20–711 

114TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 114–699 

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2017 

JULY 22, 2016.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of 

the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. COLE, from the Committee on Appropriations, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

together with 

MINORITY VIEWS 

and 

ADDITIONAL VIEWS 

[To accompany H.R. 5926] 

The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in 

explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for the 

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (except the 

Food and Drug Administration, the Agency for Toxic Substances 

and Disease Registry and the Indian Health Service), Education, 

Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely 

Disabled, Corporation for National and Community Service, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, 

Institute of Museum and Library Services, Medicaid and CHIP 

Payment and Access Commission, Medicare Payment Advisory 

Commission, National Council on Disability, National Labor Relations Board, National Mediation Board, Occupational Safety and 

Health Review Commission, Railroad Retirement Board, and the 

Social Security Administration for the fiscal year ending September 

30, 2017, and for other purposes. 


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INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT 

Page number 

Bill Report 

Summary of Estimates and Appropriation .............................................. ........ 3 

General Summary of the Bill .................................................................... ........ 3 

Title I—Department of Labor: 

Employment and Training Administration ....................................... 2 5 

Employee Benefits Security Administration ..................................... 15 12 

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ............................................. 16 12 

Wage and Hour Division .................................................................... 17 12 

Office of Labor-Management Standards ........................................... 17 13 

Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs ............................ 17 13 

Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs ..................................... 18 14 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration ............................. 22 16 

Mine Safety and Health Administration ........................................... 25 18 

Bureau of Labor Statistics ................................................................. 27 19 

Office of Disability Employment Policy ............................................. 27 20 

Departmental Management ............................................................... 27 20 

General Provisions .............................................................................. 31 22 

Title II—Department of Health and Human Services: 

Health Resources and Services Administration ............................... 40 23 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .................................... 44 37 

National Institutes of Health ............................................................. 50 56 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ...... 58 81 

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services .................................... 63 88 

Administration for Children and Families ........................................ 68 95 

Administration on Aging .................................................................... ........ ...........

Office of Secretary ............................................................................... 80 107 

Office of Inspector General ................................................................. 82 112 

Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund ....................... 83 114 

General Provisions .............................................................................. 85 116 

Title III—Department of Education: 

Education for the Disadvantaged ...................................................... 103 118 

Impact Aid ........................................................................................... 104 121 

School Improvement Programs .......................................................... 105 122 

Indian Education ................................................................................. 106 125 

Innovation and Improvement ............................................................. 106 126 

Safe Schools and Citizenship Education ........................................... 107 130 

English Language Acquisition ........................................................... 107 131 

Special Education ................................................................................ 107 131 

Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research .............................. 110 134 

Special Institutions for Persons with Disabilities ............................ 111 135 

Career, Technical and Adult Education ............................................ 111 136 

Student Financial Assistance ............................................................. 112 137 

Student Aid Administration ............................................................... 112 138 

Higher Education ................................................................................ 113 139 

Howard University .............................................................................. 114 144 

College Housing and Academic Facilities Loans .............................. 114 144 

Historically Black College and University Capital Financing ........ 114 145 

Institute of Education Sciences .......................................................... 115 145 

Departmental Management ............................................................... 116 147 

Office for Civil Rights ......................................................................... 116 148 

Office of the Inspector General .......................................................... 116 149 

General Provisions .............................................................................. 116 149 


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Title IV—Related Agencies: 

Committee for the Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled ................................................................................ 123 150 

Corporation for National and Community Service ........................... 125 152 

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service ..................................... 130 154 

Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission ..................... 131 154 

Institute of Museum and Library Services ....................................... 132 155 

Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission ................... 132 156 

Medicare Payment Advisory Commission ......................................... 132 155 

National Council on Disability ........................................................... 132 156 

National Labor Relations Board ........................................................ 133 156 

National Mediation Board .................................................................. 136 157 

Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission ..................... 136 157 

Railroad Retirement Board ................................................................ 137 157 

Social Security Administration .......................................................... 138 158 

Title V—General Provisions: 

House of Representatives Report Requirements .............................. 143 164 

SUMMARY OF ESTIMATES AND APPROPRIATIONS

The following table compares on a summary basis the appropriations, including trust funds for fiscal year 2017, the budget request 

for fiscal year 2017, and the Committee recommendation for fiscal 

year 2017 in the accompanying bill. 

2017 LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION BILL 

[Discretionary funding in thousands of dollars] 

Budget Activity 

Fiscal Year— 2017 Committee 

compared to— 

2016 Enacted 2017 Budget 2017 Committee 2016 Enacted 2017 Budget 

Department of Labor ......................... $12,170,896 $12,797,741 $12,033,082 (137,814) (764,659) 

Department of Health and Human 

Services ......................................... 75,146,207 74,707,726 77,161,196 2,014,989 2,453,470 

Department of Education .................. 68,306,763 69,388,269 66,800,009 (1,506,754) (2,588,260) 

Related Agencies ............................... 14,619,080 15,557,220 14,248,659 (370,421) (1,308,561) 

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE BILL

For fiscal year 2017, the Committee recommends a total of 

$163,081,000,000 in current year discretionary funding, including 

offsets and adjustments. The fiscal year 2017 recommendation is a 

decrease of $569,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 level. 

Within the funds provided, the Committee has focused increases 

on priority areas and reduced funding for programs that are no 

longer authorized, are of limited scope or effectiveness, or do not 

have a clear Federal role. 

First and foremost among these priority areas is to continue the 

investment made last year in biomedical research by increasing 

funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by 

$1,250,000,000. This builds on the $2,000,000,000 increase included 

in the fiscal year 2016 final bill and reverses the Administration’s 

proposed cut of $1,000,000,000 to the NIH, for an increase of 

$2,225,000,000 above the budget request. Within the total increase, 

the Committee provides an increase of $100,000,000 to the Precision Medicine Initiative, which holds forth the promise of designing 

personalized, targeted cures. The Committee also includes an increase of $350,000,000 to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease 


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and an increase of $45,000,000 for the BRAIN initiative to help 

better understand how the brain functions and learns. 

Protecting the public health is a second priority area the Committee has focused on in this bill. The Committee includes an increase of $605,399,000 for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), again building upon increases included in the fiscal 

year 2016 bill and rejecting the Administration’s proposal to cut 

this agency. Funds are provided to continue the antibiotic resistance initiative as well as to support other public health prevention 

programs. 

Within the total funding for CDC, the Committee includes $390,000,000 for activities to prevent, prepare for and respond to 

the Zika virus. Funds will be targeted toward impacted States and 

localities for use in mosquito abatement and control, education 

campaigns, increasing surveillance and laboratory capabilities and 

ensuring that State and local health departments have the tools 

they need to prevent the spread of this virus while we await development of a vaccine. 

In light of the recent crises with both Zika and Ebola, the Com- mittee has included $300,000,000 within the CDC to form a new 

Infectious Diseases Rapid Response Reserve Fund. This reserve, in 

which funds will be available until expended, will provide an immediate source of funding, fully paid for with annually appropriated 

dollars, that the Administration could tap into to quickly respond 

to a future, imminent infectious disease crisis that endangers 

American lives without waiting for Congress to act on a supplemental funding bill. Funds would be subject to all existing authorities and limitations. 

The Committee has also placed a high priority on combatting the opioid addiction problem by including $500,000,000 within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to create 

a network of grants to states, localities, territories and Indian 

tribes to develop integrated opioid abuse response initiatives focusing on prevention, education, treatment, and recovery services. 

In the area of education, the Committee has included an increase 

of $500,000,000 to assist local school districts in covering the cost 

of ensuring all children with disabilities have access to a free, appropriate and public education. The Committee has also provided 

an increase of $450,000,000 to the Title I, Grants for Disadvantaged Students program to help school districts close achievement 

gaps between groups of students under the newly reauthorized 

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). A total of $1,000,000,000 is 

also provided for the new Student Support and Academic Enrichment program created in ESSA. These funds can be used flexibly 

by school districts across the country to meet local challenges, 

whether those be in the area of counseling, special curriculum services or other school climate needs as local demands may dictate. 

The Committee has also included robust increases for the TRIO 

($60,000,000) and GEAR UP ($22,000,000) programs to ensure that 

students from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to a college 

program. The bill also provides sufficient funding to increase the 

maximum Pell grant award to $5,935 in the 2017-2018 academic 

year. 

The Head Start program is increased by $141,629,000 and the 

Child Care and Development Block Grant is increased by 


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$40,000,000 to continue investments in early childhood education. 

The Committee has also included $250,000,000 within the Department of Health and Human Services for the Preschool Development 

Grants program, also newly authorized in the ESSA. 

Finally, the Committee recommendation includes increases to the 

Bioshield ($90,000,000) and the Biomedical Research and Advanced 

Development Authority (BARDA) ($8,300,000) programs to ensure 

that the American people are prepared for and protected against 

possible bioterrorism attacks. 

These increases are offset by eliminating funding for programs 

that were not reauthorized in ESSA or do not have a clear or effective Federal role. The Committee also includes provisions prohibiting the continued implementation of ‘‘Obamacare’’ and the resulting savings has been put toward these higher priorities. 

In addition, the Committee continues its focus on reducing unnecessary expenditures and expects the Departments and agencies 

funded by this Act to work with the Office of Management and 

Budget (OMB) to reduce printing and reproduction costs and directs agencies to provide information in the fiscal year 2018 budget 

request on reductions made in fiscal year 2017 as a result of such 

efforts. 

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION

TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

The Committee recommends $3,177,115,000 for Training and 

Employment Services (TES). TES provides funding for Federal government job training and employment service programs authorized 

primarily by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 

(WIOA). This recommendation is $158,310,000 less than the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level (the amount provided by Public Law 114– 

113), and $348,345,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

WIOA Implementation.—In a March 2016 report entitled ‘‘Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act: Information on Planned 

Changes to State Performance Reporting and Related Challenges’’ 

(GAO–16–287), the Government Accountability Office (GAO) cited 

limited guidance and lack of regulations implementing WIOA as 

reasons for the slowed implementation of the Workforce Innovation 

and Opportunity Act enacted in July 2014. The Committee directs 

the Department to finalize and implement critical WIOA regulations as soon as possible. 

Governor’s Reserve Fund.—The Committee recommendation 

maintains the Governors’ Reserve at the level authorized by WIOA. 

The Committee remains concerned that some States continue to 

carry over high unobligated balances and directs the Department 

of Labor to work with States to ensure that funds are used for authorized purposes in a timely manner. 

Apprenticeship.—No funding is included in fiscal year 2017 for 

the Apprenticeship Grants program. Prior to the announcement of 

Apprenticeship Grant awards, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is directed to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 


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Senate, and to the authorizing committees on jurisdiction, providing detail on the eligible entities, selection criteria used, the 

amount of each award, the score of each application awarded a 

grant, and the criteria ETA will use to evaluate the performance 

of the grant. The Committee urges ETA to use core WIOA performance metrics, as appropriate, and directs ETA to make program 

performance information publicly available within 90 days of the 

end of each program year. ETA should continue to make program 

performance results available each year until funds are fully expended or a program authorization is enacted that otherwise provides for tracking and reporting of program performance. 

Licensing.—The Committee continues to support the Department’s efforts to address ways in which harmonizing licensing requirements across States can reduce barriers to labor market entry 

and mobility including for dislocated workers, transitioning 

servicemembers, and veterans. $7,500,000 is provided for the Occupational Licensing Grant program, the same as the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level. 

Evaluation.—The Committee supports rigorous, evidence-based 

evaluation of the Department’s programs, particularly the workforce training programs authorized by WIOA. The Committee provides $9,000,000 in direct appropriations for program evaluations 

and continues a general provision authorizing the transfer of up to 

0.75 percent of appropriations from specific program accounts for 

purposes of evaluation. 

Evaluations should be targeted in ways that will allow Department administrators to use the results to improve program delivery. The Committee urges the Department to use its evaluation authority to identify and eliminate areas of duplication and to follow 

through on evaluation findings with budget proposals to allocate 

funding to the programs, projects and activities that demonstrate 

the best results and to improve upon or eliminate those that do 

not. 

Infrastructure and Administrative Costs.—The Committee remains concerned that the flexibility related to administrative expenses allows local workforce investment boards, one-stop career 

centers and other workforce training authorities to classify many 

administrative activities as ‘‘program’’ costs in order to circumvent 

the 15 percent cap on administrative expenses authorized by 

WIOA. 

The Committee directs the Department to review the administrative structure of the workforce delivery system and propose efforts 

in the fiscal year 2018 budget request that will eliminate duplication, reduce excessive administrative overhead, and allow more 

workers to be served with existing resources. 

Program Integrity.—The Committee is troubled that the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program has one of the highest improper 

payment rates of all government programs. In the March 28, 2016 

Office of Inspector General (IG) report ‘‘ETA Needs Stronger Controls To Ensure Only Eligible Claimants Receive Unemployment 

Compensation For Federal Employees,’’ Report Number 04–16– 

001–03–315, the IG found that ‘‘ETA did not establish adequate 

controls to assist states in making accurate eligibility determinations for the UCFE program.’’ The IG also found that ‘‘ETA did not 

reasonably ensure Federal agencies provided timely and complete 


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separation information to states for making eligibility determinations.’’ The Committee directs ETA to work expeditiously with the 

IG to resolve these issues and to implement the IG’s recommendations to help reduce the rate of improper payments in the UI program. 

Information Technology (IT) Consortia.—The Committee is concerned that serious challenges threaten the viability of the UI IT 

modernization projects being carried out by State consortia. The 

Committee directs the Department to continue to provide annual 

reports to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate on the status of projects, to review its 

policies and procedures for assessing and funding projects by State 

consortia, and to make any necessary recommendations to the 

Committee in the fiscal year 2018 budget request for language or 

direction that would be helpful in ensuring the long-term viability 

of the projects and that funds being used for IT modernization 

projects are achieving intended results. 

Adult Employment and Training Activities.—For Adult Employment and Training Activities, the Committee recommends 

$815,556,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $26,820,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Youth Employment and Training Activities.—For Youth Employment and Training Activities, the Committee recommends 

$873,416,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $28,723,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Dislocated Worker Employment and Training Activities.—For 

Dislocated Worker (DW) Employment and Training Activities, the 

Committee recommends $1,160,860,000 which is $80,859,000 less 

than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $173,345,000 less than 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Of the total provided for DW Employment and Training Activi- ties, $1,040,860,000 is designated for State grants that provide core 

and intensive services, training, and supportive services for dislocated workers. In addition, States use these funds for rapid response assistance to help workers affected by mass layoffs and 

plant closures. 

The remaining $120,000,000 is available for the Dislocated Workers National Reserve (DWNR). The Committee recommendation 

eliminates advance appropriations for the DWNR by providing 

$120,000,000 in current year funds and rescinding the advance provided in fiscal year 2016. No advance is provided for fiscal year 

2018. The DWNR supports national emergency grants, technical 

assistance and demonstration projects as authorized by WIOA. 

Funding for the DWNR is intended to return the program to its 

authorized intent providing national emergency grants, technical 

assistance and limited demonstration projects. In fiscal years 2014 

and 2015, the Department awarded $155,000,000 and 

$150,000,000, for Job-Driven Training grants and Sector Partnerships grants, respectively. These unauthorized programs have been 

requested in the Department’s budget in prior fiscal years and specifically not funded by Congress. The programs undermine the efforts of Congress in WIOA to consolidate and streamline Federal 

workforce development programs. Funding is not provided for such 

programs in fiscal year 2017; however, sufficient funding is provided for true demonstration projects under the authority of WIOA. 


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These demonstration projects are intended to be proof of concept 

endeavors, rigorously evaluated, and specifically targeted and limited in size. 

The Committee appreciates the ongoing collaboration with the 

Department and its efforts to address severe dislocations of workers in the coal industry. The Committee urges ETA to work with 

the communities and stakeholders to award funds provided in fiscal year 2016 for job training and employment as quickly as possible. 

Native Americans.—For the Indian and Native Americans Program, the Committee recommends $52,000,000, which is $2,000,000 

more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the 

fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers.—For the National Farmworkers Jobs Program, the Committee recommends $81,896,000, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Committee urges the Department to prioritize the enhancement of workers skills and to address 

labor shortages in the agricultural sector. 

YouthBuild.—For YouthBuild, the Committee recommends 

$84,534,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Technical Assistance.—The Committee recommends $14,775,000 

for technical assistance activities for the workforce development 

system, which is $11,543,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Technical Assistance funding is provided in addition to the technical assistance authority under the DW National Reserve account 

in order to support ongoing WIOA implementation needs. 

Reintegration of Ex-Offenders.—The Committee recommends 

$88,078,000 for ex-offender retraining and reintegration activities, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$7,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

ETA is directed to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the 

authorizing committees of jurisdiction, within 120 days of enactment on whether the Reintegration of Ex-Offenders program 

should require grantees to offer training and industry-recognized 

credentials that meet the needs of local, high-demand industries 

and establish formal partnerships and job-placement services with 

industry employers and what effects that policy change would have 

on the program. 

Workforce Data Quality Initiative.—The Committee recommends 

$6,000,000 for the Workforce Data Quality Initiative, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $34,000,000 less 

than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

JOB CORPS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $1,700,330,000 for Job Corps, which 

is $11,175,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$54,260,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 


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Job Corps is a residential education and vocational training program that helps young people ages 16 through 24 improve the 

quality of their lives through vocational and academic training. 

The Committee continues to be concerned following a number of 

serious incidents about the safety and security of students on Job 

Corps campuses throughout the country. The Committee supports 

the Department’s efforts to improve campus safety and urges ETA 

to continue to review and implement policies that will enhance 

safety throughout the Job Corps program. 

The Committee directs the Department to continue to work with 

ETA and the IG to improve safety and security on Job Corps campuses and implement the recommendations of the IG report ‘‘Job 

Corps Needs to Improve Enforcement and Oversight of Student 

Disciplinary Policies to Better Protect Students and Staff at Centers’’ report No. 26–15–001–03–370 (February 27, 2015). 

The Committee remains concerned about financial management 

of the Job Corps program and directs the Department to continue 

to work with ETA and the IG to improve financial and administrative oversight of the Job Corps program. 

The Committee directs the Department to submit a comprehensive plan to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate at least 60 days prior to initiating the 

closure of any existing Job Corps centers. The plan should identify 

the centers that will be closed, provide the financial and management rationale for closing each center, and include a detailed analysis the costs and anticipated savings that will result from closure. 

The Committee encourages the Department to consider ways to 

upgrade the telecommunications infrastructure of Job Corps centers to provide students access to online learning and job search 

tools. 

Operations.—For Job Corps Operations, the Committee recommends $1,583,000,000, which is $1,175,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and $25,535,000 less than the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. 

Construction, Rehabilitation and Acquisition.—The Committee 

recommends $85,000,000 for construction, rehabilitation and acquisition activities of Job Corps centers, which is $10,000,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $20,000,000 less than 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Committee expects additional funds will be used to improve Job Corps campus security. 

Administration.—The Committee recommends $32,330,000 for 

the administrative expenses of the Job Corps program, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $8,725,000 less than 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT FOR OLDER AMERICANS

The Committee recommends $434,371,000 for the Community 

Service Employment for Older Americans (CSEOA) program, which 

is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. 

The CSEOA program provides grants to public and private nonprofit organizations that subsidize part-time work in community 

service activities for unemployed persons aged 55 and older whose 

family income is below 125 percent of the poverty level. 


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FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

The Committee recommends $849,000,000 for Federal Unemployment Benefits and Allowances, which is $12,000,000 less than the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. 

The Trade Adjustment Assistance program (TAA) provides assistance to workers adversely affected by international trade. TAA 

provides training, income support, wage subsidies for older workers, and job search and relocation allowances to groups of workers 

who file a petition and are certified as eligible to apply for such 

benefits due to job losses resulting from increases in imports or foreign trade. 

STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE

OPERATIONS

The Committee recommends $3,489,169,000 for State Unemployment Insurance and Employment Service Operations. The total includes $3,400,103,000 from the Employment Security Administration Account in the Unemployment Trust Fund and $89,066,000 

from the General Fund of the Treasury. These funds are used to 

support the administration of Federal and State unemployment 

compensation laws and to provide assistance to State agencies that 

operate the Public Employment Service. 

The Committee is concerned that the Department’s proposed rule 

related to States’ authority to implement drug testing in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program is more restrictive than Congress 

intended in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 

2012. The Committee urges the Department to make appropriate 

changes to any final regulation to allow States to implement UI 

drug testing programs consistent with the intent of the Act. 

Unemployment Insurance Compensation.—For Unemployment Insurance Compensation, the Committee recommends 

$2,674,566,000, which is $85,531,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and $118,600,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The total includes $2,660,019,000 for State Operations 

and $14,547,000 for National Activities. 

The recommendation for State UI Operations includes 

$120,000,000 to conduct in-person reemployment and eligibility assessments (REA). The Committee remains supportive of the REA 

program as a means to reduce waste, fraud, abuse and to reduce 

the rate of improper payments in the UI system. The Committee 

recommendation will support the continuation and expansion of the 

REA program in fiscal year 2017. 

As in previous years, the bill provides for contingency funding for 

increased workloads that States may face in the administration of 

UI. During fiscal year 2017, for every 100,000 increase in the total 

average weekly insured unemployment above 2,453,000, an additional $28,600,000 shall be made available from the Unemployment 

Trust Fund. 

Employment Service Operations.—The Committee recommends 

$664,184,000, for the Employment Service (ES) grants to States, 

which is $15,816,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The total includes 

$642,771,000 from the Employment Security Administration AcVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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count in the Unemployment Trust Fund and $21,413,000 from the 

General Fund of the Treasury. 

ES grants are authorized by the Wagner-Peyser Act and financed 

through employer taxes. These grants help jobseekers and employers by matching individuals seeking employment to job vacancies. The Committee recommends $19,818,000 for ES National Activities, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Foreign Labor Certification.—The Committee recommends 

$62,948,000 for the Foreign Labor Certification (FLC) program, 

which is $638,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The recommendation includes $48,666,000 for Federal administration activities and 

$14,282,000 for grants to States. 

The FLC program administers foreign visas including the H–2A 

and the H–2B temporary worker programs. These programs are essential to employers in industries that have cyclical peaks or that 

are seasonal in nature, including agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. 

The Committee is concerned about recent delays in the processing of applications in the H–2A, H–2B, and PERM programs. 

The Department is directed to use all appropriate resources and 

authorities to prevent any backlogs of applications in Foreign 

Labor Certification programs in fiscal year 2017. 

The Department is directed to implement Foreign Labor Certification programs in accordance with the law and to ensure that the 

laws and program policies in effect in fiscal year 2017 are enforced, 

including, if necessary, debarment of persistent violators as authorized. 

One-Stop Career Centers/Labor Market Information.—The Committee recommends $67,653,000 for One-Stop Career Center and 

Labor Market Information, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $7,500,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. The amount includes $7,500,000 for the Department’s occupational licensing initiative to identify and address 

areas where occupational licensing requirements create an unnecessary barrier to labor market entry and mobility, particularly for 

dislocated workers, transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and 

military spouses. 

ADVANCES TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND AND OTHER FUNDS

The Committee recommends such sums as necessary for Advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and Other Funds. The 

funds are made available to accounts authorized under Federal and 

State unemployment insurance laws and the Black Lung Disability 

Trust Fund when the balances in such accounts are insufficient. 

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

The Committee recommends $157,741,000 for Program Administration, which is $3,182,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $23,085,000 less than the Department’s fiscal year 2017 

budget request. The recommendation includes $107,376,000 in 

funds from the General Fund of the Treasury and $50,365,000 from 

the Employment Security Administration Account in the Unemployment Trust Fund. 


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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $174,000,000 for the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). This recommendation is 

$7,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$31,761,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The EBSA assures the security of retirement, health and other 

workplace-related benefits of working Americans. 

PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION

The Committee includes an obligation limitation for administrative expenses of $519,506,000 for the Pension Benefit Guaranty 

Corporation (PBGC). The limitation is $87,707,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. The recommendation includes bill language that 

defines PBGC’s discretionary authority to incur additional unforeseen and emergency administrative expenses related to its multiemployer plan insurance program. 

The PBGC was established by Congress to insure the definedbenefit pension plans of working Americans. 

The Committee recommendation includes a one-time provision, 

requested in the fiscal year 2017 budget, of $98,500,000 for expenses associated with relocation and consolidation of PBGC headquarters over the next five years. The Committee expects the fiscal 

year 2018 budget request for PBGC to return to its base funding 

needs and that the consolidation of headquarters space will result 

in lower operating costs for PBGC in the future. 

The Committee directs PBGC to submit reports required by the 

Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Pension 

Protection Act of 2006 in a timely manner. 

WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $215,500,000 for the Wage and 

Hour Division (WHD), which is $12,000,000 less than the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and $61,099,000 less than the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. 

The WHD enforces Federal minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor requirements of the Fair Labor Standards 

Act. WHD also has enforcement and other administrative responsibilities related to the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker 

Protection Act, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act, the Family 

and Medical Leave Act, the Davis Bacon Act and the Service Contract Act. 

The revised policy relating to joint-employment under the Fair 

Labor Standards Act and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act issued by WHD on January 20, 2016 is an example of the kind of policy change the Committee expects the WHD 

to make under the formal regulatory process as required by the Administrative Procedures Act (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.). The Committee 

directs WHD to propose changes to existing regulatory policy 


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through the rulemaking process rather than through memoranda 

or other forms of ‘‘administrative interpretation.’’ 

OFFICE OF LABOR-MANAGEMENT STANDARDS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $41,129,000 for the Office of LaborManagement Standards (OLMS), which is $536,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $4,562,000 less than the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. The recommendation does not include 

funding for the proposed Electronic Labor Organization Reporting 

System (e.LORS) modernization project proposed in the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. 

OLMS administers the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, which establishes safeguards for union democracy and 

union financial integrity, and requires public disclosure reporting 

by unions, union officers, employees of unions, labor relations consultants, employers, and surety companies. 

OFFICE OF FEDERAL CONTRACT COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $100,500,000 for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). This recommendation is $4,976,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$13,669,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The OFCCP ensures equal employment opportunity in the Federal contracting community through enforcement, regulatory work, 

outreach and education to workers and their advocates. 

The Committee remains concerned with OFCCP’s implementation of anti-discrimination policy by the overreliance upon statistical evaluation methods to identify contractors that will be subject 

to compliance evaluation reviews. Despite the concerns expressed 

by both the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate in 2015, OFCCP continues to rely too 

heavily on the use of statistical methods to target enforcement 

rather than seeking to fulfill its critical mission of increasing compliance with Federal law through a more comprehensive approach, 

such as identifying persistent violators, and assisting Federal contractors with compliance. Although OFCCP denies either the creation or enforcement of quotas, the agency’s requirements make 

clear that any contractor that does not meet the statistical definition of nondiscrimination can be subject to enforcement evaluations, which the Committee believes is effectively enforcement of a 

de facto quota. 

The Committee is also concerned that once OFCCP targets contractors through the methodology described above, OFCCP compliance evaluations can take in excess of 150 days to complete. The 

Committee reminds OFCCP that taxpayer funds are being used to 

respond to the agency’s compliance evaluations and expects that 

OFCCP will consider the costs and burdens of these evaluations 

and expedite reviews accordingly. 

The Committee directs OFCCP to review its anti-discrimination 

policies and procedures to ensure that contractors are fairly selected for compliance evaluations with no predetermined bias—staVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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tistical or otherwise. The Committee also directs OFCCP to revise 

its compliance evaluation procedures to reduce the costs and time 

required to complete compliance evaluations. 

OFFICE OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROGRAMS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $119,177,000 for the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), which is $3,676,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $6,982,000 less than 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The recommendation includes 

$117,000,000 in General Funds from the Treasury and the authority to expend $2,177,000 from the Special Fund established by the 

Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. 

The OWCP administers the Federal Employees’ Compensation 

Act (FECA), the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation 

Act, the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, and the Black Lung Benefits Act. These programs provide eligible injured and disabled workers and their survivors with 

compensation, medical benefits, and services including rehabilitation, supervision of medical care, and technical and advisory counseling. 

The Committee is concerned about backlogs of claims in OWCP 

programs. OWCP is urged to review case processing policies and 

procedures and to consider ways in which processing times can be 

brought more closely into alignment with agency goals. 

The Committee is concerned about the rate of improper payments in OWCP programs, particularly in the FECA program. The 

IG found in its report, ‘‘DOL Could Do More to Reduce Improper 

Payments and Improve Reporting’’ report No. 03–16–002–13–001 

(May 13, 2016), that the Department did not comply with requirements for reducing improper payments and has not implemented 

five prior-year recommendations. The Committee directs the Department to work with the IG to implement these recommendations and to continue to review and implement policies to reduce 

improper payments across OWCP programs. 

SPECIAL BENEFITS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $220,000,000 for Special Benefits, 

which is $10,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

These funds provide mandatory benefits under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. 

SPECIAL BENEFITS FOR DISABLED COAL MINERS

The Committee recommends $61,319,000 for Special Benefits for 

Disabled Coal Miners. This amount is in addition to the 

$19,000,000 appropriated in fiscal year 2016 as an advance for the 

first quarter of fiscal year 2017. The total program level recommendation is $80,319,000, which is $9,983,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. 


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These funds provide mandatory benefits to coal miners disabled 

by black lung disease, to their survivors and eligible dependents, 

and for necessary administrative costs. 

The Committee recommendation also provides $16,000,000 as an 

advance appropriation for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. These 

funds ensure uninterrupted payments to beneficiaries. 

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL

ILLNESS COMPENSATION FUND

The Committee recommends $59,846,000 for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program, which is 

$1,294,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the 

same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

These funds provide mandatory benefits to eligible employees or 

survivors of employees of the Department of Energy (DOE); its contractors and subcontractors; companies that provided beryllium to 

DOE; atomic weapons employees who suffer from a radiation-related cancer, beryllium-related disease, or chronic silicosis as a result of their work in producing or testing nuclear weapons; and 

uranium workers covered under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. 

The Committee remains concerned about the backlog of claims 

under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation 

program and directs the Department to take necessary steps to 

bring claim processing times into alignment with agency goals. 

BLACK LUNG DISABILITY TRUST FUND

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends such sums as necessary for payment 

of benefits and interest on advances for the Black Lung Disability 

Trust Fund. The Committee recommends $373,041,000 for the 

Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, which is $31,574,000 more than 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $1,400,000 more than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The Black Lung Disability Trust Fund pays black lung compensation, medical and survivor benefits, and administrative expenses when no mine operator can be assigned liability for such 

benefits, or when mine employment ceased prior to 1970. 

The Black Lung Disability Trust Fund is financed by an excise 

tax on coal, reimbursements from responsible mine operators, and 

short-term advances from the Treasury. The Emergency Economic 

Stabilization Act of 2008 authorized a restructuring of the Black 

Lung Disability Trust Fund debt and required that annual operating surpluses be used to pay down the debt until all remaining 

obligations are retired. 

The Committee is concerned that administrative funding for the 

Black Lung Disability Trust Fund has been underestimated in the 

Department’s budget request for two of the past three years. The 

Committee directs OWCP to review the budget formulation process 

for the program to ensure that budget estimates reflect the administrative funding needs for the program in the future. 


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OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $534,442,000 for the Occupational 

Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This recommendation is 

$18,345,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$60,581,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. OSHA 

enforces the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. 

The Committee strongly supports the mission of OSHA to promote a safe and healthy work place and protect workers from injury, illness, and death. The Committee continues to be concerned 

regarding the manner in which the mission is currently being implemented and urges OSHA to adopt an approach that more effectively balances enforcement with education, training, and compliance assistance. The Committee believes that OSHA should be 

building partnerships in pursuit of the mutual goal of safer workplaces. Instead, OSHA’s overreliance on enforcement and penalties 

has fostered a toxic environment with the agency that undermines 

its goals and is at odds with Federal policies that support economic 

growth and job creation. 

Safety and Health Standards.—The Committee recommends 

$20,000,000 for Safety and Health Standards. 

Federal Enforcement.—The Committee recommends $193,000,000 

for Federal Enforcement. 

Whistleblower Programs.—The Committee recommends 

$19,000,000 for Whistleblower Programs. 

State Programs.—The Committee recommends $102,000,000 for 

State Programs. 

Technical Support.—The Committee recommends $24,469,000 for 

Technical Support. 

Compliance Assistance.—The Committee recommends 

$130,000,000 for Federal and State compliance assistance programs. The Committee recommends $72,000,000 for Federal Assistance. The Committee recommends $58,000,000 for State Consultation Grants. 

Training Grants.—No funding is provided for Training Grants. 

The Committee remains concerned that OSHA training grants are 

inefficient and ineffective. 

The Committee directs that financial evaluations of grantees and 

the status of appropriated funds under this program be included in 

all OSHA evaluations of grantee performance. 

Voluntary Protection Program/Safety and Health Achievement 

Recognition Program.—The Committee supports the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) and the Safety and Health Achievement 

Recognition Program (SHARP) and urges OSHA to expand these 

vital programs as part of a comprehensive strategy realignment 

that focuses more on cooperative safety efforts and less on punitive 

enforcement. 

The Committee supports the changes OSHA made to the size eligibility requirements of the SHARP program in 2015. These 

changes allow larger worksites already participating in the SHARP 

program to remain in the program or transition to the VPP as appropriate. 

The Committee directs OSHA to provide information in the fiscal 

year 2018 budget request on the amount of funding used in the 


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past two fiscal years for the VPP and SHARP programs, the 

amount of funding proposed for the programs in fiscal year 2018, 

and to include written justifications of the budget request for these 

programs. 

Whistleblower Provisions.—The Committee directs OSHA to issue 

whistleblower citations consistent with and not to exceed the authority provided in section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and 

Health Act. 

Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses.—The Committee directs OSHA to ensure that no legally privileged or personally identifiable information is made publically available on the 

website, or other publication, that OSHA intends to use to post injury and illness data pursuant to the Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses regulation published in the Federal 

Register on May 12, 2016 (81 Fed. Reg. 29623 et seq.). 

Outreach Training Program.—The Committee directs OSHA to 

conduct a fair and open competition for any new or reissued request for proposals for the Outreach Training Program. 

Lock-out/Tag-out Update.—The Committee supports OSHA’s review of existing lock-out/tag-out standards in consideration of recent technological advancements in computer-based controls of hazardous energy and urges OSHA to propose appropriate updates to 

the standards as soon as practicable. 

Anhydrous Ammonia/Ammonium Nitrate.—The Committee reiterates language in the House Report (114–195) and the Explanatory Statement accompanying the fiscal year 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act related to the storage and handling of ammonium 

nitrate (AN) and anhydrous ammonia. OSHA is urged to propose 

any necessary changes to the storage and handling of AN under existing regulations for Explosives and Blasting Agents (29 CFR 

1910.109) rather than adding AN to the list of chemicals regulated 

under OSHA’s Process Safety Management Standards of Highly 

Hazardous Chemicals. OSHA is also expected to propose changes 

to the storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia through the 

formal regulatory process rather than by memoranda of ‘‘administrative interpretation.’’ The Committee notes that the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB), in a January 2016 report, found ‘‘no evidence to suggest that any detonation of AN in the United States 

has occurred at a facility compliant with OSHA’s 1910.109(i) standard.’’ The CSB also stated that these requirements do not offer sufficient safeguards for bulk storage of fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate. In addition, CSB found that while anhydrous ammonia storage tanks at the West Texas facility were damaged by the 2013 explosion, ‘‘the vessels did not catastrophically fail.’’ In addition, in 

May 2016, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found that the West Texas explosion was a criminal act rather than non-compliance with existing standards for the storage and 

handling of AN or the result of insufficient standards for the storage and handling of AN or anhydrous ammonia. OSHA shall propose any necessary changes to existing regulations for the storage 

and handling of AN and anhydrous ammonia, based on scientific 

evidence, through the formal regulatory process as required by the 

Administrative Procedures Act (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.). The revised 

enforcement policy relating to the exemption of retail facilities from 

coverage of the Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous 


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Chemicals standard (29 CFR 191 0.119(a)(2)(i)) issued by the 

OSHA on July 22, 2015, shall not be enforced nor deemed by the 

Department of Labor to be in effect. 

National/Regional/Local Emphasis Programs.—The Committee 

remains concerned that OSHA’s National, Regional, and Local Emphasis Programs target employers for no other reason than sharing 

a geographical area or industrial sector with an employer that has 

had an accident or otherwise come under OSHA scrutiny. The 

Committee directs OSHA to review its policies and consider 

changes that will better target its enforcement activities on entities 

that persistently violate OSHA standards and reduce the burden of 

enforcement on entities that are in compliance OSHA standards. 

The Explanatory Statement accompanying the fiscal year 2016 

Consolidated Appropriations Act directed OSHA to notify the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 

Senate 10 days prior to the announcement of any new National, 

Regional or Local Emphasis Program including the circumstances 

and data used to determine the need for the launch of the new program. The Committee directs OSHA to continue to provide such notices in fiscal year 2017. 

MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $350,500,000 for the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), which is $25,387,000 less than 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $46,872,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. MSHA enforces the Federal Mine 

Safety and Health Act in underground and surface coal mines and 

metal/non-metal mines. 

The Committee continues bill language designating up to $2,000,000 for mine rescue recovery activities, and provides for the 

retention of fees up to $2,499,000 for the testing and certification 

of equipment. 

The Committee includes $10,537,000 for State assistance training grants and provides the authority to use such funds for the 

purchase and maintenance of equipment required by the ‘‘Lowering 

Miners’ Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors’’ regulation. 

The Committee recognizes that enforcement is an important part 

of protecting the health and safety of miners; however, the Committee remains concerned about overreliance on enforcement strategies that disproportionally impact small businesses. The Committee believes that the Department should do everything within 

its authority to assist mine operators to comply with regulations 

without the threat of punitive enforcement actions. 

The Committee appreciates the significant reductions in mining 

injury and illness rates that have been achieved in recent decades 

and remains a strong proponent for vigilant mine safety oversight. 

The Committee notes significant worker dislocations and mine closures as a result of economic conditions throughout the mining industry, and in coal mining in particular. The Committee reiterates 

its support for the ongoing effort to bring MSHA enforcement into 

proportion by redistributing resources and activities to the areas 

where mine production is currently occurring. 


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The Committee reiterates its support for advances MSHA has 

achieved in mine rescue communications technology. Considering 

changes in economic conditions throughout the mining industry in 

recent years, the Committee urges MSHA to review its mine rescue 

deployment capability and strategy including Federal, State, and 

private resources that can be used to respond to mine emergencies. 

MSHA should discuss any ongoing needs for rescue operations and 

funding in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

The Committee understands that, as part of an effective enforcement strategy, MSHA needs ways to help it identify operators that 

consistently seek to evade applicable rules. The Committee urges 

MSHA to review and make any changes necessary to its Pattern 

of Violations policies to ensure that operators that receive violations are not at risk of being drawn into the Pattern of Violations 

system where no real pattern of evasion exists. 

The Committee directs MSHA not to exceed statutory and regulatory requirements for inspecting coal mines not in operation. 

BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $609,000,000 for the Bureau of 

Labor Statistics (BLS), which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and $31,943,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget 

request. The recommendation includes $544,000,000 from the General Fund of the Treasury and $65,000,000 from the Employment 

Security Administration Account in the Unemployment Trust 

Fund. 

BLS is an independent national statistical agency that collects, 

processes, analyzes, and disseminates essential economic data to 

the Congress, Federal agencies, State and local governments, businesses, and the general public. Its principal surveys include the 

Consumer Price Index and the monthly unemployment series. 

Employment and Unemployment Statistics.—The Committee recommends $198,864,000 for Employment and Unemployment Statistics. 

Labor Market Information.—The Committee recommends 

$65,000,000 for Labor Market Information. 

Prices and Cost of Living.—The Committee recommends 

$213,548,000 for Prices and Cost of Living. 

Compensation and Working Conditions.—The Committee recommends $85,793,000 for Compensation and Working Conditions. 

Productivity and Technology.—The Committee recommends 

$10,795,000 for Productivity and Technology. 

Executive Direction and Staff Services.—The Committee recommends $35,000,000 for Executive Direction and Staff Services. 

Report on the Effect of Free Trade Agreements.—The Committee 

directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics to submit to the Committees 

on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate, 

not later than 120 days of the date of enactment of this Act, a report detailing the impact to domestic labor markets due to changing flows in goods and services under each free trade agreement 

that entered into force with respect to the United States after December 31, 2006. The report shall include an analysis of the relative demand for and wages of college-educated workers and nonVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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college educated workers and the relative demand for and wages of 

manufacturing workers and non-manufacturing workers. 

OFFICE OF DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT POLICY

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $38,203,000 for the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and $341,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. ODEP provides policy guidance and leadership to 

eliminate employment barriers to people with disabilities. 

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $281,187,000 for Departmental 

Management, which is $53,186,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and $106,738,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The recommendation includes $280,879,000 from the 

General Fund of the Treasury and $308,000 from the Employment 

Security Administration Account in the Unemployment Trust 

Fund. The Departmental Management appropriation provides 

funds for the staff responsible for Departmental operations, management, and policy development. The appropriation also includes 

funding for several programs and activities that are not separate 

appropriations accounts. 

Within 30 days of enactment of fiscal year 2017 appropriations 

the Department is directed to send a letter to the Committees on 

Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate listing each affected contract entered into by the Federal government, 

including, but not limited to contracts with the Bureau of Land 

Management, National Park Service, and Forest Service, certifying 

the application of the exemption to the final rule ‘‘Establishing a 

Minimum Wage for Contractors’’ (79 Fed. Reg. 60634 et seq.) for 

seasonal recreational employees on Federal lands that was included in Sec. 110, division H of the Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2016 (P.L. 114–113). 

Program Direction and Support.—The Committee recommends 

$31,258,000 for Program Direction and Support. 

No funds are provided to establish an Office of Labor Compliance 

or otherwise support implementation of the Fair Pay Safe Workplaces Executive Order as requested in the fiscal year 2017 budget. 

Departmental Program Evaluation.—The Committee recommends $9,000,000 for Departmental Program Evaluation. 

Legal Services.—The Committee recommends $120,000,000 for 

Legal Services. 

International Labor Affairs.—The Committee recommends 

$32,000,000 for International Labor Affairs (ILAB). This recommendation is intended to return ILAB to its original mission of 

research, advocacy, and technical assistance. No funding is provided for ILAB grants. 

The Committee remains concerned that ILAB does not have the 

capacity to effectively manage a large and complex grant program. 


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The Committee is also concerned that lack of demand results in 

funding for projects that are at higher risk of not achieving ILAB’s 

program goals. The Committee directs ILAB to continue to work 

with GAO to implement the recommendations in its May 2014 report, ‘‘International Labor Grants: Labor Should Improve Management of Key Award Documentation’’ and in its September 2014 report, ‘‘International Labor Grants: DOL’s Use of Financial and Performance Monitoring Tools Needs to be Strengthened.’’ 

The Committee directs ILAB to maintain funding for its core activities of international research and analysis, and to fulfill Congressional and legal mandates, including the Trade Acts of 2000 

and 2002 and the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 and to continue to carry out the 

administrative requirements of the labor provisions of free trade 

agreements. 

Administration and Management.—The Committee recommends 

$28,640,000 for Administration and Management. 

Adjudication.—The Committee recommends $34,000,000 for Adjudication. 

Women’s Bureau.—The Committee recommends $14,000,000 for 

the Women’s Bureau. 

Civil Rights Activities.—The Committee recommends $6,880,000 

for Civil Rights Activities. 

Chief Financial Officer.—The Committee recommends $5,101,000 

for the Chief Financial Officer. 

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

The Committee recommends $285,520,000 for the Veterans Employment and Training (VETS) program, which is $14,410,000 

more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the 

fiscal year 2017 budget request. The recommendation includes 

$50,000,000 from the General Fund of the Treasury and 

$235,520,000 from the Employment Security Administration Account in the Unemployment Trust Fund. The VETS program serves 

America’s veterans and separating service members by preparing 

them for meaningful careers, providing employment resources and 

expertise, and protecting their employment rights. 

The Committee continues to support the VETS program and encourages the Department to pursue opportunities to cooperation 

with other Federal, State and private enterprises to help the country better serve its veterans. 

The Committee supports the Department’s proposed expansion of 

the Homeless Veteran Program and urges the Department to leverage all appropriate resources to achieve the goal of eliminating veterans’ homelessness. 

The Committee directs VETS to work with the IG to resolve the 

issues and implement the recommendations in the March 29, 2016 

report, ‘‘Jobs for Veterans State Grants Program: VETS Needs to 

Improve Financial Monitoring,’’ Report Number 06–16–001–02– 

001. 

State Grants.—The Committee recommends $175,000,000 for 

State Grants. 

Transition Assistance Program.—The Committee recommends 

$14,600,000 for the Transition Assistance Program. 


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Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program.—The Committee recommends $50,000,000 for the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration 

Program. 

National Veterans’ Employment and Training Service Institute.— 

The Committee recommends $3,414,000 for the National Veterans’ 

Employment and Training Institute. 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZATION

The Committee recommends $33,698,000,000 for Information 

Technology (IT) Modernization which is $3,920,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $29,464,000 less than the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. 

While the Committee recognizes there are ongoing modernization 

needs with respect to the Department’s information technology infrastructure, the Committee remains concerned that the Department does not have the capacity to effectively manage the large increase in IT modernization funds proposed in the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. 

The Committee directs the Department to establish a multi-year 

IT modernization plan consistent with the Department’s capacity to 

effectively oversee projects and within available appropriations. 

The Committee directs the Department to assign a qualified project 

manager that is a full-time employee of the Department to each 

modernization project to ensure that all IT modernization projects 

are executed effectively, according to Departmental requirements, 

on time, and within budget. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Committee recommends $91,500,000 for the Office of Inspector General (OIG), which is $5,200,000 more than the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $3,041,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. The recommendation includes $85,840,000 from the 

General Fund of the Treasury and $5,660,000 from the Employment Security Administration Account in the Unemployment Trust 

Fund. The OIG conducts audits of Department programs and operations in order to determine that they are in compliance with the 

applicable laws and regulations, that Department resources are 

being effectively used, and that they are achieving their intended 

results. 

The Committee supports OIG efforts to reduce improper payments in the UI program and to continue to combat large-scale, 

multi-State fictitious and fraudulent employer and identity theft 

schemes to defraud the UI program. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 101. The Committee continues a provision to prohibit the 

use of Job Corps funds for the salary of an individual at a rate in 

excess of Executive Level II. 

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 102. The Committee continues a provision providing the Secretary of Labor with the authority to transfer up to one percent of 

discretionary funds between appropriations, provided that no apVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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propriation is increased by more than three percent by any such 

transfer. 

Sec. 103. The Committee continues a prohibition on use of funds 

to purchase goods that are in any part produced by indentured children. 

Sec. 104. The Committee modifies a provision related to grants 

made from funds available to the Department under the American 

Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act. 

Sec. 105. The Committee continues a provision to prohibit recipients of funds provided to the Employment and Training Administration from using such funds for the compensation of any individual at a rate in excess of Executive Level II. 

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 106. The Committee continues a provision providing the Secretary of Labor with the authority to transfer funds made available 

to the Employment and Training Administration to Program Administration for technical assistance services. 

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 107. The Committee continues a provision allowing up to 

0.75 percent of discretionary appropriations provided in this Act for 

specific Department of Labor agencies to be used by the Office of 

the Chief Evaluation Officer for evaluation purposes consistent 

with the terms and conditions in this Act applicable to such office. 

Sec. 108. The Committee continues a provision relating to section 

147 of the WIOA authorizing competitive procurement of certain 

Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers. 

Sec. 109. The Committee modifies a provision relating to the Department’s Establishing a Minimum Wage for Contractors regulation. 

Sec. 110. The Committee includes a new provision relating to the 

Department’s Definition of the Term ‘‘Fiduciary’’; Conflict of Interest Rule.—Retirement Investment Advice regulation. 

Sec. 111. The Committee includes a new provision relating to the 

Department’s Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales and Computer 

Employees regulation. 

Sec. 112. The Committee modifies a provision relating to flexibility of H–2B nonimmigrant crossings. 

Sec. 113. The Committee continues a provision relating to wage 

determinations in the H–2B program. 

(RESCISSION)

Sec. 114. The Committee includes a new provision rescinding advance appropriations in the Dislocated Workers’ National Reserve 

account. 

TITLE II—DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN 

SERVICES 

HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

The Committee recommends $6,165,540,000 for Health Resources 

and Services programs, which is $218,518,000 below the fiscal year 


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2016 enacted level and $168,859,000 above the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. The Health Resources and Services Administration 

(HRSA) supports programs that provide health services to disadvantaged, medically underserved, and special populations; decrease infant mortality rates; assist in the education of health professionals; and provide technical assistance regarding the utilization of health resources and facilities. 

The Committee does not include the requested bill language allowing the Administrator to transfer three percent or less of funds 

between any of the HRSA accounts. 

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Health Centers 

The Committee recommends $1,491,422,000 for the Health Centers program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $150,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The Committee includes bill language providing up to 

$99,893,000 for the Federal Tort Claims Act program, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. The program provides medical malpractice liability 

protection to Federally supported health centers. 

The Committee is supportive of ongoing efforts to expand the capacity of community health centers to offer a comprehensive, integrated range of services, through strategic investment in behavioral health, substance abuse, oral health and other services and 

capacity. 

Diabetic Retinopathy.According to the National Eye Institute, diabetic retinopathy is highly treatable and even preventable for diabetic patients that receive early interventions. As one of the major 

side effects of diabetic patients, the rates of diabetic retinopathy diagnoses are increasing at the same rate as the spike in diabetes 

diagnoses, an unforeseen issue for urban healthcare institutions 

that should not be neglected. The Committee encourages HRSA to 

identify assistance to urban healthcare institutions that currently 

serve underserved populations for diabetic retinopathy and vision 

care. 

Health Center Guaranteed Loan Program.—The Committee recognizes the need for capital resources at community health centers 

to meet increased demand and upgrade facilities. The Committee 

supports administrative changes to the HRSA Loan Guarantee Program designed to improve its efficiency and better align the program with other successful Federal loan guarantees, and to increase utilization of this tool to leverage outside resources to meet 

health centers’ capital needs. 

Perinatal Transmission of Hepatitis B.—The Committee is 

pleased that progress is now being made to develop and implement 

a strategic plan to reduce the rate of perinatal transmission of 

Hepatitis B. The Committee notes however, that HRSA has been 

urged to expand efforts to eliminate perinatal transmission of Hepatitis B for the past three fiscal years and little progress has been 

made. It is therefore expected that HRSA engage a pilot to test 

intervention strategies followed by the adoption of a best practices 

protocol in HRSA funded health care settings as soon as possible 

in fiscal year 2016. 


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Tuberculosis.—The Committee notes that the National Action 

Plan for Combating Drug Resistant Tuberculosis recommends the 

creation of health-care liaisons between State and local health departments and institutions, including health centers that serve 

hard to reach groups who are at risk for tuberculosis (TB). HRSA 

is directed to provide a report to the Committee on the coordination 

between community health centers and State and local TB control 

programs to help ensure appropriate identification, treatment, and 

prevention of TB among vulnerable populations. 

Free Clinics Medical Malpractice 

The Committee recommends $400,000 for extension of Federal 

Tort Claims Act coverage for volunteer free clinic health care professionals, which is $300,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 level 

and $600,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The 

program provides medical malpractice coverage to individuals involved in the operation of free clinics in order to expand access to 

health care services to low-income individuals in medically underserved areas. A free clinic must apply, consistent with the provisions applicable to community health centers, to have those individuals ‘‘deemed’’ an employee of the Public Health Service, and 

therefore eligible for coverage. 

HEALTH WORKFORCE

Health Professions 

The Committee recommends $823,706,000 for Health Professions 

programs, which is $36,811,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $306,961,000 above the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The Bureau of Health Professions supports grants for the development of the health workforce in fields challenged by a high need 

and insufficient supply of health professionals. Given that colleges 

and universities serve the dual role of training students and carrying out a majority of Federally funded biomedical research, the 

Committee believes that they serve as an ideal setting to expose future clinicians to the evidence base that underlies their intended 

profession. 

In response to the opioid epidemic, the Committee encourages 

medical schools and teaching hospitals to enhance existing curricular content on substance abuse and pain management for future prescribers. The Committee supports efforts by HRSA, 

through its Title VII health professions programs, to provide educational and training grants to medical schools and teaching hospitals to develop innovative educational materials related to substance use disorders and pain management. 

Within the total for Health Professions, the Committee recommends the following amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Health Professions Training for Diversity 

Centers of Excellence ............................................................................................................................ $21,711,000 

Faculty Loan Repayment ....................................................................................................................... 1,190,000 

Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students ............................................................................................ 45,970,000 

Workforce Information and Analysis .............................................................................................................. 4,663,000 

Primary Care Training and Enhancement ...................................................................................................... 38,924,000 

Oral Health Training Programs ...................................................................................................................... 35,873,000 


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Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Interdisciplinary, Community-based Linkages 

Area Health Education Centers ............................................................................................................. 30,250,000 

Geriatric Programs ................................................................................................................................ 38,737,000 

Mental and Behavioral Health .............................................................................................................. 9,916,000 

Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training .......................................................................... 50,000,000 

Public Health Workforce Development ........................................................................................................... 17,000,000 

Nursing Workforce Development 

Advanced Education Nursing ................................................................................................................ 64,581,000 

Nursing Workforce Diversity .................................................................................................................. 15,343,000 

Loan Repayment and Scholarship Program .......................................................................................... 83,135,000 

Nurse Education, Practice, and Retention ............................................................................................ 39,913,000 

Nurse Faculty Loan Program ................................................................................................................. 26,500,000 

Primary Care Training and Enhancement 

Interprofessional Education.—The Committee is aware of a growing recognition that interprofessional clinical health programs represent the state of the art in health care. Further, the Committee 

believes inter-professional clinical care teams that include physicians, nurses and other disciplines (such as physician assistants, 

oral health practitioners, behavioral health professionals, allied 

health providers, other practitioners) can achieve better care, better population health, and lower costs. Further, the Committee 

shares HRSA’s viewpoint that health organizations and professionals should be trained for a contemporary practice environment 

focused on new and more efficient models of care that include interprofessional and team-based care. The Committee also believes 

that implementation of interprofessional practice requires health 

students and faculty, as well as staff at the clinic site, to be prepared to work effectively side-by-side. 

Accordingly, in carrying out the various workforce programs authorized by Title VII and VIII of the Public Health Service Act, and 

for which funding is provided in this bill, the Committee encourages the Bureau of Health Workforce to give preference to competitive applications that include an interprofessional education component in their programmatic activities, with special consideration for 

applicants who address student and faculty learning as well as 

clinical site readiness. 

Oral Health Training Programs 

The Committee recommends $35,873,000 for Training in Oral 

Health Care programs, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Within the 

funds provided, the Committee includes not less than $10,000,000 

for General Dentistry Programs and not less than $10,000,000 for 

Pediatric Dentistry programs. These programs serve to increase the 

number of medical graduates from minority and disadvantaged 

backgrounds and to encourage students and residents to choose primary care fields and practice in underserved urban and rural 

areas. HRSA is directed to provide continuation funding for 

predoctoral and postdoctoral training grants initially awarded in 

fiscal year 2015 and continuation funding for section 748 Dental 

Faculty Loan Repayment grants initially awarded in fiscal year 

2016. 


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Area Health Education Centers 

The Committee is pleased with the local and national work of the 

Title VII Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program, and encourages HRSA to engage external stakeholders, including current 

and former grantees of the program, in refining the focus and core 

activities of the program. 

