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[Senate Report 110-417]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

                                                       Calendar No. 877
110th Congress                                                   Report
                                 SENATE
 2d Session                                                     110-417

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

 
  FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2009

                                _______
                                

                 July 14, 2008.--Ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

           Mr. Durbin, from the Committee on Appropriations, 
                        submitted the following

                                 REPORT

                         [To accompany S. 3260]

    The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 3260) 
making appropriations for financial services and general 
government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and 
for other purposes, reports favorably thereon and recommends 
that the bill do pass.

Amounts of new budget (obligational) authority for fiscal year 2009

Total of bill as reported to the Senate................. $44,755,883,000
Amount of 2008 appropriations...........................  43,658,154,000
Amount of 2009 budget estimate..........................  44,226,913,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
    2008 appropriations.................................  +1,097,729,000
    2009 budget estimate................................    +528,970,000

                                CONTENTS

                              ----------                              
                                                                   Page
Summary of Bill..................................................     4
Title I: Department of the Treasury:
    Departmental Offices.........................................     8
    Department-Wide Systems and Capital Investments Program......    12
    Office of the Inspector General..............................    12
    Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration............    13
    Air Transportation Stabilization Program Account.............    00
    Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.........................    14
    Financial Management Service.................................    16
    Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.....................    17
    United States Mint...........................................    17
    Bureau of the Public Debt....................................    18
    Community Development Financial Institutions Fund............    18
    Bureau of Engraving and Printing.............................    19
    Internal Revenue Service.....................................    20
        Taxpayer Services........................................    23
        Enforcement..............................................    26
        Operations Support.......................................    28
        Business Systems Modernization...........................    29
        Health Insurance Tax Credit Administration...............    30
    Administrative Provisions--Department of the Treasury........    31
Title II: Executive Office of the President and Funds 
  Appropriated to the President:
    Compensation of the President................................    33
    White House Office...........................................    33
    Executive Residence at the White House.......................    34
    White House Repair and Restoration...........................    34
    Council of Economic Advisers.................................    35
    Office of Policy Development.................................    35
    National Security Council....................................    36
    Office of Administration.....................................    37
    Office of Management and Budget..............................    37
    Office of National Drug Control Policy.......................    38
    Funds Appropriated to the President:
        High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas....................    41
        Other Federal Drug Control Programs......................    42
    Unanticipated Needs..........................................    45
    Special Assistance to the President..........................    46
    Official Residence of the Vice President.....................    46
Title III: The Judiciary:
    Supreme Court of the United States...........................    48
    United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.......    49
    U.S. Court of International Trade............................    50
    Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial 
      Services...................................................    50
    Vaccine Injury Compensation Fund.............................    52
    Defender Services............................................    52
    Fees of Jurors and Commissioners.............................    53
    Court Security...............................................    53
    Administrative Office of the United States Courts............    54
    Federal Judicial Center......................................    54
    Judicial Retirement Funds....................................    55
    United States Sentencing Commission..........................    55
    Administrative Provisions--The Judiciary.....................    55
Title IV--District of Columbia:
    Federal Funds:
        Federal Payment for Resident Tuition Support.............    57
        Federal Payment for Emergency Planning and Security Costs 
          in the District of Columbia............................    58
        Federal Payment to the District of Columbia Courts.......    59
        Defender Services in District of Columbia Courts.........    60
        Federal Payment to the Court Services and Offender 
          Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia........    61
        Federal Payment to the Public Defender Service for the 
          District of Columbia...................................    62
        Federal Payment to the District of Columbia Water and 
          Sewer Authority........................................    62
        Federal Payment to the Criminal Justice Coordinating 
          Council................................................    63
        Federal Payment to the Office of the Chief Financial 
          Officer of the District of Columbia....................    63
        Federal Payment for School Improvement...................    64
        Federal Payment for Consolidated Laboratory Facility.....    66
        Federal Payment to Jump Start Public School Reform.......    67
        Federal Payment for Central Library and Branch Locations.    68
        Federal Payment to Reimburse the Federal Bureau of 
          Investigation..........................................    68
        Federal Payment to the Executive Office of the Mayor of 
          the District of Columbia...............................    69
    District of Columbia Local Operating Budget..................    00
Title V--Independent Agencies:
    Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation...................    71
    Commodity Futures Trading Commission.........................    71
    Consumer Product Safety Commission...........................    73
    Election Assistance Commission...............................    74
    Federal Communications Commission............................    74
    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation: Office of Inspector 
      General....................................................    77
    Federal Election Commission..................................    77
    Federal Labor Relations Authority............................    78
    Federal Trade Commission.....................................    79
    General Services Administration..............................    81
    Merit Systems Protection Board...............................    91
    Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National 
      Environmental Policy Foundation............................    91
    National Archives and Records Administration.................    92
    National Historical Publications and Records Commission......    95
    National Credit Union Administration.........................    96
    Office of Government Ethics..................................    98
    Office of Personnel Management...............................    98
    Office of Special Counsel....................................   104
    Postal Regulatory Commission.................................   105
    Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board..................   106
    Securities and Exchange Commission...........................   106
    Selective Service System.....................................   108
    Small Business Administration................................   109
    Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.......................   114
    United States Postal Service.................................   115
    United States Postal Service: Office of Inspector General....   117
    United States Tax Court......................................   118
Title VI--General Provisions--This Act...........................   120
Title VII--General Provisions--Government-Wide...................   122
Title VIII--General Provisions--District of Columbia.............   126
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of 
  the Sen- 
  ate............................................................   128
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules 
  of the Senate..................................................   129
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of 
  the Senate.....................................................   130
Budgetary Impact of Bill.........................................   145
Disclosure of Congressionally Directed Spending Items............   145

                          SUMMARY OF THE BILL

    Fiscal year 2009 marks the second year for the Financial 
Services and General Government appropriations bill. The bill 
provides funding for the Department of the Treasury, including 
the Internal Revenue Service; the Executive Office of the 
President; the Judiciary; the District of Columbia; and more 
than two dozen independent Federal agencies.
    The Committee recommends $44,755,883,000 in discretionary 
and mandatory appropriations. This represents an increase of 
$1,097,729,000 over the fiscal year 2008 enacted level, and an 
increase of $528,970,000 over the budget request. Of the total, 
$22,870,000,000 is provided in discretionary appropriations, 
$502,726,000 above the budget request of $22,367,274,000. 
Mandatory appropriations total $21,885,883,000.
    The Committee-recommended bill is consistent with the 
allocation for the Financial Services and General Government 
appropriations bill. The Committee has made difficult but 
necessary decisions to craft a bill that is within strict 
fiscal limitations. The President's budget request for the 
agencies funded by this bill leaves gaps in funding for 
community development financial assistance, valuable drug 
control programs, tax systems modernization, regulatory 
oversight and enforcement of financial and futures markets, 
repair of historical buildings, inspector general audits, and 
support for small businesses.

                             PROJECT FUNDING
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Items in Senate
                                         bill at        Congressionally
              Agency                   President's     directed spending
                                         request         in Senate bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
District of Columbia..............  .................         $5,250,000
General Services Administration...       $925,846,000        146,872,000
National Archives and Records       .................         24,000,000
 Administration...................
Office of National Drug Control     .................          2,250,000
 Policy...........................
Small Business Administration.....  .................         34,725,500
                                   -------------------------------------
      Total.......................        925,846,000        213,097,500
                                   -------------------------------------
      Combined Total Project
       Funding in bill............              1,138,943,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Small Business Administration account includes 
congressionally directed spending totaling $34,725,000 for 74 
projects. Total funding for congressionally directed spending 
in the Small Business Administration account is the same as the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level. The President did not request 
any specific projects. The Committee includes two 
congressionally directed spending items for the District of 
Columbia. Within the General Services Administration, the 
President requested $925,846,000, of which $620,119,000 is for 
construction of Federal buildings and of which $305,727,000 is 
for repair of Federal buildings. The Committee includes 
$146,872,000 above the budget request for two Federal building 
construction projects, one to complete the project and the 
other to help keep the project on schedule. Within the National 
Archives and Records Administration, the President requested 
$9,211,000 for basic repairs and the Committee provides an 
additional $24,000,000 in additional funding for repair of 
presidential libraries. The Committee includes funding for two 
drug programs within the Office of National Drug Control Policy 
that were zeroed out by the President.

                     PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY

    During fiscal year 2009, for the purposes of the Balanced 
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 
99-177), as amended, with respect to appropriations contained 
in the accompanying bill, the terms ``program, project, and 
activity'' [PPA] shall mean any item for which a dollar amount 
is contained in appropriations acts (including joint 
resolutions providing continuing appropriations) or 
accompanying reports of the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations, or accompanying conference reports and joint 
explanatory statements of the committee of conference.

                        REPROGRAMMING GUIDELINES

    The Committee includes a provision (sec. 608) establishing 
the authority of agencies to reprogram funds and the limitation 
on that authority. The provision specifically requires the 
advance approval of the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations of any proposal to reprogram funds that: (1) 
creates a new program; (2) eliminates a program, project, or 
activity [PPA]; (3) increases funds or personnel for any PPA 
for which funds have been denied or restricted by the Congress; 
(4) proposes to redirect funds that were directed in such 
reports for a specific activity to a different purpose; (5) 
augments an existing PPA in excess of $5,000,000 or 10 percent, 
whichever is less; (6) reduces an existing PPA by $5,000,000 or 
10 percent, whichever is less; or (7) creates, reorganizes, or 
restructures offices different from the congressional budget 
justifications or the table at the end of the Committee report, 
whichever is more detailed.
    The Committee retains the requirement that each agency 
submit an operating plan to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations not later than 60 days after enactment of this 
act to establish the baseline for application of reprogramming 
and transfer authorities provided in this act. Specifically, 
each agency should provide a table for each appropriation with 
columns displaying the budget request; adjustments made by 
Congress; adjustments for rescissions, if appropriate; and the 
fiscal year enacted level. The table shall delineate the 
appropriation both by object class and by PPA. The report must 
also identify items of special congressional interest.
    The Committee expects the agencies and bureaus to submit 
reprogramming requests in a timely manner and to provide a 
thorough explanation of the proposed reallocations, including a 
detailed justification of increases and reductions and the 
specific impact the proposed changes will have on the budget 
request for the following fiscal year. Except in emergency 
situations, reprogramming requests should be submitted no later 
than June 30.
    The Committee expects each agency to manage its programs 
and activities within the amounts appropriated by Congress. The 
Committee reminds agencies that reprogramming requests should 
be submitted only in the case of an unforeseeable emergency or 
a situation that could not have been anticipated when 
formulating the budget request for the current fiscal year. 
Further, the Committee notes that when a Department or agency 
submits a reprogramming or transfer request to the Committees 
on Appropriations and does not receive identical responses from 
the House and the Senate, it is the responsibility of the 
Department to reconcile the House and the Senate differences 
before proceeding, and if reconciliation is not possible, to 
consider the request to reprogram funds unapproved.

                    RELATIONSHIP WITH BUDGET OFFICES

    Through the years, the Committee has channeled most of its 
inquiries and requests for information and assistance through 
the budget offices of the various departments, agencies, 
offices, and commissions. The Committee has often pointed to 
the natural affinity and relationship between the budget 
offices and the Committee which makes such a relationship 
workable. The Committee reiterates its longstanding position 
that while the Committee reserves the right to call upon any 
office or officer in the departments, agencies, and 
commissions, the primary conjunction between the Committee and 
these entities must be through the budget offices. To help 
ensure the Committee's ability to perform its responsibilities, 
the Committee insists on having direct, unobstructed, and 
timely access to the budget offices and expects to be able to 
receive forthright and complete responses from those offices 
and their employees.

                  CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET JUSTIFICATIONS

    Budget justifications are prepared not for the use of the 
agency, but instead are the primary tool used by the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations to evaluate the resource 
requirements and fiscal needs of agencies. The Committee is 
aware that the format and presentation of budget materials is 
largely left to the agency within presentation objectives set 
forth by OMB. In fact, OMB Circular A-11, part 6 specifically 
states that the ``agency should consult with your congressional 
committees beforehand to ensure their awareness of your plans 
to modify the format of agency budget documents.'' The 
Committee expects all the budget justifications to adhere to 
this directive and provide the data needed to make appropriate 
and meaningful funding decisions.
    The Committee directs that justifications submitted with 
the fiscal year 2010 budget requests by agencies funded under 
this act must contain the customary level of detailed data and 
explanatory statements to support the appropriations requests 
at the level of detail contained in the funding table included 
at the end of the report. Among other items, agencies shall 
provide a detailed discussion of proposed new initiatives, 
proposed changes in the agency's financial plan from prior year 
enactment, and detailed data on all programs and comprehensive 
information on any office or agency restructurings. At a 
minimum, each agency must also provide adequate justification 
for funding and staffing changes for each individual office and 
materials that compare programs, projects, and activities that 
are proposed for fiscal year 2010 to the fiscal year 2009 
enacted level.
    The Committee is aware that the analytical materials 
required for review by the Committee are unique to each agency 
in this act. Therefore, the Committee expects that each agency 
will coordinate with the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations in advance on its planned presentation for its 
budget justification materials in support of the fiscal year 
2010 budget request.

                                TITLE I

                       DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

                          Departmental Offices

                         salaries and expenses

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $248,360,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     273,895,000
Committee recommendation................................     273,895,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Departmental Offices consist of the Office of the 
Secretary and Deputy Secretary, the Office of International 
Affairs, the Office of Domestic Finance, the Office of 
Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, the Office of Tax Policy, 
the Office of Economic Policy, the Office of the General 
Counsel, the Office of Legislative Affairs, the Office of 
Public Affairs, the Office of the Treasurer, and the Office of 
Management. The Secretary of the Treasury has the primary role 
in formulating and managing the domestic and international tax 
and financial policies of the Federal Government. The 
Secretary's responsibilities funded by the Salaries and 
Expenses appropriation include: recommending and implementing 
United States domestic and international economic and tax 
policy; formulating fiscal policy; governing the fiscal 
operations of the Government; executing the Nation's financial 
sanction policies; disrupting and dismantling terrorist 
financial infrastructure; protecting the United States and 
international financial system from terrorist financing, money 
laundering, and other financial crimes; managing the public 
debt; managing international development policy; representing 
the United States on international monetary, trade and 
investment issues; overseeing Department of the Treasury 
overseas operations; and directing the administrative 
operations of the Department of the Treasury. The majority of 
the Salaries and Expenses appropriation provides resources for 
policy formulation and implementation in the areas of domestic 
and international finance, terrorist financing and financial 
crimes, tax, economic, trade, financial operations and general 
fiscal policy. This appropriation also provides resources to 
support the Secretary, policy components, and departmental 
administrative policies in financial and personnel management, 
procurement operations, and information systems and 
telecommunications.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $273,895,000 for the Salaries and 
Expenses appropriation of the Departmental Offices account of 
the Department of the Treasury for fiscal year 2009. This 
amount is equal to the budget request and $25,535,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level. Within the funds provided under 
this account, the Committee has provided $3,000,000 for 
information technology modernization; $200,000 for official 
reception and representation expenses; $258,000 for unforeseen 
emergencies; and $5,232,443 for the Treasury-wide financial 
statement audits and other Treasury office and bureau audits.
    The following table compares the fiscal year 2008 enacted 
level to the fiscal year 2009 budget estimate and the 
Committee's recommendation for each office:

                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Fiscal year
                                                                    Fiscal year     2009 budget      Committee
                                                                   2008 enacted      estimate     recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive direction.............................................          10,840          11,097          11,097
General counsel.................................................           9,909          10,495          10,495
Economic policies and programs..................................          44,242          45,853          45,853
Financial policies and programs.................................          29,464          34,735          34,735
Terrorism and financial intelligence............................          56,775          61,712          61,712
Treasury-wide management and programs...........................          18,505          19,009          19,009
Administration..................................................          78,625          90,994          90,994
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee has approved the following significant 
program increases in the bill:
    State Sponsored Terrorism (Terrorism and Financial 
Intelligence): +$1,380,000/+4 FTE.--Building on resources 
provided in fiscal year 2008, the Committee recommends an 
increase of $1,380,000 for the Office of Foreign Asset Control 
[OFAC] to further enhance capacity to administer and implement 
economic sanctions to State sponsors of terrorism, such as Iran 
and Sudan, as well as terrorists, terrorist groups, and their 
support networks. Additional resources shall support the hiring 
of additional sanctions investigators, enforcement, compliance, 
licensing, blocking, and civil penalties officers, Freedom of 
Information Act specialists, and program advisor and records 
management specialists to support these efforts.
    Counterintelligence and Security Capabilities (Terrorism 
and Financial Intelligence): +$1,433,000/+3 FTE.--The Committee 
recommends an increase of $1,433,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
level for the Office of Intelligence and Analysis to address 
current and emerging threats affecting the Department's 
national security mission. Additional resources will enhance 
efforts to prevent espionage in the Department; thwart 
adversarial threats to its personnel, programs, and facilities; 
and identify and mitigate threats from compromise of Treasury 
critical programs.
    Global Finance Initiative (Terrorism and Financial 
Intelligence): +$1,000,000/+10 FTE.--The Committee recommends 
an increase of $2,000,000, including a realignment of 
$1,000,000 in base resources, for the Office of Intelligence 
and Analysis to improve the Department's coordination of global 
finance intelligence issues with the intelligence community. 
Targeted financial measures supported by financial intelligence 
have become one of the most effective weapons against national 
security threats, and Treasury's efforts in this area have been 
instrumental in disrupting terrorist financing. Additional 
resources shall focus on developing and capitalizing on new 
sources of information, enhancing analysis in coordination with 
the intelligence community, expanding the Department's role and 
relationships within the intelligence community, and ensuring 
Treasury's infrastructure is sufficient to support these 
expanding responsibilities. This initiative is aligned with key 
tasks and objectives of the National Security Strategy, the 
National Intelligence Strategy, and the National Implementation 
Plan for the War on Terror.
    Support for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the 
United States (Office of General Counsel): +$483,000/+2 FTE.--
The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States 
[CFIUS] is responsible for investigating the merger or 
acquisition of U.S. companies by foreign persons for national 
security implications. Building on resources provided in fiscal 
year 2008, the Committee recommends an increase of $483,000 for 
the Office of General Counsel to hire additional legal support 
needed as a result of the continuing increase in the number and 
significance of CFIUS cases.
    Improving Security of U.S. Financial Services Sector 
(Financial Policies and Programs): +$1,300,000/+0 FTE.--The 
Committee recommends an increase of $1,300,000 above the fiscal 
year 2008 level to support the Office of Critical 
Infrastructure Protection in continuing improvement to the 
security of the American financial services sector against 
natural and man-made disasters. Ongoing initiatives support 
cooperative, public-private sector efforts to identify threats 
and vulnerabilities, share critical information, and mitigate 
risks to the financial services sector in order to protect the 
U.S. economy and national security. Additional resources shall 
support extensive mapping of the financial sector, the 
establishment of secure communications with financial 
institutions, and further international exercises with entities 
such as the European Central Bank.
    Debt Management Analytical Support (Financial Policies and 
Programs): +$3,000,000/+2 FTE.--The Committee recommends an 
increase of $3,000,000 above the fiscal year 2008 level to 
overhaul the Office of Debt Management's [ODM] information 
technology systems to improve the accuracy, reliability, and 
speed of the financial models used to manage the Federal 
Government's $9,000,000,000,000 debt portfolio. A successful 
overhaul of ODM's systems will improve the financial data that 
capital markets and Treasury decisionmakers rely upon daily, 
significantly reduce the risk of operational failure, improve 
national security, and create potential cost savings for 
taxpayers as the Federal debt is managed more efficiently.
    Operations Center (Administration): +$6,200,000/+24 FTE.--
The Committee recommends an increase of $6,200,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 level to establish a 24/7 Operations Center to 
centralize and enhance crisis management at the Department. The 
new Operations Center shall expand the existing Market Room's 
capacity to monitor international and domestic financial 
markets, coordinate actions with Federal agencies, foreign 
governments, and global financial markets, including the 
financial analysis of terrorist organizations, and manage the 
Department's global operations on a daily basis.
    The Committee is encouraged by reports from the Treasury 
Office of Inspector General [IG] indicating that the Department 
is making progress in building a stronger and more sustainable 
corporate management structure. However, the Committee remains 
concerned with the significant management challenges faced by 
the Department, particularly regarding management of capital 
investments.
    Management of Capital Investments.--The Committee 
recognizes efforts the Department has made to emphasize capital 
investment management Department-wide and agrees that effective 
management of major capital investments is the responsibility 
of all executives. The Committee directs the Department to 
continue improving the management of capital investments, 
specifically focusing on integrating all of the Department's 
bureaus into improvement efforts and institutionalizing 
improvements so that taxpayers will benefit from better 
management of future capital projects. The Committee directs 
the Office of the Chief Information Officer to ensure that 
adequate resources are devoted both to projects in the capital 
phase, such as the Enterprise Content Management system, and to 
proper maintenance and modernization of existing systems, such 
as the Treasury Secure Data Network.
    Information Security.--The IG continues to cite the 
Department's information security as a top management and 
performance challenge. While the IG notes that Treasury has 
made improvements regarding information security, significant 
challenges remain, including protection of certain personally 
identifiable information and configuration management. The 
Committee urges the Department to address the IG's findings and 
undertake prompt and meaningful corrective action.
    Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007.--The 
Committee directs the Department to fully implement all 
sanctions and divestment measures, particularly those 
applicable to Burma, Iran, and Sudan. The Committee notes that 
the signing statement accompanying the Sudan Accountability and 
Divestment Act of 2007 raised serious concerns about the 
administration's willingness to enforce this law. The Committee 
expects full and unfettered implementation of the provisions of 
this law and directs the Department to promptly notify the 
Committee of any resource constraints that adversely impact the 
implementation of any sanctions program.
    Nuclear Proliferation.--The Committee is concerned that the 
World Bank is contractually obligated to execute certain 
contracts with entities in Iran, despite Iran's failure to 
fully cooperate with International Atomic Energy Agency 
inspections and various resolutions passed by the United 
Nations Security Council. Therefore, the Committee directs the 
Department to work with the World Bank to include in the 
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development's General 
Conditions for Loans a clause that provides for the termination 
of future contracts if the recipient state fails to cooperate 
with International Atomic Energy Agency inspections, violates 
international laws related to the proliferation of weapons of 
mass destruction, or is sanctioned for failing to cooperate 
with the International Atomic Energy Agency or for the 
proliferation of nuclear weapons or nuclear weapons technology 
by the United Nations Security Council.
    Subprime Crisis.--The Committee is concerned with the 
rising number of foreclosures associated with subprime 
mortgages. In an attempt to address the subprime crisis, the 
Department created the HOPE NOW alliance within the financial 
services sector, including mortgage counselors, mortgage 
servicers, and investors. The Committee is concerned, however, 
that HOPE NOW may be an inadequate response to address the 
magnitude of the foreclosure crisis. The Committee urges the 
Department to expand its efforts to address the subprime 
housing crisis beyond the scope of HOPE NOW and to keep the 
Committee promptly and regularly apprised of such efforts.

        Department-wide Systems and Capital Investments Programs

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $18,710,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      26,975,000
Committee recommendation................................      26,975,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The 1997 Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act 
established this account, which is authorized to be used by or 
on behalf of Treasury bureaus, at the Secretary's discretion, 
to modernize business processes and increase efficiency through 
technology investments, as well as other activities that 
involve more than one Treasury bureau or Treasury's interface 
with other Government agencies.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $26,975,000 
for Department-wide systems and capital investment programs 
[DSCIP]. This amount is equal to the budget request and 
$8,265,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level.
    The following table compares the Committee recommendation 
with the budget request and the fiscal year 2008 enacted 
levels.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Fiscal year
                        DSCIP Initiative                            Fiscal year     2009 budget      Committee
                                                                   2008 enacted      estimate     recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cyber Security--Critical Infrastructure Program.................        $400,000  ..............  ..............
DO/Treasury Backup Disaster Recovery............................       4,000,000  ..............  ..............
Integrated Wireless Network.....................................       2,000,000  ..............  ..............
E-Government Enterprise Architecture............................         300,000  ..............  ..............
Cyber Security--Information Security............................       1,844,000      $3,000,000      $3,000,000
E-Government Initiatives........................................       2,166,000       2,057,000       2,057,000
Enterprise Content Management...................................       6,000,000       6,000,000       6,000,000
Treasury Secure Data Network....................................       2,000,000       4,400,000       4,400,000
Annex Repair and Renovation.....................................  ..............      11,518,000      11,518,000
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
      Total.....................................................      18,710,000      26,975,000      26,975,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      Office of Inspector General

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $18,450,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      19,356,000
Committee recommendation................................      19,356,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    As a result of the 1988 amendments to the Inspector General 
[IG] Act, the Secretary of the Treasury established the Office 
of Inspector General [OIG] in 1989.
    The OIG conducts and supervises audits, evaluations, and 
investigations designed to: (1) promote economy, efficiency, 
and effectiveness and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in 
departmental programs and operations; and (2) keep the 
Secretary and Congress fully and currently informed of problems 
and deficiencies in the administration of departmental programs 
and operations. The audit function provides program audit, 
contract audit, and financial statement audit services. 
Contract audits provide professional advice to agency 
contracting officials on accounting and financial matters 
relative to negotiation, award, administration, repricing, and 
settlement of contracts. Program audits review and audit all 
facets of agency operations. Financial statement audits assess 
whether financial statements fairly present the agency's 
financial condition and results of operations, the adequacy of 
accounting controls, and compliance with laws and regulations. 
These audits contribute significantly to improved financial 
management by helping Treasury managers identify improvements 
needed in their accounting and internal control systems. The 
evaluations function reviews program performance and issues 
critical to the mission of the Department. The investigative 
function provides for the detection and investigation of 
improper and illegal activities involving programs, personnel, 
and operations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $19,356,000 
for salaries and expenses of the Office of Inspector General. 
This amount is the same as the budget request and $906,000 
above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level.

           Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $140,533,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     145,736,000
Committee recommendation................................     145,736,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration 
[TIGTA] was established by the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act 
of 1998 (Public Law 105-206). TIGTA was created to provide 
independent audit and investigative services necessary to 
improve the quality and credibility of oversight of the 
Internal Revenue Service [IRS]. Funding was first appropriated 
for this account in the fiscal year 2000 Treasury and General 
Government Appropriations Act (Public Law 106-58).
    TIGTA conducts audits, investigations, and evaluations to 
assess the operations and programs of the IRS and related 
entities, the IRS Oversight Board and the Office of Chief 
Counsel to (1) promote the economic, efficient and effective 
administration of the Nation's tax laws and to detect and deter 
fraud and abuse in IRS programs and operations; and (2) 
recommend actions to resolve fraud and other serious problems, 
abuses, and deficiencies in these programs and operations, and 
keep the Secretary and Congress fully and currently informed of 
these issues and the progress made in resolving them. TIGTA 
reviews existing and proposed legislation and regulations 
relating to the programs and operations of the IRS and related 
entities and makes recommendations concerning the impact of 
such legislation and regulations on the economy and efficiency 
in the administration of programs and operations of the IRS and 
related entities. The audit function provides program audit, 
limited contract audit, and financial audit services. Program 
audits review and audit all facets of the IRS and related 
entities in an effort to improve IRS systems and operations, 
while ensuring fair and equitable treatment of taxpayers. 
Contract audits focus on invoices/vouchers submitted to the IRS 
to determine whether charges are valid and to identify 
erroneous and improper payments. The investigative function 
provides for the detection and investigation of improper and 
illegal activities involving IRS programs and operations and 
protects the IRS and related entities against external attempts 
to corrupt or threaten the administration of the tax laws.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $145,736,000 
for the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. This 
amount is an increase of $5,203,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level and the same as the budget request.
    The Committee commends TIGTA for its ongoing review of the 
IRS's business systems modernization program and other 
information technology projects. The Committee also 
acknowledges the critical importance of the priorities TIGTA 
has identified for fiscal year 2009, including ensuring the 
privacy and security of taxpayer information from internal and 
external threats. The Committee shares TIGTA's concern that the 
IRS is developing and launching its modernized systems without 
adequately contemplating the security implications. The 
Committee urges continued TIGTA oversight of tax gap issues, 
including data reliability, tax law enforcement, and taxpayer 
assistance, to ensure that the IRS enhances voluntary 
compliance by balancing taxpayer services and enforcement 
without jeopardizing taxpayer rights.

                  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $85,844,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      91,335,000
Committee recommendation................................      91,335,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network [FinCEN], a bureau 
within the Treasury Department's Office of Terrorism and 
Financial Intelligence, is the largest overt collector of 
financial intelligence in the United States. FinCEN's mission 
is to safeguard the financial system from the abuses of 
financial crime, including terrorist financing, money 
laundering, and other illicit activity. FinCEN accomplishes its 
mission by administering the Bank Secrecy Act, a collection of 
statutes that form the Nation's anti-money laundering/counter-
terrorist financing regulatory regime. As the delegated 
administrator of the Bank Secrecy Act, FinCEN is responsible 
for the development and implementation of regulations, rules, 
and guidance issued under the Bank Secrecy Act. FinCEN also 
oversees the work of eight Federal agencies that have been 
delegated responsibility to examine various sectors of the 
financial industry for compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act's 
requirements. FinCEN is responsible for collecting, 
maintaining, and disseminating the information reported by 
financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act through a 
Government-wide access service. FinCEN is the United States' 
Financial Intelligence Unit [FIU] and a founding member of the 
Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. As the United 
States FIU, FinCEN routinely shares information and cooperates 
with other FIUs around the world to address the global problems 
of terrorist financing, money laundering, and other illicit 
activity.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $91,335,000 for the Financial 
Crimes Enforcement Network [FinCEN]. This amount is $5,491,000 
above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as the 
budget request.
    The Committee is concerned with the Treasury Inspector 
General's finding that a large share of Suspicious Activity 
Reports filed with FinCEN under the Bank Secrecy Act are 
missing critical data elements. Incomplete data limits the 
ability of FinCEN, regulators, and other law enforcement 
agencies to detect trends and ultimately identify money 
laundering or terrorist activity. The Committee directs FinCEN 
to focus management, regulatory, and enforcement efforts on the 
consistency of Suspicious Activity Reports.
    The bill includes the following program increases for 
fiscal year 2009:
    Improve BSA Effectiveness/Consistency: +$1,139,000/+5 
FTE.--The Committee recommends an increase of $1,139,000 above 
the fiscal year 2008 enacted level to support the 
implementation of the Bank Secrecy Act [BSA]. Administration of 
the BSA requires timely exchange of information, consistent 
application of laws and regulations, and tailored outreach to 
regulated industries. Additional resources are provided to 
enable FinCEN to bring certain sectors subject to a mandate 
under the USA PATRIOT Act, such as the insurance sector, under 
the BSA administration and compliance framework. Funds also 
shall support management of regulatory requirements imposed on 
the financial industry and enhanced communication with law 
enforcement and State and Federal regulators to combat the 
financing of terrorism and money laundering.
    Strengthen Global Anti-Money Laundering Efforts: +$865,000/
+2 FTE.--The Committee recommends an increase of $865,000 above 
the fiscal year 2008 enacted level to improve collaboration 
with other Financial Intelligence Units around the world 
regarding international anti-money laundering and terrorist 
financing.

                      Financial Management Service

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $234,423,000
Supplemental appropriation, 2008........................      64,175,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     239,344,000
Committee recommendation................................     239,344,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    In 1940, the United States Department of the Treasury 
established the Fiscal Service, which consisted of the Bureau 
of Accounts, the Bureau of the Public Debt, and the Office of 
the Treasurer. A 1974 reorganization of the Fiscal Service 
created the Bureau of Government Financial Operations, which 
was formed from a merger of the Bureau of Accounts and most 
functions of the Office of the Treasurer. In 1984, the Bureau 
of Government Financial Operations was renamed the Financial 
Management Service [FMS].
    FMS implements payment policy and procedures for the 
Federal program agencies, issues and distributes payments, 
promotes the use of electronics in the payment process, and 
assists agencies in converting payments from paper checks to 
electronic funds transfer [EFT]. FMS provides debt collection 
operational services to client agencies, implements collections 
policy, regulations, standards, and procedures for the Federal 
Government, and assists agencies in converting collections from 
paper to electronic media.
    FMS provides financial accounting, reporting, and financing 
services to the Federal Government and the Government's agents 
who participate in the payments and collections process by 
generating a series of daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual 
Government-wide reports. FMS also works directly with agencies 
to help reconcile reporting differences.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $239,344,000 for salaries and 
expenses for FMS. This amount is the same as the budget request 
and $4,921,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level, 
excluding emergency supplemental appropriations. Emergency 
supplemental funding of $64,175,000 was provided for FMS to 
support the administration of economic stimulus payments under 
the Economic Stimulus Act (Public Law 110-285).
    A number of Federal agencies accept credit and debit cards 
as payment for goods and services provided by the Federal 
Government. FMS processes credit and debit card transactions on 
behalf of agencies in all three branches of the Federal 
Government and a host of other associated entities. The 
Committee is concerned that Federal agencies may be paying 
excessive fees for accepting credit and debit cards for these 
transactions. GAO reported that credit card interchange fees 
and merchant discount fees cost the Federal Government over 
$400,000,000 in fiscal year 2007 (GAO-08-558). The Committee is 
pleased that FMS has initiated a program to identify potential 
cost savings and efficiencies regarding such fees at several 
Federal agencies and directs FMS to continue its plans to 
expand the program to other Federal agencies so that credit 
card transaction costs can be minimized for taxpayers.

                Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $93,515,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      96,900,000
Committee recommendation................................      98,900,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Homeland Security Act created the Alcohol and Tobacco 
Tax and Trade Bureau [TTB] within the Department of the 
Treasury and charged TTB with collecting revenue and protecting 
the public.
    TTB enforces the Federal laws and regulations relating to 
alcohol and tobacco. TTB works directly and in cooperation with 
others to maintain a sound revenue management and collection 
system that continues to reduce the regulatory burden, improve 
service, collect the revenue due, and prevent tax evasion and 
other criminal conduct. The TTB is also responsible for 
preventing consumer deception, ensuring that regulated products 
comply with Federal commodity, safety, and distribution 
requirements, and providing customer service.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $98,900,000 for TTB for fiscal 
year 2009. This amount is an increase of $2,000,000 over the 
budget request and an increase of $5,385,000 over the fiscal 
year 2008 enacted level. The increase over the budget request 
is provided to enable TTB to begin implementation of 
comprehensive lifecycle planning for IT equipment.

                           United States Mint

               UNITED STATES MINT PUBLIC ENTERPRISE FUND

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The United States Mint manufactures coins, sells numismatic 
and investment products, and provides for security and asset 
protection. Public Law 104-52 established the U.S. Mint Public 
Enterprise Fund (the Fund). The Fund encompasses the previous 
Salaries and Expenses, Coinage Profit Fund, Coinage Metal Fund, 
and the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund. The Mint submits 
annual audited business-type financial statements to the 
Secretary of the Treasury and to Congress in support of the 
operations of the revolving fund.
    The operations of the Mint are divided into two major 
activities: Manufacturing and Sales (including circulating 
coinage and numismatic and investment products); and 
Protection. The Mint is credited with receipts from its 
circulating coinage operations, equal to the full cost of 
producing and distributing coins that are put into circulation, 
including depreciation of the Mint's plant and equipment on the 
basis of current replacement value. Those receipts pay for the 
costs of the Mint's operations, which include the costs of 
production and distribution. The difference between the face 
value of the coins and these costs is a profit, which is 
deposited as seigniorage to the general fund. In fiscal year 
2007, the Mint transferred $825,000,000 to the general fund. 
Any seigniorage used to finance the Mint's capital acquisitions 
is recorded as budget authority in the year that funds are 
obligated for this purpose and as receipts over the life of the 
asset.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a spending level of $42,150,000 
for circulating coinage and protective service capital 
investments for the Mint. This amount is an increase of 
$8,950,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and is 
equal to the budget request.

                       Bureau of the Public Debt

                     ADMINISTERING THE PUBLIC DEBT

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $172,871,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     177,054,000
Committee recommendation................................     177,054,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Public Debt Service was formed in 1919 with the 
appointment of the first Commissioner of the Public Debt. The 
Public Debt Service took general charge of debt operations 
including debt accounting and securities issue and retirement, 
which had been conducted by several independent divisions 
within the Treasury. Acting under the authorization of the 
Reorganization Act of 1939, the President created the Bureau of 
the Public Debt, which was established as part of the Fiscal 
Service in the Department of the Treasury effective June 30, 
1940 (31 U.S.C. 306). In 1993, the Savings Bonds Division, a 
separate organization, was made part of the Bureau.
    This appropriation provides funds for the conduct of all 
public debt operations and the promotion of the sale of U.S. 
savings-type securities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $177,054,000 for the Bureau of the 
Public Debt for fiscal year 2009. This amount is an increase of 
$4,183,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and is 
equal to the budget request.

           Community Development Financial Institutions Fund

   COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $94,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      28,620,000
Committee recommendation................................     100,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund makes 
investments in the form of grants, loans, equity investments, 
deposits, and technical assistance grants to new and existing 
community development financial institutions [CDFIs] through 
the CDFI program. CDFIs include community development banks, 
credit unions, venture capital funds, revolving loan funds, and 
microloan funds, among others. Recipient institutions engage in 
lending and investment for affordable housing, small business, 
and community development within underserved communities. The 
CDFI Fund administers the Bank Enterprise Award [BEA] Program, 
which provides a financial incentive to insured depository 
institutions to undertake community development financing 
activities. The CDFI Fund also administers the New Markets Tax 
Credit Program, a program that provides an incentive to 
investors in the form of a tax credit, which is expected to 
stimulate private community and economic development 
activities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $100,000,000 for the CDFI Fund, 
which is $6,000,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level 
and $71,380,000 above the budget request.
    The Committee is again concerned about the proposed 
reductions to CDFI and the respective programs within CDFI, 
such as the Bank Enterprise Award [BEA]. These programs play an 
important role in providing financial services to underserved 
communities in both urban and rural areas across the country, a 
role that is particularly crucial during times of economic 
downturn. The Committee expects the BEA program to be funded in 
accordance with the authorizing statute, 12 U.S.C. 4718(a)(4).
    The Committee recommends a set-aside of $8,280,000 for 
grants, loans, and technical assistance and training programs 
to benefit Native American, Alaskan Natives, and Native 
Hawaiian communities in the coordination of development 
strategies, increased access to equity investments, and loans 
for development activities.
    Leveraging outside funds is a fundamental goal of the CDFI 
program. The Committee encourages CDFI to improve its 
measurement of the extent that Federal program funds leverage 
other non-Federal funds for CDFIs across the country. GAO found 
that the current method used by CDFI may be underestimating how 
Federal funding attracts other sources of funding for CDFIs 
(GAO 08-136). The Committee stresses the importance of 
accurately measuring the return on the Federal contribution to 
CDFIs for use in future funding decisions.

                    Bureau of Engraving and Printing

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Bureau of Engraving and Printing [BEP] has been the 
sole manufacturer of U.S. paper currency for almost 150 years. 
The origin of the BEP is traced to an Act of Congress passed on 
February 25, 1862, 12 Stat. 345, authorizing the Secretary of 
the Treasury to issue a new currency--United States notes. 
While this law was the cornerstone authority for the operations 
of the engraving and printing division of the Treasury for many 
years, it was not until an Act of June 20, 1874, 18 Stat. 100, 
that the Congress first referred to this division as the 
``Bureau of Engraving and Printing.'' The Bureau's status as a 
distinct bureau within the Department of the Treasury was 
solidified by section 1 of the Act of June 4, 1897, 30 Stat. 
18, which placed all of the business of the BEP under the 
immediate control of a director, subject to the direction of 
the Secretary of the Treasury. The 1897 law is now codified in 
31 U.S.C. 303.
    The BEP designs, manufactures, and supplies Federal Reserve 
notes and other security documents issued by the Federal 
Government.
    The operations of the BEP are currently financed by means 
of a revolving fund established in accordance with the 
provisions of Public Law 656, August 4, 1950 (31 U.S.C. 181), 
which requires the BEP to be reimbursed by customer agencies 
for all costs of manufacturing products and services performed. 
The BEP is also authorized to assess amounts to acquire capital 
equipment and provide for working capital needs.
    No direct appropriation is required to cover the activities 
of the BEP.

