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110th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session 110-198
======================================================================
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2008
_______
June 19, 2007.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Ms. Wasserman Schultz, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted
the following
R E P O R T
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 2771]
The Committee on Appropriations submits the following
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making
appropriations for the legislative branch for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.
INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT
_______________________________________________________________________
Page number
Bill Report
Summary of bill............................................
2
Highlights of bill.........................................
4
Structure of bill..........................................
4
Legislative branch-wide matters............................
4
Title I--Legislative Branch Appropriations.................
6
House of Representatives........................... 2
6
Joint Items:
Joint Economic Committee................... 8
12
Joint Committee on Taxation................ 8
12
Office of the Attending Physician.......... 8
12
Capitol Guide Service and Special Services
Office................................. 9
12
Statements of Appropriations............... 9
12
Capitol Police............................. 10
13
Office of Compliance............................... 12
15
Congressional Budget Office........................ 15
16
Architect of the Capitol (except Senate Office
Buildings)..................................... 15
16
Library of Congress................................ 33
25
Government Printing Office......................... 40
28
Government Accountability Office................... 43
29
Payment to the Open World Leadership Center Trust
Fund........................................... 47
31
John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training
and Development................................ 48
32
Title II--General Provisions............................... 48
32
Constitutional authority...................................
32
Comparison with budget resolution..........................
32
Five-year projection of outlays............................
33
Assistance to State and local governments..................
33
Transfers of funds.........................................
33
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives......
33
Rescissions................................................
33
Changes in the application of existing law.................
33
Compliance with clause 3--rule XIII........................
37
Appropriations not authorized by law.......................
47
Earmarks...................................................
47
Full Committee Votes.......................................
48
Additional Views...........................................
58
SUMMARY OF BILL
The bill, as recommended by the Committee, provides
appropriations for fiscal year 2008 legislative branch
operations, which total $3,103,709,000.
Conforming with long practice under which each body of
Congress determines its own housekeeping requirements and the
other concurs without intervention, funds for the Senate are
not included in the bill as reported to the House. Current
appropriations estimates for the Senate for fiscal year 2008,
as amended, including those under the Architect of the Capitol,
total $980,583,000.
A comparative summary of the bill by title and agency
follows:
SUMMARY OF THE BILL
[Note.--Excludes Senate items including those Senate items under Architect of the Capitol]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill compared with--
Budget estimates New budget -------------------------------------
New budget of new (obligational) Budget estimates
Agency (obligational) (obligational) authority New budget of new
authority, fiscal authority, fiscal recommended in (obligational) (obligational)
year 2007 year 2008 bill authority, fiscal authority, fiscal
year 2007 year 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH-APPROPRIATIONS
House of Representatives................................. \1\ $1,144,486,00 $1,235,042,000 $1,198,560,000 +$54,074,000 -$36,482,000
0
Joint items.............................................. 24,155,000 27,540,000 21,112,000 -3,043,000 -6,428,000
Capitol Police........................................... \1\ 265,635,000 299,070,000 286,000,000 +20,365,000 -13,070,000
Office of Compliance..................................... 3,103,000 4,106,000 3,806,000 +703,000 -300,000
Congressional Budget Office.............................. 35,204,000 37,972,000 37,805,000 +2,601,000 -167,000
Architect of the Capitol (except Senate office buildings) \1\ 382,715,000 394,461,000 348,380,000 -34,335,000 -46,081,000
Library of Congress...................................... 508,760,000 661,616,000 572,512,000 +63,752,000 -89,104,000
Government Printing Office............................... 122,050,000 181,979,000 125,776,000 +3,726,000 -56,203,000
Government Accountability Office......................... \1\ 481,070,000 522,804,000 503,328,000 +22,258,000 -19,476,000
Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund.................. 13,860,000 14,400,000 6,000,000 -7,860,000 -8,400,000
John C. Stennis Center................................... 430,000 430,000 430,000 ................. .................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand total, new budget, (obligational) authority \1\ $2,981,468,00 $3,379,420,000 $3,103,709,000 +$122,241,000 -$275,711,000
(for items considered by House)................... 0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Includes amounts provided in P.L. 110-28.
HIGHLIGHTS OF BILL
Summary of Estimates and Recommendations
Budget estimates.--The budget estimates considered by the
Committee total $3,379,420,000, as amended. By law, budget
requests for the legislative branch are transmitted to the
Congress by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the
President without change in the amounts submitted by the
originating agency.
Committee recommendations.--A total of $3,103,709,000 in
new budget (obligational) authority is recommended for fiscal
year 2008. The bill does not include Senate items.
Comparison with fiscal year 2007 appropriations.--Compared
with the appropriations enacted for fiscal year 2007, the
recommendation of $3,103,709,000 in net new budget
(obligational) authority for fiscal year 2008 is an increase of
$122,241,000 above fiscal year 2007, including the fiscal year
2007 supplemental, and $275,711,000 below the amended budget
request.
STRUCTURE OF THE BILL
The bill is divided into two titles:
Title I--Contains the appropriations for the House of
Representatives, Joint Items, the Capitol Police, the Office of
Compliance, the Congressional Budget Office, the Architect of
the Capitol (except Senate office buildings), the Library of
Congress, the Government Printing Office, the Government
Accountability Office, the Open World Leadership Center, and
the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and
Development.
Title II--Contains general provisions.
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH-WIDE MATTERS
Long Term Planning.--This year, as part of the regular
budget hearing cycle, the Committee held extensive additional
hearings focusing on long term planning. These hearings
examined such issues as deferred maintenance within the Capitol
complex; printing technology for the 21st century; and the
digital revolution and what it means to the Library of Congress
and libraries throughout the nation and the world. In addition,
the Committee held monthly oversight hearings on the
construction of the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) project. In
particular, the CVC hearings enabled the Committee to focus on
problems, construction timelines, and the progress for bringing
the CVC project through to fruition.
The Committee believes that these hearings jump started a
process, in which agencies will look beyond one fiscal year to
the next as they address their respective agency missions. The
Committee realizes that all the agencies of the Legislative
Branch have some kind of long term strategic plan. However, in
light of the recent hearings, issues and ideas may have
surfaced that require reexamination of those plans. The
Committee directs all agencies to reexamine their current
strategic plans and determine if additions, deletions and/or
adjustments are required.
During this reexamination, agencies need to take into
consideration the ever increasing strain on the Federal budget
and the difficulty of supporting budget increases greater than
the rate of inflation. In this regard, future budget requests
need to reflect adjustments resulting from the reexamination of
strategic plans that will address the highest priority
initiatives and, as appropriate for increased cost
effectiveness, utilize new technology and management
initiatives to enhance accountability, fiscal responsibility
and physical security.
The Committee expects all agencies to understand that
looking to the future is a top priority to the Committee.
Continued budget requests that jump from one place to another,
each and every year, and do not reflect a planned, fiscally
responsible and systematically defendable approach will be
unacceptable.
Personal Services Contracts.--The Committee is increasingly
concerned with the personal services contracts awarded annually
by the agencies of the Legislative Branch. The Committee
directs that within 60 days of enactment of this Act all
agencies (exclusive of the House and Senate) will provide to
the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate a
report on all personal services contracts awarded during fiscal
year 2006. This report should include the contractor name,
contract purpose, contract period, was the contract openly
competed, if not why not, and the total cost of the contract.
The Committee further directs that beginning with the fiscal
year 2009 budget justifications, all the agencies (exclusive of
the House and Senate) will include as part of their annual
budget justifications a report on all personal service
contracts awarded for the previously completed fiscal year
reflecting the same information required for contracts awarded
during fiscal year 2006.
Women and Minority Owned Businesses.--It has come to the
Committee's attention that some agencies of the Legislative
Branch have no formal policy for contracting with women and
minority owned businesses. The Committee believes that many
opportunities exist for these businesses to be awarded
contracts to perform services required from all agencies within
the Legislative Branch. The Committee directs that all
agencies, who have not done so, adopt within 60 days a formal
written policy, in accordance with all applicable Federal laws,
that provides for the consideration of contracting with this
very important group of service providers. All agencies shall
provide a copy of the policies to the Committee on
Appropriations of the House and Senate within 60 days of
enactment of this Act. The Committee further directs that all
agencies provide an annual report on their compliance with this
policy.
Budget Justifications.--The Committee reminds all agencies
of the Legislative Branch that the annual budget justifications
are prepared for the benefit of the Committee and the Committee
Members. These justifications are not prepared for the benefit
of the agency or its staff. It is imperative that
justifications are accurate, concise, and understandable and
provide information necessary for the appropriate consideration
of the budget submission. Agencies are not to make significant
changes to their justification books without consultation with
the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate.
Legislative Language.--The Committee wants to remind all
Legislative Branch agencies that language items to be included
in the annual appropriations bill must be transmitted to the
Congress as part of the President's annual budget request or a
budget amendment. This process allows the Committee appropriate
oversight, review and consideration during the annual budget
justification hearings and markup of the bill.
Mass Transit Benefits.--The Committee has included funding
for the Federal Mass Transit Benefit Program for the agencies
of the Legislative Branch. The Committee allowance provides a
$110 per month allowance to the employees who participate in
the program. The Committee encourages the agencies of the
Legislative Branch to support employee participation in this
very important program.
TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The Committee bill recommends a total of $1,198,560,000 for
the operations of the House of Representatives during fiscal
year 2008. The allowance is $54,074,000 above the current
level, including the fiscal year 2007 supplemental, and is
$36,482,000 below the request.
The following tabulation summarizes the recommendations:
Item Amount
Salaries and expenses:
House leadership offices............................ $23,648,000
Members' representational allowances................ 581,000,000
Committee salaries and expenses..................... 162,800,000
Salaries, officers and employees.................... 169,393,000
Allowances and expenses............................. 261,719,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total, Salaries and Expenses...................... $1,198,560,000
========================================================
____________________________________________________
Total, House of Representatives................... $1,198,560,000
Payment to Widows and Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress
2007 appropriation...................................... \1\ $330,000
2008 budget request..................................... - - -
Committee recommendation................................ - - -
\1\ Amount included in P.L. 110-28.
There are no payments recommended in this bill.
Salaries and Expenses
2007 appropriation....................................\1\ $1,144,486,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 1,235,042,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,198,560,000
\1\ Includes $6,767,000 provided in P.L. 110-28.
The appropriation for the operations of the House of
Representatives is the salaries and expenses appropriation. The
account includes the following House activities: House
leadership offices; Members' representational allowances;
committee salaries and expenses; salaries, officers and
employees; allowances and expenses; and the child care center.
The amount provided is $1,198,560,000.
House Leadership Offices
2007 appropriation...................................... $22,822,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 23,648,000
Committee recommendation................................ 23,648,000
The Committee recommends a total of $23,648,000 for the
operations of the leadership offices during fiscal year 2008.
This is an increase of $826,000 above the current level and is
the same as the budget request.
The allocation by office follows:
House Leadership Offices
Item Amount
Office of the Speaker................................... $4,761,000
Office of the Majority Floor Leader..................... 2,188,000
Office of the Minority Floor Leader..................... 4,090,000
Office of the Majority Whip............................. 1,894,000
Office of the Minority Whip............................. 1,420,000
Speaker's Office for Legislative Floor Activities....... 499,000
Republican Steering Committee........................... 943,000
Republican Conference................................... 1,631,000
Republican Policy Committee............................. 325,000
Democratic Steering and Policy Committee................ 1,295,000
Democratic Caucus....................................... 1,604,000
Nine Minority Employees................................. 1,498,000
Training and Program Development:
Majority............................................ 290,000
Minority............................................ 290,000
Cloakroom Personnel:
Majority............................................ 460,000
Minority............................................ 460,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total............................................. $23,648,000
Members' Representational Allowances
2007 appropriation...................................... $554,716,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 610,616,000
Committee recommendation................................ 581,000,000
A total of $581,000,000 is recommended for the
representational allowances of the Members of the House, the
so-called MRA account. The Committee bill provides $391,768,300
for clerk hire salaries, $153,035,400 for official expenses,
and $36,196,300 for official mail. It should be noted that
these components are fungible under regulations prescribed by
the Committee on House Administration. Each Member has an
overall consolidated allowance established by the Committee on
House Administration from which staff salaries, office
expenses, and mail costs are drawn. The level provided in the
Committee recommendation reflects a 97 percent funding of the
current authorization which is $597,000,000.
