2 U.S.C. § 166 (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 5: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS / Section 166: Congressional Research Service
Congressional Research Service
Status: in_force

(a) Redesignation of Legislative Reference Service

The Legislative Reference Service in the Library of Congress is hereby continued as a separate department in the Library of Congress and is redesignated the "Congressional Research Service".

(b) Functions and objectives

It is the policy of Congress that—

(1) the Librarian of Congress shall, in every possible way, encourage, assist, and promote the Congressional Research Service in—

(A) rendering to Congress the most effective and efficient service,

(B) responding most expeditiously, effectively, and efficiently to the special needs of Congress, and

(C) discharging its responsibilities to Congress;

and

(2) the Librarian of Congress shall grant and accord to the Congressional Research Service complete research independence and the maximum practicable administrative independence consistent with these objectives.

(c) Appointment and compensation of Director, Deputy Director, and other necessary personnel; minimum grade for Senior Specialists; classification above GS–15 of Specialists and Senior Specialists; appointment without regard to civil service laws and political affiliation and on basis of fitness to perform duties

(1) After consultation with the Joint Committee on the Library, the Librarian of Congress shall appoint the Director of the Congressional Research Service. The Director shall be compensated at the greater of the rate of pay in effect for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5 or the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable under section 5376 of such title for positions at agencies with a performance appraisal system certified under section 5307(d) of such title.

(2) The Librarian of Congress, upon the recommendation of the Director, shall appoint a Deputy Director of the Congressional Research Service and all other necessary personnel thereof. The basic pay of the Deputy Director shall be fixed in accordance with chapter 51 (relating to classification) and section 5376 of title 5. The basic pay of all other necessary personnel of the Congressional Research Service shall be fixed in accordance with chapter 51 (relating to classification) and subchapter III (relating to General Schedule pay rates) of chapter 53 of title 5, except that—

(A) the grade of Senior Specialist in each field within the purview of subsection (e) of this section shall not be less than the highest grade in the executive branch of the Government to which research analysts and consultants, without supervisory responsibility, are currently assigned; and

(B) the positions of Specialist and Senior Specialist in the Congressional Research Service may be classified above GS–15 in accordance with section 5108(c) of title 5, and the rate of basic pay for such positions may be fixed in accordance with section 5376 of such title, subject to the prior approval of the Joint Committee on the Library.

(3) Each appointment made under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection and subsection (e) of this section shall be without regard to the civil service laws, without regard to political affiliation, and solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the position.

(d) Duties of Service; assistance to Congressional committees; list of terminating programs and subjects for analysis; legislative data, studies, etc.; information research; digest of bills, preparation; legislation, purpose and effect, and preparation of memoranda; information and research capability, development

It shall be the duty of the Congressional Research Service, without partisan bias—

(1) upon request, to advise and assist any committee of the Senate or House of Representatives and any joint committee of Congress in the analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of legislative proposals within that committee's jurisdiction, or of recommendations submitted to Congress, by the President or any executive agency, so as to assist the committee in—

(A) determining the advisability of enacting such proposals;

(B) estimating the probable results of such proposals and alternatives thereto; and

(C) evaluating alternative methods for accomplishing those results;

and, by providing such other research and analytical services as the committee considers appropriate for these purposes, otherwise to assist in furnishing a basis for the proper evaluation and determination of legislative proposals and recommendations generally; and in the performance of this duty the Service shall have authority, when so authorized by a committee and acting as the agent of that committee, to request of any department or agency of the United States the production of such books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, and documents as the Service considers necessary, and such department or agency of the United States shall comply with such request; and further, in the performance of this and any other relevant duty, the Service shall maintain continuous liaison with all committees;

(2) to make available to each committee of the Senate and House of Representatives and each joint committee of the two Houses, at the opening of a new Congress, a list of programs and activities being carried out under existing law scheduled to terminate during the current Congress, which are within the jurisdiction of the committee;

(3) to make available to each committee of the Senate and House of Representatives and each joint committee of the two Houses, at the opening of a new Congress, a list of subjects and policy areas which the committee might profitably analyze in depth;

(4) upon request, or upon its own initiative in anticipation of requests, to collect, classify, and analyze in the form of studies, reports, compilations, digests, bulletins, indexes, translations, and otherwise, data having a bearing on legislation, and to make such data available and serviceable to committees and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives and joint committees of Congress;

(5) upon request, or upon its own initiative in anticipation of requests, to prepare and provide information, research, and reference materials and services to committees and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives and joint committees of Congress to assist them in their legislative and representative functions;

(6) to prepare summaries and digests of bills and resolutions of a public general nature introduced in the Senate or House of Representatives;

(7) upon request made by any committee or Member of the Congress, to prepare and transmit to such committee or Member a concise memorandum with respect to one or more legislative measures upon which hearings by any committee of the Congress have been announced, which memorandum shall contain a statement of the purpose and effect of each such measure, a description of other relevant measures of similar purpose or effect previously introduced in the Congress, and a recitation of all action taken theretofore by or within the Congress with respect to each such other measure;

(8) to develop and maintain an information and research capability, to include Senior Specialists, Specialists, other employees, and consultants, as necessary, to perform the functions provided for in this subsection; and

(9) to comply with the requirements of, and provide information and technological assistance consistent with, section 124 1 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2018.

(e) Specialists and Senior Specialists; appointment; fields of appointment

The Librarian of Congress is authorized to appoint in the Congressional Research Service, upon the recommendation of the Director, Specialists and Senior Specialists in the following broad fields:

(1) agriculture;

(2) American government and public administration;

(3) American public law;

(4) conservation;

(5) education;

(6) engineering and public works;

(7) housing;

(8) industrial organization and corporation finance;

(9) international affairs;

(10) international trade and economic geography;

(11) labor and employment;

(12) mineral economics;

(13) money and banking;

(14) national defense;

(15) price economics;

(16) science;

(17) social welfare;

(18) taxation and fiscal policy;

(19) technology;

(20) transportation and communications;

(21) urban affairs;

(22) veterans' affairs; and

(23) such other broad fields as the Director may consider appropriate.

Such Specialists and Senior Specialists, together with such other employees of the Congressional Research Service as may be necessary, shall be available for special work with the committees and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives and the joint committees of Congress for any of the purposes of subsection (d) of this section.

(f) Duties of Director; establishment and change of research and reference divisions or other organizational units, or both

The Director is authorized—

(1) to classify, organize, arrange, group, and divide, from time to time, as he considers advisable, the requests for advice, assistance, and other services submitted to the Congressional Research Service by committees and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives and joint committees of Congress, into such classes and categories as he considers necessary to—

(A) expedite and facilitate the handling of the individual requests submitted by Members of the Senate and House of Representatives,

(B) promote efficiency in the performance of services for committees of the Senate and House of Representatives and joint committees of Congress, and

(C) provide a basis for the efficient performance by the Congressional Research Service of its legislative research and related functions generally,

and

(2) to establish and change, from time to time, as he considers advisable, within the Congressional Research Service, such research and reference divisions or other organizational units, or both, as he considers necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section.

(g) Budget estimates

The Director of the Congressional Research Service will submit to the Librarian of Congress for review, consideration, evaluation, and approval, the budget estimates of the Congressional Research Service for inclusion in the Budget of the United States Government.

