WASHINGTON, D.C. - The House Appropriations Committee today passed the fiscal year 2018 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill which provides annual funding for the offices of Members of the House of Representatives and the support agencies of Congress, including the Library of Congress.

“This legislation improves the safety of families visiting the Capitol and for anyone that works for this great institution. As we all witnessed two weeks ago, the Capitol and its visitors are at increased risk.  Today and every day, we owe an immense debt of gratitude to the United States Capitol Police as they put their lives on the line protecting the Capitol and the millions of annual visitors,” said Appropriations Committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen.

The bill provides an increase of funding for the Capitol Police to fund critical safety and enhanced security functions.  In total, the Committee recommends Capitol Police funding at $422.5 million, an increase of $29.2 million above current levels. This will suppoort critical safety and enhanced security functions for all Members, staff, and visitors of the Capitol Complex, and maintain public access to the Capitol and its office buildings.

The bill also contains $1.194 billion to fund the operations of the House – an increase of $5 million above fiscal year 2017. This account provides funding for Members’ Representational Allowances (MRAs), leadership, committees, and Officers of the House. This additional funding will enhance security for Members when they are away from the Capitol complex.  Funding is provided for additional cybersecurity enhancements.

“This legislation also includes the necessary resources to keep Congress open for business, fully functioning, and accessible to all, ensuring the best possible constituent service to the people of this nation and New Jersey,” said Frelinghuysen.

The bill also continues critical funding for the Library of Congress, one of the largest libraries in the world with a collection of over 162 million items, many available digitally for constituents.   The Veterans History Project, in which many NJ-11 veterans have graciously participated, is fully funded and will continue to capture the personal accounts of our American heroes from all wars for future generations.

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