys Havens, KY;
Buckhorn Children and Family Services, KY;
ACA-NY for an anti-drinking campaign;
Beaver Springs, PA, for an at-risk youth program;
Northumberland County, PA, Children and Youth;
Youthville Adoption and Trauma Resource Center,
KS;
Florida Venture Foundation Youthbuild Outreach;
Douglas County, GA, at-risk youth programs;
Kids Hope United, FL;
Lighthouse Program, CT;
Team Focus, Mobile, AL;
City of Indio, CA, for a juvenile delinquency
prevention program;
An Achievable Dream in Newport News, VA;
ENS Foundation, VA;
At-risk youth program in Annandale, VA;
Programs for at-risk youth in Fairfax County, VA;
Child Abuse Center in Norfolk, VA;
Pottstown, PA, Police Athletic League;
Girls, Inc.;
ACA-NY for an anti-gang initiative;
The Marcus Institute in Atlanta, GA;
Southwest Keys Program, TX;
Youth Pre-Apprenticeship Program of Ohio;
City of Las Vegas, NV, for a youth initiative;
Mystic, CT, for an at-risk youth program;
City Parks of New York for at-risk youth programs;
OHEL for an at-risk youth and child abuse
prevention programs, NJ;
McDuffie County, GA, for an at-risk youth program;
Minnesota Teen Challenge for at-risk youth
programs;
Check 'Em Out, NJ;
Youth Helpline, NJ, for at-risk youth;
The College of New Jersey for at-risk youth
initiatives;
Boysville, Inc., San Antonio, TX;
Family and Child Services of Tulsa for at-risk
youth;
Youth skills initiative in Dayton, OH;
EXCEL Program, GA, for at-risk youth;
Anchorage, AK, for an at-risk youth program;
Laurinburg, NC, for an at-risk youth program;
Syracuse, NY, for gang prevention activities;
Interventions for Juvenile Offenders in New York
City and Nassau County, NY;
Civic Justice Corps Project for at-risk youth, NJ;
Delaware Valley Ready4Work juvenile re-entry
program;
City of Fontana, CA, for at-risk youth;
Rialto, CA, Police Activities League;
San Bernardino, CA, District Attorney Community Prosecutor
Program to reduce youth violence;
AAFAAC for at-risk youth, CA;
South Los Angeles, CA, for at-risk youth;
WII for at-risk teenagers in Los Angeles, CA;
Las Vegas, NV, Anti-Gang Youth Initiative;
Youth Entrepreneurial Training (YET) Program for
at-risk youth in CA;
Albany, GA, Communities in Schools program for at-
risk youth;
Americus, GA, LEAP/Communities in Schools program
for at-risk youth;
Dougherty County, GA, Child Felony Program;
Family Center of Columbus, GA, for at-risk youth;
Quitman County, GA, Family Connection Project for
at-risk youth;
Rainbow program for at-risk youth, GA;
Terrell County, GA, Family Connection program for
at-risk youth;
Thomasville, GA, Cultural Center program for at-
risk children;
Creative Visions for at-risk youth in Polk County,
IA;
Iowa Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy
(ODCP) for Drug Endangered Children Teams;
Juvenile Justice Education Program Model Study,
FL;
Orange County, FL, for law enforcement equipment/
for at-risk youth;
Akron, OH, program for at-risk youth;
Boston Youth and Gang Strategic Crime Initiative;
RFB&D; New England program for at-risk and
incarcerated youth;
Baltimore City, MD, for programs to prevent youth
violence;
A Better Way for at-risk youth, SC;
Columbia, SC, Urban League for at-risk youth;
Service Over Self for at-risk youth, SC;
South Sumter, SC, Resource Center for at-risk
youth;
Team Focus for at-risk youth, SC;
Wayne County, MI, for the Truancy Reduction
Initiative;
AL program for child victims of physical and
sexual abuse;
Child Abuse Program at National Children's
Advocacy Center;
AL Girls Inc. for at-risk youth programs;
Baltimore, MD, TWIGS (To Work in Gaining Skills)
Program for at-risk children;
Alabama Juvenile Delinquency Prevention
Initiative;
Sankofa Safe Child Initiative for at-risk youth,
IL;
Tampa, FL, for delinquency prevention program for
at-risk youth;
Children's Initiative to target first-time
juvenile, non-violent offenders, CA;
Denver, CO, Road Home Program for at-risk youth;
Mashpee Wampanoag Youth Program for at-risk youth,
MA;
AMISTAD program for at-risk youth, CT;
Public Allies program for at-risk youth, CT;
Washington State program for at-risk youth;
Gwen's Girls program for at-risk youth, PA;
Texas A&M; University youth re-entry program;
Chicago, IL, ASM Program for at-risk youth;
Butler Child Advocacy Center;
Decatur, IL, mentoring program for at-risk youth;
Martin Luther King Center for youth mentoring for
at-risk youth, IL;
Monterey County, CA, Street Violence and Anti-Gang
Project;
Philadelphia, PA, CORE for at-risk youth;
San Antonio, TX, initiative for at-risk girls;
Alief Drug Free program, TX;
Newburgh, NY, Youth Violence and Gang Prevention
Program;
Dauphin County, PA, program for at-risk youth;
New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Most At-
Risk Student program;
San Jose, CA, BEST Program for at-risk youth;
Family Service League of Suffolk County, NY, to
address problems related to at-risk youth;
Big Brothers of Rhode Island programs for at-risk
youth;
Cityyear, RI, programs for at-risk youth;
Kidspeace, RI, programs for at-risk youth;
Providence, RI, Juvenile Justice Program;
United Way of Rhode Island programs for at-risk
youth;
Citizen and Youth Police Academies, MI;
WI Stepping Stones Child Advocacy Center;
The Mentoring Center program for young parolees,
CA;
GA Girls, Inc. programs for at-risk youth;
GA Realizing the Dream project to mentor at-risk
youth;
San Jose, CA, for Youthful Offenders program;
AMB educational programs for at-risk youth, NY;
NY Young Women's program for at-risk youth;
RTC NY for at-risk youth;
Sandy City, UT, Police Department for at-risk
youth programs;
Sacramento, CA, Police Department Gang
Intervention and Prevention Program;
5 Towns Community Center for At-Risk Youth
Development and Education Project, NY;
Eastern Baptist Association for at-risk youth
development initiative;
Hagedorn Family Resource Center for prevention
programs for at-risk children;
Freeport Pride/Nassau County, NY, Probation
Department, Family Division;
Gateway, NY, at-risk youth outreach;
Albany, NY, Police Athletic League;
Albany, NY, Teen Challenge for at-risk youth drug
prevention outreach;
Office of the Queens County, NY, District Attorney
Youth Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative;
South Queens, NY, for at-risk youth;
Shields for Families for at-risk youth, CA;
Children's Home of Wheeling, WV, for at risk youth
program;
Harmony House of Wheeling, WV, for at risk youth
programs;
Kaleidoscope Community Learning Center for at risk
youth programs;
The Shack Neighborhood House for at risk youth
programs;
Vision Appalachia for at risk youth program;
Wheeling, WV, Florence Crittendon program for at
risk youth;
Rosalie Manor Community & Family Services
mentoring program for at-risk youth, WI;
At-risk youth programs in Alexandria, VA;
Arlington, VA, Brigade programs for at-risk youth;
Fairfax Partnership for at-risk youth, VA;
Liberty's Promise services for at-risk youth, VA;
Challenge Program for at-risk high school
students, PA;
Pomona Parents in Action Project for gang
prevention program, CA;
Phoenix House, MA, program for at-risk youth;
One-on-One Connecting Cops & Kids, DC;
Fitchburg, MA, Police Department for at-risk youth
program;
Franklin Community Action programs for at-risk
youth, MA;
Franklin, MA, Community Coalition for Teens for
at-risk youth program;
Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center programs to
reduce youth violence, MA;
Holyoke, MA, at-risk youth program;
Adjudicated Youth Program at Texas A&M; Corpus
Christi;
Southwest Key Program for at-risk youth, TX;
College for Teens program for at-risk youth, NJ;
AZ Operation Quality Time program for at-risk
youth;
Project Avary for at-risk youth, CA;
San Francisco, CA, District Attorney's office for
programs to reduce youth violence;
Sheriff's Youth Programs of Minnesota;
ND I-SAFE program;
Alianza Dominicana program for at-risk youth, NY;
Armory Foundation programs for at-risk youth, NY;
NY I Have A Dream Foundation program for at-risk
youth;
Police Athletic League of New Jersey;
Eastlake, CA, Juvenile Law and Policy Center;
LA Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA);
Beloved Community Family Services for youth ex-
offenders or at-risk youth programs, IL;
MN Folwell Neighborhood Association for at-risk
youth programs;
Willowbrook, CA, Youth Safety Program focusing on
gang and violence prevention;
Phoenix Academy of Orange County, CA for at-risk
youth;
City of Barre, VT, for at-risk youth programs;
Rural VT at-risk youth crime prevention programs;
Vermont Coalition of Teen Centers for at-risk
youth programs;
Vermont Development Center for at-risk youth crime
prevention programs;
Vermont youth crime prevention programs;
IL Restorative Justice program for at-risk youth;
Asian Youth Center of San Gabriel, CA, at-risk
youth program;
PMI education program for youth referred by
juvenile domestic courts;
Richmond, VA, at-risk youth programs;
Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project for at-
risk youth, VA;
Abraham House programs for at-risk youth, NY;
Latino Pastoral Action Center programs for at-risk
and high-risk youth, NY;
Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center for at-risk
youth, NY;
Mount Hope Project READY for at-risk youth, NY;
Point Community Development Center programs for
at-risk youth, NY;
S & B united anti-gang and anti-drug program, NY;
SF Inc., NY, anti-drug programs;
South Bronx, NY, Community Center programs for at-
risk youth;
Youth Ministries for Justice programs for at-risk
youth, NY;
Friends of Child Advocates of Los Angeles County,
CA;
Project Amiga in South El Monte, CA, for juvenile
offenders program;
Alameda County, CA, Child Protective Services;
Bedford-Stuyvesant, NY, Teen Development program
for at-risk youth;
NY Technology Service Corps program for at-risk
youth;
Cleveland, OH, Eastside Ecumenical Consortium for
at-risk youth program;
Cleveland, OH, learning program for at-risk youth;
Northeast Conference for Community and Justice
Youth Diversity Program for at-risk youth, OH;
Brooklyn, NY, Council program for at-risk youth;
Brooklyn, NY/Red Hook Rise Police Athletic League;
North Brooklyn, NY, Creative Development Center
programs for at-risk youth;
Edgewater Systems, IN, at-risk youth programs;
Santa Monica, CA, programs for at-risk youth;
NY Homes With a Heart program for at-risk youth;
Town of Warwick, RI, at-risk youth program;
Baltimore, MD, at-risk youth program;
Bronx, NY, training program for at-risk youth;
Gaithersburg, MD, Youth Center at-risk youth
initiative;
South Bronx, NY, at-risk youth programs;
VIVA Initiative for at-risk youth, FL and NM;
PA program for at-risk youth;
Queens, NY, at-risk youth programs; and
Pelham Parkway ARISE at-risk youth program, NY.
Gang Prevention.--Within the level provided under Title V
grants, the Committee includes $20,000,000, as authorized by
Public Law 109-162, for OJP to administer a gang resistance and
education program, known as GREAT. The GREAT program is a
school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom
curriculum. The program's primary objective is prevention and
is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth
violence, and gang membership. The Committee supports the work
of this program as part of an integrated anti-gang strategy of
prevention, enforcement, and interdiction.
Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws.--In order to address the
problem of alcohol abuse by minors and the accessibility of
alcohol to minors, the Committee recommends $25,000,000 within
the recommended level for Title V grants to assist States to
develop comprehensive and coordinated initiatives to enforce
State laws that prohibit the sale or consumption of alcoholic
beverages to minors. This amount is $334,000 above the enacted
level and $25,000,000 above the request.
Secure Our Schools Act.--The recommendation includes
$14,808,000 for expenses authorized by the Secure Our Schools
Act (Public Law 106-386), such as metal detectors, locks,
lighting and other deterrent measures; security assessments;
security training of personnel and students; and coordination
with local law enforcement. The recommendation is the same as
the current year level.
Victims of Child Abuse Act.--The Committee recommends a
total of $15,000,000 for the various programs authorized under
the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCA), which is $192,000 above
the enacted level and $3,321,000 above the request. The
Committee expects OJP to allocate the funds as described in the
statement of managers accompanying the Department of Justice
Appropriations Act, 2006.
Juvenile Accountability Block Grants.--The recommendation
provides $49,361,000 for the Juvenile Accountability Block
Grants program, which is $49,361,000 above the request and the
same as the current year level. The funds provided in this
program are available for the following purposes:
(1) Developing, implementing, and administering
graduated sanctions for juvenile offenders;
(2) Building, expanding, renovating, or operating
temporary or permanent juvenile correction, detention,
or community corrections facilities;
(3) Hiring juvenile court judges, probation officers,
and court-appointed defenders and special advocates,
and funding pretrial services (including mental health
screening and assessment) for juvenile offenders, to
promote the effective and expeditious administration of
the juvenile justice system;
(4) Hiring additional prosecutors, so that more cases
involving violent juvenile offenders can be prosecuted
and case backlogs reduced;
(5) Providing funding to enable prosecutors to
address drug, gang, and youth violence problems more
effectively and for technology, equipment, and training
to assist prosecutors in identifying and expediting the
prosecution of violent juvenile offenders;
(6) Establishing and maintaining training programs
for law enforcement and other court personnel with
respect to preventing and controlling juvenile crime;
(7) Establishing juvenile gun courts for the
prosecution and adjudication of juvenile firearms
offenders;
(8) Establishing drug court programs for juvenile
offenders that provide continuing judicial supervision
over juvenile offenders with substance abuse problems
and the integrated administration of other sanctions
and services for such offenders;
(9) Establishing and maintaining a system of juvenile
records designed to promote public safety;
(10) Establishing and maintaining interagency
information-sharing programs that enable the juvenile
and criminal justice systems, schools, and social
services agencies to make more informed decisions
regarding the early identification, control,
supervision, and treatment of juveniles who repeatedly
commit serious delinquent or criminal acts;
(11) Establishing and maintaining accountability-
based programs designed to reduce recidivism among
juveniles who are referred by law enforcement personnel
or agencies;
(12) Establishing and maintaining programs to conduct
risk and need assessments of juvenile offenders that
facilitate the effective early intervention and the
provision of comprehensive services, including mental
health screening and treatment and substance abuse
testing and treatment to such offenders;
(13) Establishing and maintaining accountability-
based programs that are designed to enhance school
safety;
(14) Establishing and maintaining restorative justice
programs;
(15) Establishing and maintaining programs to enable
juvenile courts and juvenile probation officers to be
more effective and efficient in holding juvenile
offenders accountable and reducing recidivism; or
(16) Hiring detention and corrections personnel, and
establishing and maintaining training programs for such
personnel to improve facility practices and
programming.
Media violence.--The Committee remains concerned about
violent media and its effects on children and thanks the
Department of Justice for its efforts to publicize potential
harmful effects on children of media violence.
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS BENEFITS
The Committee recommendation provides a total of
$73,828,000 for the Public Safety Officers Benefits program,
the amount requested for these programs. The budget proposed to
consolidate these programs under the Justice Assistance
heading. The recommendation includes $65,000,000, which is the
Congressional Budget Office's estimate for death benefits to
eligible survivors of Federal, State, and local public safety
officers whose death was the direct and proximate result of
traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty. This program is
considered mandatory for scorekeeping purposes.
The recommendation also includes $4,007,000 for the Public
Safety Officers Educational Assistance Program and $4,821,000
for disability benefits for fiscal year 2007.
The Committee expects the Department of Justice to work
swiftly toward full implementation of the Hometown Heroes
Survivors Benefits Act.
General Provisions--Department of Justice
The Committee has included the following general provisions
for the Department of Justice in this bill:
Section 101 continues language, making up to $60,000 of the
funds appropriated to the Department of Justice available to
the Attorney General for reception and representation expenses,
as requested.
Section 102 provides language, included in previous
Appropriations Acts, prohibiting the use of funds to perform
abortions in the Federal Prison System.
Section 103 provides language, included in previous
Appropriations Acts, prohibiting the use of the funds in this
bill to require any person to perform, or facilitate the
performance of, an abortion.
Section 104 provides language, included in previous
Appropriations Acts, stating that nothing in the previous
section removes the obligation of the Director of the Bureau of
Prisons to provide escort services to female inmates who seek
to obtain abortions outside a Federal facility.
Section 105 provides requested language, modified from the
previous year, allowing the Department of Justice, subject to
the Committee's reprogramming procedures, to transfer up to 5
percent between any appropriation, but limits to 10 percent the
amount that can be transferred into any one appropriation.
Section 106 provides for the extension of the Personnel
Management Demonstration Project for certain positions of the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as
requested.
Section 107 continues language prohibiting funds from being
used to transport prisoners classified as a maximum or high
security prisoner to a facility other than a prison or other
facility certified by the Federal Bureau of Prisons as
appropriately secure for housing such a prisoner.
Section 108 continues language concerning the prohibition
of certain prisoner amenities.
Section 109 provides language regarding the application of
reprogramming procedures for e-government initiatives.
Section 110 provides new language prohibiting the use of
funds for SENTINEL or other major new or enhanced information
technology programs unless the Deputy Attorney General and the
Department IT Investment Review Board certify to the Committees
on Appropriations that the information technology program has
appropriate contractor oversight mechanisms in place, and that
the program is compatible with the enterprise architecture of
the Department of Justice.
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND RELATED AGENCIES
The Committee recommendation includes a total of
$5,963,786,000 in general purpose discretionary funds for the
programs of the United States Trade Representative, the
International Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce
for fiscal year 2007, $619,184,000 below the current year level
including supplemental appropriations, and $323,733,000 below
the request.
Trade and Infrastructure Development
RELATED AGENCIES
Office of the United States Trade Representative
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommendation includes $46,207,000 for the
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for
fiscal year 2007, which is $2,000,000 above the current year
and $4,010,000 above the request.
The Committee is concerned that the United States trade
deficit with other nations continues to rise. In 2005, the
United States imported $202 billion more in goods and services
from the People's Republic of China (PRC) than the PRC imported
in goods and services from the United States, an increase of 18
percent from the current year. The Committee urges the USTR to
take action to ensure countries, including the PRC, are
fulfilling their commitments to the World Trade Organization
(WTO), including the safeguards delineated under the Trade Act
of 1974 to address the disruptions resulting from unbalanced
trade with the PRC. Language is included designating $2,000,000
for negotiating, monitoring, and enforcing trade agreements
with the PRC, as requested.
The Committee directs the US Trade Representative Office to
submit a report by June 30, 2007 outlining the planned USTR's
presence in China to meet the growing needs of U.S. companies
doing business in China.
Language is included requiring that all negotiations
conducted within the World Trade Organization are consistent
with the negotiating objectives contained in the Trade Act of
2002.
Inadequate Budget Requests.--The Committee notes that the
budget requests for the last five fiscal years have been
insufficient to meet the operational requirements of the
Office. Given the expansive trade agenda of the United States,
the Committee recommendation provides an additional $4,010,000
or 9.5 percent over the request, and 4.5 percent over the
current year to maintain current operations of the Office and
to pay for the increased costs of ongoing and future trade
negotiations and expanded enforcement efforts. The Committee
expects the Administration to ensure resources requested in the
fiscal year 2008 request are sufficient to cover the necessary
operations of the USTR.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).--Pirating and
counterfeiting has grown to an estimated $200 billion a year
problem and the theft of artistic and scientific creation is
draining our economy. The Committee commends the USTR's efforts
to conduct a comprehensive review of U.S.-China Trade Relations
in its ``Entering A New Phase of Greater Accountability and
Enforcement'' report dated February 2006. The Committee's
recommendation supports many of the key action items outlined
in the report, including expansion of USTR enforcement
capability, expanding USTR capability to obtain and apply
information on the PRC's trade regime, and expansion of trade
policy and negotiating capacity in Beijing, China. The
recommended resource level will also allow for increased
coordination with other trading partners, increase focus on
regulatory reform in the PRC, and strengthen U.S. Government
interagency coordination. Specifically, the Committee has
included $900,000 for the National Intellectual Property Law
Enforcement Coordination Council under the Department of
Commerce heading, and necessary funds for USTR to establish an
IPR enforcement position in Beijing, China. In addition, under
Title I of this Act, a program increase of $2,218,000 is
included for IP investigations and prosecutions by the Justice
Department.
Although modest steps have been made to harness U.S.
Government resources to tackle the problem of IPR piracy by our
trading partners, the United States has not yet taken an
intellectual property rights enforcement case to the WTO
against its trading partners to stem the hemorrhaging of U.S.
intellectual property. The Committee expects the USTR to use
all necessary menas to enforce IPR agreements.
Despite the Committee's inclusion of bill language
establishing a position of Chief Negotiator for Intellectual
Property Enforcement in prior years, the position remains
vacant. The Committee expects the USTR to fill this
immediately.
Textiles.--The Committee is aware of concerns about the
World Trade Organization negotiations concerning textiles and
apparel. The Committee believes such negotiations should be
consistent with negotiating objectives contained in the Trade
Act of 2002 and directs the USTR to report to the Committee
within 60 days of enactment of this Act, regarding adherence to
these objectives. Bill language is included regarding this
matter.
Reporting Requirements.--The Committee continues its
direction to the USTR to provide a report to the Committee
detailing spending plans for all funding provided under this
heading. This report should display personnel costs, travel
expenses and overhead costs for the Washington, D.C.,
operation, overhead costs associated with USTR presence in
Geneva, Switzerland, and the costs associated with ensuring
greater transparency including the timely publication of
reports and trade agreements. Further, this report should
identify costs associated with each programmatic office as
outlined in the 2005 organizational chart. This report and
spending plan should be provided to the Committee no later than
90 days after the enactment of this Act. Further, the Committee
expects this plan to be updated to reflect the obligation of
funds on a monthly basis, beginning with the second quarter of
fiscal year 2007 and presented to the Committee on a monthly
basis. The Committee reminds the USTR of the requirements,
including reorganizations, as set forth under section 605 of
this Act.
It has been brought to the Committee's attention that the
USTR may fare better in bringing trade dispute cases to the WTO
by using additional support from private counsel. In-house
expertise in long-term, complex WTO dispute cases is difficult
to maintain in an ever-changing international trade climate.
Outside counsel in countries such as China, Russia, and Brazil
could assist with clarification of local laws and regulations,
enforcement policies and practices, and market conditions. The
Committee USTR is directed to report back to the Committee on
the desirability of such a new authority.
International Standards.--The Committee directs the USTR to
ensure that U.S. business interests are fully represented in
international standards negotiations. The Committee directs the
USTR to collaborate with the Department of Commerce, including
the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the
State Department to reduce trade barriers to U.S. exports. The
Committee continues its direction to the USTR to ensure U.S.
standards are adopted in international negotiations.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is
responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international
trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing
negotiations on these topics with other countries. The head of
USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who
serves as the President's principal trade advisor, negotiator,
and spokesperson on trade issues.
USTR is part of the Executive Office of the President.
Through an interagency structure, USTR coordinates trade
policy, resolves disagreements, and frames issues for
presidential decision. USTR also serves as vice chairman of the
Overseas Private Investment Corporation, is a non-voting member
of the Export-Import Bank, and a member of the National
Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial
Policies.
International Trade Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommends $62,575,000 for the International
Trade Commission (ITC) for fiscal year 2007, which is $625,000
above the amount provided in the current year and $1,625,000
below the request.
The Committee directs the Commission to provide a spending
plan for all funding provided under this heading. Further, the
Committee expects this plan to be updated to reflect the
obligation of funds on a monthly basis, beginning with the
second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The Committee reminds the
Commission of the requirements set forth under section 605 of
this Act.
The International Trade Commission is an independent,
quasi-judicial agency responsible for conducting trade-related
investigations; providing the Congress and the President with
independent, expert technical advice to assist in the
development and implementation of U.S. international trade
policy; responding to the Congress and the President on various
matters affecting international trade; maintaining the
Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System of
internationally accepted product nomenclature; providing
technical assistance to eligible small businesses seeking
remedies and benefits under the trade laws; and performing
other specific statutory responsibilities ranging from research
and analysis to quasi-judicial functions on trade-related
matters.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION
The Committee recommendation includes $424,782,000 in total
resources for the programs of the International Trade
Administration (ITA) for fiscal year 2007, which is $23,054,000
above the current year level and $3,000,000 above the request.
Of the amounts provided, $13,000,000 is to be derived from fee
collections.
The Committee understands the difficulties of attempting to
balance both the positive and the negative effects of a free
trade agenda. The Committee is steadfast in its support of
America's trade policy to create growth and raise living
standards around the globe, and in return to increase the
benefits to U.S. workers, farmers, consumers, and businesses.
The Committee is determined to ensure that the U.S. Government
upholds its responsibility to enforce trade laws, particularly
with China. If trading partners do not abide by the rules that
are set in the global trading system, then U.S. firms are not
competing on a level playing field. The ITA plays a critical
role in creating economic opportunity for U.S. workers and
firms by promoting international trade, opening foreign
markets, ensuring compliance with trade laws and agreements,
and supporting U.S. commercial interests at home and abroad.
The United States government has an obligation to ensure that
American companies are not forced to compete with foreign
companies that are engaged in unfair trading practices.
In light of the vital role ITA has in balancing the U.S.
trade agenda, the Committee believes the fiscal year 2007
request is insufficient to fund overseas ongoing operations.
The U.S. has a historically high trade deficit with our trading
partners, yet the current budget proposal would necessitate the
closure of overseas offices that serve U.S. small- and medium-
sized companies in their efforts to compete in a global
environment. The requested budget level requires the absorption
of $12,300,000 for adjustments to base including exchange rate
losses and other inflationary pay costs. The Committee has
provided an additional $3,000,000 above the request to cover
the costs of ongoing operations in overseas field offices. In
addition, the recommendation does not include an additional
$2,000,000 for increased exports of environmental technologies.
The Committee believes that offsetting the impact to overseas
offices is a higher priority for fiscal year 2007. Further, the
recommendation includes $10,952,000 for the Capital Cost
Sharing program.
In the 2004 Appropriations Act, the Committee worked with
the International Trade Administration to reorganize the agency
to better respond to U.S. industry concerns. Prior to this
reorganization, the agency had not reorganized in more than 20
years, when the U.S. trade deficit was nominal. The Committee
took this action after receiving numerous complaints from
small- and medium-sized manufacturers and growers alleging that
ITA actions, particularly with regard to the People's Republic
of China (PRC), have been detrimental to American business
interests. Nearly two years later, the Committee remains
skeptical that the budget presentation captures the
reorganization the Committee instructed the agency to
undertake. Therefore, the Committee directs the Department of
Commerce to conduct a comprehensive base review of the
International Trade Administration's budget and report to the
Committee no later than December 15, 2006, with a budget
structure that reflects the current operations of the ITA.
Import Administration.--The Committee recommendation
includes $61,367,000 for the Import Administration (IA).
The Committee expects the IA to move expeditiously to
publish an enforcement policy on duty drawback and is directed
to provide a report on the status of the policy, including the
number and nature of the public comments received in response
to the Federal Register notice. In the interim, the Committee
reiterates language in the statement of the managers
accompanying the FY 2006 Appropriations Act that the Department
is expected to ensure that vigorous enforcement of the dumping
law at least at the same level as our trading partners' is
implemented.
The Committee urges the IA to implement proactive trade
enforcement activities, including textile safeguard actions
with respect to China's World Trade Organization Accession
Agreement, bilateral quotas on non-WTO members, and textile
provisions of the U.S. preferential programs and agreements.
Office of China Compliance.--In the FY 2004 Appropriations
Act, the Committee included language requiring the ITA to
create an Office of China Compliance to specifically focus on
issues affecting small- and medium-sized businesses. The
Committee includes language designating $3,000,000 for this
Office. The Committee reminds the Department that this Office
was created to specialize in anti-dumping (AD) cases involving
China, with special attention on small- and medium-sized
domestic businesses. The Committee understands that only
fifteen percent of the analysts in this office have Chinese
language skills. The Committee continues its direction that the
Office should consist of experienced investigators,
accountants, trade analysts, and technical experts to
aggressively investigate AD cases. The Committee expects to be
notified of any impediments to hiring or retaining this
expertise.
The Committee directs the Department to report to the
Committee, no later than September 25, 2006, the number of new
IA investigations for 2005 and planned for 2006.
Policy and Negotiations.--The Committee continues its
direction to the IA to analyze market trends in order to
anticipate unfair trade practices and consult with foreign
governments to pre-empt the requirement for an unfair trade
case, whenever practicable. The Committee understands that to
date the IA has yet to perform such a trend analysis. Further,
the Committee continues its direction to the ITA to self-
initiate investigations, and report back to the Committee no
later than September 25, 2006, on the number and descriptions
of cases the Department has self-initiated.
Tracking of Inquiries from Small- and Medium-sized
Companies.--The Committee directs the Department to track all
inquiries the Department has received from small- and medium-
sized businesses seeking assistance with enforcement of the AD
laws against imports, including imports from China and India,
and the resulting actions by the Department on such inquiries.
The Committee expects the Department to report back to the
Committee no later than September 25, 2006, on the Department's
efforts.