The Committee encourages HRSA to support AHEC oral health 

projects that establish primary points of service and address the 

need to help patients find treatment outside of hospital emergency 

rooms. The Committee is aware that some State dental associations have already initiated programs to refer emergency room patients to dental networks. HRSA is urged to work with these programs. 

Mental and Behavioral Health 

The Committee recommendation includes $8,916,000 for the 

interprofessional Graduate Psychology Education Program to increase the number of health service psychologists (including doctoral-level clinical, counseling and school psychologists) trained to 

provide integrated services to high-need underserved populations 

in rural and urban communities. Recognizing the growing need for 

highly trained mental and behavioral health professionals to deliver evidence-based services to the rapidly aging population, the 

Committee encourages HRSA to invest in geropsychology training 

programs and to help integrate health service psychology trainees 

at Federally Qualified Health Centers. The Committee encourages 

HRSA to build on recent efforts to expand training to increase 

mental and behavioral health services for returning service members, veterans and their families, with a strong emphasis on veterans reintegrating into rural civilian communities. 

Nursing Workforce Development 

The Committee recognizes that the demand for a highly-educated 

and diverse registered nursing workforce is particularly critical in 

rural and underserved areas, and acknowledges that the Institute 

of Medicine’s report, Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health calls for a greater number of baccalaureate-prepared 

registered nurses by 2020 and promotes steps to foster greater diversity among the nursing workforce to reflect an increasingly diverse patient population. Therefore, the Committee encourages 

HRSA to support the recruitment of individuals underrepresented 

in the field of nursing through the Nursing Workforce Diversity 

program by prioritizing the use of evidence-based strategies, including holistic admissions in education programs. 

Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training 

The Committee recommends $50,000,000 for the Behavioral 

Health Workforce Education and Training Grant Program. Eligible 

entities for this program shall include accredited programs that 

train Master’s level social workers, psychologists, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychology doctoral interns, as well as 

behavioral health paraprofessionals. The Committee directs HRSA 

to share information concerning pending grant opportunity announcements with State licensing organizations and all the relevant professional associations. 


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Social workers are a vital part of the behavioral health workforce, and critical to closing the access gap to services. The Committee is concerned that schools and programs of social work were 

not eligible to apply for the fiscal year 2016 Behavioral Health 

Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) for Paraprofessionals 

and Professionals program, and directs HRSA. to include such 

schools and programs in fiscal year 2017 funding opportunities for 

the BHWET program. 

Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education 

The Committee recommends $300,000,000 for the Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program, which is 

$5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$300,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The 

Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program helps eligible hospitals maintain graduate medical education 

programs, which support the training of residents to care for the 

pediatric population and enhance the supply of primary care and 

pediatric medical and surgical subspecialties. 

National Practitioner Data Bank 

The Committee assumes $18,814,000 for the National Practitioner Data Bank for fiscal year 2017, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $2,223,000 less than the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. The Committee recommendation and the fiscal year 2017 budget request assume that the data bank will be 

self-supporting. The Committee continues to include bill language 

to ensure that user fee collections cover the full costs of the data 

bank operations. 

National Health Service Corps 

The Committee recognizes that the Secretary retains the authority to include additional disciplines, such as optometry, in the National Health Services Corps (NHSC), as eligible recipients of scholarships and loan repayment through the program. There are critical needs in rural communities with underserved populations for 

optometry services, and recruitment of providers to offer those 

services is key to expanding capacity. The Committee therefore encourages the Secretary to consider the inclusion of optometry as an 

eligible discipline. 

The Committee notes that access to optometry services can help 

prevent vision loss and encourages HRSA to explore funding opportunities for Schools of Optometry, optometry students, and optometrists within existing authorities and consider including optometrists as an eligible discipline in the State Loan Repayment Program. 

The Committee recognizes that the NHSC is an essential tool for 

recruitment and retention of health professionals at community 

health centers, especially given recent expansions of the Health 

Centers program. The Committee encourages HRSA to increase the 

proportion of clinicians serving at health centers to improve alignment between these two programs and to best leverage investments in NHSC health professionals. 


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MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH

Maternal and Child Health Block Grant 

The Committee recommends $638,200,000 for the Maternal and 

Child Health (MCH) Block Grant, which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

States use the MCH block grant to improve access to care for mothers, children, and their families; reduce infant mortality; provide 

pre- and post-natal care; support screening and health assessments 

for children; and provide systems of care for children with special 

health care needs. 

The Committee continues bill language identifying specific 

amounts for Special Projects of Regional and National Significance 

(SPRANS). The Committee intends that the following amounts be 

provided within SPRANS: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Set-aside for Oral Health ............................................................................................................................... $5,250,000 

Set-aside for Epilepsy .................................................................................................................................... 3,642,000 

Set-aside for Sickle Cell Disease ................................................................................................................... 3,000,000 

Set-aside for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome ............................................................................................................ 477,000 

Set-aside for Oral Health.—The Committee has included 

$250,000 for demonstration projects to increase the implementation 

of integrating oral health and primary care practice. The projects 

should model the core clinical oral health competencies for non-dental providers that HRSA published and initially tested in its 2014 

report, ‘‘Integration of Oral Health and Primary Care Practice.’’ 

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.—The Committee recommends continued 

funding for the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome initiative that addresses 

high-risk Alaska Native and American Indian populations through 

a Native American-focused collaborative. 

Hemophilia Treatment Centers.—The Committee recommends 

level funding for Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs). Hemophilia is a rare, chronic bleeding disorder affecting 20,000 people 

in the United States. Individuals with hemophilia require life-long 

infusions of expensive clotting factor therapies that replace missing 

or deficient blood clotting proteins, preventing debilitating and lifethreatening internal bleeding. HTCs improve the health of these 

patients by providing diagnostic and educational services for these 

inherited conditions; developing wide-ranging, culturally sensitive 

and family-centered genetic services and an understanding of how 

these genetic conditions affect people’s health. 

Maternal and Child Health Programs 

In addition to the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, the 

Maternal and Child Health Bureau at HRSA supports several programs to improve the health of all mothers, children, and their 

families. These programs support activities that develop systemic 

mechanisms for the prevention and treatment of sickle cell disease; 

provide information and research on and promote screening of autism and other developmental disorders; provide newborn and child 

screening of heritable disorders; provide grants to reduce infant 

mortality and improve perinatal outcomes; fund States to conduct 


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newborn hearing screening; and provide grants to improve existing 

emergency medical services. 

Within the total for Maternal and Child Health Programs, the 

Committee recommends the following amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Sickle Cell Anemia Demonstration Program .................................................................................................. $4,455,000 

Autism and Other Developmental Disorders .................................................................................................. 47,099,000 

Heritable Disorders ......................................................................................................................................... 13,883,000 

Healthy Start .................................................................................................................................................. 103,500,000 

Universal Newborn Hearing ............................................................................................................................ 17,818,000 

Emergency Medical Services for Children ...................................................................................................... 20,162,000 

Vision Health.—The Committee is concerned that vision disorders are among the leading cause of impaired health in childhood 

as one in four school-aged children has a vision problem significant 

enough to affect learning. The Committee recognizes that early detection can help prevent vision loss and blindness and understands 

many serious ocular conditions in children are treatable if diagnosed at an early stage. Therefore, to promote vision and eye 

health for the Nation’s children, the Committee encourages the development of public health infrastructure to support a comprehensive, multi-tiered continuum of vision care for young children. 

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.—The Committee is alarmed by 

the drastic rise in the incidence of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome 

(NAS), newborns suffering from withdrawal due to drug exposure 

during pregnancy. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal 

year 2018 budget request on HRSA efforts that address NAS. 

Autism and Other Developmental Disorders 

The Committee recommends $47,099,000 for Autism and Other 

Developmental Disorders, this funding level is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

These programs seek to improve the health and well-being of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities and to advance best practices for the early 

identification and treatment of autism and related developmental 

disabilities. Within the total, the Committee recommends 

$30,043,000 for the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental 

and Related Disabilities (LEND) program. This funding level will 

allow LEND programs to maintain their capacity to train professionals to diagnose, treat, and provide interventions to individuals 

with autism spectrum disorder and expand the number of sites and 

professionals trained to diagnose, treat, and provide interventions 

to individuals with autism spectrum disorder authorized by the 

Combating Autism Act. The increase will help these programs initiate or expand their work in the area of interdisciplinary leadership training to meet the needs of children with Autism Spectrum 

Disorders and related developmental disabilities. 

Heritable Disorders 

The Committee recommends $13,883,000 for the Heritable Disorders program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program provides grants to support State and local public health agencies with 

the enhancement, improvement, or expansion of their ability to 


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provide screening, counseling or health care services to newborns 

and children having or at risk for heritable disorders. Since the 

original Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act was signed into law, 

two additional screenings have been added to the Recommended 

Uniform Screening Panel—critical congenital heart disease and severe combined immunodeficiency. Programs funded through the 

Heritable Disorders program and programs established under the 

Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act (P.L. 110–204) play a critical 

role in assisting States in the adoption of additional screenings, enhancing provider and consumer education and ensuring coordinated follow-up care. The Committee encourages HRSA to increase 

assistance to States implementing new conditions added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel, including Severe Combined 

Immunodeficiency (SCID), Glycogen Storage Disease Type II 

(Pompe disease), Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I (MPS I) and Xlinked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X–ALD). 

Newborn Screening for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency.—The 

Committee provides level funding for Newborn Screening for SCID 

to assure that States are able to continue supporting wider implementation, education and awareness of Newborn Screening for 

SCID. 

Thalassemia.—The Committee supports the important work 

HRSA has funded to establish expert recommendations for patient 

care in three keys areas in thalassemia treatment and to aid the 

development of regional partnership networks related to thalassemia. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes the 

body to make an abnormal form of hemoglobin. The Committee encourages HRSA to continue and expand work to address more 

issues related to this patient population. 

Healthy Start 

The Committee recommends $103,500,000 for the Healthy Start 

program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

as well as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The program provides discretionary grants to communities with high rates of infant 

mortality to support primary and preventive health care services 

for mothers and their infants. 

Fetal Infant Mortality Review.—The Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) program is an important component of many Healthy 

Start and local health department initiatives that provide evidencebased interventions crucial to improving infant health in high risk 

communities. HRSA is encouraged to continue to support the FIMR 

program with Healthy Start funding while educating Healthy Start 

Programs on the successes of FIMR. 

Transfer from Planned Home Birth to Hospital.—The Committee 

continues to note the rising rates for out of hospital births in the 

United States since 2004, and the subsequent importance of collaboration within an integrated maternity care system in order to 

achieve optimal mother-baby outcomes. The Committee believes 

that all women and families planning a home or birth center birth 

have a right to respectful, safe, and seamless consultation, referral, 

transport and transfer of care when necessary. Therefore the Committee directs HRSA to work with its partners, including those national organizations representing professionals who attend home, 

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tating ongoing inter-professional dialogue and cooperation and universal adoption of the Best Practice Guidelines for Transfer from 

Planned Home Birth to Hospital, in order to achieve optimal mother-baby outcomes in all settings and with all providers. HRSA is 

directed to provide a report to the Committee with an update on 

its progress. 

RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS PROGRAM

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program 

The Committee recommends $2,322,781,000 for the Ryan White 

HIV/AIDS Programs, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $9,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS programs fund activities to address 

the care and treatment of persons living with HIV/AIDS who are 

either uninsured or underinsured and need assistance to obtain 

treatment. The program provides grants to States and eligible metropolitan areas to improve the quality, availability, and coordination of health care and support services to include access to HIVrelated medications; grants to service providers for early intervention outpatient services; grants to organizations to provide care to 

HIV infected women, infants, children, and youth; and grants to organizations to support the education and training of health care 

providers. 

Within the total for Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programs, the Committee recommends the following amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Emergency Assistance .................................................................................................................................... $655,876,000 

Comprehensive Care Programs ...................................................................................................................... 1,315,005,000 

AIDS Drug Assistance Program ............................................................................................................. (900,313,000) 

Early Intervention Program ............................................................................................................................. 205,079,000 

Children, Youth, Women, and Families .......................................................................................................... 75,088,000 

AIDS Dental Services ...................................................................................................................................... 13,122,000 

Education and Training Centers .................................................................................................................... 33,611,000 

AIDS Drug Assistance Program.—The Committee recognizes the 

importance of HIV health care and support services, and supports 

granting Federal funds to States to address the growth in the number of clients in need of supportive services—including HIV service 

delivery, home and community-based care services for individuals 

with HIV disease, continuation of health insurance coverage for 

low-income persons with HIV disease, and State AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP)—that maintain persons in care. The Part 

B program provides 59 grants to States and territories. 

The Committee continues to be encouraged by the progress of 

anti-retroviral therapy in reducing the mortality rates associated 

with HIV infection and impacting the transmission of HIV infections. The Committee supports continued funding for AIDS medications in ADAP. These funds ensure that low-income individuals 

maintain access to HIV/AIDS medications. Their importance increases as more individuals are identified through increased testing 

efforts by State and local health departments and seek treatment 

earlier in the progression of their HIV disease. 


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Ryan White Part D.—The Committee does not recommend combining Parts C and D of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program. Populations served by Part D, namely pregnant women, infants, children, and youth (WICY), require different treatment than the 

standard adult patient served by the Part C program. These unique 

WICY populations require care providers with special expertise and 

intensive counseling oversight, making robust use of case managers 

who are vital to the success of the Part D programs. The Committee commends HRSA on the progress made to reduce viral 

transmission from mother to infant in the United States and believes the gains are attributable in large part to the hands-on approach taken by the Ryan White Part D recipients. HRSA should 

remain cognizant of the special needs of this population, and recognize that treating them in the same manner as adults will result 

in increased perinatal transmissions and poorer outcomes among 

HIV infected children and youth. 

Dental Reimbursement Program.—The Ryan White Part F program provides for the Dental Reimbursement Program (DRP), 

which covers the unreimbursed costs of providing dental care to 

persons living with HIV/AIDS. Programs qualifying for reimbursement are dental schools, hospitals with postdoctoral dental education programs, and colleges with dental hygiene programs. The 

Committee is concerned that although the program has provided 

oral health care to many people living with HIV/AIDS, it has not 

kept pace with the number of individuals in need. The Committee 

requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the 

non-reimbursed costs covered by the DRP. 

HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS

The Committee recommends $109,193,000 for Health Care Systems, which is $6,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and $10,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The 

programs within Health Care Systems support national activities 

that enhance health care delivery in the United States. Activities 

include maintaining a national system to allocate and distribute 

donor organs to individuals awaiting transplant; building an inventory of cord blood units; maintaining a national system for the recruitment of bone marrow donors; operating the 340B drug discount system; and operating a national toll-free poison control hotline. 

Within the total for Health Care Systems, the Committee recommends the following amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Organ Transplantation ................................................................................................................................... $23,549,000 

National Cord Blood Inventory ....................................................................................................................... 16,266,000 

C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program .............................................................................................. 22,109,000 

Office of Pharmacy Affairs ............................................................................................................................. 10,238,000 

Poison Control Centers ................................................................................................................................... 19,846,000 

National Hansen’s Disease Program .............................................................................................................. 15,206,000 

National Hansen’s Disease—Buildings/Facilities ......................................................................................... 122,000 

Hansen’s Payment to Hawaii ......................................................................................................................... 1,857,000 

Organ Donation.—The Committee is aware of the current insufficient rate of organ donation to meet nationwide need. Further, the 

Committee is concerned that in some circumstances there is signifiVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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cant regional disparity in donation volume. The Committee urges 

HRSA to allocate resources toward increasing the organ donor pool 

and coordinate efforts by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 

in regions with disproportionately low numbers of organ donors. 

The Committee directs HRSA to establish a coordinated initiative 

to increase the number of donated organs successfully procured and 

transplanted throughout the United States. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on HRSA’s 

efforts to increase organ donors, specifically new efforts undertaken 

that seek to address regional disparity. The Committee also requests a report within 120 days of enactment detailing a comprehensive strategy to encourage organ donation throughout the 

United States, including ways to share best practices from high donation areas to low donation areas. 

National Cord Blood Inventory 

The Committee recommends $16,266,000 for the National Cord 

Blood Inventory, which is $5,000,000 more than the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $5,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. The National Cord Blood Inventory program builds 

a genetically and ethnically diverse inventory of high-quality umbilical cord blood for transplantation. 

Office of Pharmacy Affairs 

The Committee recommends $10,238,000 for the Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA), which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $7,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Committee again rejects the budget request to establish 

a user fee. The Office of Pharmacy Affairs oversees the 340B Drug 

Pricing Program, which requires drug manufacturers to provide 

discounts on outpatient prescription drugs to certain safety net 

health care providers. 

The Committee recognizes that OPA published the first, comprehensive program guidance for the 340B program, and expected 

this guidance to provide clarity for all stakeholders. The Committee 

is concerned about the large number of negative comments on the 

guidance. The Committee is also aware that the 340B statute requires HRSA to make 340B ceiling prices available to covered entities through a secure website, but that OPA has failed to meet its 

own deadlines to complete work on the secure website. The Committee urges OPA to complete the development of a secure website. 

The Committee directs OPA to include an update on the status of 

the secure website in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

Poison Control Centers 

The Committee recommends $19,846,000 for Poison Control Centers, which is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. There is an acknowledged 

epidemic of prescription drug (opioid) abuse and heroin addiction in 

our country. According to the CDC, in 2013, the most recent year 

for which data are available, unintentional poisoning was the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths. Ninety-one percent of unintentional poisonings were caused by prescription drugs, primarily 

opioid analgesics. The Committee recognizes that Poison Control 


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Centers (PCCs) play a critical role in combatting opioid drug-related abuse and misuse from helping to define and trace the problem within a local and national context to responding to calls from 

healthcare providers seeking treatment advice for substance abuse 

patients. PCCs also provide vital public and health care provider 

education. The Committee recognizes the critical role of this proven 

national public health program and the value of its highly effective 

public-private/local-State-Federal partnership in helping the country address this opioid epidemic, as well as contributing significantly to Congressional goals of achieving the most efficient delivery of healthcare services to all citizens. 

RURAL HEALTH

The Committee recommends $169,571,000 for Rural Health pro- grams, which is $20,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $25,409,000 more than the fiscal year 2017 budget 

request. Rural Health programs provide funding to improve access, 

quality, and coordination of care in rural communities; for research 

on rural health issues; for technical assistance and recruitment of 

health care providers; for screening activities for individuals affected by the mining, transport, and processing of uranium; for the 

outreach and treatment of coal miners and others with occupationrelated respiratory and pulmonary impairments; and for the expansion of telehealth services. 

Within the total for Rural Health activities, the Committee recommends the following amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Rural Outreach Programs ............................................................................................................................... $65,500,000 

Rural Health Research ................................................................................................................................... 9,351,000 

Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants .................................................................................................................... 45,609,000 

State Offices of Rural Health ........................................................................................................................ 10,511,000 

Black Lung Clinics ......................................................................................................................................... 7,766,000 

Radiation Exposure Screening and Education ............................................................................................... 1,834,000 

Telehealth ....................................................................................................................................................... 19,000,000 

Rural Opioid Overdose Reversal Grant .......................................................................................................... 10,000,000 

Rural Outreach Programs.—The Committee directs HRSA to target new funds to rural communities with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse. 

Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants.—The Committee directs HRSA 

to issue new funding announcements for Critical Access Hospitals 

(CAHs) and give priority in grant awards to CAHs that serve rural 

communities with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse. 

Telehealth.—The Committee directs HRSA to give priority in 

making grant awards to small hospitals serving communities with 

high rates of poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse. 

Training in Oral Health Care and Rural Health.—The Committee encourages HRSA to work with States to develop and facilitate public education programs that promote preventive oral health 

treatments and habits via increased oral health literacy in rural 

and underserved areas. The Committee believes that preventioncentered programs represent a cost effective way to address oral 

health access. The Committee also encourages the Office of Rural 

Health Policy to support these programs. Further, the Committee 


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encourages HRSA to include innovative public education programs 

as eligible for funding as part of the State Oral Health Workforce 

Improvement Program. 

Rural Opioid Overdose Reversal Grant 

The Committee is concerned about the increasing number of unintentional overdose deaths attributable to prescription and nonprescription opioids. HRSA is urged to take steps to encourage and 

support the use of funds for opioid safety education and training, 

including initiatives that improve access for licensed healthcare 

professionals, including paramedics, to emergency devices used to 

rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. Such initiatives 

should incorporate robust evidence-based intervention training, and 

facilitate linkage to treatment and recovery services. 

FAMILY PLANNING

The Committee does not recommend funding for the Family 

Planning program, which is $286,479,000 below the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $300,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. The Family Planning program administers Title X 

of the Public Health Service Act. 

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

The Committee recommends $155,000,000 for the cost of Federal 

staff and related activities to coordinate, direct, and manage the 

programs of HRSA, which is $1,000,000 more than the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $2,061,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The Committee is disturbed to learn that despite its directive in 

House Report (110–231) to establish a Chief Dental Officer (CDO) 

position, HRSA has not maintained the appointment. The Committee understands that since the beginning of 2012 the position 

has been downgraded to Senior Dental Advisor and moved several 

layers below HRSA leadership and decision makers. This has occurred in spite of the Administration’s commitment in 2010 to establish the Oral Health Initiative, which highlighted several HRSA 

initiatives to improve access to oral health care, especially for 

needy populations. The Committee directs HRSA to restore the position of HRSA Chief Dental Officer with executive level authority 

and resources to oversee and lead HRSA dental programs and initiatives. The CDO is also expected to serve as the agency representative on oral health issues to international, national, State, 

and/or local government agencies, universities, oral health stakeholder organizations, etc. 

VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM TRUST FUND

The Committee estimates that $240,000,000 will be released 

from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund, which is 

$3,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the 

same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program provides a 

system of compensation for individuals with vaccine-associated injuries or deaths. Funds for claims from vaccines administered on 

or after October 1, 1988 are generated by a per-dose excise tax on 


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the sale of selected prescribed vaccines. Revenues raised by this tax 

are maintained in the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund. 

Trust funds made available will support the liability costs of vaccines administered after September 30, 1988. They will also support the $8,350,000 in costs incurred by HRSA in the operation of 

the program, which is $850,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $850,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

The Committee recommends a program level of $7,838,802,000 

for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which 

is $605,399,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted program 

level and $799,598,000 more than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This level includes $6,930,502,000 in discretionary appropriated dollars in conjunction with $908,300,000 in transfers from 

the Prevention and Public Health (PPH) Fund. CDC works with 

State, local and tribal health authorities and other non governmental health-related organizations to understand, control, and reduce public health problems. 

In light of the recent crises with both Zika and Ebola, the Com- mittee has included $300,000,000 within the CDC to form a new 

Infectious Diseases Rapid Response Reserve Fund. This reserve, in 

which funds will be available until expended, will provide an immediate source of funding, fully paid for with annually appropriated 

dollars, that the Administration could tap into to quickly respond 

to a future, imminent infectious disease crisis that endangers 

American lives without waiting for Congress to act on a supplemental funding bill. Funds would be subject to all existing authorities and limitations. 

The Committee recommendation increases support to State, local, 

and tribal public health departments for disease areas such as diabetes. The Committee recommendation also strengthens heart and 

stroke prevention activities and furthers efforts to reduce prescription drug overdose. The recommendation expands funding to build 

State, local, and tribal preparedness and response capacity through 

increased support for the public health preparedness infrastructure 

and state laboratory capacity. The Committee recommendation also 

supports flexible funds for States to address local and tribal public 

health issues through the Preventive Health and Health Services 

Block Grant. Globally, the recommendation continues support for 

the global polio eradication program. On Zika, the Committee includes $390,000,000 across CDC to 

support domestic and supplemental vector control activities; international and territorial Zika response efforts, and supports a block 

grant for States and local communities with high potential for local 

Zika transmission to ensure local officials have flexibility to address local needs. 

The Committee expects that unless provided for differently in the 

bill or report, CDC will follow the policy, funding source, and levels 

described in the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The Committee expects CDC to provide public health and preparedness goals with measures for each program in the fiscal year 

2018 budget request. The Committee appreciates the new grant 

table provided in fiscal year 2017 budget request and requests CDC 


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note any year it changed a formula or plans to change a formula 

for grants and provide the percent of funding for grants with formula funding. The Committee requests a table in the fiscal year 

2018 budget request and future budget requests with the percentage of funds used to support intramural activity for each program. 

The Committee reinforces its expectation for CDC to work with 

State, local and tribal health officials to move forward with the 

plan for a single web-based data collection information technology 

platform for CDC programs to reduce the burden on States and to 

reduce CDC’s operational costs of its independent data collection 

actions. The Committee requests an update on these activities in 

the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

The Committee remains concerned with duplication of effort and 

overlapping of responsibilities between NIH and CDC and requests 

an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on how CDC programs coordinate with NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) to share 

scientific gaps related to activities supported in NIH research portfolios. 

IMMUNIZATION AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES

The Committee recommends $748,066,000 for Immunization and 

Respiratory Diseases (IRD), which includes $410,766,000 in discretionary appropriations, and $337,300,000 in transfers from the 

PPH Fund. This level is $50,339,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 

enacted program level and equal to the fiscal year 2017 budget request program level. 

Immunization grants are awarded to States and local agencies 

for planning, developing, and conducting childhood, adolescent, and 

adult immunization programs including enhancement of the vaccine delivery infrastructure. CDC directly maintains a stockpile of 

vaccines, supports consolidated purchase of vaccines for State and 

local health agencies, and conducts surveillance, investigations, 

and research into the safety and efficacy of new and presently used 

vaccines. The Committee encourages CDC to consider including 

vaccines produced through recombinant DNA technology. 

Within the total for IRD, the Committee recommends the following amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Section 317 Immunization Program ............................................................................................................... $560,508,000 

National Immunization Survey .............................................................................................................. 12,864,000 

Influenza Planning and Response ................................................................................................................. 187,558,000 

HIV/AIDS, VIRAL HEPATITIS, SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND

TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION

The Committee recommends $1,122,278,000 for HIV/AIDS, Viral 

Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), and Tuberculosis 

(TB) prevention in discretionary appropriations, which is the same 

as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $5,000,000 less than the 

fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

CDC provides national leadership and support for HIV prevention research and the development, implementation, and evaluation 

of evidence-based HIV prevention programs serving persons affected by, or at risk for, HIV infection. Activities include surveilVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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lance, epidemiologic and laboratory studies, and prevention activities. CDC provides funds to State, local and tribal health departments and community-based organizations to develop and implement integrated community prevention plans. The level does not 

provide support for the requested new pre-exposure demonstration. 

Within the total for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB 

Prevention, the Committee recommends the following amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Domestic HIV/AIDS Prevention and Research ................................................................................................ $788,712,000 

HIV Prevention by Health Departments ................................................................................................. 397,161,000 

HIV Surveillance .................................................................................................................................... 119,861,000 

Activities to Improve Program Effectiveness ........................................................................................ 103,208,000 

National, Regional, Local, Community, and Other Orgs ....................................................................... 135,401,000 

School Health-HIV .................................................................................................................................. 33,081,000 

Viral Hepatitis ................................................................................................................................................ 34,000,000 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases ....................................................................................................................... 157,310,000 

Tuberculosis .................................................................................................................................................... 142,256,000 

Hepatitis C (HCV).—The Committee understands the rates of 

new HCV infection among American Indians (AI) and Alaska Natives (AN) continue to rise, far surpassing other communities. The 

Committee directs CDC to consider the development of a grant program specifically for AI and AN tribes to support prevention and 

screening efforts. Furthermore, the Committee requests CDC work 

with the Indian Health Service on a targeted action plan to promote HCV prevention, increased screening, and increased access to 

treatment. 

HIV Prevention Activities.—The Committee requests an update 

in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on steps CDC is taking and 

plans to take to improve testing rates and reduce late stage diagnosis. The update should include steps being taken to ensure prevention program funds reach the most at risk individuals to best 

ensure early detection with targeted interventions. 

Viral Hepatitis Screening.—The Committee continues to support 

hepatitis screening activities and urges CDC to prioritize education 

programs in medically underserved and minority communities. 

EMERGING AND ZOONOTIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES

The Committee recommends $677,522,000 for Emerging and 

Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (EZID), which includes $625,522,000 

in discretionary appropriations and $52,000,000 made available 

from transfers from the PPH Fund. This level is $97,637,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2016 enacted program level and $48,037,000 

more than the fiscal year 2017 budget request program level. 

The EZID programs support the prevention and control of infectious diseases through surveillance, outbreak investigation and response, research, and prevention. The recommendation adds a new 

funding line dedicated to domestic Zika response and supplemental 

vector control for States and local communities to address vectorborne diseases. The request does not provide the increase requested 

for refugee support. 

Within the total for EZID, the Committee recommends the following amounts: 


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Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Core Infectious Diseases ................................................................................................................................ $490,950,000 

Domestic Zika Response and Supplemental Vector Control ................................................................ 125,000,000 

Emerging Infectious Diseases ............................................................................................................... 125,000,000 

Lab Safety and Quality ......................................................................................................................... 8,000,000 

Antibiotic Resistance Initiative ............................................................................................................. 160,000,000 

All Other Infectious Diseases ................................................................................................................ 29,840,000 

Vector-borne Diseases ........................................................................................................................... 26,410,000 

Lyme Disease ......................................................................................................................................... 10,700,000 

Prion Disease ......................................................................................................................................... 6,000,000 

Food Safety ..................................................................................................................................................... 52,000,000 

National HealthCare Safety Network .............................................................................................................. 21,000,000 

Quarantine ...................................................................................................................................................... 31,572,000 

Advanced Molecular Detection ....................................................................................................................... 30,000,000 

Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity .......................................................................................................... 40,000,000 

Healthcare-Associated Infections ................................................................................................................... 12,000,000 

Fungal Diseases (FD).—The Committee notes the threat of FD 

such as Cryptococcosis, Histoplasmosis, Aspergillosis, Candidiasis, 

and Valley Fever. The Committee requests a report in the fiscal 

year 2018 budget request on how CDC is continuing to monitor and 

evaluate efforts for early diagnosis and treatment for fungal infections in collaboration with other centers and agencies. The Committee urges CDC to work closely with NIH to identify research opportunities that can lead to improved diagnostics, treatments, and 

vaccines. The Committee expects CDC to conduct close coordination 

across all its fungal disease activities to support advances and development of the next generation of tools to address fungal diseases, and to be vigilant in monitoring and supporting early diagnosis and treatment. 

Hand Hygiene.—The Committee reiterates its desire for CDC to 

improve hand hygiene habits to help prevent the spread of germs 

and infectious diseases. The Committee requests an update in the 

fiscal year 2018 budget request on CDC’s efforts to incorporate the 

use of alcohol based hand rubs into hand hygiene programs outside 

healthcare, such as schools and restaurants, to reduce the risk of 

illness or infection. 

CDC Laboratory Safety and Training.—The Committee requests 

CDC continue to provide the quarterly reports with the same information described in the fiscal year 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act Explanatory Statement on this topic. 

Lyme Disease.—The Committee for years has encouraged CDC to 

expand activity and coordination with other agencies to develop 

more sensitive and accurate tools and tests for Lyme disease. CDC 

is expected to share areas of research with NIH to coordinate on 

research efforts. The Committee requests a time line and implementation plan on activities that may lead to commercialization of 

these efforts in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

Tick-Borne Illnesses.—The Committee is concerned about the 

rate of tick-borne illnesses across the country. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the 

prevalence of tick-borne illnesses, including information on the geographic distribution with a particular focus on Lyme disease and 

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The Committee encourages CDC to 

review, in conjunction with primary care physicians, its website to 

ensure physician education programs on Lyme disease include sciVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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entific resources and a process to allow treating physicians to provide feedback on CDC provided information. 

Valley Fever.—The Committee continues to commend CDC and 

NIH on the joint efforts to combat Valley Fever, specifically by conducting a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to identify an effective treatment. The Committee understands establishing and conducting a RCT is complex and recognizes the effort NIH and CDC 

have committed to this project. The Committee requests an update 

in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on these efforts. Further, the 

Committee encourages development of early diagnostic tests and 

supports efforts to increase awareness of this disease among medical professionals and the public. 

Vector Borne Disease Program (VBDP).—The Committee continues to support the critical role CDC and its VBDP play to prepare for and fight emerging tropical diseases, such as Dengue, 

Chikungunya, and Zika. The groundwork laid in the CDC’s efforts 

on Dengue and Chikungunya will be critical to fighting Zika. 

Vector Control Guidelines to Reduce the Spread of Disease-Carrying Insects.—The Committee requests CDC develop and maintain 

an online guideline for use by States and local communities with 

a full scope of vector control options, tools, and other factors State 

and local jurisdictions may consider as they develop plans to carry 

out vector control activities to control Zika and other related diseases carried by insects. The Committee expects the document to 

be available online within 60 days after enactment and updated at 

least annually. 

CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION

The Committee recommends $1,097,821,000 for Chronic Disease 

Prevention and Health Promotion (CDPHP), which includes 

$896,321,000 in discretionary appropriations and $201,500,000 

made available from transfers from the PPH Fund. This level is 

$79,275,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted program level 

and $19,324,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request program level. The CDPHP programs provide support for State, tribal, 

and community programs on surveillance, prevention research, 

evaluation, and health promotion. 

Within the total provided, the Committee recommends the following amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Tobacco ........................................................................................................................................................... $100,000,000 

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity ........................................................................................................ 49,920,000 

High Obesity Rate Counties .................................................................................................................. 10,000,000 

School Health ................................................................................................................................................. 15,400,000 

Health Promotion ............................................................................................................................................ 14,525,000 

Glaucoma ............................................................................................................................................... 3,300,000 

Visual Screening Education .................................................................................................................. 525,000 

Alzheimer’s Disease ............................................................................................................................... 4,000,000 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease ................................................................................................................. 750,000 

Interstitial Cystitis ................................................................................................................................. 850,000 

Excessive Alcohol Use ........................................................................................................................... 3,000,000 

Chronic Kidney Disease ......................................................................................................................... 2,100,000 

Prevention Research Centers ......................................................................................................................... 25,461,000 

Heart Disease and Stroke .............................................................................................................................. 175,000,000 

Diabetes .......................................................................................................................................................... 185,000,000 

National Diabetes Prevention Program .......................................................................................................... 25,000,000 

Cancer Prevention and Control ...................................................................................................................... 352,515,000 


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Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Breast and Cervical Cancer .................................................................................................................. 210,000,000 

WISEWOMAN .................................................................................................................................. 21,120,000 

Breast Cancer Awareness for Young Women ........................................................................................ 4,960,000 

Cancer Registries .................................................................................................................................. 49,440,000 

Colorectal Cancer .................................................................................................................................. 39,515,000 

Comprehensive Cancer .......................................................................................................................... 22,600,000 

Johanna’s Law ....................................................................................................................................... 5,500,000 

Ovarian Cancer ...................................................................................................................................... 7,500,000 

Prostate Cancer ..................................................................................................................................... 13,000,000 

Oral Health ..................................................................................................................................................... 18,000,000 

Safe Motherhood/Infant Health ...................................................................................................................... 46,000,000 

Preterm Birth ......................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000 

Other Chronic Diseases .................................................................................................................................. 25,000,000 

Arthritis .................................................................................................................................................. 11,000,000 

Epilepsy ................................................................................................................................................. 8,000,000 

National Lupus Patient Registry ........................................................................................................... 6,000,000 

Racial and Ethnic Approach to Community Health ....................................................................................... 30,000,000 

Million Hearts ................................................................................................................................................. 4,000,000 

National Early Child Care Collaboratives ...................................................................................................... 4,000,000 

Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding ................................................................................................................ 8,000,000 

Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country ................................................................................................ 20,000,000 

Atopic Dermatitis (AD).—The Committee understands AD is a severe and long-lasting form of eczema that is a potentially debilitating condition. The Committee understands gaps in data on AD 

exists that inhibit research. The Committee encourages CDC, in 

collaboration with the National Center for Health Statistics and 

NIH to coordinate on a report, to be included in the fiscal year 

2018 budget request, on their efforts to identify the knowledge gaps 

related to AD and how they could support efforts to obtain data to 

fill these gaps. 

Alzheimer’s Disease.—The Committee provides an increase to 

support the Healthy Brain Initiative, of which the Committee expects the increase will be dedicated to assisting States in collecting 

cognitive decline and caregiving data through the Behavioral Risk 

Factor Surveillance System in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Additionally, the Committee requests the fiscal year 2018 budget request include a plan to implement the 

Healthy Brain Initiative’s Public Health Roadmap for State and 

National Partnerships. 

Burden of Disease.—The Committee reiterates the desire for 

CDPHP programs to expand the use of burden of disease as a significant consideration in resource decisions. Specifically, the request for applications should have applicants identify the level of 

community burden reduction expected with funding and funded applicants should track, monitor, and report reductions over time 

where possible. 

Cancer Survivorship.—The Committee continues to encourage 

CDC, in coordination with NIH, to identify evidence-based physical 

activity and wellness programs that can be used throughout the 

health care and public health sector for cancer survivors. The Committee requests a joint CDC and NIH update in the fiscal year 

2018 budget request on research and public health programs related to this issue. 

Comprehensive Cancer.—The Committee increased support for 

Comprehensive Cancer and consolidates activity previously supported in the ‘‘Skin Cancer’’ and ‘‘Cancer Survivorship Resource 


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Center’’ programs to provide CDC with more flexibility to support 

these programs within a larger combined program. 

Division of Diabetes Translation (DDT).—The Committee expects 

the DDT to address the diabetes epidemic through education to 

provide Americans with knowledge that leads to the prevention of 

diabetes. The Committee reiterates its support for the DDT to leverage Federal resources with public and private organizations to 

prevent and reduce diabetes in Americans. The Committee requests a report in the fiscal year 2018 budget request that describes the DDT’s plan and on-going actions to further use population-adjusted burden of disease as the key criteria in awarding 

funds. The Committee urges a significant focus of resources on efforts to expand State, local, and tribal community diabetes control 

and prevention activities. The Committee expects CDC will specifically evaluate how to ensure programs support rural communities 

with a high burden of disease that may have more limited access 

to other prevention and outreach programs to control or prevent diabetes. Additionally, the report shall describe how the DDT translates research into better prevention and care with its programs. 

Division of Oral Health (DOH).—The Committee expects the 

DOH to distribute new waterline safety guidelines to dentist offices 

and clinics, to coordinate with NIH to conduct follow up research 

where needed, and for CDC to work with professional organizations 

to educate dentists and dental students of such guidelines. 

Diabetes.—The Committee has provided a significant increase for 

Diabetes prevention and control activities. The Committee expects 

the increase to go directly to communities with the highest burden 

of disease to support scientifically validated risk factor reduction 

measures through competitive awards. The Committee requests a 

report in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the amount of CDC 

diabetes support provided to State, local, and tribal communities 

and the expected impact on these communities. 

Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country.—The Committee 

appreciates the new five-year cooperative agreement to develop a 

comprehensive approach to good health and wellness in Indian 

Country. This population is disproportionately affected by chronic 

disease compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United 

States. The Committee notes the program support is in addition to 

and should not supplant existing funds provided by other CDC activities. CDC is expected to build on these existing programs within 

Indian Country to allow for a more comprehensive public health infrastructure in tribal communities and the ability to develop mechanisms to improve good health and wellness in Indian Country. 

Heart Disease and Stroke.—The Committee provides an increase 

to support heart disease and stroke prevention at State, local and 

tribal public health departments. The Committee expects the increase to go directly to communities with the highest burden of disease to support scientifically validated risk factor reduction measures through competitive awards. The Committee requests a report 

in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on how the heart disease 

and stroke funds provided to communities are expected to impact 

those with the highest disease burden. 

Preterm Birth.—The Committee commends CDC for funding six 

State-based perinatal collaboratives that focus on improving birth 

outcomes and improving maternal health and safety using known 


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prevention strategies including reducing early elective deliveries. 

The Committee encourages CDC to consider, through support, coordination with other center programs, States, and public-private 

partnerships, ways to identify, measure, and evaluate the effectiveness of the program to increase the number of States receiving assistance for perinatal collaboratives. 

Prostate Cancer.—The Committee encourages CDC and NIH to 

examine how to develop a joint public-private partnership to reduce 

the prevalence of prostate cancer in African-American men. Specifically, CDC and NIH should consider how to develop support via coordinated meritorious scientific competitive research and public 

health outreach awards. The Committee requests CDC and NIH 

provide a joint report on this potential type of effort with a notional 

timeline and expected outcome measures in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request on these efforts. 

Tobacco Prevention.—The Committee notes CDC supports tobacco use and prevention activities throughout numerous programs 

like the prevention research centers and chronic disease prevention 

activities. The Committee provides funding in the tobacco line to 

focus primarily on underage smoking. 

Lung Cancer.—The Committee directs the CDC tobacco program 

to ensure its activity includes a program to expand the knowledge 

to high-risk populations on the value of early detection of lung cancer through screening. The activity should work in conjunction with 

local public health departments, medical providers, insurers, and 

other public/private partners to ensure appropriate education and 

awareness is targeted through measurable means to high-risk communities. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 

2018 budget request on the education and coordination activities 

CDC is supporting with other Federal and non-Federal partners to 

encourage screening in high-risk groups. 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).—The Committee continues to 

support IBD epidemiology activity and requests an update in the 

fiscal year 2018 budget request on these efforts. Further, the Committee encourages CDC to continue exploring the disease burden 

and communicate findings to patients and providers in an effort to 

improve and inform best public health practices. 

National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP).—The Committee 

was disappointed that not all new fiscal year 2016 funds were competitively awarded to new awards as requested in the fiscal year 

2017 Consolidated Appropriation Act Explanatory Statement. The 

Committee continues to strongly support the successful NDPP and 

directs all new funds provided in fiscal year 2016 and 2017 support 

an increase in the number of new competitively awarded program 

providers. Specifically, the focus should be on rural providers where 

the risk and burden of diabetes is greater, and where the program 

has the potential for the biggest impact. The Committee understands models exist for pairing the capacity of existing program 

providers with program delivery areas that lack sufficient resources 

to operate the program. The Committee requests an update in the 

fiscal year 2018 budget request on how these resources are being 

used for the provided purposes, how observable weight measure is 

being maintained, and how peer-reviewed science compares virtual 

providers to face-to-face providers. The Committee requests CDC 

include long-term public health measures and how this program coVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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ordinates with other CDC and Department of Health and Human 

Services (HHS) programs. The Committee also requests the total 

amount of Federal, public and private sector funds leveraged to 

support the NDDP annually in the fiscal year 2018 budget request 

and in future budget requests. 

Obesity.—The Committee continues support for the rural extension and outreach services program to support grants for rural 

counties with an obesity prevalence of over 40 percent. The Committee expects support for childhood obesity interventions based on 

scientific evidence to support measurable outcomes through evidenced-based obesity research, intervention, and prevention programs. The program should include a special focus on areas with 

the highest population-adjusted burden of obesity and with comorbidities like hypertension, cardiac disease and diabetes. The 

Committee understands the need to maximize impact of these 

funds, for this reason and to assure coordination with other activities, CDC should allocate maximum dollars to State programs. 

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH).—The Committee encourages CDC 

to continue to support education, outreach, and awareness to promote early diagnosis of PH. 

Special Interest Projects (SIPs).—The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request showing the steps taken 

to competitively award SIPs. The Committee continues to support 

CDC’s important work on excessive drinking. However, the Committee notes the work on monitoring of youth exposure to alcohol 

advertising and the level of risk faced by youth from exposure to 

alcohol advertising may be duplicative with work ongoing in other 

Federal agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 

NIH. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request on steps CDC is taking to reduce overlap and duplication in this area. 

BIRTH DEFECTS AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

The Committee recommends $135,310,000 for Birth Defects and 

Developmental Disabilities (BDDD) program level in discretionary 

appropriations, which is $300,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request program level. 

This program collects, analyzes, and makes available data on the 

incidence and causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends the following 

amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Child Health and Development ...................................................................................................................... $65,800,000 

Birth Defects ......................................................................................................................................... 19,000,000 

Fetal Death ............................................................................................................................................ 900,000 

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome ......................................................................................................................... 11,000,000 

Folic Acid ............................................................................................................................................... 3,150,000 

Infant Health ......................................................................................................................................... 8,650,000 

Autism ................................................................................................................................................... 23,100,000 

Health and Development for People with Disabilities ................................................................................... 54,710,000 

Disability & Health incl. Child Development ........................................................................................ 22,050,000 

Tourette Syndrome ................................................................................................................................. 2,000,000 

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention ............................................................................................. 10,760,000 

Muscular Dystrophy ............................................................................................................................... 6,000,000 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ................................................................................................ 1,900,000 


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Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Fragile X ................................................................................................................................................ 2,000,000 

Spina Bifida .......................................................................................................................................... 6,000,000 

Congenital Heart Failure ....................................................................................................................... 4,000,000 

Blood Disorders .............................................................................................................................................. 14,800,000 

Public Health Approach to Blood Disorders .......................................................................................... 4,400,000 

Hemophilia Activities ............................................................................................................................. 3,400,000 

Hemophilia Treatment Centers .............................................................................................................. 5,000,000 

Thalassemia Blood Disorders ................................................................................................................ 2,000,000 

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).—The Committee continues to support on-going activities to improve DMD newborn 

screening outreach. The Committee encourages CDC to examine 

how its centers, divisions, and public-private organizations can better leverage Federal funds to increase education, knowledge, and 

other outreach activities to foster screening. Additionally, the Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request 

on these efforts. It should include information on steps CDC is taking or plans to take to disseminate information on newborn screening and care for adults and newborns with Duchenne and for other 

forms of muscular dystrophy. 

Fragile X (FXD).—The Committee appreciates that CDC has recognized the public health impact of FXD and its efforts to identify 

and define this population. The Committee encourages CDC to systematically coordinate with NIH and the FXD Clinical and Research Consortium. The Committee understands a recent publicprivate partnership meeting resulted in a focus on longitudinal 

data to characterize the natural history of Fragile X and encourages CDC to actively coordinate with NIH to support research 

through NIH’s peer review process while CDC focuses on public 

health translational aspects. The Committee requests CDC and 

NIH provide a joint update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request 

on how the agencies support cross-agency opportunities to accelerate high quality data driven science to reduce the burden of both 

FXD and autism. 

Surveillance.—The Committee expects CDC and NIH to jointly 

expand their coordination and sharing of CDC’s birth defects surveillance and NIH’s research portfolio to accelerate understanding 

of birth defects. The Committee specifically expects CDC and NIH 

to work closely on surveillance related to potential Zika virus-related birth defects and future NIH supported research. The NIH 

and CDC coordination should include microcephaly surveillance, 

technical assistance, and research, as appropriate. The Committee 

requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the 

Birth Defects Study to Evaluate Pregnancy Exposures, which seeks 

to identify birth defects causes and risk factors. 

Thalassemia.—The Committee continues support for CDC’s Thalassemia activities. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal 

year 2018 budget request on how the program supports communications strategies, educational tools to enhance public and provider awareness, and knowledge about Thalassemia prevention and 

treatment practices. 


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PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENTIFIC SERVICES

The Committee recommends $485,397,000 for the Public Health 

Scientific Services (PHSS) program level with discretionary funds, 

which includes funds for the National Center for Health Statistics. 

The level is $6,200,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted program level and $15,234,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget 

request program level. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends the following 

amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Health Statistics ............................................................................................................................................. $160,397,000 

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Informatics ................................................................................................. 280,000,000 

Laboratory Training and Oversight ....................................................................................................... 5,000,000 

Public Health Workforce ................................................................................................................................. 45,000,000 

Public Health Preparedness.—State and local public health response capabilities are critical for effective all-hazards response. In 

local jurisdictions, these capabilities are used routinely for isolated 

events and local disease outbreaks, as well as outbreaks of national 

significance, creating a proficiency in local public health systems 

nationwide. State and local public health departments closely coordinate public health and healthcare system emergency preparedness and response capabilities and routinely test response systems 

in tandem. Continued erosion of State public health and healthcare 

system response infrastructure, including redirection of funding 

into disease specific response efforts at the Federal level, threaten 

to significantly weaken response capacity at the State and local 

level. Funding should continue to be provided to develop and maintain State public health and healthcare response infrastructure as 

an all-hazards, capability driven approach. The Committee expects 

CDC to continue robust support for the public health preparedness 

program. 

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

The Committee recommends $160,800,000 for Environmental 

Health (EH), which includes $143,300,000 in discretionary appropriations and $17,500,000 made available from transfer from the 

PPH Fund. This level is $21,503,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request program 

level. The EH program focuses on preventing disability, disease, 

and death caused by environmental factors through laboratory and 

field research. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends the following 

amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Environmental Health Laboratory ................................................................................................................... $56,300,000 

Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program ................................................................................... 8,500,000 

Newborn Screening/Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Diseases ...................................................... 1,300,000 

Environmental Health Activities ..................................................................................................................... 24,000,000 

Environmental Health Activities ............................................................................................................ 15,000,000 

Safe Water ............................................................................................................................................. 9,000,000 

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Registry ....................................................................................... 10,000,000 

Environmental and Health Outcome Tracking Network ................................................................................. 24,000,000 


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Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Asthma ........................................................................................................................................................... 29,000,000 

Childhood Lead Poisoning .............................................................................................................................. 17,500,000 

Algal Blooms.—The Committee supports the work that CDC is 

doing to conduct surveillance for and report health concerns related 

to harmful algal blooms and urges CDC to continue this work and 

(1) to provide more outreach to State and local public health officials to use these surveillance and reporting systems and (2) to 

work with other agencies, including EPA, NOAA, and USGS, to integrate disparate sets of data to allow for a broader understanding 

of the spatial and temporal dynamics of the environmental and 

health impacts of harmful algal blooms. 

Asthma.—The Committee encourages CDC to explore methods to 

increase the number of States carrying out programmatic activities. 

The Committee encourages CDC to use a population-adjusted burden of disease criteria as a significant factor for new competitive 

awards. The Committee requests a report in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request detailing the competitive process. 

Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program.—The Committee 

understands HHS recommendations are based on evaluations conducted by the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in 

Newborns and Children with approved conditions compiled in a 

‘‘Recommended Uniform Screening Panel’’ (RUSP). Most States 

screen for the overwhelming majority of the disorders listed on the 

RUSP but it can take several years for States to add new conditions. The Committee requests CDC provide an update in the fiscal 

year 2018 budget request on actions planned and on-going to work 

with States on ways to ensure screening of infants for diseases for 

which there is a preventable and/or effective treatment. Further, 

the update should note what steps can be taken to encourage 

States to adopt and implement new RUSP conditions within one 

year of their addition. 

Vitamin D.—The Committee is aware some epidemiological studies connect the lack of vitamin D to increased risk of death from 

cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, breast cancer, and other diseases. In 2010, a report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found 

that the recommended daily intakes of vitamin D supplements did 

not provide any health benefit other bone health. The Committee 

directs CDC to charter a National Academies of Sciences comprehensive study on the link between vitamin D and other health 

benefits of sun exposure; vitamin D supplements’ efficacy compared 

to non-burning sunshine; and the issue of sunburns as the trigger 

for melanoma as opposed to non-burning sunshine. The report shall 

include recommendations for follow-on research where a lack of evidence is available and public health recommendations, if based on 

sound high quality peer-reviewed scientific evidence. 

Climate Change.—The Committee does not provide support for 

CDC’s Climate Change program. The Committee provides funding 

for programs that allow CDC to focus on more direct public health 

activities. 


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INJURY PREVENTION AND CONTROL

The Committee recommends $261,059,000 for Injury Prevention 

and Control (IPC) program level in discretionary funds, which is 

$25,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted program level 

and $7,570,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request program level. The program supports intramural research, injury control research centers, extramural research grants, and technical assistance to State, local, and tribal health departments to prevent 

premature death and disability and to reduce human suffering and 

medical costs caused by injury and violence. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends the following 

amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 Committee 

Intentional Injury ............................................................................................................................................ $97,730,000 

Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence ................................................................................................ 32,700,000 

Child Maltreatment ...................................................................................................................... 7,250,000 

Youth Violence Prevention ..................................................................................................................... 15,100,000 

Domestic Violence Community Projects ................................................................................................ 5,500,000 

Rape Prevention .................................................................................................................................... 44,430,000 

National Violent Death Reporting System ...................................................................................................... 16,000,000 

Unintentional Injury ........................................................................................................................................ 8,800,000 

Traumatic Brain Injury .......................................................................................................................... 6,750,000 

Elderly Falls ........................................................................................................................................... 2,050,000 

Injury Prevention Activities ............................................................................................................................. 28,950,000 

Prescription Drug Overdose ............................................................................................................................ 90,000,000 

Rx Guidelines Distribution .............................................................................................................................. 5,000,000 

Illicit Opioid Use Risk Factors ....................................................................................................................... 5,579,000 

Injury Control Research Centers .................................................................................................................... 9,000,000 

Gun Research.—The Committee continues the general provision 

to prevent any funds from being used to advocate or promote gun 

control. The Committee does not include funding for the proposed 

Gun Violence Prevention Research. 

Injury Control Research Centers.—The Committee provides support within the Injury Prevention Activities line to support activities such as core operations, evaluation of injury control interventions, and training activities within the injury control research centers. 

Prescription Drug Overdose (PDO) Prevention Activity.—The 

Committee commends CDC for its leadership on combatting prescription and opioid drug overdoses. The Committee provides an increase and expects the Director to implement these activities based 

on population-adjusted burden of disease criteria, including mortality data (age adjusted rate), as significant criteria when distributing funds for the State PDO Prevention activities. The Committee assumes these funds will be distributed via a competitive 

mechanism and not merely a mathematical formula or standard allocation to each State. Further, the Committee strongly encourages 

CDC to support local prevention activity to determine the effectiveness of naltrexone in treating heroin and prescription drug abuse 

and reducing diversion of buprenorphine for illicit purposes. 

Mandatory Funds.—The Committee does not provide support for 

the requested mandatory funded initiatives. 

National Vital Statistics System (NVSS).—The Committee continues support for the NVSS which provides data on births, deaths, 

and fetal deaths. The Committee is aware most States now or will 


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soon have operational electronic birth and death registration systems, an essential tool in monitoring public health and fighting 

waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal entitlement programs. The 

Committee requests CDC ensure the modernization of the CDC 

system to ensure interoperability with state systems. 

Sepsis.—The Committee encourages CDC to significantly and 

materially increase its public awareness, outreach, and education 

efforts on sepsis, including health provider outreach and other related activities to improve diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. 

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).—The Committee continues to support CDC’s TBI efforts and encourages the Director to prioritize efforts on American children and youth education, outreach, and 

similar public health activities. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

The Committee recommends $329,100,000 for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) program level 

with discretionary appropriations, which is $10,021,000 less than 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted program level and $43,479,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2017 budget request program level. NIOSH 

conducts applied research, develops criteria for occupational safety 

and health standards, and provides technical services to government, labor and industry, including training for the prevention of 

work-related diseases and injuries. This appropriation supports 

surveillance, health hazard evaluations, intramural and extramural research, instrument and methods development, dissemination, and training grants. 

Within the total for NISOH, the Committee recommends the following amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

National Occupational Research Agenda ....................................................................................................... $116,500,000 

Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishing ........................................................................................................ 26,000,000 

Education and Research Centers ................................................................................................................... 29,500,000 

Personal Protective Technology ...................................................................................................................... 20,000,000 

Mining Research ............................................................................................................................................. 62,000,000 

National Mesothelioma Registry and Tissue Bank ........................................................................................ 1,100,000 

Other Occupational Safety and Health Research .......................................................................................... 100,000,000 

ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS COMPENSATION

PROGRAM

The Committee recommends $55,358,000 for CDC to administer 

the mandatory Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA), which is the same as the fiscal year 

2016 enacted funding level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

EEOICPA provides compensation to employees or survivors of employees of Department of Energy facilities and private contractors 

who have been diagnosed with a radiation-related cancer, beryllium-related disease, or chronic silicosis as a result of their work. 

