30–458 

115TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 115–765 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND 

RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2019 

JUNE 19, 2018.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of 

the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. CALVERT, from the Committee on Appropriations, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

together with 

DISSENTING VIEWS 

[To accompany H.R. 6147] 

The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in 

explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for the 

Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, 

and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 

2019. The bill provides regular annual appropriations for the Department of the Interior (except the Bureau of Reclamation and the 

Central Utah Project), the Environmental Protection Agency, and 

for other related agencies, including the Forest Service, the Indian 

Health Service, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National 

Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities. 

CONTENTS 

Page Number 

Bill Report 

Title I—Department of the Interior: 2 7 

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

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

National Park Service ......................................................................... 14 20 

United States Geological Survey ....................................................... 19 30 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management ............................................. 22 34 

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement ......................... 23 35 

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement ................. 25 36 

Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education ............. 28 38 

Office of the Secretary ........................................................................ 38 44 

Insular Affairs ..................................................................................... 40 45 


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Page Number 

Bill Report 

Office of the Solicitor .......................................................................... 43 46 

Office of Inspector General ................................................................. 43 46 

Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians ......................... 43 46 

Department-wide Programs: 46 48 

Wildland Fire Management, Interior Department ........................... 46 48 

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

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

Working Capital Fund ........................................................................ 50 49 

Office of Natural Resources Revenue ................................................ 52 50 

Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) ..................................................... 52 50 

General Provisions, Department of the Interior ............................... 52 50 

Title II—Environmental Protection Agency: 64 51 

Science and Technology ...................................................................... 64 53 

Environmental Programs and Management ..................................... 65 56 

Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund ....................... ........ 61 

Office of Inspector General ................................................................. 66 61 

Buildings and Facilities ...................................................................... 67 61 

Hazardous Substance Superfund ....................................................... 67 62 

Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Program ............. 68 63 

Inland Oil Spill Programs .................................................................. 68 64 

State and Tribal Assistance Grants .................................................. 69 64 

Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account ... 77 67 

Administrative Provisions .................................................................. 78 67 

Title III—Related Agencies: 82 68 

Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment .................................................................................................. 82 68 

Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture .............................. 82 70 

Wildland Fire Management, Forest Service ..................................... 87 78 

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

Services ............................................................................................ 95 78 

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ..................... 105 81 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ......................... 105 82 

Other Related Agencies: 106 82 

Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental 

Quality .............................................................................................. 106 82 

Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board ........................... 107 83 

Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation ................................... 108 84 

Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts 

Development .................................................................................... 109 84 

Smithsonian Institution ..................................................................... 109 84 

National Gallery of Art ....................................................................... 110 87 

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ............................ 112 87 

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars ........................ 113 88 

National Endowment for the Arts ..................................................... 113 88 

National Endowment for the Humanities ......................................... 113 90 

Commission of Fine Arts .................................................................... 115 91 

National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs ...................................... 116 91 

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation ....................................... 116 91 

National Capital Planning Commission ............................................ 116 92 

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum .................................... 116 92 

Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission ................................. 117 93 

Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission ...................................... 117 93 

World War I Centennial Commission ................................................ 117 94 

Title IV—General Provisions: 118 94 

Dissenting Views ................................................................................. ........ 217 


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INTRODUCTION

The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2019 totals $35,252,000,000, 

equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

The amounts in the accompanying bill are reflected by title in 

the table below. 

BUDGET AUTHORITY RECOMMENDED IN BILL BY TITLE 

Activity Budget estimates, 

fiscal year 2019 

Committee bill, 

fiscal year 2019 

Committee bill 

compared with 

budget estimates 

Title I, Department of the Interior: 

New budget authority ...................................................... $10,526,970,000 $13,046,509,000 +$2,519,539,000 

Title II, Environmental Protection Agency: 

New budget authority ...................................................... $6,191,887,000 $7,958,488,000 +$1,766,601,000 

Title III, Related Agencies: 

New budget authority ...................................................... $11,558,033,000 $13,882,003,000 +$2,323,970,000 

Title IV, General Provisions: 

New budget authority ...................................................... $0 $365,000,000 +$365,000,000 

Grand total, New budget authority .................... $28,276,890,000 $35,252,000,000 +$6,975,110,000 

COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT

Members of Congress have provided considerable input in fashioning this bill. In total, 364 Members submitted 5,220 programmatic requests relating to multiple agencies and programs. 

The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee 

conducted nine budget hearings and briefings this year (including 

four hearings involving American Indians and Alaska Natives) to 

carefully review the programs and budgets under its jurisdiction. 

The Subcommittee held the following oversight hearings: 

Department of the Interior FY19 budget oversight hearing—April 

11, 2018 

Smithsonian Institution FY19 budget oversight hearing—April 

12, 2018 

Indian Health Service FY19 budget oversight hearing—April 17, 

2018 

Members of Congress Witness Day hearing—April 19, 2018 

Environmental Protection Agency FY19 budget oversight hearing—April 26, 2018 

American Indian/Alaska Native Public Witnesses—May 9, 2018 

(morning) 

American Indian/Alaska Native Public Witnesses—May 9, 2018 

(afternoon) 

American Indian/Alaska Native Public Witnesses—May 10, 2018 

(morning) 

American Indian/Alaska Native Public Witnesses—May 10, 2018 

(afternoon) 

In total, 89 individuals representing the Executive Branch, Congress, State, Tribal, and local governments, and the general public 

testified before the Subcommittee. In addition to those who testified in person, another 64 Members of Congress, organizations, or 

coalitions provided written testimony for the hearing record which 

is publicly available online. 


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PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES (PILT)

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

from the presence of Federal land in their county or State. In 2018, 

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

Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will receive PILT payments. The projected full-year cost estimate for PILT for fiscal year 

2019 is not yet available and will be considered by the Committee 

at such time as the Department conveys this information to the 

Committee prior to the enactment of this Act. The Committee includes bill language providing $500,000,000 in PILT funding for fiscal year 2019, $35,000,000 above the budget request. 

RECREATION FEE AUTHORITY

Enacted in 2004, the Federal Land Recreation Enhancement Act 

(FLREA) authorized five agencies to collect and expend recreation 

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

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

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

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

visitor experience. 

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

current fiscal year. This expiration would impact the Department 

of the Interior’s estimated annual collection of $312 million, of 

which the National Park Service collects nearly $284 million. In 

2017, the recreation fee program collected nearly $419 million from 

the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior combined. 

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

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

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

COST OF LITIGATION

The Committee remains concerned that many of the legitimate 

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

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

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

effort to shift land management decisions from the agencies to the 

courts, regardless of merit. 

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

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

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

are not concerned whether agencies have funding necessary to 

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

funding. 

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

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

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able no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, detailed 

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

House Report 112–151. 

STATE WILDLIFE DATA

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

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

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

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

for decision support systems. 

PAPER REDUCTION

The Committee urges each agency funded by this Act to work 

with the Office of Management and Budget to reduce printing and 

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

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

these measures. 

EDUCATIONAL AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS

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

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

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

HARASSMENT-FREE WORKPLACE

The Committee continues to be deeply concerned about reports of 

harassment and hostile work environments and notes with disappointment the finding from the Department of the Interior’s 

2017 Work Environment Study that 35 percent of its employees experienced some form of harassment and/or assault-related behaviors in the 12 months preceding the survey. The Committee expects 

all Federal employees, including those in leadership positions at 

the agencies funded through this bill, to take the necessary steps 

to create and maintain harassment-free workplaces and directs the 

Department of the Interior and Environmental Protection Agency 

to comply with the directive included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (P.L. 115–31) by July 1, 2018. 

LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND

The Committee recognizes that investments in the Land and 

Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) support public land conservation 

and ensure access to the outdoors for all Americans and provides 

$360,199,000 for LWCF programs. 


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The recommendation includes funding for projects expected to be 

submitted to the Committee for Congressional consideration in accordance with the direction provided in the explanatory statement 

accompanying Public Law 115–141. Consistent with the process 

used in previous fiscal years, the Committee will review and recommend levels of funding based on Congressional priorities including, but not limited to, strong State and local support for the 

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

21ST CENTURY CONSERVATION SERVICE CORPS

The Committee encourages the Departments of Agriculture and 

the Interior to continue facilitating the approval of 21st Century 

Conservation Service Corps organizations and work in partnership 

to engage young adults and veterans in conservation, recreation, 

infrastructure, wildfire, disaster response, and community development service projects on public lands and in rural and urban communities, as authorized by the Public Lands Corps Act (16 U.S.C. 

1721 et seq.). 

TRIBAL CONSULTATION

The Committee notes with concern the frustrations heard from 

Tribes about agency failures to conduct ‘‘true’’ and ‘‘meaningful’’ 

government-to-government consultation. Although the level of frustration varies by agency and event, the common theme is that 

while most consultations solicit input and feedback from Tribes, 

the communication is one way and fails to return feedback to 

Tribes. Tribes often report that they don’t know whether and how 

their input is considered. On decisions made in consultation with 

Tribes, the Committee expects agencies funded in this bill to publish decision rationale in the context of and in reasonable detail to 

the Tribal input received during consultation. 

ARTS AND HUMANITIES ADVOCACY

The Committee acknowledges and appreciates decades of arts 

and humanities advocacy by the late Rep. Louise M. Slaughter. In 

her memory, the Committee encourages NEA and NEH to expand 

grant-making activities in a manner that honors her advocacy, especially in rural and under-served areas, so more Americans are 

able to benefit from the economic, social, and educational impacts 

of the arts and humanities. 

REPROGRAMMING GUIDELINES

The Committee retains the reprogramming guidelines contained 

in the joint explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 115– 

141. 


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TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

MANAGEMENT OF LANDS AND RESOURCES

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $1,166,043,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 911,320,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 1,228,579,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +62,536,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +317,259,000 

The Committee recommends $1,228,579,000 for Management of 

Lands and Resources, $62,536,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $317,259,000 above the budget request. A detailed 

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

The Committee does not accept the Bureau’s proposal to consolidate accounts within Management of Land and Resources at this 

time. However, the Committee appreciates the Bureau’s efforts to 

reduce complexity in its budget and increase its flexibility so that 

it can better achieve its multiple-use mission and will work with 

the Bureau throughout the fiscal year 2019 appropriations process 

to determine the best path forward. 

The Bureau is encouraged to promote and expand the use of 

agreements with Indian Tribes to protect Indian trust resources 

from catastrophic wildfire, insect and disease infestation or other 

threats from adjacent Federal lands, as authorized by law. 

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

$43,609,000 for soil, water, and air management, equal to the fiscal 

year 2018 enacted level and $43,609,000 above the budget request. 

The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program is funded at 

$2,000,000. The Committee requests that the Bureau provide detailed information in its fiscal year 2020 budget request for the program and work with the basin States to conduct a long-term trend 

analysis on salinity levels in the Colorado River Basin. 

Bighorn Sheep.—The Bureau is encouraged to collaborate with 

the U.S. Forest Service and the Agricultural Research Service on 

research involving the risk of disease transmission between domestic and bighorn sheep. 

Plant Conservation Program.—The Committee is pleased the Bureau’s plant conservation program is back on track. The Committee 

expects no additional delays in program implementation in fiscal 

year 2019 and encourages the Bureau to focus on increasing the 

availability of appropriate seed to address high-priority restoration 

needs and to collaboratively work with other Federal agencies, 

States, researchers, and private partners to implement the strategy. 

Aquifer Recharge and Water Quality.—The Committee encourages the Bureau to continue to work with the State of Idaho to provide appropriate access to Federal lands for the purposes of aquifer 

recharge projects and to work with Blaine County and interested 

community stakeholders to address the increased sediment buildup 

in the Hulen Meadows Pond by examining collaborative solutions 

to restoring the pond to adequate health through dredging and 

other cost-effective measures. 


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Drought in Western United States.—The Committee is concerned 

about the ongoing drought affecting the western United States and 

supports the Bureau’s work with the State of Utah, through the 

Watershed Restoration Initiative, to develop water resources to 

benefit the public, wildlife, endangered species, permittees, and 

other users. The Bureau is encouraged to continue to work with the 

State and other interested entities to identify and pursue the highest priority projects. 

Wild Horse and Burro Management.—The Committee recommends $90,000,000 to implement Public Law 92–195 (16 U.S.C. 

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

free-roaming horses and burros on public lands, $15,000,000 above 

the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $23,281,000 above the budget request. The Committee notes that its recommendation may 

change based upon the receipt of additional information prior to enactment of the fiscal year 2019 Interior Appropriations Act. 

The Committee appreciates the April 26, 2018, report to Congress titled ‘‘Management Options for a Sustainable Wild Horse 

and Burro Program’’ and recognizes the challenges Congress, the 

Bureau, and interested stakeholders face in setting this program 

on a better course to reduce costs, improve the condition of the 

range, and ensure a healthy wild horse and burro population. The 

Committee strongly encourages all parties to work together to address these challenges. 

The Committee requests that the Bureau conduct an analysis 

that identifies factors for success, total funding requirements, and 

expected results on potential options that (1) remove animals from 

the range; (2) increase the use of sterilization; (3) increase the use 

of short-term fertility control; (4) provide an adoption incentive of 

$1,000 per animal; and either (a) allow animals older than 10 years 

of age to be humanely euthanized; or (b) prohibit the use of euthanasia on healthy wild horses and burros. 

The Committee also requests an analysis on (1) options to enter 

into long-term contractual or partnership agreements with private, 

non-profit entities to reduce the cost of holding wild horses and 

burros for their natural lives and (2) the feasibility of assigning full 

responsibility for care for wild horses and burros removed from the 

range to these types of entities. 

The Committee further directs the Bureau to immediately begin 

designing the regulatory framework and technical protocols for an 

active sterilization program. The Bureau should ensure it considers 

the health and welfare of individual wild horses and burros and 

their populations and evaluates the costs of such a program. It also 

should draw upon the expertise of Federal, State, and private 

equine veterinarians, veterinary medical schools, and those with 

related training and experience. 

In the bill, the Committee provides the Bureau legislative authority to manage groups of wild horses and burros as non-reproducing or single sex herds, including through the use of chemical 

or surgical sterilization. 

The bill maintains existing protections regarding the sale and 

use of euthanasia for wild horses and burros and continues two 

general provisions within Title I allowing the Bureau to enter into 

long-term contracts and agreements for holding facilities off the 


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range and for the humane transfer of excess animals for work purposes. 

Wildlife Management.—The Committee recommends 

$103,281,000, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. This includes $60,000,000 for sage-grouse and related sage-steppe conservation activities, which is equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted 

level. 

Recreation Resources Management.—The Committee recommends 

$55,465,000 for recreation resources management, $1,000,000 

above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $2,231,000 above the 

budget request. The recommended increase is provided to support 

the Bureau’s front line field office staff in States that have taken 

on additional recreational responsibilities that have affected delivery of land management programs and services. 

The bill includes a General Provision in Title IV prohibiting the 

use of funds to close areas open to recreational hunting and shooting as of January 1, 2013. 

Off-Highway Vehicle Pilot Program.—The Committee directs the 

Bureau to develop guidance and procedures that the California 

State Office can use to implement an independent monitoring pilot 

program for certain off-highway vehicle events. The guidance 

should include eligibility criteria and responsibilities for organizations that are independent monitors, as well as a clear process that 

State or field offices can use to partner with organizations for independent monitoring. The Committee encourages the Bureau to 

work with the off-highway vehicle community and other interested 

entities to refine the pilot so that it can be successfully implemented on a broader scale. 

Energy and Minerals.—The Committee recommends a total of 

$200,089,000, $6,161,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 

and $15,123,000 above the budget request. 

Soda Ash.—The Committee is concerned about maintaining the 

United States’ global competitiveness in the production of natural 

soda ash and supports a reduction in the Federal royalty rate for 

soda ash mined on Federal land to a minimum of 2 percent, which 

is consistent with current law. The Committee directs the Bureau 

to take the necessary steps to reduce the Federal royalty rate for 

soda ash as appropriate. 

Placer Mining Reclamation Activities.—The Committee continues 

to hear concerns about the new reclamation standards for placer 

mining operations and directs the Bureau to work with States and 

placer miners to address these concerns. 

Realty and Ownership Management.—The Committee recommends a total of $73,480,000, $1,000,000 below the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level and $11,610,000 above the budget request. 

Red River Survey.—The Bureau is directed to contract with independent, third-party surveyors who are licensed and qualified to 

conduct official gradient boundary surveys and who are selected 

jointly and operate under the direction of the Texas General Land 

Office and the Oklahoma Commissioners of the Land Office, in consultation with each affected federally recognized Indian tribe. 

Resource Management Planning.—Committee recommends 

$62,125,000 for resource management planning, $2,000,000 above 

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ning process for newly created and recently modified National 

Monuments. 

Law Enforcement.—The Committee recommends $29,000,000 for 

law enforcement, $1,384,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted 

level and $4,834,000 above the budget request. The additional 

funds are provided to fill vacant ranger positions. 

Transportation and Facilities Maintenance.—The Committee recommends $154,201,000 for Transportation and Facilities Maintenance, $35,875,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$95,702,000 above the budget request. This includes an additional 

$35,000,000 to address deferred maintenance needs. 

National Landscape Conservation System.—The Committee recommends $36,819,000 for the national landscape conservation system, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $10,559,000 

above the budget request. 

The Committee notes the Bureau has been working with Canyon 

Lake, California, regarding the sale and disposal of a parcel of 

BLM land and encourages the Bureau to expeditiously conclude the 

negotiations. 

The Committee directs the Bureau to prioritize filling critical 

staff vacancies at the State and field level and requests a report 

showing the approved staffing plans for each field component, including vacant positions, by September 30, 2018, and semiannual 

updates on the status of efforts to fill these vacancies. 

The Committee supports the innovative use of technology to improve the timeliness and accuracy of permitting decisions and encourages the Bureau to continue to partner with industry on these 

efforts, as appropriate. The Committee directs the Bureau to provide a report within 90 days of enactment of this Act on the feasibility of developing and implementing a remote permit demonstration project that utilizes technologies, such as high-definition video 

and GPS location data, to facilitate the permit decision-making 

process. The report should include information on the cost and 

staffing requirements for the Bureau, the role of industry, and the 

types of technologies and practices that could be utilized. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $24,916,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... ¥6,608,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 17,392,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥7,524,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +24,000,000 

The Committee recommends $17,392,000 for land acquisition, 

$7,524,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$24,000,000 above the budget request. A detailed table of funding 

recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. 

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

review and recommend levels of funding for projects submitted to 

the Committee in accordance with the direction provided in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 115–141. 


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OREGON AND CALIFORNIA GRANT LANDS

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $106,985,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 90,031,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 106,985,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +16,954,000 

The Committee recommends $106,985,000 for the Oregon and 

California grant lands, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 

and $16,954,000 above the budget request. The Committee accepts 

the Bureau’s new budget structure that provides for a Western Oregon Grant Lands Management program. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end 

of this report. 

RANGE IMPROVEMENTS

The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation of not 

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

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

SERVICE CHARGES, DEPOSITS, AND FORFEITURES

The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation estimated to be $25,850,000 for Service Charges, Deposits, and Forfeitures, as requested. 

MISCELLANEOUS TRUST FUNDS

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

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

The Committee recommendation includes the requested Administrative Provisions as enacted in the Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2018. 

UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

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

150 million acres in the National Wildlife Refuge System, which 

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

Monuments. It also operates 71 national fish hatcheries, 65 fish 

and wildlife management offices, and 80 ecological services field 

stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the 

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

their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Assistance 

program, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise 

taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to State fish and wildlife 

agencies. 


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RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $1,279,002,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 1,130,644,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 1,288,808,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +9,806,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +158,164,000 

The Committee recommends $1,288,808,000 for Resource Management. All subactivities and program elements presented in the 

budget estimate submitted to the Congress are continued at fiscal 

year 2018 enacted levels and adjusted for requested fixed costs and 

transfers. None of the requested program changes are agreed to unless specifically addressed below. Recommended program changes, 

instructions, and details follow below and in the table at the end 

of this report. Additional instructions are included in the front of 

this report. 

Ecological Services.—The recommendation includes $249,661,000 

in Ecological Services for Endangered Species Act and related activities, $1,836,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$37,885,000 above the budget request. Ecological Services programs are expected to focus on inherently Federal activities to the 

greatest extent practicable. 

Listing.—The recommendation includes $10,941,000 as requested 

for ESA listings and related activities. Bill language is continued 

as requested in order to protect the rest of the Resource Management account from listing-related judicial mandates. 

The Service is commended for ensuring that States impacted by 

a potential listing are provided the opportunity to be involved in 

or lead the Species Status Assessment process. 

The Service is expected to work with the States to develop reasonable regulatory assurance criteria that include responsible land 

management commitments by private landowners, as discussed in 

detail in House Report 115–238. 

Planning and Consultation.—The recommendation includes 

$108,169,000 for timely evaluations and permitting of development 

projects that contribute to economic growth and job creation, 

$2,590,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. Included is a 

$50,000 program increase as requested for energy consultations, 

and a $1,907,000 general program increase which should be allocated in proportion to workload as measured across the Service 

rather than by region. 

The Service is urged to provide technical assistance upon request 

from partners making good faith efforts to develop and implement 

responsible Habitat Conservation Plans. 

The Committee is aware of the ongoing re-consultation by the 

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

(FWS), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the State of 

California, and local public agencies identified in Section 4004 of 

Public Law 114–322, on coordinated operations of the Central Valley Project and the California State Water Project. The Committee 

directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of 

the Fish and Wildlife Service, in conjunction with the Secretary of 

Commerce, to ensure completion of the biological opinions by May 

31, 2020, consistent with Section 4004 of Public Law 114–322. Furthermore, the Committee requests the Secretary of the Interior 


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submit to Congress a timeline and plan for the deployment of resources and staff to ensure the biological opinions are completed by 

the above date, as well as regular subsequent updates until the biological opinions are finalized. In addition, given the complexities 

surrounding this issue, the Committee strongly encourages the Secretary of the Interior to work with the Secretary of Commerce to 

develop a joint biological opinion, to the extent practicable, to minimize conflicts between potential reasonable and prudent alternatives/measures imposed by a biological opinion issued by FWS 

and a biological opinion imposed by NMFS. In its notice of intent 

dated December 29, 2017, the Bureau of Reclamation stated the 

purpose of this re-consultation is ‘‘to evaluate alternatives that 

maximize water deliveries and optimize marketable power generation consistent with applicable laws, contractual obligations, and 

agreements; and to augment operational flexibility by addressing 

the status of listed species.’’ The Committee supports these objectives. 

Conservation and Restoration.—The recommendation includes 

$34,031,000 for Conservation and Restoration, $1,635,000 above 

the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. Included is a $1,457,000 general 

program increase for Candidate Conservation, which should be allocated to Regions having adopted the Southeast model of true collaboration with the States. 

Recovery.—The recommendation includes $96,520,000 for Endangered Species Act recovery activities, $5,488,000 above the fiscal 

year 2018 enacted level. Funding to recover threatened and endangered bats affected by white nose syndrome is continued at 

$2,000,000. The recommendation includes a $2,543,000 general program increase as requested for inherently Federal activities, and 

an equal $2,543,000 program increase for Recovery Challenge 

matching grants to incentivize greater public and private involvement in recovery activities that are not inherently Federal. 

Recovery Challenge matching grants are to be used to implement 

high priority recovery actions as prescribed in recovery plans, including genetically-sound breeding, rearing, and reintroduction programs. Longstanding partnerships, including for the northern 

aplomado falcon, California condor, and Steller’s eider, should be 

funded at not less than $2,000,000 and partner contributions 

should be not less than their current amounts. The remaining 

funds should be dedicated to new, multi-year partnerships and 

should require a 50:50 match, which may include in-kind services. 

Unless an affected State is a partner on the project, none of the 

funds may be awarded to a project until the project partners have 

consulted with such State. The Service is expected to enter into an 

agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to administer the program in full consultation with the Service and subject to Service approval of all grants and cooperative agreements. 

None of the funds may be used for indirect costs. 

The Livestock Loss Demonstration Program is continued at 

$1,000,000. The Service is directed to explore the feasibility of expanding the Livestock Loss Demonstration Program to include the 

Florida panther, and to report back to the Committee within 120 

days of enactment of this Act. 

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

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


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

uplisted, promulgate an associated regulation and complete the 

rulemaking process prior to initiating the next status review for 

such species. In addition to amounts discussed above, $4,373,000 is 

provided exclusively to eliminate the backlog of downlistings and 

delistings. 

The Committee notes the ongoing study to determine whether or 

not animals currently classified as red wolves and Mexican gray 

wolves are taxonomically valid species and subspecies designations, 

respectively. If the Service concludes that such animals are not taxonomically valid, the Service is directed to propose rules to remove 

such animals from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife 

in section 17.11 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations. 

Habitat Conservation.—The recommendation includes 

$65,290,000 for voluntary, non-regulatory habitat conservation 

partnerships with public and private landowners, of which 

$51,870,000 is to implement the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act 

and $13,420,000 is for the Coastal Program. 

National Wildlife Refuge System.—The recommendation includes 

$488,773,000 for the National Wildlife Refuge System, $2,016,000 

above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

The recommendation supports the directive in House Report 

114–632 instituting signage on any individual refuge where trapping occurs and establishing guidance to be included in the refuge 

manual. Until the Committee is notified in writing that all directives are complied with, $2,000,000 of the funding provided for 

Wildlife and Habitat Management is not available for obligation. 

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

grassland and longleaf pine savanna landscapes in eastern North 

America while securing water resources for seven million people in 

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

The Committee notes with concern the Service’s unilateral decision to change the name of the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge without first consulting local stakeholders via an open process. 

The Service is directed to update its manual to require consultation 

before deciding whether or not to change the name of a refuge. The 

Service is further directed to open the public process within 30 

days of enactment of this Act, on the question of whether or not 

to rename the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge. 

Migratory Bird Management.—The recommendation includes 

$46,113,000 for migratory bird management, of which $350,000 is 

for bird-livestock conflicts. The Service is commended for its efforts 

to work with landowners to reduce black vulture predation on livestock. 

The Committee supports the Migratory Bird Program’s strategic 

investment in new technologies to more effectively track the movements of bats and migrating birds and requests a briefing on the 

two-year study to test the ability of digital high-frequency nanotag 

transmitters. 

Aviation Management is increased to $3,237,000 as requested 

but is transferred to the General Operations activity to more accurately reflect the program’s responsibilities across the Service. 


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Law Enforcement.—The recommendation includes $77,380,000 

for law enforcement. Funds appropriated specifically to combat 

wildlife trafficking may continue to be used as necessary to supplement inspections. 

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

The Service is expected to fully address the recommendations in 

Government Accountability Office report GAO–18–7, regarding the 

clarification of roles and responsibilities for combatting wildlife 

trafficking in Southeast Asia. 

International Affairs.—The recommendation includes $15,895,000 

for international affairs. The recommendation includes requested 

increases of $1,093,000 to combat wildlife trafficking and $368,000 

to modernize the international trade permitting system. The increases are offset by a general reduction in international conservation financial and technical assistance as requested, which are 

funded through the Multinational Species Conservation Fund. 

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

Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico to conserve priority species and 

ecosystems, and urges the continuation of these international partnerships in fiscal year 2019. 

Fish and Aquatic Conservation.—The recommendation includes 

$163,316,000 for Fish and Aquatic Conservation as discussed 

below. The Service is expected to continue its tradition since 1871 

of improving freshwater subsistence, commercial, and recreational 

fishing. 

National Fish Hatchery System Operations.—The recommendation provides $56,107,000 and includes: $550,000 to implement the 

Great Lakes Consent Decree; $1,430,000 for the national wild fish 

health survey program, $1,475,000 to continue mass marking 

salmonids in the Pacific Northwest; and $1,200,000 for the Aquatic 

Animal Drug Approval Partnership. The Service is encouraged to 

reexamine its funding priorities with regard to the National Fish 

Hatchery System and to take return on investment into account in 

determining those priorities. 

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

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

the production programs listed in the March 2013 National Fish 

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

The Service is expected to continue funding mitigation hatchery 

programs via reimbursable agreements with Federal partners. Future agreements should include reimbursement for production, facilities, and administrative costs. The Service is expected to ensure 

that its costs are fully reimbursed before proposing to reduce or redirect base funding. 

Maintenance and Equipment.—The recommendation provides 

$22,965,000, which includes $13,249,000 to reduce the deferred 

maintenance backlog and which, in addition to amounts provided 

in the Construction account, should continue to be allocated to facilities with the most severe health and safety deficiencies across 

the System as a whole, rather than by region. All other funds 

should continue to be allocated as in prior years and should include 

mitigation hatcheries as needed to supplement reimbursable funds. 


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Habitat Assessment and Restoration.—The recommendation includes $32,678,000, of which: $268,000 is for the Chehalis Fisheries 

Restoration Program; $5,000,000 is to implement the Delaware 

River Basin Conservation Act; $13,998,000 is for the National Fish 

Passage Program; and $6,664,000 is for the National Fish Habitat 

Action Plan. The Service is expected to be transparent with its 

partners regarding Federal costs for program coordination and administration of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan. The Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement is funded at $1,610,000 as requested. 

Population Assessment and Cooperative Management.—The recommendation provides $30,250,000, of which $554,000 is to implement the Great Lakes Consent Decree, and $455,000 is to implement the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act. The Lake 

Champlain sea lamprey program is funded at the requested level. 

Aquatic Invasive Species.—The recommendation includes 

$21,748,000, of which: $1,000,000 is to help States implement plans 

required by the National Invasive Species Act (NISA); $1,623,000 

is for NISA coordination; $3,088,000 is to implement subsection 

5(d)(2) of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act; $10,400,000 is for controlling Asian carp in the Mississippi and Ohio River Basins and 

preventing them from entering and establishing in the Great 

Lakes; and $2,000,000 is to prevent the spread of quagga and zebra 

mussels in the West. 

Of the amount recommended for Asian carp control and preven- tion, $2,000,000 is to expand and perfect the combined use of contract fishing and deterrents to extirpate Asian carp, including grass 

carp, where already established, pursuant to individual State laws 

and regulations and as called for in management plans. Contract 

fishing has proven to be an extremely effective management tool 

and it is not meant to develop a sustainable commercial fishery. 

The Service shall continue to work with its State partners to gather data to analyze the impacts of contract fishing to control abundance and movement of Asian carp. 

Cooperative Landscape Conservation.—The recommendation provides $12,988,000 for cooperative landscape conservation. The Committee recognizes the disparate levels of partner support across the 

States and expects the Service to focus funding where partnerships 

are strong. 

Science Support.—The recommendation includes $17,267,000 for 

the Science Support program and includes $3,500,000 for whitenose syndrome in bats. The Service should continue to co-lead and 

implement the North American Bat Monitoring Program with other 

Federal, State, and non-governmental partners. The Service is expected to partner with Cooperative Research Units whenever possible. 

General Operations.—The recommendation includes $152,125,000 

for General Operations programs, and includes requested program 

changes for Central and Regional Office operations, including the 

proposed realignment for common regional boundaries. 

The recommendation includes $12,022,000 for the National Fish 

and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and includes $2,000,000 previously provided through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 

and $3,000,000 previously provided through the Forest Service. Bill 

language is added requiring that NFWF match the funds and auVerDate Sep 11 2014 06:57 Jun 20, 2018 Jkt 030458 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR765.XXX HR765

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thorizing an advance lump-sum grant, as was previously provided 

through the BLM and Forest Service. NFWF is expected to consult 

with the Fish and Wildlife Service on the use of these funds to help 

the Service meet its mission and strategic goals. In addition, 

NFWF is expected to administer the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act program and the Recovery Challenge grant program 

in full consultation with the Service, as discussed previously in this 

report. Aviation Management is funded at $3,237,000 as requested but 

is transferred from Migratory Bird Management in order to accurately reflect the program’s responsibilities across the Service. 

The Service is encouraged to explore the benefits of States using 

a portion of funds allocated by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act for public relations or any activity or project designed 

to recruit or retain hunters and recreational shooters. 

Everglades.—The recommendation continues funding at fiscal 

year 2018 enacted levels across multiple programs for Everglades 

restoration and implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades 

Restoration Plan (CERP). 

CONSTRUCTION

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $66,540,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 13,746,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 59,734,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥6,806,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +45,988,000 

The Committee recommends $59,734,000 for Construction and 

includes $44,961,000 for the backlog of deferred maintenance principally at national fish hatcheries and national wildlife refuges. 

Within line-item construction, the recommendation does not include requested new projects at Valle de Oro and Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuges. The detailed allocation of funding by activity is included in the table at the end of this explanatory statement. 

When a construction project is completed or terminated and appropriated funds remain, the Service may use those balances to respond to unforeseen reconstruction, replacement, or repair of facilities or equipment damaged or destroyed by storms, floods, fires and 

similar unanticipated events. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $63,839,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 6,953,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 47,438,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥16,401,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +40,485,000 

The Committee recommends $47,438,000 for land acquisition, 

$16,401,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$40,485,000 above the budget request. A detailed table of funding 

recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. 

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

review and recommend levels of funding for projects submitted to 


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the Committee in accordance with the direction provided in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 115–141. 

In a time when budgetary constraints allow for only a limited 

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

land conservation like the Highlands Conservation Act, which has 

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

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

the Highlands Conservation Act Grants and directs the Fish and 

Wildlife Service to work with the Highlands States regarding priority projects for fiscal year 2019. 

COOPERATIVE ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund 

(CESCF; Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act), administered by 

the Service’s Ecological Services program, provides grant funding to 

States and Territories for species and habitat conservation actions 

on non-Federal lands, including habitat acquisition, conservation 

planning, habitat restoration, status surveys, captive propagation 

and reintroduction, research, and education. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $53,495,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 53,495,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +53,495,000 

The Committee recommends $53,495,000 for the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund, equal to the fiscal year 2018 

enacted level. A detailed table of funding recommendations below 

the account level is provided at the end of this report. The Service 

is commended for lifting the cap on funding for each Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), and is expected to continue to apportion 

funding to HCPs based on need in order to eliminate unobligated 

balances. 

