94–509 

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 


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Page number 

Bill Report 

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) 

Recapitulation FY 2015 enacted FY 2016 request Bill Bill vs. enacted Bill vs. 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 Service ..... 430 430 430 – – – – – – 

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 

of Deceased Members of 

Congress .............................. – – – – – – 174 +174 +174 

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 


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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. 


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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 


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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 


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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 tort claims $3,625,236 

Official mail (committees, administrative, and leadership offices) 190,486 

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 


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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). 


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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. 


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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 Compli- ance. 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 

1Does 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 


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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 


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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: 

Item Committee 

recommendation 

Exterior Stone and Metal Preservation, South Extension, Phase IIB ............................................................. $14,287,000 

2017 Presidential Inaugural Stands and Support Facilities ......................................................................... 4,950,000 

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: 

Item Committee 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 


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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 PhaseOne, 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 costeffective 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: 

Item Committee 

recommendation 

Garage Rehabilitation, Phase I, RHOB .......................................................................................................... $13,226,000 

Restoration and Renovation of the Cannon House Office Building .............................................................. 62,000,000 

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: 

Item Committee 

recommendation 

West Refrigeration Plant Chiller System Replacement, RPR, Phase IIIA ...................................................... $10,408,898 

Minor Construction ......................................................................................................................................... 4,000,000 

Total ....................................................................................................................................................... $14,408,898 


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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: 

Item Committee 

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 build- ings, 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 inVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:54 May 13, 2015 Jkt 094509 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR110.XXX HR110

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cluded is a project budget of $4,525,000, including the following 

capital projects: 

Item Committee 

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. 


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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, 


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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 

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quirements 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 


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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. 


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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 


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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 authority Outlays Budget 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: 


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[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. 


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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. 


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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. 


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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 


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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 

øDistrict 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 ølaw enVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:54 May 13, 2015 Jkt 094509 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR110.XXX HR110

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forcement 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 

§ 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 emVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:54 May 13, 2015 Jkt 094509 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR110.XXX HR110

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ployees. 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. 


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(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. 

* * * * * * * 


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(39) 

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 


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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. 

Æ 


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