26–308 

115TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1st Session 115–238 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND 

RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2018 

JULY 21, 2017.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of 

the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. CALVERT, from the Committee on Appropriations, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

together with 

DISSENTING VIEWS 

[To accompany H.R. 3354] 

The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in 

explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for the 

Department of the Interior, the Environmental A25JY0.Protection 

Agency, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 

30, 2018. The bill provides regular annual appropriations for the 

Department of the Interior (except the Bureau of Reclamation and 

the Central Utah Project), the Environmental Protection Agency, 

and for other related agencies, including the Forest Service, the Indian Health Service, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National 

Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities. 

CONTENTS 

Page number 

Bill Report 

Title I—Department of the Interior: 

Bureau of Land Management ............................................................ 2 7 

United States Fish and Wildlife Service ........................................... 8 11 

National Park Service ......................................................................... 15 24 

United States Geological Survey ....................................................... 20 34 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management ............................................. 23 37 

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement ......................... 24 39 

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement ................. 26 39 

Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education ............. 29 41 

2 

Page number 

Bill Report 

Office of the Secretary ........................................................................ 38 48 

Insular Affairs ..................................................................................... 40 49 

Office of the Solicitor .......................................................................... 43 50 

Office of Inspector General ................................................................. 43 50 

Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians ......................... 43 50 

Department-wide Programs: 

Wildland Fire Management, Interior Department ........................... 46 51 

FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund, Interior Department N/A 52 

Central Hazardous Materials Fund .................................................. 49 52 

Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration ................. 49 52 

Working Capital Fund ........................................................................ 50 52 

Office of Natural Resources Revenue ................................................ 51 53 

Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) ..................................................... 52 53 

General Provisions, Department of the Interior ............................... 52 53 

Title II—Environmental Protection Agency: 

Science and Technology ...................................................................... 62 55 

Environmental Programs and Management ..................................... 63 58 

Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund ....................... 64 62 

Office of Inspector General ................................................................. 65 62 

Buildings and Facilities ...................................................................... 65 63 

Hazardous Substance Superfund ....................................................... 65 63 

Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Program ............. 66 64 

Inland Oil Spill Programs .................................................................. 67 65 

State and Tribal Assistance Grants .................................................. 67 66 

Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account ... 75 68 

Administrative Provisions .................................................................. 76 68 

Title III—Related Agencies: 

Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture .............................. 79 69 

Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment .................................................................................................. 79 69 

Wildland Fire Management, Forest Service ..................................... 85 78 

FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund, Forest Service ......... N/A 79 

Indian Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services ............................................................................................ 95 80 

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ..................... 104 84 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ......................... 104 84 

Other Related Agencies: 

Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental 

Quality .............................................................................................. 105 85 

Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board ........................... 106 86 

Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation ................................... 107 86 

Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts 

Development .................................................................................... 108 87 

Smithsonian Institution ..................................................................... 108 87 

National Gallery of Art ....................................................................... 110 89 

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ............................ 111 90 

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars ........................ 112 91 

National Endowment for the Arts ..................................................... 112 91 

National Endowment for the Humanities ......................................... 113 92 

Commission of Fine Arts .................................................................... 114 93 

National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs ...................................... 115 94 

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation ....................................... 115 94 

National Capital Planning Commission ............................................ 115 94 

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum .................................... 116 95 

Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission ................................. 116 95 

Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission ...................................... 117 96 

World War I Centennial Commission ................................................ 117 96 

Title IV—General Provisions: ................................................................... 117 97 

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INTRODUCTION

The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2018 totals $31,456,000,000. 

This amount is $824,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level and $4,256,911,000 above the budget request. 

The amounts in the accompanying bill are reflected by title in 

the table below. 

BUDGET AUTHORITY RECOMMENDED IN BILL BY TITLE 

Activity Budget estimates, 

fiscal year 2018 

Committee bill, fiscal 

year 2018 

Committee bill compared with budget 

estimates 

Title I, Department of the Interior: New budget authority ....... $10,554,207,000 $11,887,470,000 +$1,333,263,000 

Title II, Environmental Protection Agency: New budget authority ................................................................................... 5,655,000,000 7,524,087,000 +1,869,087,000 

Title III, Related Agencies: New budget authority .................... 10,989,882,000 12,038,443,000 +1,048,561,000 

Title IV, General Provisions: New budget authority .................. 0 6,000,000 +6,000,000 

Grand total, New budget authority .................................. 27,199,089,000 531,456,000,000 +4,256,911,000 

BUDGET AUTHORITY RECOMMENDED IN BILL BY TITLE 

Activity Budget estimates, 

fiscal year 2018 

Committee bill, fiscal 

year 2018 

Committee bill compared with budget 

estimates 

Title I, Department of the Interior: 

New budget authority ...................................................... $10,554,207,000 $11,887,470,000 +$1,333,263,000 

Title II, Environmental Protection Agency: 

New budget authority ...................................................... 5,655,000,000 7,530,087,000 +1,875,087,000 

Title III, Related Agencies: 

New budget authority ...................................................... 10,989,882,000 12,038,443,000 +1,048,561,000 

Title IV, General Provisions: 

New budget authority ...................................................... 0 0 0 

Grand total, New budget authority ......................... 27,199,089,000 31,456,000,000 +4,256,911,000 

COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT

Members of Congress have provided considerable input in fashioning this bill. In total, 351 Members submitted nearly 5,200 programmatic requests relating to multiple agencies and programs. 

The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee 

conducted 10 budget hearings and briefings this year (including 

four hearings involving American Indians and Alaska Natives) to 

carefully review the programs and budgets under its jurisdiction. 

The Subcommittee held the following oversight hearings: 

Members’ Day hearing—February 28, 2017 

American Indian/Alaska Native Public Witnesses—May 16, 2017 

(morning) 

American Indian/Alaska Native Public Witnesses—May 16, 2017 

(afternoon) 

American Indian/Alaska Native Public Witnesses—May 17, 2017 

(morning) 

American Indian/Alaska Native Public Witnesses—May 17, 2017 

(afternoon) 

Indian Health Service FY18 budget oversight hearing—May 24, 

2017 

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High Risk American Indian/Alaska Native Programs—May 24, 

2017 

U.S. Forest Service FY18 budget oversight hearing—May 25, 

2017 

Department of the Interior FY18 budget oversight hearing—June 

8, 2017 

Environmental Protection Agency FY18 budget oversight hearing—June 15, 2017 

In total, 110 individuals representing the Executive Branch, Congress, State, Tribal, and local governments, and the general public 

testified before the Subcommittee. In addition to those who testified in person, another 125 Members of Congress, organizations, or 

coalitions provided written testimony for the hearing record which 

is publicly available online. 

COST OF WILDLAND FIRE

In six of the last ten years, the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior have exceeded their wildland fire suppression 

budgets despite being fully funded at the ten-year suppression average for such costs. Fire seasons have grown longer and more destructive, putting people, communities, and ecosystems at greater 

risk. Fire borrowing has now become routine rather than extraordinary. Borrowing from non-fire accounts to pay suppression costs 

results in the Forest Service and Department of the Interior having 

fewer resources available for forest management activities to improve overall forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic 

wildland fires. 

The Committee continues to believe the most catastrophic 

wildland fires should be addressed in a fashion similar to other 

major natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes, and funded 

through the disaster cap adjustment established by the Budget 

Control Act of 2011 (P.L. 112–25). This common sense reform 

would allow for a more responsible and stable way to budget for 

wildland fire suppression costs. 

While the budget request does not include a specific proposal, the 

Committee notes that the Administration has indicated its interest 

in working with Congress to find a solution, potentially like legislation that has been developed in the House (H.R. 2862) which has 

the support of every member of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. As the issue of the disaster cap adjustment falls outside of the Committee’s jurisdiction, the Committee’s recommendation does not include the request for suppression 

funding through the disaster cap adjustment. 

As Congress continues to debate the best approach for fire budgeting, the Committee has provided robust wildland fire funding in 

its fiscal year 2018 bill. The bill includes a total of $3,442,207,000 

in wildland fire funding for the Department of the Interior and the 

Forest Service. Fire suppression accounts are fully funded at the 

ten-year average level. Hazardous fuels reduction program funding, 

a critical component of an effective overall fire strategy, is funded 

at $575,000,000, which is $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

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PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES (PILT)

The Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program provides compensation to local governments for the loss of tax revenue resulting 

from the presence of Federal land in their county or State. In 2017, 

49 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of 

Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands received PILT payments. 

The Committee includes bill language providing $465,000,000 in 

PILT funding for fiscal year 2018. 

RECREATION FEE AUTHORITY

Enacted in 2004, the Federal Land Recreation Enhancement Act 

(FLREA) authorized five agencies to collect and expend recreation 

fees on land they manage: the Department of the Interior’s Bureau 

of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), National Park Service (NPS), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

(FWS), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service 

(USFS). These fees, which leverage other funding sources and complement appropriated dollars, fund projects that directly benefit the 

visitor experience. 

The authority for FLREA is scheduled to sunset at the end of the 

current fiscal year. This expiration would impact the Department 

of the Interior’s estimated annual collection of $290 million, of 

which the National Park Service collects nearly $264 million. In 

2016, the recreation fee program collected nearly $376 million from 

the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior combined. 

An extension of recreation fee authority is necessary for land managers to plan for upcoming seasons including selling annual passes, 

hiring seasonal employees, planning projects, organizing volunteers, and accepting reservations. The Committee has included 

within Title IV General Provisions a one-year extension of the current recreation fee authority as requested. 

COST OF LITIGATION

The Committee remains concerned that many of the legitimate 

goals of the Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and 

other agencies under the Committee’s jurisdiction—as well as the 

work of this Committee—are undermined by litigation filed in an 

effort to shift land management decisions from the agencies to the 

courts, regardless of merit. 

Litigation is a huge unbudgeted cost for land management agencies. The Committee is concerned that, as budgets shrink, agencies 

are forced to settle lawsuits quickly because they don’t have funds 

available to complete court-imposed work. In addition, the courts 

are not concerned whether agencies have funding necessary to 

meet court mandates. As a result, the courts are playing an increasing role in determining how and where agencies use their 

funding. 

Given ongoing concerns, the Department of the Interior, EPA, 

and the Forest Service are directed to provide to the House and 

Senate Committees on Appropriations, and to make publicly available no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, detailed 

Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) fee information as specified in 

House Report 112–151. 

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STATE WILDLIFE DATA

The Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest Service are expected to prioritize continued coordination with other Federal agencies and State fish and wildlife agencies to recognize and fully utilize State fish and wildlife data and analyses as a primary source 

to inform land use, planning, and related natural resource decisions. Federal agencies should not unnecessarily duplicate raw 

data, but when appropriate, evaluate existing analysis of data prepared by the States, and reciprocally share data with State wildlife 

managers, to ensure that the most complete data set is available 

for decision support systems. 

PAPER REDUCTION

The Committee urges each agency funded by this Act to work 

with the Office of Management and Budget to reduce printing and 

reproduction costs and directs each agency to report to the Committee within 90 days of enactment of this Act on what steps have 

been taken to achieve this goal. The report should specifically identify how much money each agency expects to save by implementing 

these measures. 

EDUCATIONAL AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS

The Committee strongly supports academic internships, partnerships, and educational and outreach programs of the agencies funded through the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill and encourages them to ensure that their efforts 

reach the widest possible audience, including but not limited to, 

Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Tribal Colleges and Universities, as appropriate. 

LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND

The Committee recognizes that investments in the Land and 

Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) support public land conservation 

and ensure access to the outdoors for all Americans. The recommendation balances bipartisan support for many LWCF programs with the need to address deferred maintenance backlogs at 

land management agencies, and to do both within the constraints 

of the budget and other priorities within the bill. Accordingly, the 

Committee recommends $275,000,000 for LWCF programs. 

The recommendation includes $50,000,000 for projects expected 

to be submitted to the Committee for Congressional consideration 

in accordance with the direction provided in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 115–31. Consistent with the process used in previous fiscal years, the Committee will review and 

recommend levels of funding based on Congressional priorities including, but not limited to, strong State and local support for the 

project, leveraging of existing lands, increased access to recreational opportunities, and project-readiness. 

Additionally, the recommendation includes no less than $10 million for projects that open or improve access to public lands for 

hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities and no less than 

$11 million for projects that consolidate inholdings or alleviate 

hardships for private landowners. Prior to proceeding with recreation access funding, the agencies should submit a list of the 

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projects to be funded, along with a description of how the projects 

meet the recreation access criteria as defined by each agency. 

COTTONWOOD V. U.S. FOREST SERVICE

The Committee has significant concerns about the effect the 

Ninth Circuit Court’s 2015 decision in Cottonwood Environmental 

Law Center v. United States Forest Service could have on the ability of the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to 

manage public lands as required by law. The decision has the potential to curtail forest health activities, recreational opportunities, 

and conservation practices and appears to have exposed the Service 

and Bureau to the possibility of extensive litigation that will not 

benefit endangered species or improve the condition of public lands. 

The Committee strongly encourages the Departments of Agriculture and Interior to work with the Administration and Congress 

on this issue. 

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

The Committee recognizes that maintaining the professional 

competencies of the Federal workforce is necessary to assure sound 

scientific management principles are applied to resource management. Professional societies, such as the Society of American Foresters, the Society for Range Management, The Wildlife Society, 

American Fisheries Society, and others provide opportunities for 

employees to maintain professional competencies through continuing education, scientific journals, and interaction with other 

professionals. The Committee encourages the Federal agencies 

funded in this bill to support the participation of employees in such 

professional societies in accordance with guidance issued by the Office of Government Ethics through 5 CFR Part 2640.203, Official 

Participation in Nonprofit Organizations. 

REPROGRAMMING GUIDELINES

The Committee retains the reprogramming guidelines contained 

in the joint explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 114– 

113. 

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

MANAGEMENT OF LANDS AND RESOURCES

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $1,095,375,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 963,163,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,074,503,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥20,872,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +111,340,000 

The Committee recommends $1,074,503,000 for Management of Lands and Resources, $20,872,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $111,340,000 above the budget request. A detailed 

table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 

The Bureau is encouraged to promote and expand the use of 

agreements with Indian Tribes to protect Indian trust resources 

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from catastrophic wildfire, insect and disease infestation or other 

threats from adjacent Federal lands, as authorized by law. 

Soil, Water, and Air Management.—The Committee recommends 

$42,497,000 for soil, water, and air management, $1,112,000 below 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $15,463,000 above the budget request. 

The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program is funded at $1,500,000. The Committee requests that the Bureau provide a detailed report, which should be made public, on the funds made 

available to the program and the accomplishments and results related to them, for the past five fiscal years. 

The Committee supports the Bureau’s work with the State of 

Utah to develop water resources to benefit the public, wildlife, endangered species, permittees, and other users and encourages the 

Bureau to continue to work with the State and other interested entities to identify and pursue the highest priority projects. 

The Committee encourages the Bureau to continue to work with 

the State of Idaho to provide appropriate access to Federal lands 

for the purposes of aquifer recharge projects. 

Rangeland Management.—The Committee recommends 

$76,981,000 for rangeland management, $2,019,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $9,228,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee directs the agency to focus on reducing the grazing permit backlog and carrying out a systematic program of range 

monitoring, land health assessments, development and implementation of allotment management plans, and adaptive management. 

Forestry Management.—The Committee recommends $9,819,000 

for forestry management, $257,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $316,000 below the budget request. 

Riparian Management.—The Committee recommends 

$20,777,000 for riparian management, $544,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $555,000 above the budget request. 

Cultural Resources Management.—The Committee recommends 

$15,719,000 for cultural resources management, $412,000 below 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $646,000 below the budget 

request. 

Wild Horse and Burro Management.—The Committee recommends $80,555,000 to implement Public Law 92–195 (16 U.S.C. 

1331 et seq.) requiring the protection, management, and control of 

free-roaming horses and burros on public lands, equal to the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $9,836,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee reminds the Bureau of the directive included in 

the joint explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated 

Appropriations Act, 2017, to provide a comprehensive plan to Congress to address the excess numbers of wild horses and burros and 

the unsustainable, rising costs of the Wild Horse and Burro program. The Committee encourages the Bureau to include in the 

plan: increased adoptions; additional research on equine contraceptives; opportunities for private citizens and organizations to support wild horses and burros; rangeland restoration; reductions in 

herd sizes on the range; and options for reducing the number of 

animals in long-term holding facilities. 

The bill continues a prohibition on funds to implement Section 

1333(b)(2)(C) of Title 16, United States Code, requiring the humane 

destruction of excess animals that are not adopted. The bill conVerDate Sep 11 2014 09:51 Jul 22, 2017 Jkt 026331 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR238.XXX HR238
9 

tinues two general provisions within Title I allowing the Bureau to 

enter into long-term contracts and agreements for holding facilities 

off the range and for the humane transfer of excess animals for 

work purposes. 

Wildlife and Fisheries.—The Committee recommends 

$115,491,000 for wildlife and fisheries, $320,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $28,572,000 above the budget request. 

Within the total provided, the Committee provides $60,900,000 for 

sage-grouse conservation efforts, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The Committee recommends $12,210,000 for fisheries 

management. 

The Committee continues to support the Bureau’s plant conservation program and the National Seed Strategy and encourages 

the Bureau to focus on increasing the availability of appropriate 

seed to address high-priority restoration needs and to collaboratively work with other Federal agencies, States, researchers, and 

private partners to implement the strategy. 

Recreation Management.—The Committee recommends 

$69,900,000 for recreation management, $1,829,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $7,151,000 above the budget request. 

The bill includes a general provision in Title IV prohibiting the use 

of funds to close areas open to recreational hunting and shooting 

as of January 1, 2013. 

The Committee appreciates the work of the California State Office in establishing an independent monitoring pilot program for 

certain off-highway vehicle events and directs the Bureau to continue to work with the off-highway vehicle community to refine, develop, and implement the pilot program on a broader scale. The 

Committee encourages the California State Office to conduct additional independent monitoring pilot projects at off-highway vehicle 

events in 2017 and to report to the Committee on its findings. 

Energy and Minerals.—The Committee recommends 

$168,439,000 for energy and minerals, $4,407,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $8,960,000 below the budget request. 

The Committee directs the Bureau to collaboratively work with 

industry, other Federal agencies, States, and interested entities on 

methane emission issues, as well as to expeditiously approve pending permitting requests. 

Resource Protection and Maintenance.—The Committee recommends $114,335,000 for resource protection and maintenance, 

$95,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $30,348,000 

above the budget request. 

Resource Management Planning.—The Committee recommends 

$52,125,000 for resource management planning, equal to the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $13,688,000 above the budget request. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends $8,000,000 for planning requirements related to greater sage-grouse conservation efforts. 

The Committee continues to be concerned about the transportation routes identified in the Draft Resource Management Plan for 

the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and lack of resolution of 

this matter. As such, the Committee directs the Bureau to work 

with the Fish and Wildlife Service; the State of Utah; Washington 

County, Utah; the city of St. George, Utah; and other cooperating 

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entities to identify a northern transportation route as directed by 

the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, P.L. 111–11. 

The Bakersfield Field Office’s 2014 Resources Management Plan 

(RMP) identifies approximately 1,480 acres of private property as 

part of an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). While 

the Committee understands that under current law the RMP only 

applies to Federal land in a designated ACEC, it is concerned that 

the RMP does not clearly draw such a distinction. As such, the 

Committee encourages the Bureau to work with affected landowners to address concerns about the ACEC designation. 

Law Enforcement.—The Committee recommends $27,616,000 for 

law enforcement, $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level and $1,908,000 above the budget request. The additional 

funds are provided to fill vacant ranger positions. 

National Landscape Conservation System.—The Committee recommends $35,800,000 for the national landscape conservation system, $1,019,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$8,105,000 above the budget request. 

From the amounts provided for Management of Lands and Resources, at the discretion of the Director, the Bureau may make 

available up to $2,000,000 for critical conservation activities, pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 3701 et seq., subject to the terms and conditions 

outlined in Title I of Division G of P.L. 115–31. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $31,416,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 3,609,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 12,800,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥18,616,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +9,191,000 

The Committee recommends $12,800,000 for land acquisition, 

and a $1,769,000 rescission of unobligated balances from prior appropriations. Prior to implementation, the Bureau is directed to 

submit the proposed allocation of the rescission for Committee approval. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 

The Committee does not have sufficient information to recommend specific Federal acquisition projects at this time, but will 

review and recommend levels of funding for projects submitted to 

the Committee in accordance with the direction provided in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 115–31. 

OREGON AND CALIFORNIA GRANT LANDS

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $106,985,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 89,800,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 104,256,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥2,729,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +14,456,000 

The Committee recommends $104,256,000 for the Oregon and California (O&C) grant lands, $2,729,000 below the fiscal year 2017 

enacted level and $14,456,000 above the budget request. A detailed 

table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 

11 

The Committee remains concerned with the Bureau’s failure to 

comply with the principles of sustained yield timber harvests under 

the Oregon and California Revested Lands Act of 1937. Within the 

funds appropriated for the Oregon and California Grant lands, the 

Bureau is directed to prioritize funding for timber production to 

achieve at least the 278 million board feet Allowable Sale Quantity 

promised in the new Resource Management Plan for Western Oregon. Further, the Committee is troubled by the disparity in timber 

targets compared with timber awarded and harvested on some districts. The Bureau is directed to prioritize response to administrative protests on timber sales in a timely manner and to report timber sale accomplishments in volume of timber sold and awarded, 

rather than merely the volume offered for sale. 

RANGE IMPROVEMENTS

The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation of not 

less than $10,000,000 to be derived from public lands receipts and 

Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act lands grazing receipts, as requested. 

SERVICE CHARGES, DEPOSITS, AND FORFEITURES

The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation estimated to be $24,595,000 for Service Charges, Deposits, and Forfeitures, as requested. 

MISCELLANEOUS TRUST FUNDS

The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation estimated to be $24,000,000, as requested. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

The Committee recommendation includes Administrative Provisions. 

UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats. The Service manages more than 

150 million acres in the National Wildlife Refuge System, which 

encompasses 566 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas, and Marine National 

Monuments. It also operates 72 national fish hatcheries, 65 fish 

and wildlife management offices, and 80 ecological services field 

stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the 

Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with 

their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Assistance 

program, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise 

taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to State fish and wildlife 

agencies. 

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RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $1,258,761,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 1,151,129,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,247,109,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥11,652,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +95,980,000 

The Committee recommends $1,247,109,000 for Resource Management. The Service is expected to execute its budget in accordance with the justification submitted to the Congress, except as 

otherwise directed below or summarized in the table at the end of 

this report. 

Endangered Species Act (ESA).—The Committee recognizes and 

supports recent bipartisan, State-led efforts to improve implementation of the ESA, and expects the Service to fully engage in these 

efforts. 

The ESA is premised on partnership with the States. Section 6(a) 

of the ESA says, ‘‘In carrying out the program authorized by the 

Act, the Secretary shall cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the States.’’ Congress included this mandate in recognition that States have always had primary management responsibility of fish and wildlife within their borders, and in recognition 

that the management of any federally listed species will return to 

the States once recovery criteria are met. 

Much of the controversy surrounding the ESA can be traced back 

to failures to cooperate with the States during the listing and recovery processes. Simply put, the Service needs to do a better job 

of cooperating. Although final decisions ultimately rest with the 

Secretary, nothing in law prohibits States from being involved in 

those decisions. 

To that end, the Service should make full use of its authority to 

cooperate with States to the point that any State affected by a federally listed species has opportunity to involve itself in all administrative actions, and all judicial actions not initiated by that State, 

concerning any provisions of the ESA except for international 

trade. 

Moreover, the Service needs to do a better job of letting States 

and other partners lead. Section 4(f)(2) of the ESA says, ‘‘The Secretary, in developing and implementing recovery plans, may procure the services of appropriate public and private agencies and institutions, and other qualified persons. Recovery teams appointed 

pursuant to this subsection shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.’’ By including this authority and recognizing 

that saving species from extinction is a responsibility shared by all, 

Congress relieved the Secretary from shouldering much of the burden. States and non-governmental partners can and should lead recovery plan development and implementation—not the Service. 

The Service should focus instead on backlogged and inherently 

Federal ESA actions that cannot be done by States and other partners, including: providing technical assistance when requested; permitting and consultation; publishing documents in the Federal Register; and reporting to Congress. Everything else done by the Service for candidate and listed species should be cost-shared as much 

as possible through its other existing programs and authorities. 

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Listing.—The recommendation includes $17,122,000 as requested 

for Endangered Species Act listings, status assessments, critical 

habitat determinations, and related activities. Bill language is continued as requested, placing restrictions on the use of funds in 

order to enable the Service to manage its workload in response to 

numerous petitions and lawsuits. 

The Service is directed to exclude flood control reservoirs from 

critical habitat determinations, such as for the western distinct 

population segment of the yellow-billed cuckoo as described in detail in House Report 114–170. 

The Committee is concerned about reports from States—regarding the Utah prairie dog, as discussed below, the black-footed ferret, and the lesser prairie chicken—that there remains no certainty 

that the Service will consider or appropriately include non-regulatory but highly valuable conservation actions on private lands in 

species status assessments or 12-month findings. Nothing in the 

Endangered Species Act prioritizes lands held in the public trust 

or kept in any other sort of ‘‘protected’’ status, as opposed to lands 

that are privately owned and responsibly managed, and nothing in 

the Act implies that habitat on such private lands is any more or 

less threatened with destruction, modification, or curtailment. The 

Service is further reminded that threatened and endangered species mostly inhabit private lands, and that the Service cannot accomplish its mission without fully embracing non-regulatory and 

voluntary cooperative conservation efforts with private landowners. 

The Committee expects the Service to work with the States to develop a more reasonable policy whereby the Service’s regulatory assurance criteria include responsible land management commitments by private landowners. 

Planning and Consultation.—The recommendation includes 

$104,783,000 for timely evaluations and permitting of development 

projects that contribute to economic growth and job creation, 

$6,028,000 above the budget request. The amount above the budget 

request should be apportioned in accordance with workload needs 

measured across the Service, rather than by region. 

The following programs are supported at not less than the levels 

requested by the Service: Bay Delta Ecosystem Restoration, 

$2,854,000; environmental contaminants, $2,767,000; Gulf Coast 

Restoration, $998,000; energy, $10,334,000; and pesticide consultations, $998,000. 

The Committee supports the continuation of collaborative efforts 

in the Pacific Northwest with the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and affected 

Tribes that will result in the completion of all Puget Sound hatchery program consultations by the fall of 2018. 

The Committee recognizes the important role of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) in both recovery of species and in providing 

economic certainty and growth to municipalities affected by listed 

species. The Service is encouraged to place a priority on providing 

technical assistance to partners making good faith efforts to develop and implement responsible HCPs. 

Any projects funded by disaster settlements and required by law 

to have technical assistance, consultation, or permits from the 

Service should have such costs built into the projects. The Service 

14 

is directed to establish a reimbursement program consistent with 

similar programs across the Department. 

Conservation and Restoration.—The recommendation includes 

$29,791,000 for Conservation and Restoration, of which: 

$12,698,000 is for Candidate Conservation and includes $3,250,000 

for the sagebrush steppe ecosystem; $5,460,000 is to implement the 

Marine Mammal Protection Act; $6,772,000 is for environmental 

contaminants work in support of the Natural Resources Damage 

Assessment and Restoration program; $3,471,000 is for the National Wetlands Inventory in support of the decadal report to Congress; and $1,390,000 is to implement the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA). 

Based on feedback provided by the States, the Service is commended for its efforts in the Southeast to work with States and 

others to preclude the need to list many of the hundreds of species 

recently petitioned for listing. The effort demonstrated that the 

ESA can work when the Federal government treats States as equal 

partners and makes full use of flexibilities already inherent in the 

ESA to minimize regulatory burdens. The Service is expected to expand this model nationwide. 

The Service is expected to focus Candidate Conservation funding 

on two primary activities: (1) preparing and publishing the annual 

Candidate Notice of Review as required by the ESA; and (2) providing the technical assistance to facilitate voluntary conservation 

efforts by others and to develop agreements that provide regulatory 

certainty to landowners in case a candidate species has to be listed. 

The Service should look to its other programs and its partners to 

fund and implement conservation activities on-the-ground. 

Recovery.—The recommendation includes $85,570,000 for Endangered Species Act recovery activities. Except where noted below, 

the Service is expected to focus on recovery plan oversight, fiveyear reviews, and status changes. The Service is commended for 

striving to fully utilize employee skills regardless of where employees are physically located, in order to more efficiently address the 

Service’s highest priority needs including preparation and publication of documents required by the ESA. 

As noted above, the Service is expected to defer to the States and 

other governmental and non-governmental partners to lead recovery plan development and implementation. To that end, funding for 

States and localities through the Cooperative Endangered Species 

Conservation Fund is restored to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, 

$34,192,000 above the request. In addition, $5,000,000 is provided 

in Recovery to enhance and increase partnerships with agencies 

and organizations implementing genetically-sound breeding, 

rearing, and reintroduction programs as prescribed in recovery 

plans, such as for northern aplomado falcon and California condor. 

The Service is encouraged to propose including this program within 

the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund in the fiscal year 2019 budget request. 

The Service is directed to report to Congress on any species for 

which the Secretary and the relevant States find that a recovery 

plan will not promote the conservation of the species, including the 

justification. 

The Service is directed to complete all five-year reviews within 

the period required by law, and, for any determination on the basis 

15 

of such review whether a species should be delisted, downlisted, or 

uplisted, promulgate an associated regulation prior to initiating the 

next status review for such species. Not less than $3,000,000 is provided to continue to reduce the backlog of downlistings and 

delistings. 

The Committee is aware the Fish and Wildlife Service obtained 

a favorable decision in its appeal regarding the Utah prairie dog. 

However, the Committee remains concerned that the Fish and 

Wildlife Service has not been proactive in evaluating the effectiveness of its own recovery plan and conservation strategies regarding 

the Utah prairie dog. There is concern the current recovery plan 

sets recovery criteria that are unachievable and unnecessary to ensure the species’ viability into the foreseeable future. The Committee urges the Fish and Wildlife Service to re-evaluate the 

threats currently contributing to the Utah prairie dog’s threatened 

status, to focus conservation efforts on those threats, and to recognize population status regardless of land ownership. The Committee recognizes the value of voluntary conservation mechanisms, 

incentive based programs, and hydrological limitations in evaluating and addressing habitat threats to Utah prairie dogs on private lands. Lastly, the Committee recognizes the importance of the 

Fish and Wildlife Service coordinating with the State of Utah on 

developing a new recovery plan or conservation strategy that closely aligns with the Utah management plan that has shown to be 

successful in conserving the species and addressing landowner and 

community needs. The coordinated plan or strategy should chart a 

clear path for the expeditious recovery of the species and delisting. 

The Wolf-Livestock Loss Demonstration Program is restored to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level of $1,000,000 but is transferred 

to the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Funding to address 

white-nose syndrome in bats is transferred to Science Support. 

The bill includes language directing the Secretary to reissue the 

final rule delisting recovered gray wolves in Wyoming and the 

Western Great Lakes, consistent with congressional action on recovered gray wolves in Idaho and Montana in the fiscal year 2011 

appropriation. The bill also includes language prohibiting the use 

of funds to treat gray wolves range-wide as endangered or threatened. The Committee is compelled to act when egregious lawsuits 

waste limited resources and threaten the integrity of the Endangered Species Act, which guarantees that the Federal government 

will return management authority to the States once recovery plan 

goals are met and scientifically sound State management plans are 

in place. 

The service is directed to, within 60 days of enactment of this 

Act, review and determine whether Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus 

Baileyi) is a genetically valid subspecies designation and whether 

the red wolf (Canis rufus) is a genetically valid species designation. 

The Service shall complete its work and publish a report to Congress not later than one year from the date of enactment of this 

Act. 

Partners for Fish and Wildlife.—The recommendation includes 

$53,476,000 for voluntary, non-regulatory partnerships with private landowners authorized by the Partners for Fish and Wildlife 

Act. Included in this amount is $1,000,000 to implement the WolfLivestock Loss Demonstration Project. States with de-listed wolf 

16 

populations shall continue to be eligible for funding, provided that 

those States continue to meet the eligibility criteria contained in 

Public Law 111–11. 

The recommendation includes not less than $1,800,000 to continue the multi-State Chesapeake Bay Nutria Eradication Project, 

including not less than $75,000 provided under the National Wildlife Refuge System activity. The Service is expected to complete the 

verification phase of the eradication process by the end of fiscal 

year 2020. 

Coastal Programs.—The recommendation includes $13,375,000 

for voluntary, non-regulatory coastal habitat restoration partnerships, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

National Wildlife Refuge System.—The recommendation includes 

$483,927,000 for the National Wildlife Refuge System, equal to the 

total provided in fiscal year 2017. 

Wildlife and Habitat Management is maintained at $231,843,000, of which: $196,089,000 is for general program activities; $2,830,000 is for subsistence management as requested; 

$22,924,000 is for inventory and monitoring; and $10,000,000 is for 

invasive species. 