(h) Experts or consultants, individual or organizational, and persons and organizations with specialized knowledge; procurement of temporary or intermittent assistance; contracts, nonpersonal and personal service; advertisement requirements inapplicable; end product; pay; travel time

(1) The Director of the Congressional Research Service may procure the temporary or intermittent assistance of individual experts or consultants (including stenographic reporters) and of persons learned in particular or specialized fields of knowledge—

(A) by nonpersonal service contract, without regard to any provision of law requiring advertising for contract bids, with the individual expert, consultant, or other person concerned, as an independent contractor, for the furnishing by him to the Congressional Research Service of a written study, treatise, theme, discourse, dissertation, thesis, summary, advisory opinion, or other end product; or

(B) by employment (for a period of not more than one year) in the Congressional Research Service of the individual expert, consultant, or other person concerned, by personal service contract or otherwise, without regard to the position classification laws, at a rate of pay not in excess of the per diem equivalent of the highest rate of basic pay then currently in effect for the General Schedule of section 5332 of title 5, including payment of such rate for necessary travel time.

(2) The Director of the Congressional Research Service may procure by contract, without regard to any provision of law requiring advertising for contract bids, the temporary (for respective periods not in excess of one year) or intermittent assistance of educational, research, or other organizations of experts and consultants (including stenographic reporters) and of educational, research, and other organizations of persons learned in particular or specialized fields of knowledge.

(i) Special report to Joint Committee on the Library

The Director of the Congressional Research Service shall prepare and file with the Joint Committee on the Library at the beginning of each regular session of Congress a separate and special report covering, in summary and in detail, all phases of activity of the Congressional Research Service for the immediately preceding fiscal year, and shall include in the report a description of the efforts made by the Director to make additional Congressional Research Service products that are not confidential products or services available to the Librarian of Congress for publication on the website established and maintained under section 124 1 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2018.

(j) Authorization of appropriations

There are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Congressional Research Service each fiscal year such sums as may be necessary to carry on the work of the Service.

(Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, title II, §203, 60 Stat. 836; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, title XI, §1106(a), 63 Stat. 972; Pub. L. 91–510, title III, §321(a), Oct. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 1181; Pub. L. 99–190, §133, Dec. 19, 1985, 99 Stat. 1322; Pub. L. 106–57, title II, §209(b), Sept. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 424; Pub. L. 115–141, div. I, title I, §154(b)(7), (d), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 789, 790; Pub. L. 116–94, div. P, title XIV, §1404(a)(2), (b)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3208.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 124 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2018, referred to in subsecs. (d)(9) and (i), probably should be section 154 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2018, Pub. L. 115–141, div. I, title I, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 787. Section 154 of Pub. L. 115–141 enacted section 166a of this title, related to equal access to Congressional Research Service Reports, and amended this section. Div. I of Pub. L. 115–141 does not contain a section 124.

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 116–94, §1404(a)(2), substituted "The Director shall be compensated at the greater of the rate of pay in effect for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5 or the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable under section 5376 of such title for positions at agencies with a performance appraisal system certified under section 5307(d) of such title." for "The basic pay of the Director shall be at a per annum rate equal to the rate of basic pay provided for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5."

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 116–94, §1404(b)(1)(A), substituted "section 5376 of title 5." for "subchapter III (relating to General Schedule pay rates) of chapter 53 of title 5, but without regard to section 5108(a) of such title." in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 116–94, §1404(b)(1)(B), substituted "may be classified above GS–15 in accordance with section 5108(c) of title 5, and the rate of basic pay for such positions may be fixed in accordance with section 5376 of such title, subject to the prior approval of the Joint Committee on the Library." for "may be placed in GS–16, 17, and 18 of the General Schedule of section 5332 of title 5, without regard to section 5108(a) of such title, subject to the prior approval of the Joint Committee on the Library, of the placement of each such position in any of such grades."

2018—Subsec. (d)(9). Pub. L. 115–141, §154(d), added par. (9).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 115–141, §154(b)(7), substituted ", and shall include in the report a description of the efforts made by the Director to make additional Congressional Research Service products that are not confidential products or services available to the Librarian of Congress for publication on the website established and maintained under section 124 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2018." for period at end.

1999—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 106–57 substituted second sentence for former second sentence which read as follows: "The basic pay of the Director shall be at a per annum rate equal to the rate of basic pay provided for level V of the Executive Schedule contained in section 5316 of title 5."

1985—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–190 amended subsec. (g) generally. Prior to amendment subsec. (g) read as follows: "In order to facilitate the study, consideration, evaluation, and determination by the Congress of the budget requirements of the Congressional Research Service for each fiscal year, the Librarian of Congress shall receive from the Director and submit, for inclusion in the Budget of the United States Government, the budget estimates of the Congressional Research Service which shall be prepared separately by the Director in detail for each fiscal year as a separate item of the budget estimates of the Library of Congress for such fiscal year."

1970—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–510 substituted provision for continuation of Legislative Reference Service, redesignated "Congressional Research Service", for prior authorization for establishment of Legislative Reference Service and deleted second sentence, cls. (1) to (3), prescribing as duties of such Service for the Congress and its committees, the giving of advice and assistance, making data available, and preparing summaries and digests of public hearings before committees and of bills and resolutions of public nature, which was incorporated in subsec. (d)(1), (d)(4), and (d)(6), respectively, of this section.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 91–510 added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b)(1) provided for appointment of director, assistant director, and other necessary personnel of Legislative Reference Service, without regard to civil-service laws, without reference to political affiliations, on ground of fitness to perform duties of the office, for compensation in accordance with Classification Act of 1949, with a prescribed minimum for senior specialists in the various fields, and made all employees of the Service subject to civil-service retirement laws, now incorporated in subsec. (c)(1), (2)(A), and (3) of this section and sections 8331(1)(viii) and 8347(j) of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Former subsec. (b)(2) provided for appointment of senior specialists in certain enumerated fields and was covered in subsec. (e) of this section.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 91–510 incorporated in provisions added as subsec. (c) provisions of former subsec. (b) (1), and in revising them, provided in par. (1) for consultation with Joint Committee on the Library before appointment of Director and for basic pay rate of Director equal to level V of Executive Schedule, provided in par. (2) for appointment, upon recommendation of the Director, of a Deputy Director and made references to classification and General Schedule pay rate provisions of revised Title 5, reenacted as subpar. (A) proviso of second sentence of former subsec. (b)(1), and added subpar. (B), and in par. (3) reenacted part of first sentence of former subsec. (b)(1).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 91–510 incorporated in provisions added as subsec. (d) second sentence, cls. (1) to (3), of former subsec. (a), and in revising the provision, added pars. (2), (3), (5), (7), and (8), substituted "Congressional Research Service" for "Legislative Reference Service", reenacted introductory "without partisan bias" provision of former cl. (2), incorporated in par. (1) former cl. (1), substituting "proposals within that committee's jurisdiction" for "proposals pending before it" and "otherwise to assist in furnishing a basis for the proper evaluation and determination of legislative proposals and recommendations generally" for "otherwise to assist in furnishing a basis for the proper determination of measures before the committee", added subpars. (A) to (C), provision for assistance by providing other research and analytical services, authorization for production of books, records, etc., compliance with request for such production, and maintenance of liaison with all committees, incorporated in par. (4) former cl. (2), substituting "collect" for "gather" and including analysis in form of studies and reports, and making data available to joint committees, and incorporated in par. (6) former cl. (3), omitting provision respecting summaries and digests of public hearings before committees of Congress.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 91–510 incorporated in provisions added as subsec. (e) provisions of former subsec. (b)(2), and in revising them, in introductory text, substituted "Congressional Research Service" for "Legislative Reference Service" and authorized appointments "upon the recommendation of the Director", including Specialists; provided numerical item designations for broad fields listed in prior paragraph in run-on form, added fields of national defense, science, technology, urban affairs, and other broad fields as deemed appropriate by the Director in items (14), (16), (19), (21), and (23), and combined separate fields of "full employment" and "labor" in "labor and employment" in item (11); and in last sentence, included Senior Specialists and substituted "such other employees of the Congressional Research Service" for "such other members of the staff" and "special work with the committees and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives and the joint committees of Congress for any of the purposes of subsection (d) of this section" for "special work with the appropriate committees of Congress for any of the purposes set out in subsection (a)(1) of this section".

