H. Rept. 114-110 - LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2016114th Congress (2015-2016)
Committee Report
Report Type: | House Report |
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Accompanies: | H.R.2250 |
Committees: |
Reports for H.R.2250
H. Rept. 114-110 - 114th Congress (2015-2016)
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House Report 114-110 - LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2016 [House Report 114-110] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] 114th Congress } { Report HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1st Session } { 114-110 ====================================================================== LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2016 _______ May 12, 2015.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed _______ Mr. Graves of Georgia, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the following R E P O R T together with ADDITIONAL VIEWS [To accompany H.R. 2250] 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, 2016, and for other purposes. INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT _______________________________________________________________________ Page number Bill Report Highlights of Bill......................................... 2 Title I--Legislative Branch Appropriations................. 2 4 House of Representatives........................... 2 4 Payment to Widows and Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress....................................... 2 4 Salaries and Expenses.............................. 2 4 Joint Items: 9 6 Joint Economic Committee................... 9 6 Joint Committee on Taxation................ 9 7 Office of the Attending Physician.......... 9 7 Office of Congressional Accessibility Services............................... 10 7 Capitol Police..................................... 10 8 Office of Compliance............................... 12 9 Congressional Budget Office........................ 13 9 Architect of the Capitol (except Senate Office Buildings)..................................... 13 9 Library of Congress................................ 19 15 Government Publishing Office....................... 23 18 Government Accountability Office................... 27 19 Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund............ 29 19 John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development................................ 30 19 Title II--General Provisions............................... 30 20 Bill-wide Reporting Requirements........................... 20 Additional Views........................................... 39 SUMMARY OF BILL The accompanying bill contains recommendations for new budget (obligational) authority for fiscal year 2016 for the Legislative Branch. The following table summarizes these recommendations and reflects comparisons with the budget and with amounts appropriated to date for fiscal year 2015: SUMMARY OF THE BILL [Note.--Excludes Senate items, including those Senate items under the Architect of the Capitol] (Amounts in Thousands) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FY 2015 FY 2016 Bill vs. Bill vs. Recapitulation enacted request Bill enacted request ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- House of Representatives: Salaries and Expenses....... 1,180,736 1,180,736 1,180,736 - - - - - - Joint Items..................... 19,056 19,767 19,469 +413 -298 Capitol Police.................. 347,959 378,900 369,000 +21,041 -9,900 Office of Compliance............ 3,959 4,020 3,959 - - - -61 Congressional Budget Office..... 45,700 47,270 47,270 +1,570 - - - Architect of the Capitol........ 505,948 577,010 492,171 -13,777 -84,839 Library of Congress............. 590,921 624,502 591,431 +510 -33,071 Government Publishing Office.... 119,993 120,000 110,236 -9,757 -9,764 Government Accountability Office 522,000 553,058 522,000 - - - -31,058 Open World Leadership Center.... 5,700 8,000 5,700 - - - -2,300 Stennis Center for Public 430 430 430 - - - - - - Service........................ Scorekeeping Adjustment......... -1,000 - - - -1,000 - - - -1,000 Grand total............... 3,341,402 3,513,693 3,341,402 - - - -172,291 Payment to Widows and Heirs - - - - - - 174 +174 +174 of Deceased Members of Congress................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL The Committee recommends $3,341,401,898 in discretionary resources for operations of the Legislative Branch of government (excluding Senate items). The fiscal year 2016 recommendation is the same as the current fiscal year level and is a decrease of $172,291,202 below the budget request as amended. Conforming to longstanding practice under which each body of Congress determines its own housekeeping requirements and the other concurs without intervention, funds for the Senate are not included in the bill as reported to the House. The budget request for the Senate for fiscal year 2016 including those under the Architect of the Capitol totals $1,015,150,816 as amended. This bill reflects a continued acknowledgment that the Legislative Branch must set itself as an example for fiscal restraint while continuing to serve the Nation. This bill will require strict fiscal discipline on the part of all congressional offices and all agency heads in the Legislative Branch. Legislative Branch-Wide Matters Zero Base Budgeting.--The Committee continues to be very pleased with the results of the zero-base budgeting exercise directed to be conducted by all the agencies of the Legislative Branch. The Committee believes that this valuable budgeting process has given agencies the opportunity to take a fresh look at all areas of their operations and make funding reductions and alignments within the current budget base. The Committee believes that there are continued opportunities to realize meaningful savings by carefully reviewing each agency's budget requirements from a zero base and directs all agencies to continue to develop budget requests from a zero base. Committee Requests, Furloughs and Performance Based Merit Increases.--The Committee directs that adherence to the language carried in House Reports 112-148, 112-511 and 113-417 pertaining to Committee Requests and Furloughs to be continued unless otherwise so directed. Performance Based Merit Increases are not to exceed the maximum allowable for agencies with a certified SES performance appraisal system. Shared Services Report.--House Report 113-417 directed the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council (LBFMC) to prepare a report on the feasibility of shared services between the agencies of the Legislative Branch. The report provided many issues to be considered by the Committee regarding shared services and the Committee acknowledges the excellent work of the (LBFMC) members for their work on this report. Cyber Security/Information Sharing.--The Committee has concerns regarding the potential of cyber security attacks from not only enemies abroad but domestically. The Legislative Branch agencies are not immune to such attacks. Almost daily there are reports of not only government agency attacks but attacks on our large financial institutions, health providers, and large and small retail operations. The Committee directs the Chief Information Officers (CIO's) to all work together in a collaborative manner by sharing technology information, in such areas as best practices/lessons learned, and potential pitfalls of any new information technology initiatives especially in the cyber security area. Sharing of such information should not only strengthen the position of the Legislative Branch but should avoid the potential of systems and processes that have not proven themselves but should also achieve financial savings. Cloud Technology.--In late 2014 the Government Publishing Office began moving the agency's internal email system to the cloud. The GPO reported that this would simplify the agency's IT infrastructure, gain greater functionality, and enable faster upgrades for future enhancements. The Committee applauds the GPO on this effort. With the potential for faster service and financial savings the Committee directs that all agencies consider such a change within their individual IT operations, not only for internal mail, but also other IT applications. TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Payment to Widows and Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress The Committee has included the customary gratuity of $174,000 for Tori B. Nunnelee, widow of Alan Nunnelee, late a Representative from the State of Mississippi. Salaries and Expenses The Committee recommends $1,180,736,000 for the operations and maintenance of the House of Representatives during fiscal year 2016. This amount is the same as the current fiscal year 2015 level and is the same as the budget request. This recommendation marks the third year in a row of no increase in the budget of the House of Representatives. House Leadership Offices Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $22,278,891 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 22,278,891 Recommended in the bill............................... 22,278,891 The Committee recommends $22,278,891 for salaries and expenses of staff in House leadership offices for fiscal year 2016. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and is the same as the budget request. The allocation by office follows: Office of the Speaker................................. $6,645,417 Office of the Majority Floor Leader................... 2,180,048 Office of the Majority Whip........................... 1,886,632 Republican Conference................................. 1,505,426 Office of the Minority Floor Leader................... 7,114,471 Office of the Minority Whip........................... 1,459,639 Democratic Caucus..................................... 