20–162 

114TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 114–594 

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2017 

MAY 25, 2016.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of 

the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. GRAVES of Georgia, from the Committee on Appropriations, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

together with 

MINORITY VIEWS 

[To accompany H.R. 5325] 

The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in 

explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for the 

Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, 

and for other purposes. 

INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT 

Page number 

Bill Report 

Highlights of Bill ........................................................................................ ........ 2 

Title I—Legislative Branch Appropriations ............................................. 2 3 

House of Representatives ................................................................... 2 3 

Joint Items:

Joint Economic Committee ......................................................... 11 6 

Joint Committee on Taxation ..................................................... 11 7 

Office of the Attending Physician ............................................... 12 7 

Office of Congressional Accessibility Services ........................... 13 7 

Capitol Police ....................................................................................... 13 8 

Office of Compliance ........................................................................... 15 9 

Congressional Budget Office .............................................................. 15 9 

Architect of the Capitol (except Senate Office Buildings) ............... 16 9 

Library of Congress ............................................................................. 25 15 

Government Publishing Office ........................................................... 33 19 

Government Accountability Office ..................................................... 37 20 

Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund ..................................... 38 21 


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Page number 

Bill Report 

John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development .................................................................................................. 38 21 

Title II—General Provisions ...................................................................... 39 21 

Bill-wide Reporting Requirements ............................................................ ........ 21 

Minority Views ........................................................................................... ........ 43 

SUMMARY OF BILL 

The accompanying bill contains recommendations for new budget 

(obligational) authority for fiscal year 2017 for the Legislative 

Branch. The following table summarizes these recommendations 

and reflects comparisons with the budget and with amounts appropriated to date for fiscal year 2016: 

SUMMARY OF THE BILL 

[Note: Excludes Senate items, including those Senate items under the Architect of the Capitol] 

(Amounts in Thousands) 

Recapitulation FY 2016 enacted FY 2017 request Bill Bill vs. enacted Bill vs. request 

House of Representatives 

Salaries & Expenses ................ 1,180,734 1,187,309 1,189,049 8,315 1,740 

Joint Items ......................................... 20,732 21,010 19,565 ¥1,167 ¥1,445 

Capitol Police .................................... 375,000 409,588 391,300 16,300 ¥18,288 

Office of Compliance ........................ 3,959 4,315 3,959 – – – ¥356 

Congressional Budget Office ............ 46,500 47,637 46,500 – – – ¥1,137 

Architect of the Capitol .................... 528,683 605,895 551,735 23,052 ¥54,160 

Library of Congress ........................... 599,912 667,215 628,912 29,000 ¥38,303 

Government Publishing Office .......... 117,068 117,068 117,068 – – – – – – 

Government Accountability Office ..... 531,000 567,825 533,100 2,100 ¥34,725 

Open World Leadership Center ......... 5,600 5,800 1,000 ¥4,600 ¥4,800 

430 430 430 – – – – – – 

Scorekeeping Adjustment .................. ¥1,000 1,000 ¥1,000 – – – ¥2,000 

Grand Total ..................... 3,408,618 3,635,092 3,481,618 73,000 ¥153,474 

Payment to Widows and Heirs 

of Deceased Members of 

Congress .............................. 174 – – – – – – ¥174 – – – 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL 

The Committee recommends $3,481,620,499 in discretionary resources for operations of the Legislative Branch of government (excluding Senate items). The fiscal year 2017 recommendation is 

$73,000,000 above the current fiscal year level and is a decrease of 

$152,472,652 below the budget request. 

Conforming to longstanding practice under which each body of 

Congress determines its own housekeeping requirements and the 

other concurs without intervention, funds for the Senate are not included in the bill as reported to the House. The budget request for 

the Senate for fiscal year 2017 including those under the Architect 

of the Capitol totals $1,024,092,420. 

This bill reflects a continued acknowledgment that the Legislative Branch must set itself as an example for fiscal restraint while 

continuing to serve the Nation. This bill will require strict fiscal 

discipline on the part of all Congressional offices and all agency 

heads in the Legislative Branch. 


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LEGISLATIVE BRANCH-WIDE MATTERS

Staffing Data in Budget Documents: Legislative branch FTE data 

is not consistently reported across the Legislative Branch agencies 

when submitting their budget justifications. The Committee directs 

the legislative branch agencies to include data on FTE levels that 

would actually be supported by the associated request or enacted 

funding levels. The Committee further directs the Legislative 

Branch Financial Managers Council to coordinate on a plan for 

aligning FTE levels with the Legislative branch agencies for consistency in reporting. 

Zero Base Budgeting: The Committee continues to direct all 

agencies of the Legislative Branch to develop budget requests from 

a zero base. The Committee believes that this valuable budgeting 

process has given agencies the opportunity to take a fresh look at 

all areas of their operations and make funding reductions and 

alignments within the current budget base. The Committee believes that there are continued opportunities to realize meaningful 

savings by carefully reviewing each agency’s budget requirements 

from a zero base. 

Committee Requests, Furloughs and Performance Based Merit Increases: The Committee directs that adherence to the language carried in House Reports 112–148, 112–511 and 113–417 pertaining to 

Committee Requests and Furloughs to be continued unless otherwise so directed. Performance Based Merit Increases are not to exceed the maximum allowable for agencies with a certified SES performance appraisal system. 

TITLE I—LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $1,189,050,766 for the operations 

and maintenance of the House of Representatives. This amount is 

$8,314,766 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is 

$1,740,766 above the budget request. 

HOUSE LEADERSHIP OFFICES

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $22,278,891 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 22,278,891 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 22,278,891 

The Committee recommends $22,278,891 for salaries and expenses of staff in House leadership offices. This amount is the same 

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

request. 

The allocation by office follows: 

Office of the Speaker .......................................................................... $6,645,417 

Office of the Majority Floor Leader .................................................. 2,180,048 

Office of the Majority Whip ............................................................... 1,886,632 

Republican Conference ....................................................................... 1,505,426 

Office of the Minority Floor Leader .................................................. 7,114,471 

Office of the Minority Whip ............................................................... 1,459,639 

Democratic Caucus ............................................................................. 1,487,258 

Total ............................................................................................. $22,278,891 


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MEMBERS’ REPRESENTATIONAL ALLOWANCES

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $554,317,732 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 554,317,732 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 562,632,498 

The Committee recommends $562,632,498 for the representational allowances of the Members of the House (MRAs). This 

amount is $8,314,766 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

is $8,314,766 above the budget request. This level of funding will 

allow the MRAs to operate at current authorized levels as approved 

by the Committee on House Administration. 

HOUSE COMMITTEES

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $147,174,177 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 150,324,377 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 150,324,377 

The Committee recommends $150,324,377 in total for House 

Committees. This amount is $3,150,200 above the fiscal year 2016 

enacted level and the same as the budget request. 

This account includes funding for staff salaries and official expenses of Committees including equipment, telecommunications, 

printing, and contract services. Funding is available until December 31, 2018. 

This amount includes $3,150,200 made available for committee 

room renovations. 

Included in the total is $23,271,004 for the Committee on Appropriations. The amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and the budget request. 

SALARIES, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $178,531,768 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 181,756,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 181,487,000 

The Committee recommends $181,487,000 for the salaries and 

expenses of House officers and employees of the various activities 

funded through this consolidated item. This amount is $2,955,232 

above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $269,000 below the 

budget request. 

The following table summarizes the funding allocation provided 

to each component of the account: 

Office of the Clerk .............................................................................. $26,268,000 

Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms ......................................................... 15,505,000 

Parking for Pregnant Women: The Committee recognizes the 

value of and supports parking accommodations for Members and 

Staff during pregnancy. The Committee supports efforts by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms, in conjunction with the Committee on 

House Administration to provide accommodating temporary parking for Members and Staff during their pregnancy. 