NIOSH estimates occupational radiation exposure for cancer cases, 

considers and issues determinations for adding classes of workers 

to the Special Exposure Cohort, and provides administrative support to the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health. 


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GLOBAL HEALTH

The Committee recommends $556,721,000 for Global Health 

(GH) with discretionary appropriations, which is $129,600,000 

more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $114,600,000 

more than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Through its GH activities, CDC coordinates, cooperates, participates with, and provides consultation to other nations, Federal agencies, and international organizations to prevent and contain diseases and environmental health problems and to develop and apply health promotion activities. In cooperation with ministries of health and 

other appropriate organizations, CDC tracks and assesses evolving 

global health issues and identifies and develops activities to apply 

CDC’s technical expertise to be of maximum public health benefit. 

The Committee adds a new funding line dedicated to international and territorial Zika response to address vector-borne disease control to prevent the spread of Zika in the United States and 

its territories. The Committee expects these funds to supplement, 

not supplant, existing vector control activities and to be part of a 

CDC-wide plan that works with States and territories to prevent 

Zika from impacting Americans. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends the following 

amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Global AIDS Program ...................................................................................................................................... $128,421,000 

Global Immunization Program ........................................................................................................................ 224,000,000 

Polio Eradication ........................................................................................................................................ 174,000,000 

Other Global/Measles ................................................................................................................................. 50,000,000 

Parasitic Diseases and Malaria ..................................................................................................................... 24,500,000 

Global Disease Detection and Emergency Response ..................................................................................... 45,000,000 

Global Public Health Capacity Development ................................................................................................. 9,800,000 

International and Territorial Zika Response .................................................................................................. 125,000,000 

Global Health Strategy.—The Committee requests an update on 

how CDC, the Food and Drug Administration, and NIH jointly coordinate global health research activities with specific measurable 

metrics used to track the progress toward agreed upon global 

health goals. 

Global Public Health.—The Committee requests a separate detailed operating plan for all international activities funded through 

all CDC programs be included in the fiscal year 2018 budget request and future budget requests. 

Neglected Fungal Diseases (NFD).—The Committee encourages 

CDC to continue to monitor and evaluate efforts for NFD in collaboration with other centers and agencies. The Committee encourages CDC to work closely with Office of Global AIDS Coordinator 

(OGAC) on the early diagnosis and treatment strategies for NFD. 

The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget 

request on the activities it is undertaking with OGAC to expand 

early diagnosis strategies for NFD. 

Polio Infrastructure.—The Committee notes the value of the polio 

eradication infrastructure as a tool to strengthen global immunization programs. The Committee understands the infrastructure and 

international collaboration can serve as a catalyst to support other 

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quests a report in the fiscal year 2018 budget request describing 

the processes and policies in-place to leverage the polio investments 

to expand global public health immunization gains. The report 

should identify a list of potential diseases and criteria CDC’s partners can consider if a follow-on eradication project is appropriate. 

It should include the potential criteria, diseases, impact, cost, 

timeline, and steps required to leverage the infrastructure for another eradication—if feasible. 

PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

The Committee recommends $1,485,800,000 for Public Health 

Preparedness and Response (PHPR) in discretionary appropriations, which is $80,800,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $83,634,000 more than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. CDC distributes grants to State, local, tribal, and territorial 

public health agencies. The PHPR supports capabilities and infrastructure upgrades to respond to all potential hazards, including 

acts of terrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, or natural disasters. 

Funds are used for needs assessments, response planning, support 

training, strengthening epidemiology and surveillance, and upgrade 

laboratory capacity and communications systems. Activities support 

the establishment of procedures and response systems, and build 

the infrastructure necessary to respond to a variety of disaster scenarios. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends the following 

amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

State and Local Preparedness and Response Capability .............................................................................. $714,000,000 

Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement ......................................................... 705,000,000 

Academic Centers for Public Health Preparedness .............................................................................. 9,000,000 

CDC Preparedness and Response .................................................................................................................. 161,800,000 

BioSense ................................................................................................................................................ 23,000,000 

Select Agent .......................................................................................................................................... 5,000,000 

All Other CDC Preparedness and Response ......................................................................................... 133,800,000 

Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) ................................................................................................................ 610,000,000 

Health Care Resources in an Emergency.—The Committee is 

aware that CDC and the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and 

Response (ASPR) will issue new five-year guidance for the joint 

Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) and Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) grants to States. The Committee expects the guidance will further advance the cross-agency program 

alignment with grant conditions that make meaningful progress on 

secure communications, improved real-time resource reporting (e.g. 

available bed types, types of facilities like dialysis, emergency 

rooms, etc.) to strengthen the reporting of health care resources 

and improve patient tracking. Further, CDC and ASPR are expected to expand cross-agency coordination activities to improve 

health care preparedness and response capacity between the PEHP 

and HPP programs. 

Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Cooperative 

Agreement Program.—The Committee has increased funding to restore PHEP capacity lost based on the Secretary’s decision to transfer funds from this preparedness program in 2016. CDC should 

work to ensure States have the tools to quickly detect, monitor, and 


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respond to health threats. The Committee requests CDC explain in 

the fiscal year 2018 budget request how State PHEP funding is 

supporting capacity building at the State, tribal, and local levels. 

The CDC is expected to track PHEP capacity goals via the PHEP 

index capabilities tool and work with participants to agree on cooperative agreement objectives for each State. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on how 

CDC is implementing the PHEP index capacity measures. 

SNS Replenishment of Medical Countermeasures.—The Committee is concerned the budget request for the SNS is inadequate 

for acquisition and replenishment of the vaccines and other medical 

countermeasures with limited or no commercial markets but necessary for emergency response. The Committee is equally concerned with CDC’s management of these public-private partnerships relationships. The CDC should increase efforts to work closely with their business partners on planning, developing requirements, and execution of current contracts to take into consideration 

business continuity. The Committee recognizes the significant government investment in the development and approval of these 

countermeasures and notes it is critical for HHS to support appropriate acquisition, replenishment and assure business continuity 

within the public-private partnerships that develop and support a 

manufacturing base for these countermeasures. The Committee 

recommendation therefore includes an increase to the SNS. 

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $10,000,000 for CDC buildings and 

facilities in discretionary appropriations, which is equal to the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $21,221,000 less than the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request level. In addition, the Committee continues the language from fiscal year 2016 to allow CDC to retain 

unobligated funds in the Individual Learning Accounts from departed employees to support the replacement of the underground 

and surface coalmine safety and health research capacity facility. 

The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget 

request on the facility support for the NIOSH Taft and Hamilton 

facilities that are becoming obsolete. 

Underground Mine Safety.—The Committee appreciates CDC’s 

steps to re-establish the mine explosive research capacity. The 

Committee directs CDC to move forward as quickly as feasible to 

bring back on-line this capability needed to support mine safety research. The Committee requests an updated plan and timeline to 

expedite the construction schedule and an estimate of the cost for 

construction, equipment and machinery in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request. The Committee does not expect CDC to redirect existing resources intended for a new mine safety research center to 

other CDC facility projects and expects this funding to remain 

available for this project. 

CDC-WIDE ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAM SUPPORT

The Committee recommends $713,570,000 for CDC-Wide Activities and Program Support, which includes $413,570,000 in discretionary funds and $300,000,000 made available from transfers from 


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the PPH Fund. This level is $440,000,000 more than the fiscal year 

2016 comparable enacted program level and $600,000,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2017 budget request program level. This activity supports several cross-cutting areas within CDC. Included is 

CDC’s leadership and management function, which funds the CDC 

Office of the Director. 

In light of the recent crises with both Zika and Ebola, the Committee has included $300,000,000 within the CDC to form a new 

Infectious Diseases Rapid Response Reserve Fund. This reserve, in 

which funds will be available until expended, will provide an immediate source of funding, fully paid for with annually appropriated 

dollars, that the Administration could tap into to quickly respond 

to a future, imminent infectious disease crisis that endangers 

American lives without waiting for Congress to act on a supplemental funding bill. Funds would be subject to all existing authorities and limitations. 

The Committee adds a new funding line of Zika block grants specific for States to support counties with high potential for local Zika 

transmission with flexible funds to support vector-borne disease 

control and to respond to, prepare for, or prevent the spread of Zika 

in the United States. The Committee expects these funds to supplement, not supplant, existing vector control activities. The Committee expects CDC to coordinate with State, local, and tribal public health officials to develop the criteria for this program. The 

Committee expects criteria to include measurable objectives related 

to the Federal, State, and local plans. The Committee requests a 

report within 30 days after enactment on the coordinated criteria 

and process CDC will use in the upcoming year for awarding 

grants to States with counties that have the highest potential for 

local transmission. The report should include the projected funding 

level expected for each State, counties within a State, and tribal 

areas that meet these criteria. The Committee anticipates the composition of recipients in this program to change over time. The 

Committee expects the CDC PHHSBG program office to provide 

the oversight, reporting, and program management of this new program within the Public Health Leadership and Support funding 

line but not from these new funds. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends the following 

amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant ..................................................................................... $160,000,000 

Block Grant—Counties with High Potential for Local Zika Transmission .................................................... 140,000,000 

Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund ........................................................................................ 300,000,000 

Public Health Leadership and Support .......................................................................................................... 113,570,000 

Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant (PHHSBG) 

The Committee rejects the Administration’s proposed elimination 

of the PHHSBG. The Committee restores it to a level of 

$160,000,000. The Committee expects CDC to provide these flexible 

funds to State public health agencies. States should work with local 

and tribal public health agencies to use these resources to address 

its most critical public health needs through measurable evidencebased activities. 


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Public Health Leadership and Support 

The Committee expects the fiscal year 2018 budget include specific details of each budget activity supported with these funds, including functions, mission, full time employees, bonus, travel costs, 

and other typical object class data and information for each separate activity supported through the Public Health Leadership and 

Support funding line. For each office and function, the Committee 

expects the budget to describe clearly what the prior year funds 

supported, the current year projections, and proposed budget year 

policy for each activity. 

Advocacy Restrictions.—The Committee requests an update in 

the fiscal year 2018 budget request describing CDC’s current mechanisms and process to prevent advocacy violations. Further, CDC 

should describe its on-going efforts to educate its staff and grant 

recipients to prevent violations. 

Burden of Disease Review.—The Committee appreciates CDCs efforts to provide information online about the health profiles for all 

3,143 counties in the United States and willingness to start engaging in how CDC can expand the use of burden of disease as a more 

significant factor for funding allocations and awards. The Committee requests a timeline and update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on actions to more broadly use burden of disease (adjusted for population as appropriate) as a significant program factor for funding allocations and awards in CDC public health programs and activities. 

Director’s Discretionary Funds (DDF).—The Committee requests, 

within 30 days after the end of each quarter, a quarterly report on 

DDF obligations and each activity supported with a description of 

the activity, and how it supports a high priority. Further, the quarterly reports should be posted online via the CDC website within 

30 days after being released to the Committee. 

Service Contract Inventories.—The Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2010, requires agencies to annually submit to the Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB) an inventory of service contracts 

by December 31 of each year. The Committee requests CDC provide an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request summarizing 

the latest annual report submitted to OMB. 

Standard of CDC Excellence.—The CDC should be an example of 

excellence and should meet the highest standards in safety, quality, and compliance. The Committee expects CDC to review its policies and begin tangible steps to adopt commonly accepted best 

practices and rules governing research and laboratory practice programs. CDC is expected to ensure appropriate regulatory requirements are uniformly applied and to meet or exceed minimum requirements for any research or laboratory facility. The Committee 

expects CDC to adhere to all regulatory requirements in all CDC 

operations. 

State Public Health Laboratories.—State public health laboratories play an integral role in public health surveillance activities 

including outbreak detection, disease surveillance, case finding, 

and local identification of select agents. This critical infrastructure 

serves the needs of the local community while participating in and 

providing necessary information to scalable laboratory networks 

and surveillance systems. Advancements in laboratory technology 

have enhanced the capabilities of State laboratories and broadened 


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their role in local protection of community health threats. While 

certain rare, exceptionally low volume and cost prohibitive testing 

capabilities may be developed and maintained through national or 

regional laboratory networks, investments in State laboratories 

must continue as a first line of defense for our public health system. The Committee expects CDC to continue and enhance public 

health funding for State public health laboratory testing technology, training and infrastructure. 

Sodium Reduction Activity grants.—The Committee notes CDC 

has identified sodium, among three other nutrients, for an updated 

Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). The Committee is concerned CDC 

has put out a request for proposals for grants targeting sodium reduction activities that may not be consistent with completed DRI. 

Bill language is included directing completion of a DRI on sodium 

before funds are spent on population-wide sodium reduction activities. 

Updates.—In addition the specific items of interest noted above, 

the Committee requests general updates in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request for each of the listed topics, the updates should describe both ongoing and planned efforts: 

Cancer Survivorship; 

Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections; 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; 

Chronic Pain; 

Concussion Surveillance; 

Cross-Border Disease Control; 

Early Childcare Collaboratives; 

Fragile X; 

Harmonization of Lab Tests; 

High Obesity Counties Program Dissemination of Results; 

Immunization Information Systems; 

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; 

Malaria and Parasitic Disease Program; 

Mississippi Delta Health Collaborative; 

Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance; 

Musculoskeletal Health; 

National Mesothelioma Patient Registry; 

Physical Activity and Disability; 

Prevalence of Hydrocephalus; 

Primary Immunodeficiency; 

Public Health Approach to Blood Disorders; 

Sepsis; 

Spina Bifida; 

Tribal Epidemiology Centers; 

Tuberculosis (TB) & TB Elimination; 

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex; and 

Vision Health Initiative. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

The Committee recommends $33,334,000,000 for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is $1,250,000,000 above the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level, $2,250,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. This level includes $32,542,402,000 in discretionary 

appropriations and $791,598,000,000 in PHS Act section 241 evalVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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uation set-aside (TAP) transfers. Consistent with the fiscal year 

2016 appropriations, all of the TAP funds received by NIH are allocated to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences 

(NIGMS). This continues to ensure the TAP transfers are a net 

benefit to NIH. 

The core mission of NIH is to invest in basic biomedical research 

to uncover new knowledge that can lead to better health and disease cures for everyone. NIH has historically enjoyed a great deal 

of flexibility from Congress, as the Committee has not directed 

spending for particular diseases or research out of respect for the 

scientific process. The recommendation provides an increase of $100,000,000 for the Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI); an increase of $350,000,000 for 

Alzheimer’s disease research; an increase of $45,000,000 for the 

Brain Research through Application of Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative; and increases to every Institute and Center (IC) to support innovative extramural basic research to advance 

fundamental knowledge and speed the development of new therapies and diagnostics to improve the health of all Americans. 

The Committee strongly supports the goals of the Cancer Moonshot initiative, to find cures for cancer and to reduce cancer mortality in the United States. While death rates have declined for all 

cancers combined, the disease continues to have a devastating impact on too many families. In fiscal year 2016, NIH expected to 

spend $5,700,000,000 on cancer research. The Committee continues 

the $195,000,000 used in fiscal year 2016 for this initiative. The 

Committee looks forward to the Cancer Moonshot spending details 

once the taskforce completes its work at the end of the calendar 

year. 

The Committee expects the 3.9 percent increase of funds over the 

fiscal year 2016 level to support a success rate of no less than 20 

percent with at least 11,175 new Research Project Grants (RPGs). 

The Committee strongly urges NIH to restore extramural support 

to at least 90 percent of all NIH funding. Further, NIH shall continue its focus on emerging investigators and first-time renewals of 

these young investigators with actions to significantly reduce the 

average age of an NIH-supported new investigator. NIH is expected 

to support a consistent NIH-wide inflationary policy across all ICs 

that is no less than the general increase provided to all ICs (2.5 

percent) for non-competing grants. The Committee expects NIH to 

support an increased number of Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards and other training grants in proportion to 

at least the general IC level funding increase. NIH is also expected 

to provide a stipend level increase to training grantees that is consistent with any fiscal year 2017 Federal employee pay raise. 

The Committee appreciates the NIH-wide portfolio analysis and 

strategic planning process. The Committee anticipates NIH will 

use these tools to ensure grants are connected to the core mission 

and priorities prior to grant award. Further, NIH is directed to ensure funded projects adhere to the scope of the original award. 

The bill continues to provide specific funding levels for the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program, the Institutional Development Awards (IDeA) program, Cures Acceleration 

Network, Common Fund (CF), and the follow-on to the National 

Children’s Study (NCS) with bill language. 


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NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI) 

Mission.—NCI conducts and supports basic and applied cancer 

research in early detection, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and 

rehabilitation. NCI provides training support for research scientists, clinicians and educators, and maintains a national network 

of cancer centers, clinical cooperative groups, and community clinical oncology programs, along with cancer prevention and control 

initiatives and outreach programs to rapidly translate basic research findings into clinical practice. The Committee expects the 

Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies 

to share new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and providers through various other HHS outreach programs. 

Breast Cancer.—The Committee understands a new Food and 

Drug Administration approved technology is available for breast 

cancer screening, called tomosynthesis (TM). The Committee encourages NCI to continue their vital research to help provide breast 

cancer patients and their physicians with a clear, informed picture 

of how breast cancer imaging should be considered for women’s 

health. The Committee requests an update describing planned and 

on-going research related to TM technology and if any cohort studies are on-going and planned on TM imaging. 

Colorectal Cancer.—The Committee encourages support of meritorious scientific research on colorectal cancer to better understand 

the biology of young-onset colorectal cancer. The Committee encourages additional research on the developmental pathway of 

colorectal cancer among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. 

Deadliest Cancers.—While overall cancer incidence and death 

rates are declining, the Committee is concerned that there are a 

group of cancers, defined in statute as recalcitrant cancers, whose 

five-year survival rates remains below 50 percent. Estimates are 

that half of cancer deaths are caused by eight site-specific cancers 

that meet this definition: pancreatic, liver, ovarian, myeloma, 

brain, stomach, esophagus and lung. The Committee applauds the 

NCI for launching the Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice 

(MATCH), a potentially ground-breaking trial that analyzes patients’ tumors to determine whether they contain genetic abnormalities for which a targeted drug exists and assigns treatment 

based on the abnormality. The goal for MATCH is for at least 25 

percent of the patients enrolled in the trial to have rare cancers. 

Given the growing toll recalcitrant cancers take on society, and the 

enormous potential MATCH offers for our Nation’s deadliest cancers, the Committee strongly urges NCI to increase the set-aside 

goal and to broaden it to include recalcitrant cancers. 

Immunotherapy for Childhood Cancers.—The Committee encourages NCI to continue to further explore new interventions, such as 

immunotherapy, as a promising new treatment strategy for children with cancer. 

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).—The Committee recognizes that understanding the relationship among chemical agents and other hazardous substances and cancer is an important area of research. The Committee requests an update on NIH 

support for the IARC on Cancer Monographs on the Evaluation of 

Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. 


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Melanoma.—The Committee encourages consideration of a coordinated effort to analyze bio specimens across clinical trials. The 

Committee continues to encourage efforts to use advances in 

genomic, proteomic and digital imaging technologies for early detection research to understand genetic changes and mechanisms 

that underlie clinical dormancy. The Committee encourages NCI to 

consider convening a multisector, multidisciplinary strategic planning committee to provide recommendations and chart a collaborative path forward to support evidence for melanoma screening. 

The Committee requests an update on melanoma activities ongoing and planned in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

NCI Designated Cancer Centers.—The Committee requests an 

update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on how NCI supports 

or plans to support IDeA States to broaden NCI’s designated cancer 

center representation within these States. 

NCI’s PMI.—The Committee continues support for pediatric oncology research, including clinical studies for children with brain 

tumors, pediatric preclinical testing program, evaluating new 

agents for treating pediatric malignancies, and the pediatric Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice (MATCH) study. The Committee 

is pleased a goal of the NCI MATCH trial is for at least 25 percent 

of the total patients enrolled in the trial to have rare cancers, and 

that results of NCI’s recent interim analysis demonstrate the goal 

is exceeded. The Committee encourages NCI to continue to 

prioritize rare cancers in the MATCH trial. The Committee requests NCI provide an update on its plans to utilize the PMI and 

MATCH to identify and test more effective, less toxic treatments, 

and to improve the targeting of treatments for children battling 

brain cancer in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

Ovarian Cancer.—The Committee requests serious consideration 

be given to Ovarian Cancer in any ‘‘Moonshot’’ effort given the 

emerging genomics-driven immunotherapies success. The Committee requests NCI provide an update in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request on the on-going and planned research in this area. 

Pancreatic Cancer.—In 2014, NCI announced the development of 

the Scientific Framework for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma 

(PDAC), as called for by the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act. The 

Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the actions taken to implement the four recommendations 

to expanding pancreatic cancer research: understanding the biological relationship between PDAC and diabetes mellitus; evaluating 

longitudinal screening protocols for biomarkers for early detection 

of PDAC and its precursors; studying new therapeutic strategies in 

immunotherapy; and developing new treatment approaches that 

interfere with RAS oncogene-dependent signaling pathways. 

Prostate Cancer.—The Committee is aware of NCI’s ongoing investment in prostate cancer research, but is concerned that prostate cancer lacks treatments for men with advancing disease as 

well as adequate diagnostic and imaging methodologies common in 

other hormone-driven cancers with similar disease burden. The 

Committee encourages NCI to coordinate with other Federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, private research foundations, and other stakeholders. Further, the Committee encourages 

NIH and CDC to consider how to develop a joint public/private 

partnership aimed at reducing the prevalence of prostate cancer in 


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African American men. The Committee requests NIH and CDC 

provide a joint response on this type of effort in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request. 

Radiation Oncology.—The Committee encourages support for 

high quality meritorious radiation oncology research. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request 

on efforts to support radiation therapy’s role in the development 

and adoption of new combination therapies. 

NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE (NHLBI)

Mission.—NHLBI provides leadership for a national research 

program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and blood, 

in blood resources, and in sleep disorders through support of basic, 

clinical, and population-based research. The Committee expects the 

Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies 

to share new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and providers through various other HHS outreach programs. 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).—The Committee expects CDC and NIH to work together to complete the 

COPD action plan on a timely basis and report on the implementation of the recommendations of the plan in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request. 

Heart Disease.—The Committee is aware of the enormous burden 

heart disease inflicts on our Nation’s population and economy, particularly as the population ages. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the IC’s strategic vision for heart research. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH

(NIDCR)

Mission.—The mission of NIDCR is to improve the Nation’s oral, 

dental and craniofacial health through research and research training. NIDCR accomplishes its mission by performing and supporting 

basic and clinical research; conducting and funding research training and career development programs to ensure that there is an 

adequate number of talented, well-prepared, and diverse investigators; and coordinating and assisting relevant research and research-related activities. The Committee expects the Institute to 

systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies to share 

new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and 

providers through various other HHS outreach programs. 

Biomaterials.—The Committee understands biomaterials are an 

important section of biomedical research. The Committee encourages NIDCR to consider efforts to encourage an increased focus on 

the development and innovation of dental materials. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY

DISEASES (NIDDK)

Mission.—NIDDK supports research in three major disease categories: diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolic diseases; digestive 

diseases and nutrition; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases. NIDDK supports a coordinated program of fundamental and 

clinical research and demonstration projects relating to the causes, 

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egories. The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies to share new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and providers through 

various other HHS outreach programs. 

Gestational Diabetes.—The Committee continues to recognize the 

importance of research related to gestational diabetes and encourages continued support for highly meritorious research on gestational diabetes. 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).—The Committee continues to 

express support for the IBD genetics consortium. The Committee 

also encourages continued support of meritorious research on pediatric IBD. 

Pediatric Kidney Disease.—The Committee continues to encourage NIDDK to work collaboratively with other ICs, including 

NICHD and NHLBI to encourage multi-disciplinary research for 

children and young adults with kidney disease. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

(NINDS)

Mission.—NINDS supports and conducts basic, translational, and 

clinical neurological research and research training to increase understanding of the brain and improve the prevention and treatment 

of neurological and neuromuscular disorders. The NINDS mission 

encompasses over 600 disorders, including stroke, head and spinal 

cord injury, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies to 

share new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and providers through various other HHS outreach programs. 

Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies 

(BRAIN) Initiative.—The Committee provides a $45,000,000 in- crease for a total of $195,000,000 to NINDS, NICHD, NEI, NIA, 

NIDCD, NIAAA, NIDA, NIMH, NIBIB, and NCCIH on the same 

pro-rata basis as provided in the past. The Committee recognizes 

initiatives of this nature must maintain adequate funding to assure 

achievement of the goals and plan milestones. The Committee expects NIH to ensure the fiscal year 2018 budget request provides 

an appropriate level of funding to keep on track toward the plan’s 

milestones. Further, the Committee encourages the distribution of 

a reasonable portion of BRAIN research resources through co-funded projects in the IDeA program. 

Concussive and Subconcussive.—The Committee encourages 

NINDS to work with the private sector to explore the use of tools 

to monitor head impacts and help diagnose, treat and prevent concussions in youth sports. In particular, the Committee encourages 

NINDS to consider meritorious research related to head impact 

sensor technology, including biomechanical, which may assist diagnosis. 

Hydrocephalus Research.—The Committee requests an update on 

the scientific workshop on the current status of hydrocephalus specific research. The Committee requests the fiscal year 2018 budget 

request include a summary of the key recommendations and other 

findings from the workshop. 

Mucopolysaccharide (MPS).—The Committee encourages high 

quality research on MPS to better understand and treat MPS and 


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related diseases. The Committee encourages basic research to develop treatments for neurological, chronic inflammation, cardiovascular and skeletal manifestations of MPS. 

Stroke.—The Committee recognizes the burden strokes place on 

our Nation and economy. The Committee encourages support of 

highly meritorious stroke research. The Committee requests a report in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on how NIH and the 

IC are planning for enhanced research opportunities. 

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).—The Committee encourages research related to technologies using biomarkers to distinguish trauma to the brain. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal 

year 2018 budget request on TBI research. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES (NIAID)

Mission.—NIAID supports and conducts basic, applied, and clinical research and research training programs in infectious, 

immunologic, and allergic diseases. NIAID-supported research includes research on HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, neglected tropical diseases, emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, asthma, allergic and autoimmune diseases, and transplantation. The goals of NIAID research are to increase the understanding of disease pathogenesis and the immune 

system, to improve disease diagnosis, to develop new and improved 

drugs to treat such diseases, and to develop new and improved vaccines and other approaches to prevent such diseases, many of 

which significantly affect public health. The Committee expects the 

Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies 

to share new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and providers through various other HHS outreach programs. 

Antimicrobial Resistance.—The Committee continues to support 

the research on mechanisms of drug resistance, bacterial pathogenesis, and infection control; developing new or repurposing existing antimicrobials; and exploring approaches to prevention including bacterial vaccines and other strategies. The Committee encourages NIH to coordinate with CDC to determine how data in the 

CDC resistant pathogens database can be leveraged to improve future research. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 

2018 budget request on how NIAID is working with CDC and other 

Federal partners in this field of research. 

Autoimmune Research.—The Committee notes recent research 

breakthroughs that are leading to the development of potential 

treatment options for autoimmune conditions, including alopecia 

areata, and encourages NIAID to support cross-cutting autoimmune research projects. The Committee encourages NIAID to 

work with NINDS and other ICs on these efforts. Further, the 

Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the latest state-of-the-science for autoimmune 

neuropathies research into conditions like Guillain-Barre syndrome 

(GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy 

(CIDP), and the status of a cross-cutting research plan for this 

portfolio. 

National Strategy for Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria 

(CARB).—The Committee directs the Department to continue to 

collaborate with the Department of Defense, United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Food 


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and Drug Administration, to develop and maintain the National 

Database of Resistant Pathogens; broaden and sustain efforts to 

track and store data on AbR genes and the mobile genetic elements 

from AbR bacteria and metadata. Geographic information systems 

describing where the AbR are isolated is also essential to monitor 

emerging AbR and to assess their threat to public health and develop mitigation strategies. The Committee further directs consideration of best evidence on the environmental locations for the influx of antibiotic resistance into bacteria of medical importance, 

and surveillance methodologies that ensure the greatest chance of 

detecting the influx of new antibiotic resistance elements as early 

as possible. The Committee requests a comprehensive update in 

the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the progress being made in 

areas described above and advancements being made on the CARB 

national strategy initiative. 

Tick-Borne Disease.—The Committee encourages NIH, in coordination with CDC, to intensify research on tick-borne diseases, including research that will increase understanding of the full range 

of Lyme disease processes and the physiology of borrelia 

burgdorferi and borrelia mayonii, including the mechanisms of persistent infection and to intensify basic research that can be used 

to focus on the development of more sensitive and accurate diagnostic tests for Lyme and tick-borne diseases. 

Valley Fever.—The Committee continues to commend NIH and 

CDC on the joint efforts to combat Valley Fever, specifically by conducting a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to identify an effective treatment for Valley Fever. The Committee understands establishing and conducting an RCT is complex and recognizes the effort 

NIH and CDC have committed to this project. The Committee encourages NIH to finalize the RCT so patients in endemic areas can 

begin to enroll in the trial this year. Further, the Committee encourages the development of a vaccine. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES (NIGMS)

Mission.—NIGMS supports research and research training in the 

basic biomedical sciences. Institute grantees, working in such fields 

as cell biology, biophysics, genetics, developmental biology, pharmacology, physiology, biological chemistry, bioinformatics, and computational biology study normal biological processes to better understand what goes wrong when disease occurs. In this way, 

NIGMS supports the development of new knowledge, theories, and 

technologies that can then be applied to the disease-targeted studies supported by other NIH components. NIGMS-supported basic 

research advances also find applications in the biotechnology and 

pharmaceutical industries. The Institute’s training programs help 

develop scientists needed in industry and academia and increase 

the diversity of the biomedical workforce. The Committee expects 

the Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies to share new scientific information to ensure it reaches the 

community and providers through the various other HHS outreach 

programs. 

Institutional Development Award (IDeA).—The Committee has 

provided $333,340,000 for the IDeA program, or a floor of 1 percent 

of the NIH budget. The Committee recognizes that the NIH IDeA 

program funds almost half the States in the Nation, yet had reVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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ceived less than one percent of the NIH budget until last year. The 

Committee expects one percent to be the minimum threshold for 

this program. Further, the Committee notes the NIH Centers of 

Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) are proven to successfully increase the number of new scientists at institutions in States 

eligible for IDeA. NIH policy has limited the number of COBRE institutions in IDeA States. The Committee expects NIH and NIGMS 

Directors to jointly review this policy toward developing a plan to 

expand the number of competitively awarded COBREs. The Committee requests a summary of the outcome of the review in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. The Committee continues to expect 

the NIH Director to ensure all CTSA grantees actively solicit interaction with IDeA designated States. Further, the Committee requests all ICs co-fund and report in the budget request how much 

each IC’s funds are supporting IDeA State grants to further improve the distribution of innovation across the country. 

EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH

AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (NICHD)

Mission.—The NICHD conducts and supports basic, 

translational, and clinical research on the reproductive, developmental, and behavioral processes that determine and maintain— 

and rehabilitation that restores and improves—the health and 

well-being of children, adults, families and populations. The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate through 

other HHS agencies to share new scientific information to ensure 

it reaches the community and providers through the various other 

HHS outreach programs. 

Rehabilitation Research.—The Committee recognizes the significant challenges faced by patients with neurological impairments 

who live in rural areas, where access to assistive devices, medical 

advice, and community resources can be limited. The Committee 

encourages the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research to provide greater support for research efforts that involve 

the combination of patient navigators and assistive health technology, particularly in underserved rural settings. 

NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE (NEI)

Mission.—NEI conducts and supports basic and clinical research, 

research training, and other programs with respect to blinding eye 

diseases, visual disorders, and mechanisms of visual function, preservation of sight, and the special health problems and needs of individuals who are visually impaired or blind. The Committee expects NEI to systematically coordinate closely with other HHS 

agencies to share new scientific information, specifically aimed at 

the prevention of blindness and increase awareness to the community and providers through various other HHS outreach programs. 

Accelerate Cures Related to Retina Disease.—The Committee requests an update on the new challenge program to advance the 

speed of basic research to cure retina disease in the fiscal year 

2018 budget request. 


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NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES (NIEHS)

Mission.—The mission of NIEHS is to prevent and reduce the 

burden of human illness and disability by understanding how the 

environment influences the development and progression of human 

disease. In addition, NIEHS is responsible for the research of the 

National Toxicology Program whose mission is to coordinate toxicity testing across the Federal government and to evaluate substances of public health concern. The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies to 

share new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and providers through various other HHS outreach programs. 

Bisphenol A Toxicity.—The Committee is aware of the ongoing 

debate on toxicity exposure from Bisphenol A (BPA) amongst the 

National Toxicology Program (NTP), NIEHS, and Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA). The program includes the 2008 Draft Assessment of Bisphenol A for Use in Food Contact Applications, 

which reviewed the available data on the toxicity of BPA, performed by FDA staff at the Agency’s National Center for Toxicological Research. The Committee requests NIEHS coordinate 

with FDA to publish the results of relevant studies as soon as the 

data analysis is completed. The Committee requests NIH publish 

a jointly agreed upon FDA/NIEHS/NTP timeline for publishing the 

most recent study results from the interagency consortium in the 

fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING (NIA)

Mission.—NIA supports and conducts biomedical, social and behavioral research with respect to the aging process and the diseases and other special problems and needs of older Americans. 

The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate 

through other HHS agencies to share new scientific information to 

ensure it reaches the community and providers through various 

other HHS outreach programs. 

Alzheimer’s Disease.—The Committee recommends an increase of 

$350,000,000 within NIA to support a total of at least 

$1,260,000,000 on Alzheimer’s disease research. In recognition that 

Alzheimer’s disease poses a serious threat to the Nation’s long-term 

health and economic stability, the Committee expects this increase 

to be directed to research on Alzheimer’s. The NIA should continue 

to address the research goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as the recommendations from 

the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Summit in 2015. The Committee 

has been encouraged by recent advances in the area of prevention, 

with respect to using drug therapy to reverse cellular and genetic 

changes associated with cognitive decline. The Committee understands that similarly exciting research is also underway to prevent 

cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. A broad approach is 

critical to future progress, and the NIA is encouraged to continue 

exploring multiple avenues of prevention research-including both 

pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches—and a broad 

range of potential therapeutic targets. The Committee requests an 

update on the progress in the fiscal year 2018 budget request that 

specifically notes how NIH is using population cohort studies within the National Plan. The Committee expects NIA to continue to 


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support Alzheimer’s research with meritorious IDeA program researchers in a manner that does not count against any NIHCOBRE policy limit. The Committee is encouraged from the positive feedback of stakeholders on the willingness of NIA and other 

ICs to work with such groups to develop new mechanisms to supplement and not supplant funding for Alzheimer’s research using 

meritorious research proposals submitted to but not funded by the 

NIA or NIH to further leverage non-NIH funding. The Committees 

encourages the further use of this mechanism across NIH. 

Trisomy 21.—The committee encourages NIH to undertake a 

multi-year study to examine the molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms that predestine individuals born with a third 

copy of human chromosome 21 to either live with—or be protected 

from—a range of diseases that cause nearly 60 percent of U.S. 

deaths. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN

DISEASES (NIAMS)

Mission.—NIAMS conducts and supports basic and clinical research and on the more than 100 forms of arthritis; osteoporosis 

and other bone diseases; muscle biology and muscle diseases; orthopedic disorders, such as back pain and sports injuries; and numerous skin diseases. The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies to share new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and providers through various other HHS outreach programs. 

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).—The Committee recognizes the 

promising scientific gains made in pursuit of treatments for EB 

and applauds the private partners working to advance research towards practical treatments for EB. Further research in this area 

holds great promise in terms of treatments for EB and for other 

skin and connective-tissue disorders. The Committee encourages 

NIH continue to support such research through expert-led scientific 

conference awards through NIAMS and NCATs. The Committee 

further encourages NIH to leverage Federal funds with public-private partnerships in the areas of EB and related disorders. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION

DISORDERS (NIDCD)

Mission.—NIDCD funds and conducts research in human communication. Included in its program areas are research and research training in the normal and disordered mechanisms of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech and language. The Institute 

addresses special biomedical and behavioral problems associated 

with people who have communication impairments or disorders. In 

addition, NIDCD is actively involved in health promotion and disease prevention, and supports efforts to create devices that substitute for lost and impaired sensory and communication functions. 

The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate 

through other HHS agencies to share new scientific information to 

ensure it reaches the community and providers through the various 

other HHS outreach programs. 


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NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NURSING RESEARCH (NINR)

Mission.—NINR supports and conducts scientific research and 

research training to reduce the burden of illness and disability; improve health-related quality of life; enhance end-of-life and palliative care; and establish better approaches to promote health and 

prevent disease. The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies to share new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and providers through various other HHS outreach programs. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM (NIAAA)

Mission.—NIAAA supports research to generate new knowledge 

to answer crucial questions about why people drink; why some individuals are vulnerable to alcohol dependence or alcohol-related 

diseases and others are not; the relationship between genetic and 

environmental factors involved in alcoholism; the mechanisms 

whereby alcohol produces its disabling effects, including organ 

damage; how to prevent alcohol abuse and associated damage, especially in the underage population; and how alcoholism treatment 

can be improved. NIAAA addresses these questions through a program of biomedical, behavioral, and epidemiologic research on alcoholism, alcohol abuse, and related problems. The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS 

agencies to share new scientific information to ensure it reaches 

the community and providers through the various other HHS outreach programs. 

Evidence Based Intervention.—The Committee encourages consideration of research that may result in evidence-based intervention 

on proven theory and tested methodologies to reduce alcohol use 

and abuse in adolescent students in high school. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE (NIDA)

Mission.—NIDA-supported science addresses questions about 

drug abuse and addiction, which range from its causes and consequences to its prevention and treatment. NIDA research explores 

how drugs of abuse affect the brain and behavior and develops effective prevention and treatment strategies. The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS 

agencies to share new scientific information to ensure it reaches 

the community and providers through various other HHS outreach 

programs. 

Adolescent Behavioral and Cognitive Development (ABCD).—The 

Committee continues to applaud the collaborative research on addictions and the launch of the ABCD study. Unique in its scope 

and duration, the study will recruit 10,000 youth before they begin 

using alcohol, marijuana, nicotine and other drugs, and follow them 

over 10 years into early adulthood to assess how substance use affects the trajectory of the developing brain. The Committee commends the study design, which will use advanced brain imaging as 

well as psychological and behavioral research tools to evaluate 

brain structure and function and track substance use, academic 

achievement, IQ, cognitive skills, and mental health over time. The 

Committee requests NIDA provide an update on the comprehensive 

study. 


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Marijuana Research.—The Committee is concerned that marijuana public policies in the States are being changed without the 

benefit of scientific research to help guide those decisions. NIDA is 

encouraged to continue supporting a full range of research on the 

effects of marijuana and its components, including research focused 

on policy change and implementation across the country. The Committee requests a report in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on 

these efforts. 

Opioid Drug Abuse.—The Committee is concerned about the escalating epidemic of prescription opioid and heroin use, addiction 

and overdose in the United States. The Committee appreciates the 

important role that research can and should play in the various 

Federal initiatives aimed at this crisis. The Committee urges NIDA 

to continue supporting research on medications to alleviate pain, 

including the development of those with reduced abuse liability. In 

addition, the Committee urges NIDA, as appropriate, to work with 

private companies on innovative research and to provide an update 

in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on what is known on the 

transition from opioid analgesics to heroin abuse and addiction 

within affected populations. 

Safe Prescribing.—The Committee notes education is a critical 

component of any effort to curb drug use and addiction, and it must 

target every segment of society, including healthcare providers 

(doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists), patients, and families. 

The Committee encourages NIDA to continue its work with Federal 

partners to further engage the medical community, including physicians-in-training, medical students and resident physicians in primary care specialties (e.g. internal medicine, family practice, and 

pediatrics), to help provide the tools and skills needed to incorporate drug abuse screening and treatment into their clinical practices. The Committee also encourages NIDA and CDC to develop 

strategies for increasing participation in its online continuing medical education courses on safe prescribing for pain and managing 

patients who abuse prescription opioids. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH)

Mission.—NIMH is responsible for basic and clinical research to 

improve diagnosis, treatments, and overall quality of care for persons with mental illnesses. Disorders of high priority to NIMH include schizophrenia; depression and manic depressive illness; obsessive-compulsive disorder; anxiety disorders and other mental 

and behavioral disorders that occur across the lifespan, which include childhood mental disorders such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; eating disorders; and other illnesses. 

NIMH supports and conducts fundamental research in neuroscience, genetics, and behavioral science. In addition to laboratory 

and controlled clinical studies, NIMH supports research on the 

mental health needs of special populations and health services research. The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies to share new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and providers through 

various other HHS outreach programs. 


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NATIONAL HUMAN GENOME RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NHGRI)

Mission.—NHGRI provides leadership for the development of resources and technology to accelerate genome research and its application to human health. NHGRI-supported activities include basic 

and translational research to understand the sequence and function of both human and non-human genomes, human genetic variation, and the genetic and environmental basis of disease. Also central to NHGRI research goals are training programs and a strong 

focus on the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic 

science and medicine. The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies to share new 

scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and providers through various other HHS outreach programs. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL IMAGING AND BIOENGINEERING

(NIBIB)

Mission.—The NIBIB mission is to improve human health by 

leading the development and accelerating the application of biomedical technologies. The Institute is committed to integrating the 

engineering and physical sciences with the life sciences to advance 

basic research and medical care. The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies to 

share new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and providers through various other HHS outreach programs. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON MINORITY HEALTH AND HEALTH DISPARITIES

(NIMHD)

Mission.—NIMHD conducts and supports research, training, and 

other programs aimed at reducing the disproportionately high incidence and prevalence of disease, burden of illness and mortality experienced by certain American populations, including racial and 

ethnic minorities and other groups, such as the urban and rural 

poor, with disparate health status. The Committee expects the Institute to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies to 

share new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and providers through various other HHS outreach programs. 

Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI).—The Committee expects the RCMI program will receive no less than 

$58,177,388, which is the fiscal year 2016 enacted level plus the 

general increase provided to NIMHD. 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY AND INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

(NCCIH)

Mission.—NCCIH was established to stimulate, develop, and 

support rigorous and relevant research of high quality and open, 

objective inquiry into the safety and effectiveness of complementary 

and alternative medicine (CAM) practices and to train individuals 

to apply the tools of exacting science to CAM systems and modalities in order to provide health care professionals and the American 

public with reliable information about these practices. The Committee expects the Center to systematically coordinate through 

other HHS agencies to share new scientific information to ensure 

it reaches the community and providers through various other 

HHS outreach programs. 


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NATIONAL CENTER FOR ADVANCING TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCES (NCATS)

Mission.—NCATS was established to advance translational 

sciences, coordinating and developing resources that leverage basic 

research in support of translational science and developing partnerships and working cooperatively to foster synergy in ways that do 

not create duplication, redundancy, and competition with industry 

activities. NCATS also includes the Office of Rare Disease Research 

(ORD) that was established in recognition of the need to provide 

a focal point of attention and coordination at NIH for research on 

rare diseases. ORD works within the authorized mission of NCATS 

to provide an increased focus on rare disease research and orphan 

product development; develop a centralized database on rare diseases research; and stimulate rare disease research by supporting 

scientific workshops and symposia to identify research opportunities. The Committee expects the NCATS to systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies to share new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and providers through the 

various other HHS outreach programs. 

Academic Partnerships to Support Clinical Development.—The 

Committee understands the importance and partnerships between 

NIH’s intramural research program and academic based entities to 

transition intramural research ideas into development efforts. As 

such, the Committee encourages the center to support such partnerships and provide a report on the center’s efforts in the fiscal 

year 2018 budget request. 

Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA).—The Committee encourages NCATS to explore methods to further integrate 

the CTSA program into more collaboration with other ICs that can 

provide greater support for the CTSA hubs and network. 

JOHN E. FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL CENTER (FIC)

Mission.—FIC was established to improve the health of the people of the United States and other nations through international 

collaborations in the biomedical sciences. In support of this mission, the FIC pursues the following four goals: (1) mobilize international research efforts against global health threats; (2) advance 

science through international cooperation; (3) develop human resources to meet global research challenges; and (4) provide leadership in international science policy and research strategies. The 

Committee urges FIC to systematically coordinate closely with 

other HHS agencies on any efforts to disseminate research results 

in a manner that uses the various existing HHS outreach programs. 

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE (NLM)

Mission.—The NLM collects and organizes information important 

to biomedicine; serves as a national information resource for medical education, research, and health service activities; enhances access to biomedical literature through electronic services; serves the 

public by providing electronic access to reliable health information 

for consumers; supports and directs the national network of libraries of medicine; provides grants for research in biomedical communications, medical library development, and training health information specialists; conducts and supports research in biomedical 


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informatics and computational biology; and creates information resources for genomics, molecular biology, toxicology, medical images, 

environmental health, emergency preparedness and response, and 

health services research. The Committee expects the Institute to 

systematically coordinate through other HHS agencies to share 

new scientific information to ensure it reaches the community and 

providers through various other HHS outreach programs. 

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR (OD)

Mission.—The OD provides leadership to the NIH research enterprise and coordinates and directs initiatives that cross-cut NIH. OD 

is responsible for the development and management of intramural 

and extramural research and research training policy, the review 

of program quality and effectiveness, the coordination of selected 

NIH-wide program activities, and the administration of centralized 

support activities essential to the operations of NIH. The Committee expects OD to establish a systematic process with the ICs 

and HHS agencies to coordinate the dissemination of research results in a manner that uses existing HHS outreach programs and 

prevents duplication from NIH organizations to allow better focus 

of NIH IC funds to support research efforts. 

Within the total provided to the OD, the Committee expects the 

Director to provide the OD scientific functions an increase that is 

at least equal to the general increase provided to all IC. The Committee expects the Director to ensure all ICs continue to support 

the pathways to independence program, which provides new investigators with mentored grants that convert into independent research project grants. In addition, the Committee continues to support an increase in new innovator awards, director’s pioneer 

awards, and the transformative R01 program through the Common 

Fund (CF). 

The Committee continues the bill language for specific funds authorized by the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act within the 

CF to support the third year of the 10-year Pediatric Research Initiative. The Committee urges the Director to use a portion of the 

$10,000,000 made available to the Director’s Discretionary Fund 

(DDF) to support additional pediatric research. The Committee requests, within 30 days after the end of each fiscal year quarter, a 

quarterly report on DDF obligations for each activity supported. 

The report should include a description of the program, which ICs 

are to provide continuation costs, and how this research serves a 

high priority for pediatric diseases. The quarterly reports shall be 

posted on-line via the NIH web-site within 30 days after being released to the Committee. 

Common Fund (CF).—The Committee recommends $775,639,000 

for the CF, including the $12,600,000 provided to support the 

Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, and a $100,000,000 increase for PMI for a total of $230,000,000 in the CF for PMI. NIH 

is expected to continue the longstanding CF policy for projects to 

be short-term, high-impact awards, with no projects receiving funding for more than 10 years. The Committee expects NIH to support 

only biomedical research. 

Capstone Awards.—The Committee continues to expect NIH to 

pursue the establishment of the capstone awards. The program is 

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tigators, provide opportunities to acquire skills to transition to a 

new role, and other purposes. The Committee expects the Director 

of NIH to consult with the IC Directors, patient advocacy groups, 

and industry leaders. The Committee requests an update and 

timeline on the development, duration, and amount for capstone 

awards in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

Operating Plan.—The Committee continues the understanding 

that the IC mechanism tables serve as the NIH operating plans for 

available resources and requests NIH continue to provide quarterly 

updates of these mechanism operating plans to the Committee on 

Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate. 

Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic 

Initiatives (DPCPSI) 

The mission of DPCPSI is to coordinate and facilitate trans-NIH 

research initiatives and emerging areas of scientific opportunities 

and public health challenges. The Division houses these NIH offices: the Office of Research on Women’s Health; the Office of AIDS 

Research; the Office of Dietary Supplements; the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research; the Office of Disease Prevention; and the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs. The Committee directs the Director of DPCPSI to develop a trans-NIH strategic approach to improve coordination and facilitation of transNIH research with measurable objectives. The Director should also 

take specific steps with the ICs to reduce duplication and increase 

effectiveness and efficiency of research. 

Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act.—The Committee encourages NIH to prioritize research relating to childhood cancer 

within the Kids First program and requests an update in the fiscal 

year 2018 budget request on the 10-year program, planned activities, and on-going research. 

Office of Research on Women’s Health 

The Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) works in collaboration with the ICs to promote and foster efforts to address 

gaps in knowledge related to women’s health through the enhancement and expansion of funded research and/or the initiation of new 

investigative studies. ORWH is responsible for supporting the inclusion of women in clinical research funded by NIH, including the 

development of a computerized tracking system and the implementation of guidelines on such inclusion. ORWH is also involved in 

promoting programs to increase the number of women in biomedical science careers, and in the development of women’s health 

and gender factors as a focus in biology. 

Office of AIDS Research 

The Office of AIDS Research (OAR) is authorized to manage 

trans-NIH AIDS research. The Director of OAR and the Director of 

NIH jointly determine the total for AIDS research within the NIH 

appropriation based on scientific need and meritorious scientific opportunity relative to NIH’s overall plan. The Committee encourages 

the Office to use a strategic focus of resources allocated to AIDS 

towards the highest quality peer reviewed project aimed at finding 

cures, creating a vaccine, and developing better treatments for the 

disease. 


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Office of Dietary Supplements 

The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) was established in recognition that dietary supplements can have an important impact 

on prevention and health maintenance. In collaboration with other 

NIH institutes and centers and other Federal agencies, ODS works 

to strengthen knowledge about dietary supplements by supporting 

and coordinating scientific research in the field. 

Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research 

The Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) 

provides leadership and direction for the development of a transNIH plan to increase the scope of and support for behavioral and 

social sciences research and in defining an overall strategy for the 

integration of these disciplines across NIH institutes and centers; 

develops initiatives to stimulate research in the behavioral and social sciences arena and to integrate a bio-behavioral perspective 

across the research areas of NIH; and promotes studies to evaluate 

the contributions of behavioral, social and lifestyle determinants in 

the development, course, treatment, and prevention of illness and 

related public health problems. 

Office of Science Education 

The Office of Science Education (OSE) plans, develops, and coordinates a comprehensive science education program to strengthen 

and enhance efforts of the NIH to attract young people to biomedical and behavioral science careers and to improve science literacy in both adults and children. The Office develops curriculum 

supplements and other educational materials; maintains a website 

as a central source of information about NIH science education resources; establishes national model programs in public science education, and promotes science education reform as outlined in the 

National Science Education Standards and related guidelines. 

Office of Disease Prevention 

The Office of Disease Prevention (ODP) assesses, facilitates, 

stimulates research into disease prevention and health promotion 

in collaboration with NIH and other public and private partners, 

and disseminates the results of this research to improve public 

health. ODP produces evidence-based consensus statements addressing controversial medical issues. The Committee expects ODP 

to disseminate consensus statements and disease prevention and 

health promotion information through appropriate HHS outreach 

programs. 

Office of Research Infrastructure Programs 

The Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP) provides 

support for research and a variety of research infrastructure needs, 

including animal models and facilities; research models, biological 

materials, and human biospecimens; training and career development for veterinarians engaged in research; the acquisition of 

state-of-the-art instrumentation through the Shared and High-End 

Instrumentation Programs; research resources grants to expand, 

re-model, renovate, or alter existing research facilities or to construct new research facilities; and coordinates science education activities. 


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Multi-institute Research Issues 

Adolescents and Young Adults.—The Committee encourages an 

NIH-wide emphasis on understanding and addressing substance 

use and substance use disorders among adolescents and young 

adults as a specific population. The Committee encourages NIH to 

identify and coordinate its efforts in this area and provide an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget requests on actions to further 

these desires. 

Angelman Syndrome.—The Committee recognizes the promising 

scientific gains made in the pursuit of treatments for Angelman 

Syndrome. The Committee applauds the contributions of the 

Angelman Syndrome Natural History Study, funded by NIH, and 

the private partners working to advance the growing body of 

Angelman Syndrome research towards practical treatments. The 

Committee encourages NIH to consider research on the roles of the 

UBE3A gene in brain functions and explore innovative new treatments. The Committee urges NIH to explore how public-private 

partnerships can be leveraged to support translational research in 

this area. 

Basic Biomedical Research.—The purpose of basic research is to 

discover the nature and mechanics of disease and identify potential 

therapeutic avenues likely to lead to the prevention and treatment 

of human disease. Without this early scientific investigation, future 

development of treatments and cures would be impossible. Basic 

biomedical research must remain a key component of both the intramural and extramural research portfolio at the NIH. The Committee also requests NIH take actions to ensure the percentage of 

funding in the extramural research program on basic research does 

not fall below 55 percent of NIH resources. 

Biomarkers.—Biomarkers are a defined characteristic that is 

measured as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic 

processes, or responses to an exposure or intervention, including 

therapeutic interventions. Biomarkers play an important role in 

precision medicine by helping to understand disease processes, the 

effectiveness of interventions, and in targeting therapy to patients. 

The Committee encourages NIDDK to accelerate the discovery and 

validation of biomarkers to aid in designing and conducting clinical 

trials to prevent, treat, and cure Type 1 diabetes. The Committee 

also encourages NIDDK to work with NIAID to develop biomarkers 

specifically related to immune interventions for multiple autoimmune diseases, including Type I diabetes. 

Children in NIH Research.—The Committee appreciates the comments made by NIH in its fiscal year 2017 budget justification to 

pursue a plan to collect and report the number of human subjects 

included in NIH research by age. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on progress and a 

timeline to further this effort. 

Clinical Trials.—The recent GAO report (GAO–16–304) provides 

recommendations to enhance stewardship of the clinical trials 

across NIH with additional data. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the steps taken, 

planned, and timeline to complete the establishment of the process 

to collect, analyze, and review the data needed to enhance stewardship of NIH clinical trials as recommended in the GAO report. 


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Coordination.—The Committee remains concerned regarding the 

duplication of efforts and overlapping of responsibilities and funding priorities between the NIH, CDC, and AHRQ. The Committee 

encourages NIH, AHRQ, and CDC to coordinate further on crosscutting initiatives, ensuring that each funds programs within its 

respective core mission. The Committee requests an update in the 

fiscal year 2018 budget request on how each NIH program coordinates with CDC and AHRQ. 

Diabetes Complications.—Diabetes causes many damaging and 

expensive complications. Cardiovascular disease death rates are 1.7 

times higher among adults with diabetes than adults without diabetes, and diabetes is the primary cause of kidney failure in 44 percent of new cases. The Committee urges NIDDK and NHLBI to devote additional resources for kidney disease and cardiovascular 

events as they relate to .diabetes so that we can prevent onset of 

these costly and burdensome complications on patients and the 

U.S. economy. 

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).—The Committee encourages the ICs to consider strategies that could lead to the development of combination therapies. The Committee requests an update 

on current and planned research across NIH for DMD and timeline 

for the next state-of-the-science in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

Enhanced Reporting on Research Spending.—The Committee appreciates the initial steps taken by NIH to make public on an annual basis, enhanced Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization spending data with the number of Americans affected by each 

category of disease according to CDC or other Federally sourced 

data. The Committee requests an update on the plan to maintain 

and provide data for the remaining categories, where such data exists, in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).—The Committee 

understands the APOL1 gene plays a role in the onset of FSGS and 

subsequent end stage renal disease in African Americans. The 

Committee encourages NIMHD to explore collaboration on high 

quality peer reviewed research with NIDDK. 