                        Internal Revenue Service

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Internal Revenue Service [IRS] administers the Nation's 
tax laws and collects the revenue that funds over 96 percent of 
the Federal Government's operations and public services. The 
IRS's mission is to provide taxpayers with quality service by 
helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and 
by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all. The 
IRS focuses its enforcement programs toward increasing 
voluntary tax compliance by deterring taxpayers inclined to 
evade their tax obligations while vigorously pursuing those who 
violate the law. Each year, IRS employees deal directly with 
more American taxpayers than any other institution, public or 
private. In 2007, the IRS collected more than 
$2,400,000,000,000 in revenue, net of refunds, and processed 
more than 235 million tax returns. During the 2007 filing 
season, more than half of all individual taxpayers (over 78 
million) filed electronically. Also, in fiscal year 2007, the 
IRS customer assistance call centers answered 33.2 million 
assistor telephone calls and 21.1 million automated calls. Over 
129 million taxpayers were assisted through taxpayer education 
programs. There were over 7 million contacts at Taxpayer 
Assistance Centers, and nearly 215 million visits to the IRS 
website. An important focus for the IRS in recent years has 
been to undertake a major modernization of its systems, 
including expanding its Internet services, and business 
operations to better serve taxpayers and enforce the law.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $11,524,848,000 for the Internal 
Revenue Service for fiscal year 2009. This is an increase of 
$430,329,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and 
$163,339,000 above the budget request.
    Tax Gap.--The vast majority of Americans pay their fair 
share of taxes, yet there is still a ``tax gap.'' The tax gap 
is the difference between what taxpayers are supposed to pay 
and what they actually do pay. In its update of the results of 
a 3-year study, the IRS found that for tax year 2001, about 84 
percent of owed taxes were paid voluntarily and timely. 
However, a significant number of taxpayers do not comply with 
the Tax Code resulting in an estimated gross tax gap of 
$345,000,000,000. The IRS estimates that after enforcement and 
other late payments are factored into the gross tax gap, the 
net tax gap is about $290,000,000,000. The most current 
estimate of the tax gap remains largely unchanged from the 
IRS's initial update conducted in 2006, and has remained 
relatively stable for the past three decades based on previous 
IRS studies. The accuracy of the tax gap, however, is uncertain 
given the use of outdated and incomplete information and 
questionable methodology. Some experts, including the GAO and 
TIGTA, believe that the tax gap may actually be higher than 
estimated by the IRS. The Committee strongly believes that the 
IRS must and can reduce the tax gap if the IRS is given 
additional resources and is able to improve its operational 
capabilities (most notably through the Business Systems 
Modernization program).
    To reduce the tax gap, experts recommend a number of 
approaches, including: improving information reporting, 
improving taxpayer services, increasing research on 
noncompliance, improving the partnership between the IRS and 
the tax administration community, and leveraging technology to 
improve IRS's systems. The Committee supports all of these 
approaches in combination.
    The Committee acknowledges the Department of the Treasury 
and the IRS's August 2007 publication, ``Reducing the Tax Gap: 
A Report on Improving Voluntary Compliance.'' The Committee 
shares the concern that the steps outlined in that report are 
preliminary, and that absent a better understanding of the 
current sources of noncompliance, efforts to improve compliance 
may be hampered, misdirected, and difficult to measure. To gain 
meaningful insights into taxpayer behavior, the Committee 
strongly supports the work of the National Research Program.
    The Committee notes that as part of its budget submission, 
the IRS proposes 16 legislative reforms in four categories, to 
recoup $36,000,000,000, or 12 percent of the $290,000,000,000 
net tax gap over 10 years. The Committee is concerned that such 
an approach is far from aggressive, and amounts to a meager 
return of just slightly more than a penny on the dollar.
    Operating Plan and Notification.--In addition to the normal 
operating plan requirements detailed in the introduction in 
this report, the Committee directs the IRS to include details 
on any planned reorganization, job reductions or increases to 
offices or activities within the agency, and modifications to 
any service or enforcement activity. Some past examples that 
would qualify under this directive include: the Modernization 
and Information Technology Systems [MITS] reorganization and 
the proposed closure of taxpayer assistance centers. The 
Committee also directs the IRS to obtain and include comments 
of the IRS Oversight Board as part of its operating plan 
submission to the Committee. Further, the IRS should promptly 
notify the Committee and the IRS Oversight Board if there are 
any substantial changes to these plans.
    The Committee remains concerned about any efforts to reduce 
specific taxpayer services, including face-to-face services. 
Therefore, the Committee directs that if the IRS proposes 
further reductions in taxpayer services, such reductions must 
be consistent with the budget justification, operating plan, 
and Taxpayer Assistance Blueprint, and the IRS must demonstrate 
that such reductions will not result in a decline in voluntary 
compliance. Where such reductions involve a reduction in face-
to-face service, the IRS must demonstrate that the proposed 
reductions do not adversely impact compliance by taxpayers who 
are dependent on such services, by showing, through such means 
as a successful pilot program, survey, or other empirical 
study, that there is an effective and viable service 
alternative available.
    Administration of the Economic Stimulus Act.--As part of 
the enactment of the Economic Stimulus Act (Public Law 110-285) 
to spur economic growth, Congress approved payments to 
approximately 128 million Americans. Emergency supplemental 
funding of $202,135,000 was provided for the IRS to administer 
the program, of which $50,720,000 was designated for the 
Taxpayer Services account and $151,415,000 was allocated for 
the Operations Support account.
    The Committee acknowledges the enormous challenges posed by 
the timing of this law at the height of the 2008 filing season, 
particularly the need to hire, train, and deploy staff. The 
Committee is pleased that, while the IRS administered two 
filing seasons concurrently, the initial distribution of 
stimulus payments occurred ahead of schedule, and that through 
June 13, 2008, the IRS has processed payments to over 76 
million taxpayers totaling almost $64,000,000,000. The 
Committee commends IRS's ``It's Not Too Late'' program to 
identify and reach individuals who are eligible for the 
stimulus payment but who have not filed a 2007 tax return.
    The Committee is concerned that in order to quickly 
implement and manage the economic stimulus program, the IRS was 
forced to reassign some employees from its Accounts Management 
and Automated Collection System functions to respond to a surge 
in the volume of telephone calls and visits to walk-in centers 
related to the economic stimulus payment program. The Committee 
understands that as a result of these temporary staffing 
reassignments, the IRS estimates that the loss in collection 
revenue will be approximately $565,000,000.
    The Committee is also concerned about the problems 
encountered in the child tax credit area, the misdirection of 
some direct deposits into wrong accounts, and delays 
experienced by taxpayers who arranged Refund Anticipation Loans 
[RALs] or Refund Anticipation Checks [RACs].
    The Committee directs the IRS to provide an assessment of 
lessons learned from the administration of the 2008 economic 
stimulus program, including recommendations for managing 
similar programs in the future and minimizing declines in level 
of core services, to the Committees on Appropriations no later 
than 120 days after enactment of this act. As part of such 
report, the Committee requests that the IRS include an analysis 
of the feasibility, including costs savings, of converting 
taxpayers who receive paper checks to electronic or debit card 
payment systems.
    IRS Staffing Plans.--The Committee continues to support 
adequate staffing levels for effective tax administration and 
supports the staffing plans for the Internal Revenue Service 
facilities in the communities of Martinsburg and Beckley, West 
Virginia. Therefore, the Committee urges the IRS, within the 
constraints of the fiscal year 2009 funding levels, to make no 
staffing reductions at the Martinsburg National Computing 
Center and the programmed level at the Finance Center in 
Beckley, West Virginia. Further, the Committee directs the IRS 
to provide an annual report to the Committee on its efforts to 
protect and increase staffing levels at the Martinsburg and 
Beckley IRS facilities.
    Taxpayer Services in Alaska and Hawaii.--Given the remote 
distance of Alaska and Hawaii from the U.S. mainland and the 
difficulty experienced by Alaska and Hawaii taxpayers in 
receiving needed tax assistance by the national toll-free line, 
it is imperative that the Taxpayer Advocate Service Center in 
each of these States is fully staffed and capable of resolving 
taxpayer problems of the most complex nature. The Committee 
directs the Internal Revenue Service to continue to staff each 
Taxpayer Advocate Service Center in each of these States with a 
Collection Technical Advisor and an Examination Technical 
Advisor in addition to the current complement of office staff.

                           TAXPAYER SERVICES

Appropriations, 2008....................................  $2,150,000,000
Supplemental appropriation, 2008........................      50,720,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................   2,150,000,000
Committee recommendation................................   2,213,350,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Taxpayer Services appropriation provides for taxpayer 
services, including forms and publications; processing tax 
returns and related documents; filing and account services; 
taxpayer advocacy services; and assisting taxpayers to 
understand their tax obligations, correctly file their returns, 
and pay taxes due in a timely manner.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $2,213,350,000 for Taxpayer 
Services, which is $63,350,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level, excluding emergency supplemental appropriations, 
and $63,350,000 above the budget request. Bill language is 
included providing not less than $4,000,000 for the tax 
counseling for the elderly program, not less than $9,000,000 
for low-income taxpayer clinic grants, not less than 
$8,000,000, to be available for 2 years, for a community 
volunteer income tax assistance matching grant program for tax 
return preparation assistance and $194,073,500 for the Taxpayer 
Advocate Service.
    The Committee disagrees with the President's proposal to 
provide no increase in funding for Taxpayer Services. The 
Committee is concerned that maintaining this account at the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level will pose a considerable 
challenge to the ability of the IRS to fully implement the 
Taxpayer Assistance Blueprint. The Committee observes that one 
of the four core principles of the Treasury Department's 
comprehensive strategy for reducing the tax gap is to combine 
enforcement activities with a commitment to taxpayer service. 
The Committee finds that proposed program decreases to Taxpayer 
Assistance Centers and outreach and reduced funding for pre-
filing taxpayer assistance and education disregard that 
commitment.
    The Committee strongly believes that ``Service + 
Enforcement = Compliance'' and provides an additional 
$63,350,000 above the President's request for Taxpayer 
Services. The Committee directs the IRS to restore appropriated 
resources devoted to the pre-filing taxpayer assistance and 
education component of this account to not less than the fiscal 
year 2008 enacted level of $645,375,000. In addition, the 
Committee expects the IRS to devote not less than $6,300,000 to 
maintain its processing of essential pension plan return 
information while transitioning to a new mandated electronic 
filing system in 2010.
    Taxpayer Assistance Blueprint.--In response to the 
Committee's directive in the fiscal year 2006 Treasury 
Appropriations Act, the IRS, in consultation with the IRS 
Oversight Board and the National Taxpayer Advocate, developed a 
``Taxpayer Assistance Blueprint'' to institute a 5-year 
strategic plan for taxpayer services. As directed by the 
Committee, the IRS reviewed its portfolio of taxpayer services 
and explored other types of services to meet the needs of 
taxpayers. The plan details how the IRS plans to meet the 
service needs on a geographic basis (by State and major 
metropolitan area), including proposals to realign existing 
resources to improve taxpayer access to services, and addresses 
how the IRS will improve taxpayer service based on reliable 
data on taxpayer service needs. The plan incorporates 
activities to expand efforts to partner with State and local 
governments and private entities to improve taxpayer services. 
The Committee commends the IRS, the IRS Oversight Board, and 
the National Taxpayer Advocate for their efforts to produce the 
Blueprint. The Committee supports ongoing efforts to conduct 
research on taxpayer needs and taxpayer service performance.
    The Committee directs the IRS, the IRS Oversight Board, and 
the National Taxpayer Advocate to submit to Congress annual 
updates to the Taxpayer Assistance Blueprint identifying any 
changes to its strategic plan for taxpayer service, including 
the results of any new research and relevant findings, and any 
open issues requiring additional research.
    E-Filing.--The Committee is heartened by the IRS's improved 
performance in increasing the number of tax filers who submit 
their returns electronically and without additional cost. 
Eighty million tax returns were e-filed in 2007. While the IRS 
did not meet its congressionally mandated goal of having 80 
percent of tax returns filed electronically by 2007 it achieved 
an overall e-file rate of 65 percent, up over 9 percent. The 
Committee directs the IRS, in consultation with stakeholders, 
including the National Taxpayer Advocate, to implement a 
strategy to achieve the 80 percent e-file goal. This plan 
should address alternate electronic filing strategies, 
including Telefile and 2-D Bar Coding and methods of e-filing 
directly with the IRS for free.
    The Committee believes that the IRS will deliver better 
taxpayer service, achieve improved compliance, and reduce the 
tax gap if taxpayer behavior is better understood and applied 
research is integrated into the development of taxpayer service 
and enforcement initiatives. Toward that end, the Committee 
looks forward to the results of the study by the National 
Taxpayer Advocate and the IRS Office of Research on factors 
that influence taxpayer compliance behavior, including how and 
the extent to which various factors influence such behavior, as 
well as any recommendations made in the report for the 
establishment of a cognitive learning and applied research 
laboratory.
    EITC.--The Committee is concerned that many low-income 
taxpayers and their families are having their Earned Income Tax 
Credit [EITC] benefits unnecessarily diminished through high-
cost, short-term products such as refund anticipation loans 
[RALs]. The Committee directs the Internal Revenue Service, in 
consultation with the National Taxpayer Advocate, to educate 
consumers about the costs associated with these products and 
expand access to alternative methods of obtaining timely tax 
refunds.
    IRS data reflect that in 2006, 22,400,000 households 
received a total of $43,700,000,000 through the EITC through 
reduced taxes and refunds. Concerns have been raised that an 
estimated 7,500,000 families failed to take advantage of the 
credit because they did not know they were eligible, leaving 
about $14,500,000,000 in the Treasury. The Committee strongly 
urges the IRS to take immediate steps to increase outreach and 
education to increase the number of eligible taxpayers who may 
benefit from this program.
    Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.--The Volunteer 
Income Tax Assistance [VITA] program is an important aspect of 
IRS efforts to provide income tax preparation assistance 
programs for low-income taxpayers. The Committee provides 
$8,000,000 to the IRS to be available for 2 years specifically 
for exclusive use as part of continuing a matching grant 
program established and administered by the IRS, in 
consultation with the Taxpayer Advocate Service, for not for 
profit organizations which provide volunteer income tax return 
preparation services for lower income individual taxpayers.
    As outlined in the Explanatory Statement for Division D, 
Financial Services and General Government Appropriations, 2008 
(Public Law 110-161), this program shall provide direct funds 
to enable VITA programs to extend services to underserved 
populations and hardest-to-reach areas, both urban and non-
urban, as well as to increase the capacity to file returns 
electronically, heighten quality control, enhance training of 
volunteers, and significantly improve the accuracy rate of 
returns prepared by VITA sites. The Committee reinforces its 
expectation that the IRS should employ an equitable selection 
methodology which takes into account geographic diversity, and 
include an evaluation component to measure the overall 
effectiveness of the program and the results achieved.
    The IRS is not permitted to treat any in-kind contributions 
from the IRS as counting toward the $8,000,000 appropriation 
nor shall the IRS reduce any current contributions toward tax 
return preparation services. As the IRS promotes this grant 
program, the Committee strong urges the IRS to take steps to 
address the concerns identified by both the GAO and the TIGTA 
regarding the accuracy of tax preparation services provided at 
VITA sites in the past.
    Charitable Exempt Organizations.--The Committee is 
encouraged by recent IRS actions to invest greater resources in 
activities that educate charitable exempt organizations about 
their obligations under the tax code, helping to increase 
voluntary compliance and strengthen charities' ability to 
improve lives and communities. The Committee anticipates that 
the IRS will utilize the increased resources in this 
appropriation to continue to expand outreach to and education 
of charitable organizations, particularly in light of 
significant changes to tax-exempt laws in the Pension 
Protection Act and other statutes.
    A recent TIGTA audit found that efforts by the IRS to 
educate tax-exempt organizations about prohibited political 
activities were increased, and several internal processes were 
enhanced. The Committee urges the IRS to incorporate TIGTA's 
recommendations to improve the effectiveness of efforts as a 
way to increase the likelihood that tax-exempt organizations 
will discontinue prohibited activities before the relevant 
election and that tax-exempt organization activities will be 
evaluated consistently and fairly.
    IRS Free File Program.--The Free File Program allows 
taxpayers meeting certain income requirements to electronically 
prepare and file their income tax returns free of charge. The 
IRS administers the Program as a partnership with the Free File 
Alliance, a consortium of tax software companies. The Committee 
is encouraged that usage has increased over 18 percent. The 
Committee has had long-standing concern that eligible taxpayers 
are not taking full advantage of this program. The Committee 
expects IRS to place a high priority on improving marketing and 
administration of the program as outlined by TIGTA. The 
Committee further urges the IRS to devote the resources 
necessary to ensure that individual taxpayers who access the 
IRS Website are not subjected to cross-marketing and selling 
activity when utilizing Free File. The IRS should likewise 
promote public awareness of the availability of this program 
among those who can most benefit from its free services, 
particularly lower income, disadvantaged, the working poor and 
other underserved populations.

                              ENFORCEMENT

Appropriations, 2008....................................  $4,780,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................   5,117,267,000
Committee recommendation................................   5,117,267,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Enforcement appropriation provides for the examination 
of tax returns, both domestic and international; the 
administrative and judicial settlement of taxpayer appeals of 
examination findings; technical rulings; monitoring employee 
pension plans; determining qualifications of organizations 
seeking tax-exempt status; examining tax returns of exempt 
organizations; enforcing statutes relating to detection and 
investigation of criminal violations of the internal revenue 
laws; identifying underreporting of tax obligations; securing 
unfiled tax returns; and collecting unpaid accounts.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends the budget request level of 
$5,117,267,000 for enforcement activities for fiscal year 2009. 
This amount is $337,267,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted 
level and the same as the budget request. Bill language is 
included to transfer not less than $57,252,000 to the 
Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement [ICDE] program and to 
transfer up to $10,000,000 from the Enforcement account to the 
Operations Support account to support the ICDE program.
    National Research Program.--As noted previously, the 
Committee strongly supports the work of the National Research 
Program [NRP] to increase understanding of the tax gap. While 
the IRS's NRP has done a commendable job in updating the tax 
gap estimates, significant challenges remain in obtaining 
complete and timely data and in developing reliable methods for 
interpreting the data. The IRS and others have expressed 
concerns with the certainty of the overall tax gap estimate in 
part because some aspects of the estimate rely on data from the 
1970s and 1980s and in other areas, no estimates are available. 
The Committee agrees with GAO, TIGTA, the National Taxpayer 
Advocate, and the IRS Oversight Board which have all 
recommended greater and more frequent data collection and 
studies of the tax gap.
    The Committee believes that an understanding of the causes 
of inadvertent noncompliance and the role of preparers in 
facilitating both inadvertent and intentional noncompliance 
will improve tax administration and should inform IRS's 
allocation of resources. Thus, in administering its NRP for 
fiscal year 2009, the Committee directs the IRS to collect 
information on the causes of noncompliance, including 
inadvertent noncompliance, the type of return preparation 
method (self, volunteer, paid preparer, or IRS preparer), 
whether the taxpayer was represented during the examination, 
and the extent to which that taxpayer sought and received IRS 
services. The Committee further directs the IRS to use an 
independent external survey firm to conduct interviews with NRP 
taxpayers in order to identify the causes of taxpayer 
noncompliance. The Committee directs the National Taxpayer 
Advocate to assist with this effort.
    Misclassification of Contractors.--The Committee continues 
to be highly concerned with the misclassification of workers as 
independent contractors, who file using IRS Form 1099. Many of 
these workers should be correctly classified as employees and 
should file using W-2 forms. This misclassification leads to 
the underreporting and underpayment of employment and payroll 
taxes by employers and individuals, which accounts for a 
substantial portion of the gross tax gap. Therefore, the 
Committee strongly urges the IRS to provide increased tax 
enforcement in industries where misclassification of employees 
is widespread.
    The Committee is also concerned about disturbing reports 
about companies establishing offshore subsidiaries to hire 
employees so as to avoid payment of U.S. payroll taxes, and 
strongly urges the IRS to investigate and take action in 
response to such schemes, which constitute an estimated annual 
loss to the Treasury of $100,000,000.
    Charitable Exempt Organizations.--The Committee notes 
enactment of sweeping changes to the tax laws governing 
charitable exempt organizations designed to strengthen the 
accountability and transparency of the nonprofit community. The 
Committee is aware that funding for Internal Revenue Service 
oversight of exempt organizations has remained relatively 
constant over the past 20 years while the nonprofit community 
has nearly doubled in size and grown in complexity.

                           OPERATIONS SUPPORT

Appropriations, 2008....................................  $3,680,059,000
Supplemental appropriation, 2008........................     151,415,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................   3,856,172,000
Committee recommendation................................   3,896,650,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Operations Support appropriation provides for overall 
planning and direction of the IRS including shared service 
support related to facilities services, rent payments, 
printing, postage, and security; other support functions that 
are considered overhead but essential to the successful 
operation of IRS programs including resources for headquarters 
management activities, including IRS-wide support for strategic 
planning, communications and liaison, finance, human resources, 
EEO and diversity; research and statistics of income; and 
necessary expenses for information systems and 
telecommunication support, including developmental information 
systems and operational information systems.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $3,896,650,000 for Operations 
Support for fiscal year 2009. This amount is $216,591,000 above 
the fiscal year 2008 enacted level, excluding emergency 
supplemental appropriations and $40,478,000 above the budget 
request. Bill language is included allowing $75,000,000 of 
these funds to remain available until September 30, 2010 for 
information technology support and not to exceed $1,000,000 to 
remain available until September 30, 2011, for research; not 
less than $2,000,000 for the Internal Revenue Oversight Board; 
and $25,000,000 for official reception and representation. The 
Committee has provided additional reception and representation 
funds due to the IRS's growing role in international tax 
administration. These funds will be used to host meetings with 
international tax organizations such as the Joint International 
Tax Shelter Information Centre, Inter-American Center for Tax 
Administrators, and others.
    Information Technology [IT] Management and Oversight.--The 
IRS has made significant strides in improving the management 
and oversight of its business systems modernization [BSM] 
program. The IRS needs to vigilantly address major systemic 
problems with its non-BSM portfolio of information technology 
projects. TIGTA has identified problems in several areas of IT 
management and oversight including, but not limited to, such 
areas as classification of investment projects, oversight and 
governance structure, risk management, contingency planning, 
and contractor performance and accountability.
    The Committee expects the IRS to monitor its entire non-BSM 
IT portfolio (regardless of tier classification) and make any 
changes as necessary to ensure that each project has (1) been 
properly classified for investment decision and management 
purposes, (2) the appropriate governance structure in place 
(such as an executive steering committee), (3) a risk 
management plan, (4) a contingency plan in case of breakdowns 
or failures in scheduled deliverables, (5) adequate provisions 
in the contracts to ensure penalties and repayment to the 
agency if performance is not met, (6) adequate contractor 
staffing and management in place to fulfill the contract terms 
and deliverables, and (7) been certified by the head of the 
relevant IRS business unit that the project is deemed necessary 
for its operations and meets its requirements.

                     BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $267,090,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     222,664,000
Committee recommendation................................     282,175,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Business Systems Modernization account provides for 
revamping business practices and acquiring new technology. The 
IRS has undertaken a multi-year, multi-billion dollar effort to 
migrate from its antiquated legacy system to bring the IRS tax 
administration system to a level of public and private sector 
best practices. The IRS is using a formal methodology to 
prioritize, approve, fund, and evaluate its portfolio of 
business systems modernization investments. This methodology is 
designed to enforce a documented, repeatable, and measurable 
process for managing investments throughout their life cycle. 
The process is reviewed by the Government Accountability Office 
on a regular basis as part of the submission requirements for 
expenditure plans to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations. The expenditure plan approval process prior to 
the use of appropriated funds continues for fiscal year 2009.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $282,175,000 for Business Systems 
Modernization [BSM] for fiscal year 2009. This amount is 
$15,085,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and 
$59,511,000 above the budget request. The Committee concurs 
with the belief, espoused by the IRS Oversight Board in its 
March 2008 Special Report on its Fiscal Year 2009 IRS Budget 
Recommendation, that when fully implemented, modernized IRS 
information systems will save billions of dollars in burden 
reduction for American taxpayers and significantly improve the 
efficiency of the IRS. For example, the replacement of the 
aging, vintage 1969 Individual Master File with the new 
Customer Account Data Engine [CADE] will permit daily rather 
than weekly updating of individual tax accounts. With CADE as 
its centerpiece, systems modernization by the IRS promotes 
enhanced customer service, more expeditious refund processing, 
and better administration of the tax system.
    The Committee views a reduction in funding for Business 
Systems Modernization as highly imprudent and short-sighted 
given the progress made to date and the long-term benefits that 
the new systems will provide. The Committee expects that of the 
funds recommended for the Business Systems Modernization 
account, not less than $78,000,000 should be for continued 
development of the Customer Account Data Engine [CADE] project, 
not less than $35,500,000 should be for Accounts Management 
Services, and not less than $35,000,000 should be for 
Modernized e-File.
    The Committee continues to believe that BSM is the IRS's 
highest management and administrative priority. As one of the 
Federal Government's largest, most visible, and sensitive 
modernization efforts, managing the risks inherent in BSM will 
require vigilant management attention for several years. To the 
IRS's credit, the program has made steady progress over the 
past few years.
    The Committee is dismayed that the budget request fails to 
reflect the criticality of continued progress in modernizing 
IRS's outmoded tax administration and financial systems. The 
Committee is concerned about potential setbacks to needed 
progress as a result of reduced funding. Furthermore, the 
Committee is cognizant of the cost implications of any delays 
in releasing components of the BSM deliverables and appreciates 
regular progress updates and quarterly briefings.

               HEALTH INSURANCE TAX CREDIT ADMINISTRATION

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $15,235,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      15,406,000
Committee recommendation................................      15,406,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This appropriation provides operating funds to administer 
the advance payment feature of a refundable Trade Adjustment 
Assistance health insurance tax credit program to assist 
dislocated workers with their health insurance premiums. The 
tax credit program was enacted by the Trade Act of 2002 (Public 
Law 107-210) and became effective in August 2003.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides the budget request 
level of $15,406,000 for the Health Insurance Tax Credit 
Administration in fiscal year 2009. This amount is $171,000 
above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level, and the same as the 
budget request.

          ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

    The Committee has included four administrative provisions 
carried in prior appropriations acts and two new administrative 
provisions. The administrative provisions are as follows:
    Section 101 continues a provision allowing the IRS to 
transfer up to 5 percent of any appropriation made available to 
the Agency in fiscal year 2009 to any other IRS account, with 
the exception of the Enforcement account, which is limited to 3 
percent. The IRS is directed to follow the Committee's 
reprogramming procedures outlined earlier in this report.
    Section 102 continues a provision maintaining a training 
program in taxpayers' rights and cross-cultural relations.
    Section 103 continues a provision requiring the IRS to 
institute and enforce policies and procedures, which will 
safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayer information.
    Section 104 continues a provision directing that funds 
shall be available for improved facilities and increased 
staffing to support a 1-800 help line service for taxpayers.
    Section 105 is a new provision designating not less than 
$6,997,000,000 for enhanced tax enforcement to address the 
Federal tax gap and an additional $490,000,000 for the Internal 
Revenue Service for enhanced tax enforcement activities. This 
provision is consistent with section 312(c)(2)(B) of the 
concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2009 (House 
Report 110-659).
    Section 106 is a new provision that prohibits the use of 
funds in this act to enter into, renew, extend, administer, 
implement, enforce, provide oversight of, or make any payment 
related to any qualified tax collection contract.

         Administrative Provisions--Department of the Treasury

    The Committee includes 10 administrative provisions carried 
over from prior appropriations acts and two new administrative 
provisions. The administrative provisions are as follows:
    Section 107 authorizes certain basic services within the 
Treasury Department in fiscal year 2009, including purchase of 
uniforms; maintenance, repairs, and cleaning; purchase of 
insurance for official motor vehicles operated in foreign 
countries; and contracts with the Department of State for 
health and medical services to employees and their dependents 
serving in foreign countries.
    Section 108 authorizes transfers, up to 2 percent, between 
Departmental Offices, Office of Inspector General, Financial 
Management Service, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and the Bureau of the 
Public Debt appropriations under certain circumstances.
    Section 109 authorizes transfer, up to 2 percent, between 
the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Inspector General 
for Tax Administration under certain circumstances.
    Section 110 requires that the purchase of law enforcement 
vehicles be consistent with departmental vehicle management 
principles.
    Section 111 prohibits the Department of the Treasury and 
the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from redesigning the $1 
Federal Reserve Note.
    Section 112 authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to 
transfer funds from Salaries and Expenses, Financial Management 
Service, to the Debt Collection Fund as necessary to cover the 
costs of debt collection. Such amounts shall be reimbursed to 
the Salaries and Expenses account from debt collections 
received in the Debt Collection Fund.
    Section 113 extends for 1 year the authority to conduct a 
personnel management demonstration project.
    Section 114 requires prior approval for the construction 
and operation of a museum by the United States Mint.
    Section 115 prohibits the merger of the United States Mint 
and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing without prior approval 
of the committees of jurisdiction.
    Section 116 is a provision that authorizes the Department's 
intelligence activities.
    Section 117 permits the Department of the Treasury to 
transfer, among the Treasury Financial Management Services, 
Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Services, and Internal 
Revenue Service Operations Support accounts, funds provided in 
Public Law 110-185 to carry out the stimulus tax rebates. Such 
transfer authority is intended to facilitate administration of 
the program and is subject to advance notification to the 
Committees on Appropriations. However, any transfer of funds 
exceeding $5,000,000 is subject to advance approval of the 
Committee on Appropriations.
    Section 118 permits the Bureau of Engraving and printing to 
use $5,000 from the Industrial Revolving Fund for reception and 
representation expenses.

                                TITLE II

    EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE 
                               PRESIDENT

                     Compensation of the President

Appropriations, 2008....................................        $450,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................         450,000
Committee recommendation................................         450,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides for the compensation of the 
President, including an expense allowance as authorized by 3 
U.S.C. 102.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $450,000 for 
compensation of the President, including an expense allowance 
of $50,000. This is the same as the fiscal year 2008 enacted 
level and the same as the budget estimate. The expense account 
is for official use as authorized by title 3, United States 
Code and is not considered taxable to the President. The bill 
specifies that any unused amount shall revert to the Treasury 
consistent with 31 U.S.C. 1552.

                           White House Office

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $51,656,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................           (\1\)
Committee recommendation................................      52,499,000

\1\The budget proposes a consolidation of most accounts for the White 
House of $190,078,000, including this account.
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                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The ``Salaries and Expenses'' account of the White House 
Office provides staff assistance and administrative services 
for the direct support of the President. The office also serves 
as the President's representative before the media. In 
accordance with 3 U.S.C. 105, the office also supports and 
assists the activities of the spouse of the President.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $52,499,000 
for White House Office Salaries and Expenses. The 
recommendation is $843,000 more than the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level and is equal to certain assumptions in the budget 
estimate.
    The Committee has rejected the administration's request to 
include many of the offices under the Executive Office of the 
President under a single, consolidated account, including this 
account. The Committee objects to the overall proposal since it 
would undermine the ability of the Congress to exercise 
adequate oversight regarding how these funds are expended.

                 Executive Residence at the White House

                           OPERATING EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $12,814,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................           (\1\)
Committee recommendation................................      13,363,000

\1\The budget proposes a consolidation of most accounts for the White 
House of $190,078,000 including this account.
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                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    These funds provide for the care, maintenance, repair, 
alteration, refurnishing, improvement, air-conditioning, 
heating, and lighting of the White House and the official and 
ceremonial functions of the President.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,363,000 
for the Executive Residence at the White House. The Committee 
recommendation is $549,000 more than the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level and is equal to certain assumptions in the budget 
estimate. The administration's request includes many of the 
accounts under the Executive Office of the President under a 
single, consolidated account, including this account. The 
Committee objects to the overall proposal since it would 
undermine the ability of the Congress to exercise adequate 
oversight regarding how these funds are expended. The 
accompanying bill also continues certain restrictions on 
reimbursable expenses for use of the Executive Residence.

                   WHITE HOUSE REPAIR AND RESTORATION

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $1,600,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................           (\1\)
Committee recommendation................................       1,600,000

\1\The budget proposes a consolidation of most accounts for the White 
House of $190,078,000 including this account.
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                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account funds the repair, alteration, and improvement 
of the Executive Residence at the White House. A separate 
account was established in fiscal year 1996 to program and 
track expenditures for the capital improvement projects at the 
Executive Residence at the White House.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,600,000 for 
White House Repair and Restoration, the same amount as assumed 
in the overall budget request and the same as the fiscal year 
2008 enacted level.

                      Council of Economic Advisers

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $4,118,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................           (\1\)
Committee recommendation................................       4,118,000

\1\The budget proposes a consolidation of most accounts for the White 
House of $190,078,000 including this account.
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                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Council of Economic Advisers analyzes the national 
economy and its various segments, advises the President on 
economic developments, recommends policies for economic growth 
and stability, appraises economic programs and policies of the 
Federal Government, and assists in the preparation of the 
annual Economic Report of the President to Congress.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,118,000 for 
salaries and expenses of the Council of Economic Advisers. This 
amount is the same as the amount assumed in the overall budget 
request and is equal to the fiscal year 2008 enacted level.

                      Office of Policy Development

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $3,482,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................           (\1\)
Committee recommendation................................       5,250,000

\1\The budget proposes a consolidation of most accounts of the White 
House of $190,078,000 including this account.
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                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of Policy Development supports the National 
Economic Council and the Domestic Policy Council in carrying 
out their responsibilities to advise and assist the President 
in the formulation, coordination, and implementation of 
economic and domestic policy. The Office of Policy Development 
also provides support for other domestic policy development and 
implementation activities as directed by the President.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $5,250,000 for the Office of 
Policy Development. This is $1,700,000 higher than the amount 
assumed in the budget request and $1,768,000 above the fiscal 
year 2008 enacted level. The administration's request includes 
many of the accounts under the Executive Office of the 
President under a single, consolidated account, including this 
account. The Committee objects to the overall proposal since it 
would undermine the ability of the Congress to exercise 
adequate oversight regarding how these funds are expended.
    The recommendation includes $1,400,000 for the Office of 
Policy Development to develop and implement a domestic AIDS 
strategy. The Committee is concerned that the Office of 
National AIDS Policy has been eliminated under the current 
administration. Yet, reports indicate that HIV infection rates 
in the United States have not declined in over a decade and 
that half of those living with HIV/AIDS in the United States 
are not receiving adequate health care. The Committee is 
perplexed that although countries receiving assistance from the 
United States are required develop an AIDS strategy for 
improving results, the administration has made no such effort 
for the United States in recent years. The Committee directs 
the Office of Policy Development to coordinate a government-
wide effort to develop and implement a domestic AIDS strategy, 
including targets for improved prevention and treatment 
outcomes, and to issue a report to the Committee on 
Appropriations within 180 days of enactment on the activities 
the administration is conducting to develop a national AIDS 
strategy.
    Tobacco remains the number one preventable cause of death 
in the world, claiming the lives of more than 5 million people 
each year. In the United States, every year, tobacco causes the 
death of more than 438,000 Americans and costs more than 
$167,000,000,000 in both direct health care costs and lost 
productivity. The Committee believes that the Framework 
Convention on Tobacco Control is a comprehensive and 
coordinated approach to address the impact of tobacco on the 
public's health. The United States is one of 168 countries that 
have signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The 
Committee urges the President to send the Framework Convention 
on Tobacco Control to the Senate for ratification.
    The Committee has provided $300,000 within the White House 
Office of Policy Development to support international 
symposiums to discuss ways to improve the relationship between 
faith and science. The participants shall include as many as 30 
internationally-renowned scientists and theologians, equally 
divided. The symposiums should be open to the public. At the 
end of each symposium, the participants shall produce a written 
record of their discussions and the progress made in furthering 
the mutual respect of science and faith. The Committee directs 
that these reports be made available on www.whitehouse.gov.

                       National Security Council

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $8,640,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................           (\1\)
Committee recommendation................................       9,029,000

\1\The budget proposes a consolidation of most accounts of the White 
House of $190,078,000 including this account.
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                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The National Security Council advises the President in 
integrating domestic, foreign, and military policies related to 
national security.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,029,000 for 
the salaries and expenses of the National Security Council. 
This amount is the same as assumed in the budget request and 
$389,000 more than the fiscal year 2008 enacted level.

                        Office of Administration

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $91,745,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................           (\1\)
Committee recommendation................................      95,633,000

\1\The budget proposes a consolidation of most accounts of the White 
House of $190,078,000 including this account.
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                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of Administration's mission is to provide high-
quality, cost-effective administrative services to the 
Executive Office of the President. These services, defined by 
Executive Order 12028 of 1977, include financial, personnel, 
library and records services, information management systems 
support, and general office services.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $95,633,000 
for the Office of Administration for fiscal year 2009, an 
increase of $3,888,000 over the fiscal year 2008 enacted level 
and equal to the amount assumed in the budget request.
    The Committee has not included space rental costs for the 
Office of Management and Budget [OMB] and the Office of 
National Drug Control Policy [ONDCP] in this account. Funding 
for these costs is included within the accounts of the 
respective offices.
    The Committee supports the National Archives and Records 
Administration [NARA] in its efforts to make all appropriate 
electronic records public regardless of original formatting. 
The Committee is concerned, however, about the lack of 
information from the White House on the format and volume of 
records to be transferred for the current administration. This 
poses a significant challenge to NARA as it works to complete 
the documentation effort for the current administration. The 
Committee directs the Office of Administration to work closely 
to meet NARA requirements and deadlines so that a complete 
record is available for the next administration, the Congress, 
and the public.

                    Office of Management and Budget

                         salaries and expenses

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $78,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      72,800,000
Committee recommendation................................      80,172,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of Management and Budget [OMB] assists the 
President in the discharge of his budgetary, management, and 
other executive responsibilities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $80,172,000 
for the Office of Management and Budget which is $2,172,000 
more than the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and $7,372,000 
more than the amount specified in the budget request.
    Of the increase over the budget request, the Committee 
provides $200,000 for printing paper copies of the documents 
associated with the President's annual budget request for 
submission to the Congress. The Committee has included space 
rental costs in this account, rather than in the Office of 
Administration as assumed in the budget request, which accounts 
for the remainder of the increase over the budget estimate.
    The Committee urges the President to establish the Task 
Force on International Cooperation for Clean and Efficient 
Technologies as required under section 916 of the Energy 
Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-140).
    The Committee reminds OMB of the report due to Congress no 
later than March 1, 2009, regarding the extent to which 
executive departments and agencies that administer directed 
funding allocate the designated amounts to intended recipients 
at a level less than specified in any enacted bill or 
accompanying report.
    The bill includes a general provision that directs all 
departments and agencies to include information in the fiscal 
year 2010 budget justifications submitted to Congress regarding 
redirection of congressionally directed funding.

                 Office of National Drug Control Policy

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $26,402,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      23,697,000
Committee recommendation................................      27,900,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of National Drug Control Policy [ONDCP], 
established by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, and 
reauthorized by Public Law 109-469, is charged with developing 
policies, objectives, and priorities for the National Drug 
Control Program. In addition, ONDCP administers the Counterdrug 
Technology Assessment Center, the High Intensity Drug 
Trafficking Areas program, the National Youth Anti-Drug Media 
Campaign, the Drug-Free Communities Program, and several other 
related initiatives.
    This account provides funding for personnel compensation, 
travel, and other basic operations of the Office, and for 
general policy research to support the formulation of the 
National Drug Control Strategy.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $27,900,000 
for ONDCP's salaries and expenses. This amount is $1,498,000 
above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and $4,203,000 above 
the budget request.
    An amount of $3,114,000 is provided under this heading for 
rental payments to the General Services Administration [GSA] 
instead of providing these funds under the heading ``Office of 
Administration''.
    The Committee does not agree with ONDCP's proposal to 
reorganize 3 of the agency's 12 components, therefore the 
Committee has again included a provision to continue the 
prohibition against the reorganization.
    Last year, the Committee requested numerous reports from 
ONDCP, many of which were considerably late, and one of which 
remains overdue as of the writing of this report. Furthermore, 
the Committee stated in various communications (orally and by 
bicameral and bipartisan letter) both last year and this year, 
that consultation with the Committee was expected prior to 
decisions regarding HIDTA funding, yet that still did not 
occur.
    ONDCP often disregards the intent of Congress; defying 
statutory law and directives enacted in previous legislation, 
such as not undoing the reorganization of the budget and CTAC 
offices. The Committee is aware that other entities requiring 
interaction with ONDCP have troubled relationships as well.
    Over a number of years, the Committee has asked ONDCP for 
information relating to such items as staffing levels, 
political appointees, and agency travel, and has received other 
input as well. The Committee is disturbed by such data as a 
result of these inquiries. In particular, the Committee finds 
that:
      From fiscal year 2000 to fiscal year 2008, ONDCP staffing 
        levels have declined by approximately 14 percent to a 
        current level of 106 employees, and both racial/
        ethnicity and female representation have declined 
        significantly as a percentage of the total workforce. 
        Political appointments (with the largest portion being 
        Schedule C appointments) constitute almost a quarter of 
        the workforce at this ``non-partisan'' organization, a 
        level greater than other EOP components. Among career 
        staff, the level of turnover in some years has raised 
        concerns about continuity of leadership as well as 
        sufficiency of expertise. Management policies and 
        practices, particularly those relating to human 
        capital, have resulted in a highly centralized and non-
        transparent structure. More than one-half of ONDCP 
        employees report directly or secondarily to the chief 
        of staff (a non-career SES position), while the deputy 
        director of ONDCP, a Senate-confirmed Presidential 
        appointee, has no supervisory responsibilities. With 
        the likely departure of all political appointees by 
        January 20, 2009, there will be a void in senior-level 
        decisionmaking and institutional knowledge.
      Since its ill-advised and unapproved reorganization, 
        staffing at ONDCP appears mismatched when comparing 
        statutory responsibilities to funding. In particular, 
        the Office of Performance and Budget, given its role in 
        budget review and certification, is understaffed; and 
        the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center, given its 
        limited annual budget, is excessively staffed.
      Like all components of the Executive Office of the 
        President except OMB, ONDCP does not participate in 
        OPM's human capital survey. Nor does it conduct a 
        comparable internal survey of its employees to gain 
        their input. While ONDCP conducts a customer service 
        survey, it does not measure morale, job satisfaction, 
        career development opportunities, leadership, or Equal 
        Employment Opportunity issues. Furthermore, ONDCP does 
        not conduct exit interviews, as recommended by 
        PriceWaterhouseCoopers in its 2000 report to ONDCP. 
        Therefore, neither ONDCP nor the Committee has a solid 
        basis upon which to measure the health of the 
        organization or the quality of the work environment.
      During the period from fiscal year 2003 through fiscal 
        year 2007, travel by ONDCP political appointees 
        increased disproportionately as a percentage of total 
        ONDCP travel. Travel expenditures by political 
        appointees for the agency peaked in fiscal year 2006.
      As a result of these concerns as well as others, the 
        Committee directed in the fiscal year 2008 
        appropriations bill that the National Academy of Public 
        Administration and GAO conduct independent reviews of 
        ONDCP.
    In addition, the Committee believes that an independent 
review of ONDCP's grant-based programs is necessary to 
determine whether Federal resources are being adequately 
utilized to develop common metrics against which program health 
and outcomes can be assessed, and to facilitate the transfer of 
effective practices. Given that ONDCP has not consistently 
maintained an internal program review capability, the Committee 
believes that this type of evaluation is long overdue. 
Therefore, the Committee includes a provision in the bill 
providing funding for ONDCP to contract with the National 
Academy of Public Administration [NAPA] to develop a framework 
and test it against selected ONDCP grant-based programs. The 
study shall be completed by the end of fiscal year 2009.