Office of Textiles.--The Committee recommendation includes
$4,451,000 for the Office of Textiles, as requested.
Market Access and Compliance.--The Committee recommendation
includes $40,806,000 for this purpose. The Committee continues
to support the efforts of the ITA to aggressively enforce trade
agreements.
Executive Direction/Administration.--The Committee
recommendation includes $25,490,000 for the administrative and
policy functions of ITA.
In addition, language is included in the bill designating
the amounts available for each unit within ITA. In addition,
ITA is directed to submit to the Committee, not later than 60
days after the enactment of this Act, a spending plan for all
ITA units that incorporates any carryover balances from prior
fiscal years. Further, beginning with the second quarter, the
Committee expects this plan to be updated to reflect the
obligation of funds on a monthly basis.
United States and Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS;).--The
Committee recommendation includes $249,791,000 for the United
States and Foreign Commercial Service. The recommendation
includes $10,952,000 for the capital cost sharing program, as
requested. The Committee recommendation has included an
increase of $3,000,000 above the amount requested in the budget
to cover adjustments to base for the overseas presence,
including exchange rate losses, domestic and international
price and pay increases. The Committee is disappointed that
such costs were proposed to be absorbed by the U.S. and Foreign
Commercial Service during a time of historic trade deficits.
The Committee expects the Department to work aggressively to
fulfill its mission to ``place primary emphasis on the
promotion of goods and services from the United States,
particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, and on the
protection of U.S. business interests abroad.''
The Committee supports the Department's efforts to examine
overseas and domestic staffing to address changes in the global
marketplace and has provided sufficient resources to maintain
the existing number of overseas offices. The Committee would
entertain changes to the existing field office structure but
reminds the Department that any such changes are subject to
section 605 of this Act.
Right-Sizing the Overseas Presence.--The Committee directs
the ITA to provide a detailed report to the Committee on the
right-sizing methodology followed to determine the appropriate
size and location of the Bureau's overseas presence anticipated
for the next five to ten years. The Committee expects priority
regions of assistance to include in the most productive markets
for our U.S. companies. The Committee expects this plan to be
submitted to the Committee, no later than ninety days after the
enactment of this Act.
The Committee is supportive of the Asia-Pacific Partnership
for Clean Development and Climate, announced on July 15, 2005,
at an Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN) Regional
Forum Meeting. However, the recommendation does not include
specific funding to expand U.S. export promotion for cleaner
energy technologies as this is a core function of the US&FCS;,
and maintaining existing levels of overseas presence is a more
urgent requirement for fiscal year 2007 funds.
Trade Missions.--The Committee continues its direction that
all trade missions involving Department of Commerce agencies
must be initiated, coordinated and administered through the
ITA.
International Standards.--The Committee directs the
Department to increase efforts to ensure that U.S. business
interests are represented in international standards
negotiations and to collaborate with NIST, the USTR, and the
State Department on innovative ways to reduce trade barriers to
U.S. business exports to ensure U.S. standards are adopted in
international negotiations.
Travel Expenditures.--The Committee directs the Department
to increase the number of investigative teams traveling to
China and India, the sources of most trade complaints, to
verify documentation of information provided by foreign
companies. The recommendation provides sufficient resources for
this purpose and the Committee expects the Department to submit
quarterly reports to the Committee regarding the ITA's travel
expenditures, including separate breakouts of funding, number
of trips, and the purposes of travel to both China and India.
Capital Security Cost Sharing Program.--The Committee
remains steadfast in its support of U.S. government-wide
efforts to ensure personnel assigned overseas to American
embassies and consulates. After the 1998 bombings of two U.S.
embassies in East Africa, the U.S. Congress enacted the Secure
Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 1999 to
require the State Department to improve physical security
overseas and replace embassies that did not meet certain
security standards. To accelerate this effort, in 1999, the
State Department launched a security upgrade and construction
program to begin addressing requirements in more than 260
embassies and consulates. In 2005, the Congress and the
Administration codified the Capital Security Cost Sharing
Program initiative to require all Federal agencies with staff
overseas to contribute annually towards construction of the new
facilities based on the number of positions and the type of
space occupied. This initiative is a major component of the
President's Management Agenda initiative on Right-sizing, as
well as the Committee's significant focus to ensure that
agencies assess the real cost of maintaining staff overseas,
and adjust overseas staffing levels to the highest priority
overseas programs. The Committee recommendation includes the
full request for Capital Security Cost Sharing. Currently, the
International Trade Administration has 181 offices in 80
countries around the world. Bill language is included regarding
this program under Title VI of this Act.
The recommendation provides funding for an international
competitiveness program, a rural export program, and two
textile-related programs.
Intellectual Property Rights Protection.--In addition,
under Title I of this Act, a program increase of $2,218,000 is
included for IP investigations and prosecutions for the Justice
Department.
Further, the Committee directs the Department, including
ITA and USPTO, to establish programs both domestically and
internationally to provide assistance to small businesses
seeking to secure their rights abroad. The Committee continues
to support the new Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP)
initiative to target the billions of dollars in global trade in
pirated and counterfeit goods that cheat American innovators
and manufacturers and hurt the U.S. economy and endanger
consumers worldwide. The Committee recommendation includes
$900,000 for the National Intellectual Property Law Enforcement
Coordination Council under the Salaries and Expenses,
Departmental Management heading.
Bureau of Industry and Security
OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION
The Committee recommendation includes a total operating
level of $76,806,000 for the operations and administration of
the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which includes
$62,039,000 for operations and administration and $14,767,000
for national security related programs. The recommendation is
$1,776,000 above the current year level and the same amount
below the request.
Overall, the Committee recommendation addresses the
concerns identified in a number of oversight reports, including
the Office of Inspector General reports, ``Improvements are
Needed to Better Enforce Dual-Use Export Control Laws'' and
``Deemed Export Controls may Not Stop the Transfer of Sensitive
Technology to Foreign Nations in the U.S.'', and numerous
United States Government Accountability Office reports.
Further, the Committee notes that the BIS received accolades,
in The Report to the President of the United States dated March
31, 2005, from the Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities
of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction. The
Committee directs BIS to report to the Committee on efforts to
achieve the recommendations in these oversight reports not
later than January 3, 2007.
Concerns have been raised that the processing time required
for export licenses may disadvantage U.S. businesses as they
compete in the global market place. The recommendation will
assist the BIS to process an increased licensing volume. The
Committee expects the BIS to effectively manage the dual-use
export control system by staying abreast of the rapid
technological changes that shape goods and technologies. The
Committee urges the BIS to maintain and develop dedicated
expertise to systematically evaluate control lists, license
applications, and other functions against the latest
developments, and prepare for future developments.
In addition, the Committee reminds the BIS of the
requirements of section 605 of this Act.
The Bureau of Industry and Security is responsible for
protecting U.S. national security and economic interests by
enhancing the efficiency of the export control system; ensuring
U.S. industry complies with the Chemical Weapons Convention
agreement and the Additional Protocol to the International
Atomic Energy Safeguards Agreement; preventing illegal exports
and identifying violators of export prohibitions and
restrictions for prosecution; and enhancing the export and
transit controls of nations seeking to improve their export
control systems.
Economic Development Administration
The recommendation includes $260,441,000 for the programs
and administrative expenses of the Economic Development
Administration (EDA) for fiscal year 2007, which is $66,726,000
below the request, and $19,991,000 below the current year
level. The Committee expects EDA to use all available carryover
and prior year recoveries to the maximum extent possible.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
The Committee provides $230,741,000 for the Economic
Development Assistance program and the Trade Adjustment
Assistance for Firms program. The Committee continues funding
for the traditional programs of the EDA to provide needed
assistance to communities struggling with long-term economic
dislocation, as well as sudden and severe economic dislocation.
Of the amounts provided, $139,649,000 is for Public Works and
Economic Development, $44,222,000 is for Economic Adjustment
Assistance, $26,000,000 is for planning, $8,000,000 is for
technical assistance, including university centers, and
$12,870,000 is for trade adjustment assistance.
The Committee directs EDA to continue operations and
funding of the planning grant program for existing and
designated economic districts in a manner that is consistent
with the current and ongoing practices, policies and existing
rules and regulations.
The Committee continues to expect EDA to assist communities
impacted by economic dislocations related to coal industry
downturns due to environmental concerns at no less than the
fiscal year 2006 level.
The Committee directs EDA to provide assistance to an
applicant for planning under this account only if the applicant
agrees to make available to the public on request their audited
statements, annual budgets, and minutes of meetings and agrees
to provide the public reasonable notice of, and an opportunity
to attend, their meetings. The Committee further directs EDA to
provide assistance to an applicant for planning under this
account only after the applicant files appropriate Federal
financial disclosure statements.
The Committee continues to direct EDA to ensure that funds
provided under this account are targeted to the most severely
distressed areas, which, absent the assistance provided by the
EDA, would have little or no access to resources for
infrastructure development and capacity building. This puts the
program on firm ground to carry out its purpose to provide the
``seed capital'' to distressed areas to allow local communities
to increase their ability to create new economic opportunities
and jobs in accordance with local priorities.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommendation includes $29,700,000 for the
salaries and expenses of the EDA, the same as the request, and
$9,000 above the current year level. The Committee continues to
direct the EDA to aggressively pursue all opportunities for
reimbursement, deobligations and use of non-appropriated
resources, including the care and protection of collateral
accounts, to maximize the operating level.
Although not specified in the Department's budget request,
it is the understanding of the Committee that EDA is
considering the closure of three of its six regional offices:
Philadelphia, Austin, and Seattle. Regional offices are an
important link between headquarters in its policymaking role
and the Economic Development Representatives in the field. The
Committee believes that these offices are an integral part of
regional economic development and disagrees with such a plan,
and therefore directs the EDA to maintain all six regional
offices.
In addition, the Committee reminds EDA of the requirements
under section 605 of this Act regarding reorganization
proposals.
The recommendation retains language in the bill to provide
the authority to use this appropriation to monitor projects
approved under Title I of the Public Works Employment Act of
1976, Title II of the Trade Act of 1974, and the Community
Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1977.
Minority Business Development Agency
MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The Committee recommendation includes $29,641,000 for the
Minority Business Development Agency for fiscal year 2007. The
recommendation is the same as the request and the same as the
current year level. The Committee recommendation assumes
continuation of the Emerging Minority Business Leaders program
at the fiscal year 2006 level.
Economic and Information Infrastructure
The Committee recommendation includes under this section
the Department of Commerce agencies responsible for the
nation's basic economic and technical information
infrastructure, as well as the administrative functions to
oversee the development of telecommunications policy.
Economic and Statistical Analysis
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommendation includes $79,880,000, which is
$602,000 above the current year and the same amount below the
request, for the economic and statistical analysis programs of
the Department of Commerce, including the Bureau of Economic
Analysis (BEA), for fiscal year 2007. The Committee
recommendation supports accurate and timely economic data on
the changing global economy.
The Committee recognizes the valuable role the Economic and
Statistics Administration plays within the Department of
Commerce by providing executive direction and oversight to the
Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Census Bureau. The
Committee intends that the funding level for the Economics and
Statistics Administration in fiscal year 2007 will be
sufficient to carry out its mission of providing key
statistical information to the Executive and Legislative
branches of the government.
The Economic and Statistics Administration is responsible
for the collection, tabulation and publication of a wide
variety of economic, demographic and social statistics and
provides support to the Secretary of Commerce and other
Government officials in interpreting the state of the economy
and in developing economic policy.
Bureau of the Census
The Committee recommendation includes a total operating
level of $874,159,000 for the Bureau of the Census, which is
$4,000,000 below the request and $72,296,000 above the amount
provided in fiscal year 2006.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommendation includes $190,067,000 for the
salaries and expenses of the Bureau of the Census for fiscal
year 2007, which is $6,000,000 above the request, and
$5,433,000 below the current year level. In addition to the
discretionary appropriations, $20,000,000 is available in
mandatory funding for the survey of program dynamics and the
State children's health insurance program. The Committee
recommendation prioritizes funding associated with the American
Community Survey as well as the 2010 decennial census.
The recommendation includes $144,603,000 for current
economic statistics, $41,741,000 for current demographic
statistics, and $3,723,000 for survey development and data
services. Within the amount provided for current economic
statistics, $28,094,000 is for foreign trade statistics, and
$23,126,000 is for manufacturing statistics.
Current survey and statistics.--Within the amounts provided
for current surveys and statistics, $9,200,000 is included to
design a new collection system on income and wealth dynamics of
the country, which will replace the current Survey of Income
and Program Participation (SIPP). Further, a total of
$10,000,000 from mandatory funds would be available to
disseminate data collected from the SIPP in support of
measuring the impact of welfare provisions. The Committee
directs the Bureau to work with stakeholders to re-engineer the
SIPP to develop a more accurate and timely survey to capture
the economic dynamics of the country. The Committee understands
the importance of having high-quality policy-relevant data on
the economic well-being of the U.S. population, such as is
provided by SIPP. The data gathered by SIPP is important to
statistical researchers. The Committee concurs with the Census
Bureau's prioritization of funding for the 2010 decennial and
the American Community Survey in fiscal year 2007, but concerns
remain that a data gap may result from the re-engineering of
the SIPP. Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes an
additional $10,000,000 above the request to continue SIPP data
collection while a new survey is designed. The Committee
expects the Bureau to work expeditiously to re-engineer this
survey to minimize any gaps in data.
The Committee directs the Bureau to continue to streamline
and prioritize programs to ensure the highest priority core
activities are supported. The Committee expects the Bureau to
be fully reimbursed for any non-core survey conducted for any
other Federal agency or private organization.
The Committee continues its direction regarding the
production of monthly Export-Import and Trade Balance
statistics on a North American Industry Classification System
basis, and the Advanced Technology Trade Imports, Exports, and
Net Balance by Country in the Bureau's monthly reports. The
Committee understands that this information will not be
seasonally adjusted. Further, the Committee expects the U.S.
Trade in Advanced Technology Products to be presented in a more
useable format for policymakers and the general public. This
information should highlight the European Union, China,
Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, India,
and South Korea. In addition, the following Advanced Technology
categories: biotechnology, life science, opto-electronics,
information & communications, electronics, flexible
manufacturing, advanced materials, aerospace, weapons, and
nuclear technology should be continued.
In addition, the Committee expects that key reports on
manufacturing, general economic and foreign trade statistics,
including current industrial reports, will be maintained and
issued on a timely basis.
The recommendation provides for the current statistical
programs of the Bureau of the Census, which include measurement
of the Nation's economy and the demographic characteristics of
the population. These programs are intended to provide a broad
base of economic, demographic, and social information used for
decision-making by governments, private organizations, and
individuals.
PERIODIC CENSUSES AND PROGRAMS
The Committee recommendation includes a total of
$694,092,000 for all periodic censuses and related programs in
fiscal year 2007, which is $87,729,000 above the fiscal year
2006 level and the same as the request.
Re-engineered Design Process for the 2010 Short-Form Census
Program.--The recommendation includes $258,328,000 for the
short-form only Census in 2010, which is the same as the
request, and $57,083,000 above the current year level. The
Committee continues to support the Bureau's efforts to
establish an early design and planning process to allow
sufficient time to test the major elements of a simplified,
streamlined short-form census. This new approach should allow
the Census Bureau to fulfill important constitutional and legal
mandates more accurately. Further, this new process should
reduce the costs to the American taxpayer by nearly
$2,000,000,000, instead of repeating the same process conducted
in the 2000 census. The recommendation includes the following:
Decennial Census 2010: [In thousands of dollars]
Program Development and Management........................ $3,358
Content, Questionnaires, and Products..................... 20,123
Field Data Collection & Support........................... 113,188
Automated Data Collection & Support....................... 75,420
Design, Methodology, and Evaluation....................... 37,432
Census Test and Dress Rehearsal........................... 8,807
--------------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total, Decennial Census 2010, Re-engineered Design
Process............................................. 258,328
American Community Survey (ACS).--The Committee
recommendation includes $179,765,000 for the American Community
Survey, which is the same as the request, and $11,987,000 above
the current year level. The Committee is steadfast in its
support of the Census Bureau and the Administration's efforts
to collect long-form data on an on-going basis rather than
waiting for once-a-decade decennial long-form data. The
recommendation includes the following:
[In thousands of dollars]
Initial Mail Collection....................................... $38,319
Telephone Non-Response Follow-up.............................. 17,022
Personal Visit Non-Response Follow-up......................... 68,714
Puerto Rico................................................... 3,329
Group Quarters................................................ 9,160
IT Infrastructure............................................. 5,216
Data Processing, Weighting & Review........................... 13,637
Data Dissemination............................................ 7,875
Partnership and Outreach...................................... 2,192
Project Management............................................ 3,423
Methods Panel................................................. 10,878
--------------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total, American Community Survey.......................... 179,765
The Committee recommendation includes the full request for
the methods panel, an increase of $3,379,000 above the current
year level for a total of $10,878,000 for fiscal year 2007. The
Committee expects the methods panel to ensure a more
comprehensive and streamlined approach to multiple data
collection techniques and to ensure that any change in the
language of survey questions will maximize clarity in order to
elicit correct responses.
Master Address File (MAF)/Topologically Integrated
Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER).--The Committee
recommendation includes $73,674,000 for MAF/TIGER Re-
engineering, which is the same as the request, and $5,106,000
below the current year level. The Committee supports efforts to
enhance the MAF/TIGER to include street and address information
from States, localities, and tribal governments. It is in the
best interest of the Federal, State, local, and tribal
communities to make all existing information available to the
Census Bureau to result in the most accurate database. The
Committee directs the Secretary of Commerce to take all
available measures to reduce the requirement of payment for
information currently available from certain governments.
Further, the Secretary is directed to utilize global
positioning system technology and aerial photography to update
existing information only if these measures are shown to be a
more cost effective alternative. The recommendation includes
the following:
[In thousands of dollars]
Geographic Partnership Programs............................... 5,686
Evaluations................................................... 5,686
Street Address Location Corrections & GPS..................... 53,289
Address Updating System....................................... 9,013
--------------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total, MAF/TIGER Re-Engineering........................... 73,674
Non-Decennial Programs.--The Committee recommendation
includes $182,325,000 for non-decennial periodic census
programs, the same amount as in the request, and $23,765,000
above the current year level.
Periodic Censuses: [In thousands of dollars]
Other Periodic Programs:
Economic Censuses......................................... $82,438
Census of Governments..................................... 7,755
Subtotal, Economic Programs........................... 90,193
Demographic Statistics Programs:
Intercensal Demographic Estimates......................... 9,885
Demographic Survey Sample Design.......................... 11,042
Geographic Support........................................ 40,210
Data Processing Systems................................... 30,995
Subtotal, Demographic Programs........................ 92,132
--------------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total, Non-Decennial Programs......................... 182,325
The recommendation supports the elimination of the Vehicle
Inventory and Use Survey, as proposed in the budget request.
Language is continued regarding changes to the race
category for collection and dissemination purposes.
Subgroup Enumeration.--The Committee commends the efforts
of the Census Bureau to work with interested parties to ensure
that necessary measures will be taken to ensure accuracy in
enumerating Hispanic subgroups.
The Committee appreciates the efforts of the Census Bureau
to consider new options for reporting data reflecting all
citizens of the United States, including Puerto Rico.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The Committee recommendation includes a total of
$17,837,000 for the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) for fiscal year 2007, which is the same
as the request and the same amount appropriated for the current
year for the salaries and expenses account.
NTIA is responsible for developing domestic and
international telecommunications and information policy for the
Executive Branch, ensuring the efficient and effective use of
the Federal radio spectrum, and administering Federal programs
that support telecommunications facilities for public
broadcasting.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommendation includes $17,837,000 for the
Salaries and Expenses appropriation of the NTIA, which is the
same as the request and the same amount appropriated in the
current year. In addition, a total of $45,000,000 is available
in mandatory appropriations under the Digital Television
Transition and Public Safety Fund. The Fund includes
$15,000,000 for digital to analog converter box grants,
$15,000,000 for public safety interoperable communications
grants, and $15,000,000 for New York City digital transition
program assistance for fiscal year 2007.
The Committee continues to direct the Administration to
aggressively pursue all opportunities for reimbursement,
deobligations, and use of non-appropriated resources, to
maximize the operating level for NTIA mission purposes.
The Committee recommendation and the request assume that at
least an additional $35,116,000 will be available to the NTIA
in fiscal year 2007 through reimbursements from other agencies
for the costs of providing spectrum management, analysis and
research services.
PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES, PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION
The Committee recommendation does not include a new
appropriation for program management of existing planning and
construction (PTFPC) grants for public television, radio, and
non-broadcast facilities.
The Committee notes that as of June 2005, 326 of the 353
public television stations are now transmitting a digital
signal. Only 27 stations are not yet broadcasting a digital
signal, and PTFPC grants have funded the digital conversion of
22 of those remaining stations. These broadcasting stations
serve markets representing 95 percent of American households
with television.
United States Patent and Trademark Office
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommendation includes $1,771,000,000 for
the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) for fiscal
year 2007, which is $87,914,000 above the current year level
and the same as the request, to be derived from offsetting fee
collections.
The Committee includes language regarding the number of
positions and full-time equivalents for the examination of
trademarks and patent applications. Further, language is
included designating the number of positions and full-time
equivalents for the programmatic Office of General Counsel,
which includes the Office of the General Counsel, Office of the
Solicitor, Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, Patent Appeals and
Interferences, General Law Office, and the Office of Enrollment
and Discipline; and external affairs.
Within the amount available, the Committee expects that the
PTO will continue its relationships with the National
Inventor's Hall of Fame and Inventure Place and with the
International Intellectual Property Institute at no less than
the levels in fiscal year 2006.
The Committee reminds the PTO that any changes from the
funding distribution provided in the bill and accompanying
report, including carryover balances, are subject to the
reprogramming procedures set forth in section 605 of this Act.
In addition, PTO shall submit to the Committee, not later
than three months after the enactment of this Act, a spending
plan that incorporates any carryover balances from previous
fiscal years and any changes to the patent or trademark fee
structure. Further, this spending plan should be updated on a
monthly basis and submitted to the Committees at the end of
each month in fiscal year 2007.
Telework.--The Committee commends PTO for its successful
telework program. The Committee understands that by the end of
May 2006, 220 trademark examining attorneys will be working
from home, representing 80 percent of the total trademark
examining corps. Further, the Committee lauds the efforts of
the PTO to increase the number of teleworking patent examining
professionals to 1,038 that are working from home one day per
week. In addition, 255 patent examiners have relinquished their
office space to work from home four days per week.
The PTO is charged with administering the patent and
trademark laws of the United States. PTO examines patent
applications, grants patent protection for qualified
inventions, and disseminates technological information
disclosed in patents. The PTO also examines trademark
applications and provides Federal registration to owners of
qualified trademarks. The PTO advises the Office of the United
States Trade Representative on enforcement issues in connection
with free trade agreements and participates in consultations
with numerous foreign governments on a broad range of issues
related to the enforcement of intellectual property rights.
Science and Technology
The Committee recommendation includes $4,019,167,000 in
direct discretionary appropriations for the Science and
Technology programs of the Department of Commerce, including
the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is
$684,842,000 below the current year, and $242,785,000 below the
request.
Technology Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The recommendation includes $2,000,000 for necessary
expenses of the Under Secretary for Technology Policy, which is
$515,000 above the request and $3,923,000 below the current
year level.
National Institute of Standards and Technology
The recommendation includes $627,000,000 for the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for fiscal year
2007, which is $118,037,000 below the current year and
$45,668,000 above the request.
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES
The Committee recommendation includes $467,002,000 for
NIST's scientific and technical core programs, which is
$72,240,000 above the current year and the same as the request.
The Committee recommendation includes $395,002,000 to
support the full base operating costs for core NIST programs,
including the continuation of a critical infrastructure program
at the fiscal year 2006 level. In addition, the Committee
recommendation includes new investments of $72,000,000 to
support the American Competitiveness Initiative, focusing on
physical science research and standards development that will
foster innovation. Specifically, funding is recommended for the
following activities: (1) enhancing NIST's national research
facilities (+$30,000,000), including support for the Center for
Nanoscale Science and Technology and the Center for Neutron
Research; (2) furthering the work of NIST's laboratories and
technical programs (+$28,000,000), including support for
developing a robust hydrogen economy to reduce the Nation's
dependence on foreign sources of energy, creating manufacturing
innovation through supply chain integration, building the
infrastructure for innovation through quantum information
science developments, furthering structural safety from
hurricanes, fires, and earthquakes, and developing next
generation materials; and (3) opening markets for American
workers and exporters through development of international
standards and innovation (+$14,000,000), including support for
developments in measurement science and enhancements in
bioimaging, cybersecurity, and biometric identification
technologies.
The Committee continues to support efforts to ensure that
United States business interests are represented in
international standards negotiations, and also expects that
NIST will collaborate with the Office of the United States
Trade Representative and the Department of State on innovative
ways to reduce trade barriers to United States exports by
ensuring that United States standards are adopted in
international negotiations.
The Committee recommends that NIST continue to work with
its Federal partners to develop, implement, and publish the
results of a Project 25 conformity assessment program for first
responder communications equipment.
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
The Committee recommendation includes $92,000,000, which is
$91,624,000 below the current year and $45,668,000 above the
request, and is provided solely for the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnerships (MEP) Program. The Committee adopts the
President's request to terminate funding for the Advanced
Technology Program.
MEP is a collaborative partnership program that provides
United States manufacturers with access to technologies,
resources, and expertise through a network of manufacturing
extension centers. Federal support for the MEP program,
combined with State and private sector funding, is intended to
translate into more jobs, more tax revenue, more exports, and a
more secure supply source of consumer and defense goods.
Because the Committee recognizes the value of the continuation
of these valuable partnerships, the recommendation doubles the
Administration's request for the MEP program.
CONSTRUCTION OF RESEARCH FACILITIES
The Committee recommendation includes $67,998,000 for
construction and major renovations of NIST campuses at Boulder,
CO, and Gaithersburg, MD, and at other facilities. This account
supports the construction, maintenance, and repair of NIST
facilities to meet the Nation's measurement and research needs.
The recommendation fully supports the requested program
increases of $32,100,000 in support of the American
Competitiveness Initiative, including funds for the following:
$10,100,000 for renovations of Boulder facilities; $10,000,000
for safety, capacity, maintenance and major repairs; and
$12,000,000 for the NIST Center for Neutron Research.
The Committee directs NIST to submit quarterly reports to
the Committee on the progress of all construction projects
during fiscal year 2007.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Committee recommendation includes a total of
$3,390,167,000 in discretionary appropriations for the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is a
decrease of $508,282,000 below the current year level not
including supplemental amounts, and $288,968,000 below the
request. Detailed recommendations for NOAA's individual
appropriations accounts are contained in the following
paragraphs.
OPERATIONS, RESEARCH AND FACILITIES
[INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS]
The Committee recommendation includes a total program level
of $2,466,464,000 under this account for the coastal,
fisheries, marine, weather, satellite and other programs of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This total
funding level includes $2,375,464,000 in direct appropriations,
a transfer of $77,000,000 from balances in the ``Promote and
Develop Fishery Products and Research Pertaining to American
Fisheries'' account, a transfer of $3,000,000 from the Coastal
Zone Management Fund, and $11,000,000 in deobligated balances
from prior year appropriations. The direct appropriation of
$2,375,464,000 is $352,466,000 below the fiscal year 2006 level
not including supplemental amounts, and $212,379,000 below the
request.
Language is included prohibiting the application of any
general administrative charge against assigned activities under
NOAA. Language is also included limiting the amount available
for NOAA corporate services administrative overhead, and the
amount available for transfer to the Department of Commerce
Working Capital Fund. The Committee notes that line office
personnel and overhead costs are funded from the totals
provided for each respective line office. Funding for common
corporate services and for a payment to the Department's
Working Capital Fund has been provided directly on separate
line items in the Program Support budget.
The following narrative descriptions and tables identify
the specific activities and funding levels included in this
Act:
National Ocean Service (NOS).--The recommendation provides
$315,140,000 for NOS operations, research and facilities. The
recommendation includes $112,300,000 for base Navigation
Services activities, including $29,000,000 to address the
hydrographic survey backlog detailed in the National Survey
Plan. The Committee expects NOAA to propose a distribution of
the $22,000,000 recommended for Geodesy programs through the
reprogramming process detailed under section 605 of this Act.
Within this amount, the Committee encourages NOAA to consider
the continuation of funding for high-priority State geodesy and
height modernization initiatives. The amount provided for Tide
and Current Data includes funding to continue support for the
Great Lakes Water Observation Network.
The recommendation includes $26,000,000 for Coral Reef
programs, including the continuation of program activities in
Florida and Puerto Rico. The amount provided for Response and
Restoration includes up to $7,000,000 for requested Pribilof
Island cleanup activities. The Committee is pleased by NOAA's
response and restoration efforts on Vieques Island, Puerto
Rico, and expects NOAA to continue to provide assistance, as
needed, to the Departments of Defense and the Interior and the
Environmental Protection Agency in carrying out cleanup
responsibilities. The Committee also expects NOAA to continue
to provide funds for the aquatic resources environmental
initiative and encourages the continuation of funding for a
marine wildlife database.
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).--The
recommendation provides $539,100,000 for NMFS operations,
research and facilities. The recommendation for Protected
Species Research and Management includes $56,000,000 for
Pacific Salmon, a continuation of the fiscal year 2006 level.
