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[House Report 114-110]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

114th Congress   }                                      {       Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 1st Session     }                                      {      114-110

======================================================================

 
              LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2016

                                _______
                                

  May 12, 2015.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

     Mr. Graves of Georgia, from the Committee on Appropriations, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                            ADDITIONAL VIEWS

                        [To accompany H.R. 2250]

    The Committee on Appropriations submits the following 
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making 
appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year 
ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes.

                        INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT

_______________________________________________________________________

                                                            Page number

                                                            Bill Report
Highlights of Bill.........................................
                                                                      2
Title I--Legislative Branch Appropriations.................     2
                                                                      4
        House of Representatives...........................     2
                                                                      4
        Payment to Widows and Heirs of Deceased Members of 
            Congress.......................................     2
                                                                      4
        Salaries and Expenses..............................     2
                                                                      4
        Joint Items:                                            9
                                                                      6
                Joint Economic Committee...................     9
                                                                      6
                Joint Committee on Taxation................     9
                                                                      7
                Office of the Attending Physician..........     9
                                                                      7
                Office of Congressional Accessibility 
                    Services...............................    10
                                                                      7
        Capitol Police.....................................    10
                                                                      8
        Office of Compliance...............................    12
                                                                      9
        Congressional Budget Office........................    13
                                                                      9
        Architect of the Capitol (except Senate Office 
            Buildings).....................................    13
                                                                      9
        Library of Congress................................    19
                                                                     15
        Government Publishing Office.......................    23
                                                                     18
        Government Accountability Office...................    27
                                                                     19
        Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund............    29
                                                                     19
        John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training 
            and Development................................    30
                                                                     19
Title II--General Provisions...............................    30
                                                                     20
Bill-wide Reporting Requirements...........................
                                                                     20
Additional Views...........................................
                                                                     39

                            SUMMARY OF BILL

    The accompanying bill contains recommendations for new 
budget (obligational) authority for fiscal year 2016 for the 
Legislative Branch. The following table summarizes these 
recommendations and reflects comparisons with the budget and 
with amounts appropriated to date for fiscal year 2015:

                                               SUMMARY OF THE BILL
         [Note.--Excludes Senate items, including those Senate items under the Architect of the Capitol]
                                             (Amounts in Thousands)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FY 2015         FY 2016                        Bill vs.        Bill vs.
         Recapitulation               enacted         request          Bill           enacted         request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
House of Representatives:
    Salaries and Expenses.......       1,180,736       1,180,736       1,180,736           - - -           - - -
Joint Items.....................          19,056          19,767          19,469            +413            -298
Capitol Police..................         347,959         378,900         369,000         +21,041          -9,900
Office of Compliance............           3,959           4,020           3,959           - - -             -61
Congressional Budget Office.....          45,700          47,270          47,270          +1,570           - - -
Architect of the Capitol........         505,948         577,010         492,171         -13,777         -84,839
Library of Congress.............         590,921         624,502         591,431            +510         -33,071
Government Publishing Office....         119,993         120,000         110,236          -9,757          -9,764
Government Accountability Office         522,000         553,058         522,000           - - -         -31,058
Open World Leadership Center....           5,700           8,000           5,700           - - -          -2,300
Stennis Center for Public                    430             430             430           - - -           - - -
 Service........................
Scorekeeping Adjustment.........          -1,000           - - -          -1,000           - - -          -1,000
      Grand total...............       3,341,402       3,513,693       3,341,402           - - -        -172,291
    Payment to Widows and Heirs            - - -           - - -             174            +174            +174
     of Deceased Members of
     Congress...................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL

    The Committee recommends $3,341,401,898 in discretionary 
resources for operations of the Legislative Branch of 
government (excluding Senate items). The fiscal year 2016 
recommendation is the same as the current fiscal year level and 
is a decrease of $172,291,202 below the budget request as 
amended.
    Conforming to longstanding practice under which each body 
of Congress determines its own housekeeping requirements and 
the other concurs without intervention, funds for the Senate 
are not included in the bill as reported to the House. The 
budget request for the Senate for fiscal year 2016 including 
those under the Architect of the Capitol totals $1,015,150,816 
as amended.
    This bill reflects a continued acknowledgment that the 
Legislative Branch must set itself as an example for fiscal 
restraint while continuing to serve the Nation. This bill will 
require strict fiscal discipline on the part of all 
congressional offices and all agency heads in the Legislative 
Branch.

                    Legislative Branch-Wide Matters

    Zero Base Budgeting.--The Committee continues to be very 
pleased with the results of the zero-base budgeting exercise 
directed to be conducted by all the agencies of the Legislative 
Branch. The Committee believes that this valuable budgeting 
process has given agencies the opportunity to take a fresh look 
at all areas of their operations and make funding reductions 
and alignments within the current budget base. The Committee 
believes that there are continued opportunities to realize 
meaningful savings by carefully reviewing each agency's budget 
requirements from a zero base and directs all agencies to 
continue to develop budget requests from a zero base.
    Committee Requests, Furloughs and Performance Based Merit 
Increases.--The Committee directs that adherence to the 
language carried in House Reports 112-148, 112-511 and 113-417 
pertaining to Committee Requests and Furloughs to be continued 
unless otherwise so directed. Performance Based Merit Increases 
are not to exceed the maximum allowable for agencies with a 
certified SES performance appraisal system.
    Shared Services Report.--House Report 113-417 directed the 
Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council (LBFMC) to 
prepare a report on the feasibility of shared services between 
the agencies of the Legislative Branch. The report provided 
many issues to be considered by the Committee regarding shared 
services and the Committee acknowledges the excellent work of 
the (LBFMC) members for their work on this report.
    Cyber Security/Information Sharing.--The Committee has 
concerns regarding the potential of cyber security attacks from 
not only enemies abroad but domestically. The Legislative 
Branch agencies are not immune to such attacks. Almost daily 
there are reports of not only government agency attacks but 
attacks on our large financial institutions, health providers, 
and large and small retail operations. The Committee directs 
the Chief Information Officers (CIO's) to all work together in 
a collaborative manner by sharing technology information, in 
such areas as best practices/lessons learned, and potential 
pitfalls of any new information technology initiatives 
especially in the cyber security area. Sharing of such 
information should not only strengthen the position of the 
Legislative Branch but should avoid the potential of systems 
and processes that have not proven themselves but should also 
achieve financial savings.
    Cloud Technology.--In late 2014 the Government Publishing 
Office began moving the agency's internal email system to the 
cloud. The GPO reported that this would simplify the agency's 
IT infrastructure, gain greater functionality, and enable 
faster upgrades for future enhancements. The Committee applauds 
the GPO on this effort. With the potential for faster service 
and financial savings the Committee directs that all agencies 
consider such a change within their individual IT operations, 
not only for internal mail, but also other IT applications.

               TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS

                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

      Payment to Widows and Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress

    The Committee has included the customary gratuity of 
$174,000 for Tori B. Nunnelee, widow of Alan Nunnelee, late a 
Representative from the State of Mississippi.

                         Salaries and Expenses

    The Committee recommends $1,180,736,000 for the operations 
and maintenance of the House of Representatives during fiscal 
year 2016. This amount is the same as the current fiscal year 
2015 level and is the same as the budget request. This 
recommendation marks the third year in a row of no increase in 
the budget of the House of Representatives.