The Service is strongly encouraged to consider structuring land 

acquisitions for HCPs in a manner similar to projects in the Land 

Acquisition account. Such projects are typically delineated by refuge unit, and high priority projects are typically funded over several years. In so doing, the Service and its partners are able to 

plan more efficiently and move more quickly when willing sellers 

become available. 

The Service is expected to seek consensus agreement with the 

State regarding the use of funds before awarding any traditional 

conservation grant. 

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FUND

The National Wildlife Refuge Fund shares refuge revenues and 

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

are located. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $13,228,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 13,228,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +13,228,000 


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The Committee recommends $13,228,000 for the National Wildlife Refuge Fund, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION FUND

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

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

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

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

amendments to the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of 

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

Restoration Act of 1937. Authorization of appropriations expired in 

fiscal year 2012. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $40,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 33,600,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 42,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +2,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +8,400,000 

The Committee recommends $42,000,000 for the North American 

Wetlands Conservation Fund, $2,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 

enacted level. 

NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION

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

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

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

fiscal year 2010. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $3,910,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 3,900,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 3,910,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +10,000 

The Committee recommends $3,910,000 for neotropical migratory 

bird conservation, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

MULTINATIONAL SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND

The Multinational Species Conservation Fund provides technical 

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

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

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

partners and other collaborators to conserve and protect African 

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

programs within this Fund have all expired. 


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Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $11,061,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 6,000,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 11,061,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +5,061,000 

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

Species Conservation Fund, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted 

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

STATE AND TRIBAL WILDLIFE GRANTS

The State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program provides grants to 

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

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

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $63,571,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 31,286,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 63,571,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +32,285,000 

The Committee recommends $63,571,000 for State and Tribal 

Wildlife Grants, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is 

provided at the end of this report. Funding for competitive grants 

is restored and the Service is directed to focus such grants on species included in the most recent Candidate Notice of Review. States 

are encouraged to do the same with the formula grants to the 

greatest extent practicable. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

The recommendation continues various administrative provisions 

from fiscal year 2018. The requested authority for reimbursement 

of damages is not included. The Service should seek this authority 

from the authorizing committees of jurisdiction. 

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

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

unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the 

national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration 

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

Park Service has stewardship responsibilities for the protection and 

preservation of the heritage resources of the national park system. 

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

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

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

ecosystems, and provide recreational and educational opportunities 

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


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

State governments to preserve culturally significant, ecologically 

important, and public recreational lands. 

OPERATION OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $2,477,969,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 2,425,117,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 2,527,810,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +49,841,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +102,693,000 

The Committee recommends $2,527,810,000 for Operation of the National Park System (ONPS), $49,841,000 above the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level and $102,693,000 above the budget request. The 

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

report. 

Additional Guidance.—The following additional direction and 

guidance is provided with respect to funding provided within this 

account: 

Operation of the National Park System.—Maintaining operations 

and visitor services at our national parks is a core responsibility 

of the Service. The Committee notes that our national parks hosted 

nearly 331 million recreation visits in 2017. Of the 385 park units 

that track visitors, 61 set new visitation records. In recent years, 

the Committee has made a concerted effort to direct appropriated 

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

critical needs at new Park Service units including sites associated 

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

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

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

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

to both the seasonal and permanent workforce would also have an 

immediate impact on park operations. Such proposals do not serve 

the public well particularly at this time of record National Park 

Service visitation. 

Resource Stewardship.—The bill provides $334,437,000 for resource stewardship, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The 

bill includes $3,000,000, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level, 

to continue zebra and quagga mussel containment, prevention, and 

enforcement efforts. 

Visitor Services.—The bill provides $255,683,000 for visitor services, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The bill includes 

funding for the National Capital Area Performing Arts Program, 

which was proposed for termination in the budget request, at the 

fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 


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Park Protection.—The bill provides $362,226,000 for park protection, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

Facility Maintenance and Operations.—The bill provides $850,019,000 for facility maintenance and operations, $40,000,000 

above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The recommendation retains the increases for repair and rehabilitation projects and cyclic 

maintenance needs included in the Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2018. The bill includes an additional $15,000,000 for repair 

and rehabilitation projects and $25,000,000 for cyclic maintenance 

needs. These funds are critical to addressing longstanding deferred 

maintenance needs across the Service. 

Park Support.—The bill provides $540,012,000 for park support, $3,980,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The recommendation includes $1,080,000 as requested to support new responsibilities at existing park units and $900,000 to support the 

Department’s proposal to establish common regional boundaries. 

Further, the recommendation includes $2,000,000 to support an 

open, competitively awarded process for upgrading Global Positioning System (GPS) devices used by the Service. 

The Committee recommendation for Operation of the National 

Park System includes the following additional guidance: 

Aquatic Invasive Mussels.—The Committee remains concerned 

about the rapid spread of quagga and zebra mussels in the western 

United States. Regional coordination of prevention efforts and 

watercraft inspection programs is vital to protect western water 

bodies from invasive mussels. The Committee recognizes and commends the considerable effort and collaboration involving western 

governors, as well as Federal, State, and Tribal partners, to develop a package of actions and initiatives to protect areas in the 

West from the economic and ecological threats posed by invasive 

mussels. 

The Committee directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Chief of the Forest Service, through the Secretary of 

Agriculture, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Civil Works, to 

work with the Western Governors Association and individual western governors to develop a joint Federal/State incident command 

system that would allow for cooperative and rapid response to new 

detections of invasive mussels in the West. Such incident command 

system must address appropriate division of labor between Federal 

and State governments, identify pre-arranged mechanisms for the 

Federal/State partners to fund rapid response actions, and address 

in advance any necessary environmental compliance requirements 

that might be associated with a predictable range of rapid response 

actions. The Committee expects a report on the creation of such an 

incident command system within 180 days of enactment of this Act. 

Further, consistent with fiscal year 2018, the Committee provides the Service with $3,000,000 for quagga and zebra mussel containment, prevention, and enforcement. These funds complement 

additional funds contained in this bill directed toward protecting 

our waterways and ecosystems from the serious threat of invasive 

mussels and other invasive species. 

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.—The Committee 

is concerned that the Service’s preliminary report of May 1, 2018 

did not include a structured plan to move forward on the effort to 

identify sites for a permanent headquarters and visitor use facility 


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at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The Service 

is directed to work with the General Services Administration and 

other government and non-government partners to further evaluate 

potential sites, and to identify a timeline and necessary steps to 

proceed to the development of a permanent headquarters before the 

expiration of the current Park office lease. The Service shall report 

back to the Committee on its progress within 90 days of the enactment of this Act. 

Elwha Water Facilities.—The Committee commends the Department for its willingness to address longstanding issues relating to 

the Elwha Water Facilities. The Committee reminds the Service of 

the directive contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 

2018 (Public Law 115–141) to work with the City of Port Angeles 

in developing a report, within six months from the date of enactment, outlining how the Service has met or intends to meet its obligations under Section 4(a)(3) of Public Law 102–495 prior to initiating any transfer of the Elwha Water Facilities. Per the directive, 

the report must include (1) a plan to assist the City in securing all 

necessary permits required for the City to operate the EWF; and 

(2) whether the City believes capital improvements are required to 

reduce operating costs, and if so, the scope of the capital improvements. The Committee urges the parties to reach agreement on 

transfer expeditiously. 

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

Army Corps of Engineers is undertaking a study related to the disposition of St. Anthony Falls Lock in Minnesota. The Committee 

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

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

Corps regarding ownership of the lock or establishment of facilities 

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

directed to request and receive any necessary appropriations from 

Congress. 

Hydration in Park Units.—The management of disposable plastic 

water bottles at facilities managed by the National Park Service 

has been inconsistent under the prior two Administrations. Despite 

the inconsistencies in policy, the Committee believes efforts should 

be taken to provide visitors to national parks with choices when it 

comes to hydration. The Committee urges the Service to prioritize 

hydration options for visitors, including the sale of bottled water 

and other beverages and the use of free water filling stations. 

Everglades Restoration.—The Committee notes the substantial 

progress made toward restoration of the Everglades ecosystem and 

continues to support, at the fiscal year 2018 enacted level, this 

multi-year effort to preserve one of the great ecological treasures 

of the United States. 

Equipment Modernization.—The Committee notes that the Service’s current inventory of GPS equipment utilizes an operating system which is no longer supported by the manufacturer thereby precluding any software or security upgrades on devices presently in 

use resulting in their incompatibility with the Service’s information 

technology infrastructure. The recommendation includes $2,000,000 

to support an open, competitive process for upgrading Global Positioning System (GPS) devices used by the Service. 


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Gettysburg National Military Park.—The Committee is concerned 

about degradation at Little Round Top impacting earthworks and 

commemorative monuments. The Committee urges the Service to 

assess on-the-ground conditions and proceed with rehabilitation 

plans, including walking paths, to ensure the area is preserved for 

future generations. 

Human Trafficking in National Parks.—The Committee notes 

concern raised about reports of human trafficking in our nation’s 

national parks. The Committee urges the Service to provide training to staff to identify signs of trafficking and how to combat it. 

Outreach.—The Committee recognizes that the Service has taken 

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

Committee encourages the Service to continue these efforts and 

work to develop partnerships and programs with Hispanic Serving 

Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and 

other Minority Serving Institutions that contribute to the mission 

of the National Park Service. 

World Heritage Sites.—The Committee urges the Service to 

prioritize funding for the backlog of maintenance and preservation 

projects including National Park System units designated as World 

Heritage Sites. 

Arlington Memorial Bridge.—The Committee commends the Department for its efforts, working with bipartisan Federal, State, 

and local leaders, to secure $227,000,000 to rehabilitate the Arlington Memorial Bridge, a historic and critical transportation link in 

the nation’s capital. As awarded, the design-build contract will save 

$35,000,000 and accelerate the project’s completion by 18 months. 

Major construction is scheduled to begin later in 2018. 

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

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

at the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

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

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

The Committee understands that the clinic no longer has retention 

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

Committee urges the Service to report to the Committee within 60 

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

continued operation of the clinic in fiscal year 2019. 

World War I Memorial (Pershing Park).—The Committee supports the creation of a national World War I Memorial to be dedicated to those who sacrificed for freedom. The Committee urges the 

Service to prioritize funding for its backlog of maintenance projects, 

including Pershing Park in Washington DC. 

Historic Working Dairies and Ranches.—The Committee urges 

the National Park Service to save and preserve, for purposes of 

public recreation, benefit, and inspiration, a portion of the diminishing seashore of the United States that remains undeveloped, 

and to sustain the working dairies and ranches on agricultural 

property for historic and cultural uses. 


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National Park Service Commercial Use Authorization Fee.—The 

Committee notes concerns raised by commercial tour operators regarding the Service’s April 2018 plan standardizing its Commercial 

Use Authorization (CUA) requirements and changes to CUA fees 

for road-based commercial tour operators. The Committee urges the 

Service to engage in constructive dialogue with affected stakeholders to address these concerns. 

U.S. Virgin Islands.—The Committee is aware that the Governor 

of the U.S. Virgin Islands has requested initiation of discussions 

between the USVI Government and the Service to identify a suitable location for a USVI school on National Park Service land. The 

Committee directs the Service to participate in these discussions 

with the goal of finding a mutually-agreeable solution. 

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

language authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to acquire or 

lease property to facilitate the transportation of visitors to and 

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

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

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

screening facilities for the ferry operation to the Statue of Liberty 

and Ellis Island is now uncertain, prior-year bill language is retained as the Service reviews the costs and security risks of alternative sites before making final decisions on the future location of 

permanent security screening facilities. 

NATIONAL RECREATION AND PRESERVATION

The National Recreation and Preservation account provides for 

outdoor recreation planning, preservation of cultural and national 

heritage resources, technical assistance to Federal, State and local 

agencies, and administration of Historic Preservation Fund grants. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $63,638,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 32,199,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 63,638,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +31,439,000 

The Committee recommends $63,638,000 for national recreation 

and preservation, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The 

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

report. 

Additional Guidance.—The following additional direction and 

guidance is provided with respect to funding provided within this 

account: 

Heritage Partnership Program.—The bill provides $20,321,000 for 

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

2018 enacted level. These funds support grants to local nonprofit 

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

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

more established areas while proposing additional resources to 

newer areas. The Committee notes this progress and directs the 

Service to work with heritage areas to further develop consensus 


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toward a sustainable funding distribution. As this effort continues, 

the Committee expects the Service to distribute funds in the same 

manner as fiscal year 2018. Further, the Committee encourages the 

timely obligation of Heritage Partnership Program funding by the 

Department. 

Chesapeake Gateways and Trails.—The Committee maintains 

funding for the Chesapeake Gateways and Trails program at the 

fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Grants.— The Committee supports the Native American Graves Protection 

and Repatriation Grant Program and maintains funding at the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

Japanese American Confinement Site Grants.—The Committee 

supports the Japanese American Confinement Site Grant Program 

and maintains funding at the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The 

program leverages proportional funding through partnerships with 

local preservation groups to preserve Japanese American World 

War II confinement sites. 

American Battlefield Protection Program Assistance Grants.—The 

Committee supports the American Battlefield Protection Program 

and maintains funding at the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The 

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

urges the Service to give priority to projects with broad partner 

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

State, Tribal and local government agencies, and in which the partner commits to match the grants on a 1:1 basis. The Committee is 

aware of increased workload and associated delays in grant processing due to the program’s expansion of eligibility to sites associated with the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and has 

provided funds within the Land Acquisition and State Assistance 

account to allow for the timely review and processing of grants. 

Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District.—The 

Committee recognizes the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National 

Historic District covering eight counties in the Commonwealth of 

Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation that 

manages and protects it, as a unique model for the protection and 

preservation of nationally significant sites. The Committee urges 

the National Park Service to work with the District and the authorizing committees of jurisdiction to ensure that authorities provided under the District’s enabling legislation are fully utilized to 

maximize the effectiveness of this unique and proven public-private 

partnership. 

Crossroads of the West Historic District.—The Committee supports the congressionally created Crossroads of the West Historic 

District and urges the Service to support efforts to tie the culture 

and historic resources of the District to the broader story of the importance of railroads, including the transcontinental railroad, in 

the settlement of the American West. 

Maritime Heritage Preservation.—The Committee is aware of the 

Service’s cooperative partnership with the Maritime Administration 

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

Program. The Committee supports the efforts of this grant program 

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cally significant maritime properties, including historic battleships. 

The Committee urges the Service to consider threats to and significance of maritime resources when making preservation grant 

awards. 

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

marine impact crater created approximately 80 million years ago 

when an asteroid measuring an estimated 350 meters in diameter 

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

widely considered to be the best preserved marine impact crater 

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

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

feature of national and international significance, the Committee 

urges the Service to assess the suitability of designating the 

Wetumpka Marine Impact Crater as a National Natural Landmark. 

HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND

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

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

account also supports direct grants to qualifying organizations for 

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

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $96,910,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 32,672,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 91,910,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥5,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +59,238,000 

The Committee recommends $91,910,000 for historic preservation, $5,000,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

Additional Guidance.—The following guidance is provided with 

respect to funding provided within this account: 

State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices.—The bill provides 

$48,925,000 for State Historic Preservation Offices and $11,485,000 

for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, equal to the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level. The Committee encourages the Service, in consultation with State Historic Preservation Officers, to evaluate the 

Historic Preservation Grants Manual to consider the threshold for 

a Tier 3 apportionment. The bill also provides the following grant 

program funding at the fiscal year 2018 enacted level: $13,500,000 

for competitive grants of which $500,000 is for grants to underserved communities and $13,000,000 is for competitive grants to 

document, interpret, and preserve historical sites associated with 

the Civil Rights Movement; $5,000,000 for competitive grants to 

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); and 

$13,000,000 for the Save America’s Treasures competitive grant 

program for preservation of nationally significant sites, structures, 

and artifacts. 


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CONSTRUCTION

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $359,704,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 241,333,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 366,333,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +6,629,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +125,000,000 

The Committee recommends $366,333,000 for Construction, 

$6,629,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$125,000,000 above the budget request. 

Line-Item Construction.—The bill provides $157,011,000 for lineitem construction including $149,011,000 for line-item construction 

projects in the fiscal year 2019 budget request. Requests for reprogramming will be considered pursuant to the guidelines contained in this report. 

General Program Increase.—A general program increase of 

$125,000,000 above the budget request is provided to address only 

longstanding deferred maintenance and major construction related 

requirements of the Service. The Committee directs the Service to 

provide no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act an operating plan for allocation of funds. 

Helium Act Mandatory Appropriation.—The Committee supports 

the two-year funding provided by the Helium Stewardship Act (PL 

113–40) for the National Park Service for deferred maintenance 

and to correct deficiencies in infrastructure. Funding in fiscal year 

2018 supported 29 projects at 17 parks with 25 partners contributing $28.8 million. The Committee recognizes the importance of 

public-private partnerships to leverage this funding. 

Bill Language.—The Committee has maintained bill language 

from prior years providing that a single procurement may be issued 

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

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

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

Executing a single contract has the potential to increase economies 

of scale and reduce overall costs. 

LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND

RESCISSION

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... ¥28,140,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 0 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +28,140,000 

The bill does not include the rescission of the annual contract authority provided by 16 U.S.C. 460l–10a in fiscal year 2019. 

LAND ACQUISITION AND STATE ASSISTANCE

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $180,941,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... ¥1,212,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 172,363,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥8,578,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +173,575,000 


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The Committee recommends $172,363,000 for land acquisition 

and state assistance, $8,578,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted 

level and $173,575,000 above the budget request. 

The recommendation includes $100,000,000 for State Conservation Grants; $20,000,000 for the competitive Outdoor Recreation 

Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant program; and $22,000,000 for acquisitions. Additionally, $10,000,000 is included for the American 

Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP), equal to the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level. The Committee recommends $4,069,000 for 

inholdings, donations, and exchanges and encourages the Service to 

prioritize acquiring inholdings at National Battlefield Parks. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is 

provided at the end of this report. 

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

review and recommend levels of funding for projects submitted to 

the Committee in accordance with the direction provided in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 115–141. 

CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $23,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 30,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +7,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +30,000,000 

The Committee has provided $30,000,000 for the Centennial 

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

make $5,000,000 available for critical programs and projects, pursuant to 54 U.S.C. 1011 Subchapter II, subject to the terms and 

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

notes that the $20,000,000 in Centennial Challenge funds provided 

to the Service in fiscal year 2017 was matched with nearly 

$33,000,000 from partner organizations nationwide. The Committee 

commends the National Park Foundation and other non-Federal 

partners for their efforts to address longstanding deferred maintenance needs across the National Park System. 

The Committee understands that funds provided will be matched 

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

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

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

partner match. The Committee further encourages the Service to 

provide consideration to Centennial Challenge projects which have 

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

philanthropic partners and fully supports the use of public-private 

partnerships wherever feasible. 


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UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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

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

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

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

minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage 

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

protect our quality of life. The USGS is the Federal government’s 

largest earth-science research agency and the primary source of 

data on the Nation’s surface and ground water resources. For more 

than a century, the diversity of scientific expertise and collaborative partnerships with universities, research institutions, and 

major public and private laboratories has enabled USGS to carry 

out large-scale, multi-disciplinary investigations and provide impartial scientific information to resource managers, planners, policymakers, and the public. 

SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND RESEARCH

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $1,148,457,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 859,680,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 1,167,291,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +18,834,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +307,611,000 

The Committee recommends $1,167,291,000 for Surveys, Investigations, and Research, $18,834,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $307,611,000 above the budget request. The Committee recommends that any administrative savings identified for 

a program be used to address base staffing needs within that program. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 

The Survey provides critical scientific research and data to land 

and water managers in priority landscapes including the California 

Bay Delta, the Everglades, the Chesapeake Bay and the Great 

Lakes. This work is funded through multiple mission areas and accounts, and the Committee expects this work to continue at no less 

than fiscal year 2018 funding levels. 

Ecosystems.—The Committee recommends $157,748,000 for Ecosystems programs. The Committee recognizes that other Interior 

bureaus, Federal, State, Tribal and local partners rely on the Survey’s Species-Specific Wildlife Research, Species-Specific Fisheries 

Research, and Land and Water Management Research programs, 

and recommends these programs continue to be funded at fiscal 

year 2018 enacted levels. 

The Committee is concerned that despite collaborative efforts to 

understand and enhance the Great Lakes ecosystem, significant 

data gaps still exist. The Committee encourages the Survey to host 

a collaborative forum with Federal, State, and Tribal partners, academia, and other interested stakeholders to share current science, 

identify data gaps and areas of concern, and to prioritize next steps 

and identify resources needed for a Great Lakes integrated science 

plan. The Survey should brief the Committee on the findings from 


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this forum and what is needed for this plan by the end of fiscal 

year 2019. 

The recommendation includes Contaminants Research funding at 

the fiscal year 2018 enacted levels. 

The Committee continues to be concerned about the economic, 

ecologic, and health threats posed by invasive species. The recommendation includes $6,620,000 for Asian carp control, which includes $1,000,000 for research on Asian grass carp to contain or 

eradicate them. Additionally, the Committee recognizes that 

invasive species managers face continued challenges from ongoing 

invasions by wide-spread weed species, such as cheatgrass. These 

challenges can be confronted through development of new tools for 

ongoing management and early detection and rapid response efforts. The Committee recommends an additional $200,000 for such 

efforts. 

The Committee recognizes the value of the Cooperative Research 

Units (CRUs) program and rejects the proposed elimination of the 

program. The recommendation includes an additional $1,916,000 

for the purposes of filling critical vacancies at research institutions 

as quickly as practicable. The CRUs are expected to coordinate new 

research projects with the Fish and Wildlife Service to the greatest 

extent practicable. 

Land Resources.—The Committee recommends $158,299,000 for 

Land Resources. The recommendation includes an additional 

$5,800,000 for the continued development of a ground system for 

Landsat–9 and provides the $11,905,000 needed for the maintenance, hardware, and software refresh of satellite operations. Within funds provided for the National Land Imaging program, 

$4,847,000 is included for the National Civil Applications Center 

and $1,215,000 for Remote Sensing State grants. 

Energy, Mineral, and Environmental Health.—The Committee 

recommends $106,900,000 for Energy, Mineral Resources and Environmental Health. 

The Committee supports the Survey’s efforts to develop a Three 

Dimensional mapping and Economic Empowerment Program, to 

improve the topographic, geological, and geophysical mapping of 

the United States and provides $10,598,000 for this program. The 

Committee understands the Survey is still in the process of finalizing its proposed prioritization and implementation plan, and directs the program to brief the Committee on the plan and funding 

break-out once it is finalized. 

The Committee understands the Secretary is in the process of reviewing the list of critical minerals the Survey compiled in accordance with Presidential Executive Order No. 13817, and encourages 

consideration of phosphate rock for the importance of phosphate 

fertilizer availability for agriculture and food security. 

The Committee supports the continued operations of the Environmental Health program. The recommendation funds Containment Biology at the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and provides a 

$200,000 increase to the Toxic Substances Hydrology program. The 

Committee supports the continuation of USGS research on understanding the prevalence of toxins in the nation’s natural bodies of 

water by expanding its understanding of cyanobacteria and toxins 

in stream and wetland ecosystems, and directs no less than 

$1,750,000 to these efforts. USGS is encouraged to participate in 


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interagency efforts to expedite the development and deployment of 

remote sensing tools to assist with early event warning delivered 

through mobile devices and web portals. 

Natural Hazards.—The Committee recommends $170,108,000 for 

natural hazards programs. 

The Committee strongly supports the Earthquake Hazards pro- gram and includes a $3,200,000 increase for base staffing necessary 

to support the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS). The 

Committee recommends $16,100,000 for continued development 

and expansion of the ShakeAlert West Coast earthquake early 

warning (EEW) system and $5,000,000 in infrastructure funding 

for capital costs associated with the buildout of the ShakeAlert 

EEW. Additionally, the recommendation includes $5,000,000 in infrastructure funding for ANSS deferred maintenance and modernization. 

The Committee is concerned about the lack of knowledge and offshore real-time instrumentation available for the Cascadia 

subduction zone. Our scientific understanding of earthquakes and 

the ocean environment will benefit from the wealth of offshore data 

that should be collected. The continued development of an early 

earthquake warning system for the Cascadia region would help 

prepare for and mitigate the negative human and economic impacts 

to the Pacific Northwest. 

The Committee commends the Survey and the National Science 

Foundation (NSF) for the successful transition of EarthScope stations in the Central and Eastern U.S. Network (CEUSN) and includes $800,000 for the program. Fiscal year 2018 funding included 

$1,400,000 for the adoption of EarthScope US Array seismic stations in Alaska from the NSF. The Committee encourages continued coordination between the Survey and NSF, and supports a 

transition plan cost schedule with the same terms the agencies 

were able to arrange for the CEUSN. The Committee recommends $32,766,000 for the Volcano Hazards program, of which $1,500,000 is provided for base staffing 

needs and $1,500,000 is for seismometer and radio telemetry modernization. The reduction from fiscal year 2018 funding is not a cut 

to the program, but a removal of the one-time infrastructure funding provided for the repair and replacement of analog systems on 

high-threat volcanoes. The Survey is directed to keep the Committee informed on progress made with the additional funding provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (P.L. 115–141). 

The Committee remains concerned that systems and equipment 

used to monitor, detect, and warn the public of volcano and seismic 

hazards, including lahars, and earthquakes on high-threat volcanoes in the U.S., are outdated and inadequate to address the substantial risks, and recommends $2,645,000, including $1,645,000 in 

infrastructure funding, for necessary work on next-generation lahar 

detection systems at very high-threat volcanoes. 

The Committee recommends $3,688,000 for the Landslides Hazards program, with a $150,000 increase above the fiscal year 2018 

enacted funding level provided to advance tools and methods for 

post-wildfire debris flow hazard assessments and early warning. 

The USGS Geomagnetism program is part of the U.S. National 

Space Weather Program (NSWP), an interagency collaboration that 

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tration, the Department of Defense, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Science Foundation. 

The program provides data to the NSWP agencies, oil drilling services companies, geophysical surveying companies, and electrical 

transmission utilities. The Committee funds this program at the 

fiscal year 2018 enacted level and expects this work to continue. 

The Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources program supports hazards programs across the Survey and the Administration’s 

priorities to ensure secure and reliable supplies of critical mineral 

and energy resources. The recommendation includes $41,710,000, a 

$1,200,000 increase above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level to support staffing needs, restore cooperative agreements with State 

agencies and academic institutions, and increase research vessel 

sea-time for offshore surveys and investigations. 

Water Resources.—The Committee recommends $231,123,000 for 

Water Resources. The recommendation rejects reductions to Research and Development to Advance Water Science, formerly the 

National Research Program, which would reduce research at USGS 

Water Science Centers across the country. Regional Groundwater 

Evaluations in the Coastal Lowlands and California Coastal Basin 

Aquifers, and the Groundwater Model Development, Maintenance, 

and Sustainability program are funded at fiscal year 2018 levels. 

The Cooperative Matching Funds program is designed to bring 

State, Tribal, and local partners together to respond to emerging 

water issues through shared efforts and funding. The recommendation provides $61,946,000, $2,069,000 above the fiscal year 2018 

enacted level. The Committee includes $1,250,000 in the Water 

Availability and Use Science Program for integrated water availability assessments and an additional $819,000 in the National 

Water Quality Program for the purposes of working with State, 

local, and Tribal partners to monitor, model, and forecast the occurrence of harmful algal blooms and algal toxins. 

Streamgages are crucial to early warning and flood damage reduction efforts across the United States. The Committee recommends $86,673,000 for the National Groundwater and 

Streamflow Information Program. This includes a $12,500,000 increase above the fiscal year 2018 enacted funding level for infrastructure investments in the streamgage network. Within 60 days 

of enactment of this Act, the Survey is directed to provide the Committee with a report on the Next Generation Water Observing System, explaining the limitations of the current water monitoring system and the enhancements and modernization needed. The report 

should include the costs to implement the system over a ten-year 

period and the costs to operate and maintain the system. 

Groundwater monitoring activities are funded at the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level. The Committee directs the Survey to consider 

expanding the groundwater and surface water quality monitoring 

capacity in regions potentially impacted by energy development 

and resource extraction and to brief the Committee on the benefits 

of expanded sampling and the possible positioning of some of the 

newly acquired streamgages to fill scientific data gaps. 

The Committee recommends $91,648,000 for the National Water 

Quality Program and directs no less than $2,819,000 for harmful 

algal blooms. The Urban Waters Federal Partnership is funded at 

the fiscal year 2018 enacted level of $717,000. 


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The Water Resources Research Act was designed to provide more 

effective coordination of the nation’s water research by establishing 

Water Resources Research Institutes at universities in each State, 

Territory, and the District of Columbia. These institutes provide 

vital support to stakeholders, States, and Federal agencies for longterm water planning, policy development, and resource management. The program is funded at the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 

of $6,500,000. 

Core Science Systems.—The Committee recommends 

$119,102,000 for Core Science Systems. The recommendation includes $25,397,000, a $1,000,000 increase over the fiscal year 2018 

enacted level for the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping program. 

The Committee encourages the Survey to continue research to 

advance the understanding of short and long term mechanisms 

that trigger a karst and to expand the information contained on the 

current website. 

The recommendation includes $69,654,000 for the National 

Geospatial Program, with a $1,500,000 increase for 3DEP National 

Enhancement and a $300,000 increase for the US Topo program to 

shift map production toward dynamic product-on-demand mapping. 

Landscape level assessments for Chesapeake Bay, Alaska Mapping 

and Modernization, Geospatial Research, 3DEP Technical Support, 

and 3DEP Program Functions are funded at fiscal year 2018 enacted levels. 

Science Support.—The Committee recommends $103,628,000 for 

science support and expects administration and management services and information services to continue without reductions that 

would delay hiring, contracting, accounting functions, and other activities that support the missions of the Survey. 

Facilities.—The recommendation includes $120,383,000 as requested. This includes $12,454,000 for the Menlo Park facility transition and retains the $7,884,000 fiscal year 2018 infrastructure 

funding increase for deferred maintenance and capital improvement. 

BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is responsible for the 

development of the Nation’s offshore energy and mineral resources. 

The Bureau’s management of these resources helps meet the Nation’s energy needs by providing access to—and fair return to the 

American taxpayer for—offshore energy and mineral resources 

through strategic planning and resource and economic evaluation. 

Conventional energy activities include development of the five-year 

National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program; management and assessment of mineral resource potential, 

tracking of inventories of oil and gas reserves, and development of 

production projections; and economic evaluation to ensure the receipt of fair value through lease sales and lease terms. 


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OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $171,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 179,266,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 180,222,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +9,222,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +956,000 

The Committee recommends $180,222,000 for Ocean Energy 

Management, as requested. This amount will be partially offset 

with the estimated collection of rental receipts and cost recovery 

fees totaling $49,816,000. The Committee recommendation does not 

provide funding for National Ocean Policy Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning. 

The recommendation includes increases proposed in the budget 

request for the National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program with 

the expectation that the Bureau will have the resources necessary 

for extensive outreach and coordination with the States and to be 

responsive to Congressional, State, industry and coastal community 

comments and requests for information. 

The Committee is encouraged that the budget request did not include plans to divert Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas revenues 

from Gulf of Mexico states and coastal communities. However, the 

Committee reaffirms its commitment to the Gulf States and directs 

the Department to distribute revenues from Gulf of Mexico operations in a manner consistent with the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (P.L. 109–432). 

The Committee believes that a strong Federal-State partnership 

is critical for the success of offshore renewable energy projects. The 

Committee is concerned that changes may have been made to the 

proposed wind farm off Ocean City, MD after review of the project 

by the State Public Service Commission, and the Committee is 

aware of the Town of Ocean City’s concerns regarding the height 

of the wind turbines. The Bureau is urged to consult with the 

Maryland State Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force 

prior to the review and approval of a construction and operations 

plan (COP) for projects offshore Maryland. 

The Department is reminded that it may not approve a COP or 

issue any construction and operations approvals prior to holding a 

public scoping meeting and the COP is made available to the public. In accordance with 30 CFR 585.627, the COP should include detailed information including assessments of visual, social, and economic impacts to local communities, biological resources, habitats, 

National Park Service assets and coastal and marine uses, to assist 

BOEM in complying with NEPA and other relevant laws, including 

16 U.S.C. 1. 

BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement is responsible for oversight of exploration, development, and production operations for oil, gas, and other marine minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Leases in Federal waters off the shores of California, Alaska, and the Gulf of Mexico provide about 19 percent of 

the Nation’s oil production and about 4 percent of domestic natural 

gas production. The Bureau facilitates the safe and environmentally responsible development of oil and gas and the conservaVerDate Sep 11 2014 06:57 Jun 20, 2018 Jkt 030458 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR765.XXX HR765

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tion of offshore resources. The Bureau’s safety and environmental 

compliance activities include oil and gas permitting; facility inspections, regulations and standards development; safety and oil spill 

research; field operations; environmental compliance and enforcement; review of operator oil spill response plans; production and 

development; and operation of a national training center for inspectors and engineers. 

OFFSHORE SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $186,411,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 187,240,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 186,632,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +221,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ ¥608,000 

The Committee recommends $186,632,000 for Offshore Safety 

and Environmental Enforcement. This amount will be partially offset with the estimated collection of offsetting rental receipts, cost 

recovery fees, and inspection fees totaling $65,889,000. 

OIL SPILL RESEARCH

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $14,899,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 12,700,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 14,899,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +2,199,000 

The Committee recommends $14,899,000 for Oil Spill Research, 

equal to fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 

(OSM), through its regulation and technology account, regulates 

surface coal mining operations to ensure that the environment is 

reclaimed once mining is completed. The OSM accomplishes this 

mission by providing grants and technical assistance to those 

States that maintain their own regulatory and reclamation programs and by conducting oversight of State programs. Further, the 

OSM administers the regulatory programs in the States that do not 

have their own programs and on Federal and Tribal lands. 