The Committee expects NOAA to complete its Coho salmon recovery
plan for the Klamath River as required by law as soon as
possible. Also the Committee urges NOAA to work with local
entities in the Scott and Shasta river basins to implement
restoration projects, as soon as possible with minimal
overhead. Further, the Committee encourages the Secretary of
Commerce to make his determination regarding a fishery failure
declaration for the Klamath River as soon as practicable.
Within the base funding provided for fisheries research,
the Committee expects NOAA to increase funding for Antarctic
Research and to allocate funding to the highest priority
research activities related to the following continuing
activities: horseshoe crab research, bluefin tuna tagging,
bluefish/striped bass research, the Virginia trawl survey,
shark research, California cooperative oceanic fisheries
investigation and California marine fisheries replenishment
research. The recommended funding level to expand stock
assessments includes funding for continuation of a West Coast
in-season harvest data collection system. The recommendation
continues funding for Chesapeake Bay Studies. Within the amount
provided for Sustainable Habitat Management, the recommendation
continues funding for the highest priority activities related
the following continuing programs: oyster restoration, the non-
native oyster Chesapeake Bay program, and blue crab research.
Within the amount provided for Fisheries Habitat Restoration,
the Committee expects NOAA to continue funding for Bronx River
Restoration.
The Committee directs NOAA to assess the safety concerns
about the Southwest Fisheries Science Center and pursue a
formal budget request, if warranted, in a timely manner.
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR).--The recommendation
includes $328,486,000 for OAR operations, research and
facilities. The recommendation includes $184,000,000 for
Climate Research, which is $2,849,000 above the request. The
recommendation includes $130,000,000 for a consolidated
competitive climate research program for the Climate Program
Office, an increase of $4,288,000 above the request. Within
this amount, the Committee encourages NOAA to implement a new
competitive national program for partnerships in coastal and
ocean observing. This funding will focus on creating a
federation of regional observing systems to accelerate the
achievement of an integrated ocean observing system. Within the
amount available under OAR, the Committee encourages NOAA to
continue Arctic research activities and support planning
activities related to the upcoming International Polar Year.
The recommendation for Weather and Air Quality Research
includes funding, as requested, for tornado severe storm
research/phased array radar.
The recommendation for Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes
Research continues funding for Great Lakes Research
Laboratories; provides $52,000,000 for the National Sea Grant
College Program; and provides $16,000,000 to continue research
activities associated with ocean exploration and undersea
research. Additional funding for educational programs
associated with ocean exploration and undersea research is
included under the recommendation for Program Support. The
Committee notes that constraints on discretionary spending have
resulted in reductions in appropriations for ocean exploration.
The Committee therefore directs NOAA to develop a strategy for
transitioning discoveries to the private sector, and to
transmit this strategy to the Committee by January 31, 2007. A
strong, direct link between ocean exploration and economic
development could enable the program to leverage corporate
support to fill behind declining appropriations. The amount
provided for Invasive Species and Other Partnership Programs
continues funding for aquatic ecosystems programs, ballast
water treatment, satellite data application research, and the
development of sensors to enhance the measurement of carbon
dioxide in seawater. The Committee directs NOAA to conduct an
annual inventory of the mercury levels in each of the Great
Lakes, with details on the trend and source in the water levels
and aquatic life, by July 31st of the following year.
The recommendation includes $12,900,000 for High
Performance Computing, the full amount requested and an
increase of $6,458,000 above the fiscal year 2006 base level.
National Weather Service (NWS).--The recommendation
provides $781,913,000 for National Weather Service operations,
research and facilities, including an increase of $2,500,000
above the request for local warnings and forecasts base
activities. The Committee continues to believe that renaming
the National Weather Service could lead to confusion among
users of long-standing programs and services with substantial
name recognition, and strongly encourages NOAA against such
action.
The recommendation for Local Warnings and Forecasts
includes $20,415,000, the full requested amount, to strengthen
the U.S. tsunami warning network. The recommendation for Local
Warnings and Forecasts also includes $5,000,000 for the Space
Environment Center; continues funding for Alaska tsunami
warning observations and the hurricane mitigation cooperative
research initiative; and continues funding for air quality
forecasting programs including $1,750,000 to establish air
quality and meteorological monitoring equipment throughout the
Shenandoah Valley and utilize computer modeling software and
data processing hardware to gather, analyze and disseminate
real-time and predictive information to local decision makers,
research programs, and the general public. Within the amount
provided for Advanced Hydrological Prediction Services, the
Committee expects that NOAA will continue to support critical
upgrades to the Susquehanna River Flood Forecasting and Warning
System.
The Committee notes that, of the approximately 500 coastal
communities determined to be at high risk of tsunami, only 25
communities have been recognized by NWS as TsunamiReady. The
Committee expects NOAA to evaluate the TsunamiReady program to
determine why participation is low, and make any necessary
corrections to eliminate barriers to participation. The
Committee expects NOAA to continue to work with each at-risk
coastal community to ensure that emergency officials understand
potential tsunami hazards and are prepared to take necessary
actions. In addition, the Committee directs NOAA to develop
comprehensive risk-based strategic plans for all tsunami
programs, including metrics for measuring progress toward
achieving program goals.
National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information
Service (NESDIS).--The recommendation provides $145,250,000 for
NESDIS operations, research and facilities. The recommendation
for Data Centers and Information Services includes funding for
environmental data archiving, access and assessment activities.
Program Support.--The recommendation provides $356,575,000
for Program Support, including $183,775,000 for corporate
services, $21,000,000 for facilities, $125,300,000 for marine
and aviation operations, and $26,500,000 for education
programs. The recommendation continues language prohibiting the
charging of line office program budgets for costs of corporate
services.
The recommendation for Education Programs consolidates
funding for a number of continuing activities and a general
education fund. The Committee expects that this funding level
will support the following activities: JASON; continuing bay
and watershed education programs; Chesapeake Bay interpretive
buoys; Education Partnership Program/Minority Serving
Institutions; education activities related to ocean exploration
and undersea research; and the Virginia Science and Engineering
Outreach program. In addition, the recommendation includes
language, as requested, regarding two NOAA educational
scholarship programs. The Committee expects that these two
continuing programs will be funded from the amount provided for
Education Programs.
NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE--OPERATIONS, RESEARCH AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navigation Services:
Mapping & Charting.................................. 39,300
Address Survey Backlog/Contracts.................... 29,000
Geodesy............................................. 22,000
Tide & Current Data................................. 22,000
---------------
Total, Navigation Services...................... 112,300
===============
Ocean Resources Conservation and Assessment:
Coastal Services.................................... 10,000
Coral Reefs......................................... 26,000
Response and Restoration............................ 22,600
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science.......... 21,740
Extramural Oceanic and Coastal Research & Science... 12,000
===============
Total, Ocean Resources Conserv. & Assess........ 92,340
---------------
Ocean and Coastal Management:
CZM Grants.......................................... 55,000
CZMA Program Administration......................... 6,000
Non-Point Pollution................................. 1,500
National Estuarine Research Reserve System.......... 16,000
Marine Sanctuary Program............................ 32,000
---------------
Total, Ocean and Coastal Management............. 110,500
===============
Total, National Ocean Service--ORF.............. 315,140
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE--OPERATIONS, RESEARCH AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protected Species Research and Management............... 108,000
Fisheries Research & Management:
Research and Management Programs.................... 138,000
Salmon Management Activities........................ 24,000
Expand Stock Assessments--Improve Data Collection... 25,000
Fish Statistics..................................... 12,800
Fisheries Information Networks...................... 20,000
Regional Councils and Fisheries Commissions......... 25,000
Survey and Monitoring Projects...................... 10,000
---------------
Total, Fisheries Research & Management.......... 254,800
===============
Other Activities Supporting Fisheries:
Chesapeake Bay Studies.............................. 3,000
Cooperative Research................................ 9,000
Antarctic Research.................................. 1,500
Alaska Research..................................... 20,000
Information Analyses and Dissemination.............. 17,500
National Environmental Policy Act................... 7,900
Facilities Maintenance.............................. 3,900
---------------
Total, Other Activities......................... 62,800
===============
Habitat Conservation and Restoration:
Sustainable Habitat Management & Conservation....... 18,000
Fisheries Habitat Restoration....................... 22,000
---------------
Total, Habitat Conservation and Restoration..... 40,000
===============
Enforcement and Observers:
Enforcement and Surveillance........................ 50,000
Observers and Training.............................. 23,500
---------------
Total, Enforcement and Observers................ 73,500
===============
Total, National Marine Fisheries Service--ORF... 539,100
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH--OPERATIONS, RESEARCH AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Climate Research:
Laboratories & Joint Institutes..................... 47,000
Climate Operations, Data & Information.............. 7,000
Competitive Research Program........................ 130,000
---------------
Total, Climate Research......................... 184,000
===============
Weather & Air Quality Research:
Laboratories & Joint Institutes..................... 36,000
Tornado/Severe Storm Research/Phased Array Radar.... 3,000
---------------
Total, Weather & Air Quality Research........... 39,000
===============
Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Research:
Laboratories & Joint Institutes..................... 19,000
Undersea Research and Ocean Exploration............. 16,000
National Sea Grant College Program.................. 52,000
Invasive Species and Other Partnership Programs..... 5,586
---------------
Total, Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Research. 92,586
===============
High Performance Computing Initiatives.................. 12,900
===============
Total, Oceanic and Atmospheric Research--ORF.... 328,486
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE--OPERATIONS, RESEARCH AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations and Research:
Local Warnings and Forecasts........................ 614,957
Advanced Hydrological Prediction Services........... 6,037
Aviation Weather.................................... 4,653
WFO Maintenance..................................... 7,316
Weather Radio Transmitters.......................... 2,297
Central Forecast Guidance........................... 51,063
---------------
Total, Operations and Research.................. 686,323
===============
Systems Operation & Maintenance (O&M;):
NEXRAD.............................................. 43,759
ASOS................................................ 8,716
AWIPS............................................... 37,603
NWSTG Backup--CIP................................... 5,512
---------------
Total, Systems Operation & Maintenance.......... 95,590
===============
Total, National Weather Service--ORF............ 781,913
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE--
OPERATIONS, RESEARCH AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Environmental Satellite Observing Systems:
Satellite Command and Control....................... 43,750
Product Processing and Distribution................. 27,100
Product Development, Readiness & Application........ 24,600
Space Commercialization, Licensing & Enforcement.... 1,800
---------------
Total, Environmental Satellite Observing Systems 97,250
===============
NOAA's Data Centers & Information Services.............. 48,000
===============
Total, NESDIS--ORF.............................. 145,250
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM SUPPORT--OPERATIONS, RESEARCH AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Services:
Under Secretary & Associate Offices................. 26,550
Consolidated Corporate Administrative Costs......... 111,900
Payment to DOC Working Capital Fund................. 34,425
CAMS................................................ 9,900
Information Technology Security..................... 1,000
---------------
Total, Corporate Services....................... 183,775
===============
NOAA Education Programs................................. 26,500
===============
Facilities:
NOAA Facilities Management & Construction........... 17,000
Environmental Compliance & Safety................... 4,000
---------------
Total, Facilities............................... 21,000
===============
Marine and Aviation Operations:
Marine Services..................................... 90,300
Fleet Planning and Maintenance...................... 16,000
Aviation Operations................................. 19,000
---------------
Total, Office of Marine & Aviation Operations... 125,300
===============
Total, Program Support--ORF..................... 356,575
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION
The recommendation includes $996,703,000 for the
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction account, which is
$113,216,000 below the current year level not including
supplemental amounts, and $27,764,000 below the request. The
recommendation assumes that an additional $2,000,000 will be
available from prior year deobligations, resulting in a total
program level of $998,703,000. The recommendation includes
language making any use of deobligated funds provided under
this heading in previous years subject to the reprogramming
procedures set forth in section 605 of this Act.
National Weather Service (NWS).--The recommendation
includes $100,420,000 for National Weather Service acquisition
and construction, which is $2,000,000 above the request. The
recommendation includes requested funding for four remaining
Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoy
spares to complete the acceleration of the deployment of a
national tsunami warning system. The recommendation also
restores a proposed reduction of $2,000,000 in the radiosonde
network replacement program.
National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information
Service (NESDIS).--The recommendation includes $884,304,000 for
NESDIS acquisition and construction, which is the same amount
as the request. The recommendation provides the requested
increase of $113,442,000 for the R-Series, the next generation
of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES).
This funding will be used for systems acquisition, continued
efforts on satellite instruments, and the program office in
support of an initial GOES-R launch date in 2012.
The recommendation also provides the full requested
increase of $20,278,000 for National Polar-orbiting Operational
Environmental Satellite Systems (NPOESS). The Committee
recommendation does not constitute an endorsement of future
funding requests for the full costs of a reconstituted NPOESS
program. The Committee notes that the fiscal year 2007 funding
requirements for NPOESS remain unchanged despite the recently
concluded Nunn-McCurdy recertification process, under which the
total program costs are slated to increase by at least
$3,700,000,000. The Committee is gravely concerned with the
technical and financial program management failures, which have
resulted in dramatic cost increases, and placed at risk the
nation's ability to collect critical weather forecasting and
climate data. The Committee understands that the recertified
NPOESS program will consist of four satellites instead of six
as originally planned; will have an initial launch of 2013
instead of 2010; and will include at least five fewer sensor
instruments than originally planned. In light of such program
setbacks, NOAA must justify whether the reconstituted program
merits such a dramatic increase in future appropriations. The
Committee expects NOAA and the other NPOESS agencies to
cooperate fully with the Committee, and other Committees with
jurisdiction over the NPOESS program, in reviewing the results
of the Nunn-McCurdy certification. Congress will need detailed
information to ensure that the new cost and schedule estimates
for NPOESS are realistic.
None of the funds provided for NPOESS for fiscal year 2007
shall be obligated or expended until the Committee receives a
fiscal year 2007 spending plan through the reprogramming
process set forth in section 605 of this Act, accompanied by a
full multi-year program justification. Further, the Committee
expects that NOAA will immediately implement all recommended
management improvements, and that the renegotiation of the
contract for NPOESS will take into account the recommendations
of the Government Accountability Office and the Inspector
General of the Department of Commerce.
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO).--The
recommendation includes $3,600,000 for OMAO, to cover expected
temporary berthing and calibration costs associated with the
delivery of NOAA's second fisheries survey vessel. The amount
recommended also includes funding for NOAA to test and
demonstrate scientific applications of hydrographic data.
The following table identifies the specific activities and
funding levels included in this Act:
PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION & CONSTRUCTION
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Research Supercomputing/CCRI (OAR)...................... 10,379
Weather and Climate Systems Acquisition (NWS)........... 68,611
Construction (NWS)...................................... 31,809
Satellite Systems Acquisition--Geostationary (NESDIS)... 439,607
Satellite Systems Acquisition--POES (NESDIS)............ 89,906
Satellite Systems Acquisition--NPOESS (NESDIS).......... 337,870
NPOESS--Preparatory Data Exploitation (NESDIS).......... 4,455
EOS & Advanced Polar Data Systems (NESDIS).............. 990
CIP--Single Point of Failure (NESDIS)................... 2,772
Comprehensive Large Array Data Stewardship (NESDIS)..... 6,476
Construction (NESDIS)................................... 2,228
Marine Services (OMAO).................................. 3,600
===============
Total PAC....................................... 998,703
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC COASTAL SALMON RECOVERY
The recommendation includes $20,000,000 for conservation
and habitat restoration and recovery grants for endangered and
threatened Pacific salmon populations, which is $46,638,000
below the current year and $46,825,000 below the request. The
recommendation includes language, similar to the request, that
(1) lists eligible State and tribal grantees under the program;
(2) defines the allowable uses of funds under this account; (3)
requires that funds disbursed to States be subject to a
matching requirement; and (4) requires that non-Federal
contributions must be used in direct support of this program in
order to fulfill the matching requirement. The Committee
expects that any guidelines established by the Secretary of
Commerce to allocate funding under this account will restrict
the use of funding under this account to projects necessary for
restoration of populations that are listed as endangered or
threatened or identified as at-risk to be so listed, projects
that maintain populations necessary for exercise of tribal
treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing, or
projects to conserve Pacific coastal salmon and steelhead
habitat. NOAA shall report to the Committee within 60 days of
the enactment of this Act on the distribution of funding to
States and tribes under this heading.
The Committee notes that from fiscal year 2000 through
fiscal year 2006, over $1,250,000,000 has been appropriated for
NOAA Pacific Salmon programs, including $591,125,000 for
recovery grants to States and tribes. The Committee
recommendation for fiscal year 2007 includes a total of
$100,000,000 for NOAA Pacific Salmon programs, consisting of
$56,000,000 in NMFS Protected Species funding, $24,000,000 in
NMFS Salmon Management funding, and the $20,000,000 included
under this heading for recovery grants to States and tribes.
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT FUND
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The recommendation includes requested language allowing not
to exceed $3,000,000 collected pursuant to the Coastal Zone
Management Act to be transferred to the ``Operations, Research
and Facilities'' account to offset the costs of implementing
that Act.
FISHERIES FINANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT
The recommendation includes language under this heading
appropriating $287,000 for the subsidy costs of direct
fisheries loans. Language is included designating a total
principal amount of direct loans of $5,000,000 for Individual
Fishing Quota loans, and $59,000,000 for traditional direct
loans.
Other
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT
The Committee recommendation includes $52,760,000 for costs
of managing the Department of Commerce, $4,239,000 below the
request and $5,900,000 above the current year level. The
Committee recommendation includes bill language designating
$5,900,000 for the blast mitigation windows, as proposed, and
$990,000 for the National Intellectual Property Law Enforcement
Coordination Council, as proposed under a separate heading. The
Committee has denied, without prejudice, the requested increase
of $18,000,000 for the renovation and modernization of the
Herbert C. Hoover Building due to the Committee's austere
funding constraints.
This appropriation provides for the Office of the Secretary
and for staff offices of the Department, which assist in the
formulation of policy, management, and administration.
Office Relocations.--The Committee continues to direct the
Department to submit quarterly reports providing details of all
office moves, openings, reductions and closings, and the costs
associated with all moves. The Committee reminds the Department
of the requirements to submit reprogramming notifications under
section 605 of the Act before implementing office relocations.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The Committee includes $22,531,000 for the Inspector
General for fiscal year 2007, which is $64,000 above the
current year level and the same as the request.
General Provisions--Department of Commerce
The Committee recommends the following general provisions
for the Department of Commerce:
Section 201 of the bill making Department of Commerce funds
available for advanced payments only upon certification of
officials designated by the Secretary that such payments are
considered to be in the public interest;
Section 202 making appropriations for the Department for
Salaries and Expenses available for hire of passenger motor
vehicles, and for services, uniforms and allowances as
authorized by law;
Section 203 providing the authority to transfer funds
between Department of Commerce appropriation accounts and
requiring notification to the Committee of certain actions;
Section 204 providing that any costs incurred by the
Department in response to funding reductions shall be absorbed
within the total budgetary resources available to the
Department and shall not be subject to the reprogramming
limitations set forth in this Act;
Section 205 regarding the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship
Program;
Section 206 regarding the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship
Program; and
Section 207 requiring that any funding used to implement E-
Government Initiatives shall be subject to section 605 of this
Act.
TITLE III--SCIENCE
The funds recommended by the Committee in Title III of the
accompanying bill support the development of national science
policy, as well as the operational, research, and education
activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
and the National Science Foundation.
The recommendation in this title totals $22,734,381,000,
which is $901,108,000 above the amount provided in fiscal year
2006 not including supplemental amounts, and $83,227,000 below
the budget request.
Office of Science and Technology Policy
The recommendation includes $5,369,000 for the Office of
Science and Technology Policy, which is $124,000 below the
current year funding level and the same as the request. The
Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) was created
under the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization,
and Priorities Act of 1976. OSTP advises the President on
science and technology policies and coordinates research and
development programs for the Federal Government.
The Committee recommendation includes language directing
the establishment of an Ethics Advisory Group (EAG) for the
National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), focused on questions
of human dignity. The EAG shall be composed of non-Federal
experts unaffiliated with the nanotechnology industry; shall
develop ethical guidelines for Federal nanotechnology research
across all agencies funded by the NNI; and shall address
fundamental questions of human dignity in addition to other
ethical, legal, and social issues.
In establishing the EAG within the NNI, the Committee
directs the OSTP to ensure that the ethical implications of
nanotechnology, as distinct from the legal, social, or
environmental implications, are thoroughly and specifically
examined. The EAG shall focus on: (1) generating robust,
balanced ethical discussions with particular attention not only
to questions of equity and access but also to fundamental
questions of human dignity including the potential use of
nanotechnology in enhancing human intelligence and performance;
(2) developing ethical guidelines that set practical boundaries
within which the U.S. nanotechnology program can flourish; and
(3) developing a process whereby these ethical guidelines can
inform the research funded through the NNI and shape funding
decisions. By February 1, 2007, OSTP shall report to the
Committee on the status of the establishment of the EAG and its
activities. By July 1, 2007, the EAG shall provide the
Committee with a report on its progress.
The recommendation also includes language establishing a
reporting requirement on the improvement of science education
in the United States. The Committee expects OSTP to work to
improve coordination and communication among science agencies
to ensure that education programs are effective and
complementary, and not duplicative. The OSTP shall report to
the Committee by March 31, 2007, on any actions planned or
taken in response to any findings or recommendations of the
National Science and Technology Council or the new interagency
Academic Competitiveness Council.
The Committee recognizes that research efforts on new
technologies such as nanotechnology and biofuels are and should
continue to be coordinated across Federal departments. Rapid
advancements in such fields should be closely monitored with
regard to new job skills and specialized training required by
the workforce, academic curriculum changes, new job
classifications, and consumer safety initiatives. The Committee
urges the Office of Science and Technology Policy to make
recommendations for ensuring that such new requirements and
related funding needs are brought to the attention of the
Congress and the Executive branch.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The Committee recommends a total of $16,709,000,000 for the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, which is
$83,227,000 below the request, and an increase of $462,386,000
above the fiscal year 2006 level not including emergency
supplemental funding.
The recommendation includes funds to support NASA's new
vision and mission for space exploration, while supporting
requested funds for the continued operation of the Space
Shuttle. The Committee is very concerned about the need to
maintain the nation's leadership in science and technology. To
this end, the Committee has provided additional funding above
the request for aeronautics research and science programs. The
recommendation makes modest changes to NASA's request to
achieve a balance between exploration and NASA's other core
mission programs.
The Committee recommendation provides funding under the
same account structure as in fiscal year 2006 and proposed in
the President's budget request. After several recent changes in
the account and budget structure, the Committee believes that
maintaining stability in this structure will improve NASA
budgeting and financial management, as well as provide more
transparency to improve Congressional oversight. To further
improve transparency of resource allocation, the recommendation
includes language designating funding by theme in both of
NASA's major appropriations accounts. The recommendation
continues to provide funding for the Space Shuttle and
International Space Station in the Exploration Capabilities
account. The recommendation includes new language, similar to
language in the bill under the Departments of Justice, Commerce
and State, establishing limitations and procedures for the
transfer of funds among appropriation accounts. The Committee
also notes that the reprogramming procedures outlined in
section 605 of this Act apply to the reallocation of funds over
a specified amount among budget programs, projects and
activities, including the reallocation of funding made
available in previous fiscal years. The Committee is concerned
about the process of setting NASA priorities through
significant funding shifts in the operating plan rather than
through the regular appropriations process. The guidance
provided in the bill and report for fiscal year 2007 provides a
clear base funding level. The Committee must be notified of any
deviations that meet the criteria established in section 605.
None of the funds provided under this heading shall be for non-
NASA construction projects.
With respect to the agency's workforce, the Committee is
concerned with the budgetary impact of maintaining employment
levels in excess of what is needed to accomplish NASA's
mission. The Committee expects NASA to undertake the necessary
workforce planning to correct what NASA refers to as
``uncovered capacity''. The Committee supports NASA's efforts
to develop and maintain a world-class workforce.
The Committee remains concerned that NASA television is an
asset that is significantly underutilized and could be used as
a centerpiece in helping to excite the next generation of
explorers in science. The Committee understands that the
current year budget for NASA television is $14,000,000, an
amount which exceeds the annual budget of the State of
Mississippi for public television. NASA must take advantage of
its television resources to inform and excite the public. The
Committee encourages NASA to work with private sector partners
to find innovative ways to incorporate the success of its web
portal into its television activities and create a
comprehensive multimedia experience for the American public.
SCIENCE, AERONAUTICS AND EXPLORATION
NASA's Science, Aeronautics and Exploration (SAE) account
provides funding for the Science, Exploration Systems, and
Aeronautics Research Mission Directorates, and for Education
programs and Cross-Agency Support programs. The SAE
appropriation includes both the direct and the indirect costs
supporting the Mission Directorates and Education Program, and
provides for all of the research; development; operations;
salaries and related expenses; design, repair, rehabilitation,
and modification of facilities and construction of new
facilities; maintenance and operation of facilities; and other
general and administrative activities supporting SAE programs.
The Committee recommends $10,482,000,000 for science,
aeronautics and exploration, an increase of $845,273,000 above
the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and $41,805,000 below the
request.
Science.--The recommendation includes a total of
$5,404,800,000 for the Science Mission Directorate, an increase
of $75,000,000 above the request. Increases above the request
include: $50,000,000 for research and analysis; $15,000,000 to
initiate planning for an orbiter/lander mission to Europa; and
$10,000,000 for Terrestrial Planet Finder for continued
technology development.
The Committee expects that the increase provided for
research and analysis will be allocated in an equitable fashion
among all themes of the Science Mission Directorate: Solar
System Exploration, the Universe, and the Earth-Sun System. The
Committee is concerned about the damage to our nation's
research institutions that can result from the abrupt and
unexpected termination of peer-reviewed scientific research
grants. The Committee expects that NASA will avoid such actions
in the future, to the extent possible. When negotiating terms
of university research grants, NASA should include close-out
provisions that retain adequate flexibility for the agency,
while at the same time providing sufficient mechanisms for
minimizing adverse impacts on university educational and
research programs.
The National Academy of Sciences, Solar System Exploration
Decadal Survey of planetary scientists concluded that the
highest priority of the scientific community is an orbiter/
lander mission to Jupiter's moon, Europa. One of NASA's highest
priorities is to search for life on other planets, and the
Decadal Survey of planetary scientists determined that Europa
has the highest probability of supporting life in our Solar
System because of the confirmed presence of a planet-wide ocean
of liquid salt water coupled with significant ocean bottom heat
energy created by tidal flexing. The chemical and heat energy
created by mid-ocean volcanic vents on the bottom of Earth's
oceans have created communities of living organisms that thrive
in absolute darkness in conditions nearly identical to the
conditions that exist on the bottom of Europa's salt water
oceans. For these reasons, in last year's conference report,
the Congress directed NASA to begin planning for this mission,
and to incorporate it into NASA's fiscal year 2007 budget
request. The recommendation includes $15,000,000 for NASA to
study and plan for a new start for the single most important
outer planetary mission of the Decadal Survey. The Committee
urges NASA to incorporate additional funding for a Europa
mission as part of its fiscal year 2008 budget request. The
Committee expects that NASA would implement this new start
utilizing a purely peer review process that capitalizes on
proven capabilities to plan, design and execute complex outer
planetary missions.
The recommendation provides funding for the continuation of
the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF). TPF will study all aspects
of planets outside our solar system to find earthlike planets
and study those planets' ability to maintain life.
The Committee supports NASA's efforts to plan for the
extension of the life of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and
maintains that the HST servicing mission should be one of
NASA's top near-term priorities. The recommendation provides
requested funding for the HST servicing mission; however, these
funds should not be used to de-orbit HST.
The recommendation includes the requested level of
$98,500,000 for the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM). This
mission will permit a dramatic leap in our understanding of
many processes in astrophysics and is a key mission in NASA's
search for Earth-like planets and life. Technologies being
developed for SIM are also critical to the next generation of
space-based telescopes.
The recommendation includes the requested level of
$700,200,000 for Mars Exploration to ensure the continued
successful implementation of Phoenix in 2007, Mars Science Lab
in 2009, Scout in 2011 and the Mars orbiter in 2013 as well as
the early technology work for later missions and operations of
ongoing missions.
The Committee believes that NASA's scientific successes and
discoveries depend upon a well-balanced mission portfolio of
large, medium, and small-sized missions. Reductions from
planned rates of growth in Science funding appear to have
fallen disproportionately on smaller missions such as the
competitively-run Explorer Program, which is one of NASA's most
important programs addressing critical scientific questions.
Within the funding level provided, the Committee encourages
NASA to consider a restoration of funding to smaller missions
and to fund already-competed missions to the extent possible.
The Committee understands that NASA is in the process of
reviewing the future course of action on the Stratospheric
Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). The Committee
encourages NASA to propose a reallocation of funding through
the regular reprogramming process should this review result in
a continuation of the program.
The recommendation includes $443,100,000, as requested for
the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The Committee
understands that the JWST has been reaffirmed by a special
Science Assessment Team as the astronomy community's number one
priority for the coming decade, and is planned for a 2013
launch.
A critical factor that will affect the future missions NASA
can initiate is the availability of power sources for probes
that cannot rely on solar energy because they are traveling too
far from, or too close to, the Sun. An Europa mission and the
Solar Probe are examples. Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) are
required for these spacecraft. For the past several years,
Russia has been supplying the plutonium-238 (Pu-238) needed for
U.S. RPSs because U.S. supplies are depleted. Now, Russia's own
supplies are running dry. In addition, NASA has curtailed a
major part of its technology development for advanced RPS
devices. Therefore, NASA, in consultation with the Department
of Energy and other appropriate agencies, shall submit a report
to the Committee no later than August 31, 2007 on these issues.