                        House Leadership Offices

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $22,278,891
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        22,278,891
Recommended in the bill...............................        22,278,891
 

    The Committee recommends $22,278,891 for salaries and 
expenses of staff in House leadership offices for fiscal year 
2016. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2015 enacted 
level and is the same as the budget request.
    The allocation by office follows:

 
 
 
Office of the Speaker.................................        $6,645,417
Office of the Majority Floor Leader...................         2,180,048
Office of the Majority Whip...........................         1,886,632
Republican Conference.................................         1,505,426
Office of the Minority Floor Leader...................         7,114,471
Office of the Minority Whip...........................         1,459,639
Democratic Caucus.....................................         1,487,258
                                                       -----------------
    Total.............................................       $22,278,891
 

                  Members' Representational Allowances

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $554,317,732
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       554,317,732
Recommended in the bill...............................       554,317,732
 

    The Committee recommends $554,317,732 for the 
representational allowances of the Members of the House (MRAs). 
This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2015 enacted level 
and is the same as the budget request. This level of funding 
will allow the MRAs to operate at current authorized levels as 
approved by the Committee on House Administration.

                            House Committees

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $147,174,177
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       147,174,177
Recommended in the bill...............................       147,174,177
 

    The Committee recommends $147,174,177 in total for House 
Committees. This amount is the same as the current level and 
the budget request.
    This account includes funding for staff salaries and 
official expenses of Committees including equipment, 
telecommunications, printing, and contract services. Funding is 
available until December 31, 2016.
    Included in the total is $23,271,004 for the Committee on 
Appropriations. The amount is the same as the current level and 
the budget request.

                    Salaries, Officers and Employees

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $171,344,864
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       177,868,679
Recommended in the bill...............................       175,713,679
 

    The Committee recommends $175,713,679 for the salaries and 
expenses of House officers and employees of the various 
activities funded through this consolidated item. This amount 
is $4,368,815 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and is 
$2,155,000 below the budget request.
    The following table summarizes the funding allocation 
provided to each component of the account:

 
 
 
Office of the Clerk...................................       $24,980,898
Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms........................        14,827,120
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer............       115,010,000
Office of the Inspector General.......................         4,741,809
Office of General Counsel.............................         1,413,450
Office of the Parliamentarian.........................         1,974,606
Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House.......         3,119,766
Office of the Legislative Counsel of the House........         8,352,975
Office of Interparliamentary Affairs..................           814,069
Other authorized employees............................           478,986
                                                       -----------------
    Total.............................................      $175,713,679
 

    Office of the Clerk.--The Committee recommends $24,980,898 
for the Clerk of the House. This amount is $971,425 above the 
current level and is the same as the budget request. This level 
of funding will enable the Clerk of the House to make necessary 
purchases of software and new information technology.
    Office of the Sergeant at Arms.--The Committee recommends 
$14,827,120 for the Office of the Sergeant At Arms (SAA). This 
amount is $2,900,391 above the fiscal year 2015 level and is 
the same as the budget request. This increase provides funding 
to cover increased costs for Emergency Management and 
Information Services.
    Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.--The Committee 
recommends $115,010,000 for the Office of the Chief 
Administrative Officer (CAO). This amount is $1,910,000 above 
the current level and is $2,155,000 below the budget request. 
The CAO is directed to fund all mandatory/pay related current 
and projected increases within the current base.
    The Committee directs the Chief Administrative Officer to 
establish a House Technology Task Force, modeled on the 
successful Bulk Data Task Force established at the Committee's 
direction by the Clerk of the House in 2012. The Task Force 
shall be comprised of senior staff representatives of the House 
officers and such other offices and entities as may be 
necessary. The Task Force is directed to identify and report to 
the Committee opportunities to enhance coordination of 
information technology efforts in the House, including, but not 
limited to, IT architecture and life cycle investment 
strategies, end-user training, network security, and 
recommendations for shared services that may improve IT 
effectiveness at a lower overall cost to the House.

                        Allowances and Expenses

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $285,620,336
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       279,096,521
Recommended in the bill...............................       281,251,521
 

    The Committee recommends a total of $281,251,521 for 
allowances and expenses. This amount is $4,368,815 below the 
fiscal year 2015 level and is $2,155,000 above the budget 
request.
    These funds include supplies, materials, administrative 
costs, and Federal tort claims; the costs of official mail for 
the Committees, leadership, and administrative offices; 
employee benefits; miscellaneous items; and Business Continuity 
and Disaster Recovery.
    The following table summarizes the funding allocation 
provided to each major component of the account:

 
 
 
Supplies, materials, administrative costs and Federal         $3,625,236
 tort claims..........................................
Official mail (committees, administrative, and                   190,486
 leadership offices)..................................
Government contributions..............................       254,447,514
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery.............        16,217,008
Transition Activities.................................         2,084,000
Wounded Warrior Program...............................         2,500,000
Office of Congressional Ethics........................         1,467,030
Miscellaneous items...................................           720,247
                                                       -----------------
    Total, allowances and expenses....................      $281,251,521
 

                       Administrative Provisions

    Section 101 provides for unspent amounts remaining in 
Members' Representational Allowances account to be used for 
deficit or debt reduction.
    Section 102 prohibits the delivery of bills and 
resolutions.
    Section 103 prohibits the delivery of printed copies of the 
Congressional Record.
    Section 104 places a limitation on amount available to 
lease vehicles.
    Section 105 places a limitation on print copies of the U.S. 
Code.
    Section 106 prohibits the delivery of report of 
disbursement.
    Section 107 prohibits the delivery of the daily calendar.

                              JOINT ITEMS

    The Committee recommends $19,469,000 for fiscal year 2016 
for the various joint committees and activities carried under 
this heading. The recommendation is $413,000 above the fiscal 
year 2015 level and is $298,100 below the budget request.

                        JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $4,203,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         4,254,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         4,203,000
 

    The Committee recommends $4,203,000 for the Joint Economic 
Committee. This recommendation is the same as the current level 
and is $51,000 below the budget request as amended.
    The Joint Economic Committee was created by the Employment 
Act of 1946. The primary tasks of the Committee are to review 
economic conditions and to recommend improvements in economic 
policy. The Committee performs research and economic analysis 
and monitors and analyzes current economic, financial, and 
employment conditions.

                      JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $10,095,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        10,300,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        10,095,000
 

    The Committee recommends $10,095,000 for the Joint 
Committee on Taxation (JCT). This recommendation is the same as 
the fiscal 2015 level and is $205,000 below the budget request.
    The Joint Committee on Taxation operates under the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 and its predecessors dating to the Revenue 
Act of 1926. It has responsibility to (1) investigate the 
operation and effects of internal revenue taxes and the 
administration of such taxes; (2) investigate measures and 
methods for the simplification of such taxes; (3) make reports 
to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate 
Committee on Finance (or to the House and the Senate) on the 
results of such investigations and studies and to make 
recommendations; and (4) review any proposed refund or credit 
of income or estate and gift taxes or certain other taxes set 
forth in Code section 6405 in excess of $2,000,000. In addition 
to these functions that are specified in the Internal Revenue 
Code, the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires the Joint 
Committee to provide revenue estimates for all tax legislation 
considered by either the House or the Senate.

                   OFFICE OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $3,371,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         3,797,100
Recommended in the bill...............................         3,784,000
 

    The Committee recommends $3,784,000 for the Office of the 
Attending Physician. This amount is $413,000 above the fiscal 
year 2015 level and is $13,100 below the request. The increase 
above the current level provides for the increase for the 
reimbursement to the Navy $206,000 and miscellaneous medical 
initiatives $207,000.

             OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $1,387,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         1,416,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         1,387,000
 

    The Committee recommends $1,387,000 for the operation of 
the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services. This amount 
is the same as the current level and is $29,000 below the 
budget request as amended.
    The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services is a 
successor office to the Special Services Office following 
enactment of the Capitol Visitor Center Act of 2008 (Public Law 
110-437).