Through its Abandoned Mine Land (AML) reclamation program, 

the OSM provides funding for environmental restoration at abandoned coal mines based on fees collected from current coal production operations. In their un-reclaimed condition these abandoned 

sites endanger public health and safety, and prevent the beneficial 

use of land and water resources. Mandatory appropriations provide 

funding for the abandoned coal mine sites as required under the 

2006 amendments to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation 

Act. 


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REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $115,804,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 101,298,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 113,969,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥1,835,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +12,671,000 

The Committee recommends $113,969,000 for Regulation and Technology, $1,835,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$12,671,000 above the budget request. The Committee continues to 

reject the proposal to reduce State grants and maintains funding 

for State regulatory grants at $68,590,000, equal to the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level. 

The Committee supports States that want to have direct control 

over the regulation of coal mining activities through primacy and 

includes $2,300,000 in the form of grant payments to States preparing to assume primacy. The funding should support activities 

such as development of regulatory language, hiring personnel, and 

establishment of a State primacy program. 

ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $139,672,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 20,375,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 114,546,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥25,126,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +94,171,000 

The Committee recommends $114,546,000 for the Abandoned 

Mine Reclamation Fund. Of the funds provided, $24,546,000 shall 

be derived from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund and 

$90,000,000 shall be derived from the General Fund. 

The Committee provides $90,000,000 for grants to States for the 

reclamation of abandoned mine lands in conjunction with economic 

and community development and reuse goals. States shall use 

these funds to accelerate the remediation of AML sites with economic and community development end uses in mind. In doing so, 

the Committee envisions a collaborative partnership between the 

State AML programs and their respective State and local economic 

and community development programs that will explore ways to return legacy coal sites to productive reuse. The Committee notes 

that these grants are provided from the General Fund and are 

therefore separate from the mandatory payments from the Abandoned Mine Land fund in fiscal year 2019. For fiscal year 2019, $90,000,000 shall be provided to the three 

Appalachian states with the largest unfunded needs for the reclamation of Priority 1 and Priority 2 sites as delineated in the 

Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System. State AML programs, in 

consultation with State economic and community development authorities, shall develop a list of eligible AML projects in Appalachian counties that have a nexus to economic and community development, and select qualifying AML projects that have the potential to create long-term economic benefits. State AML programs 

should consider whether a model similar to the Appalachian Regional Commission grants process could streamline project selection, and whether an interagency agreement or other contracting 

mechanisms could streamline program implementation. Eligible 


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grant recipients are limited to State and local governmental entities who may subcontract project-related activities as appropriate. 

The Committee believes that Tribal economic development is also important and continues to provide $10,000,000 to Tribes for the 

purposes of economic development for fiscal year 2019. However, in 

lieu of providing funds through OSM, the Committee recommends 

a $10,000,000 increase to the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development in order to leverage Federal funds and benefit more Tribes. The funding will increase the 

Indian Loan Guarantee Program by $10,000,000 and is projected to 

generate an additional $200,000,000 in private sector loans to finance business, economic, energy, and infrastructure projects in Indian Country. 

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education, and 

Office of the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs (together, ‘‘Indian 

Affairs’’) programs serve 573 federally recognized Indian Tribes, a 

service population of approximately two million American Indians 

and Alaska Natives in Tribal and Native communities. The Bureau 

of Indian Affairs provides direct services and funding for compacts 

and contracts for Tribes to provide Federal programs for a wide 

range of activities necessary for community development. Programs 

address Tribal government, natural resource management, trust 

services, law enforcement, economic development, and social service needs. The Bureau of Indian Education manages a school system with 169 elementary and secondary schools and 14 dormitories 

providing educational services to 47,000 individual students, with 

an Average Daily Membership of 41,000 students in 23 States. The 

BIE also operates two post-secondary schools and administers 

grants for 29 Tribally controlled colleges and universities and two 

Tribal technical colleges. 

In preparation for the fiscal year 2019 appropriation bill, the 

Subcommittee held two days of hearings and received testimony 

from over 80 witnesses on a variety of topics pertaining to American Indian and Alaska Native programs. The Federal government 

has a legal and moral obligation to provide quality services to 

American Indians and Alaska Natives. On a nonpartisan basis, the 

Committee continues to protect and, where possible, strengthen the 

budgets for Indian Country programs in this bill in order to address longstanding and underfunded needs. 

OPERATION OF INDIAN PROGRAMS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $2,411,200,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 2,002,996,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 2,436,821,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +25,621,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +433,825,000 

The Committee recommends $2,436,821,000 for Operation of Indian programs. All subactivities and program elements presented 

in the budget estimate submitted to the Congress are continued at 

fiscal year 2018 enacted levels and adjusted for requested fixed 


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costs and transfers. None of the requested program changes are 

agreed to unless specifically addressed below. Recommended program changes, instructions, and details follow below and in the 

table at the end of this report. Additional instructions are included 

in the front of this report. 

Tribal Priority Allocations.—The recommendation includes 

$706,373,000 for Tribal Priority Allocation (TPA) programs, 

$15,289,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$127,698,000 above the budget request. TPA programs fund basic 

Tribal services, such as social services, job placement and training, 

child welfare, natural resources management, and Tribal courts. 

TPA programs give Tribes the opportunity to further Indian selfdetermination by establishing their own priorities and reallocating 

Federal funds among programs in this budget category. 

Tribal Government.—The recommendation includes $323,438,000 

for Tribal government programs and includes $1,120,000 for new 

Tribes as requested. Road maintenance is funded at $38,288,000 

and includes a program increase of $3,465,000. Indian Affairs is 

urged to use the increase to improve the condition of unpaved 

roads and bridges used by school buses transporting students. 

Human Services.—The recommendation includes $161,416,000 

for human services programs. 

Funding for the Tiwahe (family) initiative is restored. As originally proposed by the Department and supported by the Congress, 

fiscal year 2019 is the fifth and final year of the initiative. After 

the fiscal year has ended, and in consultation with affected Tribes, 

the Bureau is directed to publish a final report that includes measures of success and guidelines for other Tribes wanting to implement the model with Tribal Priority Allocation funds. 

Trust—Natural Resources.—The recommendation includes 

$207,370,000 for natural resources programs. Forestry is funded at 

$55,236,000 and includes a program increase of $500,000 in Tribal 

Priority Allocations. 

Within the amounts provided for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, the 

recommendation continues $545,000 for substantially producing 

Tribal hatcheries in BIA’s Northwest Region currently not receiving annual BIA hatchery operations funding. This funding should 

be allocated in the same manner as in fiscal year 2018 but should 

be considered base funding in fiscal year 2019 and thereafter. 

The Committee supports the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ efforts to 

address the needs of coastal Tribal communities by working to address threats to public safety, natural resources, and sacred sites. 

Consistent with the Federal government’s treaty and trust obligations, the Committee directs the Bureau of Indian Affairs to work 

with at-risk Tribes to identify and expedite the necessary resources. 

Trust—Real Estate Services.—The recommendation includes 

$130,680,000 for real estate services. 

The Committee directs the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs 

to identify the funding determined necessary, in collaboration with 

congressional and agency stakeholders, within the Trust—Real Estate Services budget activity to improve the efficiency of the Realty 

Trust acquisition program at BIA. The Committee understands 

that the program has long suffered from shortages of personnel 

which has resulted in a history of backlogs, slow processing times 


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and has hindered engagement with Tribes and Tribal members. 

Furthermore, the Committee understands the program is 

transitioning to a more automated tracking process and looks forward to more timely and accurate processing and reporting. The 

Committee expects the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs to be 

in regular communication with the Committee regarding direction 

or assistance needed until the problems of backlogs and slow processing times have been adequately resolved. 

The Committee directs the Secretary, or his designee, to work 

with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe to identify appropriate lands 

in Clallam County, Washington, to satisfy the requirements of section 7 of the Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act 

(P.L. 102–495). 

Public Safety and Justice.—The recommendation includes 

$418,915,000 for Public Safety and Justice. Program increases include: $2,500,000 in Criminal Investigations and Police Services to 

bring the total to $10,303,000 for additional patrol officers in areas 

hit hardest by the opioid epidemic; $1,148,000 for facility operations and maintenance; and $8,000,000 for Tribal courts. The 

Committee recognizes that one of the most fundamental aspects of 

the Federal government’s Trust responsibility is the obligation to 

protect public safety on Tribal lands. 

For the purpose of addressing the needs of juveniles in custody 

at Tribal detention centers operated or administered by the BIA, 

educational and health-related services to juveniles in custody are 

allowable costs for detention/corrections program funding. Indian 

Affairs is urged to provide mental health and substance abuse services when needed by juvenile and adult detainees and convicted 

prisoners. 

Community and Economic Development.—The recommendation 

includes $51,579,000 for Community and Economic Development. 

Implementation of the Native American Tourism Improvement and 

Visitor Experience Act of 2016 (NATIVE Act), including via cooperative agreements with Tribes or Tribal organizations, is continued 

at $3,400,000. 

The recommendation includes a program increase of $2,000,000 

in Minerals and Mining Projects for modernizing oil and gas 

records management in Bureau of Indian Affairs Agency Offices, 

including: digitizing oil and gas lease and other records; deploying 

computer systems such as the National Indian Oil and Gas Management System (NIOGEMS); and providing petroleum engineers 

and geologists to train and advise Agency Office staff and Tribal 

Minerals Oversight entities. 

The recommendation includes a program increase of $3,000,000 

for the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development to provide more assistance for: feasibility studies of development projects; 

greater access to private financing for such projects; technical assistance for more Tribes to establish commercial codes, courts and 

other business structures to enhance economic development; building Tribal capacity for leasing Tribal lands and managing economic 

and energy resource development; and incubators of Tribal-owned 

and other Native American-owned businesses. The Office is expected to track accomplishments for each of these purposes, and to 

report annually in its budget justification. 


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Executive Direction and Administrative Services.—The recommendation includes $224,880,000 for Executive Direction and 

Administrative Services. 

The following programs are funded at the requested levels: Assistant Secretary Support; Executive Direction (Central); Executive 

Direction (Regional); Administrative Services (Central); Administrative Services (Regional); and Rentals. 

Indian Affairs is directed to complete annual health and safety 

inspections of all BIE system facilities and to publish quarterly updates on the status of such inspections. 

Human Resources is directed to make filling vacancies within the 

Bureau of Indian Education its highest priority. The increase requested for common regional bounaries is provided from within 

funds. 

Bureau of Indian Education.—The recommendation includes 

$918,543,000 for the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). The onetime increase of $16,885,000 provided in fiscal year 2018, to complete the transition to a school year funding cycle for all Tribal colleges and universities, has been redistributed as program increases 

among the following elementary/secondary and post-secondary programs: student transportation, $2,500,000; Tribal grant support 

costs, $1,187,000 to remain fully funded; facilities operations, 

$8,000,000; Haskell and SIPI, $1,848,000; Tribal colleges and universities, $3,000,000; and Tribal technical colleges, $350,000. Additional details and instructions are included below and in the table 

at the end of this report. Education Program Enhancements are funded at $12,278,000 and include $3,000,000 for capacity building grants for Bureau and 

tribally operated schools to expand existing language immersion 

programs or to create new programs. Prior to distributing these 

funds, the Bureau shall coordinate with the Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services to ensure 

that Bureau investments complement, but do not duplicate, existing language immersion programs. 

Consistent with GAO report 13–774, the Secretary is urged to reorganize Indian Affairs so that control and accountability of the 

BIE system is consolidated within the BIE, to present such reorganization proposal in the next fiscal year budget request, and to submit to the Committees a corresponding updated workforce plan. 

The BIE is encouraged to coordinate with the Indian Health 

Service to integrate preventive dental care and mental health care 

at schools within the BIE system. 

CONTRACT SUPPORT COSTS

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $241,600,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 247,000,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 247,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +5,400,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation esti- mated to be $247,000,000 for contract support costs incurred by the 

agency as required by law. The bill includes language making 

available for two years such sums as are necessary to meet the 

Federal government’s full legal obligation, and prohibiting the 

transfer of funds to any other account for any other purpose. 


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1https://www.bia.gov/as-ia/ofpsm 

CONSTRUCTION

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $354,113,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 133,288,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 354,485,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +372,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +221,197,000 

The Committee recommends $354,485,000 for Construction, 

$221,197,000 above the request. All subactivities and program elements contained in the justification submitted to the Congress are 

continued at fiscal year 2018 enacted levels and adjusted for fixed 

costs, except as otherwise discussed below. 

Education Construction.—The recommendation includes 

$238,250,000 for Education Construction, of which $105,504,000 is 

for campus-wide replacement, $23,935,000 is for component facilities replacement, $13,576,000 is for employee housing repair, and 

$95,235,000 is for facilities improvement and repair. 

The Committee recognizes the School Facilities & Construction 

Negotiated Rulemaking Committee established under Public Law 

107–110 for the equitable distribution of funds. Appropriations in 

this bill for campus-wide replacement are limited to the 10 schools 

selected via the rulemaking committee process and published by 

Indian Affairs on April 5, 2016.1 Indian Affairs should submit a 

similar list for facilities with the fiscal year 2020 budget request. 

The Committee continues to strongly support innovative financing options to supplement annual appropriations and accelerate repair and replacement of Bureau schools, including through the use 

of construction bonds, tax credits, and grant programs. Indian Affairs is urged to work with any Tribes willing to include such financing in ongoing and future projects. 

Public Safety and Justice Construction.—The recommendation includes $35,310,000 for Public Safety and Justice Construction, of 

which $18,000,000 is for facilities replacement and new construction, $4,494,000 is for employee housing, $9,372,000 is for facilities 

improvement and repair, $170,000 is for fire safety coordination, 

and $3,274,000 is for fire protection. 

The Bureau is directed to maintain a master plan detailing the 

location, condition, and function of existing owned and leased facilities relative to location and size of the user populations. The plan 

shall be used to prioritize facilities replacement and new construction to fill in the largest service gaps first. Regional justice centers 

that combine functions and serve multiple user populations, while 

providing for reasonable driving distances for visitation and transport, should be strongly considered. 

Other Program Construction.—The recommendation includes 

$13,694,000 for other construction. The Fort Peck Water System is 

funded at $2,247,000 as requested. There is a $300,000 program increase to improve officer safety by eliminating radio communications dead zones. 


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INDIAN LAND AND WATER CLAIM SETTLEMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS

PAYMENTS TO INDIANS

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $55,457,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 45,644,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 50,057,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥$5,400,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +4,413,000 

The Committee recommends $50,057,000 for Indian Land and 

Water Claim Settlements and Miscellaneous Payments to Indians. 

The recommended level enables Indian Affairs to make a balloon 

payment in the final year of any settlement agreement if needed 

to complete the Federal obligation. The Navajo Water Resources 

Development Trust Fund project and the Navajo-Gallup Water 

Supply Project will be completed in fiscal year 2019. A detailed 

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

INDIAN GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $9,272,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 6,699,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 19,279,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +10,007,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +12,580,000 

The Committee recommends $19,279,000 for the Indian Guaranteed Loan Program Account, $10,007,000 above the fiscal year 2018 

enacted level. The increase includes fixed costs and the transfer of 

$10,000,000 from the Tribal grant program in the Office of Surface 

Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. The transfer to this account 

will significantly increase the number of eligible Tribes and generate an additional $200,000,000 in private sector loans to finance 

business, economic, energy and infrastructure projects in Indian 

Country. The Indian Guaranteed Loan Program is the most effective Federal program tailored to facilitating greater access to private capital for Indian Tribes and Indian-owned economic enterprises. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

The bill continues language limiting the expansion of grades and 

schools in the BIE system while allowing for the expansion of additional grades to schools that meet certain criteria. The intent of the 

language is to prevent already limited funds from being spread further to additional schools and grades. The intent is not to limit 

Tribal flexibility at existing schools. Nothing in the bill is intended 

to prohibit a Tribe from converting a Tribally-controlled school already in the BIE system to a charter school in accordance with 

State and Federal law. 

The bill continues language providing the Secretary with the authority to approve satellite locations of existing BIE schools if a 

Tribe can demonstrate that the establishment of such locations 

would provide comparable levels of education as are being offered 

at such existing BIE schools, and would not significantly increase 

costs to the Federal government. The intent is for this authority to 

be exercised only in extraordinary circumstances to provide Tribes 


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with additional flexibility regarding where students are educated 

without compromising how they are educated, and to significantly 

reduce the hardship and expense of transporting students over long 

distances, all without unduly increasing costs that would otherwise 

unfairly come at the expense of other schools in the BIE system. 

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

The Office of the Secretary supports a wide-range of Departmental business, policy, and oversight functions. 

DEPARTMENTAL OPERATIONS

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $124,182,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 134,673,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 134,673,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +10,491,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $134,673,000 for Departmental Operations. The Committee recommendation reflects the transfer of 

the Office of the Special Trustee’s Office of Appraisal Services 

(OAS) to the Office of the Secretary. Under the recently established 

Department-wide Appraisals and Valuation Services Office (AVSO), 

OAS has been combined with the Department’s Office of Valuation 

Services (OVS) so all appraisal and valuations are conducted by a 

single entity within the Department. The AVSO is expected to 

track and report separately on the performance of services for Indian Country and the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and to 

include such report in its annual budget justification. 

National Monument Designations.—The Department is directed 

to work collaboratively with interested parties, including but not 

limited to, the Congress, States, local communities, Tribal governments and others prior to planning, implementing, or making national monument designations. 

Chief Standing Bear Trail.—The Committee recognizes the importance of Chief Standing Bear as one of America’s earliest civil 

rights leaders. The Committee supports the work on the State and 

local level to establish a multi-state trail commemorating his accomplishments and urges the Secretary to assist in these efforts. 

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.—The Committee urges the 

Secretary of the Interior and the Director of the National Park 

Service, in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs, to 

work with relevant stakeholders to respectfully address the issue 

of human remains being left at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial 

Wall. 

American Discovery Trail.—The Committee encourages the Secretary to work with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land 

Management and other appropriate agencies, in conjunction with 

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

stakeholders to facilitate installing signage for the American Discovery Trail. 

Tamarisk Eradication.—The Secretary is directed to coordinate 

with the Department of Agriculture, other Federal agencies, States, 

Tribes, private entities, and communities to eradicate tamarisk in 


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the southwestern United States using a scientifically based and 

watershed-focused approach. The Committee requests the Department provide a cross-cut of tamarisk and other high-priority 

invasive species programs and budgets in its fiscal year 2020 budget request. 

State and Tribal Consultation.—The Committee recognizes concerns raised by State and Tribal leaders about the Department’s insufficient level of consultation regarding the Department’s proposed 

reorganization. The Committee urges the Department to redouble 

its efforts to consult with State and Tribal leaders, including entering into formal Tribal consultation, and to adjust its reorganization 

proposal as necessary to meet the Department’s needs while avoiding undue additional burdens on States and Tribes. 

National Seed Strategy.—The Committee is aware the Bureau of 

Land Management has been implementing a National Seed Strategy to improve seed supplies for restoring healthy and productive 

native plant communities. As such, the Department is encouraged 

to give preference, when practicable, to the use of locally adapted 

native plant materials in undertaking a land management activity 

on Federal lands, including maintenance and restoration in response to degradation caused by human activity or natural events, 

such as fire, flood, or infestation. 

INSULAR AFFAIRS

ASSISTANCE TO TERRITORIES

The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) was established on August 4, 

1995, through Secretarial Order No. 3191, which also abolished the 

former Office of Territorial and International Affairs. The OIA has 

important responsibilities to help the United States government 

fulfill its responsibilities to the four U.S. territories of Guam, 

American Samoa (AS), U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and also the 

three freely associated States: the Federated States of Micronesia 

(FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and the Republic of Palau. The permanent and trust fund payments to the territories and the compact nations provide substantial financial resources to these governments. During fiscal year 2004, financial arrangements for the Compacts of Free Association with the FSM 

and the RMI were implemented. A Compact Review Agreement 

with Palau was approved and implemented in fiscal year 2018. 

These also included mandatory payments for certain activities previously provided in discretionary appropriations as well as Compact 

impact payments of $30,000,000 per year split among Guam, 

CNMI, AS, and Hawaii. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $96,870,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 80,967,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 96,870,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +15,903,000 

The Committee recommends $96,870,000 for Assistance to Territories, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $15,903,000 

above the budget request. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 


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The Committee recognizes that the Office of Insular Affairs funds 

important efforts to improve education, health, infrastructure, judicial training, and economic sustainability in the Insular areas and 

expects funds to continue to be awarded accordingly. Additionally, 

the Office is directed to continue to award noncompetitive technical 

assistance funds to support investments in civic education programs for Insular Area students. 

COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $127,187,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 3,109,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 3,363,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥123,824,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +254,000 

The Committee recommends $3,363,000 for Compact of Free Association, $123,824,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$254,000 above the budget request. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (P.L. 115–141) provided $123,824,000 in necessary 

funds to finalize the 2010 Compact Review Agreement with Palau 

and bring it into force. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 

OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $66,675,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 65,674,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 65,674,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥1,001,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $65,674,000 for salaries and expenses of the Office of the Solicitor, as requested. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $51,023,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 52,486,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 52,486,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +1,463,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $52,486,000 for salaries and expenses of the Office of Inspector General, as requested. 

OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS

FEDERAL TRUST PROGRAMS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Congress has designated the Secretary of the Interior as the 

trustee delegate with responsibility for approximately 55 million 

surface acres of land, 57 million acres of subsurface mineral interests, and nearly $4.4 billion that is held in trust by the Federal 

government on behalf of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and 


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federally recognized Indian Tribes. The Office of the Special Trustee’s trust management of these assets includes conserving, maintaining, accounting, investing, disbursing, and reporting to individual Indians and federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations on asset transactions generated from sales, leasing and other 

commercial activities on these lands. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $119,400,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 104,067,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 110,692,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥8,708,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +6,625,000 

The Committee recommends $110,692,000 for Federal trust programs in the Office of the Special Trustee (OST). Appraisal Services is transferred to the Office of the Secretary as requested. All 

other budget line items are funded at fiscal year 2018 enacted levels and adjusted for fixed costs. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. 

The Committee encourages the Department to align OST-specific 

reorganization efforts with section 304(a)(3) of the Indian Trust 

Asset Reform Act (P.L. 114–178), which outlines specific information regarding OST that must be reported to Congress and must 

include consultation with Indian Tribes. 

NAVAJO AND HOPI INDIAN RELOCATION

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 3,000,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 3,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +3,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $3,000,000 for Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, as requested. 

The Committee recognizes the OST’s proposed temporary and 

dual roles of land management and transition planning for the Department in preparation for the fair and orderly closure of the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation (ONHIR), an independent agency, and the transfer of appropriate legacy responsibilities and funds to other Federal agencies or the Tribes. Upon completion of planning, the OST’s roles are expected to end unless the 

parties involved conclude that a legacy financial management responsibility requires the OST’s services. 

A transparent, inclusive, and deliberative process between affected Tribes and Federal agencies is paramount to completing 

ONHIR’s mission and enabling relocated families to begin to find 

closure. In leading the transition planning process, the OST is expected to seek fair and reasonable compromises among the parties 

involved. Additional guidance is contained in the front of this report under Tribal Consultation and later in this report under Office 

of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation. 


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DEPARTMENT-WIDE PROGRAMS

WILDLAND FIRE

The Department’s Wildland Fire Management account supports 

fire activities for the Bureau of Land Management, the National 

Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Committee recommends a total of $939,660,000 

for the Department’s wildland fire accounts. This fully funds the 

fire suppression account at the 10-year average of expenditures. 

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $948,087,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 870,384,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 939,660,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥8,427,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +69,276,000 

The Committee recommends $939,660,000 for Wildland Fire 

Management at the Department of the Interior. The detailed allocation of funding for these accounts is included in the table at the 

end of this report. 

The Committee directs the Department to work closely with the 

Office of Management and Budget and Forest Service on cost-recovery and other issues. The Committee believes more accurate accounting for wildfire suppression costs will help the Federal government, States, and other partners to better understand cost drivers, control costs, and budget appropriately in the future. Without 

progress on this front, the condition of the national forests is likely 

to continue to deteriorate, which is an unacceptable outcome for 

the American people and our Nation’s natural resource heritage. 

Wildland Fire Preparedness.—The Committee recommends 

$332,784,000 for Wildland Fire Preparedness, equal to the fiscal 

year 2018 enacted level and $10,605,000 above the budget request. 

The Department should immediately notify the Committees on Appropriations if it appears that funding shortfalls may limit needed 

firefighting capacity. 

Wildland Fire Suppression.—The Committee recommends 

$389,406,000, for Wildland Fire Suppression, equal to the fiscal 

year 2018 enacted level and $1,271,000 above the budget request. 

The recommended amount exceeds the 10-year average cost for 

wildland fire suppression. 

Fuels Management.—The Committee recommends $194,000,000 

for the Fuels Management program, $10,000,000 above the fiscal 

year 2018 enacted level and $43,397,000 above the budget request. 

Burned Area Rehabilitation.—The Committee recommends 

$20,470,000 for the Burned Area Rehabilitation program, equal to 

the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $11,003,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee notes that funding for Burned Area Rehabilitation is meant to supplement emergency stabilization funding provided under suppression, not replace it. 

Fire Facilities.—The Committee recommends $0 for Fire Facilities, $18,427,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and equal 

with the request. The Committee accepts the proposal to fund fire 

facilities through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land 


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Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service 

facility accounts. 

The Committee supports the Department’s efforts to incorporate 

new approaches to fire science into its fire-fighting strategy. Such 

techniques include, but are not limited to, analyzing fire data to 

improve forecasts, using high-definition cameras part of the 

AlertWildfire system, treatments to reduce accumulated fuels 

loads, and growing use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The Committee strongly encourages the Department to work closely with 

the Forest Service, other Federal agencies, States, and other partners on these efforts. 

CENTRAL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $10,010,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 2,000,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 10,010,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +8,010,000 

The Committee recommends $10,010,000 for the Central Hazardous Materials Fund, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 

and $8,010,000 above the budget request. 

NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND RESTORATION

NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $7,767,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 4,600,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 7,767,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +3,167,000 

The Committee recommends $7,767,000 for the Natural Resource 

Damage Assessment Fund, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted 

level and $3,167,000 above the budget request. A detailed table of 

funding recommendations below the account level is provided at 

the end of this report. 

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $62,370,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 56,735,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 58,778,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥3,592,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +2,043,000 

The Committee recommends $58,778,000 for the Working Capital 

Fund, $3,592,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$2,043,000 above the budget request. 


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OFFICE OF NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE

NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $137,757,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 137,505,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 137,505,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥252,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee provides $137,505,000 for the Office of Natural 

Resources Revenue, as requested. 

PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES (PILT)

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $530,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 465,000,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 500,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥30,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +35,000,000 

Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT).—The Payments in Lieu of 

Taxes (PILT) program provides compensation to local governments 

for the loss of tax revenue resulting from the presence of Federal 

land in their county or State. In 2018, 49 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands will receive PILT payments. The bill includes 

$500,000,000 for PILT, $35,000,000 above the budget request. The 

projected full-year cost estimate for PILT for fiscal year 2019 is not 

yet available and will be considered by the Committee at such time 

as the Department conveys this information to the Committee prior 

to the enactment of this Act. Funding for PILT in fiscal year 2018 

was provided under a Title I general provision. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Section 101 continues a provision providing for emergency transfer authority (intra-bureau) with the approval of the Secretary. 

Section 102 continues a provision providing for emergency transfer authority (Department-wide) with the approval of the Secretary. 

Section 103 continues a provision providing for the use of appropriations for certain services. 

Section 104 continues a provision permitting the transfer of 

funds between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian 

Education, and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians. 

Section 105 continues a provision permitting the redistribution of 

Tribal priority allocation and Tribal base funds to alleviate funding 

inequities. 

Section 106 continues a provision authorizing the acquisition of 

lands for the purpose of operating and maintaining facilities that 

support visitors to Ellis, Governors, and Liberty Islands, NJ and 

NY. 

Section 107 continues a provision allowing Outer Continental 

Shelf inspection fees to be collected by the Secretary of the Interior. 

Section 108 continues a provision allowing for the reorganization 

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forcement only in conformance with Committee reprogramming 

guidelines. 

Section 109 continues a provision allowing the Bureau of Land 

Management (BLM) to enter into long-term cooperative agreements 

for long-term care and maintenance of excess wild horses and burros on private land. 

Section 110 continues a provision dealing with the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service’s responsibilities for mass marking of salmonid 

stocks. 

Section 111 modifies a provision addressing BLM actions regarding grazing on public lands. 

Section 112 continues a provision allowing the Bureau of Indian 

Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education to more efficiently and effectively perform reimbursable work. 

Section 113 permits the humane transfer of excess wild horses 

and burros for work purposes. 

Section 114 continues bill language establishing a Department of 

the Interior Experienced Services Program. 

Section 115 prohibits the use of funds to list the greater sagegrouse under the Endangered Species Act. 

Section 116 returns management of recovered gray wolves in Wyoming and the Great Lakes to the States and ends unnecessary litigation. 

Section 117 returns management of recovered gray wolves rangewide to the States and ends unnecessary litigation. 

Section 118 prohibits the use of funds to implement a statute impacting Tribes’ sovereign rights to operate certain businesses on 

reservations. 

Section 119 extends the authority for the Secretary to accept 

public and private contributions for the orderly development and 

exploration of Outer Continental Shelf resources. 

Section 120 prohibits the use of funds to list in the National Register of Historic Places property deemed crucial to national security 

and military training. 

Sec. 121 retitles the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and redesignates the Paul H. Douglas Trail. 

Sec. 122 prohibits funding to require the transfer of groundwater 

rights as a condition for approving certain permits. 

TITLE II—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created by Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, which consolidated nine programs 

from five different agencies and departments. Major EPA programs 

include air and water quality, drinking water, hazardous waste, research, pesticides, radiation, toxic substances, enforcement and 

compliance assurance, pollution prevention, Inland oil spill, Superfund, Brownfields, and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank 

program. In addition, EPA provides Federal assistance for wastewater treatment, sewer overflow control, drinking water facilities, 

other water infrastructure projects, and diesel emission reduction 

projects. The Agency is responsible for conducting research and development, establishing environmental standards through the use 

of risk assessment and cost-benefit, monitoring pollution conditions, seeking compliance through enforcement actions, managing 

audits and investigations, and providing technical assistance and 


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grant support to States and Tribes, which are delegated authority 

for much of the program implementation. Under existing statutory 

authority, the Agency contributes to specific homeland security efforts and may participate in international environmental activities. 

Among the statutes for which the Environmental Protection 

Agency has sole or significant oversight responsibilities are: 

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. 

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended. 

Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended. 

Clean Water Act [Federal Water Pollution Control Act], as 

amended. 

Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended. 

Ocean Dumping Act [Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972], as amended. 

Oil Pollution Act of 1990. 

Safe Drinking Water Act [Public Health Service Act (Title XIV)], 

as amended. 

Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. 

Clean Air Act, as amended. 

Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2002. 

Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended. 

Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization 

Act of 2002 (amending CERCLA). 

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986. 

Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. 

Pollution Prosecution Act of 1990. 

Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2003. 

Energy Policy Act of 2005. 

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. 

For fiscal year 2019, the Committee recommends $7,958,488,000 for the Environmental Protection Agency, $100,000,000 below the 

fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $1,766,601,000 above the budget 

request. Comparisons to the budget request and fiscal year 2018 

enacted levels are shown by account in the table at the end of this 

report. 

Reprogramming.—The Agency is held to the reprogramming limitation of $1,000,000. This limitation will be applied to each program area in every account at the levels provided in the table at 

the end of this report. This will allow the Agency the flexibility to 

reprogram funds within a set program area. However, where the 

Committee has cited funding levels for certain program projects or 

activities within a program area, the reprogramming limitation 

continues to apply to those funding levels. Further, the Agency 

may not use any amount of de-obligated funds to initiate a new 

program, office, or initiative without the prior approval of the Committee. 

Congressional Budget Justification.—The Committee directs the 

Agency to include in future justifications the following items: (1) a 

comprehensive index of programs and activities within the program 

projects; (2) the requested bill language, with changes from the enacted language highlighted, at the beginning of each account section; (3) a justification for every program/project, including those 


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proposed for elimination; (4) a comprehensive, detailed explanation 

of all changes within a program project; (5) a table showing consolidations, realignments or other transfers of resources and personnel 

from one program project to another such that the outgoing and receiving program projects offset and clearly illustrate a transfer of 

resources; and, (6) a table listing the budgets and FTE by major 

office within each National Program Management area with pay/ 

non-pay breakouts. Further, if EPA is proposing to change State allocation formulas for the distribution of appropriated funds, then 

EPA should include such proposals in the congressional justification. 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Science and Technology (S&T) account funds all Environmental Protection Agency research (including Superfund research 

activities paid with funds moved into this account from the Hazardous Substance Superfund account). This account includes programs carried out through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements, cooperative research and development agreements, and 

interagency agreements, with other Federal agencies, States, universities, nonprofit organizations, and private business, as well as 

in-house research. It also funds personnel compensation and benefits, travel, supplies and operating expenses, including rent, utilities and security, for all Agency research. Research addresses a 

wide range of environmental and health concerns across all environmental media and encompasses both long-term basic and nearterm applied research to provide the scientific knowledge and technologies necessary for preventing, regulating, and abating pollution, and to anticipate emerging environmental issues. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $706,473,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 448,965,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 643,763,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥62,710,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +194,798,000 

The bill provides $643,763,000 for Science and Technology, 

$62,710,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$194,798,000 above the budget request. The Committee recommends that $15,496,000 be paid to this account from the Hazardous Substance Superfund account for ongoing research activities. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report, and the Committee 

provides the following additional detail by program area: 

Indoor Air and Radiation.—The recommendation includes 

$5,337,000. The Committee recommendation maintains the radon 

program at the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

Operations and Administration.—The recommendation includes 

$74,828,000, as requested. The bill concurs with the Agency’s proposed allocation of resources for workforce reshaping. 

Research: Air and Energy.—The bill provides $81,796,000 for Research: Air and Energy. Within available funds, the Agency is directed to continue supporting the Partnership Research as outlined 

in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 115–141. 