The report shall address the status of U.S. development of
advanced RPS devices; a detailed explanation of what steps are
being taken to ensure an adequate supply of plutonium-238 for
spacecraft missions; and an indication of how many RPSs, of
what design and capabilities, will be available for use, and
when, to permit effective planning for future missions.
Exploration Systems.--The recommendation includes a total
of $3,827,600,000 for Exploration Systems. The recommendation
includes the requested funding levels for the Crew Exploration
Vehicle, the Crew Launch Vehicle, and International Space
Station Cargo Crew Services. The recommendation reduces funding
for Constellation Systems program support activities by
$16,000,000.
The recommendation includes $239,300,000 for Exploration
Technology Development. The Committee expects NASA to enter
into an arrangement with the National Research Council for an
independent assessment of NASA's restructured Exploration
Technology Development program to determine how well the
program is aligned with the stated objectives of the Vision for
Space Exploration, identify any gaps, and assess the quality of
the research. This assessment shall be provided to the
Committee within one year after the enactment of this Act.
The recommendation includes $252,700,000 for Robotic Lunar
Exploration, an increase of $118,400,000 over the current year
level. The Committee recognizes the importance of a robotic
lunar lander mission in preparing for future human exploration
of the Moon, and therefore supports the continuing work of the
Lunar Precursor and Robotic Program Office for the development
of the robotic lunar project.
The Committee encourages NASA to allocate additional
funding, if possible, via the reprogramming process, for basic
and applied microgravity life and physical sciences, including
the maintenance of a meaningful program of peer-reviewed
ground-based research. The Committee further encourages NASA to
establish an external advisory panel to guide research
priorities relative to microgravity life and physical sciences
consistent with the recommendations of the National Academies.
Aeronautics Research.--The recommendation includes
$824,400,000 for Aeronautics Research, an increase of
$100,000,000 above the request. The restoration of funds
reflects the Committee's concern about the direction NASA has
taken in downsizing and restructuring its Aeronautics Research
program. While the United States is reducing its Federal
investment in aeronautics research our competitors are
increasing their aeronautics research and development budgets
and making competitiveness their number one priority. While the
Committee strongly supports the President's new vision for
robotic and manned exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond,
it is imperative that we not forget the importance of
aeronautics research to our domestic economy. The Committee
notes that NASA is in the process of developing a National
Aeronautics Policy to be delivered to the Congress in the fall
of 2006.
The Committee expects NASA to provide a report within sixty
days of the enactment of this Act on its response to the
findings and recommendations of the National Research Council's
Decadal Survey of Civil Aeronautics, including whether it
intends to implement all of the Survey's recommendations, and
if not, NASA's rationale for choosing not to implement a given
recommendation. The report should also include a timetable for
implementing the Survey's recommendations.
Cross-Agency Support Programs.--The recommendation includes
$425,200,000 for Cross-Agency Support Programs. The recommended
funding level includes $153,300,000 for Education Programs, and
$32,200,000 for Shared Capabilities. The reduction below the
request is a general reduction to support functions and
institutional investments funded through general and
administrative charges. The Committee expects that this
reduction will be spread back to program activities throughout
this account proportionally.
Within the amount provided for education, the Committee
strongly encourages NASA to continue long-standing educational
collaborations with partner institutions to promote the public
understanding of NASA's missions, support the development of
the science and technology workforce needed for the 21st
century, and to support NASA's strategic directions. The
Committee also encourages NASA to allocate funding above the
request for the Space Grant and the Experimental Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The Committee expects
NASA to issue its request for proposals for EPSCoR funds within
90 days of the enactment of this Act.
Within the amount provided for corporate general and
administrative charges, the Committee expects NASA to allocate
at least the amount in the budget request for an Independent
Verification and Validation facility.
EXPLORATION CAPABILITIES
NASA's Exploration Capabilities (EC) account provides
funding for the Space Operations Mission Directorate. The Space
Operations Mission Directorate includes the International Space
Station (ISS), the Space Shuttle Program, and Space and Flight
Support. The EC appropriation includes both the direct and the
indirect costs supporting the Space Operations Mission
Directorate, and provides for all of the research; development;
operations; salaries and related expenses; design, repair,
rehabilitation, and modification of facilities and construction
of new facilities; maintenance and operation of facilities; and
other general and administrative activities supporting the EC
programs.
The Committee recommends $6,193,500,000 for exploration
capabilities, a decrease of $41,422,000 below the budget
request and $384,401,000 below the fiscal year 2006 base
enacted level. The recommendation includes a decrease of
$33,400,000 below the request for the International Space
Station (ISS). The Committee believes that this small reduction
is appropriate given the uncertainties surrounding the nature
and scope of the science to be conducted on the ISS. The
recommendation assumes that this reduction will be taken from
the amount requested for Multi-User Systems and Support. The
remaining portion of the reduction below the request is a
general reduction to support functions and institutional
investments funded through general and administrative charges.
The Committee expects that this reduction will be spread back
to program activities throughout this account proportionally.
In order to ensure that the ISS will be used effectively to
test technologies in support of exploration, the Committee
directs NASA to enter into an arrangement with the National
Research Council for an independent assessment of how the ISS
can best be used as a technology testbed in support of the
stated objectives of the Vision for Space Exploration. The
assessment should evaluate NASA's plans, identify any gaps, and
determine the time required to achieve stated objectives under
the planned funding profile for ISS testbed activities. This
assessment shall be provided to the Committee within one year
after the enactment of this Act. In addition, the Committee
directs NASA to provide a plan to the Committee by March 31,
2007 for utilizing the ISS for fundamental materials science
research.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The Inspector General Act of 1978 established the Office of
Inspector General. The Office is responsible for providing
agency-wide audit and investigative functions to identify and
correct management and administrative deficiencies that create
conditions for existing or potential instances of fraud, waste,
and mismanagement.
The Committee recommends $33,500,000 for the Office of
Inspector General, the same as the budget request and
$1,514,000 above the fiscal year 2006 enacted level.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
The recommendation includes four administrative provisions.
The first provision allows for funds to remain available until
expended when an activity has been initiated for the
construction of facilities. The second provision makes all
amounts appropriated for construction of facilities available
until September 30, 2009. The third provision allows funds for
authorized prizes to remain available without fiscal year
limitation. The final provision governs transfers between NASA
appropriation accounts, and mandates that any transfer pursuant
to this provision shall be treated as a reprogramming of funds.
National Science Foundation
The Committee recommendation includes a total of
$6,020,012,000 for the National Science Foundation (NSF), which
is $438,846,000 above the current year funding level and the
same as the request.
Established in 1950, the National Science Foundation's
primary purpose is to develop and implement a national policy
on science, and support and promote basic research and
education in the sciences.
The Committee reminds NSF of the reprogramming guidelines
in section 605 of this Act. It is the intent of the Committee
that the reprogramming requirements described in section 605
shall also apply to all balances of funds carried over into
fiscal year 2007 by NSF. Detailed recommendations for NSF's
individual appropriations accounts are contained in the
following paragraphs.
RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES
The Committee recommends a total of $4,665,950,000 for
Research and Related Activities. The recommendation is
$334,467,000 above the fiscal year 2006 level and the same as
the request.
The Committee strongly supports the increased funding for
basic scientific research proposed in the President's American
Competitiveness Initiative for fiscal year 2007. The increase
provided for fiscal year 2007 is intended as the first year of
a ten-year doubling of the Federal investment in innovation-
enabling research supporting high-leverage fields of physical
science and engineering.
The recommendation does not include specific funding
allocations for each directorate or for individual programs and
activities. If there are any deviations from the allocations
proposed in the President's budget request that meet the
criteria established in section 605, the Committee shall be
notified accordingly.
The recommendation includes language providing up to
$485,000,000 for Polar research and operations support, as
requested. The recommendation continues the appropriation of
funding to NSF for the procurement of polar icebreaking
services related to NSF's mission. The Committee expects the
NSF to continue to reimburse the Coast Guard for icebreaking
services related to NSF's mission in fiscal year 2007. The
appropriation of this funding to NSF does not transfer to NSF
the responsibility for maintenance and long-term modernization
costs of the Coast Guard icebreaking fleet, as such action
would irresponsibly jeopardize the nation's primary source of
funding for critical basic scientific research. While using
Coast Guard capabilities may be necessary to meet fiscal year
2007 requirements, the Committee expects NSF to continue
efforts in pursuit of alternative, more economical, icebreaking
solutions for 2007 and beyond. The Committee directs NSF to
pursue the most cost-effective means of obtaining icebreaking
services in the Antarctic for the 2006-2007 season, including,
but not limited to, reimbursing the Coast Guard on a mutually
agreed upon basis for the operations and maintenance of the
U.S. polar icebreaking fleet. The Committee also strongly
encourages NSF to continue to study and develop alternative and
innovative means of meeting the logistics requirements of
maintaining permanent research stations in Antarctica.
The recommendation includes language that allows funds
provided in this account to be available for innovation
inducement prizes. The concept of inducement awards to
encourage broad involvement in solving a specifically stated
scientific problem has been a catalyst for scientific
advancement since at least the early 18th century. The
Committee expects NSF to continue work begun in fiscal year
2006 with the National Academies to craft a prize or categories
of prizes that would be of an appropriate scale and to develop
the rules and conditions for awarding such prizes, and report
back to the Committee on plans to initiate a prize program in
fiscal year 2007. The Committee strongly encourages NSF to use
this mechanism, particularly in programs that specifically
emphasize innovation, to focus on high risk/high payoff
research projects. The recommendation also includes language
clarifying that the NSF has the authority to accept donations
for specific prize competitions. The Committee strongly
encourages NSF to leverage private sector involvement in a
prize program.
The Committee commends NSF for its Silicon Nanonelectronics
and Beyond program and its partnership with the Nanoelectronics
Research Initiative, which involves the sponsorship of research
in the areas of information technology and electronics. The
Committee encourages NSF to continue its support for such
research in fiscal year 2007.
MAJOR RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION
The Committee recommends a total of $237,250,000 for the
major research equipment and facilities construction account
for fiscal year 2007, an increase of $46,369,000 above the
fiscal year 2006 funding level and $3,000,000 below the
request. This account provides funding for the construction of
major research facilities that provide unique capabilities at
the cutting edge of science and engineering.
The Committee recommendation includes requested funding for
five continuing projects, as follows: $47,890,000 for Atacama
Large Millimeter Array (ALMA); $27,400,000 for EarthScope;
$28,650,000 for the IceCube Neutrino Observatory; $42,880,000
for the Scientific Ocean Drilling Vessel; and $9,130,000 for
South Pole Station Modernization. In addition, the
recommendation includes initial funding for three new project
starts, as follows: $56,000,000 for the Alaska Region Research
Vessel; $13,500,000 for the Ocean Observatories Initiative; and
$11,800,000 for the National Ecological Observatory Network.
The recommendation does not include $3,000,000 requested to
reimburse the Judgment Fund of the U.S. Treasury.
The Committee is aware that the NSF has recently completed
a detailed re-examination of the ALMA project. The United
States' cost for completing the new baseline is estimated to be
45 percent higher than originally projected. Although a part of
the increase is due to rising labor and material costs, some of
these new liabilities are the result of management problems, in
particular, the lack of partner integration and centralized
decision making that can potentially cause cost growth. While
the recommendation includes the full request for the ALMA
project for 2007, the NSF is directed to submit a report to the
Committee by October 1, 2006, on how it intends to correct the
overall management and project issues. In the event that there
are additional ALMA funding requirements in fiscal year 2007,
the Committee expects NSF to submit a reprogramming of funds
from lower priorities or new starts in accordance with the
procedures set forth in section 605 of this Act.
EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES
The Committee recommendation includes $832,432,000 in this
account, which is $35,739,000 above the current year level and
$16,212,000 above the request. In light of the challenges
facing the nation in improving math and science educational
participation and achievement, the Committee believes that the
American Competitiveness Initiative must not only bolster the
NSF's basic research activities, but also its education
programs. The most critical need in this regard is to improve
K-12 and undergraduate education in science and math.
The recommendation includes $21,000,000 for the Robert
Noyce Scholarship Program, an increase of $11,000,000 above the
request. The Noyce Program provides scholarships to math and
science majors in return for a commitment to teaching.
Improving undergraduate education is a key to increasing the
American technological workforce, improving overall science
literacy, and strengthening K-12 math and science education.
The recommendation also includes an increase of $5,000,000
above the request for the Experimental Program to Stimulate
Competitive Research (EPSCoR), for a total program level of
$105,000,000.
The Committee recommendation also includes: $25,000,000 for
Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeships;
$46,000,000 for Math and Science Partnerships; $46,500,000 for
Advanced Technology Education; $26,500,000 for STEM Talent
Expansion Program; $107,000,000 for Discovery Research K-12;
$30,000,000 for Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Undergraduate Program; and $40,000,000 for Louis Stokes
Alliances for Minority Participation.
The Foundation's Education and Human Resources activities
are designed to encourage the entrance of talented students
into science and technology careers, to improve the
undergraduate science and engineering education environment, to
assist in providing all pre-college students with a level of
education in mathematics, science, and technology that reflects
the needs of the nation and is the highest quality attained
anywhere in the world, and to extend greater research
opportunities to under-represented segments of the scientific
and engineering communities.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The recommendation includes $268,610,000 for Salaries and
Expenses, which is an increase of $21,803,000 above the current
year level and $13,212,000 below the request. Of the amount
provided, $11,000,000 is intended to cover built-in personnel
and general operating adjustments for fiscal year 2007. The
Salaries and Expenses activity provides for the operation,
support and management, and direction of all NSF programs and
activities and includes necessary funds that develop, manage,
and coordinate Foundation programs.
The Committee directs the NSF to submit a specific
organizational allocation of any new positions funded under
this heading within 30 days after the enactment of this Act.
OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD
The Committee recommendation includes $3,910,000 for the
operations of the National Science Board, which is $39,000
below the current year level and the same as the request. The
Committee strongly endorses the role of the National Science
Board to conduct independent science policy analyses and
oversight of the National Science Foundation.
The National Science Board, established in 1950,
establishes policies and assesses the quality, relevance and
performance of the National Science Foundation's awards and
capital investments. In addition, the Board provides advice to
the President and the Congress on matters of science and
engineering policy.
Although many reports have raised alarm and documented
potential solutions to the crisis in K-12 science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, an action agenda
focused on implementation is lacking. The Committee fully
supports and encourages the National Science Board's creation
of a new Commission on 21st Century Education in STEM. This
Commission will develop a national action plan to address known
K-12 problems; propose practical and affordable solutions; act
as a catalyst for concerted action by the appropriate Federal
agencies; and identify the explicit role of NSF in the context
of the larger, national education system. The Board shall keep
the Committee apprised of the Commission's progress, and
deliver a final national action plan in mid-2007.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The Committee recommendation includes $11,860,000 for the
Office of Inspector General, which is $507,000 above the
current year level and the same as the request.
This account supports the National Science Foundation's
audit and investigation functions to identify and correct
management and administrative deficiencies that could lead to
fraud, waste, and abuse.
TITLE IV--DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
The Committee's fiscal year 2007 recommendation for the
Department of State strongly supports ongoing efforts to
strengthen diplomatic, embassy and border security, and to
institutionalize management reforms. The Committee recommends a
total of $9,124,170,000 for fiscal year 2007 for the Department
of State. This amount is $378,269,000 below the budget request
and $203,629,000 above the amount appropriated for fiscal year
2007. Of the total amount provided, $8,999,170,000 is derived
from general-purpose discretionary funds and $125,000,000 is
scored as mandatory spending.
The Committee recommendation includes a total of
$6,576,526,000 for the discretionary appropriations accounts
under Administration of Foreign Affairs; $2,286,645,000 for the
accounts under International Organizations; $67,928,000 for
International Commissions; and $68,071,000 for Other
activities. The Committee's recommended priorities for the
Department of State are detailed in the following paragraphs.
Administration of Foreign Affairs
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS
The Committee recommends $4,505,084,000 for the Diplomatic
and Consular Programs account, including $795,170,000 to
continue funding for worldwide security upgrades, and
$351,000,000 for public diplomacy international information
programs.
This appropriation provides for the formulation and
execution of United States foreign policy, including the
conduct of diplomatic and consular relations with foreign
countries, diplomatic relations with international
organizations, and related activities. This account includes
funding for the regional, program, and operations bureaus and
offices of the Department of State and the Foreign Service.
The recommendation represents a decrease of $146,789,000
below the request, and an increase of $185,350,000 above the
current year, including supplemental amounts. Within this
total, the recommendation of $795,170,000 for worldwide
security upgrades is $114,454,000 above the fiscal year 2006
level and the same amount as requested. Security funding
increases are described under the ``Worldwide Security
Upgrades'' section below:
Staffing Increases.--The Committee endorses the
Department's proposal to augment and shift personnel resources
to high-priority diplomatic requirements, including new
positions for expanded emphasis on India, China, Brazil, Egypt,
Indonesia, and South Africa; new positions for the Office of
the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization; and new
positions for critical needs language training, including
Arabic, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Dari, Pashto, Korean,
and Farsi.
Since 2001, the Committee has provided increases under the
diplomatic and consular positions totaling 2,254 new positions
above attrition for the State Department, an increase of 15.3
percent.
Worldwide Security Upgrades.--The Committee recommendation
includes $795,170,000, the full amount requested under
Diplomatic and Consular Programs, for the costs of worldwide
security upgrades, an increase of $114,454,000 above the
current year level. The recommendation includes $681,839,000
for ongoing security activities, including guard services,
physical security equipment, armored vehicles, chemical/
biological program, personnel, training, and wireless
communications; $42,846,000 to continue the perimeter/compound
security initiative; and $70,485,000 in security staffing
program increases, including $35,019,000 for Afghanistan
security. The recommendation will provide an increase of 50
positions and $30,485,000, including 35 Special Agents and 15
security engineering and technical support personnel. Including
the 50 new positions provided in 2007, the Committee has
provided 784 new positions for a total of 1,295, an increase of
153.4 percent since 2001.
Public Diplomacy Programs.--In 1999, the United States
Information Agency (USIA) programs were merged within the
Department of State. At that time, the position of Under
Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs was
established. Since then, the Committee has prioritized public
diplomacy programs and has included language, designating
amounts specifically for public diplomacy efforts. For fiscal
year 2007, the recommendation provides $351,000,000 for Public
Diplomacy programs under this account, an increase of
$21,266,000 above the current year. Within the amounts
provided, $268,059,000 is for the regional bureaus, $62,661,000
is for the Bureau of International Information Programs, and
$20,280,000 is for the functional bureaus/other support costs
and payments.
The need to strengthen our public diplomacy continues to
gain urgency as we see alarming public opinion polls and
foreign media content relating to the war on terrorism and the
war in Iraq that reveal profound anti-American sentiments, and
often a rejection of our policies. The need for expanded
efforts is primarily, but not exclusively, in the Arab and
Muslim world.
The Committee commends the recent efforts of the Department
to transform the Department's public diplomacy programs and
institutionalize reforms. The Committee supports encouraging
members of the State Department to speak on the record;
integrating public diplomacy into policy; strengthening the
public diplomacy specialty; recognizing public diplomacy skills
as criteria for promotion for all Foreign Service; and
implementing a rigorous evaluation process of all public
diplomacy programs.
Further, the Committee commends the recent steps taken to
increase efforts to counter disinformation and deliberate
misinformation by monitoring hostile media and providing U.S.
spokespersons and foreign media with factual information to
respond to and to counter, malicious propaganda about the
United States. The Department has greatly expanded U.S. media
presence in Arab and regional media, and the number of media
interviews by the Department in Arabic has increased more than
four times over the number prior to 2005. The Committee
strongly urges the Department to continue to improve U.S.
efforts to communicate with the Arab and Muslim world in local
languages.
The Committee is concerned by negative perceptions about
the U.S. among foreign publics. More must be done to understand
the sources of such perceptions. The Committee commends the
efforts of the Department to enlist external expertise to
better understand what actions the United States Government
(USG), non-profit organizations, the business community, civic
society and other actors should take to improve the perception
of the U.S. among foreign publics; actions the USG and others
can take to direct young, educated people in the Muslim world
away from extremism and violence; how public diplomacy can best
contribute to effecting real change in the Middle East; and how
to increase the recognition of America as the world's leading
donor of food, technology, and financial aid.
The Committee continues to believe that separately
identifying public diplomacy resources will facilitate the
Committee's ability to monitor funding levels and trends for
these activities. The amount identified for public diplomacy
programs includes the costs of personnel and programs
throughout the Department. The Committee expects the Department
to identify any impediments to optimal performance of public
diplomacy programs and propose any necessary changes, including
organizational changes, through the reprogramming process. The
recommendation for public diplomacy will support the
continuation of programs in the Arab and Muslim world, which
have been expanded since fiscal year 2002. The Committee
directs the Department to provide quarterly reports to the
Committee, beginning three months after the enactment of this
Act, on the steps taken to increase efforts to counter anti-
American sentiments around the world.
The Committee considers United States Government-sponsored
international broadcasting to be an essential component of
public diplomacy. The Committee expects the State Department to
assist the Broadcasting Board of Governors in ensuring that
U.S. broadcasting programs provide a balanced and comprehensive
presentation of U.S. policy. Since September 11, 2001, the
Committee has made significant investments to expand
international broadcasting efforts, primarily in the Arab and
Muslim world.
Intelligence and Research.--The Committee recommendation
includes a total of $52,359,000, an increase of $1,000,000 and
5 positions above the requested level of funding for the Bureau
of Intelligence and Research to focus on preventing terrorism,
resolving regional conflicts, preventing and curtailing the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and anticipating
and responding to humanitarian crises. The Committee expects
the Office to expand its survey programs in Arabic and Muslim-
majorities countries.
Border Security Program.--The recommendation includes
$1,128,769,000 for the Department's Border Security program,
$682,969,000 is funded through collection of Machine Readable
Visa (MRV) fees, $120,000,000 is funded through the collection
of the Western Hemisphere Travel Surcharge, $31,800,000 is
funded through Fraud Prevention fees, and $294,000,000 is to be
funded through the Enhanced Border Security Program Fees and
Visa Fraud Fees. The total amount is an increase of $93,794,000
above the fiscal year 2006 program level. This funding level
includes a program increase of 135 new positions for a total
position base of 2,939 positions by the end of fiscal year
2007, an increase of 42.7 percent above attrition since 2001.
The Committee understands these new positions are needed to
handle the increased domestic passport workload as well as
changes in the visa process, including more extensive
interviewing of applicants and the implementation of biometric
collection. The Committee directs the Department to continue
its bimonthly reporting on MRV fee revenue as specified in the
conference report accompanying the fiscal year 2003
Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 108-11), and begin
reporting on Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative fee revenue
as provided through the Passport Security Enhancement Act of
2005 (Public Law 109-167).
The Committee urges the Department to continue to work on
an interagency basis to strengthen the visa process to make it
an effective anti-terrorism tool, while avoiding the creation
of unnecessary barriers or delays to legitimate travel to the
United States.
Fingerprint Technology Standards.--In a December 2004
report, the Inspector General of the Department of Justice
concluded that the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security,
and State had not agreed on a uniform fingerprint technology
standard nor had they agreed on how to develop a fully
interoperable system that provides law enforcement agencies
with readily and easily available access to Homeland Security
records. Recently, the Committee was informed that a uniform
10-fingerprint technology standard has been adopted. The
Committee recommendation includes $10,000,000 to be derived
from fee collections for a pilot study. The Committee expects
the State Department to work with the Departments of Justice
and Homeland Security to implement expeditiously a fully
interoperable system to share Homeland Security records.
Interagency Task Force.--The recommendation continues base
funding for costs associated with the operation of a U.S.
Government interagency task force to monitor the United Nations
headquarters renovation project.
Minority Recruitment and Hiring.--The Department is
directed to continue base funding for the educational
partnership with Hostos Community College and Columbia
University. This program supports the Department's ongoing
efforts to increase minority hiring and diversity by
facilitating the preparation of non-traditional and minority
students for careers in the Foreign Service and the State
Department. The Committee also expects the Department to
continue base funding for an ongoing partnership with Howard
University in support of the Department's efforts to enhance
the diversity of the U.S. diplomatic corps by increasing the
number of underrepresented minorities in foreign relations and
international affairs careers. These resources are to continue
and expand the successful collaborative partnership between the
Department and Howard University to recruit and prepare
students from various institutions with large minority
populations for positions in the U.S. Foreign Service.
Overseas Schools.--The Committee commends the consolidated
Overseas Schools Assistance Program for its accomplishments in
enhancing educational opportunities for children of American
families living overseas. This program fulfills a two-fold
purpose of providing a quality American-style education for
children of U.S. citizens assigned overseas and demonstrating
the best practices in American education to children of other
countries and local educators. In addition, the Committee
commends the continuing contribution of the Overseas Schools
Advisory Council and its annual Program of Educational
Assistance that helps to provide educational excellence to
American overseas schools. The Council also promotes financial
and in-kind support to these schools from U.S. businesses and
foundations, as well as participation in support activities of
these schools by American firms' employees and their spouses
stationed abroad.
Tibet.--A number of provisions in the Tibetan Policy Act
fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of State
including provisions concerning establishment of a U.S.
presence in Lhasa; Tibetan language training and requirements
for Foreign Service officers; promotion of advocacy on
religious freedom in Tibet; necessary support for the Office of
the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues; and the need to
raise inter-departmental awareness of the provisions of this
legislation. The Committee urges the relevant bureaus and
offices within the Department to ensure the full implementation
of the Tibetan Policy Act.
In view of the Department of State's report to the
Committee on implementation of the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002,
the Committee recognizes the important role played by the
Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues in implementing this
Act. To this end, the Committee recommendation continues
$1,000,000 for salaries and expenses for an office to support
the Coordinator in carrying out the broad responsibilities
detailed in Section 621(d) of PL 107-228, as well as for
convening coordinating meetings for appropriate United States
Government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and
representatives of the Tibetan leadership. The Committee
expects that the office will consist of approximately three
professional full-time staff and such support staff as may be
needed, in addition to the Special Coordinator.
Stabilization and Reconstruction.--The Committee strongly
supports the work of the Office of the Coordinator for
Reconstruction and Stabilization. The Committee understands
that this office will be the central entity to plan and
coordinate United States Government civilian activities in pre-
and post-conflict environments, and to coordinate the U.S.
government reaction to complex contingencies. Further, the
Committee understands that this office would improve
operational response time in the areas of reconstruction,
stabilization, and humanitarian assistance. The recommendation
supports new positions for the Office.
Trafficking in Persons.--The Committee continues to be
concerned about the serious problem of international
trafficking in persons. The Committee recommendation increases
the staff level of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking
in Persons. The Committee expects the Department to increase
the number of personnel dedicated to the efforts of the Office
by five in 2007. The Committee expects this Office to further
strengthen the annual reporting process and those of the
Department-led Senior Policy Operating Group to coordinate
interagency activities to implement the Trafficking Victims
Prevention Act of 2000. The recommendation assumes continuation
of grant programs regarding trafficking in persons.
The Committee shares the view of the TIP Office that demand
reduction activities are critical components of successful
anti-trafficking campaigns and that equal weight should be
given to anti-supply and anti-demand efforts in anti-
trafficking campaigns. Further, the Committee believes that a
Special Watch List placement is intended to serve as a short-
term designation for countries, during which those countries
either achieve significant reform or receive Tier III status.
Strong grounds exist for not designating countries for the
Special Watch List for more than one year, and the Committee
believes that consecutive Special Watch List designations
should be limited to extreme cases.
Environment.--The Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean
Development and Climate promises to accelerate the development
and deployment of clean energy technologies. The Partnership
should advance the goal of enhancing energy security, reducing
harmful air pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
intensity in the context of sustained economic growth. The
Committee supports Department efforts to expand the
Partnership.
Exports.--It has been brought to the Committee's attention
that the policy of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
for the export of small arms lacks clarity. The competitiveness
of U.S. manufacturers in the international marketplace is
disadvantaged with unclear export policies. The Committee urges
the Department to clarify such policies.
International Cooperative Administrative Support Services
system (ICASS).--The ICASS system was intended to empower all
U.S. government agencies located at an overseas post to more
efficiently and economically provide administrative support
services. The Committee expects that all overseas posts adopt
the ICASS system.
International Religious Freedom.--The recommendation
continues funding for the Office of International Religious
Freedom in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. The
Committee continues to support the integration of religious
freedom into United States foreign policy. The Committee
expects the Office to develop and implement comprehensive
strategies to promote religious liberty, and to assist in the
preparation of the Human Rights Reports and the annual Report
on International Religious Freedom. The Committee also expects
the Office, in consultation with the Commission on
International Religious Freedom, to work to further incorporate
religious freedom themes in the Department's public diplomacy
programs. In addition, the Committee expects the Department to
continue to integrate the internationally recognized right to
freedom of religion into Foreign Service Officer training at
all levels. The Director of the National Foreign Affairs
Training Center should work with the Ambassador at Large for
International Religious Freedom and the U.S. Commission on
International Religious Freedom on incorporating international
religious freedom issues, including materials, curriculum, and
innovative ways to integrate religious freedom issues into the
training modules.
