An act making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes
PL 115-56 (H.R.601), enacted 09/08/2017

131 STAT. 1129 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
Public Law 115–56 
115th Congress 
An Act 
Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, 
and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Continuing Appropriations Act, 
2018 and Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Require-
ments Act, 2017’’. 
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
The table of contents for this Act is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title. 
Sec. 2. Table of contents. 
Sec. 3. References. 
DIVISION A—REINFORCING EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY IN 
DEVELOPMENT ACT 
DIVISION B—SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF 
REQUIREMENTS ACT, 2017 
DIVISION C—TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF PUBLIC DEBT RELIEF 
DIVISION D—CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018 
SEC. 3. REFERENCES. 
Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘‘this 
Act’’ contained in any division of this Act shall be treated as 
referring only to the provisions of that division. 
DIVISION A—REINFORCING EDUCATION 
ACCOUNTABILITY IN DEVELOPMENT 
ACT 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Reinforcing 
Education Accountability in Development Act’’ or the ‘‘READ Act’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for this Act 
is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
Sec. 2. Definitions. 
Sec. 3. Assistance to promote sustainable, quality basic education. 
Sec. 4. Comprehensive integrated United States strategy to promote basic edu-
cation. 
Reinforcing 
Education 
Accountability in 
Development Act. 
22 USC 2151c 
note. 
1 USC 1 note. 
Continuing 
Appropriations 
Act, 2018 and 
Supplemental 
Appropriations 
for Disaster 
Relief 
Requirements 
Act, 2017. 
Sept. 8, 2017 
[H.R. 601] 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00287
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6582
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1130 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
Sec. 5. Improving coordination and oversight. 
Sec. 6. Monitoring and evaluation of programs. 
Sec. 7. Transparency and reporting to Congress. 
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 
(a) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—In this Act, 
the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ means— 
(1) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; 
(2) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; 
(3) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Rep-
resentatives; and 
(4) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Rep-
resentatives. 
(b) OTHER DEFINITIONS.—In this Act, the terms ‘‘basic edu-
cation’’, ‘‘marginalized children and vulnerable groups’’, ‘‘national 
education plan’’, ‘‘partner country’’, and ‘‘relevant Executive branch 
agencies and officials’’ have the meanings given such terms in 
section 105(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as added 
by section 3. 
SEC. 3. ASSISTANCE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE, QUALITY BASIC EDU-
CATION. 
Section 105 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 
2151c) is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(c) ASSISTANCE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE, QUALITY BASIC 
EDUCATION.— 
‘‘(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: 
‘‘(A) BASIC
EDUCATION.—The term ‘basic education’ 
includes— 
‘‘(i) 
measurable 
improvements 
in 
literacy, 
numeracy, and other basic skills development that pre-
pare an individual to be an active, productive member 
of society and the workforce; 
‘‘(ii) workforce development, vocational training, 
and digital literacy informed by real market needs 
and opportunities and that results in measurable 
improvements in employment; 
‘‘(iii) programs and activities designed to demon-
strably improve— 
‘‘(I) early childhood, preprimary education, pri-
mary education, and secondary education, which 
can be delivered in formal or nonformal education 
settings; and 
‘‘(II) learning for out-of-school youth and 
adults; and 
‘‘(iv) capacity building for teachers, administrators, 
counselors, and youth workers that results in measur-
able improvements in student literacy, numeracy, or 
employment. 
‘‘(B) COMMUNITIES OF LEARNING.—The term ‘commu-
nities of learning’ means a holistic approach to education 
and community engagement in which schools act as the 
primary resource center for delivery of a service to the 
community at large, leveraging and maximizing the impact 
of other development efforts and reducing duplication and 
waste. 
22 USC 2151c 
note. 
22 USC 2151c 
note. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00288
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1131 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
‘‘(C) GENDER PARITY IN BASIC EDUCATION.—The term 
‘gender parity in basic education’ means that girls and 
boys have equal access to quality basic education. 
‘‘(D) 
MARGINALIZED
CHILDREN
AND
VULNERABLE 
GROUPS.—The term ‘marginalized children and vulnerable 
groups’ includes girls, children affected by or emerging 
from armed conflict or humanitarian crises, children with 
disabilities, children in remote or rural areas (including 
those who lack access to safe water and sanitation), reli-
gious or ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples, orphans and 
children affected by HIV/AIDS, child laborers, married 
adolescents, and victims of trafficking. 
‘‘(E) NATIONAL EDUCATION PLAN.—The term ‘national 
education plan’ means a comprehensive national education 
plan developed by partner country governments in con-
sultation with other stakeholders as a means for wide- 
scale improvement of the country’s education system, 
including explicit, credible strategies informed by effective 
practices and standards to achieve quality universal basic 
education. 
‘‘(F) NONFORMAL
EDUCATION.—The term ‘nonformal 
education’ means organized educational activities outside 
the established formal system, whether operating sepa-
rately or as an important feature of a broader activity, 
that are intended to provide students with measurable 
improvements in literacy, numeracy, and other basic skills 
development that prepare an individual to be an active, 
productive member of society and the workforce. 
‘‘(G) PARTNER COUNTRY.—The term ‘partner country’ 
means a developing country that participates in or benefits 
from basic education programs under this subsection pursu-
ant to the prioritization criteria described in paragraph 
(4), including level of need, opportunity for impact, and 
the availability of resources. 
‘‘(H) RELEVANT EXECUTIVE BRANCH AGENCIES AND OFFI-
CIALS.—The term ‘relevant Executive branch agencies and 
officials’ means the Department of State, the United States 
Agency for International Development, the Department of 
the Treasury, the Department of Labor, the Department 
of Education, the Department of Agriculture, and the 
Department of Defense, the Chief Executive Officer of the 
Millennium Challenge Corporation, the National Security 
Advisor, and the Director of the Peace Corps. 