Subsecs. (f) to (i). Pub. L. 91–510 added subsecs. (f) to (i).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 91–510 incorporated in provisions added as subsec. (j) appropriations authorization of section 203(c) of Act Aug. 2, 1946, which had also provided $550,000, $650,000, and $750,000, for fiscal years ending June 30, 1947, 1948, and 1949, respectively.

1949—Subsec. (b)(1). Act Oct. 28, 1949, substituted "Classification Act of 1949" for "Classification Act of 1923".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–141 effective 90 days after the date on which the Librarian of Congress submits the certification described in section 166a(f)(2)(B) of this title, with delay permitted for technical difficulties, see section 166a(f) of this title.

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–57 applicable with respect to the first pay period which begins on or after Sept. 29, 1999 and each subsequent pay period, see section 209(c) of Pub. L. 106–57, set out as a note under section 136a–2 of this title.

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment of provisions, other than enactment of subsecs. (d)(2), (3) and (i) of this section, and enactment of subsecs. (d)(2), (3) and (i) by Pub. L. 91–510 effective immediately prior to noon on Jan. 3, 1971, at the close of the first session of the Ninety-second Congress, and with respect to fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 1970, respectively, see section 601(1), (3), and (4) of Pub. L. 91–510, set out as a note under section 4301 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Aug. 2, 1946, see section 245 of act Aug. 2, 1946, set out as a note under section 4301 of this title.

Repeals

Act Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, cited as a credit to this section, was repealed (subject to a savings clause) by Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, §8, 80 Stat. 632, 655.

References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay Rates

References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, §101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.

Compensation of Director of Congressional Research Service

Pub. L. 105–275, title I, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2444, which provided that the compensation of the Director of the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, was to be at an annual rate equal to the annual rate of basic pay for positions at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, was from the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1999, and was not repeated in subsequent appropriations acts. Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 105–55, title I, Oct. 7, 1997, 111 Stat. 1190.

Pub. L. 104–197, title I, Sept. 16, 1996, 110 Stat. 2406.

Pub. L. 104–53, title I, Nov. 19, 1995, 109 Stat. 529.

Pub. L. 103–283, title I, July 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 1435.

Pub. L. 103–69, title I, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 703.

Pub. L. 102–392, title I, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1715.

Pub. L. 102–90, title I, Aug. 14, 1991, 105 Stat. 460.

Pub. L. 101–520, title I, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2269.

Pub. L. 101–163, title I, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1057.

Pub. L. 100–458, title I, Oct. 1, 1988, 102 Stat. 2171.

Pub. L. 100–202, §101(i) [title I], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–290, 1329–303.

Pub. L. 99–500, §101(j) [H.R. 5203, title I], Oct. 18, 1986, 100 Stat. 1783–287, and Pub. L. 99–591, §101(j), Oct. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 3341–287.

Pub. L. 99–151, title I, Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 802.

Pub. L. 98–367, title I, July 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 484.

1 See References in Text note below.
2 U.S.C. § 1402 (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 24: CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY / Subchapter IV: ADMINISTRATIVE AND JUDICIAL DISPUTE-RESOLUTION PROCEDURES / Section 1402: Initiation of procedures
Initiation of procedures
Status: in_force

(a) Claim

(1) Filing of claim

To commence a proceeding under this subchapter, a covered employee alleging a violation of law made applicable under part A of subchapter II shall file a claim with the Office. The Office shall not accept a claim which is filed after the deadline applicable under subsection (d).

(2) Contents of claim

The claim filed under this section shall be made in writing under oath or affirmation, shall describe the facts that form the basis of the claim and the violation that is being alleged, shall identify the employing office alleged to have committed the violation or in which the violation is alleged to have occurred, and shall be in such form as the Office requires.

(3) No effect on ability of covered employee to seek information from office or pursue relief

Nothing in paragraph (2), or subsection (b) or (c), may be construed to limit the ability of a covered employee—

(A) to contact the Office or any other appropriate office prior to filing a claim under this section to seek information regarding the employee's rights under this chapter and the procedures available under this chapter;

(B) in the case of a covered employee of an employing office of the House of Representatives or Senate, to refer information regarding an alleged violation of part A of subchapter II to the Committee on Ethics of the House of Representatives or the Select Committee on Ethics of the Senate (as the case may be); or

(C) to file a civil action in accordance with section 1401(b) of this title.

(b) Initial processing of claim

(1) Intake and recording; notification to employing office

Upon the filing of a claim by a covered employee under subsection (a), the Office shall take such steps as may be necessary for the initial intake and recording of the claim, including providing each party with all relevant information with respect to the rights of the party under this chapter, and shall transmit immediately a copy of the claim to the head of the employing office and the designated representative of that office.

(2) Special notification requirements for claims based on acts by members of Congress

(A) In general

In the case of a claim alleging a violation described in subparagraph (B) which consists of a violation described in section 1415(d)(1)(A) of this title by an individual, upon the filing of the claim under subsection (a), the Office shall notify immediately such individual of the claim, the possibility that the individual may be required to reimburse the account described in section 1415(a) of this title for the reimbursable portion of any award or settlement in connection with the claim, and the right of the individual under section 1415(d)(8) of this title to intervene in any mediation, hearing, or civil action under this subchapter with respect to the claim.

(B) Violations described

A violation described in this subparagraph is—

(i) harassment that is unlawful under section 1311(a) or 1316(a) of this title; or

(ii) intimidation, reprisal, or discrimination that is unlawful under section 1317 of this title and is taken against a covered employee because of a claim alleging a violation described in clause (i).

(c) Use of secure electronic reporting and tracking system

(1) Establishment and operation of secure system

The Office shall establish and operate a secure electronic reporting system through which a covered employee may initiate a proceeding under this subchapter, and which will keep an electronic record of the date and time at which the proceeding is initiated and will track all subsequent actions or proceedings occurring with respect to the proceeding under this subchapter.

(2) Accessibility to all parties

The system shall be accessible to all parties to such actions or proceedings, but only until the completion of such actions or proceedings.

(3) Assessment of effectiveness of procedures

The Office shall use the information contained in the system to make regular assessments of the effectiveness of the procedures under this subchapter in providing for the timely resolution of claims, and shall submit semi-annual reports on such assessments each year to the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate.