                             CAPITOL POLICE

    The Committee recommends a total of $369,000,000 for the 
Capitol Police (USCP). This amount is $21,041,000 above the 
fiscal year 2015 level and is $9,900,000 below the budget 
request.
    Use of Grounds.--The Committee understands the need to 
maintain safety and order on the Capitol grounds and commends 
the Capitol Police for their efforts. However, given the 
family-style neighborhood that the Capitol shares with the 
surrounding community the Committee would instruct the Capitol 
Police to forebear enforcement of 2 U.S.C. 1963 (``An act to 
protect the public property, turf, and grass of the Capitol 
Grounds from injury'') and the Traffic Regulations for the 
United States Capitol Grounds when encountering snow sledders 
on the grounds.
    Coordination.--The Committee recognizes that the Capitol 
Police closely coordinate with other Federal, State, and local 
first responders in the Washington metropolitan region.
    In light of recent responses by first responders within the 
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority system, the 
Committee wants to ensure that the Capitol Police have 
standards of operations in place for incident responses, and 
that incident response plans are coordinated and exercised with 
other first responders, especially at Metrorail stations close 
to the Capitol Complex.
    The Committee directs the Capitol Police to provide a 
report not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act detailing the standards of operations that are in 
place to coordinate incident responses at area Metrorail 
stations with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit 
Authority, the Metropolitan Police Department, Federal law 
enforcement agencies, and any other relevant first responders 
from the District of Columbia and other jurisdictions, and to 
include in the report a coordination and exercise plan for 
applying these standards.

                                Salaries

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $286,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       307,428,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       300,000,000
 

    The Committee recommends $300,000,000 for the salaries and 
benefits authorized for police services throughout the USCP 
jurisdiction. This amount is $13,500,000 above the fiscal year 
2015 level and is $7,428,000 below the budget request.
    Using the latest salary estimates from USCP, the Committee 
expects this level of funding to support a staffing level of 
1,775 of the 1,800 authorized sworn positions and 370 of the 
authorized 443 civilian positions.
    The recommendation for USCP funding is based on only 
critical requirements necessary to mitigate and address threats 
and risks. It does not provide for any new initiatives.
    New Posts.--The Committee continues to direct the USCP to 
notify the Committee on Appropriations of the House when new 
posts are created, including the annualized cost of maintaining 
the new post, and how the cost will be offset.

                            General Expenses

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $61,459,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        71,472,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        69,000,000
 

    The Committee recommends $69,000,000 for all general 
expenses of the USCP. This amount is $7,541,000 above the 
fiscal year 2015 level and is $2,472,000 below the budget 
request.

                        Administrative Provision

    Section 1001 provides for deposit of reimbursements for law 
enforcement assistance in connection with an activity that was 
not sponsored by Congress.

                          OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE

                         Salaries and Expenses

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $3,959,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         4,020,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         3,959,000
 

    The Committee recommends $3,959,000 for the Office of 
Compliance. This amount is the same as the current level and is 
$61,000 below the budget request.
    The Office of Compliance was established to administer and 
enforce the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-
091). The Act applies various employment and workplace safety 
laws to Congress and certain Legislative Branch entities.

                      CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE

                         Salaries and Expenses

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $45,700,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        47,270,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        47,270,000
 

    The Committee recommends $47,270,000 for the Congressional 
Budget Office (CBO). This is $1,570,000 above the fiscal year 
2015 level and is the same as the budget request.

                        ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $505,947,898
Budget request, fiscal year 2016\1\...................       577,010,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       492,171,898
 
\1\Does not include Senate office buildings.

    The Committee recommends $492,171,898 for fiscal year 2016 
for the activities of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). 
Excluded are Senate items which are traditionally left for 
consideration by that body. This amount is $13,777,000 below 
the fiscal year 2015 level and is $84,839,102 below the budget 
request.
    Within the recommended level the Committee continues its 
prioritization of projects that: (1) promote the safety and 
health of workers and occupants, (2) decrease the deferred 
maintenance backlog, and (3) invest to achieve future energy 
savings. In addition, by including $10,000,000 for the House 
Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund, the bill 
continues the Committee's commitment to advance planning for 
major capital renewal projects which will be essential to 
sustaining the performance of historic House buildings.
    The Committee has included bill language (Section 1104) 
which places a 25 percent cap on the amount available for any 
project in excess of $5 million dollars. The language requires 
the Architect to submit to the Comptroller General and the 
Committee on Appropriations, for approval, a plan which 
includes a description of any changes to the project schedule, 
cost and description of the accounting and safeguards 
implemented to ensure the project will be carried out in a 
timely and cost-effective manner. The projects included based 
on the information available to the committee are:
    Capitol Building--Exterior Stone and Metal Preservation, 
South Extension
    House Office Building--Garage Rehabilitation--Rayburn 
Building
    House Office Building--Restoration and Renovation of the 
Cannon House Office Building
    Capitol Power Plant--West Refrigeration Plant Chiller 
Replacement
    The AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation, 
development, and preservation of the United States Capitol 
Complex. This includes mechanical and structural maintenance of 
the Capitol, Congressional office buildings, the Library of 
Congress buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power 
Plant, and other facilities, as well as the upkeep and 
improvement of the grounds surrounding the Capitol complex. The 
following table summarizes the allocation of funds by 
appropriation account:

 
 
 
Architect of the Capitol:
    Capitol Construction and Operations...............       $90,946,000
    Capitol building..................................        46,737,000
    Capitol grounds...................................        11,880,000
    House of Representatives buildings subtotal.......       159,962,000
        House office buildings........................     (149,962,000)
        Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund..      (10,000,000)
    Capitol Power Plant...............................        91,549,898
    Library buildings and grounds.....................        36,589,000
    Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security....        22,058,000
    Botanic Garden....................................        11,892,000
    Capitol Visitor Center............................        20,557,000
                                                       -----------------
        Total.........................................      $492,171,898
 

                  Capitol Construction and Operations

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $91,455,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        95,396,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        90,946,000
 

    The Committee recommends $90,946,000 for personnel 
services, equipment, communications, and other central support 
activities of the AOC. This amount is $509,000 below the fiscal 
year 2015 level and is $4,450,000 below the budget request.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$90,946,000.

                            Capitol Building

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $54,665,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        58,052,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        46,737,000
 

    The Committee recommends $46,737,000 for the operation, 
maintenance, and care of the Capitol building. This amount is 
$7,928,000 below the fiscal year 2015 level and is $11,315,000 
below the budget request.
    The Committee directs the $50,000 requested for testing and 
inspection of the Smoke Control System be provided for within 
the current base.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$24,000,000. The recommended project budget of $22,737,000 is 
composed of the following capital projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exterior Stone and Metal Preservation, South                 $14,287,000
 Extension, Phase IIB................................
2017 Presidential Inaugural Stands and Support                 4,950,000
 Facilities..........................................
Minor Construction...................................          3,500,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................        $22,737,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Capitol Grounds

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $11,973,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        15,273,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        11,880,000
 

    The Committee recommends $11,880,000 for the care of the 
grounds surrounding the Capitol. This amount is $93,000 below 
the fiscal year 2015 level and is $3,393,000 below the budget 
request.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$9,880,000. The recommended project budget of $2,000,000 is 
composed of the following capital projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minor Construction...................................         $2,000,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................         $2,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         House Office Buildings

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $159,446,898
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       160,282,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       159,962,000
 