‘‘(I) SUSTAINABILITY.—The term ‘sustainability’ means, 
with respect to any basic education program that receives 
funding pursuant to this section, the ability of a service 
delivery system, community, partner, or beneficiary to 
maintain, over time, such basic education program without 
the use of foreign assistance. 
‘‘(2) POLICY.—In carrying out this section, it shall be the 
policy of the United States to work with partner countries, 
as appropriate, other donors, multilateral institutions, the pri-
vate sector, and nongovernmental and civil society organiza-
tions, including faith-based organizations and organizations 
that represent teachers, students, and parents, to promote 
sustainable, quality basic education through programs and 
activities that— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00289
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1132 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
‘‘(A) take into consideration and help respond to the 
needs, capacities, and commitment of developing countries 
to achieve measurable improvements in literacy, numeracy, 
and other basic skills development that prepare an indi-
vidual to be an active, productive member of society and 
the workforce; 
‘‘(B) strengthen educational systems, promote commu-
nities of learning, as appropriate, expand access to safe 
learning environments, including by breaking down specific 
barriers to basic education for women and girls, ensure 
continuity of education, including in conflict settings, meas-
urably improve teacher skills and learning outcomes, and 
support the engagement of parents in the education of 
their children to help partner countries ensure that all 
children, including marginalized children and other vulner-
able groups, have access to and benefit from quality basic 
education; 
‘‘(C) promote education as a foundation for sustained 
economic growth and development within a comprehensive 
assistance strategy that places partner countries on a 
trajectory toward graduation from assistance provided 
under this section with clearly defined benchmarks of suc-
cess that are used as requirements for related procurement 
vehicles, such as grants, contracts, and cooperative agree-
ments; 
‘‘(D) monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and quality 
of basic education programs in partner countries; and 
‘‘(E) promote United States values, especially respect 
for all persons and freedoms of religion, speech, and the 
press. 
‘‘(3) PRINCIPLES.—In carrying out the policy referred to 
in paragraph (2), the United States shall be guided by the 
following principles of aid effectiveness: 
‘‘(A) ALIGNMENT.—Assistance provided under this sec-
tion to support programs and activities under this sub-
section shall be aligned with and advance United States 
foreign policy and economic interests. 
‘‘(B) COUNTRY
OWNERSHIP.—To the greatest extent 
practicable, assistance provided under this section to sup-
port programs and activities under this subsection should 
be aligned with and support the national education plans 
and country development strategies of partner countries, 
including activities that are appropriate for and meet the 
needs of local and indigenous cultures. 
‘‘(C) COORDINATION.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Assistance provided under this 
section to support programs and activities under this 
subsection should be coordinated with and leverage 
the unique capabilities and resources of local and 
national governments in partner countries, other 
donors, multilateral institutions, the private sector, 
and nongovernmental and civil society organizations, 
including faith-based organizations and organizations 
that represent teachers, students, and parents. 
‘‘(ii) MULTILATERAL PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES.— 
Assistance provided under this section to support pro-
grams and activities under this subsection should be 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00290
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1133 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
coordinated with and support proven multilateral edu-
cation programs and financing mechanisms, which may 
include the Global Partnership for Education, that 
demonstrate commitment to efficiency, effectiveness, 
transparency, and accountability. 
‘‘(D) EFFICIENCY.—The President shall seek to improve 
the efficiency and effectiveness of assistance provided under 
this section to support programs and activities under this 
subsection by coordinating the related efforts of relevant 
Executive branch agencies and officials. 
‘‘(E) EFFECTIVENESS.—Programs and activities sup-
ported under this subsection— 
‘‘(i) shall be consistent with the policies and prin-
ciples set forth in this subsection; 
‘‘(ii) shall be designed to achieve specific, measur-
able goals and objectives that are directly related to 
the provision of basic education (as defined in this 
section); and 
‘‘(iii) shall include appropriate targets, metrics, and 
indicators that— 
‘‘(I) move a country along the path to gradua-
tion from assistance provided under this sub-
section; and 
‘‘(II) can be applied with reasonable consist-
ency across such programs and activities to 
measure progress and outcomes. 
‘‘(F) TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.—Programs 
and activities supported under this subsection shall be 
subject to rigorous monitoring and evaluation, which may 
include impact evaluations, the results of which shall be 
made publically available in a fully searchable, electronic 
format. 
‘‘(4) PRIORITY AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS.—The President 
shall ensure that assistance provided under this section to 
support programs and activities under this subsection is aligned 
with the foreign policy and economic interests of the United 
States and, subject to such alignment, priority is given to 
developing countries in which— 
‘‘(A) there is the greatest need and opportunity to 
expand access to basic education and to improve learning 
outcomes, including for marginalized and vulnerable 
groups, particularly women and girls to ensure gender 
parity in basic education, or populations affected by conflict 
or crisis; 
‘‘(B) such assistance can produce a substantial, measur-
able impact on children and educational systems; and 
‘‘(C) there is the greatest opportunity to reduce child-
hood and adolescence exposure to or engagement in violent 
extremism or extremist ideologies.’’. 
SEC. 4. COMPREHENSIVE INTEGRATED UNITED STATES STRATEGY TO 
PROMOTE BASIC EDUCATION. 
(a) STRATEGY REQUIRED.—Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to 
the appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive United 
States strategy to be carried out during the following five fiscal 
years to promote quality basic education in partner countries by— 
President. 
22 USC 2151c 
note. 
Deadline. 
President. 
President. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00291
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1134 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
(1) seeking to equitably expand access to basic education 
for all children, particularly marginalized children and vulner-
able groups; and 
(2) measurably improving the quality of basic education 
and learning outcomes. 
(b) REQUIREMENT TO CONSULT.—In developing the strategy 
required under subsection (a), the President shall consult with— 
(1) the appropriate congressional committees; 
(2) relevant Executive branch agencies and officials; 
(3) partner country governments; and 
(4) local and international nongovernmental organizations, 
including faith-based organizations and organizations rep-
resenting students, teachers, and parents, and other develop-
ment partners engaged in basic education assistance programs 
in developing countries. 