(d) Deadline

A covered employee may not file a claim under this section with respect to an allegation of a violation of law after the expiration of the 180-day period which begins on the date of the alleged violation.

(Pub. L. 104–1, title IV, §402, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 32; Pub. L. 115–397, title I, §102(a), Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5301.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Part A of subchapter II, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), (3)(B), was in the original "part A of title II", meaning part A (§§201–207) of title II of Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 7, which is classified principally to part A of subchapter II of this chapter. For complete classification of part A to the Code, see Tables.

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(3)(A) and (b)(1), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–397 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to counseling prior to commencing a proceeding.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–397 effective upon expiration of the 180-day period beginning on Dec. 21, 2018, with provisions for effect on pending proceedings, see section 401 of Pub. L. 115–397, set out as a note under section 1301 of this title.
2 U.S.C. § 1849 (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 28: ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL / Subchapter III: PERSONNEL / Section 1849: Compensation of certain positions under jurisdiction of Architect of the Capitol
Compensation of certain positions under jurisdiction of Architect of the Capitol
Status: in_force

The Architect of the Capitol may fix the rate of basic pay for not more than 32 positions at a rate not to exceed the highest total rate of pay for the Senior Executive Service under subchapter VIII of chapter 53 of title 5 for the locality involved.

(Pub. L. 101–520, title I, §108, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2268; Pub. L. 102–90, title I, §104, Aug. 14, 1991, 105 Stat. 459; Pub. L. 105–55, title III, §311(a), (b), Oct. 7, 1997, 111 Stat. 1201; Pub. L. 107–68, title I, §129(c)(1), Nov. 12, 2001, 115 Stat. 580; Pub. L. 107–117, div. B, §914(a), Jan. 10, 2002, 115 Stat. 2324; Pub. L. 109–55, title I, §1201(a), Aug. 2, 2005, 119 Stat. 579; Pub. L. 111–316, §1(a), Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3452.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was classified to section 166b–3b of former Title 40, prior to the enactment of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, by Pub. L. 107–217, §1, Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1062.

Amendments

2010—Pub. L. 111–316 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to compensation of certain positions under jurisdiction of Architect of the Capitol, specifying twelve positions fixed in relation to Senior Executive Service, nine positions fixed in relation to the General Schedule, and four positions for Executive Project Directors.

2005—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–55 substituted "9 positions" for "8 positions".

2002—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–117 added subsec. (c).

2001—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–68, §129(c)(1)(A), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which read as follows: "Effective as of the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after November 5, 1990, the compensation of the Director of Engineering (under the Architect of the Capitol) shall be equal to such rate as the Architect considers appropriate, not to exceed 90 percent of the highest total rate of pay for the Senior Executive Service under chapter 53 of title 5 for the locality involved."

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 107–68, §129(c)(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows:

"(1) Effective beginning with any pay period beginning on or after November 5, 1990, the Architect of the Capitol may fix the rate of basic pay—

"(A) for not more than one of the positions under paragraph (2) at a rate not to exceed 90 percent of the highest total rate of pay for the Senior Executive Service under chapter 53 of title 5 for the locality involved; and

"(B) for any other position under paragraph (2), at such rate as the Architect considers appropriate for such position, not to exceed 85 percent of the highest total rate of pay for the Senior Executive Service under chapter 53 of title 5 for the locality involved.

"(2) Authority under paragraph (1) may be exercised with respect to any of the following positions under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol:

"(A) The Senior Landscape Architect.

"(B) The Administrative Assistant.

"(C) The Executive Officer.

"(D) The Budget Officer.

"(E) The General Counsel.

"(F) The Superintendent of the Senate Office Buildings.

"(G) The Superintendent of the House Office Buildings.

"(H) The Supervising Engineer of the United States Capitol."

1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–55, §311(a), substituted "such rate as the Architect considers appropriate, not to exceed 90 percent of the highest total rate of pay for the Senior Executive Service under chapter 53 of title 5 for the locality involved" for "the rate of basic pay payable for level V of the Executive Schedule".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–55, §311(b)(1), struck out at end "For purposes of the preceding sentence, 'the maximum rate allowable for the Senior Executive Service' means the highest rate of basic pay that may be set for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382(b) of title 5."

Subsec. (b)(1)(A), (B). Pub. L. 105–55, §311(b)(2), substituted "the highest total rate of pay for the Senior Executive Service under chapter 53 of title 5 for the locality involved" for "the maximum rate allowable for the Senior Executive Service".

1991—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–90, §104(a)(3), inserted sentence at end relating to maximum rate allowable for Senior Executive Service.

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 102–90, §104(a)(1), substituted "90 percent of the maximum rate allowable for the Senior Executive Service;" for "the rate payable for grade GS–18 of the General Schedule;".

Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 102–90, §104(a)(2), substituted "85 percent of the maximum rate allowable for the Senior Executive Service." for "the rate payable for step 2 of grade GS–17 of the General Schedule."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–90, §104(b), added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–316 applicable with respect to pay periods beginning on or after Dec. 18, 2010, see section 1(c) of Pub. L. 111–316, set out as a note under section 1805 of this title.

Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–55, title I, §1201(b), Aug. 2, 2005, 119 Stat. 579, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to pay periods beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 2, 2005]."

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–117, div. B, §914(b), Jan. 10, 2002, 115 Stat. 2324, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to pay periods beginning on or after October 1, 2001."

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–68, title I, §129(c)(2), Nov. 12, 2001, 115 Stat. 580, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to pay periods beginning on or after the expiration of the 21-day period which begins on the date the Architect of the Capitol submits to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate a list containing the 12 positions for which the Architect will fix the rate of basic pay under the amendment, the rate of basic pay for each such position, and the job description for each such position."

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–55, title III, §311(c), Oct. 7, 1997, 111 Stat. 1202, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to pay periods beginning on or after January 1, 1998."
2 U.S.C. § 2212 (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 31: CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER / Subchapter II: OFFICE OF THE CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER / Section 2212: Appointment and supervision of Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services
Appointment and supervision of Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services
Status: in_force

(a) Appointment

The Chief Executive Officer shall be appointed by the Architect of the Capitol.

(b) Supervision and oversight

The Chief Executive Officer shall report directly to the Architect of the Capitol and shall be subject to oversight by the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate and the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives.

(c) Removal

Upon removal of the Chief Executive Officer, the Architect of the Capitol shall immediately provide notice of the removal to the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate. The notice shall include the reasons for the removal.

(d) Compensation

The Chief Executive Officer shall be paid at an annual rate of pay equal to the annual rate of pay of the Deputy Architect of the Capitol.

(e) Transition for current Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services

(1) Appointment

The individual who serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services under section 1806 of this title as of October 20, 2008, shall be the first Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services appointed by the Architect under this section.

(2) Omitted

(Pub. L. 110–437, title II, §202, Oct. 20, 2008, 122 Stat. 4986.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1806 of this title, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), was repealed by Pub. L. 110–437, title II, §202(e)(2), Oct. 20, 2008, 122 Stat. 4987.