Web Posting of U.S. Human Rights Reports.--One way of
sharing American values is to highlight our belief in the
importance of human rights around the world. To further this
effort, the Committee supports the posting of the U.S. Country
Reports on Human Rights Practices, the Annual Report on
International Religious Freedom, and the Trafficking in Persons
Report on all U.S. Embassy websites. The Committee commends
many of the U.S. embassies that have translated these reports
into the official languages of the host countries.
Unfortunately, a few embassies have not complied with prior
committee direction to make these reports available. Therefore,
the Committee expects to be notified by January 31, 2007, of
any U.S. Embassy not in compliance with the Committee's
direction to post in English as well as in the official
language of host country.
Right-Sizing the U.S. Government Presence Overseas.--The
Committee continues to define right-sizing as the
reconfiguration of overseas U.S. Government staff to the number
necessary to achieve U.S. foreign policy goals. The Committee
is convinced, and agrees with the recommendation of the
Overseas Presence Advisory Panel, that rationalizing staffing
and operations abroad has the potential for significant
budgetary savings. It costs two to three times as much to
maintain an employee outside of the United States as it does
within the United States. The notion of right-sizing as a
desirable means to improve security and gain efficiencies
implies that the current number of overseas staff in some
locations is greater than the minimum number necessary, and
that the presence of a number greater than the minimum number
presents an unnecessary and unacceptable financial and security
burden. Given the security requirements for the U.S. mission in
Iraq, the Committee strongly urges the Department to use the
most stringent criteria for determining staffing levels. As
part of the overall right-sizing function, the Committee
encourages the Department to review the ICASS system and fully
explore how ICASS can contribute to rightsizing efforts. The
Committee has outlined its concern regarding the right sizing
of the U.S. government presence overseas in report language
since fiscal year 2001 and has included bill language
designating funding for the Office of Right Sizing the United
States Government Overseas Presence since fiscal year 2004. The
Committee remains frustrated by the lack of progress in meeting
the intended results. Recognizing the difficulties inherent in
changing world situations and conditions in specific host
countries requiring movement of mission objectives,
nevertheless, the Department has instances of overly optimistic
staffing projections that have not been realized. These
projections have led to new facilities with vacancies at the
same time the Department is seeking ambitious growth in nearby
posts. With increased security concerns and decreasing budgets,
the Committee is steadfast in its belief that a more rigorous
approach is necessary.
Victims of Terrorism Compensation.--The Committee directs
the Administration, including the State Department, to produce
a comprehensive legislative proposal to the Committees of
jurisdiction to provide just and equitable compensation for all
victims of international terrorism and their surviving family
members, including U.S. foreign service, military, foreign
service nationals, and civil servants. The Committee expects
this proposal to be presented to the Congress within 60 days of
enactment of this Act.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Enforcement.--Experts
report that pirating and counterfeiting has grown to an
estimated $200 billion a year problem and the theft of artistic
and scientific creation is draining our economy. The Committee
notes the United States has not yet taken an intellectual
property rights enforcement case against its trading partners
to stem the hemorrhaging of U.S. intellectual property. The
embassies in key markets, including China, Russia, and Brazil
should conduct market surveys to determine methodologies/
benchmarks for measuring levels of piracy and counterfeiting,
and to conduct market research to determine the actual levels
of piracy/counterfeiting. The Committee expects the Department
to work closely with industry and to work with economist/market
research firms, as practicable.
Some of China's IPR problems are attributable to rogue
provinces and localities that do not adhere to IPR directives
of the central government. The U.S. government including the
State Department and the United States Trade Representative's
Office should develop expertise on the situation in key
provinces, and increase dialogue with officials in those
provinces to enable the implementation of IPR commitments.
The Committee has included language in the bill, similar to
language in prior years, which: (1) permits not to exceed
$4,000,000 to be transferred to the Emergencies in the
Diplomatic and Consular Service account for emergency
evacuations and terrorism rewards; (2) provides $1,513,000 in
fees collected from other Executive Branch agencies and
$490,000 from reserves for lease or use of facilities at the
International Center Complex, as authorized by law; (3)
provides not to exceed $15,000 from reimbursements, surcharges,
and fees for use of Blair House facilities in accordance with
the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956; (4)
requires notification of Congress before processing licenses
for the export of satellites to China; and (5) makes not to
exceed $6,000,000 in fee collections available until expended
for various activities.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND
The Committee recommends $58,143,000 for the Capital
Investment Fund.
In addition, the budget request estimates that $207,643,000
in expedited passport fees will be used to support the
information technology modernization effort, for a total fiscal
year 2007 spending availability of $265,786,000.
The entire amount available under this heading, including
fees, will support investments in new information technologies
and infrastructure to improve the efficiency of Department
operations.
Since 2001, the Committee has invested more than
$1,470,000,000 in the Department's global information
technology infrastructure to enable rapid and reliable
communication between Washington and the more than 300
locations worldwide, while maintaining the highest possible
standards of security of government information. The Committee
expects the Department to maintain and protect this investment.
The Committee is concerned regarding the recent program
setbacks in regard to the State Messaging and Archive Retrieval
Toolset initiative. This initiative was designed to integrate
all Department systems through which people exchange
information, including the outmoded telegram system. This
single web-based system would have advanced the goals of the
Foreign Affairs Systems Integration project, which received
funding in previous years, namely enhancing the ability of
employees to communicate across agency and geographic
boundaries. The Committee is concerned that in such a funding
and security environment, greater oversight must be provided to
the State Department's IT infrastructure investment. In
addition, the recommendation includes $7,139,000 for public key
infrastructure requirements, to maintain secure interagency
communications.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The Committee recommends $32,508,000 for the Office of
Inspector General (OIG), which is the same as the request, and
$2,862,000 above the current year level. The Inspector General
conducts oversight of the State Department and the Broadcasting
Board of Governors. The Committee continues to highlight the
requirement for OIG oversight of the Department's efforts to
implement worldwide security upgrades.
The Committee recommendation includes language, as in
previous years, waiving the statutory requirement that every
post be inspected every five years, in order to provide greater
flexibility to the Inspector General to use resources in the
most critical areas.
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
The bill includes a total of $436,275,000 for the
Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs of the Department of
State. This amount is $10,000,000 above the fiscal year 2006
level, and $38,013,000 below the budget request.
Funding provided under this heading supports international
educational and cultural exchange programs, including the
Fulbright student and scholar exchanges and the International
Visitors Program, as well as related staff and administrative
costs. To the maximum extent possible, the Committee urges that
the following exchange programs be supported: the Congress-
Bundestag youth exchange program; the disability exchange
clearinghouse; foreign study grants for U.S. undergraduates;
Future leaders exchange programs; Teaching Excellence Awards
and Partnerships in Education; Educational advising in Eurasia;
Muskie Graduate and Ph.D. Fellowships; Youth Exchange and
Excellence Award programs; the Junior Faculty Development
program; educational advising and counseling; citizen exchange
programs; inter-parliamentary exchanges; youth science
leadership exchanges; American overseas research centers;
international forum on democracy; university consortium;
Mitchell Scholarships; and exchanges with Tibet, the South
Pacific, and Timor Leste. Regarding the Congress-Bundestag
Program, the Committee intends that the amount provided will
support 380 exchanges in fiscal year 2007, the same level as in
fiscal year 2006.
Regarding Fulbright exchanges with Tibet, the Committee
expects that sufficient resources will be allocated to provide
for 25 Tibetan scholars for the academic year. The Committee
continues to support artistic and cultural exchange of persons
programs as an important component of foreign policy. Within
the levels provided, sufficient funds should be made available
to continue such exchanges. Further, the Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs is expected to work with the Bureau of
Consular Affairs to minimize unnecessary barriers or delays to
legitimate travel to the United States for the purpose of such
exchanges.
The Committee recommendation continues the same level of
funding for the Ngwang Choepel Fellows program as provided in
the Committee-approved 2006 spending plan.
The Committee recommendation continues enhanced support for
programs to engage Arab and Muslim audiences through
educational and cultural exchanges as the highest programmatic
priority under this account. The Committee expects the
Department to allocate adequate funding to continue and expand
Fulbright Exchanges (including American Studies), English
Language Programs (including English Language Fellows),
International Visitor programs, and Values/Religious Tolerance
programs (including cultural exchanges) for these audiences.
The Committee remains supportive of efforts to expand
programming to the Arab and Muslim world, including efforts to
target promising individuals not naturally drawn to Western
sources of information, who live outside the capital cities and
do not attend elite institutions. The Committee does not
eliminate funding for the Partnership for Learning
Undergraduate Studies program. The micro-scholarship program is
one such way to reach this audience by providing English
language training to non-elite audiences, with the hope that
learning English will open a window to the English-speaking
world, helping to dispel misinformation and misunderstandings
that can breed resentment of the United States and its
citizens.
The Committee supports exchange programs for foreign
visitors and students on religious freedom, the relationship
between religion and the state, and the role of religion in
civil society. The Department of State is urged to expand
existing religious freedom programs and consider new
initiatives in its Educational and Cultural Exchange programs.
The Department should consult with the U.S. Commission on
International Religious Freedom on specific countries in
regards to tailored programs for visitors and students from
those countries.
Thousands of young Americans, including high school
students, travel abroad to study. The families of these
students often have difficulty determining the merits of
private exchange programs. The Committee expects the Department
to increase awareness of the resources available to assist
families in the selection of exchange programs.
The Committee recommendation includes a limitation of not
to exceed $2,000,000 on the use of fees or other payments
received from or in connection with English teaching,
educational advising and counseling, and exchange visitor
programs as authorized by law.
The Committee expects that a proposal for the programmatic
and geographic distribution of available resources (including
unobligated balances and recoveries) will be submitted through
the normal reprogramming process within 60 days from the date
of enactment of this Act. The Committee expects that the
overall funding distribution will conform to the programmatic
and geographical guidance above.
REPRESENTATION ALLOWANCES
The Committee recommends $8,175,000 for representation
allowances authorized by section 905 of the Foreign Service Act
of 1980. This amount is the same amount available in fiscal
year 2006 and $26,000 below the budget request. These funds are
used to reimburse Foreign Service Officers for expenditures
incurred in their official capacities abroad in establishing
and maintaining relations with officials of foreign governments
and appropriate members of local communities. The Department
shall submit a quarterly report to the Committee containing
detailed information on the allotment and expenditure of this
appropriation.
PROTECTION OF FOREIGN MISSIONS AND OFFICIALS
The Committee recommends a total of $9,270,000 for the
Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials account. This is
$18,000 below the request and the same amount available in
fiscal year 2006.
This account reimburses local governments and communities
for the extraordinary costs incurred in providing protection
for international organizations, foreign missions and
officials, and foreign dignitaries under certain circumstances.
The Committee believes that local jurisdictions incurring such
costs must submit a certified billing for such costs in
accordance with program regulations. The Committee also
believes that, in those instances where a local jurisdiction
will realize a financial benefit from a visit by a foreign
dignitary through increased tax revenues, such circumstances
should be taken into account by the Department in assessing the
need for reimbursement under this program. The Committee
expects the Department to treat such submissions diligently and
provide reimbursement to local jurisdictions on a timely basis
if claims are fully justified.
EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE
The Committee recommends a total appropriation of
$1,505,020,000 for Embassy Security, Construction, and
Maintenance. This amount is $15,294,000 above the amount
available in fiscal year 2006 (excluding supplemental
rescission) and $34,509,000 below the budget request. The
recommendation designates $899,368,000 as available only for
priority worldwide security upgrades, acquisition, and
construction, the full amount requested for such activities.
The recommendation includes $605,652,000 for non-security
related costs, which is $14,500,000 above the amount provided
in fiscal year 2006 and $34,509,000 below the budget request.
This account provides funds to manage U.S. Government real
property overseas and maintain Government-owned and long-term
leased properties at approximately 260 posts, and to lease
office and functional facilities and residential units, not
only for the Department of State, but also for all U.S.
employees overseas.
The Committee recognizes the Bureau of Overseas Buildings
Operations on becoming the first Federal agency to achieve
``green'' status on the President's Management Agenda scorecard
for the Federal Real Property Asset Management Initiative.
Worldwide Security Upgrades.--The Committee recommendation
includes $899,368,000 for security projects, the full amount
requested and an increase of $794,000 over the fiscal year 2006
level, to continue the capital security program of constructing
new secure replacement facilities for the Department's most
vulnerable embassies and consulates and providing additional
security measures and upgrades. The Committee expects that
projects undertaken under this program will address the
security of the highest priority facilities. In previous fiscal
years, the Department has proposed to reprogram funds under
this activity for projects that do not address top priority
security vulnerabilities and for projects that will not result,
when complete, in a facility that meets existing security
standards. The Committee expects that worldwide security funds
will be used only for projects that meet these specifications.
The Committee recommendation will support the construction of
an estimated ten new embassy compounds, and the acquisition of
a number of secure sites for future embassy compound
construction.
The Committee recommendation also includes $83,988,000, the
amount requested, to continue the compound security upgrade
program. The Committee understands that this program includes
the installation of forced entry/ballistic resistant roof
hatches, vault doors and power-assisted vehicle barriers, and
other similar measures. The Committee expects that this funding
will also provide physical security improvements to residential
compounds and other locations where American citizens gather.
Priority should be given to residential and compound security.
The Committee continues its expectation for proactive action to
anticipate new emerging security threats.
The Committee expects that a proposed spending plan for the
entire amount of available resources for worldwide security
upgrades will be submitted through the normal reprogramming
process within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act.
The Department shall notify the Committee immediately if there
are any facilities that the Department believes face serious
security risks.
The Committee continues to support the Capital Security
Cost Sharing Program. Under this program, all agencies that
have staff overseas under Chief of Mission authority pay a fair
share of urgent, security-driven capital projects undertaken to
replace embassies and consulates at the most vulnerable posts.
The goals of this program are twofold. First, the program
accelerates the replacement of unsafe, unsecured and outdated
diplomatic facilities that are used overseas by U.S. Government
agencies. This is planned as a 14-year, $17,500,000,000 program
to replace 150 vulnerable embassy and consulate facilities with
new compounds that fully comply with statutory security
requirements. Second, the program will create incentives within
all government departments and agencies to scrutinize and
``right-size'' their overseas presence to avoid unnecessary
costs and security risks. Each agency with staff overseas under
Chief of Mission authority has, built into their fiscal year
2007 budget request, an annual contribution towards
construction of new secure diplomatic facilities based on the
number of positions overseas and the type of space occupied.
These contributions do not take the place of State Department
contributions, which are also growing, but create a larger,
shared funding pool to accelerate replacement.
The recommendation assumes a total program level of
$1,223,276,000 in fiscal year 2007 for Capital Security
Construction, including $800,599,000 under this account,
$60,000,000 from other reimbursements, and $362,717,000 from
non-State agencies, based on positions worldwide. Of this
total, the additional amount generated by the Capital Security
Cost Sharing program is $1,036,873,000; which consists of
$674,156,000 from the State Department that is included in the
recommendation under this account, and $362,717,000 from non-
state agencies. The Committee understands that there is an
anticipated five-year phase-in period for the program, wherein
the total Government-wide amount grows from $1,036,873,000 in
fiscal year 2007 to $1,400,000,000, then remains at that level
for the next 7 years. The Committee further understands that
the program will include agency involvement in setting
priorities and in other aspects of the development of new
embassy compounds. The Committee believes that the
establishment of strong interagency coordination and
cooperation will be critical to achievement of program goals
and encourages the Department and the Administration to ensure
that the management of this program is inclusive, cooperative
and transparent.
The Committee recommendation provides $605,652,000 for
operations and maintenance activities, which is $34,509,000
below the request, and $14,500,000 above the current year
level. The Committee notes that the requested amount included
$49,009,000 in program increases. The Committee recommendation
also includes $10,808,000 for headquarters operations. The
Committee directs the Department to prioritize requested
funding increases and to specifically identify amounts above
current services in a comprehensive spending plan to be
submitted no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act.
Assets Management.--The budget request designates
$92,265,000 in assets management funds planned for obligation
in fiscal year 2007. The Committee expects that these funds
will be used for opportunity purchases to replace uneconomical
leases and for other priority capital acquisition purposes. In
addition, as in previous years, the Committee expects that
assets management funds will continue to be allocated in part
to security construction needs. Any use of these or additional
assets management funds in fiscal year 2007 is subject to
reprogramming. In addition, with respect to the requirement
that a reprogramming for any major new start be submitted, the
Committee understands that requirement to mean that any
rehabilitation or construction projects involving an
ambassador's residence will be subject to the requirement. In
addition to regular reporting provided to the Committee on
acquisition and disposal of overseas property, the Department
shall submit a report to the Committee by November 6, 2006,
listing all properties disposed of, or in process for disposal,
along with associated actual or anticipated proceeds of sale,
at posts which have had funding approved for the construction
of a new secure compound in, or after, fiscal year 1999.
The recommendation continues language carried in the bill
in previous years that prohibits funds from being used for
acquisition of furniture and furnishings and generators for
other departments and agencies.
The Committee commends the Bureau of Overseas Buildings
Operations (OBO) for continuing its internal management
innovations to increase performance and accountability, to
streamline operations, and to control costs. Recognizing that
the increased complexity of a growing program of construction,
real estate, operations/maintenance, and planning activities
requires greater technological and information systems
integration, the Committee encourages OBO to pursue development
of integrated building management systems. Such technology
upgrades to integrate disparate legacy systems will protect the
large and continuing investment of taxpayer resources in
overseas properties and those who occupy them. The Committee
has provided sufficient resources to support this effort.
The Committee expects that new embassy projects advanced by
the Department will have been properly planned and right-sized,
with regional considerations, projecting anticipated needs and
requirements by the date submitted to Congress. In rare
circumstances where global conditions dictate a significant
change in requirements after Congress has approved funding for
a specific project, the Department should be proactive in
informing Congress and requesting any additional funding
without risking execution of projects already approved.
Right-Sizing the U.S. Government Overseas Presence.--The
Committee directs the Office of Overseas Buildings Operation to
work closely with the Office on Right-Sizing the U.S.
Government Overseas Presence to ensure that projected staffing
levels for new embassy compounds are prepared in a disciplined
and realistic manner and that these estimates become a basis
for determining the size, configuration and budget of new
embassy compound construction projects. In addition, the
Committee notes several instances of requests made to the
Committee for new embassies predicated upon vacating
dysfunctional and insecure facilities currently occupied, or
upon the need to move to new capital cities, where the
Department has not abided by its original commitment to vacate
or limit the residual presence in formerly occupied posts and
properties. The justification for all facilities projects
funded under this account must include a full explanation of
regional efficiency and security planning, and related staffing
assumptions. Such projects will not be approved for funding
absent evidence of the application of a uniform right-sizing
methodology.
Beijing Embassy.--The Committee anticipates the
construction of the Beijing New Embassy Compound (NEC) to be
completed on time and on budget with occupancy scheduled for
Spring of 2008. With the 2008 Summer Olympics scheduled to be
held in Beijing, China, the Committee expects the Department to
maintain existing facilities in Beijing through this time
period. At that time, the Committee shall receive an update on
the planned decommissioning of the currently occupied buildings
to achieve the best value for the government.
EMERGENCIES IN THE DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICE
The Committee recommends $4,940,000 to enable the Secretary
of State to meet unforeseen emergencies arising in the
Diplomatic and Consular Service. This amount is $4,932,000
below the fiscal year 2006 appropriation, excluding
supplemental appropriations, and the same as the request. In
addition, the Committee expects carryover balances to be
available for obligation in fiscal year 2007. Funding provided
in this account is available until expended.
The Committee has included a provision in the bill that
permits up to $1,000,000 to be transferred from this account to
the Repatriation Loans Program account, as requested in the
budget. This provision will ensure an adequate level of
resources for loans to American citizens through the
Repatriation Loans Program account should that account require
additional funds in fiscal year 2007 due to an unanticipated
increase in the number of loans.
This appropriation provides resources for the Department of
State to meet emergency requirements in the conduct of foreign
affairs. The Committee recommendation provides funds for: (1)
travel and subsistence expenses for relocation of American
employees of the United States Government and their families
from troubled areas to the United States and/or safe-haven
posts; (2) allowances granted to State Department employees and
their dependents evacuated to the United States for the
convenience of the Government; and (3) payment of rewards for
information concerning terrorist activities.
REPATRIATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
The Committee recommendation includes $695,000 for the
subsidy cost of repatriation loans and $590,000 for
administrative costs of the program as authorized by 22 U.S.C.
2671, which is $17,000 below the amount available in fiscal
year 2006 and the same as the budget request.
This account provides emergency loans to assist destitute
Americans abroad who have no other source of funds to return to
the United States.
PAYMENT TO THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN
The Committee recommends $15,826,000 for the appropriation
entitled ``Payment to the American Institute in Taiwan''. The
recommended level is $3,673,000 below the fiscal year 2006
appropriated level and the same as the request. The
recommendation, combined with $3,763,000 derived from visa fee
revenues, will continue the amount available in the current
year. The Institute is authorized to collect Machine Readable
Visa fees, as well as reimbursements from agencies and user
fees from trade show exhibitors.
The Committee expects that the American Institute in Taiwan
(AIT) will cover anticipated operating expenses in fiscal year
2007 through a combination of appropriations and visa fee
revenues. The Committee expects the Department to submit by
November 1, 2006, an AIT spending plan for fiscal year 2007,
indicating the total amount of estimated fee collections, the
amount of such fee collections allocated for operating
expenses, and the total amount planned for operating expenses
from all funding sources.
The Taiwan Relations Act requires that programs concerning
Taiwan be carried out by the American Institute in Taiwan and
authorizes funds to be appropriated to the Secretary of State
to carry out the provisions of the Act. The Institute
administers programs in the areas of economic and commercial
services, cultural affairs, travel services, and logistics. The
Department of State contracts with the American Institute in
Taiwan to carry out these activities.
PAYMENT TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND
The Committee recommends $125,000,000 for the appropriation
entitled ``Payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and
Disability Fund''. This amount is the full budget request and
$6,700,000 below the amount appropriated for fiscal year 2006.
The amount provided in the Committee recommendation is required
to amortize the unfunded liability in the system, as documented
by the annual evaluation of Fund balances.
This appropriation, which is considered mandatory for
budget scorekeeping purposes, is authorized by the Foreign
Service Act of 1980, which provides for an appropriation to the
Fund in 30 equal annual installments of the amount required for
the unfunded liability created by new benefits, new groups of
beneficiaries, or increased salaries on which benefits are
computed. The Retirement Fund is maintained through
contributions made by participants, matching government
contributions, special government contributions (including this
account), interest on investments, and voluntary contributions.
International Organizations
CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
The recommendation includes a total of $1,151,318,000 for
payment of obligations of United States membership in
international organizations as authorized by conventions,
treaties, or specific Acts of Congress for fiscal year 2007.
This amount is $117,205,000 below the request, and the same
amount available in fiscal year 2006.
The amount provided in the bill is intended to pay
assessments for membership in international organizations,
including the United Nations (U.N.). Funding in the bill is
consistent with the U.S. policy of zero nominal growth for the
United Nations budget.
In addition, the amount provides funding for assessments
for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and
the related North Atlantic Assembly, International War Crimes
Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, the
Organization of American States, the International Atomic
Energy Agency, and the Pan American Health Organization.
Estimates of the amount required to cover fiscal year 2007
assessments have varied based on the most recent foreign
currency exchange rates for the dollar, which has fluctuated
since the budget request was formulated. The Committee expects
that these exchange rate fluctuations may result in losses. The
Department may propose to offset these by transfers from other
accounts, or deferring some activities included in the request
that do not require funding in fiscal year 2007.
Reassessment of U.S. Membership in International
Organizations.--The Committee notes, with approval, the
Department's actions to formally withdraw from certain
international organizations where continued U.S. participation
was determined to be a low priority in the context of overall
U.S. national interests. The Committee continues to support the
comprehensive reassessment of U.S. membership in each of the 45
international organizations for which funding is requested
under this account, and to insist that the Department take the
necessary measures to operate within the amount of funds
provided under this account.
The Committee expects the Department to take immediate
action to evaluate and prioritize United States participation
in, and funding for, international organizations. In a climate
of limited resources the Committee continues to insist that the
Department live within appropriated amounts, prioritize as
necessary among organizations according to policy goals, take
steps as necessary to withdraw from lower priority
organizations, and refrain from entering into new commitments.
China's U.N. Assessment Rate.--China's real gross domestic
product (GDP) is growing exponentially. Real GDP growth for
China is estimated at 9.5 percent for 2005. Yet, China's U.N.
assessment rate remains at two-percent. The Committee commends
the efforts of the Department to work to ensure equity in the
assessment rates. Further, the Committee directs the Department
to report to the Committee within 60 days of enactment of this
Act, as to whether the current assessment formula should be
revised.
Reform and Budget Discipline.--The Committee continues to
insist on reform and budget discipline as a priority for all of
the international organizations, including the development of
processes to evaluate, prioritize and terminate programs. The
Committee believes that the onus is on each international
organization and the State Department representatives to those
organizations, to reduce overall budgets and eliminate
duplicative activities, excessive administrative costs, and
inefficient operations.
The Committee continues to insist on improving
accountability in the U.N. organizations. Reform of the United
Nations must be a top priority for the State Department in
fiscal year 2007. The U.S. effort must address a wide range of
activities, such as management reform, personnel reform, and
budget and program prioritization.
U.N. Regular Budget.--The Committee strongly supports the
United States policy of zero nominal growth budgets for
international organizations. Toward this end, the Committee
expects the Department to insist on the evaluation and
prioritization of ongoing U.N. programs and activities, so that
in the event of unanticipated requirements budget offsets may
be taken from activities and programs that have already been
determined to be lower-priority by the organization. The
Committee continues its direction to find appropriate offsets
to accommodate such increases within a zero nominal growth
budget. The United Nations Regular Budget biennium 2006-2007
budget totals $3,798,912,500, of which the United States is
assessed 22 percent.
Language is included to require that any proposal that
would result in the 2006-2007 U.N. biennial budget exceeding
the budget level of $3,798,912,500 for 2006-2007 be
communicated to the Committee in advance of the formal
notification, consideration, and adoption of such a proposal in
the General Assembly. The Committee expects the Secretary to
notify the Committee in advance of any United Nations action to
increase funding for any United Nations program without
identifying an offsetting decrease elsewhere in the United
Nations budget.
Overall, the Committee requires more detailed information
prior to the United States agreeing to such increases without
identifying offsetting decreases and management reforms.
Further, the State Department must actively pursue a
streamlined budget that reflects the true priorities of the
organization, without duplicative and ineffective programs.
Americans Working in the United Nations.--The Committee
directs the Department to increase the number of qualified
Americans employed by the United Nations and international
organizations. The Committee recognizes that Americans provide
many skills that can contribute to making the U.N. more
efficient, effective and more accountable. The Committee
remains dismayed that the representation of Americans in U.N.
posts subject to geographic distribution has remained
relatively flat since 2001.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).--The Committee
notes, with approval, the efforts of the Department and the
U.S. delegation to establish a cap on the cost of the NATO
Headquarters project, and the existence of an agreement between
the Department of Defense and the Department of State as to the
allocation of costs of the U.S. contribution to the project. To
date, the Committee has provided $35,000,000 for the NATO
Headquarters project. The Committee continues its direction to
the Department to control the costs of this facility and to
ensure the facility meets the necessary security requirements.
The Department shall keep the Committee apprised of progress on
this matter.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).--The Committee
notes, with approval, the IAEA's efforts to increase safeguards
efforts to provide essential assurance that nuclear materials
used in peaceful nuclear programs are not diverted and misused
for nuclear explosive purposes or by terrorists. The Committee
recommendation includes full requested funding for the U.S.
assessment for IAEA in fiscal year 2007.
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).-- The Committee
continues to support the work done by the Pan American Health
Organization (PAHO). PAHO has taken the lead in health issues,
including pandemic flu preparation, border health concerns,
traffic fatalities, emerging diseases, and other health issues
that have an impact on citizens of the United States and all
citizens of the Americas. The potential outbreak of a pandemic
flu highlights the regional importance of PAHO to the United
States. The Committee recommendation includes full requested
funding for the U.S. assessment for PAHO in fiscal year 2007.
The Committee understands that the Department and the
Administration are making good progress in working with UNESCO
on areas of joint priority, including education and literacy,
teacher training particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, clean
water, natural disaster preparedness, including tsunami warning
systems, civic education particularly in the Broader Middle
East and North African countries, and press freedom and
supports providing the necessary resources to assure continued
progress in carrying out worthwhile programs in these areas.
The Committee assumes that within the funding provided,
sufficient resources will be provided for the U.S. assessment
for UNESCO.
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES
The Committee recommendation includes $1,135,327,000 for
United States payments for Contributions for International
Peacekeeping Activities for fiscal year 2007, which is the same
as the amount requested in the budget and $113,052,000 above
the fiscal year 2006 level.
Disturbing allegations of sex abuse of minors by U.N.
peacekeepers and civilian personnel have led to significant
reform in the planning and conduct of peacekeeping missions.
The Committee strongly urges the Administration, including the
State Department, to continue to pursue the recommendations
contained in the Prince Zeid report, including personal
accountability, and improvements in the systems of justice in
troop contributing countries as a means to restore confidence
in peacekeeping missions. Further, the Committee directs the
U.S. to work to ensure adequate training is provided to
peacekeeping personnel prior to deployment.