Fragile X Research.—The Committee encourages the ICs with 

Fragile X and autism portfolios to explore ways to create greater 

efficiency and synergy among these two research tracks to accelerate translational research toward a better understanding of both 

conditions and to shorten the time to bring effective treatments for 

both conditions to market. The Committee commends NIH for its 

previous work to create and update the NIH Research Plan on 

Fragile X Syndrome and Associated Disorders, last updated in 

2012, and encourages NICHD to reconvene this group before the 

end of fiscal year 2017 to update and publish a revised research 

plan. 

Gut Microbiome.—The Committee encourages expanded research 

on predictors and modifiable factors that can improve early interventions and treatments, particularly among pediatric and young 

adult populations. 

Imaging.—The Committee notes the critical value of imaging research to support the NIH research portfolio. The Committee requests NIH provide an overview of imaging research throughout 


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NIH with a description of how gaps are identified, and of the plans 

to address these gaps. 

Kidney Cancer.—The Committee is concerned that the amount of 

meritorious scientific research on kidney cancer is not commensurate with the growing number of diagnoses, and encourages NCI to 

support a Specialized Program of Research Excellence in kidney 

cancer and other research programs for subtypes of kidney cancer, 

such as papillary and chromophobe, as well as diagnostic tests for 

early detection of the disease. The Committee requests an update 

in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on these efforts. 

New Initiatives.—The Committee reiterates its requests for NIH 

to expand the initiative table provided in the fiscal year 2017 budget request, in the fiscal year 2018 budget request, and future budget requests to display the current year plus five-year planned funding levels for each initiative already listed and proposed in the current budget. The table should identify the planned budget level 

provided; a list of participating ICs; the linkage to the NIH-wide 

strategic plan; and percentage of the funds focused on basic 

science, as a minimum, for each initiative. 

Minority Researchers.—The Committee requests an update in the 

fiscal year 2018 budget request identifying the metrics, impact of 

Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity initiative, and other 

programs designed to encourage minority researchers. 

Mitochondrial Disease.—The Committee commends NCI for its 

work in establishing a Mitochondrial Model Organisms and Cellular Systems Working Group and for its work to identify needs, 

barriers and opportunities pertaining to mitochondrial biology relevant to addressing mechanistic questions in cancer. The Committee understands numerous ICs are involved in a variety research efforts related to mitochondrial disease and dysfunction. 

The Committee requests an update on the steps NIH has taken, 

on-going, and planned in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

Muscular Dystrophy (MD).—The Committee understands the MD 

Action Plan was updated in 2015. The Committee encourages NIH 

consider meritorious research projects aligned to the updated plan. 

The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget 

request on activities NIH is planning to facilitate clinical trial and 

research infrastructure to improve performance of clinical trial 

endpoints and validate biomarkers of the disease. The Committee 

encourages NIH, in coordination with FDA and other agencies, to 

consider a Duchenne follow-on meeting to examine the current 

state-of-the-science of exon skipping and targeted therapeutics. 

National Children’s Study (NSC) Follow-On.—The Committee is 

encouraged by the progress to develop a research program to succeed the NCS to improve children’s health. NIH launched the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program 

as a component of the NCS follow-on study with the potential to 

coordinate multiple longitudinal studies. The Committee expects 

NIH to ensure ECHO’s plan collects data and provides analysis for 

at least a 15-year period as envisioned by the NCS. NIH should 

prioritize coordination and oversight of the NCS follow-on research 

activity. The Committee requests an update on steps NIH has 

taken to establish a Federal advisory committee with outside pediatric experts and a variety of stakeholders to coordinate efforts 

across NIH. The Committee notes concern with ECHO’s reliance on 


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existing cohort studies that may limit research findings on the impact of maternal prenatal exposures on children’s health. NIH is 

urged to ensure ECHO grantees or other NCS follow-on activities 

collect data on a wide variety of chemical, biological, and other related maternal prenatal data to improve children’s health outcomes. The Committee requests a detailed report within 90 days 

after enactment on the establishment of a Federal advisory committee, the goals, objectives, milestones, projected funding estimates, and program’s progress. 

Neurofibromatosis (NF).—The Committee continues to support 

NF research and treatment at multiple NIH ICs, including NCI, 

NINDS, NIDCD, NHLBI, NICHD and NEI. Children and adults 

with NF are at risk for the development of many forms of cancer. 

The Committee encourages NCI to continue its NF research portfolio in fundamental basic science, translational research and clinical trials focused on NF. The Committee encourages all the funded 

ICs to continue to explore meritorious research. The Committee appreciates NCI support to centers, clinical trials consortia, preclinical mouse models consortia and other NF-associated tumor sequencing efforts. The Committee encourages NIDCD activities in 

NF2 basic and clinical research. Further, the Committee understands NF1 may cause vision loss and encourages NEI to explore 

research in NF1. 

Partnerships to Find Private Support for Unfunded Applications.—The Committee commends NIH for its leadership to move 

forward with and expand the request for NIH to develop a new 

mechanism for public-private organizations to directly fund high 

quality unfunded applications from one IC to all ICs. The program 

will not only benefit applicants by helping connect them with potential funders, it allows the private funders to take advantage of 

NIH’s peer review system and reduce researcher application drafting time. The Committee requests that in fiscal year 2018 budget 

request, and future year budget requests, NIH report the annual 

number of applications supported and total annual dollar level of 

support provided through this mechanism to expanded research. 

Pediatric Rare Diseases.—The Committee is encouraged by the 

work of the Rare Disease Clinical Research Network (RDCRN). The 

Committee encourages NIH to have ICs consider how they can 

work with RDCRN to create a pediatric rare disease center of excellence model. Further, the Committee suggests NIH evaluate how 

the National Pediatric Research Network Act and the Gabriella 

Miller Kids First Research Act activity would benefit from a single 

Program Management Office (PMO) to improve the coordination of 

pediatric research efforts. 

Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI) and Pediatrics.—The Committee recommendation includes a $100,000,000 increase within 

the CF for PMI for a total of $300,000,000 across NIH for PMI. The 

Committee is aware that the Advisory Committee to the Director 

(ACD) in its final report supported the inclusion of children in the 

PMI cohort program and recommends that NIH consider how to 

best incorporate necessary safeguards to ensure appropriate enrollment, retention and protections for children. The Committee encourages NIH to ensure the process of awarding funds for the PMI 

cohort appropriately represents the pediatric populations. Further, 

the Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget 


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request on specific steps taken in the PMI to ensure the research 

cohort includes children in sufficient numbers and of appropriate 

diversity to make meaningful studies possible. 

Prioritization of Funding.—The Committee commends NIH for 

including formal consideration of disease burden as a ‘‘crucial’’ factor for aligning its research priorities within the new NIH-Wide 

Strategic Plan. The Committee expects NIH to prioritize Federal 

funds for medical research on discovery over outreach and education. NIH is expected to use the scientific strategic plan to 

prioritize funding. The Committee requests a report in the fiscal 

year 2018 budget request on how the NIH-wide strategic plan was 

reviewed and used to allocate resources for the fiscal year 2018 

budget request and used during fiscal year 2017 to better focus resources to diseases with the significant opportunity to improve the 

current or future health of the American population. 

Red Team.—The Committee commends the NIH Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) for recognizing and chartering a review due to the lapses in safety and compliance in the sterile manufacturing components of the NIH pharmacy. The investigation 

into the event led to an appreciation of broader organizational deficiencies relating to priorities, quality, compliance, and accountability. The public report identifies issues related to a lack of a culture and practice of safety; leadership issues related to clinical care 

quality, oversight, and compliance; and specific issues with sterile 

processing. The Committee agrees with the ACD that the implementation of Red Team’s recommendations should greatly reduce 

risks, increase assurance of participant safety, and improve research quality. In addition, the Committee supports the steps NIH 

has started such as starting the process to replace the leadership 

of the NIH Clinical Center (CC), establish a comprehensive oversight/compliance office, and strengthen the board of the CC. The 

Committee agrees NIH should issue a policy and begin tangible 

steps to adopt commonly accepted best practices and rules governing hospitals, clinical research, and laboratory programs, ensure 

appropriate regulatory requirements are uniformly applied, meeting and exceeding minimum requirements for any research facility 

or laboratory. The intramural research program (IRP), not limited 

to the CC, should seek voluntary accreditation associated with 

quality and safety. The NIH IRP should be an example of excellence and should meet the highest standards in safety, quality, and 

compliance. The Committee expects quarterly updates on the creation and use of CC patient safety and quality measures, selection 

and implementation of the voluntary adherence to regulatory requirements. NIH should also provide plans and quarterly progress 

on steps to improve leadership, culture of patient safety, and research quality throughout the IRP and CC. Finally, the Committee 

expects NIH to fund the costs of implementing these recommendations from within existing IRP resources and not from shifting extramural resources towards these efforts. 

Reproducibility of Scientific Methods.—The Committee requests 

an update on the progress made and the plan for additional activities in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions (SPARC).— 

The Committee notes bioelectronic medicine, electrically stimulating specific neural circuits, could soon offer a new treatment 


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model for multiple medical conditions. The Committee supports 

NIB efforts to better understand, model, and decode the numerous 

neural circuits associated with the peripheral nervous system, ultimately leading to the creation of a Peripheral Nervous System 

Atlas. This could include the development of tools to pinpoint promising intervention points available for such therapy. The Committee encourages NIH to continue ongoing work in the SPARC 

program, to include the efforts to functional mapping of neural circuits. 

Undiagnosed Disease Program (UDP).—The Committee is 

pleased NIH has expanded access of the UDP and created a database for all physicians and patients to share information. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request 

on the UDP with specific performance of Undiagnosed Disease and 

the Match Maker Exchange. 

Usher Syndrome.—The Committee continues to urge NIH to 

prioritize Usher syndrome research at NEI and NIDCD. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request 

on steps NIH has taken to date and future plans to accelerate 

treatment options and improve patient outcomes. 

Women’s Health Research.—The Committee appreciates the efforts undertaken by NIH, specifically, the Office of Women’s 

Health, to ensure policies related to gender and sex in clinical and 

pre-clinical research are in-place.The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on how the ICs are implementing the changes, the impact of these new guidelines, the 

plans to improve public availability of this data, and the status of 

implementing GAO recommendations related to this issue. 

Young Investigators.—The Committee expects NIH to report on 

actions it has taken to lower the median age at which investigators 

receive their first R01 awards annually in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request and future budget requests. In addition, the NIH 

shall submit an accompanying plan outlining concrete steps to 

lower the median age at which individuals receive their first R01 

award within 180 days of enactment. The Committee further expects NIH to convene a working group consisting of stakeholders 

from academia, young researchers, industry leaders, and government officials to move forward on this goal. 

Updates.—In addition to the specific items of interest above, the 

Committee requests general updates in the fiscal year 2018 budget 

request for each of the listed disease, condition, or topic to describe 

the latest efforts ongoing and planned: 

Administrative Burden Workgroup; 

Alopecia Areata Research; 

Amyloidosis; 

Antibiotic Resistance; 

Asthma; 

Chronic Pain Conditions; 

Chronic Kidney Disease; 

Community Based Health Research; 

Demographic Research; 

Diabetes and Diabetes Care; 

Dystonia; 

Environmental Exposures; 

Evaluation of the Basic Behavioral and Social Science 


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Opportunity Network; 

Evidence Based Programs to Prevent Obesity; 

Genomic Research and Alcohol Dependence; 

Glomerular Diseases; 

Grant Review; 

Hyperimmune Globulin; 

Kennedy’s Disease; 

Kidney Cancer; 

Liver Cancer; 

Liver Disease; 

Lung Disease; 

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia; 

Hepatitis Research Related to Minorities; 

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; 

Lung Cancer; 

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; 

Microbicides research; 

Muscular Dystrophy Action Plan; 

Multiple Sclerosis Research; 

Myotonic Dystrophy Research; 

NIH Workforce Study; 

NIDAMeD; 

National Pediatric Research Network; 

New Innovative Awards; 

Pediatric Cancer Research Funding; 

Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Safety Registry; 

Peripheral Neuropathies; 

Preterm Birth and Prevention of Preterm Birth; 

Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics; 

Sickle Cell Trait Research; 

Spina Bifida; 

Spinal Muscular Atrophy; 

Study Sections Pediatric Expertise; 

Trisomy; 

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex; 

Tuberculosis and; 

Zika Therapeutic Treatment Research. 

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Mission.—The Buildings and Facilities appropriation provides for 

the design, construction, improvement, and major repair of clinical, 

laboratory, and office buildings and supporting facilities essential 

to the mission of the National Institutes of Health. The funds in 

this appropriation support the buildings on the main NIH campus 

in Bethesda, Maryland; the Animal Center in Poolesville, Maryland; the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; and other smaller 

facilities throughout the United States. 

The Committee provides bill language to allow for the demolition 

of buildings 18, 18T, and 32 that NIH has noted are beyond service 

life and too expensive to maintain. NIH expects the one-year authority to provide long-term maintenance and building savings. The 

Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the projected 10-year savings of these three projects and 

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cific projects. Further, the Committee notes NIH has a significant 

backlog of maintenance and repairs. The Committee requests NIH 

and HHS develop a coordinated plan to address the backlog with 

the Office of Management and Budget in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

The Committee recommends $4,211,103,000 for the Substance 

Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 

which is $431,167,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted program level and $480,955,000 more than the fiscal year 2017 budget 

request program level. 

The Committee includes bill language directing the Administrator of SAMHSA and the Secretary to exempt the Mental Health 

Block Grant and the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment 

Block Grant as a source for the Public Health Service Act section 

241 evaluation set-aside in fiscal year 2017. 

The Committee does not include the requested bill language allowing the Administrator to transfer three percent or less of funds 

between any of the SAMHSA accounts. 

MENTAL HEALTH

The Committee recommends $1,147,667,000 for Mental Health 

Services, which is $19,320,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

program level and $11,099,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget 

request program level. 

Within the total provided for Mental Health Programs of Regional and National Significance, the Committee recommends the 

following amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Capacity: 

Seclusion and Restraint ........................................................................................................................ $1,147,000 

National Child Traumatic Stress Network ............................................................................................. 46,887,000 

Project Aware State Grants ................................................................................................................... 49,902,000 

Mental Health First Aid ......................................................................................................................... 14,963,000 

Healthy Transitions ................................................................................................................................ 19,951,000 

Children and Family Programs ............................................................................................................. 7,229,000 

Consumer and Family Network Grants ................................................................................................. 4,954,000 

Mental Health System Transformation and Health Reform .................................................................. 3,779,000 

Project LAUNCH ..................................................................................................................................... 34,555,000 

Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration ................................................................................. 26,004,000 

Suicide Prevention: 

National Strategy for Suicide Prevention ..................................................................................... 4,000,000 

Zero Suicide ......................................................................................................................... 20,800,000 

American Indian and Alaska Native Set-Aside .......................................................... 5,200,000 

Suicide Lifeline ............................................................................................................................. 7,198,000 

Garrett Lee Smith—Youth Suicide Prevention: 

State Grants ........................................................................................................................ 35,427,000 

Campus Grants ................................................................................................................... 6,488,000 

American Indian and Alaska Native Suicide Prevention ............................................................. 2,931,000 

Tribal Behavioral Health Grants ........................................................................................................... 16,000,000 

Homeless Prevention Programs ............................................................................................................. 30,696,000 

Minority AIDS ......................................................................................................................................... 15,935,000 

Criminal and Juvenile Justice Programs ............................................................................................... 4,269,000 

Assisted Outpatient Treatment ............................................................................................................. 15,000,000 

Science and Service: 

Garrett Lee Smith—Suicide Prevention Resource Center .................................................................... 5,988,000 

Practice Improvement and Training ...................................................................................................... 7,828,000 

Consumer and Consumer Support Technical Assistance Centers ........................................................ 1,918,000 


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Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration Technical Assistance .............................................. 1,991,000 

Disaster Response ................................................................................................................................. 1,953,000 

Homelessness ........................................................................................................................................ 2,296,000 

Mental Health Block Grant 

The Committee recommends a total of $532,571,000 for the Mental Health Block Grant, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 

enacted program level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request program level. The block grant provides funds to States to support 

mental illness prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services. 

Funds are allocated according to a statutory formula among the 

States that have submitted approved annual plans. 

The Committee continues the ten percent set-aside within the 

Mental Health Block Grant for evidence-based programs that address the needs of individuals with early serious mental illness, including psychotic disorders. The Committee expects SAMHSA to 

continue its collaboration with the National Institute of Mental 

Health to encourage States to use this block grant funding to support programs that demonstrate strong evidence of effectiveness. 

Children’s Mental Health 

The Committee recommends $119,026,000 for the Children’s 

Mental Health program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Funding for 

this program supports grants and technical assistance for community-based services for children and adolescents with serious emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders. The program assists States 

and local jurisdictions in developing integrated systems of community care. 

The Committee remains deeply concerned about the safe, appropriate and effective use of psychotropic medications in children, 

particularly children in foster care settings. A 2012 GAO report 

found that an estimated 18 percent of foster children are prescribed 

psychotropic medications, compared with 4.8 percent of privately 

insured children. Given that little is known about the impact of 

these drugs on growth and development, the Committee supports 

SAMHSA to explore treatment approaches that rely more on psychosocial interventions that can be used instead of, or in combination with, psychotropic medications. 

Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness 

The Committee recommends $64,635,000 for the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) program, which 

is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. The PATH program supports grants to States 

and territories to provide assistance to individuals suffering from 

severe mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders and who are 

homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Grants may 

be used for outreach, screening and diagnostic treatment services, 

rehabilitation services, community mental health services, alcohol 

or drug treatment services, training, case management services, 

supportive and supervisory services in residential settings, and a 

limited set of housing services. 


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Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness 

The Committee recommends $36,146,000 for the Protection and 

Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness program, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. This program serves to ensure that the rights of 

mentally ill individuals are protected while they are patients in all 

public and private facilities or while they are living in the community. Funds are allocated to States according to a formula based on 

population and relative per capita incomes. 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT

The Committee recommends $2,189,402,000 for Substance Abuse 

Treatment programs, which is $6,022,000 less than the fiscal year 

2016 enacted program level and $3,054,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request program level. 

Within the total provided for Programs of Regional and National 

Significance, the Committee recommends the following amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Capacity: 

Opioid Treatment Programs and Regulatory Activities ......................................................................... $8,724,000 

Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral, and Treatment ........................................................................ 28,000,000 

PHS Evaluation Funds .................................................................................................................. 2,000,000 

Targeted Capacity Expansion—General ............................................................................................... 11,223,000 

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction .............................. 50,080,000 

Pregnant and Postpartum Women ........................................................................................................ 15,931,000 

Recovery Community Services Program ................................................................................................ 2,434,000 

Children and Families ........................................................................................................................... 29,605,000 

Treatment Systems for Homeless .......................................................................................................... 36,386,000 

Minority AIDS ......................................................................................................................................... 58,859,000 

Criminal Justice Activities ..................................................................................................................... 78,000,000 

Science and Service: 

Addiction Technology Transfer Centers ................................................................................................. 8,081,000 

Targeted Capacity Expansion.—The Committee recommends 

$61,303,000 for Targeted Capacity Expansion activities. Of this 

amount, $50,080,000 is for services that address prescription drug 

abuse and heroin use in high-risk communities. This funding level 

will provide funding for 45 States. SAMHSA should target States 

with the highest rates of admissions and that have demonstrated 

a dramatic increase in admissions for the treatment of opioid use 

disorders. The United States has seen a 500 percent increase in admissions for treatment for prescription drug abuse since 2000. 

Moreover, according to a recent study, in the past two years, 28 

States saw an increase in admissions for treatment for heroin dependence. The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment is directed 

to include as an allowable use medication-assisted treatment and 

other clinically appropriate services to achieve and maintain abstinence from all opioids and heroin and prioritize treatment regimens that are less susceptible to diversion for illicit purposes. 

Criminal Justice Activities 

The Committee provides $78,000,000 for the Criminal Justice Activities program and expects that no less than $60,000,000 will be 

used exclusively for Drug Court activities. 

Drug Treatment Courts.—The Committee continues to direct 

SAMHSA to ensure that all funding appropriated for Drug TreatVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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ment Courts is allocated to serve people diagnosed with a substance use disorder as their primary condition. SAMHSA is directed to ensure that all drug treatment court grant recipients 

work directly with the corresponding State substance abuse agency 

in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the grant. The 

Committee further directs SAMHSA to expand training and technical assistance to drug treatment court grant recipients to ensure 

evidence-based practices are fully implemented. 

Drug Testing for Opioid Treatment Programs.—Drug testing 

plays a key role in the delivery of safe and effective substance 

abuse treatment programs. Providers utilize these tests to identify 

the type of substance abuse, to determine a proper treatment plan, 

to continue on-going evaluations, and to prevent drug diversion. 

The Committee requests SAMHSA ensure that all opioid treatment 

programs are implementing drug tests at a frequency necessary to 

implement a safe and an effective program. 

Overdose Fatality Prevention.—The agreement reflects strong 

concerns about the increasing number of unintentional overdose 

deaths attributable to prescription and nonprescription opioids. 

SAMHSA is urged to take steps to encourage and support the use 

of Substance Abuse and Prevention Block Grant funds for opioid 

safety education and training, including initiatives that improve access for licensed healthcare professionals, including paramedics, to 

emergency devices used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid 

overdoses. Such initiatives should incorporate robust evidence 

based intervention training, and facilitate linkage to treatment and 

recovery services. 

Viral Hepatitis Screening.—The Committee applauds SAMHSA 

for encouraging grantees to screen for viral hepatitis including the 

use of innovative strategies like rapid testing. The Committee notes 

the disproportionate impact of viral hepatitis among minority populations and the co-infection rate among individuals with HIV/AIDS. 

The committee urges SAMHSA to work with Minority AIDS grantees to incorporate hepatitis screening into programmatic activities. 

Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant 

The Committee recommends a program level of $1,858,079,000, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted program level 

and the fiscal year 2017 budget request program level. The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant provides 

funds to States to support alcohol and drug abuse prevention, 

treatment, and rehabilitation services. The Committee recognizes 

the critical role the block grant plays in State systems across the 

country. 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION

The Committee recommends $711,148,000 for the Substance 

Abuse Prevention programs, which is $499,929,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $500,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Within the total provided for Programs of Regional and National 

Significance, the Committee recommends the following amounts: 


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Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Capacity: 

Strategic Prevention Framework ..................................................................................................................... $109,484,000 

Strategic Prevention Framework Rx ...................................................................................................... 0 

PHS Evaluation Funds .................................................................................................................. 10,000,000 

Grants to Prevent Prescription Drug and Opioid Overdose Related Deaths ................................................. 5,000,000 

PHS Evaluation Funds ........................................................................................................................... 7,000,000 

Minority AIDS .................................................................................................................................................. 41,205,000 

Federal Drug-Free Workplace ......................................................................................................................... 4,894,000 

Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking: 

National Adult-Oriented Media Public Service Campaign .................................................................... 1,000,000 

Community Based Coalition Enhancement Grants ............................................................................... 5,000,000 

Interagency Coordinating Committee to Prevent Underage Drinking ................................................... 1,000,000 

Tribal Behavioral Health Grants .................................................................................................................... 15,000,000 

Science and Service: 

Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies ........................................................................ 7,493,000 

Science and Service Program Coordination .......................................................................................... 4,072,000 

Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant and Partnerships for Success.—The Committee intends that the Strategic 

Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant and Partnership for 

Success programs continue to focus exclusively on: addressing 

State- and community-level indicators of alcohol, tobacco, and drug 

use; targeting and implementing appropriate universal prevention 

strategies, building infrastructure and capacity, and preventing 

substance use and abuse. 

Grants to Prevent Prescription Drug and Opioid Overdose Related 

Deaths.—The Committee recommends $12,000,000 for discretionary 

grants to States to prevent prescription drug and opioid overdose 

related deaths. This program will help States equip and train first 

responders with the use of devices that rapidly reverse the effects 

of opioids. SAMHSA is directed to ensure applicants outline how 

proposed activities in the grant would work with treatment and recovery communities in addition to first responders. Furthermore, 

the agreement provides $10,000,000 for the Strategic Prevention 

Framework Rx program to increase awareness of opioid abuse and 

misuse in communities. SAMHSA shall collaborate with CDC to 

implement the most effective outreach strategy and to reduce duplication of activities. 

Oral Fluid Drug Screening Guidelines.—The Committee is 

pleased with SAMHSA’s recommendation of oral fluid as an alternative specimen for drug testing, and commends the agency for 

progress made to issue oral fluid guidelines for the Federal DrugFree Workplace testing program. The Committee urges SAMHSA 

to implement the guidelines expeditiously in partnership with key 

stakeholders and other agencies. 

Comprehensive Opioid Response.—The Committee recommends 

$500,000,000 for Comprehensive Opioid Response grants. 

SAMHSA, in coordination with CDC, may award funds to eligible 

states, units of local government, territories or Indian Tribes, 

which may, in turn, sub-grant to non-governmental organizations 

as appropriate. Funds may be used to plan for and implement an 

integrated opioid abuse response initiative that incorporates prevention and education, treatment, and recovery services. Eligible 

activities are as follows: (1) Prevention and education efforts concerning heroin and opioid use, treatment, and recovery; (2) Education of physicians, residents, medical students, and other medical 


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providers who prescribe controlled substances on the prescription 

drug monitoring program of the State, on the CDC Guideline for 

Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, and on the treatment of addiction; (3) Expanding prescription drug and opioid addiction treatment programs of the State. This includes the expansion of abstinence-based and medication assistance treatment programs that 

incorporate training for treatment and recovery support providers; 

behavioral health therapy for individuals who are in treatment for 

prescription drug and opioid addiction; screening for and clinically 

appropriate treatment of hepatitis C and HIV; and screening, early 

intervention, and referral to treatment for teenagers and young 

adults in primary care, middle schools, high schools, universities, 

school-based health centers, and other community-based health 

care settings; and (4) Developing, implementing, and expanding 

programs to prevent overdose death from prescription medications 

and opioids that incorporate a referral to treatment services. Priority shall be given to States with the highest burden of opioid-related overdoses. SAMHSA is directed to brief the Committee no 

less than 30 days before issuing a funding announcement regarding 

the criteria for grant awards. In addition, SAMHSA is directed to 

brief the Committee no less than 30 days before awarding a grant. 

HEALTH SURVEILLANCE AND PROGRAM SUPPORT

The Committee recommends $162,886,000 for Health Surveillance and Program Support, which is $43,420,000 below the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted program level and $11,000,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request program level. 

Within the total provided for Health Surveillance and Program 

Support, the Committee recommends the following amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Health Surveillance ........................................................................................................................................ $16,830,000 

PHS Evaluation Funds ........................................................................................................................... 30,428,000 

Program Support ............................................................................................................................................ 77,559,000 

Public Awareness and Support ...................................................................................................................... 13,482,000 

Performance and Quality Information Systems ............................................................................................. 12,918,000 

Minority Fellowship Program .......................................................................................................................... 11,669,000 

Behavioral Health Workforce Data ................................................................................................................. 0 

PHS Evaluation Funds ........................................................................................................................... 1,000,000 

Minority Fellowship Program.—The Committee understands 

there is a workforce shortage among children’s mental health providers. The Committee is concerned that the National Minority Fellowship Program unnecessarily excludes related psychiatric subspecialists from programmatic eligibility. The Committee requests 

SAMHSA review internal eligibility criterion and provide an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND QUALITY

HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND QUALITY

The Committee recommends $280,240,000 in discretionary funds 

for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), which 

is $53,760,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$189,452,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request level. 

The recommendation does not include any requested evaluation 


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set-aside funds available under section 241 of the Public Health 

Service Act or Patient-Centered Outcomes Research support. Within the total for AHRQ, the agreement includes the following 

amounts: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Patient-Centered Health Research ................................................................................................................. $0 

Prevention/Care Management ........................................................................................................................ 7,400,000 

Health Information Technology (IT) ................................................................................................................ 15,740,000 

Health IT to Improve Quality ................................................................................................................. 13,740,000 

Patient Safety Research ................................................................................................................................. 64,600,000 

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Prevention ............................................................................... 36,000,000 

Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (non-add within HAI) .......................................................... 10,000,000 

Section 933 Grants ............................................................................................................................... 4,600,000 

Patient Safety and Medical Errors ........................................................................................................ 19,000,000 

Patient Safety Organizations ................................................................................................................. 5,000,000 

Crosscutting Activities Related to Quality, Effectiveness and Efficiency Research ..................................... 58,500,000 

Health Services Contract/IAA Research ................................................................................................ 11,000,000 

Investigator-Initiated Research Grants ................................................................................................. 47,500,000 

Medical Expenditure Panel Survey ................................................................................................................. 65,000,000 

Program Management .................................................................................................................................... 69,000,000 

The agreement expects AHRQ to focus on its traditional health 

services research mission, such as patient safety and healthcare associated infections. The Committee expects AHRQ to review its 

continuation portfolio including an evaluation of available funds in 

determining the level of and allocation of continuations. AHRQ 

should coordinate with other HHS Operating Divisions (OpDivs) to 

determine how duplicative operations can be realigned to OpDivs 

with overlapping activities. 

Duplicative Activity.—The Committee notes that over time other 

HHS agencies have expanded into AHRQ’s mission area. Therefore, 

AHRQ’s mission and areas of research are duplicated in other HHS 

agencies. For example, NIH estimates that in fiscal year 2017 it 

will spend almost $1,500,000,000 on health services research, about 

five times AHRQs total budget request. CDC, like AHRQ, conducts 

Prevention Research and Care Management activities. The Office 

of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) 

and CMS are both supporting Health IT activity. The Committee 

directs the Secretary to work with all other HHS OpDivs to determine where they have activities that overlap with AHRQ in an effort to consolidate, reduce duplication, and reduce overlap of mission areas across the OpDivs. The review should include a plan to 

streamline all OpDiv mission focus areas to improve the effectiveness, consolidate operations, and reduce duplicative and related 

overheard costs to taxpayers. 

Investigator-Initiated Research.—The Committee provides support for investigator-initiated research. Investigator-initiated research should not be targeted to any specific area of health services 

research and should be merit based from the best unsolicited ideas 

from the research community within the AHRQ patient safety and 

medical error mission. 

Tick-borne Diseases.—The Committee encourages AHRQ to determine when the last time a bibliography of peer-reviewed tick-borne 

diseases literature was last completed and to work with CDC and 

NIH to determine how best to develop a tool for use by the scientific community, treating physicians, and the public. The review 


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should also evaluate the science related to persistent infection with 

borrelia burgdorferi or other types of borrelia. 

CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES

GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAID

The Committee recommends $262,003,967,000 for the Federal 

share of current law State Medicaid costs, which is $18,458,557,000 

more than fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. This amount does not include 

$115,582,502,000, which was provided as advance funding for the 

first quarter of fiscal year 2016. In addition, the Committee recommends an advance appropriation of $125,219,452,000 for program costs in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. The Committee 

continues indefinite budget authority bill language for unanticipated costs in fiscal year 2017. Federal Medicaid grants reimburse 

States for a portion of their expenditures in providing health care 

for individuals whose income and resources fall below specified levels. Subject to certain minimum requirements, States are provided 

certain limited authority within the law to set eligibility, coverage, 

and payment levels. 

PAYMENTS TO THE HEALTH CARE TRUST FUNDS

The Committee recommends $299,187,700,000 for the Payments 

to the Health Care Trust Funds account, which supports Medicare 

Part B and prescription drug benefits in fiscal year 2017. This 

amount is $16,015,900,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and equal to the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This entitlement account includes the general fund subsidy to the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for Medicare Part B 

benefits, and Medicare drug benefits and administration, as well as 

other reimbursements to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust 

Fund for benefits and related to administrative costs, which have 

not been financed by payroll taxes or premium contributions. The 

Committee continues bill language providing indefinite authority to 

pay the general revenue portion of the Medicare Part B premium 

match and providing resources for the Medicare Part D drug benefit program in the event that the annual appropriations is insufficient. 

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

The Committee makes available $3,093,690,000 in trust funds for 

Federal Administration of the Medicare and Medicaid programs, 

which is $576,054,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted Program Management level and $1,015,859,000 less than the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. This activity supports the two largest 

Federal health care programs, Medicare and Medicaid, along with 

the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Medicare 

prescription drug program. The Committee does not support the 

consumer information and insurance oversight functions. The Committee provides resources in the program operations line to support 

the Medicare current beneficiary survey. The bill includes language 

to prohibit funding the research, demonstration, and evaluation 

line within the Program Management account. 


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Program Operations 

The Committee recommends $1,985,823,000 for Program Operations to support activities used to administer the Medicare program, primarily to pay contractors to process providers’ claims, to 

fund beneficiary outreach and education, to maintain information 

technology (IT) infrastructure needed to support various claims 

processing systems and to continue programmatic improvements. 

Access to Home Health Care.—The Committee is aware that the 

current requirement that home health plans be solely certified by 

a physician has resulted in problems with access to home health 

care. The Committee urges CMS to ensure access to home health 

care by considering methods to waive the requirement that home 

health plans be solely certified by a physician. The Committee also 

requests CMS consider the entire record of documentation and not 

require a subjective component regarding an individual in determining whether home health services meet the requirements for 

coverage. The Committee requests CMS take authorized steps to 

address the backlog of face-to-face appeals like allowing comparable 

documentation to satisfy the face-to-face requirements, such as 

those recently referred from the hospital setting, to be exempt from 

the face-to-face requirement. The Committee requests an update in 

the fiscal year 2018 budget request on these efforts. 

Adult Immunization Quality Measures.—The Committee recognizes the importance of quality measurement tools to ensuring accountability and improvements in care delivery and patient outcomes, including reducing racial and ethnic health disparities. The 

Committee requests a report is the fiscal year 2018 budget request 

on steps the agency has taken to improve outcome quality measures applicable to adult immunization under the Medicare and 

Medicaid programs. 

Cancer Hospitals.—The Committee notes concern that CMS prevents certain cancer hospitals from increasing their bed capacity 

and encourages CMS to re-evaluate this policy. 

Clarify Third Party Payment of Qualified Health Plan Premiums.—The Committee remains concerned about the CMS interim final rule, Third Party Payment of Qualified Health Plan 

Premiums, which facilitated marketplace insurance plans prohibiting the established practice of health insurance premium assistance by non-profit organizations. The Committee encourages CMS 

to clarify that premium assistance should continue to be accepted 

from qualified non-profit organizations along with related State 

and Federal assistance programs. 

Colorectal Cancer Screening.—The Committee understands that 

regardless of the fact that colorectal cancer screening by 

colonoscopy has an A grade from the U.S. Preventive Services Task 

Force, CMS has determined that it does not have authority to 

waive Medicare beneficiary coinsurance for a colorectal cancer 

screening colonoscopy when a polyp or other tissue is removed during the preventive screening. The Committee requests an update in 

the fiscal year 2018 budget request outlining the rationale for this 

determination, to include why CMS believes it does not have the 

waiver authority. 

Critical Access Hospitals (CAH).—The Committee continues to 

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ing the reimbursement rate from 101 to 100 percent on the hospitals to properly provide care to local residents. The Committee 

expects CMS to take steps to eliminate negative impact of the proposed rate reduction on CAH ability to fully operate if the reduction is implemented prior to implementation. 

CMS Test Environment for Testing Industry Solutions.—The 

Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the how it is using this initiative to test IT solutions. 

Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Suppliers 

(DMEPOS).—The Committee encourages speedy implementation of 

the DMEPOS bid surety bonds requirement to take effect on January 1, 2017. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal 2018 

budget request on the expected impact of this requirement in the 

2017 competitions. 

Evaluation and Management (E&M) Codes.—The Committee requests CMS provide an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on planned or on-going research related to E&M codes. 

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse.—The Committee requests an update in 

the fiscal year 2018 request on the CMS process, across all operations, to ensure CMS maintains a focus on preventing improper 

payments and paying claims right the first time. The Committee 

requests the update include the metric to measure prevention in 

lieu of the ‘‘pay and chase’’ measures typically reported by CMS. 

Genetic Testing.—To help eliminate the abuse of opioids, the 

FDA recently implemented stricter black box advisories requiring 

pharmacogenetics testing prior to prescribing many opioid based 

pain medications. The Committee is concerned the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) changed their coverage policy and 

are denying reimbursements for these pharmacogenetics tests despite its requirement by the FDA. As a result, providers cannot 

order these tests and patients are at risk of serious adverse reactions. The Committee urges CMS to review this coverage determination and allow patients to access pharmacogenetics testing for 

opioid-based pain medications. The Committee requests an update 

in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the justification for this 

new coverage decision including the impact on patient safety, cost, 

and provider compliance with FDA regulations. 

Indian Health Care.—The Committee supports the CMS plan to 

establish a Tribal Resources Center and requests a timeline in the 

fiscal year 2018 budget request on the opening and expected goals 

and objectives for fiscal years 2017 and 2018. 

Medicare 1115 Waivers.—The Committee is concerned about extended deliberations regarding the home and community-based 

waiver application. For example, the Wisconsin Department of 

Health Services in December 2014 submitted a waiver application 

and a resolution still has not been provided. The Committee encourages CMS to engage more fully the State and tribal stakeholders in an effort to resolve the issue prior to the end of the fiscal 

year. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request on the process and the number days it takes on average, along with the longest and shortest time to make a determination on such a waiver. Further, it should describe steps CMS 

is taking to reduce the final decision timeframe. 

Medicare Prosthetic Coverage.—The Committee is aware of the 

draft Local Coverage Determination (LCD) Lower Limb Prostheses. 


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The Committee is aware of concerns raised that the draft LCD 

could impose hardships or barriers to access to prosthetic care for, 

seniors, veterans, and others requiring artificial limbs. The Committee encourages CMS to consider the intended and unintended 

consequences of the draft LCD and further consult with clinicians, 

patient groups, and the prosthetics field prior to moving forward 

with the draft policy. 

National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP).—The Committee 

understands the CMS Office of the Actuary certified expansion of 

the NDPP would reduce net Medicare spending and improve the 

quality of care without limiting coverage or benefits. The Committee requests CMS provide an update in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request on the feasibility of establishing a certification process for NDPP providers within CMS. Further, the update should 

discuss the feasibility of establishing a new provider class of practitioners for the NDPP to allow for the lowest cost and effective delivery method. 

Out of Network Emergency Care.—The Committee is concerned 

the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight 

(CCIIO) has not provided sufficient clarity on how to determine the 

‘‘Usual, Customary & Reasonable’’ (UCR) amount in its final rule 

for patient protections (80 Fed. Reg. 72191). Therefore, the Committee requests CCIIO publish guidance, which may come in the 

form of Frequently Asked Questions, clarifying what constitutes 

the UCR amount using a transparent and fair standard, such as 

an independent unbiased charge database. 

Quality Improvement.—The Committee is concerned about the inconsistency of how health care practices and facilities focus on 

quality improvement. The Committee requests the Secretary conduct a cross-agency review of the programs, agencies, and offices 

that are conducted in conjunction with public and private organizations to evaluate the effectiveness of these approaches to promote 

quality metrics that drive continuous quality improvement within 

hospitals, health care facilities, and health care systems. The review should include all CMS and Innovation Center programs, as 

well as those conducted throughout other HHS agencies. Further, 

the review should examine how these efforts address pediatric 

neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism. The review 

should include recommendations and a public report posted on an 

HHS website. The Committee requests a time line and approach 

for the review to be included in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

Pediatric End-Stage Renal Disease.—The Committee encourages 

CMS to examine the pediatric case-mix adjuster for the End-Stage 

Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS). Specifically, the Committee requests CMS examine Medicare claims and 

cost data along with data from CROWNWeb to determine the cost 

of dialysis treatment for Medicare ESRD pediatric patients compared to non-pediatrics Medicare patients to ensure the appropriate reimbursement mix-adjustment formula is being utilized in 

the PPS for pediatrics. The Committee requests an update on this 

issue with the analysis in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).—The Committee understands CMS fails to conduct oversight on the updating of the PBMs 

Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC) lists and that when not updated 

correctly, errors in the PBM MAC lists can lead to increased costs 


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for the government, taxpayers, and most importantly seniors. The 

Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the process CMS uses to oversee that the PBM MAC lists 

are updated as required. 

Readmission Rates.—The Committee is supportive of CMS’ efforts to reduce readmission rates among high-risk seniors living in 

communities challenged by poverty, poor health and literacy, and 

health disparities or non-compliance with treatment regimens. In 

particular, flexible, community-based multi-payer arrangements 

have encouraged health and social service providers to combine efforts in tailoring services to these at-risk populations. The Committee encourages CMS to work with community-based organizations to help identify best practices. 

Rural Health Clinics (RHC).—The Committee request CMS provide a report within 120 days of enactment on State Medicaid payment methodologies for facilities designated as RHC. The report 

should identify any State, which uses a methodology that includes 

a reconciliation process that may result in the recoupment of funds 

from a RHC. For each State so identified, the report shall: (1) describe the legal basis for recoupment and the conditions governing 

it, including any Federal requirements; (2) estimate the proportion 

of any potential recoupment that would be owed by the State to the 

Federal government; and (3) describe any options available under 

Federal law to retroactively eliminate, reduce, or otherwise mitigate the impact of such recoupment on RHC, including the actions 

necessary to pursue such options. 

Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs).—The Committee understands that although the RACs significantly reduced the number of 

audits recently, the number of audits is expected to increase. The 

Committee agrees that true fraud, waste, and abuse must be addressed; however, the existing audit process continues to result in 

unintended consequences of reduced patient access to care. A reasonable balance must be found to eliminate true fraud and abuse 

while not slowing payment to providers so significantly. The bill 

language redirects all offsetting collections derived from the RACs 

to tackle this challenge with additional resources to educate health 

care providers on how to reduce errors and on the program integrity and compliance audits; for the Office of Medicare Hearings and 

Appeals (OMHA) to reduce its backlog; and to establish a process 

to provide feedback between OMHA, CMS, and CMS’ contractors to 

reduce unintended claims, speed appeals, and reduce the number 

of claims elevated to OMHA. Further, the Committee reiterates its 

request for CMS to publish in the fiscal year 2018 budget request, 

and future budget requests, a CMS actuarial report that estimates 

the dollar level of improper payments by year and the actual and 

estimated recovery of each year’s improper payments, and the percentage of each year’s recovered level compared to the estimate of 

improper payments. 

Risk Corridors.—The Committee continues the fiscal year 2015 

bill language to prevent the CMS Program Management appropriation account from being used to support risk corridors payments. 

Robotic Stereotactic Radiosurgery.—The Committee was encouraged by CMS’ decision to reverse the National Correct Coding Initiative procedure edit regarding CPT codes 77295 and 77300 used 

in the provision of robotic radiosurgery (retroactive to January 1, 


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2016). The Committee remains concerned that the cuts CMS continues to make to robotic stereotactic radiosurgery threatens its viability. The Committee continues to urge CMS to make no further 

changes to these services (G0339 and G0340) in the freestanding 

center setting for three years as noted in House Report (114-195). 

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF).—The Committee is concerned 

with a proposed CMS regulation that would restrict or prohibit predispute arbitration agreements in skilled nursing facilities. The 

Committee understands the Federal Arbitration Act requires Congress to provide statutory language imparting authority on an 

agency to regulate or prohibit arbitration. The Committee is unaware of any such statutory authority and discourages CMS from 

implementing any regulation to prohibit or otherwise restrict the 

use of pre-dispute arbitration at skilled nursing or long-term care 

facilities in compliance with the Federal Arbitration Act. 

Standard Plan Design and Plan Limitation.—The Committee is 

concerned about recent proposals and considerations from CMS on 

Federally Facilitated Exchanges, which could further destabilize 

the individual market and limit beneficiary choice. In the proposed 

2017 notice of benefit and payment parameters, CMS proposes to 

introduce standard plan designs and is considering making these 

standard plan designs a requirement for future years. Additionally, 

CMS appears to be considering limiting the number of offerings 

from plans on the Exchanges for future years. The Committee requests CMS provide justification in the fiscal year 2018 budget request analyzing the impact from the proposals on plan participation, premiums, and formulary and network design for 2017 and 

the impact each would have on consumers. 

Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) Services National Academy of 

Sciences (NAS) Review.—The Committee is deeply concerned about 

the lack of a uniform definition within the Medicaid program for 

therapeutic foster care services. A uniformed TFC definition can 

improve the ability for more consistent care and treatment. The 

Committee directs CMS to charter a NAS review within 90 days of 

enactment of this Act for the development of an operational TFC 

definition for the Medicaid program. Further, the review should examine advantages and challenges of a uniform definition, and include a list of potential services and interventions to treat mental 

illness and trauma that could be considered within the scope of the 

uniform definition. The Committee expects the report will be completed within 12 months after enactment of this Act. 

Federal Administration 

The Committee recommends $710,533,000 to support Federal Administrative activities related to the Medicare and Medicaid programs, which is $22,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $25,317,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The Federal Administration funding supports CMS staff, along 

with operating and administrative expenses for planning, developing, managing, and evaluating healthcare financing programs 

and policies. 

The Committee appreciates the information in the CMS budget 

request. However, the Committee expects CMS to provide the additional items and enhanced Congressional notice described in the 

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priations Act. The Committee reminds HHS and CMS to ensure 

that all tables include the prior year actual, current year request 

level, current year actual (based on the operating plan) and budget 

request year level. 

HEALTH CARE FRAUD AND ABUSE CONTROL ACCOUNT

The Committee recommends includes $681,000,000, to be transferred from the Medicare trust funds, for the Health Care Fraud 

and Abuse Control Account (HCFAC) activities. This includes a 

base amount of $311,000,000 and an additional $370,000,000 

through a discretionary budget cap adjustment authorized under 

section 251(b) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. The HCFAC funds support activities conducted by 

CMS, the HHS Office of Inspector General, and the Department of 

Justice. This level is equal to the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$44,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This 

funding is in addition to other mandatory funding provided through 

authorizing legislation. The funding will provide resources to continue efforts for Medicaid program integrity activities, for safeguarding the Medicare prescription drug benefit and the Medicare 

Advantage program, and for program integrity efforts carried out 

by the Department of Justice. The Committee continues to include 

bill language to ensure the Secretary fully funds the Senior Medicare Patrol Program administered by the Administration for Community Living from the level provided in this account. 

Part B Ambulance Providers.—The Committee supports measures, including moratoriums, to curb and prevent waste, fraud and 

abuse, but these must be measured against community needs for 

emergency services. 

Program Integrity Activities.—For several years now, the Committee has requested CMS improve consistency, transparency, and 

processing of appeals. The Committee has and continues to request 

CMS use offsetting collections from the RAC program to further 

educate health care providers on how to reduce errors to reduce the 

backlog of appeals and resolve audits in a timely manner. The 

Committee reiterates these requests and further directs CMS to 

provide a quarterly report on how the overall process of appeals, 

including all entities involved in the appeals process are making 

the necessary changes to improve the system. CMS should detail 

in the report all the actions the agency has specifically taken to improve the process of audits and appeals. The Committee also requests a description in the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the 

adoption of a policy similar to Social Security appeals that would 

require Medicare’s Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) to follow 

Medicare payment policies. Further, the Committee requests the 

Secretary consider ways to sample and consolidate similar claims 

for administrative efficiency, expedite procedures for claims with no 

material fact in dispute, rules to require ALJs to rule according to 

Medicare policy if they do not violate the law, the impact of sending claims back to the first level of appeal when new evidence is 

introduced, and the impact of creating Medicare Magistrates to 

streamline the appeal resolution process. 


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ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AND

FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS

The Committee recommends $3,010,631,000 for the Child Support Enforcement and Family Support programs, which is 

$65,725,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the 

same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Committee also 

recommends $1,400,000,000 in advance funding, as requested, for 

the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 to ensure timely payments for 

Child Support Enforcement programs. These programs support 

state-administered programs of financial assistance and services 

for low-income families to promote their economic security and selfsufficiency. 

LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE

The Committee recommends $3,490,304,000 for the Low Income 

Home Energy Assistance Program, which is $100,000,000 above the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $490,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Within the amount provided, the 

Committee recommends $3,490,304,000 exclusively for the State 

formula grants. The Committee recommends an increase of 

$100,000,000 for allocation under the formula authorized in 1984. 

Within the amount available for formula grants, the Committee recommends up to $2,988,000 for program integrity initiatives. The 

funding will allow technical assistance on both the State and Federal level for program training, and monitoring of program activities for compliance with internal controls, policies, and procedures. 

REFUGEE AND ENTRANT ASSISTANCE

The Committee recommends $1,674,691,000 for Refugee and Entrant Assistance programs, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $575,169,000 below the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. 

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) programs are designed 

to help refugees, asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and trafficking victims become employed and self-sufficient. These programs also provide for care of unaccompanied immigrant children 

in Federal custody and victims of torture. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends the following: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Transitional and Medical Services ................................................................................................................. $490,000,000 

Victims of Trafficking ..................................................................................................................................... 18,755,000 

Social Services ............................................................................................................................................... 155,000,000 

Preventive Health ........................................................................................................................................... 4,600,000 

Targeted Assistance ....................................................................................................................................... 47,601,000 

Unaccompanied Children ............................................................................................................................... 948,000,000 

Victims of Torture ........................................................................................................................................... 10,735,000 

Refugees and Unaccompanied Children 

Healthcare and Education Costs Related to Illegal Immigration.—The Committee is concerned with the significant healthcare 

and education costs to State and local communities resulting from 

illegal immigration. In addition, the Committee is concerned about 


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the response time from previous inquiries on this matter; the Committee urges the Departments of Education and Health and 

Human Services to provide timely and informative assistance when 

requested. The Committee further directs the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services to provide all available 

Federal resources to assist State and local governments with these 

increased costs that are a direct result of Federal law or policy. The 

Committee further directs the Departments to provide a report to 

the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and 

Human Services, and Education, the Subcommittee on Commerce, 

Justice, Science and the Subcommittee on Homeland Security within 90 days of enactment on the costs borne by State and local governments and the Federal government for providing health and 

education services to individuals without legal immigration status. 

The report should cover the costs incurred over the course of fiscal 

years 2014–2016 and include projected costs for fiscal years 2017 

through 2021. The report shall also include an accounting of what 

Federal resources have been directed and what Federal resources 

will be directed in each year to cover these added expenses. 

PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR THE CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

BLOCK GRANT

The Committee recommends $2,801,000,000 for the discretionary 

portion of the Child Care and Development Fund, the Child Care 

and Development Block Grant, which is $40,000,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $160,672,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. The Child Care and Development Block 

Grant provides funds according to a formula to States, territories, 

and tribes to provide financial assistance to help low-income working families and families engaged in training or education activities 

access child care and to improve the quality of child care for all 

children. 

SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT

The Committee recommends $1,700,000,000 for the Social Services Block Grant, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. States receive grants 

by formula. States have the flexibility to determine what services 

and activities are supported, provided they are targeted at a broad 

set of goals, including reducing or eliminating poverty, achieving or 

maintaining self-sufficiency, and preventing neglect, abuse, or exploitation of children and adults. 

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICES PROGRAMS

The Children and Families Services programs fund activities 

serving children, youth, families, the developmentally disabled, Native Americans, victims of child abuse and neglect and domestic violence, and other vulnerable populations. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends the following: 

Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Programs for Children, Youth, and Families: 

Head Start ...................................................................................................................................................... $9,309,724,000 

Preschool Development Grants ....................................................................................................................... 250,000,000 


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Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

Runaway/Homeless Youth .............................................................................................................................. 101,980,000 

Abuse of Runaway Youth Prevention ............................................................................................................. 17,141,000 

State Child Abuse Prevention ........................................................................................................................ 25,310,000 

Discretionary Child Abuse Prevention ............................................................................................................ 34,200,000 

Community-based Child Abuse Prevention .................................................................................................... 39,764,000 

Child Welfare Services ................................................................................................................................... 268,735,000 

Child Welfare Training ................................................................................................................................... 17,984,000 

Adoption Opportunities ................................................................................................................................... 39,100,000 

Adoption Incentives ........................................................................................................................................ 37,943,000 

Social Services/Income Maintenance Research ............................................................................................. 6,512,000 

Native American Programs ............................................................................................................................. 53,100,000 

Community Services: 

Community Services Block Grant .......................................................................................................... 715,000,000 

Economic Development .......................................................................................................................... 29,883,000 

Rural Community Facilities ................................................................................................................... 7,500,000 

Individual Development Account Initiative .................................................................................................... 18,950,000 

Domestic Violence Hotline .............................................................................................................................. 8,250,000 

Family Violence/Battered Women’s Shelters .................................................................................................. 151,000,000 

Independent Living Training Vouchers ........................................................................................................... 43,257,000 

Disaster Human Services Case Management ................................................................................................ 1,864,000 

Program Direction ........................................................................................................................................... 205,699,000 

Head Start 

The Committee recommends $9,309,724,000 for the Head Start 

program, which is $141,629,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $292,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Within the total for Head Start, the Committee recommends 

a cost-of-living adjustment and includes $25,000,000 for the Designation Renewal System. Additionally, the Committee recommends $645,000,000 for Early Head Start (EHS) grants within 

the total for fiscal year 2017, which is $10,000,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the budget request. 

The Committee supports efforts to strengthen and grow Head 

Start and Early Head Start and to continue quality improvement 

through increasing the number of teachers with bachelor’s degrees, 

reforming monitoring systems and implementing recompetition. 

The Committee includes a $141,629,000 increase for a cost-of-living 

adjustment to support and strengthen workforce quality and stability and to assist Head Start programs in meeting rising costs. 

Of that $141,629,000, $10,000,000 is reserved for the Early Head 

Start expansion and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership 

grantees for a cost-of-living adjustment. The Committee is pleased 

with the efficiencies realized through announcing Birth through 

Five grants, aligning Early Head Start and Head Start grants together, and encourages ACF to expand this process where possible. 

Preschool Development Grants 

The Committee recommends $250,000,000 for Preschool Development Grants, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level, and $100,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

This program provides grants to states to build state and local capacity to provide preschool for 4-year-olds from low- and moderateincome families. Research confirms that high-quality preschool improves school readiness and long-term academic success of children 

by supporting their academic and social-emotional skills. Support 

for this grant is an important step to building a globally competitive 21st century workforce. 


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The Every Student Succeeds Act requires the Department of 

Health and Human Services to work jointly with the Department 

of Education in the administration of the program. Within 90 days 

of enactment, the Committee requests a report to be submitted to 

the House of Representatives Committees on Appropriations and 

Education and the Workforce outlining the role of each Department 

in the administration of the program. 

Child Abuse Discretionary Activities 

Within the funding for Child Abuse Discretionary Activities, the 

Committee recommends continued funding for the Quality Improvement Center for Research-Based Infant-Toddler Court Teams 

program. These funds support efforts that bring together the court 

system, child welfare agencies, health professionals, and community leaders to improve current practices in the child welfare system and make better-informed decisions on behalf of the child. 

Native American Programs 

The Committee recommends $53,100,000 for Native American 

Programs, which is $3,100,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Within the total, the Committee recommendation includes 

$12,000,000 for Native American language preservation activities, 

including the requested $3,000,000 for the Generation Indigenous 

initiative focused on improving Native American language instruction across the educational continuum and no less than $4,000,000 

for language immersion programs authorized by section 

803C(b)(7)(A)–(C) of the Native American Programs Act, as amended by the Esther Martinez Native American Language Preservation 

Act of 2006. The Committee strongly encourages the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to give priority to grantees 

with rigorous immersion programs. 

Community Services 

The Committee recommends $771,333,000 for the Community 

Services programs, which is $1,000,000 more than the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $78,383,000 more than the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. 

Community Services Block Grant 

The Committee is concerned funds are not reaching local agencies and community residents promptly. The Committee urges ACF 

to take all necessary action to ensure funds are made available as 

soon as possible to States and annual allocation amounts are made 

public as soon as can be accomplished. The Committee further encourages ACF to engage with stakeholders on the requirements, 

challenges, and implementation of new data collection and Federal 

reporting initiatives. The Committee requests an update on these 

efforts. 