    The Committee recommends $159,962,000 for the operation, 
maintenance, and care of the House office buildings. This 
amount is $515,102 above the current level and $320,000 below 
the budget request.
    This amount includes $15,965,000 for the full year lease 
cost of the Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Federal Office Building. To 
provide total transparency for the Cannon House Office Building 
Renewal Project the bill includes a line item of $62,000,000 
for the restoration and renovation of the Cannon Building which 
has been previously funded from the House Historic Building 
Revitalization Trust Fund. The bill also includes $10,000,000 
for the House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund. 
Public Law 111-68 established the Fund to finance major repairs 
and renovations to facilities of the House. Subject to approval 
of the Committee on Appropriations of the House, the AOC may 
use these funds for major renovation projects to preserve and 
maintain the performance of the iconic buildings of the House 
of Representatives.
    The Committee authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to 
incur obligations from the House Historic Building 
Revitalization Trust Fund of not-to-exceed $162,399,811 for the 
restoration and renovation of the Cannon House Office Building. 
This authorization will provide the funding necessary for the 
continuation of the Cannon Renewal Project to complete Phase-
Zero at, $19,963,848 and Phase-One, Year-One at, $142,435,963. 
This will leave a balance of $19,547,000 in the House Historic 
Building Revitalization Trust Fund. However, the Architect of 
the Capitol may not obligate more than 25 percent of the 
$162,399,811 from the House Historic Building Revitalization 
Trust Fund including the $62 million provided in this Act until 
the Architect submits to the Comptroller General and the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a 
plan for the use of the funds including a description of any 
changes to the project's schedule, cost, as well as a 
description of the accounting and other safeguards the 
Architect will implement to ensure that the project will be 
carried out in a timely and cost-effective manner and the 
Committee on Appropriations approves such plan.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$64,076,000. The recommended project budget of $95,886,000 is 
composed of the following capital projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Garage Rehabilitation, Phase I, RHOB.................        $13,226,000
Restoration and Renovation of the Cannon House Office         62,000,000
 Building............................................
CAO Project Support..................................          3,660,000
Minor Construction...................................          7,000,000
House Historic Building Revitalization...............         10,000,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................        $95,886,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          Capitol Power Plant

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $90,652,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       120,803,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        91,549,898
Offsetting collections................................         9,000,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total available...................................      $100,549,898
 

    The Committee recommends $100,549,898 for the Capitol Power 
Plant. This amount is $897,898 above the fiscal year 2015 level 
and is $29,253,102 below the budget request.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$86,141,000. The recommended project budget of $14,408,898 is 
composed of the following capital projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Refrigeration Plant Chiller System Replacement,         $10,408,898
 RPR, Phase IIIA.....................................
Minor Construction...................................          4,000,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................        $14,408,898
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     Library Buildings and Grounds

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $42,180,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        65,801,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        36,589,000
 

    The Committee recommends $36,589,000 for the care and 
maintenance of the Library buildings and grounds. This amount 
is $5,591,000 below the fiscal year 2015 level and is 
$29,212,000 below the budget request.
    The Committee is very concerned with the amount of time it 
has taken to begin construction of the Library of Congress Book 
Module 5 at the Fort Meade facility. In September 2013 the 
Committee provided $1.2 million dollars towards the cost of 
Module 5. It was not until July 2014 that the Architect of the 
Capitol began what is called ``Design Re-Fresh Phase'' of the 
project some ten months after the funding became available.
    In January 2014 the Committee provided an additional $18.2 
million dollars to complete construction of Module 5 and 
according to the latest project time line construction is 
projected to begin in October 2015 with a projected completion 
date of October 2017. Thus, in summary from the beginning 
availability of funding for this project, September 2013, until 
the beginning of actual construction, October 2015, over two 
years will have elapsed. And from the first availability of 
funding until end of construction it will take over 4 years.
    The Committee understands a ``re-fresh'' of the design of 
the project was required however, for 10 months to elapse 
without any action on the part of the AoC is unacceptable. The 
Committee expects the AoC to review the internal business 
operations of the AoC organization so as to never allow another 
lapse of time for any project to begin almost one year after 
the beginning of funding availability.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$24,943,000 and a project budget of $11,646,000, including the 
following capital projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Direct Digital Controls Upgrade, Phase III, JMMB.....         $4,321,000
Emergency Lighting System Upgrade, JAB...............          3,331,000
Collection Storage Modules 6 & 7 Design, Ft. Meade...          1,994,000
Minor Construction...................................          2,000,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................        $11,646,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

            Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $19,159,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        28,247,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        22,058,000
 

    The Committee recommends $22,058,000 for Capitol Police 
buildings, grounds, and security. This amount is $2,899,000 
above the fiscal year 2015 level and is $6,189,000 below the 
budget request.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$17,533,000 which reflects a reduction of $600,000 for lease 
costs associated with the Alternate Computer Facility. In 
addition included is a project budget of $4,525,000, including 
the following capital projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Switchgear Replacement, USCP HQ................         $3,525,000
Minor Construction...................................          1,000,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................         $4,525,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             Botanic Garden

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $15,573,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        12,113,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        11,892,000
 

    The Committee recommends $11,892,000 for salaries and 
expenses of the Botanic Garden. This amount is $3,681,000 below 
the fiscal year 2015 level and is $221,000 below the budget 
request.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$9,792,000 and a project budget of $2,100,000, including the 
following capital projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minor Construction...................................         $2,100,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................         $2,100,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Again the Committee congratulates the Botanic Garden on the 
accomplishments of its education and outreach programs, which 
have leveraged the Garden's unparalleled expertise to provide 
unique educational opportunities. The Committee urges the 
Garden to continue forming partnerships with national and local 
organizations, and to utilize House Office Buildings for 
visitors and constituents, in order to advance educational 
goals.

                         Capitol Visitor Center

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $20,844,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        21,043,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        20,557,000
 

    The Committee recommends $20,557,000 for the operation of 
the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). This amount is $287,000 below 
the fiscal year 2015 level and $486,000 below the budget 
request.
    There are no capital projects in fiscal year 2016.
    The CVC was established to improve security for all persons 
working in or visiting the U.S. Capitol and to enhance the 
educational experience of visitors.
    The Committee has some concerns with the cost of meals in 
the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). Therefore, the Committee 
directs the Architect of the Capitol to review, in consultation 
with the Chief Administrative Officer of the House, the costs 
of meals in the CVC versus the House cafeterias and to make a 
proposed contract adjustment resulting in the ability of 
families to have a two meal option per day to eat in the CVC 
for approximately the same price as in the House cafeterias. 
The Architect of the Capitol is directed to report to the 
Committee on Appropriations of the House within 90 days of 
enactment of this Act the findings and the recommended changes.

                       Administrative Provisions

    Section 1101 prohibits payment of bonuses to contractors 
behind schedule or over budget.
    Section 1102 prohibits expenditure of funds for scrims for 
projects performed by the Architect of the Capitol.
    Section 1103 authorizes acquisition of certain acreage at 
Fort George Meade from the Maryland State Highway 
Administration.
    Section 1104 limits the obligation of funds provided for 
large scale projects pending an approved plan by the 
Comptroller General and the Committee on Appropriations of the 
House.