The Committee remains concerned about the continuing lack
of progress in resolving the dispute over the Western Sahara,
despite an enormous investment of funds in the U.N. Mission for
the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) peacekeeping
mission. The Committee urges the Department to work to
encourage a negotiated settlement to the dispute and bring to
an end the costly U.N. peacekeeping presence associated with a
referendum settlement program that has failed to materialize
over the past decade and that the Secretary General and his
Personal Envoy abandoned as unworkable four years ago.
The establishment of several large, complex missions over
the past few years has tested the capacity of the U.N. to plan
and manage such operations successfully. The Brahimi report
addressed many deficiencies in U.N. peacekeeping efforts,
including problems in doctrine, strategy, decision-making,
planning, deployment, support, and information technology. The
Committee continues to support efforts to improve the
performance and efficiency of U.N. peacekeeping missions
through structural and procedural reforms. The Committee also
supports efforts to better limit and focus the goals of such
missions, and to set specific benchmarks for performance and
mission termination.
The Committee continues to support the efforts of the
U.N.'s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) to identify
waste, fraud and abuse, including sexual abuse, in peacekeeping
operations, and to recommend specific reforms to ensure that
such practices are brought to an end. The Committee directs the
Department to provide the necessary support to ensure that OIOS
oversight is systematically brought to bear on every U.N.
peacekeeping mission, including through the presence of
resident auditors. The Committee directs the Department to
request a performance report on the efforts of this Office to
root out the causes of such waste, fraud and abuse.
The bill retains language carried in previous years
requiring 15-day advance notice of any new or expanded mission,
together with a statement of cost, duration, exit strategy,
national interest, and source of funds to pay the cost. In
addition, continues language requiring an additional
notification that the United Nations has taken appropriate
measures to prevent United Nations' employees, contractor
personnel, and peacekeeping forces serving in any United
Nations peacekeeping mission from trafficking in persons,
exploiting victims of trafficking, or committing acts of
illegal sexual exploitation and to hold accountable any such
individuals who engage in any such acts while participating in
the peacekeeping mission.
The bill also retains language requiring certification that
American manufacturers and suppliers are provided equal
procurement opportunities, and language making a portion of
appropriations under this account available for two fiscal
years.
International Commissions
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO
The bill includes a total of $37,690,000 for the
International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and
Mexico (IBWC). This amount is $4,815,000 above the amount
available in fiscal year 2006 and $4,000,000 above the total
budget request for fiscal year 2007. The total amount provided
includes $28,453,000 for Salaries and Expenses and $9,237,000
for construction. The recommendation includes language
authorizing not to exceed $6,000 for representation expenses,
as requested.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommendation for the Salaries and Expenses
account is $28,453,000, which is $810,000 above the amount
available in fiscal year 2006 and the same as the budget
request. The amount recommended by the Committee provides
additional resources for requested wage and price increases.
The Committee notes that fluctuations in the Commission's
operations and maintenance budgets can result in unanticipated
cost savings. Should the Commission experience such savings,
the Commission will have the ability to propose, through the
section 605 reprogramming process, the use of surplus funds for
items not included in the Committee recommendation.
CONSTRUCTION
The Committee recommendation for IBWC construction provides
$9,237,000, which is $4,005,000 above the amount available in
fiscal year 2006 and $4,000,000 above the budget request.
The recommendation provides funding for ongoing projects as
follows: Boundary-wide construction--$850,000; Water Quantity
Program--$7,387,000, including funding above the request for
the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project; and Water Quality
Program--$1,000,000. The Committee expects that carryover
funding may be available to supplement fiscal year 2007
appropriations. Any allocation of funding, including carryover
funding, shall be subject to reprogramming procedures set forth
in section 605 of this Act.
AMERICAN SECTIONS, INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS
The Committee recommends a total of $9,587,000 to fund the
U.S. share of expenses of the International Boundary
Commission, the International Joint Commission, United States
and Canada, and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission
for fiscal year 2007. This amount is $324,000 below the amount
available in fiscal year 2006 and the same as the budget
request. Of the amounts provided, $1,285,000 is for the
International Boundary Commission, $6,127,000 is for the
International Joint Commission and $2,175,000 for the Border
Environment Cooperation Commission, as requested to improve the
health and environmental conditions for the U.S.-Mexico border
region.
INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
The Committee recommends a total of $20,651,000 to fund the
U.S. share of the expenses of international fisheries
commissions or related organizations, as well as the travel
expenses of the United States commissioners. This amount is
$3,043,000 below the amount available in fiscal year 2006 and
the same as the budget request. The Committee expects the Great
Lakes Fishery Commission funding level to continue at the same
level provided in the 2006 spending plan approved by the
Committee.
The Committee expects the Department to take immediate
action to evaluate and prioritize United States participation
in, and funding for, international fisheries commissions. In a
climate of limited resources the Committee continues to insist
that the Department live within appropriated amounts,
prioritize as necessary among commissions according to policy
goals, take steps as necessary to withdraw from lower priority
commissions, and refrain from entering into new commitments.
The Committee directs the Department to submit a proposed
spending plan for the total amount provided under this heading
no later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act.
Other
PAYMENT TO THE ASIA FOUNDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,821,000
for payment to the Asia Foundation for fiscal year 2007, which
is the same as the current year level, and $3,821,000 above the
request. The Committee continues to support Foundation programs
on human rights, higher education, democratic governance,
ethnic harmony, religious tolerance and legal/judicial reform
in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indonesia. Further, the Committee
supports the efforts of Foundation programs in Cambodia.
The Asia Foundation is a private, nonprofit institution,
established to stimulate Asian democratic development and
assist the peoples of Asian countries to shape their own
destinies.
Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue
The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year
2007 of interest and earnings from the Center for Middle
Eastern-Western Dialogue, expected to total $375,000.
EISENHOWER EXCHANGE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year
2007 of interest and earnings from the Eisenhower Exchange
Fellowship Program Trust Fund, expected to total $500,000. The
Committee recognizes the important and unique role of
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships in the U.S. Government's
worldwide public diplomacy effort. The Committee has urged the
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated (EEF) to fashion
its exchange programs to reflect the priority within all public
diplomacy programs of building mutual understanding with Arab
and Muslim populations worldwide. In this regard, the Committee
continues to expect that the selection of foreign and United
States fellows will reflect this priority. In addition, the
Committee supports a nation-wide, merit-based recruitment and
selection process for United States Fellows. The Committee
expects EEF and the Department to submit a report to the
Committee by November 30, 2006, describing its achievements in
these areas.
The Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Act of 1990 authorized a
permanent endowment for the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship
Program to increase educational opportunities for young leaders
in preparation for and enhancement of their professional
careers and to advance peace through international
understanding. The Act established the Eisenhower Exchange
Fellowship Program Trust Fund in the United States Treasury for
these purposes. A total of $7,500,000 has been provided to
establish a permanent endowment for the program, from which the
appropriation of interest and earnings is provided to
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated.
ISRAELI ARAB SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Committee recommends language in the accompanying bill
that will appropriate for fiscal year 2007 interest and
earnings of the Israeli Arab Scholarship Endowment Fund,
expected to total $375,000. A permanent endowment of $4,978,500
for the Fund was established in fiscal year 1992 with funds
made available to the United States Information Agency under
section 556(b) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and
Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990, as amended. The
income from the endowment is to be used for a program of
scholarships for Israeli Arabs to attend institutions of higher
education in the United States.
EAST-WEST CENTER
The Committee recommendation includes $3,000,000 for this
account, $15,994,000 below the current year, and $9,000,000
below the request.
The Committee recommendation provides a significantly
reduced funding level for the Center's direct sole-source grant
from the Federal government. The Committee notes that the
Center can solicit contributions and can compete for other
Federal grants to support its research and training activities.
The Center started receiving a direct grant from the Federal
government in fiscal year 1961.
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY
The Committee recommends $50,000,000 for the National
Endowment for Democracy (NED) for fiscal year 2007, $24,042,000
below the amount provided in fiscal year 2006 and $30,000,000
below the budget request.
The NED is a private, non-profit corporation established to
encourage and strengthen the development of democratic
institutions and processes internationally through private-
sector initiatives, training, and other activities, including
those which promote pluralism, democratic governance, civic
education, human rights, and respect for the rule of law. The
NED provides funding for projects which are determined to be in
the national interest of the United States and which are
administered by private organizations and groups.
RELATED AGENCY
Broadcasting Board of Governors
The Committee recommendation includes $658,903,000 for the
Broadcasting Board of Governors, $13,000,000 below the request
and $14,893,000 above the fiscal year 2006 level. The
appropriation accounts under this heading provide operational
funding for the United States non-military, international
broadcasting programs--including the Voice of America (VOA),
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Radio Free Asia
(RFA), Radio and Television Marti, Middle East Television,
including Radio Sawa--and the associated facilities,
engineering and support activities.
INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS
The Committee recommendation includes $651,279,000 to carry
out United States International Broadcasting Operations for
fiscal year 2007, which is a decrease of $2,338,000 below the
request, and $18,022,000 above the fiscal year 2006 level. This
account funds the operating and engineering costs of Voice of
America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and
the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG). The recommendation
also includes funding for Broadcasting to Cuba under this
account. In the request, this funding was proposed under a
separate account. The Committee places a priority on
broadcasting to China and broadcasting in languages that are
important in the context of the global war on terror.
Arabic Broadcasting.--The United States continues to face
an enormous challenge to provide the people of Arab and Muslim
countries with accurate information about U.S. policies and
values. The Committee continues to support efforts to expand
the audience of listeners and viewers in the Arab and Muslim
world. The Committee recommendation includes $89,366,000 for
television and radio broadcasting in Arabic, including Middle
East Television and Radio Sawa. The increased level of
resources would provide for expanded news capability to 24
hours, including breaking news. The Committee provided initial
start-up costs for a television program stream specifically
tailored for the Iraqi audience in Public Law 108-106.
Developing quality news and entertainment programs in the
Arabic language should to the maximum extent possible involve
the creative talents of the private and not-for-profit sectors.
The Committee continues its direction to the Board to integrate
new approaches in developing programming, to more effectively
engage key audiences.
Language Service Review and Research.--The Committee
continues to support the Board's efforts to objectively and
systematically review and evaluate the performance, results,
and priority of every U.S. Government-sponsored international
broadcasting language service and to propose corresponding
reallocations of funds. The Committee endorses this process as
a means to improve broadcast quality and meet emerging program
priorities within limited resources. The Committee expects that
the Board will establish comprehensive performance measures and
improve coordination of programming streams across component
organizations, including the grantee organizations. The
Committee continues to direct the Board to ensure that foreign
policy implications are given full consideration before
adopting language service review recommendations. The Committee
expects the Board to submit a comprehensive report on Language
Service Review results and corresponding reallocations of
funds, as appropriate. The Committee anticipates that the
continuing language service review effort will result in the
dedication of additional resources to emerging priority
programs, through the normal reprogramming process.
Anti-jamming efforts.--The Committee continues to support
initiatives by the BBG to defeat jamming and reach a wider
audience for Radio Free Asia and Voice of America broadcasts to
China, Tibet, Vietnam, and North Korea. The Committee is aware
that new technologies may allow the VOA and RFA to more
effectively defeat jamming efforts. The Committee encourages
the Board to evaluate the usefulness of these technologies. The
Committee expects the BBG to expand such efforts in fiscal year
2007. Further, the Committee supports efforts to counter
Internet censorship imposed by China and Iran.
The Committee remains concerned about a potential blurring
of the distinction between the international broadcasting
conducted by the Broadcasting Board of Governors and that
conducted by the Defense Department. While the Committee
continues to strongly support all necessary efforts to provide
for national security, close collaboration with the Defense
Department may foster misunderstanding among foreign audiences
as to the principles and goals of BBG broadcasting. Within
sixty days of enactment of this Act, the BBG shall report fully
to the Committee on the nature and duration of any cooperative
efforts with the Defense Department over the last year. In
addition, the BBG shall notify Congress in writing of any
projects or programs to be undertaken with the Defense
Department within seven days of the beginning of such
activities. Both reports should include a description of
services provided and any financial arrangements between the
entities.
The Committee recommendation includes funding for the
principal broadcasting entities as follows:
Voice of America (VOA).--The Committee recommendation
provides $172,897,000 for VOA. The Committee recommendation
restores proposed reductions to VOA broadcasts and radio, as
well as Worldwide English. The Committee recommendation
includes $6,071,000 for the Worldwide English Division, an
increase of $1,048,000 above the request.
The Committee continues to support the creative efforts of
VOA broadcasting to the continent of Africa. The Committee
notes that forty-five percent of VOA's listenership is in
Africa and expects VOA to create radio formats to ensure
information is available to young audiences. Nearly 45 million
listeners have access to VOA's objective, balanced and accurate
news. VOA fills the information void with daily targeted and
credible coverage of sub-Saharan Africa often not available
from any other media. The Committee supports the use of radio
broadcasts as a component of sustained HIV/AIDS prevention
efforts undertaken by many African governments, African
countries, humanitarian organizations, and U.S. assistance
programs. VOA's Africa Division continues to incorporate
thousands of broadcasts about HIV/AIDS into its regular
programming for broadcasting to Africa. The Committee
recommendation does not include funding for VOA to assume
budget responsibility for a popular USAID program for Zimbabwe.
The Committee supports broadcasting to respond to the
crackdown on press freedom by the government of Venezuela, but
the Committee questions the viability of locating an affiliate
to carry new programming. Therefore, the recommendation does
not include funding for this effort, but the Committee would
entertain a reprogramming of funds for this purpose should
affiliate commitments be secured.
The recommendation includes $1,900,000 for broadcasting to
North Korea in accordance with the North Korea Human Rights Act
of 2004 (Public Law 108-333), as proposed.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (REF/RL).--The Committee
recommendation provides $75,319,000 for RFE/RL. Within these
amounts, $3,814,000 is for Radio Farda, $3,664,000 is for Radio
Free Afghanistan, $1,903,000 is for Radio Free Iraq, and
$995,000 is for broadcasting in Romanian to Moldova, as
proposed. Further, $8,545,000 is recommended for broadcasting
services in Russian, and $2,391,000 is for broadcasting
services in Ukrainian. A total of $4,077,000 is provided for
the news and current affairs function. The Committee commends
RFE/RL for developing programming in Avar, Chechen, and
Circassian, and for expanding broadcasting to the Northern
Caucasus. The Committee recognizes the continuing importance of
broadcasting objective, uncensored information to the isolated
minorities of the Northern Caucasus in their native languages
and has provided the full request for these efforts.
Broadcasting to Cuba.--The Committee recommendation
includes $36,102,000 for radio and television broadcasting to
Cuba. The Committee recommendation continues funding for
aircraft dedicated to transmitting Radio and TV Marti
programming. In addition, the recommendation includes
$2,700,000 to improve transmission capabilities via aerostat
for broadcasting TV Marti.
Radio Free Asia (RFA).--The Committee recommendation
includes $30,985,000 for RFA. The Committee strongly supports
increased broadcasting efforts to China, Tibet, Burma, Vietnam,
North Korea, Laos, and Cambodia. Increased funding is provided
for broadcasting to North Korea to pursue objectives outlined
in the North Korea Human Rights Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-
333).
The recommendation includes funding for RFA to continue
daily Uyghur broadcasts.
The Committee encourages the Board to increase the number
of broadcast hours of the Cantonese service. The Committee
expects the BBG to reprogram funds, if necessary, to achieve
such an increase.
The Committee urges the Broadcasting Board of Governors to
focus programming on the promotion of religious freedom and
human rights. The BBG should work with the U.S. Commission on
International Religious Freedom on the scope and content of
programming that will instruct and inform on the merits of
religious freedom as part of a civil society.
BROADCASTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee recommendation includes $7,624,000 in new
budget authority for broadcasting capital improvements,
$3,129,000 below the current year level, and $10,662,000 below
the request. The recommendation will provide for the
continuation of base costs for maintenance, improvements,
replacements and repairs, digital production capability
development, and security upgrades at transmitting stations
overseas. The recommendation does not include $9,800,000
requested increase for the capital costs associated with
upgrading the VOA television studios.
General Provisions--Department of State and Related Agency
The Committee recommends the following general provisions
for the Department of State.
Section 401 of the bill permits funds appropriated in this
title for the Department of State to be available for
allowances and differentials as authorized by subchapter 59 of
Title 5 of the United States Code; for services as authorized
by 5 U.S.C. 3109; and for hire of passenger transportation
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 1343(b).
Section 402 of the bill permits up to five percent of any
State Department appropriation to be transferred to another
State Department appropriation, but no program can be increased
by more than ten percent, and provides the same authority to
Broadcasting Board of Governors programs. In addition, the
language provides that any transfer pursuant to this subsection
shall be treated as a reprogramming of funds under section 605
of the accompanying bill and shall not be available for
obligation or expenditure except in compliance with the
procedures set forth in that section.
Section 403 of the bill prohibits the use of funds by the
Department of State or the Broadcasting Board of Governors to
provide assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation.
The Committee recommendation does not include training that
supports accurate and responsible broadcasting among the types
of assistance prohibited. The Committee agrees the neither the
Department of State, not the BBG, shall provide any assistance
to the PBC that could support restrictions of press freedoms of
the broadcasting of inaccurate, inflammatory messages. The
Committee expects the Department and the BBG to submit a report
to the Committee before December 15, 2006, detailing any
programs or activities involving the PBC in fiscal year 2007,
and any plans for such programs in fiscal year 2008.
Section 404 of the bill clarifies the responsibilities of
the Senior Policy Operating Group on Trafficking in Persons.
The Committee understands that the Operating Group is
coordinating agency activities outlined in the Trafficking
Victims Reauthorization Act of 2005. The Committee expects that
all anti-trafficking policies, grants and grant policies are
defined by this Act. The Operating Group is, and was intended
to serve as, the forum for interagency coordination of anti-
trafficking policies, even as final decisions regarding any
such policies are necessarily vested with the President and the
senior officials who comprise the Task Force. The Committee
understands that the Senior Operating Group and its chair have
successfully performed the coordinating functions assigned to
them.
Section 405 of the bill prohibits the use of funds for any
United Nations peacekeeping mission that involves U.S. Armed
Forces under the command or operational control of a foreign
national unless the President certifies that the involvement is
in the national interest.
Section 406 of the bill prohibits the use of funds to
expand the U.S. diplomatic presence in Vietnam beyond the level
in effect July 11, 1995, unless the President makes a
certification that several conditions have been met regarding
Vietnam's cooperation with the United States on POW/MIA issues.
Section 407 of the bill extends the prohibition on the use
of funds to issue a visa to any alien involved in extrajudicial
and political killings in Haiti, including exemption and
reporting requirements.
Section 408 of the bill concerns Capital Cost Sharing.
Section 409 of the bill concerns ceilings and earmarks of
funding.
Section 410 of the bill includes new language requiring
that any funding used to implement E-Government Initiatives
shall be subject to section 605 of this Act.
Section 411 of the bill includes new language concerning
the Department's rewards program.
TITLE V--RELATED AGENCIES
Antitrust Modernization Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The recommendation provides $462,000 for the Antitrust
Modernization Commission, which is $695,000 below the fiscal
year 2006 level and same as the request. The Commission,
authorized by Public Law 107-273, is examining whether
antitrust laws need to be modernized, and is identifying and
studying related antitrust issues. The recommendation
represents the final appropriation for the Commission and
provides the remainder of the $4,000,000 authorized. The
Commission will conclude its work in June 2007.
Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The recommendation includes $493,000 for the Commission for
the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad, which is the
same as the fiscal year 2006 level and the same as the request.
The recommendation will allow the Commission to fund its
administrative expenses through appropriated funds while
relying on other sources of funding for actual purchase and
restoration of property.
The Commission protects and preserves endangered cultural
sites in Eastern and Central Europe important to the heritage
of U.S. citizens, including cemeteries, monuments, and historic
buildings. One of its primary tasks is to obtain protection and
preservation assurances from the governments of the region.
Commission on Civil Rights
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The recommendation includes $8,933,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Commission on Civil Rights, which is $376,000
below the request and the same as the fiscal year 2006 level.
The Commission was established by the Civil Rights Act of
1957 and is directed by eight part-time commissioners. The
Commission was created to protect the civil rights of people
within the United States and was intended to be an independent,
bipartisan, fact-finding agency. The Commission investigates
charges of citizens being deprived of voting and other civil
rights and collects, studies, and disseminates information on
the impact of Federal laws and policies on civil rights.
Although the Commission has made some progress in
correcting its management deficiencies, the Committee remains
concerned about the Commission's operations. The Commission
continues to be plagued by mismanagement. The Committee expects
a report no later than January 31, 2007, describing proposed
structural and management changes for the Commission that will
generate more efficient operations, including potential cost
savings, without jeopardizing the mission of the agency.
The Committee has received several reports from the
Government Accountability Office (GAO), all of which outline
various deficiencies at the Commission. The most recent GAO
report, dated May 2006, revealed that the Commission is now
also grappling with leadership accountability issues, lack of
policies with respect to report objectivity, and is neither
correctly nor effectively using State advisory committees. The
Committee reinforces the importance of following the GAO's
guidance and encourages the Commission to act quickly to fix
remaining management problems in addition to addressing its
accountability issues, putting in place necessary report
objectivity policies and correctly and effectively using State
advisory committees.
The Committee recommends language, as included in previous
years, which provides: (1) a limitation of four full-time
positions under schedule C of the Excepted Service, exclusive
of one special assistant for each Commissioner, and (2) a
prohibition against reimbursing Commissioners for more than 75
billable days, with the exception of the chairperson, who is
permitted 125 billable days. The Committee encourages the
Commission to enlist outside assistance, as necessary, to
correct the Commission's serious management problems.
Commission on International Religious Freedom
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The recommendation includes $3,000,000 for the Commission
on International Religious Freedom, which is $258,000 below the
fiscal year 2006 level and the same as the request. The
Committee recommendation includes funding to allow the
Commission to increase data development, hearings, analysis of
policy, outreach and overall operations required to fulfill the
Commission's mandated responsibilities.
The Committee commends the Commission on its efforts to
promote international religious freedom in consultation with
the Department of State, independent human rights groups, and
other non-governmental organizations, religious leaders,
academics, policy experts, the Intelligence Community, and
government agencies. The Committee urges the Commission and the
State Department to continue to work on developing an Index on
Religious Freedom that may be used to assess progress on
relevant issues within regions and specific countries. The
State Department's Report on Trafficking in Persons may provide
a useful model for assessing and tracking efforts to promote
religious freedom worldwide.
The Commission, established pursuant to the International
Religious Freedom Act of 1998, conducts independent reviews and
reporting of facts and circumstances of violations of religious
freedom abroad and recommends options for United States
policies with respect to foreign countries engaging in or
tolerating violations of religious freedom.
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The recommendation includes $2,110,000 for the Commission
on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which is $106,000 above
the fiscal year 2006 level and the same as the request. The
Commission was established in 1976 to monitor compliance with
the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in
Europe, with particular regard to provisions dealing with
humanitarian affairs.
The Committee recognizes the leadership of the Commission
in promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in
the 55 participating States of the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The recommendation includes $2,000,000 for the
Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of
China, which is $124,000 above the fiscal year 2006 level and
the same as the request.
The Committee commends the Commission for its ongoing
efforts to monitor China's compliance with international human
rights agreements and standards. The Committee supports
continued development of the Political Prisoner Database
project in accordance with Section 302(b) of Public Law 106-286
and expects the Commission to provide a status report to the
Committee on related plans and activities by August 1, 2007.
This database will significantly heighten international
awareness regarding the plight of political prisoners in China.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The recommendation includes $322,807,000 for the salaries
and expenses of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) for fiscal year 2007. This amount is $4,191,000 below
the fiscal year 2006 level and the same as the request.
The recommendation continues language prohibiting the
Commission from taking action to implement any workforce
repositioning, restructuring, or reorganization unless the
Committee has been notified in advance of such proposals, in
accordance with the reprogramming procedures under section 605
of this Act. EEOC shall continue to submit quarterly status
reports on projected and actual spending levels, by function,
and shall highlight any changes resulting from repositioning
activities.
The Committee understands that the EEOC intends to continue
restructuring by next focusing on its headquarters. The
Commission is directed to submit to the Committee, prior to
implementation of any headquarters repositioning,
restructuring, or reorganization plan, a comprehensive analysis
of current staffing levels by department and the full impact
the repositioning plan will have on all core services,
including the number of staff to be redeployed to the field.
The Committee directs the Commission to make the filling of
frontline field vacancies its highest priority.
The Committee notes its concerns with the National Contact
Center (NCC). For the past two years, the Commission has
operated the NCC as a pilot project. It is the understanding of
the Committee that in its evaluation, the Inspector General's
Office found numerous problems with the NCC. The Committee
expects the Commission to utilize the guidance as provided by
the Inspector General's findings.
The bill includes language providing $28,000,000 for
payments to State and local Fair Employment Practices Agencies
(FEPAs). The bill also includes language similar to that
included in previous Appropriations Acts allowing non-monetary
awards to private citizens and up to $2,500 for official
reception and representation expenses.
Federal Communications Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The bill includes total budget authority of $294,261,000
for the salaries and expenses of the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) for fiscal year 2007, of which $293,261,000 is
to be derived from offsetting collections, resulting in a
direct appropriation of $1,000,000. The operating level for
fiscal year 2007 is $4,503,000 above the current year and
$8,281,000 below the request.
The Committee recommendation includes bill language,
similar to that included in previous Appropriations Acts, which
allows: (1) up to $4,000 for official reception and
representation expenses; (2) purchase of uniforms and
acquisition of vehicles; (3) special counsel fees; (4)
collection of $293,261,000 in section 9 fees; (5) the sum
appropriated to be reduced as section 9 fees are collected; and
(6) fees in excess of $293,261,000 to be available in fiscal
year 2008. A new provision is also included, which prohibits
obligation of any offsetting collections made available prior
to October 1, 2007.
The mission of the Federal Communications Commission is to
implement the Communications Act of 1934 in a manner that
promotes competition, innovation, and deregulation in the
communications industry and the availability of high quality
communications services for all Americans.
The Committee appreciates the recent changes in budget
reporting by the FCC, including modifications to the budget
structure in the fiscal year 2007 request and the spending plan
submitted for fiscal year 2006. This transparency in budgeting
is helpful, and the Committee again directs the FCC to submit a
spending plan within 30 days of enactment of this Act. This
spending plan shall serve as the basis for all reprogramming
notifications. In addition, the Committee expects FCC to
include the same level of detail in its fiscal year 2008
request. Furthermore, the Committee reminds the FCC of the
reprogramming requirements contained in section 605 of the Act,
identifying the procedures for notifying the Committee of
changes to the budgetary and organizational plans of the
Commission.
While the Committee is pleased that the Commission
voluntarily examined its travel practices and modified its
procedures for accepting payments from non-governmental
sources, the Committee continues to have concerns about FCC
employees accepting travel payments from entities that have
business concerns regulated by the Commission. The Committee
notes that the FCC intends to extend its policy prohibiting
non-government-sponsored travel to all FCC employees. Within
the recommended funding level, the Committee expects that the
FCC will entirely eliminate any travel payments from outside
sources.
The recommendation includes a $3,000,000 transfer from the
Universal Service Fund (USF) for additional audits and
oversight activities. The Committee is troubled by the problems
uncovered in the USF program and expects the FCC to make
working with the Universal Service Administrative Company to
fight grantee waste, fraud, and abuse a high priority.
In light of recent FCC reports on cable choice systems and
their effects on consumers, the Committee expects the FCC to
subnit, as soon as possible and no later than 180 days after
enactment of this Act, a report describing the Commission's
plans for further research and action on the topic.
The Committee strongly urges the FCC to act expeditiously
upon the complaint filed under section 616 of the
Communications Act regarding Washington Nationals baseball.
The recommendation includes a provision carried in previous
Appropriations Acts, and in the request, limiting the funds
available to administer the spectrum auctions program. The
Committee expects the FCC to continue to refine its cost
accounting system so that all costs, including auction costs,
can be clearly distinguished by activity.
Federal Trade Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommends total budget authority of
$213,079,000 for the salaries and expenses of the Federal Trade
Commission for fiscal year 2007, which is $3,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2006 level and $9,921,000 below the request.
Collections from Hart-Scott-Rodino premerger filing fees and
Do-Not-Call list fees partially offset the appropriation
requirement for this account.
The mission of the Commission is to enforce a variety of
Federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. Under these
laws, the Commission seeks to ensure that the nation's markets
are competitive, function vigorously and efficiently, and are
free from undue governmental and private restrictions. The
Commission also seeks to improve the operation of the
marketplace by eliminating deceptive and unfair practices.
Appropriations for both the Antitrust Division of the
Department of Justice and the Commission are partially financed
with Hart-Scott-Rodino Act pre-merger filing fees.
The Committee urges the Federal Trade Commission to work
with companies that extend credit to consumers to ensure that
it is readily apparent to those individuals that they have the
ability to ``opt-out'' of receiving unsolicited financial
information when they complete the necessary forms for an
application for credit.
The recommendation continues current bill language
prohibiting the use of funds to implement or enforce portions
of section 43 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and section
151 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvements
Act of 1991.