Community Economic Development Grants 

The Committee recommends $29,883,000 for Community Economic Development (CED) grants. Community Development Corporations (CDCs) use CED grants to lend and invest in private 

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lines require that low-income individuals fill at least 75 percent of 

the jobs created from CED funded projects. The CED program is 

the only Federal economic development program that requires such 

targeted job creation. Using CED funds, CDCs have created hundreds of jobs and improved economic opportunity in urban and 

rural communities across the country. Under CED grants, CDCs 

provide financial assistance for economic development activities designed to address the economic needs of low-income individuals by 

creating employment and business development opportunities. 

CDCs use CED funds with other sources of public and private capital to finance commercial and industrial facilities, small businesses, and mixed use projects. CDCs leverage $9 in private capital 

to every $1 in Federal funds for projects in communities with high 

poverty and unemployment rates. 

Rural Community Facilities 

The Committee again rejects the proposed elimination of the 

Rural Community Facilities program. The Committee recommends 

$7,500,000 for the Rural Community Facilities program, which is 

$1,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level, and 

$7,500,000 more than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Grantees work with small communities on drinking water and wastewater issues. Rural communities are often unincorporated and 

therefore ineligible to qualify for financing for the technical assistance, authorized under the Department of Agriculture. In addition, 

some communities do not have central systems that would make 

them eligible for technical assistance provided through the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Family Violence Prevention and Battered Women’s Shelters 

The Committee recommends $151,000,000 for the Family Violence Prevention and Battered Women’s Shelters programs, which 

is $1,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is 

the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act programs provide funding to 

support the prevention of incidents of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence, and provide the immediate shelter and 

supportive services for adult and youth victims (and their dependents). 

PROMOTING SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES

The Committee recommends $325,000,000 in mandatory funds 

for the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. The Committee also recommends $79,765,000 in 

discretionary funds for this program, which is $20,000,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. This program enables each State to operate a coordinated program of family preservation services, community-based family support services, time-limited reunification services, and adoption promotion and support services. States receive 

funds based on their share of children in all States receiving food 

stamp benefits. 

The Committee recommends $20,000,000 to increase the capacity 

of tribes to administer child welfare services, as requested in the 


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fiscal year 2017 budget request. American Indian and Alaska Native children are disproportionately represented at two times their 

population in state child welfare systems nationally. Among individual state foster care systems they are overrepresented at as 

much as ten times their population rate. This funding will address 

this disproportionality by investing in tribal child welfare systems 

and provide culturally appropriate services to tribal families. 

PAYMENTS FOR FOSTER CARE AND PERMANENCY

The Committee recommends $5,764,000,000 for payments to 

States for foster care and adoption assistance, which is 

$466,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the 

same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Committee also 

recommends an advance appropriation of $2,500,000,000 for the 

first quarter of fiscal year 2018 to ensure timely completion of first 

quarter grant awards. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends $4,992,000,000 for 

the Foster Care program, which is $219,900,000 above the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program provides funds to States for foster care 

maintenance payments for children living in foster care. These 

funds also reimburse States for administrative costs to manage the 

program and training for staff and parents. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends $2,780,000,000 for 

Adoption Assistance, which is $217,100,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program provides funds to States to subsidize families who adopt children with special needs, such as older children, 

a member of a minority or sibling group, or children with physical, 

mental, and emotional disabilities. In addition, the program provides training for adoptive parents and State administrative staff. 

This annually appropriated entitlement provides alternatives to 

long, inappropriate stays in foster care by developing permanent 

placements with families. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends $152,000,000 for 

the Kinship Guardianship Assistance program, which is 

$29,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the 

same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program provides 

subsidies to a relative taking legal guardianship of a child for 

whom being returned home or adoption are not appropriate permanency options. 

Finally, within the total, the Committee recommends 

$140,000,000 for the Independent Living program, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. This program assists foster children age 16 or older 

to make successful transitions to independence. Funds support a 

variety of services, including educational assistance, career exploration, vocational training, job placement, life skills training, home 

management, health services, substance abuse prevention, preventive health activities, and room and board. Each State receives 

funds based on the number of children on whose behalf the State 

receives Federal Foster Care Payments. 


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ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING

AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES PROGRAMS

The Committee recommends a total program level of 

$2,003,975,000 for the Administration for Community Living 

(ACL), which is $11,425,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

program level and $17,019,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget 

request program level. Of the funds provided, $22,700,000 shall be 

transferred from the Prevention and Public Health Fund and 

$52,115,000 shall be transferred from the Federal Hospital Insurance and Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Funds. 

The Committees recommends level funding for the Senior Medicare 

Patrol Program, which is provided under the Health Care Fraud 

and Control Abuse Account. 

The Committee understands ACL has proposed to expand the administrative capacity of grant programs by shifting funds from 

grants to support new staff. The Committee recognizes this additional capacity may enhance program oversight and performance. 

However, the Committee’s intent for appropriating these funds is 

to expand program dollars available for grants, not to expand 

ACL’s administrative capacity. The Committee is concerned about 

the programmatic impact a shift in funds will have on grantees. 

The Committee directs ACL to maintain the fiscal year 2015 funding for the grants for all programs, and where there were increases 

provided in fiscal year 2016, the Committee directs ACL to increase 

grants by the same amount. The Committee requests additional detail in the fiscal year 2018 budget request under each program for 

any proposed reduction in the amount for grants, including the 

amount of the reduction for grants and the increase proposed for 

administrative staff. 

Home and Community-Based Supportive Services 

The Committee recommends $353,049,000 for Home and Community-Based Supportive Services, which is $5,325,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $4,675,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. This program provides formula grants to 

States and territories to fund a wide range of social services that 

enable seniors to remain independent in their homes for as long as 

possible. 

Preventive Health Services 

The Committee recommends $19,963,000 for Preventive Health 

Services, which is $115,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program funds activities that help seniors remain healthy and avoid chronic diseases. 

Protection of Vulnerable Older Americans 

The Committee recommends $20,823,000 for programs that protect vulnerable older Americans, which is $165,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

These programs provide grants to States for protection of vulnerable older Americans through the Long-Term Care Ombudsman 

and Prevention of Elder Abuse and Neglect programs. 


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Family Caregiver Support Services 

The Committee recommends $150,911,000 for the National Caregiver Support program, which is $325,000 more than the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program supports a multifaceted support system in each State for family caregivers. 

Native American Caregiver Support Services 

The Committee recommends $7,556,000 for the Native American 

Caregiver Support program, which is $25,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and fiscal year 2017 budget request. This 

program provides grants to tribes for the support of American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian families caring for 

older relatives with chronic illness or disabilities. 

Congregate and Home-Delivered Nutrition Services 

The Committee recommends $454,091,000 for Congregate Nutri- tion Services, which is $5,749,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The Committee further recommends $234,397,000 for Home-Delivered Meal Services, which is $8,055,000 more the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

These programs help older Americans remain healthy and independent in their communities by providing meals and related services in a variety of settings (including congregate facilities such as 

senior centers) and via home-delivery to older adults who are 

homebound due to illness, disability, or geographic isolation. 

Nutrition Services Incentives Program 

The Committee recommends $160,069,000 for the Nutrition Services Incentives Program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This funding 

augments programs that provide congregate and home-delivered 

meals to older adults. 

Native American Nutrition and Supportive Services 

The Committee recommends $31,208,000 for Native American 

Nutrition and Supportive Services, which is $50,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

This program provides grants to tribes to promote the delivery of 

nutrition and home and community-based supportive services to 

Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian elders. 

Aging Network Support Activities 

The Committee recommends $9,961,000 for the Aging Network 

Support Activities, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program 

supports activities that expand public understanding of aging and 

the aging process. The total amount includes $2,500,000 to help 

provide supportive services for aging Holocaust survivors living in 

the United States. 

National Alzheimer’s Call Center.—Within funding for the Aging 

Network Support Activities, the Committee continues funding for 

the National Alzheimer’s Call Center, which is available in all 

States, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round to provide expert 


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advice, crisis counseling, care consultation and information referral 

services in at least 200 languages, for persons with Alzheimer’s disease, their family members and informal caregivers. 

Alzheimer’s Disease Programs 

The Committee recommends $20,454,000 for Alzheimer’s Disease 

Programs, which is $954,000 more than the 2016 enacted program 

level and fiscal year 2017 program level budget request. These programs provide competitive matching grants to a limited number of 

States to encourage program innovation and coordination of public 

and private services for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their 

families. The Committee recommends $10,500,000 from the Prevention and Public Health Fund for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative—Specialized Supportive Services. The Committee recommends 

$5,754,000 for the Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Program. The Committee recommends $4,200,000 from the Prevention 

and Public Health Fund for the Alzheimer’s Disease Outreach 

Campaign. 

Lifespan Respite Care 

The Committee recommends $4,000,000 for Lifespan Respite Care, which is $640,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $1,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The 

program focuses on easing the burdens of caregiving by providing 

grants to eligible State organizations to improve the quality of, and 

access to, respite care for family caregivers. 

Elder Falls 

The Committee recommends $5,000,000 for the Elder Falls program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Fall prevention grants support 

the promotion and dissemination of prevention tools to be delivered 

in community settings. 

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program 

The Committee recommends $8,000,000 for Chronic Disease SelfManagement program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program supports grants to States for low-cost, evidence-based prevention models that use state-of-the-art techniques to help those with 

chronic conditions address issues related to the management of 

their disease. 

Elder Rights Support Activities 

The Committee recommends $11,874,000 for Elder Rights Support Activities, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $2,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

This program supports efforts that provide information, training, 

and technical assistance to legal and aging services organizations 

towards the end of preventing and detecting elder abuse and neglect. 

Aging and Disability Resource Centers 

The Committee recommends $6,119,000 for Aging and Disability 

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acted level and $2,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. These centers provide information, counseling and access for 

individuals to learn about the services and support options available to seniors and the disabled so they may retain their independence. 

State Health Insurance Program 

The Committee recommends $52,115,000 for the State Health Insurance program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program provides accurate and understandable health insurance information to 

Medicare beneficiaries and their families. 

Paralysis Resource Center 

The Committee does not recommend specific funding for the Paralysis Resource Center. Other programs administered by ACL can 

conduct the responsibilities of the Paralysis Resource Center by 

providing information and referral services to people living with 

paralysis. 

Limb Loss Resource Center 

The Committee does not recommend specific funding for the 

Limb Loss Resource Center. Other programs administered by ACL 

can conduct the responsibilities of the Limb Loss Resource Center 

by providing information and referral services to people dealing 

with limb loss. 

Traumatic Brain Injury 

The Committee recommends $9,321,000 for the Traumatic Brain 

Injury program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The program provides grants to States for the development of a comprehensive, coordinated family and person-centered service system at the state 

and community level for individuals who sustain a traumatic brain 

injury. 

Developmental Disabilities State Councils 

The Committee recommends $73,215,000 for State Councils on 

Developmental Disabilities, which is $215,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and fiscal year 2017 budget request. The 

State Councils work to develop, improve and expand the system of 

services and supports for people with developmental disabilities. 

Developmental Disabilities Protection and Advocacy 

The Committee recommends $38,949,000 for Developmental Disabilities Protection and Advocacy, which is $215,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

This formula grant program provides funding to States to establish 

and maintain protection and advocacy systems to protect the legal 

rights of persons with developmental disabilities. 

Olmstead v. L.C. 527 U.S. 581 (1999).—The Committee notes 

that the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights 

Act of 2000 does not require closure of long-term care facilities for 

persons unable to care for themselves. The Committee notes that 

the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C. does not 


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mandate deinstitutionalization. ‘‘We emphasize that nothing in the 

Americans with Disabilities Act or its implementing regulations 

condones termination of institutional settings for persons unable to 

handle or benefit from community settings . . . Nor is there any 

Federal requirement that community-based treatment be imposed 

on patients who do not desire it.’’ Olmstead v. L.C. 119 S. Ct. 2176, 

2187 (1999). The Committee asks for a report on the current 

Olmstead enforcement activities within ACL. 

Medicaid Licensed Intermediate Care Facilities.—There is a nationwide trend towards deinstitutionalization of patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities in favor of community based 

settings. The Department is strongly urged to continue to factor 

the needs and desire of patients, their families, caregivers, and 

other stakeholders, as well as the need to provide proper settings 

for care, into its enforcement of the Developmental Disabilities Act. 

The Committee maintains bill language requiring notification of affected individuals of their legal rights in this regard. 

Voting Access for Individuals with Disabilities 

The Committee recommends $5,013,000 for the Voting Access for 

Individuals with Disabilities program, which is $50,000 more than 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Voting Access for Individuals with Disabilities program 

authorized by the Help America Vote Act provides formula grants 

to ensure full participation in the electoral process for individuals 

with disabilities, including registering to vote, casting a vote, and 

accessing polling places. 

Developmental Disabilities Projects of National Significance 

The Committee recommends $10,000,000 for Developmental Disabilities Projects of National Significance, which is the same as the 

2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This 

program funds grants and contracts that develop new technologies 

and demonstrate innovative methods to support the independence, 

productivity, and integration of the disabled into the community. 

University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities 

The Committee recommends $38,869,000 for University Centers 

for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), which is 

$250,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. 

The Committee continues to support the UCEDD network of 67 

centers that offer interdisciplinary education, research and public 

services within a university system or public or non-profit entity 

associated with a university. The funding provided will allow Centers to assist states to initiate collaborative research, education, 

training, and service efforts to assist youth with disabilities to successfully transition from school to postsecondary education, and/or 

integrated employment. The funding will also allow the Centers to 

continue to address critical and emerging national needs, such as 

addressing the needs of the rising numbers of individuals on the 

autism spectrum; demonstrating cost effective long term services 

and supports for adults with disabilities and those aging with disabilities; supporting returning veterans; and providing technical asVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00105 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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sistance to strengthen and support the national network of Centers 

and to disseminate research and best practices nationwide. 

Independent Living 

The Committee recommends $102,835,000 for the Independent Living program, of which $22,993,000 is for the Independent Living 

State Grants program and $79,842,000 is for the Centers for Independent Living program. This funding level is $1,652,000 above the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Independent Living programs maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence and productivity of individuals with disabilities. 

Muscular Dystrophy.—The Committee is aware that ACL is included in the Muscular Dystrophy Coordinating Committee under 

the Muscular Dystrophy CARE Act Amendments enacted in September 2014. The Committee supports programs and initiatives focused on the transitions of persons with Duchenne into adulthood. 

The Committee requests a report on ACL’s plans to conduct comprehensive studies focused on demonstrating the cost-effectiveness 

of independent living programs and supports for persons living 

with various forms of muscular dystrophy. 

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and 

Rehabilitation Research 

The Committee recommends $103,970,000 for the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The National Institute serves to generate knowledge and promote its effective use 

to enhance the abilities of people with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the community and to expand society’s capacity to provide full opportunities for its citizens with disabilities. 

Assistive Technology 

The Committee recommends $34,150,000 for Assistive Technology, which is $150,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $2,150,000 more than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Of this amount, the Committee provides $2,000,000 for competitive 

grants to support existing and new alternative financing programs 

that provide for the purchase of assistive technology (AT) devices. 

This funding is intended to support the expansion of existing programs and the creation of new programs that allow greater access 

to affordable financing to help people with disabilities purchase the 

specialized technologies required to live independently, to succeed 

at school and work and to otherwise live active and productive 

lives. Programs that have previously received funding are eligible 

to compete but must report on how the prior funding has been 

used, including the number of loans extended and individuals 

served, funding leveraged, and asset development programs created. The Committee intends for applicants to incorporate creditbuilding activities into their programs, including financial education and information about other possible funding sources. Successful applicants must emphasize consumer choice and control and 

build programs that will provide financing for the full array of AT 

devices and services and ensure that all people, regardless of type 


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of disability or health condition, age, level of income, and residence 

have access to the program. Assistive Technology programs maximize the ability of individuals with disabilities of all ages and their 

family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to obtain AT devices and AT services. 

Program Administration 

The Committee recommends $38,063,000 for Program Adminis- tration, which is $2,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $3,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

This funding supports Federal administrative costs associated with 

administering ACL programs. 

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The Committee recommends a program level total of 

$423,037,000 for General Departmental Management, which is 

$97,800,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$121,853,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Of the 

funds provided, $58,028,000 shall be derived from evaluation setaside funds available under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act, which is $6,800,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $8,050,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

This appropriation supports activities that are associated with 

the Secretary’s roles as policy officer and general manager of the 

Department of Health and Human Services. The Office of the Secretary also implements administration and Congressional directives, and provides assistance, direction and coordination to the 

headquarters, regions, and field organizations of the department. 

In addition, this funding supports the Office of the Surgeon General and several other health promotion and disease prevention activities that are centrally administered. The Committee recommendation does not include funding for the proposed HHS ‘‘Idea 

Lab’’ or the Digital Services Team. 

Abuse Deterrent Opioids.—A recent study indicates that hospitalizations related to opioid abuse and dependence significantly 

increased from 2002 to 2012, and associated inpatient charges almost quadrupled over the same time period, reaching almost $15 

billion for hospitalizations related to opioid abuse and dependence 

and more than $700 million for those related to associated infection 

in 2012. Considering that Medicaid was the most common primary 

payer for both types of hospitalizations, the Committee supports actions that Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services can take to 

address this challenge in Medicare and Medicaid. Among the strategies to reduce abuse, misuse and diversion of these medications is 

the availability of Abuse Deterrent Opioids (ADO) approved by the 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Committee directs HHS 

to submit a report to the Committee on Appropriations regarding 

beneficiary access to ADOs and actions that Congress and the Administration can take to reduce barriers. 

Administrative and Overhead Costs.—The Committee remains 

concerned by the amount of funds being spent on administrative 

costs throughout the Department, and the fact that the Department routinely skims program funds ‘‘off the top’’ of appropriated 


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line items to support central grants management staff and other 

indirect costs. Although these costs are capped at approximately 10 

percent for most grants and contracts, this practice greatly reduces 

the resources available to projects in the field. Last year, the Committee directed the Department to include in the annual budget 

justification for fiscal year 2017, and each year thereafter, the 

amount and percentage of administrative and overhead costs spent 

by the Department for each program line item. The Committee 

notes that this directive was not complied with in the fiscal year 

2017 budget submission and reiterates its directive to include this 

information in fiscal year 2018. 

International Public Health Leadership.—The Committee recognizes the importance of U.S. leadership in international health policy discussions and directs the Secretary of the Department of 

Health and Human Services to ensure that all such policy recommendations are drafted only after a transparent and inclusive 

public comment process has been established. Furthermore, all policy recommendations should be derived from sound science and 

well established data and should also include a thorough cost and 

benefit analysis. Policy recommendations must also take into account the perspectives of all relevant U.S. agencies and must be 

consistent with U.S. international trade obligations. 

Mental Health Inpatient Care.—The Committee understands the 

critical need for access to mental health services, especially for 

those suffering from serious mental illness. The Committee believes 

additional information is needed to determine the best-suited form 

of assistance that States require to address geographic disparities 

in access to mental health treatment. Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to research access to mental health services, especially access to inpatient service 

for those suffering from serious mental illness, and to research options for assisting State, local, and tribal governments in ensuring 

equitable access to mental health services. The Secretary should include options that address regions with low numbers of inpatient 

beds. The Committee directs the Secretary to provide a report within 120 days of enactment of this Act. 

Tribal Advisory Committee.—The Committee appreciates the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee as a tool to facilitate intergovernmental interaction with the tribal governments. The Committee 

requests the Secretary use this and the HHS Tribal Consultation 

process to examine ways to better integrate, prioritize, and streamline grants, contracts, and other funding mechanisms for tribes 

that support programs such as public health, mental health, and 

dental care, among others. The review should examine how funds 

can be better coordinated or provided directly to tribes in a manner 

that supports the tribal, Federal, and State objectives where all 

three have an interest. Further, the Committee expects the Secretary to use the review to consider improved methods to prioritize 

and coordinate funds made available to tribes to meet the objectives of the tribally led health assessments. Finally, the Committee 

requests the Secretary explore alternative approaches to better 

maximize the health prevention activities that examine the various 

HHS-wide programs, mechanisms, and flexibilities in consultation 

with the Tribal Advisory Committee process. 


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Quick Health Data Online System.—The Committee directs the 

Secretary to continue the operation of the Quick Health Data Online System. The ongoing and upgraded version of the data query 

system should include all variables previously available, and access 

data from relevant datasets beyond HHS. User-friendly data queries should have the capacity to seek information by sex and by 

race/ethnicity simultaneously, at the State and county levels. 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health 

Breastfeeding and Medications.—Nearly 4 million women in the 

United States give birth each year, and 3 million breastfeed their 

infants. Almost all of those women will take a medication during 

this time. However, not much is known about the effects of those 

medications on the woman or baby. The Committee asks the Secretary to create a task force consisting of all HHS agencies—including NIH, FDA and CDC, among others, public stakeholders including healthcare professionals, consumers, and industry representatives to meet several times throughout the year and report to Congress on the following: existing Federal research and programs related to medications during pregnancy and lactation—both public 

and private; a list of disease states in which pregnant and lactating 

women may take prescription medications; appropriate research 

endpoints for clinical trials in pregnancy; and recommendations for 

future steps in ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs in pregnancy and lactation, among other appropriate topics. 

Embryo Adoption Awareness Campaign.—The Committee recommends $1,000,000 for the Embryo Adoption Awareness Campaign, the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level. The budget 

request did not include funding for this program. These funds will 

be used to educate Americans about the existence of frozen human 

embryos (resulting from in-vitro fertilization), which may be available for donation/adoption to help other couples build their families. The Committee includes bill language permitting these funds 

also to be used to provide medical and administrative services to 

individuals adopting embryos, deemed necessary for such adoptions, consistent with the Code of Federal Regulations. 

HIV/AIDS in Minority Communities.—The Committee recommendation includes $53,900,000 for specific program activities to 

address the high-priority HIV prevention and treatment needs of 

minority communities, the same as the fiscal year 2016 level and 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. These funds are provided to 

promote an effective, culturally competent and linguistically appropriate public health response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. 

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH).—The Committee is concerned 

that most PH patients are not diagnosed for many years until the 

condition has reached a catastrophic stage, which leads to significant disability, greatly increased mortality, and the need for costly 

and dramatic medical interventions, such as heart-lung transplantation. Considering the availability of effective therapies for earlystage PH, HHS is encouraged to work across agencies and with the 

patient and professional community to prepare recommendations to 

improve early diagnosis and treatment of PH. 

Sexual Risk Avoidance.—The Committee provides $20,000,000 in 

budget authority for sexual risk avoidance programs, which is 


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$10,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 level and $20,000,000 above 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

In implementing these funds, it is the intent of the Committee 

that HHS provide substantive and practical technical assistance to 

grantees so they place meaningful emphasis on Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) in all educational messaging to teens. The Committee 

notes that such technical assistance should be provided in the following venues: during National and regional conferences, webinars 

and one-on-one conversations with funded projects. The Committee 

further intends that SRA-credentialed experts consult with grantees and HHS staff with oversight of these programs on methodologies and best practices in SRA for teens. The Committee also encourages all operating divisions at HHS that implement or inform 

youth programs to consistently implement a public health model 

that stresses risk avoidance or works to return individuals to a lifestyle without risk, particularly as it relates to sexual risk. 

Tick-Borne Diseases.—The Committee directs the Secretary to 

create a Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee (TBDAC) to enhance interagency coordination and communication and minimize 

overlap regarding efforts to address tick-borne diseases; identify opportunities to coordinate efforts with other Federal agencies and 

private organizations addressing such diseases; ensure interagency 

coordination and communication with constituency groups; ensure 

that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is represented in 

public health policy decisions and that information disseminated to 

the public and physicians is balanced; and advise relevant Federal 

agencies on priorities related to the Lyme and tick-borne diseases. 

The Secretary should appoint voting members to the Committee 

who should represent a diversity of scientific perspectives, and specifically should consist of members of the scientific community, representatives of tick-borne voluntary organizations, health care providers, individuals who have been diagnosed with a tick-borne disease or their family members, and representatives of State and 

local health departments and/or their organizations. The TBDAC 

should submit a report to the Committee on Appropriations by September 30, 2017. 

Unique Patient Health Identifier.—The Committee is aware that 

one of the most significant challenges inhibiting the safe and secure electronic exchange of health information is the lack of a consistent patient data matching strategy. With the passage of the 

HITECH Act, a clear mandate was placed on the Nation’s 

healthcare community to adopt electronic health records and health 

exchange capability. Although the Committee continues to carry a 

prohibition against HHS using funds to promulgate or adopt any 

final standard providing for the assignment of a unique health 

identifier for an individual until such activity is authorized, the 

Committee notes that this limitation does not prohibit HHS from 

examining the issues around patient matching. Accordingly, the 

Committee encourages the Secretary, acting through the Office of 

the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and 

CMS, to provide technical assistance to private-sector led initiatives to develop a coordinated national strategy that will promote 

patient safety by accurately identifying patients to their health information. 


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Office of Minority Health 

The Committee provides $56,670,000 for the Office of Minority 

Health (OMH), which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the same as the budget request. The OMH works with 

U.S. Public Health Service agencies and other agencies of the Department to address the health status and quality of life for racial 

and ethnic minority populations in the United States. OMH develops and implements new policies; partners with States, tribes, and 

communities through cooperative agreements; supports research, 

demonstration, and evaluation projects; and disseminates information. 

The agreement continues to provide $2,000,000 for Lupus activities at OMH. The Committee continues to support the OMH National Health Education Lupus Program and its efforts to develop 

a clinical trial education action plan for lupus and implementation 

of the action plan. The action plan will focus on developing publicprivate and community partnerships, evaluate current minority 

clinical trial education and participation programs, and development of a research plan for creating new clinical trial education 

models in lupus to inform the development of the broader actionable lupus clinical trial education plan. 

The Committee has historically supported OMH cooperative 

agreements with historically black medical schools. As trusted community partners, these institutions have an extensive history of 

making contributions to end health disparities. The Committee requests a report on the cooperative agreements with a focus on how 

these grants enable constructive programmatic activity that benefits the communities and geographic locations of the schools. 

The Committee recognizes advancements in the treatment and 

management of hepatitis and encourages OMH to purse community 

collaborations that promote awareness and outreach to improve 

testing, diagnosis, and treatment. 

Office of Women’s Health 

The Committee includes $32,140,000 for the Office of Women’s 

Health, the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Faith Based Center 

The Committee includes $1,299,000 for the Faith Based Center, 

the same as fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $83,000 below the 

fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

OFFICE OF MEDICARE HEARINGS AND APPEALS

The Committee provides $107,381,000 for the Office of Medicare 

Hearings and Appeals (OMHA), which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and $12,619,000 below the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. This Office supports hearings at the administrative 

law judge level, the third level of Medicare claims appeals. The 

Committee has included language allowing for an additional 

$2,000,000 to be transferred from the Office for Civil Rights to 

OMHA upon certain conditions. 


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OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR HEALTH

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The Committee provides $65,367,000 for the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), 

which is $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$16,633,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The budget 

proposed to fund this entire office from the evaluation tap. 

Prescription Drug Monitoring.—The Committee understands that 

the spread of the prescription drug epidemic throughout the Nation 

has made the creation, implementation, and use of State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) and their ability to operate in concert with Electronic Health Records (EHR) and electronic 

prescribing (e-prescribing) systems more important than ever. In 

furthering this goal, the Committee encourages ONC to continue 

its support for pilot programs to find usability challenges among 

PDMP, EHR, and e-prescribing systems; develop and award challenge awards to private entities for health information technology 

innovation; and offer targeted technical assistance to help medical 

professionals use PDMP, EHR, and e-prescribing systems. The 

Committee further encourages ONC to collaborate and coordinate 

its efforts toward creation, implementation, and use of PDMPs with 

partner agencies such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 

Services Administration within HHS and the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the Department of Justice. 

Immunization Information Systems.—The threat of the disease 

outbreaks and the ongoing work to target outreach to under immunized communities underscores the importance of maintaining robust immunization information systems (IIS). However, despite 

widespread availability of state and jurisdictional IIS’ and their frequent use by pediatric providers, only 32 percent of adults 18 and 

over have immunization records in an IIS. The Committee encourages ONC to continue pilots to explore ways to increase the usage 

of IIS by adults. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Committee recommends $85,000,000 for the Office of Inspector General (OIG), which is $10,000,000 more than the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and equal to the fiscal year 2017 budget request. In addition, within the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control (HCFAC) program discretionary appropriations for fiscal year 

2017, the Committee provides the OIG with $67,200,000. Mandatory appropriations for this office also are contained in the HCFAC 

program and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability 

Act of 1996. Total funds provided in this bill and other appropriations are estimated to be $152,200,000 in fiscal year 2017. 

The Department’s programs touch the lives of virtually every 

American, so too does the oversight responsibility of the OIG. The 

OIG was created to protect the integrity of departmental programs 

as well as the health and welfare of beneficiaries served by those 

programs. Through a comprehensive program of audits, investigations, inspections and program evaluations, the OIG attempts to reduce the incidence of fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, and 

to promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness throughout the 

Department. 


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The Committee expects the OIG to continue to increase its support for discretionary funded HHS activities within resources provided. The Committee understands the OIG is responsible for more 

than 300 programs that spend more than $900 billion. The diversity and complexity of these HHS programs—ranging from health 

care insurance and clinical research to epidemiology, public health 

services and education—have increased over the past decade, 

which increased the importance and challenge of providing oversight. The Committee encourages the OIG’s to continue to improve 

its annual budget request and looks forward to a revised format 

with more details and performance measures related to discretionary oversight. Further, the Committee expects the OIG to continue its oversight of Affordable Care Act and describe the activity 

in the fiscal year 2017 work plan. 

Within the total provided, the Committee provides sufficient 

funding for the OIG to monitor HHS compliance with the provision 

that prohibits the use of Federal funding for lobbying campaigns. 

The Committee remains concerned that certain HHS operating divisions have skirted the prohibition on using taxpayer funding to 

lobby State and or local governments. As such, the Committee requests that the OIG monitor grantee activities to ensure that no 

taxpayer resources are used for lobbying. 

Top-25 Unimplemented Recommendations.—The agreement 

again requests that within 90 days of enactment the OIG provide 

a revised top-25 unimplemented recommendations report under the 

same terms and condition as described in the explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014. 

Health Reform Oversight.—The Committee appreciates the joint 

efforts of the OIG to work with the Department of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration on reconciliation of the Advance Premium Tax Credit. The Committee encourages more and 

broader collaboration on other aspects of health reform and other 

HHS programs that may touch Treasury jurisdictions to reduce, 

fraud, overpayments, and enhance government operations. 

OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

The Committee provides $38,798,000 for the Office for Civil 

Rights (OCR), which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $3,907,000 below the budget request. The OCR is responsible for enforcing civil rights statutes that prohibit discrimination 

in health and human services programs. OCR implements the civil 

rights laws through a compliance program designed to generate 

voluntary compliance among all HHS recipients. 

Protected Health Information.—The Committee is concerned 

about the breadth and consequences of the February 25, 2016 

HIPAA guidance regarding access to protected health information 

(PHI) issued by the Office for Civil Rights in the form of Frequently Asked Questions. In particular, OCR’s issuance of the guidance without notice and formal, comment rulemaking newly regulates that covered entities and business associates must use one of 

three restrictive methods to calculate the reasonable, cost-based fee 

that they may charge an individual for providing PHI, one of which 

is an arbitrary ‘‘flat fee’’ option of $6.50. The guidance also expressly mandates that covered entities and business associates 

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vidual’s requests for personal access to his or her own PHI or an 

individual’s request to direct records to third parties for patientcare and research, but also for commercial uses unrelated to patient care and research. This mandate could result in a significant 

shift of costs onto patient care for the production of such commercial requests. 

The Committee urges that OCR delay the enforcement of the 

guidance and eliminate, or at the very least modify, the three 

methods to calculate the reasonable, cost-based fee that may be 

charged the individual; and clarify that the reasonable, cost-based 

fee applies only to patient access and patient requests directing 

transmittal of PHI to third parties for patient care and research. 

RETIREMENT PAY AND MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

The Committee provides for retirement pay and medical benefits 

of Public Health Service Commissioned Officers, for payments 

under the Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan, and for 

medical care of dependents and retired personnel. Total costs are 

estimated to be $630,408,000 for fiscal year 2017, which is 

$44,220,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same 

as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES EMERGENCY FUND

The Committee provides $1,631,258,000 for the Public Health 

and Social Services Emergency Fund to support a comprehensive 

program to prepare for and respond to the health and medical consequences of all public health emergencies, including bioterrorism, 

and support the cybersecurity efforts of the Department of Health 

and Human Services. This amount is $98,300,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2016 level and $200,141,000 more than the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response 

The Committee provides $1,494,928,000 for activities administered by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and 

Response (ASPR). This amount is $98,300,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and $253,150,000 more than the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. ASPR is responsible for coordinating national 

policies and plans for medical and public health preparedness and 

for administering a variety of public health preparedness programs, 

including the National Disaster Medical System, the Hospital Preparedness Cooperative Agreement Grants Program, Project BioShield, and the Office of Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. 

Burn Patient Management in Mass Casualty Event.—The Committee directs ASPR to provide a report in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request on the current and on-going efforts to improve the 

logistics of burn patient triage and transfer in the event of a mass 

casualty event. The Committee understands the ability to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of triage and that subsequent care 

would be critical to the management of an overwhelming surge in 

burn patient volume and intensity. Specifically, the report should 

note the on-going and planned research from across HHS related 

to treatment and systems capability like the development of a netVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00114 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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work platform for reporting immediate and surge burn bed availability to match patient acuity or critical providers into the network. 

Regional Treatment Centers.—The Committee is aware that HHS 

has created a regional treatment network for future infectious disease outbreaks through a tier system using Ebola funds. The Committee requests a report on the Department’s plans, including funding and timetables, for each tier outlining capabilities for infrastructure, training, and other key parameters such as waste management. HHS should make a public version of the report available 

on the HHS website. 

Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority 

The Committee provides $520,000,000 for the Office of Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), 

which is $8,300,000 more than fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. In addition, the Committee 

provides $600,000,000 for Project BioShield, which is $90,000,000 

more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $250,000,000 

more than the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The funds support 

acquisitions of medical countermeasures to address Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. 

The Committee remains committed to ensuring the Nation is 

adequately prepared against CBRN attacks. Public-private partnerships to develop MCMs is required to successfully prepare and defend the Nation against these threats. The Committee supports the 

goal of market development where there is little or no commercial 

market. The funds allow for sustained management and funding of 

critical priorities, facilitate flexible and rapid response to emerging 

threats, and prevent the loss of resources from year to year, especially when the country is facing such tight budget constraints 

while threats persist. The Committee recommends $72,000,000 for the ASPR’s pandemic influenza program. This funding can support research and 

development of next generation influenza MCMs, preparedness 

testing and evaluation, and stockpiling. 

Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority 90- 

Day Review.—The Committee recognizes BARDA as a critical link 

in the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE) to enhance the capability of the United States 

government to develop MCMs for natural and intentional threats 

to public health. The process relies on inherent Federal capabilities 

and critical capabilities with private sector partners that are the 

linchpin to develop needed MCMs, including vaccines, therapeutics, 

diagnostics, and non-pharmaceutical countermeasures, against a 

broad array of public health threats, whether natural or intentional 

in origin. The Committee requests ASPR conduct a comprehensive 

90-day review to assess whether: 1) The current structure meets 

the appropriate capabilities to ensure preparedness; 2) The structure of the capability response platform, such as the Centers for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing, are appropriate for future advanced technological platforms needs; 3) The 

current mix of technological capabilities are in place to address potential gaps in the medical countermeasure enterprise and to ensure rapid deployment of medical countermeasures; and 4) BARDA 


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has the correct measures and indicators in place to assure it 

leverages the resources of PHEMCE, private sector, and other Federal agencies and can report these indicators on a regular basis to 

the Secretary and other Federal leaders to provide them with an 

accurate risk assessment of the ability to respond and known limitations. The report shall include recommendations for policy 

changes, capability adjustments, and other appropriate actions. 

The report should be provided to the Committees on Appropriations 

and appropriate authorizing committees, with a public version to 

be published on the HHS website within 15 days of being submitted to Congress. 

Antibiotic Resistance.—BARDA is directed to work closely with 

CDC and NIAID on the government-wide antibiotic resistance activity. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2018 

budget request on the joint BARDA, NIAID, and CDC goals and 

measurable objectives to ensure the best leveraging of the funds 

provided to CDC and NIAID for this effort. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

PREVENTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH FUND

The Committee continues a provision that directs the transfer of 

the Prevention and Public Health (PPH) Fund. In fiscal year 2017, 

the level appropriated for the fund is $931,000,000 after accounting 

for sequestration. The agreement includes bill language in section 

221 of this Act that requires that funds be transferred within 45 

days of enactment of this Act to the following accounts, for the following activities, and in the following amounts: 

Agency Budget Activity FY 2017 

Committee 

ACL ........................... Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention Education and Outreach ..................................... $14,700,000 

ACL ........................... Chronic Disease Self-Management ........................................................................ 8,000,000 

CDC ........................... Breast Feeding Grants (Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding) ................................ 8,000,000 

CDC ........................... Diabetes .................................................................................................................. 80,000,000 

CDC ........................... Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Grants ...................................................... 40,000,000 

CDC ........................... Healthcare Associated Infections ........................................................................... 12,000,000 

CDC ........................... Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program ...................................................... 75,500,000 

CDC ........................... Million Hearts Program .......................................................................................... 4,000,000 

CDC ........................... Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grants ............................................ 160,000,000 

CDC ........................... Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health ........................................... 30,000,000 

CDC ........................... Section 317 Immunization Grants ......................................................................... 337,300,000 

CDC ........................... Lead Poisoning Prevention ..................................................................................... 17,500,000 

CDC ........................... Early Care Collaboratives ....................................................................................... 4,000,000 

CDC ........................... Block Grant—Counties with High Potential for Local Zika Transmission ........... 140,000,000 

Sec. 201. The Committee continues a provision to limit the 

amount available for official reception and representation expenses. 

Sec. 202. The Committee continues a provision to limit the salary 

of an individual through an HHS grant or other extramural mechanism to not more than the rate of Executive Level II. 

Sec. 203. The Committee continues a provision to prohibit the 

Secretary from using evaluation set-aside funds until the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 

Senate receive a report detailing the planned use of such funds. 

Sec. 204. The Committee modifies a provision regarding the enacted level for the PHS evaluation set-aside, reducing it to 2.4 percent. 


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(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 205. The Committee continues a provision permitting the 

Secretary of HHS to transfer up to one percent of any discretionary 

funds between appropriations, provided that no appropriation is increased by more than three percent by any such transfer to meet 

emergency needs. Notification must be provided to the Committees 

on Appropriations at the program, project, and activity level in advance of any such transfer. 

Sec. 206. The Committee continues the 60 day flexibility for National Health Service Corps contract terminations. 

Sec. 207. The Committee continues a provision to prohibit the 

use of Title X funds unless the applicant for the award certifies to 

the Secretary that it encourages family participation in the decision of minors to seek family planning services and that it provides 

counseling to minors on how to resist attempts to coerce minors 

into engaging in sexual activities. 

Sec. 208. The Committee continues a provision stating that no 

provider of services under Title X shall be exempt from any state 

law requiring notification or the reporting of child abuse, child molestation, sexual abuse, rape, or incest. 

Sec. 209. The Committee continues a provision related to the 

Medicare Advantage program. 

Sec. 210. The Committee continues a provision prohibiting funds 

from being used to advocate or promote gun control. 

Sec. 211. The Committee continues a provision to allow funding 

for HHS international HIV/AIDS and other infectious disease, 

chronic and environmental disease, and other health activities 

abroad to be spent under the State Department Basic Authorities 

Act of 1956. 

Sec. 212. The Committee continues a provision authorizing certain international health activities. 

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 213. The Committee continues a provision to provide the Director of NIH, jointly with the Director of the Office of AIDS Research, the authority to transfer up to three percent of human immunodeficiency virus funds. 

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 214. The Committee continues a provision that makes NIH 

funds for human immunodeficiency virus research available to the 

Office of AIDS Research. 

Sec. 215. The Committee continues a provision granting authority to the Office of the Director of the NIH to enter directly into 

transactions in order to implement the NIH Common Fund for 

medical research and permitting the Director to utilize peer review 

procedures, as appropriate, to obtain assessments of scientific and 

technical merit. 

Sec. 216. The Committee continues a provision clarifying that 

funds appropriated to NIH institutes and centers may be used for 

minor repairs or improvements to their buildings, up to $3,500,000 

per project with a total limit for NIH of $45,000,000. 


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(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 217. The Committee continues a provision transferring one 

percent of the funding made available for National Institutes of 

Health National Research Service Awards to the Health Resources 

and Services Administration. 

Sec. 218. The Committee continues a provision relating to payments for research organisms. 

Sec. 219. The Committee continues the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority ten year contract authority. 

Sec. 220. The Committee continues a provision relating to publicly accessible information regarding uses of funds under section 

4002 of Public Law 111–148. 

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 221. The Committee continues language directing the spending of the Prevention and Public Health fund. 

Sec. 222. The Committee continues language requiring HHS to 

include certain information concerning the number of full-time Federal employees and contractors working on the Affordable Care Act 

in the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Sec. 223. The Committee continues specific report requirements 

for CMS’s marketplaces activities in the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Sec. 224. The Committee continues certain Congressional notification requirements. 

Sec. 225. The Committee continues a provision prohibiting CMS 

Program Management account from being used to support risk corridor payments. 

(RESCISSION)

Sec. 226. The Committee includes a new provision rescinding 

amounts in the Nonrecurring Expenses Fund. 

Sec. 227. The Committee includes a new provision prohibiting 

funds from being used for patient-centered outcomes research. 

Sec. 228. The Committee includes a new provision prohibiting 

funds from being used for Title X family planning activities. 

Sec. 229. The Committee includes a new provision to prevent 

funding of the Navigator program. 

Sec. 230. The Committee includes a new provision requiring HHS 

to submit an analysis of the impact of section 2713 of the PHS Act 

on discretionary programs. 

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 231. The Committee includes a new provision creating an 

Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund and specifies the 

purposes and circumstances under which such fund may be 

accessed. 

TITLE III—DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

EDUCATION FOR THE DISADVANTAGED

The Committee recommends $15,986,790,000 for the Education 

for the Disadvantaged programs, which is $30,000,000 below the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $57,000,000 below the fiscal year 


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2017 budget request. Of the total amount available, $4,897,006,000 

is appropriated for fiscal year 2017 for obligation on or after July 

1, 2017 and $11,041,177,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2017 for 

obligation on or after October 1, 2017. This appropriation account 

includes compensatory education programs authorized under title I 

and subpart 2 of part B of title II of the Elementary and Secondary 

Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and section 418A of the Higher Education Act. 

Grants to Local Educational Agencies 

For fiscal year 2017, the Committee recommends $15,359,802,000 

for Title I grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs, or school 

districts), which is $450,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Title I 

grants provide supplemental education funding for activities that 

offer extra academic support to help students from low-income families and in high-poverty schools to meet State academic standards. Of the amounts provided for Title I programs, $6,909,401,000 is available for Basic Grants to LEAs, which is $450,000,000 above 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget 

request. Basic grants are awarded to school districts with at least 

10 low-income children who make up more than two percent of the 

school-age population. Within the amount for Title I Basic Grants, up to $3,984,000 is 

made available to the Secretary of Education on October 1, 2016, 

to obtain annually-updated LEA-level poverty data from the Bureau of the Census. 

The Committee recommends $1,362,301,000 for Title I Concentration Grants, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Concentration 

Grants target funds to school districts in which the number of lowincome children exceeds 6,500 or 15 percent of the total school-age 

population. The Committee recommends $3,544,050,000 for Title I Targeted 

Grants, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$225,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Targeted 

Grants provide higher payments to school districts with high numbers or percentages of low-income students. 

The Committee recommends $3,544,050,000 for Title I Education 

Finance Incentive Grants (EFIGs), which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and $225,000,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. EFIGs provide payments to States and school 

districts that incorporate ‘‘equity’’ and ‘‘effort’’ factors to improve 

the equity of State funding systems. 

Title I State Plan.—The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) 

shifted control over many decisions regarding public K–12 education from the Federal to the State and local level. Despite this 

clear direction from Congress, the Department is overstepping its 

bounds in the implementation of the law. For example, the Congressional Research Service issued a report stating that a new Department regulation regarding ‘‘supplement not supplant’’ policy 

exceeds the underlying statute. The Committee is concerned that 

the Department may also improperly intervene in the implementation of other areas of the law, such as the review of Title I State 

plans. The Committee notes that there are specific criteria in ESSA 


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for denying approval of State plans and that the Department 

should not take this process as an opportunity to exert undue control over States and school districts. 

School Improvement Grants 

The Committee recommends no funding for School Improvement Grants, which is $450,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The 

ESSA eliminated the authorization for this program and replaced 

it with a set-aside within Title I for school improvement activities. 

Comprehensive Literacy Development Grants 

The Committee recommends $160,000,000 for Comprehensive Literacy Development Grants, which is $30,000,000 below the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

This program makes competitive grants to States to subgrant to 

school districts and/or early childhood education programs to improve literacy instruction for disadvantaged children. 

Innovative Approaches to Literacy 

The Committee recommends no funding for Innovative Ap- proaches to Literacy, which is $27,000,000 below the 2016 enacted 

level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program was 

funded in the Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE) in fiscal year 2016. This program provides competitive grants to support 

school libraries. The Committee has chosen to focus resources on 

core formula-based education programs instead of narrowly-focused 

competitive grants such as this one. 

State Agency Programs: Migrant 

The Committee recommends $374,751,000 for the State Agency 

Program for Migrant Education, which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

This program supports special educational and related services for 

children of migrant agricultural workers and fishermen, including: 

(1) supplementary academic education; (2) remedial or compensatory instruction; (3) English for limited English proficient students; (4) testing; (5) guidance counseling; and (6) other activities 

to promote coordination of services across States for migrant children whose education is interrupted by frequent moves. 

State Agency Programs: Neglected and Delinquent 

For the State Agency Program for Neglected and Delinquent 

Children, the Committee recommends $47,614,000, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. This formula grant program supports educational 

services for children and youth under age 21 in state-run institutions, attending community day programs, and in correctional facilities. A portion of these funds is provided for projects that support the successful re-entry of youth offenders into postsecondary 

and vocational programs. 

Special Programs for Migrant Students 

The Committee recommends $44,623,000 for the Special Programs for Migrant Students, which is the same as the fiscal year 


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2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. These 

programs make grants to colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations to support educational programs designed for students 

who are engaged in migrant and other seasonal farm work. The 

High School Equivalency Program (HEP) recruits migrant students 

age 16 and over and provides academic and support services to 

help those students obtain a high school equivalency certificate and 

subsequently to gain employment or admission to a postsecondary 

institution or training program. The College Assistance Migrant 

Program (CAMP) provides tutoring and counseling services to firstyear, undergraduate migrant students and assists those students 

in obtaining student financial aid for their remaining undergraduate years. The Committee recommendation assumes the allocation of funds between HEP and CAMP as proposed by the Administration. 

IMPACT AID

The Committee recommends $1,328,603,000 for Federal Impact 

Aid programs, which is $23,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This account 

supports payments to school districts affected by Federal activities, 

such as those that educate children whose families are connected 

with the military or who live on Indian land. 

Basic Support Payments 

The Committee recommends $1,191,233,000 for Basic Support 

Payments to LEAs, which is $23,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Basic Support Payments compensate school districts for lost tax revenue and 

are made on behalf of Federally-connected children, such as children of members of the uniformed services who live on Federal 

property. 

Payments for Children with Disabilities 

The Committee recommends $48,316,000 for Payments for Children with Disabilities, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. These payments compensate school districts for the increased costs of serving 

Federally-connected children with disabilities. 

Facilities Maintenance 

The Committee recommends $4,835,000 for Facilities Maintenance, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$66,813,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. These capital payments are authorized for maintenance of certain facilities 

owned by the Department. 

Construction 

The Committee recommends $17,406,000 for the Construction 

program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program provides 

competitive grants for building and renovating school facilities to 

school districts that educate Federally-connected students or have 

Federally-owned land. 


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Payments for Federal Property 

The Committee recommends $66,813,000 for Payments for Federal Property, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $66,813,000 above the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Funds are awarded to school districts to compensate for lost tax 

revenue as the result of Federal acquisition of real property since 

1938. 

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS

The Committee recommends $4,799,912,000 for School Improvement Programs, which is $366,283,000 above the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and $241,503,000 above the fiscal year 2017 budget 

request. The School Improvement account includes programs authorized under Titles I, II, IV, VI, and VII of the ESEA; the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; Title IV–A of the Civil Rights 

Act; section 203 of the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 

2002; and section 105 of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003. 

Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants 

The Committee recommends $1,949,830,000 for Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants, which is $400,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $300,170,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. These grants provide States and school districts with a flexible source of funding to strengthen the skills and 

knowledge of teachers, principals, and administrators to enable 

them to improve student achievement. 

Mathematics and Science Partnerships 

The Committee recommends no funding for Mathematics and 

Science Partnerships, which is $152,717,000 below the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The ESSA eliminated the authorization for this program. 

Supplemental Education Grants 

The Committee recommends $16,699,000 for Supplemental Education Grants to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The 

Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (P.L. 108– 

188) authorizes these entities to receive funding for general education assistance. The Committee recommendation includes a consolidated amount for Supplemental Education Grants because the 

underlying statute determines the allocation between Micronesia 

and the Marshall Islands. 

21st Century Community Learning Centers 

The Committee recommends $1,166,673,000 for 21st Century 

Community Learning Centers, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $166,673,000 above the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. This program awards formula grants to States, 

which in turn distribute funds on a competitive basis to local school 

districts, nonprofit organizations, and other public entities. Funds 


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may be used to provide activities that compliment and reinforce the 

regular school-day program for participating students. 

State Assessments 

The Committee recommends $300,000,000 for State Assessments, 

which is $78,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$103,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Funds are 

available to develop and implement academic standards and assessments. The program includes a set-aside for audits to identify 

and eliminate low-quality or duplicative assessments. 

Education for Homeless Children and Youth 

The Committee recommends $70,000,000 for the Education for 

Homeless Children and Youth program, which is the same as the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $15,000,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. The Committee recognizes that without an 

education, these at-risk children and youth are unlikely to obtain 

the skills they need to become productive adults contributing to the 

economy and their communities. Grants are allocated to States in 

proportion to the total each State receives under the Title I program. 

Training and Advisory Services 

The Committee recommends $6,575,000 for Training and Advisory Services authorized by Title IV–A of the Civil Rights Act, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Title IV-A authorizes technical assistance and training services for school districts to address problems associated with desegregation on the basis of race, sex, or national origin. The Department awards three-year grants to regional 

Equity Assistance Centers (EACs) located in each of the 10 Department of Education regions. The EACs provide services to school 

districts upon request. Typical activities include disseminating information on successful education practices and legal requirements 

related to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, and national 

origin in educational programs. 

Education for Native Hawaiians 

The Committee recommends $33,397,000 for the Education for 

Native Hawaiian program, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2016 level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Funds are used 

to provide competitive awards for supplemental education services 

to the Native Hawaiian population. The Committee does not include bill language allowing these funds to be used for construction. 

Alaska Native Education Equity 

The Committee recommends $32,453,000 for the Alaska Native 

Education Equity program, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2016 level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Funds are used 

to provide competitive awards for supplemental education services 

to the Alaska Native population. The Committee does not include 

bill language allowing these funds to be used for construction. 


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Rural Education 

The Committee recommends $175,840,000 for Rural Education 

programs, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. There are two programs 

to assist rural school districts with improving teaching and learning in their schools: the Small, Rural Schools Achievement program, which provides funds to rural districts that serve a small 

number of students; and the Rural and Low-Income Schools program that provides funds to rural districts that serve concentrations of poor students, regardless of the number of students served 

by the district. Funds appropriated for Rural Education shall be divided equally between these two programs. 

Comprehensive Centers 

The Committee recommends $48,445,000 for Comprehensive Centers, which is $3,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $7,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

This grant program currently supports 22 comprehensive centers, 

including 15 regional centers that provide training, technical assistance, and professional development to build State capacity to 

provide high-quality education to all students. The remaining seven 

centers specialize in particular content areas. The Committee includes bill language directing the Secretary to ensure that the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) has access to services provided 

under this section. 

Student Support and Academic Enrichment State Grants 

The Committee recommends $1,000,000,000 for Student Support 

and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) State Grants, which is 

$500,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The ESSA 

eliminated several narrowly-focused competitive grant programs 

and replaced them with this new formula grant program. States 

and school districts have flexibility to focus these resources on locally-determined priorities to provide students with access to a 

well-rounded education, including rigorous coursework, and to improve school conditions and the use of technology. The Committee 

does not include bill language proposed in the budget request to 

allow States to make subgrants to school districts on a competitive 

basis. 

STEM and Computer Science Education.—The Committee notes 

that funds available under this program may be used by States and 

school districts to provide or strengthen instruction in STEM fields, 

including computer science. 

Non-Cognitive Factors.—The Committee notes that programs designed to support non-cognitive factors such as critical thinking 

skills, social skills, work ethic, problem solving, and community responsibility are an eligible use of funds under SSAE grants supporting a well-rounded education. 

Needs Assessments.—In conducting a needs assessment for SSAE 

grants pursuant to section 4106(d), the Committee encourages 

States to work with school districts in identifying already available 

and appropriate local data and metrics, which may include incidence and prevalence of the issues and behaviors that are appropriate to be addressed by the program, such as drug use and bullying. 


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School Counselors.—The Committee recognizes that school-employed counseling professionals play a critical role in addressing 

barriers to learning and promoting academic success. These professionals guide students through academic, social, emotional and behavioral challenges, as well as the college admission process and 

career development, preparing them for fulfilling lives as responsible members of their communities. School counseling programs 

help students make individual choices geared to their unique abilities, interests and goals. The most recent data from the National 

Center for Education Statistics shows that the current school counselor-to-student ratio is now 1:491, the highest it has been since 

1999 even though this kind of guidance is in demand now more 

than ever. The Committee notes that supporting school counselors 

is an allowable use of SSAE funds and encourages States and 

school districts to support school counseling programs. 

Physical Education.—The Committee believes that physical education is a foundation for healthy, active lifestyles and an important part of a well-rounded public education. The Department is 

encouraged to provide guidance to States and school districts on all 

available funding for physical education under ESSA. 

INDIAN EDUCATION

The Committee recommends $174,939,000 for Indian Education, 

which is $31,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This account supports programs authorized by part A of title VI of the ESEA. 

Grants to Local Educational Agencies 

The Committee recommends $100,381,000 for Grants to Local 

Educational Agencies, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program 

provides assistance through formula grants to school districts and 

schools supported or operated by the Bureau of Indian Education. 

The purpose of this program is to improve elementary and secondary school programs that serve Indian students, including preschool children. Grantees must develop a comprehensive plan and 

ensure that the programs they carry out will help Indian students 

reach the same challenging standards that apply to all students. 

This program supplements the regular school program to help Indian children sharpen their academic skills, bolster their self-confidence, and participate in enrichment activities that would otherwise be unavailable. 

Special Programs for Indian Children 

The Committee recommends $67,993,000 for Special Programs 

for Indian Children, which $30,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

These programs make competitive awards to improve the quality of 

education for American Indian students. The program also funds 

the American Indian Teacher Corps and the American Indian Administrator Corps to recruit and support American Indians as 

teachers and school administrators. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends $53,452,000 for Native Youth Community Projects, $30,562,000 above the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget reVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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quest. This program makes competitive awards to support culturally-relevant coordinated strategies to improve the college- and 

career-readiness of Native American youth. 