(c) PUBLIC COMMENT.—The President shall provide an oppor-
tunity for public comment on the strategy required under subsection 
(a). 
(d) ELEMENTS.—The strategy required under subsection (a)— 
(1) shall be developed and implemented consistent with 
the principles set forth in section 105(c) of the Foreign Assist-
ance Act of 1961, as added by section 3; and 
(2) shall seek— 
(A) to prioritize assistance provided under this sub-
section to countries that are partners of the United States 
and whose populations are most in need of improved basic 
education, as determined by indicators such as literacy 
and numeracy rates; 
(B) to build the capacity of relevant actors in partner 
countries, including in government and in civil society, 
to develop and implement national education plans that 
measurably improve basic education; 
(C) to identify and replicate successful interventions 
that improve access to and quality of basic education in 
conflict settings and in partner countries; 
(D) to project general levels of resources needed to 
achieve stated program objectives; 
(E) to develop means to track implementation in 
partner countries and ensure that such countries are 
expending appropriate domestic resources and instituting 
any relevant legal, regulatory, or institutional reforms 
needed to achieve stated program objectives; 
(F) to leverage United States capabilities, including 
through technical assistance, training, and research; and 
(G) to improve coordination and reduce duplication 
among relevant Executive branch agencies and officials, 
other donors, multilateral institutions, nongovernmental 
organizations, and governments in partner countries. 
SEC. 5. IMPROVING COORDINATION AND OVERSIGHT. 
(a) SENIOR COORDINATOR OF UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL 
BASIC EDUCATION ASSISTANCE.—There is established within the 
United States Agency for International Development a Senior 
Coordinator of United States International Basic Education Assist-
ance (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Senior Coordinator’’). The 
Senior Coordinator shall be appointed by the President, shall be 
a current USAID employee serving in a career or noncareer position 
President. 
22 USC 2151c 
note. 
Establishment. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00292
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1135 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
in the Senior Executive Service or at the level of a Deputy Assistant 
Administrator or higher, and shall serve concurrently as the Senior 
Coordinator. 
(b) DUTIES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Senior Coordinator shall have pri-
mary responsibility for the oversight and coordination of all 
resources and activities of the United States Government 
relating to the promotion of international basic education pro-
grams and activities. 
(2) SPECIFIC DUTIES.—The Senior Coordinator shall— 
(A) facilitate program and policy coordination of inter-
national basic education programs and activities among 
relevant Executive branch agencies and officials, partner 
governments, multilateral institutions, the private sector, 
and nongovernmental and civil society organizations; 
(B) develop and revise the strategy required under 
section 4; 
(C) monitor, evaluate, and report on activities under-
taken pursuant to the strategy required under section 4; 
and 
(D) establish due diligence criteria for all recipients 
of funds provided by the United States to carry out activi-
ties under this Act and the amendments made by this 
Act. 
(c) OFFSET.—In order to eliminate duplication of effort and 
activities and to offset any costs incurred by the United States 
Agency for International Development in appointing the Senior 
Coordinator under subsection (a), the President shall, after con-
sulting with appropriate congressional committees, eliminate a posi-
tion within the United States Agency for International Development 
(unless otherwise authorized or required by law) that the President 
determines to be necessary to fully offset such costs and eliminate 
duplication. 
SEC. 6. MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF PROGRAMS. 
The President shall seek to ensure that programs carried out 
under the strategy required under section 4 shall— 
(1) apply rigorous monitoring and evaluation methodologies 
to determine if programs and activities provided under this 
subsection accomplish measurable improvements in literacy, 
numeracy, or other basic skills development that prepare an 
individual to be an active, productive member of society and 
the workforce; 
(2) include methodological guidance in the implementation 
plan and support systemic data collection using internationally 
comparable indicators, norms, and methodologies, to the extent 
practicable and appropriate; 
(3) disaggregate all data collected and reported by age, 
gender, marital status, disability, and location, to the extent 
practicable and appropriate; 
(4) include funding for both short- and long-term moni-
toring and evaluation to enable assessment of the sustainability 
and scalability of assistance programs; and 
(5) support the increased use and public availability of 
education data for improved decision making, program effective-
ness, and monitoring of global progress. 
President. 
22 USC 2151c 
note. 
President. 
Consultation. 
Determination. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00293
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1136 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
SEC. 7. TRANSPARENCY AND REPORTING TO CONGRESS. 
(a) ANNUAL REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGY.— 
Not later than 180 days after the end of each fiscal year during 
which the strategy developed pursuant to section 4(a) is carried 
out, the President shall— 
(1) submit a report to the appropriate congressional 
committees that describes the implementation of such strategy; 
and 
(2) make the report described in paragraph (1) available 
to the public. 
(b) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.—The report required under 
subsection (a) shall include— 
(1) a description of the efforts made by relevant Executive 
branch agencies and officials to implement the strategy devel-
oped pursuant to section 4, with a particular focus on the 
activities carried out under the strategy; 
(2) a description of the extent to which each partner country 
selected to receive assistance for basic education meets the 
priority criteria specified in section 105(c) of the Foreign Assist-
ance Act, as added by section 3; and 
(3) a description of the progress achieved over the reporting 
period toward meeting the goals, objectives, benchmarks, and 
timeframes specified in the strategy developed pursuant to 
section 4 at the program level, as developed pursuant to moni-
toring and evaluation specified in section 6, with particular 
emphasis on whether there are demonstrable student improve-
ments in literacy, numeracy, or other basic skills development 
that prepare an individual to be an active, productive member 
of society and the workforce. 
DIVISION B—SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR 
DISASTER RELIEF REQUIREMENTS 
The following sums are hereby appropriated, out of any money 
in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and out of applicable 
corporate or other revenues, receipts, and funds, for the several 
departments, agencies, corporations, and other organizational units 
of Government for fiscal year 2017, and for other purposes, namely: 
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 
DISASTER RELIEF FUND 
For an additional amount for ‘‘Disaster Relief Fund’’ for major 
disasters declared pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), 
$7,400,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That 
such amount is designated by the Congress as being for an emer-
gency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal-
anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985: Provided 
further, That the amount designated under this heading as an 
emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 shall 
be available only if the President subsequently so designates such 
amount and transmits such designation to the Congress. 