1,487,258 ----------------- Total............................................. $22,278,891 Members' Representational Allowances Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $554,317,732 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 554,317,732 Recommended in the bill............................... 554,317,732 The Committee recommends $554,317,732 for the representational allowances of the Members of the House (MRAs). This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and is the same as the budget request. This level of funding will allow the MRAs to operate at current authorized levels as approved by the Committee on House Administration. House Committees Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $147,174,177 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 147,174,177 Recommended in the bill............................... 147,174,177 The Committee recommends $147,174,177 in total for House Committees. This amount is the same as the current level and the budget request. This account includes funding for staff salaries and official expenses of Committees including equipment, telecommunications, printing, and contract services. Funding is available until December 31, 2016. Included in the total is $23,271,004 for the Committee on Appropriations. The amount is the same as the current level and the budget request. Salaries, Officers and Employees Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $171,344,864 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 177,868,679 Recommended in the bill............................... 175,713,679 The Committee recommends $175,713,679 for the salaries and expenses of House officers and employees of the various activities funded through this consolidated item. This amount is $4,368,815 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and is $2,155,000 below the budget request. The following table summarizes the funding allocation provided to each component of the account: Office of the Clerk................................... $24,980,898 Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms........................ 14,827,120 Office of the Chief Administrative Officer............ 115,010,000 Office of the Inspector General....................... 4,741,809 Office of General Counsel............................. 1,413,450 Office of the Parliamentarian......................... 1,974,606 Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House....... 3,119,766 Office of the Legislative Counsel of the House........ 8,352,975 Office of Interparliamentary Affairs.................. 814,069 Other authorized employees............................ 478,986 ----------------- Total............................................. $175,713,679 Office of the Clerk.--The Committee recommends $24,980,898 for the Clerk of the House. This amount is $971,425 above the current level and is the same as the budget request. This level of funding will enable the Clerk of the House to make necessary purchases of software and new information technology. Office of the Sergeant at Arms.--The Committee recommends $14,827,120 for the Office of the Sergeant At Arms (SAA). This amount is $2,900,391 above the fiscal year 2015 level and is the same as the budget request. This increase provides funding to cover increased costs for Emergency Management and Information Services. Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.--The Committee recommends $115,010,000 for the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This amount is $1,910,000 above the current level and is $2,155,000 below the budget request. The CAO is directed to fund all mandatory/pay related current and projected increases within the current base. The Committee directs the Chief Administrative Officer to establish a House Technology Task Force, modeled on the successful Bulk Data Task Force established at the Committee's direction by the Clerk of the House in 2012. The Task Force shall be comprised of senior staff representatives of the House officers and such other offices and entities as may be necessary. The Task Force is directed to identify and report to the Committee opportunities to enhance coordination of information technology efforts in the House, including, but not limited to, IT architecture and life cycle investment strategies, end-user training, network security, and recommendations for shared services that may improve IT effectiveness at a lower overall cost to the House. Allowances and Expenses Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $285,620,336 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 279,096,521 Recommended in the bill............................... 281,251,521 The Committee recommends a total of $281,251,521 for allowances and expenses. This amount is $4,368,815 below the fiscal year 2015 level and is $2,155,000 above the budget request. These funds include supplies, materials, administrative costs, and Federal tort claims; the costs of official mail for the Committees, leadership, and administrative offices; employee benefits; miscellaneous items; and Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery. The following table summarizes the funding allocation provided to each major component of the account: Supplies, materials, administrative costs and Federal $3,625,236 tort claims.......................................... Official mail (committees, administrative, and 190,486 leadership offices).................................. Government contributions.............................. 254,447,514 Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery............. 16,217,008 Transition Activities................................. 2,084,000 Wounded Warrior Program............................... 2,500,000 Office of Congressional Ethics........................ 1,467,030 Miscellaneous items................................... 720,247 ----------------- Total, allowances and expenses.................... $281,251,521 Administrative Provisions Section 101 provides for unspent amounts remaining in Members' Representational Allowances account to be used for deficit or debt reduction. Section 102 prohibits the delivery of bills and resolutions. Section 103 prohibits the delivery of printed copies of the Congressional Record. Section 104 places a limitation on amount available to lease vehicles. Section 105 places a limitation on print copies of the U.S. Code. Section 106 prohibits the delivery of report of disbursement. Section 107 prohibits the delivery of the daily calendar. JOINT ITEMS The Committee recommends $19,469,000 for fiscal year 2016 for the various joint committees and activities carried under this heading. The recommendation is $413,000 above the fiscal year 2015 level and is $298,100 below the budget request. JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $4,203,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 4,254,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 4,203,000 The Committee recommends $4,203,000 for the Joint Economic Committee. This recommendation is the same as the current level and is $51,000 below the budget request as amended. The Joint Economic Committee was created by the Employment Act of 1946. The primary tasks of the Committee are to review economic conditions and to recommend improvements in economic policy. The Committee performs research and economic analysis and monitors and analyzes current economic, financial, and employment conditions. JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $10,095,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 10,300,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 10,095,000 The Committee recommends $10,095,000 for the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT). This recommendation is the same as the fiscal 2015 level and is $205,000 below the budget request. The Joint Committee on Taxation operates under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and its predecessors dating to the Revenue Act of 1926. It has responsibility to (1) investigate the operation and effects of internal revenue taxes and the administration of such taxes; (2) investigate measures and methods for the simplification of such taxes; (3) make reports to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance (or to the House and the Senate) on the results of such investigations and studies and to make recommendations; and (4) review any proposed refund or credit of income or estate and gift taxes or certain other taxes set forth in Code section 6405 in excess of $2,000,000. In addition to these functions that are specified in the Internal Revenue Code, the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires the Joint Committee to provide revenue estimates for all tax legislation considered by either the House or the Senate. OFFICE OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $3,371,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 3,797,100 Recommended in the bill............................... 3,784,000 The Committee recommends $3,784,000 for the Office of the Attending Physician. This amount is $413,000 above the fiscal year 2015 level and is $13,100 below the request. The increase above the current level provides for the increase for the reimbursement to the Navy $206,000 and miscellaneous medical initiatives $207,000. OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $1,387,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 1,416,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 1,387,000 The Committee recommends $1,387,000 for the operation of the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services. This amount is the same as the current level and is $29,000 below the budget request as amended. The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services is a successor office to the Special Services Office following enactment of the Capitol Visitor Center Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-437). CAPITOL POLICE The Committee recommends a total of $369,000,000 for the Capitol Police (USCP). This amount is $21,041,000 above the fiscal year 2015 level and is $9,900,000 below the budget request. Use of Grounds.--The Committee understands the need to maintain safety and order on the Capitol grounds and commends the Capitol Police for their efforts. However, given the family-style neighborhood that the Capitol shares with the surrounding community the Committee would instruct the Capitol Police to forebear enforcement of 2 U.S.C. 1963 (``An act to protect the public property, turf, and grass of the Capitol Grounds from injury'') and the Traffic Regulations for the United States Capitol Grounds when encountering snow sledders on the grounds. Coordination.