                          LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

    The Committee recommends $591,431,000 for the operations of 
the Library of Congress. This is $33,071,000 below the budget 
request and is $510,000 above the current level. In addition to 
the appropriation, the Committee recommends offsetting 
collections of $42,127,000.
    Established by Congress in 1800, the Library of Congress is 
one of the largest libraries in the world, with a collection of 
more than 130,000,000 print, audio, and video items in 460 
languages. Among its major programs are acquisitions, 
preservation, administration of U.S. copyright laws by the 
Copyright Office, research and analysis of policy issues for 
the Congress by the Congressional Research Service, and 
administration of a national program to provide reading 
material to the blind and physically handicapped. The Library 
maintains a significant number of collections and provides a 
range of services to libraries in the United States and abroad.
    A good business practice for any customer service 
organization is to periodically survey that customer base to 
determine if the products and services being provided are 
meeting the expectations of the customer. A proper survey can 
help the service provider to determine the strengths and 
weaknesses of the organization and what if any corrective 
action needs to be addressed. The Committee believes that such 
a survey of the Library's customer base would be beneficial. 
Therefore, the Committee directs the Library of Congress to 
commission an independent survey of all Members and committees 
of the House of Representatives to ascertain their fundamental 
and optimal requirements for services and support from the 
Library of Congress and especially the Congressional Research 
Service. A report and analysis of the survey results is to be 
provided to the Committees on Appropriations of the House no 
later than 180 days after enactment of this Act.
    The Committee has serious concerns regarding the recent 
Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the 
Information Technology (IT) of the Library of Congress. The 
examination of the Library IT operations by the GAO was 
undertaken at the request of the Committee. The Committee 
believed, as it does with any program, a periodic examination 
of any agency's operations and processes is the responsibility 
of good Government oversight. The current GAO report of the 
Library IT operations and the Copyright Office IT has provided 
a number of observations and recommendations for needed change 
in the overall Library IT operations. Although the 
recommendations are numerous, the Committee believes that the 
Librarian of Congress, the Register of Copyrights, and the 
Library management team can and will address each 
recommendation in a timely, collaborative, and methodical 
process that achieves positive results for the Library. The 
Committee will be working with the Library in the upcoming 
months to track the progress the Library makes on addressing 
the recommendations of the GAO reports. The Librarian, the 
Register of Copyrights, and the entire Library management team 
will be required to provide quarterly reports to the Committee 
on Appropriations of the House and Senate on objectives met, 
milestones reached and overall progress on addressing the GAO 
recommendations and be prepared to discuss the GAO report at 
the next budget cycle hearing.

                         Salaries and Expenses

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $413,007,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       438,020,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       413,007,000
Offsetting collections................................         6,350,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total available...................................      $419,357,000
 

    The Committee recommends $413,007,000, plus authority to 
spend $6,350,000 in receipts, for the salaries and expenses 
appropriation. This amount is $25,013,000 below the budget 
request and is the same as the current level.
    The Committee expects the Veterans History Project will be 
maintained at least at the fiscal year 2015 levels. Further, 
the Committee directs that the $5,500,000 base provided for the 
mass deacidification program be maintained to the fullest 
extent possible.

                            Copyright Office

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $20,721,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        23,098,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        21,231,000
Offsetting collections................................        35,777,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total available...................................       $57,008,000
 

    The Committee recommends $21,231,000, plus authority to 
spend $35,777,000 in receipts, for the Copyright Office. This 
is $2,705,000 above the fiscal year 2015 level and is 
$1,867,000 below the budget request. The increase above the 
current level is comprised of $2,195,000 offset with increased 
authority to spend receipts and will fund the Copyright Office 
Registration staffing increase of 20 FTE's. The balance of 
$510,000 and 5 additional FTE's will address copyright 
recordation business process reengineering.
    The Committee continues to support the Copyright Office as 
reflected with the additional fiscal year 2015 funding that was 
provided to reduce the claims and process processing time for 
copyright registrations ($750,000) and to conduct business 
analysis for the business process engineering of the document 
recordation function ($1,500,000). The Committee fully 
understands the importance of the Copyright Office as it 
relates to creativity and commercial artistic activity not only 
within the United States but also on a world-wide basis. In 
order to serve the copyright owners and the copyright community 
in the 21st century, a robust modern information technology 
(IT) operation will be necessary. The $1.5 million provided in 
fiscal year 2015 began the effort to determine the requirements 
for a modern IT environment. With the planning underway, the 
Committee directs the Register of Copyrights to report, to the 
Committee on Appropriation and relevant Authorizing Committees 
of the House on a detailed plan on necessary IT upgrades, with 
a cost estimate, that are required for a 21st century copyright 
organization. In addition to the cost estimate, the Register 
shall include recommendations on a funding strategy and a time 
frame for completion of a new IT system that is necessary to 
better serve the public in the digital age. The Register should 
seek public comments to help inform the Copyright Office with 
the funding strategy and implementation timeline. The cost 
estimate is to be provided to the Committee with 180 days of 
enactment of this Act with the funding strategy to be provided 
45 days after public comments are received.
    The Committee understands the Copyright Office has offered 
its expertise on copyright matters to the Executive Branch, 
including participation in international discussions, and 
expects the Office to continue that important role.

                     Congressional Research Service

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $106,945,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       111,956,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       106,945,000
 

    The Committee recommends $106,945,000 for salaries and 
expenses of the Congressional Research Service (CRS). This 
amount is $5,011,000 below the budget request and is the same 
as the current level.
    CRS works for Members and committees of Congress to support 
their legislative, oversight, and representational functions by 
providing nonpartisan and confidential research and policy 
analysis.

             Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $50,248,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        51,428,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        50,248,000
 

    The Committee recommends $50,248,000 for salaries and 
expenses of the National Library Service for the Blind and 
Physically Handicapped (NLS). This amount is $1,180,000 below 
the budget request and is the same as the current level.
    The NLS has successfully administered a free national 
reading program for blind and physically handicapped residents 
of the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad since 
1931. NLS provides direction for the production of books and 
magazines in braille and recorded formats and audio playback 
machines for distribution through a nationwide network of 56 
regional and 65 sub-regional libraries.
    The Committee recognizes the importance of technology in 
ensuring that blind and physically handicapped United States 
residents and citizens are afforded access to reading material 
in a timely manner. In order to preserve the National Library 
Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped today and 
ensure it is prepared to meet the needs of future generations, 
the Committee directs the Government Accountability Office 
(GAO) to review the services provided by the National Library. 
This review should include, but is not limited to, a review of 
the NLS's user base, a comparison of services and playback 
equipment offered by the NLS to private sector services and 
technologies currently used by the blind and physically 
handicapped community, to include an evaluation of possible 
cost efficiencies in utilizing private sector technologies, 
availability of alternate distribution methods and other 
aspects of the NLS's services that the GAO deems relevant. The 
GAO is to prepare a report of its findings and report back to 
the Committee on Appropriations of the House and Senate no 
later than December 31, 2015.

                        Administrative Provision

    Section 1201 authorizes obligational authority for 
reimbursable and revolving funds.

                      GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

    The recommendation provides $110,236,000 in budget 
authority for the Government Publishing Office (GPO), in 
addition to any offsetting collections which the GPO may earn 
under separate authority. This amount is $9,757,000 below the 
current level $9,764,000 below the budget request.
    GPO provides publishing and dissemination services for 
Federal government publications to Congress, Federal agencies, 
Federal depository libraries, and the American public.

                        Congressional Publishing

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $79,736,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        79,736,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        79,736,000
 

    The Committee recommends $79,736,000 for Congressional 
Publishing. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2015 
level and is the same as the budget request. The amount is 
provided as a lump sum to cover various categories of printing.

     Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $31,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        30,500,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        30,500,000
 

    The Committee recommends $30,500,000 for the salaries and 
expenses of the Public Information Programs of the 
Superintendent of Documents. This amount is $1,000,000 below 
the fiscal year 2015 level and is the same as the budget 
request.
    The Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of 
Documents account funds the mailing of government documents for 
Members of Congress and Federal agencies, as statutorily 
authorized; the compilation of catalogs and indexes of 
government publications; and the cataloging, indexing, and 
providing of government publications in digital and tangible 
formats to the Federal Depository and International Exchange 
libraries and to other individuals and entities, as authorized 
by law.