National Activities 

The Committee recommends $6,565,000 for National Activities, 

which is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Funds under this 

authority support (1) research, evaluation and data collection to 

provide information about the educational status of Indian students and the effectiveness of Indian education programs; (2) 

grants to support Native language immersion schools and programs; and (3) grants to tribes for education administrative planning, development, and coordination. 

State-Tribal Education Partnership.—The Committee recommends continued funding for the State-Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) program. This program makes grants to tribes to 

build capacity to assume certain State responsibilities for the administration of ESEA programs. Indian educators have long called 

for tribal-State-Federal partnerships to involve Indian tribes in 

educating their students and to improve American Indian education outcomes. STEP programs have, and will continue to, assist 

State and tribal governments to continue delivering the highest 

quality education for Indian students. 

Language Immersion Program.—Within the total for National 

Activities, the Committee includes $1,200,000 for a Native American and Alaska Native Language Immersion Program, the same as 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program, which was authorized in ESSA, will make grants to maintain and promote the 

use of Native languages, support Native language education and 

development, and provide professional development to teachers. 

INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT

The Committee recommends $632,938,000 for Innovation and Improvement programs, which is $548,288,000 below the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $778,618,000 below the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. This appropriation account includes programs authorized under portions of Titles II and IV of the ESEA. 

Education Innovation and Research 

The Committee recommends no funding for the Education Innovation and Research program. This amount is $120,000,000 below 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $180,000,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. This program makes competitive grants 

to support the replication and scaling-up of evidence-based education innovations. Given budget constraints, the Committee has 

chosen instead to focus resources on core formula grant programs. 

Teacher and School Leader Incentive Grants 

The Committee recommends $200,000,000 for the Teacher and 

School Leader Incentive Grants program, which is $30,000,000 

below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $50,000,000 below the 

fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program provides grants to 

States, school districts, and partnerships to develop, implement, 


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improve, or expand human capital management systems or performance-based compensation systems in schools. 

American History and Civics Academies 

The Committee recommends $1,815,000 for American History 

and Civics Academies, the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program was 

funded in FIE in fiscal year 2016. This program makes competitive 

grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations, museums, libraries, and research centers to improve the 

quality of American history and civics education by providing intensive workshops for teachers and students. 

American History and Civics National Activities 

The Committee recommends $6,500,000 for American History 

and Civics National Activities. This program was authorized in 

ESSA and was not funded in fiscal year 2016 or included in the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Committee recognizes the importance of improving the quality of instruction in American history, 

civics, and geography, particularly for schools in underserved rural 

and urban communities. In recognition of the fact that no one size 

fits all in effective education, and that a variety of approaches are 

required to meet the range of student and community needs, these 

competitive grants will support multiple grantees in making available a menu of innovative, effective approaches to teaching American history, civics and government, and geography. These validated approaches will be available to schools and school districts 

for their consideration and voluntary use, based on the approach 

that best meets the needs of the students and community. 

Supporting Effective Educator Development 

The Committee recommends $53,710,000 for the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) grant program, $46,120,000 

below the fiscal year 2016 level and $46,290,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. This program was funded as a set-aside 

of the State Grants for Improving Teacher Quality program in fiscal year 2016 and was established as a standalone program in 

ESSA. SEED provides competitive grants to IHEs, national nonprofit organizations, BIE, and partnerships to support alternative 

certification and other professional development and enrichment 

activities for teachers, principals, and other school leaders. Funds 

are included to support fully continuation costs for grants made in 

prior years. 

School Leader Recruitment and Support 

The Committee recommends no funding for School Leader Recruitment and Support, which is $16,368,000 below the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $30,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. This program provides competitive grants to improve the recruitment, preparation, and retention of principals and 

other school leaders. The Committee includes funding for similar 

activities within other programs, such as Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants and SEED. 


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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Master 

Teacher Corps 

The Committee recommends no funding for STEM Master Teacher Corps. The fiscal year 2017 budget request includes $10,000,000 

for this new program that would support State efforts to identify 

and retain STEM teachers. The Committee has included funding 

elsewhere in this bill to support teacher preparation and retention. 

Teach to Lead 

The Committee recommends no funding for Teach to Lead. The 

fiscal year 2017 budget request includes $10,000,000 for this new 

program, which would award one grant to conduct a national competition for teacher-led projects to improve student outcomes. The 

Committee has chosen to focus resources on programs that give 

States and school districts the flexibility to make improvements 

that best suit local needs. 

Charter Schools Grants 

The Committee recommends $333,172,000 for Charter Schools 

Grants, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$16,828,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

In exchange for a commitment to increase student achievement, 

charter schools are exempt from many statutory and regulatory requirements. The Charter Schools Grants program awards grants to 

State educational agencies (SEAs) or, if a State’s SEA chooses not 

to participate, to charter school developers to support the development and initial implementation of public charter schools. State 

Facilities Incentive Grants and Credit Enhancement for Charter 

School Facilities awards help charter schools obtain adequate 

school facilities. These programs work in tandem to support the development and operation of charter schools. 

The Committee recommends an allocation of funds within this 

program that aligns with ESSA. In particular, the recommendation 

increases funds for grants to States and to charter school developers in States that do not receive a State grant, and reduces funds 

for grants to Charter Management Organizations for replication 

and expansion of charter school models. 

Magnet Schools Assistance 

The Committee recommends no funding for the Magnet Schools 

Assistance program, which is $96,647,000 below the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $115,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. This program makes competitive grants to support 

the establishment and operation of magnet schools that are a part 

of a court-ordered or Federally-approved voluntary desegregation 

plan. 

Stronger Together 

The Committee recommends no funding for Stronger Together 

grants. The fiscal year 2017 budget request includes $120,000,000 

for this new, unauthorized program that would make competitive 

grants to support voluntary community efforts to increase socioeconomic diversity in schools. 


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Next Generation High Schools 

The Committee recommends no funding for the Next Generation 

High Schools program. The fiscal year 2017 budget request includes $80,000,000 for this new activity, which would make grants 

to school districts for whole school redesign of the high school experience. The Committee has chosen to focus resources on core formula grants instead of new programs. 

Computer Science for All Development Grants 

The Committee recommends no funding for Computer Science for 

All Development Grants. The fiscal year 2017 budget request includes $100,000,000 for this new, unauthorized program that would 

make competitive grants to States to improve access to and the 

quality of computer science instruction. 

The Committee recognizes the importance of funding K–12 computer science education to enhance American competitiveness. Only 

about one quarter of all the K–12 schools in the United States offer 

high-quality computer science instruction that includes programming and coding. Supporting education in the science, technology, 

engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, particularly computer 

science, will help to ensure that our nation continues to lead in innovation. However, while the Committee believes that computer 

science instruction helps to prepare and inspire students to pursue 

further education and careers in technology, it does not believe that 

a new, competitive Federal grant program is the best way to support this goal. The Committee notes that funds are available elsewhere in the bill, including in the Student Support and Academic 

Enrichment State Grants program, for States and school districts 

to support computer science education. 

Ready to Learn Programming 

The Committee recommends $25,741,000 for Ready to Learn Programming, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program supports the 

development and distribution of educational video programming for 

preschool and elementary school children and their parents, caregivers, and teachers. 

Advanced Placement Program 

The Committee recommends no funding for the Advanced Place- ment program, which is $28,483,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The ESSA eliminated the authorization for this program. 

Preschool Development Grants 

The Committee recommends no funding within the Department 

of Education for Preschool Development Grants (PDGs), which is 

$250,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same 

as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program was funded 

in FIE in fiscal year 2016. The Committee recommends that this 

program be funded in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), consistent with ESSA and as requested in the fiscal 

year 2017 budget. The Committee encourages the Department of 

Education to transition PDGs to HHS in an efficient and timely 

manner. 


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Arts in Education 

The Committee recommends no funding for Arts in Education, 

$27,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 level and the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. This program provides competitive grants to 

support professional development and the development of instructional materials and programming that integrate the arts into the 

curricula. States and school districts may use funds from the SSAE 

grants to support arts education. 

Non-Cognitive Skills Initiative 

The Committee recommends no funding for the Non-Cognitive 

Skills Initiative, which is $3,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The authorization for this program was eliminated in ESSA. 

Javits Gifted and Talented Education 

The Committee recommends $12,000,000 for the Javits Gifted 

and Talented Education Program, which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

This program was funded in FIE in fiscal year 2016. This program 

makes grants and contracts to States, school districts, and other organizations to support a coordinated program of research, demonstration projects, innovative strategies, and other activities to 

help schools identify gifted and talented students and meet their 

special educational needs. 

SAFE SCHOOLS AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION

The Committee recommends $73,254,000 for Safe Schools and 

Citizenship Education programs, which is $171,561,000 below the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $154,746,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. This appropriation account includes programs authorized under parts of Title IV of the ESEA. 

Promise Neighborhoods 

The Committee recommends $63,254,000 for Promise Neighborhoods, which is $10,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $64,746,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Promise Neighborhoods supports grants to nonprofit, communitybased organizations for the development of comprehensive neighborhood programs designed to combat the effects of poverty and improve educational outcomes for children and youth, from birth 

through college. 

School Safety National Activities 

The Committee recommends no funding for School Safety National Activities, which is $75,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and $90,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program includes a variety of competitive grants that 

aim to increase students’ safety and well-being. The Committee instead includes robust funding for SSAE State Grants to expand 

flexible funding to all States and school districts that can be used 

for the same activities and purposes. 


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Elementary and Secondary School Counseling 

The Committee recommends no funding for Elementary and Secondary School Counseling, which is $49,561,000 below the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The ESSA eliminated the authorization for this program. 

Carol M. White Physical Education Program 

The Committee recommends no funding for the Carol M. White 

Physical Education program, which is $47,000,000 below the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The ESSA eliminated the authorization for this program. 

Full-Service Community Schools 

The Committee recommends $10,000,000 for Full-Service Community Schools, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program was 

funded in FIE in fiscal year 2016. This program makes competitive 

grants to support school-based comprehensive services for students, 

families, and communities. 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

The Committee recommends $737,400,000 for the English Language Acquisition program, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $63,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. Of this amount provided for the 2017-2018 academic year, funds are appropriated for obligation on or after July 

1, 2017 and available through September 30, 2018. 

This program provides formula grants to States to serve Limited 

English Proficient (LEP) students. Grants are based on each State’s 

share of the national LEP and recent immigrant student population. Funds under this account also support professional development to increase the pool of teachers prepared to serve LEP students as well as evaluation activities. The bill continues language 

to calculate all State awards based on a three-year average of data 

from the American Community Survey. 

The Committee recommends no funds for the pilot program on 

multigenerational approaches that was proposed in the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Committee recommends $13,406,517,000 for programs authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 

(IDEA) for children with disabilities. This is $429,659,000 above 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $339,659,000 above the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. Of the total amount available, 

$3,956,259,000 is available for obligation on July 1, 2017, and 

$9,283,383,000 is available for obligation on October 1, 2017. These 

grants help States and localities pay for a free appropriate education for 6.7 million students with disabilities aged 3 through 21 

years. 


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Grants to States 

The Committee recommends $12,412,848,000 for Part B Grants 

to States, which is $500,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program provides formula grants to assist States in meeting the costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities. States generally transfer most of the funds to LEAs; however, they can reserve some funds for program monitoring, technical assistance, and other related activities. In order to be eligible 

for funds, States must make free appropriate public education 

available to all children with disabilities. 

The Committee continues to include bill language excluding any 

amount by which a State’s allocation is reduced for failure to meet 

the maintenance of effort threshold from being used to calculate 

the State’s allocation under section 611(d) of the IDEA in subsequent years. The Committee also continues to include bill language 

directing the Secretary to distribute any reduction in a State’s allocation under said section to all other States based on the formula 

established under section 611(d), excluding those States that are 

penalized. 

Preschool Grants 

The Committee recommends $368,238,000 for Preschool Grants, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$35,000,000 below the budget request. These funds provide additional assistance to States to help them make free, appropriate 

public education available to children with disabilities ages three 

through five. 

The Committee does not include bill language proposed in the fiscal year 2017 budget request to reserve funds for coordination and 

early intervention services for children who are otherwise ineligible 

for IDEA-funded services. 

Grants for Infants and Families 

The Committee recommends $458,556,000 for Grants for Infants 

and Families, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $45,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

These funds provide additional assistance to States to help them 

make free, appropriate public education available to children with 

disabilities from birth through age two. 

The Committee does not include bill language proposed in the fiscal year 2017 budget request to reserve funds for demonstration 

projects for children who are otherwise ineligible for IDEA-funded 

services. 

IDEA National Activities 

The Committee recommends $166,875,000 for the IDEA National 

Activities program, which is $70,341,000 below the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and $80,341,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The IDEA National Activities programs support State efforts 

to improve early intervention and education results for children 

with disabilities. 

State Personnel Development.—The Committee recommends 

$18,414,000 for State Personnel Development, which is $23,216,000 

below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 


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budget request. This program supports grants to States to assist 

with improving personnel preparation and professional development related to early intervention and educational and transition 

services that improve outcomes for students with disabilities. 

Funds are included to fully support continuation costs for grants 

made in prior years. 

Technical Assistance and Dissemination.—The Committee recommends $43,088,000 for Technical Assistance and Dissemination, 

which is $11,340,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$21,340,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program provides funding for technical assistance, demonstration 

projects, and information dissemination. These funds support efforts by State and local educational agencies, IHEs, and other entities to build State and local capacity to make systemic changes and 

improve results for children with disabilities. Funds are included 

to fully support continuation costs for grants made in prior years. 

Personnel Preparation.—The Committee recommends 

$61,692,000 for Personnel Preparation, which is $22,008,000 below 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget 

request. This program supports competitive awards to help address 

State-identified needs for qualified personnel to work with children 

with disabilities, and to ensure that those personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge to serve children with special needs. 

Awards focus on addressing the need for leadership and personnel 

to serve low-incidence populations. Funds are included to fully support continuation costs for grants made in prior years. 

Parent Information Centers.—The Committee recommends 

$27,411,000 for Parent Information Centers, which is the same as 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget 

request. This program makes awards to parent organizations to 

support Parent Training and Information Centers, including community parent resource centers. These centers provide training and 

information to meet the needs of parents of children with disabilities living in the areas served by the centers, particularly underserved parents and parents of children who may be inappropriately 

identified. Technical assistance is also provided under this program 

for developing, assisting, and coordinating centers receiving assistance under this program. 

Educational Technology, Media, and Materials.—The Committee 

recommends $16,270,000 for Educational Technology, Media, and 

Materials, which is $13,777,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program makes 

competitive awards to support the development, demonstration, 

and use of technology and educational media activities of educational value to children with disabilities. Funds are included to 

fully support continuation costs for grants made in prior years. 

The Committee recognizes the ongoing progress made with the 

tools and services provided under the Educational Technology, 

Media and Materials Program that has allowed more than 380,000 

students with disabilities free access to more than 325,000 books 

in multiple digitally accessible formats. The Committee strongly 

encourages continued effort to expand this program’s reach to K– 

12 students in underserved areas. 


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REHABILITATION SERVICES

The Committee recommends $3,534,027,000 for Rehabilitation 

Services, which is $4,422,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $7,362,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The 

programs in this account are authorized by the Rehabilitation Act 

of 1973 and the Helen Keller National Center Act. 

Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants 

The Committee recommends $3,398,554,000 for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) State Grants, which is $6,784,000 above the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

This program supports basic vocational rehabilitation services 

through formula grants to the States. These grants support a wide 

range of services designed to help persons with physical and mental disabilities prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the 

extent of their capabilities. Emphasis is placed on providing vocational rehabilitation services to persons with the most significant 

disabilities. The Committee’s recommendation provides the cost-ofliving adjustment for Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States, as 

authorized. 

The Committee does not include bill language allowing Vocational Rehabilitation State grant unmatched funds in excess of any 

funds requested during the reallotment process to be available for 

the Promoting Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income program. 

Client Assistance State Grants 

The Committee recommends $13,000,000 for Client Assistance 

State Grants, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Client Assistance 

State Grants support services for eligible individuals and applicants of the VR State Grants program, and other programs, 

projects, and services funded under the Rehabilitation Act. These 

formula grants are used to help persons with disabilities overcome 

problems with the service delivery system and improve their understanding of services available to them under the Rehabilitation Act. 

Training 

The Committee recommends $27,826,000 for the Training program, which is $2,362,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The program supports 

long-term and short-term training, in-service personnel training, 

and training of interpreters for deaf persons. Projects in a broad 

array of disciplines are funded to ensure that skilled personnel are 

available to serve the vocational needs of persons with disabilities. 

Funds are included to fully support continuation costs for grants 

made in prior years. 

Demonstration and Training Programs 

The Committee recommends $5,796,000 for Demonstration and 

Training Programs, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level the fiscal year 2017 budget request. These programs authorize competitive grants to public and private organizations to 


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support demonstrations, direct services, and related activities for 

persons with disabilities. 

Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights 

The Committee recommends $17,650,000 for Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Grants 

are awarded to entities that have the authority to pursue legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies to protect and advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities. 

Supported Employment State Grants 

The Committee recommends $27,548,000 for Supported Employment State Grants, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $3,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. These formula grants assist States in developing collaborative programs with public agencies and nonprofit agencies for 

training and post-employment services leading to supported employment. In supported employment programs, persons with the 

most significant disabilities are given special supervision and assistance to enable them to work in an integrated setting. 

Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind 

The Committee recommends $33,317,000 for Independent Living 

Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind, which is the same 

as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $2,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Funds are distributed to States according to a formula based on the population of individuals who are 

55 or older, and provide support for services to persons 55 years 

old or over whose severe visual impairment makes gainful employment extremely difficult to obtain, but for whom independent living 

goals are feasible. 

Helen Keller National Center 

The Committee recommends $10,336,000 for the Helen Keller 

National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. These funds are used for the operation of a national center that provides intensive services for deaf-blind individuals and their families at Sands Point, New York, and a network 

of ten regional offices that provide referral, counseling, transition 

services, and technical assistance to service providers. 

SPECIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Committee recommends $216,722,000 for Special Institutions for Persons with Disabilities, which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND

The Committee recommends $25,431,000 for the American Printing House for the Blind, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This funding 

subsidizes the production of educational materials for legally blind 

persons enrolled in pre-college programs. The Printing House, 

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tures and maintains an inventory of educational materials in accessible formats that are distributed free of charge to schools and 

States based on the number of blind students in each State. The 

Printing House also conducts research and field activities to inform 

educators about the availability of materials and how to use them. 

NATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF

The Committee recommends $70,016,000 for the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Congress established the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in 

1965 to provide a residential facility for postsecondary technical 

training and education for deaf persons with the purpose of promoting the employment of these individuals. The Institute also conducts applied research and provides training in various aspects of 

deafness. The Secretary of Education administers these activities 

through a contract with the Rochester Institute of Technology in 

Rochester, New York. 

GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY

The Committee recommends $121,275,000 for Gallaudet University, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Gallaudet is a private, non-profit educational institution Federally chartered in 1864 providing elementary, secondary, undergraduate, and continuing education for deaf persons. In addition, 

the University offers graduate programs in fields related to deafness for deaf and hearing students, conducts research on deafness, 

and provides public service programs for deaf persons. 

CAREER, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION

The Committee recommends $1,720,686,000 for Career, Technical, and Adult Education programs, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $88,000,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. This account includes vocational education 

programs authorized by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 

Education Act of 2006 and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA). 

Career and Technical Education: State Grants 

The Committee recommends $1,117,598,000 for Career and Technical Education: State Grants, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $75,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. Funds are made available for obligation on October 

1, 2017. 

State Grants support a variety of career and technical education 

programs developed in accordance with the State plan. The Act focuses Federal resources on institutions with high concentrations of 

low-income students. The populations assisted by State Grants 

range from secondary students in pre-vocational courses to adults 

who need retraining to adapt to changing technological and labor 

markets. Funding for State Grants will continue support for stateof-the art career and technical training to approximately 6 million 


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students in secondary schools and more than 4 million students in 

community and technical colleges. 

The Committee includes no funding for the American Technical 

Training Fund. The fiscal year 2017 budget request includes 

$75,000,000 for this new activity. 

National Programs 

The Committee recommends $7,421,000 for National Programs, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$2,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This authority supports the conduct and dissemination of research in career 

and technical education. It also includes support for the National 

Centers for Research and Dissemination in Career and Technical 

Education and other discretionary research. 

Adult Basic and Literacy Education State Grants 

The Committee recommends $581,955,000 for Adult Basic and 

Literacy Education State Grants, which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

State formula grants, authorized under the AEFLA, support programs to enable all adults to acquire basic literacy skills, to enable 

those who so desire to complete secondary education, and to make 

available to adults the means to become more employable, productive, and responsible citizens. 

Adult Education National Leadership Activities 

The Committee recommends $13,712,000 for National Leadership 

Activities, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and $11,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This 

program supports applied research, development, dissemination, 

evaluation, and program improvement efforts to strengthen the 

quality of adult education services. 

STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Committee recommends $22,888,210,000 for Student Financial Assistance programs, which is $1,310,000,000 below the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Pell Grants 

The Committee recommends $21,165,352,000 for the Pell Grant 

program, which is $1,310,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. These funds 

will support Pell grants to students for the 2017–2018 academic 

year. 

The Pell Grant program costs have come in below estimates for 

the past few years, resulting in a surplus of funding for the program. Because of this, the Congressional Budget Office estimates 

that the budget authority provided in this bill is sufficient to maintain the discretionary portion of the maximum Pell Grant award at 

$4,860. When combined with the mandatory add-on of $1,075, this 

will result in a $5,935 maximum Pell Grant in the 2017–2018 academic year. 

Pell Grants help to ensure access to higher educational opportunities for low- and middle-income students by providing need-based 

financial assistance. Grants are determined according to a statuVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00137 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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tory formula, which considers income, assets, household size, and 

the number of family members in college, among other factors. Pell 

Grants are the foundation of Federal postsecondary student aid 

programs. 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants 

The Committee recommends $733,130,000 for this program, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) provide funds to postsecondary institutions 

for need-based grants of up to $4,000 to undergraduate students, 

with priority given to students who are Pell-eligible. Approximately 

71 percent of dependent recipients have annual family incomes 

under $30,000 and nearly 76 percent of independent SEOG recipients have annual family incomes under $20,000. Institutions must 

contribute a 25 percent match toward their SEOG allocation. 

Federal Work-Study 

The Committee recommends $989,728,000 for the Federal WorkStudy program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the budget request. Federal Work-Study funds are provided through institutions to students who work part-time. The 

funds assist with paying for the cost of education. Approximately 

3,300 colleges and universities receive funding, according to a statutory formula, and may allocate it for job location and job development centers. Work-study jobs must pay at least the Federal minimum wage and institutions must provide 25 percent of student 

earnings. 

Within the total funding level for the Federal Work-Study program, the Committee recommends $8,390,000 for the Work Colleges program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level. The Work Colleges program is authorized under section 448 

of the HEA and supports institutions that require all resident students to participate in a work-learning program. 

STUDENT AID ADMINISTRATION

The Committee recommends $1,551,854,000 for Student Aid Administration (SAA), which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $80,136,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Programs administered under this account include Pell 

Grants, campus-based programs, Teacher Education Assistance for 

College and Higher Education grants, and Federal student loan 

programs. 

Salaries and Expenses.—Within the total provided for Student 

Aid Administration, the Committee recommends $696,643,000 for 

salaries and expenses, which is the same as the 2016 enacted level 

and $35,709,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Loan Servicing Activities.—Within the total provided for SAA, 

the Committee recommends $855,211,000 for Loan Servicing Activities, which is the same as the 2016 enacted level and 

$44,427,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Loan Origination.—The Committee is concerned that the Department has unnecessarily restricted consumer choice by only permitting student and parent loan borrowers to select from among the 

four Title IV Additional Servicers when choosing a servicer for 


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their consolidation loans. The Committee directs the Department to 

permit borrowers to choose from among all 10 Federal student loan 

servicers. The Committee directs the Department to brief the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 

Senate within 30 days of enactment of this Act on how it plans to 

carry out this directive. 

Third Party Servicers.—The Committee is concerned that the Department has not provided adequate information to student loan 

counseling and default management providers impacted by new 

third-party servicer requirements. Last year, the Department released a Dear Colleague Letter (GEN–15–01) expanding the definition of ‘third-party servicer’ and the reporting requirements for 

those institutions and providers that manage parts of the financial 

aid system and provide specialized support services to students. To 

date, the Department has not issued any guidance, such as an 

audit guide, that would explain who is a third-party servicer and 

what is expected of them. The Committee directs the Department 

to develop and submit to the Committee a plan for how it intends 

to implement the third-party servicer requirements, including who 

is a third-party service provider, how the regulations will seek to 

minimize compliance costs, and how the regulations will refrain 

from creating unnecessary barriers to helping student and parent 

borrowers. 

Nonprofit Organizations.—With respect to the upcoming procurement for servicing of student loans owned by the Department, the 

Committee directs the Department to develop and submit to the 

Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and 

the Senate a plan under which it will give credit for subcontracting 

with small businesses, including State-based nonprofit organizations with expertise in assisting borrowers in the repayment of 

their student loans, that provide value-added services but do not 

meet the formal definition of a ‘‘small business’’ because they are 

State or nonprofit entities. 

Student Loan Debt.—Total U.S. student loan debt continues to 

increase, surpassing $1.2 trillion in 2015. The Committee recognizes that rising student debt is a growing burden for students, 

borrowers, and the economy overall. The Committee encourages the 

Department to explore creative solutions to help reduce the burden 

student debt will impose on the U.S. economy. 

Physician Assistant Education Access.—The Committee encourages the Secretary of Education to investigate the impact that 

lower Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan borrowing limits 

for physician assistant students compared to other health professions have on access to physician assistant education, overall student loan debt upon graduation, and impact on physician assistant 

employment in underserved and rural communities. 

HIGHER EDUCATION

The Committee recommends $1,976,666,000 for Higher Education programs, which is $5,519,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $212,534,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 


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Strengthening Institutions 

The Committee recommends $86,534,000 for the Part A, 

Strengthening Institutions program, which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

This program provides competitive grants for general operating 

subsidies to institutions with low average educational and general 

expenditures per student and significant percentages of low-income 

students. Funds may be used for faculty and academic program development, management, joint use of libraries and laboratories, acquisition of equipment, and student services. 

Strengthening Hispanic-Serving Institutions 

The Committee recommends $107,795,000 for the Hispanic-Serving Institutions program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Hispanic-Serving Institutions program provides operating subsidies to 

schools that serve at least 25 percent Hispanic students. Funds 

may be used for faculty and academic program development, management, joint use of libraries and laboratories, acquisition of 

equipment, and student services. 

Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans 

The Committee recommends $9,671,000 for the Promoting 

Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans program, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program provides expanded 

postbaccalaureate educational opportunities for the academic attainment of Hispanic and low-income students. In addition, it expands academic offerings and enhances program quality at IHEs 

educating the majority of Hispanic college students. 

Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities 

The Committee recommends $244,694,000 for Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. This program provides operating subsidies to accredited, historically black colleges and universities that were established prior to 1964, with the principal mission of educating 

black Americans. Funds are distributed through a formula grant 

based on the enrollment of Pell Grant recipients, number of graduates, and the number of graduates entering graduate or professional schools in which blacks are underrepresented. 

Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions 

The Committee recommends $63,281,000 for the Strengthening 

Historically Black Graduate Institutions program, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. The program provides five-year grants to 18 postsecondary institutions that are specified in section 326(e)(1) of the 

Higher Education Act. Funds may be used to build endowments, 

provide scholarships and fellowships, and to assist students with 

the enrollment and completion of postbaccalaureate and professional degrees. 


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Strengthening Predominantly Black Institutions 

The Committee recommends $9,942,000 for the Strengthening 

Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) program, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. This program provides grants to PBIs to increase 

their capacity to serve the academic needs of students. 

Strengthening Asian American and Native American 

Pacific-Islander-Serving Institutions 

The Committee recommends $3,348,000 for the Asian American 

Pacific Islander program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program provides grants to undergraduate institutions that have an 

undergraduate student enrollment of at least 10 percent Asian 

American or Native American Pacific Islander. 

Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving 

Institutions 

The Committee recommends $13,802,000 for the Strengthening 

Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions program, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request, to provide competitive grants to improve capacity to serve Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students. 

Native American-Serving NonTribal Institutions 

The Committee recommends $3,348,000 for the Native AmericanServing NonTribal Institutions program, which is the same as the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program makes grants to IHEs at which enrollment is 

at least 10 percent Native American students and that are not 

Tribally Controlled Colleges or Universities. 

Strengthening Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities 

The Committee recommends $27,599,000 for the Strengthening 

Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) program, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program makes grants to 

TCCUs to increase their capacity to serve the academic needs of 

students. 

International Education and Foreign Language Studies 

Domestic Programs.—The Committee recommends $65,103,000 

for the Domestic Programs of the International Education and Foreign Languages Studies (IEFLS) program, which is the same as the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Authorized by title VI of the Higher Education Act, these 

programs include national resource centers, foreign language and 

area studies fellowships, undergraduate international studies and 

foreign language programs, international research and studies 

projects, business and international education projects, international business education centers, language resource centers, 

American overseas research centers, and technological innovation 

and cooperation for foreign information access. 


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Overseas Programs.—The Committee recommends $7,061,000 for 

the Overseas Programs of IEFLS, which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and $4,893,000 above the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. Funding for these programs support group projects, 

faculty research, special bilateral research, and doctoral dissertation research conducted abroad. 

HBCU and Minority-Serving Institutions Innovation for 

Completion Fund 

The Committee does not recommend funding for this program. 

The fiscal year 2017 budget request includes $30,000,000 for this 

new activity. The Committee continues to support HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions through Aid for Institutional Development, and supports efforts to improve college access and completion 

at these and other institutions through increased funding for TRIO 

programs. 

Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education 

The Committee recommends no funding for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), which is the same 

as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $100,000,000 below the 

fiscal year 2017 budget request. The budget request proposes to allocate all FIPSE funds for the First in the World program, which 

makes competitive grants for the replication and scaling-up of innovations in access to and completion of postsecondary education programs. Instead, the Committee continues to make significant investments in increasing college access and completion throughout 

the country through TRIO programs. 

Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities 

The Committee recommends $11,800,000 for Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities, which is the same 

as the fiscal year 2016 level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program supports grants to create model transition programs into higher education for students with intellectual disabilities. 

Minority Science and Engineering Improvement 

The Committee recommends $9,648,000 for the Minority Science 

and Engineering Improvement Program, which is the same as the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program awards grants to improve mathematics, 

science, and engineering programs at institutions serving primarily 

minority students and to increase the number of minority students 

who pursue advanced degrees and careers in those fields. 

Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Career and Technical 

Institutions 

The Committee recommends $8,286,000 for this program, which 

is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. This program provides competitive grants to 

tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institutions 

to provide career and technical education to Native American students. 


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Federal TRIO Programs 

The Committee recommends $960,000,000 for TRIO programs, which is $60,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The TRIO programs provide a 

variety of outreach and support services to encourage low-income, 

often first-generation college students to enter and complete college. Discretionary grants of up to four or five years are awarded 

competitively to IHEs and other nonprofit organizations. At least 

two-thirds of the eligible participants in TRIO must be low-income, 

first-generation college students. 

The Committee does not include funding for the TRIO demonstration project proposed in the budget request. 

The Committee is disappointed with the Department’s decision to 

sharply limit the ability of current TRIO grantees to partake of the 

increased funding provided in the fiscal year 2016 omnibus. In limiting additional funding only to grantees who agreed to spend the 

funds for a few narrow purposes dictated by the Department, the 

Department disregarded Congress’ direction to allocate funds to all 

current grantees. As a result, grantees who could have taken the 

opportunity to use additional funds to conduct more college tours, 

provide salary increases for program staff, or make other program 

enhancements were not able to do so. The Department is directed 

to allocate fiscal year 2017 TRIO funding such that all current 

grantees receive an increase in their grant award. The Committee 

expects the Department to adhere to this direction and not impose 

additional requirements as a condition for grantees to receive these 

funds. Additionally, the Department is also directed to increase the 

number of new grants provided for those programs that will conduct a new competition this year. 

Additionally, the Committee directs the Department to announce 

the grant competitions and award the grants for this program in 

a timely manner, as well as provide sufficient time for grantees to 

prepare their applications. 

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate 

Programs 

The Committee recommends $344,754,000 for Gaining Early 

Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR 

UP), which is $22,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. GEAR UP provides grants 

to States and partnerships of low-income middle and high schools, 

IHEs, and community organizations to target entire grades of students and give them the skills, encouragement, and scholarships to 

successfully pursue postsecondary education. 

The Committee continues bill language allowing the Department 

to maintain the GEAR UP evaluation set-aside at 1.5 percent to 

work with the GEAR UP community and grantees to standardize 

data collection, including through the use of third-party data systems. 

The Committee directs the Department to conduct a new grant 

competition for this program in fiscal year 2017. 

Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need 

The Committee recommends no funding for the Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need program, which is $29,293,000 


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below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. The program awards grants to IHEs to provide fellowships to economically disadvantaged students who have demonstrated academic excellence and who are pursuing graduate education in designated areas of national need, such as the sciences, 

mathematics, engineering, and nursing. This program duplicates 

the efforts of other Federally funded programs that support fellowships in these disciplines within the Department and other agencies. 

Teacher and Principal Pathways 

The Committee recommends no funding for Teacher and Prin- cipal Pathways. The budget request includes $125,000,000 for this 

new activity, which would fund competitive grants to IHEs and 

nonprofit organizations to create or expand pathways into the 

teaching profession or into school leadership. There are other funding streams within the Department that support teacher preparation and training. 

Teacher Quality Partnership Grants 

The Committee recommends no funding for Teacher Quality Partnerships, which is $43,092,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Child Care Access Means Parents in School 

The Committee recommends no funding for the Child Care Ac- cess Means Parents in School program, which is $15,134,000 below 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget 

request. This program makes competitive grants to colleges and 

universities to support or establish a campus-based childcare program primarily serving the needs of low-income students enrolled 

at the institution. Given budget constraints, the Committee chose 

to reduce investment in narrowly focused grant programs such as 

this one. 

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

The Committee recommends $221,821,000 for Howard University, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Howard University is a ‘‘Research I’’ university located in the 

District of Columbia. Howard University provides undergraduate 

liberal arts, graduate and professional instruction to over 10,000 

students from all 50 States. 

Within the amount provided, the Committee recommends $27,325,000 for the Howard University Hospital, which is the same 

as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The hospital serves as a major acute and ambulatory 

care center for the District of Columbia, and functions as a major 

teaching facility. 

COLLEGE HOUSING AND ACADEMIC FACILITIES LOANS PROGRAM

The Committee recommends $435,000 for the Federal administration of the College Housing and Academic Facilities Loan program, the Higher Educational Facilities Loans program, and the 

College Housing Loans program, which is the same as the fiscal 


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year 2016 enacted level and $22,000 below the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. Previously, these programs helped to ensure that 

postsecondary institutions were able to make necessary capital improvements to maintain and increase their ability to provide a 

high-quality education. Since 1994, no new loans have been made, 

and the Department’s role has been to manage the outstanding 

loans. 

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CAPITAL FINANCING

PROGRAM ACCOUNT

The Committee recommends $20,484,000 for the HBCU Capital 

Financing program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $15,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Funds are available through September 30, 2017. This program is 

authorized under part D of Title III of the HEA and makes capital 

available for repair and renovation of facilities at historically black 

colleges and universities. In exceptional circumstances, capital provided under the program can be used for construction or acquisition of facilities. 

Within the total provided for this program, the Committee rec- ommendation includes $334,000 for the administrative expenses to 

carry out this program and $20,150,000 for loan subsidy costs that 

will be sufficient to guarantee up to $282,213,000 in new loans in 

fiscal year 2017. Funds will also be used to continue technical assistance services to help HBCUs improve their financial stability 

and access to capital markets. 

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES

The Committee recommends $536,049,000 for the Institute of 

Education Sciences, which is $81,966,000 below the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $157,769,000 below the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. This account supports education research, statistics, dissemination, evaluation, and assessment activities. 

Research, Development, and Dissemination 

The Committee recommends $154,473,000 for Research, Develop- ment, and Dissemination, which is $40,527,000 below the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and $54,800,000 below the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. This budget account supports research, development, and national dissemination activities that are aimed at expanding fundamental knowledge of education and promoting the 

use of research and development findings in the design of efforts 

to improve education. Funds are included to fully support continuation costs for grants made in prior years. 

Statistics 

The Committee recommends $103,060,000 for the activities of the 

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which is 

$8,940,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$22,300,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Statistics 

activities are authorized under title I of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002. The Center collects, analyzes, and reports statistics on all levels of education in the United States. Activities are 

carried out directly and through grants and contracts and include 

projections of enrollments, teacher supply and demand, and eduVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00145 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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cational expenditures. NCES also provides technical assistance to 

State and local educational agencies and postsecondary institutions. 

Regional Educational Laboratories 

The Committee recommends $54,423,000 for Regional Educational Laboratories, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program 

support a network of ten laboratories that promote the use and development of knowledge and evidence to increase student learning 

and further school improvement efforts. Funds are included to fully 

support continuation costs for grants made in prior years. 

Research in Special Education 

The Committee recommends $49,300,000 for Research in Special Education, which is $4,700,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program supports competitive awards to produce and advance the use of knowledge to improve services and results for children with disabilities. 

The program focuses on producing new knowledge, integrating research and practice, and improving the use of knowledge. 

Special Education Studies and Evaluations 

The Committee recommends $10,818,000 for Special Education 

Studies and Evaluations, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and $2,182,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program awards competitive grants, contracts and cooperative agreements to assess the implementation of the IDEA and 

the effectiveness of State and local efforts to provide special education and early intervention programs and services to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities. Funds are included to fully 

support continuation costs for grants made in prior years. 

Statewide Data Systems 

The Committee recommends $27,230,000 for Statewide Data Systems, which is $7,309,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and $53,787,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Competitive grants under this authority are made to SEAs to help them 

manage, analyze, disaggregate and use student data consistent 

with the ESEA. 

Assessment 

The Committee recommends $136,745,000 for Assessment, which 

is $20,490,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$20,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This 

amount includes $7,745,000 for the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB), which is $490,000 below the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is the 

only nationally representative and continuing survey of educational 

ability and achievement of American students. The primary goal of 

the Assessment is to determine and report the status and trends 

of the knowledge and skills of students, subject by subject. Subject 

areas assessed in the past have included reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history, as well as citizenship, literature, art, 


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and music. The NAEP is operated by contractors through competitive awards made by the NCES. The NAGB formulates the policy 

guidelines for the program. 

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The Committee recommends $591,256,000 for Departmental 

Management, which is $7,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $83,220,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. These activities are authorized by the Department of Education Organization Act (P.L. 96–88) and include costs associated 

with the management and operation of the Department as well as 

separate costs associated with the Office for Civil Rights and the 

Office of Inspector General. 

Program Administration 

The Committee recommends $432,000,000 for Program Administration, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$42,827,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. These funds 

support the staff and other costs of administering programs and activities at the Department. Items include personnel compensation, 

health, retirement, and other benefits as well as travel, rent, telephones, utilities, postage fees, data processing, printing, equipment, supplies, technology training, consultants, and other contractual services. Within the total, the Committee includes $1,000,000 

for building modernization. 

Free Speech Zones.—The Committee is concerned about the proliferation of colleges and universities that are limiting protests, 

speeches, distribution of literature, petitions, and other expressive 

activities to ‘‘free speech zones’’. The Committee notes that the outdoor areas of campuses of public IHEs are traditional public forums. The Committee therefore believes that public IHEs may 

maintain and enforce reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions in service of a significant institutional interest only when 

such restrictions employ clear, published, content- and viewpointneutral criteria and provide for ample alternative means of expression. Any such restrictions must allow for members of the university community to spontaneously and contemporaneously distribute 

literature and assemble. 

Campus Religious Organizations and Nondiscrimination Policies 

on Campus.—Many colleges and universities have nondiscrimination policies that prohibit student groups from discriminating on 

the basis of gender, sexual orientation, or race, among other factors. Often these policies also prohibit discrimination in who organizations may consider for leadership positions. However, many 

IHEs are misusing these nondiscrimination policies in a way that 

has a chilling effect on religious organizations. Specifically, some 

institutions are barring religious student groups that require candidates for leadership positions to adhere to the same faith as the 

organization. This is clearly not an example of the type of behavior 

that these policies are intended to stop. Many institutions make exceptions to their nondiscrimination policies for fraternities and sororities, which are exclusive to men and women respectively, and 

they can make an exception for religious organizations as well if 

they choose. The Department is encouraged to offer guidance to 


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academic institutions that they should allow religious organizations 

to choose leadership based on faith. 

Educational Materials on Human Trafficking.—The Committee 

encourages the Department to develop educational materials regarding all forms of human trafficking, including sex and labor 

trafficking, to ensure that educators are aware of how to identify 

and treat all types of trafficking, and to undertake a study to examine the appropriate role of educators and the education system 

in preventing, identifying, and supporting child trafficking victims. 

Illegal Immigration.—The Department is directed to expeditiously provide a report of its official findings regarding the significant healthcare and education costs to State and local communities 

resulting from illegal immigration. The Committee is concerned 

about the lack of response from last year’s inquiry regarding this 

specific matter and urges the Office of the Secretary to provide 

timely and informative assistance upon request. The Committee directs the Department to provide all available Federal resources to 

assist State and local governments with these increased costs that 

are a direct result of Federal law or policy. The Committee directs 

the Department, in conjunction with the Office of Refugee Resettlement, to report to the House Appropriations Committees on Labor, 

Health and Human Services, the Committee on Commerce, Justice, 

Science and the Committee on Homeland Security within 90 days 

of passage of this Act on the costs borne by local, State, and Federal governments for providing health and education services to 

people in the United States without a legal immigration status in 

fiscal years 2014–2016, and a projected cost for fiscal years 2017 

through 2021. The report shall also include an accounting of what 

Federal resources have been directed, and what Federal resources 

will be directed, in each year to cover these added expenses. 

Funding Review.—The Committee is concerned about any use of 

Federal funds to support activities that are in conflict with 

Congress’s support for the security of Israel. As such, the Committee encourages the Department of Education to take measures 

to ensure that none of the funds provided within this bill be used 

to facilitate or support any activities or policies, written or oral, 

that prohibit interaction with particular academic persons or institutions from a particular country due to an association that the 

person or institution has with that country. 

OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

The Committee recommends $100,000,000 for the Office for Civil 

Rights, which is $7,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and $37,708,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Office for Civil Rights is responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit 

discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age in all programs and institutions that receive funds 

from the Department. These laws extend to 50 State educational 

agencies, 18,200 LEAs, and nearly 7,200 IHEs, including proprietary schools. They also extend to 80 State rehabilitation agencies, 

libraries, museums, and other institutions receiving Federal funds. 

The Committee is deeply concerned segregation in public elementary and secondary schools and its well documented adverse impact 

on children. For example, a recent report from the Government Accountability Office indicates that a high percentage of Black and 


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Hispanic students are racially and economically concentrated in 

public elementary and secondary schools. Specifically, 65 percent of 

all high poverty schools are populated by at least 75 percent of students of color. Therefore, the Committee requests that the Secretary of Education, in coordination with the Office of Civil Rights, 

not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 

submit to Congress a report detailing recommendations on how to 

address the adverse impacts of segregation, including designating 

school monitors under title VI of the Civil, Rights Act of 1964, to 

ensure that every student has the opportunity for an equal education. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Committee recommends $59,256,000 for the Office of Inspector General, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and $2,685,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This Office has authority to inquire into all program and administrative 

activities of the Department as well as into related activities of 

grant and contract recipients. It conducts audits and investigations 

to determine compliance with applicable laws and regulations, to 

check alleged fraud and abuse, efficiency of operations, and effectiveness of results. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 301. The Committee continues a provision that prohibits 

funds in this act from being used for the transportation of students 

or teachers in order to overcome racial imbalances or to carry out 

a plan of racial desegregation. 

Sec. 302. The Committee continues a provision that prohibits 

funds in this act from being used to require the transportation of 

any student to a school other than the school which is nearest the 

student’s home in order to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights 

Act of 1964. 

Sec. 303. The Committee continues a provision that prohibits 

funds in this act from being used to prevent the implementation of 

programs of voluntary prayer and meditation in public schools. 

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 304. The Committee continues a provision providing the Secretary of Education with the authority to transfer up to one percent 

of discretionary funds between appropriations, provided that no appropriation is increased by more than three percent by any such 

transfer. This transfer authority is available only to meet emergency needs, and may not be used to create any new program or 

fund a project or activity that is not otherwise funded in this act. 

All transfers are subject to notification to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate. 

Sec. 305. The Committee continues to include a provision that 

permits Palau to continue participating in Department of Education and other programs pending formal ratification of a new 

compact agreement. 

Sec. 306. The Committee amends a provision allowing ESEA 

funds consolidated for evaluation purposes to be available from 

July 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. 


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Sec. 307. The Committee includes a provision allowing certain institutions to continue to use endowment income for student scholarships. 

Sec. 308. The Committee continues to include a provision extending the authorization of the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity. 

Sec. 309. The Committee continues to include a provision extending the authority to provide account maintenance fees to guaranty 

agencies for Federal student loans. 

Sec. 310. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits the 

Department from moving forward with regulations that would define ‘‘gainful employment’’ and ‘‘credit hour’’, dictate how States 

must authorize or license IHEs within the State, and regulate 

teacher preparation programs. 

Sec. 311. The bill includes language prohibiting funds from being 

used to implement on a retrospective basis the Dear Colleague Letter dated July 10, 2015 (GEN 15–14) regarding the imposition of 

collection costs by guaranty agencies upon certain defaulted borrowers. 

Sec. 312. The Committee includes a provision renaming various 

offices in the Department, as proposed in the budget request. 

Sec. 313. The Committee includes language prohibiting funds 

from being used to withhold Federal financial assistance to public 

education institutions subject to the May 13, 2016 Dear Colleague 

Letter published by the Departments of Education and Justice 

until an appropriate court determines violations have occurred. 

TITLE IV—RELATED AGENCIES 

COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR

SEVERELY DISABLED

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $8,597,000 for the Committee for 

Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, which 

is $2,406,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$2,015,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Committee believes greater oversight is necessary to ensure the program is operating in accordance with statutory requirements that 

blind or other severely disabled individuals provide at least 75 percent of hours or direct labor required for the production or provision of the products or services to Federal government agencies. To 

provide the AbilityOne Commission with greater oversight capacity, the Committee continues bill language requiring AbilityOne to 

enter into contracts with central nonprofit agencies. This will enable AbilityOne to increase auditing, oversight and reporting functions in accordance with standard Federal procurement policies. 

Committee For Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely 

Disabled—Requested Reports.—The Committee for Purchase From 

People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled shall submit in an electronic format quarterly reports, due at the end of each calendar 

month after the end of the fiscal year quarter, to the Committees 

on Oversight and Government Reform and Education and the 

Workforce of the House of Representatives, Committees on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Health, Education, 


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Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The first report (Report 1) will include information on CNA Fees. The report 

shall include the following: 

1. Each fee charged pursuant to section 51—3.5 of title 41, 

Code of Federal Regulations 

2. Each organization charged a fee pursuant to section 51— 

3.5 of title 41, Code of Federal Regulations 

3. For each fee charged, for each Government order, please 

include the following information: 

a. name of the nonprofit agency, 

b. description of product or service ordered, 

c. ordering government agency, 

d. order price (total), 

e. contract award ID associated with any order, where 

applicable, 

f. a subtotal row for fees and amounts under 3.d., and 

g. cumulative totals for the fiscal year. 

The second report (Report 2) will include information on CNA 

Expenditures. Each CNA designated pursuant to section 8503(c) of 

title 41, United States Code shall submit, in an electronic format, 

a report on expenditures, due at the end of each calendar month 

after the end of the fiscal year quarter, to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform and Education and the Workforce of 

the House of Representatives, Committees on Homeland Security 

and Governmental Affairs and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and Committees on Appropriations of the 

House of Representatives and the Senate. The report shall include 

the total amount obligated by the CNA in the previous quarter for 

each of the following: 

1. Employee salaries (total), including executive salaries, 

2. Employee benefits, including executive benefits, 

3. Executive salaries, 

4. Executive benefits, 

5. Total travel expenses, 

6. Executive travel, 

7. Lobbying, 

8. Advertising and promotion, 

9. CNA reserve level, 

10. Funds spent to support the efforts of the Committee For 

Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, including a description of the activities, services, 

and products supplied to the Committee For Purchase 

From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, and 

11. Cumulative totals for the fiscal year and the total 

amount for all spending under items 1–10. 

Office of Inspector General.—The Committee recommends no less 

than $1,000,000 for the Office of Inspector General. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

Sec. 401. The Committee continues bill language requesting 

quarterly reports. 


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CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

OPERATING EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $787,929,000 to the Corporation for 

National and Community Service (Corporation) to carry out activities authorized under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 

and the National and Community Service Act of 1990. This funding 

level is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$6,679,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) 

The Committee recommends $92,364,000 for VISTA, the same as 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $3,516,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. This program provides capacity building 

for small, community-based organizations with a mission of combating poverty. VISTA members raise resources, recruit and organize volunteers, and establish and expand programs in housing, 

employment, health, and economic development activities. 

National Senior Volunteer Corps 

The Committee recommends $202,117,000 for the National Senior Volunteer Corps programs, the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Senior Corps 

is a collection of programs that connect Americans older than the 

age of 55 with opportunities to contribute their job skills and expertise to community projects and organizations. The breakout of 

funding by program is as follows: 

National Senior Volunteer Corps FY 2017 

Committee 

Foster Grandparents Program ........................................................................................................................ $107,702,000 

Senior Companion Program ............................................................................................................................ 45,512,000 

Retired Senior Volunteer Program .................................................................................................................. 48,903,000 

AmeriCorps State and National Grants 

The Committee recommends $386,010,000 for AmeriCorps State 

and National Grants, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This program 

provides funds to local and national organizations and agencies to 

address community needs in education, public safety, health, and 

the environment. Within the amount provided, the Committee expects the Corporation to maintain funding for competitive grants at 

the fiscal year 2015 level. 

The Committee is very concerned about the lack of oversight 

within the Corporation that allowed an AmeriCorps subgrantee to 

participate in activities prohibited by the Serve America Act for 

years. The Committee appreciates the Corporation’s prompt efforts 

to refer the issue to the Office of Inspector General, suspend the 

subgrantee’s activities, and review other current AmeriCorps grantees to identify whether any other prohibited activities occurred. 

However, further reforms and improvements are necessary to prevent such violations from happening among AmeriCorps and other 

grantees in the future. The Committee is encouraged by the Corporation’s decision to hire a Chief Risk Officer and expects that the 

Corporation will provide sufficient resources and authority to this 


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office to enable it to make a meaningful contribution to improving 

grant oversight. Additionally, the Committee looks forward to reviewing the findings and recommendations of the forthcoming GAO 

study of the Corporation’s grant oversight practices and expects 

that the Corporation will take these recommendations seriously 

and incorporate them as appropriate into the agency’s improvement plan. Within 90 days of enactment, the Corporation is directed to brief the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 

Representatives and the Senate on the steps it will take to improve 

its risk-based oversight of grantees. 

Innovation, Assistance, and Other Activities 

The Committee recommends $57,400,000 for this program, which 

is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $201,000 

below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Within this total, 

$50,000,000 is included for the Social Innovation Fund and 

$3,800,000 is included for the Volunteer Generation Fund. 

Evaluation 

The Committee recommends $4,000,000 for this program, which 

is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $2,000,000 

below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. These funds support research on program effectiveness. 

National Civilian Community Corps 

The Committee recommends $30,000,000 for this program, which 

is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. This program supports residential, teambased service opportunities for individuals aged 18–24. 

State Commission Administrative Grants 

The Committee recommends $16,038,000 for this program, which 

is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $962,000 

below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. Funds are used for formula grants to support State oversight of service programs. 

PAYMENT TO THE NATIONAL SERVICE TRUST

The Committee recommends $205,792,000 for payments to the 

National Service Trust, $14,208,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $1,050,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The National Service Trust makes payments for Segal education awards, pays interest that accrues on qualified student loans 

for AmeriCorps participants during terms of service in approved 

national service positions, and makes other payments entitled to 

members who serve in the programs of the Corporation. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $81,737,000 for Salaries and Expenses, the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$7,593,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Committee expects the Corporation to provide sufficient resources to 

the newly-created Office of the Chief Risk Officer to strengthen the 

Corporation’s oversight of its grant portfolio. 


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OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Committee recommends $6,300,000 for the Office of Inspector General, $1,050,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and $200,000 above the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS 

Sec. 402. The Committee continues bill language that combines 

separate matching requirements for AmeriCorps grants. 

Sec. 403. The Committee continues bill language related to National Service Trust minimum share requirements. 

Sec. 404. The Committee continues bill language related to donations. 

Sec. 405. The Committee continues bill language related to veterans. 

Sec. 406. The Committee continues bill language related to criminal history background checks. 

CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING

The Committee recommends $445,000,000 for the Corporation for 

Public Broadcasting in fiscal year 2019. This appropriation will 

fund content development, community services, and other local station and system needs for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 

In addition, the Committee recommends $10,000,000 for the public 

broadcasting interconnection system, which is $30,000,000 below 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $40,000,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. 

According to the Public Broadcasting Act, one of the greatest priorities of public broadcasting is to address ‘‘the needs of unserved 

and underserved audiences, particularly children and minorities.’’ 

Programming that reflects the histories and perspectives of diverse 

racial and ethnic communities is a core value and responsibility of 

public broadcasting, therefore the Committee supports continued 

investment in the National Minority Consortia to help accomplish 

this goal. 

FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $46,488,000 for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which is $2,260,000 less than the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $4,250,000 less than the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. 

FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $17,184,000 for the Federal Mine 

Safety and Health Review Commission, which is $99,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. 


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INSTITUTE FOR MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES

OFFICE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES: GRANTS AND

ADMINISTRATION

The Committee recommends $230,000,000 for the Institute of 

Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Within the total for IMLS, the Committee recommends the following amounts: 

Budget Activity This Bill 

This Bill compared to— 

FY 2016 

FY 2017 

Budget 

Request 

Library Services Technology Act: 

Grants to States .............................................................. $155,863,000 74,000 1,015,000 

Native American Library Services .................................... 4,063,000 0 202,000 

National Leadership: Libraries ......................................... 13,092,000 0 ¥628,000 

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian ................................. 10,000,000 0 ¥0 

Museum Services Act: 

Museums for America ...................................................... 21,149,000 0 ¥949,000 

21st Century Museum Professionals ............................... 0 0 0 

Conservation Project Support .......................................... 0 0 0 

Native American/Hawaiian Museum Services ................. 972,000 0 48,000 

National Leadership: Museums ....................................... 7,741,000 0 ¥1,379,000 

African American History and Culture Act: 

Museum Grants for African American History and Culture .............................................................................. 1,407,000 ¥74,000 0 

Museum and Library Services Act General Provisions: 

Research, Analysis and Data Collection ......................... 1,713,000 0 ¥207,000 

Program Administration ............................................................ 14,000,000 0 0 

Library Services and Technology 

The Grants to State Library Agencies program provides funds to 

State Library Administrative Agencies using a population-based 

formula. 

Program Administration 

The Committee recommends $14,000,000 for Program Administration, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. These funds provide administrative and management support for all programs administered by 

IMLS. Funds are included for office relocation and renovation. The 

Committee also includes $1,713,000 for IMLS’ activities in policy, 

research, and data collection, including functions formerly conducted by the National Commission on Libraries and Information 

Science. 