Codification

Section is comprised of section 202 of Pub. L. 110–437. Subsec. (e)(2) of section 202 of Pub. L. 110–437 repealed section 1806 of this title.
2 U.S.C. § 336 (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 10A: PAYROLL ADMINISTRATION IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / Section 336: Transferred
Transferred
Status: transferred

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section 336 was editorially reclassified as section 4535 of this title.
2 U.S.C. § 658c (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 17A: CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET AND FISCAL OPERATIONS / Subchapter II: FISCAL PROCEDURES / Section 658c: Duties of Director; statements on bills and joint resolutions other than appropriations bills and joint resolutions
Duties of Director; statements on bills and joint resolutions other than appropriations bills and joint resolutions
Status: in_force

(a) Federal intergovernmental mandates in reported bills and resolutions

For each bill or joint resolution of a public character reported by any committee of authorization of the Senate or the House of Representatives, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office shall prepare and submit to the committee a statement as follows:

(1) Contents

If the Director estimates that the direct cost of all Federal intergovernmental mandates in the bill or joint resolution will equal or exceed $50,000,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) in the fiscal year in which any Federal intergovernmental mandate in the bill or joint resolution (or in any necessary implementing regulation) would first be effective or in any of the 4 fiscal years following such fiscal year, the Director shall so state, specify the estimate, and briefly explain the basis of the estimate.

(2) Estimates

Estimates required under paragraph (1) shall include estimates (and brief explanations of the basis of the estimates) of—

(A) the total amount of direct cost of complying with the Federal intergovernmental mandates in the bill or joint resolution;

(B) if the bill or resolution contains an authorization of appropriations under section 658d(a)(2)(B) of this title, the amount of new budget authority for each fiscal year for a period not to exceed 10 years beyond the effective date necessary for the direct cost of the intergovernmental mandate; and

(C) the amount, if any, of increase in authorization of appropriations under existing Federal financial assistance programs, or of authorization of appropriations for new Federal financial assistance, provided by the bill or joint resolution and usable by State, local, or tribal governments for activities subject to the Federal intergovernmental mandates.

(3) Additional flexibility information

The Director shall include in the statement submitted under this subsection, in the case of legislation that makes changes as described in section 658(5)(B)(i)(II) of this title—

(A) if no additional flexibility is provided in the legislation, a description of whether and how the States can offset the reduction under existing law; or

(B) if additional flexibility is provided in the legislation, whether the resulting savings would offset the reductions in that program assuming the States fully implement that additional flexibility.

(4) Estimate not feasible

If the Director determines that it is not feasible to make a reasonable estimate that would be required under paragraphs (1) and (2), the Director shall not make the estimate, but shall report in the statement that the reasonable estimate cannot be made and shall include the reasons for that determination in the statement. If such determination is made by the Director, a point of order under this part shall lie only under section 658d(a)(1) of this title and as if the requirement of section 658d(a)(1) of this title had not been met.

(b) Federal private sector mandates in reported bills and joint resolutions

For each bill or joint resolution of a public character reported by any committee of authorization of the Senate or the House of Representatives, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office shall prepare and submit to the committee a statement as follows:

(1) Contents

If the Director estimates that the direct cost of all Federal private sector mandates in the bill or joint resolution will equal or exceed $100,000,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) in the fiscal year in which any Federal private sector mandate in the bill or joint resolution (or in any necessary implementing regulation) would first be effective or in any of the 4 fiscal years following such fiscal year, the Director shall so state, specify the estimate, and briefly explain the basis of the estimate.

(2) Estimates

Estimates required under paragraph (1) shall include estimates (and a brief explanation of the basis of the estimates) of—

(A) the total amount of direct costs of complying with the Federal private sector mandates in the bill or joint resolution; and

(B) the amount, if any, of increase in authorization of appropriations under existing Federal financial assistance programs, or of authorization of appropriations for new Federal financial assistance, provided by the bill or joint resolution usable by the private sector for the activities subject to the Federal private sector mandates.

(3) Estimate not feasible

If the Director determines that it is not feasible to make a reasonable estimate that would be required under paragraphs (1) and (2), the Director shall not make the estimate, but shall report in the statement that the reasonable estimate cannot be made and shall include the reasons for that determination in the statement.

(c) Legislation falling below direct costs thresholds

If the Director estimates that the direct costs of a Federal mandate will not equal or exceed the thresholds specified in subsections (a) and (b), the Director shall so state and shall briefly explain the basis of the estimate.

(d) Amended bills and joint resolutions; conference reports

If a bill or joint resolution is passed in an amended form (including if passed by one House as an amendment in the nature of a substitute for the text of a bill or joint resolution from the other House) or is reported by a committee of conference in amended form, and the amended form contains a Federal mandate not previously considered by either House or which contains an increase in the direct cost of a previously considered Federal mandate, then the committee of conference shall ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that the Director shall prepare a statement as provided in this subsection or a supplemental statement for the bill or joint resolution in that amended form.

(Pub. L. 93–344, title IV, §424, as added Pub. L. 104–4, title I, §101(a)(2), Mar. 22, 1995, 109 Stat. 55; amended Pub. L. 106–141, §2(b), Dec. 7, 1999, 113 Stat. 1699.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1999—Subsec. (a)(3), (4). Pub. L. 106–141 added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Jan. 1, 1996, or on the date 90 days after appropriations are made available as authorized under section 1516 of this title, whichever is earlier, and applicable to legislation considered on and after such date, see section 110 of Pub. L. 104–4, set out as a note under section 1511 of this title.
2 U.S.C. § 2086 (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 30: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CAPITOL COMPLEX / Subchapter V: HISTORICAL PRESERVATION AND FINE ARTS / Section 2086: Definition
Definition
Status: in_force

As used in this part, the term "Member of the House of Representatives" means a Representative in, or a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress.

(Pub. L. 100–696, title VIII, §806, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4610.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was classified to section 188a–5 of former Title 40, prior to the enactment of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, by Pub. L. 107–217, §1, Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1062.
2 U.S.C. § 4538 (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 45: CONGRESSIONAL PAY AND BENEFITS / Subchapter II: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / Section 4538: Reimbursement of residential telecommunications expenses for House Members, officers, and employees
Reimbursement of residential telecommunications expenses for House Members, officers, and employees
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, official resources may be used during a fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 1999), in accordance with regulations of the Committee on House Oversight, to reimburse a Member, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives for the ordinary and necessary expenses related to the official use of telecommunications lines in the residence of the Member, officer, or employee.

(b) The Committee on House Oversight shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement this section.

(Pub. L. 105–275, title I, §109, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2439.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 127b of this title prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

Section is from the Congressional Operations Appropriations Act, 1999, which is title I of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1999.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on House Oversight of House of Representatives changed to Committee on House Administration of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Jan. 6, 1999.
2 U.S.C. § 5506 (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 55: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OFFICERS AND ADMINISTRATION / Subchapter I: GENERAL / Section 5506: Appropriations for expenses of House; restrictions
Appropriations for expenses of House; restrictions
Status: in_force

Appropriations made for expenses of the House of Representatives shall not be used for the payment of personal services except upon the express and specific authorization of the House in whose behalf such services are rendered. Nor shall such appropriations be used for any expenses not intimately and directly connected with the routine legislative business of the House of Representatives, and the Government Accountability Office shall apply the provisions of this section in the settlement of the accounts of expenditures from said appropriations incurred for services or materials.

(Feb. 14, 1902, ch. 17, §1, 32 Stat. 26; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, title III, §304, 42 Stat. 24; Pub. L. 104–186, title II, §204(45), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1737; Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 95a of this title prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section. Section was also formerly classified to section 671 of Title 31 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 31, Money and Finance, by Pub. L. 97–258, §1, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 877.