Committee Employees
2007 appropriation...................................... $150,272,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 156,775,000
Committee recommendation................................ 162,800,000
Standing Committees, special and select.--For the salaries
and expenses of committees funded in the biennial funding
resolution, $133,000,000 is provided.
Committee on Appropriations.--For the salaries and expenses
of the Committee on Appropriations (including the studies and
investigation activities authorized by section 202(b) of the
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946), $29,800,000 is
provided.
The amount above the fiscal year 2008 budget request
reflects a base adjustment provided in the fiscal year 2007
Continuing Resolution that was not incorporated into the fiscal
year 2008 budget request.
Details of the funding resolution, H. Res. 202 (House
Report 110-29) approved by the House for the 110th Congress,
follow:
COMMITTEE FUNDING AUTHORIZATIONS, 110TH CONGRESS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee 1st session 2nd session Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agriculture............................................... $5,910,765 $6,084,541 $11,995,306
Armed Services............................................ 7,203,581 7,415,366 14,618,946
Budget.................................................... 6,169,343 6,350,721 12,520,064
Education and Labor....................................... 7,989,475 8,224,365 16,213,840
Energy and Commerce....................................... 10,375,603 10,680,646 21,056,249
Financial Services........................................ 7,977,303 8,211,835 16,189,138
Foreign Affairs........................................... 8,569,776 8,821,728 17,391,504
Homeland Security......................................... 8,105,057 8,343,346 16,448,403
House Administration...................................... 5,033,242 5,181,219 10,214,461
Intelligence.............................................. 5,157,724 5,309,361 10,467,084
Judiciary................................................. 8,055,250 8,292,074 16,347,324
Natural Resources......................................... 7,533,355 7,754,836 15,288,192
Oversight and Government Reform........................... 10,644,994 10,957,956 21,602,950
Rules..................................................... 3,376,815 3,476,093 6,852,908
Science and Technology.................................... 6,387,984 6,575,791 12,963,775
Small Business............................................ 2,939,758 3,026,187 5,965,945
Standards of Official Conduct............................. 2,460,915 2,533,266 4,994,181
Transportation and Infrastructure......................... 9,491,374 9,770,421 19,261,795
Veterans' Affairs......................................... 3,486,916 3,589,431 7,076,347
Ways and Means............................................ 9,382,384 9,658,226 19,040,609
-----------------------------------------------------
Total............................................... $136,251,614 $140,257,409 $276,509,021
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since the funding resolution is done on a biennial basis,
the resolution for the 110th Congress will expire on December
31, 2008. This funding will support the first session of the
110th Congress and is provided through December 31, 2008.
Salaries, Officers and Employees
2007 appropriation...................................... $156,147,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 174,382,000
Committee recommendation................................ 169,393,000
The Committee recommendation for the salaries and expenses
of House officers and employees of the various activities
funded through this consolidated item is $169,393,000. This
amount is $4,989,000 below the budget request and is
$13,246,000 above the enacted level.
Culinary School Students.--The Committee believes that
opportunities exist for culinary school students nationwide to
enhance their skills by giving them the opportunity, as part of
their regular curriculum, to define the menu and assist with
the preparation of the selections offered in the Member's
Dining Room. In that regard, the Committee requests that the
Chief Administrative Officer contact culinary schools and
explore the possibility for culinary school students to enhance
their skills and make appropriate arrangements for the students
to participate, on a rotational basis among the participants,
in an ``on the job training'' or similar program.
Disability Access.--The Committee is very concerned with
disability access throughout the entire Capitol complex.
Therefore, the Committee directs the Chief Administrative
Officer of the House, with the assistance of the Architect of
the Capitol, the Government Accountability Office and the
Office of Compliance where necessary, to do a comprehensive
assessment of the Capitol complex regarding disability access,
including the House Chamber, both cloak rooms, and all
committee rooms. This assessment should take into consideration
the Office of Compliance's November 2005 Report on Americans
with Disabilities Act Inspections Relating to Public Services
and Accommodations conducted in the Legislative Branch during
the 108th Congress. The Committee expects that this assessment
with recommendations, a corrective action plan, and potential
cost will be completed by June 30, 2008.
Alternative Pay Dates.--The Committee has received requests
to include legislative language to authorize the Chief
Administrative Officer to establish alternative days for paying
salaries of House employees. This legislation was intended to
promote efficiency and conformity with generally accepted
standards of accounting and auditing payroll activities.
The Committee is sympathetic to the challenges involved
with modernizing the House payroll system. However, the
Committee is not prepared to make any changes until the CAO has
had an opportunity to address the problems associated with the
present payroll system. In addition, the Committee would like
to be assured that any future change in the payroll processing
system will be undertaken in accordance with a detailed
conversion plan.
Therefore, the Committee requests the CAO report by
December 31, 2007 on the progress in eliminating problems
associated with the present payroll system, and the benefits
and costs associated with converting to a system utilizing
alternative pay dates. The Committee encourages the CAO to
consider the advantages associated with utilizing the expertise
of government payroll service providers, including the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's National Finance Center.
Improved Access to Roll Call Information.--The Committee
believes the public could benefit from more easily accessible
roll call information. To that end, the Committee requests that
the Chief Administrative Officer work with the Clerk of the
House and the Library of Congress to study how, within the
public House of Representatives website and the THOMAS website,
a joint system might be developed to allow roll call searches
by specific word, and report back to the Committee on
Appropriations of the House by December 1, 2007.
Availability of Fair Trade Certified Coffee.--Currently,
fair trade certified coffee is only available at two House food
service locations. The Committee requests that the Chief
Administrative Officer of the House work with the House food
service contractor to determine what the requirements would be
for expanding the availability of fair trade certified coffee
and report back to the Committee by October 31, 2007.
Expanded Hours for the House Fitness Center.--The Committee
believes that the physical and mental health of House staff is
important. Therefore, the Committee urges the Chief
Administrative Officer of the House to explore the
possibilities of extending the closing time of the House Staff
Fitness Center to provide better access to House staff, and
report back to the Committee by October 31, 2007.
Remote Access Alternatives.--Since September 11th,
considerable efforts have been made to allow Members,
committees, and staff to operate from remote locations in the
event of an extensive disruption at the Capitol complex. The
Committee believes these efforts have been beneficial and is
interested in whether any additional remote access alternatives
might be useful. Therefore, the Committee requests that the
Chief Administrative Officer of the House study the feasibility
and cost effectiveness of additional remote access
alternatives, and report back to the Committee by January 31,
2008.
House Child Care Center Evacuation Plan.--In the event of
an emergency, the evacuation of the House Child Care Center is
a priority. Therefore, the Committee urges the Chief
Administrative Officer of the House to ensure that at all times
a sufficient number of bus drivers are available to evacuate
the House Child Care Center.
Emergency Alert System.--The Committee is concerned about
the level of information that is currently available to
Members, staff, and visitors to the Capitol complex in the
event of an emergency. Therefore, the Committee requests that
the House Sergeant at Arms study the utility of developing an
automated emergency alert system that would provide customized,
real-time information during emergencies and building
evacuations, and report back to the Committee on Appropriations
of the House of Representatives by January 31, 2008.
Green the Capitol.--The Committee believes it is important
to offset greenhouse gases generated by the House. In that
regard, the Committee requests the Chief Administrative Officer
purchase Carbon Financial Instruments to offset carbon produced
by all House operations. These offsets should be fully
transparent, verified, American, project-based offset credits.
The following table summarizes the funding allocation
provided to each component of the account.
Salaries, Officers and Employees
Item Amount
Office of the Clerk..................................... $22,881,000
Office of the Sergeant at Arms.......................... 7,024,000
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.............. 116,891,000
Office of the Inspector General......................... 4,457,000
Office of Emergency Planning, Preparedness and
Operations.......................................... 3,111,000
Office of General Counsel............................... 1,202,000
Office of the Chaplain.................................. 166,000
Office of the Parliamentarian........................... 1,828,000
Parliamentarian......................................... (1,455,000)
Compilation of Precedents............................... (373,000)
Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House......... 3,046,000
Office of the Legislative Counsel of the House.......... 7,406,000
Office of Interparliamentary Affairs.................... 752,000
Other authorized employees.............................. 170,000
Office of the Historian................................. 459,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total............................................... $169,393,000
Allowances and Expenses
2007 appropriation......................................\1\ $260,199,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 269,621,000
Committee recommendation................................ 261,719,000
\1\ Includes $6,437,000, provided in P.L. 110-28.
A total of $261,719,000 is recommended for fiscal year 2008
for allowances and expenses. This amount is $7,902,000 below
the request and is $1,520,000 above the current level. These
funds include supplies, materials, administrative costs, and
Federal tort claims; the costs of official mail for the
committees, leadership, and administrative offices; employee
benefits; miscellaneous items; Capitol Visitor Center; and
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery. Over 90% of these
funds provide the employer share of retirement, health care,
and unemployment compensation payments for House employees.
The following table sets forth the various expense
categories within this appropriation:
Allowances and Expenses
Supplies, materials, administrative costs and Federal tort ommended 2008
claims
$3,688,000
Official mail (committees, administrative, and
leadership offices)................................. 410,000
Government contributions................................ 237,410,000
Capitol Visitor Center.................................. 2,308,000
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery............... 17,200,000
Miscellaneous items:
House automobiles................................... 143,000
Gratuities to beneficiaries of deceased staff....... 520,000
Interparliamentary receptions....................... 40,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Subtotal, miscellaneous items....................... $703,000
========================================================
____________________________________________________
Total, allowances and expenses...................... $261,719,000
Child Care Center
The bill provides authority for the House child care center
budget, as required by Sec. 312(d)(1) of Public Law 102-90, as
presented to the Committee by the Chief Administrative Officer.
It should be noted that tuition and other center-generated
revenues fund child care center operations.
Administrative Provisions
Section 101 provides for unspent amounts remaining in
Members' Representational Allowances account to be used for
deficit reduction. Section 102 is a technical correction that
allows the CAO to contract with a public entity for the
operation of the House Fitness Facility. Section 103 provides
for receipts to be credited to the account of the Chief
Administrative Officer. Section 104 provides for receipts to be
credited to the House Services Revolving Fund. Section 105
adjusts the salary of the former Speaker's staff.
JOINT ITEMS
The Committee recommends appropriations totaling
$21,112,000 for fiscal year 2008 for the various joint
committees and activities carried under this heading. The
recommendation is $3,043,000 below the current fiscal year and
is $6,428,000 below the amended budget request.
The following summarizes the recommendations:
Joint Items
Item Amount
Joint Economic Committee................................ $4,398,000
Joint Committee on Taxation............................. 9,416,000
Office of the Attending Physician....................... 2,820,000
Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office....... 4,448,000
Statements of Appropriations............................ 30,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total............................................... $21,112,000
JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE
2007 appropriation...................................... $4,308,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 4,398,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,398,000
The Committee has provided $4,398,000 for the Joint
Economic Committee. This amount reflects an increase of $90,000
above the enacted level and is the same as the budget request.
JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION
2007 appropriation...................................... $8,773,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 9,416,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,416,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,416,000 for
the Joint Committee on Taxation. This amount reflects an
increase of $643,000 above the enacted level and is the same as
the budget request.
OFFICE OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN
2007 appropriation...................................... $2,520,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 2,820,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,820,000
The Committee has approved $2,820,000 for medical supplies,
equipment, expenses, and allowances of Navy personnel detailed
to the Office of the Attending Physician. This amount reflects
an increase of $300,000 above the enacted level and is the same
as the request.
CAPITOL GUIDE SERVICE AND SPECIAL SERVICES OFFICE
2007 appropriation...................................... $8,524,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 10,876,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,448,000
The Committee bill provides $4,448,000 for the operation of
the Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office during
the next fiscal year. This amount reflects a decrease of
$4,076,000 below the enacted level and is $6,428,000 below the
amended budget request.
STATEMENTS OF APPROPRIATIONS
2007 appropriation...................................... $30,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 30,000
Committee recommendation................................ 30,000
The sum of $30,000 is included for the preparation of the
usual compilation of the statements of appropriations for the
1st session of the 110th Congress. The House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations compile this publication jointly.