The recommendation also includes bill language that: (1)
allows for purchase of uniforms, hire of motor vehicles and
contracts for collection services; (2) allows up to $2,000 for
official reception and representation expenses; (3) allows for
the collection of fees; (4) allows for the sum appropriated to
be reduced as fees are collected; and (5) allows funding to be
available until expended.
HELP Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The recommendation includes $1,250,000 for the HELP
Commission to carry out its authorized purposes, which is
$1,250,000 above the current year level and $250,000 above the
request. Language is included extending the due date of a
certain report.
Legal Services Corporation
PAYMENT TO THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION
The recommendation includes $313,860,000 for the payment to
the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). This amount is
$12,718,000 below the fiscal year 2006 level and $3,000,000
above the request. This amount includes: (1) $296,990,000 for
grants to basic field programs and required independent audits;
(2) $2,970,000 for the Office of Inspector General; (3)
$12,661,000 for Corporation management and administration; and
(4) $1,239,000 for client self-help and information technology.
The Legal Services Corporation is a private, nonprofit
corporation that provides low-income individuals with access to
legal assistance and information concerning civil legal
problems. Created in 1974, the Legal Services Corporation is
charged by Congress to provide assistance to those who would
otherwise be unable to afford adequate legal counsel.
The Committee expects LSC management to work cooperatively
with the Office of Inspector General to identify grantee fraud
and abuse and agency inefficiencies, and then take corrective
action where warranted.
Because of LSC's unique status as a private, non-profit
corporation, in many cases, the agency is not required to
adhere to Federal laws governing employment, travel, and other
administrative processes. The Committee expects LSC to
carefully review all of its operating procedures to determine
if they are, in fact, in line with other Federal agencies. If
discrepancies emerge during this review, the Committee expects
LSC to proactively make modifications to its procedures. A
report on the findings of this review, as well as any
modifications proposed, shall be submitted to the Committee no
later than February 1, 2007.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION--LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION
The Committee recommendation includes bill language to
continue similar statutory requirements and restrictions
contained in previous Appropriations Acts. Language is deleted
regarding the distribution of funds.
Marine Mammal Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The recommendation includes $2,000,000 for the necessary
expenses of the Marine Mammal Commission, which is $883,000
below the current year level and $133,000 below the request.
The Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of
Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals are charged with
maintaining an overview of and providing advice on domestic and
international actions to further the policies and provisions of
the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The Commission provides
objective, science-based advice to the Congress and the
executive branch on issues related to the protection of marine
mammals.
The Committee expects the Commission to continue to
prioritize activities related to minimizing the direct and
indirect effects of chemical contaminants, marine debris,
noise, and other forms of ocean pollution on marine mammals and
other marine organisms.
Securities and Exchange Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommendation includes $900,517,000 for the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including
$880,517,000 from new fee collections and $20,000,000 from
prior year balances. This total funding level is $12,400,000
above the operating level in fiscal year 2006 and $4,329,000
below the request.
The Committee recommendation includes bill language,
similar to that included in previous Appropriations Acts,
which: (1) allows for the rental of space; (2) makes up to
$3,000 available for official reception and representation
expenses; (3) makes up to $10,000 available for a permanent
secretariat for the International Organization of Securities
Commissions; and (4) makes up to $100,000 available for
expenses of meetings and consultations with foreign
governmental and regulatory officials.
The primary mission of the SEC is to protect investors and
maintain the integrity of the securities markets. This includes
ensuring full disclosure of financial information, regulating
the nation's securities markets, and preventing fraud and
malpractice in the securities and financial markets.
Since 2002, the Committee has supported the SEC's
significantly increased staffing levels in order to protect
investors and implement the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Committee
now understands that the SEC is in a solid position to execute
its mission within the authorized staffing levels. Therefore,
the Committee supports the SEC's request to begin to enhance
its information technology investments to better serve American
investors.
The Committee is pleased with the SEC's recent improvements
to facilities management and is pleased that previous financial
concerns about the facilities in Boston, MA; New York, NY; and
Washington, DC; have been resolved.
The Committee remains concerned that American investors may
be unwittingly investing in companies with ties to countries
that sponsor terrorism or are linked to human rights
violations. The Committee believes that a company's association
with sponsors of terrorism and human rights abuses, no matter
how large or small, can have a materially adverse result on a
public company's operations, financial condition, earnings, and
stock prices, all of which can negatively affect the value of
an investment. In order to protect American investors' savings
and to disclose these business relationships to investors, an
Office of Global Security Risk was established within the
Division of Corporation Finance. The Committee expects the work
of the Office to remain a high priority during fiscal year 2007
and directs the SEC to continue to submit quarterly reports on
its activities.
The Committee supports allowing the agency flexibility to
manage its resources in an efficient manner and expects that,
within 30 days of enactment of this Act, the SEC shall submit
an initial spending plan by division/office describing
personnel and non-personnel planned expenditures. This spending
plan shall then serve as the basis for all future reprogramming
notifications, in accordance with section 605 of this Act.
The Committee urges the SEC to establish a small business
ombudsman to address the unique challenges small public
companies face in implementing the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, to
include working with the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (PCAOB) to develop appropriate auditing guidelines.
Small Business Administration
The recommendation provides a total of $642,792,000 for the
five appropriations accounts of the Small Business
Administration (SBA). This amount is $3,791,000 above the
budget request and $965,774,000 below the amount appropriated
in fiscal year 2006 including $1,158,000,000 in supplemental
appropriations provided in response to hurricane emergency
declarations. Detailed guidance for the five SBA appropriations
accounts is contained in the following paragraphs.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommends $303,550,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the SBA, which is $5,481,000 below the current year
and the same as the request.
Of the amount provided under this heading, $182,560,000 is
for operating expenses of the SBA. In addition, a total of
$132,616,000 from other SBA accounts may be transferred to and
merged with the salaries and expenses account for indirect
operating costs. This amount consists of $123,706,000 from the
Business Loans Program Account and $8,910,000 from the Disaster
Loans Program Account for administrative expenses related to
those accounts. The Committee also anticipates that SBA will
have an additional $6,830,000 in fee receipts and $9,692,000 in
reimbursable amounts from other agencies available for
operating expenses. This will result in a total availability of
$331,698,000 for the operating expenses of the SBA, which is an
increase of $1,366,000.
The Committee recommendation for salaries and expenses
includes a total of $119,990,000 for non-credit initiatives as
follows:
[In thousands of dollars]
Veterans Programs............................................. $750
Small Business Development Centers............................ 90,000
SCORE......................................................... 5,000
Women's Business Centers...................................... 12,500
Women's Business Council...................................... 750
Drug Free Workplace........................................... 990
Microloan Technical Assistance................................ 10,000
--------------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total, non-credit initiatives............................. 119,990
The SBA shall not reduce these noncredit programs to fund
operating costs. In addition, the Committee directs the SBA to
support no less than the fiscal year 2006 level of funding for
the HUBZone Contracting Program; the National Ombudsman; Native
American Outreach; the Office of Advocacy, including support
for the Advocacy Database; international trade programs; and
the defense transition program. The Committee also expects the
SBA to continue to enhance opportunities for small businesses
to partner with the manufacturing sector.
The recommendation includes $1,000,000, which may be
transferred to the Business Loans Program Account, for subsidy
costs of direct loans.
The Committee is aware that there are certain rural areas
that are underutilized business areas, but are excluded from
HUBZone designation based on the current program authorization.
The Committee encourages the SBA to continue to examine ways to
incorporate these areas into any future revisions of the Small
Business Act.
Within the amount provided, the Committee expects the Small
Business Administration (SBA) to provide a resource center in
the Crystal City area of Arlington County, VA, to provide
financial, technical, and contracting support for small
businesses that are affected by the closure of a military
facility due to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)
process, including assistance from and collaboration with local
Small Business Development Centers, Women's Business Centers,
and SCORE counselors.
The Committee recommendation includes requested language
authorizing $3,500 for official reception and representation
expenses as well as language authorizing the SBA to charge fees
to cover the cost of publications and certain loan program
activities. Requested language is also included that allows
these fee collections to be credited to the salaries and
expenses account to be available for carrying out these
purposes without further appropriations. The recommendation
includes language making e-government expenditures subject to
the reprogramming procedures in section 605 of the Act. The
recommendation also includes new language making $500,000
available for the National Veterans Business Development
Corporation.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The Committee recommends $13,722,000 for the Office of
Inspector General of the SBA, which is the same as the amount
appropriated in fiscal year 2006, excluding supplemental
appropriations. The Committee understands that these resources
will be used to meet the Office of Inspector General's
statutory requirements and investigate waste, fraud, and abuse
related to recent disasters.
SURETY BOND GUARANTEES REVOLVING FUND
The Committee recommends a total of $2,824,000 for the
Surety Bond Guarantees Revolving Fund, which is $146,000 below
the request and the same as the current year level. The
Committee notes that the Surety Bond program is not covered by
the Federal Credit Reform Act, and that SBA requests an
appropriation only when projections show that the reserves need
to be replenished to cover estimated future liabilities. The
amount provided should be sufficient to address anticipated
costs.
BUSINESS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
The Committee recommends a total of $123,706,000 under this
account for administrative expenses related to business loan
programs, which is $1,283,000 below the current year and
$2,430,000 below the request. The amount provided for
administrative expenses may be transferred to and merged with
the appropriation for SBA salaries and expenses to cover the
common overhead expenses associated with business loans.
The SBA Business Loan Program serves as an important source
of capital for America's small businesses. The recommendation
designates a $17,500,000,000 business loan program level, which
is the same as the request. The President's request and the
Committee's recommendation assume that the 7(a) business loan
program can continue to operate without an appropriation for
subsidy costs. The Committee believes that operating this
program at zero subsidy is beneficial for the long-term
sustainability of this program.
The recommendation also supports the Small Business
Investment Company (SBIC) and 504 loan programs with no subsidy
appropriation. The recommendation includes a $7,500,000,000
program level for the 504 certified development company
program, which is $1,500,000,000 above the fiscal year 2006
level and the same as the request.
In addition, the recommendation includes a $12,000,000,000
program level for the Secondary Market Guarantee Program. This
reflects the inclusion of this program under the Federal Credit
Reform Act. The subsidy rate is zero; therefore, no
appropriation is required.
DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
The Committee recommends a total of $198,990,000 for the
Disaster Loans Program Account for loan subsidies and
associated administrative expenses, which is $954,010,000 below
the current year including emergency supplemental
appropriations and the same as the request. The Committee
recommendation includes $85,140,000 for the subsidy costs of
disaster loans, which, when combined with estimated recoveries
and anticipated carry-over balances, will provide for a five-
year average lending level.
The Committee recommendation includes $113,850,000 for
administrative expenses to carry out the program, which may be
transferred to and merged with appropriations for salaries and
expenses. The recommendation includes language specifying that,
of the amount provided for administrative expenses,
$104,445,000 is for the direct administrative expenses of loan
making and loan servicing, and $8,910,000 is for indirect
administrative expenses. The recommendation also includes
language requiring that any amount in excess of $8,910,000
transferred to the salaries and expenses account for indirect
administrative expenses shall be subject to reprogramming
requirements, as detailed under section 605 of this Act. In
addition, the recommendation retains language transferring
$495,000 of the amount provided for administrative expenses to
the Office of Inspector General for audits and reviews of the
disaster loan portfolio.
As required by the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, the
Congress is required to appropriate an amount sufficient to
cover the subsidy costs associated with all direct loan
obligations and loan guarantee commitments made in fiscal year
2007, as well as the administrative expenses of the loan
programs.
The Committee expects the SBA to continue to work with the
National Academy of Public Administration to identify ways to
improve the disaster loan program.
State Justice Institute
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommends $2,000,000 for the State Justice
Institute (SJI) for fiscal year 2007, which is $1,455,000 below
the fiscal year 2006 appropriation and $2,000,000 above the
request.
The SJI is a private, non-governmental organization that
awards grants to improve the administration of justice in State
courts. Although SJI is currently authorized in Public Law 108-
372 through 2008, the Administration's budget request has
proposed the elimination of Federal funding for SJI.
The Committee commends SJI for continuing to work with the
Office of Justice Programs (OJP) on issues involving State
courts and encourages SJI to continue to seek funds from OJP
grant programs. The Committee also applauds SJI for its recent
successes in obtaining dollar-for-dollar matching funds for
grants awarded. The Committee expects this goal to remain in
place during fiscal year 2007.
United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommendation includes $4,000,000 for the
necessary expenses of the United States-China Economic and
Security Review Commission in fiscal year 2007, including not
more than $5,000 for the purpose of official representation.
This amount is $1,038,000 above the fiscal year 2006 level and
the same as the request. The recommendation includes language,
modified from the request, regarding the responsibilities of
the Commission. The Committee commends the Commission for its
efforts to monitor the evolving U.S.-China relationship.
United States Institute of Peace
OPERATING EXPENSES
The recommendation includes $26,979,000 for the United
States Institute of Peace, which is $4,915,000 above the fiscal
year 2006 level, and the same amount as the budget request. The
recommended funding level supports programs related to
resolving conflicts in the Arab and Muslim World. The Committee
commends the Institute for establishing the Iraq Study Group.
The recommendation includes funding to continue Institute
programs and activities related to Iraq.
TITLE VI--GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Committee recommends the following general provisions
for the departments and agencies funded in the accompanying
bill.
Section 601 prohibits any appropriation contained in the
Act from being used for publicity or propaganda purposes not
authorized by the Congress.
Section 602 prohibits any appropriation contained in the
Act from remaining available for obligation beyond the current
fiscal year unless explicitly provided.
Section 603 provides that the expenditure of any
appropriation contained in the Act for any consulting service
through procurement contracts shall be limited to those
contracts where such expenditures are a matter of public record
and available for public inspection, except where otherwise
provided under existing law or under existing Executive Order
issued pursuant to existing law.
Section 604 provides that if any provision of the Act or
the application of such provision to any person or circumstance
shall be held invalid, the remainder of the Act and the
application of such provisions to persons or circumstances
other than those to which it is held invalid shall not be
affected.
Section 605 provides for the Committee's policy concerning
the reprogramming of funds. Section 605(a) prohibits the
reprogramming of funds which: (1) creates new programs; (2)
eliminates a program, project, or activity; (3) increases funds
or personnel by any means for any project or activity for which
funds have been denied or restricted; (4) relocates offices or
employees; (5) reorganizes or renames offices; (6) reorganizes
programs, or activities; or (7) contracts out or privatizes any
function or activity presently performed by Federal employees
unless the Appropriations Committees of both Houses of Congress
are notified 15 days in advance. Section 605(b) prohibits a
reprogramming of funds in excess of $750,000 or 10 percent,
whichever is less, that: (1) augments existing programs,
projects or activities; (2) reduces by 10 percent funding for
any existing program, project, or activity, or numbers of
personnel by 10 percent as approved by Congress; or (3) results
from any general savings, including savings from a reduction in
personnel, which would result in a change in existing programs,
activities, or projects as approved by Congress unless the
Appropriations Committees of both Houses of Congress are
notified 15 days in advance. The Committee has again included
carryover funds under the requirements of section 605 to
clarify that agencies must follow reprogramming procedures with
respect to carryover funds.
Section 606, proposed for deletion in the budget request,
prohibits funds from being used to implement, administer, or
enforce any guidelines of the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission covering harassment based on religion similar to
proposed guidelines published by the EEOC in October 1993.
Section 607 provides that if it is determined that any
person intentionally affixes a ``Made in America'' label to any
product that was not made in America that person shall not be
eligible to receive any contract or subcontract with funds made
available in this Act.
Section 608, proposed for deletion in the budget request,
requires quarterly reporting to Congress of unobligated
balances that were received during any previous fiscal year.
Section 609 provides that any closing or downsizing costs
incurred by a department or agency funded under this Act
resulting from funding reductions in the Act shall be absorbed
within the budgetary resources available to the Department or
agency, and provides transfer authority between appropriation
accounts to carry out the provision, subject to reprogramming
procedures.
Section 610, proposed for deletion in the budget request,
prohibits funds made available in this Act from being used to
promote the sale or export of tobacco or tobacco products or to
seek the reduction or removal of foreign restrictions on the
marketing of tobacco products, provided that such restrictions
are applied equally to all tobacco products or tobacco products
of the same type. This provision is not intended to impact
routine international trade services provided to all U.S.
citizens, including the processing of applications to establish
foreign trade zones.
Section 611 prohibits funds made available in this Act from
being used to implement a Federal user fee for background
checks conducted pursuant to the Brady Handgun Control Act of
1993, or to implement a background check system that does not
require and result in the destruction of certain information
within 24 hours.
Section 612, modified from fiscal year 2006 and the
request, delays the obligations of any receipts deposited into
the Crime Victims Fund in excess of $625,000,000 until October
1, 2007. This language is continued to ensure a stable source
of funds will remain available for the program, despite
inconsistent levels of criminal fines deposited annually into
the fund. Requested language rescinding the remaining balances
in the Crime Victims Fund is not included.
Section 613 prohibits the use of Department of Justice
funds for programs that discriminate against or denigrate the
religious beliefs of students participating in such programs.
Section 614, proposed for deletion in the budget request,
prohibits the transfer of funds in the Act to any department or
agency of the United States Government, except for transfers
made under authorities provided in this, or any other
appropriations Act.
Section 615, modified from the current year and proposed
for deletion in the budget request, requires the Departments of
Commerce, Justice, and State, the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the Small Business
Administration to certify that telecommuting opportunities have
increased over the previous fiscal year. This section also
designates funding to be available only after such
certification is provided.
Section 616 provides that funds provided for the National
Science Foundation for E-Government Initiatives shall be
subject to the procedures set forth in section 605 of this Act.
Section 617, proposed for deletion in the budget request,
requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives to include specific language in any release of
tracing study data that makes clear that trace data cannot be
used to draw broad conclusions about firearms-related crime.
Section 618 prohibits the use of funds to process patents
of human organisms. The Committee concurs with the intent of
this provision as expressed in the colloquy between the
provision's sponsor in the House and the Ranking Minority
Member of the House Committee on Appropriations as occurred on
July 22, 2003, with respect to any existing patents on stem
cells.
Section 619, proposed for deletion, prohibits the use of
funds in this Act to be used to support or justify torture by
any official or contract employee of the United States
Government.
Section 620 provides for initiatives related to small
business development and entrepreneurship, including
programmatic and construction activities, to be awarded as
follows:
$350,000 for the National Center for Community
Renewal;
$675,000 for the Institute for Advanced Learning
and Research for a business development initiative;
$250,000 for the New College Institute to support
economic development and small business development, including
necessary renovation and equipment costs;
$100,000 for the Manufacturing Enhancement Center
to enhance the effectiveness of small manufacturers, including
necessary construction, renovation, and equipment costs;
$500,000 for the Hickory, NC, Manufacturing Center
for a workforce development program;
$1,000,000 for the International Trade and Small
Business Institute;
$1,500,000 for the Illinois Institute for
Technology to examine and assess advancements in
biotechnologies;
$200,000 for Calhoun Community College, AL, for a
workforce development project;
$600,000 for Wittenberg University to expand
business education;
$250,000 for Rural Business and Resource Center in
Seminole, Oklahoma;
$200,000 for Darton College for business
development initiatives;
$250,000 for the Innovation Center in Peoria,
Illinois, including necessary construction costs;
$250,000 for Marshalltown Community College for a
rural entrepreunership incubator, including necessary
construction costs;
$200,000 for the Oil Region Alliance of Business,
Industry and Tourism;
$200,000 for Jefferson County, PA, for a business
development initiative, including necessary construction costs;
$25,000 for Clarion County, PA, for a business
development initiative;
$1,000,000 for Southern and Eastern Kentucky
Tourism Development Association;
$250,000 for Southeast Kentucky Economic
Development Corporation;
$250,000 for Montana World Trade Center;
$500,000 for Siena College for a historical and
tourism development initiative;
$250,000 for Wayne County, NY, Industrial Park for
a business development initiative;
$250,000 for the Enterprise Center, TN;
$750,000 for Fairplex Trade and Conference Center;
$150,000 for the University of Notre Dame for an
entrepreneurship and business promotion initiative;
$150,000 for Thomas More College, KY, for a
workforce development program;
$150,000 for Delaware Valley College for a
research and innovation incubator, including necessary
construction costs;
$150,000 for University of Southern Indiana Center
for Applied Research and Development;
$150,000 for the Adelante Development Center for a
comprehensive employment and job creation program;
$150,000 for Carnegie Mellon University for a
community-based demonstration project;
$150,000 for Illinois State University for a small
business incubator;
$100,000 for Richard Stockton College for a small
and minority-owned business development project;
$100,000 for a workforce development program in
the upstate of South Carolina;
$100,000 for the International Trade Center in
Myrtle Beach, SC;
$250,000 for Rochester, NY, Tooling and Machining
Association for a workforce development program;
$100,000 for Lakewood, NJ, for a business
development initiative;
$300,000 for Rockford Area Ventures Small Business
Incubator and Technology Commercialization Center;
$200,000 for Rock Valley College, IL, for a
workforce development program;
$300,000 for the Bronx Council for marketing of
local business arts initiatives;
$150,000 for the Arthur Avenue Retail Market for
local business requirements and improvements;
$50,000 for the South East Bronx Community
Organization for improvements and their low income community
and business program;
$50,000 for the Out-of-Doors program in the Bronx
to continue community development efforts;
$250,000 for the Bronx On-Water learning program
for improvements to facilitate their training and skills
development program;
$50,000 for a Bronx River workforce development,
training, and apprenticeship program;
$100,000 to HOGAR, Inc. for an economic and
community development program for elderly and special needs
persons in the Bronx;
$200,000 for Promesa Systems Inc. for improvements
associated with service;
$50,000 for Presbyterian Senior Services for
economic and community development programs for the elderly;
$50,000 for the Thorpe Family Residence in Bronx,
NY for economic and community development family residential
services program;
$100,000 for the National Latino Data Center to
provide business information to local businesses, researchers
and communities;
$50,000 for World Vision's Bronx Storehouse for
community services;
$950,000 for Hudson-Alpha Institute to support the
continued development of the small biotechnology business
community in Huntsville, Alabama;
$500,000 for Johnson and Wales University of Rhode
Island for a Latino business program;
$100,000 for Rhode Island College for a workforce
literacy program;
$950,000 for American Cities Foundation for its
economic development initiative;
$400,000 for the Wisconsin Procurement Initiative;
$500,000 for the JARI Workforce Development
Program and Small Business Technology Center;
$800,000 for JARI for a regional business
incubator;
$400,000 for a Hispanic information network for
small business development and financial literacy for Spanish
speaking audiences in New York;
$100,000 for Cypress Hills Local Development
Corporation for the Reach Project to provide financial literacy
and technical assistance to the community;
$300,000 for the Institute for Entrepreneurship,
Small Business Development and Global Logistics at California
State University at Dominguez Hills, CA;
$900,000 for Fairmont State University for a small
business development initiative;
$400,000 for Grafton, WV for a small and
microenterprise business development program; and
$300,000 for West Virginia University for a small
business and workforce training program.
Section 621, proposed for deletion in the budget request,
designates funds from the Departments and agencies in this Act
for the purpose of implementing the Capital Security Cost-
Sharing program.
Section 622, proposed for deletion in the budget request,
prohibits the use of funds in this Act to require certain
export licenses.
Section 623, proposed for deletion in the budget request,
prohibits the use of funds in this Act to deny certain import
applications regarding ``curios or relics'' firearms, parts, or
ammunition. This provision was included in the fiscal year 2006
Appropriations Act. The Committee is disappointed that the
Departments of State and Justice have not implemented this
provision as Congress intended and expects the Administration
to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.
Section 624, proposed for deletion in the budget request,
prohibits the use of funds to include certain language in trade
agreements.
Section 625, proposed for deletion in the budget request,
prohibits the use of funds in this Act to pay expenses for any
United States delegation to a United Nations agency or
commission if such agency or commission is chaired or presided
over by a country that has repeatedly provided support for acts
of international terrorism.
Section 626 prohibits funds in this Act for certain
diplomatic activities until the President certifies that Libya
has taken certain actions with regard to victims of terrorist
acts.
Section 627 prohibits funds in this Act in contravention of
law and executive order regarding energy efficiency of Federal
buildings.
Section 628 prohibits funds in this Act to enter into a
basing rights agreement between the United States and Iraq.
TITLE VII--RESCISSIONS
Department of Justice
VIOLENT CRIME REDUCTION TRUST FUND
The recommendation includes a rescission of $8,000,000 of
unobligated balances in this account.
General Administration
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER COMPLIANCE FUND
The recommendation includes a rescission of $39,000,000 of
unobligated balances in this account.
Legal Activities
Assets Forfeiture Fund
(RESCISSION)
The recommendation includes a rescission of $152,787,000
from unobligated balances in this account. The budget request
proposed a rescission of $120,000,000.
Offfice of Justice Programs
STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE
(RESCISSION)
The recommendation includes a rescission of $127,500,000 of
the unobligated prior year balances in this account, as
requested. This rescission shall not apply to funds available
for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, Prison Rape
Prevention and Prosecution Programs, the Byrne Discretionary
program or victims of trafficking programs.
COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES
(RESCISSION)
The recommendation includes a rescission of $127,500,000 of
unobligated prior year balances in this account, as requested.
This rescission shall not apply to funds available for gang,
meth or technology programs.
Department of Commerce
EMERGENCY STEEL GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(RESCISSION)
The recommendation includes a rescission of $38,607,000 of
unobligated balances in this account instead of $48,607,000 as
proposed in the budget request.
Department of State
Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund
(RESCISSION)
The recommendation includes a rescission of $10,000,000 of
available balances in this account.
RELATED AGENCIES
Small Business Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(RESCISSION)
The recommendation includes a rescission of $6,100,000 for
this account, as requested.
BUSINESS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(RESCISSION)
The recommendation includes a rescission of $5,000,000 for
this account, as requested.
DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(RESCISSION)
The recommendation includes a rescission of $3,700,000 for
this account, as requested.
House of Representatives Report Requirements
The following items are included in accordance with various
requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives.
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.
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following is a statement of
general performance goals and objectives for which this measure
authorizes funding:
The Committee on Appropriations considers program
performance, including a program's success in developing and
attaining outcome-related goals and objectives in developing
funding recommendations.
Changes in the Application of Existing Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1) of rule XIII of Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following statements are
submitted describing the effect of provisions in the
accompanying bill, which directly or indirectly change the
application of existing law.
Language is included in various parts of the bill to
continue ongoing activities which require annual authorization
or additional legislation, which to date has not been enacted.
The bill includes provisions which place limitations on the
use of funds in the bill or change existing limitations and
which might, under some circumstances, be construed as changing
the application of existing law.
The bill includes a number of provisions, which have been
virtually unchanged for many years, which are technically
considered legislation.
The bill also provides that a number of appropriations
shall remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal
year. While these provisions are not specifically authorized
for all of the items, it is deemed desirable to include such
language for certain programs in order to provide for orderly
administration and the effective use of funds.
Language is included under a number of accounts in which
appropriations are offset by collections that specifies the
level of offsetting collections to be credited to the account
and in certain cases makes collections in excess of the level
available in the following fiscal year.
In various places in the bill, the Committee has designated
funds within appropriation accounts in order to fund specific
programs and has adjusted some designations.
Language is deleted for items that were one-time
requirements in fiscal year 2006.
Language is included making changes to citations of
authorizations.
Throughout the bill, several General Provisions carried in
the fiscal year 2006 bill for one-time requirements are deleted
and several others contain technical modifications.
Those additional changes in the fiscal year 2007 bill,
which might be interpreted as changing existing law, are as
follows:
Under General Administration, language is modified
regarding the availability of funds.
Under Tactical Wireless Communications for Federal Law
Enforcement, the name of the account is modified and language
regarding the Integrated Wireless Network in included.
Under Detention Trustee, language is included transferring
unobligated balances available from prior years from the funds
appropriated under the heading ``Federal Prisoner Detention''
shall be transferred to this account. Language designating
prior year balances is also modified.
Under National Security Division, language is included
regarding this new litigating division.
Under Antitrust Division, language is modified regarding
offsetting collections.
Under United States Marshals Service, language is included
regarding the renovation of certain space and language is
modified designating funding for certain equipment.
Under Fees and Expenses of Witnesses, language is included
regarding expenses for foreign counsel.
Under the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Salaries and
Expenses, language is modified concerning the purchase of motor
vehicles. Language is modified designating funding for official
reception and representation.
Under the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Construction,
language is modified making funding available for a records
management facility.
Under the Drug Enforcement Administration, language is
modified concerning the purchase of motor vehicles.
Under the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives, language is modified regarding the use of certain
data and the citation of authority. Language is included
authorizing $30,000,000 in fee collections.
Under Federal Prison System, Salaries and Expenses,
language is included regarding the purchase of motor vehicles.
Under Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution
Programs, language is modified updating the citation of
authorities.
Under Justice Assistance, language is modified updating the
citation of authorities.
Under State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance, language
is modified regarding the citation of authorities and language
is included for a sex offender registry.
Under Community Oriented Policing Services, language is
modified regarding the citation of authorities. Language is
modified regarding Indian tribes, Project Safe Neighborhoods,
DNA analysis, Office of Weed and Seed Strategies, and the use
of prior year balances.
Under the Juvenile Justice account, language is modified
regarding the citation of authorities.
Under the Public Safety Officers Benefits account, language
is modified regarding the citation of authorities.
In section 105, language is modified regarding the transfer
of funds to or from the Federal Prison System.