President. 
Supplemental 
Appropriations 
for Disaster 
Relief 
Requirements, 
2017. 
Public 
information. 
22 USC 2151c 
note. 
President. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00294
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1137 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 
DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT 
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) 
For an additional amount for the ‘‘Disaster Loans Program 
Account’’ for the cost of direct loans authorized by section 7(b) 
of the Small Business Act, $450,000,000, to remain available until 
expended: Provided, That up to $225,000,000 may be transferred 
to and merged with ‘‘Salaries and Expenses’’ for administrative 
expenses to carry out the disaster loan program authorized by 
section 7(b) of the Small Business Act: Provided further, That 
none of the funds provided under this heading may be used for 
indirect administrative expenses: Provided further, That the amount 
provided under this heading is designated as an emergency require-
ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget 
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985: Provided further, That 
the amount designated under this heading as an emergency require-
ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget 
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 shall be available only 
if the President subsequently so designates such amount and trans-
mits such designation to the Congress. 
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT 
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND 
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 
For an additional amount for ‘‘Community Development Fund’’, 
$7,400,000,000, to remain available until expended, for necessary 
expenses for activities authorized under title I of the Housing 
and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) 
related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infra-
structure and housing, and economic revitalization in the most 
impacted and distressed areas resulting from a major disaster 
declared in 2017 pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.): Provided, 
That funds shall be awarded directly to the State or unit of general 
local government at the discretion of the Secretary: Provided fur-
ther, That as a condition of making any grant, the Secretary shall 
certify in advance that such grantee has in place proficient financial 
controls and procurement processes and has established adequate 
procedures to prevent any duplication of benefits as defined by 
section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155), to ensure timely expenditure of 
funds, to maintain comprehensive websites regarding all disaster 
recovery activities assisted with these funds, and to detect and 
prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of funds: Provided further, That 
prior to the obligation of funds a grantee shall submit a plan 
to the Secretary for approval detailing the proposed use of all 
funds, including criteria for eligibility and how the use of these 
funds will address long-term recovery and restoration of infrastruc-
ture and housing and economic revitalization in the most impacted 
and distressed areas: Provided further, That such funds may not 
Plan. 
Criteria. 
Grants. 
Certification. 
President. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00295
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1138 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
be used for activities reimbursable by, or for which funds are 
made available by, the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
or the Army Corps of Engineers: Provided further, That funds 
allocated under this heading shall not be considered relevant to 
the non-disaster formula allocations made pursuant to section 106 
of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 
5306): Provided further, That a State or subdivision thereof may 
use up to 5 percent of its allocation for administrative costs: Pro-
vided further, That in administering the funds under this heading, 
the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may waive, or 
specify alternative requirements for, any provision of any statute 
or regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with 
the obligation by the Secretary or the use by the recipient of 
these funds (except for requirements related to fair housing, non-
discrimination, labor standards, and the environment), if the Sec-
retary finds that good cause exists for the waiver or alternative 
requirement and such waiver or alternative requirement would 
not be inconsistent with the overall purpose of title I of the Housing 
and Community Development Act of 1974: Provided further, That, 
notwithstanding the preceding proviso, recipients of funds provided 
under this heading that use such funds to supplement Federal 
assistance provided under section 402, 403, 404, 406, 407, or 502 
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) may adopt, without review or public 
comment, any environmental review, approval, or permit performed 
by a Federal agency, and such adoption shall satisfy the responsibil-
ities of the recipient with respect to such environmental review, 
approval or permit: Provided further, That, notwithstanding section 
104(g)(2) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 
(42 U.S.C. 5304(g)(2)), the Secretary may, upon receipt of a request 
for release of funds and certification, immediately approve the 
release of funds for an activity or project assisted under this heading 
if the recipient has adopted an environmental review, approval 
or permit under the preceding proviso or the activity or project 
is categorically excluded from review under the National Environ-
mental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.): Provided further, 
That the Secretary shall publish via notice in the Federal Register 
any waiver, or alternative requirement, to any statute or regulation 
that the Secretary administers pursuant to title I of the Housing 
and Community Development Act of 1974 no later than 5 days 
before the effective date of such waiver or alternative requirement: 
Provided further, That of the amounts made available under this 
heading, up to $10,000,000 may be transferred, in aggregate, to 
‘‘Department of Housing and Urban Development—Program Office 
Salaries and Expenses—Community Planning and Development’’ 
for necessary costs, including information technology costs, of 
administering and overseeing the obligation and expenditure of 
amounts under this heading: Provided further, That such amount 
is designated by the Congress as being for an emergency require-
ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget 
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985: Provided further, That 
the amount designated under this heading as an emergency require-
ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget 
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 shall be available only 
if the President subsequently so designates such amount and trans-
mits such designation to the Congress. 
President. 
Notice. 
Federal Register, 
publication. 
Deadline. 
Waiver authority. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00296
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1139 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
This division may be cited as the ‘‘Supplemental Appropriations 
for Disaster Relief Requirements, 2017’’. 
DIVISION C—TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF PUBLIC DEBT 
LIMIT 
SEC. 101. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3101(b) of title 31, United 
States Code, shall not apply for the period beginning on the date 
of enactment of this Act and ending on December 8, 2017. 
(b) SPECIAL RULE RELATING TO OBLIGATIONS ISSUED DURING 
EXTENSION PERIOD.—Effective on December 9, 2017, the limitation 
in effect under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, 
shall be increased to the extent that— 
(1) the face amount of obligations issued under chapter 
31 of such title and the face amount of obligations whose 
principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States 
Government (except guaranteed obligations held by the Sec-
retary of the Treasury) outstanding on December 9, 2017, 
exceeds 
(2) the face amount of such obligations outstanding on 
the date of the enactment of this Act. 