CAPITOL POLICE
2007 appropriation......................................\1\ $265,635,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 299,070,000
Committee recommendation................................ 286,000,000
\1\ Includes $10,000,000 provided in P.L. 110-28.
The recommendations in the bill provide a total of
$286,000,000 for the Salaries and Expenses of the Capitol
Police during fiscal year 2008. This amount reflects
$224,500,000 for salaries and $61,500,000 for general expenses.
Financial Management.--The Committee has patiently waited
for the Capitol Police to successfully accomplish the financial
management improvements it has promised this Committee.
Beginning in fiscal year 2001 and annually thereafter, this
Committee has expressed its concern about the Capitol Police's
continual, pervasive financial management problems and
disappointment with the Capitol Police over its lack of
progress. In fiscal year 2001, the Capitol Police was
statutorily required to establish a Chief Administrative
Officer who would have the overall responsibility to improve
administrative operations at the Capitol Police, including
improving long-standing problems in financial management. The
Capitol Police have been unsuccessful in stabilizing financial
management, let alone achieving one of the most basic
indicators of a successful financial management operation--
auditable financial statements. The Capitol Police must take
immediate action to address these issues.
The Committee acknowledges the commitment from the new
Chief and Assistant Chief of the Capitol Police to make
financial management a priority of the new administration.
However, the Committee is still deeply concerned over the
Capitol Police's lack of progress in developing fully
functional financial management operations capable of obtaining
audit opinions on a full set of financial statements. The
Committee directs the Capitol Police Chief Administrative
Officer (CPCAO) to implement immediately the corrective actions
needed to resolve the financial management weaknesses
identified by the GAO. The Committee further directs that the
CPCAO prepare a report, within 60 days of enactment of the FY
2008 appropriations bill, to the Chief of the Capitol Police
and the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate on
the status of corrective actions planned including due dates,
leading up to obtaining a clean opinion on a full set of
financial statements not later than two years from the close of
fiscal year 2007.
The Committee expects the Capitol Police Board, the Chief
of the Capitol Police and the CPCAO to devote all the necessary
resources required to achieve this objective and the Committee
will not accept nor entertain any further delay or excuses for
the poor management of financial operations.
Capitol Police/Library of Congress Police Merger.--It has
come to the attention of the Committee that there is a
disparity in the number of Capitol Police Officers assigned to
the Library of Congress. The Committee directs the Chief of
Police and the Librarian of Congress to work together to
rectify the disparity in the number of Capitol Police officers
assigned to the Library of Congress to the mutual satisfaction
of both agencies. The Committee further directs that the two
agencies will report to the Committees on Appropriations of the
House and Senate no later than October 31, 2007, on the action
taken to bring this issue to closure. Further, the Committee
directs that any further action taken on the merger of the
Capitol and Library Police forces should in no way negatively
impact the retirement benefits of any officer.
Radiological, Nuclear and Biological Detection.--The
Committee directs the Capitol Police to enter into discussions
with the Metropolitan District of Columbia Police and the
Virginia and Maryland State Police to develop a Capitol Region
radiological, nuclear and biological network. This capability
will enhance regional homeland security and the Capitol Police
should be prepared to discuss this issue at next's year budget
hearings.
Electronic Mapping of the Capitol Complex.--The Committee
directs the Capitol Police to explore the utility of electronic
mapping of the Capitol Complex. In an emergency, quick access
to the information provided by electronic mapping may help
first responders save lives and mitigate damage. The Capitol
Police should be prepared to discuss this issue at next year's
budget hearings.
Salaries
2007 appropriation...................................... $217,135,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 237,074,000
Committee recommendation................................ 224,500,000
The Committee bill provides $224,500,000 for the salaries
and benefits authorized for police services throughout the
Capitol Police jurisdiction during fiscal year 2008. This is an
increase of $7,365,000 over the enacted level and is
$12,574,000 less than the request.
This level of funding will support the current staffing
level of 1671 sworn, plus an additional 10 FTEs for the Library
of Congress, for a total of 1681 sworn FTEs. Funding is also
included to support 439 civilian FTEs. The Committee
recommendation supports 25 of the 30 additional civilian FTEs
requested. The following FTEs were not provided for: Records
Manager for the Chief Administrative Office; one Auditor for
the Office of the Inspector General; Administrative Officer for
the Security Services Bureau; Administrative Officer for the
Office of Information Systems; and the Administrative Assistant
for the Operational Services Bureau.
General Expenses
2007 appropriation...................................... \1\ $48,500,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 61,996,000
Committee recommendation................................ 61,500,000
\1\ Includes $10,000,000 provided in P.L. 110-28.
The amount of $61,500,000 is recommended for all general
expenses of the Capitol Police for fiscal year 2008. This is an
increase of $13,000,000 above the enacted level, including the
amount provided in the fiscal year 2007 supplemental, and is
$496,000 less than the request. The Committee recommendation
includes $5,000,000 for the radio modernization program. The
Committee directs that all funds for this program are withheld
from obligation until approval of an obligation plan is
approved by the Committees on Appropriations of the House and
the Senate.
The Committee is concerned with the excessive growth above
inflation in the administration accounts and directs a general
reduction of $925,000. The Chief of Police is to report to the
Committee by July 15, 2007 on the recommended allocation of
this reduction. In addition, the Committee has made a reduction
of $4,571,000 to General Expenses with the intent that
$3,388,000 of this reduction can be funded with anticipated
fiscal year 2007 salary savings and current available
unobligated balances.
The Committee has provided the Department with operational
flexibility to manage the ``General Expenses'' account at a
program and project level. However, it has come to the
Committees attention that the internal financial tracking of
the obligations and expenditures for this account may
circumvent Congressional intent and Committee reprogramming
guidelines. Therefore, the Committee directs the Chief of the
Capitol Police to report to the Committee on Appropriations of
the House and Senate no later than August 1, 2007 on corrective
action to assure that the financial management system will
track obligations and expenditures in accordance with
Congressional intent and Committee reprogramming guidelines.
Administrative Provisions
Section 1001 authorizes transfers between the various
accounts of the Capitol Police. Section 1002 increases the
authorization for tuition reimbursement. Section 1003 provides
advance payment authority for subscription services. In regard
to any advance payment for subscription services, a discount
offered to the Capitol Police must exceed the cost of the funds
per the rate published by the United States Treasury (I TFM 6-
8040.40).
OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE
Salaries and Expenses
2007 appropriation...................................... $3,103,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 4,106,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,806,000
The bill provides $3,806,000 for the Office of Compliance.
This amount is $703,000 above the current level and is $300,000
below the budget request. This amount provides for 21 FTEs.
Electronic Mail Accessibility.--As part of their outreach
program, the Office of Compliance periodically produces
information for employees of the Legislative Branch covered by
the Congressional Accountability Act. This information is
mailed to employees and it has been noted that not all
employees are receiving the material. The Committee believes
that electronic mail would be a more cost effective and
environmentally friendly method of transmitting this vital
information, in keeping with the Speaker's ``Greening the
Capitol'' initiative. Therefore, the Committee directs the
Office of Compliance to work with the appropriate oversight
committees of the House and Senate to achieve workplace
electronic mail accessibility.
Administrative Provisions
Section 1101 authorizes lump-sum payments to reward
exceptional performance. Section 1102 authorizes an employee
training and development program. Section 1103 requires
legislative agencies to provide reimbursement to the Treasury,
from existing funding, for payment of an award or settlement
under the Congressional Accountability Act. The Committee
believes that this provision will enhance accountability,
encourage issues to be solved at a lower level, encourage work
place fairness, and require periodic training of managers
regarding their responsibility under the Congressional
Accountability Act.
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE
Salaries and Expenses
2007 appropriation...................................... $35,204,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 37,972,000
Committee recommendation................................ 37,805,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $37,805,000
for the Congressional Budget Office. This is $2,601,000 above
the current year and is $167,000 below the budget request. This
amount provides for 1 additional FTE and associated costs to
assist Congress in identifying and analyzing potential ways of
controlling future health care spending.
ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
2007 appropriation......................................\1\ $382,715,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 394,461,000
Committee recommendation................................ 348,380,000
\1\ Includes $50,000,000 provided in P.L. 110-28.
The Committee recommends a total of $348,380,000 for fiscal
year 2008 for the various operational and maintenance
activities under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the
Capitol (AOC). Excluded is the Senate office building account,
which will be considered by the Senate. This amount is
$34,335,000 below the enacted level, including the $50,000,000
provided in the fiscal year 2007 supplemental, and is
$46,081,000 below the request.
A summary of the appropriations recommended follows:
Architect of the Capitol (Excluding Senate)
Item Amount
Architect of the Capitol:
General Administration.............................. $81,733,000
Capitol building.................................... 24,567,000
Capitol grounds..................................... 9,310,000
House office buildings.............................. 66,151,000
Capitol Power Plant..................................... 83,017,000
Library buildings and grounds........................... 31,638,000
Capitol Police buildings and grounds;................... 16,109,000
Botanic Garden.......................................... 8,310,000
Capitol Visitor Center.................................. 27,545,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total........................................... $348,380,000
Capitol Building and Grounds Construction.--The Committee
recognizes the significant role of slave labor in the
construction of the Capitol Building and Capitol Grounds.
During the 109th Congress a task force was formed to plan a
commemoration of the contribution of slave laborers to
construction of the Capitol. The Committee supports the
activities of the task force and directs the Architect of the
Capitol to provide to the Committees on Appropriations of the
House and Senate a complete implementation plan, including
information on the estimated cost, within 90 days of receipt of
the task force's final report.
Statutory Inspector General.--Because of longstanding and
continuing lapses in management practices in the Office of the
Architect of the Capitol, the Committee must take action to
address this situation.
The Committee has reached the limit with the ongoing
difficulties in the Architect's office such as the delays and
escalating costs of the Capitol Visitor Center; costs overruns
and time delays on almost every other project, as well as the
complete management breakdown, failure of appropriate oversight
responsibilities, and total disregard for the human element
surrounding the Capitol Power Plant utility tunnels. Therefore,
the Committee has included in the bill the establishment of a
statutory Inspector General (IG) to audit and report semi-
annually on management, operational issues and other issues as
outlined in an annual audit plan. The Committee directs the IG
to ensure that the AOC is utilizing appropriate management
practices and budgetary and accounting standards within the
limitations of all laws applicable to the operations of the
Office of the Architect. The Committee recommendation provides
authority for the IG to establish a staff, but for purposes of
establishing an immediate functionally operative office the
Committee recommendation includes 7 FTEs and funding for the
IG; a Deputy IG, utilizing existing authority for a senior
level position; 2 GS-15 Auditors, 2 GS-15 Investigators, a GS-
13 Management Analyst, a GS-7 Administrative Secretary, and the
current GS-15 position. This action is not intended to displace
the sole GS-15 non-statutory position that is currently
assigned similar duties, but rather to increase the ability of
the IG function to provide badly needed oversight and review of
current operations.
The Committee directs the Architect of the Capitol to enter
into a contract with an executive employment search
organization to perform a nationwide recruitment of the
Inspector General. The Committee further directs the formation
of a panel comprised of the Inspectors General of the House of
Representatives, the Library of Congress, and a representative
selected by the Senate, to review the applications, interview
the top applicants, and forward a recommendation, including not
less than three applicants to the Architect of the Capitol for
final selection after consultation with the House Committee on
Administration and the Senate Committee on Rules and
Administration. The final selection will take place not less
than 180 days after the enactment of this Act. The Committee
further directs that the cost of this office will be absorbed
within current funding levels.
General Administration
2007 appropriation...................................... $77,128,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 87,714,000
Committee recommendation................................ 81,733,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $81,733,000,
for fiscal year 2008. This amount is $4,605,000 above the
amount provided in fiscal year 2007 and is $5,981,000 below the
budget request. This account provides funds for personal
services, equipment, communications, and other central support
activities of the Architect of the Capitol.
A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating
budget and the project budget follows:
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
(Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2008 Operating Budget
Personal Services....................... $49,041,000 $47,108,000
Operations.............................. 36,711,000 32,861,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget.......... $85,752,000 $79,969,000
===============================
Fiscal Year 2008 Project Budget
USPSs, Spare Hardware, and Software for $84,000 $84,000
AOC BASNet.............................
Recertification of Lightning Protection 130,000 130,000
Systems................................
Conversion to Electronic OPFs (Backfile 198,000 ..............