The explanatory statement accompanying Division G of P.L. 115– 

31 noted the support of the Committees for the directive in House 

Report 114–632 instituting signage on any individual refuge where 

trapping occurs and establishing guidance to be included in the refuge manual. The House report also directed the Service to post information on the National Wildlife Refuge System website and the 

websites of individual refuges where trapping occurs. To date, the 

Service has not complied with that directive. The Service has recently informed the Committee that they have set benchmarks of 

August 15, 2017, to post on its website a list of refuges where trapping occurs, and to issue a Director’s Memo directing that no later 

than December 31, 2017, Regions must post signs at each refuge 

where trapping occurs. Additionally, by October 15, 2017, the Service plans to include trapping signage in the Refuge System Sign 

Handbook and ensure individual refuge websites include trapping 

information for all refuges where trapping occurs. Until the Committee has been informed the Service has fully complied with this 

directive, $2,000,000 of the funding provided for Wildlife and Habitat Management is not available for obligation. 

Visitor Services is maintained at $73,319,000, of which 

$68,727,000 is for general program activities, $2,500,000 is for 

urban refuge programs, and $2,092,000 is for volunteer coordination. 

Conservation Planning is restored to the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level of $2,523,000. The Service is reminded of its backlog and statutory obligation to complete and update comprehensive conservation plans at every national wildlife refuge. Future funding of the 

National Wildlife Refuge System is contingent upon reducing this 

backlog. The Service is commended for its efforts to develop plans 

that are strongly supported by the surrounding communities. 

The 2013 Hopper Mountain, Bitter Creek, and Blue Ridge National Wildlife Refuges Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (CCP/EA) identifies approximately 5,728 

acres of private property for potential future acquisition to expand 

the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge. The Committee notes 

17 

that, under current law, national wildlife refuge regulations do not 

apply to private property included in an approved acquisition 

boundary, and that the Service only acquires private property from 

willing sellers. As such, the Committee encourages the Service to 

work with affected landowners to address concerns about the acquisition boundary. 

Refuge Maintenance is restored to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level of $138,188,000, of which $42,297,000 is to continue to reduce 

the deferred maintenance backlog. 

The Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area was created to protect one of the last remaining 

grassland and longleaf pine savanna landscapes in eastern North 

America while securing water resources for seven million people in 

south Florida. The Committee supports collaborative efforts to protect, restore, and conserve habitats for one of the greatest ecological treasures of the United States. 

The Committee is concerned that there could be future delays in 

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) implementation caused by ecosystem-level restoration goals that are in conflict 

with the specific needs of one endangered species, the Cape Sable 

seaside sparrow. Such delays should be unnecessary given that restoration activities will likely produce net benefits for the species at 

the system level. The Committee urges the Service to work with 

the State of Florida, the National Park Service, the U.S. Geological 

Survey, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local stakeholders 

to implement the Memorandum of Understanding as quickly as 

possible, and to consider developing a conservation plan for the endangered sparrow. The Service is directed to update the Committee 

on its progress within 180 days of enactment of this Act. 

Migratory Bird Management.—The recommendation includes 

$48,157,000 for migratory bird management, of which: $31,039,000 

is for conservation and monitoring, including $350,000 for bird-livestock conflicts; $3,424,000 is for permit processing; and $13,139,000 

is for waterfowl management and the joint venture program. The 

Service is commended for its efforts to work with landowners to reduce black vulture predation on livestock. 

Law Enforcement.—The recommendation includes $75,053,000 

for law enforcement, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

The Service is directed to enforce illegal logging violations pursuant to the Lacey Act. 

Wildlife trafficking is funded at $7,500,000. Lawful importers 

and exporters should not shoulder the cost burden of a Service 

workload that has increased as global markets have expanded and 

wildlife trafficking has become more sophisticated. Service inspectors not only examine legal declared packages but now must also 

undertake efforts to interdict illegal shipments of wildlife and wildlife products. Funds appropriated specifically to combat wildlife 

trafficking may be used to supplement inspections. 

The Committee supports efforts to streamline government data 

collection for international trade transactions and encourages the 

Service to expedite the re-engineering of the FWS Message Set in 

the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Commercial 

Environment, which is part of the International Trade Data System. Continued collaboration will advance this interface, allow pilot 

testing to be initiated as soon as is feasible, and ultimately process 

18 

cargo more expeditiously while protecting against prohibited shipments. 

The Service is directed to language in House Report 114–632 and 

Senate Report 114–281 regarding inspections of imported and exported seafood. In coordination with the Secretary of Commerce 

and the seafood industry, the Secretary is urged to reevaluate Federal regulations for seafood inspections in order to ensure that regulations are fair, that agency actions are not duplicative, and that 

inspections are conducted expeditiously to avoid economic hardship 

and loss to business while protecting species from overfishing and 

illegal trade. Outcomes of this reevaluation and a justification for 

any continued or new regulations should be included in existing industry outreach programs. Open communication between the Service and inspected businesses is paramount to the success of any inspection program. 

International Affairs.—The recommendation includes $15,816,000 

for international affairs. Wildlife trafficking programs are maintained at fiscal year 2017 enacted levels. 

The Committee is concerned about illegal trade in rhinoceros 

horn, elephant ivory, and harvested timber; the large sums of 

money that these products command on the black market; and the 

significant source of financing these activities provide for armed 

insurgencies and groups with links to transnational organized 

crime and terrorism. These activities threaten the stability and development of African countries and pose a threat to U.S. security 

interests. The Committee supports Service programs in particular 

that focus on: (1) site-based law enforcement protection in Africa 

for the most at-risk populations of forest and savanna elephants; 

(2) development and implementation of regional wildlife law enforcement networks in Africa and Asia; and (3) training local park 

guards and other wildlife law enforcement officers. These programs 

should be carried out in coordination with other U.S. agencies, local 

governments, and international conservation partners. The Committee encourages coordination between the Service and the Department of Homeland Security at U.S. ports of entry. 

The Service is encouraged to continue working with stakeholders 

affected by recent actions taken by the Parties to the Convention 

on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and 

Fauna (CITES) regarding international trade in wood and wood 

products whose listing in Appendix II became effective January 2, 

2017. The Service should review what is necessary to develop a domestic electronic permitting system with the ultimate goal of working with other countries on a universal electronic system which 

would expedite processing of licit imports and exports of products 

made with these materials. The Service should work with the Office of Management and Budget on approval of an electronic form 

for data collection and report back to the Committee on any resources required for technology upgrades and workload efficiencies. 

The Committee recognizes the Service’s work with Honduras, El 

Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico to conserve priority species and 

ecosystems, and urges the continuation of these international partnerships in fiscal year 2018. 

The Committee directs the Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct 

an internal review of its current CITES permitting process for live 

plants, in an effort to identify ways to create efficiencies in the perVerDate Sep 11 2014 09:51 Jul 22, 2017 Jkt 026331 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR238.XXX HR238
19 

mitting process. Within 150 days of enactment of this Act, the 

Committee directs the Service to provide a report of its findings to 

the Committee. The Service is urged to consider efforts to streamline or otherwise create efficiencies in the CITES permitting process for live plants that would ameliorate any delays and to include 

these suggestions in its report to the Committee. 

Fish and Aquatic Conservation.—The recommendation includes 

$159,714,000 for Fish and Aquatic Conservation. The Service is directed to continue its tradition of improving freshwater subsistence, 

commercial, and recreational fishing since 1871. The recommendation includes $55,818,000 for National Fish 

Hatchery System Operations, of which $1,200,000 is for Aquatic 

Animal Drug Approval Partnership implementation and 

$51,167,000 is for general program activities. The Service is encouraged to consider economic return-on-investment in the allocation of funds. 

The following programs are supported at not less than the levels requested by the Service: Great Lakes Consent Decree, $549,000; 

mass marking salmon in the Pacific Northwest, $1,475,000; and 

wild fish health surveys, $1,427,000. 

None of the funds may be used to terminate operations or to 

close any facility of the National Fish Hatchery System. None of 

the production programs listed in the March, 2013, National Fish 

Hatchery System Strategic Hatchery and Workforce Planning Report may be reduced or terminated without advance, informal consultation with affected States and Tribes. The Service is directed 

not to enter into reimbursable agreements for mitigation hatchery 

production unless the Service is reimbursed for production costs as 

well as proportional facilities and administrative costs. 

The Service is commended for recommitting to the National Fishery Artifacts and Records Center and the Collection Management 

Facility in South Dakota, and for sharing the costs nationwide. Vacant positions should be filled and located at the facility. The recommendation includes $22,920,000 for Maintenance and 

Equipment, of which: $8,065,000 is for annual maintenance; 

$13,249,000 is for deferred maintenance; $1,088,000 is for equipment replacement; and $518,000 is for fish and wildlife conservation offices. The Service is commended for its efforts to allocate deferred maintenance funds to facilities with the most severe health 

and safety deficiencies across the System as a whole, rather than 

by region. All other funds should continue to be allocated as in 

prior years. 

The recommendation includes $31,555,000 for Habitat Assessment and Restoration. The following programs are funded at the 

requested levels: Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement, 

$1,610,000; National Fish Habitat Action Plan, $5,652,000; and the 

Chehalis Fisheries Restoration Program, $268,000. The National 

Fish Passage Program is restored to the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level of $13,998,000. In addition, the recommendation includes 

$5,000,000 to begin implementing the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act; the Service is strongly encouraged to enter into an 

agreement with an outside party for grant management services. 

The recommendation includes $28,392,000 for Population Assessment and Cooperative Management. The following programs are 

funded at the requested levels: Alaska fisheries subsistence, 

20 

$9,536,000; Atlantic salmon restoration, $532,000; Great Lakes 

Consent Decree, $557,000; Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, $457,000; National Wild Fish Health Survey, $36,000; Penobscot River restoration, $457,000; Regional Mark Processing 

Center, $225,000; and Yukon River Salmon Treaty, $2,687,000. The recommendation includes $21,029,000 for Aquatic Invasive 

Species. The Committee strongly supports efforts coordinated by 

the Service and the States to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species and to minimize their impacts on human health and 

safety, recreation and transportation, water infrastructure, and 

ecosystem health. Of the amounts recommended: $799,000 is for control and management; $1,321,000 is for prevention; $145,000 is for restoration 

of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, as requested; $1,000,000 is for 

the implementation of State and interstate plans as authorized by 

the National Invasive Species Act (NISA); $1,566,000 is for NISA 

administration and coordination; $2,000,000 is for control and prevention of the spread of quagga and zebra mussels; $710,000 is for 

sea lamprey control administrative costs, as requested; $3,088,000 

is to implement subsection (d)(2) of Section 5, of Public Law 106– 

506, as amended; and $10,400,000 is for controlling Asian carp in 

the Mississippi and Ohio River Basins, and preventing them from 

entering the Great Lakes. 

Of the amount recommended for Asian carp control and preven- tion, $2,000,000 is to supplement funding provided through the 

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for intensive control efforts via 

contract fishing pursuant to individual State laws and regulations 

and as called for in management plans. Contract fishing has proven to be an extremely effective method of control, and the intent 

of the additional $2,000,000 is to expand and perfect those efforts. 

This is a management tool that is not meant to develop a sustainable commercial fishery. The Service shall continue to work with 

its State partners to gather data to analyze the impacts of contract 

fishing to control abundance and movement of Asian carp. 

Of the amount recommended for quagga mussel and zebra mussel control and prevention, $1,000,000 should continue to be allocated to implementation of quagga and zebra mussel control and 

prevention as called for in State and interstate plans as authorized 

by NISA, so that the total amount recommended in this bill for 

State and interstate plans is not less than $2,000,000. 

Cooperative Landscape Conservation.—The recommendation includes $12,988,000 for landscape conservation cooperatives (LCCs). 

The Committee continues to be concerned about a lack of State and 

Tribal support for LCCs in certain parts of the country. The Service 

should focus on areas where LCC partnerships are strongest. 

Consistent with a recent Inspector General report, the Service is 

directed to develop internal controls for the LCC grant award process to mitigate duplication in research. Rather than relying on informal and ad hoc coordination, the LCCs should implement written, formal guidance (based on GAO standards) for the award process. Such guidance should require: the consistent use of a peer review process; technology that easily identifies duplicative projects; 

notification from applicants if they submit identical proposals to 

different agencies; controls for checking information on current and 

past projects; and certification that proposals have been examined 

21 

for duplication of research. LCCs should also store past, current, 

and future project information in a single database so that other 

LCCs, agencies, and the public may easily access this catalog of information and research on the Internet. 

Science Support.—The recommendation includes $16,985,000 for 

Science Support, of which: $8,517,000 is for Adaptive Science general program activities; $3,968,000 is for Service Science general 

program activities; and $4,500,000 is to continue the search for a 

cure for white-nose syndrome in bats and includes $2,000,000 

transferred from Recovery. The Service is expected to partner with 

Cooperative Research Units whenever possible. 

General Operations.—The recommendation includes $130,352,000 

for General Operations, as requested. 

Everglades.—The recommendation includes $11,006,000 across 

multiple programs for Everglades restoration, as requested, including $2,631,000 to implement the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). 

Technical assistance for the promotion of hunting and recreational shooting.—The Committee encourages the Secretary to 

explore the benefits of allowing States to use a portion of funds allocated to them by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act 

for any project or activity, including public relations, designed to 

recruit or retain hunters and recreational shooters. 

CONSTRUCTION

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $18,615,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 15,800,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 16,540,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥2,075,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +740,000 

The Committee recommends $16,540,000 for Construction, 

$740,000 above the request. The recommendation restores Dam, 

Bridge, and Seismic Safety to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. A 

detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level 

is provided at the end of this report. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $59,995,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 17,051,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 40,641,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥19,354,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +23,590,000 

The Committee recommends $40,641,000 for land acquisition, 

and a $4,572,000 rescission of unobligated balances from prior appropriations. Prior to implementation, the Service is directed to 

submit the proposed allocation of the rescission for Committee approval. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 

The Committee does not have sufficient information to recommend specific Federal acquisition projects at this time, but will 

review and recommend levels of funding for projects submitted to 

the Committee in accordance with the direction provided in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 115–31. 

22 

In a time when budgetary constraints allow for only a limited 

number of new land acquisition projects, the Committee is encouraged by programs that leverage public/private partnerships for 

land conservation like the Highlands Conservation Act, which has 

a record of more than a 2 to 1 ratio in non-Federal matching funds. 

Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes $10,000,000 for 

the Highlands Conservation Act Grants and directs the Fish and 

Wildlife Service to work with the Highlands States regarding priority projects for fiscal year 2018. 

The Committee is concerned about reports of contention between 

the Service, the State of North Dakota, and private landowners in 

regard to Federal purchase of easements for waterfowl production 

areas. The Service is therefore directed not to purchase any easement in the State of North Dakota if such easement exceeds 50 

years in duration, consistent with State law. The Committee continues to support Federal land acquisitions only when such acquisitions have strong local, State, and Congressional support. 

COOPERATIVE ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund provides matching grants to States and territories for endangered species recovery actions on non-Federal lands, and provides matching 

funds for non-Federal land acquisition to facilitate habitat protection. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $53,495,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 19,303,000 

Recommended, 2017 ........................................................................... 53,495,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +34,192,000 

The Committee recommends $53,495,000 for the Cooperative En- dangered Species Conservation Fund, $34,192,000 above the request. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. The Committee is 

concerned that the Service is limiting the amount of funds for each 

Habitat Conservation Plan, resulting in artificially high unobligated balances. The Service is directed to apportion funds to Habitat Conservation Plans based on need in order to increase on-theground conservation and eliminate unobligated balances. 

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FUND

The National Wildlife Refuge Fund shares refuge revenues and 

makes payments in lieu of taxes to counties in which Service lands 

are located. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $13,228,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 13,228,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +13,228,000 

The Committee recommends $13,228,000 for the National Wildlife Refuge Fund, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. Payments to counties in all 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto 

Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are estimated to be 

23 

$18,850,000 in fiscal year 2018 from the net refuge receipts estimated to be collected in fiscal year 2017. 

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION FUND

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act of 1989 provided for matching grants to carry out wetlands conservation 

projects in the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the benefit 

of wetlands-associated migratory birds and other wildlife. Additional program funding comes from fines, penalties, and forfeitures 

collected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918; from Federal fuel excise taxes on small gasoline engines, as directed by 

amendments to the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of 

1950, to benefit coastal ecosystem projects; and from interest accrued on the fund established under the Federal Aid in Wildlife 

Restoration Act of 1937. Authorization of appropriations expired in 

fiscal year 2012. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $38,145,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 33,600,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 38,145,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +4,545,000 

The Committee recommends $38,145,000 for the North American 

Wetlands Conservation Fund, $4,545,000 above the request. The 

Service is urged to make wetlands restoration projects that protect 

hunting and fishing treaty rights a higher priority, and to include 

a discussion in its annual budget request. 

NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION

The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 2000 authorized matching grants for the conservation of neotropical migratory 

birds in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, with 

75 percent of the amounts available to be expended on projects outside the United States. Authorization of appropriations expired in 

fiscal year 2010. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $3,910,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 3,900,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 3,900,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥10,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $3,900,000 for neotropical migratory 

bird conservation as requested. 

MULTINATIONAL SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND

The Multinational Species Conservation Fund provides technical 

assistance and matching grants to countries to strengthen antipoaching activities; builds community support for conservation near 

these species’ habitats; conducts surveys, monitoring, and applied 

research; and provides infrastructure and field equipment necessary to conserve habitats. These funds help to leverage work with 

partners and other collaborators to conserve and protect African 

and Asian elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, great apes, marine turtles, and their habitats. Authorizations of appropriations for the 

programs within this Fund have all expired. 

24 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $11,061,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 9,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 11,061,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +2,061,000 

The Committee recommends $11,061,000 for the Multinational 

Species Conservation Fund, $2,061,000 above the request. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is 

provided at the end of this report. The Committee recognizes that 

international wildlife trafficking has national security implications 

and therefore supports the Service’s interagency and international 

cooperative efforts. 

STATE AND TRIBAL WILDLIFE GRANTS

The State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program provides grants to 

States and Indian Tribes, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories, to conserve fish and 

wildlife that are at risk of being listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The intent is to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of ESA listings and related regulatory actions. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $62,571,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 52,836,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 62,571,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +9,735,000 

The Committee recommends $62,571,000 for State and Tribal 

Wildlife Grants, $9,735,000 above the request. A detailed table of 

funding recommendations below the account level is provided at 

the end of this report. Funding for State competitive grants is restored. All three grant programs shall place the highest priority on 

species included in the most recent Candidate Notice of Review so 

as to preclude the need to list species under the Endangered Species Act. The Service is expected to document and communicate to 

the Congress whenever an Endangered Species Act downlisting or 

delisting occurs, or whenever a listing is otherwise no longer warranted, due in large part or in whole to efforts funded through this 

program. 

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

The mission of the National Park Service (Service) is to preserve 

unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the 

national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration 

of this and future generations. Established in 1916, the National 

Park Service has stewardship responsibilities for the protection and 

preservation of the heritage resources of the national park system. 

The system, consisting of 417 separate and distinct units, is recognized globally as a leader in park management and resource preservation. The national park system represents much of the finest 

the Nation has to offer in terms of natural beauty and wildlife, historical and archeological relics, and cultural heritage. Through its 

varied sites, the National Park Service attempts to explain America’s history, interpret its culture, preserve examples of its natural 

ecosystems, and provide recreational and educational opportunities 

25 

for U.S. citizens and visitors from all over the world. In addition, 

the National Park Service provides support to Tribal, local, and 

State governments to preserve culturally significant, ecologically 

important, and public recreational lands. 

OPERATION OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $2,425,018,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 2,225,485,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,410,031,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥14,987,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +184,546,000 

The Committee recommends $2,410,031,000 for Operation of the National Park System (ONPS), $14,987,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 enacted level and $184,546,000 above the budget request. The 

amounts recommended by the Committee compared with the budget estimates by activity are shown in the table at the end of this 

report. 

Additional Guidance.—The following additional direction and 

guidance is provided with respect to funding provided within this 

account: 

Operation of the National Park System.—Maintaining operations 

and visitor services at our national parks is a core responsibility 

of the Service. The Committee notes that national parks welcomed 

a record 323.6 million visitors in fiscal year 2016, an increase of 

46.8 million, or 17 percent, from the previous year. In recent years, 

the Committee has made a concerted effort to direct appropriated 

funds toward the ONPS account to support a variety of critical priorities. These funds support operations and visitor services including law enforcement; facility operations; new responsibilities and 

critical needs at new Park Service units including sites associated 

with the Civil Rights movement; and longstanding deferred maintenance priorities including repair and rehabilitation projects and cyclic maintenance needs on high priority park assets across the entire system. 

The Committee opposes reductions as proposed in the budget request that would diminish visitor services and reduce park and 

program operations system-wide. Such actions would have an immediate impact on day-to-day operations and would result in limiting the use of or closing certain areas, such as campgrounds and 

facilities, and reducing or eliminating hours of operations and visitor services to the public, at national parks. Proposed reductions 

to both the seasonal and permanent workforce would also have an 

immediate impact on park operations. Such proposals do not serve 

the public well particularly at this time of record National Park 

Service visitation. 

Resource Stewardship.—The bill provides $328,955,000 for resource stewardship, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The 

bill includes $2,000,000 to continue zebra and quagga mussel containment, prevention, and enforcement. This funding was included 

in the fiscal year 2017 enacted bill but was not proposed in the 

budget request. 

Visitor Services.—The bill provides $252,103,000 for visitor services. The bill includes funding for the National Capital Area Performing Arts Program which was proposed for termination in the 

budget request. 

26 

Park Protection.—The bill provides $352,443,000 for park protec- tion, $4,200,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. Reductions are for non-recurring expenses related to the Presidential Inauguration. 

Facility Maintenance and Operations.—The bill provides $768,892,000 for facility maintenance and operations, $9,692,000 

below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The Committee approves 

the Service’s proposal to eliminate the Flex Park program in order 

to focus resources on critical park operations and programs. The 

recommendation retains the $25,000,000 increase for repair and rehabilitation projects and the $13,689,000 increase for cyclic maintenance needs included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017. 

These funds are critical to addressing longstanding deferred maintenance needs. 

Park Support.—The bill provides $528,066,000 for park support, 

equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

The Committee recommendation for Operation of the National 

Park System includes the following additional guidance: 

Aquatic Invasive Mussels.—The Committee remains concerned 

about the spread of quagga and zebra mussels in the western 

United States. As of 2016, there were nine western parks with established quagga and zebra mussel management or prevention programs. The Committee recognizes and commends the considerable 

effort and collaboration involving western governors, as well as 

Federal, State, and Tribal partners, to recently develop a package 

of actions and initiatives to protect areas in the West from the economic and ecological threats posed by invasive mussels. Inspecting 

and decontaminating recreational watercraft is one critical element 

toward preventing and containing the spread of invasive mussels. 

The Committee urges the Secretary of the Interior to continue to 

work with State and Tribal partners, and other stakeholders, on 

containment, prevention, and enforcement efforts at these parks, 

and NPS-managed waterbodies including Lake Powell and Lake 

Mead, following the Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance 

Species Uniform Minimum Protocols and Standards for Watercraft 

Inspection and Decontamination Programs and consistent with the 

Quagga/Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. Waters. Further, consistent with fiscal year 2017, the Committee provides the 

Service with $2,000,000 for quagga and zebra mussel containment, 

prevention, and enforcement. These funds complement additional 

funds contained in this bill directed toward protecting our waterways and ecosystems from the serious threat of invasive mussels 

and other invasive species. 

Eastern Legacy Study (Lewis and Clark Trail Study).—The Eastern Legacy Study authorized to determine the feasibility of extending the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is now four years 

overdue. While the Committee appreciates that the study area is 

approximately 7,400 miles across 14 eastern States and the District 

of Columbia, the Committee directs the Service to work expeditiously to complete the study in a timely fashion and report back 

to the Committee on any impediments to completion. 

Death Valley National Park.—Scotty’s Castle, a historic national 

landmark in Death Valley National Park, has been closed to the 

public since flash floods damaged the landmark’s visitor center, 

museum, and nearby roads in 2015. More rain fell in two days than 

27 

normally occurs in a year resulting in mud and debris measuring 

four feet thick in some areas. Repairs are necessary to flood control 

berms, the facility’s electrical, sewer, and water system, and to the 

physical buildings. The Committee is pleased that the budget request includes funding within the Construction account for these 

critical repairs. The Committee directs the Service to take steps to 

ensure the security and protection of Scotty’s Castle, and the contents of the museum, to protect from theft and trespassing at this 

iconic historic landmark. 

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.—The Committee 

directs the Service to report, within 180 days of enactment of this 

Act, on progress in identifying potential site options and associated 

costs for the development of a permanent headquarters and visitor 

use facility at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area 

as described in the report accompanying P.L. 114–113. The Service 

shall work with government and non-government partners to determine the feasibility of potential site options and their suitability to 

support visitor use and park interpretation in accordance with the 

themes as outlined in the 2014 Mississippi National River and 

Recreation Area Foundation Document. 

Elwha Water Facilities.—The Committee is concerned that although the Service initiated discussions regarding the transfer of 

ownership of the Elwha Water Facilities (EWF) to the City of Port 

Angeles in 2014, the Service and the City have not reached consensus on a Transfer Agreement. Therefore, the Committee directs 

the Service to work with the City to develop a report outlining how 

the Service has met or intends to meet its obligations under Section 4(a)(3) of P.L. 102–495 prior to initiating any transfer of the 

EWF. This report should be transmitted to the Committee six 

months from the date of the enactment of this Act and must include the following: 1) a plan to assist the City in securing all necessary permits required for the City to operate the EWF; 2) the 

scope of capital improvements requested by the City to reduce annual operating costs; and 3) a joint plan to implement any necessary capital improvements agreed to by both the City and the 

Service to meet the requirements of P.L. 102–495. The Committee 

urges the Service to continue operation and maintenance of the 

EWF subject to authority and appropriations available to the Service. The Committee also urges the parties to reach agreement on 

transfer as quickly as possible. 

Biscayne Bay Park Marine Reserve Zone.—The Committee is 

pleased with recent efforts by Biscayne National Park (BNP) to reestablish open dialogue and productive coordination with Congress 

and the State of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regarding special rulemaking for the proposed no-fishing marine reserve zone that was included in the BNP’s General 

Management Plan (GMP). 

The Committee urges the Service to collaborate with PWC to consider fisheries regulations and management actions outlined in 

BNP’s current Fishery Management Plan (FMP) as necessary to 

fully address fishery management needs, including within the proposed no-fishing marine reserve zone, prior to promulgating and 

implementing any special rules. Such efforts shall include review 

and consideration of less restrictive management actions that could 

achieve the intent of Biscayne’s GMP in lieu of a blanket fishing 

28 

moratorium. The Committee also urges the Service to strongly consider the inclusion of scientifically rigorous monitoring and an 

adaptive management framework to guide data collection and future management as part of any special rules and regulations promulgated and implemented to govern the protection of coral reef resources within the proposed no-fishing marine reserve zone. Such 

monitoring should include well-planned, extensive, and scientifically rigorous data from appropriate fish and coral communities, 

collected prior to the establishment of a blanket fishing moratorium. 

The Committee recommends that BNP re-establish the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with FWC that until its recent expiration had guided a productive Federal-State partnership for the 

protection of Biscayne’s iconic resources. The Committee also encourages Biscayne National Park to re-establish a Fisheries Working Group that includes local representatives from the recreational 

and commercial fishing communities, and the businesses and nonprofit organizations that support these communities, to engage this 

user community in the development and implementation of consensus special rules and regulations to achieve the intent of Biscayne’s GMP in lieu of a blanket fishing moratorium. 

The Committee notes that FWC retains all authorities to implement fishing restrictions in State regulated waters of Biscayne National Park, subject to authority provided the Secretary in the 

park’s enabling legislation. 

Everglades Restoration.—The Committee notes the substantial 

progress made toward restoration of the Everglades ecosystem and 

continues to support this multi-year effort to preserve one of the 

great ecological treasures of the United States. 

Vicksburg National Military Park.—The Committee is concerned 

about erosion and soil and ground deterioration affecting historic 

elements of Vicksburg National Memorial Park, including the 

Texas State Memorial and the Railroad Redoubt. The Committee 

urges the Service to assess on-the-ground conditions and take all 

necessary steps to ensure the park is safe for visitors and employees, and is preserved for future generations. 

American Discovery Trail.—The Committee urges the Service, 

the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service, in 

conjunction with all relevant law, regulations, and policies, to work 

with relevant and appropriate stakeholders to facilitate installing 

signage for the American Discovery Trail. 

Wetumpka Marine Impact Crater.—The Wetumpka Impact Crater, located in Elmore County, Alabama, is a uniquely preserved 

marine impact crater created approximately 80 million years ago 

when an asteroid measuring an estimated 350 meters in diameter 

struck a coastal basin under 300–400 feet of water. The crater is 

widely considered to be the best preserved marine impact crater 

ever discovered and one of only about six in the entire world. Given 

that the crater is an extremely rare and well-preserved geologic 

feature of national and international significance, the Committee 

urges the Service to assess the suitability of designating the 

Wetumpka Marine Impact Crater as a National Natural Landmark. 

World War II Memorial.—The Committee recognizes that the 

World War II Memorial is one of the most visited memorials in our 

29 

Nation’s Capital. To accommodate rising visitation and modern 

means of creative narrative preservation, similar to other U.S. supported World War II memorials around the world, the Committee 

urges the Department to report to the Committee within 90 days 

of enactment of this Act on ongoing plans to upgrade the premises 

to enhance historical interpretation for veterans and other visitors. 

Outreach.—The Committee recognizes that the Service has taken 

steps to increase outreach, make parks more accessible, and increase recruitment within minority schools and communities. The 

Committee encourages the Service to continue these efforts and 

work to develop partnerships and programs with Hispanic Serving 

Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and 

other Minority Serving Institutions that contribute to the mission 

of the National Park Service. 

World Heritage Sites.—The Committee urges the Service to 

prioritize funding for the backlog of maintenance and preservation 

projects including National Park System units designated as World 

Heritage Sites. 

Arlington Memorial Bridge.—Recent inspections of the Arlington 

Memorial Bridge by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) revealed severe deterioration that had accelerated since a 2015 inspection. More than 68,000 vehicles traverse the bridge between 

Virginia and the District of Columbia on a daily basis. Repair and 

renovation costs to the bridge—the symbolic entry to Washington, 

DC, as well as the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery—are 

estimated at $262 million. 

The National Park Service and engineers from the FHWA have 

been monitoring the condition of the bridge for many years, making 

minor repairs as needed and recently limiting vehicle weight to ensure safe operation. Federal engineering inspectors have determined that significant structural issues including ongoing deterioration of trunnion posts (support structures for the bascule span) 

and the bridge decking must be addressed within four years or, as 

the Federal Highway Administration concluded, the bridge will 

have to be closed in 2021. 

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (P.L. 

114–94), established two Department of Transportation grant programs to address large, complex, nationally significant projects like 

the Memorial Bridge rehabilitation. The Service and the District 

submitted a grant application and the project was awarded a $90 

million U.S. Department of Transportation grant in September, 

2016. Funding challenges remain. According to the Service, the 

project is planned to be completed in two phases. The first phase 

includes repairs to the trunnion posts and rehabilitation of the approach spans. The second phase would complete rehabilitation of 

the bascule span and foundation repairs. 

The Memorial Bridge rehabilitation and reconstruction effort will 

require the active bipartisan support of Federal, State, and local 

leaders. The Committee understands that the Service, with the 

District of Columbia as a sponsor, has applied for an additional $60 

million grant under the FAST Act, to contribute towards completion of the second phase of the project. The Committee urges the 

Department of the Interior and the Service to pursue coalitions and 

partnerships, modeled after similar projects including the Tamiami 

Trail bridge project within Everglades National Park, to leverage 

30 

and secure necessary funding to complete this critical project in a 

timely manner. 

U.S. Capitol Concerts.—The Committee continues its longstanding support for funding for the National Capitol Area Performing Arts Program and directs the Service to maintain funding 

for the summer concert series staged on the U.S. Capitol grounds 

at the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

Ozark National Scenic Riverways.—The Committee understands 

concerns have been expressed regarding potential access restrictions in certain areas of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. 

These concerns over restrictions to access points, trails, and reductions of allowable horsepower for motorized vessels in certain areas 

of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways merit continued examination and review by the Service. The Service is directed to work collaboratively with affected parties with the intent of honoring traditional access and ensuring that implementation of the General 

Management Plan for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways addresses the legitimate concerns of affected stakeholders including, 

but not limited to, local communities and businesses. 

St. Anthony Falls Lock.—The Committee is aware that the U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers will be initiating a study related to the 

disposition of St. Anthony Falls Lock in Minnesota. The Committee 

opposes the Service taking on the ownership of this lock, as it is 

beyond the Service’s current operations and could require significant funds. As such, prior to entering into any agreement with the 

Corps regarding ownership of the lock or establishment of facilities 

operated or maintained by the Service at the lock, the Service is 

directed to request and receive any necessary appropriations from 

Congress. 

Yosemite Medical Clinic.—The Committee recognizes the valuable medical services provided by the Yosemite National Park Medical Clinic. With the nearest full-service hospital hours away, Yosemite National Park has operated a medical clinic since 1929 to 

stabilize and treat victims of illnesses and injuries within the park. 