Section is based on provisions of proviso on 32 Stat. 26, act of Feb. 14, 1902, ch. 17, the Urgent Deficiency Appropriation Act for the fiscal year 1902, relating to appropriations for contingent expenses of House of Representatives. Provisions of proviso relating to appropriations for expenses of Senate are classified to section 6505 of this title.

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–186 substituted "expenses of the House" for "contingent expenses of the House".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

"Government Accountability Office" substituted in text for "General Accounting Office" pursuant to section 8 of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 702 of Title 31, Money and Finance, which redesignated the General Accounting Office and any references thereto as the Government Accountability Office. Previously, "General Accounting Office" substituted in text for "accounting officers of the Treasury" pursuant to act June 10, 1921, which transferred powers and duties of Comptroller, six auditors, and certain other employees of the Treasury to General Accounting Office. See section 701 et seq. of Title 31.
2 U.S.C. § 282b (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 9: OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL / Subchapter II: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / Section 282b: Compensation
Compensation
Status: in_force

(a) The Legislative Counsel shall be paid at a per annum gross rate equal to the greater of $173,900 or the rate of pay in effect for such position under an order issued by the Speaker of the House of Representatives pursuant to the authority of section 4532 of this title.

(b) Members of the staff of the Office other than the Legislative Counsel shall be paid at per annum gross rates fixed by the Legislative Counsel with the approval of the Speaker or in accordance with policies approved by the Speaker, but not in excess of the applicable rate of pay in effect under an order issued by the Speaker of the House of Representatives pursuant to the authority of section 4532 of this title.

(Pub. L. 91–510, title V, §523, Oct. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 1203; Pub. L. 95–94, title I, §115, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 668; Pub. L. 116–94, div. E, title II, §212(b)(3)(A), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2776.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–94 is based on par. (2) of House Resolution No. 8, Ninety-fifth Congress, Jan. 4, 1977, which was enacted into permanent law by Pub. L. 95–94.

Prior Provisions

House Resolution 312, 89th Congress, Mar. 31, 1965, which was enacted into permanent law by section 103 of Pub. L. 89–90, July 27, 1965, 79 Stat. 281, provided that effective Apr. 1, 1965, the compensation of the Legislative Counsel of the House of Representatives shall be at a gross per annum rate which is equal to the gross per annum rate of compensation of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate, and that the additional sums necessary to carry out this resolution shall be paid out of the contingent fund of the House until otherwise provided by law.

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–94, §212(b)(3)(A)(i), substituted "equal to the greater of $173,900 or the rate of pay in effect for such position under an order issued by the Speaker of the House of Representatives pursuant to the authority of section 4532 of this title." for "equal to the rate of basic pay, as in effect from time to time, for level III of the Executive Schedule of section 5314 of title 5."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–94, §212(b)(3)(A)(ii), substituted "in excess of the applicable rate of pay in effect under an order issued by the Speaker of the House of Representatives pursuant to the authority of section 4532 of this title." for "in excess of the rate of basic pay for one pay level above the maximum pay level for employees of the House of Representatives provided under clause 6(c) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives."

1977—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–94 substituted provisions authorizing compensation at a rate not in excess of the rate of basic pay for one pay level above the maximum pay level for House employees provided under cl. 6(c) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, for provisions authorizing compensation at per annum gross rates not in excess of a per annum gross rate equal to the rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule of section 5316 of title 5.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–94, div. E, title II, §212(c), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2778, provided that: "This section [see Tables for classification] and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the later of—

"(1) the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2020; or

"(2) the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019]."

Increases in Compensation

Increases in compensation for House officers and employees under authority of Federal Salary Act of 1967 (Pub. L. 90–206), Federal Pay Comparability Act of 1970 (Pub. L. 91–656), and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1988 (Pub. L. 100–202), see sections 4531 and 4532 of this title, and Salary Directives of Speaker of the House, set out as notes under those sections.
2 U.S.C. § 142h (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 5: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS / Section 142h: Biomedical Ethics Board; disbursement of funds, computation and disbursement of basic pay, and provision of financial management services and support by Library of Congress
Biomedical Ethics Board; disbursement of funds, computation and disbursement of basic pay, and provision of financial management services and support by Library of Congress
Status: in_force

Effective October 1, 1988, and to continue thereafter, the Disbursing Officer of the Library of Congress is authorized to—

(1) disburse funds appropriated for the Biomedical Ethics Board;

(2) compute and disburse the basic pay for all personnel of the Biomedical Ethics Board; and

(3) provide financial management services and support to the Biomedical Ethics Board,

in the same manner as provided with respect to the Office of Technology Assessment under section 142f of this title.

(Pub. L. 101–163, title I, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1054.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in the following prior appropriation act:

Pub. L. 100–458, title I, Oct. 1, 1988, 102 Stat. 2168.
2 U.S.C. § 1819 (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 28: ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL / Subchapter II: GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES / Section 1819: Computer backup facilities for legislative offices
Computer backup facilities for legislative offices
Status: in_force

(a) Acquisition of buildings and facilities

The Architect of the Capitol is authorized, subject to the availability of appropriations, to acquire (through purchase, lease, or otherwise) buildings and facilities for use as computer backup facilities (and related uses) for offices in the legislative branch.

(b) Acquisition subject to approval

The acquisition of a building or facility under subsection (a) shall be subject to the approval of—

(1) the House Office Building Commission, in the case of a building or facility acquired for the use of an office of the House of Representatives;

(2) the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, in the case of a building or facility acquired for the use of an office of the Senate; or

(3) the House Office Building Commission in the case of a building or facility acquired for the use of any other office in the legislative branch as part of a joint facility with (1) above, or the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, in the case of a building or facility acquired for the use of any other office in the legislative branch as part of a joint facility with (2) above.

(c) United States Capitol grounds provisions applicable

Any building or facility acquired by the Architect of the Capitol pursuant to subsection (a) shall be a part of the United States Capitol Grounds and shall be subject to the provisions of sections 1922, 1961, 1966, 1967, and 1969 of this title and sections 5101 to 5107 and 5109 of title 40.

(d) Lease of buildings and facilities

In the case of a building or facility acquired through purchase pursuant to subsection (a), the Architect of the Capitol may enter into or assume a lease with another person for the use of any portion of the building or facility that the Architect of the Capitol determines is not required to be used to carry out the purposes of this section, subject to the approval of the entity which approved the acquisition of such building or facility under subsection (b).

(e) Effective date

This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2002 and each succeeding fiscal year.