In section 106, language is modified regarding a Personnel
Management Demonstration Project.
In section 109, language is included regarding the
application of reprogramming requirements to certain
initiatives.
In section 110, language is included regarding the
obligation of funds for major Department of Justice information
technology programs.
Under United States Trade Representative, language is
modified concerning the availability of funds.
Under International Trade Administration, language
designating funding for certain activities is modified.
Language designating funding available through fee collections
is modified.
Under Bureau of the Census, language is included
designating funding for certain programs and language is
included regarding a certain facility.
Under Public Telecommunications Facilities, Planning and
Construction, language is modified regarding the administration
of grants.
Under United States Patent and Trademark Office, language
is included regarding certain authorities and language is
modified designating funding and positions for certain
activities.
Under Technology Administration, language is modified
regarding an office name.
Under National Institutes of Standards and Technology,
language is modified regarding the transfer of certain amounts
to the working capital fund.
Under National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Operations, Research, and Facilities, language is modified
designating funding for certain activities. Language is
modified designating funding available by transfer and from
recovery of prior year obligations. Language is included
regarding education activities.
Under Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery, language is included
describing uses of funds under this account.
Under Coastal Zone Management Fund, language is included
transferring balances to the Operations, Research and
Facilities account.
Under Departmental Management, language is modified
designating funding for certain activities.
In section 203, language is modified regarding Department
of Commerce transfer of funds authorities.
In section 205, language is included regarding the Ernest
F. Hollings Scholarship Program.
In section 206, language is included regarding the Dr.
Nancy Foster Scholarship Program.
In section 207, language is included regarding the
application of reprogramming requirements to certain
initiatives.
Under Office of Science and Technology Policy, language is
included regarding improving science and math education and
establishing an Ethics Advisory Group for the National
Nanotechnology Initiative.
Under National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
Science, Aeronautics and Exploration, language is included
designating funds for certain activities, and establishing
reprogramming procedures.
Under National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
Exploration Capabilities, language is included designating
funds for certain activities and establishing reprogramming
procedures.
Under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
Administrative Provisions, language is included regarding
prizes and the transfer of funds between appropriations.
Under the National Science Foundation, Research and Related
Activities, language is modified regarding inducement prizes,
and designating funding for Polar research.
Under Diplomatic and Consular Programs, language is
modified designating funding and positions for certain
programs.
Under International Organizations, Contributions to
International Organizations, language is modified requiring
that the United Nations remain within its biennial budget.
Under Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust
Fund, language is included making interest and earnings
available.
Under International Broadcasting Operation, language is
modified regarding the availability of funds.
In section 404, includes new language modifying the
citation of authorities for the Senior Policy Operating Group
on Trafficking in Persons.
In section 410, includes language regarding Department of
State reprogramming procedures.
In section 411, includes language regarding the Department
of State rewards program.
Under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, modifies
language regarding payments to State and local agencies.
Under the Federal Communications Commission, language is
included regarding the transfer of funds from the Universal
Service Fund.
Under the Legal Services Corporation, language is modified
regarding the allocation of funding.
Under Securities and Exchange Commission, language is
modified regarding prior year balances.
Under Small Business Administration, Salaries and Expenses,
language is modified regarding fee collections.
Under Business Loans Program Account, Direct Loan Subsidy
modified language regarding the citation of authorities.
Under Disaster Loans Program Account, language is modified
regarding the citation of authorities and the allocation of
funds.
Under the United States-China Economic and Security Review
Commission, language is included regarding printing,
compensation and other issues.
In section 609, includes language regarding certain
transfers of funds.
In section 612, includes modified language regarding the
Crime Victims Fund.
In section 615, includes modified language regarding
telework.
In section 616, requires that any funds used by the
National Science Foundation to implement certain initiatives
shall be subject to section 605 of this Act.
In section 620, includes modified language regarding small
business development and entrepreneurship programs.
In section 621, includes modifies language designation
funding for the Capital Security Cost Sharing program.
Under Title VII, includes rescissions from the Violent
Crime Reduction Trust Fund; the Telecommunications Carrier
Compliance Fund; the Assets Forfeiture Fund; State and Local
Law Enforcement Assistance; Community Oriented Policing
Services; Emergency Steel Guaranteed Loan Program Account;
Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund; Small
Business Administration, Salaries and Expenses, Business Loans
Program Account, and Disaster Loans Program Account.
Appropriations Not Authorized by Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following table lists the
appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not
authorized by law:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations
Last year of Authorization in last year Appropriations
Agency/Program authorization level of in this bill
authorization
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Justice:
Administrative Review and Appeals............. 2007 224,937 229,152 229,152
Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund........ 1992 4,058 2,500 6,292
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission.......... 2007 1,321 1,431 1,431
Construction of Witness Safesites............. 2007 8,000 10,000 10,000
Federal Bureau of Investigation............... 2007 5,991,686 6,040,050 6,040,050
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and 2007 960,558 980,128 980,128
Explosives...................................
Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution
Programs:
Training for Judicial Personnel............... 2005 2,300 1,925 2,287
Office of Justice Programs:
Justice Assistance:
National Institute of Justice............. 1995 33,000 59,879 55,000
Bureau of Justice Statistics.............. 1995 33,000 32,335 36,000
Regional Information Sharing System....... 2003 100,000 29,000 39,676
White Collar Crime Center................. ............. ............. .............. 8,000
State and Local Law Enforcement:
Byrne Justice Assistance Discretionary ............. ............. .............. 115,225
Grants...................................
Boys and Girls Clubs...................... 2005 80,000 85,000 75,000
Southwest Border Prosecutors.............. ............. ............. .............. 30,000
Intelligence State and Local Training..... ............. ............. .............. 2,000
Sex Offender Registry..................... ............. ............. .............. 1,984
Prescription Drug Monitoring.............. ............. ............. .............. 10,000
Community Oriented Policing:
Training and Technical Assistance......... ............. ............. .............. 3,997
Project Safe Neighborhoods................ ............. ............. .............. 54,808
Offender Reentry.......................... 2005 16,000 10,000 4,936
Juvenile Justice:
Tribal Youth.............................. ............. ............. .............. 10,000
Alcohol Prevention........................ ............. ............. .............. 25,000
Victims of Child Abuse Act................ 2005 20,000 15,000 15,000
Project Childsafe......................... ............. ............. .............. 992
Office of the United States Trade Representative.. 2004 33,108 41,552 46,207
International Trade Commission.................... 2004 57,240 61,700 62,575
Department of Commerce\1\:
International Trade Administration............ 1996 such sums 248,726 424,782
Bureau of Industry and Security............... 2001 such sums 64,711 76,806
National Telecommunications and Information 1993 19,400 17,900 17,837
Administration...............................
National Institute of Standards and 1993 393,500 279,007 627,000
Technology, Technology Administration........
National Oceanic and Atmospheric various ............. .............. 3,387,167
Administration...............................
National Aeronautics and Space Administration\2\.. 2007 17,932,000 16,709,000 16,709,000
National Science Foundation\3\.................... 2007 9,839,262 6,020,012 6,020,012
Department of State:
Administration of Foreign Affairs............. 2003 5,190,390 5,874,914 6,701,526
International Organizations................... 2003 1,617,359 1,672,000 2,286,645
International Commissions..................... 2003 66,385 64,130 67,928
Other State................................... 2003 72,000 69,986 64,625
Broadcasting Board of Governors................... 2003 644,486 599,560 658,903
United States Commission on Civil Rights.......... 1995 9,500 9,096 8,933
Commission on International Religious Freedom..... 2003 3,000 3,000 3,000
Federal Communications Commission................. 1991 such sums 115,794 294,261
Federal Trade Commission.......................... 1998 111,000 106,500 213,079
Legal Services Corporation........................ 1980 such sums 300,000 313,860
Marine Mammal Commission.......................... 1999 1,750 1,890 2,000
Securities and Exchange Commission................ 2003 776,000 716,350 880,517
Small Business Administration..................... 2006 such sums 1,608,566 642,792
US Institute of Peace\4\.......................... 2003 such sums 16,256 26,979
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Programs under the Department of Commerce are funded pursuant to a number of expiring authorizing statutes.
The statutes address a number of projects that do not directly correspond to the account structure in this
Act.
\2\The National Aeronautics and Space Administration appropriations are authorized for fiscal year 2007.
However, the amounts were authorized under a different account structure than included in this bill.
\3\FY 2007 authorization levels for the National Science Foundation are contingent upon a determination by
Congress that the National Science Foundation has made progress toward certain management goals. Congress has
not yet made such determinations.
\4\The Higher Education Amendments Act of 1998, for 1999 plus 4 years.
Comparison With the 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, which requires that the report accompanying a bill
providing new budget authority contain a statement detailing
how that authority compares with the reports submitted under
section 302 of the Act for the most recently agreed to
concurrent resolution on the budget for the fiscal year from
the Committee's section 302(a) allocation.
[In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section
302(b) Recommended
allocation in this bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget Authority:
Mandatory............................... 354 354
Discretionary........................... 59,839 59,839
---------------------------
Total Budget Authority................ 60,193 60,193
===========================
Outlays:
Mandatory............................... 365 365
Discretionary........................... 62,143 62,124
---------------------------
Total Outlays......................... 62,508 62,489
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five-Year Outlay Projections
In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the
Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control 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:
Fiscal year 2007 outlays
[In millions of dollars]
Budget Authority:
Outlays:............................................ 60,193
2007................................................ 38,890
2008................................................ 14,514
2009................................................ 4,553
2010................................................ 2,169
2011 and future years............................... 1,054
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 financial assistance to
State and local governments is as follows:
Millions
FY 2007 new budget authority............................ $1,342
FY 2007 outlays resulting therefrom..................... 104
Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3(e) (Ramseyer Rule)
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italics, existing law in which no change
is proposed is shown in roman):
SECTION 11 OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ACT OF 1950
GENERAL AUTHORITY OF FOUNDATION
Sec. 11. The Foundation shall have the authority, within the
limits of available appropriations, to do all things necessary
to carry out the provisions of this Act, including, but without
being limited thereto, the authority--
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(f) to receive and use funds donated by others, if
such funds are donated without restriction other than
that they be used in furtherance of one or more of the
general purposes of the Foundation, except that funds
may be donated for specific prize competitions;
* * * * * * *
----------
CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005
* * * * * * *
DIVISION B--DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND STATE, THE JUDICIARY,
AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005
* * * * * * *
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND RELATED AGENCIES
* * * * * * *
General Provisions--Department of Commerce
* * * * * * *
Sec. 214. Establishment of the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship
Program. (a) Establishment.--The Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall establish and
administer the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship Program. Under
the program, and subject to subsection (f), the Administrator
shall award scholarships in oceanic and atmospheric science,
research, technology, and education to be known as Ernest F.
Hollings Scholarships.
* * * * * * *
[(f) Funding.--Of the total amount appropriated for fiscal
year 2005 and annually hereafter to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, the Administrator shall make
available for the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship program one-
tenth of 1 percent of such appropriations.]
(f) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out the provisions of this section, up to $4,000,000
annually.
* * * * * * *
SECTION 318 OF THE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES ACT
SEC. 318. DR. NANCY FOSTER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and
administer through the National Ocean Service the Dr. Nancy
Foster Scholarship Program. Under the program, and subject to
subsection (e), the Secretary shall award graduate education
scholarships in oceanography, marine biology or maritime
archeology, to be known as Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarships.
* * * * * * *
[(e) Funding.--Of the amount available each fiscal year to
carry out this title, the Secretary shall award 1 percent as
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarships.]
(e) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary of Commerce up to $500,000 annually, to carry out the
provisions of this section.
* * * * * * *
----------
SECTION 210 OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2001
[Sec. 210. (a) The Secretary of Commerce shall establish and
administer through the National Ocean Service the Dr. Nancy
Foster Scholarship Program. Under the program, the Secretary
shall award graduate education scholarships in marine biology,
oceanography, or maritime archaeology, including the curation,
preservation, and display of maritime artifacts, to be known as
``Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarships''.
[(b) The purpose of the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
is to recognize outstanding scholarship in marine biology,
oceanography, or maritime archaeology, particularly by women
and members of minority groups, and encourage independent
graduate level research in such fields of study.
[(c) Each Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship award--
[(1) shall be used to support a candidate's graduate
studies in marine biology, oceanography, or maritime
archaeology at a sponsoring institution; and
[(2) shall be made available to individual candidates
in accordance with guidelines issued by the Secretary.
[(d) The amount of each Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship shall be
provided directly to each recipient selected by the Secretary
upon receipt of certification that the recipient will adhere to
a specific and detailed plan of study and research approved by
the sponsoring institution.
[(e) The Secretary shall make 1 percent of the amount
appropriated each fiscal year to carry out the National Marine
Sanctuaries Act (46 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) available for Dr.
Nancy Foster Scholarships.
[(f) Repayment of the award shall be made to the Secretary in
the case of fraud or noncompliance.]
----------
SECTION 36 OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT BASIC AUTHORITIES ACT OF 1956
SEC. 36. DEPARTMENT OF STATE REWARDS PROGRAM.
(a) * * *
(b) Rewards Authorized.--In the sole discretion of the
Secretary (except as provided in subsection (c)(2)) and in
consultation, as appropriate, with the Attorney General, the
Secretary may pay a reward to any individual or to an officer
or employee of a foreign government in accordance with
subsection (f)(2) who furnishes information leading to--
(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
[(f) Ineligibility.--An officer] (f) Ineligibility._
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
an officer or employee of any entity of Federal, State,
or local government or of a foreign government who,
while in the performance of his or her official duties,
furnishes information described in subsection (b) shall
not be eligible for a reward under this section.
(2) Exception in certain circumstances.--The
Secretary may pay a reward to an officer or employee of
a foreign government (or any entity thereof) who, while
in the performance of his or her official duties,
furnishes information described in such subsection, if
the Secretary determines that such payment satisfies
the following conditions:
(A) Such payment is appropriate in light of
the exceptional or high-profile nature of the
information furnished pursuant to such
subsection.
(B) Such payment may aid in furnishing
further information described in such
subsection.
(C) Such payment is formally requested by
such agency.
* * * * * * *
----------
HELP COMMISSION ACT
Sec. 637. (a) This section may be cited as the ``HELP
Commission Act''.
* * * * * * *
(f)(1) Not later than 2 years and 3 months after the members
of the Commission are appointed under subsection (d)(1), the
Commission shall submit a report to the President, the
Secretary of State, the Committee on Appropriations and the
Committee on International Relations of the House of
Representatives, and the Committee on Appropriations and the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, setting forth its
findings and recommendations under section (c)(2).
* * * * * * *
----------
SECTION 1238 OF THE FLOYD D. SPENCE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001
SEC. 1238. UNITED STATES-CHINA SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION.
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(c) Duties.--
(1) Annual report.--Not later than [June] November 1
each year (beginning in 2002), the Commission shall
submit to Congress a report, in both unclassified and
classified form, regarding the national security
implications and impact of the bilateral trade and
economic relationship between the United States and the
People's Republic of China. The report shall include a
full analysis, along with conclusions and
recommendations for legislative and administrative
actions, if any, of the national security implications
for the United States of the trade and current balances
with the People's Republic of China in goods and
services, financial transactions, and technology
transfers. The Commission shall also take into account
patterns of trade and transfers through third countries
to the extent practicable.
* * * * * * *
[(g) Applicability of FACA.--The provisions of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the
activities of the Commission.]
* * * * * * *
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, language is included transferring
unexpended balances as follows:
Under Detention Trustee, language is included transferring
unobligated balances available from prior years from the funds
appropriated under the heading ``Federal Prisoner Detention''
shall be transferred to this account.
Under Coastal Zone Management Fund, language is included
transferring balances to the Operations, Research and
Facilities account.
Under Department of Commerce General Provisions, language
is included making funds available for transfer for certain
purposes.
Under the Federal Communications Commission, language is
included regarding the transfer of funds from the Universal
Service Fund.
Under Title VI General Provisions, language is included
making funds available for transfer for certain purposes.
RESCISSIONS
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following table is submitted
describing the rescissions recommended in the accompanying
bill:
Department of Justice, Violent Crime Reduction Trust
Fund................................................ $8,000,000
Department of Justice, Telecommunications Carrier
Compliance Fund..................................... 39,000,000
Department of Justice, Assets Forfeiture Fund........... 152,787,000
Department of Justice, State and Local Law Enforcement
Assistance.......................................... 127,500,000
Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing
Services............................................ 127,500,000
Department of Commerce, Emergency Steel Guaranteed Loan
Program Account..................................... 38,607,000
Department of State, Center for Middle Eastern-Western
Dialogue Trust Fund................................. 10,000,000
Small Business Administration, Salaries and Expenses.... 6,100,000
Small Business Administration, Business Loans Program
Account............................................. 5,000,000
Small Business Administration, Disaster Loans Program
Account............................................. 3,700,000
Comparative Statement of New Budget (Obligational) Authority
The following table provides a detailed summary, for each
Department and agency, comparing the amounts recommended in the
bill with fiscal year 2006 enacted amounts and budget estimates
presented for fiscal year 2007:
ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF REPRESENTATIVES OBEY, HOYER AND MOLLOHAN
Representatives Obey, Hoyer and Mollohan offered an
amendment in full committee to increase the hourly minimum wage
from $5.15 to $5.85 on January 1, 2007; $6.55 on January 1,
2008, and $7.25 on January 1, 2009. It was the same amendment
that the committee approved and included in the Labor-Health
and Human Services-Education appropriations bill. When it
became clear that the Republican Leadership would not allow
that bill and the wage increase to receive a vote on the House
floor, Democrats moved to offer the amendment again on this
bill. This time, the amendment was defeated on a straight
party-line vote of 28-34.
The need to increase the minimum wage is clear. According
to the most recent poverty statistics, there are 3.7 million
workers who worked full-time, year-round, and still lived in
poverty. During the 1960s and 1970s, the annual earnings of a
full-time, year-round worker earning the minimum wage were
roughly equal to the poverty level for a family of three. To
reach the poverty level for a family of three in 2006
($16,600), a full-time, year-round worker would need to earn
$7.98 an hour--$2.83 more than the current minimum wage.
Americans who work full-time, year-round should not live in
poverty.
The minimum wage increase of $2.10 per hour over 24 months
in this bill would directly benefit about 7 million low-wage
workers, according to the Economic Policy Institute, and its
spillover effects would benefit an additional 8 million
workers. Moreover, this increase would benefit poor workers who
need it most: 54 percent of the gains from the proposed $2.10
hourly increase would go to working households in the bottom 40
percent of the income scale.
Giving Americans a raise by increasing the minimum wage
does not harm economic growth. Since 1997, 20 states and D.C.
have enacted minimum wage rates above the $5.15 Federal level.
Employment growth in those states disproves predictions that
increasing the minimum wage would make small business employers
less inclined to hire. In fact, small business employment
between 1997 and 2003 grew more in states with a higher minimum
wage than in Federal minimum wage states (9.4 percent versus
6.6 percent).
The last increase in the federal minimum wage was signed
into law nearly a decade ago by President Clinton. Since the
wage has remained stagnant, it now equals only 31 percent of
the average hourly wage of American workers--the lowest level
since 1949. The House recently agreed to legislation that would
provide the ninth cost-of-living increase for Members of
Congress since the current level of the minimum wage took
effect. Isn't it time to vote on an increase in the minimum
wage?
Dave Obey.
Alan B. Mollohan.
Steny Hoyer.
ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF THE HONORABLE DAVID OBEY AND THE HONORABLE ALAN B.
MOLLOHAN
The President's request for Science, State, Justice and
Commerce FY 2007 programs yields ground in the fight against
crime, backs away from the supporting economically distressed
communities, retreats from investments in cutting edge
innovations, and abrogates our responsibility to ensure equal
justice under the law. This bill improves on the
Administration's budget, and Chairman Wolf, a man of principle
and passion, deserves credit for those improvements.
Nonetheless, the President's failures do not excuse Congress
from its obligation to adopt a responsible budget resolution
that enables us to adequately address these critical issues.
THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET AND THE CHALLENGES WE FACE
State and Local Law Enforcement: Despite the subcommittee
restoring $1.1 billion above the request, this bill provides
$2.3 billion in assistance to state and local law enforcement,
a reduction of $200 million compared to last year and $2.2
billion compared to 2001. Each year, President Bush's budget
has proposed to cut funding for formula grants and assistance
to: prevent and prosecute gang activities; combat
methamphetamine; equip our police with bulletproof vests and
interoperable communications; reduce recidivism; and, encourage
effective crime prevention techniques for at-risk youth. Each
year, the Committee struggles to restore these cuts. And each
year, assistance to State and local law enforcement declines.
[In billions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY2001 FY2002 FY2003 FY2004 FY2005 FY2006 FY2007
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enacted:..................................... $4.4 $4.0 $3.5 $3.0 $2.8 $2.5 $2.3 (H)
Request:..................................... $3.5 $2.7 $2.3 $1.6 $1.5 $1.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last year, violent crime rose by the largest percentage
since 1991. Murders increased 4.8 percent--the largest increase
in 15 years according to FBI statistics. This is the first
increase in violent crime since 2001.
When violent crime is on the rise and local police face
additional homeland security demands, this is no time to cut
assistance to our State and local law enforcement.
Economic Development Administration: The story is the same
with the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Every year,
the level provided is a little less than the year before. This
year, the Chairman's mark provides $261 million for EDA. This
is $66 million below the request of $327 million and $19
million below the 2006 enacted level. Since 2001, EDA support
for communities with high unemployment and low incomes has been
cut by $179 million--more than 40 percent.
Even in good economic times, many communities in America
have been left behind. Today, with the economy failing to
provide new jobs and increased wages, EDA efforts that spur
public and private investments in commercial and industrial
jobs are needed more than ever. EDA's efforts have created more
than four million new jobs since its inception and leveraged in
excess of $130 billion in private sector investment.
NASA science and education: While the primary Moon-Mars
account rose by 30 percent, science funding increased only 1.5
percent, a cut after adjusting for inflation of 1.9 percent.
The FY06 budget estimated the FY07 science account to be $5.9
billion. Instead, the request was a little more than $5.3
billion--a reduction of $600 million. These cuts have been
forced by funding increases for the Moon-Mars initiative and
the continued costs of the space shuttle and the International
Space Station. They have forced numerous science missions to be
``deferred'' or cancelled outright. These missions expand our
knowledge of the universe and our planet.
Until this year, NASA had made significant investments in
science. And that investment resulted in incredible missions of
discovery. For examples, these investments brought us: the Mars
Rovers; the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which is sending us
high resolution images of the Martian surface; and, the
Cassini/Huygens mission which may have found evidence of water
on one of Saturn's moons.
These missions are exciting and are inspiring to the next
generation of scientists and engineers. The Explorer Program,
one of the programs targeted for reduction, is one of the few
competitively run NASA programs that engages universities,
industry, and other partners to explore the most cutting edge
scientific discoveries in all aspects of astronomy and
astrophysics. Designed to provide relatively cheap and fast
access to space, these low-budget spacecraft are often
developed and managed by university groups. Cuts to this
program will end a generation of young people entering this
field and possibly ending American domination of space science.
The President's request also cuts NASA education by 14
percent, $25 million, from compared to two years ago--from
$178.9 million to $153.3 million. NASA's education programs
capitalize on the excitement of NASA's discoveries and missions
to inspire future generations of space scientists. At a time
when the President is proposing to double the physical sciences
in NSF, NIST, and DOE and we are all focusing on the importance
of science education, cutting NASA science education simply
makes no sense.
Legal Services Corporation: This year's bill provides $313
million for Legal Services Corporation (LSC), $12.7 million
below the enacted level and $87 million below the high water
mark in 1996. LSC helps ensure that every American, regardless
of income, receives equal access to justice.
LSC's budget declined precipitously in 1996, from $400
million to $278 million, then slowly but steadily rose to $338
million in 2003. Since 2003, budget cuts and increasing costs
have caused LSC to close 16 field offices, hire 100 fewer
attorneys and 240 fewer paralegals. As a result, the number of
cases handled by LSC declined by 30,000 even as the demand for
legal services has increased. Since 2003, the eligible
population has grown by 3 million Americans. We cannot continue
to cut LSC and uphold the principle of the Pledge of Allegiance
to provide justice for all.
THE MOLLOHAN AMENDMENT--THE DEMOCRATIC ALTERNATIVE
On eight of the other annual appropriations bills,
Democrats have offered amendments that provided for additional
investments in a range of domestic priorities offset by asking
people making more than $1 million a year to get by with a
slightly smaller tax cut thanthe Republicans would provide.
These amendments were fiscally responsible and consistent with the
Democratic alternative budget.
During consideration of this Science-State-Justice-Commerce
bill, Representative Mollohan offered such an amendment. The
Mollohan amendment would:
Support state and local law enforcement
grants by providing an additional $312 million to reach
the full authorization level of $900 million;
Assist economically distressed communities
by providing an additional $65 million, which is $46
million above last year;
Ensure assistance to those most in need is
most effective by providing an additional $13 million
for the Survey of Income and Program Participation
(SIPP);
Help ensure equal justice by providing an
additional $92 million for the Legal Services
Corporation (LSC), an increase that brings LSC to its
1995 high-water mark funding level;
Provide a range of assistance to small
businesses by providing an additional $20 million to
the Small Business Administration's microloan program;
and,
Bolster science and education programs at
NASA by $100 million to reverse the trend of damaging
cuts in this area.
To be clear, the Mollohan amendment-as with all of the
Democratic budget alternative amendments offered in committee--
would not increase the deficit. These amendments are fully
offset by providing people making more than $1 million a year
with a slightly smaller tax cut than Republicans would provide
in their budget. In keeping with the Democratic alternative,
the Mollohan amendment was offset by shrinking the average tax
break for people making more than $1 million a year by 1.45
percent--from $114,172 to $112,515--a reduction of $1,657.
The bottom line is: $59.8 billion is not enough for all the
programs we have discussed and numerous others we have not
mentioned, including funding for the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, life sciences funding at NASA and
biology funding at National Science Foundation.
EXPLOSIVES TAX
The bill contains a $30 million tax on explosives users.
The President proposed a $120 million tax as he did last year.
This tax is unacceptable. We hope and expect that the
legislative provision that imposes the burdensome tax will be
eliminated from this bill.
OTHER AMENDMENTS
Permanent Bases in Iraq The Committee accepted a Democratic
amendment offered by Representative Obey that prohibits the use
of funds to enter into military basing rights agreements
between the United States and Iraq. In effect, this provision
bars the establishment of permanent U.S. bases in that country.
This provision is meant to send a clear, unequivocal message to
the Iraqi people and to the world that the United States will
not indefinitely occupy Iraq.
Congress missed the opportunity to signal its opposition to
permanent bases in the recently approved FY 2006 Iraq
supplement emergency supplemental. Despite both the House and
the Senate including a ban on permanent basing in their
respective bills, the conference committee just two weeks ago
jettisoned the provision. We hope that the prohibition inserted
in this bill will last longer than it did in the FY 2006
supplemental.
Leal Services Corporation. We are disappointed the
Committee rejected, by a vote of 27-32, a Democratic amendment
offered by Representative Obey to add $25 million to LSC to
restore funding to the 2003 spending level, the recent high-
water mark.
Survey of Income and Program Participation: Both the
President's budget and the Chairman's mark eliminated funding
for the Census Bureau's current Survey of Income and Program
Participation (SIPP), which analyzes the impact of state and
federal government programs on the well-being of American
families. The data it gathers are essential to ensure the
effectiveness of a range of federal, state, and local
assistance for the most vulnerable in America. Eliminating the
survey would leave gaps in the data until a new survey is
designed and implemented, leaving policymakers in the dark at a
time when Congress is considering changes to Social Security
and Medicaid.
While we agree that the Census Bureau has made the
decennial census its top priority, we cannot imagine that a
survey measuring poverty and the participation of transfer
payments should be a low priority. In fact, as government
dollars become scarcer, we need the information provided by the
SIPP to understand whether those resources are being
effectively allocated and truly helping Americans in need. As
such, we are pleased that the Committee accepted a Democratic
amendment offered by Representative Serrano providing an
additional $13 million to continue the SIPP.
SBA Microloans: Both the President's budget and the
Chairman's mark would eliminate the Small Business
Administration's Microloan program, which is the largest
federal program solely dedicated to supporting the credit needs
of very small businesses and self-employed entrepreneurs.
The Microloan program is essential because it serves small
businesses that would not typically fund a loan from financial
institutions and would not qualify under the SBA's 7(a) loan
program. Many do not meet traditional credit screening
requirements or lack the business training necessary to access
affordable capital. The Microloan program provides the funds
and training these entrepreneurs need to get their new
businesses off the ground.
The Committee accepted an amendment providing $10 million
in technical assistance and $1 million of budget authority that
will provide roughly $9 million in lending authority for the
Microloan program. We believe that this amount is wholly
inadequate and hope that additional funding can be provided as
the bill moves forward.
CONCLUSION
Chairman Wolf has a difficult job balancing a diverse
portfolio of important programs in a tough budgetary climate.
After House Republicans adopted an unrealistic budget
resolution this past spring, this bill and the 10 other annual
appropriations bills the Committee has now reported are bound
to come up short, and they have in ways large and small.
That budget resolution, which accepted the President's
overall target for discretionary spending, didn't make this
bill's failings a possibility; that budget made this bill's
shortcomings a certainty.
Dave Obey.
Alan B. Mollohan.