                COUNTERDRUG TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT CENTER

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $1,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       5,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       5,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center [CTAC] was 
established by the Counter-Narcotics Technology Act of 1990 
(Public Law 101-510) and reauthorized in 1998 (Public Law 105-
277) to serve as the central counterdrug technology research 
and development organization for the United States Government. 
Historically, CTAC has encompassed two separate functions: (1) 
the Research and Development program [R&D], which supports 
improvements to counterdrug capabilities that transcend the 
need of any single Federal agency; and (2) the Technology 
Transfer Program [TTP], which provides state-of-the-art, 
affordable, easily integrated and maintainable tools to enhance 
the capabilities of State and local law enforcement agencies 
for counterdrug missions.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    Due to the lackluster performance of, and lack of 
confidence in, the current director of this program, the 
Committee continues to refuse to invest higher levels of 
funding in the two stated functions of the CTAC program.
    Due to the need to augment reduced requested funding levels 
in other important drug control programs in the fiscal year 
2009 budget, the Committee is constrained to provide additional 
resources for this program. However, the Committee remains 
hopeful that the fiscal year 2010 budget will reinvigorate the 
CTAC program with additional requested funds and new 
leadership, allowing this once valuable program to again 
flourish. The Committee notes that the fiscal year 2003 funding 
level for CTAC was $46,538,000.

                  Funds Appropriated to the President

                     FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS

                 HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $230,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     200,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     235,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas [HIDTA] program 
was established by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (Public Law 
100-690) and the Office of National Drug Control Policy's 
reauthorization (Public Law 109-469) to provide assistance to 
Federal, State, and local law enforcement entities operating in 
those areas most adversely affected by drug trafficking.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $235,000,000 
for the HIDTA program, an increase of $5,000,000 over the 
fiscal year 2008 level and $35,000,000 more than the budget 
request. With the increased funding, the Committee expects 
ONDCP to provide a program adjustment for HIDTAs that qualify 
under performance measurement criteria to be distributed on an 
equal percent basis for qualifying HIDTAs, excluding HIDTAs 
that received at least a $100,000 program adjustment bringing 
them up to $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2007. ONDCP is directed to 
consult with the HIDTAs in advance of deciding programmatic 
spending allocations for discretionary (supplemental) funding. 
As a result of the many new counties established with fiscal 
year 2007 funds, ONDCP provided no funding for new counties in 
fiscal year 2008 with the Committee's concurrence, and for 
fiscal year 2009, the Committee suggests that $500,000 may be 
provided for new counties if the need is warranted and the 
criteria has been met.
    The Committee recommendation specifies that up to 
$2,100,000 may be used for auditing services and associated 
activities, and up to $250,000 shall be used to ensure the 
continued operation and maintenance of the Performance 
Management System.
    The Committee directs that funding shall be provided for 
the existing HIDTAs at no less than the fiscal year 2008 
initial allocation level (as revised by the letter from the 
Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
and the Senate dated April 8, 2008) or $3,000,000, whichever is 
greater; and no High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area shall 
receive more than $47,457,447 as its fiscal year 2009 initial 
allocation level, unless the Director submits to the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations, and the Committees 
approve, a request for reprogramming of the funds based on 
clearly articulated priorities for the HIDTA program, as well 
as published ONDCP performance measures of effectiveness. The 
Committee directs that the HIDTA funds be transferred to the 
appropriate drug control agencies expeditiously and includes 
provisions in the bill to prevent delay.
    The Committee recognizes the National HIDTA Assistance 
Center for providing programmatic support to the HIDTA program 
to include training, financial management/audit review, and 
other essential services.
    The Committee includes a new provision allowing unexpended 
funds obligated prior to 2 years ago for programs addressing 
the treatment or prevention of drug use to be used for other 
approved HIDTA activities upon 30-days notification to the 
Committee.
    In allocating HIDTA funds, the Committee expects the 
Director of ONDCP to ensure that the entities receiving these 
limited resources make use of them strictly for implementing 
the strategy for each HIDTA, taking into consideration local 
conditions and resource requirements. In this regard, 
methamphetamine is a primary illicit drug threat across the 
country. Its widespread use and resulting addiction, combined 
with the overwhelming availability of high purity, low cost 
methamphetamine is cause for serious concern. Cocaine and 
heroin also represent significant threats and Ecstasy is an 
increasing danger. Marijuana is readily available and widely 
abused across the United States. The prevalence of Canadian-
produced marijuana, commonly known as BC Bud, and potent 
marijuana from the Appalachian States are two examples that 
demonstrate the need for and value of marijuana eradication 
programs.
    The HIDTA funds should not be used to supplant existing 
support for ongoing Federal, State, or local drug control 
operations normally funded out of the operating budgets of each 
agency. ONDCP is directed to withhold all HIDTA funds from a 
State until such time as a State or locality has met its 
financial obligation.

                  OTHER FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $164,300,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     189,685,000
Committee recommendation................................     204,250,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690), and 
the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act 
(Public Law 109-469) established this account to be 
administered by the Director of the Office of National Drug 
Control Policy. The funds appropriated to the program support 
high-priority drug control programs and may be transferred to 
drug control agencies.
    This account includes the following programs: National 
Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, Drug-Free Communities Support 
Program, National Drug Court Institute, U.S. Anti-Doping 
Agency, World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] membership dues, 
National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws, and Performance 
Measures Development.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $204,250,000 
for Other Federal Drug Control Programs, which is $39,950,000 
more than the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and $14,565,000 
more than the budget request. Within this amount, the Committee 
provides the following funding levels:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign.................    $100,000,000
Drug-Free Communities Support Program...................      90,000,000
National Community Anti-Drug Coalition training.........       2,000,000
National Drug Court Institute...........................       1,000,000
U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.................................       9,600,000
World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA].........................       1,900,000
National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws.............       1,250,000
Performance Measures Development........................         500,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign.--The Committee has 
provided consistent monetary support for the National Youth 
Anti-Drug Media Campaign since it was initially funded by 
Congress in fiscal year 1998. The Committee continues to be 
concerned about the direction and efficacy of the Media 
Campaign as it is currently structured, and notes that 
independent reports have concluded that the Media Campaign has 
not had a demonstrable nationwide effect on reducing drug use 
among the Campaign's target population. Furthermore, the GAO 
confirms that the Media Campaign has not been effective in 
reducing youth drug use. The Committee is concerned that meth 
is having a disproportional impact on our rural communities, 
rendering the addiction an epidemic in the lives of so many 
Americans from the Nation's farmlands, reservations, and small 
towns. Most of these communities, because they are located 
outside of urban areas, lack the comprehensive support services 
needed to effectively address the addiction and its devastating 
grip on so many families. The Committee provides $100,000,000 
for the Media Campaign, of which at least $10,000,000 shall be 
for meth prevention ads. The Committee directs that no more 
than 10 percent of the funding provided for the Media Campaign 
be used for administrative costs. ONDCP is encouraged to work 
with State and local governments to increase visibility of the 
Media Campaign. In order to combat methamphetamine abuse within 
scarce resources, the Committee encourages ONDCP, to the degree 
possible, to focus meth prevention advertising on geographic 
areas with the highest level of drug problem within a State. 
ONDCP is encouraged to use research-based advertising campaigns 
and to collaborate with statewide or regional meth prevention 
programs when possible.
    Drug-Free Communities Support Program.--ONDCP directs the 
Drug-Free Communities Support Program [DFCSP] in partnership 
with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration. DFCSP provides dollar for dollar matching 
grants of up to $125,000 to local coalitions that mobilize 
their communities to prevent youth alcohol, tobacco, illicit 
drug, and inhalant abuse. Such grants support coalitions of 
youth; parents; media; law enforcement; school officials; 
faith-based organizations; fraternal organizations; State, 
local, and tribal government agencies; healthcare 
professionals; and other community representatives. The DFCSP 
enables these coalitions to strengthen their coordination and 
prevention efforts, encourage citizen participation in 
substance abuse reduction efforts, and disseminate information 
about effective programs. The Committee provides $90,000,000 
for the continuation of the DFCSP.
    The Committee includes a provision in the bill directing 
ONDCP to provide $2,000,000 of DFCSP funds for training and 
related purposes as authorized by section 4 of Public Law 107-
82, as amended by Public Law 109-469.
    The Committee includes a provision, at the request of the 
authorizing committee, clarifying the intent of sec. 802 of 
Public Law 109-469 (21 U.S.C. Sec. 1521, et seq.) that renewal 
grantees found to be ineligible for continuation funding under 
the Drug Free Communities Act are required to be afforded a 
fair, timely, and independent appeals process prior to any 
determination that a renewal grantee is ineligible or otherwise 
not entitled to continuation funding.
    United States Anti-Doping Agency.--The United States Anti-
Doping Agency [USADA] is the independent anti-doping agency for 
Olympic sports in the United States, and is responsible for 
managing the testing and adjudication process for U.S. Olympic, 
Pan Am and Paralympic athletes. As a nonprofit corporation 
under the leadership of an independent Board of Directors, 
USADA has the authority to set forth guiding principles in 
anti-doping policy and to enforce any doping violations. In 
addition to managing collection and testing procedures, USADA 
is also responsible for enhancing research efforts and 
promoting educational programs to inform athletes of the rules 
governing the use of performance enhancing substances, as well 
as the ethics of doping and its harmful health effects.
    The Committee provides $9,600,000 for USADA, which is the 
same as the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and $2,315,000 more 
than the budget request.
    World Anti-Doping Agency.--ONDCP represents the United 
States in the World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA], which promotes 
and coordinates international activities against doping in all 
forms of sports. The Committee provides $1,900,000 for 
membership dues to the WADA.
    National Drug Court Institute.--The National Drug Court 
Institute facilitates the growth of the drug court movement by 
promoting and disseminating education, research, and 
scholarship concerning drug court programs and providing a 
comprehensive drug court training series for practitioners. 
Drug courts provide an effective means to fight drug-related 
crime through the cooperative efforts of State and local law 
enforcement, the judicial system, and the public health 
treatment network. The Committee provides $1,000,000 for the 
National Drug Court Institute.
    National Alliance For Model State Drug Laws.--The National 
Alliance for Model State Drug Laws [NAMSDL] is a national 
organization that drafts, researches, and analyzes model drug 
and alcohol laws and related State statutes, provides access to 
a national network of drug and alcohol experts, and facilitates 
working relationships among State and community leaders and 
drug and alcohol professionals. In doing so, NAMSDL encourages 
States to adopt and implement laws, policies, and regulations 
to reduce drug trafficking, drug use, and their related 
consequences. The Committee provides $1,250,000 to NAMSDL and 
directs ONDCP to provide the entire amount directly to NAMSDL 
within 30 days after enactment of this act.
    National Drug Control Performance Measures.--Performance 
Measures funding is used to conduct evaluation research for 
assessing the effectiveness of the National Drug Control 
Strategy. The Committee provides $500,000 for this program and 
directs ONDCP to outline and submit to the Committee a detailed 
plan for projects that assess the effectiveness of the strategy 
in achieving its goals and objectives, and develop and improve 
needed data sources, including specific funding levels, no 
later than 120 days after enactment of this act.

                          Unanticipated Needs

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $1,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       1,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    These funds enable the President to meet unanticipated 
exigencies in support of the national interest, security, or 
defense.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $1,000,000 which is equal to the 
amount appropriated in fiscal year 2008 and the same as the 
budget request.

             Presidential Transition Administrative Support

Appropriations, 2008....................................................
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      $8,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       8,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account supports the Office of Administration for 
expenses associated with the transition to the next 
Presidential administration.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $8,000,000 for 
Presidential Transition Administrative Support, which is equal 
to the budget estimate. The account was not funded in fiscal 
year 2008 because there was no presidential transition in that 
year.

                  Special Assistance to the President

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $4,432,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       4,496,000
Committee recommendation................................       4,496,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This appropriation provides for staff and expenses to 
enable the Vice President to provide assistance to the 
President in connection with the performance of executive 
duties and responsibilities. The Vice President also has a 
staff funded by the Senate to assist him in the performance of 
his legislative duties. These funds also support the official 
activities of the spouse of the Vice President.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,496,000 for 
special assistance to the President. This amount is the same as 
the budget request and $64,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level.

                Official Residence of the Vice President

                           OPERATING EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................        $320,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................         323,000
Committee recommendation................................         323,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account supports the care and operation of the Vice 
President's residence on the grounds of the Naval Observatory. 
These funds specifically support equipment, furnishings, dining 
facilities, and services required to perform and discharge the 
Vice President's official duties, functions, and obligations.
    Funds to renovate the residence are provided through the 
Department of the Navy budget. The Committee has had a 
longstanding interest in the condition of the residence and 
expects to be kept fully apprised by the Vice President's 
office of any and all renovations and alterations made to the 
residence by the Navy.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $323,000 for 
the official residence of the Vice President. This amount is 
the same as the budget request and $3,000 above the fiscal year 
2008 enacted level.

Administrative Provisions--Executive Office of the President and Funds 
                     Appropriated to the President

    Section 201 continues a provision that provides flexibility 
in the use of funds in accounts under the Executive Office of 
the President.
    Section 202 requires a detailed financial plan by the 
Director of the ONDCP prior to the obligation of funds in 
fiscal year 2009.
    Section 203 allows for the transfer of up to 2 percent 
among programs within ONDCP.
    Section 204 establishes reprogramming requirements for 
ONDCP.
    Section 205 provides that in fiscal year 2009 and 
thereafter, funds provided for the Office of Management and 
Budget shall support the costs of the printing of a sufficient 
number of copies of the documents associated with the 
President's annual budget request for submission to the 
Congress.

                               TITLE III

                             THE JUDICIARY

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Established under Article III of the Constitution, the 
judicial branch of Government is a separate but equal branch. 
The Federal Judiciary consists of the Supreme Court, United 
States Courts of Appeals, District Courts, Bankruptcy Courts, 
Court of International Trade, Court of Federal Claims, and 
several other entities and programs. The organization of the 
judiciary, the district and circuit boundaries, the places of 
holding court, and the number of Federal judges are legislated 
by the Congress and signed into law by the President.
    The Committee's recommended funding levels support the 
Federal judiciary's role of providing equal justice under the 
law and include sufficient funds to support this critical 
mission. The recommended funding level includes the salaries of 
judges and support staff and the operation and security of our 
Nation's courts.
    The judicial branch is reminded that it, too, is subject to 
the same funding constraints facing the executive and 
legislative branches and continues to urge the Federal 
judiciary to devote its resources primarily to the retention of 
staff. Further, the judiciary is encouraged to contain 
controllable costs such as travel, construction, and other non-
essential expenses.

                   Supreme Court of the United States

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $66,526,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      69,777,000
Committee recommendation................................      69,776,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The United States Supreme Court consists of nine justices 
appointed under Article III of the Constitution of the United 
States, one of whom is appointed as Chief Justice of the United 
States. The Supreme Court acts as the final arbiter in the 
Federal court system.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $69,776,000 
for the Justices, their supporting personnel, and the costs of 
operating the Supreme Court, excluding the care of the building 
and grounds. The recommendation is $3,250,000 above the fiscal 
year 2008 funding level and approximately the same as the 
request.

                    CARE OF THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $12,201,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      18,447,000
Committee recommendation................................      18,447,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Care of the Building and Grounds, for expenditure by the 
Architect of the Capitol, provides for the structural and 
mechanical care of the Unites States Supreme Court Building and 
Grounds, including maintenance and operation of mechanical, 
electrical, and electronic equipment.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $18,447,000 
for personnel and other services related to the Supreme Court 
building and grounds, which is supervised by the Architect of 
the Capitol. The recommendation is $6,246,000 above the fiscal 
year 2008 funding level and identical to the budget request. 
The Committee directs the Court to report to the Committee no 
later than 90 days after enactment of this act on its 
construction and modernization plans and to update the 
Committee as the Court becomes aware of any changes in schedule 
or budgetary needs.

         United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

                         salaries and expenses

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $27,072,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      32,357,000
Committee recommendation................................      31,482,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit 
was established under Article III of the Constitution on 
October 1, 1982. The court was formed by the merger of the 
United States Court of Customs and Patent Appeals and the 
appellate division of the United States Court of Claims. The 
court consists of 12 judges who are appointed by the President, 
with the advice and consent of the Senate. Judges are appointed 
to the court under Article III of the Constitution of the 
United States.
    The Federal Circuit has nationwide jurisdiction in a 
variety of subject matter, including international trade, 
government contracts, patents, certain claims for money from 
the United States Government, Federal personnel, and veterans' 
benefits. Appeals to the court come from all Federal district 
courts, the United States Court of Federal Claims, the United 
States Court of International Trade, and the United States 
Court of Veterans Appeals. The court also takes appeals of 
certain administrative agencies' decisions, including the Merit 
Systems Protection Board, the Board of Contract Appeals, the 
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, and the Trademark 
Trial and Appeals Board. Decisions of the United States 
International Trade Commission, the Office of Compliance of the 
United States Congress, and the Government Accountability 
Office Personnel Appeals Board are also reviewable by the 
court.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $31,482,000. 
The recommendation is $4,410,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
funding level, and $875,000 below the budget request.
    Of the amount provided, the Committee has provided funding 
for leased space for three senior judges and associated 
staffing for one senior judge instead of providing leased space 
for five judges eligible for senior status but who have not yet 
expressed an intention to do so in fiscal year 2009, and 
associated staffing for three judges. The Committee urges 
judges eligible for senior status to declare their intention at 
the earliest possible opportunity in order to maximize leased 
space opportunities.

                   U.S. Court of International Trade

                         salaries and expenses

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $16,632,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      19,622,000
Committee recommendation................................      19,605,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The United States Court of International Trade, located in 
New York City, consists of nine Article III judges. The court 
has exclusive nationwide jurisdiction over civil actions 
brought against the United States, its agencies and officers, 
and certain civil actions brought by the United States, arising 
out of import transactions and the administration and 
enforcement of the Federal customs and international trade 
laws.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $19,605,000. 
The recommendation is $2,973,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
funding level and consistent with the Judiciary's re-estimate 
of fiscal year 2009 requirements.

    Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008\1\.................................  $4,619,262,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................   4,963,091,000
Committee recommendation................................   4,832,760,000

\1\Of this amount, $14,500,000 was designated as emergency funding.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Salaries and Expenses is one of four accounts that provide 
total funding for the Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and 
Other Judicial Services. In addition to funding the salaries of 
judges and support staff, this account also funds the operating 
costs of appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts, the Court 
of Federal Claims, and probation and pretrial services offices.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of 
$4,832,760,000. The recommendation is $213,498,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 funding level and $130,331,000 below the 
budget request.
    Judiciary's Efforts To Contain Costs and Control Rent.--The 
Committee has long noted its concern about the rising costs 
associated with the Judiciary's rent bill. For example, in 
Senate Report 109-109, accompanying the fiscal year 2006 
appropriations bill, the Committee expressed support for the 
Judiciary's efforts to work with the General Services 
Administration to find ways to reduce rising rent costs and to 
reduce this rapidly-growing burden, and urged the Judicial 
Conference to continue to carefully consider the size and scope 
of future construction projects as well as to consider other 
remedies.
    In Senate Report 109-495, accompanying the fiscal year 2007 
appropriations bill, the Committee encouraged the Judicial 
Conference to ensure that adequate checks remain in place to 
guarantee that future construction requests and projects are 
subjected to the highest standards of cost-efficiencies. A June 
2006 GAO report noted that there were then no incentives for 
district and circuit courts to make more efficient use of their 
space. The Administrative Office was directed to report on 
steps taken to encourage more efficient use of space by 
district and circuit courts.
    In Senate Report 110-129, accompanying the fiscal year 2008 
appropriations bill, the Committee acknowledged the cost 
containment measures undertaken by the judiciary and strongly 
urged the continuation of those efforts. The Administrative 
Office was directed to report on steps taken to encourage more 
efficient use of space by district and circuit courts.
    In its report, the Administrative Office indicated the 
following initiatives were underway to further control rent 
costs and to encourage more efficient use of space by district 
and circuit courts:
  --In September 2006, the Judicial Conference set an annual 
        rent cap for future rent requirements at an average 
        annual growth rate of 4.9 percent for fiscal years 2009 
        through 2016.
  --In September 2007, the Judicial Conference approved 
        creation of the Circuit Rent Budget [CRB] program. The 
        CRB is designed to promote greater discipline in the 
        management of the Judiciary's use of space by aligning, 
        at the circuit council level, the budget responsibility 
        for rent, with the authority to determine space need.
    With the Judicial Conference's adoption of the CRB program, 
rent budgets are now allocated to the circuits to cover the 
cost of space, and each circuit council must now choose to fund 
only those space expansion projects which the council can 
afford. The CRB initiative provides several incentives to 
encourage efficient space use decisions by circuit and district 
courts. For example, an incentive for space relinquishment 
allows the circuit to capture the value of rental costs savings 
associated with space relinquishment, for use to pay for new 
space in another location. This enables the court units to 
surrender nonutilized or underutilized space, and capture the 
value of the rent savings for use where space is truly needed.
    The Committee understands that, at its September 2008 
meeting, the Judicial Conference will act on the 
recommendations of its Space and Facilities Committee with 
regard to the Circuit Rent Budget program, including the Third 
Circuit's rent budget request. The Committee expects the Easton 
Courthouse to remain open until the opening of the new court 
facility in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

                 VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION TRUST FUND

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $4,099,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       4,253,000
Committee recommendation................................       4,253,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Enacted by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 
1986 (Public Law 99-660), the Vaccine Injury Compensation 
Program is a Federal no-fault program designed to resolve a 
perceived crisis in vaccine tort liability claims that 
threatened the continued availability of childhood vaccines 
nationwide. The statute's primary intention is the creation of 
a more efficient adjudicatory mechanism that ensures a no-fault 
compensation result for those allegedly injured or killed by 
certain covered vaccines. This program protects the 
availability of vaccines in the United States by diverting a 
substantial number of claims from the tort arena.
    Not only did this act create a special fund to pay 
judgments awarded under the act, but it also created the Office 
of Special Masters [OSM] within the United States Court of 
Federal Claims to hear vaccine injury cases. The act stipulates 
that up to eight special masters may be appointed for this 
purpose. The special masters expenditures are reimbursed to the 
judiciary for vaccine injury cases from a special fund set up 
under the Vaccine Act.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,253,000. 
The recommendation is $154,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
funding level and consistent with the budget request.

                           Defender Services

Appropriations, 2008\1\.................................    $846,101,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     911,408,000
Committee recommendation................................     854,204,000

\1\Of this amount, $10,500,000 was designated as emergency funding.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Defender Services program ensures the right to counsel 
guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment, the Criminal Justice Act (18 
U.S.C. 3006A(e)) and other congressional mandates for those who 
cannot afford to retain counsel and other necessary defense 
services. The Criminal Justice Act provides that courts appoint 
counsel from Federal public and community defender 
organizations or from a panel of private attorneys established 
by the court. The Defender Services program helps to maintain 
public confidence in the Nation's commitment to equal justice 
under the law and ensures the successful operation of the 
constitutionally based adversary system of justice by which 
Federal criminal laws and federally guaranteed rights are 
enforced.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $854,204,000. 
The recommendation is $8,103,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
funding level and $57,204,000 below the budget request.
    Panel Attorney Pay Rates.--The Committee has increased the 
non-capital panel attorney rate per hour from $100 to $102 as 
well as the capital panel attorney rate per hour from $170 to 
$174 in fiscal year 2009.

                    Fees of Jurors and Commissioners

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $63,081,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      62,206,000
Committee recommendation................................      62,206,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides for the statutory fees and allowances 
of grand and petit jurors and for the compensation of jury and 
land commissioners. Budgetary requirements depend primarily 
upon the volume and the length of jury trials demanded by 
parties to both civil and criminal actions and the number of 
grand juries being convened by the courts at the request of the 
United States Attorneys.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $62,206,000. 
The recommendation is $875,000 less than the fiscal year 2008 
funding level and consistent with the budget request.

                             Court Security

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $410,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     439,915,000
Committee recommendation................................     428,004,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Court Security appropriation was established in 1983 
and funds the necessary expenses incident to the provision of 
protective guard services, and the procurement, installation, 
and maintenance of security systems and equipment for United 
States courthouses and other facilities housing Federal court 
operations, including building access control, inspection of 
mail and packages, directed security patrols, perimeter 
security provided by the Federal Protective Service, and other 
similar activities as authorized by section 1010 of the 
Judicial Improvement and Access to Justice Act (Public Law 100-
702).

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $428,004,000. 
The recommendation is $18,004,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
funding level and $11,911,000 below the budget request.
    The Committee recommends funding for new U.S. Marshals 
Service positions as well as requested reimbursements to the 
Marshals Service.

           Administrative Office of the United States Courts

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $76,036,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      81,959,000
Committee recommendation................................      79,049,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Administrative Office [AO] of the United States Courts 
was created in 1939 by an Act of Congress. It serves the 
Federal judiciary in carrying out its constitutional mission to 
provide equal justice under the law. Beyond providing numerous 
services to the Federal courts, the AO provides support and 
staff counsel to the Judicial Conference of the United States 
and its committees, and implements Judicial Conference policies 
as well as applicable Federal statutes and regulations. The AO 
is the focal point for communication and coordination within 
the judiciary and with Congress, the executive branch, and the 
public on behalf of the judiciary.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $79,049,000. 
This recommendation is $3,013,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
funding level and $2,910,000 below the budget request.

                        Federal Judicial Center

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $24,187,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      25,759,000
Committee recommendation................................      25,468,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Federal Judicial Center, located in Washington, DC, 
improves the management of Federal judicial dockets and court 
administration through education for judges and staff and 
research, evaluation, and planning assistance for the courts 
and the Judicial Conference. The Center's responsibilities 
include educating judges and other judicial branch personnel 
about legal developments and efficient litigation management 
and court administration. Additionally, the Center also 
analyzes the efficacy of case and court management procedures 
and ensures the Federal judiciary is aware of the methods of 
best practice.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $25,468,000. 
The recommendation is $1,281,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
funding level and $291,000 below the budget request.
    The Committee has included half the funds requested for 
both education, research, and technology, as well as education 
and training enhancements. The Committee directs the Federal 
Judicial Center to keep the Committee apprised of staff brought 
on board throughout fiscal years 2008 and 2009.

                       Judicial Retirement Funds

                    PAYMENT TO JUDICIARY TRUST FUNDS

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $65,400,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      76,140,000
Committee recommendation................................      76,140,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The funds in this account cover the estimated future 
benefit payments to be made to retired bankruptcy judges and 
magistrate judges, claims court judges, and spouses and 
dependent children of deceased judicial officers.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $76,140,000 
for payments to the Judicial Officers' Retirement Fund and the 
Claims Court Judges Retirement Fund. The recommendation is 
$10,740,000 above the fiscal year 2008 funding level and 
consistent with the budget request.

                  United States Sentencing Commission

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $15,477,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      16,257,000
Committee recommendation................................      16,225,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The United States Sentencing Commission establishes, 
reviews, and revises sentencing guidelines, policies, and 
practices for the Federal criminal justice system. The 
Commission is also required to monitor the operation of the 
guidelines and to identify and report necessary changes to the 
Congress.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $16,225,000. 
The recommendation is $748,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
funding level and consistent with the Judiciary's re-estimate 
of fiscal year 2009 requirements.

                Administrative Provisions--The Judiciary

    The Committee recommends the following administrative 
provisions for the judiciary.
    Section 301 allows the judiciary to expend funds for the 
employment of experts and consultative services.
    Section 302 allows the judiciary, subject to the 
Committee's reprogramming procedures, to transfer up to 5 
percent between appropriations, but limits to 10 percent the 
amount that can be transferred into any one appropriation.
    Section 303 limits official reception and representation 
expenses incurred by the Judicial Conference of the United 
States to no more than $11,000.
    Section 304 requires the Administrative Office to submit an 
annual financial plan for the judiciary within 90 days of 
enactment of this act.
    Section 305 grants the judicial branch the same tenant 
alteration authorities as the executive branch.
    Section 306 provides authority for a court security pilot 
program.
    Section 307 authorizes the Director of the Administrative 
Office of the U.S. Courts to pay premium rate increases in the 
cost of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance imposed after 
April 24, 1999 for bankruptcy judges and territorial district 
court judges, upon reaching age 65, consistent with Article III 
judges and magistrate judges, effective January 7, 2008.
    Section 308 repeals the sunset provision in Section 407(a) 
of Public Law 109-115, making permanent certain contracting 
authorities to the Judiciary.
    Section 309 amends the Director of the Administrative 
Office of the U.S. Courts' authorities with regard to the 
expenditure of funds for offender supervision.
    Section 310 allows for a salary adjustment for Justices and 
judges.

                                TITLE IV

                          DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

                            Federal Payments

                             FEDERAL FUNDS

    A total of $722,023,000 in Federal funds are estimated to 
be available to the District of Columbia government, the 
District of Columbia Courts, the District of Columbia Court 
Services and Offender Supervision Agency, and other D.C. 
entities. This is $112,170,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level and $55,105,000 above the budget request. A total 
of $2,177,373,000 in Federal funds will be received by the 
District government from the various Federal grant programs, 
including Federal reimbursements from such programs as Medicaid 
and Medicare.

   FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA RESIDENT TUITION SUPPORT

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $33,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      35,100,000
Committee recommendation................................      35,100,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Resident Tuition Support program was created by the 
District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999 (Public Law 
106-98), expanded through the District of Columbia College 
Access Improvement Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-157), and 
amended and reauthorized through Public Law 110-97. This 
program provides eligible college-bound District residents the 
opportunity to expand their higher education choices.
    Under the program, financial assistance is available to 
qualified District residents who attend public colleges outside 
of the District of Columbia, private postsecondary institutions 
in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or any 
historically black college or university. The private-school 
tuition grants are restricted to nonprofit institutions. 
Students who attend public schools receive assistance equal to 
the difference between the tuition paid by residents of the 
State in which the institution is located and the tuition 
charged to nonresident students, with an annual limit of 
$10,000 and a lifetime limit of $50,000. Private-school 
students receive a $2,500 maximum annual grant, with a lifetime 
limit of $12,500.
    Since its inception, the program has disbursed over 
$160,000,000 for the benefit of over 12,775 District of 
Columbia residents. Thirty-eight percent of the grantees are 
the first members of their families to attend college.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $35,100,000 
for the resident tuition support program, an increase of 
$2,100,000 over the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same 
as the budget request. The Committee understands that the 
program will have $200,000 in carryover funds available in 
fiscal year 2009. The Committee urges the State Education 
Office to continue its efforts to improve the college 
graduation rate of program participants. Because program costs 
have the potential of growing beyond a level for which 
increased Federal funding may be available and sustainable, the 
Committee directs the Mayor and the State Education Office to 
institute effective cost containment measures and regularly 
report to Congress on the effects of these efforts. The 
Committee further directs the District to fully explore non-
Federal sources of additional funds to augment the Federal 
investment to meet program needs. As specified in Public Law 
106-98 which established the program, the Committee directs the 
Mayor to address any insufficiency in funding through ratable 
reductions and other adjustments or prioritization 
considerations based on the income and need of eligible 
students.

   FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR EMERGENCY PLANNING AND SECURITY COSTS IN THE 
                          DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $3,352,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      15,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      15,400,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Due to the fact that the District of Columbia is the seat 
of the Federal Government and headquarters of many 
international organizations, District police, fire, and 
emergency personnel have had to provide security for a number 
of events. As the need for the District of Columbia to provide 
security increases, overtime costs for personnel escalate and 
divert local police from neighborhood patrols. The President 
has supported reimbursing the District for these costs.
    In addition, the District of Columbia National Guard, under 
the exclusive jurisdiction of the President of the United 
States, is specifically trained to support law enforcement 
during critical missions, such as demonstrations, Presidential 
inaugurations and funerals, and emergency services for weather-
related contingencies. The D.C. Air Guard patrols the skies 
over the District on round-the-clock alert. However, residency 
restrictions preclude a significant number of Guard members 
from eligibility for tuition assistance programs, which has 
severely hampered recruitment and retention efforts.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a payment of $15,000,000 to the 
District of Columbia for the costs of providing public safety 
at events related to the presence of the national capital in 
the District of Columbia, for the costs of providing support 
requested by the United States Secret Service Division in 
carrying out their protective duties under the direction of the 
Secretary of Homeland Security, and for the costs of providing 
support to respond to immediate and specific terrorist threats 
or attacks in the District of Columbia or surrounding 
jurisdictions.
    In addition, the District may use any funds remaining from 
prior year appropriations under this heading. The District may 
use the payment to cover the costs of Executive transportation 
support including motorcades sand helicopter landings. The 
Committee directs the Mayor to provide an annual report to the 
Committee outlining the purposes and amounts expended using 
those funds, with the first report due no later than June 1, 
2009.
    In addition, the Committee recommends $400,000 for a 
tuition assistance program for non-resident District of 
Columbia National Guard members. The total funding is 
$12,048,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and 
$400,000 above the budget request.

           FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $223,920,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     223,920,000
Committee recommendation................................     251,625,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Under the National Capital Revitalization and Self-
Government Improvement Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-33, title 
XI), the Federal Government is required to finance the District 
of Columbia Courts. This Federal payment to the District of 
Columbia Courts funds the operations of the District of 
Columbia Court of Appeals, Superior Court, the Court System, 
and the Capital Improvement Program. Capital improvements 
include a complete renovation of the historic Old Courthouse, 
as well as design and renovation work on the H. Carl Moultrie I 
Courthouse and several other buildings in Judiciary Square. By 
law, the annual budget includes estimates of the expenditures 
for the operations of the Courts prepared by the Joint 
Committee on Judicial Administration and the President's 
recommendation for funding the Courts' operations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment to the District 
of Columbia Courts of $251,625,000, which is $27,705,000 above 
the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and $27,705,000 above the 
President's budget request. This amount includes $13,983,000 
for the Court of Appeals, $110,135,000 for the Superior Court, 
$57,002,000 for the Court System, and $70,505,000 for capital 
improvements to courthouse facilities.
    For the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, the 
Committee recommendation is $1,353,000 above the President's 
recommended funding of $12,630,000, and will permit the Court 
of Appeals to make investments in equipment and furniture for 
the restored Old Courthouse scheduled to reopen in 2009, and to 
provide an increase in public transit subsidy benefits. The 
Committee recommendation for the Superior Court of the District 
of Columbia is $5,858,000 above the President's recommended 
funding of $104,277,000, and will permit the Court to enhance 
juvenile probation services through a community-based drop-in 
center to supervise youth, enhance services for defendants with 
mental illness, and provide a rate increase for court 
interpreters. The Committee recommendation for the District of 
Columbia Court System is $1,576,000 above the President's 
recommended funding of $55,426,000, and will permit the Court 
System to enhance juror technology and address human resources 
workforce planning in light of the increasing number of 
employees eligible for retirement.
    The Committee is disappointed that the President's 
recommended funding for capital improvements does not 
adequately provide for critical renovations and improvements, 
particularly in the adult holding facilities and space occupied 
by the United States Marshals Service in the H. Carl Moultrie I 
Courthouse. The Committee recommendation for capital 
improvements provides $18,918,000 above the President's 
recommendation of $51,587,000 to address this concern.
    The Committee acknowledges that the courts have taken steps 
to address concerns about the substandard working conditions of 
the United States Marshals Service at the Moultrie Courthouse. 
The Committee provides as additional $18,918,000 above the 
President's recommendation of $11,000,000 for renovation of the 
adult holding facility and the United States Marshals Service 
workspace. The Committee urges the District of Columbia Courts 
to continue progress on the plan to upgrade the conditions to 
an acceptable level. The Committee directs the District of 
Columbia Courts to keep the Committee regularly informed on the 
status of the renovations, including prompt notification of any 
significant cost increases or schedule delays.

          DEFENDER SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $47,975,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      47,975,000
Committee recommendation................................      52,475,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The District of Columbia Courts appoint and compensate 
attorneys to represent persons who are financially unable to 
obtain such representation. The Defender Services programs 
provide counsel for indigent persons who are charged with 
criminal offenses, for family proceedings involving child 
abuse, neglect, and termination of parental rights, and for 
guardianship proceedings for protection of mentally 
incapacitated individuals and minors whose parents are 
deceased.
    In addition to legal representation, these programs provide 
indigent persons with services such as transcripts of court 
proceedings, expert witness testimony, foreign and sign 
language interpretation, and investigations and genetic 
testing.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $52,475,000 
for Defender Services in the District of Columbia Courts. This 
is $4,500,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and 
$4,500,000 above the budget request.
    To promote access to justice and ensure that high quality 
legal representation remains available to the indigent in the 
District of Columbia Courts, the Committee's recommended 
increase provides for a compensation adjustment from $80 to $90 
per hour for attorneys appointed to represent persons under the 
Criminal Justice Act [CJA], the Counsel for Child Abuse and 
Neglect [CCAN] program, and the Guardianship program.

 FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE COURT SERVICES AND OFFENDER SUPERVISION AGENCY 
                      FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $190,343,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     202,490,000
Committee recommendation................................     203,490,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency [CSOSA] 
for the District of Columbia is an independent Federal agency 
created by the National Capital Revitalization and Self-
Government Improvement Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-33, title 
XI). CSOSA acquired the operational responsibilities for the 
former District agencies in charge of probation and parole, and 
houses the Pretrial Services Agency within its framework. The 
mission of CSOSA is to increase public safety, prevent crime, 
reduce recidivism, and support the fair administration of 
justice in close collaboration with the community. The CSOSA 
appropriation supports the Community Supervision Program which 
monitors or supervises approximately 15,000 offenders on a 
daily basis and the Pretrial Services Agency which monitors 
approximately 5,500 defendants at any given time.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $203,490,000, 
which is $13,147,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level 
and $1,000,000 above the budget request. The Committee notes 
that the increased resources will enable CSOSA to enhance the 
information technology capability and resources for the 
Community Supervision Program's offender case management system 
[SMART] infrastructure and improve critical data sharing with 
CSOSA's law enforcement partners. In addition, funds are 
provided to enable the Pretrial Services Agency to collaborate 
with the District of Columbia Superior Court and the Office of 
the Attorney General to address the unique problems and service 
requirements of mentally ill and substance abusing arrestees in 
misdemeanor and traffic cases.
    The Committee is concerned that even with the proposed 
budget increase, funding for CSOSA for offender contract 
treatment, including substance abuse, halfway-back residential 
sanctions, mental health and sex offender assessments, and 
transitional housing is constrained.
    The Committee is supportive of CSOSA's efforts to 
successfully return ex-offenders to their communities. For a 
number of years, CSOSA has worked with grassroots, nonprofit 
providers of transitional housing, including faith-based 
organizations, that offer counseling, mentoring, and life 
skills training to men and women returning home from prison. 
The Committee notes that this is a model program for the 
Nation. The Committee provides an additional $1,000,000 above 
the President's request and intends that not less than 
$2,000,000 be available to continue and expand this important 
work.

  FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE FOR THE DISTRICT OF 
                                COLUMBIA

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $32,710,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      35,659,000
Committee recommendation................................      35,659,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Public Defender Service [PDS] for the District of 
Columbia, an independent organization established by a District 
of Columbia statute (16 D.C. Code 2-1601-1608), has a distinct 
mission to provide and promote quality legal representation 
services within the District of Columbia justice system. PDS 
provides legal representation to indigent adults and children 
facing loss of liberty and provides support in the form of 
training, consultation, and legal reference services to members 
of the local bar appointed as counsel in criminal, juvenile, 
and mental health cases involving indigent individuals.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment to the Public 
Defender Service for the District of Columbia of $35,659,000, 
which is $2,949,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level 
and the same as the budget request. The increased funding will 
support a new case management system as well as costs to secure 
space for relocation of the Public Defender Service's Mental 
Health Division.

 FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $8,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      14,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      16,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Approximately one-third of the District is served by a 
combined sewer system, constructed by the Federal Government in 
1890, in which both sanitary waste and storm water flow through 
the same pipes. When the collection system or the Blue Plains 
treatment plant reach capacity, typically during periods of 
heavy rainfall, the system is designed to overflow the excess 
water. This mixture of sewage and storm water runoff is 
discharged to the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, Rock Creek and 
tributary waters between 60 and 75 times each year. Under a 
judicial consent decree, the Water and Sewer Authority is 
undertaking a 20-year, $2,200,000,000 sewer construction 
program to reduce combined sewer overflows [CSO]. The program 
includes deep underground storage tunnels, side tunnels to 
reduce flooding, pump station rehabilitation, and the 
elimination of over a dozen CSO outfalls along the Potomac and 
Anacostia Rivers and Rock Creek. When completed in 2025, this 
project is expected to vastly improve water quality and 
significantly reduce debris in our Nation's capital waterways.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $16,000,000, 
to be matched by at least $8,000,000 provided by the Water and 
Sewer Authority, to continue implementation of the Long-Term 
Combined Sewer Overflow Control Plan. This is an increase of 
$8,000,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and 
$2,000,000 above the budget request.

      FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $1,300,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       1,774,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,774,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for the District 
of Columbia [CJCC] is the primary forum in which District of 
Columbia criminal justice agencies can identify and address 
interagency coordination issues. Its mission is to address 
coordination difficulties among District of Columbia criminal 
justice agencies and address criminal justice issues, such as 
drugs, juvenile justice, halfway houses, information 
technology, and identification of arrestees. The CJCC was 
originally established pursuant to a Memorandum of Agreement in 
May 1998 and operates as an independent working group to foster 
cooperation among the more than a dozen Federal and local 
governmental agencies which have law enforcement responsibility 
in our Nation's Capital. As part of a local enactment in August 
2001, the CJCC was established as an independent agency within 
the District of Columbia.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $1,774,000 to 
the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council [CJCC]. This is 
$474,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same 
as the budget request. The Committee directs the CJCC to submit 
annual performance measures in an annual report, which should 
also describe progress made on individual CJCC initiatives.

  FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE 
                          DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $5,453,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................................
Committee recommendation................................       5,000,000

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $5,000,000 to 
the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of the District of 
Columbia. This is $453,000 below the fiscal year 2008 enacted 
level and $5,000,000 above the budget request. These funds are 
for health, education, environmental, social service, and 
economic development initiatives in the District of Columbia. 
The Committee directs that of this amount, $3,000,000 be 
allocated to the Children's National Medical Center in 
Washington, DC, as a contribution toward construction of new 
and renovated operating rooms and additional procedure rooms to 
address the growing demand for pediatric services throughout 
the region, meet architectural standards for complex surgical 
care, and expand sterile processing space to comply with new 
infection control standards.
    The Committee directs each grantee of funding under this 
account to submit a detailed budget and a comprehensive 
description of the activities to be carried out with the funds 
no later than March 15, 2009 to the Chief Financial Officer and 
the Committees on Appropriations. The Committee further directs 
that any funds made available to any grantee under this account 
must be spent primarily in the District of Columbia to benefit 
District of Columbia residents.

                 FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $40,800,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      54,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      54,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Committee continues and enhances a three-sector funding 
arrangement to provide resources for the District of Columbia 
Public Schools, public charter schools, and for a scholarship 
program for low-income students to attend private schools. The 
Committee is encouraged by the progress to date to implement 
the Mayor's initiative to chart a new management course for the 
District's troubled public school system in response to Public 
Law 110-33, which vested authority over the school 
superintendent, operating budget, and capital program in the 
mayor. The Committee acknowledges the daunting challenges this 
undertaking presents, given that District of Columbia public 
school students chronically perform well below national 
averages in reading and mathematics, fewer than half of the 
core courses in District schools are taught by teachers who 
have earned a degree or passed competency classes in their 
subjects, antiquated administrative recordkeeping system falls 
woefully short of any reasonable standards, and school 
buildings throughout the city suffer from disrepair, including 
hazardous defects, and delays of months or even years for 
necessary repairs.
    Public charter schools in the District of Columbia have 
grown considerably since the first two opened in 1996 and 
served 160 students. Today, there are 55 tuition-free, 
autonomous public charter schools on 82 campuses operating in 
the District, enrolling approximately 22,000 students, 30 
percent of all District of Columbia public school students. The 
District of Columbia School Reform Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-
134), one of the strongest charter school laws in the Nation, 
guarantees charter school autonomy from the District of 
Columbia Public Schools and from the District government and 
mandates uniform per student funding of all public school 
students, both traditional and charter.
    Congress established the private school scholarship program 
as a 5-year pilot in 2003. The intent of this program, operated 
by the Washington Scholarship Fund under a grant from the 
Department of Education, is to help increase the District of 
Columbia's capacity to provide parents, particularly low-income 
parents whose children attend low-performing schools, more 
options for quality education. In school year 2007-2008, over 
1,900 students participated in the program at 54 non-public 
schools.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $54,000,000, 
which is $13,200,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level 
and the same as budget request. These funds are allocated as 
follows: $20,000,000 for the District of Columbia Public 
Schools to improve public school education; $20,000,000 to 
expand quality charter schools; and $14,000,000 to the 
Secretary of Education for opportunity scholarships for low-
income students in the District of Columbia, $1,000,000 of 
which may be used for administrative expenses. The Committee 
believes that any school enrolling a scholarship participant 
should satisfy certain minimum reasonable expectations as an 
educational setting. Therefore, the Committee expressly 
provides that none of the funds provided for opportunity 
scholarships shall be used by an eligible student to enroll in 
any participating school under the D.C. School Choice Incentive 
Act of 2003 unless (1) the participating school has and 
maintains a valid certificate of occupancy issued by the 
District of Columbia; and (2) the core subject matter teachers 
of the eligible students hold 4-year bachelor's degrees.
    The Committee emphasizes that the authorization for the 
private scholarship program expires on September 30, 2008. 
Accordingly, the Committee directs that funds provided for the 
scholarship program shall be used for currently enrolled 
participants rather than new scholarship applicants. The 
Committee is particularly sensitive to the potential impact of 
disrupting students' educational settings without reasonable 
notice. Therefore, the Committee does not eliminate funding for 
fiscal year 2009 but makes abundantly clear its intent that use 
of any funds in this act or any other act for opportunity 
scholarships after school year 2009-2010 shall only be 
available upon enactment of reauthorization of that program by 
Congress and the adoption of legislation by the District of 
Columbia approving such reauthorization. The Committee expects 
the Chancellor of the District of Columbia Public Schools to 
promptly take steps to ensure smooth transition for any 
students seeking enrollment in the public school system as a 
result of any changes made to the private scholarship program.
    The Committee is aware that seven of the participating 
private schools have recently closed but have been approved to 
reopen as public charter schools for school year 2008-2009. 
These schools enrolled several hundred students, many of whom 
received scholarships through the Federal program. The 
Committee notes that potentially 600 private school students 
will become public charter students in the fall of 2008 which 
imposes an estimated additional $7,000,000 impact on the 
District's local budget and demand on the uniform per pupil 
funding. In recognition of these circumstances, the Committee 
recommends an increase of $2,000,000 above the $18,000,000 
requested for the public charter school Federal funding 
segment.
    In November 2007, the Government Accountability Office 
[GAO] detailed several program shortcomings in some of the 
participating schools in the scholarship program, including 
unsuitable learning environments, teachers without bachelor's 
degrees, and lack of occupancy permits. GAO also cited concerns 
about the sufficiency of financial controls and management 
issues, including failure to determine accreditation of 
participating schools. A federally mandated evaluation of the 
program is being conducted by the Department of Education's 
Institute of Education Sciences [IES]. Results assessing the 
overall impact of the program after the first 2 years of 
implementation, released by IES in June 2008, reflect that 
student test scores in reading and math showed no statistically 
significant difference between voucher students and non-voucher 
students; reading scores were slightly higher for students from 
three subgroups of the voucher program consisting of students 
who were already achieving at a higher level or had previously 
attended better schools; and the program had a positive impact 
on parents' perception of safety and satisfaction.
    The Committee supports the District's proposed use of the 
funds for public charter schools facilities, school-level 
grants to improve academic performance, and the replication of 
existing high-quality charter school programs to expand the 
supply of high-quality public charter schools in the District. 
The Committee directs the District to submit a detailed budget 
proposal outlining specific activities no later than 60 days 
after enactment of this act. The Committee is concerned about 
the diminishing availability of Federal funding for public 
charter schools and is pleased to provide these additional 
funds to augment the public charter schools in the District.
    Over the years, public charter schools have moved into and 
revitalized 14 former District of Columbia Public School [DCPS] 
school buildings that otherwise would have been developed into 
condominiums or used for other commercial purposes. These 
buildings, including several historic structures, often long-
abandoned and severely blighting neighborhoods, have been 
converted to public charter schools. The Committee expects the 
Mayor to implement the District of Columbia School Reform Act 
of 1995 (Public Law 104-134) with regard to the many DCPS 
school buildings that were closed at the end of the 2007-2008 
school year. Under that law, the District's public charter 
schools are to be given the right of first offer on former DCPS 
school buildings that are slated to be sold, leased, 
transferred, or used in a new way. The Committee is concerned 
that since enactment of the 1995 act, the right of first offer 
requirement has not been consistently followed.

          FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY FACILITY

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $5,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       5,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      21,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The District's forensics laboratory capacity has not kept 
pace with the innovations in the field and is therefore unable 
to meet the demands of the current workload. As a result, the 
District is forced to seek help from the FBI crime laboratory 
in Quantico, Virginia. Because the FBI has its own workload 
capacity, it strictly limits the evidence it will process for 
the District in violent crime cases. The lack of capacity and 
outmoded technology have led to many so-called ``cold'' or 
unsolved crime cases in the District. The District of Columbia 
Metropolitan Police Department has a backlog of thousands of 
sexual assault and homicide cases, and the volume continues to 
grow. A new comprehensive laboratory, housing both anti-
terrorism and criminal forensic components under one roof, will 
not only allow the District to more effectively and efficiently 
process crime cases, but it will be an essential element in 
processing evidence associated with potential bioterrorism 
attacks.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $21,000,000 
for costs associated with the construction of a new 
comprehensive laboratory facility in the District of Columbia. 
This is $16,000,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level, 
and $16,000,000 above the budget request. The Committee 
believes that enhanced funding will help avoid schedule delays 
and escalating construction costs and expedite completion of 
this vital project. The Committee directs that this Federal 
payment be equally matched with local funds.

           FEDERAL PAYMENT TO JUMP START PUBLIC SCHOOL REFORM

Appropriations, 2008....................................................
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     $20,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      20,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    With the enactment of Public Law 110-33 providing the Mayor 
of the District of Columbia with authority over the budget and 
administrative functions of the District of Columbia school 
system, the District of Columbia has launched an aggressive and 
comprehensive reform of its failing public school system. Under 
the direction of the Chancellor of the District of Columbia 
Public Schools, a multitude of critical initiatives are 
underway. A one-time Federal contribution toward those efforts 
will support the recruitment and training of principals and 
other school leaders; the development of optimal school 
programs; and the enhancement of the District's data reporting 
capabilities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a one-time Federal payment of 
$20,000,000 to jump start public school reform in the District 
of Columbia. This is an increase of $20,000,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as the budget 
request.
    The funds include $3,500,000 to support the recruitment, 
development and training of principals and other school 
leaders; $7,000,000 to develop optimal school programs and 
intervene in low performing schools; $7,500,000 for a 
customized data reporting and accountability system on student 
performance as well as increased outreach and training for 
parents and community members; and $2,000,000 to support data 
reporting requirements associated with the District of Columbia 
Public Schools' teacher incentive program. This one-time 
payment is in addition to funds provided through the ``Federal 
Payment for School Improvement'' account within this title.

        FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR CENTRAL LIBRARY AND BRANCH LOCATIONS

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $9,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       7,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       7,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The District's libraries are in a state of significant 
disrepair and are poorly equipped. The adult illiteracy rate in 
the District of Columbia is 37 percent. In many major 
metropolitan areas around the country, new libraries have 
revitalized many distressed neighborhoods. A Blue Ribbon Task 
Force of local and national experts recommended the creation of 
a state-of-the-art library system to add multi-lingual support, 
hundreds of new computers with broadband technology, and deep 
reference materials and children's programs.
    The District of Columbia Public Library is undergoing a 
transformation that includes services, programs, collections, 
and buildings. The Library is in the process of rebuilding four 
neighborhood libraries--Anacostia, Benning, Tenley-Friendship, 
and Watha T. Daniel/Shaw. Old buildings have been razed and 
library services are being provided by interim facilities in 
the four neighborhoods. Construction of the new state-of-the-
art libraries is scheduled to begin in late summer 2008 and 
expected to be completed by the end of 2009 in order to open to 
the public in the spring of 2010.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $7,000,000 as 
a Federal contribution toward the costs associated with the 
renovation and rehabilitation of District of Columbia 
libraries. This is $2,000,000 below the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level and the same as the budget request.
    The Committee is pleased that the District library system 
is beginning a long-needed, multi-year facilities modernization 
project, with four new libraries under construction, and 
investing in literacy initiatives that will complement and 
support the Mayor's education reform agenda.

    FEDERAL PAYMENT TO REIMBURSE THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $4,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       5,000,000
Committee recommendation................................................

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Due to lack of capacity at its laboratory, the District of 
Columbia has relied on the services of the Federal Bureau of 
Investigations [FBI] to perform evidence examination and 
analysis in criminal cases to help process backlogged cases and 
help solve cold cases. Nearly one third of the FBI's lab 
analytical capacity at its Quantico facility is dedicated to 
the local needs of the District of Columbia.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee does not recommend a Federal payment for 
fiscal year 2009 to the District of Columbia to reimburse the 
Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] for laboratory services 
for District of Columbia cases. This is $4,000,000 below the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level, and $5,000,000 below the budget 
request. In fiscal year 2008, the funds provided under this 
heading were made available until September 30, 2010 for the 
purposes of paying costs incurred by the FBI for evidence 
examination and subsequent DNA analysis for the District of 
Columbia cold case DNA backlog, expansion of resources 
dedicated to the processing of District of Columbia cases, 
including an increase in personnel, after October 1, 2007, and 
data entry and analysis for District of Columbia cold cases.
    The Committee believes that instead of providing further 
funding for reimbursement of the FBI which lacks extra in-house 
capacity to handle additional District of Columbia cases and 
would need to outsource the work, it is preferable to provide 
additional funds to the District of Columbia for laboratory 
construction. Under the heading ``Federal Payment for 
Consolidated Laboratory Facility'' in this title, the Committee 
recommends an enhanced Federal contribution toward the 
construction of a consolidated forensics laboratory facility. 
When fully operational, this critical public safety enhancement 
will eliminate the District of Columbia's dependency on the FBI 
to evaluate evidence and conduct forensic analysis in local 
criminal matters.

FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR OF THE DISTRICT OF 
                                COLUMBIA

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $5,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................................
Committee recommendation................................       3,500,000

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee provides $3,500,000 as a Federal payment to 
the Executive Office of the Mayor of the District of Columbia 
to enhance the quality of life for the District's residents. 
The Committee intends that of this amount, $1,250,000 shall be 
available to the District of Columbia as Federal matching funds 
to temporarily continue benefits for low-income couples who 
decide to marry. Most low-income couples lose Federal benefits 
such as Medicaid, TANF, SCHIP, and food stamps when they marry 
because their incomes are too high to continue to qualify for 
benefits. The loss of benefits is a strong disincentive to 
marriage and is one reason why the nationwide marriage rate 
among couples in the bottom quintile of income is less than 18 
percent.
    Funds provided in the bill will be available to match up to 
75 percent of every dollar that the Mayor uses to provide 
payments to newly-married couples to make up for the loss of 
Federal benefits. The Committee notes that the Mayor can use 
TANF funds for this purpose. The Committee further notes that 
the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for 
Children and Families has designed a marriage penalty 
calculator that social services caseworkers can use to 
calculate a couple's marriage penalty.
    The Committee believes that newly-married couples should 
not lose benefits for a period of 3 years. During this period, 
couples will have the opportunity to realize the economic 
benefits of marriage and stabilize their financial situation 
before Government benefits cease.
    The Committee further intends that $2,250,000 of the amount 
shall be to continue Marriage Development Accounts in the 
District of Columbia. The Committee directs that these funds be 
distributed to the partnership comprised of the National Center 
for Fathering, LifeSTARTS (formerly the East Capitol Center for 
Change), and the Capital Area Asset Building Corporation for 
continuation of the Marriage Development Accounts/Pre-Marriage 
Development Accounts and the Together is Better Campaign 
Demonstration Program in the District of Columbia.
    Marriage Development Accounts [MDAs], which offer low-
income married or engaged couples the opportunity to save for 
the purchase of a home, to start a business, or to pay for 
post-secondary education or job training for themselves or 
their children. Couples must meet income and asset requirements 
to qualify for an MDA. Participating couples have a high 
incentive to save because their contributions will be matched 
at a ratio of 3:1 by the Federal Government and partnering 
private institutions.
    Using Federal funds, community-based organizations provide 
participating couples with financial counseling, couples' 
mentoring, couples' counseling, and relationship training. 
These organizations also reach out to the community through a 
media campaign and by hosting informational events and ``family 
fun days'' in neighborhood churches, civic centers, and parks.
    The Committee directs the Mayor to submit a detailed 
spending plan, including performance measures, before these 
funds may be expended. The Committee requests that the Mayor 
provide this plan within 30 days of the enactment of this act. 
The Committee further directs the Mayor to submit a progress 
report on activities conducted no later than June 1, 2009, and 
a final report, including a detailed description of outcomes 
achieved, no later than February 1, 2010.

              DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA LOCAL OPERATING BUDGET

    The Committee recommends a total of $10,011,231,000 for the 
operating expenses of the District of Columbia as contained in 
the fiscal year 2009 budget submitted to the Congress by the 
Government of the District of Columbia on June 9, 2008. Of the 
total, $6,203,795,000 is from local funds, $2,177,337,000 is 
from Federal grant funds, $1,623,754,000 is from other funds, 
and $6,310,000 is from private funds. The Committee directs 
that any changes to the financial plan as submitted by the 
District must follow the reprogramming guidelines.

                                TITLE V

                          INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

               Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $1,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................................
Committee recommendation................................      $1,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation is an 
independent agency established by Congress in 1992 (Public Law 
102-281) to encourage and support research, study, and labor 
designed to produce new discoveries in all fields of endeavor 
for the benefit of mankind. Its mission is accomplished through 
the sponsorship of national competitions designed to recognize 
and award cutting-edge innovation in the fields of homeland 
security, life sciences, and education. During its 15-year 
existence, the Foundation has awarded approximately $7,600,000 
to worthy American scientists, student inventors, and exemplary 
teachers who inspire despite especially challenging educational 
environments or personal physical disabilities.
    The Committee acknowledges that initial funding for the 
Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation was derived from the 
sale of three denominations of specially minted coins sold by 
the United States Mint from August 1992 through June 1993. 
Revenues from the coin sales surcharges were deposited in the 
Christopher Columbus Fellowship Fund at the Department of the 
Treasury, and made available to the Foundation. The Committee 
understands the funds are nearly depleted. Congress provided 
the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation with $600,000 in 
appropriated funds for fiscal year 2008.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,000,000 for 
the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation. This is 
$400,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and 
$1,000,000 above the budget request.

                  Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $111,266,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     130,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     157,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Commodity Futures Trading Commission [CFTC] was 
established as an independent agency by the Commodity Futures 
Trading Commission Act of 1974 (88 Stat. 1389; 7 U.S.C. 4a).
    The Commission administers the Commodity Exchange Act, 7 
U.S.C. section 1, et seq. The 1974 Act brought under Federal 
regulation futures trading in all goods, articles, services, 
rights, and interests; commodity options trading; and leverage 
trading in gold and silver bullion and coins; and otherwise 
strengthened the regulation of the commodity futures trading 
industry. It established a comprehensive regulatory structure 
to oversee the volatile futures trading complex.
    The CFTC is the sole Federal regulator responsible for 
overseeing the futures markets by encouraging competitiveness 
and efficiency, ensuring market integrity, and protecting 
market participants against manipulation, abusive trading 
practices, fraud, and other unscrupulous activities. Effective 
oversight by the CFTC enables the markets to better serve their 
designated functions of providing a price discovery mechanism 
and a means to offset price risk.
    Programs in support of the overall mission include market 
surveillance analysis and research; registration, audits, and 
contract markets; enforcement; reparations; proceedings; legal 
counsel; agency direction; and administrative support services. 
CFTC activities are carried out in Washington, DC and in 
regional offices located in Chicago, New York City, and Kansas 
City.
    The enacted 2008 farm bill (Public Law 110-234) 
reauthorized the CFTC and made several amendments to the 
Commodity Exchange Act to (1) clarify the CFTC's jurisdiction 
over retail financial contracts based on foreign currencies; 
(2) make the CFTC's anti-fraud authority applicable to certain 
off-exchange or over-the-counter derivatives contracts; (3) 
increase civil monetary and criminal penalties for violations; 
(4) permit cross-margining of accounts in security futures and 
options; and (5) establish CFTC regulation over certain 
exchange-like trading facilities that are currently exempt from 
most regulation.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $157,000,000 
to support 596 FTEs for the Commodity Futures Trading 
Commission. This is $27,000,000 above the budget request, and 
$45,734,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level. The 
Committee supports the need for significantly increased 
resources for the CFTC to ensure appropriate oversight of the 
futures markets, which are expanding steadily in volume and new 
users, and rapidly evolving in their complexity and diversity. 
The Committee further acknowledges the need for CFTC to make 
mission-critical investments in technology.
    In the past decade, trading volume has increased more than 
10-fold--reaching well over 3 billion trades in 2007, and 
actively traded contracts have quintupled--from 258 in 1997 to 
1,540 in 2007. Approximately $5,000,000,000,000 of notional 
transactions flow through U.S. exchanges and clearing houses 
daily. Despite this phenomenal surge in activity, CFTC staffing 
levels have not kept pace, and in fact, have dropped 21 
percent. The globalized, electronic, and round-the-clock nature 
of the marketplace and the emergence of derivatives and hedge 
funds have transformed the regulatory environment.
    New authorities recently added through enactment of the 
2008 farm bill (Public Law 110-234), coupled with escalating 
public concern about record energy and agricultural commodity 
prices, and compounded by a growing influx of financial funds 
into the futures markets, make the CFTC's staffing situation 
unsustainable. These combined factors underscore the importance 
of the Committee's recommended funding increase.
    The Committee directs the CFTC to devote the additional 
resources provided to promptly implementing the CFTC's new 
responsibilities as mandated in the 2008 farm bill and to 
conducting aggressive market surveillance and oversight in the 
energy arena and enhancing the collection, timeliness, and 
transparency of information, particularly with respect to index 
traders and swap dealers in the energy markets.

                   Consumer Product Safety Commission

                         salaries and expenses

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $80,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      80,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      95,000,000

                          program description

    The Commission is an independent regulatory agency that was 
established on May 14, 1973, and is responsible for protecting 
the public against unreasonable risks of injury from consumer 
products; assisting consumers to evaluate the comparative 
safety of consumer products; developing uniform safety 
standards for consumer products and minimizing conflicting 
State and local regulations; and promoting research and 
investigation into the causes and prevention of product-related 
deaths, illnesses, and injuries.
    In carrying out its mandate, the Commission establishes 
mandatory product safety standards, where appropriate, to 
reduce the unreasonable risk of injury to consumers from 
consumer products; helps industry develop voluntary safety 
standards; bans unsafe products if it finds that a safety 
standard is not feasible; monitors recalls of defective 
products; informs and educates consumers about product hazards; 
conducts research and develops test methods; collects and 
publishes injury and hazard data, and promotes uniform product 
regulations by governmental units.

                        committee recommendation

    The Committee recommends $95,000,000 for the Consumer 
Product Safety Commission, which is $15,000,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 funding level and $15,000,000 above the budget 
request.
    Of the additional funding provided, $9,400,000 shall be for 
the creation of a database for consumer complaints, and 
$5,600,000 shall be for staffing, including for the Office of 
the Inspector General and for potential new rulemakings, as 
well as a Regional Product Safety Officer and a Foreign Service 
National to be based out of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, 
Peoples' Republic of China to better enable the CPSC to 
aggressively promote compliance with U.S. product safety 
standards, requirements, and expectations by Chinese and other 
Asian governments, manufacturers, and exporters.
    Infant Crib Safety.--The Committee is aware that current 
regulations concerning infant crib safety do not require that 
cribs be tested to determine durability. As a result, crib 
collapses have occurred that may have been prevented had the 
cribs been durability-tested. In addition, CPSC does not 
require crib manufacturers to warn consumers about using soft 
bedding in cribs, which can cause infant suffocation. The 
Committee directs CPSC to consider promulgating regulations 
that require cribs to be durability-tested and contain warning 
labels against the use of soft bedding.

                     Election Assistance Commission

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $16,530,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      16,679,000
Committee recommendation................................      16,679,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Election Assistance Commission [EAC] was created by the 
Help America Vote Act of 2002 [HAVA] (Public Law 107-252). 
Under HAVA, the EAC's role is to promulgate voluntary State 
guidelines for election systems, develop a national 
certification program for voting equipment, and provide related 
guidance. The EAC is also charged with awarding grants to 
improve election administration and to enhance election 
equipment.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee provides $16,679,000 for EAC's administrative 
expenses, which is $149,000 more than the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level and the same as the budget request. The 
accompanying bill provides $4,000,000 of these funds for 
transfer to the National Institute for Standards and Technology 
for technical assistance related to the development of 
voluntary State voting systems guidelines.

                   Federal Communications Commission

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $313,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     338,875,000
Committee recommendation................................     341,875,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Federal Communications Commission [FCC] is charged with 
regulating interstate and international communications by 
radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The FCC is also 
charged with promoting the safety of life and property through 
wire and radio communications. The mandate of the FCC under the 
Communications Act is to make available to all people of the 
United States a rapid, efficient, nationwide, and worldwide 
wire and radio communication service. The FCC performs five 
major functions to fulfill this charge: spectrum allocation, 
creating rules to promote fair competition and protect 
consumers where required by market conditions, authorization of 
service, enhancing public safety and homeland security, and 
enforcement.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $341,875,000 for the 
salaries and expenses of the Federal Communications Commission 
[FCC], of which $341,875,000 is to be derived from the 
collection of fees. The recommendation is $28,875,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level and $3,000,000 above the budget 
request.
    The Committee provides funding to support the FCC's 
continued efforts in facilitating the nationwide transition of 
broadcast television signals from analog to digital on February 
17, 2009. The Committee is concerned that many viewers may not 
be adequately prepared for the transition. The Committee 
directs the FCC to continue collaborating with the National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration, other 
Government agencies, and in particular broadcasters and other 
private sector entities involved in the effort to ensure a 
smooth transition.
    The Committee has provided $3,000,000 for a competitive 
grant program for State broadband data and development (section 
503). The Committee believes that access to high-speed Internet 
service is a critical element of infrastructure affecting 
economic development, health, education, and competitiveness. 
Recipients shall be non-profit entities, contribute non-Federal 
matching funds of not less than 20 percent, and demonstrate the 
capability to work with State agencies and private sector 
partners. Funding shall be used to establish local technology 
planning teams, create programs to improve computer ownership 
and Internet access for unserved and underserved populations, 
and create a geographic inventory map of broadband service to 
identify gaps in such service at the census block level.
    Broadcast Television Standards.--The Committee continues to 
be concerned about the declining standards of broadcast 
television and the impact this decline is having on America's 
children. Overall sexual content, foul language, and violence 
have greatly increased over the past decade. The Committee 
directs the FCC to continue to report to Congress on the issues 
associated with resurrecting a broadcast industry code of 
conduct for content of programming that, if adhered to by the 
broadcast industry, would protect against the further erosion 
of broadcasting standards.
    Universal Service Fund.--The Committee notes that the 
Congress established the Universal Service Fund [USF] in 1996 
to help provide communities across the country with affordable 
telecommunications services. FCC delegated the management of 
the USF to the Universal Service Administrative Company [USAC]. 
USAC administers USF programs for high cost companies serving 
rural areas, low-income consumers, rural health care providers, 
and schools and libraries.
    The Committee is concerned about the FCC's lack of proper 
oversight over the USF programs. For example, according to the 
Government Accountability Office [GAO], the schools and 
libraries and rural health programs have experienced problems 
with waste, fraud, and abuse. The FCC's Inspector General [IG] 
has reported that the schools and libraries program has a 
payment error rate of 13 percent, the high cost program has an 
error rate of 16.6 percent, and the rural health care program 
has a payment error rate of 20 percent, far exceeding the 
government-wide average payment error rate of 3 percent and the 
2.5 percent threshold that the Office of Management and Budget 
sets for a program to be ``at-risk.'' The Committee is 
concerned that management oversight by FCC and USAC has not 
addressed these improper payment rates.
    The Committee recommendation includes $25,480,000 for the 
FCC's IG to conduct limited audits of USF, an increase of 
$4,000,000 over the amount provided for fiscal year 2008. 
Audits should focus on all USF programs, including the high 
cost program, schools and libraries program, and the rural 
health care program. The Committee directs the FCC to follow 
the recommendations of both the IG and the GAO and to assume 
greater managerial control over these important programs, 
including improvement of the improper payment rates.
    Radio and Television Broadcasts on School Buses.--The 
Committee directs the Commission to issue a report to the 
Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation within 180 days of enactment on 
commercial proposals for broadcasting radio or television 
programs for reception onboard specially-equipped school buses 
operated by, or under contract with, local public educational 
agencies. The study shall examine the nature of the material 
proposed to be broadcast and whether it is age appropriate for 
the passengers; the amount and nature of commercial advertising 
to be broadcast; and whether such broadcasts for reception by 
public school buses are in the public interest.
    First Responder Networks on the Northern Border.--The 
Committee is concerned that emergency personnel and first 
responders along the northern border have had difficulty 
securing licenses for the appropriate communications frequency 
from the Commission. The Committee directs the Commission to 
work with Canadian officials and applicants to devise a 
strategy for ensuring that licensing along the northern border 
proceeds without delay. The Committee directs the Commission, 
in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, to 
issue a report to the Committee on Appropriations no later than 
270 days after enactment that evaluates the Federal guidance 
provided to States working to establish interoperable first 
responder communications networks, describes the degree to 
which the guidance is coordinated with the Canadian Government, 
and identifies methods to avoid future coordination problems.
    The Committee has included language (sec. 501) to extend 
FCC's exemption from the Anti-deficiency Act [ADA] until 
December 31, 2009. The ADA contains accounting rules which 
would derail the operation of the FCC's universal service 
electronic rate program. Requiring the FCC to adhere to the ADA 
would result in the disruption of payments to schools and 
libraries for broadband services.
    The Committee has included language (sec. 502) that 
prohibits the FCC from enacting certain recommendations 
regarding universal service that were made to it by the Joint 
Board of FCC members and State Utility Commissioners. The 
recommendation would limit universal support to one line. This 
would be harmful to small businesses, especially in rural 
areas, which need a second line for a fax or for other business 
purposes.

                 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Appropriations, 2008....................................   ($26,848,000)
Budget estimate, 2009...................................    (27,495,000)
Committee recommendation................................    (27,495,000)

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The FDIC Office of Inspector General conducts audits, 
investigations, and other reviews to assist and augment the 
FDIC's contribution to the stability of, and public confidence 
in, the Nation's financial system. A separate appropriation 
more effectively ensures the OIG's independence consistent with 
the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other legislation.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $27,495,000 for the FDIC inspector 
general, the same as the budget request and $647,000 more than 
the fiscal year 2008 enacted level. Funds are to be derived by 
transfer from the Deposit Insurance Fund and the FSLIC 
resolution fund.

                      Federal Election Commission

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $59,224,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      63,618,000
Committee recommendation................................      63,618,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Federal Election Commission [FEC] was created through 
the 1974 Amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 
1971 (Public Law 93-443). Consistent with its duty of executing 
our Nation's Federal campaign finance laws, and in pursuit of 
its mission of maintaining public faith in the integrity of the 
Federal campaign finance system, FEC conducts three major 
regulatory programs: (1) providing public disclosure of funds 
raised and spent to influence Federal elections; (2) enforcing 
compliance with restrictions on contributions and expenditures 
made to influence Federal elections; and (3) administering 
public financing of Presidential campaigns.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $63,618,000 for the Federal 
Election Commission, which is the same as the budget request 
and $4,394,000 more than the fiscal year 2008 enacted level.
    The Committee directs the Commission to report to the 
Committee on Appropriations no later than 270 days following 
enactment an assessment of the feasibility, including estimates 
of cost, time, and personnel required, to gather and make 
public data regarding the media expenditures of Federal 
campaigns.

                   Federal Labor Relations Authority

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $23,641,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      22,674,000
Committee recommendation................................      22,674,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Federal Labor Relations Authority [FLRA] is an 
independent administrative Federal agency created by title VII 
of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-454) 
with a mission to carry out five statutory responsibilities: 
(1) determining the appropriateness of units for labor 
organization representation; (2) resolving complaints of unfair 
labor practices; (3) adjudicating exceptions to arbitrator's 
awards; (4) adjudicating legal issues relating to the duty to 
bargain; and (5) resolving impasses during negotiations.
    The FLRA's authority is divided by law and by delegation 
among a three-member authority and an Office of General 
Counsel, appointed by the President and subject to Senate 
confirmation; and the Federal Service Impasses Panel, which 
consists of seven part-time members appointed by the President.
    In addition, the FLRA is engaged in case-related 
interventions, training and facilitation of labor-management 
partnerships, and resolving disputes. FLRA promotes labor-
management cooperation by providing training and assistance to 
labor organizations and agencies on resolving disputes, 
facilitates the creation of partnerships, and trains the 
parties on rights and responsibilities under the Federal Labor 
Relations Management statute.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $22,674,000 
for the Federal Labor Relations Authority. This amount is the 
same as the budget request and $967,000 below the fiscal year 
2008 enacted level.
    The Committee directs the FLRA to issue a report to the 
Committee on Appropriations within 90 days after enactment on 
all activities, including cost, that the FLRA has taken in the 
previous 24-month period regarding the integration and upgrade 
of information technology systems.

                        Federal Trade Commission

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $243,864,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     256,200,000
Committee recommendation................................     256,200,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Federal Trade Commission [FTC] administers a variety of 
Federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. Activities in 
the antitrust area include detection and elimination of illegal 
collusion, anticompetitive mergers, unlawful single-firm 
conduct, and injurious vertical agreements. The FTC regulates 
advertising practices, service industry practices, marketing 
practices, and credit practices as it addresses fraud and other 
consumer concerns.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $256,200,000. The 
recommendation is $12,336,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level and the same as the budget request.
    Of the amounts provided, $168,000,000 is from Hart-Scott-
Rodino pre-merger filing fees and $19,300,000 is from Do-Not-
Call fees. The total amount of direct appropriations for this 
account is therefore $68,900,000. The Committee notes that this 
change reflects a net increase in offsetting fee collection 
receipts since last year.
    Do-Not-Call Initiative.--The recommendation includes 
$19,300,000 for the FTC Do-Not-Call initiative and 
implementation of the Telemarketing Sales Rule [TSR], of which 
the entire amount is to be derived from the collection of fees. 
The Do-Not-Call initiative was launched pursuant to the FTC's 
amended TSR to establish a national database of telephone 
numbers of consumers who choose not to receive telephone 
solicitations from telemarketers. The Do-Not-Call initiative 
has received broad support from, and will provide significant 
benefits to, consumers from all corners of the United States.
    Gas and Diesel Prices.--The activities of the Commission 
include review of mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions 
within the oil and natural gas industries and investigation of 
potential anticompetitive behaviors in those industries. The 
Committee is seriously concerned about the rapid rise in gas 
and diesel prices. The Committee is pleased that the Commission 
continues to monitor fuel prices on a day-to-day basis, and is 
encouraged that the agency has initiated a broader-scale 
investigation based on recent price spikes. The Committee is 
also pleased to see that the Commission has initiated a 
rulemaking to prohibit market manipulation in the petroleum 
industry pursuant to the Energy Independence and Security Act 
of 2007 (Public Law 110-140). The Committee is encouraged by 
the Commission's goal to have a rulemaking in place by the end 
of calendar year 2008. The Committee directs the Commission to 
keep the Committee apprised of findings made regarding fuel 
prices and other planned activities and investigations 
regarding the oil and gas industries.
    Subprime Lending.--The Committee is concerned about the 
role that deceptive and misleading practices in the financial 
services industry have played in to the recent housing crisis. 
American consumers should expect, at a minimum, clear and 
reliable information from the financial services industry in 
order to make prudent financial decisions. This should 
especially be a concern for mortgage brokers, loan servicers, 
and other lending services, as two-thirds of Americans make 
their largest investment in their homes. The Committee is 
pleased that the Commission has been actively participating in 
the rulemaking process conducted by the Federal Reserve Board 
under the Truth in Lending Act and the Home Ownership Equity 
Protection Act and directs the Commission to continue to focus 
enforcement efforts in the area of subprime lending.
    Childhood Obesity.--The Committee has included $250,000 for 
the Commission to establish a Study Commission on Food Marketed 
to Children (Study Commission). The Study Commission shall 
study and provide recommendations for a common approach to 
standards and categories for marketing and labeling of the 
nutritional quality of foods that are oriented to, or represent 
a significant dietary component for, children and youth. The 
Commission shall work in cooperation with the Food and Drug 
Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention in this effort. The Study Commission should be 
composed of nine members appointed through consultation among 
the three agencies, with appropriate scientific expertise and 
experience in child nutrition, child health, psychology, 
education, marketing, and other relevant fields. The Study 
Commission should develop nutrition standards for foods and 
beverages appropriate for labeling and marketing foods that 
represent a significant element of children's diets. These 
standards should consider: (1) both positive and negative 
contributions of nutrients, ingredients, and food (including 
calories, portion size, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and 
added sugars, and the presence of nutrients, fruits, 
vegetables, and whole grains) to the diets of children; and (2) 
evidence concerning the relationship between consumption of 
certain nutrients, ingredients, and foods in preventing and 
promoting the development of obesity. The Study Commission 
should outline the full range of media and labeling to which 
nutrition standards for food marketing to children should 
apply. It should determine whether the current governmental 
authority over food marketing to children is adequate to 
address the effects of such marketing on child nutrition and 
obesity. The Committee directs the Study Commission to submit 
its findings and recommendations in a final report to Congress 
no later than January 15, 2010.
    Child Protection.--In September of 2000, the FTC released a 
report entitled: ``Marketing Violent Entertainment to Children: 
A Review of Self-Regulation and Industry Practices in the 
Motion Picture, Music Recording & Electronic Game Industries.'' 
The report was highly critical of the entertainment industry 
and its persistent and calculated marketing of violent games, 
movies, and music to children. In response to this report, the 
entertainment industry has promised to impose tougher 
regulations on itself and to voluntarily comply with the 
report's recommendation. The FTC should continue with, and 
expand upon, its efforts in this area. The Committee directs 
the Commission to continue to engage in consumer research and 
workshops, underage shopper-retail compliance surveys, and 
marketing data collection.
    Internet.--The FTC is charged with monitoring compliance 
with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (Public Law 
105-277). The recommendation provides the Commission the 
funding resources it needs to meet the challenges of increased 
fraud on the Internet. The Committee commends the FTC for 
recognizing the unique and difficult challenge posed by the 
Internet, an international phenomenon that lacks borders, to 
protect the safety of our children.