This jointly funded, multi-year government-industry research initiative should be used to produce credible science of national scope 


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on such development, including review of existing exposure and 

health studies already underway, and future research. The Agency 

is encouraged to submit a report updating the Committee on the 

implementation of this partnership within 90 days of enactment of 

this Act. 

Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability.—The recommendation includes $113,935,000 for Research: Chemical Safety 

and Sustainability and funds the computational toxicology and endocrine disruptor programs at the fiscal year 2018 enacted levels. 

Following guidance contained in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 115–141, the Committee continues to support 

the Agency’s computational toxicology research activities to advance New Approach Methodologies for testing and risk assessment 

methods for prioritization, screening, and testing under the Frank 

R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act provisions 

of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The Agency is encouraged to expand its collaborations with scientific experts in the field 

to advance development and use of human biology-based experimental and computational approaches for chemical risk assessments. As part of this effort, the Committee encourages the Agency 

to develop and implement tiered integrated approaches to testing 

and assessments which incorporate considerations of potential exposures. 

Research: National Priorities.—The bill provides $4,100,000 

which shall be used for extramural research grants, independent of 

the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) grant program, to fund 

high-priority water quality and availability research by not-forprofit organizations who often partner with the Agency. Because 

these grants are independent of the STAR grant program, the 

Agency should strive to award grants in as large an amount as is 

possible to achieve the most scientifically significant research. 

Funds shall be awarded competitively with priority given to partners proposing research of national scope and who provide a 25 

percent match. The Agency is directed to allocate funds to grantees 

within 180 days of enactment of this Act. 

Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources.—The Committee recommends $94,569,000. Further, augmenting drinking 

water supplies through artificial or enhanced recharge into 

aquifers, represents a cost-effective way of increasing the availability of water. Enhanced Aquifer Recharge (EAR) also represents 

a key practice for the management and restoration of ecosystems. 

Therefore, the Committee directs the Agency to coordinate with 

other Federal research efforts in this area. Given ongoing concerns 

related to Harmful Algal Bloom toxins in the Great Lakes and 

other coastal and inland waters, the Agency is encouraged to continue working to understand the risk of exposure such toxins, especially through pathways including recreation and drinking water. 

Additional Guidance.—The Committee includes the following additional guidance with respect to funding provided under this account: 

Alternatives Testing.—The Committee commends EPA for developing new scientific methods, removing barriers, and fostering cooperation in implementing the toxicity testing agenda included in 

the 2007 National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report, ‘‘Toxicity 

Testing in the 21st Century.’’ The Committee is also aware that the 


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Agency released a Strategic Plan to Promote the Development and 

Implementation of Alternative Draft Test Methods on March 7, 

2018, and is also incorporating an alternative scientific approach to 

screen chemicals within its Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program as called for in fiscal year 2015 (House Report 113–551). The 

Committee continues to be interested in understanding how the 

Agency is implementing the same approach in all of its programs 

that involve toxicity testing and recommends that the Agency work 

to submit to the Committee a report that outlines (1) progress to 

date to research, develop, validate and translate innovative nonanimal chemical testing methods that characterize toxicity pathways, (2) efforts to coordinate this across Federal agencies, and (3) 

future plans to continue to implement the toxicity testing vision 

outlined in the January 2017 NAS report, ‘‘Using 21st Century 

Science to Improve Risk-Related Evaluations’’ on all Agency programs that involve toxicity testing. 

Innovative Research Partnerships.—Interest continues to grow to 

identify innovative, technologically feasible solutions that will lead 

to air and water quality improvements and better environmental 

outcomes. The Committee has consistently supported partnerships 

with respect to research areas of national importance, and the 

Committee encourages EPA to identify partnerships with institutes, foundations and universities that would leverage scientific 

expertise. EPA is encouraged to present the Committee with options for new or expanded partnerships within the context of the 

fiscal year 2020 budget. Such topics could include but are not limited to enhanced aquifer recharge, toxicity testing without the use 

of animals, capture of methane or other fugitive emissions, cleaning 

of produced water and other activities from oil and gas operations, 

removing siloxanes produced at wastewater treatment systems, investigating new and emerging technologies, like syntactic foams, in 

drinking water filtration and desalination, and efficiencies to improve manufacturing operations. To help inform this effort, the 

Committee encourages EPA to solicit input from all interested parties. 

Intramural Animal Testing.—The Committee commends EPA for 

recent progress towards reducing unnecessary animal testing by 

promoting the adoption of cutting-edge methodologies that allow 

chemical screening more efficiently and cost-effectively. The Committee encourages EPA to ensure that the Agency’s own research 

is also the subject of Agency efforts to reduce and replace animal 

tests. 

STAR Grants.—The Committee provides funds to continue the 

Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program. 

Water Distribution Systems.—The Agency is encouraged to continue utilizing infrastructure solutions, such as distribution networks and municipal leak detection and sanitary sewer monitoring 

technologies, during upgrades to water and wastewater systems to 

optimize water delivery performance, limit water waste in distribution systems, and enhance modeling of sewer collection networks. 

This will help to improve maintenance and capital expenditure in 

planning and budgeting, and increase spatial and temporal monitoring data available on U.S. water quality and quantity. 

Water Security Test Bed.—For both fiscal year 2019 and future 

budget requests, the Committee recommends that EPA include 


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adequate funding for advancing full scale applied research and 

testing capabilities to address threats to drinking water and drinking water infrastructure. 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AND MANAGEMENT

The Environmental Programs and Management account encompasses a broad range of abatement, prevention, enforcement, and 

compliance activities, and personnel compensation, benefits, travel, 

and expenses for all programs of the Agency except Science and 

Technology, Hazardous Substance Superfund, Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund, Inland Oil Spill Programs, and 

the Office of Inspector General. 

Abatement, prevention, and compliance activities include setting 

environmental standards, issuing permits, monitoring emissions 

and ambient conditions and providing technical and legal assistance toward enforcement, compliance, and oversight. In most cases, 

the States are directly responsible for actual operation of the various environmental programs, and the Agency’s activities include 

oversight and assistance. 

In addition to program costs, this account funds administrative 

costs associated with the operating programs of the Agency, including support for executive direction, policy oversight, resources management, general office and building services for program operations, and direct implementation of Agency environmental programs for headquarters, the ten EPA regional offices, and all nonresearch field operations. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $2,597,999,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 1,784,852,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 2,433,282,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥164,717,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +648,430,000 

The bill provides $2,433,282,000 for Environmental Programs and Management, $164,717,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted 

level and $648,430,000 above the budget request. A detailed table 

of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at 

the end of this report, and the Committee provides the following 

additional detail by program area: 

Clean Air.—The Committee recommends $243,066,000. Within 

this amount, the Committee includes $3,000,000 to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of both preconstruction and operating 

permitting programs. In addition, the Committee continues to support the EnergySTAR program for both appliances and buildings at 

the fiscal year 2018 enacted level, and does not recommend a shift 

to a fee-based funding mechanism as proposed. In 2009, the Agency 

and the Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of 

Understanding (MOU) related to the EnergySTAR program, shifting some functions related to home appliance products from the 

DOE to EPA. The Committee is encouraged by the Agency’s 

progress thus far in reviewing the MOU, and expects the Agency 

to continue working in coordination with DOE through fiscal year 

2019 to ensure the expected efficiencies for home appliance products have been achieved. It is also the Committee’s expectation 

that any disclosure relating to participation in the EnergySTAR 

program will not create an express or implied warranty, or give 


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rise to any private claims or right of action under State or Federal 

law. Further, the Committee does not support the termination of 

voluntary programs such as Natural GasSTAR, AgSTAR, and other 

partnership programs where EPA works collaboratively with nongovernmental entities to identify beneficial methods to reduce emissions, pollution, and increase efficiency. 

Compliance.—The Committee recommends $90,482,000. Tracking 

the import and export of hazardous waste shipment remains a key 

priority for the Committee. 

Environmental Protection: National Priorities.—The bill provides $12,700,000 for a competitive grant program for qualified non-profit organizations, excluding institutions of higher education, to provide technical assistance for improved water quality or safe drinking water, adequate waste water to small systems or individual private well owners. The Agency shall provide $10,000,000 for Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act, 

for activities specified under Section 1442(e) of the Safe Drinking 

Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–1(e)(8)). The Agency is also directed to 

provide $1,700,000 million for grants to qualified not-for-profit organizations for technical assistance for individual private well owners, with priority given to organizations that currently provide 

technical and educational assistance to individual private well owners. The Agency is directed to provide on a national and multiState regional basis, $1,000,000 for grants to qualified organizations, for the sole purpose of providing on-site training and technical assistance for wastewater systems. The Agency shall require 

each grantee to provide a minimum 10 percent match, including in 

kind contributions. The Agency is directed to allocate funds to 

grantees within 180 days of enactment of this Act. 

Geographic Programs.—The bill provides $434,857,000. The Committee provides funding for programs that support restoration and 

protection of our Nation’s most important water bodies, as protection of these resources continues to be a priority. From within the 

amount provided, the Committee directs the following: 

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.—The Committee recommends 

$300,000,000 for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), 

equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $270,000,000 above 

the budget request. The Agency shall continue to follow the direction as provided in House Report 112–589. In addition, as EPA distributes funds across the five focus areas, tribal related activities 

should be maintained at not less than the fiscal year 2018 level. 

Further, the Committee supports ongoing work to reduce the 

growth of harmful algal blooms and encourages continued targeting 

of watersheds that could pose a threat to human health in drinking 

water. 

Chesapeake Bay.—The Committee recommends $73,000,000 for 

the Chesapeake Bay program, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted 

level and $65,700,000 above the budget request. From within the 

amount provided, $6,000,000 is for nutrient and sediment removal 

grants and $6,000,000 is for small watershed grants to control polluted runoff from urban, suburban and agricultural lands. 

Puget Sound.—The Committee recommends $28,000,000 for 

Puget Sound, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$28,000,000 above the budget request. Funds shall be allocated in 

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mittee directs the Agency to expeditiously obligate funds, in a manner consistent with the authority and responsibilities under Section 

320 and the National Estuary Program. 

Indoor Air and Radiation.—The Committee recommends 

$25,637,000, and the Agency should continue to operate the program following the priorities and direction under this heading in 

House Report 114–632 to implement the National Radon Action 

Plan and should utilize funds to disseminate a guide for health 

care providers to physicians. 

Operations and Administration.—The recommendation includes 

$480,206,000, as requested. The bill concurs with the Agency’s proposed allocation of resources for workforce reshaping. 

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).—The Committee recommends $104,000,000, $5,377,000 below the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level and $30,149,000 above the budget request. Of 

the funds provided under this section, not less than $3,000,000 

should be allocated for the purpose of developing and implementing 

a Federal permit program for the regulation of coal combustion residuals in nonparticipating States, as authorized under section 

4005(d)(2)(B) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 

6945(d)(2)(B)). This remains a key priority for the Committee. Further, the Committee does not support the proposed modification of 

cleanups under the RCRA Waste Management program nor the 

proposed elimination of the RCRA Waste Minimization and Recycling program. 

Toxics Risk Review and Prevention.—The Committee recommends $92,521,000, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

For fiscal year 2019, the budget again proposes an aggressive 

schedule for developing the new TSCA fee rule, and for the transition of FTE to be covered by new fee collections. In order to avoid 

a funding lapse that could impact implementation, the recommended level provides for a more gradual transition to fee funded FTE for fiscal year 2019. Further, the Committee does not support the elimination of the Pollution Prevention program. 

Water: Ecosystems.—The Committee recommends $47,788,000, 

equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. From within the 

amount provided, the recommendation includes $16,800,000 to provide $600,000 to each National Estuary Program (NEP) funded 

under Section 320 of the Clean Water Act. Further, in the Administrative Provisions section, the Committee directs that $1,500,000 in 

competitive grants be made available for additional projects, and 

encourages the Agency to work in consultation with the NEP directors to identify worthy projects and activities. 

Water Quality Protection.—The Committee recommends 

$187,271,000 and supports continued funding for the WaterSENSE 

program and certain activities under the Urban Waters program. 

The Committee also supports ongoing activities related to integrated planning, which will be increasingly necessary as States and 

communities evaluate wastewater systems for lead contamination 

issues and pipe replacement. Further, the Committee is aware that 

more than one quarter of the U.S. population relies on onsite-decentralized systems to treat wastewater. The Committee urges the 

Agency to designate additional technical assistance, resources and 

expertise toward onsite wastewater recycling issues within the Decentralized Wastewater Program. 


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Additional Guidance.—The Committee includes the following additional guidance with respect to funding provided under this account: 

Administrator Priorities.—EPA is directed to submit a report 

within 90 days of enactment of this Act that identifies how any fiscal year 2017 and 2018 funding was used, by account, program 

area, and program project. Each activity funded should include a 

justification for the effort and any anticipated results. 

Antimicrobial Solutions for Citrus Disease.—The Committee recognizes the importance of antimicrobial crop protection tools in 

combating citrus greening and continues to support EPA’s cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Multi-Agency Coordination Group. 

E–15 Outreach.—The Committee is aware of the potential for 

consumers to misfuel with E15 and higher ethanol grades of gasoline in engines not designed, approved, or warranted to use blends 

above 10 percent ethanol content (E10). Misfueling can damage engines, void product warranties, and result in undue economic loss 

to consumers. The Committee has previously encouraged EPA to 

utilize general funds to establish and implement public educational 

outreach for proper and EPA-approved usage of 15 percent by volume ethanol blended gasoline in accordance with the Misfueling 

Mitigation Program. The Committee notes that no action has been 

taken to date on a consumer education campaign, and continues to 

encourage the EPA to establish new outreach methods to educate 

consumers on misfueling. 

Ecolabels for Federal Procurement.—The Agency is encouraged to 

adhere to direction provided under this heading in the explanatory 

statement accompanying Public Law 115–141 related to the USDA 

BioPreferred program. 

Electric Pathway Applications.—The Committee notes the backlog of applications under the Renewable Fuels Pathway II rule finalized in 2014. No applications for the electric pathway which 

could help support rural agricultural communities have been approved since the rule went into effect. The Committee strongly encourages the Agency to take action on the existing applications 

within 90 days of the enactment of this Act. 

Exempt Aquifers.—For fiscal year 2019, the Committee anticipates that the Agency will continue to receive exempt aquifer applications from the State of California for processing and approval. 

The Committee continues to support protecting underground 

sources of drinking water and promoting robust economic development. Accordingly, the Agency is urged to work expeditiously to 

process exempt aquifer applications and use the existing regulatory 

framework to process these applications as provided in House Report 114–170 and House Report 114–632. 

Lead Test Kit.—The Committee fully supports activities by EPA, 

States, contractors, and homeowners that result in the safe and 

proper reduction of lead paint in homes. The Committee believes 

it is incumbent upon contractors to be fully trained, certified, and 

knowledgeable about the risks related to lead exposure especially 

for children and at-risk populations. It is imperative that EPA and 

the States continue to make those training opportunities readily 

available and easily accessible along with improved outreach to 


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build awareness for homeowners during renovations and to identify 

and remove lead as quickly as possible. 

Marine Engines.—The Committee is concerned that for certain 

smaller commercial marine vessels, such as pilot boats, marine engines certified to the EPA Tier 4 marine engine standards may not 

be available that meet the engine needs of these marine vessels. 

Thus, the Committee urges the Agency to swiftly move forward 

with assessing the need for revisions to the Agency’s Tier 4 marine 

engine requirements for those impacted marine vessels to ensure 

that the industries dependent on them are not negatively impacted. 

The Agency should also identify any immediate steps the Agency 

can take to provide relief. 

Regulation of Groundwater.—The Agency shall continue to follow 

the direction provided under this heading in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 115–141. 

Science Advisory Board.—The Agency is directed to develop updated policy statements in order to fulfill previous Congressional 

directives. 

State Water Quality Standards.—The Committee finds that the 

Agency should support States proposing Clean Water Act standards using a science-based approach, which utilizes a methodology 

for deriving water quality criteria for the production of human 

health that has been publicly vetted and scientifically peer-reviewed, that have incorporated public comment regarding human 

health criteria for fish consumption, where the standards are based 

on EPA’s most recent guidance. Failure to accept such State proposals runs contrary to the underlying principles of the Clean 

Water Act that support cooperative Federalism. 

Use Attainability Analysis.—The Committee recognizes that the 

Use Attainability Analysis (UAA) process, when properly applied 

and implemented, can be a vital tool in determining defensible 

water quality standards and for maintaining and restoring water 

quality. The Committee encourages the Agency to submit a report 

within 90 days of enactment of this Act identifying steps the Agency has taken, or plans to take, to make the UAA process operate 

more effectively, including the process to obtain and maintain a 

UAA under 40 CFR 131.10(g)(6). 

Water Quality Certification.—The Committee encourages the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize 

guidance on the implementation of Clean Water Act Section 401 

(33 U.S.C. 1341). Such guidance shall reinforce that the statutory 

time period for review does not exceed one year, that the scope of 

review is limited to Federal water quality standards, and that 

waiver of the certification obligation occurs when a State fails to 

act within one year from the date of application. The guidance 

shall also include a suggested schedule for a State making a Section 401 decision, which recognizes that the entirety of the State’s 

review must occur within one year. 

Worker Protection Standards.—The Committee directs the Agency to engage the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmers, farm 

workers, industry and other interested organizations as it implements its standard and report back to the Committee concerning 

these efforts within 90 days of enactment of this Act. 


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HAZARDOUS WASTE ELECTRONIC MANIFEST SYSTEM FUND

This account supports all activities necessary for the development of the system established by the Hazardous Waste Electronic 

Manifest Establishment Act (P.L. 112–195). 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $3,674,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 0 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥3,674,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee has not provided any funds for the Hazardous 

Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund because the program will 

be fully funded by e-Manifest user fee collections in fiscal year 

2019. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides audit, evaluation, 

and investigation products and advisory services to improve the 

performance and integrity of EPA programs and operations. The 

Inspector General (IG) will continue to perform the function of IG 

for the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. This account funds personnel compensation and benefits, travel, and expenses (excluding rent, utilities, and security costs) for the Office 

of Inspector General. In addition to the funds provided under this 

heading, this account receives funds from the Hazardous Substance 

Superfund account. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $41,489,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 37,475,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 41,489,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +4,014,000 

The bill provides $41,489,000, which is equal to the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level and $4,014,000 above the budget request. In addition, the Committee recommends $8,778,000 as a payment to this 

account from the Hazardous Substance Superfund account. The Inspector General is directed to prioritize funds to projects that prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse at the Environmental Protection Agency. 

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

The Buildings and Facilities account provides for the design and 

construction of EPA-owned facilities as well as for the repair, extension, alteration, and improvement of facilities used by the Agency. The funds are used to correct unsafe conditions, protect health 

and safety of employees and Agency visitors, and prevent deterioration of structures and equipment. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $34,467,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 39,553,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 39,553,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +5,086,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 


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The bill provides $39,553,000 as requested, and $5,086,000 above 

the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The Committee supports proposed projects that will reduce Agency operational and rent costs. 

EPA should prioritize projects based on anticipated cost savings 

and allocate funds accordingly. 

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE SUPERFUND

The Hazardous Substance Superfund (Superfund) program was 

established in 1980 by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act to clean up emergency 

hazardous materials, spills, and dangerous, uncontrolled, and/or 

abandoned hazardous waste sites. The Superfund Amendments and 

Reauthorization Act (SARA) expanded the program substantially in 

1986, authorizing approximately $8,500,000,000 in revenues over 

five years. In 1990, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act extended the program’s authorization through 1994 for 

$5,100,000,000 with taxing authority through calendar year 1995. 

The Superfund program is operated by EPA subject to annual appropriations from a dedicated trust fund and from general revenues. Enforcement activities are used to identify and induce parties 

responsible for hazardous waste problems to undertake cleanup actions and pay for EPA oversight of those actions. In addition, responsible parties have been required to cover the cost of fund-financed removal and remedial actions undertaken at spills and 

waste sites by Federal and State agencies. Funds are paid from 

this account to the Office of Inspector General and Science and 

Technology accounts for Superfund related activities. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $1,091,947,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 1,088,830,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 1,127,090,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +35,143,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +38,260,000 

The bill provides $1,127,090,000 for the Hazardous Substance Superfund program, which is $35,143,000 above the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level and $38,260,000 above the budget request. 

When combined with an additional $40,000,000 for the Superfund 

Remedial program in a general provision in Title IV, the bill provides a total of $1,167,090,000 for the Hazardous Substance Superfund. 

Superfund Cleanup.—The Committee recommends $776,167,000, 

which is $54,427,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

is combined with an additional $40,000,000 in funds for the Remedial Program included in a Title IV general provision. The Committee appreciates the Administration’s continued commitment to 

streamlining and improving the program, and concurs with the 

designation of the program as a national infrastructure priority. 

The Committee expects the recommended resources will accelerate 

remediation at highly contaminated, orphan sites. Further, the 

Committee expects the additional funding will also support pipeline 

activities such as remedial investigations, feasibility studies, and 

remedial designs which are critical steps prior to construction. 

The Committee also encourages the Agency, within 180 days of 

enactment of this Act, to submit a report on the status of each 

time-critical removal action for which Federal funds greater than 


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$1,000,000 have been expended since January 1, 2017, along with 

the Federal cost of clean-up efforts, whether responsible parties 

have faced criminal charges, and the amount of recovered Federal 

dollars. 

Additional Guidance.—The Committee includes the following additional guidance with respect to funding provided under this account: 

Superfund Site Remediation.—The Committee recognizes that oftentimes there are Superfund remediation projects that suffer 

delays and costly litigation when the Agency is unable to determine 

liability for specific pollution discharges. These delays can be exacerbated by the technical challenge of discerning the relative risks 

of in place pollutants resulting from prior actions versus those from 

on-going sources. Because of such concerns in the Pacific Northwest, the Committee directs the Agency’s Region 10 to submit a report within 180 days of enactment of this Act identifying how utilizing recent advances in technology can provide quick and low-cost 

techniques for definitively identifying pollution sources and thereby 

accelerating Superfund clean-up activities. 

LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK TRUST FUND PROGRAM

Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the 

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, authorized the 

establishment of a response program for cleanup of releases from 

leaking underground storage tanks. Owners and operators of facilities with underground tanks must demonstrate financial responsibility and bear initial responsibility for cleanup. The Federal trust 

fund is funded through the imposition of a motor fuel tax of onetenth of a cent per gallon. 

In addition to State resources, the Leaking Underground Storage 

Tank (LUST) Trust Fund provides funding to clean up sites, enforces necessary corrective actions, and recovers costs expended 

from the Fund for cleanup activities. The underground storage 

tank response program is designed to operate primarily through cooperative agreements with States. Funds are also used for grants 

to non-State entities, including Indian Tribes, under Section 8001 

of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The Energy Policy 

Act of 2005 expanded the authorized activities of the Fund to include the underground storage tank program. In 2006, Congress 

amended section 9508 of the Internal Revenue Code to authorize 

expenditures from the trust fund for prevention and inspection activities. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $91,941,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 47,532,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 91,941,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +44,409,000 

The bill provides $91,941,000 for the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund Program, equal to the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level and $44,409,000 above the budget request. 


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INLAND OIL SPILL PROGRAMS

This appropriation, authorized by the Federal Water Pollution 

Control Act, as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, provides 

funds to prepare for and prevent releases of oil and other petroleum products in navigable waterways. In addition, EPA is reimbursed for incident specific response costs through the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund managed by the United States Coast Guard. 

EPA is responsible for directing all cleanup and removal activities posing a threat to public health and the environment; conducting site inspections; providing a means to achieve cleanup activities by private parties; reviewing containment plans at facilities; reviewing area contingency plans; pursuing cost recovery of 

fund-financed cleanups; and conducting research of oil cleanup 

techniques. Funds for this appropriation are provided through the 

Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund which is composed of fees and collections made through provisions of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the 

Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act, the 

Deepwater Port Act of 1974, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act 

Amendments of 1978, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 

as amended. Pursuant to law, the Trust Fund is managed by the 

United States Coast Guard. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $18,209,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 15,673,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 18,209,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +2,536,000 

The bill provides $18,209,000 for the Inland Oil Spill program, 

equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $2,536,000 above 

the budget request. 

STATE AND TRIBAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

The State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) account provides 

grant funds for programs operated primarily by State, local, Tribal 

and other governmental partners. The account includes two broad 

types of funds: (1) Infrastructure Assistance, which is used primarily by local governments for projects supporting environmental 

protection; and (2) Categorical Grants, which assist State and Tribal governments and other environmental partners with the operation of environmental programs. The account also includes specific 

program grants such as competitive Brownfields grants and diesel 

emissions reduction grants. 

In the STAG account, EPA provides funding for infrastructure 

projects through two State Revolving Funds (Clean Water and 

Drinking Water), geographic specific projects in Alaskan Native 

Villages and on the United States-Mexico Border, Brownfields revitalization projects, diesel emission reduction grants, and other targeted infrastructure projects. 

The State Revolving Funds (SRFs) provide Federal financial assistance to protect the Nation’s water resources. The Clean Water 

SRF helps eliminate municipal discharge of untreated or inadequately treated pollutants and thereby helps maintain or restore 

the country’s water to a swimmable and/or fishable quality. The 

Clean Water SRF provides resources for municipal, inter-municVerDate Sep 11 2014 06:57 Jun 20, 2018 Jkt 030458 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR765.XXX HR765

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ipal, State, and interstate agencies and Tribal governments to plan, 

design, and construct wastewater facilities and other projects, including non-point source, estuary, stormwater, and sewer overflow 

projects. The Safe Drinking Water SRF finances improvements to 

community water systems so that they can achieve compliance with 

the mandates of the Safe Drinking Water Act and continue to protect public health. 

Many of the major Federal environmental statutes include provisions that allow the Federal government, through EPA, to delegate 

to the States and Tribes the day-to-day management of environmental programs or to approve State and Tribal environmental 

programs. The Federal statutes were designed to recognize the 

States as partners and co-regulators, allowing the States to issue 

and enforce permits, carry out inspections and monitoring, and collect data. To assist the States in this task, the statutes also authorized EPA to provide grants to the States and Tribes. These grants, 

which cover every major aspect of environmental protection, include those programs authorized by sections 319 and 106 of the 

Clean Water Act (Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended) (for non-point source pollution and the water quality permits 

programs), sections 105 and 103 of the Clean Air Act (for State and 

Local air quality management programs), section 128 of CERCLA 

(for State and Tribal response programs), section 1443(a) of the 

Safe Drinking Water Act (for public water system supervision), and 

section 3011 of RCRA (for the implementation of State hazardous 

waste programs). 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $3,562,161,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 2,929,467,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 3,588,161,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +26,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +658,694,000 

The bill provides $3,588,161,000 for the State and Tribal Assistance Grants account, $26,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $658,694,000 above the budget request. The Committee provides the following additional detail by program area: 

Infrastructure Assistance.—The bill provides $2,522,120,000 in 

base funds for infrastructure assistance. When combined with an 

additional $300,000,000 in a Title IV general provision, the bill provides a total of $2,822,120,000 for infrastructure assistance. The 

amount provided increases funding for the State Revolving Loan 

Funds $300,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level of 

base funding. This includes a total of $1,543,887,000 for the Clean 

Water State Revolving Loan Fund and $1,013,233,000 for the 

Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. 

The Committee notes that more than $6 billion is currently revolving in the system and available for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure loans. The Committee believes that EPA and 

the States must aggressively allocate existing funds to projects in 

order to address the pressing infrastructure needs facing the country. In addition, the Committee continues to encourage EPA and 

water infrastructure stakeholders to promote alternate financing 

mechanisms for water infrastructure at local, State and Federal 

levels as it is widely accepted that Federal financing through the 


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State Revolving Funds remains an important yet insufficient tool 

to address the Nation’s water needs. 

Public-private partnerships, greater access to financing from private activity bonds, and improved asset management are just a few 

of the mechanisms that the Committee believes could serve to increase investment in a complementary way to Federal appropriations and reduce costs. The Committee encourages the Agency to 

study the effectiveness of private companies working in conjunction 

with water and wastewater utilities and municipalities to improve 

infrastructure, financial strength, and customer satisfaction. 

In addition, the Committee continues bill language to allow EPA 

and the States to provide additional forms of subsidy to those communities which cannot afford the below market rates provided by 

an SRF loan. 

Brownfields Program.—The bill provides $80,000,000 for 

Brownfields grants and directs that at least 10 percent of such 

grants be provided to areas in which at least 20 percent of the population has lived under the poverty level over the past 30 years as 

determined by censuses and the most recent Small Area Income 

and Poverty Estimates. 

Diesel Emissions Reductions Grants (DERA).—The bill provides 

$100,000,000 for DERA grants. More than 10 million older, heavily 

polluting diesel engines remain in use that have yet to be retrofitted, repowered, or replaced, and over one million are expected to 

remain in use in 2030. For fiscal year 2019, the Committee directs 

EPA to continue to make at least 70 percent of DERA grants available to improve air quality in non-attainment areas. 

Targeted Airshed Grants.—The bill provides $55,000,000 for targeted airshed grants to reduce air pollution in non-attainment 

areas. These grants shall be distributed on a competitive basis to 

non-attainment areas that EPA determines are ranked as the top 

five most polluted areas relative to annual ozone or particulate 

matter 2.5 standards as well as the top five areas based on the 24- 

hour particulate matter 2.5 standard where the design values exceed the 35 μg/m3 standard. To determine these areas, the Agency 

shall use the most recent design values calculated from validated 

air quality data. The Committee notes that these funds are available for emission reduction activities deemed necessary for compliance with national ambient air quality standards and included in 

a State Implementation Plan submitted to EPA. Not later than the 

end of fiscal year 2019, EPA should provide a report to the Committees on Appropriations that includes a table showing how fiscal 

year 2017 and 2018 funds were allocated. The table should also include grant recipients and metrics for anticipated or actual results. 

Categorical Grants.—For categorical grants to States and other 

environmental partners for the implementation of delegated programs, the bill provides $1,066,041,000. 

Hazardous Waste Financial Assistance.—The bill provides 

$99,693,000, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. Of the 

funds provided, no less than $3,000,000 is for grants to States for 

the purpose of developing and administering State-specific permit 

programs to enforce Federal coal combustion residual requirements, in accordance with section 4005(d)(2)(B) of the Solid Waste 

Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6945(d)(2)(B)). 


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Radon.—The Committee continues to support State radon program efforts that raise awareness about the associated risks of 

radon exposure as ongoing, unmitigated exposures result in over 

21,000 radon-induced lung cancer deaths per year. The Committee 

provides $8,051,000, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level, 

and the Agency shall allocate radon grants in fiscal year 2019 following the direction in House Report 114–632. 

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE AND INNOVATION PROGRAM

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $10,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 20,000,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 50,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +40,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +30,000,000 

The bill provides a total of $75,000,000 for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program. Within base 

funding in Title II, the bill provides $50,000,000 for the WIFIA program, and a Title IV general provision provides an additional 

$25,000,000 for the program. By utilizing $5,000,000 in base funds 

and $3,000,000 in Title IV funds, the Agency may use up to 

$8,000,000 to assist with the administrative expenses of the program. The remaining $67,000,000 in WIFIA funds are provided for 

direct loan subsidization which may translate into a potential loan 

capacity in excess of $8,000,000,000 to eligible entities for water infrastructure projects. 

Greater investment in the replacement of aging infrastructure 

will help mitigate nationwide issues the Committee is tracking related to contaminants such as lead and arsenic, help address Combined Sewer Overflows and Sanitary Sewer Overflows, and allow 

systems to improve water delivery for residents. As the Agency 

issues loans throughout fiscal year 2019, the Committee will continue to closely monitor these actions. 

The Committee encourages the Agency to consider how to utilize 

current authorities under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 to facilitate loans and loan guarantees for 

very large or a combination of water infrastructure projects, including the use of supplemental fees and, as appropriate, common security pledges for qualified projects. The Committee directs the Agency to provide a report, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, 

on any WIFIA loan applications that include the use of a supplemental fee to facilitate a loan or loan guarantee. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS AND RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

The Committee continues the language, carried in prior years, 

concerning Tribal Cooperative Authority, the collection and obligation of pesticides fees, and transfer authorities for the purposes of 

implementing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. 

The bill includes language expanding the eligible activities that 

pesticide fees may cover. 

The bill authorizes the collection and obligation of TSCA user 

fees. 


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The bill authorizes the collection and obligation of Electronic 

Manifest fees. 

The bill continues language authorizing up to $150,000 to be 

spent for facility repairs at any one time. 

The bill authorizes certain uses for Section 319 non-point source 

grants. The bill rescinds $75,000,000 of unobligated balances from the 

State and Tribal Assistance Grants account. 

The bill directs the availability of not less than $1,500,000 of 

funds for the National Estuary program as competitive grants. 

TITLE III—RELATED AGENCIES 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

The U.S. Forest Service manages 193 million acres of National 

Forests, Grasslands, and Tallgrass Prairie, including lands in 44 

States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and cooperates with 

States, other Federal agencies, Tribes and private landowners to 

sustain the Nation’s forests and grasslands. The Forest Service administers a wide variety of programs, including forest and rangeland research, State and private forestry assistance, cooperative 

forest health programs, an international program, National Forest 

System, and wildland fire management. The National Forest System (NFS) includes 155 national forests, 20 national grasslands, 20 

national recreation areas, a national Tallgrass prairie, six national 

monuments, and six land utilization projects. The NFS is managed 

for multiple uses, beginning with wood, water and forage, and expanded under the Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act to include 

recreation, grazing, fish and wildlife habitat management. 

OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND

ENVIRONMENT

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $875,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 875,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 875,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $875,000 for the Office of the Under 

Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and the budget request. 

Forest Service Accounting, Budgeting, and Management.—The 

Committee supports the Service’s continuing efforts to improve its 

accounting, budgeting, and management practices and appreciates 

the efforts of the Service, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, 

Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, and Secretary of Agriculture to make improvements. The Committee is 

particularly interested in the Service’s plans to standardize its 

budgeting and accounting practices, adopt the best practices developed through the Integrated Resource Restoration pilot program, to 

increase transparency and accountability by aligning funding and 

program goals, and to eliminate the use of cost-pools. The Committee looks forward to considering proposed recommendations in 

the fiscal year 2020 budget request. 