Conversion)............................
Switchgear, Generator, and ATS 550,000 550,000
Maintenance............................
Energy Survey of Congressional Buildings 400,000 400,000
(Study)................................
Arc Flash Labeling of Electrical 600,000 600,000
Distribution Equipment.................
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget............ $1,962,000 $1,764,000
===============================
Total, General Administration... $87,714,000 $81,733,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Building
2007 appropriation...................................... $23,886,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 29,480,000
Committee recommendation................................ 24,567,000
A total of $24,567,000 is recommended for the operation and
maintenance of the Capitol building during fiscal year 2008.
This amount is $681,000 above the amount provided in fiscal
year 2007 and is $4,913,000 below the budget request.
A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating
budget and the project budget follows:
CAPITOL BUILDING
[Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2008 Operating Budget
Personal Services....................... $12,632,000 $12,632,000
Operations.............................. 2,480,000 2,472,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget.......... $15,112,000 $15,104,000
===============================
Fiscal Year 2008 Project Budget
Minton Tile Replacement................. $650,000 $225,000
Computer, Telecom, & Electrical Support. 298,000 298,000
Legislative Call System Upgrade, Phase 150,000 150,000
II.....................................
Elevator Modernization H-9.............. 240,000 ..............
Elevator Modernization S-4.............. 240,000 ..............
Conservation of Wall Paintings.......... 500,000 ..............
Inaugural Support, 2009................. 3,600,000 3,600,000
Emergency Exit Signs & Lighting, Phase 1,000,000 1,000,000
III....................................
West Grand Stair Enclosure.............. 1,190,000 1,190,000
Chilled Water & Steam Mains Replacement 200,000 ..............
(Design)...............................
Electrical Power Distribution System 2,400,000 ..............
Replacement (Study)....................
Storm, Sanitary Riser & Vent Piping 300,000 ..............
Replacement (Study)....................
Minor Construction...................... 3,600,000 3,000,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget............ $14,368,000 $9,463,000
===============================
Total, Capitol Building......... $29,480,000 $24,567,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Grounds
2007 appropriation...................................... $7,577,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 10,225,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,310,000
The appropriation of $9,310,000 is recommended for the care
and improvement of the grounds surrounding the Capitol, the
Senate and House office buildings, and the Capitol power plant.
This amount is an increase of $1,733,000 above the fiscal year
2007 level and is $915,000 below the request.
A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating
budget and the project budget follows:
CAPITOL GROUNDS
[Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2008 Operating Budget
Personal Services....................... $5,814,000 $5,803,000
Operations.............................. 3,196,000 2,427,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget.......... $9,010,000 $8,230,000
===============================
Fiscal Year 2008 Project Budget
60 Ton Snow Melting Unit Purchase....... $310,000 ..............
Perimeter Fence Replacement, Parking 40,000 $40,000
Lots...................................
Stabilization and Life Safety Projects, 540,000 540,000
Summer House...........................
Summer House Comprehensive Restoration 325,000 ..............
(Design)...............................
Greening of the Capitol Initiative...... .............. 500,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget............ $1,215,000 $1,080,000
===============================
Total, Capitol Grounds.......... $10,225,000 $9,310,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
House Office Buildings
2007 appropriation...................................... $59,896,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 50,621,000
Committee recommendation................................ 66,151,000
For House office buildings $66,151,000 has been provided.
This amount is an increase of $6,255,000 above fiscal year 2007
and is $15,530,000 above the budget request.
House Member Office Plaque.--Each of the Member offices in
the House Office Buildings has a place in history that deserves
recognition. To that end, the Architect of the Capitol is
directed to review options for preparing, at the request of a
Member, a suitable plaque for installation in the Member's
office. the plaque is to delineate the history of previous
Members who have occupied the office. The AOC is to report back
to the Committee on these options not later than 30 days after
enactment of the accompanying bill.
A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating
budget and the project budget follows:
HOUSE OFFICE BUILDINGS
[Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2008 Operating Budget
Personal Services....................... $35,214,000 $34,711,000
Operations.............................. 5,707,000 5,640,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget.......... $40,921,000 $40,351,000
===============================
Fiscal Year 2008 Project Budget
Legislative Call System Replacement..... $400,000 $400,000
Emergency Lighting Upgrade, RHOB (Phase 4,390,000 4,390,000
2).....................................
FDA Building............................ .............. 16,000,000
Minor Construction...................... 4,910,000 4,910,000
Greening of the Capitol Initiative...... .............. 100,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget............ $9,700,000 $25,800,000
===============================
Total, House Office Buildings... $50,621,000 $66,151,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Power Plant
2007 appropriation......................................\1\ $123,313,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 111,226,000
Committee recommendation net............................ 83,017,000
Offsetting collections.................................. 8,000,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total available..................................... $91,017,000
\1\ Includes $50,000,000 provided in P.L. 110-28.
The Committee recommends the appropriation of $83,017,000
for the Capitol power plant for fiscal year 2008, plus
offsetting collections of $8,000,000. This is a decrease of
$40,296,000 below the enacted level, including the $50,000,000
provided in the fiscal year 2007 supplemental, and is
$28,209,000 below the budget request.
The Committee has not included the requested $24,770,000
for Steam Tunnel repairs. The Committee provided $50,000,000 in
the supplemental to address this very important life safety
issue. The total amount provided to date is $77,600,000 for
this initiative.
The Committee directs the Government Accountability Office,
in consultation with the Department of Energy and within 90
days after enactment of the accompanying bill, to submit to the
Committees on Appropriations a report detailing the expected
percentage increase in natural gas usage and costs of such
usage at the Capitol Power Plant resulting from the Greening of
the Capitol Initiative, as well as the forecasted impact on
natural gas prices paid by American consumers should the
percentage of natural gas used within the United States for
heating and cooling be increased by the same rate as that of
the Capitol Power Plant.
A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating
budget and the project budget follows:
CAPITOL POWER PLANT
[Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2008 Operating Budget
Personal Services..................... $8,997,000 $8,997,000
Utilities............................. 72,471,000 72,639,000
Operations............................ 5,152,000 4,361,000
Reimbursement......................... (8,000,000) (8,000,000)
---------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget........ $78,620,000 $77,997,000
=================================
Fiscal Year 2008 Project Budget
Spare Gearbox and Hub & Blade Assembly $75,000 $75,000
for the West Plant...................
Electrical Breaker Materials.......... 190,000 ...............
Main Bulldozer........................ 316,000 ...............
Tunnel Repairs........................ 24,770,000 ...............
Hazardous Materials Survey (Study).... 75,000 75,000
Dearator Replacement (Design)......... 80,000 ...............
Waste Characterization (Study)........ 100,000 ...............
Back-Up Blow-Down System Installation 110,000 ...............
& Blowdown Heat Recovery (Design)....
East Refrigeration Plant Chillers 150,000 150,000
Relocation (Design)..................
Steam and Chilled Water Piping 200,000 ...............
Condition Assessment (Study).........
Wickes Boilers Useful Life (Study).... 200,000 ...............
OSHA Analysis of Plant Buildings 220,000 220,000
(Study)..............................
Structural Fireproofing and Integrity 220,000 220 000
(Study)..............................
Condensate and Water Piping & Valve 400,000 ...............
Replacement (Design).................
City Water and Fire Loop Connection 500,000 ...............
(Design).............................
Boiler Plant Low Voltage Electrical 1,000,000 ...............
Distribution System Replacement
(Design).............................
Minor Construction.................... 4,000,000 1,010,000
Greening of the Capitol Initiative.... ............... 3,270,000
---------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget.......... $32,606,000 $5,020,000
=================================
Total, Capitol Power Plant...... $111,226,000 $83,017,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Library Buildings and Grounds
2007 appropriation...................................... $27,692,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 42,788,000
Committee recommendation................................ 31,638,000
For Library buildings and grounds $31,638,000 has been
provided. This amount is an increase of $3,946,000 above the
current fiscal year and is $11,150,000 below the request.
A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating
budget and the project budget follows:
LIBRARY BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
[Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2008 Operating Budget
Personal Services....................... $12,289,000 $11,978,000
Operations.............................. 8,092,000 8,075,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget.......... $20,381,000 $20,053,000
===============================
Fiscal Year 2008 Project Budget
Sidewalk Replacement, LOC Campus........ $100,000 ..............
Electrical Vault Repairs................ 225,000 $225,000
Painting Arches, TJB.................... 237,000 ..............
95% Filtration LOC--Phase 1 of 3........ 250,000 ..............
Backflow Preventer Installation......... 250,000 ..............
Upgrade Power Data Center, JMMB......... 250,000 250,000
Life Safety Deficiencies Abatement...... 390,000 390,000
Transite Panel Abatement, TJB........... 580,000 580,000
Backflow Prevention (Design)............ 75,000 ..............
Stained Glass Window Repairs, TJB 200,000 ..............
(Study)................................
Facility Conditions Assessment, TJB 700,000 ..............
(Study)................................
Ramp/Handrails Redesign and Garage 800,000 ..............
Waterproofing, JAB (Design)............
Return Air System Modifications, Ground 830,000 ..............
Floor Corridors, JAB...................
Egress Improvements, LOC (Design)....... 1,000,000 1,000,000
Copyright Deposit Facility (Design)..... 2,130,000 ..............
High Voltage Switchgear Replacement, 2,130,000 2,130,000
JMMB...................................
Secured Storage Facilities, JMMB........ 3,750,000 ..............
Smoke Detector Upgrades. JAB............ 6,510,000 6,510,000
Minor Construction...................... 2,000,000 500,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget............ $22,407,000 $11,585,000
===============================
Total, Library Buildings and $42,788,000 $31,638,000
Grounds........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security
2007 appropriation...................................... $11,768,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 18,816,000
Committee recommendation................................ 16,109,000
For Capitol Police buildings, grounds, and security
$16,109,000 has been provided. This amount is a decrease of
$2,707,000 below the budget request and is $4,341,000 above the
amount provided in the current fiscal year.
A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating
budget and the project budget follows:
CAPITOL POLICE BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, AND SECURITY
[Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2008 Operating Budget
Personal Services....................... $1,418,000 $1,192,000
Operations.............................. 12,698,000 12,417,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget........ $14,116,000 $13,609,000
===============================
Fiscal Year 2008 Project Budget
Chiller Replacement, ACF (Design)....... $300,000 ..............
HVAC Controls Replacement, ACF (Design). 400,000 ..............
Vehicle Barriers, Independence Avenue, 2,000,000 $2,000,000
USCP...................................
Minor Construction...................... 2,000,000 500,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget............ $4,700,000 $2,500,000
===============================
Total, Capitol Police Buildings, $18,816,000 $16,109,000
Grounds, and Security..........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Botanic Garden
2007 appropriation...................................... $7,697,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 9,707,000
Committee recommendation................................ 8,310,000
The amount recommended for the Botanic Garden is
$8,310,000. This amount is $1,397,000 below the budget request
and is $613,000 above the current level.
The following tabulation summarizes the recommendations:
BOTANIC GARDEN
[Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2008 Operating Budget
Personal Services......................... $5,513,000 $5,513,000
Operations................................ 2,795,000 2,497,000
-----------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget............ $8,308,000 $8,010,000
=============================
Fiscal Year 2008 Project Budget
Partnership Support....................... $344,000 $100,000
Administration Building Repairs........... 200,000 200,000
Bartholdi Fountain Basin Repair and Basin 580,000 ..............
Lightning................................
Outdoor Plantings Design for Bartholdi 275,000 ..............
Park (Design)............................
=============================
Subtotal, Project Budget.............. $1,399,000 $300,000
=============================
Total, Botanic Garden............. $9,707,000 $8,310,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Visitor Center
2007 appropriation...................................... $43,758,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 33,884,000
Committee recommendation................................ 27,545,000
The Committee recommends funding in the amount of
$27,545,000 for the cost to complete, project fit-out, and
operations. This amount is $6,339,000 below the amount
requested and is $16,213,000 below the current fiscal year.
CVC Exhibits.--The Committee applauds the efforts made by
those charged with the planned exhibits in the Capitol Visitor
Center to include the historic roles of African American and
women in Congress, However, the Committee remains concerned
about the lack of representation of other racial groups in the
exhibits, including Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders, who have made historic contributions to our
nation's Capitol. The Committee urges that these omissions be
corrected to truly represent the people of the United States.