Garage Security Implementation Plan: The Committee commends 

the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives and the Capitol Police for their work to secure the Capitol Complex. The Committee notes that a plan to install magnetometers at the entrances 

to the House office buildings leading from the garages is a significant step forward in closing one of the last gaps in internal buildVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:49 May 26, 2016 Jkt 020162 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR594.XXX HR594

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ing security. Having said that, it is clear that the garage magnetometer program as presented will not be operational in all of the 

House office buildings, making it less effective than a program in 

which all three buildings could be secured simultaneously. Nonetheless, comprehensive garage security should move forward and 

the Committee expects the Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol Police 

to implement those security efforts after providing a plan that will 

outline how the program will be implemented in all garages. Furthermore the Committee encourages the Sergeant at Arms and the 

Capitol Police to hold additional briefings to re-introduce and reorient offices to the details of the plan required above, including 

providing information to new Members who will join the 115th 

Congress. 

Office of the Chief Administrative Officer ........................................ 117,165,000 

Continuity of Operations: The Committee continues to be concerned about internal risks due to the complexities of the House of 

Representative’s network and application infrastructures. The 

Committee encourages the House to adopt solutions based on existing IT infrastructures and security controls that isolate and segment sensitive application information and maintains 

architecturally sound and secured separation among networks. The 

Committee also encourages the House to look at existing commercial solutions that provides resiliency, automation and ensures the 

continuity of operations for the House of Representatives’ systems. 

Food Service: In August of 2015 Sodexo Government Services 

began operating House food services, which includes eateries, vending services, and the in-house catering operation through the subcontractor Capitol Host. Sodexo is taking over House food service 

operations after 7 years of Restaurant Associates’ management. 

The Committee recognizes and understands the many challenges of 

delivering affordable high quality food options to the House community. The Committee also believes it is important to obtain input 

from food service patrons. The Chief Administrative Officer is directed to have food service vendors establish a point of contact for 

Members, staff and visitors to easily contact when they have issues 

with the food service, recommendations or suggestions on cafeteria 

or dining room operations. As part of establishing a point of contact 

and mechanisms to contact them, follow up procedures should be 

a part of the plan. 

Donating Computer Equipment: The Committee is aware of several Member’s desire to review the regulations that outline the eligibility of, and process by which, House equipment can be donated 

to local and State governments as well as 501(c)(3) charities. The 

Committee believes this is a worthwhile review and that the Committee on House Administration is the proper committee of jurisdiction to address any specific regulation changes. 

Office of the Inspector General ......................................................... 4,963,000 

Office of General Counsel .................................................................. 1,444,000 

Office of the Parliamentarian ............................................................ 1,999,000 

Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House ............................ 3,167,000 

Office of the Legislative Counsel of the House ................................ 8,979,000 

Office of Interparliamentary Affairs ................................................. 814,000 

Other authorized employees .............................................................. 1,183,000 

Total ............................................................................................. $181,487,000 


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ALLOWANCES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $278,433,432 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 278,633,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 272,328,000 

The Committee recommends a total of $272,328,000 for allowances and expenses. This amount is $6,105,432 below the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and is $6,305,000 below the budget request. 

These funds include supplies, materials, administrative costs, 

and Federal tort claims; the costs of official mail for the Committees, leadership, and administrative offices; employee benefits; miscellaneous items; Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, and 

Office of Congressional Ethics. 

The following table summarizes the funding allocation provided 

to each major component of the account: 

Supplies, materials, administrative costs and Federal tort claims $3,625,000 

Official mail (committees, administrative, and leadership offices) 190,000 

Government contributions ................................................................. 245,334,000 

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery .................................... 16,217,000 

Transition Activities ........................................................................... 2,084,000 

Wounded Warrior Program ............................................................... 2,500,000 

Office of Congressional Ethics ........................................................... 1,658,000 

Miscellaneous items ........................................................................... 720,000 

Total, allowances and expenses ................................................. $272,328,000 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Section 101 provides for unspent amounts remaining in Members’ Representational Allowances account to be used for deficit or 

debt reduction. 

Section 102 prohibits the delivery of bills and resolutions. 

Section 103 prohibits the delivery of printed copies of the Congressional Record. 

Section 104 places a limitation on amount available to lease vehicles. 

Section 105 places a limitation on printed copies of the U.S. 

Code. 

Section 106 prohibits the delivery of reports of disbursements. 

Section 107 prohibits the delivery of the daily calendar. 

Section 108 prohibits delivery of congressional pictorial directory. 

Section 109 prohibits cost of living adjustment for Members of 

Congress. 

Section 110 allows USCP dignitary protection detail to travel 

overseas with Members of the Leadership. 

JOINT ITEMS 

The Committee recommends $19,565,000 for the various joint 

committees and activities carried under this heading. The recommendation is $1,167,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and is $1,445,000 below the budget request. 

JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE 

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $4,203,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 4,203,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 4,203,000 


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The Committee recommends $4,203,000 for the Joint Economic 

Committee. This recommendation is the same as the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and the budget request. 

The Joint Economic Committee was created by the Employment 

Act of 1946. The primary tasks of the Committee are to review economic conditions and to recommend improvements in economic policy. The Committee performs research and economic analysis and 

monitors and analyzes current economic, financial, and employment conditions. 

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION 

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $10,095,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 11,540,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 10,095,000 

The Committee recommends $10,095,000 for the Joint Committee 

on Taxation (JCT). This recommendation is the same as the fiscal 

2016 enacted level and is $1,445,000 below the budget request. 

The Joint Committee on Taxation operates under the Internal 

Revenue Code of 1986 and its predecessors dating to the Revenue 

Act of 1926. It has responsibility to (1) investigate the operation 

and effects of internal revenue taxes and the administration of 

such taxes; (2) investigate measures and methods for the simplification of such taxes; (3) make reports to the House Committee 

on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance (or to 

the House and the Senate) on the results of such investigations and 

studies and to make recommendations; and (4) review any proposed 

refund or credit of income or estate and gift taxes or certain other 

taxes set forth in Code section 6405 in excess of $2,000,000 

($5,000,000 in the case of a C corporation). In addition to these 

functions that are specified in the Internal Revenue Code, the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires the Joint Committee to provide revenue estimates for all tax legislation considered by either 

the House or the Senate. 

OFFICE OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN 

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $3,784,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 3,838,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 3,838,000 

The Committee recommends $3,838,000 for the Office of the Attending Physician. This amount is $54,000 above the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and the same as the request. The increase above 

the current level provides for the increase for the reimbursement 

to the Navy. 

OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES 

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $1,400,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 1,429,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 1,429,000 

The Committee recommends $1,429,000 for the operation of the 

Office of Congressional Accessibility Services. This amount is 

$29,000 above the fiscal 2016 enacted level and is the same as the 

budget request. 

The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services provides and 

coordinates a variety of accessibility services for individuals with 


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disabilities including Members of Congress, staff and visitors in the 

United States Capitol Complex. 

CAPITOL POLICE 

The Committee recommends a total of $391,300,000 for the Capitol Police (USCP). This amount is $16,300,000 above the fiscal 

year 2016 level and is $18,288,000 below the budget request. 

The Committee withholds $7,000,000 pending approval of an obligation plan. 

Firing Range: The Committee understands the newly opened firing range for the Capitol Police was closed due to safety concerns 

after complaints by officers of unsafe conditions. The Committee is 

aware that the Architect of the Capitol is working with USCP and 

the contractor to determine the cause or causes of the identified 

problems. However, the Committee expects a full accounting of how 

such an error could happen. As AOC and USCP work to reopen the 

firing range, both agencies shall report any additional costs to taxpayers that may be incurred due to this incident 45 days after reopening. 

SALARIES

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $309,000,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 333,128,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 325,300,000 

The Committee recommends $325,300,000 for the salaries and 

benefits authorized for police services throughout the USCP jurisdiction. This amount is $16,300,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $7,828,000 below the budget request. 

Based on the rise in terrorist events and the tactics displayed by 

the assailants, USCP reviewed its operational and tactical posture, 

they believe that additional screening must be used. The increase 

includes full year funding for hires added in FY2016 and half year 

costs of hires expected to address implementation of additional 

screening and pre-screening at various building access points. 

New Posts: The Committee continues to direct the USCP to notify 

the Committee on Appropriations of the House when new posts are 

created, including the annualized cost of maintaining the new post, 

and how the cost will be offset. 

Use of Grounds: The Committee understands the need to maintain safety and order on the Capitol grounds and commends the 

Capitol Police for their efforts. Given the family-style neighborhood 

that the Capitol shares with the surrounding community the Committee continues to instruct the Capitol Police to forebear enforcement of 2 U.S.C. 1963 (‘‘An act to protect the public property, turf, 

and grass of the Capitol Grounds from injury’’) and the Traffic Regulations for the United States Capitol Grounds when encountering 

snow sledders on the grounds. 

GENERAL EXPENSES

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $66,000,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 76,460,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 66,000,000 


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The Committee recommends $66,000,000 for general expenses of 

the USCP. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and is $10,460,000 below the budget request. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

Section 1001 provides for disposal of lost and found property and 

acceptance of property from other Federal agencies. 

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $3,959,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 4,315,151 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 3,959,000 

The Committee recommends $3,959,000 for the Office of Compliance. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and is $356,151 below the budget request. 

The Office of Compliance was established to administer and enforce the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104–91). 

The Act applies various employment and workplace safety laws to 

Congress and certain Legislative Branch entities. 

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $46,500,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 47,637,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 46,500,000 

The Committee recommends $46,500,000 for the Congressional 

Budget Office. This is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and is $1,137,000 below the budget request. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

Sec. 1101 authorizes senior level positions. 

ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL 

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $528,683,499 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 605,895,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 551,735,733 

1Does not include Senate Office Buildings 

The Committee recommends $551,735,733 for the activities of the 

Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Excluded are Senate items which 

are traditionally left for consideration by that body. This amount 

is $23,052,234 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is 

$54,159,267 below the budget request. 

Within the recommended level the Committee continues its 

prioritization of projects that: (1) promote the safety and health of 

workers and occupants, (2) decrease the deferred maintenance 

backlog, and (3) invest to achieve future energy savings. In addition, by including $17,000,000 for the House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund, the bill continues the Committee’s commitment to advance planning for major capital renewal projects which 

will be essential to sustaining the performance of historic House 

buildings. 


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The AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex. This 

includes mechanical and structural maintenance of the Capitol, 

Congressional office buildings, the Library of Congress buildings, 

the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power Plant, and other facilities, as well as the upkeep and improvement of the grounds surrounding the Capitol complex. 

Working Capital Fund: The Committee has created a working 

capital fund (WCF) for the Architect of the Capitol. The WCF provides a tool to ensure that its appropriated funds are being used 

in the most efficient manner possible to support Congress and the 

Supreme Court. Specifically, the WCF will ensure that the AOC’s 

Construction Division can continue to operate in the most efficient 

and economical manner. The AOC will establish standard operating procedures to administer and operate the WCF. The WCF 

will also be subject to AOC policies, internal controls, and auditing 

requirements to ensure that the WCF is operating within the parameters of appropriations law requirements. 

Baby Changing Stations: The Committee recognizes the importance of providing designated baby changing stations for members 

of the public and Members and staffers who visit the Capitol Complex, including in both male and female publicly accessible bathrooms. The Committee encourages the Architect of the Capitol to 

take steps to provide baby changing stations at easily accessible locations throughout the Capitol Complex in both male and female 

bathrooms. 

The following table summarizes the allocation of funds by appropriation account: 

Architect of the Capitol: 

Capital Construction and Operations ........................................ $88,542,234 

Capitol Building .......................................................................... 33,005,499 

Capitol Grounds .......................................................................... 12,826,000 

House Office Buildings subtotal ................................................. 204,481,000 

House Office Buildings ........................................................ (187,481,000) 

House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund ........ (17,000,000) 

Capitol Power Plant .................................................................... 104,480,000 

Library Buildings and Grounds ................................................. 47,080,000 

Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security ....................... 26,697,000 

Botanic Garden ............................................................................ 14,067,000 

Capitol Visitor Center ................................................................. 20,557,000 

Total ...................................................................................... $551,735,733 

CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $91,589,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 103,650,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 88,542,234 

The Committee recommends $88,542,234 for personnel services, 

equipment, communications, and other central support activities of 

the AOC. This amount is $3,046,766 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $15,107,766 below the budget request. 

The recommendation supports an operating budget of 

$83,274,234. 

The recommended project budget of $5,268,000 includes the following projects: 


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Item Committee 

recommendation 

New Legislative Call System Installation ...................................................................................................... $1,368,000 

AOC Backup Data Center ............................................................................................................................... 3,900,000 

Total ....................................................................................................................................................... $5,268,000 

CAPITOL BUILDING

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $46,737,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 44,010,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 33,005,499 

The Committee recommends $33,005,499 for the operation, maintenance, and care of the Capitol building. This amount is 

$13,731,501 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is 

$11,004,501 below the budget request. 

Flag Office Modernization: The Committee recognizes the flag 

flying service available to House and Senate Offices and their Constituents as an important and popular service the AOC provides. 

While the Flag Office operates as efficiently and effectively as 

they can with their current operating procedures, the process is 

often cumbersome and antiquated. 

Numerous studies in the past have looked at the entire life-cycle 

of the flag flying process, the results of which have been little or 

no change to current operations. The AOC is directed to perform 

an analysis of the current flag process and identify improvements 

in order to make the process more efficient and effective, including 

but not limited to identifying ways to automate processes, streamline ordering and delivery of flags. The automation approach shall 

take into consideration several key aspects of the process such as 

order entry and submission, order tracking, consolidated delivery of 

flags from office supply, and payment for this service. Since the 

flag flying process involves other House and Senate organizations, 

the AOC shall coordinate the analysis with the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of 

the Senate in order to streamline one agreed upon process. 

The AOC shall complete the analysis and provide recommendations to the Committee in 120 days. The recommendations shall include but not be limited to a detailed description of the options, associated implementation costs for each option, and timeline for 

their implementation. 

The recommendation supports an operating budget of 

$24,000,000. 

The recommended project budget of $9,005,499 includes the following projects: 

Item Committee 

recommendation 

Exterior Stone and Metal Preservation, West Facade, Phase III ................................................................... $4,906,499 

Conservation of Fine and Architectural Art ................................................................................................... 599,000 

Minor Construction ......................................................................................................................................... 3,500,000 

Total ....................................................................................................................................................... $9,005,499 


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CAPITOL GROUNDS

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $11,880,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 13,083,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 12,826,000 

The Committee recommends $12,826,000 for the care of the 

grounds surrounding the Capitol. This amount is $946,000 above 

the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $257,000 below the budget 

request. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $9,880,000. 

The recommended project budget of $2,946,000 includes the following projects: 

Item Committee 

recommendation 

Capitol Square Infrastructure Repair ............................................................................................................. $946,000 

Minor Construction ......................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000 

Total ....................................................................................................................................................... $2,946,000 

HOUSE OFFICE BUILDINGS

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $174,962,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 189,528,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 187,481,000 

The Committee recommends $187,481,000 for the operation, 

maintenance, and care of the House office buildings. This amount 

is $12,519,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$2,047,000 below the budget request. This amount includes $15,000,000 for the full year lease cost of 

the Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr. Federal Office Building. 

House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund: The bill includes $10,000,000 for the House Historic Buildings Revitalization 

Trust Fund. Public Law 111–68 established the Fund to finance 

major repairs and renovations to facilities of the House. Subject to 

approval of the Committee on Appropriations of the House, the 

AOC may use these funds for major renovation projects to preserve 

and maintain the performance of the iconic buildings of the House 

of Representatives. 

Cannon House Office Building: The Committee is pleased with 

the progress that the Architect of the Capitol has made advancing 

the much needed renovation of the Cannon House Office Building. 

Using an integrated project delivery method, the AOC has successfully managed this project in collaboration with congressional oversight to keep the renewal on time and on budget. As Phase 0 concludes and Phase 1 begins, the Committee is confident the AOC 

will continue to utilize best practice methods and procedures to deliver the project in an efficient manner to meet the needs of Congress and the public. 