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Two-year Budget Authority.—Building upon efforts included in 

the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2017, P.L. 115–31, the Committee provides two-year budget authority for most Forest Service 

accounts in the fiscal year 2019 bill. The Committee understands 

this may require a transition period and pledges to work with the 

Service to identify appropriate mechanisms to provide for a smooth 

implementation, if needed. 

Wildland Fire Management.—The Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2018 (P.L 115–141) provided a budget cap adjustment for wildfire suppression costs and included several forest management reforms. The goal of these provisions is to improve the condition of 

our national forests. As such, the Committee directs and strongly 

encourages the Service to provide a high level of scrutiny for the 

Wildland Fire Management account in the remaining months of fiscal year 2018 and fiscal year 2019 in order to ensure increased and 

appropriate transparency and identify effective cost-containment 

measures. The Committee supports the Service’s plans to engage 

the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of the 

Interior on cost-recovery and other issues, as well as the States on 

similar issues. The Committee believes more accurate accounting 

for wildfire suppression costs will help the Federal government, 

States, and other partners to better understand cost drivers, control costs, and budget appropriately in the future. Without progress 

on this front, the condition of the national forests is likely to continue to deteriorate, which is an unacceptable outcome for the 

American people and our Nation’s natural resource heritage. 

Government Accountability Office Report.—The Committee supports the Service’s plan to implement the Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommendations included in the report titled 

‘‘Forest Service: Improvements Needed in Internal Control over 

Budget Execution Process’’ (GAO–18–56) and reminds the Service 

to work with the Committee should it find challenges to implementing the recommendations. The Service is directed to provide to 

the Committee a summary of its implementation activities on July 

31, 2018, and January 31, 2020. 

Forest Service Research.—The Committee supports forestry research, but it continues to have concerns about the lack of a regular, rigorous review cycle for research programs and projects; the 

lack of focus on the needs of the National Forest System; little coordination with the Department of Agriculture’s and other Federal 

research agencies; and responsiveness to industry, stakeholder, and 

partner input. As such, the Committee directs the Service to develop and begin to implement a plan to strengthen its research program, within one year of enactment of this Act, using existing 

guidelines and best practices for Federal research agencies. The 

Service is directed to consult with the Committee; other congressional committees, as appropriate; the Department of Agriculture, 

including its Chief Scientist and the Agricultural Research Service; 

and other Federal agencies and interested parties. 

Pests, Diseases, and Invasive Species.—The Committee recognizes 

that National Forest System lands, as well as other forested lands 

in the United States, are at increasing risk for insect and disease 

outbreaks and invasive plant infestations, which often result in catastrophic wildland fire. The Emerald Ash Borer, bark beetle, and 

cogon grass are but three examples of these threats. As such, the 


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Committee recommends an increase of $19,500,000 for Federal and 

Cooperative Land forest health management and $20,000,000 for 

Hazardous Fuels and encourages the Service to work in concert 

with Federal agencies, States, and other entities to prioritize the 

allocation of these funds to address the greatest threats. 

Indian Trust Lands.—The Service is encouraged to promote and 

expand the use of agreements with Indian Tribes to protect Indian 

trust resources from catastrophic wildfire, insect and disease infestation or other threats from adjacent Federal lands, as authorized 

by law. 

Puerto Rico Hurricane Recovery.—The Committee encourages the 

Service, including El Yunque National Forest and the International 

Institute of Tropical Forestry, to continue working with private 

partners and the Government of Puerto Rico to restore and rehabilitate the island’s unique forest ecosystems. 

Knutson-Vandenberg Program.—The Committee encourages the 

Service to fully utilize the Knutson-Vandenberg fund as authorized 

by 16 U.S.C. 576b and to improve its processes and policies to ensure smooth implementation of the activities authorized and funded under the Act. 

Wildfire Hazard Severity Mapping for Communities.—The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (P.L. 115–141) required the 

Service to develop and publish a geospatial map appropriate for 

community-level use that depicts wildfire hazard severity. The 

Service is directed to consult specifically with the Bureau of Land 

Management on the wildfire hazard severity of land managed by 

the Bureau, as well as similar lands, to ensure at-risk communities 

have the best available information to help mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildland fire. 

FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $297,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 258,800,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 297,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +38,200,000 

The Committee recommends $297,000,000 for Forest and Rangeland Research, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$38,200,000 above the budget request. This includes $77,000,000 

for Forest Inventory and Analysis. 

The Committee notes the interest of Members of Congress, 

States, and forestry and research associations in funding specific 

research laboratories, programs, and projects, including those noted 

below. However, until the Service strengthens its research program, which it has been directed to do within one year of the date 

of enactment of this Act, the Committee will refrain from directing 

funding to specific projects, programs, or laboratories. In the meantime, the Service is directed to use the funds provided for the highest priority research needs, including projects conducted through 

the Joint Fire Science program. 

Fire Plan Research and Development.—The Committee supports 

continued research that significantly contributes to the understanding of wildfire regimes. 


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Wood Products Research.—The Committee supports continued research to improve the environmental performance, resiliency, and 

affordability of mass timber and other wood products. 

Bighorn Sheep Research.—The Service is urged to collaborate 

with the Bureau of Land Management and the Agricultural Research Service on research involving the risk of disease transmission between domestic and bighorn sheep. 

Forest Carbon Research.—The Committee encourages the Service 

to work with other U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies and offices to establish the methods and tools needed to quantify forest 

carbon as a resource. 

Cellulose Nanomaterials.—The Committee commends the Service 

for its work on cellulose nanomaterials and encourages continued 

research and development in this area. 

STATE AND PRIVATE FORESTRY

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $329,587,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 172,296,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 334,945,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +5,358,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +162,649,000 

The Committee recommends $334,945,000 for State and Private 

Forestry, $5,358,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$162,649,000 above the budget request. 

Landscape Scale Restoration.—The Committee recommends 

$10,000,000 for Landscape Scale Restoration, $4,000,000 below the 

fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $10,000,000 above the budget request. The Committee notes that the Agriculture and Nutrition Act 

of 2018, H.R. 2, (the 2018 farm bill) establishes a State and Private 

Forest Landscape-Scale Restoration Program and sets its authorization of appropriations at $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 

2019 through 2023. Should the authorization of appropriations be 

enacted at a different level, the Committee will consider adjusting 

the amount it provides for the program. 

Forest Health Management.—The Committee recommends 

$116,000,000 for Forest Health Management, $19,500,000 above 

the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $30,129,000 above the budget request. The Committee encourages the Service to address high 

priority invasive species, pests, and diseases, including the Emerald Ash Borer, bark beetle, and cogon grass infestations. 

Cooperative Fire Assistance.—The Committee recommends 

$80,000,000 for State Fire Assistance, equal to the fiscal year 2018 

enacted level and $14,070,000 above the budget request, and 

$16,000,000 for Volunteer Fire Assistance, equal to the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level and $4,980,000 above the budget request. 

Forest Stewardship Program.—The Committee recommends 

$20,500,000 for the Forest Stewardship Program, equal to the fiscal 

year 2018 enacted level and $1,025,000 above the budget request. 

Forest Legacy.—The recommendation includes $48,445,000 for 

Forest Legacy, $18,580,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 

and $48,445,000 above the budget request. 

Community Forest and Open Space Conservation.—The Committee recommends $4,000,000 for Community Forest and Open 

Space Conservation, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$4,000,000 above the budget request. 


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Urban and Community Forestry.—The Committee recommends 

$30,000,000 for Urban and Community, $1,500,000 above the fiscal 

year 2018 enacted level and $30,000,000 above the budget request. 

International Forestry.—The Committee recommends $10,000,000 

for International Forestry, $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 

enacted level and $10,000,000 above the budget request. 

NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $1,923,750,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 1,719,954,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 1,972,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +48,250,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +252,046,000 

The Committee recommends $1,972,000,000 for the National Forest System, $48,250,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 

and $252,046,000 above the budget request. 

Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness.—The Committee recommends $260,000,000 for Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness, 

$2,152,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$19,764,000 above the budget request. Of the funds available to 

Manage Recreation Operations, $750,000 shall be for the maintenance of rural airstrips. 

Off-Highway Vehicle Report.—The Committee directs the Service 

to expeditiously provide the report on its off-highway vehicle (OHV) 

mixed-use analysis that was requested on July 21, 2017, in House 

Report 115–238. The report should include information on how 

OHV access to forest roads would affect recreational opportunities 

and related economic activity in forest communities; how many 

miles potentially could become available; estimated budget needs 

for expanded access; plans for opening new routes; and how other 

vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, could be utilized by wounded 

veterans and disabled citizens. The Committee reminds the Service 

of the importance of making the national forests as accessible as 

possible to the American people and requests that the Service work 

with States, local officials, communities, and partners as it implements the travel analysis process. 

Wilderness Area Management.—The Committee recognizes that 

the management of National Forest System land recommended as 

wilderness is not consistent across all regions nor are the full spectrum of adaptive management steps, as provided in the Forest 

Service Handbook Chapter 70, consistently utilized to maintain existing uses to the extent possible. While the Service is required to 

protect the characteristics that provide the basis for a wilderness 

recommendation, the Committee encourages the Service to allow 

and manage existing uses, to the extent possible, utilizing all the 

adaptive management steps provided in the handbook, so that such 

uses do not prevent the protection and maintenance of the social 

and ecological characteristics that provide the basis for a wilderness designation. The Committee also encourages the Service to 

fully consider historic uses that have been prevented in previous 

decisions that can be managed utilizing adaptive management, as 

appropriate. 


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Gifford Pinchot National Forest.—The Committee directs the 

Service to work expeditiously and collaboratively with States, local 

officials, forest communities, and other interested entities to develop a plan to allow vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles that are 

licensed by a State for road use, to travel on low maintenance 

Level 2 Forest Roads. 

Grazing Management.—The Committee recommends $60,000,000 

for Grazing Management, $3,144,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $11,930,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee encourages the Service to improve its monitoring 

of grazing permits in allotments where riparian streamside health 

is a concern for listed or threatened species. The Committee also 

requests that each Forest Service region increase transparency and 

reporting on how their monitoring resources are used on the 

ground to satisfy monitoring requirements or for other purposes. 

Hazardous Fuels.—The Committee recommends $450,000,000 for 

hazardous fuels, $20,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 level and 

$60,000,000 above the budget request. Included in this amount is 

$3,000,000 for the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes to 

continue to assist communities and land managers in applying hazardous fuels and wildfire risk reduction research, conduct monitoring and evaluation research, and provide technical assistance. 

The Committee directs the Service to use the best available 

science that takes into account historical fire data, landscape characteristics, and forest composition as well as the effects of past and 

current human influences, such as development and land-use patterns, and climatic conditions to identify the highest priority areas 

for hazardous fuel reduction and forest health and management 

treatments. The Committee also recommends prioritizing funding 

for proactive hazardous fuels management and fire mitigation in 

high-priority areas to protect life and property. 

Lake Tahoe Basin.—The Committee is encouraged by the work 

conducted in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and expects 

the Service to prioritize funding the implementation of P.L. 106– 

506, as amended, and to do so in consultation with affected States, 

local governments, and other stakeholders. The Committee also 

recognizes the Service’s efforts to create fire-resilient communities 

through a combination of active fuel reduction treatments and collaboration with municipal water and fire agencies to improve critical infrastructure and expand fire-fighting capabilities in the Lake 

Tahoe Basin. The Service is encouraged to continue to fund programs and initiatives that support these partnerships. 

Forest Products.—The Committee recommends $380,000,000 for 

Forest Products, $14,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted 

level and $38,835,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee believes timber sales are a vital component of 

forest health. The budget request assumes 3.7 billion board feet of 

timber volume will be sold in fiscal year 2019. The Committee encourages the Service to work toward sales of 4 billion board feet. 

Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund.—The Committee recommends $40,000,000, for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 

and $40,000,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee recognizes the need to ensure forest resiliency 

and support multiple uses on national forest lands. The Committee 


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urges the Service to incorporate a variety of landscapes, including 

wet forests, as it develops future projects for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program. 

The Committee directs the Service to prioritize vegetation treatments developed by collaborative entities that utilize current 

science and forest practices, treatments, and techniques that 

produce a greater average volume per acre and integrate ecological, 

social, and economic goals consistent with the Northwest Forest 

Plan, as appropriate. 

Minerals and Geology Management.—The Committee recommends $75,000,000 for Minerals and Geology Management, 

$800,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $10,400,000 

above the budget request. 

The Committee expects that the Service will not promulgate regulations under the authority provided by section 2508 of Public 

Law 102–486 regarding certain oil and gas activities where the 

Federal government has acquired an interest in surface lands but 

not in oil and gas deposits that may be present under these lands. 

The Committee intends that the Third Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Minard Run Oil Co. v. U.S. Forest Serv., 670 F.3d 236 (3d 

Cir. 2011) will continue to apply to all Forest Service actions regarding oil and gas development of outstanding and reserved mineral rights on the Allegheny National Forest. 

Landownership Management.—The Committee recommends 

$75,000,000 for Landownership Management, $1,000,000 above the 

fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $9,450,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee recognizes the challenges of providing for the appropriate and responsible stewardship of National Forest System 

lands as well as the urgent need to deploy broadband networks nationwide, which may require communications networks to be placed 

on or across these lands. As such, the Committee directs the Service to coordinate with the other Federal agencies and departments 

involved in the broadband deployment effort to simplify and standardize Federal rights-of-way, property, permitting, and access regulations to ensure a timely decision-making process. 

Law Enforcement Operations.—The Committee recommends 

$132,000,000 for Law Enforcement Operations, $2,847,000 above 

the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and the budget request. 

Illegal Marijuana Cultivation Site Remediation.—The Committee 

recommends $2,500,000 to continue the Service’s initiative to remediate illegal growing sites and directs the Service to expeditiously 

implement the recommendations in the Office of Inspector General 

audit report 08003–0001–22 regarding illegal drug enforcement on 

National Forest System lands. 

Tongass National Forest.—Without a comprehensive stand-level 

inventory, the transition plan described by the Tongass Land and 

Resource Management Plan Amendment lacks the scientific basis 

needed for success. The Committee expects the Service to meet the 

requirements of section 705(a) of the Alaska National Interest 

Lands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 539d(a)) and to consider a plan 

revision, plan replacement, or new plan amendment based on the 

results of the inventory. Any plan revision or amendment should 

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mined, based on a completed stand-level inventory, the timing and 

supply of economic young growth needed for a successful final transition and whether the 2016 Forest Plan should be amended, replaced, or revised, the Service is directed not to implement a final 

transition away from its Tongass old growth timber program to a 

program based primarily on young growth. 

The Committee calls the Service’s attention to the significant 

public interest in the environmental assessment it is conducting on 

the proposal to withdraw lands within the Superior National Forest’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from mineral and 

geothermal leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights, and directs the Service to ensure it evaluates the environmental consequences of the proposed action, allows for State environmental 

agencies and the public to participate, and is completed no later 

than January 1, 2019. 

Bill Language.—The Committee includes the following bill language in Title IV General Provisions: Section 407, allowing forest 

management plans to expire if the Forest Service has made a good 

faith effort to update plans commensurate with appropriated funds; 

Section 410, regarding timber sales of Alaskan western red cedar; 

Section 423, allowing the Forest Service to renew grazing permits; 

Section 425, extending the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement 

Act for one year; Section 435, prohibiting the use of appropriated 

funds to close areas open to recreational hunting and shooting as 

of January 1, 2013; and Section 436, making vacant allotments for 

permittees affected by drought or wildfire. 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $449,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 94,708,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 499,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +50,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +404,292,000 

The Committee recommends $499,000,000 for Capital Improvement and Maintenance, $50,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $404,292,000 above the budget request. The appropriation is offset by the deferral of the road and rail fund payment 

of $15,000,000. Overall, the recommendation includes $50,000,000 

to address deferred facility, road, and trail maintenance needs. 

Facilities Maintenance and Construction.—The Committee recommends $176,000,000 for Facilities Maintenance and Construction, $25,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$164,838,000 above the budget request. 

Smokejumper Base.—The Committee is aware the North Cascades Smokejumper Base in Winthrop, Washington, needs facility 

upgrades, improvements, and renovations to meet Federal Aviation 

Administration compliance standards and requirements and understands the Service has completed a Preliminary Project Analysis 

that recommends maintaining the base. The Committee urges the 

Service to devote the necessary resources to ensure the base can 

maintain operational excellence. 

Road Maintenance and Construction.—The Committee recommends $238,000,000 for Road Maintenance and Construction, 


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$20,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$166,519,000 above the budget request. 

Uhwarrie National Forest.—The Committee encourages the Service to address road conditions in the Uhwarrie National Forest, 

working with the State and surrounding communities to identify 

priority projects. 

Trail Maintenance and Construction.—The Committee recommends $85,000,000 for Trail Maintenance and Construction, 

$5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$72,935,000 above the budget request. 

American Discovery Trail.—The Committee encourages the Service to work with interested parties to facilitate the installation of 

signage for the American Discovery Trail, in accordance with current law and regulation. 

Legacy Roads and Trail Remediation.—The Committee continues 

to recognize the need to remediate legacy roads and trails and directs the Service to address these projects as they rank in priority 

along with all other infrastructure needs from the appropriations 

provided for roads and trails through the Capital Improvement and 

Maintenance account. 

Capital Improvement Plan.—The Committee reminds the Service 

of the directive included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 

2018, (Public Law 115–141), to develop a comprehensive capital improvement plan by December 30, 2018. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $64,337,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... ¥17,000,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 34,761,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥29,576,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +51,761,000 

The Committee recommends $34,761,000 for Land Acquisition, 

$29,576,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$51,761,000 above the budget request. A detailed table of funding 

recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. 

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

review and recommend levels of funding for projects submitted to 

the Committee in accordance with the direction provided in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 115–141. 

The Committee is pleased with the cooperative agreement between the Forest Service and local authorities in Skamania County 

and encourages the Service to remain supportive of the agreement 

and to move forward with the land transfer process. 

The Committee supports the continuation of efforts to resolve the 

long-standing management challenges regarding the school trust 

lands within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in the Superior National Forest in Minnesota and encourages the Service to collaborate with nonprofit partners on the private forestland exchange alternative, which will provide the added benefit of preserving valuable forestlands outside of Superior National Forest. 


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ACQUISITION OF LANDS FOR NATIONAL FORESTS SPECIAL ACTS

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $850,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 700,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 700,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥150,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $700,000 for Acquisition of Lands 

for National Forests Special Acts, equal to the budget request. 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS TO COMPLETE LAND EXCHANGES

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $192,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 150,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 150,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥42,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $150,000 for Acquisition of Lands to 

Complete Land Exchanges under the Act of December 4, 1967 (16 

U.S.C. 484a), equal to the budget request. 

RANGE BETTERMENT FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $2,065,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 1,700,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 1,700,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥365,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $1,700,000 for the Range Betterment Fund, equal to the budget request, to be derived from grazing 

receipts from national forests (Public Law 94–579) and to be used 

for range rehabilitation, protection, and improvements including 

seeding, reseeding, fence construction, weed control, water development, and fish and wildlife habitat enhancement in 16 western 

States. 

GIFTS, DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS FOR FOREST AND RANGELAND

RESEARCH

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $45,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 45,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 45,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $45,000 for Gifts, Donations and Bequests for Forest and Rangeland Research, equal to the budget request. 

MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FOREST LANDS FOR SUBSISTENCE USES

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $2,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... $1,850,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 1,850,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥650,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 


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The Committee recommends $1,850,000 for the Management of 

National Forest Lands for Subsistence Uses in Alaska, equal to the 

budget request. 

WILDLAND FIRE

The Wildland Fire Management account supports the wildland 

fire activities of the Forest Service. The Committee recommends a 

total of $3,004,986,000 for the Forest Service wildland fire accounts. This includes an additional $500,000,000 above the 10-year 

average of wildland fire suppression costs. 

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $2,880,338,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 2,439,986,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 3,004,986,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +124,648,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +565,000,000 

The Committee recommends $3,004,986,000 for Wildland Fire 

Management, $124,648,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 

and $565,000,000 above the budget request. 

Wildland Fire Preparedness.—The Committee recommends 

$1,339,620,000 for Wildfire Preparedness, $16,100,000 above the 

fiscal year 2018 enacted level and equal to the budget request. 

Wildland Fire Suppression Operations.—The Committee recommends $1,165,366,000 for Wildfire Suppression Operations, 

$108,548,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and equal to 

the budget request. The Committee recommendation fully meets 

the 10-year average expenditure for suppression activities. 

The Committee supports the Service’s efforts to incorporate new 

approaches to fire science into its fire-fighting strategy. Such techniques include, but are not limited to, analyzing fire data to improve forecasts, using high-definition cameras part of the 

AlertWildfire system, treatments to reduce accumulated fuels 

loads, and growing use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The Committee strongly encourages the Service to work closely with the Department of the Interior, other Federal agencies, States, and other 

partners on these efforts. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, FOREST SERVICE

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

The Committee has included administrative provisions as requested. 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE

The provision of Federal health services to Indians is based on 

a relationship between Indian Tribes and the U.S. Government 

first set forth in the 1830s by the U.S. Supreme Court under Chief 

Justice John Marshall. Numerous treaties, statutes, constitutional 

provisions, and international laws have reconfirmed this relationship. Principal among these is the Snyder Act of 1921, which proVerDate Sep 11 2014 06:57 Jun 20, 2018 Jkt 030458 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR765.XXX HR765

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vides the basic authority for most Indian health services provided 

by the Federal government to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The Indian Health Service (IHS) provides direct 

health care services in 26 hospitals, 55 health centers, two school 

health centers, and 21 health stations. Tribes and Tribal groups, 

through contracts and compacts with the IHS, operate 22 hospitals, 

280 health centers, six school health centers, and 62 health stations (including 134 Alaska Native village clinics). 

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICES

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $3,952,290,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 3,945,975,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 4,202,639,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +250,349,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +256,664,000 

The Committee recommends $4,202,639,000 for Indian Health 

Services. All proposed cuts are restored and IHS is expected to continue all programs at fiscal year 2018 enacted levels except as otherwise discussed below and summarized in the table at the end of 

this report. The bill makes funds available for two years unless 

otherwise specified. 

Current Services.—The recommendation includes an increase of 

$42,799,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level to cover estimated fixed cost increases, as requested. 

Hospitals and Health Clinics.—The recommendation includes 

$1,969,000 for new Tribes as requested. The Committee has recently been made aware of ongoing litigation between the Cherokee 

Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians 

(UKB), which could be influenced by congressional action on 

$99,000 for UKB included in the budget request. The Committee is 

neutral on the matter, and will consult with all parties involved before taking final congressional action on the fiscal year 2019 budget. 

Indian Health Care Improvement Fund.—The recommendation 

includes $125,666,000 for the Indian Health Care Improvement 

Fund in order to continue to reduce health care disparities across 

the IHS system. 

Staffing for New Facilities.—The recommendation includes 

$103,931,000 for staffing newly opened health facilities, which is 

the full amount based upon updated estimates provided to the 

Committee. Funds for the staffing of new facilities are limited to 

facilities funded through the Health Care Facilities Construction 

Priority System or the Joint Venture Construction Program that 

have opened in fiscal year 2018 or will open in fiscal year 2019. 

None of these funds may be allocated to a facility until such facility 

has achieved beneficial occupancy status. 

Accreditation Emergencies.—The recommendation includes 

$58,000,000 as requested to assist IHS-operated facilities that have 

been terminated or received notice of termination from the Centers 

for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare program. Funding shall be allocated to such facilities in amounts to: restore compliance; supplement purchased/referred care, including transportation, in the event of temporary closure of such facility or one or 

more of its departments; and compensate for third-party collection 

shortfalls resulting from being out of compliance. Primary considerVerDate Sep 11 2014 06:57 Jun 20, 2018 Jkt 030458 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR765.XXX HR765

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ation should be given to facilities that have been without certification the longest. Shortfalls shall be calculated relative to the average of the collections in each of the two fiscal years preceding the 

year in which an agreement with CMS was terminated or put on 

notice of termination. Funds allocated to a facility to address compliance issues shall be made available to Tribes newly assuming 

operation of such facilities pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 (P.L. 93–638). 

Village Built Clinics.—The recommendation includes $18,000,000 

for the village built clinics leasing program, equal to the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level. 

Dental Health.—The recommendation includes $207,906,000 for 

Dental Health, $12,623,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted 

level. Increases are for fixed costs, staffing for new facilities, and 

the requested transfer. The Service is expected to staff all leadership positions in the headquarters office. 

Urban Indian Health.—The recommendation includes 

$60,000,000 for Urban Indian Health, $13,578,000 above the budget request. The Service is expected to include current services estimates for Urban Indian Health in annual budget requests. 

Indian Health Care Improvement Act.—It has been over eight 

years since the permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health 

Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), yet many of the provisions in the 

law remain unfunded. Tribes have specifically requested that priority areas for funding focus on diabetes treatment and prevention, 

behavioral health, and health professions. The Committee is aware 

of the work being done by the IHS in consultation with Tribes to 

re-evaluate the existing formula for calculating the level of need 

funded. The Service is expected to combine this calculation with 

other existing resource deficiency metrics to estimate a total 

amount necessary for fully funding existing health services, and report to the Committee no later than 180 days after enactment of 

this Act. 

Maternal and Child Health.—The Committee is aware the Indian Health Service Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has established 

the hiring of a national maternal/child health coordinator as a top 

priority for the Office of Clinical and Preventive Services. In addition, the CMO has also appointed a Chief Clinical Consultant for 

Obstetrics and Gynecology for issues related to maternal health. 

Within 90 days of enactment of this Act, the Indian Health Service 

shall report on its progress to hire a permanent Maternal and 

Child Health Coordinator at Headquarters with experience working 

as a health care provider on maternal and child health issues. 

Indian Health Professions.—The recommendation includes 

$70,765,000 for Indian Health Professions, $21,402,000 above the 

fiscal year 2018 enacted level. Loan repayments are funded at 

$55,700,000 and an additional $1,650,000 is provided for scholarships. The Committee recognizes the value of the loan repayment 

program and the scholarships program in helping to recruit and retain medical professionals. 


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CONTRACT SUPPORT COSTS

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $717,970,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 822,227,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 822,227,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +104,257,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation estimated to be $822,227,000 for contract support costs incurred by the 

agency as required by law. The bill includes language making 

available for two years such sums as are necessary to meet the 

Federal government’s full legal obligation, and prohibiting the 

transfer of funds to any other account for any other purpose. 

INDIAN HEALTH FACILITIES

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $867,504,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 505,821,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 882,748,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +15,244,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +376,927,000 

The Committee recommends $882,748,000 for Indian Health Facilities, $15,244,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$376,927,000 above the budget request. All proposed cuts are restored and IHS is expected to continue all programs at fiscal year 

2018 enacted levels except as otherwise discussed below and summarized in the table at the end of this report. 

Current Services.—The recommendation includes an increase of 

$3,942,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level to cover estimated fixed cost increases, as requested. 

Staffing for New Facilities.—The agreement includes $11,302,000 

for staffing newly opened health facilities, which is the full amount 

based upon updated estimates provided to the Committee. The stipulations included in the ‘‘Indian Health Services’’ account regarding 

the allocation of funds pertain to this account as well. 

Indian Health Care Improvement Fund.—The bill includes language allowing funds in the Indian Health Care Improvement 

Fund to be used for activities in the Facilities account. 

The methodology used to distribute facilities funding should address the fluctuating annual workload and maintain parity among 

IHS areas and Tribes as the workload shifts. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, an 

agency within the National Institutes of Health, was authorized in 

section 311(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 

Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 and in section 126(g) of 

the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to 

conduct certain research and worker training activities associated 

with the Nation’s Hazardous Substance Superfund program. 


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Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $77,349,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 53,967,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 80,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +2,651,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +26,033,000 

The Committee recommends $80,000,000 for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, $2,651,000 above the fiscal 

year 2018 enacted level and $26,033,000 above the budget request. 

AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY

TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), 

an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services, was 

created in section 104(i) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980. The 

Agency’s mission is to serve the public through responsive public 

health actions to promote healthy and safe environments and prevent harmful toxic exposures. ATSDR assesses hazardous exposures in communities near toxic waste sites and advises the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other government agencies, community groups and industry partners on actions needed to 

protect people’s health. In addition, ATSDR conducts toxicological 

and applied research to support environmental assessments, supports health surveillance systems and registries, develops and disseminates information on hazardous substances, provides education 

and training on hazardous exposures, and responds to environmental emergencies. Through a national network of scientists and 

public health practitioners in State health departments, regional 

EPA offices and headquarters, ATSDR helps to protect people from 

acute toxic exposures that occur from hazardous leaks and spills, 

environment-related poisonings, and natural and terrorism-related 

disasters. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $74,691,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 62,000,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 62,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥12,691,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $62,000,000 for the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, $12,691,000 below the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level and equal to the budget request. 

The Committee directs the Agency to focus on its core mission of 

assessing hazardous exposures and working with communities, if 

requested, near toxic waste sites and not agricultural operations 

that are regulated under a variety of State and Federal laws. 

OTHER RELATED AGENCIES 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND OFFICE OF

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was established by 

Congress under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 


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(NEPA). The Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ), which provides professional and administrative staff for the Council, was established in the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970. 

The Council on Environmental Quality has statutory responsibility 

for overseeing Federal agency implementation of the requirements 

of NEPA. CEQ also assists in coordinating environmental programs 

among the Federal agencies in the Executive Branch. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $3,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 2,994,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 2,994,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥6,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $2,994,000 for the Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental Quality, $6,000 

below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and equal to the budget 

request. 

The Committee recognizes that the Council on Environmental 

Quality (CEQ) plays a critical role in coordinating Federal efforts 

to protect our environment and natural resources. Given that role, 

the Committee urges CEQ to convene the Department of the Navy 

and the Department of the Interior, and other agencies as appropriate, to support ongoing efforts to determine the potential environmental impacts of military aviation noise on national parks, including with respect to measuring and reporting military aviation 

noise that impacts land under the administration of the National 

Park Service. 

CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is 

an independent Federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. The board members are appointed by the 

President and confirmed by the Senate. The CSB conducts rootcause investigations of chemical accidents at fixed industrial facilities. Root causes are usually deficiencies in safety management 

systems, but can be any factor that would have prevented the accident if that factor had not occurred. Other accident causes often involve equipment failures, human errors, unforeseen chemical reactions or other hazards. CSB does not issue fines or citations, but 

does make recommendations to plants, regulatory agencies such as 

the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, industry organizations, and labor 

groups. Congress designed the CSB to be non-regulatory and independent of other agencies so that its investigations might, where 

appropriate, review the effectiveness of regulations and regulatory 

enforcement. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $11,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 9,500,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 12,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +1,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +2,500,000 


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The bill provides $12,000,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the 

Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. The Board has 

the responsibility of independently investigating industrial chemical accidents and collaborating with industry and professional organizations to share safety lessons that can prevent catastrophic 

incidents and the Committee expects this work to continue. 

OFFICE OF NAVAJO AND HOPI INDIAN RELOCATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation was established 

by Public Law 93–531 to plan and conduct relocation activities associated with the settlement of a land dispute between the Navajo 

Nation and the Hopi Tribe. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $15,431,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 4,400,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 4,750,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥10,681,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +350,000 

The Committee recommends $4,750,000 for the Office of Navajo 

and Hopi Indian Relocation (ONHIR) to complete its mission and 

bring about the closure of ONHIR in accordance with its authorizing statutes. The amount above the request may be used for activities such as hiring temporary personnel, contracting for litigation support to summarize files within the statute of limitations, 

contracting for post move counseling services, and hiring a consultant to facilitate transitioning ONHIR’s database to the entity that 

assumes responsibility for ONHIR functions to ensure the information is readily available and accessible. ONHIR is directed to continue to work closely with the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, the 

Office of the Special Trustee, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the 

Department of Justice to plan and implement the timely, reasonable, and fair closure of ONHIR and transfer of any legacy responsibilities to the appropriate parties. 

INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE CULTURE AND

ARTS DEVELOPMENT

PAYMENT TO THE INSTITUTE

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $9,835,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 9,960,000 

Recommended, 2019 9,960,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +125,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $9,960,000 for the Institute of 

American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development, as requested. 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and 

research complex, with 19 museums and galleries, numerous research centers, libraries, archives, and the National Zoological 

Park. Funded by both private and Federal sources, the SmithsoVerDate Sep 11 2014 06:57 Jun 20, 2018 Jkt 030458 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR765.XXX HR765

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nian is unique in the Federal establishment. Created by an Act of 

Congress in 1846 to carry out the trust included in James 

Smithson’s will, it has been engaged for 172 years in the ‘‘increase 

and diffusion of knowledge.’’ Last year, the Smithsonian attracted 

over 30 million visits to its museums, galleries, and zoological park. 

Additional millions also view Smithsonian traveling exhibitions 

and participate in the annual Folklife Festival on the National 

Mall. As custodian of the National Collections, the Smithsonian is 

responsible for more than 155 million art objects, natural history 

specimens, and artifacts. These scientific and cultural collections 

are a vital resource for global research and conservation efforts. 

The collections are displayed for the enjoyment and education of 

visitors and are available for research by the staff of the Institution 

and by thousands of visiting students, scientists, and historians 

each year. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $731,444,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 737,944,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 737,944,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +6,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $737,944,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the Smithsonian Institution, $6,500,000 above the fiscal 

year 2018 enacted level and equal to the budget request. 

Additional Guidance.—The following additional direction and 

guidance is provided with respect to funding provided within this 

account: 

Collections Care.—The Committee maintains its longstanding 

commitment to the preservation of priceless, irreplaceable Smithsonian Institution collections and has provided funds, as requested, 

for the collections care initiative. The Committee is pleased with 

continuing efforts to improve the long-term inventory, preservation, 

and storage of historical collections. 

National Museum of African American History and Culture.— The Committee maintains its longstanding support of the National 

Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), and 

has provided funds, as requested. 