The Committee understands that the clinic no longer has retention 

authority for fees collected by the clinic for services provided. The 

Committee urges the Service to report to the Committee within 60 

days of enactment of this Act on steps being taken to ensure the 

continued operation of the clinic in fiscal year 2018. 

Bill Language.—The Committee has, since 2006, included bill 

language authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to acquire or 

lease property to facilitate the transportation of visitors to and 

from Ellis, Governors, and Liberty Islands, NY and NJ. The language was necessitated by the need to establish a screening process 

for visitors to the Statue of Liberty in the aftermath of the events 

of September 11, 2001. While the location of future, permanent 

screening facilities for the ferry operation to the Statue of Liberty 

and Ellis Island is now uncertain, prior-year bill language is retained as the Service reviews the security risks of alternative sites 

before making final decisions on the future location of permanent 

security screening facilities. 

NATIONAL RECREATION AND PRESERVATION

The National Recreation and Preservation account provides for 

outdoor recreation planning, preservation of cultural and national 

31 

heritage resources, technical assistance to Federal, State and local 

agencies, and administration of Historic Preservation Fund grants. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $62,638,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 37,001,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 59,629,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥3,009,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +22,628,000 

The Committee recommends $59,629,000 for national recreation 

and preservation, $3,009,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level and $22,628,000 above the budget request. The amounts recommended by the Committee compared with the budget estimates 

by activity are shown in the table at the end of this report. 

Additional Guidance.—The following additional direction and 

guidance is provided with respect to funding provided within this 

account: 

Management Efficiencies.—The Committee accepts the program 

consolidations proposed in the budget request for Recreation Programs and Grants Administration to achieve management efficiencies within the National Recreation and Preservation account. 

Heritage Partnership Program.—The bill provides $19,821,000 for 

the Heritage Partnership Program (HPP), equal to the fiscal year 

2017 enacted level. These funds support grants to local nonprofit 

groups in support of historical and cultural recognition, preservation and tourism activities. The Committee commends the Alliance 

of National Heritage Areas for, in response to Congressional direction, recently developing an allocation model that maintains core 

services of more established areas while proposing more resources 

to newer areas to provide additional economic and cultural opportunities in the communities they serve. The Committee continues to 

encourage heritage areas to develop plans for long-term self-sufficiency as the Committee fully expects pressure on HPP funding to 

continue in future years. 

Chesapeake Gateways and Trails.—The Committee maintains 

funding for the Chesapeake Gateways and Trails program at the 

fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Grants.— 

The Committee supports the Native American Graves Protection 

and Repatriation Grant Program and maintains funding at the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

Japanese American Confinement Site Grants.—The Committee 

supports the Japanese American Confinement Site Grant Program 

and maintains funding at the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The 

program leverages proportional funding through partnerships with 

local preservation groups to preserve Japanese American World 

War II confinement sites. 

American Battlefield Protection Program Assistance Grants.—The 

Committee supports the American Battlefield Protection Program 

and maintains funding at the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The 

Committee recognizes the importance of public-private partnerships to maintain the preservation of America’s battlefields and 

urges the Service to give priority to projects with broad partner 

support, including non-profits, academic institutions, and regional, 

State, Tribal and local government agencies, and in which the partVerDate Sep 11 2014 09:51 Jul 22, 2017 Jkt 026331 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR238.XXX HR238
32 

ner commits to match the grants on a 1:1 basis. The Committee 

continues to encourage the timely review and processing of grants. 

Maritime Heritage Preservation.—The Committee is aware of the 

Service’s cooperative partnership with the Maritime Administration 

to promote public awareness and appreciation for the Nation’s maritime heritage, including the National Maritime Heritage Grant 

Program. The Committee supports the efforts of this grant program 

to advance educational efforts and address preservation of historically significant maritime properties, including historic battleships. 

HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND

The Historic Preservation Fund supports the State historic preservation offices to perform a variety of functions. These include 

State management and administration of existing grant obligations; review and advice on Federal projects and actions; determinations and nominations to the National Register; Tax Act certifications; and technical preservation services. The States also review properties to develop data for planning use. Funding in this 

account also supports direct grants to qualifying organizations for 

individual preservation projects and for activities in support of heritage tourism and local historic preservation. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $80,910,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 51,100,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 75,410,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥5,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +24,310,000 

The Committee recommends $75,410,000 for historic preservation, $5,500,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$24,310,000 above the budget request. 

Additional Guidance.—The following guidance is provided with 

respect to funding provided within this account: 

State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices.—The bill provides $46,925,000 for State Historic Preservation Offices and $9,485,000 

for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices. The bill also provides 

$11,000,000 for competitive grants of which $500,000 is for grants 

to underserved communities and $10,500,000 is for competitive 

grants to document, interpret, and preserve historical sites associated with the Civil Rights Movement. The bill also includes 

$3,000,000 for competitive grants to Historically Black Colleges 

and Universities (HBCUs) and $5,000,000 for the Save America’s 

Treasures competitive grant program for preservation of nationally 

significant sites, structures, and artifacts. 

CONSTRUCTION

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $209,353,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 226,529,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 219,844,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +10,491,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ ¥6,685,000 

The Committee recommends $219,844,000 for Construction, 

$10,491,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$6,685,000 below the budget request. 

33 

Line-Item Construction.—The bill provides $129,011,000 in funding for line-item construction projects. The amount provided fully 

funds the 16 line-item construction projects in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request as prioritized and revised by the Service and provided to the House Committee on Appropriations on June 30, 2017. 

Requests for reprogramming will be considered pursuant to the 

guidelines contained in this report. 

Bill Language.—The Committee has maintained bill language 

from prior years providing that a single procurement may be issued 

which includes the full scope of the project for any project initially 

funded in a fiscal year with a future phase indicated in the NPS 

five-year Line-Item Construction program. The solicitation and contract in such procurement shall be subject to availability of funds. 

Executing a single contract has the potential to increase economies 

of scale and reduce overall costs. 

LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND

RESCISSION

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. ¥$28,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... ¥28,020,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... ¥28,020,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥20,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends the rescission of the annual contract 

authority provided by 16 U.S.C. 4601–10a. This authority has not 

been used in years and there are no plans to use it in fiscal year 

2018. The Committee does not agree with the Administration’s proposal to permanently cancel the authority. 

LAND ACQUISITION AND STATE ASSISTANCE

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $162,029,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 26,380,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 120,575,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥41,454,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +94,195,000 

The Committee recommends $120,575,000 for land acquisition 

and state assistance, and a $4,500,000 rescission of unobligated 

balances from prior appropriations. Prior to implementation, the 

Service is directed to submit the proposed allocation of the rescission for Committee approval. 

The recommendation includes $70,000,000 for State Conservation 

Grants; $5,000,000 for the competitive Outdoor Recreation Legacy 

Partnership (ORLP) grant program; and $16,000,000 for acquisitions. Additionally, $10,000,000 is included for the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP), equal to the fiscal year 2017 

enacted level and $1,519,000 above the budget request. A detailed 

table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 

The Committee does not have sufficient information to recommend specific Federal acquisition projects at this time, but will 

review and recommend levels of funding for projects submitted to 

the Committee in accordance with the direction provided in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 115–31. 

34 

The Committee is aware of concerns that State Assistance 

grants, and particularly the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grants, are not being processed in a timely manner. 

Administrative expenses are funded at the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level to ensure staffing is not the issue. It is the Committee’s expectation that formula grants be announced by the Secretary and 

apportioned to the States within 90 days of enactment of this Act. 

While the ORLP is a relatively new program, the process for grant 

announcement, review and award needs to be improved. The Service is encouraged to work with partners to standardize and improve 

the annual process. 

CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $20,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 14,971,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 15,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥5,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +29,000 

The Committee has provided $15,000,000 for the Centennial 

Challenge matching grant program. From amounts in the Centennial Challenge account, the Committee encourages the Department 

to make $2,000,000 available for critical programs and projects, 

pursuant to 54 U.S.C. 1011 Subchapter II, subject to the terms and 

conditions outlined in Title IV of P.L. 114–289. The Committee 

notes that the $15,000,000 in Centennial Challenge funds provided 

to the Service in fiscal year 2016 was matched with nearly 

$33,000,000 from more than 90 partner organizations nationwide. 

These funds financed 69 projects to improve visitor services at 

more than 63 parks in 38 states, the District of Columbia, and the 

U.S. Virgin Islands. 

The Committee understands that funds provided will be matched 

on at least a 1:1 basis and administered under existing Service 

partnership authorities. Funds provided will be dedicated to supporting signature projects and programs which provide critical enhancements for the parks beyond amounts provided for basic operations. The Committee directs that preference be given to projects 

that have a clear and immediate visitor benefit as well as a higher 

partner match. The Committee further encourages the Service to 

provide consideration to Centennial Challenge projects which have 

a deferred maintenance component in order to alleviate the sizeable deferred maintenance backlog within the System. The Committee notes that the Service has a long history of working with 

philanthropic partners and fully supports the use of public-private 

partnerships wherever feasible. 

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

The United States Geological Survey (USGS, or ‘‘Survey’’) was 

established by an Act of Congress on March 3, 1879, to support the 

mission of the Department of the Interior and its science requirements. The USGS also works in collaboration with other Federal, 

State, and Tribal cooperators to conduct research and provide scientific data and information to describe and understand the Earth; 

minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage 

water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and 

35 

protect our quality of life. The USGS is the Federal government’s 

largest earth-science research agency and the primary source of 

data on the Nation’s surface and ground water resources. For more 

than a century, the diversity of scientific expertise and collaborative partnerships with universities, research institutions, and 

major public and private laboratories has enabled USGS to carry 

out large-scale, multi-disciplinary investigations and provide impartial scientific information to resource managers, planners, policymakers, and the public. 

SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND RESEARCH

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $1,085,167,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 922,168,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,038,922,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥46,245,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +116,754,000 

The Committee recommends $1,038,922,000 for Surveys, Inves- tigations, and Research, $46,245,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $116,754,000 above the budget request. A detailed 

table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 

Congressional Budget Justification.—The Committee directs the 

Survey to include in future justifications base funding for any subactivity, program, project, or study proposed for increases or reductions. 

Ecosystems.—The Committee recommends $153,032,000 for ecosystem programs, $6,700,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level and $20,904,000 above the budget request. The Survey provides critical scientific research and data to land and water managers in priority landscapes including the California Bay Delta, the 

Everglades, the Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes, and the 

Committee expects this work to continue. The Greater Everglades 

and the Chesapeake Bay Research and Monitoring programs are 

funded at fiscal year 2017 enacted levels. 

The Committee recognizes that other Interior bureaus, Federal, 

State, Tribal and local partners rely on the Survey’s Species-Specific Wildlife and Species-Specific Fisheries Research, and recommends these programs continue to be funded at fiscal year 2017 

enacted levels. 

The recommendation includes Contaminants Research funding at 

fiscal year 2017 enacted levels. 

The Committee continues to be concerned about the economic, 

ecologic, and health threats posed by invasive species. The recommendation includes no less than $5,620,000 for Asian carp control. 

The Survey is encouraged to pursue innovative solutions for continued curation of collections housed at the Smithsonian Institution. 

The Committee recognizes the value of the Cooperative Research 

Units (CRUs) program and encourages the Department to develop 

a plan to address and fill open positions at research institutions 

and at CRUs as quickly as practicable so as to not jeopardize the 

educational pipeline. 

Land Resources.—The Committee accepts the budget restructure as proposed in the request and recommends $120,603,000 for the 

36 

Land Resources mission area. The recommendation includes an additional $8,300,000 for the continued development of a ground system for Landsat-9. Within funds provided for the National Land 

Imaging program, $4,847,000 is included for the National Civil Applications Center. 

The Committee recognizes the value of partnerships with research universities, Tribes and Tribal colleges and expects the 

eight regional science centers to remain open and operating from 

within funds provided. 

Energy, Mineral, and Environmental Health.—The Committee 

recommends $96,091,000 for energy, mineral resources and environmental health. The Containment Biology program is funded at 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

The Toxic Substances Hydrology program is funded at $11,398,000. The Committee supports the continuation of USGS research on understanding the prevalence of toxins in the nation’s 

natural bodies of water by expanding its understanding of 

cyanobacteria and toxins in stream and wetland ecosystems. The 

recommendation includes an increase of $350,000 for the Survey to 

study cyanobacteria, increase our understanding of harmful algal 

blooms, and strengthen our ability to respond to outbreaks. USGS 

is encouraged to participate in interagency efforts to expedite the 

development and deployment of remote sensing tools to assist with 

early event warning delivered through mobile devices and web portals. 

Natural Hazards.—The Committee recommends $141,504,000 for 

natural hazards programs, of which $64,303,000 is provided for 

earthquake hazards. The Committee recommends $10,200,000 for continued development, expansion, and upgrading of the infrastructure necessary for 

an earthquake early warning system. The Committee is also concerned about the lack of knowledge and offshore real-time instrumentation available for the Cascadia subduction zone. Our scientific understanding of earthquakes and the ocean environment 

will benefit from the wealth of offshore data that should be collected. The continued development of an early earthquake warning 

system for the Cascadia system would help prepare for and mitigate the negative human and economic impacts to the Pacific 

Northwest. 

The recommendation includes $800,000 for the Central and Eastern U.S. Seismic Network (CEUSN) and $6,250,000 for support for 

regional earthquake monitoring, assessments, and research. 

The Committee recommends $26,521,000 for the Volcano Hazards program of which $1,000,000 is to continue necessary work on 

next-generation lahar detection systems at very high threat volcanoes. The Survey is directed to keep the Committee informed on 

progress made with the additional funding provided for volcano 

hazards in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (P.L. 115– 

31). 

Water Resources.—The Committee recommends $210,754,000 for 

Water Resources. The recommendation does not support reductions 

to the National Research Program which would reduce research at 

the 32 USGS Water Science Centers across the country. Regional 

Groundwater Evaluations in the Coastal Lowlands and California 

Coastal Basin Aquifers, and the Groundwater Model Development, 

37 

Maintenance, and Sustainability program are funded at fiscal year 

2017 levels. 

The Cooperative Matching Funds program is designed to bring 

State, Tribal, and local partners together to respond to emerging 

water issues through shared efforts and funding. The recommendation provides $59,927,000, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level. 

Streamgages are crucial to early warning and flood damage reduction efforts across the United States. The Committee recommends $73,173,000 for the groundwater and streamflow information program, with a $500,000 increase for additional 

streamgage capacity and rapid deployable streamgages necessary 

during severe weather events. The National Groundwater Monitoring Network is funded at the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The Committee recommends $89,029,000 for the National Water 

Quality program, and directs no less than $2,000,000 to harmful 

algal bloom (HAB) science. The Urban Waters Federal Partnership 

is funded at the fiscal year 2017 enacted level of $717,000. The National Atmospheric Deposition Program is funded at $1,576,000. 

The Water Resources Research Act was designed to provide more 

effective coordination of the nation’s water research by establishing 

Water Resources Research Institutes at universities in each state, 

territory, and the District of Columbia. These institutes provide 

vital support to stakeholders, States and Federal agencies for longterm water planning, policy development, and resource management. The program is funded at the fiscal year 2017 enacted level 

of $6,500,000. 

Core Science Systems.—The Committee recommends 

$114,737,000 for core science systems, of which $24,397,000 is for 

the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping program. The recommendation includes $67,354,000 for the National Geospatial program, of which $22,500,000 is for 3DEP National Enhancement. 

Landscape level assessments—Chesapeake Bay, Geospatial Research and 3DEP Technical Support, 3DEP Program Functions, 

and the Federal Geographic Data Committee Functions are funded 

at fiscal year 2017 enacted levels. 

Science Support.—The Committee recommends $100,331,000 for 

science support. 

Facilities.—The recommendation includes $94,604,000 for rental 

payments and operations and maintenance. The Committee needs 

more information about the additional $10,500,000 requested for 

the rent increase at the GSA-owned Menlo Park campus. The Committee understands that the Survey is working with GSA on a rent 

deviation plan, and is preparing to relocate to the NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field to save costs. The Survey is directed 

to work with GSA to develop a multi-year cost plan for Menlo Park 

and to brief the Committee once it is completed. 

Bill Language.—The bill modifies an administrative proviso to 

clarify that the Survey may use appropriations for the placement 

of seismic equipment, in addition to gauging stations and observation wells. 

BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is responsible for the 

development of the Nation’s offshore energy and mineral resources. 

38 

The Bureau’s management of these resources helps meet the Nation’s energy needs by providing access to—and fair return to the 

American taxpayer for—offshore energy and mineral resources 

through strategic planning and resource and economic evaluation. 

Conventional energy activities include development of the FiveYear Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program; 

assessment of mineral resource potential, tracking of inventories of 

oil and gas reserves, and development of production projections; 

and economic evaluation to ensure the receipt of fair value through 

lease sales and lease terms. 

OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

(INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $169,560,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 171,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 171,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +1,440,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $171,000,000 for Ocean Energy 

Management, as requested. This amount will be partially offset 

with the estimated collection of rental receipts and cost recovery 

fees totaling $56,834,000. 

The Committee supports the proposed increases for the five-year 

leasing review, and encourages an expeditious and thorough review. 

The Committee notes the continued decline in rental receipts in 

fiscal year 2018, and the budget fails to offer a corrective action 

plan to mitigate. The Committee rescinds $25,000,000 in unobligated prior year balances in order to partially offset the need for 

increased discretionary spending. The Bureau should not expect 

that the Committee will substitute increased appropriated funds 

for lower offsetting collections in future years. 

Further, the Committee recommendation does not provide funding for National Ocean Policy Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning. 

The Committee is concerned that the current unsolicited bid 

process for siting offshore renewable energy projects may not consider the full suite of offshore marine uses in a deliberative manner. New developments in the marine environment should be sited 

in locations that balance their potential benefits with minimization 

of impacts to the environment and other important activities, following pre-lease consultation with pre-existing users of such an 

ocean area. In order to maintain a strong Federal-State partnership for offshore operations, the Bureau should consult with the respective state task forces prior to the issuance of a lease, review 

and approval of a site assessment plan, review and approval of a 

construction and operations plan, or issuance of a construction and 

operations permit in fiscal year 2018. 

Finally, the Committee encourages the Bureau to work with 

North Carolina stakeholders, industry and State task forces with 

respect to any change in the approach to wind lease sales in the 

Wilmington Wind Energy Area. 

39 

BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement is responsible for oversight of exploration, development, and production operations for oil, gas, and other marine minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Leases in Federal waters off the shores of California, Alaska, and the Gulf of Mexico provide about 16 percent of 

the Nation’s oil production and about 5 percent of domestic natural 

gas production. The Bureau facilitates the safe and environmentally responsible development of oil and gas and the conservation of offshore resources. The Bureau’s safety and environmental 

compliance activities include oil and gas permitting; facility inspections, regulations and standards development; safety and oil spill 

research; field operations; environmental compliance and enforcement; review of operator oil spill response plans; production and 

development; and operation of a national training center for inspectors and engineers. 

OFFSHORE SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT

(INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $189,772,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 192,182,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 186,411,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥3,361,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ ¥5,771,000 

The Committee recommends $186,411,000 for Offshore Safety 

and Environmental Enforcement. This amount will be partially offset with the estimated collection of offsetting rental receipts, cost 

recovery fees and inspection fees totaling $77,871,000. The Committee notes the continued decline in rental receipts in fiscal year 

2018, and the budget fails to offer a corrective action plan to mitigate. The Committee rescinds $12,000,000 in unobligated prior 

year balances in order to partially offset the need for increased discretionary spending. The Bureau should not expect that the Committee will substitute increased appropriated funds for lower offsetting collections in future years. The Bureau will need to prioritize 

program activities accordingly. 

OIL SPILL RESEARCH

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $14,899,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 12,700,000 

Recommended, 2017 ........................................................................... 12,700,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥2,199,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $12,700,000 for Oil Spill Research, 

as requested. 

OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 

(OSM), through its regulation and technology account, regulates 

surface coal mining operations to ensure that the environment is 

reclaimed once mining is completed. The OSM accomplishes this 

mission by providing grants and technical assistance to those 

40 

States that maintain their own regulatory and reclamation programs and by conducting oversight of State programs. Further, the 

OSM administers the regulatory programs in the States that do not 

have their own programs and on Federal and Tribal lands. 

Through its Abandoned Mine Land (AML) reclamation program, 

the OSM provides funding for environmental restoration at abandoned coal mines based on fees collected from current coal production operations. In their un-reclaimed condition these abandoned 

sites endanger public health and safety, and prevent the beneficial 

use of land and water resources. Mandatory appropriations provide 

funding for the abandoned coal mine sites as required under the 

2006 amendments to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation 

Act. 

REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $121,017,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 109,432,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 113,790,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥7,227,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +4,358,000 

The Committee recommends $113,790,000 for Regulation and Technology, $7,227,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$4,358,000 above the budget request. The Committee maintains 

funding for State regulatory grants at $68,590,000, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $132,163,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 20,007,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 99,672,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥32,491,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +79,665,000 

The Committee recommends $99,672,000 for the Abandoned 

Mine Reclamation Fund $32,491,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $79,665,000 above the budget request. Of the funds 

provided, $24,672,000 shall be derived from the Abandoned Mine 

Reclamation Fund, and $75,000,000 shall be derived from the General Fund. 

The Committee provides a total of $75,000,000 for grants to 

States for the reclamation of abandoned mine lands in conjunction 

with economic and community development and reuse goals. States 

shall use these funds to accelerate the remediation of AML sites 

with economic and community development end uses in mind. In 

doing so, the Committee envisions a collaborative partnership between the State AML programs and their respective State and local 

economic and community development programs that will explore 

ways to return legacy coal sites to productive reuse. The Committee 

notes that these grants are provided from the General Fund and 

are therefore separate from the mandatory payments from the 

Abandoned Mine Land fund in fiscal year 2018. 

For fiscal year 2018, $75,000,000 shall be provided to the three 

Appalachian states with the largest unfunded needs for the reclamation of Priority 1 and Priority 2 sites as delineated in the 

Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System. State AML programs, in 

41 

consultation with State economic and community development authorities, shall develop a list of eligible AML projects in Appalachian counties that have a nexus to economic and community development, and select qualifying AML projects that have the potential to create long-term economic benefits. State AML programs 

should consider whether a model similar to the Appalachian Regional Commission grants process could streamline project selection, and whether an interagency agreement or other contracting 

mechanisms could streamline program implementation. Eligible 

grant recipients are limited to State and local governmental entities who may subcontract project-related activities as appropriate. 

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, 

and the Office of the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs (together, 

‘‘Indian Affairs’’) provide services directly or through contracts, 

grants, or compacts to a service population of more than 1.7 million 

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) who are enrolled 

members of 567 federally recognized Tribes in the 48 contiguous 

United States and Alaska. While the role of the organization has 

changed significantly in the last four decades in response to a 

greater emphasis on Indian self-determination, Tribes still look to 

Indian Affairs for a broad spectrum of services. Almost 85 percent 

of all appropriations are expended at the local level, and over 62 

percent of appropriations provided directly to Tribes and Tribal organizations through grants, contracts, and compacts. 

In preparation for the fiscal year 2018 appropriation bill, the 

Subcommittee held two days of hearings and received testimony 

from over 75 witnesses on a variety of topics pertaining to AI/AN 

programs. The Federal government has a legal and moral obligation to provide quality services to American Indians and Alaska 

Natives. On a nonpartisan basis, the Committee continues to protect and, where possible, strengthen the budgets for Indian Country programs in this bill in order to address longstanding and underfunded needs. 

OPERATION OF INDIAN PROGRAMS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $2,339,346,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 2,082,506,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,362,211,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +22,865,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +279,705,000 

The Committee recommends $2,362,211,000 for Operation of Indian programs. Indian Affairs is expected to execute its budget in 

accordance with the justification submitted to the Congress, except 

as otherwise directed below and summarized in the table at the 

end of this report. 

Fixed Costs and Transfers.—The recommendation includes all requested fixed costs and transfers. 

Tribal Government.—The recommendation includes $312,600,000 

for Tribal government programs. All programs continue to operate 

at fiscal year 2017 enacted levels except for the following: Tribal 

42 

government program oversight is funded at the requested level; 

and road maintenance is funded at $31,653,000, an increase of 

$1,346,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. Not less than 

$1,000,000 must be used to improve the condition of gravel roads 

and bridges used by school buses transporting students. 

Human Services.—The recommendation includes $159,540,000 

for human services programs, $35,591,000 above the request. Proposed cuts to social services, welfare assistance, the Indian Child 

Welfare Act, housing improvement, and the Tiwahe (family) initiative have all been restored. The Committee continues to recognize 

the importance of providing culturally-appropriate services with 

the goals of empowering individuals and families through health 

promotion, family stability, and strengthening Tribal communities 

as a whole. Indian Affairs is urged to make services available to 

law enforcement officers, in coordination with the Indian Health 

Service. 

Trust—Natural Resources.—The recommendation includes 

$200,340,000 for natural resources programs, $34,878,000 above 

the request. The following programs are funded at or above fiscal 

year 2017 enacted levels: irrigation operations and maintenance, 

$14,009,000 as requested; rights protection implementation, 

$40,161,000; cooperative landscape conservation, $9,956,000; agriculture and range, $31,096,000; forestry, $55,232,000, of which 

$26,895,000 is for projects; water resources, $10,581,000, of which 

$390,000 is to continue the Seminole and Miccosukee water study 

as requested; fish, wildlife, and parks, $15,260,000, of which 

$9,933,000 is for projects. 

The Committee supports the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ efforts to 

address the resiliency needs of Tribal communities by working to 

address threats to public safety, natural resources, and sacred 

sites. Consistent with the Federal government’s treaty and trust 

obligations, the Committee directs the Bureau of Indian Affairs to 

work with at-risk Tribes to identify and expedite the necessary resources. 

The Department of the Interior is expected to promote and expand the use of agreements with Indian Tribes to protect Indian 

trust resources from catastrophic wildland fire, insect and disease 

infestation, or other threats from adjacent Federal lands, as authorized by law. 

Trust—Real Estate Services.—The recommendation includes 

$126,708,000 for real estate services, $14,662,000 above the budget 

request. All proposed cuts are restored except for central oversight, 

which is funded at $3,160,000 as requested. The following programs each receive a $500,000 program increase and are funded at 

the following levels: land title and records offices, $14,774,000; land 

records improvement—regional, $2,444,000; and regional oversight, 

$10,977,000. The Bureau is expected to distribute the program increases to regional offices to address administrative backlogs for 

Trust Real Estate Services programs. 

The Committee directs the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to 

have no outstanding title conveyance requests older than 12 

months, including those who have been initially rejected by the 

Land Titles and Record Offices for insufficient or incorrect documentation in TAAMS, by September, 2018. The Committee expects 

an update on the status of their outstanding conveyances by SepVerDate Sep 11 2014 09:51 Jul 22, 2017 Jkt 026331 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR238.XXX HR238
43 

tember, 2018 and a report on what the BIA will be changing in 

their operations policy to ensure these backlogs and documentation 

related rejections do not occur in the future. 

The Committee directs the Secretary, or his designee, to work 

with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe to identify appropriate lands 

in Clallam County, WA to satisfy the requirements of Sec. 7 of the 

Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act (P.L. 102– 

495). 

Public Safety and Justice.—The recommendation includes 

$391,717,000 for Public Safety and Justice, $42,403,000 above the 

budget request. All proposed cuts are restored. The following programs receive a program increase and are funded at the following 

levels: detention/corrections, $98,956,000, with priority for additional funding given to new detention facilities that do not currently have existing program funding within the BIA budget; law 

enforcement special initiatives, $11,000,000, all of which is to be 

used to hire additional drug enforcement agents to assist Tribes in 

the fight against drugs, particularly opioids; $13,657,000 for facilities operations and maintenance; and law enforcement program 

management, $6,530,000, including a program increase of $500,000 

for the Office of Justice Services’ District III Office to promote 

timely payments. 

For the purpose of addressing the needs of juveniles in custody 

at Tribal detention centers operated or administered by the BIA, 

educational and health-related services to juveniles in custody are 

allowable costs for detention/corrections program funding. Indian 

Affairs is urged to provide mental health and substance abuse services when needed by juvenile and adult detainees and convicted 

prisoners. 

Community and Economic Development.—The recommendation 

includes $45,447,000 for Community and Economic Development, 

$5,983,000 above the budget request. All proposed cuts are restored. A program increase of $3,400,000 is recommended in Community Development Central Oversight to implement the Native 

American Tourism Improvement and Visitor Experience Act of 

2016 (NATIVE Act), including via cooperative agreements with 

Tribes or Tribal organizations. Indian Affairs is expected to submit 

a budget request for fiscal year 2019 for the next phase of the energy office. 

Executive Direction and Administrative Services.—The recommendation includes $223,947,000 for Executive Direction and 

Administrative Services, $8,355,000 above the budget request. The 

following programs are funded above the budget request: executive 

direction Tribal priority allocations, $15,119,000; administrative 

services Tribal priority allocations, $12,866,000; regional safety 

management, $2,240,000; information resources technology, 

$44,782,000; and regional facilities management, $4,229,000. Indian Affairs is directed to complete annual health and safety inspections of all BIE system facilities, and to submit quarterly updates on the status of such inspections to the Committee. 

The Committee is deeply disappointed by continued GAO reports 

of shortcomings and delays in school safety inspections and repairs. 

Self-determination does not absolve the Federal government of the 

responsibility to inspect and repair buildings it owns. The Bureau 

44 

is urged to exercise its authority to reassume the operation of federally-owned but tribally-operated schools when necessary. 

Bureau of Indian Education.—The recommendation includes 

$901,912,000 for the Bureau of Indian Education. All proposed program reductions are restored. Tribal grant support costs continue 

to be fully funded. A one-time increase is provided to complete the 

transition to a school year funding cycle for all Tribal colleges and 

universities, including those operated by the BIE. Of the amounts provided: $402,906,000 is for ISEP formula funds; $5,457,000 is for ISEP program adjustments; $12,248,000 is 

for education program enhancements; $2,500,000 is for the development and operation of Tribal departments or divisions of education 

(TEDs) as authorized by 25 U.S.C. 2020; $56,285,000 is for student 

transportation; $18,810,000 is for early child and family development which should focus on the Family and Child Education 

(FACE) program; $80,168,000 is to fully fund Tribal grant support 

costs; $66,608,000 is for facilities operations; $59,552,000 is for facilities maintenance; $500,000 is for juvenile detention education 

program grants; $14,778,000 is for Johnson-O’Malley grants; 

$69,793,000 is forward funding for Tribal colleges and universities; 

$14,403,000 is forward funding for Tribal technical colleges and includes the requested transfer; $27,890,000 is for the Bureau-owned 

and operated Haskell Indian University and Southwestern Indian 

Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), including a one-time forward funding 

increase of $5,377,000; $1,220,000 is for TCU supplements; 

$34,996,000 is for scholarships and adult education; $2,992,000 is 

for special higher education scholarships; $2,450,000 is for the 

science post-graduate scholarships; $24,957,000 is for education 

program management; and $10,297,000 is for information technology. 

The Committee supports efforts to revitalize and maintain Native languages and expand the use of language immersion programs and has provided $2,000,000 within education program enhancements for capacity building grants for Bureau and tribally operated schools to expand existing language immersion programs or 

to create new programs. Prior to distributing these funds, the Bureau shall coordinate with the Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that Bureau investments compliment, but do not duplicate, existing language immersion programs. The Bureau is also directed to submit a report 

to the Committees on Appropriations within 180 days of enactment 

of this Act regarding the distribution of these funds and the status 

of Native language classes and immersion programs offered at Bureau-funded schools. 

The Johnson O’Malley program is funded at the fiscal year 2017 

enacted level. The Committee remains concerned that the distribution of funds is not an accurate reflection of the distribution of students. The Bureau is reminded of the reporting requirement contained in the explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017. 

Indian education remains among the Committee’s top priorities 

because it is a fundamental trust responsibility and because elementary and secondary students in particular have fallen far behind their peers for reasons now well documented by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Department of Education, 

45 

and others. The BIE system is undergoing a major transformation 

in direct response to these reports, in order to meet the changing 

needs of schools now that most schools are tribally-run, and in 

order to improve accountability. With the concurrence of elected 

Tribal leaders and major interTribal organizations, the Committee 

continues to support this transformation. All of the education-related responsibilities under Indian Affairs, including procurement, 

human resources, budget and finance, and BIE facilities operations, 

maintenance, and inspections, should be consolidated under the 

BIE, which should be led by an experienced and proven superintendent selected from a pool of qualified candidates inside and 

outside the BIE system. 

The Committee remains concerned about recent GAO reports detailing problems within the K–12 Indian education system at the 

Department of the Interior, in particular as they pertain to organizational structure, accountability, finance, health and safety, and 

ultimately student performance. As the Department takes steps to 

reform the system, the Secretary is reminded that future support 

from Congress will continue to be based in large part upon successful implementation of GAO report recommendations. In particular, 

consistent with GAO report 13–774, the Secretary is urged to reorganize Indian Affairs so that control and accountability of the BIE 

system is consolidated within the BIE, to present such reorganization proposal in the fiscal year 2019 budget request, and to submit 

to the Committees on Appropriations a corresponding updated 

workforce plan. Consistent with GAO testimonies 15–389T, 15– 

539T, 15–597T, and any subsequent reports, the Secretary is urged 

to personally oversee immediate actions necessary to ensure the 

continued health and safety of students and employees at BIE 

schools and facilities. 