Rayburn House Office Building Garage Rehabilitation: The Committee provides $30,789,000 for the second phase of a four phased 

rehabilitation program for the Rayburn House Office Building garage. There is severe corrosion of the reinforcing steel and spalling 

and delaminating of the concrete slabs and columns. This project 

provides structural and architectural modifications for life safety, 

accessibility, lighting, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and security system upgrades. 


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Security: The Committee understands additional phases of the 

Rayburn garage security project and the security storm window installation for the Cannon House Office Building will be necessary 

and expects the Architect of the Capitol to keep the Committee apprised of cost estimates and progress. Future requests of this nature should be included in the regular budget process. 

The recommendation supports an operating budget of $64,077,000. 

The recommended project budget of $123,404,000 includes the 

following projects: 

Item Committee 

recommendation 

Garage Rehabilitation, Phase II, RHOB ......................................................................................................... $30,789,000 

Emergency Power Upgrades, RHOB & HUG’s ................................................................................................. 19,955,000 

CAO Project Support ....................................................................................................................................... 3,660,000 

Restoration and Renovation, CHOB ............................................................................................................... 62,000,000 

Minor Construction ......................................................................................................................................... 7,000,000 

Total ....................................................................................................................................................... $123,404,000 

CAPITOL POWER PLANT

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $94,722,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 105,765,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 104,480,000 

Offsetting collections .......................................................................... 9,000,000 

Total available ............................................................................. $113,480,000 

The Committee recommends $104,480,000 for the Capitol Power 

Plant. This amount is $9,757,501 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $1,285,000 below the budget request. 

The recommendation supports an operating budget of 

$86,141,000. 

The recommended project budget of $27,339,000 includes the following projects: 

Item Committee 

recommendation 

West Refrigeration Plant Chiller System Replacement, RPR, Phase IIIA ...................................................... $17,834,000 

Roof Replacement, PPBP & PPGP .................................................................................................................. 3,805,000 

Cogeneration Management Program, CPP ..................................................................................................... 1,700,000 

Minor Construction ......................................................................................................................................... 4,000,000 

Total ....................................................................................................................................................... $27,339,000 

LIBRARY BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $40,689,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 65,959,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 47,080,000 

The Committee recommends $47,080,000 for the care and maintenance of the Library buildings and grounds. This amount is 

$6,391,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is 

$18,879,000 below the budget request. 

The recommendation supports an operating budget of $24,943,000. 

The recommended project budget of $22,137,000 includes the following projects: 


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Item Committee 

recommendation 

Garage Structural Repairs & Entry Improvements, JAB ................................................................................ $8,722,000 

Emergency Generator Replacement, TJB ........................................................................................................ 4,901,000 

Elevator Modernization, JMMB MC1–MC4, JAB 13–14 .................................................................................. 4,292,000 

East and West Main Pavilion Roof Replacement, TJB .................................................................................. 2,222,000 

Minor Construction ......................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000 

Total ....................................................................................................................................................... $22,137,000 

CAPITOL POLICE BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, AND SECURITY

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $25,434,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 37,513,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 26,697,000 

The Committee recommends $26,697,000 for Capitol Police buildings, grounds, and security. This amount is $1,263,000 above the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $10,816,000 below the budget 

request. 

The recommendation supports an operating budget of 

$17,533,000. 

The recommended project budget of $9,164,000 includes the following projects: 

Item Committee 

recommendation 

Chiller Replacement and Chilled Water System Expansion, Phase I, ACF ................................................... $7,664,000 

Minor Construction ......................................................................................................................................... 1,500,000 

Total ....................................................................................................................................................... $9,164,000 

BOTANIC GARDEN

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $12,113,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 15,081,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 14,067,000 

The Committee recommends $14,067,000 for the Botanic Garden. 

This amount is $1,954,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 

and is $1,014,000 below the budget request. 

The recommendation supports an operating budget of $10,013,000. 

The recommended project budget of $4,054,000, includes the following projects: 

Item Committee 

recommendation 

Production Facility Renewal ........................................................................................................................... $1,954,000 

Minor Construction ......................................................................................................................................... 2,100,000 

Total ....................................................................................................................................................... $4,054,000 

Education Opportunities: Again the Committee congratulates the 

Botanic Garden on the accomplishments of its education and outreach programs, which have leveraged the Garden’s unparalleled 

expertise to provide unique educational opportunities. The Committee continues to urge the Garden to continue forming partnerships with national and local organizations with a particular focus 

to increase urban horticulture educational opportunities, and to 


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utilize House Office Buildings for visitors and constituents in order 

to advance educational goals. 

CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $20,557,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 21,306,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 20,557,000 

The CVC was established to improve security for all persons 

working in or visiting the U.S. Capitol and to enhance the educational experience of visitors. The Committee recommends $20,557,000 for the operation of the 

Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). This amount is the same as the fiscal 

year 2016 enacted level and $749,000 below the budget request. 

There are no capital projects in fiscal year 2017. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Section 1201 prohibits payment of bonuses to contractors behind 

schedule or over budget. 

Section 1202 prohibits expenditure of funds for scrims for 

projects performed by the Architect of the Capitol. 

Section. 1203 establishes a working capital fund. 

Section 1204 provides the Architect of the Capitol House Office 

Buildings jurisdiction authority to operate shuttle service between 

the House Office Buildings, O’Neill Building and Capitol. 

Section 1205 authorizes use of expired funds for unemployment 

compensation payments. 

Section 1206 establishes a flag office revolving fund. 

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

Established by Congress in 1800, the Library of Congress is one 

of the largest libraries in the world, with a collection of more than 

162,000,000 print, audio, and video items in 470 languages. Among 

its major programs are acquisitions, preservation, administration of 

U.S. copyright laws by the Copyright Office, research and analysis 

of policy issues for the Congress by the Congressional Research 

Service, and administration of a national program to provide reading material to the blind and physically handicapped. The Library 

maintains a significant number of collections and provides a range 

of services to libraries in the United States and abroad. 

Primary Computing Facility (PCF): The Committee includes 

$24,000,000 to migrate the Library’s Primary Computing Facility 

in the James Madison Building to an alternate facility. The Library’s current PCF, built in the 1970’s can no longer provide the 

level of data center reliability and availability that is needed. The 

current PCF is vulnerable in general to environment threats such 

as weather and earthquakes; a prime target for physical acts of terrorism and threats to Washington, DC as well as the facility power 

and cooling infrastructure to provide uninterrupted services are 

lacking. 

National Collection Stewardship Fund: As stewards of the national collection, the Committee supports the ongoing need to provide secure, state-of-the art facilities in which to store and preserve 

the Library’s holdings. Costs for new Fort Meade modules, upgrades to the Library’s Capitol Hill facilities, and related collecVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:49 May 26, 2016 Jkt 020162 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR594.XXX HR594

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tions preservation work can, however, exceed amounts available in 

annual budget allocations. To stabilize the funding stream for collections preservation and storage across fiscal years, the Committee includes a provision establishing a National Collection Stewardship Trust Fund into which the Congress may appropriate 

funds, the Library may transfer funds, and funds may be donated 

to remain available until expended. The trust fund will be available 

for collections storage construction or leasing upon the approval of 

the Joint Committee on the Library and the Committees on Appropriations. The Library will report to the Committees annually on 

use of the fund. 

Veterans History Project: The Committee expects the Veterans 

History Project to be funded at least at the fiscal year 2016 level. 

The Committee recognizes the critical importance of the Veterans 

History Project as a way to collect, preserve and make accessible 

the personal accounts of American war veterans for the benefit of 

future generations. As the Veterans History Project relies on volunteers to collect and submit veteran’s stories, the Committee encourages the Library of Congress to do further outreach with schools, 

Girl and Boy Scout programs, and other potential partners to enhance the project. 

Mass Deacidification Program: Recognizing that the Library’s extremely diverse collections require a well balanced approach of 

preservation assessment, treatment, reformatting, environmental 

storage, and protective housing. The Committee directs that the 

$5,500,000 base provided for the mass deacidification program be 

maintained for the fiscal year as a reasonable level of activity at 

this time for a balanced preservation program. Other preservation 

approaches should not be compromised by this investment in mass 

deacidification and the Committee further recognizes that adjustments to long-term program targets are necessary to reflect 

changes in overall collection condition and other preservation alternatives. 