CVC Working Space.--The Committee is dismayed by the
failure of this project to provide adequate working space for
Congress. Over $70 million will be spent for expansion space
for the Congress, yet there is not one room in the CVC or the
rest of the Capitol Building that is adequate for a meeting of
Conferees of the Full Committees. The Architect of the Capitol
is directed to report on the options and costs of reconfiguring
space in the Capitol Building, including the CVC, to meet those
needs. This report is to be included in the next CVC obligation
plan required in this bill under the heading ``Capitol Visitor
Center''.
CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER
[Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2008 Operating Budget
Personal Services....................... $8,711,000 $5,494,000
Operations.............................. 5,013,000 2,051,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget.......... $13,724,000 $7,545,000
===============================
Fiscal Year 2008 Project Fit-Out Budget
Computer, Telecom & Electrical Upgrades. $100,000 ..............
Ropes and Stanchions.................... 60,000 ..............
Construction............................ 20,000,000 $20,000,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget............ $20,160,000 $20,000,000
===============================
Total, Capitol Visitor Center... $33,884,000 $27,545,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative Provisions
Section 1201 authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to
enter into agreements for the Rosa Parks statue. The committee
directs the Architect to provide periodic status reports on
this project. Section 1202 establishes an Office of the
Inspector General. Section 1203 authorizes a one-year pilot
program for flexible work schedules. Section 1204 authorizes
the payment of travel and transportation expenses of new
appointees. Section 1205 allows the Architect to grant
easements for rights of way on all property designated Capitol
Grounds. Section 1206 provides authority for the Architect to
award design-build construction contracts. Section 1207
provides for advance payments authority for subscription
services. In regard to any advance payment for subscription
services, a discount offered to the Architect of the Capitol
must exceed the cost of the funds per the rate published by the
United States Treasury (I TFM 6-8040.40). Section 1208 allows
for insurance coverage for works of art borrowed for exhibits.
Section 1209 provides for the maintenance of the Capitol
Visitor Center. Section 1210 adjusts the approval process for
leasing authority.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
The Committee recommends appropriations totaling
$572,512,000 for the operations of the Library of Congress for
fiscal year 2008.
The Committee has included a new administrative provision
(Section 1304) that allows for the transfer of funds between
appropriations with the approval of the Committees on
Appropriations of the House and Senate. This new provision will
provide Library management flexibility to address funding
requirements for such programs as, but not limited to, Library-
wide training, space management, information technology, and
infrastructure requirements that all appropriations under the
heading ``LIBRARY OF CONGRESS'' can address as agency
priorities.
Student Loan Repayment Program.--The Committee believes
that in order to meet the work-life expectations of a highly
talented, motivated, and mobile new generation of workers a
Student Loan Repayment Program is a benefit aimed at retaining
skilled employees and a recruitment incentive for difficult-to-
fill positions. Such a program will help the Library compete
with the private and public sector for top talent. Therefore,
the Committee directs the Library of Congress to develop an
agency-wide Student Loan Repayment Program and include a
proposal in the FY 2009 budget submission.
Rewards and Recognition.--In fiscal years 2005 and 2006 the
Library of Congress has paid over $2.7 million and $2.3 million
respectively, for incentive payments/staff awards/senior level
bonuses to their employees. These payments have been made
within the current salary and benefit funding provided to each
separate appropriation and thus may decrease the ability to
fund FTEs that the Committee intended to fund and be filled.
Therefore, the Committee directs that, starting with the next
budget submission, the budget justification will reflect a
realignment of funding, and or associated decrease in FTEs,
from the salary base to a separate line item for incentive
payments/staff awards/senior level bonuses. Each and every year
the Committee directs the Library to justify, in detail, the
amount of funding required for this program and the
expenditures by organization for the prior fiscal year.
The following table summarizes the allocation of funds by
appropriation account:
Library of Congress
Item Amount
Fiscal year 2008:
Salaries and expenses............................... $394,650,000
Copyright Office.................................... 5,603,000
Congressional Research Service...................... 104,518,000
Books for the blind and physically handicapped...... 67,741,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total............................................. $572,512,000
Salaries and Expenses
2007 appropriation...................................... $381,247,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 461,102,000
Committee recommendation................................ 394,650,000
(Plus: Authority to spend receipts)..................... (6,350,000)
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total available..................................... $401,000,000
The sum of $394,650,000, plus $6,350,000 in offsetting
receipts, is recommended for salaries and expenses, which is
the basic appropriation for the operation of Library programs,
an increase of $13,403,000 above the current level and a
decrease of $66,452,000 below the request. The funding provided
will support 2,835 FTE's, a reduction of 14 FTE's from the
current level.
The Committee recommendation fully funds the request for
the National Audio Visual Conservation Center. In 2007,
construction will be completed; the entire property transferred
to the government; staff relocations will continue; and the
facility will become fully operational. The Committee thanks
the Packard Humanities Institute for its contribution of this
state-of-the-art conservation facility.
The recommendation fully funds the request for the
``Purchase of Library Materials'' program as reflected in the
current Library Services Operating Plan. The Committee
allowance fully funds the Global Legal Information Network
(GLIN); escape hoods for Library patrons; and the workforce
transformation project and the Digital Collections and
Educational Curricula Program.
In addition, the Committee has provided $6,500,000 for the
National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation
Program (NDIIPP). The Committee supports the NDIIPP program
however, the entire request cannot be provided for this fiscal
year. The Committee has provided new language that, with
Committee approval, authorizes the transfer of funding between
Library accounts that might become available during the fiscal
year to increase funding for this program.
The Committee has not included, because of budgetary
constraints, the $43.9 million requested by the Library to be
transferred to the Architect of the Capitol, for the
construction of the Library of Congress Fort Meade Logistics
Center. This is the first time that the Library has requested
funding of this nature in the Library's budget rather than the
Architect of the Capitol's submitting the Library's
requirements in their budget. The Committee directs that in the
future, requests under the jurisdiction of the Architect, on
behalf of the Library, will be included in the Architect's
budget submission. This is not to be interpreted that the
Library's request for projects under the Architect's
jurisdiction are to be submitted without exception. Rather, the
Library of Congress and the Architect of the Capitol are to
work, within the AOC guidelines, to ensure that all Library
requests receive timely information and appropriate
instructions to meet AOC consideration deadlines. The Committee
will not consider any further request of this nature as a
result of the breakdown in the line of communication, the AOC
process for project consideration, and/or misunderstanding of
that process between the two organizations.
Franklin Collection.--The Committee supports the goal of
bringing the Library's extensive 3,000 text collection of
American books that were translated into Arabic, Persian,
Pashtu, and Indonesian online in a digital format. As the first
step in this endeavor, the Committee strongly encourages the
Library to select an initial 150 to 300 titles on the basis of
such criteria as age of reader, cultural importance, and
importance of writer and translator, and to secure copyright
permission for the digitization of these books.
Copyright Office
2007 appropriation...................................... $58,420,000
2008 budget request..................................... 51,562,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,603,000
(Plus: Authority to spend receipts)..................... (44,224,000)
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total available..................................... $49,827,000
Salaries and expenses.--The Committee recommends an
appropriation of $5,603,000, plus authority to spend
$44,224,000 in receipts, for the Copyright Office which is
$1,735,000 below the request and $8,593,000 below the enacted
level. The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 for the
Records Preservation Project that is funded with offsetting
collections. The Committee recommendation reflects an increase
in authority to use $10,000,000 in prior year offsetting
collections and projected fiscal year 2007 carryover balances.
In addition, the Committee has provided $972,000 in direct
appropriations for the salary and benefit costs of employees of
the Copyright Royalty Judges Program.
The Committee congratulates the management and staff of the
Copyright Office on the completion of the ``Business Process
Reengineering Project''. This multi-year project, which is
estimated to produce multi-million dollar annual savings, is an
example of how agencies need to adjust business processes
utilizing technology, new systems, equipment and employee
training.
Congressional Research Service
2007 appropriation...................................... $100,786,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 108,702,000
Committee recommendation................................ 104,518,000
Salaries and expenses.--The Committee recommends
$104,518,000 for fiscal year 2008. This amount is $3,732,000
above the current year and is $4,184,000 below the request. The
funding provided will support 705 FTE's.
The Committee appreciates the excellent work of the entire
staff of the Congressional Research Service. With that, the
Subcommittee wants to especially acknowledge, as he enters into
retirement, the many years of dedicated, professional support
provided by Paul Dwyer. On behalf of the entire Appropriations
Committee, we thank you for your almost 40 years of outstanding
service to the American people.
Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
2007 appropriation...................................... $53,614,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 75,623,000
Committee recommendation................................ 67,741,000
Salaries and expenses.--A total of $67,741,000 is
recommended for the National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped, an increase of $14,127,000 over the
amount provided in fiscal year 2007 and $7,882,000 below the
request. This funding will continue to support 128 FTE's.
The Committee recommendation provides $12,500,000 for the
new Digital Talking Book Program. The Committee supports this
program; however, the entire request cannot be provided for
this fiscal year. The Committee has provided new language that,
with Committee approval, authorizes the transfer of funding
between Library accounts that might become available during the
fiscal year to increase funding for this program.
Administrative Provisions
The Committee has included four administrative provisions.
Section 1301 provides for expenses related to official
representation for the incentive awards program. Section 1302
provides obligation authority for various Library programs.
Section 1303 changes the audit requirements for the Cooperative
Acquisitions Program Revolving Fund. Section 1304 provides
authority to transfer funds between Library accounts.
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
Congressional Printing and Binding
2007 appropriation...................................... $87,954,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 109,541,000
Committee recommendation................................ 87,892,000
The Committee has included an appropriation of $87,892,000
for printing and binding of congressional documents at the
Government Printing Office for use by Congress. This amount is
a decrease of $62,000 below the current level and is
$21,649,000 below the request.
The Committee understands that this allowance may produce a
deficit in this account for the coming fiscal year. With the
recent approval to transfer $5.7 million of prior year funds,
and the unknown work load of the new Congress, the Committee
will address any potential shortfall in future budgets.
A comparative summary of the recommendation by category of
work follows:
CONGRESSIONAL PRINTING AND BINDING
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation Recommended
2007 Requested 2008 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Congressional Record program.................................... $29,621,000 $27,981,000 ..............
Miscellaneous publications...................................... 3,835,000 4,097,000 ..............
U.S. Code and Supplements....................................... 4,828,000 .............. ..............
Miscellaneous printing and binding.............................. 18,651,000 20,009,000 ..............
Details to Congress............................................. 3,082,000 2,944,000 ..............
Document envelopes and document franks.......................... 883,000 1,027,000 ..............
Business and committee calendars................................ 2,885,000 3,189,000 ..............
Bills, resolutions, and amendments.............................. 8,367,000 8,062,000 ..............
Committee reports............................................... 4,016,000 4,051,000 ..............
Documents....................................................... 1,715,000 1,347,000 ..............
Hearings........................................................ 19,961,000 21,983,000 ..............
Committee prints................................................ 2,446,000 1,770,000
-----------------------------------------------
Total..................................................... $87,954,000 $109,541,000 $87,892,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of Superintendent of Documents
2007 appropriation...................................... $33,096,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 45,613,000
Committee recommendation................................ 35,434,000
The Committee recommends the appropriation of $35,434,000
for the salaries and expenses of the Superintendent of
Documents, a part of the Government Printing Office. This
amount is an increase of $2,338,000 over the enacted level and
is $10,179,000 below the request.
The Committee recommendation provides $467,000 for
mandatory pay and related costs; $521,000 for price level
changes; $700,000 for data storage; $300,000 for the Federal
Depository Library Program Tangible Distribution Systems
modernization; $200,000 for the International Exchange Service
Program modernization and $150,000 for CD-ROM data migration.
Government Printing Office Revolving Fund
2007 appropriation...................................... $1,000,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 26,825,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,450,000
The Committee recommends $2,450,000 for the Government
Printing Office Revolving Fund. This is an increase of
$1,450,000 over the enacted level and is $24,375,000 below the
request. This recommendation provides $2,000,000 for elevator
repairs; $250,000 for fire alarm systems; and $200,000 for
workforce retraining.