(Pub. L. 107–206, title I, §905, Aug. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 877; Pub. L. 109–55, title I, §1202(a), Aug. 2, 2005, 119 Stat. 579.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Sections 1922, 1961, 1966, 1967, and 1969 of this title and sections 5101 to 5107 and 5109 of title 40, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original a reference to the Act entitled "An Act to define the area of the United States Capitol Grounds, to regulate the use thereof, and for other purposes", approved July 31, 1946, which is act July 31, 1946, ch. 707, 60 Stat. 718. Sections 9, 9A, 9B, 9C, and 14 of the Act are classified, respectively, to sections 1961, 1966, 1967, 1922, and 1969 of this title, and section 16(b) of the Act is set out as a note under section 1961 of this title. Sections 1 to 8, 10 to 13, and 16(a) of the Act, which were classified to sections 193a to 193m of former Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, were repealed and reenacted as sections 5101 to 5107 and 5109 of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, by Pub. L. 107–217, §§1, 6(b), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1062, 1312, the first section of which enacted Title 40. Section 5(c) of Pub. L. 107–217, set out as a note preceding section 101 of Title 40, provides that a reference to a law replaced by section 1 of Pub. L. 107–217 is deemed to refer to the corresponding provision enacted by Pub. L. 107–217. For complete classification of the act of July 31, 1946, to the Code, see Tables. For disposition of sections of former Title 40, see table at the beginning of Title 40.

Codification

Section was classified to section 166k of former Title 40, prior to the enactment of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, by Pub. L. 107–217, §1, Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1062.

Amendments

2005—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 109–55 added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–55, title I, §1202(b), Aug. 2, 2005, 119 Stat. 579, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to leases entered into on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 2, 2005]."
2 U.S.C. § 1437b (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 24: CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY / Subchapter V: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS / Section 1437b: Support for out-of-area covered employees
Support for out-of-area covered employees
Status: in_force

(a) In general

All covered employees whose location of employment is outside of the Washington, DC area (referred to in this section as "out-of-area covered employees") shall have equitable access to the resources and services provided by the Office and under this chapter as is provided to covered employees who work in the Washington, DC area.

(b) Office of Congressional Workplace Rights

The Office shall—

(1) establish a method by which out-of-area covered employees may communicate securely with the Office, which shall include an option for real-time audiovisual communication; and

(2) provide guidance to employing offices regarding how each office can facilitate equitable access to the resources and services provided under this chapter for its out-of-area covered employees, including information regarding the communication methods described in paragraph (1).

(c) Employing offices

It is the sense of Congress that each employing office with out-of-area covered employees should use its best efforts to facilitate equitable access to the resources and services provided under this chapter for those employees.

(Pub. L. 104–1, title V, §510, as added Pub. L. 115–397, title III, §307(a)(2), Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5325.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 510 of Pub. L. 104–1 was renumbered section 511 and is classified to section 1438 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective upon expiration of the 180-day period beginning on Dec. 21, 2018, with provisions for effect on pending proceedings, see section 401 of Pub. L. 115–397, set out as an Effective Date of 2018 Amendment note under section 1301 of this title.
2 U.S.C. § 196 (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 6: CONGRESSIONAL AND COMMITTEE PROCEDURE; INVESTIGATIONS / Section 196: Senate resolutions for investigations; limit of cost
Senate resolutions for investigations; limit of cost
Status: in_force

Senate resolutions providing for inquiries and investigations shall contain a limit of cost of such investigation, which limit shall not be exceeded except by vote of the Senate authorizing additional amounts.

(Mar. 3, 1926, ch. 44, §1, 44 Stat. 162.)
2 U.S.C. § 2132 (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 30: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CAPITOL COMPLEX / Subchapter V: HISTORICAL PRESERVATION AND FINE ARTS / Section 2132: Replacement of statue in Statuary Hall
Replacement of statue in Statuary Hall
Status: in_force

(a) Request by State

(1) Any State may request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of a statue the State has provided for display in Statuary Hall in the Capitol of the United States under section 2131 of this title.

(2) A request shall be considered under paragraph (1) only if—

(A) the request has been approved by a resolution adopted by the legislature of the State and the request has been approved by the Governor of the State, and

(B) the statue to be replaced has been displayed in the Capitol of the United States for at least 10 years as of the time the request is made, except that the Joint Committee may waive this requirement for cause at the request of a State.

(b) Agreement upon approval

If the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress approves a request under subsection (a), the Architect of the Capitol shall enter into an agreement with the State to carry out the replacement in accordance with the request and any conditions the Joint Committee may require for its approval. Such agreement shall provide that—

(1) the new statue shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as apply to any statue provided by a State under section 2131 of this title, and

(2) the State shall pay any costs related to the replacement, including costs in connection with the design, construction, transportation, and placement of the new statue, the removal and transportation of the statue being replaced, and any unveiling ceremony.

(c) Limitation on number of State statues

Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit a State to have more than two statues on display in the Capitol of the United States.

(d) Ownership of replaced statue; removal

(1) Subject to the approval of the Joint Committee on the Library, ownership of any statue replaced under this section shall be transferred to the State.

(2) If any statue is removed from the Capitol of the United States as part of a transfer of ownership under paragraph (1), then it may not be returned to the Capitol for display unless such display is specifically authorized by Federal law.

(e) Relocation of statues

The Architect of the Capitol, upon the approval of the Joint Committee on the Library and with the advice of the Commission of Fine Arts as requested, is authorized and directed to relocate within the United States Capitol any of the statues received from the States under section 2131 of this title prior to December 21, 2000, and to provide for the reception, location, and relocation of the statues received on and after December 21, 2000, from the States under such section.

(Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(2) [title III, §311], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–119.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was classified to section 187a of former Title 40, prior to the enactment of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, by Pub. L. 107–217, §1, Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1062.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Location of Statues

House Concurrent Resolution 47, passed Feb. 24, 1933, 47 Stat. Part 2, 1784, provided: "That the Architect of the Capitol, upon the approval of the Joint Committee on the Library, with the advice of the Commission of Fine Arts, is hereby authorized and directed to relocate within the Capitol any of the statues already received and placed in Statuary Hall, and to provide for the reception and location of the statues received hereafter from the States."
2 U.S.C. § 181 (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 5: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS / Section 181: Program for exchange of information among legislative branch agencies
Program for exchange of information among legislative branch agencies
Status: in_force

(a) On September 16, 1996, there shall be established a program for providing the widest possible exchange of information among legislative branch agencies with the long-range goal of improving information technology planning and evaluation. The Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate are requested to determine the structure and operation of this program and to provide appropriate oversight. All of the appropriate offices and agencies of the legislative branch as defined below shall participate in this program for information exchange, and shall report annually on the extent and nature of their participation in their budget submissions to the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.

(b) As used in this section—

(1) the term "offices and agencies of the legislative branch" means, the office of the Clerk of the House, the office of the Secretary of the Senate, the office of the Architect of the Capitol, the Government Accountability Office, the Government Publishing Office, the Library of Congress, the Congressional Research Service, the Congressional Budget Office, the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, and the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate; and

(2) the term "technology" refers to any form of computer hardware and software; computer-based systems, services, and support for the creation, processing, exchange, and delivery of information; and telecommunications systems, and the associated hardware and software, that provide for voice, data, or image communication.

(Pub. L. 104–197, title III, §314, Sept. 16, 1996, 110 Stat. 2415; Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, §1301(b), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2537.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted "Government Accountability Office" for "General Accounting Office".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on House Oversight of House of Representatives changed to Committee on House Administration of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Jan. 6, 1999.

"Government Publishing Office" substituted for "Government Printing Office" in subsec. (b)(1) on authority of section 1301(b) of Pub. L. 113–235, set out as a note preceding section 301 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents.
2 U.S.C. § 135a (2024) — Title 2: THE CONGRESS / Chapter 5: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS / Section 135a: National library service for the blind and print disabled
National library service for the blind and print disabled
Status: in_force

(a) Accessible materials and reproducers

(1) In general

The Librarian of Congress is authorized to provide to eligible persons who are residents of the United States (including residents of the several States, insular possessions, and the District of Columbia) and to eligible persons who are United States citizens residing outside the United States the following items:

(A) Literary works published in raised characters, on sound-reproduction recordings, or in any other accessible format.