                   Business Operations Revolving Fund

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $8,757,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         9,764,000
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
 

    The Committee has not provided funding for the Business 
Operations Revolving Fund. This is a decrease of $8,757,000 
below the fiscal 2015 level and $9,764,000 below the budget 
request.
    The bill continues language authorizing the operation of 
the revolving fund and authority to hire or purchase 
automobiles, advisory councils, and consultants.

                    GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE

                         Salaries and Expenses

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $522,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       553,058,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       522,000,000
Offsetting Collections................................        25,450,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total available...................................      $547,450,000
 

    The Committee recommends $522,000,000 in direct 
appropriations for the Government Accountability Office (GAO), 
plus $25,450,000 in offsetting collections derived from 
reimbursements for conducting financial audits of government 
corporations and rental of space in the GAO building. This 
amount is an increase of $1,700,000 above the fiscal year 2015 
level, and is $31,058,000 below the budget request. The 
increase of $1,700,000 above the current level is offset with 
offsetting collections.
    GAO was established by the Budget and Accounting Act of 
1921. GAO works for Congress by responding to requests for 
studies of Federal Government programs and expenditures. GAO 
may also initiate its own work.
    The Committee recognizes the important work that the 
Government Accountability Office does on a daily basis to 
provide oversight, transparency, and accountability for 
Congress and the American people.

                        Administrative Provision

    Section 1301 authorizes details of personnel to the 
Government Accountability Office.

                Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $5,700,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         8,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         5,700,000
 

    The Committee recommends $5,700,000, the same as the 
current level and $2,300,000 below the budget request.

   John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................          $430,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................           430,000
Recommended in the bill...............................           430,000
 

    The Committee recommends $430,000 for fiscal year 2016. 
This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2015 level and is 
the same as the budget request.
    The Committee believes that the services provided by the 
John C. Stennis Center are laudable. Further the Committee 
believes that the Center should continually work to raise 
private sector funds in order to be self-sustaining should the 
need arise.

                      TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    The customary language regarding emergency assistance for 
vehicles, fiscal year limitation, positions and allowances, 
consulting services, the Legislative Branch Financial Managers 
Council, the maintenance and landscaping on Square 580, a 
limitation on transfers of funds and language regarding 
maintaining staff-led tours. (Sections 201-208). In addition 
section 209 authorizes battery recharging stations at the 
Library of Congress, Section 210 is related to cost of living 
adjustment for Members of Congress, and section 211, provides 
for a spending reduction account.

              HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT REQUIREMENTS

    The following items are included in accordance with various 
requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives.

                 Comparison With the Budget Resolution

    Section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget Act 
requires the report accompanying a bill providing new budget 
authority to contain a statement comparing the levels in the 
bill to the suballocations submitted under section 302(b) of 
the Act for the most recently agreed to concurrent resolution 
on the budget for the applicable fiscal year. That information 
is provided in the table headed ``Comparison of Reported Bill 
to Section 302(b) Suballocation.''

                                            [In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               302(b) Allocation              This bill--
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Budget                      Budget
                                                             authority      Outlays      authority      Outlays
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee
    allocations to its subcommittees: Subcommittee on
                   Legislative Branch
Discretionary...........................................          $4,300      $4,243          $3,341   \1\$3,515
Mandatory...............................................             135         134             135      \1\134
Total...................................................          $4,435      $4,377          $3,476     $3,649
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from both House and Senate prior-year budget authority.
Note.--Bill amounts exclude discretionary Senate-related items.

                      Five-Year Outlay Projections

    In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344), as 
amended, the following table contains five-year projections 
prepared by the Congressional Budget Office of outlays 
associated with the budget authority provided in the 
accompanying bill:

                        [In millions of dollars]
 
 
 
Budget Authority......................................            $3,476
Outlays:
    2016..............................................          \1\2,926
    2017..............................................               354
    2018..............................................                81
    2019..............................................                35
    2020..............................................                10
 
\1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

               Assistance to State and Local Governments

    Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional 
Budget Act of 1974, (Public Law 93-344), as amended, the amount 
of financial assistance to State and local governments is as 
follows:
    The accompanying bill contains no funding for State and 
local assistance programs.

                          Program Duplication

    No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a 
program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of 
another Federal program, a program that was included in any 
report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress 
pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program 
related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance.

                          Directed Rule Making

    The bill does not direct any rule-making to the Executive 
Branch.

                           Transfer of Funds

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following lists the transfers of 
funds included in the accompanying bill:
    Indefinite transfer authority is authorized in Joint items 
disbursed by the Chief Administrative Officer of the House, 
Library of Congress, Congressional Printing and Binding, the 
Superintendent of Documents, and the Capitol Police programs.

                              Rescissions

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following details the rescissions 
in the accompanying bill:
    The accompanying bill contains no rescissions.

         Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following is a statement of 
general performance goals and objectives for which this measure 
authorizes funding:
    The Committee on Appropriations considers program 
performance, including a program's success in developing and 
attaining outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing 
funding recommendations.

                  Appropriations Not Authorized by Law

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following lists the 
appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not 
authorized by law for the period concerned:
    The accompanying bill contains no appropriations not 
authorized by law.

                                Earmarks

    Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House 
of Representatives, this bill, as reported, contains no 
Congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff 
benefits as defined in clause 9(e), 9(f), or 9(g) of rule XXI.