(c) RESTORING CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONAL 
DEBT.— 
(1) EXTENSION LIMITED TO NECESSARY OBLIGATIONS.—An 
obligation shall not be taken into account under section 
101(b)(1) unless the issuance of such obligation was necessary 
to fund a commitment incurred pursuant to law by the Federal 
Government that required payment before December 9, 2017. 
(2) PROHIBITION ON CREATION OF CASH RESERVE DURING 
EXTENSION PERIOD.—The Secretary of the Treasury shall not 
issue obligations during the period specified in section 101(a) 
for the purpose of increasing the cash balance above normal 
operating balances in anticipation of the expiration of such 
period. 
DIVISION D—CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018 
The following sums are hereby appropriated, out of any money 
in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and out of applicable 
corporate or other revenues, receipts, and funds, for the several 
departments, agencies, corporations, and other organizational units 
of Government for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes, namely: 
SEC. 101. (a) Such amounts as may be necessary, at a rate 
for operations as provided in the applicable appropriations Acts 
for fiscal year 2017 and under the authority and conditions provided 
in such Acts, for continuing projects or activities (including the 
costs of direct loans and loan guarantees) that are not otherwise 
specifically provided for in this Act, that were conducted in fiscal 
year 2017, and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority 
were made available in the following appropriations Acts: 
(1) The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug 
Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 
(division A of Public Law 115–31) and section 193 of Public 
Law 114–223, as amended by division A of Public Law 114– 
254. 
(2) The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of Public Law 115–31), 
except section 540. 
Continuing 
Appropriations 
Act, 2018. 
Effective date. 
Time period. 
31 USC 3101 
note. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00297
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1140 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
(3) The Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 
(division C of Public Law 115–31). 
(4) The Energy and Water Development and Related Agen-
cies Appropriations Act, 2017 (division D of Public Law 115– 
31). 
(5) The Financial Services and General Government Appro-
priations Act, 2017 (division E of Public Law 115–31). 
(6) The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations 
Act, 2017 (division F of Public Law 115–31), except section 
310. 
(7) The Department of the Interior, Environment, and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 (division G of Public 
Law 115–31), except that the language under the heading 
‘‘FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund’’ in the Depart-
ments of Agriculture and the Interior shall be applied by adding 
at the end the following: ‘‘Provided further, That notwith-
standing the first proviso under the heading and notwith-
standing the FLAME Act of 2009, 43 U.S.C. 1748a(e), such 
funds shall be available to be transferred to and merged with 
other appropriations accounts to fully repay amounts previously 
transferred for wildfire suppression’’. 
(8) The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, 
and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 
(division H of Public Law 115–31) and sections 171, 194, and 
195 of Public Law 114–223, as amended by division A of Public 
Law 114–254. 
(9) The Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2017 (divi-
sion I of Public Law 115–31) and section 175 of Public Law 
114–223, as amended by division A of Public Law 114–254. 
(10) The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 (division A of Public 
Law 114–223), except for appropriations for fiscal year 2017 
in the matter preceding the first proviso under the heading 
‘‘Medical Community Care’’, and division L of Public Law 115– 
31. 
(11) The Department of State, Foreign Operations, and 
Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2017 (division J of Public 
Law 115–31). 
(12) The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, 
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 (division K of 
Public Law 115–31), except sections 420 and 421. 
(13) The Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (divi-
sion B of Public Law 114–254). 
(b) The rate for operations provided by subsection (a) is hereby 
reduced by 0.6791 percent. 
SEC. 102. (a) No appropriation or funds made available or 
authority granted pursuant to section 101 for the Department of 
Defense shall be used for: (1) the new production of items not 
funded for production in fiscal year 2017 or prior years; (2) the 
increase in production rates above those sustained with fiscal year 
2017 funds; or (3) the initiation, resumption, or continuation of 
any project, activity, operation, or organization (defined as any 
project, subproject, activity, budget activity, program element, and 
subprogram within a program element, and for any investment 
items defined as a P–1 line item in a budget activity within an 
appropriation account and an R–1 line item that includes a program 
element and subprogram element within an appropriation account) 
Rate reduction. 
Applicability. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00298
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1141 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were not avail-
able during fiscal year 2017. 
(b) No appropriation or funds made available or authority 
granted pursuant to section 101 for the Department of Defense 
shall be used to initiate multi-year procurements utilizing advance 
procurement funding for economic order quantity procurement 
unless specifically appropriated later. 
SEC. 103. Appropriations made by section 101 shall be available 
to the extent and in the manner that would be provided by the 
pertinent appropriations Act. 
SEC. 104. Except as otherwise provided in section 102, no 
appropriation or funds made available or authority granted pursu-
ant to section 101 shall be used to initiate or resume any project 
or activity for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were 
not available during fiscal year 2017. 
SEC. 105. Appropriations made and authority granted pursuant 
to this Act shall cover all obligations or expenditures incurred 
for any project or activity during the period for which funds or 
authority for such project or activity are available under this Act. 
SEC. 106. Unless otherwise provided for in this Act or in the 
applicable appropriations Act for fiscal year 2018, appropriations 
and funds made available and authority granted pursuant to this 
Act shall be available until whichever of the following first occurs: 
(1) the enactment into law of an appropriation for any 
project or activity provided for in this Act; 
(2) the enactment into law of the applicable appropriations 
Act for fiscal year 2018 without any provision for such project 
or activity; or 
(3) December 8, 2017. 
SEC. 107. Expenditures made pursuant to this Act shall be 
charged to the applicable appropriation, fund, or authorization 
whenever a bill in which such applicable appropriation, fund, or 
authorization is contained is enacted into law. 
SEC. 108. Appropriations made and funds made available by 
or authority granted pursuant to this Act may be used without 
regard to the time limitations for submission and approval of appor-
tionments set forth in section 1513 of title 31, United States Code, 
but nothing in this Act may be construed to waive any other 
provision of law governing the apportionment of funds. 