MEDICARE PAYMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $12,000,000 for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, which is $75,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and $234,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. 


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MEDICAID AND CHIP PAYMENT AND ACCESS COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee provides $7,000,000 for the Medicaid & CHIP 

Payment and Access Commission, which is $765,000 less than the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $1,700,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. 

Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission 

(MACPAC).—The Committee appreciates that MACPAC has provided recommendations to Congress on issues intended to improve 

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 

However, in a period of program growth and change, the Committee notes that many of MACPAC’s recommendations could increase program costs, but do not include recommendations for offsetting such costs. As such, the Committee requests that future 

recommendations that would increase costs for Medicaid or CHIP 

be accompanied by specific recommendations for legislative changes 

that are estimated to produce changes in health-care related budget authority, outlays, or revenues to offset the increased costs. 

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $3,250,000 for the National Council 

on Disability, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and $218,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Olmstead v. L.C. 527 U.S. 581 (1999).—The Committee notes 

that the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights 

Act of 2000 does not require closure of long-term care facilities for 

persons unable to care for themselves. The Committee notes that 

the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C. does not 

mandate deinstitutionalization. ‘‘We emphasize that nothing in the 

Americans with Disabilities Act or its implementing regulations 

condones termination of institutional settings for persons unable to 

handle or benefit from community settings . . Nor is there any 

federal requirement that community-based treatment be imposed 

on patients who do not desire it.’’ Olmstead v. L.C. 119 S. Ct. 2176, 

2187 (1999). The Committee asks for a report on the current 

Olmstead enforcement activities within the National Council on 

Disability. 

NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $215,000,000 for the National Labor 

Relations Board, which is $59,224,000 less than the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and $59,695,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 

budget request. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Sec. 407. The Committee continues a provision relating to electronic voting for purposes of collective bargaining. 

Sec. 408. The Committee includes a new provision relating to 

regulation of representation-case procedures. 


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Sec. 409. The Committee includes a new provision relating to jurisdiction over Indian tribes. 

Sec. 410. The Committee includes a new provision relating to 

joint-employer standards. 

Sec. 411. The Committee includes a new provision relating to 

bargaining unit standards. 

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $13,300,000 for the National Mediation Board, which is $70,000 more than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $12,975,000 for the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, which is $336,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $436,000 less than the 

fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

DUAL BENEFITS PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

The Committee recommends $25,000,000 for dual benefits, which 

is $4,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the 

same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This appropriation is 

authorized by the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to fund vested 

dual benefits received by railroad retirees who, under prior law, 

would have become covered by both the railroad retirement system 

and the Social Security system because railroad retirement was not 

fully coordinated with social security from 1937 to 1974. The Committee includes a provision permitting a portion of these funds to 

be derived from income tax receipts on dual benefits as authorized 

by law. The Railroad Retirement Board estimates that approximately $2,000,000 may be derived in this manner. 

FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

The Committee recommends $150,000 for the interest earned on 

unnegotiated checks, which is the equal to the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATION

The Committee recommends a consolidated limitation of 

$111,225,000 on the expenditure of Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment Trust Funds for administrative expenses of 

the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $11,274,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 budget request. 

The Committee maintains its position that the financial statements and audit of the National Railroad Retirement Investment 

Trust should remain separate from the financial statements and 

audit of the RRB. The Committee notes that the Railroad Retirement and Survivors’ Improvement Act of 2001 mandates that the 


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Trust function independently from the RRB. Further, the Act specifically requires a separate audit of the Trust by a nongovernmental auditor and requires that the results of this audit be included in the Trust’s Annual Management Report to Congress. The 

Committee expects that the Trust shall be administered and audited solely in conformance with the Railroad Retirement and Survivors’ Improvement Act of 2001. 

LIMITATION ON THE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Committee recommends authority to expend $8,437,000 from 

the Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment Insurance 

Trust Funds for the Office of Inspector General, which is equal to 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $2,062,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 budget request. 

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

PAYMENTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUNDS

The Committee recommends $11,400,000 for mandatory payments necessary to compensate the Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund and the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust 

Fund, which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. This appropriation provides reimbursement to the Social Security trust funds for non-trust fund 

activities. 

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM

The Committee recommends $43,162,469,000 for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which is $3,143,264,000 

below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $662,399,000 below 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Committee recommends 

$15,000,000,000 in advance funding for the first quarter of fiscal 

year 2018, as requested. 

Research and Demonstration 

Within the appropriation for SSI, the Committee recommends 

$58,000,000 for the research and demonstration activities, which is 

$43,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and the 

same as the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Administration 

Within the appropriation for SSI, the Committee recommends 

$4,573,733,000, which is $75,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $660,399,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request level for payment to the Social Security trust funds for SSI’s 

share of the base administrative expenses of the Social Security 

Administration (SSA). 

LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $10,348,945,000 for the Limitation 

on Administrative Expenses (LAE) account to be funded from the 

Social Security and Medicare trust funds, which is $250,000,000 

less than the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $772,055,000 below 

the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The fiscal year 2016 ConsoliVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00158 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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dated Appropriations Act included $150,000,000 for renovations of 

SSA headquarters at the Altmeyer building. These one-time expenses are not included for fiscal year 2017. In fiscal year 2016, 

SSA plans to use $100,000,000 from their administrative expenses 

funding for program integrity activities despite having targeted 

program integrity funds available for the same purpose. Funds for 

program integrity activities, which have other specific funding, are 

not included in the funding level for administrative expenses in fiscal year 2017. The LAE funds support SSA operational costs to administer the Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI), Disability 

Insurance (DI), and Supplemental Security Income programs, and 

to support the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in administering their programs. 

Update to the Social Security Statement.—The Social Security 

benefit calculation is based on an individual’s earnings history. Beginning in 1978, SSA has both covered and non covered earnings 

data. The Committee directs SSA to include both covered and non 

covered earnings information in the Social Security Statement, in 

order to allow Americans to confirm the accuracy of agency records 

from 1978 and later. 

Report on Medical Listings.—SSA employs medical listings to 

make disability determinations, many of which have not been updated for decades. The Committee directs SSA to provide a report 

within 60 days of enactment to the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and 

Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies and the 

Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security 

regarding the number of years since the last update and when the 

agency expects to conduct all of the updates. 

Report on LAE Expenditures.—The Committee directs SSA to include in the fiscal year 2018 budget request the amount of funding 

for the following categories for fiscal years 2016–2018: 

• Personnel costs by General Schedule grade, Administrative 

Law Judge personnel costs, Senior Executive Service personnel 

costs, reemployed annuitant personnel costs, including the 

number of Full-Time Equivalent for each General Schedule 

grade, Administrative Law Judge, and Senior Executive Service 

• Personnel costs by region, including the number of General 

Schedule grade, Administrative Law Judge, and Senior Executive Service Full-Time Equivalent for each region 

• Information technology costs broken out by hardware/software technology and upgrade/maintenance costs 

• Physical infrastructure costs by region and office function 

• Overall costs for personnel, time and dollars for the administrative expenses and program operation expenses for the 

following programs: 

Æ OASI 

Æ DI 

Æ SSI 

Æ Other SSA missions, including return to work efforts 

Æ Program integrity work broken out by OASI, DI and SSI 

as well as types of spending (data matching, predictive 

data work and data analytics) 


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Æ Disability Determination Services State costs and Federal staff costs—separated from other SSA administered 

program costs 

Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR).—The Committee is aware that some locations average twice the processing 

time of others and that it can take up to two years to process. This 

degree of differential processing times is a concern to the Committee. The Social Security Administration is directed to include in 

the fiscal year 2018 budget request steps taken to reduce the processing times at offices that average over 600 days. 

Information Technology.—The Social Security Administration is 

requested to submit to the Committee an information technology 

(IT) modernization plan in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. The 

plan shall include: a complete list of any new systems and significant improvements of existing systems proposed for development; 

the projected cost of each development project each year to completion including the total estimated cost of development; the estimated annual operations and maintenance costs for each system 

once development is complete; and a timeline and estimated maintenance cost savings of any legacy systems that will no longer be 

necessary and are proposed to be eliminated. The plan should also 

include an assessment of SSA’s IT management controls, including 

how the systems integrate into SSA’s enterprise architecture; an 

analysis of SSA’s project management capabilities; and a review of 

SSA’s IT investment and human capital management practices. 

The requested plan shall address IT funding provided in this Act 

and any other spending authority planned for or proposed to be 

used for such purposes. 

Muscular Dystrophy.—The Committee is aware that SSA was 

added to the Muscular Dystrophy Coordinating Committee through 

the Muscular Dystrophy CARE Act Amendments enacted in September 2014. The Committee requests that the agency provide relevant data within the fiscal year 2018 budget request on the rate 

at which persons with Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy 

utilize SSA programs, particularly those focused on promoting employment and community independence such as the Ticket to Work 

program. 

Administrative Law Judge Hiring.—SSA’s National Hearing Centers (NHCs) provide the SSA with invaluable flexibility and support to address the hearings backlog. Understanding the value of 

this flexibility and support, the Committee directs SSA to ensure 

that its upcoming Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hiring allocates 

no less than 25 percent of those newly hired ALJs to NHCs. 

Administrative Law Judge Data Publication.—The Committee 

expects SSA to publish the same performance and decisional statistics for Administrative Appeals Judge (when holding hearings 

under SSA’s ‘‘CARES’’ plan) as it does for Administrative Law 

Judges in its public use data files. 

Disability Fraud Rate Baseline.—The SSA has committed significant resources to fighting fraud in the Disability Insurance program. To understand if these efforts are effective, the Committee 

directs the SSA Commissioner to work with the Office of Inspector 

General to establish a disability fraud rate baseline no later than 

September 30, 2017. 


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Social Security Advisory Board 

The Committee recommends that not less than $2,300,000 of the 

LAE funding be available for the Social Security Advisory Board, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$200,000 below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. The Committee 

requests the Social Security Advisory Board include additional information regarding the work of the Social Security Advisory Board 

and Federal administrative expenses in the fiscal year 2018 budget 

request. 

User Fees 

In addition to the other amounts provided, the Committee recommends $124,000,000 for administrative activities funded from 

user fees. Of this amount, $123,000,000 is derived from fees collected from States that request SSA to administer State SSI supplementary payments. 

Continuing Disability Reviews and Redeterminations 

The Committee recommends $1,426,000,000 for program integrity activities. In the wake of multiple large-scale disability fraud 

cases, the Committee believes that successful program integrity activities are vital to maintaining the public’s support for benefit payments to recipients deserving of assistance. 

OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $105,500,000 for the Office of Inspector General, of which the bill provides authority to expend 

$75,713,000 from the OASI and DI trust funds. This funding level 

is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $5,287,000 

below the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

TITLE V—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 501. The Committee continues a provision allowing the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education to 

transfer unexpended balances of prior appropriations to accounts 

corresponding to current appropriations to be used for the same 

purposes and for the same periods of time for which they were 

originally appropriated. 

Sec. 502. The Committee continues a provision prohibiting the 

obligation of funds beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly 

so provided. 

Sec. 503. The Committee continues a provision prohibiting funds 

from being used to support or defeat legislation. 

Sec. 504. The Committee continues a provision limiting the 

amount available for official reception and representation expenses 

for the Secretaries of Labor and Education, the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and the Chairman of the 

National Mediation Board. 

Sec. 505. The Committee continues a provision requiring grantees receiving Federal funds to clearly state the percentage of the 


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total cost of the program or project that will be financed with Federal money. 

Sec. 506. The Committee continues a provision prohibiting the 

use of funds for any abortion. 

Sec. 507. The Committee continues a provision providing exceptions to section 506 and a provision prohibiting funds from being 

made available to a Federal agency or program, or to a State or 

local government, if such agency, program or government discriminates against institutional or individual health care entities because they do not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for 

abortions. 

Sec. 508. The Committee continues a provision prohibiting use of 

funds for certain research involving human embryos. 

Sec. 509. The Committee continues a provision prohibiting use of 

funds for any activity that promotes the legalization of any drug or 

substance included in schedule I of the schedules of controlled substances. 

Sec. 510. The Committee continues a provision prohibiting use of 

funds to promulgate or adopt any final standard providing for a 

unique health identifier until legislation is enacted specifically approving the standard. 

Sec. 511. The Committee continues a provision related to annual 

reports to the Secretary of Labor. 

Sec. 512. The Committee continues a provision prohibiting transfer of funds made available in this Act except by authority provided 

in this Act or another appropriations Act. 

Sec. 513. The Committee continues a provision to limit funds in 

the bill for public libraries to those that comply with the requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act. 

Sec. 514. The Committee continues a provision regarding procedures for reprogramming of funds. 

Sec. 515. The Committee continues a provision pertaining to appointments to scientific advisory committees. 

Sec. 516. The Committee continues a provision requiring each department and related agency funded through this Act to submit an 

operating plan within 45 days of enactment, detailing any funding 

allocations that are different than those specified in this Act, the 

accompanying detailed table, or budget request. 

Sec. 517. The Committee continues a provision requiring the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education to 

submit a quarterly report to the Committees on Appropriations of 

the House of Representatives and the Senate containing certain information on noncompetitive contracts, grants, and cooperative 

agreements exceeding $500,000 in value. 

Sec. 518. The Committee continues a provision prohibiting the 

use of funds to process claims for credit for quarters of coverage 

based on work performed under a Social Security number that was 

not the claimant’s number, where the performance of such work 

under such number has formed the basis for a conviction of the 

claimant of a violation of section 208(a)(6) or (7) of the Social Security Act. 

Sec. 519. The Committee continues a provision prohibiting the 

use of funds to implement a Social Security totalization agreement 

with Mexico. 


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Sec. 520. The Committee continues a provision related to needle 

exchange. 

Sec. 521. The Committee continues a provision prohibiting the 

use of funds for the downloading or exchanging of pornography. 

Sec. 522. The Committee continues a provision that prohibits 

funding from going to the Association of Community Organizations 

for Reform Now (ACORN), or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, allied organizations, or successors. 

Sec. 523. The Committee continues a provision relating to reporting requirements for conference expenditures. 

Sec. 524. The Committee continues a provision relating to disclosure of U.S. taxpayer funding for programs used in advertising. 

Sec. 525. The Committee continues provision requesting quarterly reports on the status of balances of appropriations from the 

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education 

and the Social Security Administration. 

Sec. 526. The Committee includes a new provision prohibiting 

use of funds to implement, administer, enforce or further the provisions of Public Law 111–148 and portions of Public Law 111–152 

with certain exceptions. 

(RESCISSION)

Sec. 527. The Committee rescinds $15,000,000 provided under 

section 3403 [Independent Payment Advisory Board] of Public Law 

111–148. 

(RESCISSION)

Sec. 528. The Committee rescinds $7,000,000,000 provided under 

section 3021(a) [Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation] of 

Public Law 111–148. 

(RESCISSION)

Sec. 529. The Committee rescinds $150,000,000 provided under 

section 6301(e) [Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund] 

of Public Law 111–148. 

(RESCISSION)

Sec. 530. The Committee modifies a provision relating to the 

Children’s Health Insurance Program. 

(RESCISSION)

Sec. 531. The Committee modifies a provision relating to the 

Child Enrollment Contingency Fund. 

(RESCISSION)

Sec. 532. The Committee continues a provision relating to Children’s Health Insurance Performance Bonus Payments. 

Sec. 533. The Committee includes a new provision relating to 

nondiscrimination with respect to health care entities that refuse 

to participate in abortions and providing conscience protections 

with regard to requirements for coverage of specific items and services. 


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SPENDING REDUCTION ACCOUNT

Sec. 534. The Committee includes a Spending Reduction Account. 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The following materials are submitted in accordance with various 

requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives: 

STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following is a statement of general performance goals and objectives for which this measure authorizes funding: The Committee on Appropriations considers program performance, including a program’s success in developing and attaining 

outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing funding recommendations. 

RESCISSION OF FUNDS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following lists the rescissions of unexpended 

balances included in the accompanying bill: 

RESCISSIONS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL

Account Amount 

Department of Labor 

Dislocated Workers National Reserve .......................................................................................... $200,000,000 

Department of Health and Human Services 

Nonrecurring Expenses Fund ....................................................................................................... Unobligated Balances 

Independent Payment Advisory Board ......................................................................................... 15,000,000 

Center for Medicaid & Medicaid Innovation ............................................................................... 7,000,000,000 

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund ...................................................................... 150,000,000 

Child Enrollment Contingency Fund ............................................................................................ 570,000,000 

Children’s Health Insurance Program ......................................................................................... 541,900,000 

Performance Bonus Payments ..................................................................................................... 195,640,000 

TRANSFER OF FUNDS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following lists the transfers of unexpended 

balances included in the accompanying bill: 

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 

Language is included under ‘‘Job Corps’’ permitting the transfer 

of funds for Job Corps Center construction, rehabilitation and acquisition to meet the operational needs of Job Corps Centers or to 

achieve administrative efficiencies. 

Language is included under ‘‘Special Benefits’’ which provides for 

the transfer of such sums as necessary from the ‘‘Postal Service’’ 

account. 

Language is included under ‘‘Black Lung Disability Trust Fund’’ 

which provides for the transfer of funds to the ‘‘Department of 

Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Program, Salaries and Expenses.’’ 

Language is included under ‘‘Black Lung Disability Trust Fund’’ 

which provides for the transfer of funds to the ‘‘Department of 

Labor, Departmental Management, Salaries and Expenses.’’ 


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Language is included under ‘‘Black Lung Disability Trust Fund’’ 

which provides for the transfer of funds to the ‘‘Department of 

Labor, Departmental Management, Office of Inspector General.’’ 

Language is included under ‘‘Black Lung Disability Trust Fund’’ 

which provides for the transfer of funds to the ‘‘Department of the 

Treasury.’’ 

Language is included under ‘‘Departmental Management, Salary 

and Expenses’’ authorizing the transfer of funds available for program evaluation to any other account within the Department to 

carry out evaluation activities. 

A general provision is included that allows not to exceed one percent of any discretionary appropriations to be transferred between 

an appropriation of the Department of Labor, provided that no 

such appropriation is increased by more than three percent by such 

transfer. 

A general provision is included authorizes the transfer of funds 

to the ‘‘Employment and Training that Administration’’ for technical assistance services to grantees to ‘‘Program Administration.’’ 

A general provision is included that provides for the transfer of 

up to 0.75 percent of funds from each appropriation to carry out 

evaluations of any of the programs or activities from ‘‘Training and 

Employment Services’’, ‘‘Job Corps’’, ‘‘Community Service Employment for Older Americans,’’ ‘‘State Unemployment Insurance and 

Employment Service Operations’’, ‘‘Employee Benefits Security Administration’’, ‘‘Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs’’, ‘‘Wage 

and Hour Division’’, ‘‘Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs’’, ‘‘Office of Labor-Management Standards’’, ‘‘Occupational 

Safety and Health Administration’’, ‘‘Mine Safety and Health Administration’’, Office of Disability Employment Policy, ‘‘Bureau of 

International Affairs’’ and ‘‘Women’s Bureau’’ within the Departmental Management, Salaries and Expenses’’ account, and ‘‘Veterans Employment and Training’’ for use by the Office of the Chief 

Evaluation Officer. 

TITLE II—DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN 

SERVICES 

Language is included under ‘‘Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention, Buildings and Facilities’’ to allow the transfer of prior 

year unobligated Individual Learning Account funds to be transferred to this account to carry out the purpose of this account. 

Language is included under ‘‘Administration for Children and 

Families—Refugee and Entrant Assistance’’ permitting transfers 

pursuant to a general provision to increase an appropriation under 

this heading by ten percent. 

Language is included under ‘‘Administration for Community Living, Aging and Disability Services Programs’’ for transfer to the 

Secretary of Agriculture to carry out section 311 of the Older Americans Act of 1965. 

A general provision is included that allows not to exceed one percent of any discretionary funds to be transferred between appropriation accounts of the ‘‘Department of Health and Human Services’’, provided that no appropriation account is increased by more 

than three percent by such transfer. 

A general provision is included that allows the transfer of up to 

three percent among the institutes and centers of the ‘‘National InVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00165 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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stitutes of Health’’ from amounts identified as pertaining to the 

human immunodeficiency virus. 

A general provision is included that allows the transfer of funding determined to be related to the human immunodeficiency virus 

to the ‘‘Office of AIDS Research’’. 

A general provision is included that transfers one percent of the 

amount made available for ‘‘National Research Service Awards’’ at 

the ‘‘National Institutes of Health’’ to the ‘‘Health Resources and 

Services Administration’’. 

A general provision is included to direct the transfer of the ‘‘Prevention and Public Health Fund’’ as specified in the committee report accompanying this Act. 

A new general provision is included to create an Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund and specify the purposes and 

circumstances under which such fund may be accessed. 

TITLE III—DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

A general provision is included that allows not to exceed one percent of any discretionary funds to be transferred between appropriation accounts of the Department of Education, provided that no 

appropriation account is increased by more than three percent by 

such transfer. 

TITLE IV—RELATED AGENCIES 

Language is included under Payment to the National Service 

Trust authorizing the transfer of funds from the ‘‘Corporation for 

National and Community Service, Operating Expenses’’ to support 

the activities of national service participants. 

Language is included under ‘‘Social Security Administration’’ authorizing the transfer of up to three percent of the Social Security 

Administration’s ‘‘Limitation on Administration Expenses’’ account 

to be available for purposes of the Office of Inspector General. 

TITLE V—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

A general provision is included that allows the Secretaries of 

Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education to transfer balances of prior appropriation to accounts corresponding to current 

appropriations. 

DISCLOSURE OF EARMARKS AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED

SPENDING ITEMS

Neither the bill nor the report contains any Congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in 

clause 9 of rule XXI. 

COMPLIANCE WITH RULE XIII, CL. 3(e) (RAMSEYER RULE) 

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, 

as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italics, 

existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman): 


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167 

CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008 

(Public Law 110-161) 

AN ACT Making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and 

related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 

* * * * * * * 

DIVISION G—DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND 

HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED 

AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE II 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 

APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008 

* * * * * * * 

GENERAL PROVISIONS 

* * * * * * * 

øSec. 223. There is hereby established in the Treasury of the 

United States a fund to be known as the ‘‘Nonrecurring expenses 

fund’’ (the Fund): Provided, That unobligated balances of expired 

discretionary funds appropriated in this or any succeeding fiscal 

year from the General Fund of the Treasury to the Department of 

Health and Human Services by this or any other Act may be transferred (not later than the end of the fifth fiscal year after the last 

fiscal year for which such funds are available for the purposes for 

which appropriated) into the Fund: Provided further, That amounts 

deposited in the Fund shall be available until expended, and in addition to such other funds as may be available for such purposes, 

for capital acquisition necessary for the operation of the Department, including facilities infrastructure and information technology 

infrastructure, subject to approval by the Office of Management 

and Budget: Provided further, That amounts in the Fund may be 

obligated only after the Committees on Appropriations of the House 

of Representatives and the Senate are notified at least 15 days in 

advance of the planned use of funds.¿ 

* * * * * * * 

HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1965 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE I—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

* * * * * * * 

PART B—ADDITIONAL GENERAL PROVISIONS 

* * * * * * * 


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168 

SEC. 114. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY AND INTEGRITY. 

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the Department a 

National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (in this section referred to as the ‘‘Committee’’) to assess the 

process of accreditation and the institutional eligibility and certification of institutions of higher education (as defined in section 102) 

under title IV. 

(b) MEMBERSHIP.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall have 18 members, of 

which— 

(A) six members shall be appointed by the Secretary; 

(B) six members shall be appointed by the Speaker of 

the House of Representatives, three of whom shall be appointed on the recommendation of the majority leader of 

the House of Representatives, and three of whom shall be 

appointed on the recommendation of the minority leader of 

the House of Representatives; and 

(C) six members shall be appointed by the President pro 

tempore of the Senate, three of whom shall be appointed 

on the recommendation of the majority leader of the Senate, and three of whom shall be appointed on the recommendation of the minority leader of the Senate. 

(2) QUALIFICATIONS.—Individuals shall be appointed as 

members of the Committee— 

(A) on the basis of the individuals’ experience, integrity, 

impartiality, and good judgment; 

(B) from among individuals who are representatives of, 

or knowledgeable concerning, education and training beyond secondary education, representing all sectors and 

types of institutions of higher education (as defined in section 102); and 

(C) on the basis of the individuals’ technical qualifications, professional standing, and demonstrated knowledge 

in the fields of accreditation and administration in higher 

education. 

(3) TERMS OF MEMBERS.—Except as provided in paragraph 

(5), the term of office of each member of the Committee shall 

be for six years, except that any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which 

the member’s predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for 

the remainder of such term. 

(4) VACANCY.—A vacancy on the Committee shall be filled in 

the same manner as the original appointment was made not 

later than 90 days after the vacancy occurs. If a vacancy occurs 

in a position to be filled by the Secretary, the Secretary shall 

publish a Federal Register notice soliciting nominations for the 

position not later than 30 days after being notified of the vacancy. 

(5) INITIAL TERMS.—The terms of office for the initial members of the Committee shall be— 

(A) three years for members appointed under paragraph 

(1)(A); 

(B) four years for members appointed under paragraph 

(1)(B); and 


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169 

(C) six years for members appointed under paragraph 

(1)(C). 

(6) CHAIRPERSON.—The members of the Committee shall select a chairperson from among the members. 

(c) FUNCTIONS.—The Committee shall— 

(1) advise the Secretary with respect to establishment and 

enforcement of the standards of accrediting agencies or associations under subpart 2 of part H of title IV; 

(2) advise the Secretary with respect to the recognition of a 

specific accrediting agency or association; 

(3) advise the Secretary with respect to the preparation and 

publication of the list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies and associations; 

(4) advise the Secretary with respect to the eligibility and 

certification process for institutions of higher education under 

title IV, together with recommendations for improvements in 

such process; 

(5) advise the Secretary with respect to the relationship between— 

(A) accreditation of institutions of higher education and 

the certification and eligibility of such institutions; and 

(B) State licensing responsibilities with respect to such 

institutions; and 

(6) carry out such other advisory functions relating to accreditation and institutional eligibility as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation. 

(d) MEETING PROCEDURES.— 

(1) SCHEDULE.— 

(A) BIANNUAL MEETINGS.—The Committee shall meet not 

less often than twice each year, at the call of the Chairperson. 

(B) PUBLICATION OF DATE.—The Committee shall submit 

the date and location of each meeting in advance to the 

Secretary, and the Secretary shall publish such information in the Federal Register not later than 30 days before 

the meeting. 

(2) AGENDA.— 

(A) ESTABLISHMENT.—The agenda for a meeting of the 

Committee shall be established by the Chairperson and 

shall be submitted to the members of the Committee upon 

notification of the meeting. 

(B) OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.—The agenda 

shall include, at a minimum, opportunity for public comment during the Committee’s deliberations. 

(3) SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE.—The Secretary shall designate 

an employee of the Department to serve as the Secretary’s designee to the Committee, and the Chairperson shall invite the 

Secretary’s designee to attend all meetings of the Committee. 

(4) FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT.—The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the Committee, except that section 14 of such Act shall not apply. 

(e) REPORT AND NOTICE.— 

(1) NOTICE.—The Secretary shall annually publish in the 

Federal Register— 


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170 

(A) a list containing, for each member of the Committee— 

(i) the member’s name; 

(ii) the date of the expiration of the member’s term 

of office; and 

(iii) the name of the individual described in subsection (b)(1) who appointed the member; and 

(B) a solicitation of nominations for each expiring term 

of office on the Committee of a member appointed by the 

Secretary. 

(2) REPORT.—Not later than the last day of each fiscal year, 

the Committee shall make available an annual report to the 

Secretary, the authorizing committees, and the public. The annual report shall contain— 

(A) a detailed summary of the agenda and activities of, 

and the findings and recommendations made by, the Committee during the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in 

which the report is made; 

(B) a list of the date and location of each meeting during 

the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the report 

is made; 

(C) a list of the members of the Committee; and 

(D) a list of the functions of the Committee, including 

any additional functions established by the Secretary 

through regulation. 

(f) TERMINATION.—The Committee shall terminate on September 

30, ø2016¿ 2017. 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE IV—STUDENT ASSISTANCE 

* * * * * * * 

PART D—WILLIAM D. FORD FEDERAL DIRECT 

LOAN PROGRAM 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 458. FUNDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. 

(a) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.— 

(1) MANDATORY FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006.—For fiscal year 

2006, there shall be available to the Secretary, from funds not 

otherwise appropriated, funds to be obligated for— 

(A) administrative costs under this part and part B, including the costs of the direct student loan programs under 

this part; and 

(B) account maintenance fees payable to guaranty agencies under part B and calculated in accordance with subsections (b) and (c), 

not to exceed (from such funds not otherwise appropriated) 

$820,000,000 in fiscal year 2006. 

(3) AUTHORIZATION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS BEGINNING IN

FISCAL YEARS 2007 THROUGH 2014.—For each of the fiscal years 

2007 through 2014, there are authorized to be appropriated 

such sums as may be necessary for administrative costs under 


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171 

this part and part B, including the costs of the direct student 

loan programs under this part. 

(4) CONTINUING MANDATORY FUNDS FOR ACCOUNT MAINTE- NANCE FEES.—For each of the fiscal years 2007 through ø2016¿ 

2017, there shall be available to the Secretary, from funds not 

otherwise appropriated, funds to be obligated for account maintenance fees payable to guaranty agencies under part B and 

calculated in accordance with subsection (b). 

(5) ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE FEES.—Account maintenance fees 

under paragraph (3) shall be paid quarterly and deposited in 

the Agency Operating Fund established under section 422B. 

(6) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.— 

(A) PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary shall provide institutions of higher education participating, or seeking to participate, in the loan programs under this part 

with technical assistance in establishing and administering such programs. 

(B) FUNDS.—There are authorized to be appropriated, 

and there are appropriated, to carry out this paragraph (in 

addition to any other amounts appropriated to carry out 

this paragraph and out of any money in the Treasury not 

otherwise appropriated), $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2010. 

(C) DEFINITION.—In this paragraph, the term ‘‘assistance’’ means the provision of technical support, training, 

materials, technical assistance, and financial assistance. 

(7) ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS.— (A) PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary shall provide payments to loan servicers for retaining jobs at locations in the United States where such servicers were operating under part B on January 1, 2010. 

(B) FUNDS.—There are authorized to be appropriated, 

and there are appropriated, to carry out this paragraph (in 

addition to any other amounts appropriated to carry out 

this paragraph and out of any money in the Treasury not 

otherwise appropriated), $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal 

years 2010 and 2011. 

(8) CARRYOVER.—The Secretary may carry over funds made 

available under this section to a subsequent fiscal year. 

(b) CALCULATION BASIS.—Account maintenance fees payable to 

guaranty agencies under subsection (a)(4) shall be calculated on 

the basis of 0.06 percent of the original principal amount of outstanding loans on which insurance was issued under part B. 

(c) BUDGET JUSTIFICATION.—No funds may be expended under 

this section unless the Secretary includes in the Department of 

Education’s annual budget justification to Congress a detailed description of the specific activities for which the funds made available by this section have been used in the prior and current years 

(if applicable), the activities and costs planned for the budget year, 

and the projection of activities and costs for each remaining year 

for which administrative expenses under this section are made 

available. 

* * * * * * * 


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PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’’. 

(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents of this Act is as 

follows: 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE I—QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS 

* * * * * * * 

Subtitle G—Miscellaneous Provisions 

* * * * * * * 

Sec. 1562. Conforming amendments. 

Sec. 1563. Sense of the Senate promoting fiscal responsibility. 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE I—QUALITY, AFFORDABLE 

HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS 

* * * * * * * 

Subtitle G—Miscellaneous Provisions 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. ø1563.¿ 1564. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. 

(a) APPLICABILITY.—Section 2735 of the Public Health Service Act 

(42 U.S.C. 300gg–21), as so redesignated by section 1001(4), is 

amended— 

(1) by striking subsection (a); 

(2) in subsection (b)— 

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘1 through 3’’ and inserting ‘‘1 and 2’’; and 

(B) in paragraph (2)— 

(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘subparagraph 

(D)’’ and inserting ‘‘subparagraph (D) or (E)’’; 

(ii) by striking ‘‘1 through 3’’ and inserting ‘‘1 and 

2’’; and 

(iii) by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(E) ELECTION NOT APPLICABLE.—The election described 

in subparagraph (A) shall not be available with respect to 

the provisions of subparts I and II.’’; 

(3) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘1 through 3 shall not apply 

to any group’’ and inserting ‘‘1 and 2 shall not apply to any individual coverage or any group’’; and 

(4) in subsection (d)— 

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘1 through 3 shall not 

apply to any group’’ and inserting ‘‘1 and 2 shall not apply 

to any individual coverage or any group’’; 

(B) in paragraph (2)— 

(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 

striking ‘‘1 through 3 shall not apply to any group’’ 


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173 

and inserting ‘‘1 and 2 shall not apply to any individual coverage or any group’’; and 

(ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ‘‘or, with respect to individual coverage, under any health insurance coverage maintained by the same health insurance issuer’’; and 

(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘any group’’ and inserting ‘‘any individual coverage or any group’’. 

(b) DEFINITIONS.—Section 2791(d) of the Public Health Service 

Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–91(d)) is amended by adding at the end the 

following: 

‘‘(20) QUALIFIED HEALTH PLAN.—The term ‘qualified health 

plan’ has the meaning given such term in section 1301(a) of 

the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 

‘‘(21) EXCHANGE.—The term ‘Exchange’ means an American 

Health Benefit Exchange established under section 1311 of the 

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.’’. 

(c) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Title XXVII of 

the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg et seq.) is amended— 

(1) in section 2704 (42 U.S.C. 300gg), as so redesignated by 

section 1201(2)— 

(A) in subsection (c)— 

(i) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘group health plan’’ 

each place that such term appears and inserting 

‘‘group or individual health plan’’; and 

(ii) in paragraph (3)— 

(I) by striking ‘‘group health insurance’’ each 

place that such term appears and inserting ‘‘group 

or individual health insurance’’; and 

(II) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘small or 

large’’ and inserting ‘‘individual or group’’; 

(B) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘group health insurance’’ each place that such term appears and inserting 

‘‘group or individual health insurance’’; and 

(C) in subsection (e)(1)(A), by striking ‘‘group health insurance’’ and inserting ‘‘group or individual health insurance’’; 

(2) by striking the second heading for subpart 2 of part A (relating to other requirements); 

(3) in section 2725 (42 U.S.C. 300gg–4), as so redesignated 

by section 1001(2)— 

(A) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘health insurance 

issuer offering group health insurance coverage’’ and inserting ‘‘health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage’’; 

(B) in subsection (b)— 

(i) by striking ‘‘health insurance issuer offering 

group health insurance coverage in connection with a 

group health plan’’ in the matter preceding paragraph 

(1) and inserting ‘‘health insurance issuer offering 

group or individual health insurance coverage’’; and 

(ii) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘plan’’ and inserting 

‘‘plan or coverage’’; 

(C) in subsection (c)— 


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174 

(i) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘group health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer’’ 

and inserting ‘‘health insurance issuer offering group 

or individual health insurance coverage’’; and 

(ii) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘issuer’’ and inserting ‘‘health insurance issuer’’; and 

(D) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘health insurance 

issuer offering group health insurance coverage’’ and inserting ‘‘health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage’’; 

(4) in section 2726 (42 U.S.C. 300gg–5), as so redesignated 

by section 1001(2)— 

(A) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘(or health insurance 

coverage offered in connection with such a plan)’’ each 

place that such term appears and inserting ‘‘or a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage’’; 

(B) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘(or health insurance 

coverage offered in connection with such a plan)’’ each 

place that such term appears and inserting ‘‘or a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage’’; and 

(C) in subsection (c)— 

(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘(and group health 

insurance coverage offered in connection with a group 

health plan)’’ and inserting ‘‘and a health insurance 

issuer offering group or individual health insurance 

coverage’’; 

(ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘(or health insurance coverage offered in connection with such a plan)’’ 

each place that such term appears and inserting ‘‘or a 

health insurance issuer offering group or individual 

health insurance coverage’’; 

(5) in section 2727 (42 U.S.C. 300gg–6), as so redesignated 

by section 1001(2), by striking ‘‘health insurance issuers providing health insurance coverage in connection with group 

health plans’’ and inserting ‘‘and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage’’; 

(6) in section 2728 (42 U.S.C. 300gg–7), as so redesignated 

by section 1001(2)— 

(A) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘health insurance coverage offered in connection with such plan’’ and inserting 

‘‘individual health insurance coverage’’; 

(B) in subsection (b)— 

(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘or a health insurance issuer that provides health insurance coverage in 

connection with a group health plan’’ and inserting ‘‘or 

a health insurance issuer that offers group or individual health insurance coverage’’; 

(ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘health insurance 

coverage offered in connection with the plan’’ and inserting ‘‘individual health insurance coverage’’; and 

(iii) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘health insurance 

coverage offered by an issuer in connection with such 


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175 

plan’’ and inserting ‘‘individual health insurance coverage’’; 

(C) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘health insurance issuer 

providing health insurance coverage in connection with a 

group health plan’’ and inserting ‘‘health insurance issuer 

that offers group or individual health insurance coverage’’; 

and 

(D) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ‘‘health insurance 

coverage offered in connection with such a plan’’ and inserting ‘‘individual health insurance coverage’’; 

(7) by striking the heading for subpart 3; 

(8) in section 2731 (42 U.S.C. 300gg–11), as so redesignated 

by section 1001(3)— 

(A) by striking the section heading and all that follows 

through subsection (b); 

(B) in subsection (c)— 

(i) in paragraph (1)— 

(I) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 

striking ‘‘small group’’ and inserting ‘‘group and 

individual’’; and 

(II) in subparagraph (B)— 

(aa) in the matter preceding clause (i), by 

inserting ‘‘and individuals’’ after ‘‘employers’’; 

(bb) in clause (i), by inserting ‘‘or any additional individuals’’ after ‘‘additional groups’’; 

and 

(cc) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘without regard to the claims experience of those employers and their employees (and their dependents) or any health status-related factor relating to such’’ and inserting ‘‘and individuals 

without regard to the claims experience of 

those individuals, employers and their employees (and their dependents) or any health 

status-related factor relating to such individuals’’; and 

(ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘small group’’ and 

inserting ‘‘group or individual’’; 

(C) in subsection (d)— 

(i) by striking ‘‘small group’’ each place that such appears and inserting ‘‘group or individual’’; and 

(ii) in paragraph (1)(B)— 

(I) by striking ‘‘all employers’’ and inserting ‘‘all 

employers and individuals’’; 

(II) by striking ‘‘those employers’’ and inserting 

‘‘those individuals, employers’’; and 

(III) by striking ‘‘such employees’’ and inserting 

‘‘such individuals, employees’’; 

(D) by striking subsection (e); 

(E) by striking subsection (f); and 

(F) by transferring such section (as amended by this 

paragraph) to appear at the end of section 2702 (as added 

by section 1001(4)); 

(9) in section 2732 (42 U.S.C. 300gg–12), as so redesignated 

by section 1001(3)— 


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176 

(A) by striking the section heading and all that follows 

through subsection (a); 

(B) in subsection (b)— 

(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘group health plan in the small or large group 

market’’ and inserting ‘‘health insurance coverage offered in the group or individual market’’; 

(ii) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘, or individual, as 

applicable,’’ after ‘‘plan sponsor’’; 

(iii) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘, or individual, as 

applicable,’’ after ‘‘plan sponsor’’; and 

(iv) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: 

‘‘(3) VIOLATION OF PARTICIPATION OR CONTRIBUTION RATES.— 

In the case of a group health plan, the plan sponsor has failed 

to comply with a material plan provision relating to employer 

contribution or group participation rules, pursuant to applicable State law.’’; 

(C) in subsection (c)— 

(i) in paragraph (1)— 

(I) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 

striking ‘‘group health insurance coverage offered 

in the small or large group market’’ and inserting 

‘‘group or individual health insurance coverage’’; 

(II) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘‘or individual, as applicable,’’ after ‘‘plan sponsor’’; 

(III) in subparagraph (B)— 

(aa) by inserting ‘‘or individual, as applicable,’’ after ‘‘plan sponsor’’; and 

(bb) by inserting ‘‘or individual health insurance coverage’’; and 

(IV) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ‘‘or individuals, as applicable,’’ after ‘‘those sponsors’’; and 

(ii) in paragraph (2)(A)— 

(I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 

‘‘small group market or the large group market, or 

both markets,’’ and inserting ‘‘individual or group 

market, or all markets,’’; and 

(II) in clause (i), by inserting ‘‘or individual, as 

applicable,’’ after ‘‘plan sponsor’’; and 

(D) by transferring such section (as amended by this 

paragraph) to appear at the end of section 2703 (as added 

by section 1001(4)); 

(10) in section 2733 (42 U.S.C. 300gg–13), as so redesignated 

by section 1001(4)— 

(A) in subsection (a)— 

(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘small employer’’ and inserting ‘‘small employer or 

an individual’’; 

(ii) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘, or individual, as 

applicable,’’ after ‘‘employer’’ each place that such appears; and 

(iii) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘small employer’’ 

and inserting ‘‘employer, or individual, as applicable,’’; 

(B) in subsection (b)— 


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(i) in paragraph (1)— 

(I) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 

striking ‘‘small employer’’ and inserting ‘‘employer, 

or individual, as applicable,’’; 

(II) in subparagraph (A), by adding ‘‘and’’ at the 

end; 

(III) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C); and 

(IV) in subparagraph (D)— 

(aa) by inserting ‘‘, or individual, as applicable,’’ after ‘‘employer’’; and 

(bb) by redesignating such subparagraph as 

subparagraph (B); 

(ii) in paragraph (2)— 

(I) by striking ‘‘small employers’’ each place that 

such term appears and inserting ‘‘employers, or 

individuals, as applicable,’’; and 

(II) by striking ‘‘small employer’’ and inserting 

‘‘employer, or individual, as applicable,’’; and 

(C) by redesignating such section (as amended by this 

paragraph) as section 2709 and transferring such section 

to appear after section 2708 (as added by section 1001(5)); 

(11) by redesignating subpart 4 as subpart 2; 

(12) in section 2735 (42 U.S.C. 300gg–21), as so redesignated 

by section 1001(4)— 

(A) by striking subsection (a); 

(B) by striking ‘‘subparts 1 through 3’’ each place that 

such appears and inserting ‘‘subpart 1’’; 

(C) by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as subsections (a) through (d), respectively; and 

(D) by redesignating such section (as amended by this 

paragraph) as section 2722; 

(13) in section 2736 (42 U.S.C. 300gg–22), as so redesignated 

by section 1001(4)— 

(A) in subsection (a)— 

(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘small or large 

group markets’’ and inserting ‘‘individual or group 

market’’; and 

(ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘or individual 

health insurance coverage’’ after ‘‘group health plans’’; 

(B) in subsection (b)(1)(B), by inserting ‘‘individual 

health insurance coverage or’’ after ‘‘respect to’’; and 

(C) by redesignating such section (as amended by this 

paragraph) as section 2723; 

(14) in section 2737(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 300gg–23), as so redesignated by section 1001(4)— 

(A) by inserting ‘‘individual or’’ before ‘‘group health insurance’’; and 

(B) by redesignating such section(as amended by this 

paragraph) as section 2724; 

(15) in section 2762 (42 U.S.C. 300gg–62)— 

(A) in the section heading by inserting ‘‘AND APPLICATION’’ before the period; and 

(B) by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(c) APPLICATION OF PART A PROVISIONS.— 


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178 

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The provisions of part A shall apply to 

health insurance issuers providing health insurance coverage 

in the individual market in a State as provided for in such 

part. 

‘‘(2) CLARIFICATION.—To the extent that any provision of this 

part conflicts with a provision of part A with respect to health 

insurance issuers providing health insurance coverage in the 

individual market in a State, the provisions of such part A 

shall apply.’’; and 

(16) in section 2791(e) (42 U.S.C. 300gg–91(e))— 

(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘51’’ and inserting 

‘‘101’’; and 

(B) in paragraph (4)— 

(i) by striking ‘‘at least 2’’ each place that such appears and inserting ‘‘at least 1’’; and 

(ii) by striking ‘‘50’’ and inserting ‘‘100’’. 

(d)APPLICATION.—Notwithstanding any other provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, nothing in such Act (or 

an amendment made by such Act) shall be construed to— 

(1) prohibit (or authorize the Secretary of Health and Human 

Services to promulgate regulations that prohibit) a group 

health plan or health insurance issuer from carrying out utilization management techniques that are commonly used as of 

the date of enactment of this Act; or 

(2) restrict the application of the amendments made by this 

subtitle. 

(e) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974.—Subpart B of part 7 of subtitle A 

of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 

(29 U.S.C. 1181 et. seq.) is amended, by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘SEC. 715. ADDITIONAL MARKET REFORMS. 

‘‘(a) GENERAL RULE.—Except as provided in subsection (b)— 

‘‘(1) the provisions of part A of title XXVII of the Public 

Health Service Act (as amended by the Patient Protection and 

Affordable Care Act) shall apply to group health plans, and 

health insurance issuers providing health insurance coverage 

in connection with group health plans, as if included in this 

subpart; and 

‘‘(2) to the extent that any provision of this part conflicts 

with a provision of such part A with respect to group health 

plans, or health insurance issuers providing health insurance 

coverage in connection with group health plans, the provisions 

of such part A shall apply. 

‘‘(b) EXCEPTION.—Notwithstanding subsection (a), the provisions 

of sections 2716 and 2718 of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act (as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care 

Act) shall not apply with respect to self-insured group health plans, 

and the provisions of this part shall continue to apply to such plans 

as if such sections of the Public Health Service Act (as so amended) 

had not been enacted.’’. 

(f) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF

1986.—Subchapter B of chapter 100 of the Internal Revenue Code 

of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following: 


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179 

‘‘SEC. 9815. ADDITIONAL MARKET REFORMS. 

‘‘(a) GENERAL RULE.—Except as provided in subsection (b)— 

‘‘(1) the provisions of part A of title XXVII of the Public 

Health Service Act (as amended by the Patient Protection and 

Affordable Care Act) shall apply to group health plans, and 

health insurance issuers providing health insurance coverage 

in connection with group health plans, as if included in this 

subchapter; and 

‘‘(2) to the extent that any provision of this subchapter conflicts with a provision of such part A with respect to group 

health plans, or health insurance issuers providing health insurance coverage in connection with group health plans, the 

provisions of such part A shall apply. 

‘‘(b) EXCEPTION.—Notwithstanding subsection (a), the provisions 

of sections 2716 and 2718 of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act (as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care 

Act) shall not apply with respect to self-insured group health plans, 

and the provisions of this subchapter shall continue to apply to 

such plans as if such sections of the Public Health Service Act (as 

so amended) had not been enacted.’’. 

SEC. ø1563.¿ 1565. SENSE OF THE SENATE PROMOTING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY. 

(a) FINDINGS.—The Senate makes the following findings: 

(1) Based on Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates, 

this Act will reduce the Federal deficit between 2010 and 2019. 

(2) CBO projects this Act will continue to reduce budget deficits after 2019. 

(3) Based on CBO estimates, this Act will extend the solvency of the Medicare HI Trust Fund. 

(4) This Act will increase the surplus in the Social Security 

Trust Fund, which should be reserved to strengthen the finances of Social Security. 

(5) The initial net savings generated by the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program are 

necessary to ensure the long-term solvency of that program. 

(b) SENSE OF THE SENATE.—It is the sense of the Senate that— 

(1) the additional surplus in the Social Security Trust Fund 

generated by this Act should be reserved for Social Security 

and not spent in this Act for other purposes; and 

(2) the net savings generated by the CLASS program should 

be reserved for the CLASS program and not spent in this Act 

for other purposes. 

SEC. 1566. RESPECTING CONSCIENCE RIGHTS IN HEALTH CARE COVERAGE. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this 

title, no provision of this title (and no amendment made by any 

such provision) shall— 

(1) require an individual to purchase individual health insurance coverage that includes coverage of an abortion or other 

item or service to which such individual has a moral or religious objection, or prevent an issuer from offering or issuing, to 

such individual, individual health insurance coverage that excludes such item or service; 

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cation, the institution of higher education offering such coverage) to sponsor, purchase, or provide any health benefits coverage or group health plan that includes coverage of an abortion or other item or service to which such sponsor or institution, respectively, has a moral or religious objection, or prevent 

an issuer from offering or issuing to such sponsor or institution, 

respectively, health insurance coverage that excludes such item 

or service; 

(3) require an issuer of health insurance coverage or the sponsor of a group health plan to include, in any such coverage or 

plan, coverage of an abortion or other item or service to which 

such issuer or sponsor has a moral or religious objection; or 

(4) authorize the imposition of a tax, penalty, fee, fine, or 

other sanction, or the imposition of coverage of the item or service to which there is a moral or religious objection, in relation 

to health insurance coverage or a group health plan that excludes an item or service pursuant to this section. 

(b) RESTRICTION ON CONTRARY GOVERNMENTAL ACTION.—No provision in this title (or amendment made by such provision) or law, 

regulation, guideline or other governmental action that implements 

such provision or amendment, or derives its authority therefrom, 

shall be given legal effect to the extent that it violates this section. 

(c) NO EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS.—Nothing in this section shall be 

construed to preempt, modify, or otherwise have any effect on— 

(1) the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 

(2) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; 

(3) the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978; 

(4) the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996; or 

(5) any other State or Federal law, other than a provision in 

this title (or an amendment made by such provision) or a law, 

regulation, guideline or other governmental action that implements such provision or amendment or derives its authority 

therefrom. 

(d) AGGREGATE ACTUARIAL VALUE.—Nothing in this section shall 

be construed to prohibit the Secretary from issuing regulations or 

other guidance to ensure that health insurance coverage or group 

health plans excluding abortion or other items or services under this 

section shall have an aggregate actuarial value at least equivalent 

to that of health insurance coverage or group health plans at the 

same level of coverage that do not exclude such items or services. 

(e) CONTINUED APPLICATION OF NONDISCRIMINATION RULES.— 

Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit a health insurance issuer, group health plan, or other health care provider to act 

in a manner inconsistent with subparagraph (B) or (D) of section 

1302(b)(4). 

* * * * * * * 

PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE II—ADMINISTRATION AND MISCELLANEOUS 

PROVISIONS 

* * * * * * * 


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181 

PART B—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

* * * * * * * 

ABORTION-RELATED DISCRIMINATION IN GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES

REGARDING TRAINING øAND LICENSING OF PHYSICIANS¿, LICENSING, AND PRACTICE OF PHYSICIANS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE ENTITIES

SEC. 245. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Federal Government, and any 

State or local government that receives Federal financial assistance, may not subject any health care entity to discrimination on 

the basis that— 

ø(1) the entity refuses to undergo training in the performance of induced abortions, to require or provide such training, 

to perform such abortions, or to provide referrals for such 

training or such abortions;¿ 

(1) the entity refuses— 

(A) to undergo training in the performance of induced 

abortions; 

(B) to require or provide such training; 

(C) to perform, participate in, provide coverage of, or pay 

for induced abortions; or 

(D) to provide referrals for such training or such abortions; 

(2) the entity refuses to make arrangements for any of the 

activities specified in paragraph (1); or 

(3) the entity attends (or attended) a post-graduate physician 

training program, or any other program of training in the 

health professions, that does not (or did not) perform induced 

abortions or require, provide or refer for training in the performance of induced abortions, or make arrangements for the 

provision of such training. 

(b) ACCREDITATION OF POSTGRADUATE PHYSICIAN TRAINING PROGRAMS.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—In determining whether to grant a legal 

status to a health care entity (including a license or certificate), or to provide such entity with financial assistance, services or other benefits, the Federal Government, or any State or 

local government that receives Federal financial assistance, 

shall deem accredited any postgraduate physician training program that would be accredited but for the accrediting agency’s 

reliance upon an accreditation østandards¿ standard that requires an entity to perform an induced abortion or require, provide, or refer for training in the performance of induced abortions, or make arrangements for such training, regardless of 

whether such standard provides exceptions or exemptions. The 

government involved shall formulate such regulations or other 

mechanisms, or enter into such agreements with accrediting 

agencies, as are necessary to comply with this subsection. 

(2) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—With respect to subclauses (I) and (II) 

of section 705(a)(2)(B)(i) (relating to a program of insured 

loans for training in the health professions), the requirements in such subclauses regarding accredited internship 


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182 

or residency programs are subject to paragraph (1) of this 

subsection. 

(B) EXCEPTIONS.—This section shall not— 

(i) prevent any health care entity from voluntarily 

electing to be trained, to train, or to arrange for training in the performance of, to perform, or to make referrals for induced abortions; or 

(ii) prevent an accrediting agency or a Federal, State 

or local government from establishing standards of 

medical competency applicable only to those individuals who have voluntarily elected to perform abortions. 

(c) ADMINISTRATION.—The Secretary shall designate the Director 

of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and 

Human Services— 

(1) to receive complaints alleging a violation of this section, 

section 1566 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 

or any of subsections (b) through (e) of section 401 of the Health 

Programs Extension Act of 1973; and 

(2) to pursue the investigation of such complaints, in coordination with the Attorney General. 

ø(c)¿ (d) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this section: 

ø(1) The term ‘‘financial assistance’’, with respect to a government program, includes governmental payments provided 

as reimbursement for carrying out health-related activities. 

ø(2) The term ‘‘health care entity’’ includes an individual 

physician, a postgraduate physician training program, and a 

participant in a program of training in the health professions.¿ 

(1) The term ‘‘financial assistance’’, with respect to a government program, means governmental payments to cover the cost 

of health care services or benefits, or other Federal payments, 

grants, or loans to promote or otherwise facilitate health-related 

activities. 

(2) The term ‘‘health care entity’’ includes an individual physician or other health professional, a postgraduate physician 

training program, a participant in a program of training in the 

health professions, a hospital, a provider-sponsored organization as defined in section 1855(d) of the Social Security Act, a 

health maintenance organization, an accountable care organization, an issuer of health insurance coverage, any other kind of 

health care facility, organization, or plan, and an entity that 

provides or authorizes referrals for health care services. 

(3) The term ‘‘postgraduate physician training program’’ includes a residency training program. 

(4) The term ‘‘State or local government that receives Federal 

financial assistance’’ includes any agency or other governmental 

unit of a State or local government if such government receives 

Federal financial assistance. 

SEC. 245A. CIVIL ACTION FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—A qualified party may, in a civil action, obtain 

appropriate relief with regard to a designated violation. 

(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section— 

(1) the term ‘‘qualified party’’ means— 

(A) the Attorney General; or 


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183 

(B) any person or entity adversely affected by the designated violation; and 

(2) the term ‘‘designated violation’’ means an actual or threatened violation of section 245 of this Act, section 1566 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or any of subsections 

(b) through (e) of section 401 of the Health Programs Extension 

Act of 1973. 

(c) ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES NOT REQUIRED.—An action under 

this section may be commenced, and relief may be granted, without 

regard to whether the party commencing the action has sought or 

exhausted available administrative remedies. 

(d) DEFENDANTS IN ACTIONS UNDER THIS SECTION MAY INCLUDE

GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES AS WELL AS OTHERS.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—An action under this section may be maintained against, among others, a party that is a Federal or State 

governmental entity. Relief in an action under this section may 

include money damages even if the defendant is such a governmental entity. 

(2) DEFINITION.—For the purposes of this subsection, the term 

‘‘State governmental entity’’ means a State, a local government 

within a State, or any agency or other governmental unit or authority of a State or of such a local government. 