Latino Programs, Exhibitions, Collections and Public Outreach.— The Committee supports the Smithsonian Latino Center’s goal of 

promoting the inclusion of Latino contributions in Smithsonian Institution programs, exhibitions, collections and public outreach. 

The Committee urges collaboration among interested parties to advance these goals more fully by utilizing existing Smithsonian Institution museum locations for the expansion of the Smithsonian 

Latino Center’s programming, exhibition and collection space. The 

Committee has provided funds, as requested, to support the Institution’s Latino initiatives. 

Asian Pacific American Initiatives and Outreach.—The Committee provides funds as requested for the Institution’s Asian Pacific American initiatives and continues to support the Institution’s 

efforts to develop programs and expand outreach to promote a better understanding of the Asian Pacific American experience. 

Outreach.—The Committee acknowledges the Smithsonian’s new 

strategic plan and its goal to reach a billion people by 2022 with 


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a ‘‘digital first’’ strategy. The Committee encourages the Institution 

to increase outreach and support activities through collaboration 

with local museums and other interested public and non-profit organizations. The Committee continues its support of the 

Smithsonian’s Traveling Exhibitions and Affiliations programs that 

share its expertise, art, science and historical artifacts throughout 

the Nation, as well as rich educational programming. These programs ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to learn and 

experience the magnificent history which millions find every year 

exhibited in Washington, D.C. 

STEM engagement.—The Committee commends the 

Smithsonian’s efforts to provide authentic and inspiring STEM experiences for teachers and students by drawing on the scientific 

and engineering assets of the Federal government including scientists, labs, satellites, museums, and research centers. The Committee encourages the Smithsonian to continue its involvement and 

leadership in the Federal CoSTEM initiative which coordinates the 

efforts of STEM engagement across mission agencies, and other 

non-profit collaborators. The Committee is pleased that the Smithsonian continues to offer additional programs, experiences, and 

services in the creation, dissemination, and evaluation of STEM 

education content. 

FACILITIES CAPITAL

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $311,903,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 219,500,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 317,500,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +5,597,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +98,000,000 

The Committee recommends $317,500,000 for the Facilities Cap- ital account, $5,597,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

The recommendation includes funding, as requested, for the facilities capital account and an additional $98,000,000 above the budget request for the National Air and Space Museum revitalization. 

National Air and Space Museum Revitalization.—The Committee 

supports the multi-year, multi-phase renovation of the National Air 

and Space Museum (NASM), including the replacement of the 

building’s faςade and internal building systems. The bill includes 

$225,000,000 for this critical revitalization effort. 

The NASM faces mechanical, structural, and security challenges 

that necessitate action to ensure the facility’s long-term viability. 

The NASM is the most visited museum in the United States and 

second most visited museum in the world with between seven and 

eight million visitors annually. Given the scale of the project, the 

Committee directs the Institution to provide the Committee on a 

timely basis the most updated and comprehensive information on 

project and funding requirements. The Government Accountability 

Office is directed to continue its ongoing review and analysis of the 

project’s cost estimate, as directed in the Consolidated Appropriations Ace, 2017 (P.L. 115–31). Further, the Committee commends 

the Smithsonian for its efforts to identify partnership and philanthropic opportunities that will provide additional non-Federal 

sources of funding to assist in offsetting the costs of this and other 

projects. 


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NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

The National Gallery of Art is one of the world’s great galleries. 

Its magnificent works of art, displayed for the benefit of millions 

of visitors annually, and its two iconic buildings and sculpture garden, serve as an example of a successful cooperative endeavor between private individuals and institutions and the Federal government. With the special exhibitions shown in the Gallery, and 

through the many exhibitions which travel across the country, the 

Gallery brings great art treasures to Washington, DC, and to the 

Nation. Through its educational and teacher training programs and 

its website, the Gallery provides art history materials, rich online 

educational materials, direct loans, and broadcast programs to millions of Americans in every State. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $141,790,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 138,724,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 141,790,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +3,066,000 

The Committee recommends $141,790,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the National Gallery of Art, equal to the fiscal year 2018 

enacted level and $3,066,000 above the budget request. 

Bill Language.—The Committee has included bill language specifying the amount provided for Special Exhibitions. 

REPAIR, RESTORATION AND RENOVATION OF BUILDINGS

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $24,203,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 8,176,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 26,564,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +2,361,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +18,388,000 

The Committee recommends $26,564,000 for Repair, Restoration 

and Renovation of buildings at the National Gallery of Art, 

$2,361,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$18,388,000 above the budget request. The recommendation includes an additional $4,000,000 to begin projects identified for 

Work Area 9.3, including upgrading the East Building’s main electrical service equipment. 

Bill Language.—The Committee has included bill language, as 

requested, relating to lease agreements of no more than 10 years 

that addresses space needs created by ongoing renovations in the 

Master Facilities Plan. 

JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a living 

memorial to the late President Kennedy and is the National Center 

for the Performing Arts. The Center houses nine stages and seven 

theaters which have a total of more than 7,300 seats. The Center 

consists of over 1.5 million square feet of usable floor space with 

visitation averaging 8,000 on a daily basis. The support systems in 

the building often operate at capacity 18 hours a day, seven days 

a week, 365 days a year. 


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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $23,740,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 24,490,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 24,490,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +750,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $24,490,000 for Operations and 

Maintenance, $750,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

equal to the budget request. 

CAPITAL REPAIR AND RESTORATION

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $16,775,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 13,000,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 16,025,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥750,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +3,025,000 

The Committee recommends $16,025,000 for Capital Repair and 

Restoration, $750,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 

$3,025,000 above the budget request. 

WOODROW WILSON INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR SCHOLARS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars promotes 

policy-relevant research and dialogue to increase understanding 

and enhance the capabilities and knowledge of leaders, citizens, 

and institutions worldwide. The Center hosts scholars and policy 

makers to do their own advanced study, research and writing and 

facilitates debate and discussions among scholars, public officials, 

journalists and business leaders from across the country on relevant, major long-term issues facing this Nation and the world. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $12,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 7,474,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 12,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +4,526,000 

The Committee recommends $12,000,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, 

equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $4,526,000 above 

the budget request. 

NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $152,849,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 28,949,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 155,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +2,151,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +126,051,000 


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The Committee recommends $155,000,000 for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), $2,151,000 above the fiscal year 2018 

enacted level and $126,051,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee notes the broad bipartisan support of the NEA 

in commending the NEA’s participation in the National Initiative 

on Arts and the Military. This collaborative effort involving Federal 

agencies, the military, and nonprofit and private sector partners is 

working to advance the policy, research, and practice of arts therapy for military veterans and their families. Through the innovative program, ‘‘Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network,’’ the NEA is partnering with the Departments of Defense and 

Veterans Affairs to place creative arts therapies at the core of patient-centered care and increase access to therapeutic arts activities in local communities. 

The Committee commends the NEA for its ongoing collaboration 

with the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Since 2011, this unique partnership 

has supported creative and innovative arts therapies for service 

members. In 2013, this collaborative relationship expanded to bring 

art therapy to military patients at the Fort Belvoir Community 

Hospital Brain Injury Clinic in Virginia to evaluate the potential 

health benefits of creative arts therapy interventions for service 

members with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress. 

Today, the NEA is engaged in this transformative approach to 

healing at 11 clinical sites across the country. 

The Committee values greatly the longstanding collaborative relationship between the NEA and the States. State Arts Agencies 

support the arts for communities at the grassroots level regardless 

of their geographic location, providing much of their funding to 

smaller organizations, community groups, and schools. 

The Committee remains committed to supporting proven national 

initiatives with broad geographic reach. The Big Read, Challenge 

America, and Shakespeare in American Communities are among 

the cost-effective grant programs with broad, bipartisan congressional support that meet these criteria, supporting the NEA’s goal 

of extending the arts to underserved populations in both urban and 

rural communities across the United States. 

The Committee supports the NEA’s work with STEAM, adding 

the Arts to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and 

Mathematic) education initiatives. The Committee encourages the 

NEA to continue its research efforts and work with cultural institutions, arts organizations, and other Federal agencies in furthering 

STEAM initiatives. STEAM programs have proven effective in student achievement, subject area understanding, and fostering innovation and creativity and preparing young Americans for the 21st 

century and beyond. 

Bill Language.—Each year, the Committee provides in bill language specific guidelines under which the Endowment is directed 

to distribute taxpayer dollars in support of the arts. With the exception of established honorific programs, grant funding to individual artists is strictly prohibited. The Committee directs that priority be given to providing services or grant funding for projects, 

productions, or programs that encourage public knowledge, education, understanding, and appreciation of the arts. Any reduction 

in support to the States for arts education should be no more than 


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proportional to other funding decreases taken in other NEA programs. 

Reforms originally instituted by the Committee in P.L. 108–447 

relating to grant guidelines and program priorities are fully restated in Sections 413 and 414 of the bill. The Committee expects 

the NEA to adhere to them fully. These reforms maintain broad bipartisan support and continue to serve well both the NEA and the 

public. 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES

GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION

(INCLUDING MATCHING GRANTS)

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $152,848,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 42,307,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 155,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +2,152,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +112,693,000 

The Committee recommends a total of $155,000,000 for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), $2,152,000 above the 

fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $112,693,000 above the budget 

request. 

The Committee notes the broad bipartisan support of the NEH 

in commending the NEH for its support of grant programs to benefit wounded warriors and to ensure educational opportunities for 

veterans and service members transitioning to civilian life. In partnership with NEH, State humanities councils have developed and 

delivered local programs that support veterans, their families and 

caregivers. The Committee encourages the NEH to fully support efforts to connect the humanities to the experience of veterans and 

provide educational opportunities to these American heroes. 

The Committee commends the NEH for its ongoing support to 

American Indian and Alaska Native communities in preserving 

their cultural and linguistic heritage through the Documenting Endangered Languages program and a variety of preservation and access grants that enable American Indian and Alaska Native communities to preserve cultural artifacts and make them broadly accessible. The Committee also commends the NEH for providing 

educational opportunities for Tribal communities through the Humanities Initiatives at Tribal Colleges and Universities program. 

The Committee commends the NEH Federal/State Partnership 

for its ongoing, successful collaboration with State humanities 

councils in each of the 50 states as well as Washington, DC, the 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American 

Samoa. The Committee recognizes the State humanities councils 

for the scope and reach of public humanities programming in congressional districts across the nation, which serve rural areas, promote family literacy, and support cultural tourism that contributes 

to local economies. Every NEH dollar received by a council is 

matched by a local contribution. In recent years, the proportion of 

NEH program funds supporting the work of State humanities councils has grown to nearly 40 percent. The Committee urges the NEH 

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ities councils consistent with the guidance provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018. 

COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS

The Commission of Fine Arts was established in 1910 to advise 

the government on matters pertaining to the design of national 

symbols, and particularly to guide the architectural development of 

Washington, DC. The Commission’s work includes advice on designs for parks, public buildings, public art, as well as the design 

of national monuments, coins and medals, and overseas American 

military cemeteries. In addition, the Commission conducts design 

reviews of semipublic and private structures within the Old 

Georgetown Historic District and within certain areas of the National Capital that are adjacent to areas of Federal interest. The 

Commission reviews approximately 750 projects annually. The 

Commission also administers the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs program. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $2,762,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 2,771,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 2,771,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +9,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $2,771,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the Commission of Fine Arts, $9,000 above the fiscal year 

2018 enacted level and equal to the budget request. 

NATIONAL CAPITAL ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $2,750,000 

Budget Estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 2,750,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +2,750,000 

The National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs (NCACA) program was established in Public Law 99–190 to support organizations that perform, exhibit, and/or present the arts in the Nation’s 

Capital. NCACA provides grants to support Ford’s Theater, the National Symphony Orchestra, the National Museum of Women in the 

Arts, and other arts organizations. The Committee recommends 

$2,750,000, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established the 

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP). The ACHP was 

granted permanent authorization as part of the National Historic 

Preservation Act Amendments of 2006 (Public Law 109–453). The 

ACHP promotes the preservation, enhancement, and productive 

use of our Nation’s historic resources and advises the President 

and Congress on national historic preservation policy. 


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Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $6,400,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 6,440,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 6,440,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... +40,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $6,440,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), 

$40,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and equal to the 

budget request. 

NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The National Capital Planning Act of 1952 designated the National Capital Planning Commission as the central planning agency 

for the Federal government in the National Capital Region. The 

three major functions of the Commission are to prepare and adopt 

the Federal elements of the National Capital Comprehensive Plan; 

prepare an annual report on a five-year projection of the Federal 

Capital Improvement Program; and review plans and proposals 

submitted to the Commission. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $8,099,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 7,948,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 8,099,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +151,000 

The Committee recommends $8,099,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the National Capital Planning Commission, equal to the 

fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $151,000 above the budget request. 

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

In 1980, Congress passed legislation creating a 65-member Holocaust Memorial Council with the mandate to create and oversee a 

living memorial/museum to victims of the Holocaust. The museum 

opened in April 1993. Construction costs for the museum came 

solely from donated funds raised by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial 

Museum Campaign, and appropriated funds were used for planning and development of programmatic components, overall administrative support, and annual commemorative observances. Since 

the opening of the museum, appropriated funds have been provided 

to pay for the ongoing operating costs of the museum as authorized 

by Public Law 102–529 and Public Law 106–292. Private funds 

support educational outreach throughout the United States. 

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $59,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 56,602,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 58,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥1,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +1,398,000 

The Committee recommends $58,000,000 for the Holocaust Memorial Museum, $1,000,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted 


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level and $1,398,000 above the budget request. The Committee provides $57,000,000 for operations and recommends an additional 

$1,000,000 to continue priority capital improvement and deferred 

maintenance projects. 

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MEMORIAL COMMISSION

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission was created by 

Congress in 1999 through Public Law 106–79 for the purpose of establishing a permanent national memorial to Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe in 

World War II and 34th President of the United States. The Commission consists of 12 members, four members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and four private citizens appointed by 

the President. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $1,800,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 1,800,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 1,800,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ 0 

The bill includes $1,800,000 for the Salaries and Expenses account, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and the budget 

request. The Committee notes that the final installment of construction funding necessary to complete the memorial was provided 

in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115– 

141). 

WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE CENTENNIAL COMMISSION

The Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission was established 

by Congress in 2017 in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017, 

P.L. 115–31. The purpose of the commission is to study and make 

recommendations for the national commemoration of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution on August 18, 

1920, that guaranteed women the right to vote. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $1,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 500,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥500,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ +500,000 

The bill provides $500,000 for the salaries and expenses account 

of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission, $500,000 below 

the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $500,000 above the budget 

request. The Committee notes that Congress has provided a total 

of $3,000,000 over the past two fiscal years for the Commission and 

activities related to the Women’s Suffrage Centennial. However, a 

quorum has not been established and an executive director has not 

been appointed. When a quorum is achieved, the Committee requests a briefing on how the funding appropriated to date will be 

obligated and at such time will consider the need for additional appropriations for fiscal year 2019. 


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WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION

The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission was created by an 

Act of Congress in 2013 as an independent agency of the Legislative Branch of the United States government. Members of the 12- 

member Commission were appointed by the President and the leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the 

American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the National 

World War I Museum. The Commission’s mission is to plan, develop, and execute programs, projects and activities to commemorate the Centennial of World War I. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2018 .............................................................. $7,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ....................................................................... 6,000,000 

Recommended, 2019 ........................................................................... 3,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2018 .................................................................... ¥4,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2019 ................................................................ ¥3,000,000 

The Committee recommends $3,000,000 for salaries and expenses 

of the World War I Centennial Commission. Additional funds are 

not provided because the Commission’s budget was increased for 

fiscal year 2018 to coincide with the centennial of the end of the 

war. 

TITLE IV—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

Section 401 continues a provision prohibiting activities to promote public support or opposition to legislative proposals. 

Section 402 continues a provision providing for annual appropriations unless expressly provided otherwise in this Act. 

Section 403 continues a provision providing restrictions on departmental assessments unless approved by the Committee on Appropriations. 

Section 404 continues a limitation on accepting and processing 

applications for patents and on the patenting of Federal lands. 

Section 405 continues a provision regarding the payment of contract support costs for prior fiscal years. 

Section 406 addresses the payment of contract support costs for 

fiscal year 2019. 

Section 407 continues a provision providing that the Secretary of 

Agriculture shall not be considered in violation of certain provisions of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning 

Act solely because more than 15 years have passed without revision of a forest plan, provided that the Secretary is working in good 

faith to complete the plan revision. 

Section 408 continues a provision limiting preleasing, leasing, 

and related activities within the boundaries of National Monuments. 

Section 409 continues a provision which restricts funding for acquisition of lands or interests in lands from being used for declarations of taking or complaints in condemnation. 

Section 410 continues a provision addressing timber sales involving Alaskan western red cedar. 

Section 411 continues a provision which prohibits no-bid contracts and grants except under certain circumstances. 


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Section 412 continues a provision which requires public disclosure of certain reports. 

Section 413 continues a provision which delineates the grant 

guidelines for the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Section 414 continues a provision which delineates the program 

priorities for programs managed by the National Endowment for 

the Arts. 

Section 415 continues a provision requiring the Department of 

the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service, and 

Indian Health Service to provide the Committees on Appropriations 

quarterly reports on the status of balances of appropriations. 

Section 416 continues a provision prohibiting the use of funds to 

promulgate or implement any regulation requiring the issuance of 

permits under title V of the Clean Air Act for carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, water vapor, or methane emissions. 

Section 417 continues a provision prohibiting the use of funds to 

implement any provision in a rule if that provision requires mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems. 

Section 418 prohibits the use of funds to regulate the lead content of ammunition or fishing tackle. 

Section 419 continues a provision through fiscal year 2020 authorizing the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to consider local contractors when awarding contracts for 

certain activities on public lands. 

Section 420 extends the authorization for the Chesapeake Bay 

Initiative through fiscal year 2020. 

Section 421 extends certain authorities through fiscal year 2019 

allowing the Forest Service to renew grazing permits. 

Section 422 prohibits the use of funds to maintain or establish 

a computer network unless such network is designed to block access to pornography websites. 

Section 423 extends the authority of the Forest Service Facility 

Realignment and Enhancement Act. 

Section 424 sets requirements for the use of American iron and 

steel for certain loans and grants. 

Section 425 prohibits the use of funds to destroy any building or 

structures on Midway Island that has been recommended by the 

U.S. Navy for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. 

Section 426 reauthorizes funding for one year for the John F. 

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 

Section 427 provides authority for the Secretary of the Interior 

to enter into training agreements and to transfer excess equipment 

and supplies for wildfires. 

Section 428 provides a one-year extension of the current recreation fee authority. 

Section 429 addresses carbon emissions from forest biomass. 

Section 430 prohibits the use of funds to require permits for the 

discharge of dredged or fill material for certain agriculture activities. 

Section 431 addresses the Waters of the United States rule. 

Section 432 prohibits the use of funds to issue any regulation 

under the Solid Waste Disposal Act that applies to an animal feeding operation. 


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Section 433 prohibits the use of funds to limit recreational shooting and hunting on Federal and public lands except for public safety. 

Section 434 makes available vacant grazing allotments for permittees impacted by drought or wildland fire. 

Section 435 makes additional investments in water infrastructure priorities and Superfund long-term cleanup remedies. 

Section 436 provides authority for the Secretary of Agriculture to 

hire resource assistants under certain circumstances. 

Sec. 437 expedites completion of a project providing reliable 

water supplies to Central and Southern California. 

Sec. 438 prohibits the use of funds to introduce grizzly bears into 

certain areas in the State of Washington. 

Sec. 439 provides authority for the Secretary of the Interior to 

use sterilization in the management of wild horses and burros. 

Sec. 440 prohibits the use of funds to set aside any additional 

forest habitat for the marbled murrelet seabird. 

Sec. 441 exempts California water infrastructure projects from 

judicial review. 

Sec. 442 redistributes proceeds from energy production in Alaska. 

Section 443 establishes a Spending Reduction Account in the bill. 

Bill-Wide Reporting Requirements 

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


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STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following is a statement of general performance goals and objectives for which this measure authorizes funding: 

The Committee on Appropriations considers program performance, including a program’s success in developing and attaining 

outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing funding recommendations. 

RESCISSION OF FUNDS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following table is submitted describing the 

rescissions recommended in the accompanying bill: 

Department and activity 

Amounts Precommended for rescission 

Department of the Interior: Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, Administrative Provisions .......................................................................................................................................................... $4,000,000 

Environmental Protection Agency: Science and Technology ............................................................................ $7,350,000 

Environmental Protection Agency: Environmental Programs and Management .............................................. $40,000,000

Environmental Protection Agency: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) .............................................. $75,000,000 

TRANSFERS OF FUNDS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following table is submitted describing the 

transfer of funds in the accompanying bill. 


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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 by 

clause 9 of rule XXI. 

COMPLIANCE WITH RULE XIII, CL. 3(e) (RAMSEYER RULE) 

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, 

as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, 

existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman): 

CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2012 

(Public Law 112-74) 

* * * * * * * 

DIVISION E—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2012 

TITLE I 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

* * * * * * * 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT ACTIONS REGARDING 

GRAZING ON PUBLIC LANDS 

SEC. 122. (a) EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW REQUIRED.— 

(1) For øfiscal years 2012 through 2022,¿ fiscal year 2012 

and each fiscal year thereafter, a person may bring a civil action challenging a decision of the Bureau of Land Management 

concerning grazing on public lands (as defined in section 103(e) 

of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 

U.S.C. 1702(e))) in a Federal district court only if the person 

has exhausted the administrative hearings and appeals procedures established by the Department of the Interior, including 

having filed a timely appeal and a request for stay. 

(2) An issue may be considered in the judicial review of a decision referred to in paragraph (1) only if the issue was raised 

in the administrative review process described in such paragraph. 

(3) An exception to the requirement of exhausting the administrative review process before seeking judicial review shall be 

available if a Federal court finds that the agency failed or was 

unable to make information timely available during the administrative review process for issues of material fact. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘‘timely’’ means within 120 

calendar days after the date that the challenge to the agency 

action or amendment at issue is received for administrative review. 


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(b) ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION OF CERTAIN EXISTING PERMITS OR

LEASES.— 

(1) During fiscal year 2012 and thereafter, the Secretary of 

the Interior shall accept the donation of any valid existing permits or leases authorizing grazing on public lands within the 

California Desert Conservation Area. With respect to each permit or lease donated under this paragraph, the Secretary shall 

terminate the grazing permit or lease, ensure a permanent end 

(except as provided in paragraph (2)), to grazing on the land 

covered by the permit or lease, and make the land available for 

mitigation by allocating the forage to wildlife use consistent 

with any applicable Habitat Conservation Plan, section 

10(a)(1)(B) permit, or section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). 

(2) If the land covered by a permit or lease donated under 

paragraph (1) is also covered by another valid existing permit 

or lease that is not donated under such paragraph, the Secretary of the Interior shall reduce the authorized grazing level 

on the land covered by the permit or lease to reflect the donation of the permit or lease under paragraph (1). To ensure that 

there is a permanent reduction in the level of grazing on the 

land covered by a permit or lease donated under paragraph (1), 

the Secretary shall not allow grazing use to exceed the authorized level under the remaining valid existing permit or lease 

that is not donated. 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE IV 

GENERAL PROVISIONS 

* * * * * * * 

CONTRACTING AUTHORITIES 

SEC. 412. In awarding a Federal contract with funds made available by this Act, notwithstanding Federal Government procurement and contracting laws, the Secretary of Agriculture and the 

Secretary of the Interior (the ‘‘Secretaries’’) may, in evaluating bids 

and proposals, through øfiscal year 2019¿ fiscal year 2020, give 

consideration to local contractors who are from, and who provide 

employment and training for, dislocated and displaced workers in 

an economically disadvantaged rural community, including those 

historically timber-dependent areas that have been affected by reduced timber harvesting on Federal lands and other forest-dependent rural communities isolated from significant alternative employment opportunities: Provided, That notwithstanding Federal Government procurement and contracting laws the Secretaries may 

award contracts, grants or cooperative agreements to local nonprofit entities, Youth Conservation Corps or related partnerships 

with State, local or non-profit youth groups, or small or micro-business or disadvantaged business: Provided further, That the contract, grant, or cooperative agreement is for forest hazardous fuels 

reduction, watershed or water quality monitoring or restoration, 

wildlife or fish population monitoring, road decommissioning, trail 

maintenance or improvement, or habitat restoration or manageVerDate Sep 11 2014 06:57 Jun 20, 2018 Jkt 030458 PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6601 E:\HR\OC\HR765.XXX HR765

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ment: Provided further, That the terms ‘‘rural community’’ and 

‘‘economically disadvantaged’’ shall have the same meanings as in 

section 2374 of Public Law 101-624 (16 U.S.C. 6612): Provided further, That the Secretaries shall develop guidance to implement this 

section: Provided further, That nothing in this section shall be construed as relieving the Secretaries of any duty under applicable 

procurement laws, except as provided in this section. 

* * * * * * * 

CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2014 

(Public Law 113-76) 

* * * * * * * 

DIVISION G—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2014 

TITLE I 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

* * * * * * * 

CONTRIBUTION AUTHORITY 

SEC. 113. In fiscal years 2014 through ø2019,¿ 2024, the Secretary of the Interior may accept from public and private sources 

contributions of money and services for use by the Bureau of Ocean 

Energy Management or the Bureau of Safety and Environmental 

Enforcement to conduct work in support of the orderly exploration 

and development of Outer Continental Shelf resources, including 

preparation of environmental documents such as impact statements and assessments, studies, and related research. 

* * * * * * * 

CHESAPEAKE BAY INITIATIVE ACT OF 1998 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE V—CHESAPEAKE BAY INITIATIVE 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 502. CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS AND WATERTRAILS. 

(a) CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS AND WATERTRAILS NETWORK.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Interior (referred to in 

this section as the ‘‘Secretary’’), in cooperation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in 

this section as the ‘‘Administrator’’), shall provide technical 

and financial assistance, in cooperation with other Federal 

agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, 

and the private sector— 


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(A) to identify, conserve, restore, and interpret natural, 

recreational, historical, and cultural resources within the 

Chesapeake Bay Watershed; 

(B) to identify and utilize the collective resources as 

Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay; 

(C) to link the Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites with 

trails, tour roads, scenic byways, and other connections as 

determined by the Secretary; 

(D) to develop and establish Chesapeake Bay Watertrails 

comprising water routes and connections to Chesapeake 

Bay Gateways sites and other land resources within the 

Chesapeake Bay Watershed; and 

(E) to create a network of Chesapeake Bay Gateways 

sites and Chesapeake Bay Watertrails. 

(2) COMPONENTS.—Components of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network may include— 

(A) State or Federal parks or refuges; 

(B) historic seaports; 

(C) archaeological, cultural, historical, or recreational 

sites; or 

(D) other public access and interpretive sites as selected 

by the Secretary. 

(b) CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS GRANTS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in cooperation with the Administrator, shall establish a Chesapeake Bay Gateways 

Grants Assistance Program to aid State and local governments, 

local communities, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector in conserving, restoring, and interpreting important historic, cultural, recreational, and natural resources within the 

Chesapeake Bay Watershed. 

(2) CRITERIA.—The Secretary, in cooperation with the Administrator, shall develop appropriate eligibility, prioritization, 

and review criteria for grants under this section. 

(3) MATCHING FUNDS AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.—A 

grant under this section— 

(A) shall not exceed 50 percent of eligible project costs; 

(B) shall be made on the condition that non-Federal 

sources, including in-kind contributions of services or materials, provide the remainder of eligible project costs; and 

(C) shall be made on the condition that not more than 

10 percent of all eligible project costs be used for administrative expenses. 

(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is authorized to 

be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through ø2019¿ 2020. 

FOREST SERVICE FACILITY REALIGNMENT AND 

ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005 

* * * * * * * 


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TITLE V—FOREST SERVICE FACILITY 

REALIGNMENT AND ENHANCEMENT 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 503. AUTHORIZATION FOR CONVEYANCE OF FOREST SERVICE 

ADMINISTRATIVE SITES. 

(a) CONVEYANCES AUTHORIZED.—In the manner provided by this 

title, the Secretary may convey an administrative site, or an interest in an administrative site, that is under the jurisdiction of the 

Secretary. 

(b) MEANS OF CONVEYANCE.—The conveyance of an administrative site under this title may be made— 

(1) by sale; 

(2) by lease; 

(3) by exchange; 

(4) by a combination of sale and exchange; or 

(5) by such other means as the Secretary considers appropriate. 

(c) SIZE OF CONVEYANCE.—An administrative site or compound of 

administrative sites disposed of in a single conveyance under this 

title may not exceed 40 acres. 

(d) CERTAIN LANDS EXCLUDED.—The following Federal land may 

not be conveyed under this title: 

(1) Any land within a unit of the National Forest System 

that is exclusively designated for natural area or recreational 

purposes. 

(2) Any land included within the National Wilderness Preservation System, the Wild and Scenic River System, or a National Monument. 

(3) Any land that the Secretary determines— 

(A) is needed for resource management purposes or to 

provide access to other land or water; 

(B) is surrounded by National Forest System land or 

other publicly owned land, if conveyance would not be in 

the public interest due to the creation of a non-Federal 

inholding that would preclude the efficient management of 

the surrounding land; or 

(C) would be in the public interest to retain. 

(e) CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATIONS.— 

(1) NOTICE OF ANTICIPATED USE OF AUTHORITY.—As part of 

the annual budget justification documents provided to the 

Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 

and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Secretary shall include— 

(A) a list of the anticipated conveyances to be made, including the anticipated revenue that may be obtained, 

using the authority provided by this title or other conveyance authorities available to the Secretary; 

(B) a discussion of the intended purposes of any new revenue obtained using this authority or other conveyance authorities available to the Secretary, and a list of any individual projects that exceed $500,000; and 


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(C) a presentation of accomplishments of previous years 

using this authority or other conveyance authorities available to the Secretary. 

(2) NOTICE OF CHANGES TO CONVEYANCE LIST.—If the Secretary proposes to convey an administrative site under this 

title or using other conveyance authorities available to the Secretary and the administrative site is not included on a list provided under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall submit to the 

congressional committees specified in paragraph (3) written notice of the proposed conveyance, including the anticipated revenue that may be obtained from the conveyance. 

(3) NOTICE OF USE OF AUTHORITY.—At least once a year, the 

Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, the 

Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report containing a description of all 

conveyances of National Forest System land made by the Secretary under this title or other conveyance authorities during 

the period covered by the report. 

(f) DURATION OF AUTHORITY.—The authority of the Secretary to 

initiate the conveyance of an administrative site under this title expires on September 30, ø2018¿ 2019. (g) REPEAL OF PILOT CONVEYANCE AUTHORITY.—Effective September 30, 2006, section 329 of the Department of the Interior and 

Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 (16 U.S.C. 580d note; 

Public Law 107-63), is repealed. Notwithstanding the repeal of 

such section, the Secretary may complete the conveyance under 

such section of any administrative site whose conveyance was initiated under such section before that date. 

* * * * * * * 

JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER ACT 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 13. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 

ø(a) MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND SECURITY.—There is authorized 

to be appropriated to the Board to carry out section 4(a)(1)(H), 

$23,740,000 for fiscal year 2018. 

ø(b) CAPITAL PROJECTS.—There is authorized to be appropriated 

to the Board to carry out subparagraphs (F) and (G) of section 

4(a)(1), $16,775,000 for fiscal year 2018.¿ 

(a) MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND SECURITY.—There is authorized 

to be appropriated to the Board to carry out section 4(a)(1)(H), 

$24,490,000 for fiscal year 2019. 

(b) CAPITAL PROJECTS.—There is authorized to be appropriated to 

the Board to carry out subparagraphs (F) and (G) of section 4(a)(1), 

$16,025,000 for fiscal year 2019. 

(c) JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER PLAZA.—There is authorized to be 

appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation for capital costs incurred in the planning, design, engineering, and construction of the 

project authorized by section 12 (including roadway improvements 

related to the North and South Interchanges and construction of 


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the John F. Kennedy Center Plaza, but not including construction 

of any buildings on the plaza) a total of $400,000,000 for fiscal 

years 2003 through 2010. Such sums shall remain available until 

expended. 

(d) PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Board such sums as are necessary to carry out section 7, to remain available until expended. 

(e) LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS.—No funds appropriated pursuant to this section may be used for any direct expense incurred in 

the production of a performing arts attraction, for personnel who 

are involved in performing arts administration (including any supply or equipment used by the personnel), or for production, staging, 

public relations, marketing, fundraising, ticket sales, or education. 

Funds appropriated directly to the Board shall not affect nor diminish other Federal funds sought for any performing arts function 

and may be used to reimburse the Board for that portion of costs 

that are Federal costs reasonably allocated to building services and 

theater maintenance and repair. 

* * * * * * * 

FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT ACT 

* * * * * * * 

DIVISION J—OTHER MATTERS 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE VIII—FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT 

ACT 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 810. SUNSET PROVISION. 

The authority of the Secretary to carry out this Act shall terminate øSeptember 30, 2019¿ September 30, 2021. 

* * * * * * * 

PUBLIC LAW 89–761 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 

United States of America in Congress assembled, In order to preserve for the educational, inspirational, and recreational use of the 

public certain portions of the Indiana dunes and other areas of scenic, scientific, and historic interest and recreational value in the 

State of Indiana, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to establish and administer the Indiana Dunes øNational Lakeshore¿ 

National Park (hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘ølakeshore¿ Park’’) 

in accordance with the provisions of this Act. The ølakeshore¿ Park 

shall comprise the area within the boundaries delineated on a map 

identified as ‘‘Boundary Map, Indiana Dunes øNational Lakeshore¿ 

National Park’’, dated October 1992, and numbered 626–80,039–C, 

which map is on file and available for public inspection in the office 

of the Director of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. 