Physical Security.--The Committee is concerned about
possible security lapses at the GPO facilities. Within 60 days
of enactment of this Act, the GPO is to report to the
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate on the
current staffing plans for providing physical security to all
GPO facilities.
The bill includes the usual language authorizing the
operation of the revolving fund, authority to hire or purchase
automobiles, and advisory councils, and consultants.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
Salaries and Expenses
2007 appropriation......................................\1\ $481,070,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 522,804,000
Committee recommendation................................ 503,328,000
Offsetting collections.................................. (7,510,000)
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total available..................................... $510,838,000
\1\ Includes $374,000 provided in P.L. 110-28.
The Committee has provided $503,328,000 in direct
appropriations for the Government Accountability Office, plus
$7,510,000 in offsetting collections derived from
reimbursements for conducting financial audits of government
corporations and rental of space in the GAO building. This
amount is an increase of $22,258,000 above the current fiscal
year, including the fiscal year 2007 supplemental, and is
$19,476,000 less than the amended budget request. This amount
provides for 3,217 FTEs, an increase of 57 FTEs above the
current levels.
The Committee fully funds all mandatory pay and benefit
changes and price level increases. This increase in funding
will enable the GAO to address important issues facing the
Congress such as healthcare; changing security threats;
education; the environment; and continued audit work on the war
in Iraq.
The Committee is dismayed to hear reports that GAO is
moving slowly on resolving the issue of collective bargaining
for GAO employees. A substantial number of employees have
petitioned for union representation, and the Committee expects
GAO to move the process forward expeditiously. The Committee is
especially concerned about reports of unusual efforts to
challenge the rights of employees to participate in collective
bargaining representation, and directs GAO to make certain that
no extraordinary measures are taken which might have the effect
of blocking or delaying the process. A substantial number of
employees have petitioned for union representation, and the
Committee expects the Comptroller General to move the process
forward expeditiously.
Technology Assessment.--The Committee believes as
technology continues to change and expand rapidly it is
essential that the consequences of technological applications
be anticipated, understood, and considered in determination of
public policy on existing and emerging national problems. The
Committee believes it is necessary for the Congress to equip
itself with effective means for securing competent, timely and
unbiased information concerning the effects of scientific and
technical developments and use the information in the
legislative assessment of matters pending before the Congress.
The Committee has provided $2,500,000 for the Government
Accountability Office to perform technology assessment studies
in the coming fiscal year.
Capitol Power Plant.--Public Law 108-447, Section 1101
directed the Comptroller General to conduct a study and submit
to the appropriate congressional committees and the Architect
of the Capitol a report on the cost, cost effectiveness,
benefits, and feasibility of the Architect of the Capitol
entering into a contract with a private entity for the
management and operation of the Capitol Power Plant (CPP). In a
report to the Committee dated April 8, 2005, the Government
Accountability Office reported ``Because CPP is currently
undertaking a major capital improvement project to expand the
West Refrigeration Plant that will affect ongoing costs and may
ultimately affect staffing, it is premature for us to comment
on the feasibility of contracting for operation of CPP.''
The Architect of the Capitol has reported to the Committee
that the West Refrigeration Plant is projected to be completed
by June 30, 2007. Therefore, in accordance with Public Law 108-
447, Section 1101, the Comptroller General is directed to
reexamine the cost, cost effectiveness, benefits, and
feasibility of the Architect of the Capitol entering into a
contract with a private entity for the management and operation
of the CPP. The Committee directs that this reexamination
include a recommendation, for or against, the feasibility of a
private entity managing and operating the Capitol Power Plant.
The Committee further directs that this reexamination will be
completed no later than December 31, 2007.
Affirmative Action Plan.--An affirmative action plan is a
blueprint for improving the employment and advancement
opportunities for women, minorities, and individuals with
disabilities. A formal affirmative action plan will assist the
Government Accountability Office (GAO) in achieving an
inclusive workforce, ensuring an environment of respect for all
individuals, and offer opportunities for each person to develop
to his or her full potential in support of the mission of the
GAO. An affirmative action plan is a very important element of
any human resources operation, and with the support and
participation of the entire agency GAO will achieve measurable
diversity within the workforce. Therefore, the Committee
directs GAO to develop and institute an affirmative action plan
with specific goals and objectives within 180 days of enactment
of this Act to further the ability for women, minorities, and
individuals with disabilities to achieve balanced
representation within the GAO workforce.
Facilities Management.--Both the House of Representatives
Chief Administrative Officer staff and the Architect of the
Capitol have responsibility for elements of the House buildings
infrastructure. Considerable effort must be undertaken on a
regular basis to ensure the work undertaken by both
organizations is coordinated and does not result in redundant
or unfunded projects or activities. Significant cost savings
might be realized by eliminating the split responsibilities and
having facilities management services provided by one
organization. Therefore, the Committee directs the Government
Accountability Office to review the cost effectiveness of House
Office Building facilities services and recommend whether a
different approach to facilities management should be
undertaken. This review should be completed by March 31, 2008
and should include comparing the House facilities with other
organizations or institutions of similar size and character.
Tuition Reimbursement Parity.--The Committee directs the
Government Accountability Office to conduct a review of the
tuition reimbursement programs administered by the executive
branch and submit to the Committees on Appropriations and House
Administration, by not later than 6 months after the enactment
of the accompanying bill, a report on the feasibility and cost
of providing comparable benefits to legislative branch
employees.
Administrative Provision
The Committee has included an administrative provision
(Sec. 1401.) that repeals the unique Comptroller General
Retirement system for any individual appointed Comptroller
General after the date of the enactment of this Act. Future
appointments to this position will be covered under the
standard Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Payment to the Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund
2007 appropriation...................................... $13,860,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 14,400,000
Committee recommendation................................ 6,000,000
The Committee recommends $6,000,000 for payment to the Open
World Leadership Center Trust Fund. This amount is $7,860,000
below the fiscal year 2007 level and is $8,400,000 below the
budget request.
In addition, the State, Foreign Operations, and Related
Programs fiscal year 2008 appropriation bill provides
$6,000,000 to be transferred to the Open World Leadership
Center Trust Fund. Thus the total funding for the Open World
Center will be $12,000,000, which is $1,860,000 below the
current level and is $2,400,000 below the request.
Administrative Provision
The Committee has included an administrative provision
(Sec. 1501) which transfers the Open World Leadership Center to
the Department of State on October 1, 2008.
John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development
2007 appropriation...................................... $430,000
2008 budget estimate.................................... 430,000
Committee recommendation................................ 430,000
The Committee has provided $430,000 for the John C. Stennis
Center for Public Service Training and Development. This amount
is the same as the fiscal year 2007 level and the fiscal year
2008 budget request.
TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS
The customary language regarding emergency assistance for
vehicles, fiscal year limitation, positions and allowances,
consulting services, awards and settlements, the Legislative
Branch Financial Managers Council, the Architect to maintain
and landscape areas on Washington Avenue SW., and a limitation
on transfers of funds is included in this bill (Sec. 201-208).
CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY
Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee on Appropriations bases
its authority to report this legislation from clause 7 of
section 9 of article I of the U.S. Constitution which states:
``No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in
consequence of Appropriations made by law. . . .''
COMPARISON WITH THE BUDGET RESOLUTION
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives and section 308(a)(1)(A) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table compares
the levels of new budget authority provided in the bill with
the appropriate allocation under section 302(b) of the Budget
Act.
COMPARISON WITH BUDGET RESOLUTION
[In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 302(b) This bill--
-------------------------------------------
Budget Budget
authority Outlays authority Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary............... $4,024 $4,036 $3,104 \1\ $3,29
9
Mandatory................... 126 126 126 126
-------------------------------------------
Total................. $4,150 $4,162 $3,230 $3,425
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Includes outlays from House and Senate prior-year budget authority.
Note.--Bill amounts excludes discretionary Senate-related items.
FIVE-YEAR PROJECTION OF OUTLAYS
Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974, the following table contains five-year
projections prepared by the Congressional Budget Office of
outlays associated with the budget authority provided in the
accompanying bill:
[In millions of dollars]
Budget Authority........................................ $3,104
Outlays:
2008................................................ \1\ 2,693
2009................................................ 307
2010................................................ 66
2011................................................ 15
2012................................................ 11
\1\ Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974, the amount of financial assistance to State
and local governments is as follows:
The accompanying bill contains no funding for State and
local assistance programs.
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following table lists the
transfers of funds included in the accompanying bill.
Indefinite transfer authority is authorized in Library of
Congress, Congressional printing and binding, the
Superintendent of Documents, and the Capitol Police programs.
STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following is a statement of
general performance goals and objectives for which this measure
authorizes funding:
The Committee on Appropriations considers program
performance, including a program's success in developing and
attaining outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing
funding recommendations.
RESCISSIONS
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following table list the
rescissions in the accompanying bill:
The accompanying bill contains no rescissions.
CHANGES IN THE APPLICATION OF EXISTING LAW
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following statements are
submitted describing the effect of provisions in the
accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the
application of existing law:
1. The bill provides that certain appropriation items
remain available for more than one year where programs or
projects are continuing in nature under the provisions of
authorizing legislation but for which that legislation does not
specifically authorize such extended availability. Most of
these items have been carried in previous appropriation bills.
This authority tends to result in savings by removing the
incentive to commit funds at the end of the fiscal year.
2. The bill includes a number of provisions which place
limitations on, or which authorize or reauthorize, the use of
funds in the bill, or change or extend existing limitations,
appropriations, or authorizations, and which under some
circumstances might be construed as changing the application of
existing law.
3. There is language that allows reimbursement for service
to be used by the servicing entity.
4. The bill continues the practice of providing official
reception and representation allowances for officers and
offices of the legislative branch.
5. The bill authorizes expenses for employee awards, such
as certificates or plaques and related ceremonial
presentations, by certain agencies.
6. The bill authorizes salaries and expenses of the House
Child Care Center.
7. The bill requires unspent funds remaining in Members'
Representational Allowances to be used for deficit or debt
reduction.
8. There is language authorizing the Chief Administrative
Officer of the House to contract with a public or private
entity for the operation of the House Fitness Facility.
9. There is language authorizing funds to be deposited in
the Treasury to credit to the account of the Office of the
Chief Administrative Officer.
10. There is language that adjusts the salary of a position
for former Speaker's staff.
11. There is language that authorizes allowances for
employees of the Office of the Attending Physician.
12. There is language under ``Capitol Police, General
Expenses'' authorizing advance payments for travel by Capitol
Police personnel for training or other purposes, expenses
associated with the relocation of liaison or instructor
personnel from the Capitol Police force to and from the Federal
Law Enforcement Training Center, and for the costs of basic
training of police personnel.
13.. The bill authorizes the transfer of funds within
``Capitol Police, Salaries'' and ``Capitol Police, General
Expenses'', subject to approval.
14. The bill authorizes an increase in student loan
reimbursements for the Capitol Police.
15. The bill authorizes the Capitol Police to make advance
payments for subscription services.
16. There is language under the Office of Compliance
providing for the disposal of personal property.
17. There is language under the Office of Compliance
authorizing lump-sum payments to reward exceptional
performance.
18. There is language under the Office of Compliance
authorizing an employee development and training program.
19. There is language under the Office of Compliance
authorizing reimbursement to the Treasury for payments of award
and settlements.
20. There is language under ``Capitol Power Plant'',
Architect of the Capitol, allowing reimbursements for chilled
water and steam provided to the Government Printing Office, the
Washington City Post Office, the Supreme Court, the Thurgood
Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, Union Station Complex and
the Folger Shakespeare Library to be credited to this
appropriation and made available for obligation.
21. There is language under the Architect of the Capitol,
Botanic Garden that authorizes expenditures for the National
Garden.
22. There is language under the Architect of the Capitol,
Capitol Visitor Center, restricting the obligation of funds
without prior approval.
23. There is language under the Architect of the Capitol
authorizing the Architect to enter into an agreement for the
Rosa Parks statute.
24. There is language under the Architect of the Capitol
establishing an office of Inspector General.
25. There is language under the Architect of the Capitol
authorizing a one-year flexible work schedule.
26. There is language that authorizes travel and
transportation expenses for applicants for positions with the
Architect of the Capitol.
27. There is language under the Architect of the Capitol
granting authority for the Architect to grant easements.
28. There is language under the Architect of the Capitol
providing for the Architect to award design build contracts.