               Changes in the Application of Existing Law

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, the following statements are 
submitted describing the effect of provisions in the 
accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the 
application of existing law:
    1. The bill provides that certain appropriation items 
remain available for more than one year, where programs or 
projects are continuing in nature under the provisions of 
authorizing legislation but for which that legislation does not 
specifically authorize such extended availability.
    2. The bill includes a number of provisions which place 
limitations on or change or extend existing limitations, 
appropriations, or authorizations, and which under some 
circumstances might be construed as changing the application of 
existing law.
    3. The bill continues the practice of providing official 
reception and representation allowances for officers and 
offices of the Legislative Branch.
    4. The bill authorizes disbursal of funds for various 
agencies.
    5. The bill authorizes transfer authority between accounts 
for certain agencies in the bill.
    6. The bill includes language allowing the use of funds for 
studies and examinations of executive agencies and temporary 
personnel services. Funds can also be available for 
reimbursement to agencies for services performed.
    7. The bill includes language providing funds for the 
Family Room, the Superintendent of Garages, Office of Emergency 
Management, and preparing the Digest of Rules.
    8. The bill includes language providing funds for House 
motor vehicles, interparliamentary receptions, and gratuities.
    9. The bill requires unspent funds remaining in Members' 
Representational Allowances to be used for deficit or debt 
reduction.
    10. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being 
used for the delivery of bills and resolutions.
    11. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being 
used for the delivery of the Congressional Record.
    12. The bill includes language that places a limitation on 
the amount that a Member can spend on a leased vehicle per 
month.
    13. The bill includes language that places a limitation on 
printed copies of the U.S. Code for the House of 
Representatives.
    14. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being 
used for the delivery of the Reports of Disbursements.
    15. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being 
used for the delivery of the daily calendar.
    16. The bill authorizes allowances for employees of the 
Office of the Attending Physician and provides reimbursement to 
the Department of the Navy.
    17. The bill authorizes expenses of the Capitol Police for 
motor vehicles, communications and other equipment, uniforms, 
weapons, supplies, materials, training, medical services, 
forensic services, stenographic services, personal and 
professional services, the employee assistance program, the 
awards program, postage, communication services, travel 
advances, and relocation expenses.
    18. The bill provides that the cost of Capitol Police basic 
training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center be paid 
by the Department of Homeland Security.
    19. The bill includes language that authorizes 
reimbursement for law enforcements assistance provided in 
connection with any activity that was not sponsored by 
Congress.
    20. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to 
purchase or exchange, maintain, and operate two passenger motor 
vehicles.
    21. The bill includes authorization allowing reimbursements 
for chilled water and steam provided to the Government 
Publishing Office, the Washington City Post Office, the Supreme 
Court, the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, Union 
Station Complex, and the Folger Shakespeare Library to be 
credited to the AOC Capitol Power Plant appropriation and made 
available for obligation.
    22. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to expend 
funds to maintain, care for, and operate the National Garden.
    23. The bill contains language that prohibits the Architect 
of the Capitol from expended funds for incentive or award 
payments to contractors for work for which the contractor is 
behind schedule or over budget.
    24. The bill contains language that prohibits the Architect 
of the Capitol from expended funds for scrims containing 
photographs of building facades during restoration or 
construction projects.
    25. The bill contains language that authorizes the 
Architect of the Capitol to acquire from the Maryland State 
Highway Administration a parcel of real property located with 
the portion of Fort George Meade that transferred to the 
Architect by the Secretary of the Army.
    26. The bill contains language that restricts the 
obligation of funds large scale projects subject to a plan 
submitted to the Comptroller General and approved by the 
Committee and the Comptroller General.
    27. The bill provides the authority to expend funds 
collected under the authority of 2 U.S.C. 150 and for 
international legal information, the balance to remain 
available until expended.
    28. The bill establishes that the amount available for 
obligation by the Library of Congress is reduced by offsetting 
collections.
    29. The bill provides funds for the digital collections and 
educational curricula program, and the American Folklife 
Center.
    30. The bill allows the Library of Congress to hire or 
purchase one passenger motor vehicle.
    31. The bill allows funds from offsetting collections to be 
used for the Library's Copyright Office.
    32. The bill includes language authorizing the expenditure 
of receipts, with the exception of salaries and benefits, for 
the administration of the Copyright Royalty Judges program.
    33. The bill contains language which provides that no funds 
in the Congressional Research Service can be used to publish or 
prepare material to be issued by the Library of Congress unless 
approved by the appropriate committees.
    34. The bill provides funds to provide newspapers to the 
blind and physically handicapped.
    35. The bill contains language under the Library of 
Congress placing a limitation on obligations for Reimbursable 
and Revolving Fund activities.
    36. The bill contains language restricting the use of funds 
appropriated to the Government Publishing Office for the 
permanent edition of the Congressional Record for individual 
Representatives and Senators, Resident Commissioners, or 
Delegates, and language providing that appropriations 
recommended shall be available for the payment of obligations 
incurred under appropriations for similar purposes for 
preceding fiscal years, limiting the printing of certain 
documents to a time certain, and authorizing the transfer of 
unobligated balances.
    37. The bill includes authorization of appropriations for 
Congressional Publishing.
    38. The bill includes language authorizing the Public 
Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents to pay 
for printing certain publications in prior years for the 
depository library program. There is language authorizing the 
transfer of unexpended balances.
    39. There is language authorizing the operation of the 
Government Publishing Office revolving fund, and which 
authorizes travel expenses for advisory councils, the purchase 
of not more than 12 passenger motor vehicles and that the 
revolving fund may be used to provide information in any 
format.
    40. The bill includes language relating to the Government 
Accountability Office, authorizing the direct procurement of 
expert and consultant services under 5 U.S.C. 3109 at certain 
rates; authorizing the hire of one passenger motor vehicle, as 
required by 31 U.S.C. 1343; authorizing the Government 
Accountability Office to make advance payments in foreign 
countries in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3324; and providing 
certain benefits, including rental of living quarters in 
foreign countries. Appropriations are authorized for 
administrative expenses of any other member department or 
agency to finance an appropriate share of the costs of the 
National Intergovernmental Audit Forum or a Regional 
Intergovernmental Audit Forum.
    41. The bill includes language that permits the detail of 
employees from other government agencies to the Government 
Accountability Office.
    42. In Section 201, there is language prohibiting the use 
of funds in the Act for the maintenance or care of private 
vehicles except for emergency assistance and cleaning as may be 
provided under regulations relating to parking facilities for 
the House issued by the Committee on House Administration and 
for the Senate by the Committee on Rules and Administration.
    43. Section 203 provides that whenever any office or 
position not specifically established by the Legislative Pay 
Act of 1929 is appropriated for herein, or whenever the rate of 
compensation or designation of any position appropriated for 
herein is different from that specifically established for such 
position by such Act, the rate of compensation and the 
designation of the position, either appropriated for or 
provided herein, shall be the permanent law with respect 
thereto: Provided that the provisions herein for the various 
items of official expenses of Members, officers, and committees 
of the Senate and House, and clerk hire for Senators and 
Members shall be the permanent law with respect thereto.
    44. Section 204 requires that certain information regarding 
consulting services shall be a matter of public record.
    45. Section 205 authorizes Legislative Branch entities to 
share the costs of the Legislative Branch Financial Managers 
Council.
    46. Section 206 authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to 
maintain certain property.
    47. Section 207 limits the transfer of funds in this Act.
    48. Section 208 prohibits funds in this Act being used to 
eliminate or restrict staff led guided tours.
    49. Section 209 authorizes battery recharging stations for 
privately owned vehicles in parking areas under the 
jurisdiction of the Librarian of Congress at no net cost to the 
Federal Government.
    50. Section 210 is related to cost of living adjustment for 
Members of Congress.
    51. Section 211 provides for a spending reduction account, 
excluding Senate items.

          Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3(e) (Ramseyer Rule)

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman):

SECTION 2802 OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2001

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  Sec. 2802. (a)(1) Any funds received by the Capitol Police as 
reimbursement for law enforcement assistance from any Federal, 
State, or local government agency (including any agency of the 
[District of Columbia)] District of Columbia), and from any 
other source in the case of assistance provided in connection 
with an activity that was not sponsored by Congress shall be 
deposited in the United States Treasury for credit to the 
appropriation for ``general expenses'' under the heading 
``United States Capitol Police'', or ``security enhancements'' 
under the heading ``United States Capitol Police''.
  (2) Funds deposited under this subsection may be expended by 
the Chief of the United States Capitol Police for any 
authorized purpose, including overtime pay expenditures 
relating to [law enforcement assistance to any Federal, State, 
or local government agency (including any agency of the 
District of Columbia)] any law enforcement assistance for which 
reimbursement described in paragraph (1) is made, and shall 
remain available until expended.
  (b) This section shall take effect on the date of enactment 
of this Act and shall apply to fiscal year 2001 and each fiscal 
year thereafter.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              

TITLE 31, UNITED STATES CODE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

Subtitle I--GENERAL

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

CHAPTER 7--GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                       Subchapter III--PERSONNEL

Sec. 731. General

  (a) The Comptroller General may appoint, pay, assign, and 
remove officers (except the Deputy Comptroller General) and 
employees the Comptroller General decides are necessary to 
carry out the duties and powers of the Government 
Accountability Office.
  (b) The Comptroller General may establish for appropriate 
officers and employees a merit pay system consistent with 
section 5401 of title 5, as in effect on October 31, 1993.
  (c) The annual rate of basic pay of the General Counsel of 
the Government Accountability Office is equal to the rate for 
level IV of the Executive Schedule.
  (e) The Comptroller General may procure the services of 
experts and consultants under section 3109 of title 5 at rates 
not in excess of the daily rate for level IV of the Executive 
Schedule, except that the services of not more than 20 experts 
and consultants may be procured for terms of not more than 3 
years, but which shall be renewable.
  (f) The Comptroller General shall prescribe regulations under 
which officers and employees of the Office may, in appropriate 
circumstances, be reimbursed for any relocation expenses under 
subchapter II of chapter 57 of title 5 for which they would not 
otherwise be eligible, but only if the Comptroller General 
determines that the transfer giving rise to such relocation is 
of sufficient benefit or value to the Office to justify such 
reimbursement.
  (g) The Comptroller General shall prescribe regulations under 
which key officers and employees of the Office who have less 
than 3 years of service may accrue leave in accordance with 
section 6303(a)(2) of title 5, in those circumstances in which 
the Comptroller General has determined such increased annual 
leave is appropriate for the recruitment or retention of such 
officers and employees. Such regulations shall define key 
officers and employees and set forth the factors in determining 
which officers and employees should be allowed to accrue leave 
in accordance with this subsection.
  (h) The Comptroller General may by regulation establish an 
executive exchange program under which officers and employees 
of the Office may be assigned to private sector organizations, 
and employees of private sector organizations may be assigned 
to the Office, to further the institutional interests of the 
Office or Congress, including for the purpose of providing 
training to officers and employees of the Office. Regulations 
to carry out any such program--
          (1) shall include provisions (consistent with 
        sections 3702 through 3704 of title 5) as to matters 
        concerning--
                  (A) the duration and termination of 
                assignments;
                  (B) reimbursements; and
                  (C) status, entitlements, benefits, and 
                obligations of program participants;
          (2) shall limit--
                  (A) the number of officers and employees who 
                are assigned to private sector organizations at 
                any one time to not more than 15; and
                  (B) the number of employees from private 
                sector organizations who are assigned to the 
                Office at any one time to not more than 30;
          (3) shall require that an employee of a private 
        sector organization assigned to the Office may not have 
        access to any trade secrets or to any other nonpublic 
        information which is of commercial value to the private 
        sector organization from which such employee is 
        assigned;
          (4) shall require that, before approving the 
        assignment of an officer or employee to a private 
        sector organization, the Comptroller General shall 
        determine that the assignment is an effective use of 
        the Office's funds, taking into account the best 
        interests of the Office and the costs and benefits of 
        alternative methods of achieving the same results and 
        objectives; and
          (5) shall not allow any assignment under this 
        subsection to commence after the end of the 5-year 
        period beginning on the date of the enactment of this 
        subsection.
  (i) An employee of a private sector organization assigned to 
the Office under the executive exchange program shall be 
considered to be an employee of the Office for purposes of--
          (1) chapter 73 of title 5;
          (2) sections 201, 203, 205, 207, 208, 209, 603, 606, 
        607, 643, 654, 1905, and 1913 of title 18;
          (3) sections 1343, 1344, and 1349(b) of this title;
          (4) chapter 171 of title 28 (commonly referred to as 
        the ``Federal Tort Claims Act'') and any other Federal 
        tort liability statute;
          (5) the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. 
        App.);
          (6) section 1043 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
        1986; and
          (7) chapter 21 of title 41.
  (j) Funds appropriated to the Government Accountability 
Office for salaries and expenses are available for meals and 
other related reasonable expenses incurred in connection with 
recruitment.
  (k) Federal Government Details.--The activities of the 
Government Accountability Office may, in the reasonable 
discretion of the Comptroller General, be carried out by 
receiving details of personnel from other offices of the 
Federal Government on a reimbursable, partially-reimbursable, 
or nonreimbursable basis.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

      ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF NITA LOWEY AND DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

    The Legislative Branch appropriations bill is essential to 
Congress' ability to serve the Nation and fulfill its 
constitutional duties as an equal branch of government.
    Regrettably, this bill falls short in providing Congress 
with the resources needed to fulfill its constitutional duties. 
The Legislative Branch bill provides another year of flat 
funding, the third in a row. The bill reflects the Republican 
budget that set discretionary spending at levels not sufficient 
to grow the economy or invest in infrastructure. The President 
put forward a specific plan to avoid sequestration's harmful 
budget cuts and reduce the deficit in a balanced way. 
Unfortunately, the Republican Budget does not even meet the 
President's plan half way.
    In the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill we see the 
effect of the Republican Budget most starkly on the Architect 
of the Capitol, where several projects with life and safety 
elements were left unfunded. The Office of Compliance issued a 
citation to the Library of Congress stating ``lack of exit 
stairwells and exit pathways in the Thomas Jefferson Building 
that are effectively protected against fire, smoke, or toxic 
fumes poses an undue danger to the lives and safety of the 
building occupants.'' Not surprisingly, the Architect ranked 
the Library of Congress North Exit Stair B as its second most 
critical project in need of funding. Nonetheless, this bill 
provides no funds for that and other necessary life and safety 
projects, including Library of Congress Elevator Modernization, 
South Stair E Phase I, and Fire Alarm and Audibility Upgrades.
    The bill not only insufficiently funds the Architect but 
also includes language to withhold seventy-five percent of 
funding for any project or phase of a project funded in the 
bill over $5 million until the House Committee on 
Appropriations and the Government Accountability Office approve 
a plan for use of funds. The provision adds an overly 
burdensome requirement that will unnecessarily hold up the 
progress of essential projects. The low threshold of $5 million 
threatens to insert the Committee into the management of 
projects rather than promote the Committee's appropriate 
oversight role.
    The largest reduction in the bill is to the Government 
Publishing Office (GPO), which was cut by over 8 percent from 
the fiscal year 2015 level. The office was formerly known as 
the Government Printing Office until the Committee changed the 
name of the agency in the fiscal year 2015 Omnibus 
Appropriations bill to reflect the digital transformation of 
the agency. GPO publishes information online and plays a vital 
role in Congress' transparency. Unfortunately, the bill denies 
GPO's request to continue to improve its Federal Digital 
System. The National Academy of Public Administration in 2013 
recommended that GPO explore charging fees for access to online 
legislative data to ensure the long-term preservation of 
digital government publications. Congress should reject NAPA's 
recommendation to charge fees and adequately fund GPO through 
appropriations to ensure free access to government data.
    The bill rightfully continues the subcommittee's effort to 
improve the Copyright Office's business practices. As some of 
the requested increase for Copyright was provided in the bill, 
the subcommittee also directed the office to provide to the 
Committee a detailed plan on necessary Information Technology 
upgrades, including cost estimates. The Copyright Office must 
improve the backlog of registrations as well as their business 
processes. Currently customers can only submit documents on 
paper, which the Copyright Office turns into a digital format--
a glaring inefficiency. This bill recognizes that the effort to 
transform the Copyright Office will require a long commitment 
and strong oversight by the legislative branch appropriations 
subcommittee.
    Finally, the Ranking Member of the subcommittee put forward 
a commonsense amendment during Full Committee consideration 
that would have taken steps to ensure House of Representatives 
cafeteria workers are paid a livable wage. The amendment 
directed the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of 
Representatives to solicit and select a food service contractor 
who provides a livable wage to its employees to meet basic 
needs for food and shelter. The amendment set no amount for 
wages but required the contractor to use local economic indices 
to establish these wages. Regrettably, this amendment was 
defeated 29-21 with Republican Members voting against and 
Democratic Members voting in the affirmative. The Democratic 
Members of the Committee will continue to strive to require 
that contractors doing business with the House of 
Representatives pay wages and provide benefits that allow their 
employees to live above poverty levels and move into the middle 
class.

                                   Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
                                   Nita M. Lowey.

                                  [all]
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