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SEC. 2. (a) Within the boundaries of the ølakeshore¿ Park the 

Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) 

is authorized to acquire lands, waters, and other property, or any 

interest therein, by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, exchange, or otherwise. The Indiana Dunes State 

Park may be acquired only by donation of the State of Indiana, and 

the Secretary is hereby directed to negotiate with the State for the 

acquisition of said park. In exercising his authority to acquire property by exchange for the purposes of this Act, the Secretary may 

accept title to non-Federal property located within the area described in section 1 of this Act and convey to the grantor of such 

property any federally owned property under the jurisdiction of the 

Secretary which he classifies as suitable for exchange or other disposal within the State of Indiana or Illinois. Properties so exchanged shall be approximately equal in fair market value, as determined by the Secretary who may, in his discretion, base his determination on an independent appraisal obtained by him: Provided, That the Secretary may accept cash from or pay cash to the 

grantor in such an exchange in order to equalize the values of the 

properties exchanged. The Secretary is expressly authorized to acquire by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or 

exchange, lands or interests therein which are owned for school or 

educational purposes by a State or a political subdivision thereof. 

(b) In exercising his authority to acquire property under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may enter into contracts 

requiring the expenditure, when appropriated, of funds authorized 

to be appropriated by section 9 of this Act, but the liability of the 

United States under any such contract shall be contingent on the 

appropriation of funds sufficient to fulfill the obligations thereby 

incurred. 

SEC. 3. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, 

and following the acquisition by the Secretary of an acreage within 

the boundaries of the area described in section 1 of this Act which 

in his opinion is efficiently administrable for the purposes of this 

Act, he shall establish the Indiana Dunes øNational Lakeshore¿ 

National Park by publication of notice thereof in the Federal Register. By no later than October 1, 1977, the Secretary shall publish 

in the Federal Register a detailed description of the boundaries of 

the ølakeshore¿ Park and shall from time to time so publish any 

additional boundary changes as may occur. Following such establishment and subject to the limitations and conditions prescribed in 

section 2 hereof, the Secretary may continue to acquire lands and 

interests in lands for the ølakeshore¿ Park. 

SEC. 4. As used in this Act, the term ‘‘improved property’’ means 

a detached, one-family dwelling which meets each of the following 

criteria: 

(1) The construction of the dwelling began before the date 

(shown in the table contained in this section) corresponding to 

the appropriate map. 

(2) The property is located within the boundaries delineated 

on the map described in such table which corresponds to such 

date. 

(3) The property is not located within the boundaries of any 

other map referred to in such table which bears an earlier 

date. 


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The term ‘‘appropriate map’’, means a map identified as ‘‘Boundary 

Map—Indiana Dunes øNational Lakeshore¿ National Park’’ (or ‘‘A 

Proposed Indiana Dunes øNational Lakeshore¿ National Park’’ in 

the case of a dwelling the construction of which was begun before 

January 4, 1965) which is dated and numbered as provided in the 

following table. 

Property within boundaries of map Construction began before 

Dated October 1992, No. 626–80,039–C October 1, 1991 

Dated October 1986, No. 626–80,033–B February 1, 1986 

Dated December 1980, No. 626–91014 January 1, 1981 

Dated September 1976, No. 626–91007 February 1, 1973 

Dated September 1966, No. LNPNE– 

1008–ID 

January 4, 1965 

The term ‘‘improved property’’ also includes the lands on which 

the dwelling is situated which meets both of the following criteria: 

(A) The land is in the same ownership as the dwelling. 

(B) The Secretary has designated the lands as reasonably 

necessary for the enjoyment of the dwelling for the sole purpose of noncommercial residential use. 

Such term also includes any structures accessory to the dwelling 

which are situated on the lands so designated. The maps referred 

to in this section shall be on file and available for public inspection 

in the Office of the Director of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. The Secretary shall designate the land referred to in subparagraph (B). The amount of land so designated 

shall in every case be not more than three acres in area, and in 

making such designation the Secretary shall take into account the 

manner of noncommercial residential use in which the dwelling 

and land have customarily been enjoyed: Provided, That the Secretary may exclude from the land so designated any beach or 

waters, together with so much of the land adjoining such beach or 

waters, as he may deem necessary for public access thereto or public use thereof. All rights of use and occupancy shall be subject to 

such terms and conditions as the Secretary deems appropriate to 

assure the use of such property in accordance with the purposes of 

this Act. 

SEC. 5. (a)(1) Except for owners described in paragraph (2) and 

owners of improved property within the area on the map referred 

to in the first section of this Act, dated December 1980, and numbered 626–91014, as area II–B, any owner or owners of record of 

improved property may retain a right of use and occupancy of said 

improved property for noncommercial residential purposes for a 

term (A) ending on his or her death or the death of his or her 

spouse, whichever occurs last, or (B) for a fixed term not to extend 

beyond September 30, 2010, or such lesser term as the owner or 

owners may elect at the time of acquisition by the Secretary. In the 

case of improved property within the boundaries of the map dated 

December 1980 and numbered 626–91014 the retention of a retained right under clause numbered (A) shall only be available to 

homeowners of record as of October 1, 1980, who have attained the 

age of majority as of that date and make a bona fide written offer 

not later than October 1, 1985, to sell to the Secretary. Where any 

such owner retains a right of use and occupancy as herein provided, such right during its existence may be conveyed or leased for 


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noncommercial residential purposes. The Secretary shall pay to the 

owner the fair market value of the property on the date of such acquisition, less the fair market value on such date of the right retained by the owner. 

(2)(A) In the case of property included within the boundaries of 

the ølakeshore¿ Park after 1980, any owner or owners of record of 

improved property may retain a right of use and occupancy for noncommercial residential purposes for a term ending at either of the 

following: 

(i) A fixed term not to extend beyond September 30, 2010, or 

such lesser fixed term as the owner or owners may elect at the 

time of acquisition. 

(ii) A term ending at the death of any owner or of a spouse 

of any owner, whichever occurs last. 

The owner shall elect the term to be reserved. 

(B) The retention of rights under subparagraph (A) shall be 

available only to individuals who are homeowners of record as of 

July 1, 1986, who have attained the age of majority as of that date 

and who make a bona fide written offer not later than July 1, 1991, 

to sell to the Secretary. 

(3)(A) In the case of improved property included within the 

boundaries of the ølakeshore¿ Park after October 1, 1991, that was 

not included within such boundaries on or before that date, an individual who is an owner of record of such property may retain a 

right of use and occupancy of such improved property for noncommercial residential purposes for a term ending, subject to subparagraph (B), at either of the following: 

(i) A fixed term not to extend beyond October 1, 2020, or 

such lesser fixed term as the owner may elect at the time of 

acquisition. 

(ii) A term ending at the death of the owner or the owner’s 

spouse, whichever occurs later. The owner or owners shall elect 

the term to be reserved. 

(B) Subparagraph (A)(ii) shall apply only to improved property 

owned by an individual who— 

(i) was an owner of record of the property as of October 1, 

1991; 

(ii) had attained the age of majority as of that date; and 

(iii) made a bona fide written offer not later than October 1, 

1997, to sell the property to the Secretary. 

(b) Upon his determination that the property, or any portion 

thereof, has ceased to be used in accordance with the applicable 

terms and conditions, the Secretary may terminate a right of use 

and occupancy. Nonpayment of property taxes, validly assessed, on 

any retained right of use and occupancy shall also be grounds for 

termination of such right by the Secretary. In the event the Secretary terminates a right of use and occupancy under this subsection he shall pay to the owners of the retained right so terminated an amount equal to the fair market value of the portion of 

said right which remained unexpired on the date of termination. 

With respect to any right of use and occupancy in existence on the 

effective date of this sentence, standards for retention of such 

rights in effect at the time such rights were reserved shall constitute the terms and conditions referred to in section 4. 


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(c) With respect to improved properties acquired prior to the enactment of this subsection and upon which a valid existing right of 

use and occupancy has been reserved for a term of not more than 

twenty years, the Secretary may, in his discretion, extend the term 

of such retained right for a period of not more than nine years 

upon receipt of payment prior to September 30, 1983, from the 

holder of the retained right. The amount of such payment shall be 

equivalent to the amount discounted from the purchase price paid 

by the Secretary for the identical period of time under the terms 

of the original sale adjusted by a general index adopted by the Secretary reflecting overall value trends within Indiana Dunes øNational Lakeshore¿ National Park between the time of the original 

sale and the time of the retained right of extension offered by this 

subsection. 

SEC. 6. In order that the ølakeshore¿ Park shall be permanently 

preserved in its present state, no development or plan for the convenience of visitors shall be undertaken therein which would be incompatible with the preservation of the unique flora and fauna or 

the physiographic conditions now prevailing or with the preservation of such historic sites and structures as the Secretary may designate: Provided, That the Secretary may provide for the public enjoyment and understanding of the unique natural, historic, and scientific features within the ølakeshore¿ Park by establishing such 

trails, observation points, and exhibits and providing such services 

as he may deem desirable for such public enjoyment and understanding: Provided further, That the Secretary may develop for appropriate public uses such portions of the ølakeshore¿ Park as he 

deems especially adaptable for such uses. 

SEC. 7. (a) There is hereby established an Indiana Dunes øNational Lakeshore¿ National Park Advisory Commission. Said Commission shall terminate on September 30, 1985. 

(b) The Commission shall be composed of thirteen members, each 

appointed for a term of two years by the Secretary, as follows: (1) 

one member who is a year-round resident of Porter County to be 

appointed from recommendations made by the commissioners of 

such county; (2) one member who is a year-round resident of the 

town of Beverly Shores to be appointed from the recommendations 

made by the board of trustees of such town; (3) one member who 

is a year-round resident of the towns of Porter, Dune Acres, Pines, 

Chesterton, Ogden Dunes, or the village of Tremont, such member 

to be appointed from recommendations made by the boards of 

trustees or the trustee of the affected town or township; (4) two 

members who are year-round residents of the city of Michigan City 

to be appointed from recommendations made by such city; (5) two 

members to be appointed from recommendations made by the Governor of the State of Indiana; (6) one member to be designated by 

the Secretary; (7) two members who are year-round residents of the 

city of Gary to be appointed from recommendations made by the 

mayor of such city; (8) one member to be appointed from recommendations made by a regional planning agency established 

under the authority of the laws of the State of Indiana and composed of representatives of local and county governments in northwestern Indiana; (9) one member who is a year-round resident of 

the city of Portage to be appointed from recommendations made by 

the mayor of such city; and (10) one member who holds a reservaVerDate Sep 11 2014 06:57 Jun 20, 2018 Jkt 030458 PO 00000 Frm 00119 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6601 E:\HR\OC\HR765.XXX HR765

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tion of use and occupancy and is a year-round resident within the 

ølakeshore¿ Park to be designated by the Secretary. 

(c) The Secretary shall designate one member to be Chairman. 

Any vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the same manner 

in which the original appointment was made 

(d) A member of the Commission shall serve without compensation as such. The Secretary is authorized to pay the expense reasonably incurred by the Commission in carrying out its responsibilities under this Act on vouchers signed by the Chairman. 

(e) The Secretary or his designee shall, from time to time, consult 

with the Commission with respect to matters relating to the development of the Indiana Dunes øNational Lakeshore¿ National Park 

and with respect to the provisions of sections 4, 5, and 6 of this Act. 

(f) The Advisory Commission is authorized to assist with the 

identification of economically and environmentally acceptable 

areas, outside of the boundaries of the ølakeshore¿ Park, for the 

handling and disposal of industrial solid wastes produced by the 

coal-fired powerplant in Porter County, Indiana, section 21, township 37 north, range 6 west. 

SEC. 8. Nothing in this Act shall deprive the State of Indiana or 

any political subdivision thereof of its civil and criminal jurisdiction 

over persons found, acts performed, and offenses committed within 

the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes øNational Lakeshore¿ National Park or of its right to tax persons, corporations, franchises, 

or other non-Federal property on lands included therein. 

SEC. 9. The Secretary may expend such sums as may be necessary from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for acquisition 

of lands and interests in lands, and not to exceed $27,500,000 for 

development: Provided, That not more than $500,000 of said 

amount may be appropriated for the development of the Paul H. 

Douglas Environmental Education Center authorized pursuant to 

section 20 of this Act. By October 1, 1979, the Secretary shall develop and transmit to the Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs of the United States Congress a general management plan detailing the development of the ønational lakeshore¿ National Park 

consistent with the preservation objectives of this Act, indicating: 

(1) the facilities needed to accommodate the health, safety, 

and recreation needs of the visiting public; 

(2) the location and estimated costs of all facilities, together 

with a review of the consistency of the master plan with State, 

areawide, and local governmental development plans; 

(3) the projected need for any additional facilities within the 

ønational lakeshore¿ National Park; and 

(4) specific opportunities for citizen participation in the planning and development of proposed facilities and in the implementation of the general management plan generally. 

The Secretary shall conduct a feasibility study of establishing 

United States Highway 12 as the ‘‘Indiana Dunes Parkway’’ under 

the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. The Secretary shall 

submit the results of such study to the Committee on Interior and 

Insular Affairs of the United States House of Representatives and 

the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United 

States Senate within two years after October 29, 1986. Effective 

October 1, 1986, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums 


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as may be necessary for the purposes of conducting the feasibility 

study. 

SEC. 10. Nothing in this Act shall diminish any existing (as of 

March 1, 1975) rights-of-way or easements which are necessary for 

high voltage electrical transmission, pipelines, water mains, or line 

haul railroad operations and maintenance. Nothing in this Act 

shall be construed to diminish the existing property rights of 

Northern Indiana Public Service Company (as of October 1, 1986) 

with respect to— 

(1) a parcel of land owned in fee by the Northern Indiana 

Public Service Company and used for high voltage electrical 

transmission lines, pipelines, and utility purposes, beginning 

at said Company’s Dune Acres substation and extending east 

to said Company’s Michigan City Generating Station, which 

parcel by this Act is included within the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes øNational Lakeshore¿ National Park and herein 

designated as area II–I on National Park Service Boundary 

Map No. 626–80,033–B, dated October 1986, excluding that 

certain parcel of approximately 6.0 acres adjacent Mineral 

Springs Road in areas II–I, and 

(2) land owned in fee by the Northern Indiana Public Service 

Company and used for high voltage electrical transmission 

lines, pipelines, and utility purposes as has by this Act been 

included within the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes øNational 

Lakeshore¿ National Park and herein designated as area II– 

H on said National Park Service Boundary Map No. 626– 

80,033–B. 

SEC. 11. (a) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as prohibiting 

any otherwise legal cooling, process, or surface drainage into the 

part of the Little Calumet River located within the ølakeshore¿ 

Park: Provided, That this subsection shall not affect nor in any way 

limit the Secretary’s authority and responsibility to protect park resources. 

(b) The authorization of lands to be added to the ølakeshore¿ 

Park by the Ninety-fourth Congress and the administration of such 

lands as part of the ølakeshore¿ Park shall in and of itself in no 

way operate to render more restrictive the application of Federal, 

State, or local air and water pollution standards to the uses of 

property outside the boundaries of the ølakeshore¿ Park, nor shall 

it be construed to augment the control of water and air pollution 

sources in the State of Indiana beyond that required pursuant to 

applicable Federal, State, or local law. 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 14. Within one year after the date of the enactment of this 

section, the Secretary shall submit, in writing, to the Committees 

on Interior and Insular Affairs and to the Committees on Appropriations of the United States Congress a detailed plan which shall 

indicate— 

(1) the lands which he has previously acquired by purchase, 

donation, exchange, or transfer for administration for the purpose of the ølakeshore¿ Park; and 


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(2) the annual acquisition program (including the level of 

funding) which he recommends for the ensuing five fiscal 

years. 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 18. (a) By July 1, 1977, the Secretary shall prepare and 

transmit to the Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs of the 

United States Congress a study of areas III–A, III–C, and II–A, as 

designated on map numbered 626–91007. The Secretary shall make 

reasonable provision for the timely participation of the State of Indiana, local public officials, affected property owners, and the general public in the formulation of said study, including, but not limited to, the opportunity to testify at a public hearing. The record 

of such hearing shall accompany said study. With respect to areas 

III–A and III–C, the study shall (a) address the desirability of acquisition of any or all of the area from the standpoint of resource 

management, protection, and public access; (b) develop alternatives 

for the control of beach erosion if desirable, including recommendations, if control is necessary, of assessing the costs of such control 

against those agencies responsible for such erosion; (c) consider and 

propose options to guarantee public access to and use of the beach 

area, including the location of necessary facilities for transportation, health, and safety; (d) detail the recreational potential of 

the area and all available alternatives for achieving such potential; 

(e) review the environmental impact upon the ølakeshore¿ Park resulting from the potential development and improvement of said 

areas; and (f) assess the cost to the United States from both the 

acquisition of said areas together with the potential savings from 

the retention of rights of use and occupancy and from the retention 

of the boundaries of the ølakeshore¿ Park, as designated on map 

numbered 626–91007, including the costs of additional administrative responsibilities necessary for the management of the ølakeshore¿ Park, including the maintenance of public services in the 

town of Beverly Shores, Indiana. With respect to area II–A, the 

Secretary shall study and report concerning the following objectives: (a) preservation of the remaining dunes, wetlands, native 

vegetation, and animal life within the area; (b) preservation and 

restoration of the watersheds of Cowles Bog and its associated wetlands; (c) appropriate public access to and use of lands within the 

area; (d) protection of the area and the adjacent ølakeshore¿ Park 

from degradation caused by all forms of construction, pollution, or 

other adverse impacts including, but not limited to, the discharge 

of wastes and any excessive subsurface migration of water; and (e) 

the economic consequences to the utility and its customers of acquisition of such area. 

(b)(1) The Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (referred 

to as ‘‘NIPSCO’’) that shall provide for the following with respect 

to the area referred to as Unit II–A on the map described in the 

first section of this Act (referred to as the ‘‘Greenbelt’’): 

(A) NIPSCO shall provide the National Park Service with access for resource management and interpretation through the 

Greenbelt and across the dike for purposes of a public hiking 

trail. 

(B) The National Park Service shall have rights of access for 

resource management and interpretation of the Greenbelt area. 


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(c) NIPSCO shall preserve the Greenbelt in its natural state. 

If NIPSCO utilizes the Greenbelt temporarily for a project involving pollution mitigation or construction on its adjacent facilities, it shall restore the project area to its natural state. 

(D) If NIPSCO proposes a different use for the Greenbelt, 

NIPSCO shall notify the National Park Service, the Committee 

on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives and make no change in the use of the property 

until three years after the date notice is given. 

(2) If a memorandum of agreement is entered into pursuant to 

paragraph (1), so long as the memorandum of agreement is in effect and is being performed, the Secretary may not acquire lands 

or interests in land in the Greenbelt belonging to NIPSCO. 

SEC. 19. After notifying the Committees on Interior and Insular 

Affairs of the United States Congress, in writing, of his intentions 

to do so and of the reasons therefor, the Secretary may, if he finds 

that such lands would make a significant contribution to the purposes for which the ølakeshore¿ Park was established, accept title 

to any lands, or interests in lands, located outside the present 

boundaries of the ølakeshore¿ Park but contiguous thereto or to 

lands acquired under this section, such lands the State of Indiana 

or its political subdivisions may acquire and offer to donate to the 

United States or which any private person, organization, or public 

or private corporation may offer to donate to the United States and 

he shall administer such lands as a part of the ølakeshore¿ Park 

after publishing notice to that effect in the Federal Register. 

SEC. 20. (a) The Indiana Dunes øNational Lakeshore¿ National 

Park is hereby dedicated to the memory of Paul H. Douglas in 

grateful recognition of his leadership in the effort to protect, preserve, and enhance the natural, scientific, historic, and recreational 

value of the ølakeshore¿ Park for the use, enjoyment, and edification of present and future generations. 

(b) To further accomplish the purposes of subsection (a) of this 

section, the Secretary of the Interior shall designate the west unit 

of the ølakeshore¿ Park as the ‘‘Paul H. Douglas Ecological and 

Recreational Unit’’ and shall, subject to appropriations being granted, design and construct a suitable structure or designate an existing structure within the ølakeshore¿ Park to be known as the 

‘‘Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education’’ which shall 

provide facilities designed primarily to familiarize students and 

other visitors with, among other things: (1) the natural history of 

the ølakeshore¿ Park and its association with the natural history 

of the Great Lakes region; (2) the evolution of human activities in 

the area; and (3) the historical features which led to the establishment of the ølakeshore¿ Park by the Congress of the United States. 

(c) To inform the public of the contributions of Paul H. Douglas 

to the creation of the ølakeshore¿ Park, the Secretary of the Interior shall provide such signs, markers, maps, interpretive materials, literature, and programs as he deems appropriate. 

SEC. 21. (a) The Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of 

Transportation, shall conduct a study of various modes of public access into and within the ølakeshore¿ Park which are consistent 

with the preservation of the ølakeshore¿ Park and conservation of 


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energy by encouraging the use of transportation modes other than 

personal motor vehicles. 

(b) In carrying out the study, the Secretary shall utilize to the 

greatest extent practicable the resources and facilities of the organizations designated as clearinghouses under title IV of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968 as implemented by Office of 

Management and Budget Circular A–95, and which have comprehensive planning responsibilities in the regions where the 

ølakeshore¿ Park is located, as well as any other agencies or organizations which the Secretary may designate. The Secretary shall 

make provision for timely and substantive consultations with the 

appropriate agencies of the States of Indiana and Illinois, local 

elected officials, and the general public in the formulation and implementation of the study. 

(c) The study shall address the adequacy of access facilities for 

members of the public who desire to visit and enjoy the ølakeshore¿ Park. Consideration shall be given to alternatives for alleviating the dependence on automobile transportation. The study of 

public transportation facilities shall cover the distance from cities 

of thirty-five thousand population or more within fifty miles of the 

ølakeshore¿ Park. 

(d) The study shall include proposals deemed necessary to assure 

equitable visitor access and public enjoyment by all segments of the 

population, including those who are physically or economically disadvantaged. It shall provide for retention of the natural, scenic, 

and historic values for which the ølakeshore¿ Park was established, and shall propose plans and alternatives for the protection 

and maintenance of these values as they relate to transportation 

improvements. 

(e) The study shall examine proposals for the renovation and 

preservation of a portion of the existing South Shore Railroad passenger car fleet. The study shall consider the historic value of the 

existing rolling stock and its role in transporting visitors into and 

within the ølakeshore¿ Park. 

(f) The study shall present alternative plans to improve, construct, and extend access roads, public transportation, and bicycle 

and pedestrian trails. It shall include cost estimates of all plans 

considered in this study, and shall discuss existing and proposed 

sources of funding for the implementation of the recommended plan 

alternatives. 

(g) The study shall be completed and presented to the Congress 

within two complete fiscal years from the effective date of this provision. 

(h) Effective October 1, 1981, there is hereby authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $200,000 for this study. 

SEC. 22. In exercising his authority to acquire property under 

this Act, the Secretary shall give prompt and careful consideration 

to any offer made by an individual owning property within the 

ølakeshore¿ Park to sell such property, if such individual notifies 

the Secretary in writing that the continued ownership of such property is causing, or would result in, undue hardship. 

* * * * * * * 


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SEC. 24. LITTLE CALUMET RIVER AND BURNS/PORTAGE WATERWAY. 

(a) The Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement with 

the Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission, the 

State of Indiana or any political subdivision thereof for the planning, management, and interpretation of recreational facilities on 

the tract within the boundaries of Indiana Dunes øNational Lakeshore¿ National Park identified as tract numbered 09–177 or on 

lands under the jurisdiction of the State of Indiana or political subdivision thereof along the Little Calumet River and Burns Waterway. The cooperative agreement may include provision for the 

planning of public facilities for boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, 

bicycling, and other compatible recreational activities. Any recreational developments on lands under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service planned pursuant to this cooperative agreement shall be in a manner consistent with the purposes of this Act, 

including section (b). 

(b) The Secretary shall conduct a study regarding the options 

available for linking the portions of the ølakeshore¿ Park which are 

divided by the Little Calumet River and Burns/Portage Waterway 

so as to coordinate the management and recreational use of the 

ølakeshore¿ Park. The Secretary shall submit the results of the 

study to the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the 

United States House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate within two 

years after October 29, 1986. Effective October 1, 1986, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the 

purposes of conducting the study. 

* * * * * * * 

SECTION 20001 OF PUBLIC LAW 115–97 

SEC. 20001. OIL AND GAS PROGRAM. 

(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 

(1) COASTAL PLAIN.—The term ‘‘Coastal Plain’’ means the 

area identified as the 1002 Area on the plates prepared by the 

United States Geological Survey entitled ‘‘ANWR Map – Plate 

1’’ and ‘‘ANWR Map – Plate 2’’, dated October 24, 2017, and 

on file with the United States Geological Survey and the Office 

of the Solicitor of the Department of the Interior. 

(2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary 

of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land Management. 

(b) OIL AND GAS PROGRAM.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 1003 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3143) shall not apply to 

the Coastal Plain. 

(2) ESTABLISHMENT.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall establish and administer a competitive oil and gas program for the leasing, 

development, production, and transportation of oil and gas 

in and from the Coastal Plain. 

(B) PURPOSES.—Section 303(2)(B) of the Alaska National 

Interest Lands Conservation Act (Public Law 96–487; 94 

Stat. 2390) is amended— 


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(i) in clause (iii), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 

(ii) in clause (iv), by striking the period at the end 

and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 

(iii) by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(v) to provide for an oil and gas program on the 

Coastal Plain.’’. 

(3) MANAGEMENT.—Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Secretary shall manage the oil and gas program on 

the Coastal Plain in a manner similar to the administration of 

lease sales under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production 

Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) (including regulations). 

(4) ROYALTIES.—Notwithstanding the Mineral Leasing Act 

(30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), the royalty rate for leases issued pursuant to this section shall be 16.67 percent. 

(5) RECEIPTS.—Notwithstanding the Mineral Leasing Act (30 

U.S.C. 181 et seq.), of the amount of adjusted bonus, rental, 

and royalty receipts derived from the oil and gas program and 

operations on Federal land authorized under this section— 

(A) ø50¿ 47 percent shall be paid to the State of Alaska 

and 3 percent shall be deposited into the Fund established 

in section 6 of Public Law 92–203 to be divided and distributed in the same manner as ′′revenues′′ pursuant to section 7 of such Act; and 

(B) the balance shall be deposited into the Treasury as 

miscellaneous receipts. 

(6) USE OF DISTRIBUTIONS.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts received as a distribution under paragraph (5)(A) shall be used for the purpose of providing for the 

social and economic needs of Natives (as defined in section 3 of 

the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602)). 

(c) 2 LEASE SALES WITHIN 10 YEARS.— 

(1) REQUIREMENT.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall conduct not fewer than 2 lease sales area-wide 

under the oil and gas program under this section by not 

later than 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act. 

(B) SALE ACREAGES; SCHEDULE.— 

(i) ACREAGES.—The Secretary shall offer for lease 

under the oil and gas program under this section— 

(I) not fewer than 400,000 acres area-wide in 

each lease sale; and 

(II) those areas that have the highest potential 

for the discovery of hydrocarbons. 

(ii) SCHEDULE.—The Secretary shall offer— 

(I) the initial lease sale under the oil and gas 

program under this section not later than 4 years 

after the date of enactment of this Act; and 

(II) a second lease sale under the oil and gas 

program under this section not later than 7 years 

after the date of enactment of this Act. 

(2) RIGHTS-OF-WAY.—The Secretary shall issue any rights-ofway or easements across the Coastal Plain for the exploration, 

development, production, or transportation necessary to carry 

out this section. 


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(3) SURFACE DEVELOPMENT.—In administering this section, 

the Secretary shall authorize up to 2,000 surface acres of Federal land on the Coastal Plain to be covered by production and 

support facilities (including airstrips and any area covered by 

gravel berms or piers for support of pipelines) during the term 

of the leases under the oil and gas program under this section. 

CHANGES IN APPLICATION OF EXISTING LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted 

describing the effect of provisions in the accompanying bill, which 

directly or indirectly change the application of existing law. In most 

instances these provisions have been included in prior appropriations Acts. 

The bill includes the following changes in application of existing 

law: 

OVERALL BILL

Providing that certain appropriations remain available until expended, or extending the availability of funds beyond the fiscal 

year where programs or projects are continuing but for which legislation does not specifically authorize such extended availability. 

This authority tends to result in savings by preventing the practice 

of committing funds on low priority projects at the end of the fiscal 

year to avoid losing the funds. 

Limiting, in certain instances, the obligation of funds for particular functions or programs. These limitations include restrictions 

on the obligation of funds for administrative expenses, travel expenses, the use of consultants, and programmatic areas within the 

overall jurisdiction of a particular agency. 

Limiting official entertainment or reception and representation 

expenses for selected agencies in the bill. 

Continuing ongoing activities of certain critical Federal agencies 

or programs, which require re-authorization or other legislation 

which has not been enacted. 

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

MANAGEMENT OF LANDS AND RESOURCES

Providing funds to the Bureau for the management of lands and 

resources. 

Permitting the use of fees for processing applications for permit 

to drill. 

Permitting the use of mining fee collections for program operations. 

Permitting the use of fees from communication site rentals. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from the Land 

and Water Conservation Fund. 


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OREGON AND CALIFORNIA GRANT LANDS

Providing funds for the Oregon and California Grant Lands. 

Authorizing the transfer of certain collections from the Oregon 

and California Land Grants Fund to the Treasury. 

RANGE IMPROVEMENTS

Allowing certain funds to be transferred to the Department of the 

Interior for range improvements. 

SERVICE CHARGES, DEPOSITS, AND FORFEITURES

Allowing the use of certain collected funds for certain administrative costs and operation of termination of certain facilities. 

Allowing the use of funds on any damaged public lands. 

Authorizing the Secretary to use monies from forfeitures, compromises or settlements for improvement, protection and rehabilitation of public lands under certain conditions. 

MISCELLANEOUS TRUST FUNDS

Allowing certain contributed funds to be advanced for administrative costs and other activities of the Bureau. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Permitting the Bureau to enter into agreements with public and 

private entities, including States. 

Permitting the Bureau to manage improvements to which the 

United States has title. 

Permitting the payment of rewards for information on violations 

of law on Bureau lands. 

Providing for cost-sharing arrangements for printing services. 

Permitting the Bureau to conduct certain projects for State governments on a reimbursable basis. 

Prohibiting the use of funds for the destruction of wild horses 

and burros. 

UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Limiting funds for certain Endangered Species Act programs. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Requiring that funding shall be derived from the Land and 

Water Conservation Fund. 

Providing that funding for projects may not be used for administrative costs. 

COOPERATIVE ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND

Providing that a portion of the appropriation shall be derived 

from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

STATE AND TRIBAL WILDLIFE GRANTS

Providing for a State and Tribal wildlife grants program. 


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ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Providing that programs may be carried out by direct expenditure, contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and reimbursable 

agreements with public and private entities. 

Providing for repair of damage to public roads. 

Providing options for the purchase of land not to exceed $1. 

Permitting cost-shared arrangements for printing services. 

Permitting the acceptance of donated aircraft. 

Providing that fees collected for non-toxic shot review and approval shall be available without further appropriation for the expenses of non-toxic shot review related expenses. 

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

OPERATION OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

Designating funds for Everglades restoration. 

Providing for repair, rehabilitation and maintenance of National 

Park Service assets. 

NATIONAL RECREATION AND PRESERVATION

Providing for expenses not otherwise provided for. 

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Providing for expenses derived from the Historic Preservation 

Fund. 

CONSTRUCTION

Providing funds for construction, improvements, repair or replacement of physical facilities, and management planning and 

compliance for areas administered by the National Park Service. 

Providing that a single procurement may be issued for any 

project funded in fiscal year 2019 with a future phase indicated in 

the National Park Service 5-year Line Item Construction Plan. 

Providing that the solicitation and contract shall contain the 

availability of funds clause. 

Providing that fees may be made available for the cost of adjustments and changes within the original scope of effort for projects 

funded by the Construction appropriation. 

Providing that the Secretary of the Interior shall consult with 

the Committees on Appropriations in accordance with reprogramming thresholds prior to making any changes authorized by this 

section. 

LAND ACQUISITION AND STATE ASSISTANCE

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from the Land 

and Water Conservation Fund. 

CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE

Providing funds for Centennial Challenge projects with no less 

than 50 percent of the cost of each project derived from non-Federal sources. 


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ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing certain franchise fees to be available for expenditure 

without further appropriation to extinguish or reduce liability for 

certain possessory interests. 

Providing for the retention of administrative costs under certain 

Land and Water Conservation Fund programs. 

Allowing National Park Service funds to be transferred to the 

Federal Highway Administration for purposes authorized under 23 

U.S.C. 204 for reasonable administrative support costs. 

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND RESEARCH

Providing funds to classify lands as to their mineral and water 

resources. 

Providing funds to give engineering supervision to power permittees and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licensees. 

Providing funds to publish and disseminate data relative to the 

foregoing activities. 

Limiting funds for the conduct of new surveys on private property without permission. 

Limiting funds for cooperative topographic mapping or water resource data collection and investigations. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing funds to be used for certain contracting, construction, 

maintenance, acquisition, and representation expenses. 

Permitting the use of certain contracts, grants, and cooperative 

agreements. 

Recognizing students and recent graduates as Federal employees 

for the purposes of travel and work injury compensation. 

BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Permitting funds for granting and administering mineral leases 

and environmental study; enforcing laws and contracts; and for 

matching grants. 

Providing that funds may be used which shall be derived from 

non-refundable cost recovery fees collected in 2018. 

Permitting the use of certain excess receipts from Outer Continental Shelf leasing activities. 

Providing for reasonable expenses related to volunteer beach and 

marine cleanup activities. 

Prohibiting the use of funds for regulating non-lease holders. 

BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT

Permitting funds for granting and administering mineral leases 

and environmental study; enforcing laws and contracts; and for 

matching grants. 

Providing that funds may be used which shall be derived from 

non-refundable cost recovery fees. 

Permitting the use of certain excess receipts from Outer Continental Shelf leasing activities. 


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Permitting the use of funds derived from non-refundable inspection fees. 

Requiring that not less than 50 percent of inspection fees expended be used on personnel, expanding capacity and reviewing applications for permit to drill. 

OIL SPILL RESEARCH

Providing that funds shall be derived from the Oil Spill Liability 

Trust Fund. 

OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Permitting payment to State and Tribal personnel for travel and 

per diem expenses for training. 

Allowing that certain funds made available under title V of Public Law 95–87 may be used for any required non-Federal share of 

the cost of certain projects. 

Permitting the use of certain offsetting collections from permit 

fees. 

ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND

Allowing the use of debt recovery to pay for debt collection. 

Allowing that certain funds made available under title IV of Public Law 95–87 may be used for any required non-Federal share of 

the cost of certain projects. 

Allowing funds to be used for travel expenses of State and Tribal 

personnel while attending certain OSM training. 

Providing that funds shall be used for economic and community 

development in conjunction with reclamation priorities. 

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION

OPERATION OF INDIAN PROGRAMS

Limiting funds for official reception and representation expenses. 

Limiting funds for welfare assistance payments, except for disaster relief. 

Allowing Tribal priority allocation funds to be used for unmet 

welfare assistance costs. 

Providing forward-funding for school operations of Bureau-funded schools and other education programs. 

Providing that limited funds shall be available until expended for 

certain purposes. 

Limiting funds for education-related administrative cost grants. 

Allowing the transfer of certain forestry funds. 

Allowing the use of funds to purchase uniforms or other identifying articles of clothing for personnel. 

CONTRACT SUPPORT COSTS

Providing for such sums as are necessary to fully fund contract 

support costs. 

Prohibiting the transfer of funds from any other account to fund 

contract support costs. 


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CONSTRUCTION

Providing for the transfer of Navajo irrigation project funds to 

the Bureau of Reclamation. 

Providing that six percent of Federal Highway Trust Fund contract authority may be used for construction management costs. 

Providing Safety of Dams funds on a non-reimbursable basis. 

Requiring the use of administrative and cost accounting principles for certain school construction projects and exempting such 

projects from certain requirements. 

Requiring conformance with building codes and health and safety 

standards. 

Specifying the procedure for dispute resolution. 

Limiting the control of construction projects when certain time 

frames have not been met. 

Allowing reimbursement of construction costs from the Office of 

Special Trustee. 

INDIAN GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Limiting funds for administrative expenses and for subsidizing 

total loan principal. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing the use of funds for direct expenditure, contracts, cooperative agreements, compacts, and grants. 

Allowing contracting for the San Carlos Irrigation Project. 

Limiting the use of funds for certain contracts, grants and cooperative agreements. 

Allowing Tribes to return appropriated funds. 

Prohibiting funding of Alaska schools. 

Limiting the number of schools and the expansion of grade levels 

in individual schools. 

Specifying distribution of indirect and administrative costs for 

certain Tribes. 

Limiting the expansion of satellite school locations. 

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Allowing the use of certain funds for official reception and representation expenses. 

Permitting payments to former Bureau of Mines workers. 

Designating funds for consolidated appraisal services to be derived from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

Designating funds for Indian land, mineral, and resource valuation activities. 

Permitting funds for Indian land, mineral, and resource valuation activities to be transferred to and merged with the Bureau 

of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education ‘‘Operation of Indian Programs’’ account and the Office of the Special Trustee for 

American Indians ‘‘Federal Trust Programs’’ account. 

Allowing funds to remain available until expended. 


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ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing certain payments authorized for the Payments in Lieu 

of Taxes Program to be retained for administrative expenses. 

Providing that the amounts provided are the only amounts available for payments authorized under chapter 69 of title 31, United 

States Code. 

Providing that in the event sums appropriated are insufficient to 

make the full payments then the payment to each local government 

shall be made proportionally. 

Providing that the Secretary may make adjustments to payment 

to individual units of local government to correct for prior overpayments or underpayments. 

Providing that no Payments in Lieu of Taxes Program payment 

be made to otherwise eligible units of local government if the computed amount of the payment is less than $100. 

INSULAR AFFAIRS

ASSISTANCE TO TERRITORIES

Designating funds for various programs and for salaries and expenses of the Office of Insular Affairs. 

Allowing audits of the financial transactions of the Territorial 

and Insular governments by the GAO. 

Providing grant funding under certain terms of the Agreement of 

the Special Representatives on Future United States Financial Assistance for the Northern Mariana Islands. 

Providing for capital infrastructure in various Territories. 

Allowing appropriations for disaster assistance to be used as nonFederal matching funds for hazard mitigation grants. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, INSULAR AFFAIRS

Allowing, at the request of the Governor of Guam, for certain discretionary or mandatory funds to be used to assist securing certain 

rural electrification loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

OFFICE OF SPECIAL TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS

FEDERAL TRUST PROGRAMS

Limiting the amount of funding available for the historical accounting of Indian trust fund accounts. 

Allowing transfers to other Department of the Interior accounts. 

Providing no-year funding for certain Indian Self-Determination 

Act grants. 

Exempting quarterly statements for Indian trust accounts $15 or 

less. 

Requiring annual statements and records maintenance for Indian 

trust accounts. 

Limiting use of funds to correct administrative errors in Indian 

trust accounts. 

Permitting the use of recoveries from erroneous payments pursuant to Indian trust accounts. 

Exempting reconciliation of Special Deposit Accounts with low 

balances in certain circumstances. 


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Allowing for limited aggregation of trust accounts of individuals 

whose whereabouts are unknown. 

DEPARTMENT-WIDE PROGRAMS 

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Providing funds for wildland fire management. 

Permitting the repayments of funds transferred from other accounts for firefighting. 

Designating funds for hazardous fuels and burned area rehabilitation. 

Permitting the use of funds for lodging and subsistence of firefighters. 

Permitting the use of grants, contracts and cooperative agreements for hazardous fuels reduction, including cost-sharing and 

local assistance. 

Permitting cost-sharing of cooperative agreements with non-Federal entities under certain circumstances. 

Providing for local competition for hazardous fuel reduction activities. 

Permitting reimbursement to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

and the National Marine Fisheries Service for consultation activities under the Endangered Species Act. 

Providing certain terms for leases of real property with local governments. 

Providing for the transfer of funds between the Department of 

the Interior and the Department of Agriculture for wildland fire 

management. 

Providing funds for support of Federal emergency response actions. 

Allowing for international forestry assistance to or through the 

Department of State. 

CENTRAL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FUND

Providing funds for response action, including associated activities, performed pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. 

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

Allowing funds for the financial and business management system and information technology improvement. 

Prohibiting use of funds to establish reserves in the working capital fund with exceptions. 

Allowing assessments for reasonable charges for training services 

at the National Indian Program Center and use of these funds 

under certain conditions. 

Providing space and related facilities or the lease of related facilities, equipment or professional services of the National Indian Program Training Center to state, local and Tribal employees or other 

persons for cultural, educational or recreational activities. 

Providing that the Secretary may enter into grants and cooperative agreements to support the Office of Natural Resource Revenue’s collection and disbursement of royalties, fees, and other mineral revenue proceeds, as authorized by law. 


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ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

Allowing acquisition and sale of certain aircraft. 

OFFICE OF NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE

Designating funds for mineral revenue management activities. 

Allowing certain refunds of overpayments in connection with certain Indian leases. 

PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES

Extending funding for Payments in Lieu of Taxes. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Allowing transfer of funds for certain reconstruction of facilities, 

aircraft or utilities in emergency situations. 

Allowing transfer of funds in certain emergency situations, including wildfires and oil spill response, if other funds provided in 

other accounts will be exhausted within 30 days and a supplemental appropriation is requested as promptly as possible. 

Permitting the Department to use limited funding for certain 

services. 

Permitting the transfer of funds between the Bureau of Indian 

Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education and the Office of Special 

Trustee for American Indians and limiting amounts for historical 

accounting activities. 

Authorizing the redistribution of Tribal Priority Allocation funds 

to address unmet needs. 

Authorizing the acquisition of lands and leases for Ellis, Governors and Liberty Islands. 

Providing the authority for the Secretary to collect nonrefundable 

inspection fees. 

Permitting the reorganization of the Bureau of Ocean Energy 

Management, Enforcement and Regulation. 

Permitting the Secretary of the Interior to enter into long-term 

agreements for wild horse and burro holding facilities. 

Requiring the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to mark hatchery 

salmon. 

Addressing BLM actions regarding grazing on public lands. 

Continuing a provision allowing the Bureau of Indian Affairs and 

Bureau of Indian Education to more efficiently and effectively perform reimbursable work. 

Permitting the transfer of excess wild horses and burros for work 

purposes. 

Continuing a provision allowing the establishment of the Department of the Interior Experienced Services Program. 

Regarding proposed rules for sage-grouse pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. 

Requiring the reissuance of certain final rules and prohibiting 

such rules from further judicial review. 

Prohibiting the treatment of gray wolves range-wide as an endangered or threatened species. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to implement a statute that interferes with Tribes’ sovereign rights. 


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Extending the authority for the Secretary to accept public and 

private contributions for the orderly development and exploration 

of Outer Continental Shelf resources. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to list in the National Register of 

Historic Places property deemed crucial to national security and 

military training. 

Retitling the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and re-designating the Paul H. Douglas Trail. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to require the transfer of groundwater rights as a condition for approving certain permits. 

TITLE II—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Providing for operating expenses in support of research and development. 

Designating funding for National Priorities research as specified 

in the report accompanying this Act. 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AND MANAGEMENT

Allowing hire and maintenance of passenger motor vehicles and 

operation of aircraft and purchase of reprints and library memberships in societies or associations which issue publications to members only or at a price to members lower than to subscribers who 

are not members. 

Limiting amounts for official representation and reception expenses. 

Providing two-year funding availability for administrative costs 

of Brownfields program. 

Limitation of funds for the Chemical Risk Review and Reduction 

program. 

Designating funding for National Priorities as specified in the report accompanying this Act. 

Designating funding for Geographical programs as specified in 

the report accompanying this Act. 

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE SUPERFUND

Allowing distribution of funds to purchase services from other 

agencies under certain circumstances. 

Providing for the transfer of funds within certain agency accounts. 

LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAM

Providing for grants to Federally-recognized Indian Tribes. 

STATE AND TRIBAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

Limiting funding amounts for certain programs. 

Specifying funding for capitalization grants for the Clean Water 

and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and allowing certain 

amounts for additional subsidies. 

Designating funds for specific sections of law. 

Providing waivers for certain uses of Clean Water and Drinking 

Water State Revolving Funds for State administrative costs for 


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grants to federally-recognized Indian Tribes and grants to specific 

Territories and Freely Associated States. 

Requiring that 10 percent Clean Water and 20 percent of Drinking Water funds shall be used by States for forgiveness of principal 

or negative interest loans. 

Prohibiting the use of funds for jurisdictions that permit development or construction of additional colonia areas. 

Providing certain grants under authority of Section 103, Clean 

Air Act. 

Providing funding for environmental information exchange network initiatives grants, statistical surveys of water resources and 

enhancements to State monitoring programs, Tribal grants, and 

underground storage tank projects. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing awards of grants to federally-recognized Indian Tribes. 

Authorizing the collection and obligation of pesticide registration 

service fees. 

Authorizing the collection and obligations of TSCA fees. 

Authorizing the collection and obligations of Electronic Manifest 

fees. 

Allowing the transfer of funds from the ‘‘Environmental Programs and Management’’ account to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and providing for certain interagency agreements and grants to various entities in support of this effort. 

Providing amounts for construction, alteration, repair, rehabilitation, and renovation of facilities. 

Providing for grants to federally recognized Tribes. 

Providing amounts for competitive grants under the National Estuary Program. 

Limiting the amount of funds that may be made available for the 

purchase of any individual fountain pen. 

TITLE III—RELATED AGENCIES 

FOREST SERVICE

OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND

ENVIRONMENT

Providing funds for the office of the Under Secretary for Natural 

Resources and Environment 

FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH

Providing funds for forest and rangeland research. 

Designating funds for the forest inventory and analysis program. 

STATE AND PRIVATE FORESTRY

Providing for forest health management, including treatments of 

certain pests or invasive plants, and for restoring damaged forests, 

and for cooperative forestry, education and land conservation activities, and conducting an international program. 

Deriving certain funds from the Land and Water Conservation 

Fund. 


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NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM

Providing funds for the National Forest System. 

Depositing funds in the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund. 

Designating funds for forest products. 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

Providing funds for construction, reconstruction, and maintenance and acquisition of buildings and other facilities and infrastructure; and for construction, capital improvement, decommissioning, and maintenance of forest roads and trails. 

Requiring that funds becoming available in fiscal year 2019 for 

the road and trails fund (16 U.S.C. 501) shall be transferred to the 

Treasury. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from the Land 

and Water Conservation Fund. 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS FOR NATIONAL FORESTS SPECIAL ACTS

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from forest receipts. 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS TO COMPLETE LAND EXCHANGES

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from funds deposited by State, county, or municipal governments and non-Federal parties pursuant to Land Sale and Exchange Acts. 

RANGE BETTERMENT FUND

Providing that fifty percent of monies received for grazing fees 

shall be used for range improvements and limiting administrative 

expenses to six percent. 

GIFTS, DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS

Providing for gifts, donations and bequest per Federal law. 

MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FORESTS FOR SUBSISTENCE USES

Providing funds for subsistence uses per the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. 

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Permitting the use of funds for emergency rehabilitation and restoration and hazardous fuels reduction to support emergency response and wildfire suppression. 

Allowing the use of wildland fire funds to repay advances from 

other accounts. 

Allowing reimbursement of States for certain wildfire emergency 

activities. 

Allowing funds to be available for emergency rehabilitation, hazardous fuels reduction and emergency response. 

Designating funds for suppression, hazardous fuels reduction and 

national fire plan research. 


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Designating funds for State fire assistance and volunteer fire assistance Federal and State and private lands. 

Providing for cooperative agreements and grants. 

Allowing funds available for Community Forest Restoration Act 

to be used on non-Federal land. 

Limiting the transfer of wildland fire management funds between the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture. 

Designating the use of hazardous fuels reduction funds for biomass grants. 

Providing that funds designated for suppression shall be assessed 

for cost pools. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Permitting the purchase of passenger motor vehicles and proceeds from the sale of aircraft may be used to purchase replacement aircraft. 

Allowing funds for certain employment contracts. 

Allowing funds to be used for purchase and alteration of buildings. 

Allowing for acquisition of certain lands and interests. 

Allowing expenses for certain volunteer activities. 

Providing for the cost of uniforms. 

Providing for debt collections on certain contracts. 

Allowing transfer of funds in certain emergency situations if all 

other funds provided for wildfire suppression will be obligated 

within 30 days and the Secretary notifies the Committees. 

Allowing funds to be used through the Agency for International 

Development for work in foreign countries and to support other forestry activities outside of the United States. 

Allowing the Forest Service, acting for the International Program, to sign certain funding agreements with foreign governments 

and institutions as well as with certain domestic agencies. 

Authorizing the expenditure or transfer of funds for wild horse 

and burro activities. 

Prohibiting the transfer of funds under the Department of Agriculture transfer authority under certain conditions. 

Limiting the transfer of funds for the Working Capital Fund and 

Department Reimbursable Program (also known as Greenbook 

charges). 

Limiting funds to support the Youth Conservation Corps and 

Public Lands Corps. 

Limiting the use of funds for official reception and representation 

expenses. 

Providing for matching funds for the National Forest Foundation. 

Allowing funds to be used for technical assistance for rural communities. 

Allowing funds for payments to counties in the Columbia River 

Gorge National Scenic Area. 

Allowing funds to be used for the Older Americans Act. 

Permitting funding assessments for facilities maintenance, rent, 

utilities, and other support services. 

Limiting funds to reimburse the Office of General Counsel at the 

Department of Agriculture. 


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Permitting eligible employees to be considered a Federal Employee. 

Requiring regular reporting of unobligated balances. 

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICES

Providing that Tribal contract and grant funding is deemed obligated at the time of grant or contract award and remains available 

until expended. 

Providing no-year funds for contract medical care including the 

Indian Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund. 

Providing for loan repayment under sections 104 and 108 of the 

Indian Health Care Improvement Act with certain conditions and 

making the funds available for certain other purposes. 

Providing for operational funds for leased space and accreditation 

emergencies. 

Providing for the allocation of certain funds. 

Providing that certain contracts and grants may be performed in 

two fiscal years. 

Providing for use of collections and reporting of collections under 

Title IV of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. 

Providing no-year funding for scholarship funds. 

Providing for the collection of individually identifiable health information relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act by the 

Bureau of Indian Affairs. 

Permitting the use of Indian Health Care Improvement Fund 

monies for facilities improvement and providing no-year funding 

availability. 

CONTRACT SUPPORT COSTS

Providing for such sums as are necessary to fully fund contract 

support costs. 

Prohibiting the transfer of funds from any other account within 

the Indian Health Service to fund contract support costs. 

INDIAN HEALTH FACILITIES

Providing that facilities funds may be used to purchase land, 

modular buildings and trailers. 

Providing for TRANSAM equipment to be purchased from the 

Department of Defense. 

Prohibiting the use of funds for sanitation facilities for new 

homes funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

Allowing for the purchase of ambulances. 

Providing for a demolition fund. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Providing for per diem expenses for senior level positions. 

Providing for payments for telephone service in private residences in the field, purchase of motor vehicles, aircraft and reprints. 

Providing for purchase and erection of modular buildings. 

Providing funds for uniforms. 


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Allowing funding to be used for attendance at professional meetings. 

Providing that health care may be extended to non-Indians at Indian Health Service facilities, subject to charges, and for the expenditure of collected funds. 

Providing for transfers of funds from the Department of Housing 

and Urban Development to the Indian Health Service. 

Prohibiting limitations on certain Federal travel and transportation expenses. 

Requiring departmental assessments to be identified in annual 

budget justifications. 

Allowing de-obligation and re-obligation of funds applied to selfgovernance funding agreements. 

Prohibiting the expenditure of funds to implement new eligibility 

regulations. 

Permitting certain reimbursements for goods and services provided to Tribes. 

Providing that reimbursements for training, technical assistance, 

or services include total costs. 

Prohibiting changes in organizational structure without advance 

notification to Congress. 

AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY

TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH

Providing for the conduct of health studies, testing, and monitoring. 

Providing deadlines for health assessments and studies. 

Limiting the number of toxicological profiles. 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND OFFICE OF

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Limiting the use of funds for official reception and representation 

expenses. 

Designating the appointment and duties of the chairman. 

OFFICE OF NAVAJO AND HOPI INDIAN RELOCATION

Providing that funds in this and prior appropriations Acts shall 

be used to relocate persons certified as eligible. 

Providing that no person can be evicted unless a replacement 

home is provided. 

Providing that no relocatee is provided with more than one new 

or replacement home. 

CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD

Permitting use of funds for hire of passenger vehicles, uniforms 

or allowances with per diem rate limitations. 

Limiting the number of senior level positions. 

Designating the individual appointed to the position of Inspector 

General of the Environmental Protection Agency as the Inspector 

General of the Board. 


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Directing use of personnel and limiting position appointments 

within the Board. 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Limiting certain lease terms. 

Providing for purchase of passenger vehicles and certain rental, 

repair and cleaning of uniforms. 

Designating funds for certain programs and providing no-year 

funds. 

Providing that funds may be used to support American overseas 

research centers. 

Allowing for advance payments to independent contractors performing research services or participating in official Smithsonian 

presentations. 

FACILITIES CAPITAL

Designating funds for maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and 

construction and for consultant services. 

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Allowing payment in advance for membership in library, museum, and art associations or societies. 

Allowing for purchase, repair, and cleaning of uniforms for 

guards and employees and allowances therefor. 

Allowing purchase or rental of devices for protecting buildings 

and contents thereof, and maintenance, alteration, improvement, 

and repair of buildings, approaches, and grounds. 

Providing for restoration and repair of works of art by contract 

under certain circumstances. 

Providing no-year funds for special exhibitions. 

REPAIR, RESTORATION, AND RENOVATION OF BUILDINGS

Providing lease agreements of no more than 10 years addressing 

space needs created by renovations under the Master Facilities 

Plan. 

Permitting the Gallery to perform work by contract under certain 

circumstances. 

JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Providing funds to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Kennedy Center for operational and maintenance 

costs. 

CAPITAL REPAIR AND RESTORATION

Providing funds to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Kennedy Center for facility repair. 


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WOODROW WILSON INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR SCHOLARS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Providing funds to the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars. 

Allowing for hire of passenger vehicles and services. 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Providing funds for the support of projects and productions in the 

arts, including arts education and public outreach activities. 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES

GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Specifying funds to carry out the matching grants program. 

Allowing obligation of National Endowment for the Humanities 

current and prior year funds from gifts, bequests, and devises of 

money for which equal amounts have not previously been appropriated. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS

AND THE HUMANITIES

Prohibiting the use of funds for grants and contracts which do 

not include the text of 18 U.S.C. 1913. 

Prohibiting the use of appropriated funds and permitting the use 

of non-appropriated funds for reception expenses. 

Allowing the chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts 

to approve small grants under certain circumstances. 

COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Permitting the charging and use of fees for its publications and 

accepting gifts related to the history of the Nation’s Capital. 

Providing that one-tenth of one percent of funds provided may be 

used for official reception and representation expenses. 

NATIONAL CAPITAL ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Providing funding for the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs. 

NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION

Providing funding for the National Capital Planning Commission. 

Providing that one-quarter of one percent may be used for official 

reception and representational expenses. 

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Designating funds for equipment replacement. 

Designating funds for repair, rehabilitation and for exhibition design and production and providing no year availability for these 

funds. 


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DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MEMORIAL COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Providing funding for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission. 

CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION

WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Providing funding for the World War I Centennial Commission. 

Providing that the Commission may accept support from any executive branch agency for activities of the Commission. 

TITLE IV—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

Prohibiting the use of funds to promote or oppose legislative proposals on which congressional action is incomplete. 

Providing for annual appropriations unless expressly provided 

otherwise in this Act. 

Providing for disclosure of administrative expenses, assessments 

and requirements for operating plans. 

Continuing a limitation on accepting and processing applications 

for patents and on the patenting of Federal lands; permitting processing of grandfathered applications; and permitting third-party 

contractors to process grandfathered applications. 

Continuing a provision regarding the payment of contract support costs for prior fiscal years. 

Addressing the payment of contract support costs for fiscal year 

2019. 

Continuing a provision allowing Forest Service land management 

plans to be more than 15 years old if the Secretary is acting in 

good faith to update such plans and prohibiting the use of funds 

to implement new wilderness directives under the planning rule. 

Limiting leasing and preleasing activities within National Monuments. 

Limiting takings for acquisition of lands except under certain 

conditions. 

Continuing a provision addressing timber sales involving Alaskan western red cedar. 

Prohibiting funds to enter into certain no-bid contracts except 

under certain conditions. 

Requiring reports to Congress to be posted on public agency 

websites. 

Continuing a provision that delineates grant guidelines for the 

National Endowment for the Arts. 

Continuing a provision that delineates program priorities for the 

programs managed by the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Requiring that the Department of the Interior, the EPA, the Forest Service, and the Indian Health Service provide the Committees 

on Appropriations a quarterly report on the status of balances of 

appropriations. 

Continuing a provision prohibiting the use of funds to promulgate or implement any regulation requiring the issuance of permits 


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under title V of the Clean Air Act for carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, 

water vapor, or methane emissions. 

Continuing a provision prohibiting the use of funds to implement 

any provision in a rule if that provision requires mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to regulate the lead content of ammunition or fishing tackle. 

Extending authorities for awarding contracts for certain activities on public lands. 

Extending the authority for the Chesapeake Bay Initiative. 

Extending certain authorities allowing the Forest Service to 

renew grazing permits. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to maintain or establish a computer 

network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and 

exchanging of pornography. 

Extending the Forest Service Facility Realignment and Enhancement Act. 

Setting requirements for the use of American iron and steel for 

certain loans and grants. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to destroy buildings or structures on 

Midway Island recommended for inclusion in the National Register 

of Historic Places. 

Extending by one year the authorization for the John F. Kennedy 

Center. 

Allowing the Secretary of the Interior to enter into training 

agreements and to transfer excess equipment and supplies for 

wildfires. 

Providing a one-year extension of the Federal Lands Recreation 

Enhancement Act. 

Addressing carbon emissions from forest biomass. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to require permits for the discharge 

of dredged or fill material for certain agriculture activities. 

Providing for the repeal of the Waters of the United States rule. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to issue any regulation under the 

Solid Waste Disposal Act that applies to an animal feeding operation. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to limit recreational shooting and 

hunting on Federal and public lands except for public safety. 

Making available vacant grazing allotments for permittees impacted by drought or wildfire. 

Making additional investments in water infrastructure priorities 

and Superfund long-term cleanup remedies. 

Providing authority for the Secretary of Agriculture to hire resources assistants under certain circumstances. 

Expediting completion of a project providing reliable water supplies to Central and Southern California. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to introduce grizzly bears into certain areas in the State of Washington. 

Providing authority for the Secretary of the Interior to use sterilization in the management of wild horses and burros. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to set aside any additional forest 

habitat for the marbled murrelet seabird. 

Exempting California water infrastructure projects from judicial 

review. 


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Redistributing proceeds from energy production in Alaska. 

Establishing a Spending Reduction Account in the bill. 

APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following table lists the appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not authorized by law: 


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COMPARISON WITH BUDGET RESOLUTION

Section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (Public Law 93–344), as amended, requires that the report accompanying a bill providing new budget 

authority contain a statement detailing how the authority compares with the reports submitted under section 302 of the Act for 

the most recently agreed to concurrent resolution on the budget for 

the fiscal year. This information follows: 


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FIVE-YEAR OUTLAY PROJECTIONS

In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional 

Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93–344), as amended, the following 

table contains five-year projections associated with the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill: 


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ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

In accordance with section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional 

Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93–344), as amended, the financial 

assistance to State and local governments is as follows: 


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PROGRAM DUPLICATION

No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a program of 

the Federal government known to be duplicative of another Federal 

program, a program that was included in any report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 

of Public Law 111–139, or a program related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. 

DIRECTED RULE MAKING

Pursuant to section 3(i) of H. Res. 5 (114th Congress), the bill includes the following rule makings: 

(1) Endangered Species Act, gray wolves, western Great 

Lakes (in Section 117 of Title I) 

(2) Endangered Species Act, gray wolves, range-wide (in Section 118 of Title I). 

TABLE OF FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS

The following table provides the amounts recommended by the 

Committee compared with the budget estimates by account. 


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DISSENTING VIEWS 

The Bipartisan Budget Act enacted early this year provided relief 

from unworkable discretionary spending caps. The agreement was 

supposed to provide the country with stability following a year of 

shutdowns, last-minute veto threats, and general uncertainty in 

government. That stability lasted long enough for Congress to pass 

a bipartisan Omnibus appropriations bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, 

and then Republican chaos reigned again. The President threatened to veto the bill, unhappy with Congress’ large investments in 

programs to help low- and middle-income Americans and rejection 

of his campaign-promised border wall. 

Even after the President signed the bill, the Administration and 

Republican leadership in Congress who voted for the Bipartisan 

Budget Act and the Omnibus bill have continued to attempt to 

undo those bipartisan agreements. The majority passed H.R. 3, a 

rescission bill to undo funding and mollify an angry President. We 

have been told by OMB Director Mick Mulvaney that this is the 

first of many rescission packages meant to bring spending in line 

with the President’s priorities, ignoring Congressional action that 

dismissed the President’s draconian FY 2017 and FY 2018 budget 

requests. 

In addition to the unacceptable rescissions proposals, the majority’s lack of transparency in allocating the FY 2019 discretionary 

budget also endangers future bipartisan compromise. The majority 

abandoned longstanding committee practice to provide Members 

and the public with a budget blueprint for domestic spending, 

known as 302(b) allocations. Members were asked to vote on bills 

without having the full picture on what impact each bill would 

have on the other bills. 

The rationale for this secrecy is now obvious, because the 302(b) 

allocations shortchange critical domestic priorities in favor of the 

President’s border wall and deportation force. This approach, which 

siphons away money from the Interior, Environment and Related 

Agencies and the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bills, among others, means that Congress will 

fail to invest in efforts to create jobs, grow our economy, keep families healthy, and strengthen our communities. 

The Interior, Environment and Related Agencies (Interior) Appropriations bill provides $35.3 billion, which is equal to the FY 

2018 enacted level. The bill continues last year’s efforts to address 

the backlog of deferred maintenance on federal lands and to invest 

in Indian Country. Unfortunately, the majority targeted EPA’s regulatory programs with a total cut of $100 million while refusing to 

rein in the spending of the Administrator of EPA. It is unconscionable that American taxpayers are on the hook for an EPA Administrator’s misuse of federal dollars for lavish expenses, while they 


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suffer the consequences of an EPA that prioritizes the interests of 

corporations over protecting American families. 

Despite this bill’s shortcomings in environmental protection and 

resource conservation, the subcommittee continues its bipartisan 

approach to addressing Native American issues. The bill recommends an increase of $410 million over the FY 2018 enacted 

level for programs critical to Indian Country. The increased funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service 

is critical to fulfilling our federal trust and treaty responsibilities 

to tribal nations, including support for health care, education, and 

public safety. 

The bill also funds important Historic Preservation grant programs. The bill provides $13 million for the Save America’s Treasures program that preserves nationally significant sites, structures, 

and artifacts. Additionally, we note the bill provides $13 million for 

the Civil Rights Initiative grant program and $5 million for grantsin-aid to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

Finally, the bill continues funding for the National Endowment 

for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), rejecting the Administration’s proposal to eliminate 

the programs. The bill further encourages NEA and NEH to expand grant-making activities in a manner that honors the advocacy 

of the late Representative Louise M. Slaughter. 

We wish the positives in the bill extended beyond Native American funding, Historic Preservation, and the arts. This bill went to 

Full Committee with 14 poison pill riders that do not belong in an 

appropriations bill, but instead should be fully and transparently 

debated by the authorizing committees. When Democrats attempted to strike those egregious riders, which affect the Department of the Interior, EPA, and U.S. Forest Service, through Ranking Member McCollum’s amendment, the Majority rejected this effort and instead added additional policy riders that would block judicial review of California water projects, limit Clean Water Act 

Section 401 Authorities, and jeopardize imperiled species such as 

grizzly bears, marbled murrelet, and bi-state Sage Grouse. 

The Minority made multiple attempts to include commonsense 

oversight reforms in the bill, but the Majority strongly resisted any 

effort to rein in waste and abuse by the Trump Administration, 

most visibly the ethical lapses and unrestrained spending by the 

EPA Administrator. Representative Quigley offered an amendment 

that would have required EPA to publicly post the travel costs of 

the Administrator and Deputy Administrator within 10 days of 

completion of each trip, and Representative Pocan offered an 

amendment that would have provided EPA’s Office of Inspector 

General with an additional $12 million above the Chairman’s mark 

to fully fund the request IG Elkins made to the White House. 

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is the subject of at least 16 federal investigations, many of which are being conducted by the EPA 

IG. The investigations into Administrator Pruitt’s ethical lapses 

and reckless spending must be able to reach their conclusions without delays because of a lack of funds. Providing the IG with the 

necessary resources to carry out critical work should be bipartisan, 

yet Republicans refused to stray from party lines and voted down 


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these sensible attempts to ensure responsible expenditure of taxpayer dollars. 

We are frustrated that other good government amendments to 

protect the American taxpayer also failed. It is reasonable to request the Department of the Interior provide a blueprint and costbenefit analysis to the Committee before embarking on a massive 

reorganization. We are extremely disappointed by the party-line defeat of Ranking Member McCollum’s amendment, which would 

have withheld funds for the reorganization until those analyses 

were provided. 

Under Secretary Zinke’s leadership, the Department of the Interior has failed to obligate funds in a timely manner. We have heard 

numerous examples of the Department withholding funds while 

unelected officials decide how to implement programs for which 

Congress has already given direction. In February, Congress appropriated $516 million to Interior for recovery from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. As of the week of May 14th, only $3 million 

was obligated, which means the Department had withheld $513 

million. This is unacceptable when hurricane season begins this 

month. Most recently, the Department withheld the FY 2018 spend 

plans for its nine Bureaus until intense Congressional pressure 

spurred it into moving the funds. These bureaucratic delays have 

real consequences, such as nearly closing several National Heritage 

Areas. 

To address this problem, Representative Pingree offered an 

amendment that would have ensured the process for allocating 

funding provided by Congress occur no later than 60 days after enactment. Representative Pingree withdrew the amendment at the 

request of Chairman Calvert; however, we note the strong bipartisan support for the amendment by senior Republican members of 

the Committee. This is not a Republican or Democratic problem, 

but one that impacts all of our constituents. We will remain vigilant in pursuing measures to push this administration to follow 

congressional direction and allocate funding in a timely manner. 

The Interior bill has the potential to make a global difference in 

the quality of life for generations to come. Yet this bill is a mirror 

of the Trump Administration’s actions toward the environment. 

This White House and Republican Congress have exited the global 

stage and yielded America’s global leadership on the environment. 

The Republican majority has forgotten that President Reagan 

signed the Montreal Protocol treaty to address the rapidly vanishing Ozone layer. He trusted scientific research and understood 

the imperative for America to be an international leader when he 

said: 

‘‘The Montreal protocol is a model of cooperation. It is a 

product of the recognition and international consensus 

that ozone depletion is a global problem, both in terms of 

its causes and its effects. The protocol is the result of an 

extraordinary process of scientific study, negotiations 

among representatives of the business and environmental 

communities, and international diplomacy. It is a monumental achievement.’’ 


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This Administration and this bill depart from scientific basis for 

decisions and instead prioritize the economic interest of a few over 

the health and well-being of Americans and our global neighbors. 

In its current form, this bill fails the American people by cutting 

environmental protection; shredding safeguards that protect our 

air, water, and endangered species; and allowing rampant corruption in the Executive Branch to go unchecked. Given these shortcomings, we cannot support this bill in its current form. Despite 

our current opposition, we intend to continue to work with Chairman Calvert through this year’s appropriations process to produce 

a responsible bill that both parties can support. 

NITA M. LOWEY. 

BETTY MCCOLLUM. 

Æ 


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