(e) NATURE OF RELIEF.—The court shall grant— 

(1) all necessary equitable and legal relief, including, where 

appropriate, declaratory relief and compensatory damages, to 

prevent the occurrence, continuance, or repetition of the designated violation and to compensate for losses resulting from 

the designated violation; and 

(2) to a prevailing plaintiff, reasonable attorneys’ fees and 

litigation expenses as part of the costs. 

* * * * * * * 

CHANGES IN THE APPLICATION OF EXISTING LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted 

describing the effect of provisions in the accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the application of existing law. 

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 

Language is included under ‘‘Employment and Training Administration’’ providing that allotments to outlying areas are not required to be made through the Pacific Region Educational Laboratory as provided by section 127 of the Workforce Innovation and 

Opportunity Act (WIOA). 

Language is included under ‘‘Employment and Training Administration’’ providing amounts made available for dislocated workers 

may be used for State activities or across multiple local areas 

where workers remain dislocated. 

Language is included under ‘‘Employment and Training Administration’’ providing that the Department of Labor may take no action to limit the number or proportion of eligible applicants receiving related assistance services in the migrant and seasonal farmworkers programs. 


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184 

Language is included under ‘‘Job Corps’’ providing that amounts 

made available for construction and rehabilitation may include acquisition and maintenance of major items of equipment. 

Language is included under ‘‘Job Corps’’ providing authority to 

transfer up to 15 percent of construction and rehabilitation funds 

for operational needs with prior written notice to the Committee 

and that any such transfers are available for obligation through 

June 30, 2018. 

Language is included under ‘‘Job Corps’’ providing that no funds 

from any other appropriation may be used for meal services at Job 

Corps. 

Language is included under ‘‘Federal Unemployment Benefits 

and Allowances’’ providing that funding may be available beyond 

the current year in accordance with section 245(c) of the Trade Act 

of 1974. 

Language is included under ‘‘State Unemployment Insurance and 

Employment Service Operations’’ providing for reemployment services and referrals to training for all claimants of unemployment insurance for ex-service members, for improper payment reviews, and 

for unemployment claimants most likely to exhaust their benefits. 

Language is included under ‘‘State Unemployment Insurance and 

Employment Service Operations’’ providing for additional administrative funds from the Unemployment Trust Fund if unemployment 

claims exceed certain levels. 

Language is included under ‘‘State Unemployment Insurance and 

Employment Service Operations’’ providing authority for States to 

use funds to assist other States to carry out authorized activities 

in cases of a major disaster declared by the President under the 

Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. 

Language is included under ‘‘State Unemployment Insurance and 

Employment Service Operations’’ providing that the Department of 

Labor may make payments on behalf of States for the use of the 

National Directory of New Hires. 

Language is included under ‘‘State Unemployment Insurance and 

Employment Service Operations’’ providing that the Department of 

Labor may make payments from funds appropriated for States’ 

grants on behalf of States to the entity operating the State Information Data Exchange System. 

Language is included under ‘‘State Unemployment Insurance and 

Employment Service Operations’’ providing that appropriations for 

establishing a national one-stop career system may be obligated in 

contracts, grants or agreements with States or non-State entities. 

Language is included under ‘‘State Unemployment Insurance and 

Employment Service Operations’’ providing that States awarded 

grants to support national activities of the Federal-State unemployment insurance system may award subgrants to other States. 

Language is included under ‘‘State Unemployment Insurance and 

Employment Service Operations’’ providing that funds available for 

integrated Unemployment Insurance and Employment Service automation may be used by States notwithstanding cost allocation 

principles prescribed under the Office of Management and Budget 

‘‘Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 

Requirements for Federal Awards.’’ 

Language is included under ‘‘State Unemployment Insurance and 

Employment Service Operations’’ providing that the Department of 


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185 

Labor may reallot funds among States participating in a consortium. 

Language is included under ‘‘State Unemployment Insurance and 

Employment Service Operations’’ allowing the Secretary to collect 

fees, to remain available until September 30, 2017, for the costs associated with additional data collection, analyses, and reporting 

services related to the National Agricultural Workers Survey. 

Language is included under ‘‘Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation’’ providing for additional administrative funds if participants with plans terminated during the period exceed a certain 

level. 

Language is included under ‘‘Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation’’ providing that obligations may exceed amounts provided 

for unforeseen and extraordinary pretermination expenses or unforeseen and extraordinary multiemployer program expenses if approved by the Office of Management and Budget. 

Language is included under ‘‘Special Benefits’’ providing that the 

Department of Labor may use authority to reimburse an employer 

who is not the employer at the time of injury for portions of the 

salary of a re-employed, disabled beneficiary. 

Language is included under ‘‘Special Benefits’’ providing that 

funds shall be transferred to the appropriation from entities required under 5 U.S.C. 8147(c) as determined by the Department of 

Labor. 

Language is included under ‘‘Special Benefits’’ providing that 

funds transferred from entities under 5 U.S.C. 8147(c), specified 

amounts may be used by the Department of Labor for maintenance 

and data and communications systems, workload processing, roll 

disability management and medical review, and program integrity 

with remaining amounts paid into the Treasury. 

Language is included under ‘‘Special Benefits’’ providing that the 

Secretary may prescribe regulations requiring identification for the 

filing benefit claims. 

Language is included under ‘‘Administrative Expenses, Energy 

Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund’’ providing 

that the Secretary may prescribe regulations for requiring identification for the filing benefit claims. 

Language is included under ‘‘Occupational Safety and Health Administration’’ providing that up to a certain amount of fees collected from the training institute may be retained and used for related training and education. 

Language is included under ‘‘Occupational Safety and Health Administration’’ providing that fees collected from Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories may be used to administer laboratory 

recognition programs that insure safety of equipment used in the 

workplace. 

Language is included under ‘‘Occupational Safety and Health Administration’’ that prohibits enforcement on farming operations of 

10 or fewer employees or of an employer with 10 or fewer employees that is below the national average in specific injury categories 

except under specific exclusions. 

Language is included under ‘‘Mine Safety and Health Administration’’ providing that funds made available for State assistance 

grants may be used for the purchase and maintenance of equipment required by the Coal Mine Dust rule. 


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186 

Language is included under ‘‘Mine Safety and Health Administration’’ providing that a specific amount may be collected by the 

National Mine Health and Safety Academy and made available for 

mine safety and health education and training. 

Language is included under ‘‘Mine Safety and Health Administration’’ providing that a specific amount may be collected from the 

approval and certification of equipment and materials and made 

available for other such activities. 

Language is included under ‘‘Mine Safety and Health Administration’’ providing that the Department of Labor may accept lands, 

buildings, equipment, and other contributions from public and private sources for cooperative projects. 

Language is included under ‘‘Mine Safety and Health Administration’’ providing that the Department of Labor may promote 

health and safety education and training through cooperative 

agreements with States, industry and safety associations. 

Language is included under ‘‘Mine Safety and Health Administration’’ providing that the Department of Labor may recognize the 

Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association as the principal safety association and may provide funds or personnel as officers in local 

chapters or the national organization. 

Language is included under ‘‘Mine Safety and Health Administration’’ providing that the Department of Labor may use appropriated funds to provide for costs associated with mine rescue and 

survival operations in the event of a major disaster. 

Language is included under ‘‘Departmental Management—Salaries and Expenses’’ providing that the Bureau of International 

Labor Affairs may operating international labor activities through 

grants, subgrants or other arrangements. 

Language is included under ‘‘Departmental Management—Salaries and Expenses’’ providing that funds available for program 

evaluation may be used to administer grants for evaluation purposes under certain conditions. 

Language is included under ‘‘Departmental Management—Salaries and Expenses’’ providing that funds available to the Women’s 

Bureau may be used for grants to service and promote the interests 

of women in the workplace. 

Language is included under ‘‘Departmental Management—Salaries and Expenses’’ providing that funds available to the Women’s 

Bureau may be used for grants authorized by the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations Act. 

Language is included under ‘‘Veterans Employment and Training’’ providing that up to three percent of States’ grants may be 

used for federal expenditures for data systems and contract support. 

Language is included under ‘‘Veterans Employment and Training’’ providing that funds may be used for support specialists providing intensive services to wounded servicemembers. 

Language is included under ‘‘Veterans Employment and Training’’ providing that Department of Labor may reallocate up to three 

percent of funds provided among appropriated accounts. 

Language is included under ‘‘Veterans Employment and Training’’ providing that funds made available to assist homeless veterans may be awarded through September 30, 2017. 


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187 

Language is included under ‘‘Veterans Employment and Training’’ providing that authorized services to veterans may also be provided to veterans recently released from incarceration. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ prohibiting the 

use of Job Corps funds to pay the salaries and bonuses at a rate 

in excess of Executive Level II. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ prohibiting the 

use of any funds appropriated for grants solicited after January 15, 

2014, under section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and 

Workforce Improvement Act of 1998, for purposes other than competitive grants for training individuals over the age of 16 who are 

not currently enrolled in school in the occupations and industries 

for which employers are using H–1B visa to hire foreign workers. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ prohibiting the 

use of any funds appropriated for Employment and Training Administration programs to be used to pay the salaries and bonuses 

at a rate in excess of Executive Level II except under specific exclusions. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ providing that 

the Department of Labor may transfer funds from the Employment 

and Training Administration to Program Administration when it is 

determined that services will be more efficiently performed. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ providing that 

the Department of Labor may transfer funds from specified accounts to the ‘‘Office of the Chief Evaluation Officer’’ for program 

evaluations. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ providing that 

the Department of Labor may use the performance accountability 

system in effect prior to July 1, 2016 for purposes of implementing 

section 147 of the WIOA. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ prohibiting the 

Department of Labor from implementing the ‘‘Establishing a Minimum Wage for Contractors’’ regulation in connection to seasonal 

recreation and equipment rental services on Federal property. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ prohibiting the 

Department of Labor from implementing the ‘‘Definition of the 

Term ‘‘Fiduciary’’; Conflict of Interest-Retirement Investment Advice’’ regulation. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ prohibiting the 

Department of Labor from implementing the ‘‘Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, 

Outside Sales and Computer Employees’’ regulation. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ providing flexibility of crossing for H–2B nonimmigrant workers. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ providing requirements for the determination of prevailing wages in the H–2B 

nonimmigrant workers program. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ rescinding advance appropriations for the Dislocated Workers National Reserve. 

TITLE II—DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN 

SERVICES 

Language is included under ‘‘Health Resources and Services Administration—Health Resources and Services’’ providing that fees 

collected for the disclosure of information under the information reVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00187 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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porting requirement program authorized by section 1921 of the Social Security Act shall be sufficient to recover the full costs of the 

operation program and shall remain available until expended to 

carry out that Act. 

Language is included under ‘‘Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention—Public Health Preparedness and Response’’ permitting 

CDC to operate and maintain an aircraft. 

Language is included under ‘‘Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention—Buildings and Facilities’’ providing the use of funds to 

support acquisition, renovation, or replacement, of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s underground and surface coal mining research capacity. 

Language is included under ‘‘Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention—Buildings and Facilities’’ providing funds from former 

employees with existing Individual Learning Accounts unobligated 

to be available to support acquisition, renovation, or replacement, 

of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s underground and surface coal mining research capacity. 

Language is included under ‘‘National Institutes of Health—Office of the Director’’ that provides NIH shall strengthen human 

subject privacy protections. 

Language is included under ‘‘Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 

Services—Program Management’’ prohibiting the use of funds to 

support Research, Demonstration, and Evaluation activities. 

Language is included under ‘‘Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 

Services—Program Management’’ providing specified funds for Program Operations and the Federal Administration Program. 

Language is included under ‘‘Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 

Services—Program Management’’ prohibiting the use of funds to 

support the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight or activities developed, administered, or implemented by this 

Center. 

Language is included under ‘‘Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 

Services—Program Management’’ specifying the total and use of 

offsetting collections. 

Language is included under ‘‘Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 

Services—Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account’’ providing funds to support the full cost of the Senior Medicare Patrol 

program. 

Language is included under ‘‘Substance Abuse and Mental 

Health Services Administration—Mental Health’’ that allows 

SAMHSA to provide technical assistance to communities that do 

not receive grants but want to implement systems of care model 

programs. 

Language is included under ‘‘Substance Abuse and Mental 

Health Services Administration—Mental Health’’ requiring states 

to spend 10 percent of the Mental Health Block Grant for programs 

for individuals with early serious mental illness. 

Language is included under ‘‘Substance Abuse and Mental 

Health Services Administration—Mental Health’’ exempting the 

Mental Health Block Grant from the evaluation set-aside in section 

241 of the Public Health Service Act. 

Language is included under ‘‘Administration for Children and 

Families—Refugee and Entrant Assistance permitting funds to be 


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used for the national communications system for victims of severe 

forms of trafficking. 

Language is included under Administration for Community Living prohibiting the use of the funds provided in the bill to pursue 

legal action on behalf of a protection and advocacy system described in section 103 of the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act unless public notice has been provided 

within 90 of instituting action to the named person or their legal 

guardian. 

Language is included under Administration for Community Living waiving the public notice requirement for individuals without 

a guardian, who are not competent to consent, who are wards of 

the State or subject to public guardianship. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Departmental Management’’ for competitive grants that implement education in sexual 

risk avoidance using medically accurate information, evidencebased approaches and teach benefits of healthy relationships, goal 

setting and resisting sexual coercion and other youth risk behaviors. 

Section 201 limits the amount available for official reception and 

representation expenses. 

Section 202 limits the salary of an individual through an HHS 

grant or other extramural mechanism to not more than the rate of 

Executive Level II. 

Section 203 prohibits the Secretary from using evaluation setaside funds until the Committees on Appropriations of the House 

of Representatives and the Senate receive a report detailing the 

planned use of such funds. 

Section 204 reduces the section 241 of the Public Health Service 

Act evaluation set-aside to 2.4 percent. 

Section 205 permits the Secretary of HHS to transfer up to one 

percent of any discretionary funds between appropriations, provided that no appropriation is increased by more than three percent by any such transfer to meet emergency needs. Notification 

must be provided to the Committees on Appropriations at the program, project, and activity level in advance of any transfer. 

Section 206 continues the 60–day flexibility for National Health 

Service Corps contract terminations. 

Section 207 prohibits the use of Title X funds unless the applicant for the award certifies to the Secretary that it encourages family participation in the decision of minors to seek family planning 

services and that it provides counseling to minors on how to resist 

attempts to coerce minors into engaging in sexual activities. 

Section 208 states that no provider of services under Title X shall 

be exempt from any state law requiring notification or the reporting of child abuse, child molestation, sexual abuse, rape, or incest. 

Section 209 provides conscience protections to participants in the 

Medicare Advantage program who chose not to provide, pay for, 

provide coverage of, or provide referrals for abortions. 

Section 210 prohibits funds from being used to advocate or promote gun control. 

Section 211 permits funding for HHS international HIV/AIDS 

and other infectious disease, chronic and environmental disease, 

and other health activities abroad to be spent under the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956. 


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Section 212 relates to certain international health activities. 

Section 213 provides the Director of NIH, jointly with the Director of the Office of AIDS Research, the authority to transfer up to 

three percent of human immunodeficiency virus funds. 

Section 214 makes NIH funds available for human immunodeficiency virus research available to the Office of AIDS Research. 

Section 215 grants authority to the Office of the Director of the 

NIH to enter directly into transactions in order to implement the 

NIH Common Fund for medical research and permitting the Director to utilize peer review procedures, as appropriate, to obtain assessments of scientific and technical merit. 

Section 216 clarifies that funds appropriated to NIH institutes 

and centers may be used for minor repairs or improvements to 

their buildings, up to $3,500,000 per project with a total limit for 

NIH of $45,000,000. 

Section 217 transfers one percent of the funding made available 

for National Institutes of Health National Research Service Awards 

to the Health Resources and Services Administration and Agency 

for Healthcare Research and Quality. 

Section 218 allows NIH to retain payments for certain research 

organisms. 

Section 219 continues the Biomedical Advanced Research and 

Development Authority ten year contract authority. 

Section 220 requires HHS to provide details on its public web 

site related to how the Prevention and Public Health Funds are 

used. 

Section 221 directs the spending of the Prevention and Public 

Health fund. 

Section 222 requires HHS to include certain information concerning the number of full-time federal employees and contractors 

working on the ACA in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. 

Section 223 includes specific report requirements for CMS’s marketplaces activities in the fiscal year 2017 budget request. 

Section 224 continues certain Congressional notification requirements. 

Section 225 prohibits CMS Program Account from being used to 

support risk corridor payments. 

Section 226 rescinds the Nonrecurring Expenses Fund. 

Section 227 prohibits funds from being used for patient-centered 

outcomes research. 

Section 228 prohibits funds from being used for Title X family 

planning activities. 

Section 229 prevents funding of the Navigator program. 

Section 230 requires HHS to submit an analysis of the impact of 

section 2713 of the Public Health Service Act on discretionary programs. 

Section 231 creates an Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund and specifies the purposes and circumstances under 

which such fund may be accessed. 

TITLE III—DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ allowing Elementary and Secondary Education Act funds consolidated for evaluation purposes to be available from July 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. 


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Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ allowing certain institutions to continue to use endowment income for student 

scholarships. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ extending the 

authorization of the National Advisory Committee on Institutional 

Quality and Integrity. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ extending the 

authority to provide account maintenance fees to guaranty agencies 

for Federal student loans. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ prohibiting the 

Department from moving forward with regulations that would define ‘‘gainful employment’’ and ‘‘credit hour’’, dictate how States 

must authorize or license institutions of higher education within 

the State, and regulate teacher preparation programs. 

Language is included under ‘‘General Provisions’’ prohibiting 

funds from being used to withhold Federal financial assistance to 

public educational institutions subject to the Dear Colleague Letter 

published by the Departments of Education and Justice on May 13, 

2016 unless an alleged violation is determined to have occurred by 

the appropriate courts. 

TITLE IV—RELATED AGENCIES 

Language is included under ‘‘Federal Mediation and Conciliation 

Service—Salaries and Expenses’’ providing that fees charged for 

special training and other services and be retained and used for authorized purposes, that fees for arbitration services may only be 

used for training agency personnel, and that the Director may accept gifts and services in aid of any projects under the Director’s 

jurisdiction. 

Language is included under ‘‘National Labor Relations Board— 

Salaries and Expenses’’ prohibiting the use of funds for organizing 

or assisting in the organization of agricultural workers or for investigations, hearings, directives, or orders related to bargaining units 

of agricultural workers including employees involved in the maintenance and operations of ditches, canals, reservoirs and waterways 

for agricultural purposes. 

Language is included under ‘‘National Labor Relations Board— 

Administrative Provisions’’ prohibiting the use of electronic voting 

in representation elections. 

Language is included under ‘‘National Labor Relations Board— 

Administrative Provisions’’ prohibiting the implementation or enforcement of the ‘‘Representation-Case Procedures’’ regulation. 

Language is included under ‘‘National Labor Relations Board— 

Administrative Provisions’’ prohibiting the exertion of jurisdiction 

related to Indian tribes. 

Language is included under ‘‘National Labor Relations Board— 

Administrative Provisions’’ prohibiting the application of a new 

‘‘joint-employer’’ standard. 

Language is included under ‘‘National Labor Relations Board— 

Administrative Provisions’’ prohibiting the application of a new 

bargaining unit standard. 

Language is included under ‘‘The Committee for Purchase from 

People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled’’ requiring that written 

agreements, with certain oversight provisions, be in place in order 

for authorized fees to be charged by certified nonprofit agencies. 


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TITLE V—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

Section 501 permits the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human 

Services, and Education to transfer unexpended balances of prior 

appropriations to accounts corresponding to current appropriations 

to be used for the same purpose and for the same periods of time 

for which they were originally appropriated. 

Section 502 prohibits the obligation of funds beyond the current 

fiscal year unless expressly so provided. 

Section 503 prohibits funds from being used to support or defeat 

legislation. 

Section 504 limits the amount available for official reception and 

representation expenses for the Secretaries of Labor and Education, the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and the Chairman of the National Mediation Board. 

Section 505 requires grantees receiving Federal funds to clearly 

state the percentage of the total cost of the program or project that 

will be financed with Federal money. 

Section 506 prohibits the use of funds for any abortion. 

Section 507 provides exceptions to section 506 and a provision 

prohibiting funds from being made available to a Federal agency or 

program, or to a State or local government, if such agency, program 

or government discriminates against institutional or individual 

health care entities because they do not provide, pay for, provide 

coverage of, or refer for abortions. 

Section 508 prohibits use of funds for certain research involving 

human embryos. 

Section 509 prohibits use of funds for any activity that promotes 

the legalization of any drug or substance included in schedule I of 

the schedules of controlled substances. 

Section 510 prohibits use of funds to promulgate or adopt any 

final standard providing for a unique health identifier until legislation is enacted specifically approving the standard. 

Section 511 prohibits funds to be obligated or expended on a contract with an entity that has not submitted a report on qualified 

veteran employees as required under 38 U.S.C. 4212(d). 

Section 512 prohibits any transfer of funds made available in 

this Act except by the authority provided in this Act or another appropriation Act. 

Section 513 limits funds in the bill for public libraries to those 

that comply with the requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act. 

Section 514 dictates the procedures for the reprogramming of any 

funds provided in the bill. 

Section 515 continues a provision pertaining to appointments to 

federal scientific advisory committees to prevent the disclosure of 

information like political affiliation of candidates for appointment. 

Section 516 requires each department and related agency funded 

through this Act to submit an operating plan within 45 days of enactment, detailing any funding allocations that are different than 

those specified in this Act, the accompanying detailed table, or 

budget request. 

Section 517 requires the Secretaries of Labor, Health and 

Human Services, and Education to submit a quarterly report to the 

Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and 


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the Senate containing certain information on noncompetitive contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements exceeding $500,000 in 

value. 

Section 518 prohibits use of funds to process claims for credit for 

quarters of coverage based on work performed under a Social Security number that was not the claimant’s number, where the performance of such work under such number has formed the basis for 

a conviction of the claimant of a violation of section 208(a)(6) or (7) 

of the Social Security Act. 

Section 519 prohibits use of funds to implement a Social Security 

totalization agreement with Mexico. 

Section 520 prohibits federal funds for the purchase of syringes 

or sterile needles, but allows communities with rapid increases in 

cases of HIV and Hepatitis to access federal funds for other activities, including substance use counseling and treatment referrals. 

Section 521 prohibits the use of funds for the downloading or exchanging of pornography. 

Section 522 prohibits funding from going to the Association of 

Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), or any of its 

affiliates, subsidiaries, allied organizations, or successors. 

Section 523 relates to reporting requirements for conference expenditures. 

Section 524 requires a statement regarding funding by U.S. taxpayers in certain advertisements. 

Section 525 requires quarterly reports on the status of balances 

of appropriations from the Departments of Labor, Health and 

Human Services and Education and the Social Security Administration. 

Section 526 prohibits the use of funds to implement, administer, 

enforce or further the provisions of Public Law 111–148 and portions of Public Law 111–152 with certain exceptions. Section 527 rescinds $15,000,000 provided under section 3403 

[Independent Payment Advisory Board] of Public Law 111–148. Section 528 rescinds $7,000,000,000 provided under section 

3021(a) [Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation] of Public 

Law 111–148. 

Section 529 rescinds $150,000,000 provided under section 6301(e) 

[Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund] of Public Law 

111–148. 

Section 530 rescinds various funds from the Children’s Health 

Insurance program. 

Section 531 rescinds various funds from the Child Enrollment 

Contingency Fund. 

Section 532 rescinds various funds from the Children’s Health 

Insurance Performance Bonus Payment. 

Section 533 provides conscience protections with respect to 

health care entities that refuse to participate in abortions and with 

regard to requirements for healthcare coverage of specific items 

and services. 

APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following table lists the appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not authorized by law for 

the period concerned (dollars in thousands): 


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Agency Program 

Last Year 

of 

Authorization 

Authorization 

Level 

Appropriations 

in Last Year of 

Authorization 

Appropriations 

in this Bill 

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ETA: 

Reintegration of Ex-Offenders (transition 

activities authorized by Second Chance 

Act, 2007).

FY 2010 $20,000,000 ......... $15,000,000 $88,078,000 

VETERANS’ EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICE: 

Homeless Veterans Program ...................... FY 2015 50,000,000 ........... 38,109,000 50,000,000 

Homeless Women Veterans and Homeless 

Veterans with Children Reintegration 

Grant Program.

FY 2016 50,000,000 ........... 38,109,000 50,000,000 

Referral and Counseling Services to Veterans at Risk of Homelessness.FY 2016 50,000,000 ........... 38,109,000 50,000,000 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 

HRSA: 

School-Based Health Centers .................... FY 2013 50,000,000 ........... 47,450,000 – – – 

National Health Service Corps ................... FY 2012 Such Sums ........... – – – – – – 

Nursing Education Loan Repayment .......... FY 2007 Such Sums ........... 31,055,000 83,135,000 

Faculty Loan Repayment ............................ FY 2014 5,000,000 ............. 1,187,000 1,190,000 

Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students FY 2014 Such Sums ........... 44,857,000 45,970,000 

National Center for Workforce Analysis ..... FY 2014 7,500,000 ............. 4,651,000 4,663,000 

Primary Care Training and Enhancement FY 2014 Such Sums ........... 36,831,000 38,924,000 

Oral Health Training Programs .................. FY 2012 25,000,000 ........... 31,928,000 35,873,000 

Area Health Education Centers .................. FY 2014 125,000,000 ......... 30,250,000 30,250,000 

Education & Training—Geriatrics ............... ............................... 33,237,000 38,737,000 

(Workforce Development) ................... FY 2014 10,800,000.

(Career Incentive Awards) ................. FY 2013 10,000,000.

Mental & Behavioral Health Education ..... FY 2013 35,000,000 ........... 7,896,000 9,916,000 

Nursing Workforce Development (Nurse 

Education, Practice, Retention, and 

Quality Grants).

FY 2014 Such Sums ........... 37,913,000 39,913,000 

(Nurse Faculty Loan Program) ................... FY 2014 Such Sums ........... 24,500,000 26,500,000 

Sickle Cell .................................................. FY 2009 10,000,000 ........... 4,455,000 4,455,000 

Healthy Start .............................................. FY 2013 Formula ................ 100,746,000 103,500,000 

Emergency Relief—Part A ......................... FY 2013 789,471,000 ......... 649,373,000 655,876,000 

Comprehensive Care—Part B .................... FY 2013 1,562,169,000 ...... 1,314,446,000 1,315,005,000 

Early Intervention—Part C ........................ FY 2013 285,766,000 ......... 205,544,000 205,079,000 

Coordinated Services and Access to Research for Women, Infants, Children 

and Youth—Part D.

FY 2013 87,273,000 ........... 75,088,000 75,088,000 

Special Projects of National Significance—Part F.FY 2013 25,000,000 ........... 25,000,000 25,000,000 

Education and Training Centers—Part F .. FY 2013 42,178,000 ........... 33,275,000 33,611,000 

Dental Reimbursement—Part F ................ FY 2013 15,802,000 ........... 12,991,000 13,122,000 

Organ Transplantation ............................... FY 1993 Such Sums ........... 2,767,000 23,549,000 

Rural Health Outreach Grants ................... FY 2012 45,000,000 ........... 55,553,000 65,500,000 

Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants ................ FY 2012 Such Sums ........... 41,040,000 45,609,000 

State Offices of Rural Health .................... FY 2002 Such Sums ........... 4,000,000 10,511,000 

Telehealth ................................................... FY 2006 Such Sums ........... 6,814,000 19,000,000 

CDC: 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases 

Grants.

FY 1998 Such Sums ........... 113,671,000 157,310,000 

National Cancer Registries ............... FY 2003 Such Sums ........... N/A 49,440,000 

National Center for Health Statistics FY 2003 Such Sums ........... 125,899,000 160,397,000 

WISEWOMEN ...................................... FY 2003 Such Sums ........... 12,419,000 21,120,000 

Asthma (Environmental) ................... FY 2005 Such Sums ........... 32,422,000 29,000,000 

Folic Acid ........................................... FY 2005 Such Sums ........... 2,188,000 3,150,000 

Injury Prevention and Control ........... FY 2005 Such Sums ........... 138,237,000 261,059,000 

Oral Health Promotion ....................... FY 2005 Such Sums ........... 11,204,000 18,000,000 

Safe Motherhood/Infant Health Promotion.FY 2005 Such Sums ........... 44,738,000 46,000,000 

Birth Defects, Developmental Disability, Disability and Health.FY 2007 Such Sums ........... 122,242,000 135,310,000 

Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research Program (Autism).

FY 2011 21,000,000 ........... 21,380,000 23,100,000 


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Agency Program 

Last Year 

of 

Authorization 

Authorization 

Level 

Appropriations 

in Last Year of 

Authorization 

Appropriations 

in this Bill 

Breast and Cervical Cancer .............. FY 2012 275,000,000 ......... 204,779,000 210,000,000 

Johanna’s Law ................................... FY 2012 18,000,000 ........... 4,972,000 5,500,000 

Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity 

Grants.

FY 2013 190,000,000 ......... 32,424,000 40,000,000 

National TB Strategy Grants ............. FY 2013 243,101,000 ......... 132,997,000 142,256,000 

Public Health Workforce and Career 

Development.

FY 2013 39,500,000 ........... 64,000,000 45,000,000 

National Diabetes Prevention Program.FY 2014 Such Sums ........... 10,000,000 25,000,000 

Section 317 Immunization ................ FY 2014 Such Sums ........... 610,847,000 565,508,000 

Young Women’s Breast Health 

Awareness.

FY 2014 9,000,000 ............. 4,951,000 4,960,000 

Congenital Heart Disease Programs FY 2015 Such Sums ........... 4,000,000 4,000,000 

Lead Poisoning Prevention ................ FY 2005 Such Sums ........... 36,474,000 17,500,000 

Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant.FY 1998 Such Sums ........... 194,092,000 160,000,000 

NIH: 

All 27 Institutes and Centers ........... FY 2009 Such Sums ........... 30,317,024,000 32,542,402,000 

SAMHSA: 

Treatment Systems for Homeless Individuals.FY 2003 50,000,000 ........... 16,700,000 36,386,000 

Residential Treatment Programs for 

Pregnant and Postpartum Women.

FY 2003 Such Sums ........... 0 15,931,000 

Priority Substance Abuse Treatment 

Needs of Regional and National 

Significance.

FY 2003 300,000,000 ......... 322,994,000 331,323,000 

Substance Abuse Treatment Services 

for Children and Adolescents.

FY 2003 40,000,000 ........... 20,000,000 29,605,000 

Priority Substance Abuse Prevention 

Needs of Regional and National 

Significance.

FY 2003 300,000,000 ......... 138,399,000 211,148,000 

Priority Mental Health Needs of Regional and National Significance.FY 2003 300,000,000 ......... 94,289,000 395,289,000 

Youth Interagency Research, Training, and Technical Assistance 

Centers.

FY 2007 5,000,000 ............. 3,960,000 5,988,000 

Suicide Prevention for Children and 

Youth.

FY 2007 35,000,000 ........... 22,779,000 41,915,000 

Primary and Behavioral Health Care 

Integration.

FY 2014 50,000,000 ........... 50,000,000 26,004,000 

Grants for Jail Division Programs ..... FY 2003 10,000,000 ........... 6,043,000 4,269,000 

PATH Grants to States ...................... FY 2003 75,000,000 ........... 46,855,000 64,635,000 

Community Mental Health Services 

for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances.

FY 2003 100,000,000 ......... 96,694,000 119,026,000 

Grants for Persons who Experienced 

Violence Related Stress.

FY 2003 50,000,000 ........... 20,000,000 46,887,000 

Community Mental Health Services 

Block Grants.

FY 2003 450,000,000 ......... 433,000,000 532,571,000 

Substance Abuse Prevention and 

Treatment Block Grant.

FY 2003 2,000,000,000 ...... 1,785,000,000 1,858,079,000 

Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act.FY 2003 19,500,000 ........... 32,500,000 36,146,000 

AHRQ: 

Research on Health Costs, Quality, 

and Outcomes.

FY 2005 Such Sums ........... 260,695,000 280,240,000 

ACF: 

Low Income Home Energy Assistance 

Program.

FY 2007 5,100,000,000 ...... 2,161,170,000 3,490,304,000 

Children and Families Services Programs 

Adoption Awareness Programs .......... FY 2005 Such Sums ........... 12,453,000 39,100,000 

Native American Programs ............... FY 2002 Such Sums ........... 45,826,000 53,100,000 

Community Services Block Grant ...... FY 2003 Such Sums ........... 645,762,000 715,000,000 

Community Economic Development 

Program.

FY 2003 Formula ................ 27,082,000 29,883,000 


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Agency Program 

Last Year 

of 

Authorization 

Authorization 

Level 

Appropriations 

in Last Year of 

Authorization 

Appropriations 

in this Bill 

Assets for Independence ................... FY 2003 25,000,000 ........... 24,827,000 18,950,000 

Head Start ......................................... FY 2012 Such Sums ........... 7,968,544,000 9,309,724,000 

Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs.FY 2013 Such Sums ........... 107,852,000 119,121,000 

CAPTA programs ................................ FY 2015 Such Sums ........... 143,981,000 138,374,000 

Family Violence Programs ................. FY 2015 178,500,000 ......... 139,500,000 159,250,000 

Disaster Human Services Case Management.N/A ........ N/A ........................ N/A 1,864,000 

Refugee and Entrant Assistance 

Transitional and Medical Services .... FY 2002 Such Sums ........... 227,243,000 490,000,000 

Social Services .................................. FY 2002 Such Sums ........... 158,600,000 155,000,000 

Preventative Health ........................... FY 2002 Such Sums ........... 4,835,000 4,600,000 

Targeted Assistance .......................... FY 2002 Such Sums ........... 49,477,000 47,601,000 

Victims of Torture ............................. FY 2007 25,000,000 ........... 9,817,000 10,735,000 

ACL: 

Alzheimer’s Diseases Demonstration FY 2002 Such Sums ........... 11,483,000 4,800,000 

Lifespan Respite Care ....................... FY 2011 94,810,000 ........... 2,495,000 3,360,000 

State Health Insurance Assistance 

Program.

FY 1996 10,000,000 ........... N/A 52,115,000 

Developmental Disabilities ................ FY 2007 Such Sums ........... 155,115,000 160,353,000 

Voting Access for People with Disabilities.FY 2005 17,410,000 ........... 13,879,000 4,963,000 

Elder Justice/Adult Protective Services.FY 2014 129,000,000 ......... 0 8,000,000 

Assistive Technology ......................... FY 2010 Such Sums ........... 25,000,000 34,000,000 

OS: 

Office of Women’s Health ................. FY 2014 Such Sums ........... 33,958,000 32,140,000 

Office of Minority Health ................... FY 2016 Such Sums ........... 56,670,000 56,670,000 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

Adult Education .......................................... FY 2004 Such Sums ........... 590,233,000 579,195,000 

Howard University—Endowment Program FY 1985 Such Sums ........... 2,000,000 3,405,000 

Institute of Education Sciences ................. FY 2009 Such Sums ........... 617,175,000 409,956,000 

RELATED AGENCIES 

Institute of Museum and Library Services FY 2009 Such Sums ........... 274,840,000 230,000,000 

National Council on Disability ................... FY 2003 Such Sums ........... 3,144,000 3,250,000 

PROGRAM DUPLICATION

Pursuant to section 3(j)(2) of H. Res. 5 (113th Congress), no provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of another Federal program, a program that was included in any report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 of 

Public Law 111–139, or a program related to a program identified 

in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. 

DIRECTED RULE MAKING

The bill does not direct any rule making. 

COMPARISON WITH THE BUDGET RESOLUTION

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives and Section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional 

Budget Act of 1974, the following table compares the levels of new 

budget authority provided in the bill with the appropriate allocations under section 302(b) of the Budget Act: 


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[In millions of dollars] 

302(b) Allocation This Bill 

Budget 

authority Outlays Budget authority Outlays 

Discretionary .................................................................................. $163,081 $169,053 $163,081 1$169,073 

Mandatory ...................................................................................... 775,573 775,186 775,573 1775,186 

1 Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

FIVE-YEAR OUTLAY PROJECTIONS

Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget Act 

of 1974, the following table contains five-year projections prepared 

by the Congressional Budget Office of outlays associated with the 

budget authority provided in the accompanying bill: 

[In millions of dollars] 

Projection of outlays associated with the recommendation: 

2017 ....................................................................................................................................... 1$844,780 

2018 ....................................................................................................................................... 63,022 

2019 ....................................................................................................................................... 16,670 

2020 ....................................................................................................................................... 4,888 

2021 and future years ........................................................................................................... 29,612 

1 Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act 

of 1974, the amounts of financial assistance to State and local governments is as follows: 

[In millions of dollars] 

New Budget Authority ..................................................................................................................... $443,271 

Fiscal year 2017 outlays resulting therefrom ................................................................................ 1423,606 

1 Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 


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MINORITY VIEWS OF REP. NITA LOWEY AND REP. ROSA 

DELAURO 

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Chairman Rogers 

and Chairman Cole to hold a full committee markup of the Labor, 

Health and Human Services, and Education bill. This bill, which 

includes some of the nation’s most important domestic programs, 

has not made it to the full committee nearly enough in recent 

years. We believe the Committee should debate these critical issues 

in public every year, which is why we appreciate Chairman Cole’s 

efforts to hold markups during both years of his subcommittee 

chairmanship. 

However, Republicans on the Committee disappointingly approved a bill this year that cuts labor, health, and education programs by $569 million compared to the FY 2016 level. 

Less than a year ago, the Labor-HHS-Education bill received 

only a fraction—about one-half—of its proportionate share of additional funds made available by the Bipartisan Budget Act, which 

increased discretionary spending in fiscal years 2016 and 2017. The 

Labor-HHS-Education bill should have received about $5.2 billion 

more than its fiscal year 2016 allocation. This year’s cut would do 

even more damage. 

The cuts in this bill, with which we strongly disagree, will harm 

women, seniors, students, workers, and families. Specifically: 

The bill hurts women’s health by completely eliminating 

funding for Title X Family Planning and the Teen Pregnancy 

Prevention program. 

The bill hurts seniors by cutting the operating budget for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by $881 

million and cutting the operating budget for the Social Security 

Administration (SSA) by $264 million. Millions of seniors and 

low income families rely on benefits provided by Medicare, 

Medicaid, and Social Security—but this bill slashes more than 

$1.1 billion dollars from the agencies that manage those vital 

services. 

The bill hurts students by cutting $1.3 billion from the Pell 

Grant program at a time when our economy is burdened with 

over $1.2 trillion in student debt. It also cuts or eliminates 

more than two dozen education programs. The bill hurts unemployed workers by cutting $300 million 

from job training funds reserved for dislocated workers, and by 

completely eliminating Apprenticeship Grants, which were 

funded at $90 million last year. 

The bill is also weighed down by ideological riders. It blocks 

funding for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which would cause 

more than 20 million Americans to lose their health coverage. 

The bill continues an outrageous rider that has blocked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from supporting gun 


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violence prevention research for the past twenty years. This rider 

continues to have tragic consequences, as the CDC has been unable 

to research effective strategies to reduce the nation’s crisis of gun 

deaths—which exceed 30,000 every year. 

Even Congressman Dickey—the original author of this rider— 

has spoken out in favor of removing his own prohibition, noting, 

‘‘We must learn what we can do to save lives.’’ 

In addition, the bill leaves students and workers more vulnerable 

to exploitation. It blocks the Department of Education from protecting students from high-debt for-profit college programs that 

provide limited employment opportunities; it blocks the Department of Labor from ensuring that financial advisers act in the best 

interests of their clients; it also blocks a needed update of overtime 

pay provisions that would enable 4.2 million workers to receive the 

overtime pay they’ve earned. And it blocks the National Labor Relations Board from enforcing its own rules facilitating union elections. 

The Majority once again tries to impose its rigid ideology by adding harmful riders to block funds for family planning services and, 

even worse, to allow employers to deny preventive health services 

to their workers if the employer has a religious or moral objection 

to those services. These provisions would roll back decades of 

progress, as once again the Majority is trying to take away a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions in consultation 

with her doctor and family. 

During markup in the full committee, we offered a series of 

amendments to restore funding to critical programs like Pell 

Grants, literacy education, research in Special Education, family 

planning services, teen pregnancy prevention, tobacco prevention, 

healthcare research, job training, worker protection, and community service programs. We also sought to boost funding for NIH research, as well early learning programs such as the Child Care and 

Development Block Grant, Head Start, and Preschool Grants. 

We proposed amendments to restore funding to the operating 

budgets at CMS and SSA, because our retired seniors and workers 

with disabilities deserve programs that are managed effectively. 

In addition, we introduced amendments to respond to public 

health emergencies occurring across the country. We offered an 

amendment to provide $1.9 billion in emergency funding to prepare 

for, and respond to, the Zika virus, which has infected 649 pregnant women in the United States (as of July 7); we offered an 

amendment to increase the Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund to $5 billion; and we offered an amendment to boost 

funding for CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Safe 

Water programs by $80 million, which would help address the crisis of lead poisoning in youth across the country. All of these programs would have been designated as emergencies. 

We also introduced amendments to strike offensive riders from 

the bill and to support gun violence prevention research at the 

CDC. 

In sum, our amendments would have resolved many of the bill’s 

defects. Unfortunately, the Majority blocked all of these important 

amendments. 


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Therefore, without our proposed improvements, the bill is too 

fundamentally flawed due to its insufficient 302(b) allocation and 

the inclusion of unnecessary and ideological riders to merit our 

support. 

Moreover, the much-needed funding to restore investments in the 

Labor-HHS-Education bill will not materialize unless, and until, 

we undo sequestration. That is why alternative deficit reduction 

strategies—like those proposed in the President’s budget to eliminate tax breaks and loopholes for special interests—must be part 

of any long-term budget discussions. 

The Majority has made it clear that it is willing to violate the budget caps for defense spending—as it already shifted $15.7 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations funding to the base defense bill. We simply ask for similar considerations for critical investments in non-defense programs, such as the education and 

health programs in this bill. 

While the Labor-HHS-Education bill has a great many shortcomings due to its inadequate allocation, we strongly support some 

of its investments—though many of these increases fall short of the 

funds needed to make long-lasting progress. For example: • National Institutes of Health (NIH). The bill includes $33.3 

billion for the NIH, an increase of $1.25 billion above the FY 

2016 Omnibus. These additional funds would enable the NIH 

to move forward with the Precision Medicine Initiative, the 

BRAIN Initiative, Alzheimer’s research, and basic science research across NIH’s Institutes and Centers. Unfortunately, the 

bill does not fund the President’s Cancer Moonshot. • Special Education State Grants. The bill includes $12.4 billion for IDEA Part B State Grants, an increase of $500 million 

above the FY 2016 level. These additional funds would assist 

States in covering the excess costs of providing special education and services to children with disabilities. Unfortunately, 

the bill also reduces funding by 30 percent for critical special 

education national activities that provide much-needed support 

for technology, materials, and personnel recruitment and development. 

• Comprehensive Opioid Response Grants. The bill includes 

$500 million for grants to states, territories, and tribes, which 

would help to respond to the opioid crisis that is causing devastating death and destruction across the country. 

• Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund. The bill 

includes $300 million for a new infectious disease rapid response reserve fund, which is similar to legislation that Ms. 

DeLauro authored to fund the Public Health Emergency Fund. 

While the creation of this no-year fund is a step in the right 

direction, much more funding is needed to respond to future 

public health emergencies and the funding should be designated as emergency spending. 

• Head Start. The bill includes $9.3 billion for Head Start, 

an increase of $142 million above the FY 2016 level. However, 

due to recent improvements to the Head Start program, the 

funding provided would not be sufficient to continue to serve 

the same number of children—in fact, Head Start would lose 

125,000 slots at this funding level. 


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HARMFUL BUDGET CUTS IN THE MAJORITY’S BILL (BY DEPARTMENT) 

The Labor-HHS-Education bill is often called the People’s Bill for 

a reason. It is about providing Americans with opportunities to get 

ahead. The programs we fund level the playing field for low-income 

children to learn; help Americans learn the skills to find a job in 

a tough economy; and equip our nation to deal with public health 

emergencies. That is why we are so disappointed that the Majority 

continues to target this bill for funding cuts. 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The Department of Education alone takes a net cut of $1 billion—and that is after accounting for an increase of $500 million 

for special education State grants and $1 billion for the newly authorized Student Support and Academic Enrichment Block Grant. 

The bill slashes funding for more than a dozen programs, including 

Special Education Personnel Development, Teacher Quality State 

Grants, Office for Civil Rights, Institute for Education Sciences Research, and it terminates nine other fully authorized programs and 

activities. 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION—PROGRAM ELIMINATIONS

1 Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need 

2 Child Care Access Means Parents in School 

3 Education Innovation and Research (13) 

4 School Leader Recruitment and Support 

5 Magnet School Assistance Program 

6 Arts in Education 

7 Innovative Approaches to Literacy 

8 Safe and Drug-free Schools and Communities National Activities (including ‘‘Now is the Time’’) 

9 Teacher Quality Partnership 

We are also concerned that the bill eliminates a key funding 

source for programs that foster a safe and secure learning environment in our country’s most distressed communities, such as the 

Now is the Time initiative, which supports strategies to reduce gun 

violence and increase access to mental health services. While universal literacy is the mark of a civilized society, the bill even eliminates Innovative Approaches to Literacy and cuts funding for Comprehensive Literacy Development (Striving Readers), the largest 

reading program for low-income children from birth through grade 

12. 

The Pell Grant program, which has allowed millions of low- and 

middle-income students to gain access to college and the middle 

class, loses $1.3 billion. 

Instead of cutting the Pell Grant program, we offered an amendment to restore the Year-Round Pell Grant benefit, which would 

allow full-time students to earn a third semester of Pell Grants in 

an academic year—enabling them to finish faster by taking additional courses year-round. 

In addition, we offered amendments to restore funding for Pell 

Grants as well as to restore funding for education programs that 

were eliminated or reduced. We also offered an amendment to 

boost funding for early childhood programs, including Preschool DeVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Jul 23, 2016 Jkt 020711 PO 00000 Frm 00289 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR699.XXX HR699

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velopment Grants (which were formerly funded through the Department of Education). We are disappointed the Majority blocked 

all of these efforts. 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

The Department of Health and Human Services does not fare 

much better. Aside from the NIH, the rest of the department is 

roughly flat funded. 

The bill eliminates funding for Title X Family Planning at a time 

when the program’s services are needed most—especially considering the public health threat of the Zika virus. The bill also eliminates the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program, an action we find 

baffling given the program’s proven track record. Between 2010 

and 2014, the last years for which we have data, the U.S. teen 

birthrate declined by 29 percent. The elimination of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program would put that success at risk. 

The bill cuts CMS Program Management by $881 million below 

the FY 2016 level and $1 billion below the President’s request, despite an influx of 6.5 million Medicare enrollees over the past five 

years. Such a massive funding cut would break our promise to seniors by undermining the effective operation of the Medicare program. 

Moreover, the bill cuts CDC’s Tobacco Prevention activities by 

$110 million, including complete elimination of the ‘‘Tips from 

Former Smokers’’ campaign, an incredibly successful program 

which has helped 400,000 smokers quit for good since 2012, saving 

16,000 lives every year. 

And while we support the additional funding for Head Start, it 

is still $292 million below the President’s request. At the funding 

level in this bill, the number of children enrolled in Head Start 

would decline by approximately 125,000, which is simply unacceptable. 

Similarly, the bill provides only a minimal increase of $40 million 

for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), which 

is $161 million below the President’s request. This increase is not 

enough for States to implement the quality improvements and reforms that were enacted in bipartisan child care legislation while 

continuing to serve the same number of children. 

We sought to improve the bill by offering amendments to restore 

funding for Family Planning, Teen Pregnancy Prevention, CMS’s 

operating budget, and CDC’s Tobacco Prevention program. And we 

tried to increase funding for Head Start, CCDBG, and Preschool 

Development Grants. 

We introduced amendments to provide the President’s request of 

$1.9 billion to respond to the Zika virus; to increase the Infectious 

Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund to $5 billion; and to increase 

funding for the CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and 

Safe Water programs, which would help address the crisis of lead 

poisoning in youth across the country. Each of these three amendments would have designated the funds as emergency spending. 

We also offered an amendment to increase funding for NIH research, to match last year’s increase of $2 billion over the previous 

year. 


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Again, our colleagues across the aisle did not support these efforts. 

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

The Department of Labor is cut by $538 million below last year’s 

level, once a rescission of $200 million to Dislocated Worker job 

training funds is taken into account. The bill not only fails to boost 

investments in job training, it actually makes huge cuts to job 

training programs—including a net cut of approximately $300 million to job training for dislocated workers and the complete elimination of Apprenticeship Grants, a cut of $90 million. These cuts 

are incredibly harmful because job training and apprenticeship programs offer an opportunity to connect job seekers with the business 

community—particularly at a time when the unemployment rates 

for African-American and Latino workers continue to exceed the 

national unemployment rate. 

We are also disappointed that the bill provides no funding for the 

State Paid Leave Fund. At some point in our working lives, nearly 

all of us will need time off to deal with a serious illness or care 

for a newborn child or aging parent. Yet only 13 percent of American workers have access to paid family leave, which should be a 

fundamental right for all Americans. 

On top of cuts to job training, the bill further cuts funding for 

agencies charged with protecting the health, safety, and benefits of 

American workers. These cuts would leave workers more susceptible to wage theft, along with racial and gender discrimination in 

the workplace. It would also make it more difficult to identify 

workplaces with the worst records of injuries on the job. 

Finally, all funds for grants through the Bureau of International 

Labor Affairs are eliminated, ending the Department’s efforts to 

help children around the world escape from forced labor and the 

worst forms of child labor. 

In an effort to lessen the harm to American workers and their 

families, we offered amendments to restore funding to job training 

programs, apprenticeship grants, worker protection agencies, and 

grants to eradicate child labor. Once again the Majority blocked 

those proposals. 

RELATED AGENCIES

Among related agencies, the Corporation for National and Community Service, which runs Vista, AmeriCorps and other national 

service organizations, is cut by $13 million below the FY 2016 

level, with the cut coming from the National Service Trust. 

The National Labor Relations Board is cut by about $60 million, 

which would undermine the agency’s ability to carry out its legal 

responsibilities under the National Labor Relations Act. While we 

recognize the Majority disagrees with some of the NLRB’s recent 

decisions, we once again note that federal courts have upheld the 

NLRB’s rulemaking authority. 

And lastly, the bill cuts the Social Security Administration’s 

(SSA) operating expenses by $264 million below the FY 2016 level, 

which is $1.2 billion below the President’s FY 2017 request for 

SSA. This shortfall could lead to field office closures, reduced field 


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office hours, longer in-office wait times, and phone service delays 

for those who contact SSA for help. 

During markup in the full committee, we tried to restore funding 

for community service programs and the NLRB, and boost funding 

for SSA operating expenses to the President’s request, but our proposals were rejected on party-line votes. 

IDEOLOGICAL POLICY RIDERS IN THE MAJORITY’S BILL

As discussed above, the bill is also marred by the inclusion of 

dozens of unnecessary and ideological riders. Some of the most 

egregious riders are highlighted below. 

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

Unfortunately, we also see yet another attempt to block funding 

for the Affordable Care Act, which would cause more than 20 million Americans to lose their health insurance coverage. 

The evidence is now in—the ACA is working. It has successfully 

expanded health coverage to millions of hard-working American 

families and reduced the uninsured rate to the lowest point on 

record. We should be supporting the ACA, not undermining it. 

The Majority voted to keep this poison pill. 

OTHER HARMFUL POLICY RIDERS

The bill rescinds $7 billion from the Center for Medicare and 

Medicaid Innovation, which is testing new service delivery and payment models. These tests have already shown promising results 

that will lead to better care and reduced costs in the long run. In 

fact, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that rescinding 

these funds would actually cost the Medicare program a total of 

$34 billion in unrealized savings over the next decade, weakening 

the Medicare program for future beneficiaries. 

The bill prohibits the Department of Labor from enforcing rules 

to ensure that financial advisers act in the best interests of their 

clients, and it blocks the Department from implementing a new 

threshold to ensure that workers receive overtime pay they have 

earned. It continues the Majority’s assault on workers by stopping 

the National Labor Relations Board from enforcing its own rulings 

that facilitate union elections, the responsibilities of joint employers, and the size of bargaining units. 

The bill also prohibits funding for research into patient-centered 

outcomes and blocks a Department of Education rule that would 

protect students from high-debt for-profit college programs that 

provide limited employment opportunities. 

This type of legislation does not belong in appropriations bills, so 

we offered several amendments to strike these extraneous provisions. The Majority, once again, rejected the amendments. 

ANTI-WOMAN IDEOLOGY

This bill is an affront to women and families. In addition to 

eliminating funding for the Family Planning program, it would 

block any federal funds for family planning services, which would 

have a devastating impact on women—especially women in rural 

communities and low-income women. 


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To make matters worse, the bill also eliminates the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program, which has helped to achieve great success in reducing teenage pregnancy and abortion, including a 29 

percent decline in teen pregnancy rates between 2010 and 2014, 

the most recent years for which data are available. 

The bill includes the entire text of the Health Care Conscience 

Rights Act, an authorizing bill that allows employers to block access to preventive health services if the employers have so-called 

‘‘religious or moral’’ objections. Once again, the Majority is unnecessarily meddling in a woman’s right to make her own health care 

decisions. This policy rider would allow employers to create obstacles for women seeking health services such as contraception, infertility treatment, prenatal testing, vaccination, testing for HIV/AIDS 

or sexually transmitted diseases, transfusions—or anything else to 

which someone might plausibly (or even implausibly) claim a religious or moral objection. 

And finally, the Majority passed an amendment to block funding 

in any bill for in-vitro fertilization treatment—including treatment 

for wounded veterans—unless the embryos are preserved in perpetuity. First, the scope of the policy goes well beyond the jurisdiction of the Labor-HHS-Education bill. And second, parents should 

control their own embryos—the government has no business in this 

decision. Parents should be able to decide whether they want to 

freeze their embryos, allow them to be adopted, or allow them to 

be donated for research. 

These provisions are downright offensive. During markup in the 

full committee, we offered amendments to strike each of the provisions that would limit a woman’s ability to make her own health 

care decisions; we offered amendments to restore funding to programs that were eliminated; and we strongly opposed the ideological rider that would limit in vitro fertilization services for our 

wounded veterans. Quite frankly, we are appalled that our colleagues opposed our efforts. 

CONCLUSION

This bill stands in stark contrast to the bipartisan Labor-HHSEducation bill passed by our colleagues in the Senate. While the 

Senate version is not the bill we would have written, it reflects Republican and Democratic compromise on critical issues. 

Instead, this bill is another example of the Majority’s continued 

attempt to enact their extreme and divisive ideological preferences, 

no matter the cost. We ask our colleagues to stop pushing an ideological agenda that places the health of millions of women and 

their families at risk. 

We hope our colleagues on the other side of the aisle will work 

with Democrats during the conference process to fix the many inadequacies in this bill. At that point, we look forward to working with 

Chairman Rogers and Chairman Cole to move forward. 

NITA M. LOWEY. 

ROSA L. DeLAURO. 


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ADDITIONAL VIEWS 

Federal agencies tasked with stemming the spread of Zika within 

the U.S. and effected areas have requested $1.9 billion in emergency funding to adequately respond to the virus and prevent the 

severe birth defects that it causes. If Congress does not act now 

and get ahead of the spread of Zika, we could be facing a national 

emergency similar to what is tragically playing out in other parts 

of the world. Expecting parents or those who will be starting families should not have to face the risk of severe birth defects this 

virus causes on a massive scale, and know Congress could have 

done more to stop it. I support robust funding for Zika and have 

voted for an amendment to provide $1.9 billion for Zika efforts previously and I intended to vote in support of the amendment during 

the markup. 

JAIME HERRERA BEUTLER. 

Æ 


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