--The Committee recognizes that the Capitol Police closely coordinate with other Federal, State, and local first responders in the Washington metropolitan region. In light of recent responses by first responders within the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority system, the Committee wants to ensure that the Capitol Police have standards of operations in place for incident responses, and that incident response plans are coordinated and exercised with other first responders, especially at Metrorail stations close to the Capitol Complex. The Committee directs the Capitol Police to provide a report not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act detailing the standards of operations that are in place to coordinate incident responses at area Metrorail stations with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the Metropolitan Police Department, Federal law enforcement agencies, and any other relevant first responders from the District of Columbia and other jurisdictions, and to include in the report a coordination and exercise plan for applying these standards. Salaries Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $286,500,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 307,428,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 300,000,000 The Committee recommends $300,000,000 for the salaries and benefits authorized for police services throughout the USCP jurisdiction. This amount is $13,500,000 above the fiscal year 2015 level and is $7,428,000 below the budget request. Using the latest salary estimates from USCP, the Committee expects this level of funding to support a staffing level of 1,775 of the 1,800 authorized sworn positions and 370 of the authorized 443 civilian positions. The recommendation for USCP funding is based on only critical requirements necessary to mitigate and address threats and risks. It does not provide for any new initiatives. New Posts.--The Committee continues to direct the USCP to notify the Committee on Appropriations of the House when new posts are created, including the annualized cost of maintaining the new post, and how the cost will be offset. General Expenses Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $61,459,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 71,472,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 69,000,000 The Committee recommends $69,000,000 for all general expenses of the USCP. This amount is $7,541,000 above the fiscal year 2015 level and is $2,472,000 below the budget request. Administrative Provision Section 1001 provides for deposit of reimbursements for law enforcement assistance in connection with an activity that was not sponsored by Congress. OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE Salaries and Expenses Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $3,959,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 4,020,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 3,959,000 The Committee recommends $3,959,000 for the Office of Compliance. This amount is the same as the current level and is $61,000 below the budget request. The Office of Compliance was established to administer and enforce the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104- 091). The Act applies various employment and workplace safety laws to Congress and certain Legislative Branch entities. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE Salaries and Expenses Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $45,700,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 47,270,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 47,270,000 The Committee recommends $47,270,000 for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). This is $1,570,000 above the fiscal year 2015 level and is the same as the budget request. ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $505,947,898 Budget request, fiscal year 2016\1\................... 577,010,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 492,171,898 \1\Does not include Senate office buildings. The Committee recommends $492,171,898 for fiscal year 2016 for the activities of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Excluded are Senate items which are traditionally left for consideration by that body. This amount is $13,777,000 below the fiscal year 2015 level and is $84,839,102 below the budget request. Within the recommended level the Committee continues its prioritization of projects that: (1) promote the safety and health of workers and occupants, (2) decrease the deferred maintenance backlog, and (3) invest to achieve future energy savings. In addition, by including $10,000,000 for the House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund, the bill continues the Committee's commitment to advance planning for major capital renewal projects which will be essential to sustaining the performance of historic House buildings. The Committee has included bill language (Section 1104) which places a 25 percent cap on the amount available for any project in excess of $5 million dollars. The language requires the Architect to submit to the Comptroller General and the Committee on Appropriations, for approval, a plan which includes a description of any changes to the project schedule, cost and description of the accounting and safeguards implemented to ensure the project will be carried out in a timely and cost-effective manner. The projects included based on the information available to the committee are: Capitol Building--Exterior Stone and Metal Preservation, South Extension House Office Building--Garage Rehabilitation--Rayburn Building House Office Building--Restoration and Renovation of the Cannon House Office Building Capitol Power Plant--West Refrigeration Plant Chiller Replacement The AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex. This includes mechanical and structural maintenance of the Capitol, Congressional office buildings, the Library of Congress buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power Plant, and other facilities, as well as the upkeep and improvement of the grounds surrounding the Capitol complex. The following table summarizes the allocation of funds by appropriation account: Architect of the Capitol: Capitol Construction and Operations............... $90,946,000 Capitol building.................................. 46,737,000 Capitol grounds................................... 11,880,000 House of Representatives buildings subtotal....... 159,962,000 House office buildings........................ (149,962,000) Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund.. (10,000,000) Capitol Power Plant............................... 91,549,898 Library buildings and grounds..................... 36,589,000 Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security.... 22,058,000 Botanic Garden.................................... 11,892,000 Capitol Visitor Center............................ 20,557,000 ----------------- Total......................................... $492,171,898 Capitol Construction and Operations Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $91,455,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 95,396,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 90,946,000 The Committee recommends $90,946,000 for personnel services, equipment, communications, and other central support activities of the AOC. This amount is $509,000 below the fiscal year 2015 level and is $4,450,000 below the budget request. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $90,946,000. Capitol Building Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $54,665,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 58,052,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 46,737,000 The Committee recommends $46,737,000 for the operation, maintenance, and care of the Capitol building. This amount is $7,928,000 below the fiscal year 2015 level and is $11,315,000 below the budget request. The Committee directs the $50,000 requested for testing and inspection of the Smoke Control System be provided for within the current base. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $24,000,000. The recommended project budget of $22,737,000 is composed of the following capital projects: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Committee Item recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exterior Stone and Metal Preservation, South $14,287,000 Extension, Phase IIB................................ 2017 Presidential Inaugural Stands and Support 4,950,000 Facilities.......................................... Minor Construction................................... 3,500,000 ------------------ Total............................................ $22,737,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Capitol Grounds Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $11,973,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 15,273,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 11,880,000 The Committee recommends $11,880,000 for the care of the grounds surrounding the Capitol. This amount is $93,000 below the fiscal year 2015 level and is $3,393,000 below the budget request. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $9,880,000. The recommended project budget of $2,000,000 is composed of the following capital projects: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Committee Item recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Minor Construction................................... $2,000,000 ------------------ Total............................................ $2,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ House Office Buildings Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $159,446,898 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 160,282,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 159,962,000 The Committee recommends $159,962,000 for the operation, maintenance, and care of the House office buildings. This amount is $515,102 above the current level and $320,000 below the budget request. This amount includes $15,965,000 for the full year lease cost of the Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Federal Office Building. To provide total transparency for the Cannon House Office Building Renewal Project the bill includes a line item of $62,000,000 for the restoration and renovation of the Cannon Building which has been previously funded from the House Historic Building Revitalization Trust Fund. The bill also includes $10,000,000 for the House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund. Public Law 111-68 established the Fund to finance major repairs and renovations to facilities of the House. Subject to approval of the Committee on Appropriations of the House, the AOC may use these funds for major renovation projects to preserve and maintain the performance of the iconic buildings of the House of Representatives. The Committee authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to incur obligations from the House Historic Building Revitalization Trust Fund of not-to-exceed $162,399,811 for the restoration and renovation of the Cannon House Office Building. This authorization will provide the funding necessary for the continuation of the Cannon Renewal Project to complete Phase- Zero at, $19,963,848 and Phase-One, Year-One at, $142,435,963. This will leave a balance of $19,547,000 in the House Historic Building Revitalization Trust Fund. However, the Architect of the Capitol may not obligate more than 25 percent of the $162,399,811 from the House Historic Building Revitalization Trust Fund including the $62 million provided in this Act until the Architect submits to the Comptroller General and the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a plan for the use of the funds including a description of any changes to the project's schedule, cost, as well as a description of the accounting and other safeguards the Architect will implement to ensure that the project will be carried out in a timely and cost-effective manner and the Committee on Appropriations approves such plan. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $64,076,000. The recommended project budget of $95,886,000 is composed of the following capital projects: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Committee Item recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Garage Rehabilitation, Phase I, RHOB................. $13,226,000 Restoration and Renovation of the Cannon House Office 62,000,000 Building............................................ CAO Project Support.................................. 3,660,000 Minor Construction................................... 7,000,000 House Historic Building Revitalization............... 10,000,000 ------------------ Total............................................ $95,886,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Capitol Power Plant Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $90,652,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 120,803,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 91,549,898 Offsetting collections................................ 9,000,000 ----------------- Total available................................... $100,549,898 The Committee recommends $100,549,898 for the Capitol Power Plant. This amount is $897,898 above the fiscal year 2015 level and is $29,253,102 below the budget request. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $86,141,000. The recommended project budget of $14,408,898 is composed of the following capital projects: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Committee Item recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ West Refrigeration Plant Chiller System Replacement, $10,408,898 RPR, Phase IIIA..................................... Minor Construction................................... 4,000,000 ------------------ Total............................................ $14,408,898 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Library Buildings and Grounds Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $42,180,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 65,801,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 36,589,000 The Committee recommends $36,589,000 for the care and maintenance of the Library buildings and grounds. This amount is $5,591,000 below the fiscal year 2015 level and is $29,212,000 below the budget request. The Committee is very concerned with the amount of time it has taken to begin construction of the Library of Congress Book Module 5 at the Fort Meade facility. In September 2013 the Committee provided $1.2 million dollars towards the cost of Module 5. It was not until July 2014 that the Architect of the Capitol began what is called ``Design Re-Fresh Phase'' of the project some ten months after the funding became available. In January 2014 the Committee provided an additional $18.2 million dollars to complete construction of Module 5 and according to the latest project time line construction is projected to begin in October 2015 with a projected completion date of October 2017. Thus, in summary from the beginning availability of funding for this project, September 2013, until the beginning of actual construction, October 2015, over two years will have elapsed. And from the first availability of funding until end of construction it will take over 4 years. The Committee understands a ``re-fresh'' of the design of the project was required however, for 10 months to elapse without any action on the part of the AoC is unacceptable. The Committee expects the AoC to review the internal business operations of the AoC organization so as to never allow another lapse of time for any project to begin almost one year after the beginning of funding availability. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $24,943,000 and a project budget of $11,646,000, including the following capital projects: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Committee Item recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Direct Digital Controls Upgrade, Phase III, JMMB..... $4,321,000 Emergency Lighting System Upgrade, JAB............... 3,331,000 Collection Storage Modules 6 & 7 Design, Ft. Meade... 1,994,000 Minor Construction................................... 2,000,000 ------------------ Total............................................ $11,646,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $19,159,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 28,247,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 22,058,000 The Committee recommends $22,058,000 for Capitol Police buildings, grounds, and security. This amount is $2,899,000 above the fiscal year 2015 level and is $6,189,000 below the budget request. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $17,533,000 which reflects a reduction of $600,000 for lease costs associated with the Alternate Computer Facility. In addition included is a project budget of $4,525,000, including the following capital projects: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Committee Item recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Power Switchgear Replacement, USCP HQ................ $3,525,000 Minor Construction................................... 1,000,000 ------------------ Total............................................ $4,525,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Botanic Garden Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $15,573,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 12,113,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 11,892,000 The Committee recommends $11,892,000 for salaries and expenses of the Botanic Garden. This amount is $3,681,000 below the fiscal year 2015 level and is $221,000 below the budget request. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $9,792,000 and a project budget of $2,100,000, including the following capital projects: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Minor Construction................................... $2,100,000 ------------------ Total............................................ $2,100,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Again the Committee congratulates the Botanic Garden on the accomplishments of its education and outreach programs, which have leveraged the Garden's unparalleled expertise to provide unique educational opportunities. The Committee urges the Garden to continue forming partnerships with national and local organizations, and to utilize House Office Buildings for visitors and constituents, in order to advance educational goals. Capitol Visitor Center Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $20,844,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 21,043,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 20,557,000 The Committee recommends $20,557,000 for the operation of the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). This amount is $287,000 below the fiscal year 2015 level and $486,000 below the budget request. There are no capital projects in fiscal year 2016. The CVC was established to improve security for all persons working in or visiting the U.S. Capitol and to enhance the educational experience of visitors. The Committee has some concerns with the cost of meals in the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). Therefore, the Committee directs the Architect of the Capitol to review, in consultation with the Chief Administrative Officer of the House, the costs of meals in the CVC versus the House cafeterias and to make a proposed contract adjustment resulting in the ability of families to have a two meal option per day to eat in the CVC for approximately the same price as in the House cafeterias. The Architect of the Capitol is directed to report to the Committee on Appropriations of the House within 90 days of enactment of this Act the findings and the recommended changes. Administrative Provisions Section 1101 prohibits payment of bonuses to contractors behind schedule or over budget. Section 1102 prohibits expenditure of funds for scrims for projects performed by the Architect of the Capitol. Section 1103 authorizes acquisition of certain acreage at Fort George Meade from the Maryland State Highway Administration. Section 1104 limits the obligation of funds provided for large scale projects pending an approved plan by the Comptroller General and the Committee on Appropriations of the House. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS The Committee recommends $591,431,000 for the operations of the Library of Congress. This is $33,071,000 below the budget request and is $510,000 above the current level. In addition to the appropriation, the Committee recommends offsetting collections of $42,127,000. Established by Congress in 1800, the Library of Congress is one of the largest libraries in the world, with a collection of more than 130,000,000 print, audio, and video items in 460 languages. Among its major programs are acquisitions, preservation, administration of U.S. copyright laws by the Copyright Office, research and analysis of policy issues for the Congress by the Congressional Research Service, and administration of a national program to provide reading material to the blind and physically handicapped. The Library maintains a significant number of collections and provides a range of services to libraries in the United States and abroad. A good business practice for any customer service organization is to periodically survey that customer base to determine if the products and services being provided are meeting the expectations of the customer. A proper survey can help the service provider to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the organization and what if any corrective action needs to be addressed. The Committee believes that such a survey of the Library's customer base would be beneficial. Therefore, the Committee directs the Library of Congress to commission an independent survey of all Members and committees of the House of Representatives to ascertain their fundamental and optimal requirements for services and support from the Library of Congress and especially the Congressional Research Service. A report and analysis of the survey results is to be provided to the Committees on Appropriations of the House no later than 180 days after enactment of this Act. The Committee has serious concerns regarding the recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the Information Technology (IT) of the Library of Congress. The examination of the Library IT operations by the GAO was undertaken at the request of the Committee. The Committee believed, as it does with any program, a periodic examination of any agency's operations and processes is the responsibility of good Government oversight. The current GAO report of the Library IT operations and the Copyright Office IT has provided a number of observations and recommendations for needed change in the overall Library IT operations. Although the recommendations are numerous, the Committee believes that the Librarian of Congress, the Register of Copyrights, and the Library management team can and will address each recommendation in a timely, collaborative, and methodical process that achieves positive results for the Library. The Committee will be working with the Library in the upcoming months to track the progress the Library makes on addressing the recommendations of the GAO reports. The Librarian, the Register of Copyrights, and the entire Library management team will be required to provide quarterly reports to the Committee on Appropriations of the House and Senate on objectives met, milestones reached and overall progress on addressing the GAO recommendations and be prepared to discuss the GAO report at the next budget cycle hearing. Salaries and Expenses Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $413,007,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 438,020,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 413,007,000 Offsetting collections................................ 6,350,000 ----------------- Total available................................... $419,357,000 The Committee recommends $413,007,000, plus authority to spend $6,350,000 in receipts, for the salaries and expenses appropriation. This amount is $25,013,000 below the budget request and is the same as the current level. The Committee expects the Veterans History Project will be maintained at least at the fiscal year 2015 levels. Further, the Committee directs that the $5,500,000 base provided for the mass deacidification program be maintained to the fullest extent possible. Copyright Office Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $20,721,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 23,098,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 21,231,000 Offsetting collections................................ 35,777,000 ----------------- Total available................................... $57,008,000 The Committee recommends $21,231,000, plus authority to spend $35,777,000 in receipts, for the Copyright Office. This is $2,705,000 above the fiscal year 2015 level and is $1,867,000 below the budget request. The increase above the current level is comprised of $2,195,000 offset with increased authority to spend receipts and will fund the Copyright Office Registration staffing increase of 20 FTE's. The balance of $510,000 and 5 additional FTE's will address copyright recordation business process reengineering. The Committee continues to support the Copyright Office as reflected with the additional fiscal year 2015 funding that was provided to reduce the claims and process processing time for copyright registrations ($750,000) and to conduct business analysis for the business process engineering of the document recordation function ($1,500,000). The Committee fully understands the importance of the Copyright Office as it relates to creativity and commercial artistic activity not only within the United States but also on a world-wide basis. In order to serve the copyright owners and the copyright community in the 21st century, a robust modern information technology (IT) operation will be necessary. The $1.5 million provided in fiscal year 2015 began the effort to determine the requirements for a modern IT environment. With the planning underway, the Committee directs the Register of Copyrights to report, to the Committee on Appropriation and relevant Authorizing Committees of the House on a detailed plan on necessary IT upgrades, with a cost estimate, that are required for a 21st century copyright organization. In addition to the cost estimate, the Register shall include recommendations on a funding strategy and a time frame for completion of a new IT system that is necessary to better serve the public in the digital age. The Register should seek public comments to help inform the Copyright Office with the funding strategy and implementation timeline. The cost estimate is to be provided to the Committee with 180 days of enactment of this Act with the funding strategy to be provided 45 days after public comments are received. The Committee understands the Copyright Office has offered its expertise on copyright matters to the Executive Branch, including participation in international discussions, and expects the Office to continue that important role. Congressional Research Service Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $106,945,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 111,956,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 106,945,000 The Committee recommends $106,945,000 for salaries and expenses of the Congressional Research Service (CRS). This amount is $5,011,000 below the budget request and is the same as the current level. CRS works for Members and committees of Congress to support their legislative, oversight, and representational functions by providing nonpartisan and confidential research and policy analysis. Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $50,248,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 51,428,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 50,248,000 The Committee recommends $50,248,000 for salaries and expenses of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). This amount is $1,180,000 below the budget request and is the same as the current level. The NLS has successfully administered a free national reading program for blind and physically handicapped residents of the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad since 1931. NLS provides direction for the production of books and magazines in braille and recorded formats and audio playback machines for distribution through a nationwide network of 56 regional and 65 sub-regional libraries. The Committee recognizes the importance of technology in ensuring that blind and physically handicapped United States residents and citizens are afforded access to reading material in a timely manner. In order to preserve the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped today and ensure it is prepared to meet the needs of future generations, the Committee directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the services provided by the National Library. This review should include, but is not limited to, a review of the NLS's user base, a comparison of services and playback equipment offered by the NLS to private sector services and technologies currently used by the blind and physically handicapped community, to include an evaluation of possible cost efficiencies in utilizing private sector technologies, availability of alternate distribution methods and other aspects of the NLS's services that the GAO deems relevant. The GAO is to prepare a report of its findings and report back to the Committee on Appropriations of the House and Senate no later than December 31, 2015. Administrative Provision Section 1201 authorizes obligational authority for reimbursable and revolving funds. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE The recommendation provides $110,236,000 in budget authority for the Government Publishing Office (GPO), in addition to any offsetting collections which the GPO may earn under separate authority. This amount is $9,757,000 below the current level $9,764,000 below the budget request. GPO provides publishing and dissemination services for Federal government publications to Congress, Federal agencies, Federal depository libraries, and the American public. Congressional Publishing Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $79,736,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 79,736,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 79,736,000 The Committee recommends $79,736,000 for Congressional Publishing. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2015 level and is the same as the budget request. The amount is provided as a lump sum to cover various categories of printing. Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $31,500,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 30,500,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 30,500,000 The Committee recommends $30,500,000 for the salaries and expenses of the Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents. This amount is $1,000,000 below the fiscal year 2015 level and is the same as the budget request. The Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents account funds the mailing of government documents for Members of Congress and Federal agencies, as statutorily authorized; the compilation of catalogs and indexes of government publications; and the cataloging, indexing, and providing of government publications in digital and tangible formats to the Federal Depository and International Exchange libraries and to other individuals and entities, as authorized by law. Business Operations Revolving Fund Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $8,757,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 9,764,000 Recommended in the bill............................... - - - The Committee has not provided funding for the Business Operations Revolving Fund. This is a decrease of $8,757,000 below the fiscal 2015 level and $9,764,000 below the budget request. The bill continues language authorizing the operation of the revolving fund and authority to hire or purchase automobiles, advisory councils, and consultants. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE Salaries and Expenses Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $522,000,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 553,058,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 522,000,000 Offsetting Collections................................ 25,450,000 ----------------- Total available................................... $547,450,000 The Committee recommends $522,000,000 in direct appropriations for the Government Accountability Office (GAO), plus $25,450,000 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 $1,700,000 above the fiscal year 2015 level, and is $31,058,000 below the budget request. The increase of $1,700,000 above the current level is offset with offsetting collections. GAO was established by the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. GAO works for Congress by responding to requests for studies of Federal Government programs and expenditures. GAO may also initiate its own work. The Committee recognizes the important work that the Government Accountability Office does on a daily basis to provide oversight, transparency, and accountability for Congress and the American people. Administrative Provision Section 1301 authorizes details of personnel to the Government Accountability Office. Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $5,700,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 8,000,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 5,700,000 The Committee recommends $5,700,000, the same as the current level and $2,300,000 below the budget request. John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development Appropriation, fiscal year 2015....................... $430,000 Budget request, fiscal year 2016...................... 430,000 Recommended in the bill............................... 430,000 The Committee recommends $430,000 for fiscal year 2016. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2015 level and is the same as the budget request. The Committee believes that the services provided by the John C. Stennis Center are laudable. Further the Committee believes that the Center should continually work to raise private sector funds in order to be self-sustaining should the need arise. TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS The customary language regarding emergency assistance for vehicles, fiscal year limitation, positions and allowances, consulting services, the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council, the maintenance and landscaping on Square 580, a limitation on transfers of funds and language regarding maintaining staff-led tours. (Sections 201-208). In addition section 209 authorizes battery recharging stations at the Library of Congress, Section 210 is related to cost of living adjustment for Members of Congress, and section 211, provides for a spending reduction account. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT REQUIREMENTS The following items are included in accordance with various requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives. Comparison With the Budget Resolution Section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget Act requires the report accompanying a bill providing new budget authority to contain a statement comparing the levels in the bill to the suballocations submitted under section 302(b) of the Act for the most recently agreed to concurrent resolution on the budget for the applicable fiscal year. That information is provided in the table headed ``Comparison of Reported Bill to Section 302(b) Suballocation.'' [In millions of dollars] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 302(b) Allocation This bill-- ------------------------------------------------------- Budget Budget authority Outlays authority Outlays ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee allocations to its subcommittees: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch Discretionary........................................... $4,300 $4,243 $3,341 \1\$3,515 Mandatory............................................... 135 134 135 \1\134 Total................................................... $4,435 $4,377 $3,476 $3,649 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\Includes outlays from both House and Senate prior-year budget authority. Note.--Bill amounts exclude discretionary Senate-related items. Five-Year Outlay Projections In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344), as amended, the following table contains five-year projections prepared by the Congressional Budget Office of outlays associated with the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill: [In millions of dollars] Budget Authority...................................... $3,476 Outlays: 2016.............................................. \1\2,926 2017.............................................. 354 2018.............................................. 81 2019.............................................. 35 2020.............................................. 10 \1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. Assistance to State and Local Governments Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, (Public Law 93-344), as amended, the amount of financial assistance to State and local governments is as follows: The accompanying bill contains no funding for State and local assistance programs. Program Duplication No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of another Federal program, a program that was included in any report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. Directed Rule Making The bill does not direct any rule-making to the Executive Branch. Transfer of Funds Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following lists the transfers of funds included in the accompanying bill: Indefinite transfer authority is authorized in Joint items disbursed by the Chief Administrative Officer of the House, Library of Congress, Congressional Printing and Binding, the Superintendent of Documents, and the Capitol Police programs. Rescissions Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following details the rescissions in the accompanying bill: The accompanying bill contains no rescissions. Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following is a statement of general performance goals and objectives for which this measure authorizes funding: The Committee on Appropriations considers program performance, including a program's success in developing and attaining outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing funding recommendations. Appropriations Not Authorized by Law Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following lists the appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not authorized by law for the period concerned: The accompanying bill contains no appropriations not authorized by law. Earmarks Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, this bill, as reported, contains no Congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(e), 9(f), or 9(g) of rule XXI. Changes in the Application of Existing Law Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted describing the effect of provisions in the accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the application of existing law: 1. The bill provides that certain appropriation items remain available for more than one year, where programs or projects are continuing in nature under the provisions of authorizing legislation but for which that legislation does not specifically authorize such extended availability. 2. The bill includes a number of provisions which place limitations on or change or extend existing limitations, appropriations, or authorizations, and which under some circumstances might be construed as changing the application of existing law. 3. The bill continues the practice of providing official reception and representation allowances for officers and offices of the Legislative Branch. 4. The bill authorizes disbursal of funds for various agencies. 5. The bill authorizes transfer authority between accounts for certain agencies in the bill. 6. The bill includes language allowing the use of funds for studies and examinations of executive agencies and temporary personnel services. Funds can also be available for reimbursement to agencies for services performed. 