Computer Network Activity: Section 208 of the general provisions 

is not intended to limit the Library of Congress or the Copyright 

Office from carrying out their work as required under law. 

Outreach: The Committee encourages the Library of Congress to 

increase cooperative partnerships, fellowship opportunities, and 

curriculum program associations with post-secondary institutions 

that have significant percentages of minority students including 

Hispanic Serving Institutions and Historically Black Colleges and 

Universities. 

Teaching with Primary Sources Program: The goal of the Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program is to teach educators and 

librarians how to incorporate the digital collections of the Library 

of Congress into educational curricula. To help meet this goal, in 

the most recent fiscal years, the Library’s National and International Outreach Office has launched a competitive program within the TPS for the development of online and interactive apps for 

classroom use on Congress and civic participation. The Committee 

applauds the National and International Outreach Office for their 

efforts in this regard and recognizes that these projects require significant time and professional skills. As such, the Committee directs the Library of Congress to prioritize the support and expansion of existing projects rather than initiating new ones. AdditionVerDate Sep 11 2014 05:49 May 26, 2016 Jkt 020162 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR594.XXX HR594

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ally, the Library of Congress is reminded that the original intention of the competitive program was to facilitate the development 

of programs focused on Congress and citizen participation, and existing programs should reflect these priorities. 

To the extent practicable, the Committee instructs the Library to 

maintain certain subject headings that reflect terminology used in 

title 8, United States Code. 

Survey: The Committee directs the Library of Congress to conduct a survey of ethnic collections of populations displaced as a result of World War II conflict found throughout the United States, 

and to share the results of the survey with the Committee. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $419,621,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 472,885,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 443,621,000 

Offsetting collections .......................................................................... 6,350,000 

Total available ............................................................................. 449,971,000 

The Committee recommends $443,621,000, plus authority to 

spend $6,350,000 in receipts, for the salaries and expenses appropriation. This amount is $24,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $29,264,000 below the budget request. 

COPYRIGHT OFFICE

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $23,098,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 28,331,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 27,098,000 

Offsetting collections .......................................................................... 37,198,000 

Prior Year Unobligated Balances ...................................................... 4,531,000 

Total available ............................................................................. $68,827,000 

Copyright Modernization: The Committee recognizes and strongly 

supports the need for a robust information technology modernization effort within the Copyright Office to support the growth of creativity and commercial artistic activity in our nation and to effectively serve users and copyright owners in the 21st century. 

Last year the Committee required the Copyright Office to provide 

a plan on necessary IT upgrades to the Copyright Office and to 

seek public comments on efforts to modernize. The provisional report was received on February 29, 2016 with public comments to 

be provided later. 

The Committee directs the Copyright Office, in collaboration with 

the Library of Congress Chief Information Officer, to modify the 

plan to include cost estimates and a timeline to execute this much 

needed improvement of the Copyright Office in alignment with the 

Library’s Strategic Plan and Information Technology Strategic 

Plan. This report should also include funding strategies based on 

the comments received from the public. We expect these comments 

will give Congress a path to move forward on a funding strategy 

to implement modernization. The Committee remains convinced 

that the Copyright community will support a fee structure change 

alongside a commitment from Congress to improve the Copyright 

system. Finally, the report shall include a comparison between the 

software and requirements used by the recently modernized Patent 

and Trademark Office’s Trademark processes and the software the 


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Copyright Office plans to implement. This modified plan is to be 

provided to the Committee within 90 days. 

Therefore the Committee appropriates an additional $4,000,000 

above last year to support modernization totaling $68,827,000, 

which includes authority to spend $37,198,000 in receipts, and authority to spend $4,531,000 in prior year unobligated balances for 

the Copyright Office. This is $9,952,000 above the fiscal year 2016 

level and is $5,199,000 below the budget request. The increase 

above the current level is comprised of $5,952,000, offset with increased authority to spend receipts of $1,421,000, and prior year 

unobligated balances of $4,531,000. The increase of $1,421,000 in 

offsetting collections authority will fund 5 FTEs for supervision and 

staffing for emerging registration policies, 6 FTEs for public 

records and repositories staffing, and mandatory pay related and 

price level increases for Copyright Licensing Division and the 

Copyright Royalty Judges. The authority to spend prior year unobligated balances of $4,531,000 will fund the contract portion of the 

Data Management Initiative ($1,091,000) and the Searchable Historic Copyright Records Project ($3,440,000). 

To be consistent with the Legislative Branch mandate on shared 

services to achieve efficiencies and savings where practical and 

GAO findings on the Library’s information technology investment 

management, the House directs the Copyright Office to utilize the 

new hosting facility as the primary data center for infrastructure 

support including data storage and mission oriented software applications. Additionally, any development or use of commodity information technology services not provided by the Library should be 

done only by exception after collaboration with the Library’s Office 

of the Chief Information Officer and approval of the Chief Information Officer. Furthermore, all efforts by the Copyright Office to 

modernize its mission critical software applications should be accomplished in close collaboration with the Library’s Chief Information Officer to ensure there is no duplication of any shared services 

currently supported by the Library. The Committee expects to see 

savings from taking a shared services approach. 

The Committee understands the Copyright Office has offered its 

expertise on copyright matters to the Executive Branch, including 

participation in international discussions, and expects the Office to 

continue that important role. 

Consistent with historical practice, the Committee expects the 

Library to continue to defer to the copyright expertise of the Register of Copyrights. 

CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $106,945,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 114,408,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 107,945,000 

The Committee recommends $107,945,000 for salaries and expenses of the Congressional Research Service (CRS). This amount 

is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is 

$6,463,000 below the budget request. 

CRS works for Members and committees of Congress to support 

their legislative, oversight, and representational functions by providing nonpartisan and confidential research and policy analysis. 


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BOOKS FOR THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $50,248,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 51,591,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 50,248,000 

The Committee recommends $50,248,000 for salaries and expenses of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically 

Handicapped (NLS). This amount is the same as the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and is $1,343,000 below the budget request. 

The NLS administers a free national reading program for blind 

and physically handicapped residents of the United States and U.S. 

citizens living abroad since 1931. NLS provides direction for the 

production of books and magazines in braille and recorded formats 

and audio playback machines for distribution through a nationwide 

network of 55 regional and 33 sub-regional libraries. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Section 1301 authorizes obligational authority for reimbursable 

and revolving funds. 

Section 1302 establishes a national collection stewardship fund. 

Section 1303 continues to authorize the National Film Preservation Program. 

Section 1304 continues to authorize the Sound Recording Preservation Program. 

GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE 

GPO provides publishing and dissemination services for Federal 

government publications to Congress, Federal agencies, Federal depository libraries, and the American public. 

The Committee commends GPO for its continuing use of digital 

technology to support the information requirements of Congress, 

including support for the development of the Constitution, Jefferson’s Manual, and the Rules of the House of Representatives in 

XML format; the introduction of a new website, govinfo, for providing permanent access to public documents including congressional information; and the agency’s ongoing work to digitize all 

issues of the Congressional Record dating back to its introduction 

in 1873. GPO’s skilled use of digital technology has allowed the 

agency to constrain the costs of its operations while expanding Government information access options to the American people, bringing greater openness and transparency to the operations of the 

Government and Congress. 

CONGRESSIONAL PUBLISHING

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $79,736,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 79,736,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 79,736,000 

The Committee recommends $79,736,000 for Congressional Publishing. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 

level and is the same as the budget request. 

This account funds the costs of publishing congressional information products in both digital and print formats. The amount is provided as a lump sum to cover various categories of printing. 


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PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAMS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF

DOCUMENTS

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $30,500,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 29,500,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 29,500,000 

The Committee recommends $29,500,000 for the salaries and expenses of the Public Information Programs of the Superintendent 

of Documents. This amount is $1,000,000 below the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level and is the same as the budget request. 

The Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents account funds the mailing of government documents for 

Members of Congress and Federal agencies, as statutorily authorized; the compilation of catalogs and indexes of government publications; and the cataloging, indexing, and providing of government 

publications in digital and tangible formats to the Federal Depository and International Exchange libraries and to other individuals 

and entities, as authorized by law. 