                    General Services Administration

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The General Services Administration [GSA] was established 
by the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 
(Public Law 81-152) when Congress mandated the consolidation of 
the Federal Government's real property and administrative 
services. GSA is organized into the Public Buildings Service, 
the Federal Acquisition Service, the Office of Governmentwide 
Policy, and the Office of Citizen Services.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    Annual 5-year Plans for Federal Buildings and Border 
Stations.--GSA is directed to include in the annual budget 
submission, detailed 5-year plans for Federal building and land 
port of entry (border station) construction projects with 
yearly updates of total project future funding needs for 
construction. The 5-year plan for border stations shall be a 
coordinated effort between GSA and U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection.
    Formaldehyde Reduction in Federal High Performance Green 
Buildings.--The Committee is aware that the Federal Director of 
the General Services Administration [GSA] Office of Federal 
High-Performance Green Buildings is required to develop a 
comprehensive ``green'' building certification system that 
considers indoor air quality (42 U.S.C. 
Sec. 17092(h)(2)(E)(iii)) and a comprehensive indoor air 
quality program for Federal facilities that protects the safety 
of Federal employees and the public (42 U.S.C. Sec. 17122(b)). 
The Committee is also aware that formaldehyde has been 
designated as a probable human carcinogen by the Environmental 
Protection Agency [EPA] and that new formaldehyde-free building 
material, such as ceiling tiles and insulation, are 
commercially available. It has been brought to the Committee's 
attention that the EPA's indoor air quality standards for 
formaldehyde in new facilities is 0.02 ppm above outside air 
concentrations. The Committee directs the Federal Director of 
the GSA Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings to 
consider adopting a formaldehyde standard consistent with the 
EPA standard in its ``green'' building certification and indoor 
air quality program and to specify formaldehyde-free building 
materials when it constructs new or renovates existing Federal 
buildings.
    Use of Stairs.--The Committee expects a stronger effort to 
promote the use of stairs in Federal buildings. The use of 
stairs improves health of Federal workers and the general 
population, while improving the efficiency of Federal 
buildings.
    Promoting Energy Efficiency Through Use of Revolving 
Doors.--The Committee supports the promotion of the use of 
revolving doors over swing doors by staff, tenants, and 
visitors to Federal buildings, when possible and appropriate, 
as a significant role in energy conservation. One of the most 
common ways that outside air penetrates a building is through 
the doors. Revolving doors maintain the existing environment 
within a building because they create a seal that prevents 
outside air from flowing into a building. On average, eight 
times as much air is exchanged when a swing door is opened 
versus a revolving door. In addition to keeping heat and cold 
in or out, revolving doors create a better inside environment 
by reducing pollution, noise, and dirt. Unfortunately, the use 
of revolving doors is not as prevalent as it could be, 
resulting in less energy efficiency within the building. The 
Committee directs GSA to take steps, such as posting signage, 
to promote energy efficiency and encourage employees and 
visitors to use revolving doors when possible, and to report 
back to the Committee no later than 120 days after enactment of 
this act on intended steps and progress achieved to date.
    Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and 
Transportation Management.--The Committee is aware of the goals 
of the Federal Government to maximize energy efficiency and 
resource conservation, as part of Executive Order 13423 to 
Strengthen Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation 
Management. The Committee is further aware of re-usable plastic 
crates and their environmental benefits and encourages GSA to 
consider deploying them widely in order to maximize resource 
conservation.
    Custom House in New Orleans.--The Committee is aware that 
Hurricane Katrina caused a roof collapse on one of the most 
architecturally and historically significant Government-owned 
structures in the southern United States, the U.S. Custom House 
in New Orleans, Louisiana. While renovations are being 
conducted by GSA and the Customs and Border Patrol, work has 
been proceeding slowly. The Committee is supportive of the 
project and is hopeful that GSA will use historic preservation 
funding and other resources to ensure that the Custom House can 
be remodeled and used productively in a timely manner by 
Federal and non-profit tenants as well as the community.
    GSA Per Diem in New Orleans.--The Committee is aware that 
following Hurricane Katrina, Federal agencies were authorized 
to spend above per diem allowances in the New Orleans area, an 
authority that has expired. On October 1, 2007, the General 
Services Administration reduced the Federal Government per diem 
rate for the New Orleans area from $148 to $131 per day during 
peak season and from $102 to $99 per day during off-season for 
lodging expenses. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, 
the tourism industry is the largest employer in the city of New 
Orleans, producing more than 80,000 jobs with a $5,000,000,000 
annual impact on the economy. During 2005, travel and tourism 
in New Orleans accounted for 44 percent of Louisiana's tourism 
revenue and contributed $158,000,000 in annual State tax 
revenue. In light of the potential harmful impact of a 
reduction of Federal travel to New Orleans on recovery efforts 
in the region, the Committee urges the General Services 
Administration to reconsider the impact of Federal per diem 
rates upon the larger recovery efforts of New Orleans and to 
take steps to maintain or increase the per diem rate for fiscal 
year 2009.

     FEDERAL BUILDINGS FUND--LIMITATIONS ON AVAILABILITY OF REVENUE

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Limitation on availability of revenue:
    Limitation on availability, 2008....................  $7,830,414,000
    Limitation on availability, 2009....................   8,377,573,000
    Committee recommendation............................   8,524,445,000

    The Federal Buildings Fund program consists of the 
following activities financed from rent charges:
    Construction and Acquisition of Facilities.--Space is 
acquired through the construction or purchase of facilities and 
prospectus-level extensions to existing buildings. All costs 
directly attributable to site acquisition, construction, and 
the full range of design and construction services, and 
management and inspection of construction projects are funded 
under this activity.
    Repairs and Alterations.--Repairs and alterations of public 
buildings as well as associated design and construction 
services are funded under this activity. Protection of the 
Government's investment, health and safety of building 
occupants, transfer of agencies from leased space, and cost 
effectiveness are the principal criteria used in establishing 
priorities. Primary consideration is given to repairs to 
prevent deterioration and damage to buildings, their support 
systems, and operating equipment. This activity also provides 
for conversion of existing facilities and non-prospectus 
extensions.
    Installment Acquisition Payments.--Payments are made for 
liabilities incurred under purchase contract authority and 
lease purchase arrangements. The periodic payments cover 
principal, interest, and other requirements on the debt 
incurred for construction of Federal buildings.
    Rental of Space.--Space is acquired through the leasing of 
buildings including space occupied by Federal agencies in U.S. 
Postal Service facilities, 174 million rentable square feet in 
fiscal year 2007, and 184 million rentable square feet in 
fiscal year 2008.
    Building Operations.--Services are provided for Government-
owned and leased facilities, including cleaning, utilities and 
fuel, maintenance, miscellaneous services (such as moving, 
evaluation of new materials and equipment, and field 
supervision), and general management and administration of all 
real property related programs including salaries and benefits 
paid from the Federal Buildings Fund.
    Other Programs.--When requested by Federal agencies, the 
Public Buildings Service provides building services, such as 
tenant alterations, cleaning and other operations, and 
protection services which are in excess of those services 
provided under the commercial rental charge. For presentation 
purposes, the balances of the Unconditional Gifts of Real, 
Personal, or Other Property trust fund have been combined with 
the Federal Buildings Fund.

                      CONSTRUCTION AND ACQUISITION

Limitation on availability, 2008\1\.....................    $531,448,000
Limitation on availability, 2009........................     620,119,000
Committee recommendation................................     766,991,000

\1\Of this amount, $250,000,000 was designated as emergency funding.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The construction and acquisition fund shall be available 
for site, design, construction, management, and inspection 
costs for the construction of new Federal facilities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $766,991,000 for 
construction and acquisition, including non-prospectus 
projects.

                      CONSTRUCTION AND ACQUISITION
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 State                     Description                        Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    AL Tuscaloosa, Federal Building                        $25,000,000
    CA San Ysidro, Land Port of Entry                       58,910,000
    CA San Diego, U.S. Courthouse Annex                    110,362,000
    CO Lakewood, Denver Federal Center Remediation          10,472,000
    DC DHS Consolidation and Development of St.            331,390,000
        Elizabeths Campus
    DC St. Elizabeths West Campus Infrastructure             8,249,000
    DC St. Elizabeths West Campus Site Acquisition           7,000,000
    MD Montgomery County, FDA Consolidation                200,404,000
    ND Portal, Land Port of Entry                           15,204,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS

Limitation on availability, 2008........................    $722,161,000
Limitation on availability, 2009........................     692,374,000
Committee recommendation................................     692,374,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Under this activity, the General Services Administration 
[GSA] executes its responsibility for repairs and alterations 
[R&A] of both Government-owned and leased facilities under the 
control of GSA. The primary goal of this activity is to provide 
commercially equivalent space to tenant agencies. Safety, 
quality, and operating efficiency of facilities are given 
primary consideration in carrying out this responsibility.
    R&A workload requirements originate with scheduled onsite 
inspections of buildings by qualified regional engineers and 
building managers. The work identified through these 
inspections is programmed in order of priority into the 
Inventory Reporting Information System [IRIS] and incorporated 
into a 5-year plan for accomplishment, based upon funding 
availability, urgency, and the volume of R&A work that GSA has 
the capability to execute annually. Since fiscal year 1995, 
design and construction services activities associated with 
repair and alteration projects have been funded in this 
account.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends new obligational authority of 
$692,374,000 for repairs and alterations in fiscal year 2009. 
This amount is the same as the President's request.

                         REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 State                     Description                        Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    DC Eisenhower Executive Office Building-CBR            $14,700,000
    DC West Wing Infrastructure Systems Replacement         76,487,000
    DC Eisenhower Executive Office Building Phase III       51,075,000
    IL Chicago, Dirksen Courthouse                         152,825,000
    NC New Bern, U.S. Post Office and Courthouse            10,640,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    INSTALLMENT ACQUISITION PAYMENTS

Limitation on availability, 2008........................    $155,781,000
Limitation on availability, 2009........................     149,570,000
Committee recommendation................................     149,570,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Public Buildings Amendments of 1972 enable GSA to enter 
into contractual arrangements for the construction of a backlog 
of approved but unfunded projects. This activity provides for 
the payment of interest to the Federal Financing Bank related 
to facilities acquired pursuant to the Public Buildings 
Amendments of 1972 (40 U.S.C. 592).

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $149,570,000 for 
installment acquisition payments, the same as the budget 
request and $6,211,000 below the fiscal year 2008 funding 
level.

                            RENTAL OF SPACE

Limitation on availability, 2008........................  $4,315,534,000
Limitation on availability, 2009........................   4,692,156,000
Committee recommendation................................   4,692,156,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    GSA is responsible for leasing general purpose space and 
land incident thereto for Federal agencies, except in cases 
where GSA has delegated its leasing authority. GSA's policy is 
to lease privately owned buildings and land only when: (1) 
Federal space needs cannot be otherwise accommodated 
satisfactorily in existing Government-owned or leased space; 
(2) leasing proves to be more efficient than the construction 
or alteration of a Federal building; (3) construction or 
alteration is not warranted because requirements in the 
community are insufficient or are indefinite in scope or 
duration; or (4) completion of a new Federal building within a 
reasonable time cannot be assured.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $4,692,156,000 for 
rental of space. The Committee recommendation is the same as 
the President's budget request and $376,622,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level.

                          BUILDING OPERATIONS

Limitation on availability, 2008........................  $2,105,490,000
Limitation on availability, 2009........................   2,223,354,000
Committee recommendation................................   2,223,354,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This activity provides for the operation of all Government-
owned facilities under the jurisdiction of GSA and building 
services in GSA-leased space where the terms of the lease do 
not require the lessor to furnish such services. Services 
included in building operations are cleaning, protection, 
maintenance, payments for utilities and fuel, grounds 
maintenance, and elevator operations. Other related supporting 
services include various real property management and staff 
support activities such as space acquisition and assignment; 
the moving of Federal agencies as a result of space alterations 
in order to provide better space utilization in existing 
buildings; onsite inspection of building services and 
operations accomplished by private contractors; and various 
highly specialized contract administration support functions.
    The space, operations, and services referred to above are 
furnished by GSA to its tenant agencies in return for payment 
of rent. Due to considerations unique to their operation, GSA 
also provides varying levels of above-standard services in 
agency headquarters facilities, including those occupied by the 
Executive Office of the President, such as the east and west 
wings of the White House.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $2,223,354,000 for 
building operations. This amount is the same as the President's 
budget request and $117,864,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level.

                         GOVERNMENT-WIDE POLICY

                         salaries and expenses

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $52,891,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      56,578,000
Committee recommendation................................      54,578,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of Government-wide Policy provides for 
Government-wide policy development, support, and evaluation 
functions associated with real and personal property, supplies, 
vehicles, aircraft, information technology, acquisition, 
transportation, and travel management. This office also 
provides for the Federal Procurement Data Center, Workplace 
Initiatives, Regulatory Information Service Center, the Catalog 
of Federal Domestic Assistance, and the Committee Management 
Secretariat. The Office of Government-wide Policy, working 
cooperatively with other agencies, provides the leadership 
needed to develop and evaluate the implementation of policies 
designed to achieve the most cost-effective solutions for the 
delivery of administrative services and sound workplace 
practices, while reducing regulations and empowering employees.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $54,578,000 
for Government-wide Policy. This amount is $2,000,000 below the 
budget request and $1,687,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level.

                           OPERATING EXPENSES

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $85,870,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      71,811,000
Committee recommendation................................      69,349,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Operating Expenses provides for the salaries and expenses 
of: Government-wide activities associated with utilization and 
donation of surplus personal property and disposal of real 
property; agency-wide policy direction, management, and 
communications; the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals; and 
services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $69,349,000 
for the Operating Expenses. This amount is $2,462,000 below the 
budget request and $16,521,000 below the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $48,382,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      54,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      54,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This appropriation provides agency-wide audit and 
investigative functions to identify and correct management and 
administrative deficiencies within the General Services 
Administration [GSA], including conditions for existing or 
potential instances of fraud, waste, and mismanagement. This 
audit function provides internal audit and contract audit 
services. Contract audits provide professional advice to GSA 
contracting officials on accounting and financial matters 
relative to the negotiation, award, administration, repricing, 
and settlement of contracts. Internal audits review and 
evaluate all facets of GSA operations and programs, test 
internal control systems, and develop information to improve 
operating efficiencies and enhance customer services. The 
investigative function provides for the detection and 
investigation of improper and illegal activities involving GSA 
programs, personnel, and operations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $54,000,000 
for the Office of Inspector General. This amount is the same as 
the budget request and $5,618,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level.

                   ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT [E-GOV] FUND

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $3,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       5,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This program supports interagency ``electronic government'' 
or ``e-gov'' initiatives, i.e., projects that use the Internet 
or other electronic methods to provide individuals, businesses, 
and other government agencies with simpler and more timely 
access to Federal information, benefits, services, and business 
opportunities.
    Proposals for funding must meet capital planning guidelines 
and include adequate documentation to demonstrate a sound 
business case, attention to security and privacy, and a way to 
measure performance against planned results. In addition, a 
small portion of the funds could be used for awards to those 
project management teams that delivered the best product to 
meet customer needs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,000,000 for 
the Electronic Government Fund. This amount is $2,000,000 below 
the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and $4,000,000 below the 
budget request.

           ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $2,478,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       2,934,000
Committee recommendation................................       2,934,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This appropriation provides for an annual pension and 
compensation for office staffs and other related operating 
expenses for each former President pursuant to Public Law 85-
745. The cost of franking privileges for the widows of former 
President Reagan and former President Ford are also funded in 
this appropriation.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $2,934,000 for allowances and 
office staff for former Presidents, $456,000 above the fiscal 
year 2008 funding level and the same as the budget request. An 
additional $366,000 is provided as the budget requests for the 
commencement of benefits for President George W. Bush as a 
former President.
    Below is listed a detailed analysis of the Committee's 
recommendation for fiscal year 2009 funding:

                    FISCAL YEAR 2009 BUDGET ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Carter   G.H. Bush   Clinton   G.W. Bush    Widows     Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personnel Compensation........................         96         96         96         30  .........        318
Personnel Benefits............................          2         64         65         20  .........        151
Benefits for Former Presidents................        194        194        204        146  .........        738
Travel........................................          2         56         50         11  .........        119
Rental Payments to GSA........................        102        175        544         95  .........        916
Communications, Utilities, and Miscellaneous
 Charges:
    Telephone.................................         10         17         79         15  .........        121
    Postage...................................         15         13         15          3         14         60
Printing......................................          5         14         14          3  .........         36
Other Services................................         80        111         84         25  .........        300
Supplies & Materials..........................          5         15         26          5  .........         51
Equipment.....................................          7         69         35         13  .........        124
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
      Total Obligations.......................        518        824      1,212        366         14      2,934
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................................
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      $8,520,000
Committee recommendation................................       8,520,000

    The appropriation provides for an orderly transfer of 
executive leadership, in accordance with the Presidential 
Transition Act of 1963. Funds are also authorized to finance 
the costs of briefings and training for personnel associated 
with the incoming administration. Funds are only requested 
during a presidential election year and are not available for 
obligation by the incumbent administration. The Committee 
recommends $8,520,000 for presidential transition expenses, an 
amount equal to the budget estimate, of which $1,000,000 is for 
briefing personnel associated with the incoming administration.

                     FEDERAL CITIZEN SERVICES FUND

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $17,328,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      36,558,000
Committee recommendation................................      36,558,000

                          program description

    The Federal Citizen Services Fund [FCSF] (formerly the 
Federal Citizen Information Center) appropriation provides for 
the salaries and expenses of the Office of Citizen Services 
[OCS]. The FCSF consolidates all of GSA's citizen-oriented 
programs into a single funding source by unifying OCS programs 
formerly funded by the Federal Citizen Information Center Fund 
and the Operating Expenses appropriations. The Office of 
Citizen Services provides citizens, businesses, other 
governments, and the media with access points to easily obtain 
Government information and services via the Internet, e-mail, 
print, and telephone.
    The Office of Citizen Services [OCS] provides information 
and services to the public primarily through USA.gov and 
GobiernoUSA.gov, the official web portal of the U.S. 
Government. OCS also operates pueblo.gsa.gov, 
consumeraction.gov and consumidor.gov, webcontent.gov, and 
kids.gov websites. OCS provides direct telephone (1-800-FED-
INFO), e-mail and on-line assistance to citizens through the 
National Contact Center, and offers simple and cost-effective 
contact center solutions to customer Federal agencies through 
the USA Services program. OCS also coordinates the publication 
and distribution of information through the Government Printing 
Office's Public Documents Distribution Center in Pueblo, 
Colorado.
    OCS supports effective Government by training web and 
contact center managers across the Federal Government through 
Web Manager University, and provides administrative support to 
various interagency steering committees. OCS provides 
management of the USA.gov hosting infrastructure, including 
support for all Federal agency applications on USA.gov, and 
provides development and facilitation services to Federal 
agencies and initiatives to enhance their delivery of citizen 
services. OCS brings Federal, State, territorial, local and 
Indian tribal governments together to improve services to 
citizens through sharing of best practices, and serves as a 
point of contact to other nations to share experiences in 
delivering citizen services and to bring new solutions to the 
U.S. Government.
    The Federal Citizen Services Fund is financed from annual 
appropriations to pay for the salaries and expenses of OCS 
staff. Reimbursements from Federal agencies pay for the direct 
costs of information services OCS provides on their behalf. The 
FCSF also receives funding from user fees for publications 
ordered by the public, payments from private entities for 
services rendered, and gifts from the public. All income is 
available without regard to fiscal year limitations, but is 
subject to an annual aggregate expenditure limit as set forth 
in appropriation acts.

                        committee recommendation

    The Committee recommends $36,558,000 for the Federal 
Services Center, an increase of $19,230,000 above the fiscal 
year 2008 enacted level and consistent with the budget request. 
The funding level reflects a transfer from the ``Operating 
Expenses'' account to consolidate GSA's citizen-based services.
    The appropriation will be augmented by reimbursements from 
Federal agencies for distribution of consumer publications, 
user fees from the public, and other income.

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

    Section 510 authorizes GSA to use funds for the hire of 
passenger motor vehicles.
    Section 511 authorizes GSA to transfer funds within the 
Federal buildings fund for meeting program requirements.
    Section 512 limits funding for courthouse construction 
which does not meet certain standards of a capital improvement 
plan.
    Section 513 provides that no funds may be used to increase 
the amount of occupiable square feet, provide cleaning 
services, security enhancements, or any other service usually 
provided, to any agency which does not pay the requested rate.
    Section 514 continues the provision that permits GSA to pay 
small claims (up to $250,000) made against the Government.
    Section 515 changes the Federal Citizen Information Fund to 
the Federal Citizen Services Fund.
    Section 516 authorizes GSA to allow volunteer and other 
nongovernmental organizations supporting the National Response 
Framework, under Emergency Support Function [ESF] #6--Mass 
Care, Housing, and Human Services, access to GSA Sources of 
Supply.

                     Merit Systems Protection Board

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $37,507,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      38,811,000
Committee recommendation................................      38,811,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Merit Systems Protection Board [MSPB] was established 
by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. MSPB is an independent 
quasi-judicial agency manifested to protect Federal merit 
systems against partisan political and other prohibited 
personnel practices and to ensure adequate protection for 
employees against abuses by agency management.
    MSPB assists Federal agencies in running a merit-based 
civil service system. This is accomplished on a case-by-case 
basis through hearing and deciding employee appeals and on a 
systemic basis by reviewing significant actions and regulations 
of the Office of Personnel Management [OPM] and conducting 
studies of the civil service and other merit systems. The 
intended results of MSPB's efforts are to assure that personnel 
actions taken against employees are processed within the law 
and that actions taken by OPM and other agencies support and 
enhance Federal merit principles.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $38,811,000 
for the Merit Systems Protection Board. This is an increase of 
$1,304,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the 
same as the budget request. The Committee makes available no 
more than $2,579,000 for adjudicating retirement appeals 
through an appropriation from the trust fund consistent with 
past practice.

 Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental 
                           Policy Foundation

   FEDERAL PAYMENT TO MORRIS K. UDALL SCHOLARSHIP AND EXCELLENCE IN 
                NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FOUNDATION

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $3,750,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................         100,000
Committee recommendation................................       3,750,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The General Fund payment to the Morris K. Udall Fund is 
invested in Treasury securities with maturities suitable to the 
needs of the Fund. Interest earnings from the investments are 
used to carry out the activities of the Morris K. Udall 
Foundation. The Foundation awards scholarships, fellowships, 
and grants, and funds activities of the Udall Center.
    The Morris K. Udall Foundation also supports training 
programs for professionals in health care policy and public 
policy, such as the Native Nations Institute [NNI]. NNI, based 
at the University of Arizona, provides Native Americans with 
leadership and management training, and analyzes policies 
relevant to tribes.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,750,000 for 
the Morris K. Udall Foundation. This amount is $3,650,000 above 
the budget request and is equal to the enacted 2008 level. The 
Committee includes language to allow up to 60 percent of the 
appropriation to be used for the expenses of the Native Nations 
Institute.

                 ENVIRONMENTAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION FUND

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $2,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................         850,000
Committee recommendation................................       2,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution is 
a Federal program established by Public Law 105-156 to assist 
parties in resolving environmental, natural resource, and 
public lands conflicts. The Institute is part of the Morris K. 
Udall Foundation and serves as an impartial, non-partisan 
institution providing professional expertise, services, and 
resources to all parties involved in such disputes. The 
Institute helps parties determine whether collaborative problem 
solving is appropriate for specific environmental conflicts, 
how and when to bring all the parties together for discussion, 
and whether a third-party facilitator or mediator might be 
helpful in assisting the parties in their efforts to reach 
consensus or to resolve the conflict. In addition, the 
Institute maintains a roster of qualified facilitators and 
mediators with substantial experience in environmental conflict 
resolution and can help parties in selecting an appropriate 
neutral professional.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,000,000 for 
the Morris K. Udall Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund. This 
amount is equal to the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and 
$1,150,000 above the budget request.

              National Archives and Records Administration

    The National Archives and Records Administration [NARA] is 
the national recordkeeper managing the Government's archives 
and records, and operating the presidential libraries. NARA is 
an independent agency created by statute in 1934 to safeguard 
the records of all three branches of the Federal Government. 
NARA administers the Information Security Oversight Office 
[ISOO], is the publisher of the Federal Register, and makes 
grants for historical documentation through the National 
Historical Publications and Records Commission [NHPRC]. In 
addition, NARA has recently been charged with additional 
responsibilities including mediating Freedom of Information Act 
disputes and coordinating controlled unclassified information.

                           OPERATING EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $315,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     327,783,000
Committee recommendation................................     330,883,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides for basic operations dealing with 
management of the Federal Government's archives and records, 
operation of Presidential Libraries, review for 
declassification of classified security information, and other 
duties.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $330,883,000 for operating 
expenses of the National Archives and Records Administration 
for fiscal year 2009. This amount is $15,883,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level and $3,100,000 above the budget 
request.
    The Committee's recommendation includes requested funds to 
prepare for the new George W. Bush Presidential Library, 
process and declassify presidential records, and supplement 
criminal investigative staff.
    In addition, the Committee provides $1,200,000 above the 
request for continuance of public research hours, which is a 
base operating cost and should be part of the budget request. 
The Committee also recommends $1,000,000 to fulfill the 
responsibility designated to NARA under the OPEN Government Act 
(Public Law 110-175) to manage the new Office of Government 
Information Services [OGIS], thereby disagreeing with the 
administration which placed this responsibility and funding 
with the Justice Department, which posed a conflict of interest 
given that department's responsibility to defend its 
government-agency clients in litigation brought by requesters. 
Finally, the Committee is aware that on May 9, 2008, the 
President signed a memorandum designating NARA as the executive 
agent for overseeing and managing the implementation of the 
designation and sharing of controlled unclassified information. 
The Committee is further aware that OMB has determined that the 
Office of the Director of National Intelligence shall provide 
funding to NARA to cover start-up costs of $2,000,000 over 
fiscal year 2009. The Committee expects that NARA's budget 
submission for fiscal year 2010 will request funds for this 
purpose.

                      ELECTRONIC RECORDS ARCHIVES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $58,028,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      67,008,000
Committee recommendation................................      67,008,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    National Archives and Records Administration [NARA] is 
developing an Electronic Records Archives [ERA] that will 
ensure the preservation of and access to Government electronic 
records. With the rapid changes in technology today, the 
formats in which records are stored become obsolete within a 
few years, making records inaccessible even if they are 
preserved intact with the most modern technology. ERA will 
preserve electronic records generated in a manner that enables 
requesters to access them on computer systems now and in the 
future.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $67,008,000 for the Electronic 
Records Archives project. This amount is an increase of 
$8,980,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the 
same as the budget request. A provision is included in the bill 
requiring NARA to submit a spending plan for these funds.
    The Committee strongly supports the Electronic Records 
Archives [ERA] program at the National Archives Records 
Administration. The Committee continues to emphasize the 
importance that amounts requested in the President's budget be 
adequate to meet current program requirements for the 
development of systems to interface with agencies, receive all 
documents, and conduct all necessary training programs. The 
Committee remains committed to working to ensure that this 
program is adequately funded on an expedited basis so ERA can 
preserve the Nation's important records at the earliest 
feasible date.
    The Committee is gravely concerned about the lack of 
progress in developing ERA capabilities to ingest electronic 
records from the current presidential administration at the 
time of the January 2009 transition. Delays in negotiating the 
scope and timing of the system development with the contractor 
have left little time to develop, test, and deploy the proposed 
system. This delay puts NARA's ability take custody of the 
current administration's electronic records and make them 
available to authorized recipients during the next 
administration at significant risk. Because of the significant 
impact that delays in accessing presidential records could have 
on the succeeding administration, Congress, and the courts, 
NARA should develop a formal plan for ensuring the availability 
of electronic presidential records in the event that ERA is not 
capable of providing such access.

                        REPAIRS AND RESTORATION

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $28,605,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       9,211,000
Committee recommendation................................      33,211,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides for the repair, alteration, and 
improvement of Archives facilities and Presidential libraries 
nationwide, and provides adequate storage for holdings. It will 
better enable NARA to maintain its facilities in proper 
condition for public visitors, researchers, and NARA employees, 
and also maintain the structural integrity of the buildings.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $33,211,000 for the repairs and 
restoration account. This amount is $4,606,000 above the fiscal 
year 2008 enacted level and $24,000,000 above the budget 
request.
    The Committee provides $9,211,000 for ongoing repairs and 
restoration and recommends specific funding to be distributed 
as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Committee
                                                         recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JFK Presidential Library..............................        22,000,000
LBJ Presidential Library..............................         2,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee has prioritized funding under this account 
with input from NARA's capital improvement plan and projects 
already underway. Therefore, the Committee has included 
$2,000,000 to complete renovations for the Lyndon Baines 
Johnson [LBJ] Presidential Library and $22,000,000 to complete 
construction of the JFK Presidential Library.
    The Committee recognizes that it has more than adequately 
provided funding for NARA's portion of the LBJ Presidential 
Library plaza project, therefore, the Library is on notice not 
to return to the Committee for any further funding for this 
project, a directive which is reflected in the bill.
    The Committee is aware of the great need of repairs of 
presidential libraries, particularly the FDR Presidential 
Library, which suffers from flooding, whose infrastructure is 
dangerously deteriorated and outdated, and whose systems 
violate NARA's standards for preservation, but is unfortunately 
constrained to provide funding for this worthwhile project.
    The Committee also is aware of the need for roof repair at 
the Truman Presidential Library and encourages NARA to review 
its repair needs, considering the NARA on-going repair account 
as a source of funding.
    The Committee makes permanent the directive requiring NARA 
to update its comprehensive capital needs assessment for its 
entire infrastructure of presidential libraries and records 
facilities, as part of its fiscal year 2010 budget submission 
and urges that an appropriate level of funding for repair of 
valuable historic presidential libraries be included in the 
fiscal year 2010 budget request.

        National Historical Publications and Records Commission

                             GRANTS PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $9,500,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................................
Committee recommendation................................      10,500,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The National Historical Publications and Records Commission 
[NHPRC] provides grants nationwide to preserve and publish 
records that document American history. Administered within the 
National Archives, which preserves Federal records, NHPRC helps 
State, local, and private institutions preserve non-Federal 
records, helps publish the papers of major figures in American 
history, and helps archivists and records managers improve 
their techniques, training, and ability to serve a range of 
information users.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $10,500,000 for the National 
Historical Publications and Records Commission [NHPRC]. This 
amount is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level 
and $10,500,000 above the budget request.
    The Committee strongly supports the NHPRC program and has 
provided funding to continue this important program. This 
program has played a central role in the preservation and 
dissemination of the Nation's documentary heritage. Further, 
the program has been successful in leveraging private sector 
contributions.

                        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

    The Committee includes an administrative provision 
directing NARA to include in its annual budget submission each 
year a comprehensive capital needs assessment for its entire 
infrastructure of presidential libraries and records 
facilities. Funding should be included in each year's budget to 
address the highest priorities, including projects already 
underway.

                  National Credit Union Administration

                       CENTRAL LIQUIDITY FACILITY

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Direct loan       Administrative
                                        limitation          expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2008..............   ($1,500,000,000)         ($329,000)
Budget estimate, 2009.............    (1,500,000,000)          (334,000)
Committee recommendation..........    (1,500,000,000)          (334,000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The National Credit Union Administration [NCUA] Central 
Liquidity Facility [CLF] was created by the National Credit 
Union Central Liquidity Facility Act (Public Law 95-630). The 
CLF is a mixed-ownership Government corporation managed by the 
National Credit Union Administration Board and owned by its 
member credit unions.
    The purpose of the CLF is to improve the general financial 
stability of credit unions by meeting their seasonal and 
emergency liquidity needs and thereby encourage savings, 
support consumer and mortgage lending, and provide basic 
financial resources to all segments of the economy. To become 
eligible for CLF services, credit unions invest in the capital 
stock of the CLF, and the facility uses the proceeds of such 
investments and the proceeds of borrowed funds to meet the 
liquidity needs of credit unions. The primary sources of funds 
for the CLF are stock subscriptions from credit unions and 
borrowings.
    The CLF may borrow funds from any source, with the amount 
of borrowing limited to 12 times the amount of subscribed 
capital stock and surplus.
    Loans are available to meet short-term requirements for 
funds attributable to emergency outflows from managerial 
difficulties or local economic downturns. Seasonal credit is 
also provided to accommodate fluctuations caused by cyclical 
changes in such areas as agriculture, education, and retail 
business. Loans can also be made to offset protracted credit 
problems caused by factors such as regional economic decline.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends the budget request of limiting 
administrative expenses for the Central Liquidity Fund [CLF] to 
$334,000,000 in fiscal year 2009. The Committee recommends a 
limitation of $1,500,000,000 for the principal amount of new 
direct loans to member credit unions. These amounts are the 
same as the budget request.

               COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND

Appropriations, 2008....................................        $975,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       1,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Program 
[CDRLF] was established in 1979 to assist officially designated 
``low-income'' credit unions in providing basic financial 
services to low-income communities. Low-interest loans and 
deposits are made available to assist these credit unions. 
Loans or deposits are normally repaid in 5 years, although 
shorter repayment periods may be considered. Technical 
assistance grants [TAGs] are also available to low-income 
credit unions for improving operations as well as addressing 
safety and soundness issues. Credit unions use TAG funds for 
specific initiatives, including taxpayer assistance, financial 
education, home ownership initiatives, and training assistance.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $1,000,000 for technical 
assistance grants to community development credit unions. This 
funding level is equal to the budget request and is $25,000 
more than the fiscal year 2008 enacted level. The Committee 
expects the CDRLF to continue making loans from their available 
funds derived from repaid loans and interest earned on previous 
loans to designated credit unions.
    The Committee supports NCUA's outreach efforts to 
underserved rural and urban communities across America through 
technical assistance grants provided within CDRLF. The 
Committee encourages NCUA to continue its efforts to provide 
financial education, particularly regarding consumer credit and 
home mortgages, and to provide alternatives to predatory 
lending services through targeted technical assistance grants 
and support.

                      Office of Government Ethics

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $11,750,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      13,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      13,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of Government Ethics [OGE], a separate agency 
within the executive branch, was established by the Ethics in 
Government Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-521). OGE is charged by 
law to provide overall direction of executive branch policies 
designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure high 
ethical standards. OGE carries out these responsibilities by 
developing regulations pertaining to conflicts of interest, 
postemployment restrictions, standards of conduct, and public 
and confidential financial disclosure in the executive branch; 
by monitoring compliance with financial disclosure requirements 
by recommending appropriate corrective action when necessary; 
by evaluating the effectiveness of applicable laws; and by 
preparing advisory opinions and policy memoranda interpreting 
requirements regarding conflicts of interest, post employment 
restrictions, standards of conduct, and financial disclosure.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,000,000 
for salaries and expenses of the Office of Government Ethics in 
fiscal year 2009. This amount is the same as the budget request 
and $1,250,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level. The 
Committee encourages OGE to keep the Committee regularly 
informed of any emerging needs resulting from enactment of any 
new legislation affecting ethics obligations of executive 
branch officials and employees, as well as initiatives 
undertaken to fulfill OGE's critical role in Presidential 
transition issues, including education on post-employment 
restrictions for outgoing officials and processing the expected 
surge of public financial disclosure reports filed by the 
incoming President's nominees for high level positions 
requiring Senate confirmation. The funding level will also 
allow OGE to provide the necessary training and guidance for 
new and experienced ethics officials to enable them to handle 
ethics issues that arise during the transition period.

                     Office of Personnel Management

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $101,765,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      92,829,000
Committee recommendation................................      92,829,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of Personnel Management [OPM] was established by 
Public Law 95-454, the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, 
enacted on October 13, 1978. OPM is responsible for management 
of Federal human resources policy and oversight of the merit 
civil service system. Although individual agencies are 
increasingly responsible for personnel operations, OPM provides 
a Governmentwide policy framework for personnel matters, 
advises and assists agencies (often on a reimbursable basis), 
and ensures that agency operations are consistent with 
requirements of law on issues such as veterans preference. OPM 
oversees examining of applicants for employment, issues 
regulations and policies on hiring, classification and pay, 
training, investigations, other aspects of personnel 
management, and operates a reimbursable training program for 
the Federal Government's managers and executives. OPM is also 
responsible for administering the retirement, health benefits, 
and life insurance programs affecting most Federal employees, 
retired Federal employees, and their survivors.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a general fund appropriation of 
$92,829,000 for the salaries and expenses of the Office of 
Personnel Management, which is $8,936,000 less than the fiscal 
year 2008 level and the same as the budget request.
    The recommendation includes $5,851,000 for the Enterprise 
Human Resources Integration project and $1,315,000 for the 
Human Resources Line of Business project.
    Retirement Systems Modernization.--The Committee is 
extremely concerned about whether OPM is effectively managing 
its retirement systems modernization program, particularly in 
light of findings reported by the Government Accountability 
Office [GAO] in January 2008 and OPM's February 2008 
implementation of the RetireEZ system with capability that was 
significantly less than originally planned. On May 16, 2008, 
the Committee directed GAO to conduct a follow-up study to 
determine the status of OPM's efforts to fully develop and 
implement RetireEZ and to evaluate the agency's efforts to 
ensure the accuracy of the new system. In light of OPM's May 
28, 2008 decision to stop work on a major contract that is 
critical to the retirement systems modernization program's 
success, the Committee further directs GAO to assess the impact 
of the stop work order on OPM's plans for developing and 
implementing RetireEZ.
    Child Care.--Last year, the Committee directed OPM to work 
with and through the Chief Human Capital Officers Council, 
through several specific directives, to communicate with 
Federal agencies about dependent care programs. The Committee 
is aware of steps OPM is to be taking to improve communication 
about dependent care programs, and has seen some positive 
results, especially in the use of the Dependent Care Flexible 
Spending Account [DCFSA]. The Committee is supportive of OPM's 
future plans, many of which should be on-going activities. No 
later than 45 days after enactment, OPM shall report to the 
Committee timelines, including start and/or completion dates, 
for the following activities to ensure progress and provide for 
accountability:
  --when OPM will expand its Open Season marketing campaign to 
        include new touch points (e.g., floor graphics inside 
        Metro stations) and redesign materials with a focus on 
        dependent care;
  --when OPM will follow through with targeting one or two 
        agencies with very low enrollment and develop creative 
        ways to encourage agencies to educate employees about 
        the use of FSAFEDS, including the feasibility of 
        whether this should be an annual activity;
  --when OPM will conduct outreach to affinity groups such as 
        Executive Women in Government and Blacks in Government 
        to push the FSAFEDS Program, including the feasibility 
        of whether this should be an annual activity;
  --when GSA will begin working with the military to advertise 
        tuition assistance, when these new advertising 
        materials will be initially disbursed, and how often 
        the materials will be provided (e.g. annually);
  --when OPM will add a link on child care subsidies to the 
        front page of the OPM website.
    Disability Policy and Leadership.--OPM, as the personnel 
agency for the Federal Government, should be committed to 
helping the Federal Government become the model employer 
Congress and the law mandate that it be, with regard to 
individuals with disabilities. OPM's track record, of late, has 
not been stellar. Erroneous information and web links on OPM's 
disability website were not corrected over a lengthy period of 
time despite notification; a key OPM staff position dealing 
with disability issues has remained vacant for long periods of 
time; insufficient outreach has been conducted to the 
disability community, a population of more than 30 million 
working-age Americans available for public service. This is 
particularly disappointing given that 60 percent of the Federal 
workforce will be eligible for retirement within 10 years. In 
addition, inefficiencies exist within the USAJOBS electronic 
employment portal, making it more difficult for applicants who 
wish to be considered under Schedule A authority to bypass 
competitive requirements as authorized. Finally, OPM has 
neglected to provide clear guidance to Federal agencies, 
applicants, and Federal employees on the appropriate use of the 
Schedule A appointing authority. Until the involvement of this 
Committee, these problems languished.
    The Committee acknowledges that OPM has begun steps to 
improve matters. The Committee remains dedicated to ensuring 
that these problems are corrected, urges OPM to redouble their 
efforts to solve these issues, and directs OPM to advise the 
Committee as improvements are achieved.
    Intergovernmental Personnel Act Mobility Program and 
Nursing Shortage.--The Committee is concerned with the ongoing 
shortage of nurses, which is due in large part to the national 
shortage of nurse faculty, and encourages OPM to assist in 
alleviating the shortage through the Intergovernmental 
Personnel Act Mobility Program. The Intergovernmental Personnel 
Act Mobility Program provides for the temporary assignment of 
personnel between the Federal Government and State and local 
governments, colleges and universities, and other eligible 
entities. Federally-employed nurses could be given the 
opportunity to serve a temporary assignment in an accredited 
school of nursing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 
that more than 1 million new and replacement Registered Nurses 
[RNs] will be needed by 2016. However, schools of nursing are 
forced to turn away thousands of qualified applicants each year 
due to faculty shortages. The Federal Government currently 
employs more than 53,000 nurses domestically, and many have the 
educational background and expertise to teach the next 
generation of nurses, in the process gaining valuable 
experience and informing students about careers in government 
service.
    The Committee directs OPM to carry out the 
Intergovernmental Personnel Act Mobility Program with special 
attention provided to Federal agencies employing more than 
2,000 nurses. OPM may develop guidelines that provide Federal 
agencies direction or guidance in using their authority under 
the Intergovernmental Personnel Act Mobility Program--
  --to provide financial assistance to Federal employees 
        holding a degree in nursing to accept an assignment to 
        teach in an accredited school of nursing in exchange 
        for a commitment from the individual to serve for an 
        additional term in Federal service or a commitment from 
        the school of nursing to take additional steps to 
        increase its number of nursing students that will 
        commit to Federal service upon graduation;
  --to provide financial assistance to Federal employees who 
        have served as a nurse in the Federal Government and 
        are eligible for retirement to allow such individuals 
        to attend an accredited school of nursing to obtain the 
        training to become a nurse faculty member in exchange 
        for a commitment to encourage current and prospective 
        students to pursue a career in nursing in the Federal 
        Government and a commitment from the school of nursing 
        to take additional steps to increase its number of 
        nursing students that will commit to Federal service 
        upon graduation; and
  --to provide financial or other assistance to Federal 
        employees who have served as a nurse in the Federal 
        Government, are eligible for retirement, and are 
        qualified to teach to expedite the transition of such 
        individuals into nurse faculty positions.
    The Committee directs OPM to report to the Committee no 
later than 120 days after enactment of this act on how the 
Intergovernmental Personnel Act Mobility Program is being used 
to alleviate the nursing shortage and on the demonstrable steps 
OPM has taken to encourage government-employed nurses to teach 
at accredited colleges of nursing.
    Employment for the Blind.--The Committee applauds the 
administration's commitment to programs which support disabled 
Americans to become fully employed and integrated into their 
communities. To further advance this goal, the Committee 
requests the OPM to review the status of Federal employment 
policies and to consider any changes that may be necessary to 
help meet the goal of employing blind Americans. The Committee 
notes, for example, that the Internal Revenue Service has 
successfully operated a program with the Lions World Services 
for the Blind [LWSB] in Little Rock, Arkansas for the past 40 
years. This program employs blind individuals trained by LWSB 
to work in IRS call centers, which could be a model for other 
Federal agencies. The Committee would be pleased to receive a 
report on this matter including the views of the Federal 
employee labor organizations by July 15, 2009.