29. There is language authorizing advance payments for
subscriptions for the Architect of the Capitol.
30. There is language under the Architect of the Capitol
authorizing payment for insurance for exhibits and works of
art.
31. There is language authorizing for the purpose of
maintenance the Capitol Visitor Center to be treated as an
expense of the ``Capitol Building''.
32. There is language under the Architect of the Capitol
regarding leasing authority approval.
33. There is authority to expend funds collected under the
authority of 2 U.S.C. 150 and for international legal
information, the balance to remain available until expended.
34. There is language authorizing the expenditure of funds
for the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.
35. There is language authorizing expenditure of receipts
for the Copyright Royalty Judges.
36. There is language under ``Congressional Research
Service'' which prohibits the publication of material unless
approved by the appropriate committees.
37. There is language authorizing the temporary transfer of
funds under the heading ``Library of Congress, Salaries and
Expenses''.
38. There is language regarding the audit requirements of
certain Library of Congress funds.
39. There is language authorizing the transfer of funds
between the account under the heading ``Library of Congress'',
subject to approval.
40. There is language under ``Congressional printing and
binding'' restricting the use of funds appropriated to the
Government Printing Office for the permanent edition of the
Congressional Record for individual Representatives and
Senators, Resident Commissioners, or Delegates, and language
providing that appropriations recommended shall be available
for the payment of obligations incurred under appropriations
for similar purposes for preceding fiscal years, primarily due
to the unpredictability of the volume of work generated by the
Congress, limiting the printing of certain documents to a time
certain, authorizing the transfer of unobligated balances and
prohibiting the expenditure of funds for contract guard
services as certain facilities.
41. Authorization of appropriations for Congressional
printing and binding is included.
42. There is language under ``Salaries and Expenses'',
Office of Superintendent of Documents, which authorizes the use
of current appropriations to pay for printing certain
publications in prior years for the depository library program.
There is language authorizing the transfer of unexpended
balances.
43. There is language authorizing the operation of the
Government Printing Office revolving fund, and which authorizes
travel expenses for advisory councils.
44. There is language relating to the Government
Accountability Office authorizing the direct procurement of
expert and consultant services under 5 U.S.C. 3109, at certain
rates; authorizing the hire of one passenger motor vehicle, as
required by 31 U.S.C. 1343; authorizing the General Accounting
Office to make advance payments in foreign countries in
accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3324; and to provide certain
benefits, including rental of living quarters in foreign
countries; appropriations are authorized for administrative
expenses of any other member department or agency to finance an
appropriate share of the costs of the National
Intergovernmental Audit Forum or a Regional Intergovernmental
Audit Forum.
45. There is language under the Government Accountability
Office eliminating the Comptroller General Retirement System
for anyone appointed to the position of Comptroller General
after enactment of this Act.
46. There is language that transfers the Open World
Leadership Center to the Department of State beginning in
fiscal year 2009.
47. In Section 201, there is language prohibiting the use
of funds in the Act for the maintenance or care of private
vehicles except for emergency assistance and cleaning as may be
provided under regulations relating to parking facilities for
the House issued by the Committee on House Administration and
for the Senate by the Committee on Rules and Administration.
48. Section 203 provides that whenever any office or
position not specifically established by the Legislative Pay
Act of 1929 is appropriated for herein or whenever the rate of
compensation or designation of any position appropriated for
herein is different from that specifically established for such
position by such Act, the rate of compensation and the
designation of the position, or either, appropriated for or
provided herein, shall be the permanent law with respect
thereto: Provided that the provisions herein for the various
items of official expenses of Members, officers, and committees
of the Senate and House, and clerk hire for Senators and
Members shall be the permanent law with respect thereto.
49. Section 204 requires that certain information regarding
consulting services shall be a matter of public record.
50. Section 206 authorizes legislative branch entities to
share the costs of the Legislative Branch Financial Managers
Council.
51. Section 207 authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to
maintain certain property.
52. Section 208 limits the transfer of funds in this Act.
53. There is language naming the main hall of the CVC
Emancipation Hall.
COMPLIANCE WITH CLAUSE 3 OF RULE XIII (RAMSEYER RULE)
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005
DIVISION G
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005
TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
* * * * * * *
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
* * * * * * *
Administrative Provisions
* * * * * * *
Sec. 103. Contract For Exercise Facility. (a) In General.--
The Chief Administrative Officer of the House of
Representatives shall enter into a contract on a competitive
basis with a [private entity] public or private entity for the
management, operation, and maintenance of the exercise facility
established for the use of employees of the House of
Representatives which is constructed with funds made available
under this Act.
* * * * * * *
Sec. 105. (a) * * *
(b) Use of Amounts in Fund.--Amounts in the Revolving Funds
shall be used for any purpose designated by [the Chief
Administrative Officer] the Chief Administrative Officer,
including purposes relating to energy and water conservation
and environmental activities carried out in buildings,
facilities, and grounds under the Chief Administrative
Officer's jurisdiction, which is approved by the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
* * * * * * *
----------
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1996
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the
following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the Legislative Branch
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1996, and for other
purposes, namely:
TITLE I--CONGRESSIONAL OPERATIONS
* * * * * * *
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Sec. 101. Effective with respect to fiscal years beginning
with fiscal year 1995, in the case of mail from outside sources
presented to the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of
Representatives (other than mail through the Postal Service and
mail with postage otherwise paid) for internal delivery in the
House of Representatives, the Chief Administrative Officer is
authorized to collect fees equal to the applicable postage.
Amounts received by the Chief Administrative Officer as fees
under the preceding sentence shall be [deposited in the
Treasury as miscellaneous receipts] deposited in the Treasury
for credit to the account of the Office of the Chief
Administrative Officer.
* * * * * * *
----------
SECTION 5 OF HOUSE RESOLUTION 1238, NINETY-FIRST CONGRESS
(As enacted into permenant law by chapter VIII of the Supplemental
Appropriations Act, 1971)
Sec. 5. In order to provide staff assistance to the Speaker
in connection with the administration, settlement, and
conclusion of matters pertaining to or arising out of his
incumbency in office as a Representative in Congress and as
Speaker of the House of Representatives, the contingent fund of
the House is hereby made available, for the period of two years
immediately following the expiration of the term of office of
the Speaker as a Representative in Congress in the Ninety-first
Congress, for payment of the salaries of an Administrative
Assistant, who shall be paid at a basic per annum rate of not
to exceed the then current rate for step 11 of level 13 of the
House Employees Schedule, as determined by the Speaker, a
Secretary, who shall be paid at a basic per annum rate of not
to exceed the then current rate for step 8 of level 12 of such
Schedule, as determined by the Speaker, and an additional
Secretary, who shall be paid at a gross per annum rate of not
to exceed the then current rate for [step 1 of level 6] step 7
of level 11 of such Schedule as determined by the Speaker,
designated and appointed by the Speaker to serve as members of
his office staff in such two-year period. Each person so
designated and appointed shall be held and considered, for the
duration of such appointment, as--
(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
----------
SECTION 908 OF THE EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL ACT, 2002
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR EMPLOYEES
Sec. 908. (a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(c) Limit on Amount of Payments.--The total amount paid by
the Capitol Police with respect to any individual under the
program under this section may not exceed [$40,000] $60,000.
* * * * * * *
----------
TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE
* * * * * * *
PART III--EMPLOYEES
* * * * * * *
SUBPART C--EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 41--TRAINING
Sec.
4101. Definitions.
* * * * * * *
4122. Training for employees of the Office of Compliance.
* * * * * * *
Sec. 4122. Training for employees of the Office of Compliance
(a) The Executive Director of the Office of Compliance may,
by regulation, make applicable such provisions of this chapter
as the Executive Director determines necessary to provide for
training of employees of the Office of Compliance. The
regulations shall provide for training which, in the
determination of the Executive Director, is consistent with the
training provided by agencies under the preceding sections of
this chapter.
(b) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management
shall provide the Executive Director of the Office of
Compliance with such advice and assistance as the Executive
Director may request in order to enable the Executive Director
to carry out the purposes of this section.
* * * * * * *
SUBPART D--PAY AND ALLOWANCES
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 57--TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION, AND SUBSISTENCE
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER II--TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES; NEW APPOINTEES,
STUDENT TRAINEES, AND TRANSFERRED EMPLOYEES
Sec. 5721. Definitions
For the purpose of this subchapter--
(1) ``agency'' means--
(A) * * *
* * * * * * *
(G) the Architect of the Capitol;
[(G)] (H) the Government Printing Office;
and
[(H)] (I) the government of the District of
Columbia;
* * * * * * *
----------
SECTION 415 OF THE CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1995
SEC. 415. PAYMENTS.
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(d) Reimbursement.--
(1) Notification of payments made from account.--As
soon as practicable after the Executive Director is
made aware that a payment of an award or settlement
under this chapter has been made from the account
described in subsection (a), the Executive Director
shall notify the head of the office to which the
payment is attributable that the payment has been made,
and shall include in the notification a statement of
the amount of the payment.
(2) Reimbursement by office.--Not later than 180
days after receiving a notification from the Executive
Director under paragraph (1), the head of the office
involved shall transfer to the account described in
subsection (a), out of any funds available for
operating expenses of the office, a payment equal to
the amount specified in the notification.
----------
ACT OF DECEMBER 1, 2005
(Public Law 109-116)
AN ACT To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain a statue
of Rosa Parks and to place the statue in the United States Capitol in
National Statuary Hall, and for other purposes.
SECTION 1. PLACEMENT OF STATUE OF ROSA PARKS IN NATIONAL STATUARY HALL.
(a) Obtaining Statue.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Joint Committee on the
Library shall enter into an agreement to obtain a statue of
Rosa Parks, under such terms and conditions as the Joint
Committee considers appropriate consistent with applicable law.
The Joint Committee may authorize the Architect of the Capitol
to enter into the agreement required under this subsection on
its behalf, under such terms and conditions as the Joint
Committee may require.
* * * * * * *
----------
SECTION 521 OF THE NATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION POLICY ACT
SEC. 521. DEFINITIONS.
As used in the part--
(1) The term ``Federal agency'' means--
(A) * * *
(B) each entity specified in paragraphs
[(B) through (H)] (B) through (I) of subsection
(1) of section 5721 of title 5, United States
Code.
* * * * * * *
----------
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2004
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the
following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2004, and for other purposes, namely:
TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
* * * * * * *
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
* * * * * * *
ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
* * * * * * *
Administrative Provisions
* * * * * * *
Sec. 1102. Leasing of Space. (a) * * *
(b) Conditions to Lease Space.--The Architect of the
Capitol may lease space under subsection (a) upon submission of
written notice of intent to lease such space to, and approved
by--
(1) the [Committee on Rules and Administration]
Committees on Appropriations and Rules and
Administration of the Senate for space to be leased for
the Senate;
(2) [the House Office Building Commission] the
Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives and the House Office Building
Commission for space to be leased for the House of
Representatives; and
(3) the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate
and House of Representatives[.], for space to be leased
for any other entity under subsection (a).
* * * * * * *
----------
SECTION 207 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1998
Sec. 207. (a) * * *
* * * * * * *
[(e) Annual Report.--Not later than March 31 of each year,
the Librarian of Congress shall prepare and submit to Congress
an audited financial statement for the revolving fund for the
preceding fiscal year. The audit shall be conducted in
accordance with Government Auditing Standards for financial
audits issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.]
(e) Audit.--The revolving fund shall be subject to audit by
the Comptroller General at the Comptroller General's
discretion.
----------
TITLE 31, UNITED STATES CODE
* * * * * * *
SUBTITLE I--GENERAL
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 7--GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
SUBCHAPTER I--DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL ORGANIZATION
Sec.
701. Definitions.
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER V--ANNUITIES
771. Definitions.
[772. Annuity of the Comptroller General.]
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER III--PERSONNEL
* * * * * * *
Sec. 735. Relationship to other laws
(a) Except as provided in section 733(c) of this title,
this subchapter and subchapter IV of this chapter do not affect
sections 702(b), 703, 731(c)-(e), [772, 775(a) and (d)] or
775(b) of this title.