BUSINESS OPERATIONS REVOLVING FUND

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $6,832,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 7,832,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 7,832,000 

The Committee recommends $7,832,000 for the Business Operations Revolving Fund. This is an increase of $1,000,000 above the 

fiscal 2016 level and the same as the budget request. 

The operations of the Government Publishing Office are financed 

through the Business Operations Revolving Fund. This businesslike fund is used to pay GPO’s costs in performing congressional 

and agency publishing, information product procurement, and publications dissemination activities. The fund is reimbursed from payments from customer agencies, sales to the public, appropriations 

to the fund, and transfers from GPO’s two annual appropriations. 

The bill continues language authorizing the operation of the revolving fund and authority to hire or purchase automobiles, advisory councils, and consultants. 

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation, fiscal year 2017 ......................................................... $531,000,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 567,825,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 533,100,000 

Offsetting Collections ......................................................................... 23,350,000 

Total available ............................................................................. $556,450,000 

The Committee recommends $533,100,000 in direct appropriations for the Government Accountability Office (GAO), plus 

$23,350,000 in offsetting collections derived from reimbursements 

for conducting financial audits of government corporations and 

rental of space in the GAO building. This amount is an increase 

of $2,100,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level, and is 

$34,725,000 below the budget request. 

GAO was established by the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. 

GAO works for Congress by responding to requests for studies of 


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Federal Government programs and expenditures. GAO may also 

initiate its own work. 

The Committee recognizes the important work that the Government Accountability Office does on a daily basis to provide oversight, transparency, and accountability for Congress and the American people. 

OPEN WORLD LEADERSHIP CENTER TRUST FUND

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $5,600,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 5,800,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 1,000,000 

The Committee recommends $1,000,000 for shut down costs. This 

amount is $4,600,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and 

$4,800,000 below the budget request. 

For many years the Committee has had concern with the placement of the Open World Leadership Center (OWLC) in the Legislative Branch with it mirroring numerous similar or nearly identical 

programs administered by other Federal agencies. In this fiscal environment where our national debt exceeds $19 trillion, it is important to eliminate duplicative programs. The Committee has provided $1,000,000 to cover the cost associated with the shutdown of 

the OWLC. The Committee directs the Director to retain any necessary prior year funds in the Trust to cover any cost in excess of 

the $1,000,000 provided in this bill to be utilized for the orderly 

shutdown. The Director is further directed that the program termination is to be finalized within one year of enactment of the Legislative Branch fiscal year 2017 appropriation bill. 

JOHN C. STENNIS CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TRAINING AND

DEVELOPMENT

Appropriation, fiscal year 2016 ......................................................... $430,000 

Budget request, fiscal year 2017 ....................................................... 430,000 

Recommended in the bill ................................................................... 430,000 

The Committee recommends $430,000 for fiscal year 2017. This 

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

same as the budget request. 

TITLE II—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

Includes language regarding maintenance and care of private vehicles, fiscal year limitation, rates of compensation and designation, consulting services, the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council, a limitation on transfers, guided tours of the Capitol, computer network activity, and the spending reduction account. 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT REQUIREMENTS 

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

COMPARISON WITH THE BUDGET RESOLUTION

Section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget Act requires the 

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tions submitted under section 302(b) of the Act for the most recently agreed to concurrent resolution on the budget for the applicable fiscal year. That information is provided in the table headed 

‘‘Comparison of Reported Bill to Section 302(b) Suballocation.’’ 

[In millions of dollars] 

302(b) Allocation This bill— 

Budget authority Outlays Budget authority Outlays 

Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee allocations to its subcommittees: Subcommittee on Legislative 

Branch 

Discretionary ............................................................................... $4,436 $4,336 $3,482 $3,600 1

Mandatory ................................................................................... 139 139 139 139 1

Total ........................................................................................... $4,575 $4,475 $3,621 $3,739 

1 Includes outlays from both House and Senate prior-year budget authority. 

Note.—Bill amounts excludes discretionary Senate related items. 

FIVE-YEAR OUTLAY PROJECTIONS

In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional 

Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93–344), as amended, the following 

table contains five-year projections prepared by the Congressional 

Budget Office of outlays associated with the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill: 

[In millions of dollars] 

Budget Authority ................................................................................ $3,621 

Outlays: 

2017 .............................................................................................. 2 3,008 

2018 .............................................................................................. 396 

2019 .............................................................................................. 99 

2020 .............................................................................................. 48 

2021 .............................................................................................. 33 2 Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Pursuant to section 308(a)1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act 

of 1974, (Public Law 93–344), as amended, the amount of financial 

assistance to State and local governments is as follows: 

The accompanying bill contains no funding for State and local assistance programs. 

PROGRAM DUPLICATION

No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a program of 

the Federal Government known to be duplicative of another Federal program, a program that was included in any report from the 

Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to section 

21 of Public Law 111–139, or a program related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. 

DIRECTED RULE MAKING

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

TRANSFER OF FUNDS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following lists the transfers of funds included in the accompanying bill: 


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Indefinite transfer authority is authorized in Joint items disbursed by the Chief Administrative Officer of the House, Library 

of Congress, Congressional Printing and Binding, the Superintendent of Documents, and the Capitol Police programs. 

RESCISSIONS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following details the rescissions in the accompanying bill: 

The accompanying bill contains no rescissions. 

STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following is a statement of general performance goals and objectives for which this measure authorizes funding: 

The Committee on Appropriations considers program performance, including a program’s success in developing and attaining 

outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing funding recommendations. 

APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following lists the appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not authorized by law for the period concerned: 

The accompanying bill contains no appropriations not authorized 

by law. 

EARMARKS

Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of 

Representatives, this bill, as reported, contains no Congressional 

earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined 

in clause 9(e), 9(f), or 9(g) of rule XXI. 

CHANGES IN THE APPLICATION OF EXISTING LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted 

describing the effect of provisions in the accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the application of existing law: 

1. The bill provides that certain appropriation items remain 

available for more than one year, where programs or projects are 

continuing in nature under the provisions of authorizing legislation 

but for which that legislation does not specifically authorize such 

extended availability. 

2. The bill includes a number of provisions which place limitations on or change or extend existing limitations, appropriations, or 

authorizations, and which under some circumstances might be construed as changing the application of existing law. 

3. The bill continues the practice of providing official reception 

and representation allowances for officers and offices of the Legislative Branch. 

4. The bill authorizes disbursal of funds for various agencies. 


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5. The bill authorizes transfer authority between accounts for 

certain agencies in the bill. 

6. The bill includes language allowing the use of funds for studies and examinations of executive agencies and temporary personnel services. Funds can also be available for reimbursement to 

agencies for services performed. 

7. The bill includes language providing funds for the Family 

Room, the Superintendent of Garages, Office of Emergency Management, and preparing the Digest of Rules. 

8. The bill includes language providing funds for House motor vehicles, interparliamentary receptions, and gratuities. 

9. The bill requires unspent funds remaining in Members’ Representational Allowances to be used for deficit or debt reduction. 

10. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being used for 

the delivery of bills and resolutions. 

11. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being used for 

the delivery of the Congressional Record. 

12. The bill includes language that places a limitation on the 

amount that a Member can spend on a leased vehicle per month. 

13. The bill includes language that places a limitation on printed 

copies of the U.S. Code for the House of Representatives. 

14. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being used for 

the delivery of the Reports of Disbursements. 

15. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being used for 

the delivery of the daily calendar. 

16. The bill includes language that prohibits funds being used for 

the delivery of the congressional pictorial directory. 

17. The bill authorizes allowances for employees of the Office of 

the Attending Physician and provides reimbursement to the Department of the Navy. 

18. The bill authorizes expenses of the Capitol Police for motor 

vehicles, communications and other equipment, uniforms, weapons, 

supplies, materials, training, medical services, forensic services, 

stenographic services, personal and professional services, the employee assistance program, the awards program, postage, communication services, travel advances, and relocation expenses. 

19. The bill provides that the cost of Capitol Police basic training 

at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center be paid by the 

Department of Homeland Security. 

20. The bill includes language that authorizes reimbursement for 

law enforcement assistance provided in connection with any activity that was not sponsored by Congress. 

21. The bill includes language to authorize CBO to establish senior level positions. 

22. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to purchase or exchange, maintain, and operate two passenger motor vehicles. 

23. The bill includes authorization allowing reimbursements for 

chilled water and steam provided to the Government Publishing 

Office, the Washington City Post Office, the Supreme Court, the 

Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, Union Station 

Complex, and the Folger Shakespeare Library to be credited to the 

AOC Capitol Power Plant appropriation and made available for obligation. 

24. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to expend funds 

to maintain, care for, and operate the National Garden. 


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25. The bill contains language that prohibits the Architect of the 

Capitol from expending funds for scrims containing photographs of 

building facades during restoration or construction projects. 

26. The bill establishes Working Capital Fund for the Architect 

of the Capitol. 

27. The bill permits the use of expired funds for unemployment 

compensation payments. 

28. The bill establishes a Flag Office Revolving Fund. 

29. The bill provides the authority to expend funds collected 

under the authority of 2 U.S.C. 150 and for international legal information, the balance to remain available until expended. 

30. The bill establishes that the amount available for obligation 

by the Library of Congress is reduced by offsetting collections. 

31. The bill provides funds for the digital collections and educational curricula program, and the American Folklife Center. 

32. The bill allows the Library of Congress to hire or purchase 

one passenger motor vehicle. 

33. The bill allows funds from offsetting collections to be used for 

the Library’s Copyright Office. 

34. The bill includes language authorizing the expenditure of receipts, with the exception of salaries and benefits, for the administration of the Copyright Royalty Judges program. 

35. The bill contains language which provides that no funds in 

the Congressional Research Service can be used to publish or prepare material to be issued by the Library of Congress unless approved by the appropriate committees. 

36. The bill provides funds to provide newspapers to the blind 

and physically handicapped. 

37. The bill contains language under the Library of Congress 

placing a limitation on obligations for Reimbursable and Revolving 

Fund activities. 

38. The bill establishes a National Collection Stewardship Fund. 

39. The bill contains language restricting the use of funds appropriated to the Government Publishing Office for the permanent edition of the Congressional Record for individual Representatives and 

Senators, Resident Commissioners, or Delegates, and language providing that appropriations recommended shall be available for the 

payment of obligations incurred under appropriations for similar 

purposes for preceding fiscal years, limiting the printing of certain 

documents to a time certain, and authorizing the transfer of unobligated balances. 

40. The bill includes authorization of appropriations for Congressional Publishing. 

41. The bill includes language authorizing the Public Information 

Programs of the Superintendent of Documents to pay for printing 

certain publications in prior years for the depository library program. There is language authorizing the transfer of unexpended 

balances. 

42. There is language authorizing the operation of the Government Publishing Office revolving fund, and which authorizes travel 

expenses for advisory councils, the purchase of not more than 12 

passenger motor vehicles and that the revolving fund may be used 

to provide information in any format. 

43. The bill includes language relating to the Government Accountability Office, authorizing the direct procurement of expert 


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and consultant services under 5 U.S.C. 3109 at certain rates; authorizing the hire of one passenger motor vehicle, as required by 

31 U.S.C. 1343; authorizing the Government Accountability Office 

to make advance payments in foreign countries in accordance with 

31 U.S.C. 3324; and providing certain benefits, including rental of 

living quarters in foreign countries. Appropriations are authorized 

for administrative expenses of any other member department or 

agency to finance an appropriate share of the costs of the National 

Intergovernmental Audit Forum or a Regional Intergovernmental 

Audit Forum. 

44. In Section 201, there is language prohibiting the use of funds 

in the Act for the maintenance or care of private vehicles except 

for emergency assistance and cleaning as may be provided under 

regulations relating to parking facilities for the House issued by 

the Committee on House Administration and for the Senate by the 

Committee on Rules and Administration. 

45. Section 203 provides that whenever any office or position not 

specifically established by the Legislative Pay Act of 1929 is appropriated for herein, or whenever the rate of compensation or designation of any position appropriated for herein is different from 

that specifically established for such position by such Act, the rate 

of compensation and the designation of the position, either appropriated for or provided herein, shall be the permanent law with respect thereto: Provided that the provisions herein for the various 

items of official expenses of Members, officers, and committees of 

the Senate and House, and clerk hire for Senators and Members 

shall be the permanent law with respect thereto. 

46. Section 204 requires that certain information regarding consulting services shall be a matter of public record. 

47. Section 205 authorizes Legislative Branch entities to share 

the costs of the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council. 

48. Section 206 limits the transfer of funds in this Act. 

49. Section 207 prohibits funds in this Act being used to eliminate or restrict staff led guided tours. 

50. Section 208 prohibits funds to be used concerning computer 

network activity. 

51. This bill provides language relating to cost of living adjustment for Members of Congress. 

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): 

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1977 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE VI—ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL 

* * * * * * * 

CAPITOL BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

* * * * * * * 


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CAPITOL GROUNDS

For care and improvement of grounds surrounding the Capitol, 

the Senate and House Office Buildings, and the Capitol Power 

Plant; personal and other services; care of trees; planting; fertilizer; 

repairs to pavements, walks, and roadways; waterproof wearing apparel; maintenance of signal lights; and for snow removal by hire 

of men and equipment or under contract without regard to section 

3709 of the Revised Statutes, as amended, $1,832,800: Provided, 

That hereafter, funds øappropriated under this heading¿ appropriated for any available account of the Architect of the Capitol 

shall be available for the purchase or rental, maintenance and operation of passenger motor vehicles to provide shuttle service for 

Members and employees of Congress to and from the buildings in 

the Legislative group. 

Not to exceed $94,500 of the unobligated balance of the appropriation under this head for the fiscal year 1976 is hereby continued available until September 30, 1977. 

* * * * * * * 

SECTION 1003 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH 

APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2003 

SEC. 1003. DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS PROPERTY. (a) IN GENERAL.— 

Within the limits of available appropriations, the Capitol Police 

may dispose of øsurplus or obsolete property of the Capitol Police¿ 

surplus or obsolete property of the Capitol Police, and property 

which is in the possession of the Capitol Police because it has been 

disposed, forfeited, voluntarily abandoned, or unclaimed, by interagency transfer, donation, sale, trade-in, or other appropriate 

method. 

(b) AMOUNTS RECEIVED.—Any amounts received by the Capitol 

Police from the disposition of property under subsection (a) shall be 

credited to the account established for the general expenses of the 

Capitol Police, and shall be available to carry out the purposes of 

such account during the fiscal year in which the amounts are received and the following fiscal year. 

(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall apply to fiscal year 2003 

and each fiscal year thereafter. 

* * * * * * * 

NATIONAL FILM PRESERVATION ACT OF 1996 

TITLE I—REAUTHORIZATION OF THE 

NATIONAL FILM PRESERVATION BOARD 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 112. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Librarian for the 

first fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of 

this Act and each succeeding fiscal year øthrough fiscal year 2016¿ 

through fiscal year 2026 such sums as may be necessary to carry 


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out the purposes of this title, but in no fiscal year shall such sum 

exceed $250,000. 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE 36, UNITED STATES CODE 

* * * * * * * 

SUBTITLE II—PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL 

ORGANIZATIONS 

* * * * * * * 

PART B—ORGANIZATIONS 

* * * * * * * 

CHAPTER 1517—NATIONAL FILM PRESERVATION 

FOUNDATION 

* * * * * * * 

§ 151711. Authorization of appropriations 

(a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— (1) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be appropriated to 

the Library of Congress amounts necessary to carry out this 

chapter, not to exceed— (A) $530,000 for each of the fiscal years 2005 through 

2009; 

(B) $750,000 for each of the fiscal years 2010 through 

2011; and 

(C) $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2012 øthrough 

2016¿ through 2026. 

(2) MATCHING.—The amounts authorized to be appropriated 

under this subsection are to be made available to the corporation to match any private contributions (whether in currency, 

services, or property) made to the corporation by private persons and State and local governments. 

(b) LIMITATION RELATED TO ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.— 

Amounts authorized under this section may not be used by the corporation for management and general or fundraising expenses as 

reported to the Internal Revenue Service as part of an annual information return required under the Internal Revenue Code of 

1986. 

* * * * * * * 

CHAPTER 1524—NATIONAL RECORDING PRESERVATION 

FOUNDATION 

* * * * * * * 

§ 152403. Board of directors 

(a) GENERAL.—The board of directors is the governing body of the 

corporation. 


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(b) MEMBERS AND APPOINTMENT.—(1) The Librarian of Congress 

(hereafter in this chapter referred to as the ‘‘Librarian’’) is an ex 

officio nonvoting member of the board. Not later than 90 days after 

the date of the enactment of this chapter, the Librarian shall appoint the directors to the board in accordance with paragraph (2). 

(2)(A) The board consists of ønine directors¿ 12 directors. 

(B) Each director shall be a United States citizen. 

(C) At least six directors shall be knowledgeable or experienced 

in sound recording production, distribution, preservation, or restoration, including two who are sitting members of the National 

Recording Preservation Board. These six directors shall, to the extent practicable, represent diverse points of view from the sound 

recording community. 

(3) A director is not an employee of the Library of Congress and 

appointment to the board does not constitute appointment as an officer or employee of the United States Government for the purpose 

of any law of the United States. 

(4) The terms of office of the directors are 4 years. 

(5) A vacancy on the board shall be filled in the manner in which 

the original appointment was made. 

(c) CHAIR.—The Librarian shall appoint one of the directors as 

the initial chair of the board for a 2-year term. Thereafter, the 

chair shall be appointed and removed in accordance with the bylaws of the corporation. 

(d) QUORUM.—The number of directors constituting a quorum of 

the board shall be established under the bylaws of the corporation. 

(e) MEETINGS.—The board shall meet at the call of the Librarian 

for regularly scheduled meetings. 

(f) REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES.—Directors shall serve without 

compensation but may receive travel expenses, including per diem 

in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 

of title 5. 

(g) LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS.—Directors are not personally liable, 

except for gross negligence. 

* * * * * * * 

§ 152411. Authorization of appropriations 

(a) AUTHORIZATION.—There are authorized to be appropriated to 

the corporation for the first fiscal year beginning on or after the 

date of the enactment of this chapter and each succeeding fiscal 

year øthrough fiscal year 2016¿ through fiscal year 2026 an 

amount not to exceed the amount of private contributions (whether 

in currency, services, or property) made to the corporation by private persons and State and local governments. 

(b) LIMITATION RELATED TO ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.— 

Amounts authorized under this section may not be used by the corporation for management and general or fundraising expenses as 

reported to the Internal Revenue Service as part of an annual information return required under the Internal Revenue Code of 

1986. 

* * * * * * * 


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NATIONAL RECORDING PRESERVATION ACT OF 2000 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE I—SOUND RECORDING PRESERVATION BY THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

* * * * * * * 

Subtitle D—General Provisions 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 133. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS 

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Librarian for the 

first fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of 

this Act and each succeeding fiscal year øthrough fiscal year 2016¿ 

through fiscal year 2026 such sums as may be necessary to carry 

out this title, except that the amount authorized for any fiscal year 

may not exceed $250,000. 

* * * * * * * 


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(43) 

MINORITY VIEWS OF NITA LOWEY AND DEBBIE 

WASSERMAN SCHULTZ 

For the first time in many years, the subcommittee received a 

fair allocation of $3.48 billion, $72 million more than the fiscal year 

2016 enacted level. However this bill continues to neglect areas 

that would rebuild Congressional capacity and continues to fund 

areas that promote politics over policy. Congress must invest in 

itself to ultimately improve its service to the Country. This bill is 

instrumental in what should be a bipartisan goal of rebuilding Congress. 

A small change in full committee improves the bill in small 

measure. Representative Farr’s amendment to increase the Members Representational Allowance (MRA) by $8.3 million, or 1.5%, 

was adopted by voice vote after a group of bipartisan Members 

gave examples of how additional resources for staff are needed. According to the 2010 Census, the average congressional district is a 

little over 710,000 people, which is 63,815 more than the average 

sized based on Census 2000. As districts grow, their representatives in Congress must keep pace to properly serve their constituents. The MRA allows Members to provide constituents with vital 

services in their districts and to adequately analyze policy decisions 

while ensuring the Legislative Branch of government remains an 

equal branch of government. After three years of flat MRA budgets, 

the Farr amendment is a small step toward strengthening the capacity of Members’ ability to serve their constituents. 

Representative McCollum offered an amendment, which failed 

20–28, which would have saved taxpayer dollars by defunding the 

Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. This Select Panel is engaging in reckless and political actions, through unilateral subpoenas, the public release of names despite privacy and security concerns, and denial of minority access 

to documents. 

Unfortunately this is but one example of the House majority 

using official taxpayer dollars to engage in partisan politics. The 

Benghazi Committee has spent more than $6.5 million in taxpayer 

funds to engage in partisan politics during the Presidential election. House Republicans have also used resources from the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill to defend the Defense of Marriage 

Act, to sue the President over the Affordable Care Act, and to hire 

an outside attorney to work on a case against the President regarding his Guantanamo Bay policy. The political parties have legitimate disagreements about these important policy areas, but both 

should draw the line at using taxpayer dollars to further political 

causes. It is no wonder public approval of Congress, along with 

Congress’ policy-making capacity, are both at an all-time low. The 

McCollum amendment would have allowed the House Energy and 


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Commerce Committee to focus on passing legislation rather than 

engaging in McCarthyism, improving the public’s view of Congress. 

As Member and Committee budgets have been cut, Congress has 

had to rely on support agencies to fill the gaps in staff expertise. 

One of those agencies is the Congressional Research Service (CRS). 

The bill funds the agency at $107.9 million, $1 million above the 

fiscal year 2016 enacted level. At that level, CRS remains $4.6 million below the fiscal year 2010 level. According to CRS, recent 

funding levels have led to a loss of 13 percent of its purchasing 

power since 2010. The $1 million increase will not even cover mandatory pay for CRS’ current staff. 

CRS’s budget request sought to rebuild the agency. They asked 

for two defense policy staff, five health policy staff, three education 

policy staff, two budget/appropriations staff, four technology policy 

staff, and two data management and analysis staff. None of those 

staff would be funded under the current bill, depriving Congress of 

a non-biased analysis of these critical policy areas. 

In addition to inadequate funding priorities, this bill wades unnecessarily into the Nation’s immigration debate by including report language that seeks to influence the Library of Congress to 

continue to use the term ‘‘Illegal Alien’’ in its subject headings. 

Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz had an amendment to remove the contentious language that failed on a close vote of 24–25. 

Subject headings serve as the mechanism for how the Library 

catalogs or groups information—something the Library of Congress 

is well positioned to understand. They use headings that reflect 

current day uses of words and phrases so information is easily accessible by its users. There was a time when the Library used the 

subject heading ‘‘Insanity;’’ today it uses ‘‘Mental Illness.’’ The Library once had the subject heading ‘‘Negro,’’ then moved to ‘‘Afro 

American,’’ and now uses ‘‘African American.’’ In March 2016, the 

Library found that the term ‘‘Illegal Aliens’’ had become pejorative 

and decided to use the terms ‘‘Noncitizen’’ and ‘‘Unauthorized Immigration.’’ 

Four Republicans joined with the Democrats to strip this language from the report. While the amendment did not pass, it 

showed there is bipartisan support to reduce the political rhetoric 

surrounding immigration and to allow the Library of Congress to 

remain free of political influence. 

While we appreciate increases to areas such as the Copyright Office and the Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund, we remain disappointed by the inclusion of the report language on ‘‘Illegal Aliens.’’ As this bill continues, we stand ready to work with the 

majority to remove partisan obstacles and return the Legislative 

Branch Appropriations bill to a bipartisan endeavor with the goal 

of better serving our constituents and passing legislation for the 

good of the American people. 

NITA M. LOWEY. 

DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. 

Æ 


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