                               LIMITATION

                       (TRANSFER OF TRUST FUNDS)

Limitation, 2008........................................    $123,901,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     118,082,000
Committee recommendation................................     118,082,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    These funds will be transferred from the appropriate trust 
funds of the Office of Personnel Management to cover 
administrative expenses for the retirement and insurance 
programs, including the cost of automating the retirement 
recordkeeping systems.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $118,082,000, 
which is $5,819,000 less than the fiscal year 2008 level and 
the same as the budget request. The amount includes $15,200,000 
for retirement systems modernization, the same as the request.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $1,519,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       1,538,000
Committee recommendation................................       2,136,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of Inspector General is charged with 
establishing policies for conducting and coordinating efforts 
which promote economy, efficiency, and integrity in the Office 
of Personnel Management's activities which prevent and detect 
fraud, waste, and mismanagement in the agency's programs. 
Contract audits provide professional advice to agency 
contracting officials on accounting and financial matters 
regarding the negotiation, award, administration, repricing, 
and settlement of contracts. Internal agency audits review and 
evaluate all facets of agency operations, including financial 
statements. Evaluation and inspection services provide detailed 
technical evaluations of agency operations. Insurance audits 
review the operations of health and life insurance carriers, 
health care providers, and insurance subscribers. The 
investigative function provides for the detection and 
investigation of improper and illegal activities involving 
programs, personnel, and operations. Administrative sanctions 
debar from participation in the health insurance program those 
health care providers whose conduct may pose a threat to the 
financial integrity of the program itself or to the well-being 
of insurance program enrollees.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,136,000 for 
salaries and expenses of the Office of Inspector General in 
fiscal year 2009. This amount is $617,000 more than the fiscal 
year 2008 enacted level and $598,000 more than the budget 
request.

               (LIMITATION ON TRANSFER FROM TRUST FUNDS)

Limitation, 2008........................................     $17,081,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      16,462,000
Committee recommendation................................      20,428,000

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation on transfers from the 
trust funds in support of the Office of Inspector General 
activities totaling $20,428,000 for fiscal year 2009. This 
amount is $3,347,000 more than the fiscal year 2008 enacted 
level, and $3,966,000 above the budget request. The increased 
funds will help restore the OIG's budget to previous levels and 
permit additional audits and investigations.

      government payment for annuitants, employees health benefits

Appropriations, 2008....................................  $8,884,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................   9,533,000,000
Committee recommendation................................   9,533,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This appropriation covers the Government's share of the 
cost of health insurance for annuitants covered by the Federal 
Employees Health Benefits Program and the Retired Federal 
Employees Health Benefits Act of 1960, as well as 
administrative expenses incurred by OPM for these programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a mandatory appropriation of 
$9,553,000,000 for Government payments for annuitants, 
employees health benefits.

       government payment for annuitants, employee life insurance

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $41,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      46,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      46,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Public Law 96-427, the Federal Employees' Group Life 
Insurance Act of 1980 requires that all employees under the age 
of 65 who separate from the Federal Government for purposes of 
retirement on or after January 1, 1990, continue to make 
contributions toward their basic life insurance coverage after 
retirement until they reach the age of 65. These retirees will 
contribute two-thirds of the cost of the basic life insurance 
premium, identical to the amount contributed by active Federal 
employees for basic life insurance coverage. As with the active 
Federal employees, the Government is required to contribute 
one-third of the cost of the premium for retirees' basic 
coverage. OPM, acting as the payroll office on behalf of 
Federal retirees, has requested, and the Committee has 
provided, the funding necessary to make the required Government 
contribution associated with annuitants' post-retirement life 
insurance coverage.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a mandatory appropriation of 
$46,000,000 for the Government payment for annuitants, employee 
life insurance.

        payment to civil service retirement and disability fund

Appropriations, 2008.................................... $11,941,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................  10,550,000,000
Committee recommendation................................  10,550,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The civil service retirement and disability fund was 
established in 1920 to administer the financing and payment of 
annuities to retired Federal employees and their survivors. The 
fund covers the operation of the Civil Service Retirement 
System and the Federal Employees' Retirement System.
    This appropriation provides for the Government's share of 
retirement costs, transfers of interest on the unfunded 
liability and annuity disbursements attributable to military 
service, and survivor annuities to eligible former spouses of 
some annuitants who did not elect survivor coverage.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a mandatory appropriation of 
$10,550,000,000 for payment to the civil service retirement and 
disability fund.

                       Office of Special Counsel

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $17,468,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      17,468,000
Committee recommendation................................      17,468,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The U.S. Office of Special Counsel [OSC] was first 
established on January 1, 1979. From 1979 until 1989, it 
operated as an autonomous investigative and prosecutorial arm 
of the Merit Systems Protection Board (the Board). In 1989, 
Congress enacted the Whistleblower Protection Act (Public Law 
101-12), which made OSC an independent agency within the 
executive branch. In 1994, the Uniformed Services Employment 
and Reemployment Rights Act (Public Law 103-353) became law. It 
defined employment-related rights of persons in connection with 
military service, prohibited discrimination against them 
because of that service, and gave OSC new authority to pursue 
remedies for violations by Federal agencies.
    OSC investigates Federal employee allegations of prohibited 
personnel practices with an emphasis on protecting Federal 
Government whistleblowers, and, when appropriate, prosecutes 
cases before the Merit Systems Protection Board and enforces 
the Hatch Act. OSC also provides a channel for whistleblowing 
by Federal employees, and may transmit allegations of reprisal 
to whistleblowing to the agency head concerned and require an 
agency investigation and a report to Congress and the President 
when appropriate.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $17,468,000 
for the Office of Special Counsel. This amount is the same as 
the budget request and is the same as the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level.
    The Committee strongly urges the OSC to work with 
whistleblower advocacy organizations to promote the highest 
level of confidence in the Whistleblower Protection Act and the 
OSC. The Committee acknowledges that OSC continues to 
experience growth in its caseload, as a result of heightened 
awareness of the Hatch Act stemming from media focus on several 
high-profile cases, a more vigorous focus on complaints under 
the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, 
and actions under the Whistleblower Protection Act.

                      Postal Regulatory Commission

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2008...........................\1\($14,985,000)
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     14,043,000 
Committee recommendation................................     14,043,000 

\1\The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (Public Law 109-435, 
sec. 603(a)) authorizes appropriations for the Commission out of the 
off-budget Postal Service Fund beginning in fiscal year 2009. Prior to 
fiscal year 2009, the United States Postal Service Board of Governors 
determined the budget of the Commission.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Postal Regulatory Commission is an independent agency 
that has exercised regulatory oversight over the United States 
Postal Service [USPS] since its creation by the Postal 
Reorganization Act of 1970. For over three decades, that 
oversight consisted primarily of conducting public, on-the-
record hearings concerning proposed rates, mail classification, 
and major service changes, and recommended decisions for action 
to the Postal Service Board of Governors.
    The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act [PAEA] 
(Public Law 109-435) assigned significant new responsibilities 
to the Commission. These enhanced authorities include providing 
regulatory oversight of the pricing of USPS products and 
services, ensuring USPS transparency and accountability, 
consulting on delivery service standards and performance 
measures, consulting on international postal policies, 
preventing cross-subsidization or other anticompetitive postal 
practices, and serving as a forum to act on complaints with 
postal products and services. The Commission provides 
leadership and recommends policies that foster a robust and 
viable postal system.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation, out of the 
Postal Fund, of $14,043,000 for the Postal Regulatory 
Commission. This amount is the same as the budget request, and 
$942,000 below the fiscal year 2008 funding level. The funds 
will support 74 FTEs and enable the Commission to conduct a 
comprehensive review of the universal service obligation and 
the postal monopoly, a financial review of the Postal Service 
report on costs, revenues, rates, and services, and a financial 
review of the Postal Service compliance with section 404 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

              Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $2,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       2,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       2,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Recommended by the July 22, 2004 report of the National 
Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (the 9/
11 Commission), the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board 
[PCLOB] was originally established through the Intelligence 
Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-
458). The PCLOB was made a component of the White House Office 
within the Executive Office of the President.
    Under the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 
Commission Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-53), the PCLOB was 
reconstituted as an independent agency within the Executive 
Branch. The mission of the PCLOB is to (1) analyze and review 
actions the Executive Branch takes to protect the Nation from 
terrorism, ensuring that the need for such actions is balanced 
with the need to protect privacy and civil liberties; and (2) 
ensure that liberty concerns are appropriately considered in 
the development and implementation of laws, regulations, and 
policies related to efforts to protect the Nation against 
terrorism.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,000,000 for 
the PCLOB. The Committee strongly supports the mission of the 
PCLOB. The Committee notes that the former Board ceased to 
functionally exist after January 30, 2008. The Committee is 
concerned that the new PCLOB has not yet been reconstituted and 
staffed as required by Public Law 110-53. The Committee urges 
the PCLOB, once it is reconstituted, to promptly provide a 
detailed budget justification to the Committee.

                   Securities and Exchange Commission

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $906,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     913,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     938,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] is an 
independent agency responsible for administering many of the 
Nation's laws regulating the areas of securities and finance.
    The mission of the SEC is to administer and enforce Federal 
securities laws in order to protect investors, maintain fair, 
honest, and efficient markets, and promote capital formation. 
This includes ensuring full disclosure of financial 
information, regulating the Nation's securities markets, and 
preventing and policing fraud and malpractice in the securities 
and financial markets. The strength of the American economy and 
our Nation's financial markets is dependent upon investors' 
confidence in the financial disclosures and statements released 
by publicly traded companies.
    The Committee is concerned that American investors may be 
unwittingly investing in companies with ties to countries that 
sponsor terrorism or are linked to human rights violations. The 
Committee believes that a company's association with sponsors 
of terrorism and human rights abuses, no matter how large or 
small, can have a materially adverse result on a public 
company's operations, financial condition, earnings, and stock 
prices, all of which can negatively affect the value of an 
investment. In order to protect American investors' savings and 
to disclose these business relationships to investors, an 
Office of Global Security Risk was established within the 
Division of Corporation Finance. The Committee expects the work 
of the Office to remain a high priority during fiscal year 2009 
and directs the SEC to continue to submit quarterly reports on 
its activities.
    The Committee expects the SEC to implement key controls to 
effectively safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and 
availability of its financial and sensitive information and 
systems.
    The Committee encourages the SEC to continue its efforts to 
improve the timeliness of disbursement of funds to investors 
victimized by securities fraud. The Committee applauds the 
SEC's efforts to establish a specialized office devoted to 
ensuring that funds are promptly disbursed and install a new 
computer system to simplify the tracking, collection, and 
distribution of assessed penalties.
    The Committee is pleased that the SEC has made strides to 
simplify complex information and improve electronic public 
access to investment information through interactive data 
systems.
    With the markets experiencing a steady increase in the 
number of complex securities products and market participants 
and in light of problems plaguing the credit markets as a 
result of subprime lending, it is imperative that our Nation's 
top securities regulator has the resources to effectively meet 
its mandate. The Committee is disappointed that the President's 
budget falls short as it provides for 378 fewer employees than 
in 2005 when the SEC received additional funding due to Enron 
and other corporate scandals and almost 100 less full-time 
employees than provided for in fiscal year 2008. As the SEC 
intensifies its oversight of credit rating agencies in response 
to issues involving structured finance instruments, the SEC 
must have sufficient staff to evaluate the performance of new 
regulations and the quality of information that is available to 
investors. Staffing shortfalls impact the SEC's ability to 
ensure adequate supervision of market participants and promote 
and sustain public confidence in the integrity of our capital 
markets.
    The Committee is aware that a petition was filed with the 
Commission on September 18, 2007, calling for the issuance of 
an interpretative release clarifying the application of 
existing law to the disclosure of risks associated with climate 
change. The Commission is encouraged to give prompt 
consideration to this petition and to provide guidance on the 
appropriate disclosure of climate risk.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total budget (obligational) 
authority of $938,000,000 for the salaries and expenses of the 
SEC, including $890,000,000 from new fee collections and 
$48,000,000 from prior year balances. This total funding level 
is $32,000,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and 
$25,000,000 above the budget request, to allow the SEC to begin 
to address staffing shortfalls.

                        Selective Service System

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $22,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      22,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      22,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Selective Service System [SSS] is an independent 
Federal agency, operating with permanent authorization under 
the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. App. 451 et 
seq.). The agency is not part of the Department of Defense 
[DOD], but its basic mission is to be prepared to supply 
manpower to the Armed Forces adequate to ensure the security of 
the United States during a time of national emergency. Since 
1973, the Armed Forces have relied on volunteers to fill 
military manpower requirements. However, the Selective Service 
System remains the primary vehicle by which personnel will be 
brought into the military if Congress and the President should 
authorize a return to the draft.
    In December 1987, Selective Service was tasked by law 
(Public Law 100-180, sec. 715) to develop plans for a post-
mobilization health care personnel delivery system capable of 
providing the necessary critically skilled healthcare personnel 
to the Armed Forces in time of emergency. An automated system 
capable of handling mass registration and inductions is now 
complete, together with necessary draft legislation, a draft 
Presidential proclamation, prototype forms and letters, and 
other products. These products will be available should the 
need arise. The development of supplemental standby products, 
such as a compliance system for health care personnel, 
continues using very limited existing resources.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $22,000,000 
for the Selective Service System. This amount is the same as 
the budget request and the same as the fiscal year 2008 enacted 
level. The Committee encourages the System to continue the 
development of its Central Registrant Processing Portal 
Initiative, and to improve the cost effectiveness of the 
registration process by continuing to increase the percentage 
of electronic and automatic registrations.
    The Committee is concerned that the Service recently 
experienced compliance problems under 31 U.S.C. 1341, but is 
encouraged that the Service has taken steps to correct the 
situation. The Committee urges the Service to exercise 
heightened diligence in its budgetary management controls to 
avoid any recurring issues in this area.

                     Small Business Administration

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $568,988,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     658,508,000
Committee recommendation................................     765,798,000

    The Committee recommendation provides $765,798,000 for the 
Small Business Administration [SBA]. The recommendation is 
$196,810,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and 
$107,290,000 over the budget request. Funding is distributed 
among the SBA appropriation accounts as described below.

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $413,574,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     328,159,000
Committee recommendation................................     447,250,000

    The Committee recommendation provides $447,250,000. The 
recommendation is $33,676,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level and $119,091,000 above the budget request.
    Within the amounts made available under this heading, the 
Committee recommends grants for the following organizations and 
programs:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Account                                       Description                         Amount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SBA..........................................  Adelante Development Center for its ACCENT               $250,000
                                                School-to-Work Transition Program,
                                                Albuquerque, NM.
SBA..........................................  Alaska Manufacturing Extension Partnership,             1,100,000
                                                Inc., for a rural Alaska e-commerce training
                                                project, Anchorage, AK.
SBA..........................................  Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce                   245,000
                                                workforce training, Albuquerque, NM.
SBA..........................................  Alcorn State University for a Systems Research            600,000
                                                Institute, Alcorn State, MS.
SBA..........................................  Appalachian State University to study the                 750,000
                                                effects of economic growth resulting from
                                                viticulture and agritourism in western North
                                                Carolina, Boone, NC.
SBA..........................................  Association of Vermont Credit Unions, Student             145,000
                                                financial literacy, Burlington, VT.
SBA..........................................  Business and infrastructure development, Mingo          3,500,000
                                                County Redevelopment Authority, Williamson,
                                                WV.
SBA..........................................  Business incubator, Arkansas Biosciences                  520,000
                                                Institute, Arkansas State University.
SBA..........................................  Cedarbridge small business incubator,                     245,000
                                                Lakewood, NJ.
SBA..........................................  Center for Economic Growth, Watervliet                    300,000
                                                Innovation Center, Albany, NY.
SBA..........................................  City of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Small business            225,000
                                                investment initiative for technical
                                                assistance to business enterprises.
SBA..........................................  City of San Diego, CA, One-stop small business            100,000
                                                resource center.
SBA..........................................  Colorado Enterprise Fund for operating                    245,000
                                                expenses and technical assistance to
                                                borrowers, Denver, CO.
SBA..........................................  Colorado State University Sustainable Biofuels            250,000
                                                Development Center, Fort Collins, CO.
SBA..........................................  Community Links Hawaii for planning and                   250,000
                                                development of Oahu Technology and Innovation
                                                Park, Oahu, HI.
SBA..........................................  E\4\ Entrepreneurship for immigrants,                     100,000
                                                minorities, women, and people with
                                                disabilities in southwest King County, WA.
SBA..........................................  Eastern Washington University, Accelerating               200,000
                                                economic development in rural, underserved
                                                communities of NE Washington.
SBA..........................................  Economic development assistance for Wells, NV.            640,000
SBA..........................................  Economic Development for Central Oregon, Bend             245,000
                                                Venture Catalyst, Bend, OR.
SBA..........................................  Economic Development Training Program, Camden,            100,000
                                                NJ.
SBA..........................................  Entrepreneurial Development Center business               350,000
                                                accelerator, Cedar Rapids, IA.
SBA..........................................  First responder education initiative,                     500,000
                                                Benedictine University, Lisle, IL.
SBA..........................................  Florida Institute of Technology , Florida                 245,000
                                                Advanced Combustion Center.
SBA..........................................  Grambling State University, Expanding Minority            250,000
                                                Entrepreneurship Regionally Across the
                                                Louisiana Delta [EMERALD] program.
SBA..........................................  Grays Harbor sustainable industries research              450,000
                                                and development facility and incubator, Port
                                                of Grays Harbor, Aberdeen, WA.
SBA..........................................  Grow Inglewood, small business development,               450,000
                                                Inglewood, CA.
SBA..........................................  Indiana University, Indiana innovation                    245,000
                                                incubator, Bloomington, IN.
SBA..........................................  International Trade Compliance in Agra-                   225,500
                                                Business, Wichita, KS.
SBA..........................................  Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center for job training              310,000
                                                and placement services, East St. Louis,  IL.
SBA..........................................  Jackson State University for Lynch Street                 600,000
                                                Corridor Redevelopment, Jackson, MS.
SBA..........................................  Kansas Bioscience Authority for the Kansas                550,000
                                                Small Business Biobased Polymer Initiative,
                                                Olathe, KS.
SBA..........................................  Kansas Farm Bureau for the Kansas Hometown                300,000
                                                Prosperity Alliance, Manhattan, KS.
SBA..........................................  Macomb County business accelerator, Macomb                400,000
                                                County, MI.
SBA..........................................  Massachusetts Technology Collaborative                    260,000
                                                Renewable Energy Economic Development Center,
                                                Boston, MA.
SBA..........................................  Mississippi Biotechnology Association for a               500,000
                                                Feasibility Study and Capacity Building,
                                                Jackson, MS.
SBA..........................................  Mississippi State University for Convergence              600,000
                                                of Scientists and Entrepreneurs to Expedite
                                                Commercialization [SCEEC], Starkville, MS.
SBA..........................................  Mississippi Technology Alliance for the Center            600,000
                                                for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Services,
                                                Jackson, MS.
SBA..........................................  Missouri Western State University for the               1,000,000
                                                Biotechnology Mobile Workforce Development
                                                Center, St. Joseph, MO.
SBA..........................................  Montana Department of Commerce, for technical             520,000
                                                assistance and operating expenses of the
                                                Native American and WIRED program.
SBA..........................................  Montgomery County Action Council for the                  500,000
                                                development of economic growth and the
                                                recruitment of small businesses,
                                                Independence, KS.
SBA..........................................  Myrtle Beach International Trade & Convention           1,000,000
                                                Center, Myrtle Beach, SC.
SBA..........................................  National Center for Aviation Training for a               500,000
                                                Technical Education and Training, Wichita, KS.
SBA..........................................  Native Hawaiian Organizations Association,                300,000
                                                Entrepreneurial Development & Government
                                                Procurement Center, Honolulu, HI.
SBA..........................................  Nebraska Community Foundation, HomeTown                   300,000
                                                Competitiveness, Lincoln, NE.
SBA..........................................  New Castle County Chamber of Commerce,                    520,000
                                                Emerging Enterprise Center, business
                                                incubator, DE.
SBA..........................................  North Dakota State College of Science,                    375,000
                                                Nanotechnology Applied Science Laboratory.
SBA..........................................  Northern Community Development Corporation,               300,000
                                                Northeast Kingdom [NEK] wireless LINC, VT.
SBA..........................................  Northern Kentucky University's College of               2,000,000
                                                Informatics, Highland Heights, KY.
SBA..........................................  Ohio University, Economic Development through             245,000
                                                Entrepreneurship in Appalachia [EDEA].
SBA..........................................  Pellissippi Research Centre on the Oak Ridge              700,000
                                                Corridor, Alcoa, TN.
SBA..........................................  Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse, Tech Belt            245,000
                                                Biosciences Initiative, Pittsburgh, PA.
SBA..........................................  ReCycle North, Green-collar enterprise                    100,000
                                                program, Burlington, VT.
SBA..........................................  Rhode Island Rural Development Council and                350,000
                                                Farm Fresh Rhode Island, for Rhode Island
                                                small business development.
SBA..........................................  Rural Economic Area Partnership [REAP] Zones,             250,000
                                                Rugby, ND.
SBA..........................................  Rural Enterprise Institute's Native American              500,000
                                                Rural Business and Resource Center at Eastern
                                                Oklahoma State College, Wilburton, OK.
SBA..........................................  Safer Foundation for transitional employment              500,000
                                                placement, Chicago, IL.
SBA..........................................  Small Business and Economic Opportunity                   375,000
                                                Office, Essex County, NJ.
SBA..........................................  Small business green development, City of East            245,000
                                                Providence, RI.
SBA..........................................  Small business trade assistance office, Prince            100,000
                                                George's County, MD.
SBA..........................................  South Dakota State University, technology-                475,000
                                                based economic development.
SBA..........................................  Southern Illinois University for the Southern             500,000
                                                Illinois Research Park, Carbondale, IL.
SBA..........................................  Southwestern Pennsylvania Advanced Robotics               700,000
                                                Business Accelerator, Pittsburgh, PA.
SBA..........................................  St. Leo Residence for Veterans for job                    500,000
                                                training, Catholic Charities, Chicago, IL.
SBA..........................................  TechTown Small Business Clinic, Wayne State               175,000
                                                Law School.
SBA..........................................  University of Connecticut Avery Point,                    120,000
                                                business incubator, Groton, CT.
SBA..........................................  University of Connecticut Health Center                   325,000
                                                business incubator, Farmington, CT.
SBA..........................................  University of Kansas for Equipment for                    450,000
                                                Pharmaceutical Small Business Development,
                                                Kansas City, KS.
SBA..........................................  University of Kansas Hospital for Medical                 700,000
                                                Faculty Small Business Development, Kansas
                                                City, KS.
SBA..........................................  University of Maryland--Baltimore BioPark.....            450,000
SBA..........................................  University of Massachusetts Dartmouth,                    260,000
                                                Advanced Technical and Manufacturing Center
                                                business incubator, Fall River, MA.
SBA..........................................  University of Southern Mississippi for Early              600,000
                                                Stage Entrepreneur Development, Hattiesburg,
                                                MS.
SBA..........................................  University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee, University-           300,000
                                                industry partnership to foster rapid
                                                development of businesses in water industries.
SBA..........................................  University Technology Park, Illinois Institute            500,000
                                                of Technology, Chicago, IL.
SBA..........................................  Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology,              250,000
                                                Mine safety technology and communication
                                                improvements, Herndon, VA.
SBA..........................................  Washington Hancock Community Agency for a                 250,000
                                                Microbusiness Assistance Program, Milbridge,
                                                ME.
SBA..........................................  World Trade Center Utah Partnership                       400,000
                                                Initiative, Salt Lake City, UT.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Within the amounts made available under this heading, the 
Committee recommendation provides $160,257,000 for the SBA non-
credit business assistance programs. The recommendation is 
$49,240,000 above the budget request and $19,311,000 above the 
2008 enacted level.
    The Committee recommendations for non-credit business 
assistance, by program, are displayed in the following table:

                 NON-CREDIT BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Committee
                                                         recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Business Development Centers....................           110,000
Drug-free Workplace Grants............................             1,020
SCORE.................................................             5,120
Women's Business Centers..............................            13,450
Women's Business Council..............................               775
Microloan Technical Assistance........................            20,000
Veterans Programs.....................................             1,200
PRIME.................................................             3,105
Native American Outreach..............................             1,033
7(j) Technical Assistance.............................             2,380
HUBZone...............................................             2,174
                                                       -----------------
      Total, Non-credit Business Assistance Programs..           160,257
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee continues to support the Small Business 
Development Center [SBDC] Program. Of the amounts provided for 
the SBDC program, $1,000,000 is for the Veterans Assistance and 
Services Program as authorized by Public Law 110-186 and 
$1,000,000 is for the Small Business Energy Efficiency Program 
as authorized by Public Law 110-140. The Committee directs SBA 
to keep the Committee apprised of funding provided under these 
two programs for fiscal years 2008 and 2009.
    The Committee provides $1,200,000 for veterans programs, an 
increase of $457,000 above both the budget request and the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level to support additional grants to 
veterans business outreach centers. When determining the 
allocation of the additional funding, the Committee encourages 
SBA to consider centers with significant experience in 
conducting outreach to veterans, including those previously 
receiving Federal funding.
    The Committee provides funds above the request to hire two 
additional staff in support of the agency-wide effort to 
modernize SBA's loan management and accounting systems. The 
Committee is encouraged by SBA's efforts towards modernizing 
the agency's core systems. Current systems are outdated and 
limit capabilities, and new systems are needed to enhance the 
management of SBA's $85,000,000,000 loan portfolio. However, 
the Committee is concerned with the risk inherent in such a 
relatively large acquisition and the extent of reliance on 
contractor assistance. Additional funding is provided to hire 
one new staff within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer 
who shall be dedicated exclusively to quality assurance and 
contractor oversight for the loan management and accounting 
system and to hire one new executive-level staff who shall be 
dedicated exclusively to agency-wide management, coordination, 
and implementation of the new system. The Committee directs the 
agency to continue consultations with other Federal agencies 
regarding best practices involving design, acquisition, and 
implementation of new systems and regarding contractor 
oversight. SBA shall submit a quarterly written report to the 
Committee on Appropriations summarizing the agency's progress 
regarding the modernization effort, including milestones 
planned and achieved and progress on cost and schedule.
    The Committee is concerned with deficiencies in SBA's 
oversight of supervised lenders, as detailed in a report from 
the SBA Inspector General [IG]. Lending is a core function of 
the SBA, and proper oversight is key to adequately protecting 
taxpayer dollars. The Committee urges SBA to implement the IG 
recommendations, particularly regarding the establishment of 
risk mitigation goals and the development of standard 
procedures and guidance to ensure that enforcement is 
sufficiently aggressive and consistent.
    SBA shall submit a report to the Committee on 
Appropriations within 270 days of enactment on the Microloan 
program. The report shall include information regarding the 
program's outcome measures, the number and dollar amount of 
lending, borrower profiles, performance of loans, income growth 
and improved sustainability of businesses benefiting from the 
program, job creation resulting from the program, and potential 
unmet need in the program. The report shall also address 
performance of program participants, such as intermediaries and 
non-lending technical assistance providers, and steps SBA has 
taken to implement recommendations of the 2003 report from the 
SBA Inspector General, particularly regarding the enforcement 
of reporting requirements in the Microloan program.
    The Committee encourages SBA to consider options for 
donating, or offering at discounted prices, used equipment, 
including computers, for appropriate use by small businesses 
located in the United States. The Committee directs SBA to 
report to the Committee on Appropriations within 270 days after 
enactment on potential plans for such donations.
    The Committee directs the SBA Office of Advocacy to conduct 
a study on broadband penetration levels and payment of 
broadband services among small businesses in the United States. 
The Committee directs the SBA to provide a preliminary report 
to the Committee on Appropriations within 180 days of enactment 
and a final report within 1 year of enactment.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $15,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      15,500,000
Committee recommendation................................      15,500,000

    The Committee recommendation provides $15,500,000 for the 
Office of Inspector General. The recommendation is $500,000 
above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as the 
budget request.
    The Committee directs the Inspector General to continue 
routine analysis and reporting on SBA's modernization of its 
loan management and accounting systems, including acquisition, 
contractor oversight, implementation, and progress regarding 
budget and schedule.

                 SURETY BOND GUARANTEES REVOLVING FUND

Appropriations, 2008....................................      $3,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................       2,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       2,000,000

    The Committee recommendation provides $2,000,000. The 
recommendation is $1,000,000 below the fiscal year 2008 enacted 
level and the same as the budget request.

                     BUSINESS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $137,414,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................     138,480,000
Committee recommendation................................     140,980,000

    The Committee recommendation provides $140,980,000. The 
recommendation is $3,566,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted 
level and $2,500,000 above the budget request.
    The recommendation provides $138,480,000 for administrative 
expenses, which may be transferred to and merged with SBA 
salaries and expenses to cover the common overhead expenses 
associated with the business loans programs.
    The recommendation provides $2,500,000 for the Microloan 
direct loan program. The Committee is concerned with the 
administration's request to increase the fees paid by small 
businesses seeking assistance under the Microloan program in 
order to eliminate Federal spending on the Microloan program.

                     DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2008....................................................
Budget estimate, 2009...................................    $174,369,000
Committee recommendation................................     160,068,000

    The Committee provides $160,068,000 for necessary 
administrative expenses of the Disaster Loans program. Any 
direct loan subsidies required in fiscal year 2009 will be 
derived from available unobligated balances. As always, SBA is 
urged to seek out emergency funding in the event of a disaster 
requiring loan assistance.

                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

    Section 520 continues a provision concerning transfer 
authority and availability of funds.
    Section 521 provides that all disaster loans issued in 
Alaska or North Dakota shall not be sold.
    Section 522 prohibits the Small Business Administration 
from implementing a proposed rule that would limit the use of 
sole-source contracts for women-owned small businesses to only 
four industries.
    Section 523 provides for a transfer of previously 
appropriated funds into the account for salaries and expenses.

                 HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

Appropriations, 2008....................................................
Budget estimate, 2009...................................................
Committee recommendation................................        $500,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation is an 
independent agency established by Congress in 1975 (Public Law 
93-642) to encourage exceptional college students to pursue 
careers in public service through the Truman Scholarship 
program. The Truman Scholarship is a merit-based award 
available to college juniors who plan to pursue careers in 
Government or elsewhere in public service. Truman Scholars 
receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, 
participate in leadership development activities, and have 
special opportunities for internships and employment with the 
Federal Government.
    The Foundation Trust Fund was established with a one-time 
$30,000,000 appropriation in 1976. The authorizing legislation 
directed that this endowment be invested solely in U.S. 
Treasury Securities, the interest from which has funded the 
Foundation's operating budget. With the decline in interest 
rates, the Foundation has experienced a significant decline in 
Federal financial support. From fiscal year 2002 to fiscal year 
2009, despite having cut expenditures by 27 percent, annual 
trust fund revenue has declined 25 percent. The Foundation 
anticipates a budget deficit of $243,220 for fiscal year 2009 
if appropriations are not provided.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $500,000 for 
the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. No funding was 
provided in fiscal year 2008 or in the budget request. The 
appropriation is provided to offset the decline in trust fund 
revenues, to increase direct financial support to scholars, to 
ensure compliance with government audit reporting requirements, 
and to invest in technology and financial development 
activities. The Committee includes a provision clarifying 
findings necessary to invest the Truman Scholarship Trust Fund 
in par value special Treasury securities.

                      United States Postal Service

                   PAYMENT TO THE POSTAL SERVICE FUND

Appropriations, 2008....................................    $117,864,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      82,831,000
Committee recommendation................................     111,831,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Post Office dates back to 1775. It became the Postal 
Service in 1971 as an independent establishment of the 
executive branch of the United States Government. The Postal 
Service's basic function and obligation is to provide postal 
services to bind the Nation together through the personal, 
educational, literary, and business correspondence of the 
people. Its mission is to provide prompt, reliable, and 
efficient services to patrons in all areas and render postal 
services to all communities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends appropriations totaling 
$111,831,000 for payment to the Postal Service Fund, an 
increase of $29,000,000 above the budget request and $6,033,000 
below the fiscal year 2008 enacted level.
    This amount includes $29,000,000 for revenue forgone on 
free and reduced-rate mail pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 2401(d). The 
recommendation also includes $82,831,000 as an advance 
appropriation for fiscal year 2010, which includes $67,526,000 
for 2009 costs and $15,305,000 for 2006 reconciliation 
adjustments.
    Revenue forgone on free and reduced-rate mail enables 
postage rates to be set at levels below the unsubsidized rates 
for certain categories of mail as authorized by subsections (c) 
and (d) of section 2401 of title 39, United States Code. Free 
mail for the blind and overseas voters will continue to be 
provided at the funding level recommended by the Committee.
    The Committee includes provisions in the bill that would 
assure that mail for overseas voting and mail for the blind 
shall continue to be free; that 6-day delivery and rural 
delivery of mail shall continue without reduction; and that 
none of the funds provided be used to consolidate or close 
small rural and other small post offices in fiscal year 2009. 
These are services that must be maintained in fiscal year 2009 
and beyond.
    The Committee believes that 6-day mail delivery is one of 
the most important services provided by the Federal Government 
to its citizens. Especially in rural and small town America, 
this critical postal service is the linchpin that serves to 
bind the Nation together.
    Mail Delivery in Chicago.--The Committee is encouraged by 
survey reports released in June 2008 indicating improvements in 
first-class mail delivery in Chicago, Illinois, and 
acknowledges the comprehensive review and changes instituted by 
the Postmaster General to upgrade postal operations and improve 
customer service. The Committee will continue to closely follow 
the Postal Service's management reform initiatives in order to 
secure and sustain the highest level of mail delivery service 
for postal consumers in Chicago.
    Postal Facility Restoration in Louisiana.--The Committee 
strongly encourages the Postal Service to expedite its efforts 
to assess service needs, reestablish postal facilities, improve 
mail delivery, and enhance product and service offerings to 
customers in New Orleans and other Louisiana communities 
affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita which struck the Gulf 
Coast in 2005. The Committee commends the Postal Service's 
announced plans to restore retail facilities in Lakeview, 
Gentilly, and Chef Manteur districts by the end of 2008, and 
urges the Postal Service to keep pace with the needs of its 
residential and business customers as the communities rebuild.
    Mail-Related Recycling Initiatives.--In 2006, the Postal 
Service discarded approximately 317,000 tons of undeliverable-
as-addressed advertising mail. Such mail can be disposed of 
using incinerators, landfills, and other methods. As the 
Government Accountability Office recently reported, recycling 
undeliverable advertising mail and mail discarded by customers 
in postal facility lobbies provides the Postal Services with a 
means to generate substantial revenues, significantly reduce 
its waste disposal costs, and improve its financial position. 
The Committee understands that the Postal Service and the 
mailing industry have undertaken a variety of initiatives to 
increase the recycling of mail-related material and the amount 
of mail with environmentally preferable attributes, such as 
recycled paper. For example, the Postal Service has established 
annual goals to increase its revenue from mail-related 
recycling from $7,500,000 in fiscal year 2007 to $40,000,000 in 
fiscal year 2010 and has conducted a pilot recycling program in 
New York City. The Committee strongly urges the Postal Service 
to seek additional savings resulting from lower waste disposal 
costs which accompany increased recycling. The Committee 
encourages the Postal Service to routinely examine the cost, 
feasibility, and mission compatibility of other opportunities 
to fulfill its commitment to minimize the agency's impact on 
every aspect of the environment and demonstrate its commitment 
to environmental stewardship.
    Consolidation of Mail Processing Facilities.--The Committee 
remains concerned about the findings of a Government 
Accountability Office [GAO] report released in June 2007, as 
well as GAO testimony before Congress in July 2007, that raise 
serious questions about the United States Postal Service's mail 
realignment efforts, including unclear criteria for selecting 
facilities and for making decision about area mail processing 
[AMP] consolidations, and a lack of appropriate stakeholder and 
public input when considering potential consolidations. The 
Committee awaits a GAO report on its evaluation of Postal 
Service reports providing updated AMP guidance on 
communications with the public and on a Facilities Plan. The 
Committee is aware that the Postal Service has decided not to 
proceed with AMPs in Aberdeen, South Dakota and Yakima, 
Washington. The Committee directs the Postal Service not to 
proceed with the Sioux City, Iowa AMP until after the GAO has 
reported to Congress and the Committee has had an opportunity 
to review GAO's findings.
    Emergency Preparedness.--Congress appropriated funds in 
fiscal year 2005 for the Postal Service's use for a mail 
treatment facility in Washington, DC, in the aftermath of the 
anthrax attacks using the U.S. mail. In fiscal year 2008, the 
Committee directed the Comptroller General to assess the status 
of the treatment process, including the cost of the treatment; 
the volume of treated mail and how it has changed over time; 
and the extent of delays in mail delivery as a result of the 
treatment step and how they have changed over time. That GAO 
study is underway. The Committee has learned that none of the 
funds designated for the facility construction have been spent. 
The Committee understands that the Postal Service expects to 
issue a solicitation for a new irradiation services contract 
later this year, and does not expect to make a final decision 
on the use of the funding until the solicitation process is 
concluded in early 2009. Once the solicitation process is 
concluded, the Committee directs the Postal Service to keep the 
Committee promptly and regularly informed on its treatment 
processes and to consult with the Committee on its future plans 
for securing mail irradiation services, including costs.

                      United States Postal Service

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2008...................................\1\($233,440,000)
Budget estimate, 2009...................................    239,356,000 
Committee recommendation................................    239,356,000 

\1\The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (Public Law 109-435, 
sec. 603(b)(3)) authorizes appropriations for the Postal Service 
Inspector General out of the off-budget Postal Service Fund beginning in 
fiscal year 2009. Prior to fiscal year 2009, the United States Postal 
Service Board of Governors determined the budget of the Postal Service 
Office of Inspector General.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The United States Postal Service [USPS] Office of Inspector 
General [OIG] is an independent organization established in 
1996 and charged with reporting to Congress on the overall 
efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of USPS programs and 
operations. The OIG plays a key role in maintaining the 
integrity and accountability of America's postal service, its 
revenue and assets, and its employees. The OIG meets this 
responsibility by conducting and supervising objective and 
independent audits, investigations, and other reviews. In 
fiscal year 2007, the OIG identified potential financial impact 
on Postal Service operations of nearly $1,970,000,000, 
recovered over $24,000,000 to the Postal Service, and 
identified over $150,000,000 in workers' compensation program 
cost avoidance. These results were identified by conducting 
over 300 audits and over 7,000 investigations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation, out of the 
Postal Fund, of $239,356,000 for the United States Postal 
Service Office of Inspector General. This amount is the same as 
the budget request, and $5,916,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
funding level. The funds will support 1,194 FTEs and enable the 
Office of Inspector General to concentrate on its fiscal year 
2009 priorities of completing over 350 audits and 7,800 
investigative cases and 100 percent of mandated audits, and 
referring over 5,500 fraud, waste, or abuse investigative cases 
for criminal prosecution, civil litigation, or administrative 
action, as well as focus on Postal Service high risk areas.

                        United States Tax Court

                         salaries and expenses

Appropriations, 2008....................................     $45,326,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................      48,463,000
Committee recommendation................................      48,463,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The U.S. Tax Court is an independent judicial body in the 
legislative branch established in 1969 under Article I of the 
Constitution of the United States. The Court was created to 
provide a national forum for the resolution of disputes between 
taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service, resolve cases 
expeditiously while giving careful consideration to the merits 
of each matter, and ensure the uniform interpretation of the 
Internal Revenue Code. The matters over which the Court has 
jurisdiction are set forth in various sections of title 26 of 
the United States Code.
    The court is composed of 19 judges, one of whom the judges 
elect as chief judge. In their judicial duties the judges are 
assisted by senior judges, who participate in the adjudication 
of regular cases, and by special trial judges, who hear small 
tax cases and certain regular cases assigned to them by the 
chief judge.
    The court conducts trial sessions throughout the United 
States, including Hawaii and Alaska. Decisions by the court are 
reviewable by the U.S. Courts of Appeals and, if certiorari is 
granted, by the Supreme Court.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $48,463,000 
for the U.S. Tax Court. This amount is the same as the budget 
request and $3,137,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted 
level. The Committee notes that the increased funding is 
expected to help the Tax Court comply with the Court Security 
Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-177) which authorizes the United 
States Marshals Service to provide protective services to the 
Tax Court at the same level as such services are provided to 
other Federal Courts on a reimbursable basis. This level of 
protection includes the presence of United States Marshals 
Service security personnel in courtrooms where the Tax Court 
presides. In addition, the funds will enable the Tax Court to 
fill necessary staff vacancies to fulfill its statutory 
mission.

                STATEMENT CONCERNING GENERAL PROVISIONS

    The Financial Services and General Government appropriation 
bill includes general provisions which govern both the 
activities of the agencies covered by the bill, and, in some 
cases, activities of agencies, programs, and general government 
activities that are not covered by the bill.
    The bill contains a number of general provisions that have 
been carried in this bill for years and which are routine in 
nature and scope. General provisions in the bill are explained 
under this section of the report. Those general provisions that 
deal with a single agency only are shown immediately following 
that particular agency's or department's appropriation accounts 
in the bill. Those provisions that address activities or 
directives affecting all of the agencies covered in this bill 
are contained in title VI. General provisions that are 
governmentwide in scope are contained in title VII of this 
bill. General provisions applicable to the District of Columbia 
are contained in title VIII of this bill.

                                TITLE VI

                      GENERAL PROVISIONS THIS ACT

    Section 601 continues the provision prohibiting pay and 
other expenses of non-Federal parties intervening in regulatory 
or adjudicatory proceedings funded in this act.
    Section 602 continues the provision prohibiting obligations 
beyond the current fiscal year and prohibits transfers of funds 
unless expressly provided.
    Section 603 continues the provision limiting expenditures 
for consulting service through procurement contracts where such 
expenditures are a matter of public record and available for 
public inspection.
    Section 604 continues the provision prohibiting funds in 
this act to be transferred without express authority.
    Section 605 continues the provision prohibiting the use of 
funds to engage in activities that would prohibit the 
enforcement of section 307 of the 1930 Tariff Act (46 Stat. 
590).
    Section 606 continues the provision prohibiting the use of 
funds unless the recipient agrees to comply with the Buy 
American Act.
    Section 607 continues the provision prohibiting funding for 
any person or entity convicted of violating the Buy American 
Act.
    Section 608 continues and modifies the provision 
authorizing the reprogramming of funds and specifies the 
reprogramming procedures for agencies funded by this act.
    Section 609 continues the provision ensuring that 50 
percent of unobligated balances may remain available for 
certain purposes.
    Section 610 continues the provision restricting the use of 
funds for the Executive Office of the President to request 
official background reports from the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation without the written consent of the individual who 
is the subject of the report.
    Section 611 continues the provision ensuring that the cost 
accounting standards shall not apply with respect to a contract 
under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
    Section 612 continues the provision referencing non-foreign 
area cost of living allowances.
    Section 613 continues the provision waiving restrictions on 
the purchase of non-domestic articles, materials, and supplies 
in the case of acquisition by the Federal Government of 
information technology.
    Section 614 continues a provision on the acceptance by 
agencies or commissions funded by this act, or by their 
officers or employees, of payment or reimbursement for travel, 
subsistence, or related expenses from any person or entity (or 
their representative) that engages in activities regulated by 
such agencies or commissions.
    Section 615 makes technical corrections to changes made in 
Public Law 110-161 regarding the dollar coin.
    Section 616 enables the United States Tax Court to 
implement a provision included in the Pension Protection Act of 
2006 (Public Law 109-280) which authorized the payment of 
certain group life insurance premiums on behalf of its eligible 
judges.
    Section 617 allows the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board to obligate amounts collected from monetary penalties for 
the purpose of funding scholarships for accounting students, as 
authorized by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-
204).
    Section 618 prohibits the use of funds to enforce a 
provision of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations that impedes 
sales to Cuba.
    Section 619 is a provision relating to travel to Cuba for 
commercial sales of agricultural and medical goods.
    Section 620 is a provision relating to travel to visit 
family in Cuba.
    Section 621 continues for 4 fiscal years the provision 
prohibiting the use of funds for a proposed rule related to the 
determination that real estate brokerage activities are 
financial activities.
    Section 622 provides authorization for appropriations to 
the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation.
    Section 623 directs the Federal Trade Commission to conduct 
a rulemaking under the Administrative Procedures Act with 
respect to subprime mortgage loans and nontraditional mortgage 
loans.

                               TITLE VII

    GENERAL PROVISIONS GOVERNMENT-WIDE, DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, AND 
                              CORPORATIONS

    Section 701 continues the provision requiring agencies to 
administer a policy designed to ensure that all of its 
workplaces are free from the illegal use of controlled 
substances.
    Section 702 continues the provision setting specific limits 
on the cost of passenger vehicles purchased by the Federal 
Government with exceptions for police, heavy duty, electric 
hybrid, and clean fuels vehicles.
    Section 703 continues the provision allowing funds made 
available to agencies for travel to also be used for quarters 
allowances and cost-of-living allowances.
    Section 704 continues and modifies the provision 
prohibiting the government, with certain specified exceptions, 
from employing non-U.S. citizens whose posts of duty would be 
in the continental United States.
    Section 705 continues the provision ensuring that agencies 
will have authority to pay the General Services Administration 
bills for space renovation and other services.
    Section 706 continues the provision allowing agencies to 
finance the costs of recycling and waste prevention programs 
with proceeds from the sale of materials recovered through such 
programs.
    Section 707 continues the provision providing that funds 
may be used to pay rent and other service costs in the District 
of Columbia.
    Section 708 continues the provision precluding interagency 
financing of groups absent prior statutory approval.
    Section 709 continues the provision prohibiting the use of 
appropriated funds for enforcing regulations disapproved in 
accordance with the applicable law of the United States.
    Section 710 continues the provision limiting the pay 
increases of certain prevailing rate employees.
    Section 711 continues the provision limiting the amount 
that can be used for redecoration of offices under certain 
circumstances.
    Section 712 continues the provision that permits 
interagency funding of national security and emergency 
preparedness telecommunications initiatives, which benefit 
multiple Federal departments, agencies, and entities.
    Section 713 continues the provision requiring agencies to 
certify that a schedule C appointment was not created solely or 
primarily to detail the employee to the White House and 
modifies the list of agencies to which the provision does not 
apply.
    Section 714 continues the provision prohibiting the use of 
funds to prevent Federal employees from communicating with 
Congress or to take disciplinary or personnel actions against 
employees for such communication.
    Section 715 continues the provision prohibiting Federal 
training not directly related to the performance of official 
duties.
    Section 716 continues the provision prohibiting the 
expenditure of funds for the implementation of agreements in 
certain nondisclosure policies unless certain provisions are 
included in the policies.
    Section 717 continues the provision prohibiting the use of 
appropriated funds for publicity or propaganda designed to 
support or defeat legislation pending before Congress.
    Section 718 continues the provision prohibiting the use of 
appropriated funds by an agency to provide home addresses of 
Federal employees to labor organizations, absent employee 
authorization or court order.
    Section 719 continues the provision prohibiting the use of 
appropriated funds to provide non-public information such as 
mailing or telephone lists to any person or organization 
outside of the Government without approval of the Committees on 
Appropriations.
    Section 720 continues the provision prohibiting the use of 
appropriated funds for publicity or propaganda purposes within 
the United States not authorized by Congress.
    Section 721 continues the provision directing agencies' 
employees to use official time in an honest effort to perform 
official duties.
    Section 722 continues the provision authorizing the use of 
current fiscal year funds to finance an appropriate share of 
the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board administrative 
costs.
    Section 723 continues the provision authorizing agencies to 
transfer funds to or reimburse the Government-wide Policy 
account of the General Services Administration to finance an 
appropriate share of various government-wide boards and 
councils.
    Section 724 continues the provision authorizing 
breastfeeding at any location in a Federal building or on 
Federal property.
    Section 725 continues the provision permitting interagency 
funding of the National Science and Technology Council, and 
requiring an OMB report on the budget and resources of the 
Council.
    Section 726 continues the provision requiring 
identification of the Federal agencies providing Federal funds 
and the amount provided for all proposals, solicitations, grant 
applications, forms, notifications, press releases, or other 
publications related to the distribution of funding to a State.
    Section 727 continues the provision prohibiting the use of 
funds to monitor personal information relating to the use of 
Federal Internet sites.
    Section 728 continues the provision regarding contraceptive 
coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.
    Section 729 continues the provision recognizing the U.S. 
Anti-Doping Agency as the official anti-doping agency for 
Olympic, Pan American, and Paralympic sports in the United 
States.
    Section 730 continues the provision allowing departments 
and agencies to use official travel funds to participate in the 
fractional aircraft ownership pilot programs.
    Section 731 continues the provision prohibiting funds for 
implementation of OPM regulations limiting detailees to the 
legislative branch and placing certain limitations on the Coast 
Guard Congressional Fellowship program.
    Section 732 continues the provision prohibiting the 
expenditure of funds for the acquisition of certain additional 
Federal law enforcement training facilities.
    Section 733 continues the provision concerning the use of 
funds for the ``e-Gov'' initiative that were not appropriated 
specifically for that purpose.
    Section 734 continues the provision providing funding for 
the Midway Atoll Airfield.
    Section 735 is a new provision that amends section 739(b) 
of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2008, relating to insourcing of new and contracted out 
functions.
    Section 736 is a new provision that amends section 
739(a)(1) of the Financial Services and General Government 
Appropriations Act, 2008, relating to requirements for public-
private competitions.
    Section 737 is a new provision that prohibits the use of 
funds to begin or announce a study or public-private 
competition regarding the conversion to contractor performance 
of any function performed by civilian Federal employees 
pursuant to Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76 or 
any other administrative regulation, directive, or policy. The 
provision is a 1-year moratorium on new A-76 studies so that 
the new Administration may have an opportunity to review and 
develop Federal workforce policies.
    Section 738 continues a provision, with modifications, 
providing that the adjustment in rates of basic pay for 
employees under statutory pay systems taking effect in fiscal 
year 2009 shall be an increase of 3.9 percent.
    Section 739 continues a provision that prohibits executive 
branch agencies from creating or funding prepackaged news 
stories that are broadcast or distributed in the United States 
unless specific notification conditions are met.
    Section 740 continues the provision prohibiting funds used 
in contravention of the Privacy Act, section 552a of title 5, 
United States Code or section 522.224 of title 48 of the Code 
of Federal Regulations.
    Section 741 continues the provision requiring each 
department and agency to evaluate the creditworthiness of an 
individual before issuing the individual a Government purchase 
charge card or travel card.
    Section 742 continues a provision requiring the Office of 
Management and Budget to submit a crosscut budget report on 
Great Lakes restoration activities not later than 30 days after 
the submission of the budget of the President to Congress.
    Section 743 includes a provision prohibiting funds from 
being used for any Federal Government contract with any foreign 
incorporated entity which is treated as an inverted domestic 
corporation.
    Section 744 includes a provision requiring improvements to 
enhance public access to information on agency Inspector 
General websites.
    Section 745 prohibits the expenditure of funds on public-
private competitions under Office of Management and Budget 
[OMB] Circular A-76, or direct conversions, related to the 
Human Resources Lines of Business initiative until 60 days 
after OMB submits a report to the Committees on Appropriations 
addressing several specified issues of concern. The section 
also would require that OMB submit a copy of its report to the 
Government Accountability Office [GAO] when it is submitted to 
the Committees. GAO is required to brief the Committees on its 
views of the OMB report within 45 days of receiving it. OMB 
shall provide GAO with full and timely access to the documents, 
analyses, and personnel the GAO determines it needs to conduct 
a thorough review of the OMB report and provide the Committees 
with its views.
    Section 746 requires the Office of Management and Budget to 
provide a report no later than 120 days after enactment on the 
status of a pilot program to develop and implement an inventory 
to track the cost and size of service contracts in at least 
three cabinet-level departments, as required by section 748 of 
division D of Public Law 110-161.
    Section 747 permits executive branch employees to 
participate in private sector programs that offer inducements 
such as the repayment or forgiveness of student loans, 
notwithstanding the prohibition of supplementation of salary 
under 18 U.S.C. 209.
    Section 748 makes permanent a modification to existing law 
that prohibits funds to pay the salary of an individual for a 
position in an acting capacity for which that individual's 
nomination has been submitted to the Senate but returned to the 
President under Rule XXXI of the Standing Rules of the Senate 
without confirmation.
    Section 749 prohibits the Office of Personnel Management or 
any other agency from using funds to implement regulations 
changing the competitive areas under reductions-in-force for 
Federal employees.
    Section 750 is a new provision allowing Federal employees 
who are members of the National Guard and Reserve to maintain 
their normal Federal salary when called to active duty by 
requiring their employing agencies to make up the difference 
between their military pay and what they would have earned at 
their Federal job.
    Section 751 directs agencies to include information in 
budget justifications submitted to Congress regarding 
redirection of congressionally directed funding.
    Section 752 declares the inapplicability of these general 
provisions to title IV and title VIII.
    Section 753 is a new provision requiring reports on 
Executive Branch workforce composition.

                               TITLE VIII

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

                          District of Columbia

    Section 801 continues the provision that specifies that an 
appropriation for a particular purpose or object shall be 
considered as the maximum amount that may be expended for said 
purpose or object.
    Section 802 continues the provision that permits funds for 
travel and payment of dues.
    Section 803 continues the provision that appropriates funds 
for refunding overpayments of taxes collected and for paying 
settlements and judgments against the District of Columbia 
government.
    Section 804 continues the provision that prohibits the use 
of the appropriation for publicity or propaganda purposes, and 
permits the use of local funds for carry out lobbying activity.
    Section 805 continues the provision that establishes 
reprogramming and transfer requirements with respect to 
notification requirements for the reprogramming of local funds.
    Section 806 continues the provision that restricts the use 
of funds only to the objects for which the appropriations were 
made.
    Section 807 continues the provision that directs the Mayor 
of the District of Columbia to submit new fiscal year 2009 
revenue estimates as of the end of the first quarter of the 
fiscal year.
    Section 808 continues the provision that prohibits the use 
of Federal funds for salaries, expenses, or other costs 
associated with the offices of U.S. Senator or Representative 
under section 4(d) of the D.C. Statehood Constitutional 
Convention Initiatives of 1979.
    Section 809 continues the provision restricting use of 
Federal funds for the implementation or enforcement of the 
Health Care Benefits Expansion Act of 1992.
    Section 810 continues and makes permanent the provision 
that allows the mayor to accept, obligate, and expend Federal, 
private, and other grants received by the District government 
that are not reflected in the amounts appropriated in this act.
    Section 811 continues the provision that restricts the use 
of official vehicles to official duties and not between a 
residence and workplace, except under certain circumstances.
    Section 812 continues the provision that prohibits the use 
of appropriated funds by the District of Columbia Attorney 
General or any other officer or entity of the District 
government to provide assistance for any petition drive or 
civil action which seeks to require Congress to provide for 
voting representation in Congress for the District of Columbia.
    Section 813 continues the provision that prohibits the use 
of any Federal funds in this act to carry out any program of 
distributing sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic 
injection of any illegal drug.
    Section 814 continues the provision that requires the Chief 
Financial Officers of the District of Columbia to certify that 
they understand the duties and restrictions applicable to their 
agency as a result of this act.
    Section 815 continues the provision that includes a 
``conscience clause'' on legislation that pertains to 
contraceptive coverage by health insurance plans.
    Section 816 modifies the provision that requires the Mayor 
of the District of Columbia to submit reports on various 
indicators pertaining to the District of Columbia.
    Section 817 modifies the provision relating to the use of 
any funds in the act to pay the fees of an attorney who 
represents a party in an action or any attorney who defends any 
action, including an administrative proceeding, brought against 
D.C. Public Schools under the Individuals with Disabilities 
Education Act [IDEA].
    Section 818 continues and makes permanent the provision 
that allows for appropriations in this act to be increased by 
no more than $100,000,000 from unexpended general funds, and 
used only for one-time expenditures, to avoid deficit spending, 
for debt reduction, for program needs, or to avoid revenue 
shortfalls.
    Section 819 continues and makes permanent the provision 
that allows the District to spend ``other-type funds'' under 
certain conditions.
    Section 820 continues and makes permanent the provision 
that allows for short-term borrowing from the emergency and 
contingency reserve funds established under section 450A of the 
District of Columbia Home Rule Act (Public Law 98-198; D.C. 
Official Code, sec. 1-204.50a) under certain circumstances.
    Section 821 continues the provision prohibiting use of 
funds to change the legality of marijuana use.
    Section 822 continues the provision relating to abortion.
    Section 823 continues a provision to mitigate the necessity 
for dual budgeting of local funds when such funds are 
transferred but not expended.
    Section 824 provides for a waiver of the Congressional 
review period in order to permit the Income Tax Secured Bond 
Authorization Act of 2008, as introduced on May 6, 2008 (D.C. 
Bill 17-741), to take effect on the date of its enactment by 
the District of Columbia.
    Section 825 is a new provision authorizing an increase in 
the hourly rate paid to attorneys appointed to represent 
indigent persons in matters before the District of Columbia 
local courts.
    Section 826 continues the provision which limits references 
to ``this Act'' as referring to only this title.

  COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI, OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE 
                                 SENATE

    Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee reports on 
general appropriations bills identify each Committee amendment 
to the House bill ``which proposes an item of appropriation 
which is not made to carry out the provisions of an existing 
law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution previously 
passed by the Senate during that session.''
    Items providing funding for fiscal year 2009 which lack 
authorization are as follows:
Department of the Treasury
    Departmental Offices
    Department-wide Systems and Capital Investments
    Office of the Inspector General
    Inspector General for Tax Administration
    Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
    Financial Management Service
    Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
    Bureau of the Public Debt
    Community Development and Financial Institutions Fund
    Internal Revenue Service:
        Taxpayer Services
        Enforcement
        Operations Support
        Business Systems Modernization
        Health Insurance Tax Credit Administration
Executive Office of the President
    Office of Management and Budget
    ONDCP: Training for drug court professionals
District of Columbia
    Federal Payment for the DC Water and Sewer Authority
    Federal Payment for School Improvement
    Federal Payment to Jumpstart Public School Reform
    Federal Payment for Central Library and Branch Locations
    Federal Payment for Consolidated Laboratory Facility
    Federal Payment to the Chief Financial Officer of the 
District of Columbia
    Federal Payment to the Executive Office of the Mayor
Independent Agencies
    Consumer Product Safety Commission
    Election Assistance Commission
    Federal Communications Commission
    Federal Election Commission
    Federal Trade Commission
    General Services Administration:
        Federal Building Fund
        GSA E-government Fund
    Office of Government Ethics
    Office of Special Counsel
    Merit Systems Protection Board
    National Credit Union Administration: Community Development 
Revolving Loan Fund
    Securities and Exchange Commission

COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI, OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE 
                                 SENATE

    Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on July 10, 2008, 
the Committee ordered reported an original bill (S. 3260) 
making appropriations for financial services and general 
government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and 
authorized the chairman of the Committee or the chairman of the 
subcommittee to offer the text of the Senate bill as a 
Committee amendment in the nature of a substitute to the House 
companion measure, with the bill subject to amendment and 
subject to the budget allocations, by a recorded vote of 29-0, 
a quorum being present. The vote was as follows:
        Yeas                          Nays
Chairman Byrd
Mr. Inouye
Mr. Leahy
Mr. Harkin
Ms. Mikulski
Mr. Kohl
Mrs. Murray
Mr. Dorgan
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Durbin
Mr. Johnson
Ms. Landrieu
Mr. Reed
Mr. Lautenberg
Mr. Nelson
Mr. Cochran
Mr. Stevens
Mr. Specter
Mr. Domenici
Mr. Bond
Mr. McConnell
Mr. Shelby
Mr. Gregg
Mr. Bennett
Mr. Craig
Mrs. Hutchison
Mr. Brownback
Mr. Allard
Mr. Alexander

 COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE 
                                 SENATE

    Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports 
on a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any statute 
or part of any statute include ``(a) the text of the statute or 
part thereof which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a 
comparative print of that part of the bill or joint resolution 
making the amendment and of the statute or part thereof 
proposed to be amended, showing by stricken-through type and 
italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical 
devices the omissions and insertions which would be made by the 
bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form recommended by 
the Committee.''
    In compliance with this rule, the following changes in 
existing law proposed to be made by this bill are shown as 
follows: existing law to be omitted is enclosed in black 
brackets; new matter is printed in italic; and existing law in 
which no change is proposed is shown in roman.

             TITLE 5--GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES

                          PART III--EMPLOYEES

                     Subpart D--Pay and Allowances

                     CHAPTER 55--PAY ADMINISTRATION

              SUBCHAPTER IV--DUAL PAY AND DUAL EMPLOYMENT

5537. Fees for jury and witness service.
5538. Nonreduction in pay while serving in the uniformed services or 
          National Guard.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

Sec. 5537. Fees for jury and witness service

    (a) An employee as defined by section 2105 of this title 
(except an individual whose pay is disbursed by the Secretary 
of the Senate or the Chief Administrative Officer of the House 
of Representatives) or an individual employed by the government 
of the District of Columbia may not receive fees for service--
            (1) as a juror in a court of the United States or 
        the District of Columbia; or
            (2) as a witness on behalf of the United States or 
        the District of Columbia.
    (b) An official of a court of the United States or the 
District of Columbia may not receive witness fees for 
attendance before a court, commissioner, or magistrate judge 
where he is officiating.
    (c) For the purpose of this section, ``court of the United 
States'' has the meaning given it by section 451 of title 28 
and includes the District Court of Guam and the District Court 
of the Virgin Islands.

Sec. 5538. Nonreduction in pay while serving in the uniformed services 
                    or National Guard

    (a) An employee who is absent from a position of employment 
with the Federal Government in order to perform active duty in 
the uniformed services pursuant to a call or order to active 
duty under a provision of law referred to in section 
101(a)(13)(B) of title 10 shall be entitled, while serving on 
active duty, to receive, for each pay period described in 
subsection (b), an amount equal to the amount by which--
            (1) the amount of basic pay which would otherwise 
        have been payable to such employee for such pay period 
        if such employee's civilian employment with the 
        Government had not been interrupted by that service, 
        exceeds (if at all)
            (2) the amount of pay and allowances which (as 
        determined under subsection (d))--
                    (A) is payable to such employee for that 
                service; and
                    (B) is allocable to such pay period.
    (b)(1) Amounts under this section shall be payable with 
respect to each pay period (which would otherwise apply if the 
employee's civilian employment had not been interrupted)--
            (A) during which such employee is entitled to 
        reemployment rights under chapter 43 of title 38 with 
        respect to the position from which such employee is 
        absent (as referred to in subsection (a)); and
            (B) for which such employee does not otherwise 
        receive basic pay (including by taking any annual, 
        military, or other paid leave) to which such employee 
        is entitled by virtue of such employee's civilian 
        employment with the Government.
    (2) For purposes of this section, the period during which 
an employee is entitled to reemployment rights under chapter 43 
of title 38--
            (A) shall be determined disregarding the provisions 
        of section 4312(d) of title 38; and
            (B) shall include any period of time specified in 
        section 4312(e) of title 38 within which an employee 
        may report or apply for employment or reemployment 
        following completion of service on active duty to which 
        called or ordered as described in subsection (a).
    (c) Any amount payable under this section to an employee 
shall be paid--
            (1) by such employee's employing agency;
            (2) from the appropriation or fund which would be 
        used to pay the employee if such employee were in a pay 
        status; and
            (3) to the extent practicable, at the same time and 
        in the same manner as would basic pay if such 
        employee's civilian employment had not been 
        interrupted.
    (d) The Office of Personnel Management shall, in 
consultation with Secretary of Defense, prescribe any 
regulations necessary to carry out the preceding provisions of 
this section.
    (e)(1) The head of each agency referred to in section 
2302(a)(2)(C)(ii) shall, in consultation with the Office, 
prescribe procedures to ensure that the rights under this 
section apply to the employees of such agency.
    (2) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall, in consultation with the Office, 
prescribe procedures to ensure that the rights under this 
section apply to the employees of that agency.
    (f) For purposes of this section--
            (1) the terms ``employee'', ``Federal Government'', 
        and ``uniformed services'' have the same respective 
        meanings as given those terms in section 4303 of title 
        38;
            (2) the term ``employing agency'', as used with 
        respect to an employee entitled to any payments under 
        this section, means the agency or other entity of the 
        Government (including an agency referred to in section 
        2302(a)(2)(C)(ii)) with respect to which such employee 
        has reemployment rights under chapter 43 of title 38; 
        and
            (3) the term ``basic pay'' includes any amount 
        payable under section 5304.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                      TITLE 15--COMMERCE AND TRADE

                 CHAPTER 41--CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION

             Subchapter I--Consumer Credit Cost Disclosure

                      Part B--Credit Transactions

Sec. 1639. Requirements for certain mortgages

(a) Disclosures

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

(l) Discretionary regulatory authority of Board

    (1) Exemptions

            The Board may, by regulation or order, exempt 
        specific mortgage products or categories of mortgages 
        from any or all of the prohibitions specified in 
        subsections (c) through (i) of this section, if the 
        Board finds that the exemption--
                    (A) is in the interest of the borrowing 
                public; and
                    (B) will apply only to products that 
                maintain and strengthen home ownership and 
                equity protection.

    (2) Prohibitions

            The Board, by regulation or order, shall prohibit 
        acts or practices in connection with--
                    (A) mortgage loans that the Board finds to 
                be unfair, deceptive, or designed to evade the 
                provisions of this section; and3(B) refinancing 
                of mortgage loans that the Board finds to be 
                associated with abusive lending practices, or 
                that are otherwise not in the interest of the 
                borrower.
    (m) Civil Penalties in Federal Trade Commission Enforcement 
Actions.--For purposes of enforcement by the Federal Trade 
Commission, any violation of a regulation issued by the Federal 
Reserve Board pursuant to subsection (l)(2) of this section 
shall be treated as a violation of a rule promulgated under 
section 18 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a) 
regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                TITLE 18--CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

                      PART II--CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

            CHAPTER 232--MISCELLANEOUS SENTENCING PROVISIONS

Sec. 3672. Duties of Director of Administrative Office of the United 
                    States Courts

    The Director of the Administrative Office of the United 
States Courts, or his authorized agent, shall investigate the 
work of the probation officers and make recommendations 
concerning the same to the respective judges and shall have 
access to the records of all probation officers.
    He shall collect for publication statistical and other 
information concerning the work of the probation officers.
    He shall prescribe record forms and statistics to be kept 
by the probation officers and shall formulate general rules for 
the proper conduct of the probation work.
    He shall endeavor by all suitable means to promote the 
efficient administration of the probation system and the 
enforcement of the probation laws in all United States courts.
    He shall, under the supervision and direction of the 
Judicial Conference of the United States, fix the salaries of 
probation officers and shall provide for their necessary 
expenses including clerical service and travel expenses.
    He shall incorporate in his annual report a statement 
concerning the operation of the probation system in such 
courts.
    He shall have the authority to contract with any 
appropriate public or private agency or person for the 
detection of and care in the community of an offender who is an 
alcohol-dependent person, an addict or a drug-dependent person, 
or a person suffering from a psychiatric disorder within the 
meaning of section 2 of the Public Health Service Act. This 
authority shall include the authority to provide equipment and 
supplies; testing; medical, educational, social, psychological 
and vocational services; corrective and preventative guidance 
and training; and other rehabilitative services designed to 
protect the public and benefit the alcohol-dependent person, 
addict or drug-dependent person, or a person suffering from a 
psychiatric disorder by eliminating his dependence on alcohol 
or addicting drugs, by controlling his dependence and his 
susceptibility to addiction, or by treating his psychiatric 
disorder. He may negotiate and award such contracts without 
regard to section 3709 of the Revised Statutes of the United 
States. He also shall have the authority to expend funds or to 
contract with any appropriate public or private agency or 
person to monitor and provide services to any offender in the 
community authorized by [this Act] this paragraph, including 
treatment, equipment and emergency housing, corrective and 
preventative guidance and training, and other rehabilitative 
services designed to protect the public and promote the 
successful reentry of the offender into the community.
    He shall pay for presentence studies and reports by 
qualified consultants and presentence examinations and reports 
by psychiatric or psychological examiners ordered by the court 
under subsection (b) or (c) of section 3552, except for studies 
conducted by the Bureau of Prisons.
    Whenever the court finds that funds are available for 
payment by or on behalf of a person furnished such services, 
training, or guidance, the court may direct that such funds be 
paid to the Director. Any moneys collected under this paragraph 
shall be used to reimburse the appropriations obligated and 
disbursed in payment for such services, training, or guidance.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

              TITLE 22--FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE

       CHAPTER 79--TRADE SANCTIONS REFORM AND EXPORT ENHANCEMENT

Sec. 7209. Requirements relating to certain travel-related transactions 
                    with Cuba

[(a) Authorization of travel relating to commercial sale of 
        agricultural commodities

    [The Secretary of the Treasury shall promulgate regulations 
under which the travel-related transactions listed in 
subsection (c) of section 515.560 of title 31, Code of Federal 
Regulations, may be authorized on a case-by-case basis by a 
specific license for travel to, from, or within Cuba for the 
commercial export sale of agricultural commodities pursuant to 
the provisions of this chapter.]
    (a) Authorization of Travel Relating to Commercial Sales of 
Agricultural and Medical Goods.--The Secretary of the Treasury 
shall promulgate regulations under which the travel-related 
transactions listed in paragraph (c) of section 515.560 of 
title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, are authorized by 
general license for travel to, from, or within Cuba for the 
marketing and sale of agricultural and medical goods pursuant 
to the provisions of this title.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                    TITLE 26--INTERNAL REVENUE CODE

                Subtitle F--Procedure and Administration

                    CHAPTER 76--JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS

                      Subchapter C--The Tax Court

                   PART III--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 7472. Expenditures

    The Tax Court is authorized to make such expenditures 
(including expenditures for personal services and rent at the 
seat of Government and elsewhere, and for law books, books of 
reference, and periodicals), as may be necessary efficiently to 
execute the functions vested in the Tax Court. Notwithstanding 
any other provision of law, the Tax Court is authorized to pay 
on behalf of its judges, age 65 or over, any increase in the 
cost of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance imposed after 
April 24, 1999, that is incurred after the date of the 
enactment of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, including any 
expenses generated by such payments, as authorized by the chief 
judge in a manner consistent with such payments authorized by 
the Judicial Conference of the United States pursuant to 
section 604(a)(5) of title 28, United States Code. Except as 
provided in section 7475, all expenditures of the Tax Court 
shall be allowed and paid, out of any moneys appropriated for 
purposes of the Tax Court, upon presentation of itemized 
vouchers therefor signed by the certifying officer designated 
by the chief judge.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

               TITLE 28--JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE

                 PART III--COURT OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

       CHAPTER 41--ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF UNITED STATES COURTS

Sec. 604. Duties of Director generally

    (a) * * *
            (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

            (5) Fix the compensation of clerks of court, 
        deputies, librarians, criers, messengers, law clerks, 
        secretaries, stenographers, clerical assistants, and 
        other employees of the courts whose compensation is not 
        otherwise fixed by law, and, notwithstanding any other 
        provision of law, pay on behalf of Justices and judges 
        of the United States appointed to hold office during 
        good behavior [magistrate judges appointed under 
        section 631 of this title,], United States magistrate 
        judges, bankruptcy judges appointed under chapter 6 of 
        this title, judges of the District Court of Guam, 
        judges of the District Court for the Northern Mariana 
        Islands, judges of the District Court of the Virgin 
        Islands, bankruptcy judges and magistrate judges 
        retired under section 377 of this title, and judges 
        retired under section 373 of this title, who are, aged 
        65 or over, any increases in the cost of Federal 
        Employees' Group Life Insurance imposed after April 24, 
        1999, including any expenses generated by such 
        payments, as authorized by the Judicial Conference of 
        the United States;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

            TITLE 40--PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PROPERTY, AND WORKS

        Subtitle I--Federal Property and Administrative Services

       CHAPTER 3--ORGANIZATION OF GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

                         Subchapter III--Funds

Sec. 323. Consumer Information Center Fund

    (a) Existence.--There is in the Treasury a [Consumer 
Information Center] Federal Citizen Services Fund, General 
Services Administration, for the purpose of disseminating 
Federal Government [consumer] information to the public and for 
other related purposes.
    (b) Deposits.--Money shall be deposited into the Fund 
from--
            (1) appropriations from the Treasury for [Consumer 
        Information Center] Federal Citizen Services 
        activities;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

         CHAPTER 33--ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, AND ALTERATION

Sec. 3313. Delegation

(a) * * *
    (1) shall, except for the authority contained in section 
3305(b) of this title, be delegated on request to the 
appropriate [executive] federal agency when the estimated cost 
of the project does not exceed $100,000; and
    (2) may be delegated to the appropriate [executive] federal 
agency when the Administrator determines that delegation will 
promote efficiency and economy.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS FELLOWSHIP ACT

   TITLE IV--CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS QUINCENTENARY COINS AND FELLOWSHIP 
                               FOUNDATION

         Subtitle B--Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation

SEC. 421. SHORT TITLE.

    This subtitle may be cited as the ``Christopher Columbus 
Fellowship Act''.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 426. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS FELLOWSHIP FUND.

    (a) In General.--There is established in the Treasury a 
fund to be known as the Christopher Columbus Scholarship Fund 
(hereafter in this subtitle referred to as the ``fund''), which 
shall consist of--
            (1) amounts deposited under subsection (d);
            (2) obligations obtained under subsection (c);
            (3) amounts contributed to the Foundation; [and]
            (4) amounts appropriated to the Foundation, as 
        authorized under section 430; and
            [(4)] (5) all surcharges received by the Secretary 
        of the Treasury from the sale of coins minted under the 
        Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Coin Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 429. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

    (a) The Foundation may--

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (b) Annual Report.--The Foundation shall submit to the 
President and to the Congress an annual report of its 
operations under this subtitle.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 430. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the Foundation, 
such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subtitle.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND STATE, THE JUICIARY, AND RELATED 
         AGENCICES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1998, PUBLIC LAW 105-119

                     TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

               General Provisions--Department of Justice

  Sec. 122. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject 
to paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized 
to establish, for a period of [10 years] 11 years from date of 
enactment of this provision, a personnel management 
demonstration project providing for the compensation and 
performance management of not more than a combined total of 950 
employees who fill critical scientific, technical, engineering, 
intelligence analyst, language translator, and medical 
positions in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

 UNIVERSAL SERVICE ANTIDEFICIENCY TEMPORARY SUSPENSION ACT, PUBLIC LAW 
                                108-494

                      TITLE III--UNIVERSAL SERVICE

SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``Universal Service 
Antideficiency Temporary Suspension Act''.

SEC. 302. APPLICATION OF CERTAIN TITLE 31 PROVISIONS TO UNIVERSAL 
                    SERVICE FUND.

    (a) In General.--During the period beginning on the date of 
enactment of this Act and ending on [December 31, 2008] 
December 31, 2009, section 1341 and subchapter II of chapter 15 
of title 31, United States Code, do not apply--
            (1) to any amount collected or received as Federal 
        universal service contributions required by section 254 
        of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254), 
        including any interest earned on such contributions; 
        nor
            (2) to the expenditure or obligation of amounts 
        attributable to such contributions for universal 
        service support programs established pursuant to that 
        section.
    (b) Post-2005 Fulfillment of Protected Obligations.--
Section 1341 and subchapter II of chapter 15 of title 31, 
United States Code, do not apply after [December 31, 2008] 
December 31, 2009, to an expenditure or obligation described in 
subsection (a)(2) made or authorized during the period 
described in subsection (a).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, THE JUDICIARY, 
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                        2006, PUBLIC LAW 109-115

 DIVISION A--TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, 
    THE JUDICIARY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006

                                TITLE IV

                             THE JUDICIARY

                Administrative Provisions--The Judiciary

    Sec. 407. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    [(c) The authorities granted in this section shall expire 
on September 30, 2010.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

       CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008, PUBLIC LAW 110-161

 DIVISION D--FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS 
                               ACT, 2008

                                TITLE VI

                      GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT

    Sec. 622. Section 5112 of title 31, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``[(r)] (s) Redesign and Issuance of Circulating Quarter 
Dollar Honoring the District of Columbia and Each of the 
Territories.--
            ``(1) Redesign in 2009.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding the 
                fourth sentence of subsection (d)(1) and 
                subsection (d)(2) and subject to paragraph 
                (6)(B), quarter dollar coins issued during 
                2009, shall have designs on the reverse side 
                selected in accordance with this subsection 
                which are emblematic of the District of 
                Columbia and the territories.
                    ``(B) Flexibility with regard to placement 
                of inscriptions.--Notwithstanding subsection 
                (d)(1), the Secretary may select a design for 
                quarter dollars issued during 2009 in which--
                            ``(i) the inscription described in 
                        the second sentence of subsection 
                        (d)(1) appears on the reverse side of 
                        any such quarter dollars; and
                            ``(ii) any inscription described in 
                        the third sentence of subsection (d)(1) 
                        or the designation of the value of the 
                        coin appears on the obverse side of any 
                        such quarter dollars.
                    ``(2) Single district or territory 
                design.--The design on the reverse side of each 
                quarter dollar issued during 2009 shall be 
                emblematic of one of the following: The 
                District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
                Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United 
                States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of 
                the Northern Mariana Islands.
                    ``(3) Selection of design.--
                            ``(A) In general.--Each of the 6 
                        designs required under this subsection 
                        for quarter dollars shall be--
                                    ``(i) selected by the 
                                Secretary after consultation 
                                with--
                                            ``(I) the chief 
                                        executive of the 
                                        District of Columbia or 
                                        the territory being 
                                        honored, or such other 
                                        officials or group as 
                                        the chief executive 
                                        officer of the District 
                                        of Columbia or the 
                                        territory may designate 
                                        for such purpose; and
                                            ``(II) the 
                                        Commission of Fine 
                                        Arts; and
                                            ``(ii) reviewed by 
                                        the Citizens Coinage 
                                        Advisory Committee.
                            ``(B) Selection and approval 
                        process.--Designs for quarter dollars 
                        may be submitted in accordance with the 
                        design selection and approval process 
                        developed by the Secretary in the sole 
                        discretion of the Secretary.
                            ``(C) Participation.--The Secretary 
                        may include participation by District 
                        or territorial officials, artists from 
                        the District of Columbia or the 
                        territory, engravers of the United 
                        States Mint, and members of the general 
                        public.
                            ``(D) Standards.--Because it is 
                        important that the Nation's coinage and 
                        currency bear dignified designs of 
                        which the citizens of the United States 
                        can be proud, the Secretary shall not 
                        select any frivolous or inappropriate 
                        design for any quarter dollar minted 
                        under this subsection.
                            ``(E) Prohibition on certain 
                        representations.--No head and shoulders 
                        portrait or bust of any person, living 
                        or dead, and no portrait of a living 
                        person may be included in the design of 
                        any quarter dollar under this 
                        subsection.
            ``(4) Treatment as numismatic items.--For purposes 
        of sections 5134 and 5136, all coins minted under this 
        subsection shall be considered to be numismatic items.
            ``(5) Issuance.--
                    ``(A) Quality of coins.--The Secretary may 
                mint and issue such number of quarter dollars 
                of each design selected under [paragraph (4)] 
                paragraph (3) in uncirculated and proof 
                qualities as the Secretary determines to be 
                appropriate.
                    ``(B) Silver coins.--Notwithstanding 
                subsection (b), the Secretary may mint and 
                issue such number of quarter dollars of each 
                design selected under [paragraph (4)] paragraph 
                (3) as the Secretary determines to be 
                appropriate, with a content of 90 percent 
                silver and 10 percent copper.
                    ``(C) Timing and order of issuance.--Coins 
                minted under this subsection honoring the 
                District of Columbia and each of the 
                territories shall be issued in equal sequential 
                intervals during 2009 in the following order: 
                the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
                Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United 
                States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of 
                the Northern Mariana Islands.
            ``(6) Other provisions.--
                    ``(A) Application in event of admission as 
                a state.--If the District of Columbia or any 
                territory becomes a State before the end of the 
                10-year period referred to in subsection 
                (l)(1), subsection (l)(7) shall apply, and this 
                subsection shall not apply, with respect to 
                such State.
                    ``(B) Application in event of 
                independence.--If any territory becomes 
                independent or otherwise ceases to be a 
                territory or possession of the United States 
                before quarter dollars bearing designs which 
                are emblematic of such territory are minted 
                pursuant to this subsection, this subsection 
                shall cease to apply with respect to such 
                territory.
            ``(7) Territory defined.--For purposes of this 
        subsection, the term `territory' means the Commonwealth 
        of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States 
        Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern 
        Mariana Islands.''.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                               TITLE VII

                  GENERAL PROVISIONS--GOVERNMENT-WIDE

Departments, Agencies, and Corporations

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Sec. 739. (a) Requirement for Public-Private Competition.--
            (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
        none of the funds appropriated by this or any other Act 
        shall be available to convert to contractor performance 
        an activity or function of an executive agency that, on 
        or after the date of enactment of this Act, is 
        performed by [more than 10] Federal employees unless--

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    [(b) Use of Public-Private Competition.--Nothing in Office 
of Management and Budget Circular A-76 shall prevent the head 
of an executive agency from conducting a public-private 
competition to evaluate the benefits of converting work from 
contract performance to performance by Federal employees in 
appropriate instances. The Circular shall provide procedures 
and policies for these competitions that are similar to those 
applied to competitions that may result in the conversion of 
work from performance by Federal employees to performance by a 
contractor.]
    (b) Guidelines on Insourcing New and Contracted Out 
Functions.--
            (1) Guidelines required.--
                    (A) The heads of executive agencies subject 
                to the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act 
                (Public Law 105-270), shall devise and 
                implement guidelines and procedures to ensure 
                that consideration is given to using, on a 
                regular basis, Federal employees to perform new 
                functions and functions that are performed by 
                contractors and could be performed by Federal 
                employees.
                    (B) The guidelines and procedures required 
                under subparagraph (A) may not include any 
                specific limitation or restriction on the 
                number of functions or activities that may be 
                converted to performance by Federal employees.
            (2) Special consideration for certain functions.--
        The guidelines and procedures required under paragraph 
        (1) shall provide for special consideration to be given 
        to using Federal employees to perform any function that
                    (A) is performed by a contractor and--
                            (i) has been performed by Federal 
                        employees at any time during the 
                        previous 10 years;
                            (ii) is a function closely 
                        associated with the performance of an 
                        inherently governmental function;
                            (iii) has been performed pursuant 
                        to a contract awarded on a non-
                        competitive basis; or
                            (iv) has been performed poorly, as 
                        determined by a contracting officer 
                        during the 5-year period preceding the 
                        date of such determination, because of 
                        excessive costs or inferior quality; or
                    (B) is a new requirement, with particular 
                emphasis given to a new requirement that is 
                similar to a function previously performed by 
                Federal employees or is a function closely 
                associated with the performance of an 
                inherently governmental function.
            (3) Exclusion of certain functions from 
        competitions.--The head of an executive agency may not 
        conduct a public-private competition under Office of 
        Management and Budget Circular A-76 or any other 
        provision of law or regulation before--
                    (A) in the case of a new agency function, 
                assigning the performance of the function to 
                Federal employees;
                    (B) in the case of any agency function 
                described in subsection (2), converting the 
                function to performance by Federal employees; 
                or
                    (C) in the case of an agency function 
                performed by Federal employees, expanding the 
                scope of the function.
            (4) Deadline.--
                    (A) The head of each executive agency shall 
                implement the guidelines and procedures 
                required under this section by not later than 
                120 days after the date of the enactment of 
                this Act.
                    (B) Not later than 210 days after the date 
                of the enactment of this Act, the Government 
                Accountability Office shall submit a report on 
                the implementation of this subsection to the 
                Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
                Representatives and the Senate, the Committee 
                on Oversight and Government Reform of the House 
                of Representatives, and the Committee on 
                Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of 
                the Senate.
            (5) Definitions.--In this section:
                    (A) The term ``inherently governmental 
                functions'' has the meaning given such term in 
                subpart 7.5 of part 7 of the Federal 
                Acquisition Regulation.
                    (B) The term ``functions closely associated 
                with inherently governmental functions'' means 
                the functions described in section 7.503(d) of 
                the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
            (6) Applicability.--This subsection shall not apply 
        to the Department of Defense.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

           ECONOMIC STIMULUS ACT OF 2008, PUBLIC LAW 110-185

    TITLE I--RECOVERY REBATES AND INCENTIVES FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENT

SEC. 101. 2008 RECOVERY REBATES FOR INDIVIDUALS.

    (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (e) Appropriations To Carry Out Rebates.--
            (1) In general.--Immediately upon the enactment of 
        this Act, the following sums are appropriated, out of 
        any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, 
        for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008:
                    (A) Department of the treasury.--
                            (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                    (B) Social Security Administration.--For an 
                additional amount for ``Social Security 
                Administration--Limitation on Administrative 
                Expenses'', $31,000,000, to remain available 
                until September 30, 2008.
                    (C) Transfer authority.--The Secretary of 
                the Treasury is authorized to transfer funds 
                provided by paragraph (1)(A) among the accounts 
                specified in paragraph (1)(A) to carry out the 
                rebates upon the advance notification of the 
                Committees on Appropriations: Provided, That 
                any proposed transfer of funds greater than 
                $5,000,000 shall be subject to the advance 
                approval of the Committees on Appropriations.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                   DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOME RULE ACT

       ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT AMOUNTS NOT INCLUDED IN ANNUAL BUDGET

    Sec. 446B.  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (f) Effective date.--This section shall apply with respect 
to [fiscal years 2006 through 2008] fiscal year 2006 and each 
succeeding fiscal year.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                   DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICIAL CODE

         TITLE 11--ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS

       CHAPTER 26--REPRESENTATION OF INDIGENTS IN CRIMINAL CASES

Sec. 11-2604. Payment for representation

    (a) Any attorney appointed pursuant to this chapter shall, 
at the conclusion of the representation or any segment thereof, 
be compensated at a fixed rate of [$65 per hour] $90 per hour. 
Such attorney shall be reimbursed for expenses reasonably 
incurred.
    [(b) For representation of a defendant before the Superior 
Court or before the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, as 
the case may be, the compensation to be paid to an attorney 
shall not exceed the following maximum amounts:
            [(1) $1900 for misdemeanor cases;
            [(2) $3600 for felony cases; and
            [(3) $1900 for post-trial matters if the underlying 
        case was a misdemeanor or $3600 for post-trial matters 
        if the underlying case was a felony.]
    (b) The compensation to be paid to an attorney appointed 
pursuant to this chapter shall not exceed the following maximum 
amounts:
            (1) For representation of a defendant before the 
        Superior Court of the District of Columbia for 
        misdemeanors or felonies, the maximum amount set forth 
        in section 3006A(d)(2) of title 18, United States Code, 
        for representation of a defendant before the United 
        States magistrate judge or the district court for 
        misdemeanors or felonies (as the case may be).
            (2) For representation of a defendant before the 
        District of Columbia Court of Appeals, the maximum 
        amount set forth in section 3006A(d)(2) of title 18, 
        United States Code, for representation of a defendant 
        in an appellate court.
            (3) For representation of a defendant in post-trial 
        matters for misdemeanors or felonies, the amount 
        applicable under paragraph (1) for misdemeanors or 
        felonies (as the case may be).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

         TITLE 16--PARTICULAR ACTIONS, PROCEEDINGS AND MATTERS

                CHAPTER 23--FAMILY DIVISION PROCEEDINGS

 SUBCHAPTER I--PROCEEDINGS REGARDING DELINQUENCY, NEGLECT, OR NEED OF 
                              SUPERVISION

Sec. 16-2326.01. Compensation of attorneys in neglect and termination 
                    of parental rights proceedings

    (a) * * *
    (b) Compensation payable pursuant to this section shall be 
subject to the following limitations:
            (1) for all proceedings from initial hearing 
        through disposition, the maximum compensation shall be 
        [$1,600] $1,980;
            (2) for all subsequent proceedings other than 
        termination of parental rights, the maximum 
        compensation shall be [$1,600] $1,980 per year;
            (3) for proceedings to terminate parental rights, 
        the maximum compensation shall be [$2,200] $2,700; and
            (4) for appeal of trial court orders, the maximum 
        compensation shall be [$1,100] $1,350 per case.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                        BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL

  PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS
                                                     AMENDED
                                            [In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Budget authority               Outlays
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                               Committee    Amount  of   Committee    Amount  of
                                                               allocation      bill      allocation      bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee allocations
 to its subcommittees of amounts in the Budget Resolution
 for 2009: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
 Government:
    Mandatory...............................................       20,661       20,661       20,663    \1\20,663
    Discretionary...........................................       22,380       22,870       22,809    \1\23,019
Projections of outlays associated with the recommendation:
    2009....................................................  ...........  ...........  ...........    \2\38,594
    2010....................................................  ...........  ...........  ...........        3,266
    2011....................................................  ...........  ...........  ...........          618
    2012....................................................  ...........  ...........  ...........          345
    2013 and future years...................................  ...........  ...........  ...........          320
Financial assistance to State and local governments for                NA          708           NA          503
 2009.......................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

NA: Not applicable.

NOTE. Consistent with the funding recommended in the bill for tax enforcement and in accordance with section
  312(c)(2)(B) of Senate Concurrent Resolution 70 (110th Congress), the Committee anticipates that the Budget
  Committee will file a revised section 302(a) allocation for the Committee on Appropriations reflecting an
  upward adjustment of $490,000,000 in budget authority and associated outlays.

         DISCLOSURE OF CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS

    The Constitution vests in the Congress the power of the 
purse. The Committee believes strongly that Congress should 
make the decisions on how to allocate the people's money.
    As defined in Rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the 
Senate, the term ``congressionally directed spending item'' 
means a provision or report language included primarily at the 
request of a Senator, providing, authorizing, or recommending a 
specific amount of discretionary budget authority, credit 
authority, or other spending authority for a contract, loan, 
loan guarantee, grant, loan authority, or other expenditure 
with or to an entity, or targeted to a specific State, locality 
or congressional district, other than through a statutory or 
administrative, formula-driven, or competitive award process.
    For each item, a Member is required to provide a 
certification that neither the Member nor the Senator's 
immediate family has a pecuniary interest in such 
congressionally directed spending item. Such certifications are 
available to the public on the website of the Senate Committee 
on Appropriations (www.appropriations.senate.gov/senators.cfm).
    Following is a list of congressionally directed spending 
items included in the Senate recommendation discussed in this 
report, along with the name of each Senator who submitted a 
request to the Committee of jurisdiction for each item so 
identified. Neither the Committee recommendation nor this 
report contains any limited tax benefits or limited tariff 
benefits as defined in rule XLIV.

                                                                             CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Account                                                            Project                                                 Funding                       Member
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DC.....................................  Children's National Medical Center, pediatric surgical center renovations, Washington, DC..        $3,000,000  Senator Cochran
DC.....................................  LifeSTARTS Youth & Family Services, the Capital Area Asset Building Corporation, and the            2,250,000  Senator Brownback
                                          National Center for Fatherhood to administer Marriage Development Accounts in the District
                                          of Columbia.
GSA....................................  Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Federal Building......................................................        25,000,000  Senator Shelby
GSA....................................  California, San Diego United States Courthouse Annex.......................................       110,362,000  The President, Senators Feinstein and
                                                                                                                                                         Boxer
GSA....................................  California, San Ysidro, Port of Entry......................................................        58,910,000  The President, Senator Feinstein
GSA....................................  Colorado, Lakewood, Denver Federal Center Remediation......................................        10,472,000  The President
GSA....................................  Illinois, Chicago, Dirksen Courthouse......................................................       152,825,000  The President
GSA....................................  Maryland, Montgomery County, MD, FDA.......................................................       204,404,000  The President, Senators Mikulski and
                                                                                                                                                         Cardin
GSA....................................  North Carolina, New Bern, US PO and Courthouse.............................................        10,640,000  The President, Senator Dole
GSA....................................  North Dakota, Portal, Port of Entry........................................................        15,204,000  The President
GSA....................................  District of Columbia, DHS Consolidation and development of St. Elizabeths campus...........       331,390,000  The President
GSA....................................  District of Columbia, St. Elizabeths West Campus Infrastructure............................         8,249,000  The President
GSA....................................  District of Columbia, St. Elizabeths West Campus Site Acquisition..........................         7,000,000  The President
GSA....................................  District of Columbia, Eisenhower Executive Office Bldg CBR.................................        14,700,000  The President
GSA....................................  District of Columbia, Eisenhower Executive Office Bldg, Phase III..........................        51,075,000  The President
GSA....................................  District of Columbia, West Wing Infrastructure Systems Replacement.........................        76,487,000  The President
NARA...................................  JFK Presidential Library...................................................................        22,000,000  Senator Kerry
NARA...................................  LBJ Presidential Library...................................................................         2,000,000  Senator Hutchison
ONDCP..................................  National Alliance of Model State Drug Laws.................................................         1,250,000  Senator Durbin
ONDCP..................................  National Drug Court Institute..............................................................         1,000,000  Senator Durbin
SBA....................................  Adelante Development Center for its ACCENT School-to-Work Transition Program, Albuquerque,            250,000  Senators Domenici and Bingaman
                                          NM.
SBA....................................  Alaska Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Inc., for a rural Alaska e-commerce training            1,100,000  Senator Stevens
                                          project, Anchorage, AK.
SBA....................................  Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce workforce training, Albuquerque, NM................           245,000  Senator Bingaman
SBA....................................  Alcorn State University for a Systems Research Institute, Alcorn State, MS.................           600,000  Senator Cochran
SBA....................................  Appalachian State University to study the effects of economic growth resulting from                   750,000  Senator Dole
                                          viticulture and agritourism in western North Carolina, Boone, NC.
SBA....................................  Association of Vermont Credit Unions, Student financial literacy, Burlington, VT...........           145,000  Senator Sanders
SBA....................................  Business and infrastructure development, Mingo County Redevelopment Authority, Williamson,          3,500,000  Senator Byrd
                                          WV.
SBA....................................  Business incubator, Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University..............           520,000  Senators Lincoln and Pryor
SBA....................................  Cedarbridge small business incubator, Lakewood, NJ.........................................           245,000  Senators Lautenberg and Menendez
SBA....................................  Center for Economic Growth, Watervliet Innovation Center, Albany, NY.......................           300,000  Senator Schumer
SBA....................................  City of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Small business investment initiative for technical                    225,000  Senator Landrieu
                                          assistance to business enterprises.
SBA....................................  City of San Diego, CA, One-stop small business resource center.............................           100,000  Senator Boxer
SBA....................................  Colorado Enterprise Fund for operating expenses and technical assistance to borrowers,                245,000  Senator Salazar
                                          Denver, CO.
SBA....................................  Colorado State University Sustainable Biofuels Development Center, Fort Collins, CO........           250,000  Senators Allard and Salazar
SBA....................................  Community Links Hawaii for planning and development of Oahu Technology and Innovation Park,           250,000  Senators Inouye and Akaka
                                          Oahu, HI.
SBA....................................  E4 Entrepreneurship for immigrants, minorities, women, and people with disabilities in                100,000  Senator Cantwell
                                          southwest King County, WA.
SBA....................................  Eastern Washington University, Accelerating economic development in rural, underserved                200,000  Senator Murray
                                          communities of NE Washington.
SBA....................................  Economic development assistance for Wells, NV..............................................           640,000  Senator Reid
SBA....................................  Economic Development for Central Oregon, Bend Venture Catalyst, Bend, OR...................           245,000  Senator Wyden
SBA....................................  Economic Development Training Program, Camden, NJ..........................................           100,000  Senators Lautenberg and Menendez
SBA....................................  Entrepreneurial Development Center business accelerator, Cedar Rapids, IA..................           350,000  Senator Harkin
SBA....................................  First responder education initiative, Benedictine University, Lisle, IL....................           500,000  Senator Durbin
SBA....................................  Florida Institute of Technology , Florida Advanced Combustion Center.......................           245,000  Senator Bill Nelson
SBA....................................  Grambling State University, Expanding Minority Entrepreneurship Regionally Across the                 250,000  Senator Landrieu
                                          Louisiana Delta [EMERALD] program.
SBA....................................  Grays Harbor sustainable industries research and development facility and incubator, Port             450,000  Senators Cantwell and Murray
                                          of Grays Harbor, Aberdeen, WA.
SBA....................................  Grow Inglewood, small business development, Inglewood, CA..................................           450,000  Senators Boxer and Feinstein
SBA....................................  Indiana University, Indiana innovation incubator, Bloomington, IN..........................           245,000  Senator Bayh
SBA....................................  International Trade Compliance in Agra-Business, Wichita, KS...............................           225,500  Senator Brownback
SBA....................................  Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center for job training and placement services, East St. Louis, IL....           310,000  Senator Durbin
SBA....................................  Jackson State University for Lynch Street Corridor Redevelopment, Jackson, MS..............           600,000  Senators Cochran and Wicker
SBA....................................  Kansas Bioscience Authority for the Kansas Small Business Biobased Polymer Initiative,                550,000  Senator Brownback
                                          Olathe, KS.
SBA....................................  Kansas Farm Bureau for the Kansas Hometown Prosperity Alliance, Manhattan, KS..............           300,000  Senator Brownback
SBA....................................  Macomb County business accelerator, Macomb County, MI......................................           400,000  Senators Levin and Stabenow
SBA....................................  Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Renewable Energy Economic Development Center,                  260,000  Senators Kennedy and Kerry
                                          Boston, MA.
SBA....................................  Mississippi Biotechnology Association for a Feasibility Study and Capacity Building,                  500,000  Senator Cochran
                                          Jackson, MS.
SBA....................................  Mississippi State University for Convergence of Scientists and Entrepreneurs to Expedite              600,000  Senators Cochran and Wicker
                                          Commercialization (SCEEC), Starkville, MS.
SBA....................................  Mississippi Technology Alliance for the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Services,           600,000  Senators Cochran and Wicker
                                          Jackson, MS.
SBA....................................  Missouri Western State University for the Biotechnology Mobile Workforce Development                1,000,000  Senator Bond
                                          Center, St. Joseph, MO.
SBA....................................  Montana Department of Commerce, for technical assistance and operating expenses of the                520,000  Senators Baucus and Tester
                                          Native American and WIRED program.
SBA....................................  Montgomery County Action Council for the development of economic growth and the recruitment           500,000  Senator Roberts
                                          of small businesses, Independence, KS.
SBA....................................  Myrtle Beach International Trade & Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, SC.....................         1,000,000  Senator Graham
SBA....................................  National Center for Aviation Training for a Technical Education and Training, Wichita, KS..           500,000  Senator Brownback
SBA....................................  Native Hawaiian Organizations Association, Entrepreneurial Development & Government                   300,000  Senators Inouye and Akaka
                                          Procurement Center, Honolulu, HI.
SBA....................................  Nebraska Community Foundation, HomeTown Competitiveness, Lincoln, NE.......................           300,000  Senator Ben Nelson
SBA....................................  New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, Emerging Enterprise Center, business incubator, DE..           520,000  Senators Biden and Carper
SBA....................................  North Dakota State College of Science, Nanotechnology Applied Science Laboratory...........           375,000  Senators Conrad and Dorgan
SBA....................................  Northern Community Development Corporation, Northeast Kingdom (NEK) wireless LINC, VT......           300,000  Senator Leahy
SBA....................................  Northern Kentucky University's College of Informatics, Highland Heights, KY................         2,000,000  Senator McConnell
SBA....................................  Ohio University, Economic Development through Entrepreneurship in Appalachia [EDEA]........           245,000  Senator Brown
SBA....................................  Pellissippi Research Centre on the Oak Ridge Corridor, Alcoa, TN...........................           700,000  Senators Alexander and Corker
SBA....................................  Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse, Tech Belt Biosciences Initiative, Pittsburgh, PA......           245,000  Senator Casey
SBA....................................  ReCycle North, Green-collar enterprise program, Burlington, VT.............................           100,000  Senator Sanders
SBA....................................  Rhode Island Rural Development Council and Farm Fresh Rhode Island, for Rhode Island small            350,000  Senators Reed and Whitehouse
                                          business development.
SBA....................................  Rural Economic Area Partnership [REAP] Zones, Rugby, ND....................................           250,000  Senators Conrad and Dorgan
SBA....................................  Rural Enterprise Institute's Native American Rural Business and Resource Center at Eastern            500,000  Senator Inhofe
                                          Oklahoma State College, Wilburton, OK.
SBA....................................  Safer Foundation for transitional employment placement, Chicago, IL........................           500,000  Senator Durbin
SBA....................................  Small Business and Economic Opportunity Office, Essex County, NJ...........................           375,000  Senators Lautenberg and Menendez
SBA....................................  Small business green development, City of East Providence, RI..............................           245,000  Senators Reed and Whitehouse
SBA....................................  Small business trade assistance office, Prince George's County, MD.........................           100,000  Senator Cardin
SBA....................................  South Dakota State University, technology-based economic development.......................           475,000  Senator Johnson
SBA....................................  Southern Illinois University for the Southern Illinois Research Park, Carbondale, IL.......           500,000  Senator Durbin
SBA....................................  Southwestern Pennsylvania Advanced Robotics Business Accelerator, Pittsburgh, PA...........           700,000  Senators Specter and Casey
SBA....................................  St. Leo Residence for Veterans for job training, Catholic Charities, Chicago, IL...........           500,000  Senator Durbin
SBA....................................  TechTown Small Business Clinic, Wayne State Law School.....................................           175,000  Senators Levin and Stabenow
SBA....................................  University of Connecticut Avery Point, business incubator, Groton, CT......................           120,000  Senators Dodd and Lieberman
SBA....................................  University of Connecticut Health Center business incubator, Farmington, CT.................           325,000  Senators Dodd and Lieberman
SBA....................................  University of Kansas for Equipment for Pharmaceutical Small Business Development, Kansas              450,000  Senator Brownback
                                          City, KS.
SBA....................................  University of Kansas Hospital for Medical Faculty Small Business Development, Kansas City,            700,000  Senator Brownback
                                          KS.
SBA....................................  University of Maryland-Baltimore BioPark...................................................           450,000  Senators Mikulski and Cardin
SBA....................................  University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Advanced Technical and Manufacturing Center business           260,000  Senators Kennedy and Kerry
                                          incubator, Fall River, MA.
SBA....................................  University of Southern Mississippi for Early Stage Entrepreneur Development, Hattiesburg,             600,000  Senators Cochran and Wicker
                                          MS.
SBA....................................  University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University-industry partnership to foster rapid                    300,000  Senator Kohl
                                          development of businesses in water industries.
SBA....................................  University Technology Park, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL..................           500,000  Senator Durbin
SBA....................................  Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology, Mine safety technology and communication                 250,000  Senators Webb and Warner
                                          improvements, Herndon, VA.
SBA....................................  Washington Hancock Community Agency for a Microbusiness Assistance Program, Milbridge, ME..           250,000  Senators Collins and Snowe
SBA....................................  World Trade Center Utah Partnership Initiative, Salt Lake City, UT.........................           400,000  Senator Bennett
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
                                                                        YEAR 2009
                                                                [In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         Senate Committee recommendation
                                                                                                                             compared with (+ or -)
                                Item                                       2008       Budget estimate     Committee    ---------------------------------
                                                                      appropriation                     recommendation        2008
                                                                                                                         appropriation   Budget estimate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

                        Departmental Offices

Salaries and expenses..............................................         248,360          273,895          273,895          +25,535   ...............
    Executive direction............................................         (10,840)         (21,592)         (11,097)           (+257)        (-10,495)
    General Counsel................................................          (9,909)  ...............         (10,495)           (+586)        (+10,495)
    Economic policies and programs.................................         (44,242)         (45,853)         (45,853)         (+1,611)  ...............
    Financial policies and programs................................         (29,464)         (34,735)         (34,735)         (+5,271)  ...............
    Terrorism and Financial Intelligence...........................         (56,775)         (61,712)         (61,712)         (+4,937)  ...............
    Treasury-wide management.......................................         (18,505)         (19,009)         (19,009)           (+504)  ...............
    Administration.................................................         (78,625)         (90,994)         (90,994)        (+12,369)  ...............

Department-wide systems and capital investments programs...........          18,710           26,975           26,975           +8,265   ...............
Office of Inspector General........................................          18,450           19,356           19,356             +906   ...............
Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration..................         140,533          145,736          145,736           +5,203   ...............
Air transportation stabilization program account...................          -3,600   ...............  ...............          +3,600   ...............
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network...............................          85,844           91,335           91,335           +5,491   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Departmental Offices...............................         508,297          557,297          557,297          +49,000   ...............

Financial Management Service.......................................         234,423          239,344          239,344           +4,921   ...............
    Emergency appropriations (Public Law 110-185)..................          64,175   ...............  ...............         -64,175   ...............
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau:
    Salaries and expenses..........................................          93,515           96,900           98,900           +5,385           +2,000
Bureau of the Public Debt..........................................         172,871          177,054          177,054           +4,183   ...............
Community development financial institutions fund program account..          94,000           28,620          100,000           +6,000          +71,380
Payment of government losses in shipment...........................           1,000            2,000            2,000           +1,000   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Department of the Treasury, non-IRS...................       1,168,281        1,101,215        1,174,595           +6,314          +73,380

                      Internal Revenue Service

Taxpayer services..................................................       2,150,000        2,150,000        2,213,350          +63,350          +63,350
    Emergency appropriations (Public Law 110-185)..................          50,720   ...............  ...............         -50,720   ...............
Enforcement........................................................       4,780,000        5,117,267        5,117,267         +337,267   ...............
Operations support.................................................       3,680,059        3,856,172        3,896,650         +216,591          +40,478
    Emergency appropriations (Public Law 110-185)..................         151,415   ...............  ...............        -151,415   ...............
Business systems modernization.....................................         267,090          222,664          282,175          +15,085          +59,511
Health Insurance Tax Credit Administration.........................          15,235           15,406           15,406             +171   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Internal Revenue Service..............................      11,094,519       11,361,509       11,524,848         +430,329         +163,339
                                                                    ====================================================================================
      Total, title I, Department of the Treasury...................      12,262,800       12,462,724       12,699,443         +436,643         +236,719
          Appropriations...........................................     (11,996,490)     (12,462,724)     (12,699,443)       (+702,953)       (+236,719)
              (Mandatory)..........................................          (1,000)          (2,000)          (2,000)         (+1,000)  ...............
              (Discretionary)......................................     (11,995,490)     (12,460,724)     (12,697,443)       (+701,953)       (+236,719)
          Emergency appropriations.................................         266,310   ...............  ...............        -266,310   ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================

 TITLE II--EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND FUNDS APPROPRIATED
                          TO THE PRESIDENT

                          The White House

Salaries and expenses..............................................  ...............         190,078   ...............  ...............        -190,078
    Compensation of the President..................................  ...............             450   ...............  ...............            -450
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Salaries and expenses.................................  ...............         190,528   ...............  ...............        -190,528

Compensation of the President and the White House Office:
    Compensation of the President..................................             450   ...............             450   ...............            +450
    Salaries and expenses..........................................          51,656   ...............          52,499             +843          +52,499

Executive Residence at the White House:
    Operating expenses.............................................          12,814   ...............          13,363             +549          +13,363
    White House repair and restoration.............................           1,600   ...............           1,600   ...............          +1,600
Council of Economic Advisers.......................................           4,118   ...............           4,118   ...............          +4,118
Office of Policy Development.......................................           3,482   ...............           5,250           +1,768           +5,250
National Security Council..........................................           8,640   ...............           9,029             +389           +9,029
Office of Administration...........................................          91,745   ...............          95,633           +3,888          +95,633
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, The White House.......................................         174,505          190,528          181,942           +7,437           -8,586

Office of Management and Budget....................................          78,000           72,800           80,172           +2,172           +7,372

               Office of National Drug Control Policy

Salaries and expenses..............................................          26,402           23,697           27,900           +1,498           +4,203
Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center...........................           1,000            5,000            5,000           +4,000   ...............
High intensity drug trafficking areas program......................         230,000          200,000          235,000           +5,000          +35,000
Other Federal drug control programs................................         164,300          189,685          204,250          +39,950          +14,565
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Office of National Drug Control Policy................         421,702          418,382          472,150          +50,448          +53,768

Unanticipated needs................................................           1,000            1,000            1,000   ...............  ...............
Presidential transition administrative support.....................  ...............           8,000            8,000           +8,000   ...............

Special Assistance to the President and Official Residence of the
 Vice President:
    Salaries and expenses..........................................           4,432            4,496            4,496              +64   ...............
    Operating expenses.............................................             320              323              323               +3   ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================
      Total, title II, Executive Office of the President and Funds          679,959          695,529          748,083          +68,124          +52,554
       Appropriated to the President...............................
          Appropriations...........................................        (679,959)        (695,529)        (748,083)        (+68,124)        (+52,554)
              (Mandatory)..........................................            (450)            (450)            (450)  ...............  ...............
              (Discretionary)......................................        (679,509)        (695,079)        (747,633)        (+68,124)        (+52,554)
                                                                    ====================================================================================

                      TITLE III--THE JUDICIARY

                 Supreme Court of the United States

Salaries and expenses:
    Salaries of justices...........................................           2,149            2,119            2,119              -30   ...............
    Other salaries and expenses....................................          64,377           67,658           67,657           +3,280               -1
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal.....................................................          66,526           69,777           69,776           +3,250               -1

Care of the building and grounds...................................          12,201           18,447           18,447           +6,246   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Supreme Court of the United States....................          78,727           88,224           88,223           +9,496               -1

       United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Salaries and expenses:
    Salaries of judges.............................................           2,431            2,356            2,356              -75   ...............
    Other salaries and expenses....................................          24,641           30,001           29,126           +4,485             -875
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, US Court of Appeals for the Fed Circuit...............          27,072           32,357           31,482           +4,410             -875

             United States Court of International Trade

Salaries and expenses:
    Salaries of judges.............................................           1,765            1,696            1,694              -71               -2
    Other salaries and expenses....................................          14,867           17,926           17,911           +3,044              -15
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, US Court of International Trade.......................          16,632           19,622           19,605           +2,973              -17

  Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services

Salaries and expenses:
    Salaries of judges and bankruptcy judges.......................         332,434          323,911          321,157          -11,277           -2,754
    Judges COLA....................................................           5,000            6,000            6,000           +1,000   ...............
    Other salaries and expenses....................................       4,267,328        4,633,180        4,505,603         +238,275         -127,577
        Other salaries and expenses (emergency)....................          14,500   ...............  ...............         -14,500   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Subtotal, Salaries and expenses..........................       4,619,262        4,963,091        4,832,760         +213,498         -130,331

Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund.............................           4,099            4,253            4,253             +154   ...............
Defender services..................................................         835,601          911,408          854,204          +18,603          -57,204
    Defender services (emergency)..................................          10,500   ...............  ...............         -10,500   ...............
Fees of jurors and commissioners...................................          63,081           62,206           62,206             -875   ...............
Court security.....................................................         410,000          439,915          428,004          +18,004          -11,911
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial       5,942,543        6,380,873        6,181,427         +238,884         -199,446
       Services....................................................

         Administrative Office of the United States Courts

Salaries and expenses..............................................          76,036           81,959           79,049           +3,013           -2,910

                      Federal Judicial Center

Salaries and expenses..............................................          24,187           25,759           25,468           +1,281             -291

                     Judicial Retirement Funds

Payment to judiciary trust funds...................................          65,400           76,140           76,140          +10,740   ...............

                United States Sentencing Commission

Salaries and expenses..............................................          15,477           16,257           16,225             +748              -32
                                                                    ====================================================================================
      Total, title III, the Judiciary..............................       6,246,074        6,721,191        6,517,619         +271,545         -203,572
          Appropriations...........................................      (6,221,074)      (6,721,191)      (6,517,619)       (+296,545)       (-203,572)
              (Mandatory)..........................................        (404,179)        (406,222)        (403,466)           (-713)         (-2,756)
              (Discretionary)......................................      (5,816,895)      (6,314,969)      (6,114,153)       (+297,258)       (-200,816)
          Emergency appropriations.................................         (25,000)  ...............  ...............        (-25,000)  ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================

                   TITLE IV--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

                           FEDERAL FUNDS

Federal payment for Resident Tuition Support.......................          33,000           35,100           35,100           +2,100   ...............
Federal payment for Emergency Planning and Security Costs in the              3,352           15,000           15,400          +12,048             +400
 District of Columbia..............................................
Federal payment to the District of Columbia Courts.................         223,920          223,920          251,625          +27,705          +27,705
Defender Services in District of Columbia Courts...................          47,975           47,975           52,475           +4,500           +4,500
Federal payment to the Court Services and Offender Supervision              190,343          202,490          203,490          +13,147           +1,000
 Agency for the District of Columbia...............................
Federal payment to the District of Columbia Public Defender Service          32,710           35,659           35,659           +2,949   ...............
Federal payment to the District of Columbia Water and Sewer                   8,000           14,000           16,000           +8,000           +2,000
 Authority.........................................................
Federal payment to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.......           1,300            1,774            1,774             +474   ...............
Federal payment to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of the           5,453   ...............           5,000             -453           +5,000
 District of Columbia..............................................
Federal payment for School Improvement.............................          40,800           54,000           54,000          +13,200   ...............
Federal payment for consolidated laboratory facility...............           5,000            5,000           21,000          +16,000          +16,000
Federal payment to jumpstart public school reform..................  ...............          20,000           20,000          +20,000   ...............
Federal payment for Central Library/branch locations...............           9,000            7,000            7,000           -2,000   ...............
Federal payment to reimburse the FBI...............................           4,000            5,000   ...............          -4,000           -5,000
Federal payment to the Executive Office of the Mayor...............           5,000   ...............           3,500           -1,500           +3,500
                                                                    ====================================================================================
      Total, Title IV, District of Columbia........................         609,853          666,918          722,023         +112,170          +55,105
                                                                    ====================================================================================

                TITLE V--OTHER INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation.........................             600   ...............           1,000             +400           +1,000
Commodity Futures Trading Commission...............................         111,266          130,000          157,000          +45,734          +27,000
Consumer Product Safety Commission.................................          80,000           80,000           95,000          +15,000          +15,000

                   Election Assistance Commission

Salaries and expenses..............................................          16,530           16,679           16,679             +149   ...............
Election reform programs...........................................         115,000   ...............  ...............        -115,000   ...............
Election data collection grants....................................          10,000   ...............  ...............         -10,000   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Election Assistance Commission........................         141,530           16,679           16,679         -124,851   ...............

                 Federal Communications Commission

Salaries and expenses..............................................         313,000          338,875          341,875          +28,875           +3,000
Transfer from USF for OIG audits (by transfer).....................         (21,480)         (25,480)         (25,480)         (+4,000)  ...............
Offsetting fee collections--current year...........................        -312,000         -337,875         -341,875          -29,875           -4,000
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Direct appropriation.........................................           1,000            1,000   ...............          -1,000           -1,000

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation: Office of Inspector General          (26,848)         (27,495)         (27,495)           (+647)  ...............
 (by transfer).....................................................
Federal Election Commission........................................          59,224           63,618           63,618           +4,394   ...............
Federal Labor Relations Authority..................................          23,641           22,674           22,674             -967   ...............

                      Federal Trade Commission

Salaries and expenses..............................................         243,864          256,200          256,200          +12,336   ...............
Offsetting fee collections--current year...........................        -139,000         -168,000         -168,000          -29,000   ...............
Offsetting fee collections, telephone database.....................         -23,000          -19,300          -19,300           +3,700   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Direct appropriation.........................................          81,864           68,900           68,900          -12,964   ...............

                  General Services Administration

                       Federal Buildings Fund

Appropriations.....................................................         (83,964)        (525,000)        (671,872)       (+587,908)       (+146,872)
Limitations on availability of revenue:
    Construction and acquisition of facilities.....................         306,448          620,119          766,991         +460,543         +146,872
        Construction (emergency)...................................         225,000   ...............  ...............        -225,000   ...............
    Repairs and alterations........................................         722,161          692,374          692,374          -29,787   ...............
    Installment acquisition payments...............................         155,781          149,570          149,570           -6,211   ...............
    Rental of space................................................       4,315,534        4,692,156        4,692,156         +376,622   ...............
    Building operations............................................       2,105,490        2,223,354        2,223,354         +117,864   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal.....................................................       7,830,414        8,377,573        8,524,445         +694,031         +146,872

Repayment of debt..................................................          50,804           56,865           56,865           +6,061   ...............
Rental income to fund..............................................      -7,916,272       -8,134,239       -8,134,239         -217,967   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Federal Buildings Fund................................         -35,054          300,199          447,071         +482,125         +146,872

Government-wide policy.............................................          52,891           56,578           54,578           +1,687           -2,000
Operating expenses.................................................          85,870           71,811           69,349          -16,521           -2,462
Office of Inspector General........................................          48,382           54,000           54,000           +5,618   ...............
Electronic Government Fund.........................................           3,000            5,000            1,000           -2,000           -4,000
Allowances and Office Staff for Former Presidents..................           2,478            2,934            2,934             +456   ...............
Expenses, Presidential transition..................................  ...............           8,520            8,520           +8,520   ...............
Federal Citizen Services Fund......................................          17,328           36,558           36,558          +19,230   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, General Services Administration.......................         174,895          535,600          674,010         +499,115         +138,410

                   Merit Systems Protection Board

Salaries and expenses..............................................          37,507           38,811           38,811           +1,304   ...............
Limitation on administrative expenses..............................           2,579            2,579            2,579   ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Merit Systems Protection Board........................          40,086           41,390           41,390           +1,304   ...............

                     Morris K. Udall Foundation

Morris K. Udall Trust Fund.........................................           3,750              100            3,750   ...............          +3,650
Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund..............................           2,000              850            2,000   ...............          +1,150
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Morris K. Udall Foundation............................           5,750              950            5,750   ...............          +4,800

            National Archives and Records Administration

Operating expenses.................................................         315,000          327,783          330,883          +15,883           +3,100
    Reduction of debt..............................................         -10,896          -11,842          -11,842             -946   ...............
Electronic records archive.........................................          58,028           67,008           67,008           +8,980   ...............
Repairs and restoration............................................          28,605            9,211           33,211           +4,606          +24,000
National Historical Publications and Records Commission: Grants               9,500   ...............          10,500           +1,000          +10,500
 program...........................................................
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, National Archives and Records Admin...................         400,237          392,160          429,760          +29,523          +37,600

                National Credit Union Administration

Central liquidity facility:
    (Limitation on direct loans)...................................      (1,500,000)      (1,500,000)      (1,500,000)  ...............  ...............
    (Limitation on admin expenses, corporate funds)................            (329)            (334)            (334)             (+5)  ...............
Community development credit union revolving loan fund.............             975            1,000            1,000              +25   ...............
Office of Government Ethics........................................          11,750           13,000           13,000           +1,250   ...............

                   Office of Personnel Management

Salaries and expenses..............................................         101,765           92,829           92,829           -8,936   ...............
    Limitation on administrative expenses..........................         123,901          118,082          118,082           -5,819   ...............
Office of Inspector General........................................           1,519            1,538            2,136             +617             +598
    Limitation on administrative expenses..........................          17,081           16,462           20,428           +3,347           +3,966
Govt Payment for Annuitants, Employees Health Benefits.............       8,884,000        9,533,000        9,533,000         +649,000   ...............
Govt Payment for Annuitants, Employee Life Insurance...............          41,000           46,000           46,000           +5,000   ...............
Payment to Civil Svc Retirement and Disability Fund................      11,941,000       10,550,000       10,550,000       -1,391,000   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Office of Personnel Management........................      21,110,266       20,357,911       20,362,475         -747,791           +4,564

Office of Special Counsel..........................................          17,468           17,468           17,468   ...............  ...............
Postal Regulatory Commission.......................................  ...............          14,043           14,043          +14,043   ...............
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board........................           2,000            2,000            2,000   ...............  ...............

                 Securities and Exchange Commission

Salaries and expenses..............................................         906,000          913,000          938,000          +32,000          +25,000
Prior year unobligated balances....................................         -63,262          -42,000          -48,000          +15,262           -6,000
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Direct appropriation.........................................         842,738          871,000          890,000          +47,262          +19,000

Selective Service System...........................................          22,000           22,000           22,000   ...............  ...............

                   Small Business Administration

Salaries and expenses..............................................         344,123          328,159          377,799          +33,676          +49,640
Office of Inspector General........................................          15,000           15,500           15,500             +500   ...............
Surety bond guarantees revolving fund..............................           3,000            2,000            2,000           -1,000   ...............

Business Loans Program Account:
    Direct loans subsidy...........................................           2,000   ...............           2,500             +500           +2,500
    Administrative expenses........................................         135,414          138,480          138,480           +3,066   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Business loans program account........................         137,414          138,480          140,980           +3,566           +2,500

Disaster Loans Program Account:
    Direct loans subsidy...........................................  ...............          14,301   ...............  ...............         -14,301
    Administrative expenses........................................  ...............         160,068          160,068         +160,068   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Disaster loans program account........................  ...............         174,369          160,068         +160,068          -14,301

Salaries and expenses, other.......................................          69,451   ...............          69,451   ...............         +69,451
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Small Business Administration.........................         568,988          658,508          765,798         +196,810         +107,290

Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.............................  ...............  ...............             500             +500             +500

                    United States Postal Service

Payment to the Postal Service Fund.................................          29,000   ...............          29,000   ...............         +29,000
    Advance appropriations.........................................          88,864           82,831           82,831           -6,033   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Payment to the Postal Service Fund....................         117,864           82,831          111,831           -6,033          +29,000

Office of Inspector General........................................  ...............         239,356          239,356         +239,356   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, United States Postal Service..........................         117,864          322,187          351,187         +233,323          +29,000

United States Tax Court............................................          45,326           48,463           48,463           +3,137   ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================
      Total, title V, Independent Agencies.........................      23,859,468       23,680,551       24,063,715         +204,247         +383,164
          Appropriations...........................................     (23,545,604)     (23,597,720)     (23,980,884)       (+435,280)       (+383,164)
              (Mandatory)..........................................     (20,866,000)     (20,129,000)     (20,129,000)       (-737,000)  ...............
              (Discretionary)......................................      (2,679,604)      (3,468,720)      (3,851,884)     (+1,172,280)       (+383,164)
          Emergency appropriations.................................        (225,000)  ...............  ...............       (-225,000)  ...............
          Advances.................................................         (88,864)         (82,831)         (82,831)         (-6,033)  ...............
          (by transfer)............................................         (48,328)         (52,975)         (52,975)         (+4,647)  ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================

      Grand total..................................................      43,658,154       44,226,913       44,750,883       +1,092,729         +523,970
          Appropriations...........................................     (43,052,980)     (44,144,082)     (44,668,052)     (+1,615,072)       (+523,970)
          Emergency appropriations.................................        (516,310)  ...............  ...............       (-516,310)  ...............
          Advances.................................................         (88,864)         (82,831)         (82,831)         (-6,033)  ...............
          (by transfer)............................................         (48,328)         (52,975)         (52,975)         (+4,647)  ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================
      Discretionary total..........................................      20,710,266       22,367,274       22,870,000       +2,159,734         +502,726
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