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER V--ANNUITIES
* * * * * * *
[Sec. 772. Annuity of the Comptroller General
[(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section,
a Comptroller General serving a complete term as Comptroller
General or who retires under section 703(e)(1) of this title is
entitled to receive an annuity for life equal to the pay the
Comptroller General is receiving on completion of the term or
at the time of retirement. An annuity of a Comptroller General
who completes a term before becoming 65 years of age is reduced
by .25 percent for each complete month the Comptroller General
is under 65 years of age.
[(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section,
a Comptroller General becoming permanently disabled shall be
retired and is entitled to receive an annuity for life equal
to--
[(1) the pay of the Comptroller General at the time
of retirement if the Comptroller General served at
least 10 years; or
[(2) 50 percent of the pay if the Comptroller
General served less than 10 years.
[(c) A Comptroller General who, when appointed, is or has
been subject to subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of
title 5 remains subject to such subchapter III or such chapter
84 (as the case may be) unless the Comptroller General elects
in writing to receive an annuity under this section. An
election is irrevocable and must be made within 10 years and 60
days after the start of service as Comptroller General. A
Comptroller General electing to receive an annuity under this
section is entitled to a refund of the lump-sum credit to the
account of the Comptroller General in the Civil Service
Retirement and Disability Fund.
[(d) A Comptroller General (except a Comptroller General
remaining subject to subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5)
shall--
[(1) deposit with the Government Accountability
Office for redeposit in the Treasury as miscellaneous
receipts as a contribution to the annuity--
[(A) 3.5 percent of the pay received as
Comptroller General before deductions are made
under clause (2)(A) of this subsection plus 3
percent interest compounded every December 31
on the amount to be deposited, if electing
survivor benefits under this subchapter; or
[(B) 8 percent of the pay received as
Comptroller General before deductions are made
under clause (2)(B) of this subsection plus 3
percent interest compounded every December 31
on the amount to be deposited, if not electing
survivor benefits under this subchapter; and
[(2) have--
[(A) 3.5 percent of the pay received as
Comptroller General deducted as a contribution
to the annuity if electing survivor benefits
under this subchapter; or
[(B) 8 percent of the pay received as
Comptroller General deducted as a contribution
to the annuity if not electing survivor
benefits under this subchapter.
[(e) A Comptroller General receiving benefits under this
section may not receive retirement or disability benefits under
another law of the United States.]
Sec. 773. Election of survivor benefits
(a) To provide survivor benefits, a Comptroller General may
elect in writing to reduce the pay and annuity of the
Comptroller General. An election shall be made within 6 months
of taking office [or, if an election is made under section
772(c) of this title, by the 60th day after making an election
under section 772(c).].
* * * * * * *
Sec. 774. Survivor annuities
(a) * * *
(b) A survivor annuity shall be paid under this subchapter
when a Comptroller General--
(1) * * *
(2) dies in office [or while receiving an annuity
under section 772 of this title];
* * * * * * *
Sec. 775. Refunds
[(a) A Comptroller General separated from office before
becoming entitled to receive an annuity under section 772 of
this title is entitled to a lump-sum refund of the amount
deducted from pay or deposited as a contribution under section
772, plus 3 percent interest on the amount compounded every
December 31.
[(b) A Comptroller General making an election under section
773 of this title who is separated from office before becoming
entitled to an annuity under section 772 of this title is
entitled to a lump-sum refund of the amount deducted under
section 773 of this title, plus 4 percent interest before
January 1, 1948, and 3 percent interest after December 31,
1947, compounded every December 31 until the separation date.]
[(c)] (a) A lump-sum refund of the amounts deducted under
[sections 772 and 773] section 773 of this title, plus interest
of 4 percent before January 1, 1948, and 3 percent after
December 31, 1947, compounded every December 31 until the date
of death, shall be paid under subsection [(d)] (b) of this
section if--
(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
[(d)] (b) If a Comptroller General or retired Comptroller
General dies before a refund is made under this section, the
refund shall be paid in the following order of precedence:
(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
[(e)] (c) The General Counsel is not subject to section
771(1) and (2) of this title when making a decision about a
surviving spouse or child under subsection [(c) or (d)] (a) or
(b) of this section.
[(f)] (d) If the annuities of all individuals entitled to
survivor annuities under this subchapter end before the amount
of annuities paid equals the amount deducted under [sections
772 and 773] section 773 of this title, plus interest of 4
percent before January 1, 1948, and 3 percent after December
31, 1947, compounded every December 31 until the date of death,
the remainder shall be paid under subsection [(d)] (b) of this
section.
Sec. 776. Payment of survivor benefits
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(d)(1) A payment under subsection (c)(2)(B) of this section
or section [775(d)] 775(b) of this title is a bar to recovery
by another individual.
* * * * * * *
Sec. 777. Annuity increases
(a) * * *
(b) [An annuity under section 772 of this title may not be
more than the basic pay of the Comptroller General.] A
surviving spouse's annuity may be increased under this section
without regard to any limitation set forth in section 774(e) of
this title.
* * * * * * *
APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following table lists the
appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not
authorized by law for the period concerned:
The accompanying bill contains no appropriations not
authorized by law.
EARMARKS
Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House
of Representatives, this bill, as reported, contains no
congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff
benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of rule XXI.
ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF HON. JERRY LEWIS AND HON. ZACH WAMP
The Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill provides $3.1
billion in discretionary budget authority, which is $276
million (or 8.2 percent) below the budget request and $189
million (or 6.5 percent) above the FY 2007, enacted level.
Compared to the actual spending in FY 2007 (including
rescissions, but not emergency spending) the bill is a $122
million increase (or 4.1 percent).
On balance, the funding provided in this bill to operate
the legislative branch agencies under the jurisdiction of the
House is fiscally responsible. The exception to this fiscal
responsibility is the $16 million included in this measure for
Federal Office Building 8, commonly referred to as the former
FDA building. This Subcommittee is one of only four
Subcommittees whose allocation is actually below the request.
While we are strongly opposed to the excessive 302(a)
funding level which increases FY 2008 discretionary spending in
excess of $20 billion over the President's request, the 302(b)
sub-allocation for the Legislative Branch bill is appropriate.
The Chair and the Ranking Member are both new in their
roles on the Subcommittee. While they have worked together on
issues related to the CVC, the same cannot necessarily be said
about the development of this bill.
The development of this bill did not demonstrate the same
level of bipartisanship shown by other Subcommittees considered
prior to the Legislative Branch bill. The development of the
bill was not as collaborative and inclusive as it could have,
or for that matter, should have been and definitely not as it
has been done in the past.
More than any other bill, this is the bill that the
Subcommittee Chair and the Ranking Member should operate in a
non-partisan manner, as they are simply stewards of this great
institution. If we would have had a more inclusive process, we
are certain that the Chair would have realized that the Open
World Leadership Program enjoys bipartisan support on this
Committee. Instead, the Chair proposed to end this program and
close it out.
Furthermore, the Chair has included many new policy
directives--some controversial--in the report, which was not
available for Members to review at the Subcommittee markup.
AOC IG
We want to applaud the Chair for including an Inspector
General for the Architect of the Capitol. This provision was
included in the FY 2007 Legislative Branch Bill but as a result
of the Omnibus Continuing Resolution process, the provision did
not become law. Although there is no directive language related
to the Capitol Visitors Center in this bill, the Chair, the
Ranking Member and other members of the Subcommittee remain
focused on pushing the schedule and keeping the Architect's and
contractor's feet to the fire as it relates to schedule and
cost.
FOB 8
The bill provides $16 million for the former FDA building
known as Federal Office Building 8 (FOB 8) located adjacent to
the Ford House Office Building. As was said during the full
committee markup, we need to think long and hard before we
decide to again expand the Capitol Complex. At a time that we
are struggling to get our arms around the massive project known
as the Capitol Visitor's Center, the last thing we need to do
is embark on another costly campus expansion project. Let us
assure our colleagues, $16 million for security upgrades is
just the tip of the iceberg. The General Services
Administration has estimated that by proceeding with the
revised plan, the total cost to the House and the Architect of
the Capitol is $55,884,000, at a minimum. This is before
incurring annual lease payments at roughly $10 to $15 million
per year. Additionally, occupying another 200,000+ square feet
of House office space hardly seems to comply with the new
``carbon neutral'' goal of Speaker Pelosi.
Greening of the Capitol
The bill earmarks $3.27 million to implement a ``Greening
of the Capitol'' report which has not yet been finalized. The
way we understand this funding provision is that we will pay
more for natural gas than we are currently paying under
contract for coal. This additional expenditure will cover the
percentage of heating and cooling for House office buildings
and the House portion of the Capitol. We are left to assume
that sounding ``environmental'' is more important than being
fiscally responsible.
Additionally, the bill contains $100,000 in the AOC House
buildings account for the Greening of the Capitol Initiative
for new environmentally friendly light bulbs--all of which
contain mercury and will require HAZMAT procedures to dispose
of such bulbs.
Finally, there is an additional $500,000 identified in the
Capitol Grounds section of the report for an E-85 gas pump. It
is our understanding that the House does not currently own or
lease any E-85 vehicles. We are not sure if the plan moving
forward is to retrofit current vehicles or buy or lease new
vehicles to use the new E-85 gas pump provided in this measure.
We are spending taxpayer dollars to implement the Chief
Administrative Officer's ``Greening of the Capitol'' report--a
report that has yet to be finalized and released.
While widespread bi-partisan support exists for energy
efficiency upgrades and the use of renewable sources, the
minority sees the current proposal as more ``window dressing''
than substance.
Government Accountability Office
With regard to the Government Accountability Office (GAO),
the Committee report attempts to have Congress interject itself
into GAO's collective bargaining process to expedite the
unionization effort at the agency. Language directing GAO to
move expeditiously in establishing a union organizing process
is included in the report even though the Comptroller General,
David Walker, has stated that he ``supports the rights of GAO
employees to organize if they so choose.''
The report also asks GAO for an Affirmative Action Plan
even though the Managing Director of Opportunity and
Inclusiveness made the following point regarding this issue:
``Based on our hiring and promotion statistics, GAO would
currently exceed any reasonable affirmative action goals for
women, African Americans and Asians. As such, requiring such a
plan could limit, rather than enhance our diversity efforts.''
Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
The bill cuts $7 million from the budget request for this
important program (Digital Talking Books) but still manages to
fund ``nice to have'' new programs such as Greening of the
Capitol and new House office space at FOB 8.
Emancipation Hall
During full Committee Mr. Wamp and Mr. Jackson offered an
amendment which was adopted to name the space located in the
CVC, ``Emancipation Hall.'' This matter came to the Committee's
attention early in the Fiscal Year 2008 process when it became
known that the AOC and others were calling this space, ``The
Great Hall.'' It is common sense that you cannot have two
competing Great Halls, one in the CVC and one in the century
old Library of Congress Jefferson Building, which are connected
by a tunnel.
This grand hall is going to be the most prominent gathering
space, outside of the rotunda, on the Capitol Grounds. The
space needs a name that recognizes the importance and history
of the Capitol.
In looking at the history of the Capitol, there is a
glaring omission: to date there is no mention of the
contributions slave labor made to the Capitol in the telling of
its history or in the art work displayed. In fact, many people
still do not know that it was slave labor that actually built
this symbol of freedom. The time has come for us, the Congress
of the United States of America, to realize the great
opportunity we have before us. By naming this space
Emancipation Hall we will finally honor those who have gone un-
honored far too long.
Emancipation means free or equal. And there is no greater
duty bestowed upon the Congress than to advance the principle
of Freedom. Emancipation Hall will tell freedom's story to the
millions of visitors every year. Like the Statue of Liberty,
which stands tall in New York's harbor and represents the
promise of Liberty, this hall will forever represent the
promise of Freedom.
Capitol Police
The bill does an excellent job of funding essential Capitol
Police priorities. We are particularly pleased that the
Committee was able to provide an additional $5,000,000 for the
Chief of Police's number one priority, the radio modernization
program. We strongly endorse included report language on the
poor management of financial operations, issues this Committee
has dealt with for many years. We would like to reiterate that
the Chief Administrative Officer needs to make this the number
one priority and implement corrective actions immediately.
Conclusion
We are disappointed this bill was not put together in a
more collaborative manner with members of the subcommittee from
both parties sitting down with staff two or three weeks prior
to the bill's consideration. We are confident that over time we
will be able to move forward working in a manner that better
honors the traditions of this subcommittee.
Jerry Lewis.
Zach Wamp.