SEC. 109. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, 
except section 106, for those programs that would otherwise have 
high initial rates of operation or complete distribution of appropria-
tions at the beginning of fiscal year 2018 because of distributions 
of funding to States, foreign countries, grantees, or others, such 
high initial rates of operation or complete distribution shall not 
be made, and no grants shall be awarded for such programs funded 
by this Act that would impinge on final funding prerogatives. 
SEC. 110. This Act shall be implemented so that only the 
most limited funding action of that permitted in the Act shall 
be taken in order to provide for continuation of projects and activi-
ties. 
SEC. 111. (a) For entitlements and other mandatory payments 
whose budget authority was provided in appropriations Acts for 
fiscal year 2017, and for activities under the Food and Nutrition 
Act of 2008, activities shall be continued at the rate to maintain 
Expiration date. 
Contracts. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00299
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1142 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
program levels under current law, under the authority and condi-
tions provided in the applicable appropriations Act for fiscal year 
2017, to be continued through the date specified in section 106(3). 
(b) Notwithstanding section 106, obligations for mandatory pay-
ments due on or about the first day of any month that begins 
after October 2017 but not later than 30 days after the date specified 
in section 106(3) may continue to be made, and funds shall be 
available for such payments. 
SEC. 112. Amounts made available under section 101 for civilian 
personnel compensation and benefits in each department and 
agency may be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary 
to avoid furloughs within such department or agency, consistent 
with the applicable appropriations Act for fiscal year 2017, except 
that such authority provided under this section shall not be used 
until after the department or agency has taken all necessary actions 
to reduce or defer non-personnel-related administrative expenses. 
SEC. 113. Funds appropriated by this Act may be obligated 
and expended notwithstanding section 10 of Public Law 91–672 
(22 U.S.C. 2412), section 15 of the State Department Basic Authori-
ties Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2680), section 313 of the Foreign Rela-
tions Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 (22 U.S.C. 
6212), and section 504(a)(1) of the National Security Act of 1947 
(50 U.S.C. 3094(a)(1)). 
SEC. 114. (a) Each amount incorporated by reference in this 
Act that was previously designated by the Congress for Overseas 
Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism or as an emer-
gency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced 
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 or as being 
for disaster relief pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(D) of such Act is 
designated by the Congress for Overseas Contingency Operations/ 
Global War on Terrorism or as an emergency requirement pursuant 
to section 251(b)(2)(A) of such Act or as being for disaster relief 
pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(D) of such Act, respectively. 
(b) The reduction in section 101(b) of this Act shall not apply 
to— 
(1) amounts designated under subsection (a) of this section; 
(2) amounts made available by section 101(a) by reference 
to the second paragraph under the heading ‘‘Social Security 
Administration—Limitation on Administrative Expenses’’ in 
division H of Public Law 115–31; or 
(3) amounts made available by section 101(a) by reference 
to the paragraph under the heading ‘‘Centers for Medicare 
and Medicaid Services—Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control 
Account’’ in division H of Public Law 115–31. 
(c) Section 6 of Public Law 115–31 shall apply to amounts 
designated in subsection (a) for Overseas Contingency Operations/ 
Global War on Terrorism or as an emergency requirement. 
SEC. 115. During the period covered by this Act, discretionary 
amounts appropriated for fiscal year 2018 that were provided in 
advance by appropriations Acts shall be available in the amounts 
provided in such Acts, reduced by the percentage in section 101(b). 
SEC. 116. Notwithstanding section 101, amounts are provided 
for ‘‘Department of Agriculture—Domestic Food Programs—Food 
and Nutrition Service—Commodity Assistance Program’’ at a rate 
for operations of $317,139,000, of which $238,120,000 shall be for 
the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. 
Applicability. 
Time period. 
Continuation. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00300
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1143 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
SEC. 117. The final proviso in section 715 of division A of 
Public Law 115–31 shall be applied during the period covered 
by this Act by adding ‘‘from amounts first made available for 
fiscal year 2018’’ after ‘‘unobligated balances’’ and as if the following 
were struck from such proviso: ‘‘the carryover amounts authorized 
in the first proviso of this section for section 32 and’’. 
SEC. 118. Amounts made available by section 101 for ‘‘Depart-
ment of Commerce—Bureau of the Census—Periodic Censuses and 
Programs’’ may be apportioned up to the rate for operations nec-
essary to maintain the schedule and deliver the required data 
according to statutory deadlines in the 2020 Decennial Census 
Program. 
SEC. 119. Section 1215(f)(1) of the National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 10 U.S.C. 113 
note), as most recently amended by section 1223 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114– 
328), shall be applied by substituting ‘‘2018’’ for ‘‘2017’’ through 
the earlier of the date specified in section 106(3) of this Act or 
the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing appropriations 
for fiscal year 2018 for military activities of the Department of 
Defense. 
SEC. 120. (a) Funds made available by section 101 for ‘‘Depart-
ment of Energy—Energy Programs—Uranium Enrichment Decon-
tamination and Decommissioning Fund’’ may be apportioned up 
to the rate for operations necessary to avoid disruption of continuing 
projects or activities funded in this appropriation. 
(b) The Secretary of Energy shall notify the Committees on 
Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
not later than 3 days after each use of the authority provided 
in subsection (a). 
SEC. 121. Section 104(c) of the Reclamation States Emergency 
Drought Relief Act of 1991 (43 U.S.C. 2214(c)) shall be applied 
by substituting the date specified in section 106(3) for ‘‘September 
30, 2017’’. 
SEC. 122. (a) Notwithstanding section 101, the third proviso 
under the heading ‘‘Power Marketing Administrations—Operation 
and Maintenance, Southeastern Power Administration’’ in division 
D of Public Law 115–31 shall be applied by substituting 
‘‘$51,000,000’’ for ‘‘$60,760,000’’. 