(B) Musical scores, instructional texts, and other specialized materials used in furthering educational, vocational, and cultural opportunities in the field of music published in any accessible format.

(C) Reproducers for such formats.

(2) Ownership

Any item provided under paragraph (1) shall be provided on a loan basis and shall remain the property of the Library of Congress.

(b) Lending preference

In the lending of items under subsection (a), the Librarian shall at all times give preference to—

(1) the needs of the blind and visually disabled; and

(2) the needs of eligible persons who have been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States.

(c) Network

The Librarian of Congress may contract or otherwise arrange with such public or other nonprofit libraries, agencies, or organizations as the Librarian may determine appropriate to serve as local or regional centers for the circulation of items described in subsection (a)(1).

(d) International service

The Librarian of Congress is authorized to provide items described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(1) to authorized entities located in a country that is a party to the Marrakesh Treaty, if any such items are delivered to authorized entities through online, not physical, means. The Librarian may contract or otherwise arrange with such authorized entities to deliver such items to eligible persons located in their countries in any accessible format and consistent with section 121A of title 17.

(e) Contracting preference

In the purchase and maintenance of items described in subsection (a), the Librarian of Congress, without regard to section 6101 of title 41, shall give preference to nonprofit institutions or agencies whose activities are primarily concerned with the blind and with other physically disabled persons, in all cases where, considering all the circumstances and needs involved, the Librarian determines that the prices submitted are fair and reasonable.

(f) Regulations

The Librarian of Congress shall prescribe regulations for services under this section, in consultation with eligible persons and authorized entities. Such regulations shall include procedures that shall be used by an individual to establish that the individual is an eligible person.

(g) Definitions

In this section—

(1) the terms "accessible format", "authorized entity", and "eligible person" have the meanings given those terms in section 121 of title 17; and

(2) the term "Marrakesh Treaty" has the meaning given in section 121A of such title 17.

(h) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary.

(Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 400, §1, 46 Stat. 1487; Mar. 4, 1933, ch. 279, 47 Stat. 1570; June 14, 1935, ch. 242, §1, 49 Stat. 374; Apr. 23, 1937, ch. 125, §1, 50 Stat. 72; June 7, 1939, ch. 191, 53 Stat. 812; June 6, 1940, ch. 255, 54 Stat. 245; Oct. 1, 1942, ch. 575, §1, 56 Stat. 764; June 13, 1944, ch. 246, §1, 58 Stat. 276; Aug. 8, 1946, ch. 868, §1, 60 Stat. 908; July 3, 1952, ch. 566, 66 Stat. 326; Pub. L. 85–308, §1, Sept. 7, 1957, 71 Stat. 630; Pub. L. 89–522, §1, July 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 330; Pub. L. 114–219, §1, July 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 845; Pub. L. 116–94, div. P, title XIV, §1403(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3206.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Pub. L. 116–94 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "There is authorized to be appropriated annually to the Library of Congress, in addition to appropriations otherwise made to said Library, such sums for expenditure under the direction of the Librarian of Congress as may be necessary to provide books published either in raised characters, on sound-reproduction recordings or in any other form, and for purchase, maintenance, and replacement of reproducers for any such forms, for the use of the blind and for other physically handicapped residents of the United States, including the several States, Territories, insular possessions, and the District of Columbia, all of which books, recordings, and reproducers will remain the property of the Library of Congress but will be loaned to blind and to other physically handicapped readers certified by competent authority as unable to read normal printed material as a result of physical limitations, under regulations prescribed by the Librarian of Congress for this service. In the purchase of books in either raised characters or in sound-reproduction recordings the Librarian of Congress, without reference to the provisions of section 6101 of title 41, shall give preference to nonprofit-making institutions or agencies whose activities are primarily concerned with the blind and with other physically handicapped persons, in all cases where the prices or bids submitted by such institutions or agencies are, by said Librarian, under all the circumstances and needs involved, determined to be fair and reasonable."

2016—Pub. L. 114–219 substituted "and for purchase, maintenance, and replacement of reproducers for any such forms" for "and for purchase, maintenance, and replacement of reproducers for such sound-reproduction recordings" in first sentence.

1966—Pub. L. 89–522 amended section generally, extending availability of books and materials under this section by authorizing their loan to other physically handicapped residents, in addition to blind persons, certified by competent authority as unable to read normal printed material as a result of physical limitations.

1957—Pub. L. 85–308 authorized annual appropriation of necessary sums in lieu of provisions which limited annual appropriation to $1,125,000, and struck out limitation of $200,000 on amount of appropriated funds to be expended annually for books in raised characters.

1952—Act July 3, 1952, included children within its provisions as well as adults.

1946—Act Aug. 8, 1946, increased annual appropriation from $500,000 to $1,125,000.

1944—Act June 13, 1944, increased annual appropriation from $370,000 to $500,000, the amount allocated to sound-reproduction records from $250,000 to $400,000, and struck out provision allocating $20,000 to maintenance and replacement of Government-owned reproducers.

1942—Act Oct. 1, 1942, substituted "$370,000" for "$350,000", and inserted clause at end of first sentence relating to expenditure of not exceeding $20,000 for maintenance and replacement of reproducers for sound-reproduction records.

1940—Act June 6, 1940, substituted "$350,000" for "$275,000" and "$250,000" for "$175,000".

1939—Act June 7, 1939, inserted last sentence.

1937—Act Apr. 23, 1937, substituted "$275,000" for "$175,000" in two places and "$175,000" for "$75,000".

1935—Act June 14, 1935, substituted "$175,000" for "$100,000" and inserted provision that $100,000 of the $175,000 annual appropriation be expended for books in raised characters and the balance for sound-reproduction records.

1933—Act Mar. 4, 1933, inserted "published either in raised characters, on sound-reproduction records, or in any other form".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1957 Amendment

Pub. L. 85–308, §2, Sept. 7, 1957, 71 Stat. 630, provided that: "This Act [amending this section] shall be applicable with respect to the fiscal year ending June 30, 1958, and for each fiscal year thereafter."

Effective Date of 1946 Amendment

Act Aug. 8, 1946, ch. 868, §2, 60 Stat. 908, provided: "This Act [amending this section] shall be applicable with respect to the fiscal year ending June 30, 1947, and for each fiscal year thereafter."

Effective Date of 1944 Amendment

Act June 13, 1944, ch. 246, §2, 58 Stat. 276, provided: "This Act [amending this section] shall be applicable with respect to the fiscal year ending June 30, 1945, and for each fiscal year thereafter."

Effective Date of 1942 Amendment

Act Oct. 1, 1942, ch. 575, §2, 56 Stat. 764, provided: "This Act [amending this section] shall be applicable with respect to the fiscal year ending June 30, 1943, and for each fiscal year thereafter."

Effective Date of 1937 Amendment

Act Apr. 23, 1937, ch. 125, §2, 50 Stat. 72, provided that: "This Act [amending this section] shall be applicable with respect to the fiscal year ending June 30, 1938, and for each fiscal year thereafter."