Without question, high speed internet access is essential for student success and economic development in modern society. However, the GAO recently identified Tribal internet access as an area 

of fragmentation, overlap, or duplication (GAO–16–375SP). Indian 

Affairs is urged to coordinate with larger, existing broadband access programs funded by the Federal Communications Commission 

and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

The BIE is encouraged to coordinate with the Indian Health 

Service to integrate preventive dental care and mental health care 

at schools within the BIE system. 

The recommendation modifies bill language limiting the expansion of grades and schools in the BIE system, including charter 

schools. The intent of the language is to prevent already limited 

funds from being spread further to additional schools and grades. 

The intent is not to limit Tribal flexibility at existing schools. Nothing in the bill is intended to prohibit a Tribe from converting a 

tribally-controlled school already in the BIE system to a charter 

school in accordance with State and Federal law. The modification 

removes the grade expansion limitation of one grade. 

The recommendation continues bill language providing the Secretary with the authority to approve satellite locations of existing 

BIE schools if a Tribe can demonstrate that the establishment of 

such locations would provide comparable levels of education as are 

being offered at such existing BIE schools, and would not significantly increase costs to the Federal government. The intent is for 

46 

this authority to be exercised only in extraordinary circumstances 

to provide Tribes with additional flexibility regarding where students are educated without compromising how they are educated, 

and to significantly reduce the hardship and expense of transporting students over long distances, all without unduly increasing 

costs that would otherwise unfairly come at the expense of other 

schools in the BIE system. 

CONTRACT SUPPORT COSTS

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $278,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 241,600,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 241,600,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥36,400,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation estimated to be $241,600,000 for contract support costs incurred by the 

agency as required by law. The bill includes language making 

available for two years such sums as are necessary to meet the 

Federal government’s full legal obligation, and prohibiting the 

transfer of funds to any other account for any other purpose. 

CONSTRUCTION

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $192,017,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 143,262,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 202,213,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +10,196,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +58,951,000 

The Committee recommends $202,213,000 for Construction, 

$58,951,000 above the budget request. Details are contained in the 

justification submitted to the Congress, except as otherwise discussed below. 

Joint Ventures.—The Committee has embraced the joint venture 

construction model for the Indian Health Service because of the 

significant savings to the Federal government. It is time to explore 

the same approach for justice centers and schools. Expanding the 

joint venture approach acknowledges the reality that the Federal 

budget has not kept pace with immediate needs. Indian Affairs is 

directed to investigate establishing joint venture construction programs for justice centers and schools that are modeled after the Indian Health Service joint venture program. Indian Affairs should 

consult with the Indian Health Service and Tribes to develop proposed models for implementation. Tribes are urged to consider the 

use of existing Federal tax credits as a way to support the joint 

venture concept. 

Education.—The recommendation includes $138,245,000 for Education Construction, of which $45,504,000 is for campus-wide replacement, $11,935,000 is for component facilities replacement, 

$7,574,000 is for employee housing repair, and $73,232,000 is for 

facilities improvement and repair. The Bureau is directed to submit 

an allocation plan to the Committee for campus-wide replacement 

and facilities replacement within 30 days of enactment of this Act. 

47 

1www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/AS-IA/OFFCR/inds.htm. 

The Committee recognizes the School Facilities and Construction 

Negotiated Rulemaking Committee established under Public Law 

107–110 for the equitable distribution of funds. Appropriations in 

this bill for campus-wide replacement are limited to the 10 schools 

selected via the rulemaking committee process and published by 

Indian Affairs on April 5, 2016.1 The BIE should submit a similar 

list for facilities with the fiscal year 2019 budget request. 

The Committee continues to strongly support innovative financing options to supplement annual appropriations and accelerate repair and replacement of Bureau of Indian Education schools, including through the use of construction bonds, tax credits, and 

grant programs. The Department is urged to revise and resubmit 

its proposal to reconstitute the National Fund for Excellence in 

American Indian Education, and to include authority for the Fund 

to facilitate public-private partnership construction projects. 

Public Safety and Justice.—The Committee is concerned about 

the growing need for justice facilities funding. The Bureau’s annual 

budget justification fails to report its funding needs compared to industry-wide standards, as directed by the Committee in House Report 113–551. This information is necessary so that the Committee 

can make informed decisions about annual appropriations. The 

Committee encourages the Bureau to develop a master plan that 

details the location and condition of existing facilities relative to 

the user population, and incorporates the use of existing tribally 

constructed facilities and regional justice centers, such as the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Justice Center, as an efficient approach to 

filling gaps where additional facilities are needed. It has come to 

the Committee’s attention that Tribes such as the Ak-Chin Indian 

Community are building their own detention centers and are coming to the Bureau for new staffing and operations funding. Further, 

the Ute Indian Tribe used its own funds to replace old or condemned facilities, and seeks full operations and maintenance funding from the Bureau. Therefore, the Committee urges the Department to consider alternatives to address justice facilities needs in 

Indian Country. 

Indian Affairs is urged to improve officer safety by eliminating 

radio tower communications dead zones. 

INDIAN LAND AND WATER CLAIM SETTLEMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS

PAYMENTS TO INDIANS

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $45,045,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 13,999,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 55,457,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +10,412,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +41,458,000 

The Committee recommends $55,457,000 for Indian Land and 

Water Claim Settlements and Miscellaneous Payments to Indians. 

A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account 

level is provided at the end of this report. The recommended level 

enables Indian Affairs to meet statutory deadlines of all authorized 

settlement agreements to date. 

48 

INDIAN GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $8,757,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 6,692,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 9,272,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +515,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +2,580,000 

The Committee recommends $9,272,000 for the Indian Guaranteed Loan Program Account, $2,580,000 above the budget request. 

The Indian Guaranteed Loan Program is the most effective Federal 

program tailored, dedicated to, and capable of facilitating greater 

access to private capital for Indian Tribes and Indian-owned economic enterprises. 

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

The Office of the Secretary supports a wide-range of Departmental business, policy, and oversight functions. 

DEPARTMENTAL OPERATIONS

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $271,074,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 123,940,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 122,940,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥148,134,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ ¥1,000,000 

The Committee recommends $122,940,000 for Departmental Operations. The Committee accepts the proposal in the budget request 

to transfer the Office of Natural Resources Revenue from Departmental Operations to a separate account within Department-wide 

Programs. The Office of Valuation Services is funded at $9,000,000. 

National Monument Designations.—The Department is directed 

to work collaboratively with interested parties, including but not 

limited to, the Congress, States, local communities, Tribal governments and others prior to planning, implementing, or making national monument designations. 

Chief Standing Bear.—The Committee recognizes the importance 

of Chief Standing Bear as one of America’s earliest civil rights 

leaders. The Committee supports the work on the State and local 

level to establish a multi-state trail commemorating his accomplishments and urges the Secretary to assist in these efforts. 

American Discovery Trail.—The Committee encourages the Secretary to work with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land 

Management and other appropriate agencies, in conjunction with 

all relevant law, regulations, and policies, to work with appropriate 

stakeholders to facilitate installing signage for the American Discovery Trail. 

Tamarisk Eradication.—The Committee encourages the Secretary to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture, other Federal agencies, States, Tribes, private entities, and communities to 

establish a scientifically based and watershed-focused pilot program to eradicate tamarisk in the southwestern United States. 

Departmental Documents.—The Committee directs the Secretary 

to ensure departmental documents, such as boundary maps and reVerDate Sep 11 2014 09:51 Jul 22, 2017 Jkt 026331 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR238.XXX HR238
49 

source management plans, clearly delineate Federal, State, and private land; state that Federal land management documents apply 

only to Federal lands; do not include private land, unless authorized by law and approved by landowner; and to adjust such documents as necessary. 

INSULAR AFFAIRS

ASSISTANCE TO TERRITORIES

The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) was established on August 4, 

1995, through Secretarial Order No. 3191, which also abolished the 

former Office of Territorial and International Affairs. The OIA has 

important responsibilities to help the United States government 

fulfill its responsibilities to the four U.S. territories of Guam, 

American Samoa (AS), U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and also the 

three freely associated States: the Federated States of Micronesia 

(FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and the Republic of Palau. The permanent and trust fund payments to the territories and the compact nations provide substantial financial resources to these governments. During fiscal year 2004, financial arrangements for the Compacts of Free Association with the FSM 

and the RMI were implemented. These also included mandatory 

payments for certain activities previously provided in discretionary 

appropriations as well as Compact impact payments of $30,000,000 

per year split among Guam, CNMI, AS, and Hawaii. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $91,925,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 80,967,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 90,930,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥995,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +9,963,000 

The Committee recommends $90,930,000 for Assistance to Territories, $995,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$9,963,000 above the budget request. A detailed table of funding 

recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. 

Coral Reef Initiative.— The Coral Reef Initiative is funded at 

$1,218,000. Within the Coral Reef Initiative program, $250,000 is 

provided for the Office of Insular affairs to continue work on the 

2015 strategic plan developed in coordination with Federal and 

local partners to help prevent, manage, and control invasive species 

in the United States Pacific region. The Committee directs the Office to include in future budget justifications a summary of the Department’s role in the development and implementation activities 

of the plan. The annual report should include a table of prior fiscal 

year activities, upcoming fiscal year activities, and, if applicable, 

estimates of funding to be used or needed for planned activities. 

American Samoa Operations Grants.—The recommendation includes $23,002,222 for American Samoa Operations grants, 

$250,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The increase is 

provided to assist grantees in complying with Federal mandates. 

50 

COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $16,465,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 3,286,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 3,300,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥13,165,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +14,000 

The Committee recommends $3,300,000 for Compact of Free Association, $13,165,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$14,000 above the budget request. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. 

OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $65,769,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 65,675,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 65,675,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥94,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $65,675,000 for salaries and expenses of the Office of the Solicitor, as requested. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $50,047,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 49,952,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 49,952,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥95,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $49,952,000 for salaries and expenses of the Office of Inspector General, as requested. 

OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS

FEDERAL TRUST PROGRAMS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Congress has designated the Secretary of the Interior as the 

trustee delegate with responsibility for approximately 55 million 

surface acres of land, 57 million acres of subsurface mineral interests, and nearly $4.4 billion that is held in trust by the Federal 

government on behalf of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and 

federally recognized Indian Tribes. The Office of the Special Trustee’s trust management of these assets includes conserving, maintaining, accounting, investing, disbursing, and reporting to individual Indians and federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations on asset transactions generated from sales, leasing and other 

commercial activities on these lands. 

51 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $139,029,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 119,400,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 119,400,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥19,629,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $119,400,000 for Federal trust programs, as requested. A detailed table of funding recommendations 

below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 

DEPARTMENT-WIDE PROGRAMS

WILDLAND FIRE

The Department’s Wildland Fire Management account supports 

fire activities for the Bureau of Land Management, the National 

Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Committee recommends a total of $935,850,000 

for the Department’s wildland fire accounts. This fully funds the 

fire accounts at the 10-year average of expenditures. The Committee accepts the proposal to provide all funding for wildland fire 

suppression costs in the Wildland Fire Management account. 

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $942,671,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 873,518,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 935,850,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥6,821,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +62,332,000 

The Committee recommends $935,850,000 for Wildland Fire 

Management at the Department of the Interior. The detailed allocation of funding for these accounts is included in the table at the 

end of this report. 

Wildland Fire Preparedness.—The Committee recommends 

$332,784,000 for Wildland Fire Preparedness, equal to the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $10,605,000 above the budget request. 

The Department should immediately notify the Committees on Appropriations if it appears that funding shortfalls may limit needed 

firefighting capacity. 

Wildland Fire Suppression.—The Committee recommends 

$389,406,000, for Wildland Fire Suppression, $5,594,000 below the 

fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to the budget request. 

Fuels Management.—The Committee recommends $182,500,000 

for the Fuels Management program, $2,500,000 above the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $33,034,000 above the budget request. 

Burned Area Rehabilitation.—The Committee recommends 

$19,948,000 for the Burned Area Rehabilitation program, $522,000 

below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $10,481,000 above the 

budget request. The Committee notes that funding for Burned Area 

Rehabilitation is meant to supplement emergency stabilization 

funding provided under suppression, not replace it. 

The Committee encourages the Department to investigate new 

approaches to fire science, such as techniques for analyzing fire 

data to improve forecasts and treatments to reduce accumulated 

fuel loads, as well as to continue its efforts to incorporate Unmanned Aircraft Systems into its fire-fighting strategy. 

52 

FLAME WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION RESERVE FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $65,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 0 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥65,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $0 for the FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund, $65,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to the budget request. As discussed above, 

the Committee accepts the proposal to provide all funding for 

wildland fire suppression costs in the Wildland Fire Management 

account. 

CENTRAL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $10,010,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 2,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 10,010,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +8,010,000 

The Committee recommends $10,010,000 for the Central Hazardous Materials Fund, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level 

and $8,010,000 above the budget request. 

NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND RESTORATION

NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $7,767,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 4,600,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 7,568,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥199,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +2,968,000 

The Committee recommends $7,568,000 for the Natural Resource 

Damage Assessment Fund, $199,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $2,968,000 above the budget request. A detailed 

table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $67,100,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 59,472,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 65,388,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥1,712,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +5,916,000 

The Committee recommends $65,388,000 for the Working Capital 

Fund, $1,712,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$5,916,000 above the budget request. 

53 

OFFICE OF NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE

NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 137,757,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 137,757,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +137,757,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee provides $137,757,000 for the Office of Natural 

Resources Revenue, as requested, and accepts the Department’s 

proposal to create a separate account for the Office of Natural Resources Revenue to improve transparency. 

PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES (PILT)

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $465,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 396,880,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 465,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +68,120,000 

The bill includes $465,000,000 for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $68,120,000 

above the budget request. The projected full-year cost estimate for 

PILT for fiscal year 2018 is not yet available and will be considered 

by the Committee at such time as the Department conveys this information to the Committee prior to the enactment of this Act. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Section 101 continues a provision providing for emergency transfer authority (intra-bureau) with the approval of the Secretary. 

Section 102 continues a provision providing for emergency transfer authority (Department-wide) with the approval of the Secretary. 

Section 103 continues a provision providing for the use of appropriations for certain services. 

Section 104 continues a provision permitting the transfer of 

funds between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian 

Education, and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians. 

Section 105 continues a provision permitting the redistribution of 

Tribal priority allocation and Tribal base funds to alleviate funding 

inequities. 

Section 106 continues a provision authorizing the acquisition of 

lands for the purpose of operating and maintaining facilities that 

support visitors to Ellis, Governors, and Liberty Islands, NJ and 

NY. 

Section 107 continues a provision allowing Outer Continental 

Shelf inspection fees to be collected by the Secretary of the Interior. 

Section 108 continues a provision allowing for the reorganization 

of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement only in conformance with Committee reprogramming 

guidelines. 

Section 109 continues a provision allowing the Bureau of Land 

Management (BLM) to enter into long-term cooperative agreements 

54 

for long-term care and maintenance of excess wild horses and burros on private land. 

Section 110 continues a provision dealing with the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service’s responsibilities for mass marking of salmonid 

stocks. 

Section 111 modifies a provision addressing BLM actions regarding grazing on public lands. 

Section 112 continues a provision allowing the Bureau of Indian 

Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education to more efficiently and effectively perform reimbursable work. 

Section 113 prohibits the use of funds to change the status of 

sage-grouse as a threatened or endangered species. 

Section 114 permits the humane transfer of excess wild horses 

and burros for work purposes. 

Section 115 prohibits the use of funds to list in the National Register of Historic Places property deemed crucial to national security 

and military training. 

Section 116 directs the Secretary to reissue two final rules removing recovered wolves in Wyoming and the Great Lakes from 

the endangered species list. 

Section 117 prohibits the treatment of gray wolves range-wide as 

an endangered or threatened species. 

TITLE II—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created by Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, which consolidated nine programs 

from five different agencies and departments. Major EPA programs 

include air and water quality, drinking water, hazardous waste, research, pesticides, radiation, toxic substances, enforcement and 

compliance assurance, pollution prevention, Inland oil spill, Superfund, Brownfields, and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank 

program. In addition, EPA provides Federal assistance for wastewater treatment, sewer overflow control, drinking water facilities, 

other water infrastructure projects, and diesel emission reduction 

projects. The Agency is responsible for conducting research and development, establishing environmental standards through the use 

of risk assessment and cost-benefit, monitoring pollution conditions, seeking compliance through enforcement actions, managing 

audits and investigations, and providing technical assistance and 

grant support to States and Tribes, which are delegated authority 

for much of the program implementation. Under existing statutory 

authority, the Agency contributes to specific homeland security efforts and may participate in international environmental activities. 

Among the statutes for which the Environmental Protection 

Agency has sole or significant oversight responsibilities are: 

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. 

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended. 

Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended. 

Clean Water Act [Federal Water Pollution Control Act], as 

amended. 

Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended. 

Ocean Dumping Act [Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972], as amended. 

Oil Pollution Act of 1990. 

55 

Safe Drinking Water Act [Public Health Service Act (Title XIV)], 

as amended. 

Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. 

Clean Air Act, as amended. 

Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2002. 

Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended. 

Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization 

Act of 2002 (amending CERCLA). 

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986. 

Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. 

Pollution Prosecution Act of 1990. 

Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2003. 

Energy Policy Act of 2005. 

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. 

For fiscal year 2018, the Committee recommends $7,524,087,000 

for the Environmental Protection Agency, $534,401,000 below the 

fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $1,869,087,000 above the budget 

request. Comparisons to the budget request and 2017 enacted levels are shown by account in the table at the end of this report. 

Reprogramming.—The Agency is held to the reprogramming limitation of $1,000,000. This limitation will be applied to each program area in every account at the levels provided in the table at 

the end of this report. This will allow the Agency the flexibility to 

reprogram funds within a set program area. However, where the 

Committee has cited funding levels for certain program projects or 

activities within a program area, the reprogramming limitation 

continues to apply to those funding levels. Further, the Agency 

may not use any amount of de-obligated funds to initiate a new 

program, office, or initiative without the prior approval of the Committee. 

Congressional Budget Justification.—The Committee directs the 

Agency to include in future justifications the following items: (1) a 

comprehensive index of programs and activities within the program 

projects; (2) the requested bill language, with changes from the enacted language highlighted, at the beginning of each account section; (3) a justification for every program/project, including those 

proposed for elimination; (4) a comprehensive, detailed explanation 

of all changes within a program project; (5) a table showing consolidations, realignments or other transfers of resources and personnel 

from one program project to another such that the outgoing and receiving program projects offset and clearly illustrate a transfer of 

resources; and, (6) a table listing the budgets and FTE by major 

office within each National Program Management area with pay/ 

non-pay breakouts. Further, if EPA is proposing to change State allocation formulas for the distribution of appropriated funds, then 

EPA should include such proposals in the Congressional justification. 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Science and Technology (S&T) account funds all Environmental Protection Agency research (including Superfund research 

56 

activities paid with funds moved into this account from the Hazardous Substance Superfund account). This account includes programs carried out through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements, cooperative research and development agreements, and 

interagency agreements, with other Federal agencies, States, universities, nonprofit organizations, and private business, as well as 

in-house research. It also funds personnel compensation and benefits, travel, supplies and operating expenses, including rent, utilities and security, for all Agency research. Research addresses a 

wide range of environmental and health concerns across all environmental media and encompasses both long-term basic and nearterm applied research to provide the scientific knowledge and technologies necessary for preventing, regulating, and abating pollution, and to anticipate emerging environmental issues. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $706,473,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 450,812,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 602,238,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥104,235,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +151,426,000 

The bill provides $602,238,000 for Science and Technology, 

$104,235,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$151,426,000 above the budget request. The Committee recommends that $15,496,000 be paid to this account from the Hazardous Substance Superfund account for ongoing research activities. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report, and the Committee 

provides the following additional detail by program area: 

Indoor Air and Radiation.—The recommendation includes 

$5,097,000. The Committee recommendation maintains the radon 

program at the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

Operations and Administration.—The recommendation includes 

$79,334,000, as requested. The bill concurs with the Agency’s proposed allocation of resources for workforce reshaping through 

buyouts and voluntary separation agreements offered to employees. 

Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability.—The Committee 

recommends $107,891,000 and funds the computational toxicology 

and endocrine disruptor programs at the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

levels. The Committee supports EPA’s computational toxicology research activities to advance the next generation of risk assessment 

methods to enable integration of tiered toxicity evaluation strategies, advanced high throughput molecular biological assays and 

computational methods with exposure information to support riskbased decisions for prioritization and screening. 

Research: National Priorities.—The bill provides $4,100,000 

which shall be used for extramural research grants, independent of 

the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) grant program, to fund 

high-priority water quality and availability research by not-forprofit organizations who often partner with the Agency. Because 

these grants are independent of the STAR grant program, the 

Agency should strive to award grants in as large an amount as is 

possible to achieve the most scientifically significant research. 

Funds shall be awarded competitively with priority given to partners proposing research of national scope and who provide a 25 

57 

percent match. The Agency is directed to allocate funds to grantees 

within 180 days of enactment of this Act. 

Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources.—The Committee recommends $90,318,000. Further, augmenting drinking 

water supplies through artificial or enhanced recharge into 

aquifers, represents a cost-effective way of increasing the availability of water. Enhanced Aquifer Recharge (EAR) also represents 

a key practice for the management and restoration of ecosystems. 

Therefore, the Committee directs EPA to coordinate with other 

Federal research efforts in this area. 

Additional Guidance.—The Committee has included the following 

additional guidance with respect to funding provided under this account: 

Alternatives Testing.—The Committee commends EPA for developing new scientific methods, removing barriers, and fostering cooperation in implementing the toxicity testing agenda included in 

the 2007 National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report, ‘‘Toxicity 

Testing in the 21st Century.’’ The Committee is also aware that the 

Agency is incorporating an alternative scientific approach to screen 

chemicals within its Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program as 

called for in fiscal year 2015 (House Report 113–551). The Committee is interested in how the Agency is implementing the same 

approach in all of its programs that involve toxicity testing and recommends that the Agency submit to the Committee a report that 

outlines (1) progress to date to research, develop, validate and 

translate innovative non-animal chemical testing methods that 

characterize toxicity pathways, (2) efforts to coordinate this across 

Federal agencies, and (3) future plans to continue to implement the 

toxicity testing vision outlined in the January 2017 NAS report, 

‘‘Using 21st Century Science to Improve Risk-Related Evaluations’’ 

on all Agency programs that involve toxicity testing. 

Innovative Research Partnerships.—Interest continues to grow to 

identify innovative, technologically feasible solutions that will lead 

to air and water quality improvements and better environmental 

outcomes. The Committee has consistently supported partnerships 

with respect to research areas of national importance, and the 

Committee encourages EPA to identify partnerships with institutes, foundations and universities that would leverage scientific 

expertise and funding. EPA is encouraged to present the Committee with options for new or expanded partnerships within the 

context of the fiscal year 2019 budget. Such topics could include 

but are not limited to innovative approaches to fill key gaps in assessing exposure, enhanced aquifer recharge, toxicity testing without the use of animals, accurate measurement and capture of methane or other fugitive emissions, assessment and cleaning of produced water and other activities from oil and gas operations, rural 

community water treatment, and efficiencies to improve manufacturing operations. To help inform this effort, the Committee encourages EPA to solicit input from all interested parties. 

Water Security Test Bed.—For both fiscal year 2019 and future 

budget requests, the Committee recommends that EPA include 

adequate funding for advancing full scale applied research and 

testing capabilities to address threats to drinking water and drinking water infrastructure. 

58 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AND MANAGEMENT

The Environmental Programs and Management account encompasses a broad range of abatement, prevention, enforcement, and 

compliance activities, and personnel compensation, benefits, travel, 

and expenses for all programs of the Agency except Science and 

Technology, Hazardous Substance Superfund, Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund, Inland Oil Spill Programs, and 

the Office of Inspector General. 

Abatement, prevention, and compliance activities include setting 

environmental standards, issuing permits, monitoring emissions 

and ambient conditions and providing technical and legal assistance toward enforcement, compliance, and oversight. In most cases, 

the States are directly responsible for actual operation of the various environmental programs, and the Agency’s activities include 

oversight and assistance. 

In addition to program costs, this account funds administrative 

costs associated with the operating programs of the Agency, including support for executive direction, policy oversight, resources management, general office and building services for program operations, and direct implementation of Agency environmental programs for headquarters, the ten EPA regional offices, and all nonresearch field operations. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $2,597,999,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 1,717,484,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,357,840,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥240,159,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +640,356,000 

The bill provides $2,357,840,000 for Environmental Programs and Management, $240,159,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level and $640,356,000 above the budget request. A detailed table 

of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at 

the end of this report, and the Committee provides the following 

additional detail by program area: 

Clean Air.—The Committee recommends $227,142,000. Within 

this amount, the Committee includes $3,000,000 to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of both preconstruction and operating 

permitting programs. In addition, the Committee continues to support the EnergySTAR program and does not terminate the program 

as proposed. However, program adjustments or reforms may be 

warranted. In 2009, EPA and the Department of Energy signed a 

Memorandum of Understanding that reallocated roles and responsibilities between the Department and the Agency. The Committee 

believes those responsibilities should be reviewed. In addition, EPA 

appropriately took action to restructure the program in 2011 following questions about program integrity. The Agency established 

third party certification requirements that directed many product 

review responsibilities to outside vendors. As such, the Committee 

finds that historical funding levels exceed the needs for internal 

product reviews leading to the recommended level of $31,000,000 

for fiscal year 2018. Further, the Committee does not support the 

termination of voluntary programs such as Natural GasSTAR, 

AgSTAR, and other partnership programs where EPA works collaboratively with non-governmental entities to identify beneficial 

methods to reduce emissions, pollution, and increase efficiency. 

59 

Compliance.—The Committee recommends $96,665,000. Tracking 

the import and export of hazardous waste shipment remains a key 

priority for the Committee. 

Environmental Protection: National Priorities.—The bill provides $12,700,000 for a competitive grant program to provide technical 

assistance for improved water quality or safe drinking water, adequate waste water to small systems or individual private well owners. The Agency shall provide $10,000,000 for Grassroots Rural and 

Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act, for activities 

specified under Section 1442(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 

U.S.C. 300j–1(e)(8)). The Agency is also directed to provide 

$1,700,000 for grants to qualified not-for-profit organizations for 

technical assistance for individual private well owners, with priority given to organizations that currently provide technical and 

educational assistance to individual private well owners. The Agency is directed to provide on a national and multi-State regional 

basis, $1,000,000 for grants to qualified organizations excluding institutions of higher education, for the sole purpose of providing onsite training and technical assistance for wastewater systems. The 

Agency shall require each grantee to provide a minimum 10 percent match, including in kind contributions. The Agency is directed 

to allocate funds to grantees within 180 days of enactment of this 

Act. 

Geographic Programs.—The bill provides $402,000,000. The Committee has provided funding for programs that support restoration 

and protection of our Nation’s most important water bodies, as protection of these resources continues to be a priority. From within 

the amount provided, the Committee directs the following: 

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.—The Committee recommends 

$300,000,000 for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), 

equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $300,000,000 above 

the budget request. The Agency shall continue to follow the direction as provided in House Report 112–589. The Committee supports ongoing work to reduce the growth of harmful algal blooms 

and encourages continued targeting of watersheds that could pose 

a threat to human health in drinking water. 

Chesapeake Bay.—The Committee recommends $60,000,000 for 

the Chesapeake Bay program, $13,000,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 enacted level and $60,000,000 above the budget request. From 

within the amount provided, $5,000,000 is for nutrient and sediment removal grants and $5,000,000 is for small watershed grants 

to control polluted runoff from urban, suburban and agricultural 

lands. 

Puget Sound.—The Committee recommends $28,000,000 for 

Puget Sound, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$28,000,000 above the budget request. Funds shall be allocated in 

the same manner as directed in House Report 112–331. The Committee directs EPA to expeditiously obligate funds, in a manner 

consistent with the authority and responsibilities under Section 

320 and the National Estuary Program. 

Indoor Air and Radiation.—The Committee recommends 

$25,637,000, and the Agency should continue to operate the program following the priorities and direction under this heading in 

House Report 114–632 to implement the National Radon Action 

Plan. 

60 

Operations and Administration.—The recommendation includes 

$496,483,000, as requested. The bill concurs with the Agency’s proposed allocation of resources for workforce reshaping through 

buyouts and voluntary separation agreements offered to employees. 

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).—The Committee recommends $100,877,000, $4,000,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 enacted level and $27,784,000 above the budget request. Of 

the funds provided, not less than $2,000,000 should be allocated toward implementation of the provisions under section 2301 of the 

WIIN Act (P.L. 114–322) for the expeditious development of guidance for State and Federal plans to address the management of 

coal combustion residuals, and for EPA to implement a permit program in non-participating states. The Committee anticipates that 

additional State grants will be necessary to implement a permitting program as authorized under the WIIN Act. Since States are 

still waiting on guidance from EPA on how to best establish those 

programs, the Committee will continue to monitor progress and intends to revisit the question of additional State grant resources, as 

well as funds necessary for EPA to implement permit programs in 

non-participating States, in a final fiscal year 2018 appropriations 

bill. This is a key priority for the Committee. Further, the Committee does not support the proposed modification of cleanups 

under the RCRA Waste Management program nor the proposed 

elimination of the RCRA Waste Minimization and Recycling program. 

Toxics risk review and prevention.—The Committee recommends 

$92,521,000, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The budget 

proposes an aggressive schedule for developing the new TSCA fee 

rule, and for the transition of FTE to be covered by new fee collections. The Committee is concerned the proposed schedule may be 

too aggressive. The recommended level provides for a more gradual 

transition to fee funded FTE for fiscal year 2018 so as to avoid a 

funding lapse that could impact implementation. Further, the Committee does not support the elimination of the Pollution Prevention 

program. 

Water: Ecosystems.—The Committee recommends $47,788,000, 

equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. From within the 

amount provided, the recommendation includes $16,800,000 to provide $600,000 to each National Estuary Program (NEP) funded 

under Section 320 of the Clean Water Act. Further, in the Administrative Provisions section, the Committee directs that $1,500,000 in 

competitive grants be made available for additional projects, and 

encourages EPA to work in consultation with the NEP directors to 

identify worthy projects and activities. 

Water Quality Protection.—The Committee recommends 

$178,855,000 and rejects the proposed elimination of the 

WaterSENSE program. The recommendation does not support the 

propose termination of the Urban Waters program. The Committee 

supports ongoing activities related to integrated planning, which 

will be increasingly necessary as States and communities evaluate 

wastewater systems for lead contamination issues and pipe replacement. Further, the Committee is aware that more than one quarter 

of the U.S. population relies on onsite-decentralized systems to 

treat wastewater. The Committee urges the Agency to designate 

additional technical assistance, resources and expertise toward onVerDate Sep 11 2014 09:51 Jul 22, 2017 Jkt 026331 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR238.XXX HR238
61 

site wastewater recycling issues within the Decentralized Wastewater Program. 

Additional Guidance.—The Committee has included the following 

additional guidance with respect to funding provided under this account: 

Administrator Priorities.—EPA is directed to submit a report 

within 90 days of enactment of this Act that identifies how any fiscal year 2016 and 2017 funding was used, by account, program 

area, and program project. Each activity funded should include a 

justification for the effort and any anticipated results. 

Antimicrobial Solutions for Citrus Disease.—The Committee recognizes the importance of antimicrobial crop protection tools in 

combating citrus greening and continues to support EPA’s cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Multi-Agency Coordination Group. 

Coal Combustion Residuals.—Section 2301 of the WIIN Act (P.L. 

114–322) amended the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize the 

Agency to review and approve, as appropriate, State programs for 

permits or other systems of prior approval and conditions under 

State law for the regulation of coal combustion residuals. To expedite the process for reviewing and approving such State programs, 

the Agency should establish, as expeditiously as is practicable, 

streamlined procedures for prompt approval of those State programs. 

Exempt Aquifers.—For fiscal year 2018, the Committee anticipates that EPA will continue to receive exempt aquifer applications 

from the State of California for processing and approval. The Committee continues to support protecting underground sources of 

drinking water and promoting robust economic development. Accordingly, EPA is urged to work expeditiously to process exempt 

aquifer applications and use the existing regulatory framework to 

process these applications as provided in House Report 114–170 

and House Report 114–632. 

Glider Kits.—The Committee notes that the Phase 2 rule for Medium and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles is generally supported 

by the trucking industry. However, under the Phase 2 rule, the 

Agency defined a glider kit as a new motor vehicle for the purposes 

of regulation. The Committee recognizes that glider kits typically 

do not incorporate new engines; therefore, classifying a glider kit 

as a new motor vehicle raises a number of valid concerns. The 

Committee also understands the intent of the provisions in the 

Phase 2 rule is to promote the removal of older, dirtier engines 

from the vehicle fleet in order to make air quality improvements. 

This is a policy that the Committee has strongly supported over a 

number of years albeit in a non-regulatory manner through the use 

of grants to encourage engine retrofits. The Committee urges EPA 

to study the emissions impact of remanufactured engines used in 

glider kits, compared to new engines, and issue a report to the 

Committee when available. 

Restrictions on Certain Communications.—In 2015, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded that EPA violated prohibitions against publicity or propaganda and grassroots lobbying 

contained in appropriations Acts. The Committee is also aware that 

grant funds were used to support billboards, websites and other advocacy efforts in the Pacific Northwest. The Committee reminds 

62 

EPA that funding may not be used in a manner contrary to Section 

401 of this bill. 

Science Advisory Board.—The Agency is directed to develop updated policy statements in order to fulfill previous Congressional 

directives. 

Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program.—The Committee reiterates the direction contained within the explanatory 

statement associated with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 

2017 to consider harmonizing the status of any previously approved 

refrigerant or foam-blowing agent with other domestic and international programs for refrigeration and commercial air conditioning applications, and corresponding deadlines for military, 

space- and aeronautics-related applications. 

TSCA Risk Evaluations and Risk Management.—The Committee 

directs EPA to implement the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act in a manner that reflects the best available science as now required under TSCA sections 6 and 26. In December 2016 and January 2017, EPA proposed rules under section 

6(a) to prohibit certain chemical uses that rely on risk assessments 

completed by the Agency in 2014 that may not comply with TSCA 

section 26(l)(4). Rather than continuing with those rulemakings, 

the Committee encourages EPA to consider those chemical uses as 

part of the risk evaluation process for the ten priority compounds 

recently designated by EPA under TSCA section 6(b)(2)(A), which 

include the chemicals in question. Further, in order to support the 

ongoing and upcoming TSCA risk evaluation workload, the Committee would support the realignment and consolidation of risk assessment resources if proposed in future budget requests. 

Worker Protection Standards.—The Committee directs the Agency to engage the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmers, farm 

workers, industry and other interested organizations as it implements its standards. 

HAZARDOUS WASTE ELECTRONIC MANIFEST SYSTEM FUND

This account supports all activities necessary for the development of the system established by the Hazardous Waste Electronic 

Manifest Establishment Act (P.L. 112–195). 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $3,178,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 3,674,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 3,674,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +496,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The bill provides $3,674,000 which is expected to be fully offset 

by fees for a net appropriation of $0. The Committee continues to 

support the expeditious development of a system that would allow 

for the electronic tracking of hazardous waste shipments pursuant 

to P.L. 112–195. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides audit, evaluation, 

and investigation products and advisory services to improve the 

performance and integrity of EPA programs and operations. The 

Inspector General (IG) will continue to perform the function of IG 

63 

for the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. This account funds personnel compensation and benefits, travel, and expenses (excluding rent, utilities, and security costs) for the Office 

of Inspector General. In addition to the funds provided under this 

heading, this account receives funds from the Hazardous Substance 

Superfund account. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $41,489,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 37,475,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 40,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥1,489,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +2,525,000 

The bill provides $40,000,000, which is $1,489,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $2,525,000 above the budget request. In addition, the Committee recommends $7,778,000 as a 

payment to this account from the Hazardous Substance Superfund 

account. The Inspector General is directed to prioritize funds to 

projects that prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse at the Environmental Protection Agency. 

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

The Buildings and Facilities account provides for the design and 

construction of EPA-owned facilities as well as for the repair, extension, alteration, and improvement of facilities used by the Agency. The funds are used to correct unsafe conditions, protect health 

and safety of employees and Agency visitors, and prevent deterioration of structures and equipment. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $34,467,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 39,553,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 39,553,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +5,086,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The bill provides $39,553,000 as requested, and $5,086,000 above 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The Committee supports proposed projects that will reduce Agency operational and rent costs. 

EPA should prioritize projects based on anticipated cost savings 

and allocate funds accordingly. 

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE SUPERFUND

The Hazardous Substance Superfund (Superfund) program was 

established in 1980 by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act to clean up emergency 

hazardous materials, spills, and dangerous, uncontrolled, and/or 

abandoned hazardous waste sites. The Superfund Amendments and 

Reauthorization Act (SARA) expanded the program substantially in 

1986, authorizing approximately $8,500,000,000 in revenues over 

five years. In 1990, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act extended the program’s authorization through 1994 for 

$5,100,000,000 with taxing authority through calendar year 1995. 

The Superfund program is operated by EPA subject to annual appropriations from a dedicated trust fund and from general revenues. Enforcement activities are used to identify and induce parties 

responsible for hazardous waste problems to undertake cleanup acVerDate Sep 11 2014 09:51 Jul 22, 2017 Jkt 026331 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR238.XXX HR238
64 

tions and pay for EPA oversight of those actions. In addition, responsible parties have been required to cover the cost of fund-financed removal and remedial actions undertaken at spills and 

waste sites by Federal and State agencies. Funds are paid from 

this account to the Office of Inspector General and Science and 

Technology accounts for Superfund related activities. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $1,088,769,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 762,063,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,116,374,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +27,605,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +354,311,000 

The bill provides $1,116,374,000 for the Hazardous Substance Superfund program, which is $27,605,000 above the fiscal year 

2017 enacted level and $354,311,000 above the budget request. Unless otherwise stated herein or in the table at the end of this report, the recommendation continues funding for all Superfund programs, activities, and subactivities at the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level. 

Operations and Administration.—The recommendation includes 

$123,105,000, which is $5,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level based upon estimates for rent, facility, and security savings. The recommendation does not concur with the Agency’s proposed allocation of resources for workforce reshaping. 

Superfund Cleanup.—The Committee recommends $766,167,000, 

which is $47,605,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The 

Committee appreciates the Administration’s commitment to 

streamline and improve the program, and concurs with the designation of the program as a national infrastructure priority. The 

Committee expects the recommended resources will accelerate remediation at highly contaminated, orphan sites. Further, the Committee expects the additional funding will also support pipeline activities such as remedial investigations, feasibility studies, and remedial designs which are critical steps prior to construction. 

Additional Guidance.—The Committee has included the following 

additional guidance with respect to funding provided under this account: 

Financial Assurance.—The Committee is aware of concerns 

raised by States, stakeholders, and the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy regarding the Agency’s proposed rule on 

financial assurance for hardrock mining. Those comments indicate 

the rule as proposed in January 2017 was duplicative of other financial assurance programs and unworkable. Accordingly the Committee has included bill language to prevent the proposed rule from 

being finalized in its current form. 

LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK TRUST FUND PROGRAM

Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the 

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, authorized the 

establishment of a response program for cleanup of releases from 

leaking underground storage tanks. Owners and operators of facilities with underground tanks must demonstrate financial responsibility and bear initial responsibility for cleanup. The Federal trust 

fund is funded through the imposition of a motor fuel tax of onetenth of a cent per gallon. 

65 

In addition to State resources, the Leaking Underground Storage 

Tank (LUST) Trust Fund provides funding to clean up sites, enforces necessary corrective actions, and recovers costs expended 

from the Fund for cleanup activities. The underground storage 

tank response program is designed to operate primarily through cooperative agreements with States. Funds are also used for grants 

to non-State entities, including Indian Tribes, under Section 8001 

of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The Energy Policy 

Act of 2005 expanded the authorized activities of the Fund to include the underground storage tank program. In 2006, Congress 

amended section 9508 of the Internal Revenue Code to authorize 

expenditures from the trust fund for prevention and inspection activities. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $91,941,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 47,429,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 91,874,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥67,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +44,445,000 

The bill provides $91,874,000 for the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund Program, $67,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $44,445,000 above the budget request. 

INLAND OIL SPILL PROGRAMS

This appropriation, authorized by the Federal Water Pollution 

Control Act, as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, provides 

funds to prepare for and prevent releases of oil and other petroleum products in navigable waterways. In addition, EPA is reimbursed for incident specific response costs through the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund managed by the United States Coast Guard. 

EPA is responsible for directing all cleanup and removal activities posing a threat to public health and the environment; conducting site inspections; providing a means to achieve cleanup activities by private parties; reviewing containment plans at facilities; reviewing area contingency plans; pursuing cost recovery of 

fund-financed cleanups; and conducting research of oil cleanup 

techniques. Funds for this appropriation are provided through the 

Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund which is composed of fees and collections made through provisions of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the 

Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act, the 

Deepwater Port Act of 1974, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act 

Amendments of 1978, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 

as amended. Pursuant to law, the Trust Fund is managed by the 

United States Coast Guard. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $18,209,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 15,717,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 18,047,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥162,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +2,330,000 

The bill provides $18,047,000 for the Inland Oil Spill program, 

$162,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $2,330,000 

above the budget request. 

66 

STATE AND TRIBAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

The State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) account provides 

grant funds for programs operated primarily by State, local, Tribal 

and other governmental partners. The account includes two broad 

types of funds: (1) Infrastructure Assistance, which is used primarily by local governments for projects supporting environmental 

protection; and (2) Categorical Grants, which assist State and Tribal governments and other environmental partners with the operation of environmental programs. The account also includes specific 

program grants such as competitive Brownfields grants and diesel 

emissions reduction grants. 

In the STAG account, EPA provides funding for infrastructure 

projects through two State Revolving Funds (Clean Water and 

Drinking Water), geographic specific projects in Alaskan Native 

Villages and on the United States-Mexico Border, Brownfields revitalization projects, diesel emission reduction grants, and other targeted infrastructure projects. 

The State Revolving Funds (SRFs) provide Federal financial assistance to protect the Nation’s water resources. The Clean Water 

SRF helps eliminate municipal discharge of untreated or inadequately treated pollutants and thereby helps maintain or restore 

the country’s water to a swimmable and/or fishable quality. The 

Clean Water SRF provides resources for municipal, inter-municipal, State, and interstate agencies and Tribal governments to plan, 

design, and construct wastewater facilities and other projects, including non-point source, estuary, stormwater, and sewer overflow 

projects. The Safe Drinking Water SRF finances improvements to 

community water systems so that they can achieve compliance with 

the mandates of the Safe Drinking Water Act and continue to protect public health. 

Many of the major Federal environmental statutes include provisions that allow the Federal government, through EPA, to delegate 

to the States and Tribes the day-to-day management of environmental programs or to approve State and Tribal environmental 

programs. The Federal statutes were designed to recognize the 

States as partners and co-regulators, allowing the States to issue 

and enforce permits, carry out inspections and monitoring, and collect data. To assist the States in this task, the statutes also authorized EPA to provide grants to the States and Tribes. These grants, 

which cover every major aspect of environmental protection, include those programs authorized by sections 319 and 106 of the 

Clean Water Act (Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended) (for non-point source pollution and the water quality permits 

programs), sections 105 and 103 of the Clean Air Act (for State and 

Local air quality management programs), section 128 of CERCLA 

(for State and Tribal response programs), section 1443(a) of the 

Safe Drinking Water Act (for public water system supervision), and 

section 3011 of RCRA (for the implementation of State hazardous 

waste programs). 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $3,527,161,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 2,933,467,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 3,288,161,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥239,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +354,694,000 

67 

The bill provides $3,288,161,000 for the State and Tribal Assist- ance Grants account, $239,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $354,694,000 above the budget request. The Committee provides the following additional detail by program area: 

Infrastructure Assistance.—The Committee notes that more than 

$6 billion is currently revolving in the system and available for 

drinking water and wastewater infrastructure loans. The Committee believes that EPA and the States must aggressively allocate 

existing funds to projects in order to address the pressing infrastructure needs facing the country. In addition, the Committee continues to encourage EPA and water infrastructure stakeholders to 

promote alternate financing mechanisms for water infrastructure 

at local, State and Federal levels as it is widely accepted that Federal financing through the State Revolving Funds remains an important yet insufficient tool to address the Nation’s water needs. 

Public-private partnerships, greater access to financing from private activity bonds, and improved asset management are just a few 

of the mechanisms that the Committee believes could serve to increase investment in a complementary way to Federal appropriations and reduce costs. 

In addition, the Committee continues bill language to allow EPA 

and the States to provide additional forms of subsidy to those communities which cannot afford the below market rates provided by 

an SRF loan. 

The Committee has a history of including a provision affording 

a procurement preference for iron and steel products produced in 

the United States in projects receiving funds from the State Revolving Funds or, now, the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. 

Brownfields Program.—The bill provides $90,000,000 for 

brownfields grants and directs that at least 10 percent of such 

grants be provided to areas in which at least 20 percent of the population has lived under the poverty level over the past 30 years as 

determined by censuses and the most recent Small Area Income 

and Poverty Estimates. 

Diesel Emissions Reductions Grants (DERA).—The bill provides 

$75,000,000 for DERA grants. More than 10 million older, heavily 

polluting diesel engines remain in use that have yet to be retrofitted, repowered, or replaced, and over one million are expected to 

remain in use in 2030. For fiscal year 2018, the Committee directs 

EPA to continue to make at least 70 percent of DERA grants available to improve air quality in non-attainment areas. 

Targeted Airshed Grants.—The bill provides $40,000,000 for targeted airshed grants to reduce air pollution in non-attainment 

areas. These grants shall be distributed on a competitive basis to 

non-attainment areas that EPA determines are ranked as the top 

five most polluted areas relative to annual ozone or particulate 

matter 2.5 standards as well as the top five areas based on the 24- 

hour particulate matter 2.5 standard where the design values exceed the 35 μ/m3 standard. To determine these areas, the Agency 

shall use the most recent design values calculated from validated 

air quality data. The Committee notes that these funds are available for emission reduction activities deemed necessary for compliance with national ambient air quality standards and included in 

a State Implementation Plan submitted to EPA. Not later than the 

68 

end of fiscal year 2017, EPA should provide a report to the Committees on Appropriations that includes a table showing how fiscal 

year 2016 and 2017 funds were allocated. The table should also include grant recipients and metrics for anticipated or actual results. 

Categorical Grants.—For categorical grants to States and other 

environmental partners for the implementation of delegated programs, the bill provides $1,066,041,000. 

Radon.—The Committee continues to support state radon program efforts that raise awareness about the associated risks of 

radon exposure as ongoing, unmitigated exposures result in over 

21,000 radon-induced lung cancer deaths per year. The Committee 

provides $8,051,000, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, 

and the Agency shall allocate radon grants in fiscal year 2018 following the direction in House Report 114–632. 

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE AND INNOVATION PROGRAM

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. 10,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 20,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 30,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +20,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +10,000,000 

The bill provides $30,000,000 for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program. This level is equal to 

the fiscal year 2017 level when compared to funding provided from 

both the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (P.L. 115–31) and 

the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act 

(P.L. 114–254). From within the amount provided, the Committee 

directs $5,000,000 to assist with the administrative expenses for 

the WIFIA program. 

Greater investment in the replacement of aging infrastructure 

will help mitigate nationwide issues the Committee is tracking related to contaminants such as lead and arsenic, help address Combined Sewer Overflows and Sanitary Sewer Overflows, and allow 

systems to improve water delivery for residents. Of the recommended amount, $25,000,000 is provided for direct loan subsidization which may translate into a potential loan capacity in excess of $3 billion to eligible entities for water infrastructure 

projects. The Committee expects that EPA will issue loans for the 

first time in fiscal year 2018 and the Committee intends to closely 

monitor implementation. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS AND RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

The Committee continues the language, carried in prior years, 

concerning Tribal Cooperative Authority, the collection and obligation of pesticides fees, and transfer authorities for the purposes of 

implementing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. 

The bill includes language expanding the eligible activities that 

pesticide fees may cover. 

The bill authorizes the collection and obligation of TSCA user 

fees. 

The bill continues language authorizing up to $150,000 to be 

spent for facility repairs at any one time. 

69 

The bill authorizes certain uses for Section 319 non-point source 

grants. 

The bill rescinds $60,000,000 of unobligated balances from the 

State and Tribal Assistance Grants account. 

The bill directs the availability of not less than $1,500,000 of 

funds for the National Estuary program as competitive grants. 

TITLE III—RELATED AGENCIES 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

FOREST SERVICE

The U.S. Forest Service manages 193 million acres of National 

Forests, Grasslands, and a Tallgrass Prairie, including lands in 44 

States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and cooperates with 

States, other Federal agencies, Tribes and private landowners to 

sustain the Nation’s forests and grasslands. The Forest Service administers a wide variety of programs, including forest and rangeland research, State and private forestry assistance, cooperative 

forest health programs, an international program, National Forest 

System, and wildland fire management. The National Forest System (NFS) includes 155 national forests, 20 national grasslands, 20 

national recreation areas, a national Tallgrass prairie, six national 

monuments, and six land utilization projects. The NFS is managed 

for multiple uses, beginning with wood, water and forage, and expanded under the Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act to include 

recreation, grazing, fish and wildlife habitat management. 

Challenges of the National Forests.—The national forests are facing some of the greatest challenges in their history. These include 

invasive species, regional drought and watershed degradation, fuel 

buildups and severe wildland fires, habitat fragmentation, and devastating outbreaks of insects and disease. For example, the southern pine beetle is the most destructive insect killer of pine trees in 

the southeastern United States. The last major outbreak in 2011 

affected nearly one million acres across eight States and caused an 

estimated $1,500,000,000 in damage. Today there are more than 

100 million dead and dying trees, the result of a severe four-year 

drought and insect and disease infestation, in California. Many of 

these acres are at risk for catastrophic wildland fire. As such, the 

Service is directed to aggressively work to improve the health of 

the national forests in California and around the Nation, using all 

available authorities and strategies. The Service also is directed to 

increase its collaboration with States and partners to address the 

forest health crisis before it worsens, putting lives and property at 

risk of catastrophic wildland fire. 

OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND

ENVIRONMENT

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 875,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +875,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +875,000 

70 

The Committee recommends $875,000 for the Office of the Under 

Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment. 

The Committee is funding the Office of the Under Secretary for 

Natural Resources and Environment in the Interior, Environment, 

and Related Agencies bill instead of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill. 

Forest Service Accounting, Budgeting, and Management.—The 

Committee appreciates the Service’s efforts to improve its accounting, budgeting, and management systems and practices but believes additional steps are necessary to ensure the Service is fully 

accountable and transparent with taxpayer dollars. The Committee 

has included bill language and directives relating to the administrative control of funds, budgeting practices and cost pools, and the 

Integrated Resource Restoration (IRR) pilot program. The Committee requests that the Secretary of Agriculture fully engage on 

these issues and designate a senior staff member with budgeting 

and management expertise to assist the Service on these matters. 

The Committee has learned the Service has outdated, unofficial 

policy and guidance documents directing the administrative control 

of funds; that in some cases control practices have been developed 

in an ad hoc manner; and that the practices vary across regions, 

forests, and districts. This is contrary to current law (31 U.S.C. 

1514) and Office of Management and Budget requirements (OMB 

Circular No. A–11). Without internal controls, accountability and 

transparency are impossible to achieve. The Committee includes 

bill language to require the Service to develop an administration 

control of funds system, as required by 31 U.S.C. 1514). The Committee expects the system will apply consistently across the Service. The Committee also requests the Service to provide a report to 

the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, as soon as 

practicable, on the estimated cost, staffing, and time requirements 

for developing and implementing this system. 

The Committee would like to assist the Service in its efforts to 

improve its accounting and budgeting processes. As such, the Committee requests a report by December 31, 2017, on the feasibility 

of restructuring the Service’s budget request. The Committee envisions a request that allocates funding for the Service’s major programs between salaries and expenses and project funds. This would 

allow for the elimination of cost pools, which the Committee believes complicate the Service’s accounting and budgeting processes, 

and increase confidence that funds are used for the purposes Congress intended. The Committee looks forward to working with the 

Service on this request. 

The Committee discontinues the set asides for the IRR pilot. The 

goal of IRR was to improve the integration and prioritization of the 

forest restoration program, increase the flexibility of the regions in 

the pilot to focus on high-priority projects, and to create budgetary 

and implementation efficiencies. In some cases, the flexibility provided by the pilot allowed regions to better integrate budgeting and 

project planning. However, budgetary and implementation efficiencies were not realized. The Committee believes that providing 

national forests the flexibility to identify and focus on high-priority 

projects will ultimately improve forest health. As such, the Committee directs the Service to identify the positive results of the IRR 

pilot, such as improved priority-setting and greater cooperation beVerDate Sep 11 2014 09:51 Jul 22, 2017 Jkt 026331 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR238.XXX HR238
71 

tween forests and regions, and to apply them uniformly across the 

Service. 

Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request.—The Committee appreciates 

the Service’s work to provide project statements showing total 

available funding, including mandatory and discretionary funds; 

justifications of increases and decreases; and classifications of objects for each account in its fiscal year 2018 budget request, and 

directs the Service to provide the same information in greater detail in the fiscal year 2019 budget request. The Committee encourages the Service to work with the Office of Budget and Program 

Analysis to conform its budget requests to those of other Department of Agriculture agencies and offices. 

Indian Trust Lands.—The Service is encouraged to promote and 

expand the use of agreements with Indian Tribes to protect Indian 

trust resources from catastrophic wildfire, insect and disease infestation or other threats from adjacent Federal lands, as authorized 

by law. 

Knutsen-Vandenberg Program.—The Committee is concerned 

that the Service is not fully utilizing the Knutson-Vandenberg fund 

as authorized by 16 U.S.C. 576b, including the amendments made 

by this Committee in P.L. 109–54, to accomplish important restoration activities with funds generated from timber sales. The Service 

is directed to fully utilize this authority and limit the deduction of 

any agency overhead cost pools to fund personnel of the responsible 

Ranger District for the planning and implementation of activities 

authorized and funded under the Act. 

American Discovery Trail.—The Committee encourages the Service to work with interested parties to facilitate the installation of 

signage for the American Discovery Trail, in accordance with current law and regulation. 

Superior National Forest.—The Committee encourages the Service to coordinate with the Bureau of Land Management to complete 

a thorough environmental impact statement evaluating the proposal to withdraw nearly 235,000 acres of National Forest System 

lands in the Rainy River Watershed from mineral leasing for a period of 20 years, considering the economic, environmental, public 

health, and other related issues raised during the scoping process. 

FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $288,514,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 259,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 278,368,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥10,146,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +19,368,000 

The Committee recommends $278,368,000 for Forest and Range- land Research, $10,146,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level 

and $19,368,000 above the budget request. The Committee recommends $75,037,000 for the FIA program 

and does not accept the proposed reduction for invasive species research. 

Forest Products Laboratory.—The Committee recommends 

$23,900,000, as requested, for the Forest Products Lab. 

Wood Products Research.—The Committee supports continued research to improve the environmental performance, resiliency, and 

affordability of mass timber and other wood products and directs 

72 

the Service to engage public safety, regulatory agencies, and any 

other interested parties to ensure public safety issues are appropriately addressed. 

Bighorn Sheep Research.—The Service is urged to collaborate 

with the Bureau of Land Management and the Agricultural Research Service on research involving the risk of disease transmission between domestic and bighorn sheep. 

Forest Carbon Research.—The Committee encourages the Service 

to work with other U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies and offices to establish the methods and tools needed to quantify forest 

carbon as a resource. 

Water, Air, and Soil Research.—The Committee notes that the 

Service’s research program has the potential to improve air quality 

monitoring technologies and air quality data and encourages the 

Service to collaborate with other Federal agencies and research 

partners in this field. 

Forest Health and Fire Research.—The Committee recognizes the 

valuable research contributions that other Federal agencies and 

State and private colleges and universities make on forest health 

and fire issues and encourages the Service to expand these partnerships where feasible. 

Previously Requested Reports.—The Committee reminds the 

Service of the Post-fire Treatment Report and Technical Report Update required by House report 114–632 and encourages their expeditious completion. 

Research Program Report.—The Committee appreciates the information provided on the Service’s research program in the fiscal 

year 2018 budget request and directs the Service to continue to 

provide this information in the fiscal year 2019 request. 

STATE AND PRIVATE FORESTRY

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $216,921,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 118,010,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 198,710,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥18,211,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +80,700,000 

The Committee recommends $198,710,000 for State and Private 

Forestry, $18,211,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$80,700,000 above the budget request. 

Landscape Scale Restoration.—The Committee recommends 

$13,643,000 for Landscape Scale Restoration, $357,000 below the 

fiscal year 2017 level and $13,643,000 above the budget request. 

Forest Health Management.—The Committee recommends 

$92,084,000 for Forest Health Management, $2,416,000 below the 

fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $1,694,000 above the budget request. 

Forest Stewardship Program.—The Committee recommends 

$19,525,000 for the Forest Stewardship Program, $511,000 below 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $975,000 below the budget 

request. 

Forest Legacy.—The recommendation includes $36,184,000 for 

Forest Legacy. Not later than the start of the fiscal year, the Service is directed to submit to the Committee the list of fiscal year 

2018 projects that have been prioritized in accordance with the existing, competitive national selection process. 

73 

Community Forest and Open Space Conservation.—The Committee recommends $1,950,000 for Community Forest and Open 

Space Conservation, $50,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level and $1,950,000 above the budget request. 

Urban and Community Forestry.—The Committee recommends 

$27,324,000 for Urban and Community, $716,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $27,324,000 above the budget request. 

International Forestry.—The Committee recommends $8,000,000 

for International Forestry, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level and $880,000 above the budget request. 

NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $1,513,318,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 1,747,442,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,885,827,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +372,509,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +138,385,000 

The Committee recommends $1,885,827,000 for the National Forest System, $372,509,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level 

and $138,385,000 above the budget request. The Committee accepts 

the proposal to transfer Hazardous Fuels from the Wildland Fire 

Management account to the National Forest System account. 

Land Management Planning, Assessment, and Monitoring.—The 

Committee recommends $178,263,000 for Land Management Planning, Assessment, and Monitoring, $4,665,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 enacted level and $13,263,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee is aware that the Service, Bureau of Reclamation 

and others worked together during fiscal years 2016 and 2017 to 

initiate a multi-year study to generate new knowledge to quantitatively establish the benefits of forest management practices in 

the Sierra Nevada that could potentially generate water supply and 

other benefits to the Central Valley Project and the State Water 

Project. The Committee supports the Service’s continued participation, through the Western Watershed Enhancement Partnership 

program, in the analysis of science-based fuel reductions that are 

mutually beneficial to national forest health and water supply yield 

and, if merited, recommendations for further Congressional action. 

Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness.—The Committee recommends $257,848,000 for Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness, 

$6,747,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $4,968,000 

above the budget request. Of the funds available to Manage Recreation Operations, $750,000 shall be for the maintenance of rural 

airstrips. 

Palisades Wilderness Study Area.—Congress intended for existing and historic motorized recreational uses to continue in wilderness study areas as designated in the 1984 Wyoming Wilderness 

Act. The Committee is aware that recent decisions by the Service 

have misconstrued this intent, which has had the effect of limiting 

previously established winter motorized uses. The Committee directs the Service to review its decisions and provide a report within 

30 days of enactment of this Act to the Committee on its plan to 

remedy the concerns. 

74 

Off-Highway Vehicle Report.—The Committee directs the Service 

to provide a report on its off-highway vehicle (OHV) mixed-use 

analysis. The report should include information on how OHV access 

to forest roads would affect recreational opportunities and related 

economic activity in forest communities; how many miles potentially could become available; estimated budget needs for expanded 

access; plans for opening new routes; and how other vehicles, such 

as all-terrain vehicles, could be utilized by wounded veterans and 

disabled citizens. The Committee reminds the Service of the importance of making the national forests as accessible as possible to the 

American people and requests that the Service work with States, 

local officials, communities, and partners as it implements the travel analysis process. 

Special-use Permits.—The Committee encourages the Service to 

increase the pace and scale of its evaluation of special-use permits 

in order to improve access to public lands and generate additional 

economic activity in the national forests and forest communities. 

Kisatchie National Forest.—The Committee is concerned about 

reports that the Service has insufficiently scoped the Breezy Hill 

Trail construction proposal and failed to adequately consider public 

comments, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act 

(NEPA). As such, the Committee directs the Service to provide a 

report within 30 days of enactment of this Act on how it intends 

to comply with all NEPA requirements, ensure public participation, 

and engage local communities regarding this proposal. 

Grazing Management.—The Committee recommends $56,856,000 

for Grazing Management, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level and $6,256,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee encourages the Service to improve its monitoring 

of grazing permits in allotments where riparian streamside health 

is a concern for listed or threatened species. The Committee also 

requests each Forest Service region increase transparency and reporting on how their monitoring resources are used on the ground 

to satisfy monitoring requirements or for other purposes. 

Hazardous Fuels.—The Committee recommends $392,500,000 for 

hazardous fuels, $2,500,000 above the fiscal year 2017 level and 

$38,212,000 above the budget request. The Committee accepts the 

proposal to move Hazardous Fuels to the National Forest System 

from Wildland Fire Management. 

The Committee directs the Service to use the best available 

science that takes into account historical fire data, landscape characteristics, and forest composition as well as the effects of past and 

current human influences, such as development and land-use patterns, and climatic conditions to identify the highest priority areas 

for hazardous fuel reduction and forest health and management 

treatments. The Committee also recommends prioritizing funding 

for proactive hazardous fuels management and fire mitigation in 

high-priority areas to protect life and property. 

Forest Products.—The Committee recommends $370,305,000 for 

Forest Products, $2,500,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level and $11,184,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee believes timber sales are a vital component of 

forest health. The budget request assumes 3.2 billion board feet of 

timber volume will be sold in fiscal year 2018. The Committee encourages the Service to work toward sales of 4 billion board feet. 

75 

Vegetation and Watershed Management.—The Committee recommends $180,000,000 for Vegetation and Watershed Management, $4,716,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$5,600,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee directs the Service to establish a pilot program 

to promote voluntary vegetation management along electric transmission and distribution rights-of-way to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire. 

Wildlife and Fisheries Habitat Management.—The Committee 

recommends $136,430,000 for Wildlife and Fisheries Habitat Management, $4,036,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level 

$11,430,000 above the budget request. 

Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund.—The Committee recommends $38,980,000, for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund, $1,020,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $38,980,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee recognizes the need to ensure forest resiliency 

and support multiple uses on national forest lands. The Committee 

urges the Service to incorporate a variety of landscapes, including 

wet forests, as it develops future projects for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program. 

Minerals and Geology Management.—The Committee recommends $73,642,000 for Minerals and Geology Management, 

$1,927,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $5,642,000 

above the budget request. 

The Committee expects that the Service will not promulgate regulations under the authority provided by section 2508 of Public 

Law 102–486 regarding certain oil and gas activities where the 

Federal government has acquired an interest in surface lands but 

not in oil and gas deposits that may be present under these lands. 

The Committee intends that the Third Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Minard Run Oil Co. v. U.S. Forest Serv., 670 F.3d 236 (3d 

Cir. 2011) will continue to apply to all Forest Service actions regarding oil and gas development of outstanding and reserved mineral rights on the Allegheny National Forest. 

Landownership Management.—The Committee recommends 

$71,850,000 for Landownership Management, $1,880,000 below the 

fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $2,850,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee is concerned about significant delays in processing rights-of-way and property access requests and directs the 

Service to update its regulations and processes related to these requests to ensure they are efficient, fair, and standardized across 

the Nation. 

Law Enforcement Operations.—The Committee recommends 

$129,153,000 for Law Enforcement Operations, $2,500,000 above 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to the budget request. 

Avalanche Mitigation.—The Committee is concerned about avalanche dangers in the National Forest System, including the Cottonwood Canyons in Utah, and encourages the Service to continue 

efforts to work cooperatively with other Federal and State agencies 

to mitigate avalanches. 

Bill Language.—The Committee includes the following bill language in Title IV General Provisions: Section 407, allowing forest 

management plans to expire if the Forest Service has made a good 

76 

faith effort to update plans commensurate with appropriated funds; 

Section 410, regarding timber sales of Alaskan western red cedar; 

Section 423, allowing the Forest Service to renew grazing permits; 

Section 425, extending the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement 

Act for one year; Section 435, prohibiting the use of appropriated 

funds to close areas open to recreational hunting and shooting as 

of January 1, 2013; and Section 436, making vacant allotments for 

permittees affected by drought or wildfire. 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $364,014,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 99,693,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 354,733,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥9,281,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +255,040,000 

The Committee recommends $354,733,000 for Capital Improvement and Maintenance, $9,281,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $255,040,000 above the budget request. 

Facilities Maintenance and Construction.—The Committee recommends $69,570,000 for Facilities Maintenance and Construction, 

$1,820,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$57,820,000 above the budget request. 

Road Maintenance and Construction.—The Committee recommends $170,630,000 for Road Maintenance and Construction, 

$4,464,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$95,387,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee encourages the Service to seek out and work with 

partners to address access and congestion issues and provide additional transit options for visitors to the national forests. 

Trail Maintenance and Construction.—The Committee recommends $75,553,000 for Trail Maintenance and Construction, 

$1,977,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$62,853,000 above the budget request. 

Legacy Roads and Trail Remediation.—The Committee recommends $38,980,000 for Legacy Roads and Trails, $1,020,000 

below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $38,980,000 above the 

budget request. 

The Committee did not include bill language for legacy roads and 

trails remediation as it is not needed. The Service is expected to 

allocate this funding in a manner proportionate to the distribution 

of roads in need of attention across the National Forest System and 

to direct funds to regions most in need of road remediation. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $54,415,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 7,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 25,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥29,415,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +18,000,000 

The Committee recommends $25,000,000 for Land Acquisition, 

$29,415,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$18,000,000 above the budget request. A detailed table of funding 

77 

recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. 

The Committee does not have sufficient information to recommend specific Federal acquisition projects at this time, but will 

review and recommend levels of funding for projects submitted to 

the Committee in accordance with the direction provided in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 115–31. 

The Committee is pleased with the cooperative agreement between the USFS and local authorities in Skamania County and encourages the Service to remain supportive of the agreement and to 

move forward with the land transfer process. 

The Committee supports the continuation of efforts to resolve the 

long-standing management challenges regarding school trust lands 

within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in the Superior National 

Forest in Minnesota and encourages the Service to collaborate with 

nonprofit partners on the private forestland exchange alternative, 

which will provide the added benefit of preserving valuable 

forestlands outside of Superior National Forest. 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS FOR NATIONAL FORESTS SPECIAL ACTS

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $950,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 850,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 850,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥100,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $850,000 for Acquisition of Lands 

for National Forests Special Acts, equal to the budget request. 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS TO COMPLETE LAND EXCHANGES

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $216,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 192,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 192,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥24,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $192,000 for Acquisition of Lands to 

Complete Land Exchanges under the Act of December 4, 1967 (16 

U.S.C. 484a), equal to the budget request. The Committee provides 

no-year funding authority for this account and includes the OzarkSt. Francis and Ouchita National Forests in Arkansas, as requested. 

RANGE BETTERMENT FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $2,320,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 2,065,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,065,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥255,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $2,065,000 for the Range Betterment Fund, equal to the budget request, to be derived from grazing 

receipts from national forests (Public Law 94–579) and to be used 

for range rehabilitation, protection, and improvements including 

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78 

ment, and fish and wildlife habitat enhancement in 16 western 

States. 

GIFTS, DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS FOR FOREST AND RANGELAND

RESEARCH

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $45,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 45,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 45,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $45,000 for Gifts, Donations and Bequests for Forest and Rangeland Research, equal to the budget request. 

MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FOREST LANDS FOR SUBSISTENCE USES

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $2,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 2,225,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,225,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥275,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $2,225,000 for the Management of 

National Forest Lands for Subsistence Uses in Alaska, equal to the 

budget request. 

WILDLAND FIRE

The Wildland Fire Management account supports the wildland 

fire activities of the Forest Service. The Committee recommends a 

total of $2,506,357,000 for the Forest Service wildland fire accounts. This fully funds the fire accounts at the 10-year average of 

expenditures. The Committee accepts the proposal to transfer Hazardous Fuels from the Wildland Fire Management account to the 

National Forest System account. 

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $2,833,415,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 2,495,038,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,506,357,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥327,058,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +11,319,000 

The Committee recommends $2,506,357,000 for Wildland Fire 

Management, $327,058,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level 

and $11,319,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee accepts the proposal to include all costs for suppression in the Wildland Fire Management account and notes that 

most of the decrease is related to the proposal to move hazardous 

fuels from the Wildland Fire Management account to the National 

Forest System account. 

The Committee directs the Service to update the Large Airtanker 

Modernization Strategy, dated January 17, 2012, to reflect current 

needs and trends in its wildland fire management program. 

The Committee is aware that the North Cascades Smokejumper 

Base may need facility upgrades, improvements, and renovations to 

79 

meet Federal Aviation Administration compliance standards and 

requirements. The Committee understands the value to the local 

community of maintaining the North Cascades Smokejumper Base 

in Winthrop, Washington, and appreciates the site’s historical significance as the birthplace of the United States’ Smokejumping program. The Committee directs the Service provide a report on the 

needs of the North Cascades Smokejumper Base, as well as its 

other smokejumper bases, and to include in the report a description 

of the effect each has on the economy and disaster preparedness 

level of its local community. 

Wildland Fire Preparedness.—The Committee recommends 

$1,339,620,000 for Wildfire Preparedness, $257,000,000 above the 

fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to the budget request. The 

Committee supports the Service’s plan to account for ‘‘Base 8’’ staff 

costs in the preparedness budget line item. 

Wildland Fire Suppression Operations.—The Committee recommends $1,056,818,000 for Wildfire Suppression Operations, 

$191,182,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to 

the budget request. The Committee recommendation fully meets 

the 10-year average expenditure on all suppression activities. 

Fire Plan Research and Development.—The Committee recommends $19,290,000 for Fire Plan Research and Development, 

$505,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $1,690,000 

above the budget request. 

State Fire Assistance.—The Committee recommends $76,011,000 

for State Fire Assistance, $1,989,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $6,611,000 above the budget request. 

Volunteer Fire Assistance.—The Committee recommends 

$14,618,000 for Volunteer Fire Assistance, $382,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $3,018,000 above the budget request. 

FLAME WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION RESERVE FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $342,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 0 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥342,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $0 for the FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund, $342,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to the budget request. As noted above, the 

Committee accepts the proposal to include all costs for suppression 

in the Wildland Fire Management account. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, FOREST SERVICE

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

The Committee has included administrative provisions as requested, unless otherwise stated below. 

The Committee has included new administrative provisions regarding the availability of the FLAME Wildfire Suppression Fund 

and the development of an Administrative Control of Funds regulation. 

80 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE

The provision of Federal health services to Indians is based on 

a relationship between Indian Tribes and the U.S. Government 

first set forth in the 1830s by the U.S. Supreme Court under Chief 

Justice John Marshall. Numerous treaties, statutes, constitutional 

provisions, and international laws have reconfirmed this relationship. Principal among these is the Snyder Act of 1921, which provides the basic authority for most Indian health services provided 

by the Federal government to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The Indian Health Service (IHS) provides direct 

health care services in 28 hospitals, 61 health centers, three school 

health centers, and 34 health stations. Tribes and Tribal groups, 

through contracts and compacts with the IHS, operate 17 hospitals, 

249 health centers, six school health centers, and 70 health stations (including 164 Alaska Native village clinics). 

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICES

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $3,694,462,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 3,574,365,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 3,867,260,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +172,798,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +292,895,000 

The Committee recommends $3,867,260,000 for Indian Health 

Services. All proposed cuts are restored and IHS is expected to continue all programs at fiscal year 2017 enacted levels except as otherwise discussed below and summarized in the table at the end of 

this report. 

Current Services.—The recommendation includes an increase of 

$23,543,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level to cover estimated pay cost increases. 

Indian Health Care Improvement Fund.—The recommendation 

includes $130,000,000 for the Indian Health Care Improvement 

Fund in order to reduce health care disparities across the IHS system. 

Staffing for New Facilities.—The recommendation includes 

$17,978,000 for the staffing of newly opened health facilities, as requested. Funds for the staffing of new facilities are limited to facilities funded through the Health Care Facilities Construction Priority System or the Joint Venture Construction Program that have 

opened in fiscal year 2017 or will open in fiscal year 2018. None 

of these funds may be allocated to a facility until such facility has 

achieved beneficial occupancy status. 

Accreditation Emergencies.—The Committee considers the loss or 

potential loss of a Medicare or Medicaid agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at any facility to be 

an accreditation emergency. The recommendation includes a total 

of $29,000,000 for accreditation emergencies at an alarming number of facilities over the past year. Funds may be used for personnel or other expenses essential for sustaining operations of an 

affected service unit, including but not to exceed $4,000,000 for 

Purchased/Referred Care. These are not intended to be recurring 

base funds. The Director should reallocate the funds annually as 

81 

necessary to ensure that agreements with CMS are reinstated, and 

to restore third-party collection shortfalls. Shortfalls should be calculated relative to a baseline, which should be the average of the 

collections in each of the two fiscal years preceding the year in 

which an agreement with CMS was terminated or put on notice of 

termination. 

Domestic Violence Prevention Program.—The recommendation includes $12,967,278 for the Domestic Violence Prevention Program, 

equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

Prescription Drug Monitoring.—The recommendation includes 

$1,000,000 for Prescription Drug Monitoring, equal to the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level. 

Village Built Clinics.—The recommendation includes $11,000,000 

for the village built clinics leasing program, equal to the fiscal year 

2017 enacted level. 

Dental Health.—The recommendation includes $185,920,000 for 

Dental Health, $6,169,000 above the budget request and $3,323,000 

above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The Service is encouraged 

to coordinate with the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) to integrate preventive dental care at schools within the BIE system. 

The Committee has recognized for many years the dire need to 

increase oral health care to American Indians/Alaska Natives. Because of funding increases, an additional 263,565 dental services 

were provided in fiscal year 2016. However, the demand for dental 

treatment remains overwhelming due to the high incidence of dental caries (cavities) in AI/AN children. Over 80 percent of AI/AN 

children ages 6–9 and 13–15 years suffer from dental caries, while 

less than 50 percent of the U.S. population in the same age cohort 

have experienced tooth decay. The Committee recognizes that more 

needs to be done to fully address the need for oral health care. 

Purchased/Referred Care (formerly Contract Health Services).— 

The recommendation includes $928,830,000 for Purchased/Referred 

Care (PRC), equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The Committee remains concerned about the inequitable distribution of 

funds as reported by the Government Accountability Office (GAO– 

12–446). 

The IHS is encouraged to evaluate the feasibility of entering into 

reimbursable agreements with Federal health facilities outside of 

the IHS system for patient referrals. Such agreements should be 

considered only when such referrals save costs and patient travel 

times relative to referrals to the nearest non-Federal health facilities, and when such referrals do not significantly increase patient 

wait times at such Federal facilities. 

Urban Indian Health.—The recommendation includes 

$47,943,000 for Urban Indian Health, $3,202,000 above the budget 

request. IHS is expected to continue to include current services estimates for Urban Indian Health in future budget requests. 

Seven out of ten American Indians/Alaska Natives live in urban 

centers and receive vital culturally appropriate health services 

from urban Indian health organizations. As such, many Indian veterans obtain their health care services from these organizations. 

Currently the Veterans’ Administration (VA) and the Indian 

Health Service are operating under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which is effective through June 30, 2019. Under 

82 

this agreement, VA reimburses care provided to Indian veterans at 

IHS facilities and Tribal health programs. 

The MOU recognizes the importance of a coordinated and cohesive effort on a national scope to meet the needs of individual 

tribes, villages, islands, and communities, through VA, IHS, Tribal 

and Urban Indian health programs; however, to date, there has not 

been equitable reimbursement for the culturally appropriate services provided to Native individuals, including Native veterans. 

This year, House Report 115–188 accompanying the fiscal year 

2018 Military Construction, Veterans’ Administration, and Related 

Agencies Appropriation bill included a directive requiring the VA 

to prepare a report for the Appropriations Committee examining 

the impact of Indian veterans receiving health services at urban 

clinics and the annual estimated cost differential for VA to reimburse IHS rather than provide services directly in these urban 

areas. The report is also to estimate the capacity of Indian urban 

clinics to treat increased Indian veteran caseloads and include any 

data supporting the use of the higher negotiated reimbursement 

rate in urban settings versus rural areas. The report is due 90 days 

after enactment of the Act, and the Committee directs IHS to work 

with the VA to complete this report. 

Indian Health Professions.—The recommendation includes 

$49,363,000 for Indian Health Professions, $6,021,000 above the 

budget request. The American Indians into Psychology Program is 

continued at not less than $715,077. 

Loan repayment has proven to be the Service’s best recruitment 

tool for staffing health professionals. The Committee was dismayed 

to learn that the Service has three thousand vacancies for health 

professionals. Overall, this is a vacancy rate of 20 percent, with a 

physician shortage rate of 30 percent and a dentist rate of 18 percent. The Committee has included $49,363,000 to better enable the 

Service to recruit and retain health providers. The Service is urged 

to consider making health administrators a higher priority for loan 

repayments, in consultation with Tribes. 

Governing Boards.—The accreditation crisis in the Great Plains 

and the subsequent House provision have highlighted the need for 

IHS facilities to be significantly more inclusive of Tribes in the decision-making process. The Committees on Appropriations are encouraged by the IHS’s own recent initiative to reform its governing 

boards, but reforms are limited under existing statutes. The Committees are aware that the authorizing committees of jurisdiction 

are examining this issue and support these efforts to improve the 

communication and collaboration between the IHS and Tribes at 

direct service facilities. 

Indian Health Care Improvement Act.—It has been over six years 

since the permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), yet many of the provisions in the law remain unfunded. Tribes have specifically requested that priority 

areas for funding focus on diabetes treatment and prevention, behavioral health, and health professions. The Committee requests 

that the Service provide, no later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, a detailed plan with specific dollars identified 

to fully fund and implement the IHCIA. 

Reimbursable Funding.—The Committee directs the Service to 

report, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, on patient popuVerDate Sep 11 2014 09:51 Jul 22, 2017 Jkt 026331 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR238.XXX HR238
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lation and service growth over the past ten years and the funding 

sources used to provide for these medical services. The IHS is to 

include a breakdown, by dollar amount and percentage, of funding 

sources which supplement appropriated dollars to cover the provision of medical services at IHS operated and tribally contracted 

and compacted facilities. The Committee is interested in detailed 

information on whether medical services have been able to expand 

over this time period as a result of increases in the ability to 

charge medical services to supplementary funding sources. As a 

point of comparison, and to the extent possible, the Service shall 

compare these impacts across the twelve IHS areas, with the degree to which patient populations services in the respective states 

has increased. 

CONTRACT SUPPORT COSTS

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $800,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 717,970,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 717,970,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥82,030,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation estimated to be $717,970,000 for contract support costs incurred by the 

agency as required by law. The bill includes language making 

available for two years such sums as are necessary to meet the 

Federal government’s full legal obligation, and prohibiting the 

transfer of funds to any other account for any other purpose. 

INDIAN HEALTH FACILITIES

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $545,424,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 446,956,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 551,643,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +6,219,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +104,687,000 

The Committee recommends $551,643,000 for Indian Health Facilities, $6,219,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$104,687,000 above the budget request. All proposed cuts are restored and IHS is expected to continue all programs at fiscal year 

2017 enacted levels except as otherwise discussed below and summarized in the table at the end of this report. 

Staffing for New Facilities.—The recommendation includes 

$2,022,000 for the staffing of newly opened health facilities. The 

stipulations included in the Indian Health Services account regarding the allocation of funds pertain to this account as well. 

Current Services.—The recommendation includes an increase of 

$2,440,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level to cover estimated pay cost increases. 

Indian Health Care Improvement Fund.—The bill includes language allowing funds in the Indian Health Care Improvement 

Fund to be used for activities in the Facilities account. 

Health Care Facilities Construction.—The recommendation includes $117,991,000 for health care facilities construction, 

$17,991,000 above the budget request and equal to the fiscal year 

2017 enacted level. 

84 

The Committee remains dedicated to providing access to health 

care for IHS patients across the system. The IHS is expected to aggressively work down the current Health Facilities Construction 

Priority System list, as well as work with the Department and 

Tribes to examine alternative financing arrangements and meritorious regional demonstration projects authorized under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act that that would effectively 

close the service gap. Within 60 days of enactment of this Act, the 

Service shall submit a spending plan to the Committees on Appropriations that details the project-level distribution of funds provided for healthcare facilities construction. 

The IHS has no defined benefit package and is not designed to 

be comparable to the private sector health care system. IHS does 

not provide the same health services in each area. Health services 

provided to a community depend upon the facilities and services 

available in the local area, the facilities’ financial and personnel resources (42 CFR 136.11 (c)), and the needs of the service population. In order to determine whether IHS patients across the system have comparable access to healthcare, the IHS is directed to 

conduct and publish a gap analysis of the locations and capacities 

of patient health facilities relative to the IHS user population. The 

analysis should include: facilities within the IHS system, including 

facilities on the Health Facilities Construction Priority System list 

and the Joint Venture Construction Program list; and where possible facilities within private or other Federal health systems for 

which arrangements with IHS exist, or should exist, to see IHS patients. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, an 

agency within the National Institutes of Health, was authorized in 

section 311(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 

Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 and in section 126(g) of 

the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to 

conduct certain research and worker training activities associated 

with the Nation’s Hazardous Substance Superfund program. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $77,349,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 59,607,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 75,370,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥1,979,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +15,763,000 

The Committee recommends $75,370,000 for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, $1,979,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $15,763,000 above the budget request. 

AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY

TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), 

an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services, was 

created in section 104(i) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980. The 

85 

Agency’s mission is to serve the public through responsive public 

health actions to promote healthy and safe environments and prevent harmful toxic exposures. ATSDR assesses hazardous exposures in communities near toxic waste sites and advises the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other government agencies, community groups and industry partners on actions needed to 

protect people’s health. In addition, ATSDR conducts toxicological 

and applied research to support environmental assessments, supports health surveillance systems and registries, develops and disseminates information on hazardous substances, provides education 

and training on hazardous exposures, and responds to environmental emergencies. Through a national network of scientists and 

public health practitioners in State health departments, regional 

EPA offices and headquarters, ATSDR helps to protect people from 

acute toxic exposures that occur from hazardous leaks and spills, 

environment-related poisonings, and natural and terrorism-related 

disasters. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $74,961,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 62,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 72,780,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥1,911,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +10,780,000 

The Committee recommends $72,780,000 for the Agency for Toxic 

Substances and Disease Registry, $1,911,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 level and $10,780,000 above the budget request. 

OTHER RELATED AGENCIES 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND OFFICE OF

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was established by 

Congress under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 

(NEPA). The Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ), which provides professional and administrative staff for the Council, was established in the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970. 

The Council on Environmental Quality has statutory responsibility 

for overseeing Federal agency implementation of the requirements 

of NEPA. CEQ also assists in coordinating environmental programs 

among the Federal agencies in the Executive Branch. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $3,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 2,994,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,994,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥6,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $2,994,000 for the Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental Quality, $6,000 

below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to the budget 

request. 

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CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is 

an independent Federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. The board members are appointed by the 

President and confirmed by the Senate. The CSB conducts rootcause investigations of chemical accidents at fixed industrial facilities. Root causes are usually deficiencies in safety management 

systems, but can be any factor that would have prevented the accident if that factor had not occurred. Other accident causes often involve equipment failures, human errors, unforeseen chemical reactions or other hazards. CSB does not issue fines or citations, but 

does make recommendations to plants, regulatory agencies such as 

the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, industry organizations, and labor 

groups. Congress designed the CSB to be non-regulatory and independent of other agencies so that its investigations might, where 

appropriate, review the effectiveness of regulations and regulatory 

enforcement. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $11,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 9,420,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 11,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +1,580,000 

The bill provides $11,000,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the 

Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. The Board has 

the important responsibility of independently investigating industrial chemical accidents and collaborating with industry and professional organizations to share safety lessons that can prevent catastrophic incidents and the Committee expects this work to continue. 

OFFICE OF NAVAJO AND HOPI INDIAN RELOCATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation was established 

by Public Law 93–531 to plan and conduct relocation activities associated with the settlement of a land dispute between the Navajo 

Nation and the Hopi Tribe. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $15,431,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 14,970,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 15,431,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +461,000 

The Committee recommends $15,431,000 for the Office of Navajo 

and Hopi Indian Relocation (Office), equal to the fiscal year 2017 

enacted level. Of this amount, $200,000 shall be transferred to the 

Inspector General of the Department of the Interior for continued 

oversight of planning, transition, and closure of the Office. 

87 

The Committee has directed the Office to begin to communicate 

with Congress, the affected Tribes, and the Department of the Interior about what will be required to ensure relocation benefits and 

necessary support services are provided in accordance with the 

specifications in Public Law 93–531 and to initiate closure of the 

Office. The Committee requests continuation of the quarterly reports and a comprehensive plan for closing the Office, as outlined 

in House Report 114–632. Legal analysis on whether any enacting 

legislation is required to transfer or maintain any identified functions to another agency or organization should also be included. 

The Office should be transparent about the path forward and 

should actively consult with all affected parties and agencies. 

INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE CULTURE AND

ARTS DEVELOPMENT

PAYMENT TO THE INSTITUTE

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $15,212,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 11,596,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 9,835,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥5,377,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ ¥1,761,000 

The Committee recommends $9,835,000 in direct appropriations 

for the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture 

and Arts Development. The Committee notes that the budget request failed to account for a one-time funding increase in fiscal 

year 2017 to put the Institute’s budget on a school year cycle instead of a fiscal year cycle. The total operating level appropriated 

in fiscal year 2017 for the Institute was $9,835,000. The Committee 

recommends the same amount for 2018. 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and 

research complex, with 19 museums and galleries, numerous research centers, libraries, archives, and the National Zoological 

Park. Funded by both private and Federal sources, the Smithsonian is unique in the Federal establishment. Created by an Act of 

Congress in 1846 to carry out the trust included in James 

Smithson’s will, it has been engaged for 171 years in the ‘‘increase 

and diffusion of knowledge.’’ Last year, the Smithsonian attracted 

over 29 million visits to its museums, galleries, and zoological park. 

Additional millions also view Smithsonian traveling exhibitions 

and participate in the annual Folklife Festival on the National 

Mall. As custodian of the National Collections, the Smithsonian is 

responsible for more than 156 million art objects, natural history 

specimens, and artifacts. These scientific and cultural collections 

are a vital resource for global research and conservation efforts. 

The collections are displayed for the enjoyment and education of 

visitors and are available for research by the staff of the Institution 

and by thousands of visiting students, scientists, and historians 

each year. 

88 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $729,444,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 719,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 716,600,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥12,844,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ ¥2,400,000 

The Committee recommends $716,600,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the Smithsonian Institution, $12,844,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $2,400,000 below the budget request. 

Additional Guidance.—The following additional direction and 

guidance is provided with respect to funding provided within this 

account: 

Collections Care.—The Committee maintains its longstanding 

commitment to the preservation of priceless, irreplaceable Smithsonian Institution collections and has provided funds for the collections care initiative. The Committee is pleased with continuing efforts to improve the long-term inventory, preservation, and storage 

of historical collections. 

National Museum of African American History and Culture.— 

The Committee maintains its longstanding support of the National 

Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The 

Committee has provided funds for museum maintenance, facility 

operations, and security, as requested. 

Latino Programs, Exhibitions, Collections and Public Outreach.— 

The Committee supports the Smithsonian Latino Center’s goal of 

promoting the inclusion of Latino contributions in Smithsonian Institution programs, exhibitions, collections and public outreach. 

The Committee urges collaboration among interested parties to advance these goals more fully by utilizing existing Smithsonian Institution museum locations for the expansion of the Smithsonian 

Latino Center’s programming, exhibition and collection space. The 

Committee has provided funds, as requested, to support the Institution’s Latino initiatives. 

Asian Pacific American Initiatives and Outreach.—The Smithsonian is directed to continue its efforts, at the fiscal year 2017 enacted funding level, toward developing programs and expanding 

outreach to promote a better understanding of the Asian Pacific 

American experience. 

Historical flag collection.—The Committee is aware that the 

Smithsonian Institution may have the potential opportunity to acquire a rare, historically significant private collection of American 

flags and ephemera that would substantially enhance the Museum’s permanent collection. The Committee understands that the 

Smithsonian is not currently seeking Congressional funding for 

this acquisition and encourages private/public partnerships that 

would be beneficial to the Smithsonian’s effort to acquire these 

flags and artifacts that are of significant educational value and reflect our Nation’s history. 

89 

FACILITIES CAPITAL

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $133,903,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 228,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 168,500,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +34,597,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ ¥59,500,000 

The Committee recommends $168,500,000 for the Facilities Capital account, $34,597,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

The recommendation includes funding as requested to complete 

construction of the Dulles Storage Module at the National Air and 

Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center. This critical addition of collections storage space at the Smithsonian’s Dulles site will establish a permanent facility to gather collections from the antiquated 

buildings at the Garber facility in Suitland, Maryland, which are 

being phased out after 60 years of service. In the near term, this 

storage module will serve the Smithsonian’s immediate need for 

temporary collections swing space during the National Air and 

Space Museum’s Revitalization Project, and will provide critically 

needed collections consolidation space for the Institution’s longterm storage needs. 

The Committee supports revitalization of Smithsonian Institution facilities and the planning and design of future projects. Within funds provided, the Committee urges the Smithsonian to support 

the highest priority projects on the Facilities Capital Program list, 

including the multi-year revitalization of the National Air and 

Space Museum (NASM), scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2018. 

The NASM faces mechanical, structural, and security challenges 

that necessitate action to ensure the facility’s long-term viability. 

The NASM is the most visited museum in the United States and 

second most visited museum in the world with between seven and 

eight million visitors annually. The Committee remains concerned, 

however, that the multi-year cost-estimates for the project exceed 

$600 million. 

Given the scope and scale of this effort, this project is likely to 

place additional pressure on Smithsonian annual budgets for the 

foreseeable future. The Committee urges the Smithsonian to evaluate potential partnership and philanthropic opportunities that may 

provide additional non-Federal sources of funding to assist in offsetting the costs of this and other revitalization projects. 

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

The National Gallery of Art is one of the world’s great galleries. 

Its magnificent works of art, displayed for the benefit of millions 

of visitors annually, and its two iconic buildings and sculpture garden, serve as an example of a successful cooperative endeavor between private individuals and institutions and the Federal government. With the special exhibitions shown in the Gallery, and 

through the many exhibitions which travel across the country, the 

Gallery brings great art treasures to Washington, DC, and to the 

Nation. Through its educational and teacher training programs and 

its website, the Gallery provides art history materials, rich online 

educational materials, direct loans, and broadcast programs to millions of Americans in every State. 

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SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $132,961,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 130,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 132,961,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +2,961,000 

The Committee recommends $132,961,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the National Gallery of Art, equal to the fiscal year 2017 

enacted level and $2,961,000 above the budget request. 

Bill Language.—The Committee has included bill language specifying the amount provided for Special Exhibitions. 

REPAIR, RESTORATION AND RENOVATION OF BUILDINGS

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $22,564,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 17,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 22,564,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +5,564,000 

The Committee recommends $22,564,000 for Repair, Restoration 

and Renovation of buildings at the National Gallery of Art, equal 

to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $5,564,000 above the 

budget request. 

Bill Language.—The Committee has included bill language, as 

requested, relating to lease agreements of no more than 10 years 

that addresses space needs created by ongoing renovations in the 

Master Facilities Plan. 

JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a living 

memorial to the late President Kennedy and is the National Center 

for the Performing Arts. The Center houses nine stages and seven 

theaters which have a total of more than 7,300 seats. The Center 

consists of over 1.5 million square feet of usable floor space with 

visitation averaging 8,000 on a daily basis. The support systems in 

the building often operate at capacity 18 hours a day, seven days 

a week, 365 days a year. 

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $22,260,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 23,740,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 23,740,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +1,480,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $23,740,000 for Operations and 

Maintenance, as requested. 

CAPITAL REPAIR AND RESTORATION

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $14,140,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 13,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 13,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥1,140,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

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The Committee recommends $13,000,000 for Capital Repair and 

Restoration, as requested. 

WOODROW WILSON INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR SCHOLARS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars promotes 

policy-relevant research and dialogue to increase understanding 

and enhance the capabilities and knowledge of leaders, citizens, 

and institutions worldwide. The Center hosts scholars and policy 

makers to do their own advanced study, research and writing and 

facilitates debate and discussions among scholars, public officials, 

journalists and business leaders from across the country on relevant, major long-term issues facing this Nation and the world. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $10,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 7,474,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 10,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥500,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +2,526,000 

The Committee recommends $10,000,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, 

$500,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $2,526,000 

above the budget request. 

NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $149,849,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 29,019,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 145,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥4,849,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +115,981,000 

The Committee recommends $145,000,000 for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), $4,849,000 below the fiscal year 2017 

enacted level and $115,981,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee notes the broad bipartisan support of the NEA 

in commending the NEA’s participation in the National Initiative 

for Arts & Health in the Military. This collaborative effort involving Federal agencies, the military, and nonprofit and private sector 

partners is working to advance the policy, research, and practice of 

arts therapy for military veterans and their families. Through the 

innovative program, ‘‘Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts 

Network,’’ the NEA is partnering with the Departments of Defense 

and Veterans Affairs to place creative arts therapies at the core of 

patient-centered care and increase access to therapeutic arts activities in local communities. 

The Committee commends the NEA for its ongoing collaboration 

with the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Since 2011, this unique partnership 

has supported creative and innovative arts therapies for service 

members. In 2013, this collaborative relationship expanded to bring 

Creative Arts Therapies to military patients at the Fort Belvoir 

92 

Community Hospital Brain Injury Clinic in Virginia to evaluate the 

potential health benefits of creative arts therapy interventions for 

service members with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic 

Stress. Today, the NEA is engaged in this transformative approach 

to healing at 11 clinical sites across the country. 

The Committee values greatly the longstanding collaborative relationship between the NEA and the States. State Arts Agencies 

support the arts for communities at the grassroots level regardless 

of their geographic location, providing much of their funding to 

smaller organizations, community groups, and schools. 

The Committee remains committed to supporting proven national 

initiatives with broad geographic reach. The Big Read, Challenge 

America, and Shakespeare in American Communities are among 

the cost-effective grant programs with broad, bipartisan congressional support that meet these criteria, supporting the NEA’s goal 

of extending the arts to underserved populations in both urban and 

rural communities across the United States. 

Bill Language.—Each year, the Committee provides in bill language specific guidelines under which the Endowment is directed 

to distribute taxpayer dollars in support of the arts. With the exception of established honorific programs, grant funding to individual artists is strictly prohibited. The Committee directs that priority be given to providing services or grant funding for projects, 

productions, or programs that encourage public knowledge, education, understanding, and appreciation of the arts. Any reduction 

in support to the States for arts education should be no more than 

proportional to other funding decreases taken in other NEA programs. 

Reforms originally instituted by the Committee in P.L. 108–447 

relating to grant guidelines and program priorities are fully restated in Sections 413 and 414 of the bill. The Committee expects 

the NEA to adhere to them fully. These reforms maintain broad bipartisan support and continue to serve well both the NEA and the 

public. 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES

GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION (INCLUDING MATCHING GRANTS)

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $149,848,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 42,307,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 145,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥4,848,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +102,693,000 

The Committee recommends a total of $145,000,000 for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), $4,848,000 below the 

fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $102,693,000 above the budget 

request. 

The Committee notes the broad bipartisan support of the NEH 

in commending the NEH for its support of grant programs to benefit wounded warriors and to ensure educational opportunities for 

veterans and service members transitioning to civilian life. In partnership with NEH, State humanities councils have developed and 

delivered local programs that support veterans, their families and 

caregivers. The Committee encourages the NEH to fully support efVerDate Sep 11 2014 09:51 Jul 22, 2017 Jkt 026331 PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR238.XXX HR238
93 

forts to connect the humanities to the experience of veterans and 

provide educational opportunities to these American heroes. 

The Committee commends the NEH for its ongoing support to 

American Indian and Alaska Native communities in preserving 

their cultural and linguistic heritage through the Documenting Endangered Languages program and a variety of preservation and access grants that enable American Indian and Alaska Native communities to preserve cultural artifacts and make them broadly accessible. It also commends the NEH for providing educational opportunities to Tribal communities through the Humanities Initiatives at Tribal Colleges and Universities program. 

The Committee commends the NEH Federal/State Partnership 

for its ongoing, successful collaboration with State humanities 

councils in each of the 50 states as well as Washington, DC, the 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American 

Samoa. The Committee recognizes the State humanities councils 

for the scope and reach of public humanities programming in Congressional districts across the nation, which serve rural areas, promote family literacy, and support cultural tourism that contributes 

to local economies. Every NEH dollar received by a council is 

matched by a local contribution. In recent years, the proportion of 

NEH program funds supporting the work of State humanities councils has grown to nearly 40 percent. The Committee urges the NEH 

to provide program funding to support the work of State humanities councils consistent with the guidance provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017. 

COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS

The Commission of Fine Arts was established in 1910 to advise 

the government on matters pertaining to the design of national 

symbols, and particularly to guide the architectural development of 

Washington, DC. The Commission’s work includes advice on designs for parks, public buildings, public art, as well as the design 

of national monuments, coins and medals, and overseas American 

military cemeteries. In addition, the Commission conducts design 

reviews of semipublic and private structures within the Old 

Georgetown Historic District and within certain areas of the National Capital that are adjacent to areas of Federal interest. The 

Commission reviews approximately 750 projects annually. The 

Commission also administers the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs program. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $2,762,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 2,600,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,600,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥162,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $2,600,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the Commission of Fine Arts, $162,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and equal to the budget request. 

94 

NATIONAL CAPITAL ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $2,000,000 

Budget Estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +2,000,000 

The National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs (NCACA) program was established in Public Law 99–190 to support organizations that perform, exhibit, and/or present the arts in the Nation’s 

Capital. NCACA provides grants to support Ford’s Theater, the National Symphony Orchestra, the National Museum of Women in the 

Arts, and other arts organizations. The Committee recommends 

$2,000,000, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established the 

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP). The ACHP was 

granted permanent authorization as part of the National Historic 

Preservation Act Amendments of 2006 (Public Law 109–453). The 

ACHP promotes the preservation, enhancement, and productive 

use of our Nation’s historic resources and advises the President 

and Congress on national historic preservation policy. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $6,493,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 6,400,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 6,400,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥93,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $6,400,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), 

$93,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to the 

budget request. 

NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The National Capital Planning Act of 1952 designated the National Capital Planning Commission as the central planning agency 

for the Federal government in the National Capital Region. The 

three major functions of the Commission are to prepare and adopt 

the Federal elements of the National Capital Comprehensive Plan; 

prepare an annual report on a five-year projection of the Federal 

Capital Improvement Program; and review plans and proposals 

submitted to the Commission. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $8,099,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 7,948,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 7,948,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥151,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $7,948,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the National Capital Planning Commission, $151,000 

95 

below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to the budget 

request. 

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

In 1980, Congress passed legislation creating a 65-member Holocaust Memorial Council with the mandate to create and oversee a 

living memorial/museum to victims of the Holocaust. The museum 

opened in April 1993. Construction costs for the museum came 

solely from donated funds raised by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial 

Museum Campaign, and appropriated funds were used for planning and development of programmatic components, overall administrative support, and annual commemorative observances. Since 

the opening of the museum, appropriated funds have been provided 

to pay for the ongoing operating costs of the museum as authorized 

by Public Law 102–529 and Public Law 106–292. Private funds 

support educational outreach throughout the United States. 

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $57,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 54,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 57,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +3,000,000 

The Committee recommends $57,000,000 for the Holocaust Memorial Museum, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$3,000,000 above the budget request. 

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MEMORIAL COMMISSION

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission was created by 

Congress in 1999 through Public Law 106–79 for the purpose of establishing a permanent national memorial to Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe in 

World War II and 34th President of the United States. The Commission consists of 12 members, four members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and four private citizens appointed by 

the President. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $1,600,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 1,800,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,600,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ ¥200,000 

The bill includes $1,600,000 for the Salaries and Expenses account, equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The Committee 

supports the construction of a permanent memorial to Dwight D. 

Eisenhower. It is the Committee’s understanding that 

groundbreaking for the memorial will occur later this year following necessary approvals from the Commission of Fine Arts and 

the National Capital Planning Commission. The bill includes language in Section 419 of Title IV General Provisions extending the 

memorial’s site authority. 

96 

CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $45,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 85,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 15,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥30,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ ¥70,000,000 

The bill includes $15,000,000 for the Capital Construction account. The fiscal year 2018 budget request was developed prior to 

the enactment of the fiscal year 2017 budget which provided 

$45,000,000 toward construction of the memorial. When combined 

with prior year unobligated balances in the construction account, 

funds provided in fiscal year 2017 and in this bill, will allow significant progress to be made on the memorial when construction 

commences later this year. 

WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE CENTENNIAL COMMISSION

The Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission was established 

by Congress in 2017 in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017, 

P.L. 115–31. The purpose of the commission is to study and make 

recommendations for the national commemoration of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution on August 18, 

1920, that guaranteed women the right to vote. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $2,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... ¥1,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ +1,000,000 

The bill provides $1,000,000 for the salaries and expenses of the 

Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission. The Committee looks 

forward to the appointment of the members of the commission and 

receiving additional information on its plans for the commemoration of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 

WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION

The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission was created by an 

Act of Congress in 2013 as an independent agency of the Legislative Branch of the United States government. Members of the 12- 

member Commission were appointed by the President and the leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the 

American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the National 

World War I Museum. The Commission’s mission is to plan, develop, and execute programs, projects and activities to commemorate the Centennial of World War I. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2017 .............................................................. $0 

Budget estimate, 2018 ....................................................................... 7,000,000 

Recommended, 2018 ........................................................................... 3,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2017 .................................................................... +3,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ................................................................ ¥4,000,000 

97 

The bill provides $3,000,000 for salaries and expenses of the 

World War I Centennial Commission, and bill language as requested. 

TITLE IV—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

Section 401 continues a provision prohibiting activities to promote public support or opposition to legislative proposals. 

Section 402 continues a provision providing for annual appropriations unless expressly provided otherwise in this Act. 

Section 403 continues a provision providing restrictions on departmental assessments unless approved by the Committee on Appropriations. 

Section 404 continues a limitation on accepting and processing 

applications for patents and on the patenting of Federal lands; permits processing of grandfathered applications; and permits thirdparty contractors to process grandfathered applications. 

Section 405 continues a provision regarding the payment of contract support costs for prior fiscal years. 

Section 406 addresses the payment of contract support costs for 

fiscal year 2018. 

Section 407 continues a provision allowing Forest Service land 

management plans to be more than 15 years old if the Secretary 

is acting in good faith to update such plans and prohibiting the use 

of funds to implement new wilderness directives under the planning rule. 

Section 408 continues a provision limiting preleasing, leasing, 

and related activities within the boundaries of National Monuments. 

Section 409 continues a provision which restricts funding for acquisition of land from being used for declarations of taking or complaints in condemnation. 

Section 410 continues a provision addressing timber sales involving Alaskan western red cedar. 

Section 411 continues a provision which prohibits no-bid contracts and grants except under certain circumstances. 

Section 412 continues a provision which requires public disclosure of certain reports. 

Section 413 continues a provision which delineates the grant 

guidelines for the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Section 414 continues a provision which delineates the program 

priorities for the programs managed by the National Endowment 

for the Arts. 

Section 415 continues a provision requiring the Department of 

the Interior, the EPA, the Forest Service, and the Indian Health 

Service to provide the Committees on Appropriations a quarterly 

report on the status of balances of appropriations. 

Section 416 provides a one-year extension of the current recreation fee authority. 

Section 417 continues a provision prohibiting the use of funds to 

promulgate or implement any regulation requiring the issuance of 

permits under title V of the Clean Air Act for carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, water vapor, or methane emissions. 

Section 418 continues a provision prohibiting the use of funds to 

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tory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems. 

Section 419 continues a provision from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 modifying authorities relating to the Dwight D. 

Eisenhower Memorial Commission. 

Section 420 prohibits the use of funds to regulate the lead content of ammunition or fishing tackle. 

Section 421 continues a provision through fiscal year 2019 authorizing the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to consider local contractors when awarding contracts for 

certain activities on public lands. 

Section 422 extends the authorization for the Chesapeake Bay 

Initiative. 

Section 423 extends certain authorities through fiscal year 2018 

allowing the Forest Service to renew grazing permits. 

Section 424 prohibits the use of funds to maintain or establish 

a computer network unless such network is designed to block pornography websites. 

Section 425 extends the authority of the Forest Service Facility 

Realignment and Enhancement Act. 

Section 426 sets requirement for the use of American iron and 

steel for certain loans and grants. 

Section 427 continues the prohibition on the use of funds to destroy any building or structures on Midway Island that have been 

recommended by the U.S. Navy for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. 

Section 428 addresses carbon emissions from forest biomass. 

Section 429 reauthorizes funding for one year for the John F. 

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 

Section 430 prohibits the use of funds to require permits for the 

discharge of dredged or fill material for certain agricultural activities. 

Section 431 addresses the Waters of the United States rule. 

Section 432 addresses the implementation of national ambient 

air quality standards for ozone. 

Section 433 prohibits the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce a proposed rule for financial responsibility requirements under CERCLA. 

Section 434 prohibits the use of funds to issue any regulation 

under the Solid Waste Disposal Act that applies to an animal feeding operation. 

Section 435 prohibits the use of funds for the National Ocean 

Policy developed under Executive Order 13547. 

Section 436 prohibits the use of funds to limit recreational shooting and hunting on Federal and public lands except for public safety. 

Section 437 makes available vacant allotments for permittees impacted by drought or wildland fire. 

Section 438 limits funds for activities related to wind turbines 

less than 24 nautical miles from the State of Maryland shoreline. 

Section 439 establishes a Spending Reduction Account in the bill. 

BILL-WIDE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

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

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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. 

RESCISSION OF FUNDS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following table is submitted describing the 

rescission recommended in the accompanying bill: 

Department and activity: 

Amounts recommended for rescission: 

Department of the Interior: Bureau of Land Management (Land 

Acquisition): $1,769,000. 

Department of the Interior: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Land 

Acquisition): $4,572,000. 

Department of the Interior: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund): $3,000,000. 

Department of the Interior: Land and Water Conservation Fund 

(contract authority) $28,020,000. 

Department of the Interior: National Park Service (Land Acquisition): $4,500,000. 

Department of the Interior: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, $25,000,000. 

Department of the Interior: Bureau of Safety and Environmental 

Enforcement, $12,000,000. 

Environmental Protection Agency: Science and Technology, 

$27,000,000. 

Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Programs and Management, $41,000,000. 

Environmental Protection Agency, State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG), $60,000,000. 

TRANSFERS OF FUNDS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following table is submitted describing the 

transfers of funds in the accompanying bill. 

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108 

DISCLOSURE OF EARMARKS AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED

SPENDING ITEMS

Neither the bill nor the report contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined by 

clause 9 of rule XXI. 

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 italics, 

existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman): 

PUBLIC LAW 112–74 

* * * * * * * 

DIVISION E—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2012 

TITLE I 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

* * * * * * * 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT ACTIONS REGARDING GRAZING ON

PUBLIC LANDS

SEC. 122. (a) EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW RE- QUIRED.— 

(1) For øfiscal years 2012 through 2020,¿ fiscal year 2012 

and each fiscal year thereafter, a person may bring a civil action challenging a decision of the Bureau of Land Management 

concerning grazing on public lands (as defined in section 103(e) 

of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 

U.S.C. 1702(e))) in a Federal district court only if the person 

has exhausted the administrative hearings and appeals procedures established by the Department of the Interior, including 

having filed a timely appeal and a request for stay. 

(2) An issue may be considered in the judicial review of a decision referred to in paragraph (1) only if the issue was raised 

in the administrative review process described in such paragraph. 

(3) An exception to the requirement of exhausting the administrative review process before seeking judicial review shall be 

available if a Federal court finds that the agency failed or was 

unable to make information timely available during the administrative review process for issues of material fact. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘‘timely’’ means within 120 

calendar days after the date that the challenge to the agency 

action or amendment at issue is received for administrative review. 

109 

(b) ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION OF CERTAIN EXISTING PERMITS OR

LEASES.— 

(1) During fiscal year 2012 and thereafter, the Secretary of 

the Interior shall accept the donation of any valid existing permits or leases authorizing grazing on public lands within the 

California Desert Conservation Area. With respect to each permit or lease donated under this paragraph, the Secretary shall 

terminate the grazing permit or lease, ensure a permanent end 

(except as provided in paragraph (2)), to grazing on the land 

covered by the permit or lease, and make the land available for 

mitigation by allocating the forage to wildlife use consistent 

with any applicable Habitat Conservation Plan, section 

10(a)(1)(B) permit, or section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). 

(2) If the land covered by a permit or lease donated under 

paragraph (1) is also covered by another valid existing permit 

or lease that is not donated under such paragraph, the Secretary of the Interior shall reduce the authorized grazing level 

on the land covered by the permit or lease to reflect the donation of the permit or lease under paragraph (1). To ensure that 

there is a permanent reduction in the level of grazing on the 

land covered by a permit or lease donated under paragraph (1), 

the Secretary shall not allow grazing use to exceed the authorized level under the remaining valid existing permit or lease 

that is not donated. 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE IV 

GENERAL PROVISIONS 

* * * * * * * 

CONTRACTING AUTHORITIES

SEC. 412. In awarding a Federal contract with funds made available by this Act, notwithstanding Federal Government procurement and contracting laws, the Secretary of Agriculture and the 

Secretary of the Interior (the ‘‘Secretaries’’) may, in evaluating bids 

and proposals, through øfiscal year 2017¿ fiscal year 2019, give 

consideration to local contractors who are from, and who provide 

employment and training for, dislocated and displaced workers in 

an economically disadvantaged rural community, including those 

historically timber-dependent areas that have been affected by reduced timber harvesting on Federal lands and other forest-dependent rural communities isolated from significant alternative employment opportunities: Provided, That notwithstanding Federal Government procurement and contracting laws the Secretaries may 

award contracts, grants or cooperative agreements to local nonprofit entities, Youth Conservation Corps or related partnerships 

with State, local or non-profit youth groups, or small or micro-business or disadvantaged business: Provided further, That the contract, grant, or cooperative agreement is for forest hazardous fuels 

reduction, watershed or water quality monitoring or restoration, 

110 

wildlife or fish population monitoring, road decommissioning, trail 

maintenance or improvement, or habitat restoration or management: Provided further, That the terms ‘‘rural community’’ and 

‘‘economically disadvantaged’’ shall have the same meanings as in 

section 2374 of Public Law 101-624 (16 U.S.C. 6612): Provided further, That the Secretaries shall develop guidance to implement this 

section: Provided further, That nothing in this section shall be construed as relieving the Secretaries of any duty under applicable 

procurement laws, except as provided in this section. 

* * * * * * * 

FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT ACT 

* * * * * * * 

DIVISION J—OTHER MATTERS 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE VIII—FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT 

ACT 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 810. SUNSET PROVISION. 

The authority of the Secretary to carry out this Act shall terminate øSeptember 30, 2018¿ September 30, 2019. 

* * * * * * * 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2000 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE VIII 

GENERAL PROVISIONS 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 8162. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MEMORIAL. (a) FINDINGS.— 

Congress finds that— 

(1) the people of the United States feel a deep debt of gratitude to Dwight D. Eisenhower, who served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe in World War II and 

subsequently as 34th President of the United States; and 

(2) an appropriate permanent memorial to Dwight D. Eisenhower should be created to perpetuate his memory and his contributions to the United States. 

(b) COMMISSION.—There is established a commission to be known 

as the ‘‘Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission’’ (referred to 

in this section as the ‘‘Commission’’). 

(c) MEMBERSHIP.—The Commission shall be composed of— 

(1) four persons appointed by the President, not more than 

two of whom may be members of the same political party; 

(2) four Members of the Senate appointed by the President 

Pro Tempore of the Senate in consultation with the Majority 

Leader and Minority Leader of the Senate, of which not more 

111 

than two appointees may be members of the same political 

party; and 

(3) four Members of the House of Representatives appointed 

by the Speaker of the House of Representatives in consultation 

with the Majority Leader and Minority Leader of the House of 

Representatives, of which not more than two appointees may 

be members of the same political party. 

(d) CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR.—The members of the Commission 

shall select a Chair and Vice Chair of the Commission. The Chair 

and Vice Chair shall not be members of the same political party. 

(e) VACANCIES.—Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect 

its powers if a quorum is present, but shall be filled in the same 

manner as the original appointment. 

(f) MEETINGS.— 

(1) INITIAL MEETING.—Not later than 45 days after the date 

on which a majority of the members of the Commission have 

been appointed, the Commission shall hold its first meeting. 

(2) SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS.—The Commission shall meet at 

the call of the Chair. 

(g) QUORUM.—A majority of the members of the Commission 

shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number of members may 

hold hearings. 

(h) NO COMPENSATION.—A member of the Commission shall 

serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for expenses 

incurred in carrying out the duties of the Commission. 

(i) DUTIES.—The Commission shall consider and formulate plans 

for such a permanent memorial to Dwight D. Eisenhower, including its nature, design, construction, and location. 

(j) POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.— 

(A) POWERS.—The Commission may— 

(i) make such expenditures for services and materials for the purpose of carrying out this section as the 

Commission considers advisable from funds appropriated or received as gifts for that purpose; 

(ii) solicit and accept contributions to be used in carrying out this section or to be used in connection with 

the construction or other expenses of the memorial; 

(iii) hold hearings and enter into contracts; 

(iv) enter into contracts for specialized or professional services as necessary to carry out this section; 

and 

(v) take such actions as are necessary to carry out 

this section. 

(B) SPECIALIZED OR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.—Services 

under subparagraph (A)(iv) may be— 

(i) obtained without regard to the provisions of title 

5, United States Code, including section 3109 of that 

title; and 

(ii) may be paid without regard to the provisions of 

title 5, United States Code, including chapter 51 and 

subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title. 

(2) GIFTS OF PROPERTY.—The Commission may accept gifts of 

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112 

tion, including to be used in connection with the construction 

or other expenses of the memorial. 

(3) FEDERAL COOPERATION.—At the request of the Commission, a Federal department or agency may provide any information or other assistance to the Commission that the head of 

the Federal department or agency determines to be appropriate. 

(4) POWERS OF MEMBERS AND AGENTS.— (A) IN GENERAL.—If authorized by the Commission, any 

member or agent of the Commission may take any action 

that the Commission is authorized to take under this section. 

(B) ARCHITECT.—The Commission may appoint an architect as an agent of the Commission to— 

(i) represent the Commission on various governmental source selection and planning boards on the selection of the firms that will design and construct the 

memorial; and 

(ii) perform other duties as designated by the Chairperson of the Commission. 

(C) TREATMENT.—An authorized member or agent of the 

Commission (including an individual appointed under subparagraph (B)) providing services to the Commission shall 

be considered an employee of the Federal Government in 

the performance of those services for the purposes of chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, relating to tort 

claims. 

(5) TRAVEL.—Each member of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while 

away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission. 

(k) REPORTS.—The Commission shall— 

(1) report the plans under subsection (i), together with recommendations, to the President and the Congress at the earliest practicable date; and 

(2) in the interim, make annual reports on its progress to the 

President and the Congress. 

(l) APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAWS.—The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Commission. 

(m) AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH MEMORIAL.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may establish a permanent memorial to Dwight D. Eisenhower on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior in the District of Columbia or its environs. 

(2) COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS FOR COMMEMORATIVE

WORKS.—The establishment of the memorial shall be in accordance with the Commemorative Works Act (40 U.S.C. 1001 et 

seq.). 

(3) EXPIRATION.—Any reference in section 8903(e) of title 40, 

U.S.C. to the expiration at the end of, or extension beyond, a 

7-year period shall be considered to be a reference to an expiration on, or extension beyond, øSeptember 30, 2017¿ September 

30, 2018. 

113 

(n) MEMORIAL FUND.— 

(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is created in the Treasury a 

fund for the memorial to Dwight D. Eisenhower that includes 

amounts contributed under subsection (j)(2). 

(2) USE OF FUND.—The fund shall be used for the expenses 

of establishing the memorial. 

(3) INTEREST.—The Secretary of the Treasury shall credit to 

the fund the interest on obligations held in the fund. 

(o) STAFF AND SUPPORT SERVICES.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.— 

(A) POWERS.—The Commission may— 

(i) make such expenditures for services and materials for the purpose of carrying out this section as the 

Commission considers advisable from funds appropriated or received as gifts for that purpose; 

(ii) solicit and accept contributions to be used in carrying out this section or to be used in connection with 

the construction or other expenses of the memorial; 

(iii) hold hearings and enter into contracts; 

(iv) enter into contracts for specialized or professional services as necessary to carry out this section; 

and 

(v) take such actions as are necessary to carry out 

this section. 

(B) SPECIALIZED OR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.—Services 

under subparagraph (A)(iv) may be— 

(i) obtained without regard to the provisions of title 

5, United States Code, including section 3109 of that 

title; and 

(ii) may be paid without regard to the provisions of 

title 5, United States Code, including chapter 51 and 

subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title. 

(2) GIFTS OF PROPERTY.—The Commission may accept gifts of 

real or personal property to be used in carrying out this section, including to be used in connection with the construction 

or other expenses of the memorial. 

(3) FEDERAL COOPERATION.—At the request of the Commission, a Federal department or agency may provide any information or other assistance to the Commission that the head of 

the Federal department or agency determines to be appropriate. 

(4) POWERS OF MEMBERS AND AGENTS.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—If authorized by the Commission, any 

member or agent of the Commission may take any action 

that the Commission is authorized to take under this section. 

(B) ARCHITECT.—The Commission may appoint an architect as an agent of the Commission to— 

(i) represent the Commission on various governmental source selection and planning boards on the selection of the firms that will design and construct the 

memorial; and 

(ii) perform other duties as designated by the Chairperson of the Commission. 

114 

(C) TREATMENT.—An authorized member or agent of the 

Commission (including an individual appointed under subparagraph (B)) providing services to the Commission shall 

be considered an employee of the Federal Government in 

the performance of those services for the purposes of chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, relating to tort 

claims. 

(5) TRAVEL.—Each member of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while 

away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission. 

(p) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized to 

be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out this section. 

(q) APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS.—In addition to amounts provided 

elsewhere in this Act, there is appropriated to the Commission 

$300,000, to remain available until expended. 

* * * * * * * 

CHESAPEAKE BAY INITIATIVE ACT OF 1998 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE V—CHESAPEAKE BAY INITIATIVE 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 502. CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS AND WATERTRAILS. 

(a) CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS AND WATERTRAILS NETWORK.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Interior (referred to in 

this section as the ‘‘Secretary’’), in cooperation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in 

this section as the ‘‘Administrator’’), shall provide technical 

and financial assistance, in cooperation with other Federal 

agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, 

and the private sector— 

(A) to identify, conserve, restore, and interpret natural, 

recreational, historical, and cultural resources within the 

Chesapeake Bay Watershed; 

(B) to identify and utilize the collective resources as 

Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay; 

(C) to link the Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites with 

trails, tour roads, scenic byways, and other connections as 

determined by the Secretary; 

(D) to develop and establish Chesapeake Bay Watertrails 

comprising water routes and connections to Chesapeake 

Bay Gateways sites and other land resources within the 

Chesapeake Bay Watershed; and 

(E) to create a network of Chesapeake Bay Gateways 

sites and Chesapeake Bay Watertrails. 

(2) COMPONENTS.—Components of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network may include— 

115 

(A) State or Federal parks or refuges; 

(B) historic seaports; 

(C) archaeological, cultural, historical, or recreational 

sites; or 

(D) other public access and interpretive sites as selected 

by the Secretary. 

(b) CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS GRANTS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in cooperation with the Administrator, shall establish a Chesapeake Bay Gateways 

Grants Assistance Program to aid State and local governments, 

local communities, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector in conserving, restoring, and interpreting important historic, cultural, recreational, and natural resources within the 

Chesapeake Bay Watershed. 

(2) CRITERIA.—The Secretary, in cooperation with the Administrator, shall develop appropriate eligibility, prioritization, 

and review criteria for grants under this section. 

(3) MATCHING FUNDS AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.—A 

grant under this section— 

(A) shall not exceed 50 percent of eligible project costs; 

(B) shall be made on the condition that non-Federal 

sources, including in-kind contributions of services or materials, provide the remainder of eligible project costs; and 

(C) shall be made on the condition that not more than 

10 percent of all eligible project costs be used for administrative expenses. 

(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is authorized to 

be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through ø2017¿ 2019. 

FOREST SERVICE FACILITY REALIGNMENT AND 

ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE V 

FOREST SERVICE FACILITY REALIGNMENT AND 

ENHANCEMENT 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 503. AUTHORIZATION FOR CONVEYANCE OF FOREST SERVICE 

ADMINISTRATIVE SITES. 

(a) CONVEYANCES AUTHORIZED.—In the manner provided by this 

title, the Secretary may convey an administrative site, or an interest in an administrative site, that is under the jurisdiction of the 

Secretary. 

(b) MEANS OF CONVEYANCE.—The conveyance of an administrative site under this title may be made— 

(1) by sale; 

(2) by lease; 

(3) by exchange; 

(4) by a combination of sale and exchange; or 

(5) by such other means as the Secretary considers appropriate. 

116 

(c) SIZE OF CONVEYANCE.—An administrative site or compound of 

administrative sites disposed of in a single conveyance under this 

title may not exceed 40 acres. 

(d) CERTAIN LANDS EXCLUDED.—The following Federal land may 

not be conveyed under this title: 

(1) Any land within a unit of the National Forest System 

that is exclusively designated for natural area or recreational 

purposes. 

(2) Any land included within the National Wilderness Preservation System, the Wild and Scenic River System, or a National Monument. 

(3) Any land that the Secretary determines— 

(A) is needed for resource management purposes or to 

provide access to other land or water; 

(B) is surrounded by National Forest System land or 

other publicly owned land, if conveyance would not be in 

the public interest due to the creation of a non-Federal 

inholding that would preclude the efficient management of 

the surrounding land; or 

(C) would be in the public interest to retain. 

(e) CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATIONS.— (1) NOTICE OF ANTICIPATED USE OF AUTHORITY.—As part of 

the annual budget justification documents provided to the 

Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 

and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Secretary shall include— 

(A) a list of the anticipated conveyances to be made, including the anticipated revenue that may be obtained, 

using the authority provided by this title or other conveyance authorities available to the Secretary; 

(B) a discussion of the intended purposes of any new revenue obtained using this authority or other conveyance authorities available to the Secretary, and a list of any individual projects that exceed $500,000; and 

(C) a presentation of accomplishments of previous years 

using this authority or other conveyance authorities available to the Secretary. 

(2) NOTICE OF CHANGES TO CONVEYANCE LIST.—If the Secretary proposes to convey an administrative site under this 

title or using other conveyance authorities available to the Secretary and the administrative site is not included on a list provided under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall submit to the 

congressional committees specified in paragraph (3) written notice of the proposed conveyance, including the anticipated revenue that may be obtained from the conveyance. 

(3) NOTICE OF USE OF AUTHORITY.—At least once a year, the 

Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, the 

Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report containing a description of all 

conveyances of National Forest System land made by the Secretary under this title or other conveyance authorities during 

the period covered by the report. 

117 

(f) DURATION OF AUTHORITY.—The authority of the Secretary to 

initiate the conveyance of an administrative site under this title expires on September 30, ø2016¿ 2018. (g) REPEAL OF PILOT CONVEYANCE AUTHORITY.—Effective September 30, 2006, section 329 of the Department of the Interior and 

Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 (16 U.S.C. 580d note; 

Public Law 107-63), is repealed. Notwithstanding the repeal of 

such section, the Secretary may complete the conveyance under 

such section of any administrative site whose conveyance was initiated under such section before that date. 

* * * * * * * 

JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER ACT 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 13. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 

ø(a) MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND SECURITY.—There is authorized 

to be appropriated to the Board to carry out section 4(a)(1)(H), 

$22,260,000 for fiscal year 2017. 

ø(b) CAPITAL PROJECTS.—There is authorized to be appropriated 

to the Board to carry out subparagraphs (F) and (G) of section 

4(a)(1), $14,140,000 for fiscal year 2017.¿ 

(a) MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND SECURITY.—There is authorized 

to be appropriated to the Board to carry out section 4(a)(1)(H), 

$24,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. 

(b) CAPITAL PROJECTS.—There is authorized to be appropriated to 

the Board to carry out subparagraphs (F) and (G) of section 4(a)(1), 

$13,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. 

(c) JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER PLAZA.—There is authorized to be 

appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation for capital costs incurred in the planning, design, engineering, and construction of the 

project authorized by section 12 (including roadway improvements 

related to the North and South Interchanges and construction of 

the John F. Kennedy Center Plaza, but not including construction 

of any buildings on the plaza) a total of $400,000,000 for fiscal 

years 2003 through 2010. Such sums shall remain available until 

expended. 

(d) PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Board such sums as are necessary to carry out section 7, to remain available until expended. 

(e) LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS.—No funds appropriated pursuant to this section may be used for any direct expense incurred in 

the production of a performing arts attraction, for personnel who 

are involved in performing arts administration (including any supply or equipment used by the personnel), or for production, staging, 

public relations, marketing, fundraising, ticket sales, or education. 

Funds appropriated directly to the Board shall not affect nor diminish other Federal funds sought for any performing arts function 

and may be used to reimburse the Board for that portion of costs 

that are Federal costs reasonably allocated to building services and 

theater maintenance and repair. 

* * * * * * * 

118 

CHANGES IN 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, which 

directly or indirectly change the application of existing law. In most 

instances these provisions have been included in prior appropriations Acts. 

The bill includes the following changes in application of existing 

law: 

OVERALL BILL

Providing that certain appropriations remain available until expended or extends the availability of funds beyond the fiscal year 

where programs or projects are continuing but for which legislation 

does not specifically authorize such extended availability. This authority tends to result in savings by preventing the practice of committing funds on low priority projects at the end of the fiscal year 

to avoid losing the funds. 

Limiting, in certain instances, the obligation of funds for particular functions or programs. These limitations include restrictions 

on the obligation of funds for administrative expenses, travel expenses, the use of consultants, and programmatic areas within the 

overall jurisdiction of a particular agency. 

Limiting official entertainment or reception and representation 

expenses for selected agencies in the bill. 

Continuing ongoing activities of those Federal agencies, which require annual authorization or additional legislation, which has not 

been enacted. 

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

MANAGEMENT OF LANDS AND RESOURCES

Providing funds to the Bureau for the management of lands and 

resources. 

Permitting the use of fees for processing applications for permit 

to drill. 

Permitting the use of mining fee collections for program operations. 

Permitting the use of fees from communication site rentals. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from the Land 

and Water Conservation Fund. 

Rescinding unobligated balances from prior appropriations. 

OREGON AND CALIFORNIA GRANT LANDS

Providing funds for the Oregon and California Grant Lands. 

Authorizing the transfer of certain collections from the Oregon 

and California Land Grants Fund to the Treasury. 

119 

RANGE IMPROVEMENTS

Allowing certain funds to be transferred to the Department of the 

Interior for range improvements. 

SERVICE CHARGES, DEPOSITS, AND FORFEITURES

Allowing the use of certain collected funds for certain administrative costs and operation of termination of certain facilities. 

Allowing the use of funds on any damaged public lands. 

Authorizing the Secretary to use monies from forfeitures, compromises or settlements for improvement, protection and rehabilitation of public lands under certain conditions. 

MISCELLANEOUS TRUST FUNDS

Allowing certain contributed funds to be advanced for administrative costs and other activities of the Bureau. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Permitting the Bureau to enter into agreements with public and 

private entities, including States. 

Permitting the Bureau to manage improvements to which the 

United States has title. 

Permitting the payment of rewards for information on violations 

of law on Bureau lands. 

Providing for cost-sharing arrangements for printing services. 

Permitting the Bureau to conduct certain projects for State governments on a reimbursable basis. 

Prohibiting the use of funds for the destruction of wild horses 

and burros. 

UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Limiting funds for certain Endangered Species Act programs. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Requiring that funding shall be derived from the Land and 

Water Conservation Fund. 

Providing that funding for projects may not be used for administrative costs. 

Rescinding unobligated balances from prior appropriations. 

COOPERATIVE ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND

Providing that a portion of the appropriation shall be derived 

from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

STATE AND TRIBAL WILDLIFE GRANTS

Providing for a State and Tribal wildlife grants program. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Providing that programs may be carried out by direct expenditure, contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and reimbursable 

agreements with public and private entities. 

Providing for repair of damage to public roads. 

120 

Providing options for the purchase of land not to exceed $1. 

Permitting cost-shared arrangements for printing services. 

Permitting the acceptance of donated aircraft. 

Providing that fees collected for non-toxic shot review and approval shall be available without further appropriation for the expenses of non-toxic shot review related expenses. 

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

OPERATION OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

Designating funds for Everglades restoration. 

Providing for repair, rehabilitation and maintenance of National 

Park Service assets. 

NATIONAL RECREATION AND PRESERVATION

Providing for expenses not otherwise provided for. 

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Providing for expenses derived from the Historic Preservation 

Fund. 

CONSTRUCTION

Providing funds for construction, improvements, repair or replacement of physical facilities, and management planning and 

compliance for areas administered by the National Park Service. 

Providing that a single procurement may be issued for any 

project funded in fiscal year 2017 with a future phase indicated in 

the National Park Service 5-year Line Item Construction Plan. 

Providing that the solicitation and contract shall contain the 

availability of funds clause. 

Providing that fees may be made available for the cost of adjustments and changes within the original scope of effort for projects 

funded by the Construction appropriation. 

Providing that the Secretary of the Interior shall consult with 

the Committees on Appropriations in accordance with reprogramming thresholds prior to making any changes authorized by this 

section. 

LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND

Rescinding Land and Water Conservation Fund contract authority. 

LAND ACQUISITION AND STATE ASSISTANCE

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from the Land 

and Water Conservation Fund. 

Rescinding unobligated balances from prior appropriations. 

CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE

Providing funds for Centennial Challenge projects with no less 

than 50 percent of the cost of each project derived from non-Federal sources. 

121 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing certain franchise fees to be available for expenditure 

without further appropriation to extinguish or reduce liability for 

certain possessory interests. 

Providing for the retention of administrative costs under certain 

Land and Water Conservation Fund programs. 

Allowing National Park Service funds to be transferred to the 

Federal Highway Administration for purposes authorized under 23 

U.S.C. 204 for reasonable administrative support costs. 

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND RESEARCH

Providing funds to classify lands as to their mineral and water 

resources. 

Providing funds to give engineering supervision to power permittees and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licensees. 

Providing funds to publish and disseminate data relative to the 

foregoing activities. 

Limiting funds for the conduct of new surveys on private property without permission. 

Limiting funds for cooperative topographic mapping or water resource data collection and investigations. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing funds to be used for certain contracting, construction, 

maintenance, acquisition, and representation expenses. 

Permitting the use of certain contracts, grants, and cooperative 

agreements. 

Recognizing students and recent graduates as Federal employees 

for the purposes of travel and work injury compensation. 

BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Permitting funds for mineral leasing and environmental study; 

enforcing laws and contracts; and for matching grants. 

Providing that funds may be used which shall be derived from 

non-refundable cost recovery fees collected in 2017. 

Permitting the use of certain excess receipts from Outer Continental Shelf leasing activities. 

Providing for reasonable expenses related to volunteer beach and 

marine cleanup activities. 

Prohibiting the use of funds for regulating non-lease holders. 

BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT

Permitting funds for mineral leasing and environmental study; 

enforcing laws and contracts; and for matching grants. 

Providing that funds may be used which shall be derived from 

non-refundable cost recovery fees. 

Permitting the use of certain excess receipts from Outer Continental Shelf leasing activities. 

Permitting the use of funds derived from non-refundable inspection fees. 

122 

Requiring that not less than 50 percent of inspection fees expended be used on personnel, expanding capacity and reviewing applications for permit to drill. 

OIL SPILL RESEARCH

Providing that funds shall be derived from the Oil Spill Liability 

Trust Fund. 

OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Permitting payment to State and Tribal personnel for travel and 

per diem expenses for training. 

Permitting the use of certain offsetting collections from permit 

fees. 

ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND

Allowing the use of debt recovery to pay for debt collection. 

Allowing that certain funds made available under title IV of Public Law 95–87 may be used for any required non-Federal share of 

the cost of certain projects. 

Allowing funds to be used for travel expenses of State and Tribal 

personnel while attending certain OSM training. 

Providing that funds shall be used for economic and community 

development in conjunction with reclamation priorities. 

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION

OPERATION OF INDIAN PROGRAMS

Limiting funds for official reception and representation expenses. 

Limiting funds for welfare assistance payments, except for disaster relief. 

Allowing Tribal priority allocation funds to be used for unmet 

welfare assistance costs. 

Providing forward-funding for school operations of Bureau-funded schools and other education programs. 

Providing that limited funds shall be available until expended for 

certain purposes. 

Limiting funds for education-related administrative cost grants. 

Allowing the transfer of certain forestry funds. 

Allowing the use of funds to purchase uniforms or other identifying articles of clothing for personnel. 

CONTRACT SUPPORT COSTS

Providing for such sums as are necessary to fully fund contract 

support costs. 

Prohibiting the transfer of funds from any other account to fund 

contract support costs. 

CONSTRUCTION

Providing for the transfer of Navajo irrigation project funds to 

the Bureau of Reclamation. 

Providing that six percent of Federal Highway Trust Fund contract authority may be used for construction management costs. 

123 

Providing Safety of Dams funds on a non-reimbursable basis. 

Requiring the use of administrative and cost accounting principles for certain school construction projects and exempting such 

projects from certain requirements. 

Requiring conformance with building codes and health and safety 

standards. 

Specifying the procedure for dispute resolution. 

Limiting the control of construction projects when certain time 

frames have not been met. 

Allowing reimbursement of construction costs from the Office of 

Special Trustee. 

INDIAN GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Limiting funds for administrative expenses and for subsidizing 

total loan principal. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing the use of funds for direct expenditure, contracts, cooperative agreements, compacts, and grants. 

Allowing contracting for the San Carlos Irrigation Project. 

Limiting the use of funds for certain contracts, grants and cooperative agreements. 

Allowing Tribes to return appropriated funds. 

Prohibiting funding of Alaska schools. 

Limiting the number of schools and the expansion of grade levels 

in individual schools. 

Specifying distribution of indirect and administrative costs for 

certain Tribes. 

Limiting the expansion of satellite school locations. 

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Allowing the use of certain funds for official reception and representation expenses. 

Permitting payments to former Bureau of Mines workers. 

Designating funds for consolidated appraisal services to be derived from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing certain payments authorized for the Payments in Lieu 

of Taxes Program to be retained for administrative expenses. 

Providing that the amounts provided are the only amounts available for payments authorized under chapter 69 of title 31, United 

States Code. 

Providing that in the event sums appropriated are insufficient to 

make the full payments then the payment to each local government 

shall be made proportionally. 

Providing that the Secretary may make adjustments to payment 

to individual units of local government to correct for prior overpayments or underpayments. 

Providing that no Payments in Lieu of Taxes Program payment 

be made to otherwise eligible units of local government if the computed amount of the payment is less than $100. 

124 

INSULAR AFFAIRS

ASSISTANCE TO TERRITORIES

Designating funds for various programs and for salaries and expenses of the Office of Insular Affairs. 

Allowing audits of the financial transactions of the Territorial 

and Insular governments by the GAO. 

Providing grant funding under certain terms of the Agreement of 

the Special Representatives on Future United States Financial Assistance for the Northern Mariana Islands. 

Providing for capital infrastructure in various Territories. 

Allowing appropriations for disaster assistance to be used as nonFederal matching funds for hazard mitigation grants. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, INSULAR AFFAIRS

Allowing, at the request of the Governor of Guam, for certain discretionary or mandatory funds to be used to assist securing certain 

rural electrification loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

OFFICE OF SPECIAL TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS

FEDERAL TRUST PROGRAMS

Limiting the amount of funding available for the historical accounting of Indian trust fund accounts. 

Allowing transfers to other Department of the Interior accounts. 

Providing no-year funding for certain Indian Self-Determination 

Act grants. 

Exempting quarterly statements for Indian trust accounts $15 or 

less. 

Requiring annual statements and records maintenance for Indian 

trust accounts. 

Limiting use of funds to correct administrative errors in Indian 

trust accounts. 

Permitting the use of recoveries from erroneous payments pursuant to Indian trust accounts. 

Exempting reconciliation of Special Deposit Accounts with low 

balances in certain circumstances. 

Allowing for limited aggregation of trust accounts of individuals 

whose whereabouts are unknown. 

DEPARTMENT WIDE PROGRAMS 

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Providing funds for wildland fire management. 

Designating funds for renovation or construction of fire facilities 

and designating funds for Wildfire suppression operations. 

Permitting the repayments of funds transferred from other accounts for firefighting. 

Designating funds for hazardous fuels and burned area rehabilitation. 

Permitting the use of funds for lodging and subsistence of firefighters. 

125 

Permitting the use of grants, contracts and cooperative agreements for hazardous fuels reduction, including cost-sharing and 

local assistance. 

Permitting cost-sharing of cooperative agreements with non-Federal entities under certain circumstances. 

Providing for local competition for hazardous fuel reduction activities. 

Permitting reimbursement to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

and the National Marine Fisheries Service for consultation activities under the Endangered Species Act. 

Providing certain terms for leases of real property with local governments. 

Providing for the transfer of funds between the Department of 

the Interior and the Department of Agriculture for wildland fire 

management. 

Providing funds for support of Federal emergency response actions. 

Allowing for international forestry assistance to or through the 

Department of State. 

CENTRAL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FUND

Providing funds for response action, including associated activities, performed pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. 

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

Allowing funds for the financial and business management system and information technology improvement. 

Prohibiting use of funds to establish reserves in the working capital fund with exceptions. 

Allowing assessments for reasonable charges for training services 

at the National Indian Program Center and use of these funds 

under certain conditions. 

Providing space and related facilities or the lease of related facilities, equipment or professional services of the National Indian Program Training Center to state, local and Tribal employees or other 

persons for cultural, educational or recreational activities. 

Providing that the Secretary may enter into grants and cooperative agreements to support the Office of Natural Resource Revenue’s collection and disbursement of royalties, fees, and other mineral revenue proceeds, as authorized by law. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

Allowing acquisition and sale of certain aircraft. 

PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES

Extending funding for Payments in Lieu of Taxes. 

OFFICE OF NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE

Designating funds for mineral revenue management activities. 

Allowing certain refunds of overpayments in connection with certain Indian leases. 

126 

GENERAL PROVISIONS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Allowing transfer of funds for certain reconstruction of facilities, 

aircraft or utilities in emergency situations. 

Allowing transfer of funds in certain emergency situations, including wildfires and oil spill response, if other funds provided in 

other accounts will be exhausted within 30 days and a supplemental appropriation is requested as promptly as possible. 

Permitting the Department to use limited funding for certain 

services. 

Permitting the transfer of funds between the Bureau of Indian 

Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education and the Office of Special 

Trustee for American Indians and limiting amounts for historical 

accounting activities. 

Authorizing the redistribution of Tribal Priority Allocation funds 

to address unmet needs. 

Authorizing the acquisition of lands and leases for Ellis, Governors and Liberty Islands. 

Providing the authority for the Secretary to collect nonrefundable 

inspection fees. 

Permitting the reorganization of the Bureau of Ocean Energy 

Management, Enforcement and Regulation. 

Permitting the Secretary of the Interior to enter into long-term 

agreements for wild horse and burro holding facilities. 

Requiring the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to mark hatchery 

salmon. 

Addressing BLM actions regarding grazing on public lands. 

Continuing a provision allowing the Bureau of Indian Affairs and 

Bureau of Indian Education to more efficiently and effectively perform reimbursable work. 

Regarding status reviews and determinations for sage-grouse 

pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. 

Permitting the transfer of excess wild horses and burros for work 

purposes. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to list in the National Register of 

Historic Places property deemed crucial to national security and 

military training. 

Requiring the reissuance of certain final rules and prohibiting 

such rules from further judicial review. 

Prohibiting the treatment of gray wolves range-wide as an endangered or threatened species. 

TITLE II—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Providing for operating expenses in support of research and development. 

Designating funding for National Priorities research as specified 

in the report accompanying this Act. 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AND MANAGEMENT

Allowing hire and maintenance of passenger motor vehicles and 

operation of aircraft and purchase of reprints and library memberships in societies or associations which issue publications to memVerDate Sep 11 2014 09:51 Jul 22, 2017 Jkt 026331 PO 00000 Frm 00126 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR238.XXX HR238
127 

bers only or at a price to members lower than to subscribers who 

are not members. 

Limiting amounts for official representation and reception expenses. 

Providing two-year funding availability for administrative costs 

of Brownfields program. 

Limitation of funds for the Chemical Risk Review and Reduction 

program. 

Designating funding for National Priorities as specified in the report accompanying this Act. 

Designating funding for Geographical programs as specified in 

the report accompanying this Act. 

HAZARDOUS WASTE ELECTRONIC MANIFEST SYSTEM FUND

Providing for the collection and expenditure of fees. 

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE SUPERFUND

Allowing distribution of funds to purchase services from other 

agencies under certain circumstances. 

Providing for the transfer of funds within certain agency accounts. 

LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAM

Providing for grants to Federally-recognized Indian Tribes. 

STATE AND TRIBAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

Limiting funding amounts for certain programs. 

Specifying funding for capitalization grants for the Clean Water 

and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and allowing certain 

amounts for additional subsidies. 

Designating funds for specific sections of law. 

Providing waivers for certain uses of Clean Water and Drinking 

Water State Revolving Funds for State administrative costs for 

grants to federally-recognized Indian Tribes and grants to specific 

Territories and Freely Associated States. 

Requiring that 10 percent Clean Water and 20 percent of Drinking Water funds shall be used by States for forgiveness of principal 

or negative interest loans. 

Prohibiting the use of funds for jurisdictions that permit development or construction of additional colonia areas. 

Providing certain grants under authority of Section 103, Clean 

Air Act. 

Providing funding for environmental information exchange network initiatives grants, statistical surveys of water resources and 

enhancements to State monitoring programs, Tribal grants, and 

underground storage tank projects. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing awards of grants to federally-recognized Indian Tribes. 

Authorizing the collection and obligation of pesticide registration 

service fees. 

Authorizing the collection and obligations of TSCA fees. 

Allowing the transfer of funds from the ‘‘Environmental Programs and Management’’ account to support the Great Lakes ResVerDate Sep 11 2014 09:51 Jul 22, 2017 Jkt 026331 PO 00000 Frm 00127 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR238.XXX HR238
128 

toration Initiative and providing for certain interagency agreements and grants to various entities in support of this effort. 

Providing amounts for construction, alteration, repair, rehabilitation, and renovation of facilities. 

Providing for grants to federally recognized Tribes. 

Providing amounts for competitive grants under the National Estuary Program. 

TITLE III—RELATED AGENCIES 

FOREST SERVICE

OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND

ENVIRONMENT

Providing funds for the office of the Under Secretary for Natural 

Resources and Environment. 

FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH

Providing funds for forest and rangeland research. 

Designating funds for the forest inventory and analysis program. 

STATE AND PRIVATE FORESTRY

Providing for forest health management, including treatments of 

certain pests or invasive plants, and for restoring damaged forests, 

and for cooperative forestry, education and land conservation activities, and conducting an international program. 

Deriving certain funds from the Land and Water Conservation 

Fund. 

NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM

Providing funds for the National Forest System. 

Depositing funds in the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund. 

Designating funds for forest products. 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

Providing funds for construction, reconstruction, and maintenance and acquisition of buildings and other facilities and infrastructure; and for construction, capital improvement, decommissioning, and maintenance of forest roads and trails. 

Requiring that funds becoming available in fiscal year 2018 for 

the road and trails fund (16 U.S.C. 501) shall be transferred to the 

Treasury. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from the Land 

and Water Conservation Fund. 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS FOR NATIONAL FORESTS SPECIAL ACTS

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from forest receipts. 

129 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS TO COMPLETE LAND EXCHANGES

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from funds deposited by State, county, or municipal governments and non-Federal parties pursuant to Land Sale and Exchange Acts. 

RANGE BETTERMENT FUND

Providing that fifty percent of monies received for grazing fees 

shall be used for range improvements and limiting administrative 

expenses to six percent. 

GIFTS, DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS

Providing for gifts, donations and bequest per Federal law. 

MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FORESTS FOR SUBSISTENCE USES

Providing funds for subsistence uses per the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. 

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Permitting the use of funds for emergency rehabilitation and restoration and hazardous fuels reduction to support emergency response and wildfire suppression. 

Allowing the use of wildland fire funds to repay advances from 

other accounts. 

Allowing reimbursement of States for certain wildfire emergency 

activities. 

Allowing funds to be available for emergency rehabilitation, hazardous fuels reduction and emergency response. 

Designating funds for suppression, hazardous fuels reduction and 

national fire plan research. 

Designating funds for State fire assistance and volunteer fire assistance Federal and State and private lands. 

Providing for cooperative agreements and grants. 

Allowing funds available for Community Forest Restoration Act 

to be used on non-Federal land. 

Limiting the transfer of wildland fire management funds between the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture. 

Designating the use of hazardous fuels reduction funds for biomass grants. 

Providing that funds designated for suppression shall be assessed 

for cost pools. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Permitting the purchase of passenger motor vehicles and proceeds from the sale of aircraft may be used to purchase replacement aircraft. 

Allowing funds for certain employment contracts. 

Allowing funds to be used for purchase and alteration of buildings. 

Allowing for acquisition of certain lands and interests. 

Allowing expenses for certain volunteer activities. 

Providing for the cost of uniforms. 

Providing for debt collections on certain contracts. 

130 

Allowing transfer of funds in certain emergency situations if all 

other funds provided for wildfire suppression will be obligated 

within 30 days and the Secretary notifies the Committees. 

Allowing funds to be used through the Agency for International 

Development for work in foreign countries and to support other forestry activities outside of the United States. 

Allowing the Forest Service, acting for the International Program, to sign certain funding agreements with foreign governments 

and institutions as well as with certain domestic agencies. 

Authorizing the expenditure or transfer of funds for wild horse 

and burro activities. 

Prohibiting the transfer of funds under the Department of Agriculture transfer authority under certain conditions. 

Limiting the transfer of funds for the Working Capital Fund and 

Department Reimbursable Program (also known as Greenbook 

charges). 

Limiting funds to support the Youth Conservation Corps and 

Public Lands Corps. 

Limiting the use of funds for official reception and representation 

expenses. 

Providing for matching funds for the National Forest Foundation. 

Providing for matching funds for the National Fish and Wildlife 

Foundation. 

Allowing funds to be used for technical assistance for rural communities. 

Allowing funds for payments to counties in the Columbia River 

Gorge National Scenic Area. 

Allowing funds to be used for the Older Americans Act. 

Permitting funding assessments for facilities maintenance, rent, 

utilities, and other support services. 

Limiting funds to reimburse the Office of General Counsel at the 

Department of Agriculture. 

Permitting eligible employees to be considered a Federal Employee. 

Requiring regular reporting of unobligated balances. 

Designating availability of funds appropriated in a previous fiscal 

year for the FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund. 

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICES

Providing that Tribal contract and grant funding is deemed obligated at the time of grant or contract award and remains available 

until expended. 

Providing no-year funds for contract medical care including the 

Indian Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund. 

Providing for loan repayment under sections 104 and 108 of the 

Indian Health Care Improvement Act with certain conditions and 

making the funds available for certain other purposes. 

Providing for operational funds for leased space and accreditation 

emergencies. 

Providing for the allocation of certain funds. 

Providing that certain contracts and grants may be performed in 

two fiscal years. 

131 

Providing for use of collections and reporting of collections under 

Title IV of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. 

Providing no-year funding for scholarship funds. 

Providing for the collection of individually identifiable health information relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act by the 

Bureau of Indian Affairs. 

Permitting the use of Indian Health Care Improvement Fund 

monies for facilities improvement and providing no-year funding 

availability. 

CONTRACT SUPPORT COSTS

Providing for such sums as are necessary to fully fund contract 

support costs. 

Prohibiting the transfer of funds from any other account within 

the Indian Health Service to fund contract support costs. 

INDIAN HEALTH FACILITIES

Providing that facilities funds may be used to purchase land, 

modular buildings and trailers. 

Providing for TRANSAM equipment to be purchased from the 

Department of Defense. 

Prohibiting the use of funds for sanitation facilities for new 

homes funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

Allowing for the purchase of ambulances. 

Providing for a demolition fund. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Providing for per diem expenses for senior level positions. 

Providing for payments for telephone service in private residences in the field, purchase of motor vehicles, aircraft and reprints. 

Providing for purchase and erection of modular buildings. 

Providing funds for uniforms. 

Allowing funding to be used for attendance at professional meetings. 

Providing that health care may be extended to non-Indians at Indian Health Service facilities, subject to charges, and for the expenditure of collected funds. 

Providing for transfers of funds from the Department of Housing 

and Urban Development to the Indian Health Service. 

Prohibiting limitations on certain Federal travel and transportation expenses. 

Requiring departmental assessments to be identified in annual 

budget justifications. 

Allowing de-obligation and re-obligation of funds applied to selfgovernance funding agreements. 

Prohibiting the expenditure of funds to implement new eligibility 

regulations. 

Permitting certain reimbursements for goods and services provided to Tribes. 

Providing that reimbursements for training, technical assistance, 

or services include total costs. 

132 

Prohibiting changes in organizational structure without advance 

notification to Congress. 

AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY

TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH

Providing for the conduct of health studies, testing, and monitoring. 

Providing deadlines for health assessments and studies. 

Limiting the number of toxicological profiles. 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND OFFICE OF

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Limiting the use of funds for official reception and representation 

expenses. 

Designating the appointment and duties of the chairman. 

OFFICE OF NAVAJO AND HOPI INDIAN RELOCATION

Providing that funds in this and prior appropriations Acts shall 

be used to relocate persons certified as eligible. 

Providing that no person can be evicted unless a replacement 

home is provided. 

Providing that no relocatee is provided with more than one new 

or replacement home. 

Providing for the transfer of funds to the Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General. 

CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD

Permitting use of funds for hire of passenger vehicles, uniforms 

or allowances with per diem rate limitations. 

Limiting the number of senior level positions. 

Designating the individual appointed to the position of Inspector 

General of the Environmental Protection Agency as the Inspector 

General of the Board. 

Directing use of personnel and limiting position appointments 

within the Board. 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Limiting certain lease terms. 

Providing for purchase of passenger vehicles and certain rental, 

repair and cleaning of uniforms. 

Designating funds for certain programs and providing no-year 

funds. 

Providing that funds may be used to support American overseas 

research centers. 

Allowing for advance payments to independent contractors performing research services or participating in official Smithsonian 

presentations. 

133 

FACILITIES CAPITAL

Designating funds for maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and 

construction and for consultant services. 

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Allowing payment in advance for membership in library, museum, and art associations or societies. 

Allowing for purchase, repair, and cleaning of uniforms for 

guards and employees and allowances therefor. 

Allowing purchase or rental of devices for protecting buildings 

and contents thereof, and maintenance, alteration, improvement, 

and repair of buildings, approaches, and grounds. 

Providing for restoration and repair of works of art by contract 

under certain circumstances. 

Providing no-year funds for special exhibitions. 

REPAIR, RESTORATION, AND RENOVATION OF BUILDINGS

Providing lease agreements of no more than 10 years addressing 

space needs created by renovations under the Master Facilities 

Plan. 

Permitting the Gallery to perform work by contract under certain 

circumstances. 

JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Providing funds to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Kennedy Center for operational and maintenance 

costs. 

CAPITAL REPAIR AND RESTORATION

Providing funds to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Kennedy Center for facility repair. 

WOODROW WILSON INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR SCHOLARS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Providing funds to the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars. 

Allowing for hire of passenger vehicles and services. 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Providing funds for the support of projects and productions in the 

arts, including arts education and public outreach activities. 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES

GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Specifying funds to carry out the matching grants program. 

Allowing obligation of National Endowment for the Humanities 

current and prior year funds from gifts, bequests, and devises of 

134 

money for which equal amounts have not previously been appropriated. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS

AND THE HUMANITIES

Prohibiting the use of funds for grants and contracts which do 

not include the text of 18 U.S.C. 1913. 

Prohibiting the use of appropriated funds and permitting the use 

of non-appropriated funds for reception expenses. 

Allowing the chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts 

to approve small grants under certain circumstances. 

COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Permitting the charging and use of fees for its publications and 

accepting gifts related to the history of the Nation’s Capital. 

Providing that one-tenth of one percent of funds provided may be 

used for official reception and representation expenses. 

NATIONAL CAPITAL ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Providing funding for the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs. 

NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION

Providing funding for the National Capital Planning Commission. 

Providing that one-quarter of one percent may be used for official 

reception and representational expenses. 

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Designating funds for equipment replacement. 

Designating funds for repair, rehabilitation and for exhibition design and production and providing no year availability for these 

funds. 

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MEMORIAL COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Providing funding for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission. 

CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION

Providing funding for design and construction of a memorial in 

honor of Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

Providing that the contract with respect to the procurement shall 

contain the availability of funds clause. 

Providing that funds appropriated shall satisfy the requirement 

for issuing a permit. 

WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Providing funding for the World War I Centennial Commission. 

135 

Providing that the Commission may accept support from any executive branch agency for activities of the Commission. 

TITLE IV—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

Prohibiting the use of funds to promote or oppose legislative proposals on which congressional action is incomplete. 

Providing for annual appropriations unless expressly provided 

otherwise in this Act. 

Providing for disclosure of administrative expenses, assessments 

and requirements for operating plans. 

Continuing a limitation on accepting and processing applications 

for patents and on the patenting of Federal lands; permitting processing of grandfathered applications; and permitting third-party 

contractors to process grandfathered applications. 

Continuing a provision regarding the payment of contract support costs for prior fiscal years. 

Addressing the payment of contract support costs for fiscal year 

2018. 

Continuing a provision allowing Forest Service land management 

plans to be more than 15 years old if the Secretary is acting in 

good faith to update such plans and prohibiting the use of funds 

to implement new wilderness directives under the planning rule. 

Limiting leasing and preleasing activities within National Monuments. 

Limiting takings for acquisition of lands except under certain 

conditions. 

Continuing a provision addressing timber sales involving Alaskan western red cedar. 

Prohibiting funds to enter into certain no-bid contracts except 

under certain conditions. 

Requiring reports to Congress to be posted on public agency 

websites. 

Continuing a provision that delineates grant guidelines for the 

National Endowment for the Arts. 

Continuing a provision that delineates program priorities for the 

programs managed by the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Requiring that the Department of the Interior, the EPA, the Forest Service, and the Indian Health Service provide the Committees 

on Appropriations a quarterly report on the status of balances of 

appropriations. 

Providing a one-year extension of the Federal Lands Recreation 

Enhancement Act. 

Continuing a provision prohibiting the use of funds to promulgate or implement any regulation requiring the issuance of permits 

under title V of the Clean Air Act for carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, 

water vapor, or methane emissions. 

Continuing a provision prohibiting the use of funds to implement 

any provision in a rule if that provision requires mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems. 

Modifying authorities relating to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to regulate the lead content of ammunition or fishing tackle. 

136 

Extending authorities for awarding contracts for certain activities on public lands. 

Extending the authority for the Chesapeake Bay Initiative. 

Extending certain authorities allowing the Forest Service to 

renew grazing permits. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to maintain or establish a computer 

network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and 

exchanging of pornography. 

Extending the Forest Service Facility Realignment and Enhancement Act. 

Setting requirements for the use of American iron and steel for 

certain loans and grants. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to destroy buildings or structures on 

Midway Island recommended for inclusion in the National Register 

of Historic Places. 

Addressing carbon emissions from forest biomass. 

Extending by one year the authorization for the John F. Kennedy 

Center. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to require permits for the discharge 

of dredged or fill material for certain agriculture activities. 

Authorizing the withdrawal of the Waters of the United States 

rule. 

Addressing the implementation of national ambient air quality 

standards for ozone. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, 

or enforce any regulation that would establish new financial responsibility requirements under CERCLA. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to issue any regulation under the 

Solid Waste Disposal Act that applies to an animal feeding operation. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to further implementation of the National Ocean Policy under Executive Order 13547. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to limit recreational shooting and 

hunting on Federal and public lands except for public safety. 

Making available vacant grazing allotments for permittees impacted by drought or wildfire. 

Limits funds for activities related to wind turbines less than 24 

nautical miles from the State of Maryland shoreline. 

Establishing a Spending Reduction Account in the bill. 

APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following table lists the appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not authorized by law: 

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139 

COMPARISON WITH BUDGET RESOLUTION

Section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (Public Law 93–344), as amended, requires that the report accompanying a bill providing new budget 

authority contain a statement detailing how the authority compares with the reports submitted under section 302 of the Act for 

the most recently agreed to concurrent resolution on the budget for 

the fiscal year. This information follows: 

140 


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141 

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 associated with the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill: 

142 


Insert offset folio 164 here 26308.009
143 

ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

In accordance with section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional 

Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93–344), as amended, the financial 

assistance to State and local governments is as follows: 

144 


Insert offset folio 165 here 26308.010
145 

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

Pursuant to section 3(i) of H. Res. 5 (115th Congress), the bill includes the following direct rule makings: 

1) Endangered Species Act, gray wolves, Wyoming (in section 116 

of Title I) 

2) Endangered Species Act, gray wolves, western Great Lakes (in 

section 116 of Title I) 

3) Administrative Control of Funds (Forest Service—Administrative Provisions in Title III). 

TABLE OF FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS

The following table provides the amounts recommended by the 

Committee compared with the budget estimates by account. 

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(203) 

DISSENTING VIEWS 

When Democrats controlled the Senate and White House, House 

Republicans passed ‘‘no budget, no pay’’ legislation to express their 

dismay with the Senate’s failure to adopt a budget. With Republicans now in full control of the House, the Senate, and the White 

House, the nation’s fiscal house is in a state of disrepair. 

More than three months after the April 15 deadline, not only is 

there no conferenced budget resolution, but—as of July 20—the 

House and Senate have failed even to pass resolutions out of their 

own chambers. Meanwhile, the Appropriations Committee is left 

with budget caps that cut $8 billion from Non-Defense bills compared to fiscal year 2017. 

As a result, the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies (Interior) Appropriations bill falls short with insufficient funding in 

addition to harmful policy riders and a willful ignorance to address 

the reality of climate change. 

The bill underfunds the Environmental Protection Agency, which 

has already endured deep cuts over the past seven years. Since fiscal year 2010, the EPA has been reduced by $2.2 billion and has 

2,000 fewer staff. Adjusted for inflation, EPA has already been cut 

30 percent below FY 2010 levels. Despite these alarming figures, 

the bill reduces the EPA even further, cutting the Agency by $528 

million below the FY 2017 enacted level, which is 64 percent of the 

cut to the Subcommittee’s overall allocation. 

We are at a defining moment in history when our actions to combat climate change will impact the world we pass on to our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We cannot afford to 

disregard the overwhelming scientific evidence that the planet is 

warming, sea level is rising, and glaciers are melting. The recent 

and historic calving of a glacier in Antarctica the size of Delaware 

was a sobering reminder of the enormous consequences of a changing climate. 

The planet is experiencing more severe droughts, flooding, and 

wildfires that threaten lives and livelihoods. Climate change has 

the potential to adversely impact all Americans, as even noted in 

a Defense Department report, hitting vulnerable populations hardest, harming productivity in key economic sectors, and saddling future generations with costly economic and environmental burdens. 

Human actions play a role in climate change, and as elected 

leaders we cannot turn a blind eye to the obvious need for intervention. Disappointingly, the Majority ignores this reality and instead 

uses the Interior bill to expedite the degradation of our environment and contribute to conditions that facilitate climate change. 

EPA’s regulatory role makes it the federal government’s principal 

agency for reducing carbon emissions. The significant cuts in this 

bill would impact the Agency’s ability to protect public health and 

204 

the environment, and jeopardize clean air and water for our families and future generations. 

The bill also disinvests in climate change research, cutting the United States Geological Survey (USGS) by $46 million below the 

FY 2017 enacted level. If the federal government is going to make 

educated and informed decisions, it must have the best available 

science, and cutting USGS research hinders the acquisition of that 

information. The disinvestment in these two agencies that research 

and mitigate climate change is reckless and irresponsible. 

Further evidence of the Trump Administration’s disregard for the 

legacy we are leaving to future generations is the blatant funding 

reductions for natural resource conservation and wildlife protection. 

The Majority continues its assault on the Endangered Species 

Act in this bill, reducing funding for endangered species listing by 

17 percent. This irresponsible cut opens the door for litigation and 

delays protecting and recovering vulnerable species. 

This bill also shortchanges the Land and Water Conservation 

Fund (LWCF), which since its inception has protected conservation 

and recreation land in every State and supported tens of thousands 

of State and local projects. Yet, despite its merits, this bill slashes 

the LWCF program by a third, even though this successful program enjoys bipartisan support. 

Once again the majority has failed to adopt the commonsense reforms championed in Representative Simpson’s wildfire disaster 

funding bill. Every member of the Interior subcommittee is a cosponsor of that bill, yet the majority has balked, citing committee 

jurisdiction. The Administration did not propose a fix for wildland 

fire funding, and the majority has not proposed an approach wherein costs associated with wildfires can be responsibly met without 

usurping base funding of other agencies in the Interior bill. This 

year, $3.4 billion, or 11 percent of the subcommittee’s total allocation, would be spent on wildland fire. It is imperative we push for 

a solution to this problem as we monitor the devastating fires 

burning in the West. Wild fire disasters should be treated like any 

other covered disasters, such as flooding and tornadoes, that are 

payed for without requiring cuts to other important programs. 

Despite this bill’s shortcomings in environmental protection and 

resource conservation, the subcommittee continues to maintain a 

non-partisan approach to addressing Native American issues, and 

the bill recommends an increase of $106 million over the FY 2017 

enacted level for programs critical to Indian Country. The increased funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian 

Health Service is critical to fulfilling our federal trust and treaty 

responsibilities to tribal nations, including support for health care, 

education, and public safety. 

The bill also funds important Historic Preservation grant programs The bill provides $5 million for the Save America’s Treasures program that preserves nationally significant sites, structures, 

and artifacts. Additionally, we note the bill provides $10.5 million 

for the Civil Rights Initiative grant program and $3 million for 

grants-in-aid to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

We applaud the Chairman for rejecting the Administration’s proposal to eliminate funding for the National Endowment for the Arts 

205 

and the National Endowment for the Humanities. These agencies 

honor and preserve the nation’s rich cultural heritage and foster 

access to the arts and the humanities. 

Just as problematic as funding decisions in this bill are the policy provisions that undermine clean air and water protections, 

block the federal government’s ability to use the Endangered Species Act, and effectively repeal the Waters of the United States 

Rule, which protects our wetlands and waterways. 

Democrats attempted to address many inadequacies through the 

amendment process in Committee. Ranking Member McCollum offered an amendment to remove 16 partisan riders, including those 

affecting the Department of the Interior and EPA. The majority 

strongly rejected these efforts. Ranking Member Lowey offered 

amendments to strike Endangered Species Act riders and prohibit 

drilling in the unique and pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. 

These amendments failed along party lines, and the majority has 

thwarted the normal process and procedures set out in statute. 

Congressman Quigley offered an amendment to prohibit closure 

of EPA Regional offices. These regional offices are the front line in 

protecting public health and safeguarding our air and water. They 

play a crucial role through the relationships regional staff develop 

with states and local government and with industry. The Republicans defeated the amendment in a partisan vote of 21–29. 

The Trump Administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate 

Accords fundamentally undermines American global leadership and 

endangers the future of our planet. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that Congress affirms the United States’ commitment to 

addressing climate change. Congressman Cartwright offered an 

amendment to include report language recognizing that the consequences of climate change have the potential to adversely impact 

all Americans and encouraging agencies to create economically viable solutions to study and address the causes of climate change. 

The amendment failed, 21–29, in a partisan vote. 

For all the reasons outlined, we cannot support this bill in its 

current form given the inclusion of ideological riders, dramatic cuts 

to environmental protection, and the insufficient allocation for the 

overall bill. Despite our current opposition, we intend to continue 

to work with Chairman Calvert through this year’s appropriations 

process to produce a responsible bill that both parties can support. 

BETTY MCCOLLUM. 

NITA M. LOWEY. 

Æ