(b) Notwithstanding section 101, the third proviso under the 
heading 
‘‘Power 
Marketing 
Administrations—Operation 
and 
Maintenance, Southwestern Power Administration’’ in division D 
of Public Law 115–31 shall be applied by substituting ‘‘$10,000,000’’ 
for ‘‘$73,000,000’’. 
(c) Notwithstanding section 101, the third proviso under the 
heading 
‘‘Power 
Marketing 
Administrations—Construction, 
Rehabilitation, Operation and Maintenance, Western Area Power 
Administration’’ in division D of Public Law 115–31 shall be applied 
by substituting ‘‘$179,000,000’’ for ‘‘$367,009,000’’. 
SEC. 123. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, 
except section 106, the District of Columbia may expend local funds 
under the heading ‘‘District of Columbia Funds’’ for such programs 
and activities under the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 
2017 (title IV of division E of Public Law 115–31) at the rate 
set forth under ‘‘Part A—Summary of Expenses’’ as included in 
the Fiscal Year 2018 Local Budget Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22– 
99), as modified as of the date of the enactment of this Act. 
Applicability. 
Applicability. 
Notification. 
Deadline. 
Applicability. 
Applicability. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00301
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1144 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
SEC. 124. (a) Notwithstanding section 101, amounts are pro-
vided for ‘‘General Services Administration—Allowances and Office 
Staff for Former Presidents’’ to carry out the provisions of the 
Act of August 25, 1958 (3 U.S.C. 102 note), at a rate for operations 
of $4,754,000. 
(b) Notwithstanding section 101, no funds are provided by 
this Act for ‘‘General Services Administration—Expenses, Presi-
dential Transition’’ and ‘‘Executive Office of the President and 
Funds Appropriated to the President—Presidential Transition 
Administrative Support’’. 
(c) Notwithstanding section 101, the matter preceding the first 
proviso under the heading ‘‘District of Columbia—Federal Payment 
for Emergency Planning and Security Costs in the District of 
Columbia’’ in division E of Public Law 115–31 shall be applied 
by substituting ‘‘$14,900,000’’ for ‘‘$34,895,000’’ and the first proviso 
under that heading shall not apply during the period covered by 
this Act. 
(d) Notwithstanding section 101, the matter preceding the first 
proviso under the heading ‘‘National Archives and Records Adminis-
tration—Operating Expenses’’ in division E of Public Law 115– 
31 
shall 
be 
applied 
by 
substituting 
‘‘$375,784,000’’ 
for 
‘‘$380,634,000’’. 
(e) Notwithstanding section 101, the matter preceding the first 
proviso under the heading ‘‘Department of the Interior—National 
Park Service—Operation of the National Park System’’ in division 
G of Public Law 115–31 shall be applied by substituting 
‘‘$2,420,818,000’’ for ‘‘$2,425,018,000’’. 
SEC. 125. Amounts made available by section 101 for ‘‘Depart-
ment of Homeland Security—Office of the Secretary and Executive 
Management—Operations and Support’’, ‘‘Department of Homeland 
Security—Management Directorate—Operations and Support’’, and 
‘‘Department of Homeland Security—Intelligence, Analysis, and 
Operations Coordination—Operations and Support’’ may be appor-
tioned up to the rate for operations necessary to carry out activities 
previously funded under ‘‘Department of Homeland Security— 
Working Capital Fund’’, consistent with the fiscal year 2018 Presi-
dent’s Budget. 
SEC. 126. Amounts made available by section 101 for ‘‘U.S. 
Customs and Border Protection—Operations and Support’’, ‘‘U.S. 
Immigration and Customs Enforcement—Operations and Support’’, 
‘‘Transportation Security Administration—Operations and Support’’, 
and ‘‘United States Secret Service—Operations and Support’’ 
accounts of the Department of Homeland Security may be appor-
tioned at a rate for operations necessary to maintain not less 
than the number of staff achieved on September 30, 2017. 
SEC. 127. The authority provided by section 831 of the Home-
land Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 391) shall continue in effect 
through the date specified in section 106(3) of this Act. 
SEC. 128. Section 404 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act 
of 2010 (Public Law 111–281; 124 Stat. 2950), as amended, shall 
be applied in subsection (b) by substituting the date specified in 
section 106(3) for ‘‘September 30, 2017’’. 
SEC. 129. Amounts made available by section 101 for ‘‘Depart-
ment of Homeland Security—Federal Emergency Management 
Agency—Disaster Relief Fund’’ may be apportioned up to the rate 
Applicability. 
Continuation. 
Applicability. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00302
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1145 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
for operations necessary to carry out response and recovery activi-
ties under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). 
SEC. 130. Sections 1309(a) and 1319 of the National Flood 
Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4016(a) and 4026) shall be applied 
by substituting the date specified in section 106(3) of this Act 
for ‘‘September 30, 2017’’. 
SEC. 131. Section 810 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhance-
ment Act (16 U.S.C. 6809) is amended by striking ‘‘September 
30, 2018’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2019’’. 
SEC. 132. The authority provided by subsection (m)(3) of section 
8162 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000 (40 
U.S.C. 8903 note; Public Law 106–79) shall continue in effect 
through the date specified in section 106(3) of this Act. 
SEC. 133. In addition to the amounts otherwise provided by 
section 101, an additional amount is provided for ‘‘Environmental 
Protection Agency—Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation 
Program Account’’ for administrative expenses to carry out the 
direct and guaranteed loan programs, notwithstanding section 5033 
of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, 
at a rate for operations of $3,000,000. 
SEC. 134. (a) The following sections of the Federal Insecticide, 
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act shall continue in effect through 
the date specified in section 106(3) of this joint resolution— 
(1) subparagraphs (C) through (E) of section 4(i)(1) (7 
U.S.C. 136a–1(i)(1)(C)–(E)); 
(2) section 4(k)(3) (7 U.S.C. 136a–1(k)(3)); 
(3) section 4(k)(4) (7 U.S.C. 136a-1(k)(4)); and 
(4) section 33(c)(3)(B) (7 U.S.C. 136w–8(c)(3)(B)). 