7. The bill includes language providing funds for the Family Room, the Superintendent of Garages, Office of Emergency Management, and preparing the Digest of Rules. 8. The bill includes language providing funds for House motor vehicles, interparliamentary receptions, and gratuities. 9. The bill requires unspent funds remaining in Members' Representational Allowances to be used for deficit or debt reduction. 10. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being used for the delivery of bills and resolutions. 11. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being used for the delivery of the Congressional Record. 12. The bill includes language that places a limitation on the amount that a Member can spend on a leased vehicle per month. 13. The bill includes language that places a limitation on printed copies of the U.S. Code for the House of Representatives. 14. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being used for the delivery of the Reports of Disbursements. 15. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being used for the delivery of the daily calendar. 16. The bill authorizes allowances for employees of the Office of the Attending Physician and provides reimbursement to the Department of the Navy. 17. The bill authorizes expenses of the Capitol Police for motor vehicles, communications and other equipment, uniforms, weapons, supplies, materials, training, medical services, forensic services, stenographic services, personal and professional services, the employee assistance program, the awards program, postage, communication services, travel advances, and relocation expenses. 18. The bill provides that the cost of Capitol Police basic training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center be paid by the Department of Homeland Security. 19. The bill includes language that authorizes reimbursement for law enforcements assistance provided in connection with any activity that was not sponsored by Congress. 20. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to purchase or exchange, maintain, and operate two passenger motor vehicles. 21. The bill includes authorization allowing reimbursements for chilled water and steam provided to the Government Publishing Office, the Washington City Post Office, the Supreme Court, the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, Union Station Complex, and the Folger Shakespeare Library to be credited to the AOC Capitol Power Plant appropriation and made available for obligation. 22. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to expend funds to maintain, care for, and operate the National Garden. 23. The bill contains language that prohibits the Architect of the Capitol from expended funds for incentive or award payments to contractors for work for which the contractor is behind schedule or over budget. 24. The bill contains language that prohibits the Architect of the Capitol from expended funds for scrims containing photographs of building facades during restoration or construction projects. 25. The bill contains language that authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to acquire from the Maryland State Highway Administration a parcel of real property located with the portion of Fort George Meade that transferred to the Architect by the Secretary of the Army. 26. The bill contains language that restricts the obligation of funds large scale projects subject to a plan submitted to the Comptroller General and approved by the Committee and the Comptroller General. 27. The bill provides the authority to expend funds collected under the authority of 2 U.S.C. 150 and for international legal information, the balance to remain available until expended. 28. The bill establishes that the amount available for obligation by the Library of Congress is reduced by offsetting collections. 29. The bill provides funds for the digital collections and educational curricula program, and the American Folklife Center. 30. The bill allows the Library of Congress to hire or purchase one passenger motor vehicle. 31. The bill allows funds from offsetting collections to be used for the Library's Copyright Office. 32. The bill includes language authorizing the expenditure of receipts, with the exception of salaries and benefits, for the administration of the Copyright Royalty Judges program. 33. The bill contains language which provides that no funds in the Congressional Research Service can be used to publish or prepare material to be issued by the Library of Congress unless approved by the appropriate committees. 34. The bill provides funds to provide newspapers to the blind and physically handicapped. 35. The bill contains language under the Library of Congress placing a limitation on obligations for Reimbursable and Revolving Fund activities. 36. The bill contains language restricting the use of funds appropriated to the Government Publishing Office for the permanent edition of the Congressional Record for individual Representatives and Senators, Resident Commissioners, or Delegates, and language providing that appropriations recommended shall be available for the payment of obligations incurred under appropriations for similar purposes for preceding fiscal years, limiting the printing of certain documents to a time certain, and authorizing the transfer of unobligated balances. 37. The bill includes authorization of appropriations for Congressional Publishing. 38. The bill includes language authorizing the Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents to pay for printing certain publications in prior years for the depository library program. There is language authorizing the transfer of unexpended balances. 39. There is language authorizing the operation of the Government Publishing Office revolving fund, and which authorizes travel expenses for advisory councils, the purchase of not more than 12 passenger motor vehicles and that the revolving fund may be used to provide information in any format. 40. The bill includes language relating to the Government Accountability Office, authorizing the direct procurement of expert and consultant services under 5 U.S.C. 3109 at certain rates; authorizing the hire of one passenger motor vehicle, as required by 31 U.S.C. 1343; authorizing the Government Accountability Office to make advance payments in foreign countries in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3324; and providing certain benefits, including rental of living quarters in foreign countries. Appropriations are authorized for administrative expenses of any other member department or agency to finance an appropriate share of the costs of the National Intergovernmental Audit Forum or a Regional Intergovernmental Audit Forum. 41. The bill includes language that permits the detail of employees from other government agencies to the Government Accountability Office. 42. In Section 201, there is language prohibiting the use of funds in the Act for the maintenance or care of private vehicles except for emergency assistance and cleaning as may be provided under regulations relating to parking facilities for the House issued by the Committee on House Administration and for the Senate by the Committee on Rules and Administration. 43. Section 203 provides that whenever any office or position not specifically established by the Legislative Pay Act of 1929 is appropriated for herein, or whenever the rate of compensation or designation of any position appropriated for herein is different from that specifically established for such position by such Act, the rate of compensation and the designation of the position, either appropriated for or provided herein, shall be the permanent law with respect thereto: Provided that the provisions herein for the various items of official expenses of Members, officers, and committees of the Senate and House, and clerk hire for Senators and Members shall be the permanent law with respect thereto. 44. Section 204 requires that certain information regarding consulting services shall be a matter of public record. 45. Section 205 authorizes Legislative Branch entities to share the costs of the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council. 46. Section 206 authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to maintain certain property. 47. Section 207 limits the transfer of funds in this Act. 48. Section 208 prohibits funds in this Act being used to eliminate or restrict staff led guided tours. 49. Section 209 authorizes battery recharging stations for privately owned vehicles in parking areas under the jurisdiction of the Librarian of Congress at no net cost to the Federal Government. 50. Section 210 is related to cost of living adjustment for Members of Congress. 51. Section 211 provides for a spending reduction account, excluding Senate items. Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3(e) (Ramseyer Rule) In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman): SECTION 2802 OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2001 * * * * * * * Sec. 2802. (a)(1) Any funds received by the Capitol Police as reimbursement for law enforcement assistance from any Federal, State, or local government agency (including any agency of the [District of Columbia)] District of Columbia), and from any other source in the case of assistance provided in connection with an activity that was not sponsored by Congress shall be deposited in the United States Treasury for credit to the appropriation for ``general expenses'' under the heading ``United States Capitol Police'', or ``security enhancements'' under the heading ``United States Capitol Police''. (2) Funds deposited under this subsection may be expended by the Chief of the United States Capitol Police for any authorized purpose, including overtime pay expenditures relating to [law enforcement assistance to any Federal, State, or local government agency (including any agency of the District of Columbia)] any law enforcement assistance for which reimbursement described in paragraph (1) is made, and shall remain available until expended. (b) This section shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act and shall apply to fiscal year 2001 and each fiscal year thereafter. * * * * * * * ---------- TITLE 31, UNITED STATES CODE * * * * * * * Subtitle I--GENERAL * * * * * * * CHAPTER 7--GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE * * * * * * * Subchapter III--PERSONNEL Sec. 731. General (a) The Comptroller General may appoint, pay, assign, and remove officers (except the Deputy Comptroller General) and employees the Comptroller General decides are necessary to carry out the duties and powers of the Government Accountability Office. (b) The Comptroller General may establish for appropriate officers and employees a merit pay system consistent with section 5401 of title 5, as in effect on October 31, 1993. (c) The annual rate of basic pay of the General Counsel of the Government Accountability Office is equal to the rate for level IV of the Executive Schedule. (e) The Comptroller General may procure the services of experts and consultants under section 3109 of title 5 at rates not in excess of the daily rate for level IV of the Executive Schedule, except that the services of not more than 20 experts and consultants may be procured for terms of not more than 3 years, but which shall be renewable. (f) The Comptroller General shall prescribe regulations under which officers and employees of the Office may, in appropriate circumstances, be reimbursed for any relocation expenses under subchapter II of chapter 57 of title 5 for which they would not otherwise be eligible, but only if the Comptroller General determines that the transfer giving rise to such relocation is of sufficient benefit or value to the Office to justify such reimbursement. (g) The Comptroller General shall prescribe regulations under which key officers and employees of the Office who have less than 3 years of service may accrue leave in accordance with section 6303(a)(2) of title 5, in those circumstances in which the Comptroller General has determined such increased annual leave is appropriate for the recruitment or retention of such officers and employees. Such regulations shall define key officers and employees and set forth the factors in determining which officers and employees should be allowed to accrue leave in accordance with this subsection. (h) The Comptroller General may by regulation establish an executive exchange program under which officers and employees of the Office may be assigned to private sector organizations, and employees of private sector organizations may be assigned to the Office, to further the institutional interests of the Office or Congress, including for the purpose of providing training to officers and employees of the Office. Regulations to carry out any such program-- (1) shall include provisions (consistent with sections 3702 through 3704 of title 5) as to matters concerning-- (A) the duration and termination of assignments; (B) reimbursements; and (C) status, entitlements, benefits, and obligations of program participants; (2) shall limit-- (A) the number of officers and employees who are assigned to private sector organizations at any one time to not more than 15; and (B) the number of employees from private sector organizations who are assigned to the Office at any one time to not more than 30; (3) shall require that an employee of a private sector organization assigned to the Office may not have access to any trade secrets or to any other nonpublic information which is of commercial value to the private sector organization from which such employee is assigned; (4) shall require that, before approving the assignment of an officer or employee to a private sector organization, the Comptroller General shall determine that the assignment is an effective use of the Office's funds, taking into account the best interests of the Office and the costs and benefits of alternative methods of achieving the same results and objectives; and (5) shall not allow any assignment under this subsection to commence after the end of the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this subsection. (i) An employee of a private sector organization assigned to the Office under the executive exchange program shall be considered to be an employee of the Office for purposes of-- (1) chapter 73 of title 5; (2) sections 201, 203, 205, 207, 208, 209, 603, 606, 607, 643, 654, 1905, and 1913 of title 18; (3) sections 1343, 1344, and 1349(b) of this title; (4) chapter 171 of title 28 (commonly referred to as the ``Federal Tort Claims Act'') and any other Federal tort liability statute; (5) the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.); (6) section 1043 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and (7) chapter 21 of title 41. (j) Funds appropriated to the Government Accountability Office for salaries and expenses are available for meals and other related reasonable expenses incurred in connection with recruitment. (k) Federal Government Details.--The activities of the Government Accountability Office may, in the reasonable discretion of the Comptroller General, be carried out by receiving details of personnel from other offices of the Federal Government on a reimbursable, partially-reimbursable, or nonreimbursable basis. * * * * * * * [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT] ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF NITA LOWEY AND DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ The Legislative Branch appropriations bill is essential to Congress' ability to serve the Nation and fulfill its constitutional duties as an equal branch of government. Regrettably, this bill falls short in providing Congress with the resources needed to fulfill its constitutional duties. The Legislative Branch bill provides another year of flat funding, the third in a row. The bill reflects the Republican budget that set discretionary spending at levels not sufficient to grow the economy or invest in infrastructure. The President put forward a specific plan to avoid sequestration's harmful budget cuts and reduce the deficit in a balanced way. Unfortunately, the Republican Budget does not even meet the President's plan half way. In the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill we see the effect of the Republican Budget most starkly on the Architect of the Capitol, where several projects with life and safety elements were left unfunded. The Office of Compliance issued a citation to the Library of Congress stating ``lack of exit stairwells and exit pathways in the Thomas Jefferson Building that are effectively protected against fire, smoke, or toxic fumes poses an undue danger to the lives and safety of the building occupants.'' Not surprisingly, the Architect ranked the Library of Congress North Exit Stair B as its second most critical project in need of funding. Nonetheless, this bill provides no funds for that and other necessary life and safety projects, including Library of Congress Elevator Modernization, South Stair E Phase I, and Fire Alarm and Audibility Upgrades. The bill not only insufficiently funds the Architect but also includes language to withhold seventy-five percent of funding for any project or phase of a project funded in the bill over $5 million until the House Committee on Appropriations and the Government Accountability Office approve a plan for use of funds. The provision adds an overly burdensome requirement that will unnecessarily hold up the progress of essential projects. The low threshold of $5 million threatens to insert the Committee into the management of projects rather than promote the Committee's appropriate oversight role. The largest reduction in the bill is to the Government Publishing Office (GPO), which was cut by over 8 percent from the fiscal year 2015 level. The office was formerly known as the Government Printing Office until the Committee changed the name of the agency in the fiscal year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill to reflect the digital transformation of the agency. GPO publishes information online and plays a vital role in Congress' transparency. Unfortunately, the bill denies GPO's request to continue to improve its Federal Digital System. The National Academy of Public Administration in 2013 recommended that GPO explore charging fees for access to online legislative data to ensure the long-term preservation of digital government publications. Congress should reject NAPA's recommendation to charge fees and adequately fund GPO through appropriations to ensure free access to government data. The bill rightfully continues the subcommittee's effort to improve the Copyright Office's business practices. As some of the requested increase for Copyright was provided in the bill, the subcommittee also directed the office to provide to the Committee a detailed plan on necessary Information Technology upgrades, including cost estimates. The Copyright Office must improve the backlog of registrations as well as their business processes. Currently customers can only submit documents on paper, which the Copyright Office turns into a digital format-- a glaring inefficiency. This bill recognizes that the effort to transform the Copyright Office will require a long commitment and strong oversight by the legislative branch appropriations subcommittee. Finally, the Ranking Member of the subcommittee put forward a commonsense amendment during Full Committee consideration that would have taken steps to ensure House of Representatives cafeteria workers are paid a livable wage. The amendment directed the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives to solicit and select a food service contractor who provides a livable wage to its employees to meet basic needs for food and shelter. The amendment set no amount for wages but required the contractor to use local economic indices to establish these wages. Regrettably, this amendment was defeated 29-21 with Republican Members voting against and Democratic Members voting in the affirmative. The Democratic Members of the Committee will continue to strive to require that contractors doing business with the House of Representatives pay wages and provide benefits that allow their employees to live above poverty levels and move into the middle class. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Nita M. Lowey. [all]