(b)(1) Section 4(i)(1)(I) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, 
and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a–1(i)(1)(I)) shall be applied by 
substituting the date specified in section 106(3) of this joint resolu-
tion for ‘‘September 30, 2017’’. 
(2) Notwithstanding section 33(m)(2) of the Federal Insecticide, 
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136w–8(m)(2)), section 
33(m)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 136w–8(m)(1)) shall be applied by 
substituting the date specified in section 106(3) of this joint resolu-
tion for ‘‘September 30, 2017’’. 
(c) Section 408(m)(3) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 
Act (21 U.S.C. 346a(m)(3)) shall be applied by substituting the 
date specified in section 106(3) of this joint resolution for ‘‘Sep-
tember 30, 2017’’. 
SEC. 135. Section 114(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
(20 U.S.C. 1011c(f)) shall be applied by substituting the date speci-
fied in section 106(3) of this Act for ‘‘September 30, 2017’’. 
SEC. 136. The second proviso under the heading ‘‘Department 
of Health and Human Services—Administration for Children and 
Families—Children and Families Services Programs’’ in title II 
of division H of Public Law 115–31 shall be applied during the 
period covered by this Act as if the following were struck from 
such proviso: ‘‘, of which $80,000,000 shall be available for a cost 
of living adjustment notwithstanding section 640(a)(3)(A) of such 
Act’’. 
SEC. 137. The proviso at the end of paragraph (1) under the 
heading 
‘‘Department 
of 
Labor—Employment 
and 
Training 
Administration—State Unemployment Insurance and Employment 
Service Operations’’ in title I of division G of Public Law 113– 
Applicability. 
Applicability. 
Applicability. 
Continuation. 
Applicability. 
Continuation. 
Applicability. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00303
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1146 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
235 shall be applied through the date specified in section 106(3) 
of this Act by substituting ‘‘seven’’ for ‘‘six’’. 
SEC. 138. In making Federal financial assistance, the National 
Institutes of Health shall continue through the date specified in 
section 106(3) of this Act to apply the provisions relating to indirect 
costs in part 75 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, including 
with respect to the approval of deviations from negotiated rates, 
to the same extent and in the same manner as the National 
Institutes of Health applied such provisions in the third quarter 
of fiscal year 2017. None of the funds appropriated in this Act 
may be used to develop or implement a modified approach to 
such provisions, or to intentionally or substantially expand the 
fiscal effect of the approval of such deviations from negotiated 
rates beyond the proportional effect of such approvals in such 
quarter. 
SEC. 139. (a) Section 529 of division H of Public Law 115– 
31 shall be applied by substituting ‘‘prior to the beginning of fiscal 
year 2018 under section 2104(n)(2)’’ for ‘‘from the appropriation 
to the Fund for the first semiannual allotment period for fiscal 
year 2017 under section 2104(n)(2)(A)(ii)’’; and 
(b) section 532 of division H of Public Law 115–31 shall be 
applied by substituting ‘‘2,652,000,000’’ for ‘‘1,132,000,000’’. 
SEC. 140. Notwithstanding 2 U.S.C. 4577, amounts made avail-
able by section 101 for ‘‘Legislative Branch—Senate—Salaries, Offi-
cers and Employees—Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Door-
keeper’’ may be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary 
to maintain current Senate cybersecurity capabilities. 
SEC. 141. (a) The remaining unobligated balances of funds 
made available under the heading ‘‘Department of Veterans 
Affairs—Departmental 
Administration—Construction, 
Major 
Projects’’ in division A of the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act 
of 2013 and Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 (Public 
Law 113–2) are hereby rescinded: Provided, That the amounts 
rescinded pursuant to this section that were previously designated 
by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 
251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Con-
trol Act of 1985 are designated by the Congress as an emergency 
requirement pursuant to that section of that Act. 
(b) In addition to the amount otherwise provided by section 
101 for ‘‘Department of Veterans Affairs—Departmental Adminis-
tration—Construction, Major Projects’’, there is appropriated for 
an additional amount for fiscal year 2017, to remain available 
until September 30, 2022, an amount equal to the unobligated 
balances rescinded pursuant to subsection (a), for renovations and 
repairs as a consequence of damage caused by Hurricane Sandy: 
Provided, That notwithstanding any other provision of law, such 
funds may be obligated and expended to carry out planning and 
design and major medical facility construction not otherwise author-
ized by law: Provided further, That such amount is designated 
by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant 
to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
Deficit Control Act of 1985. 
(c) Each amount designated in this section by the Congress 
as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) 
of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 
shall be available (or rescinded, if applicable) only if the President 
President. 
Expiration date. 
Rescissions. 
Applicability. 
Continuation. 
Applicability. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00304
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 1147 
PUBLIC LAW 115–56—SEPT. 8, 2017 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 601: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 163 (2017): 
Jan. 24, considered and passed House. 
Aug. 1, considered and passed Senate, amended. 
Sept. 6, House concurred in certain Senate amendments, in another with an 
amendment, pursuant to H. Res. 502. Senate considered concurring in 
House amendment with an amendment. 
Sept. 7, Senate considered and concurred in House amendment with an 
amendment. 
Sept. 8, House concurred in Senate amendment. 
subsequently so designates all such amounts and transmits such 
designations to the Congress. 
(d) This section shall become effective immediately upon enact-
ment of this Act. 
SEC. 142. Sections 579(a)(1) and (b) of the Multifamily Assisted 
Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 (42 U.S.C. 1437f 
note) shall be applied by substituting the date specified in section 
106(3) for ‘‘October 1, 2017’’. 
This division may be cited as the ‘‘Continuing Appropriations 
Act, 2018’’. 
Approved September 8, 2017. 
Applicability. 
Effective date. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
13:12 Jul 14, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00305
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6580
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1\RENAMED 32-90\69194PT1.003
69194PT1
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES