S. Rept. 114-258 - LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS, 2017114th Congress (2015-2016)
Committee Report
Hide Overview icon-hideReport Type: | Senate Report |
---|---|
Accompanies: | S.2955 |
Committees: |
Report text available as:
- TXT
(PDF provides a complete and accurate display of this text.) Tip?
114th Congress } { Report SENATE 2d Session } { 114-258 ====================================================================== LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS, 2017 _______ May 19, 2016.--Ordered to be printed _______ Mrs. Shelley Moore Capito, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the following REPORT [To accompany S. 2955] The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 2955) making appropriations for the legislative branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes, reports favorably thereon and recommends that the bill do pass. Amount of new budget (obligational) authority Total of bill as reported to the Senate................. $3,020,783,000 Amount of 2016 appropriations........................... 2,997,302,000 Amount of 2017 budget estimate.......................... 3,272,347,571 Bill as recommended to Senate compared to-- 2016 appropriations................................. +23,481,000 2017 budget estimate................................ -251,564,571 CONTENTS ---------- Page General Statement and Summary.................................... 4 Title I: Legislative Branch Appropriations: Senate: Expense Allowances................................... 6 Representation Allowances for the Majority and Minority Leaders................................... 6 Salaries, Officers, and Employees.................... 7 Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate...... 12 Office of Senate Legal Counsel....................... 12 Expense Allowances of the Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, and Secretaries for the Majority and Minority of the Senate............................................. 12 Contingent Expenses of the Senate.................... 13 Joint Items: Joint Economic Committee............................. 23 Joint Committee on Taxation.......................... 23 Office of the Attending Physician.................... 23 Office of Congressional Accessibility Services....... 24 Capitol Police: Salaries............................................. 25 General Expenses..................................... 26 Office of Compliance: Salaries and Expenses.............. 26 Congressional Budget Office: Salaries and Expenses....... 27 Architect of the Capitol: Capital Construction and Operations.................. 29 Capitol Building..................................... 30 Capitol Grounds...................................... 31 Senate Office Buildings.............................. 32 Capitol Power Plant.................................. 32 Library Buildings and Grounds........................ 33 Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security....... 34 Botanic Garden....................................... 35 Capitol Visitor Center............................... 35 Library of Congress: Salaries and Expenses................................ 37 Copyright Office..................................... 39 Congressional Research Service....................... 40 Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped....... 41 Government Publishing Office: Congressional Publishing............................. 42 Public Information Programs of the Office of Superintendent of Documents........................ 42 Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving Fund..................................... 43 Government Accountability Office: Salaries and Expenses.. 43 Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund.................. 44 John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Develop- ment................................................... 44 Title II: General Provisions..................................... 46 Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI, of the Standing Rules of the Sen- ate............................................................ 47 Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate.................................................. 47 Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI, of the Standing Rules of the Senate..................................................... 48 Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 50 Comparative Statement of Budget Authority........................ 51 GENERAL STATEMENT AND SUMMARY The Legislative Branch appropriations bill provides funding for the Congress and for the agencies that serve the Congress. The agencies funded through this bill provide oversight of executive branch agencies, including objective, nonpartisan, and timely audits and analysis of Federal programs. The funding in this bill also ensures that the public has permanent access to printed and electronic information products of the Federal Government. All accounts in the bill have been examined in detail to ensure that the funding provided is appropriate for the agencies to carry out their responsibilities and to continue to respond to Congress in a timely and accurate manner. Details on the accounts, the funding levels provided, and the Committee's justification for the funding levels are included in the report. Conforming to longstanding practice under which each body of Congress determines its own housekeeping requirements and the other concurs without intervention, funds for the House are not included in the bill as reported to the Senate. The Committee recommends new budget (obligational) authority of $3,020,783,000 for the legislative branch for fiscal year 2017. This amount excludes House items as per normal protocol. This total is $251,564,571 below the budget request and $23,481,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation. The bill includes $871,176,081 for the operations of the Senate, which is $64,510,339 below the fiscal year 2017 request. The bill includes $419,255,000 for the Architect of the Capitol to maintain, improve, and construct buildings and facilities for the Congress. The recommendation for the Architect of the Capitol is $75,518,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. The recommendation would allow for comprehensive repairs and life-safety systems improvements. The bill also includes $387,000,000 for the Capitol Police; $542,405,919 for the Government Accountability Office; $608,907,000 for the Library of Congress; and $117,068,000 for the Government Publishing Office. Reprogramming Guidelines.--The Committee expects all agencies to notify the Committee of any significant departures from budget plans presented to the Committee in any agency's budget justifications. In particular, agencies funded through this bill are required to notify the Committee prior to each reprogramming of funds in excess of the lesser of 10 percent or $750,000 between programs, projects or activities, or in excess of $750,000 between object classifications (except for shifts within the pay categories, object class 11, 12, and 13 or as further specified in each agency's respective section). This includes cumulative reprogrammings that together total at least $750,000 from or to a particular program, activity, or object classification as well as reprogramming of FTEs or funds to create new organizational entities within the Agency or to restructure entities which already exist. The Committee desires to be notified of reprogramming actions which involve less than the above-mentioned amounts if such actions would have the effect of changing an agency's funding requirements in future years or if programs or projects specifically cited in the Committee's reports are affected. Full-Time Equivalents.--The Committee is dismayed by the presentation of total full-time equivalents [FTEs] included in each agency's fiscal year 2017 budget justification. This year, the presentation of FTEs included more than could be supported by either the fiscal year 2016 enacted level or the fiscal year 2017 requested level. The primary concern of the Committee is to understand the number of FTEs that can be supported by specific funding levels. Therefore, in fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter, the budget justifications sent to the Committee shall include a comparison of FTEs based on the number of FTEs supported by the funding provided in the current enacted appropriations legislation and the number of FTEs that would be supported by the funding requested for the following fiscal year. Cybersecurity.--The Committee recognizes that the universe of information technology hardware and software is an ever evolving, fast paced environment in which the Federal Government operates. Therefore, the Government must be prepared to make the annual investments necessary for its departments and agencies to stay current with the constantly changing world of technology. As such, this bill provides additional funding to agencies of the Legislative Branch for information technology infrastructure and security enhancements. The Committee is concerned, however, that a lack of standard operating procedures and known best practices related to technological investments, especially in the area of cybersecurity, may lead to wasteful spending by the government as numerous vendors claiming to have the latest and greatest cybersecurity solutions regularly approach Federal departments and agencies to sell their products. There are challenges associated with different departments and agencies of the government pursuing differing and potentially incompatible methods of data security. Therefore, the Committee directs the Government Accountability Office [GAO] to conduct studies evaluating the effectiveness of cybersecurity programs, including risk management frameworks, cybersecurity technologies, cybersecurity standard operating procedures, and staffing and training of personnel related to the protection of Federal Government information systems. The Committee also directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study that addresses types of technologies that do not create ``lock- in'' to a specific vendor; allow sharing and collaboration of protected data; enable capabilities and standards that can be leveraged for data protection across the Federal Government; enable the sharing of protected data among Federal departments and agencies, as well as applicable private sector entities; and include other capabilities and recommendations as determined appropriate by GAO. This report shall be submitted to the Senate Appropriations Committee no later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this act. TITLE I LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS SENATE Expense Allowances Appropriations, 2016.................................... $174,840 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 174,840 Committee recommendation................................ 174,840 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $174,840 for the expense allowances of the Vice President, the President pro tempore of the Senate, the majority and minority leaders, the majority and minority whips, the chairmen of the majority and minority conference committees, and the chairmen of the majority and minority policy committees. The recommendation is identical to both the fiscal year 2017 request and the fiscal year 2016 appropriation. The recommended allowances are as follows: For the expense allowance of the Vice President, the Committee recommends an amount of $18,760. For the expense allowance of the President pro tempore, the Committee recommends an amount of $37,520. For the expense allowance of the majority and minority leaders, the Committee recommends $39,920 for each leader, for a total of $79,840. For the expense allowance of the majority and minority whips, the Committee recommends $9,980 for each whip, for a total of $19,960. For the expense allowance for the chairmen of the majority and minority conference committees, the Committee recommends $4,690 for each chairman, for a total of $9,380. For the expense allowance for the chairmen of the majority and minority policy committees, the Committee recommends $4,690 for each chairman, for a total of $9,380. Expenditures from all the foregoing allowances are made upon certification from the individuals for whom the allowances are authorized, and are reported semiannually in the report of the Secretary of the Senate. Representation Allowances for the Majority and Minority Leaders Appropriations, 2016.................................... $28,140 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 28,140 Committee recommendation................................ 28,140 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $28,140 for representation allowances for the majority and minority leaders. The recommendation is identical to both the fiscal year 2017 request and the fiscal year 2016 appropriation. This allowance was established in the Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1985 (Public Law 99-88). The funds were authorized to be used by the majority and minority leaders solely for the discharge of their appropriate responsibilities in connection with official visits to the United States by members of foreign legislative bodies and representatives of foreign governments and intergovernmental agencies. The recommended amount is to be divided equally between the two leaders. Expenditures from this allowance are made upon certification of the leaders and are reported in the semiannual report of the Secretary of the Senate. Salaries, Officers, and Employees Appropriations, 2016.................................... $179,185,311 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 186,260,812 Committee recommendation................................ 182,287,812 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $182,287,812 for the subaccounts funded under the overall account for the salaries of officers and employees of the Senate. The recommendation is $3,102,501 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $3,973,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. It should be noted that except for a handful of positions in the Offices of the Secretary and the Sergeant at Arms that are required by statute, specific staffing levels are not stipulated either by the budget request or by the Committee's recommendation. Rather, lump-sum allowances are provided to fund staffing levels each office finds necessary and appropriate for the performance of its duties. Estimated staffing levels for offices funded under this appropriation for fiscal year 2017 are approximately 1,360 positions. SALARIES, OFFICERS, AND EMPLOYEES [Estimated staffing levels--fiscal years 2016 and 2017] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal year Fiscal year 2017 Committee 2016 recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Office of the Vice President............ 45 45 Office of the President Pro Tempore..... 11 11 Offices of the majority and minority 43 43 leaders................................ Offices of the majority and minority 30 30 whips.................................. Conference committees................... 48 48 Offices of the secretaries of the 12 12 conference of the majority and the conference of the minority............. Policy Committees....................... 55 55 Office of the Chaplain.................. 4 4 Office of the Secretary................. 248 248 Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 892 846 Doorkeeper............................. Offices of the secretaries for the 18 18 majority and minority.................. ------------------------------- Totals............................ 1,406 1,360 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Any change from the allocation of funds in the subaccounts within this appropriation is subject to the approval of the Committee. The total amount appropriated is allocated to the various offices of the Senate as displayed under the headings for the offices that follow. OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT Appropriations, 2016.................................... $2,417,248 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 2,474,248 Committee recommendation................................ 2,417,248 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,417,248 to fund the salaries of the administrative and clerical staff of the Office of the Vice President in connection with his duties as the President of the Senate. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE Appropriations, 2016.................................... $723,466 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 741,466 Committee recommendation................................ 723,466 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $723,466 for the Office of the President Pro Tempore. OFFICES OF THE MAJORITY AND MINORITY LEADERS Appropriations, 2016.................................... $5,255,576 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 5,377,576 Committee recommendation................................ 5,255,576 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,255,576 for the offices of the majority and minority leaders. The amount recommended is to be equally divided, providing $2,627,788 for each office. The administrative and clerical staffs funded by this appropriation were authorized under the provisions of Public Law 91-145, effective November 1, 1969. OFFICES OF THE MAJORITY AND MINORITY WHIPS Appropriations, 2016.................................... $3,359,424 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 3,439,424 Committee recommendation................................ 3,359,424 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,359,424 for the offices of the majority and minority whips. It is to be equally divided, providing $1,679,712 for each office. The authority for the administrative and clerical staff funded by this appropriation was created by Public Law 84-242, effective July 1, 1955. COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Appropriations, 2016.................................... $15,142,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 15,142,000 Committee recommendation................................ 15,142,000 For the salaries of the staff of the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee recommends an appropriation of $15,142,000. CONFERENCE COMMITTEES Appropriations, 2016.................................... $3,316,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 3,396,000 Committee recommendation................................ 3,316,000 For the administrative and clerical staffs of the majority and minority conference committees, the Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,316,000. The appropriation provides $1,658,000 in salaries for the staff of each conference committee. The chairman of each conference committee may transfer to or from amounts provided for salaries of each conference to the account for conference committee expenses within the ``Miscellaneous Items'' appropriation. OFFICES OF THE SECRETARIES OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE MAJORITY AND THE CONFERENCE OF THE MINORITY Appropriations, 2016.................................... $817,402 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 839,402 Committee recommendation................................ 817,402 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $817,402 for the majority and minority conference secretaries. These offices were created by section 6 of Senate Resolution 17, agreed to January 10, 1977, and two positions in each office were first funded in the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1977 (Public Law 95-26). Section 102 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1979 (Public Law 96-38), abolished the specific positions and established a lump-sum allowance for the employment of staff, effective October 1, 1979. The amount recommended is to be divided equally between the majority secretary and the minority secretary. POLICY COMMITTEES Appropriations, 2016.................................... $3,385,810 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 3,465,810 Committee recommendation................................ 3,385,810 For the salaries of the administrative and clerical staffs of the majority and minority policy committees, the Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,385,810. The appropriation provides $1,692,905 in salaries for the staff of each committee. The chairman of each policy committee may transfer to or from amounts provided for salaries of each policy committee to the account for policy committee expenses within the ``Miscellaneous Items'' appropriation. OFFICE OF THE CHAPLAIN Appropriations, 2016.................................... $436,886 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 447,886 Committee recommendation................................ 436,886 For the Office of the Chaplain, the Committee recommends an appropriation of $436,886. The amount recommended provides the salaries for the Chaplain of the Senate and support staff to assist the Chaplain with his pastoral duties. The Fiscal Year 1988 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, Public Law 100-202, established the rate of pay for the Chaplain at Executive Level IV. The Office of the Chaplain may transfer to or from amounts provided for salaries to the account for expenses within the ``Miscellaneous Items'' appropriation. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY Appropriations, 2016.................................... $24,772,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 25,339,000 Committee recommendation................................ 24,772,000 The Committee recommends $24,772,000 for salaries of the Office of the Secretary. Fiscal year 2017 staffing levels are estimated at 248 positions. This appropriation provides funds for four statutory positions (Secretary of the Senate, Assistant Secretary of the Senate, Financial Clerk of the Senate, and Parliamentarian of the Senate) and lump-sum allowances for the employment and adjustment of salaries of personnel in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, as authorized by Public Law 97-51, effective October 1, 1981 (2 U.S.C. 6539). The following departmental guidelines for fiscal year 2017 have been submitted by the Secretary to the Committee. The departmental budgets grouped in the apportionment schedule under executive offices include: the Executive Office of the Secretary of the Senate, Page School, Senate Security, Information Systems, and Web Technology. The departmental budgets grouped in the apportionment schedule under administrative services include: conservation and preservation, curator, disbursing office, gift shop, historical office, human resources, interparliamentary services, library, printing and document services, public records, chief counsel for employment, and the stationery room. The departmental budgets grouped in the apportionment schedule under legislative and legal services include: the bill clerk, daily digest, enrolling clerk, journal clerk, legislative clerk, Official Reporters of Debate, captioning services, executive clerk, LIS project office, and Parliamentarian. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE [Estimated staffing levels--fiscal years 2016 and 2017] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal year Fiscal year 2017 Committee 2016 recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Executive offices....................... 32 32 Administrative services................. 167 168 Legislative and legal services.......... 49 48 ------------------------------- Totals............................ 248 248 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ OFFICE OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS AND DOORKEEPER Appropriations, 2016.................................... $69,000,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 72,500,000 Committee recommendation................................ 70,900,000 This appropriation provides funds for the salaries of three statutory positions (Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, Deputy Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, and Administrative Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper) and lump-sum allowances for employment and adjustments of salaries of personnel in the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, as authorized by Public Law 97-51, effective October 1, 1981 (2 U.S.C. 6597). The Committee recommends an appropriation of $70,900,000 for fiscal year 2017, which supports a staffing level of 846 FTEs. The Sergeant at Arms structure reflects five major divisions: Capitol Division, Operations Division, Technology Development Services Division, IT Support Services Division, and Staff Offices Division. The Capitol Division consists of the Executive Office of the Sergeant at Arms, the Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness, and the Recording Studio. These offices provide the executive management and leadership of the Sergeant at Arms for day-to-day operations; for security of the Senate side of the Capitol complex; and recording studio services. The Operations Division provides printing and photographic services; furnishes and maintains the Senate side of the Capitol Building; offers mailing and package delivery services; and State office liaison. The Technology Development Services Division supports enterprise information technology systems, applications development, and network engineering. The IT Support Services Division provides desktop computer support; correspondence management system acquisition, maintenance and support; telecommunications equipment and services; and general office equipment. The Staff Offices Division includes Financial Management, Human Resources, Office of Education and Training, Process Management and Innovation and Cybersecurity. The offices and personnel covered by this appropriation are shown in the following table. OFFICE OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS AND DOORKEEPER OF THE SENATE APPORTIONMENT SCHEDULE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiscal year Committee Positions 2017 request recommendation Difference ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capitol Division................................ 206 $17,371,000 $16,916,000 -$455,000 Operations Division............................. 295 20,746,000 19,030,000 -1,716,000 Technology Development Services Division........ 130 16,162,000 15,199,000 -963,000 IT Support Services Division.................... 94 7,069,000 7,239,000 170,000 Staff Offices Division.......................... 121 11,152,000 12,516,000 1,364,000 --------------------------------------------------------------- Total..................................... 846 72,500,000 70,900,000 -1,600,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Committee expects to be notified in writing in a timely manner of any changes to the staffing levels or distribution of staff. OFFICES OF THE SECRETARIES FOR THE MAJORITY AND MINORITY Appropriations, 2016.................................... $1,762,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 1,804,000 Committee recommendation................................ 1,762,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,762,000 for the offices of the secretaries for the majority and minority. The appropriation is to be equally divided, providing $881,000 for each office. AGENCY CONTRIBUTIONS Appropriations, 2016.................................... $48,797,499 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 51,294,000 Committee recommendation................................ 50,000,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $50,000,000 for agency contributions for employees paid under certain appropriations, including ``Salaries, officers, and employees,'' ``Joint Economic Committee,'' ``Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate,'' and ``Office of Senate Legal Counsel.'' Agency contributions include the Senate's contributions as an employer to the Civil Service Retirement System, the Federal Employees' Retirement System, the Thrift Savings Plan, Federal employee group life insurance, Federal employee health insurance programs, and FICA. The Senate is required by law to make these payments, and the total required is dependent upon the number of Senate employees, their compensation levels, the benefit programs in which they are enrolled, and the extent of the benefits elected. Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate Appropriations, 2016.................................... $5,408,500 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 5,842,300 Committee recommendation................................ 5,808,500 For the Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate, the Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,808,500. This amount provides for the salaries and expenses of the office. The Committee recommendation provides the funding necessary for agency contributions for employees paid under this appropriation, under the heading, ``Agency Contributions'' under the appropriation, ``Salaries, officers, and employees.'' Office of Senate Legal Counsel Appropriations, 2016.................................... $1,120,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 1,144,000 Committee recommendation................................ 1,120,000 The Office of Senate Legal Counsel was established pursuant to section 701 of Public Law 95-521. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,120,000 for the Office of Senate Legal Counsel. The amount provided pays for the salaries and expenses of the office. The Committee recommendation provides the funding necessary for agency contributions for employees paid under this appropriation, under the heading, ``Agency Contributions'' under the appropriation ``Salaries, officers, and employees.'' Expense Allowances of the Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, and Secretaries for the Majority and Minority of the Senate Appropriations, 2016.................................... $28,440 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 28,440 Committee recommendation................................ 28,440 Section 119 of Public Law 97-51 authorized an expense allowance for the Secretary of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, the Secretary for the Majority, and the Secretary for the Minority. Since fiscal year 1983, the amount has been provided through a direct appropriation. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $28,440 providing an allowance of $7,110 for each office. Contingent Expenses of the Senate INQUIRIES AND INVESTIGATIONS Appropriations, 2016.................................... $133,265,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 135,799,075 Committee recommendation................................ 133,265,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $133,265,000 for inquiries and investigations by Senate standing, special, and select committees of which $26,650,000 shall be available until September 30, 2019. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $2,534,075 below the fiscal year 2017 request. This appropriation funds the liquidation of obligations incurred by committees under the authorization provided in Committee funding resolutions. U.S. SENATE CAUCUS ON INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL Appropriations, 2016.................................... $508,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 520,000 Committee recommendation................................ 508,000 The Committee recommends $508,000 for the expenses of the U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control. Established in 1985 by the Foreign Relations Authorization Act (Public Law 99-93), the Caucus was created to monitor and promote international compliance with narcotics control treaties and monitor and encourage U.S. Government and private programs seeking to expand international cooperation against drug abuse. The Caucus is composed of seven Senators, four from the majority party and three from the minority party, with a chairman from the majority party and a co-chairman from the minority party. SECRETARY OF THE SENATE Appropriations, 2016.................................... $8,750,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 10,250,000 Committee recommendation................................ 10,250,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,250,000 for expenses of the Office of the Secretary. The recommendation is $1,500,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and equal to the fiscal year 2017 request. Of the total provided, the Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,000,000 to remain available until expended for the Financial Management Information System Modernization and $4,350,000 to remain available until September 30, 2021, for the Senate Information Services program. The table printed below sets forth the apportionment of funds under this appropriation, followed by a brief description of the line items. Any deviation of more than 10 percent cumulatively from the stated levels for each item will require the customary prior approval of the Committee. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY APPORTIONMENT SCHEDULE ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal year 2016 Committee Item enacted recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Departmental operating budget: Executive office................ $500,000 $500,000 Administrative services......... 8,101,600 9,601,600 Legislative services............ 148,400 148,400 ----------------------------------- Total operating budget........ 8,750,000 10,250,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Typical expenditures of the Secretary of the Senate include: Consultants.--Funding is provided for not to exceed two individual consultants as authorized by section 110 of Public Law 95-94, August 5, 1977, which amends section 101 of Public Law 95-26, May 4, 1977. Consultants employed under this authority shall not be paid in excess of the per diem equivalent of the highest gross rate of annual compensation which may be paid to employees of a standing committee of the Senate. Legal Reference Volumes.--Funding is provided to furnish U.S. Senators with volumes of the U.S. Code Annotated or U.S. Code service, pocket parts and supplements, as authorized by Public Law 92-51, July 9, 1971. The Disbursing Office is responsible for providing the U.S. Code Annotated or the U.S. Code Service to Senators when they assume office and upon receipt of a written request of a Senator. Contractual Legal and Administrative Services and Miscellaneous Expenses.--Funding is provided for various contractual, administrative, and miscellaneous expenses incurred by the Office of the Secretary. In addition, the Office of the Secretary has incurred various types of legal and other expenses which have been authorized by the Senate. Funding is provided for contractual and other expenses necessary to update and publish the Senate's legislative precedents and procedure documentation. Administrative services and miscellaneous expenses are housekeeping expenses of the Office of the Secretary. Travel and Registration Fees.--Funding is provided for travel expenses and registration fees incurred by the Secretary of the Senate and the employees of the Office of the Secretary. This line item excludes funding for travel expenses for the Federal Election Campaign Act under the Office of Public Records, which is provided separately under the authority of Public Law 92-342. The authority for the travel portion of this account was provided for by section 101 of Public Law 94-59, July 25, 1975. Orientation and Training.--Funding is provided for expenses incurred by the Secretary of the Senate to conduct orientation seminars or similar meetings for Senators, Senate officials, or members of staffs of Senators or Senate officials, not to exceed $30,000 under the authority of 2 U.S.C. 6514. The Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate is also authorized under these provisions to conduct seminars or similar meetings in the same manner and to the same extent as the Office of the Secretary of the Senate. Postage.--This account also provides funding for postage for the Office of the Secretary of the Senate for special delivery, registered mail, and additional postage not covered under the frank. Education of Senate Pages.--Funding is provided for the education of Senate pages. Senate Resolution 184, July 29, 1983, authorized the Secretary of the Senate to enter into a contract, agreement, or other arrangement with the board of education of the District of Columbia, or to provide such educational services and items in such other manner as the Secretary may deem appropriate. Public Law 98-125, October 13, 1983, amended Public Law 98-51, July 14, 1983, striking out the heading and paragraph ``Education of Pages'' under the heading ``Joint Items'', and redesignated the funds provided in Public Law 98-51. Stationery.--Funding is provided for stationery supplies for the Office of the Secretary of the Senate. The funds provided have been allocated to the various departments of the Office of the Secretary. Senate Commission on Art.--Funding is provided for the Senate Commission on Art, authorized by Public Law 100-696, November 18, 1988, to acquire any work of art, historical object, documents or material relating to historical matters, or exhibits for placement or exhibition within the Senate wing of the Capitol, any Senate office building, or in rooms, spaces, or corridors thereof, and to publish a Senate historical objects inventory and calendar of exhibits on display within the Senate wing of the Capitol and Senate office buildings. The Senate Commission on Art was formerly the Commission on Arts and Antiquities, which was authorized by Senate Resolution 382, October 1, 1968, as amended by Senate Resolution 95, April 1, 1977, and Senate Resolution 400, March 23, 1988. Representation Expenses.--Funding is provided, not to exceed $50,000, to the Secretary of the Senate to coordinate and carry out responsibilities in connection with foreign parliamentary groups or other foreign officials visiting the United States. Authorized by section 2 of Public Law 101-163, November 21, 1989. Office of Conservation and Preservation.--Funding is provided for the Office of Conservation and Preservation to develop and coordinate programs directly related to the conservation and protection of Senate records and materials for which the Secretary of the Senate has statutory authority. Book Preservation.--Funding is provided for the Office of Conservation and Preservation to use outside sources for the preservation and protection of the Senate book collection, including historically valuable documents under the care of the Secretary of the Senate. Office of Public Records.--Funding is provided for expenses of the Office of Public Records. This office has evolved through various pieces of legislation and various responsibilities authorized by the Federal Election Campaign Act, as amended, the Ethics in Government Act, as amended, and the Lobbying Disclosure Act, as amended. Public Law 92-342, July 10, 1972, authorizes the Secretary of the Senate to procure technical support services, consultants, use of detailed employees and travel expenses in carrying out her duties under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. The Office of Public Records is mentioned for the first time in Public Law 93-145, November 1, 1973, which authorizes the Secretary of the Senate to appoint and fix the compensation of a superintendent and other positions for the Office of Public Records. In addition, under the authority of Public Law 95-521, October 26, 1978 (Ethics in Government Act) reports filed under section 101 shall be available for public inspection and a copy of the report shall be provided to any person upon request. Any person requesting a copy of a report may be required to pay a reasonable fee to cover the cost of reproduction. Any moneys received by the Secretary shall be deposited into the Office of Public Records Revolving Fund under the authority of Public Law 101-163, November 21, 1989. The office also performs functions such as registration of mass mailings. Disbursing Office.--Funding is provided for expenses incurred in the operation of the disbursing office. Typical expenses for this office include online access charges for the Department of the Treasury systems, notary bonds, seals and supplies, necessary supplies in conjunction with the various machinery maintained in the office, which are not available in the stationery room, and necessary insurance policies required for the protection of the disbursing officer of the Senate for moneys assigned to his/her accountability. Office of Captioning Services.--Funding is provided for the closed captioning of the televised Senate floor proceedings for the hearing impaired. Closed captioning was first authorized under Public Law 101-163, November 21, 1989. Senate Chief Counsel for Employment.--Funding is provided for the Office of the Senate Chief Counsel for Employment. This office is a nonpartisan office formed in May 1993 at the direction of the joint leadership and is charged with providing legal advice and representation of Senate offices in all areas of employment law. SERGEANT AT ARMS AND DOORKEEPER OF THE SENATE Appropriations, 2016.................................... $130,000,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 128,535,000 Committee recommendation................................ 126,535,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $126,535,000 for expenses of the Sergeant at Arms, to remain available until September 30, 2021, which is $3,465,000 below the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $2,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. The following table compares the fiscal year 2017 Committee recommendation for the component categories within this account to the fiscal year 2017 budget request. EXPENSES--OFFICE OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS AND DOORKEEPER ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiscal year Committee 2017 request recommendation Difference ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capitol Division................................................ $10,569,000 $10,569,000 .............. Operations Division............................................. 24,599,000 21,599,000 -3,000,000 Technology Development Services Division........................ 41,009,000 29,212,000 -11,797,000 IT Support Services Division.................................... 49,390,000 48,390,000 -1,000,000 Staff Offices Division.......................................... 2,968,000 16,765,000 13,797,000 ----------------------------------------------- Total..................................................... 128,535,000 126,535,000 -2,000,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Any deviation of more than 10 percent cumulatively from the level for each item in the spending plan will require the customary approval of the Committee. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Appropriations, 2016.................................... $21,390,270 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 20,870,349 Committee recommendation................................ 20,870,349 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $20,870,349 for miscellaneous items to remain available until September 30, 2019. Any deviation of more than 10 percent cumulatively from the stated levels for each item will require the customary prior approval of the Committee. The following table sets forth the apportionment of funds under this appropriation: FISCAL YEAR 2017 BUDGET--MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS APPORTIONMENT SCHEDULE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiscal year 2017 Committee Item request recommendation Difference ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Resolution and reorganization reserve..................... $5,000,000 $5,000,000 ................ Unallocated............................................... 6,000,000 6,000,000 ................ Reserve for contingencies (miscellaneous items)........... 800,000 800,000 ................ Employees' compensation fund reimbursement (worker's ................ ................ ................ compensation)............................................ Reception of foreign dignitaries (S. Res. 247, dated 30,000 30,000 ................ February 7, 1962, as amended by S. Res. 370, dated October 10, P2000)....................................... Foreign travel--Members and employees (S. Res. 179, dated 125,000 125,000 ................ May 25, 1977)............................................ Federal employees compensation account (Public Law 96-499, 1,230,000 1,230,000 ................ dated December 5, 1980) (Unemployment Compensation)...... Conferences for the Majority and Minority (Public Laws: 97- 300,000 300,000 ................ 51, dated January 3, 1983; 101-250, dated November 5, 1990; and 107-68, dated November 12, 2001)............... Policy Committees for the Majority and Minority (Public 150,000 150,000 ................ Law 104-53, dated November 19, 1995)..................... Postage\1\................................................ 6,000 6,000 ................ Stationery\2\............................................. 16,500 16,500 ................ Communications\3\......................................... 72,000 72,000 ................ Consultants--including agency contributions (2 U.S.C. 6501 5,000,000 5,000,000 ................ as amended).............................................. National Security Working Group (S. Res. 480, November 21, 700,000 700,000 ................ 2004) (expires December 31, 2012)........................ Committee on Appropriations (Public Law 105-275, dated 950,000 950,000 ................ October 21, 1998)........................................ Office of the Chaplain (Public Law 108-199, dated January 50,000 50,000 ................ 23, 2004)................................................ Senate Child Care Center: Agency Contribution costs authorized by Public Laws 420,000 420,000 ................ 102-90, dated August 14, 1991 and 103-50, dated July 2, 1993.............................................. Training classes, conferences, and travel expenses as 20,849 20,849 ................ authorized by Public Law 104-197, dated September 16, 1996................................................. ----------------------------------------------------- Total............................................. 20,870,349 20,870,349 ................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\Postage Apportionment (Fiscal year 2017): President of the Senate.............................. $2,700 Secretary for the Majority........................... 1,100 Secretary for the Minority........................... 1,100 Chaplain............................................. 1,100 --------------- TOTAL.............................................. 6,000 \2\Stationery Apportionment (Fiscal year 2017): President of the Senate.............................. $8,000 Conference of the Majority........................... 300 Conference of the Minority........................... 300 Chaplain............................................. 700 Senate Chamber....................................... 7,200 --------------- TOTAL.............................................. 16,500 \3\Communications Apportionment (Fiscal year 2017): Office of the Vice President......................... $1,000 Secretary for the Majority........................... 10,000 Secretary for the Minority........................... 10,000 Office of the Chaplain............................... 1,000 Majority Leader...................................... 15,000 Minority Leader...................................... 15,000 Majority Whip........................................ 10,000 Minority Whip........................................ 10,000 --------------- TOTAL.............................................. 72,000 Veterans Hiring.--The Committee encourages Members of Congress and their offices to look favorably on congressional job applicants with previous United States military service. Through their service, many veterans gain valuable leadership skills, perseverance, and perspective that can enhance the legislative process. The Committee encourages Members to incorporate these veterans' unique skills by increasing the number of veterans hired in their congressional offices. The Committee also encourages Congress to evaluate the potential for a congressional veterans fellowship program. Resolution and Reorganization Reserve.--This line item is used to cover the costs of Senate resolutions and public laws that authorize expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate that do not have specific appropriations for such purpose. Reserve for Contingencies.--This line item includes payment for gratuities for family members of deceased Senate employees; damage to automobiles in the Senate parking lots; contractual, legal, and administrative services; and miscellaneous expenses, and is controlled by the Committee on Rules and Administration. Employees' Compensation Fund Reimbursements (Worker's Compensation).--Reimbursements made to the U.S. Department of Labor for total benefits and other payments made on behalf of Senate employees from the employees' compensation fund. A provision has been included under general provisions allowing this payment to be made from expired balances, a practice that is consistent with the other agencies of the legislative branch. Reception of Foreign Dignitaries.--The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to expend not to exceed $30,000 each fiscal year to receive foreign dignitaries under the authority of Senate Resolution 247, agreed to February 7, 1962, as amended. Foreign Travel: Members and Employees.--Senate Resolution 179, agreed to May 25, 1977, authorized payment from the contingent fund of the Senate, of the domestic portion of transportation costs and travel expenses incurred by Members and employees of the Senate when engaged in authorized foreign travel. Federal Employees' Compensation Account (Unemployment Compensation).--This line item provides for expenses incurred for the Senate to reimburse the Federal employees' compensation account, pursuant to Public Law 96-499, approved December 5, 1980, for unemployment compensation payments made to Senate employees. Conferences for the Majority and Minority.--The amount recommended provides for the expenses of the majority and minority conference committees. Policy Committees for the Majority and Minority.--The amount recommended provides for the expenses of the majority and minority policy committees. Postage.--Provides for postage allowances for the President of the Senate, Secretary of the Majority, Secretary of the Minority, and Senate Chaplain. Stationery.--Provides funds for stationery and office supplies for the President of the Senate, conference committees of the Senate, Office of the Chaplain, and the Senate Chamber. Communications.--Provides funds for cellular telephone and mobile data devices and services for the Office of the Vice President, Secretary for the Majority, Secretary for the Minority, Office of the Chaplain, Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Majority Whip, and Minority Whip. Consultants: Including Agency Contributions.--Provides authority for the appointment and payment of consultants to the majority and minority leaders, President pro tempore, President pro tempore emeritus and the legislative counsel. The following summarizes the current authority and limitations: Majority leader: Nine consultants at not to exceed the daily rate for maximum standing committee rate. All of the consultants may be appointed at an annual rate of compensation not to exceed the maximum annual rate for a standing committee. Minority leader: Nine consultants at not to exceed the daily rate for maximum standing committee rate. All of the consultants may be appointed at an annual rate of compensation not to exceed the maximum annual rate for a standing committee. Legislative counsel (subject to President Pro Tempore approval): Two consultants at not to exceed the daily rate for maximum standing committee rate. All of the consultants may be appointed at an annual rate of compensation not to exceed the maximum annual rate for a standing committee. President Pro Tempore: Three consultants at not to exceed the daily rate for maximum standing committee rate. The consultants may be appointed at an annual rate of compensation not to exceed the maximum annual rate for a standing committee. President Pro Tempore Emeritus: One consultant at not to exceed the daily rate for maximum standing committee rate. The consultant may be appointed at an annual rate of compensation not to exceed the maximum annual rate for a standing committee. Senate National Security Working Group.--Provides funding for the Senate National Security Working Group, under the authority of Senate Resolution 75, agreed to March 25, 1999. The Senate National Security Working Group was formerly the Senate Arms Control Observer Group. Committee on Appropriations.--Pursuant to Public Law 105- 275 provides funding for administrative expenses for the Committee on Appropriations. Senate Employees' Child Care Center: Agency Contributions.--Provides for the payment of agency contribution costs as authorized by Public Law 102-90, approved August 14, 1991, and Public Law 103-50, approved July 2, 1993, for employees of the Senate Employees Child Care Center. The Senate Employees' Child Care Center is intended primarily for the children of members and employees of the Senate. Senate Employees' Child Care Center: Training Classes and Conference Costs.--Provides for the reimbursement of any individual employed by the Senate Employees' Child Care Center for the cost of training classes and conferences in connection with the provision of child care services and for travel, transportation, and subsistence expenses incurred in connection with the training classes and conferences, as authorized by Public Law 104-197, approved September 16, 1996. Student Loan Repayment Program.--$6,000,000 is provided for this program for fiscal year 2017 for the repayment of student loans, for eligible employees at the discretion of the employing office, to enhance recruitment and retention of Senate staff. SENATORS' OFFICIAL PERSONNEL AND OFFICE EXPENSE ACCOUNT Appropriations, 2016.................................... $390,000,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 445,933,464 Committee recommendation................................ 390,000,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year 2017 of $390,000,000 for the Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account [SOPOEA]. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $55,933,464 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Of the funding provided, $19,109,218 is available until September 30, 2019. This account funds salaries and benefits of Senators' staffs as well as the office expense allowance for Senators' offices. The SOPOEA is comprised of three components. Two of these are for salaries of personnel in Senators' offices. The allowance for administrative and clerical assistance is based on the population of States, beginning with States with a population of fewer than 5 million people to States with a population of 28 million or more. The table illustrates the allowances per population category and the States which fall into those categories. The estimate for fiscal year 2017 totals $263,948,360. The second component of the salaries allowance is for legislative assistance to Senators, as authorized by Public Law 95-94. This allowance provides funding for three positions in each Senator's office for a total of $477,874 per office, or $47,787,400 for all 100 Senators. The third component of the SOPOEA account is for official office expenses and totals $18,921,218. Each Senator's office is allocated an amount for office expenses, as displayed in the following table. In addition, an amount of $188,000 is provided to cover additional expenses that may be incurred in the event of the death or resignation of a Senator, and to provide for transitional expenses during election years subject to regulations set by the Committee on Rules and Administration with respect to official mail. It should be noted that the amounts provided for the various components of the SOPOEA are interchangeable. Amounts provided for salaries may be used for expenses, and vice versa, subject to regulations set by the Committee on Rules and Administration with respect to official mail. It should also be noted that the figures in the following table are preliminary, and that official notification of member budgets is issued by the Financial Clerk of the Senate after enactment of this bill. The following table illustrates the several components of the SOPOEA. SENATORS' OFFICIAL PERSONNEL AND OFFICE EXPENSE ALLOWANCE FISCAL YEAR 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Administrative and clerical Legislative O.O.E.A. Total State assistance assistance allowance 10/ allowance 10/ allowance 10/ allowance 10/ 1/2016 1/2016 1/2016 1/2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alabama......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 171,558 3,093,902 Alaska.......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 237,323 3,159,667 Arizona......................................... 2,588,248 477,874 196,420 3,262,542 Arkansas........................................ 2,444,470 477,874 158,433 3,080,777 California...................................... 3,884,968 477,874 452,361 4,815,203 Colorado........................................ 2,516,355 477,874 180,919 3,175,148 Connecticut..................................... 2,444,470 477,874 151,120 3,073,464 Delaware........................................ 2,444,470 477,874 121,110 3,043,454 Florida......................................... 3,517,018 477,874 301,465 4,296,357 Georgia......................................... 2,875,809 477,874 205,750 3,559,433 Hawaii.......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 264,130 3,186,474 Idaho........................................... 2,444,470 477,874 156,276 3,078,620 Illinois........................................ 3,019,587 477,874 247,137 3,744,598 Indiana......................................... 2,588,248 477,874 181,501 3,247,623 Iowa............................................ 2,444,470 477,874 159,293 3,081,637 Kansas.......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 157,514 3,079,858 Kentucky........................................ 2,444,470 477,874 165,452 3,087,796 Louisiana....................................... 2,444,470 477,874 174,612 3,096,956 Maine........................................... 2,444,470 477,874 139,115 3,061,459 Maryland........................................ 2,588,248 477,874 162,852 3,228,974 Massachusetts................................... 2,588,248 477,874 184,593 3,250,715 Michigan........................................ 2,875,809 477,874 215,930 3,569,613 Minnesota....................................... 2,516,355 477,874 176,923 3,171,152 Mississippi..................................... 2,444,470 477,874 157,638 3,079,982 Missouri........................................ 2,588,248 477,874 184,038 3,250,160 Montana......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 152,798 3,075,142 Nebraska........................................ 2,444,470 477,874 151,086 3,073,430 Nevada.......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 167,403 3,089,747 New Hampshire................................... 2,444,470 477,874 134,838 3,057,182 New Jersey...................................... 2,732,027 477,874 191,723 3,401,624 New Mexico...................................... 2,444,470 477,874 157,403 3,079,747 New York........................................ 3,471,020 477,874 301,513 4,250,407 North Carolina.................................. 2,875,809 477,874 206,086 3,559,769 North Dakota.................................... 2,444,470 477,874 141,809 3,064,153 Ohio............................................ 2,947,701 477,874 234,255 3,659,830 Oklahoma........................................ 2,444,470 477,874 169,101 3,091,445 Oregon.......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 180,488 3,102,832 Pennsylvania.................................... 3,019,587 477,874 241,428 3,738,889 Rhode Island.................................... 2,444,470 477,874 130,727 3,053,071 South Carolina.................................. 2,444,470 477,874 165,810 3,088,154 South Dakota.................................... 2,444,470 477,874 142,828 3,065,172 Tennessee....................................... 2,588,248 477,874 184,178 3,250,300 Texas........................................... 3,838,970 477,874 358,530 4,675,374 Utah............................................ 2,444,470 477,874 162,889 3,085,233 Vermont......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 128,459 3,050,803 Virginia........................................ 2,732,027 477,874 185,635 3,395,536 Washington...................................... 2,660,135 477,874 206,422 3,344,431 West Virginia................................... 2,444,470 477,874 137,586 3,059,930 Wisconsin....................................... 2,516,355 477,874 179,741 3,173,970 Wyoming......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 144,410 3,066,754 --------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL..................................... 131,974,180 23,893,700 9,460,609 165,328,489 =============================================================== x2 x2 x2 x2 --------------------------------------------------------------- GRAND TOTAL..................................... 263,948,360 47,787,400 18,921,218 330,656,978 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- According to the most recent employment data compiled by the Secretary of the Senate, as of March 31, 2016, there were 4,093 individuals employed in Senators' offices throughout the United States and covered by this appropriation. In addition to providing funds for compensation of employees within Senators' offices, this appropriation also provides for agency contributions for those employees; that is, the Senate's share, as an employer, of the various employee benefit programs for which Senate employees are eligible. These payments are mandatory, and fluctuate according to the programs in which employees are enrolled, the level of compensation, and the degree of participation. Budget requests for this account prepared by the Financial Clerk must be based on both experience and evaluation of trends. The fiscal year 2017 funding level for this account anticipates $108,665,000 in agency contribution costs. The amount recommended by the Committee for the SOPOEA is less than would be required to cover all obligations that could be incurred under the authorized allowances for all Senators. The Committee is able to recommend an appropriation of a lesser amount than potentially necessary because Senators typically do not obligate funds up to the absolute ceiling of their respective allowances. OFFICIAL MAIL COSTS Appropriations, 2016.................................... $300,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 300,000 Committee recommendation................................ 300,000 For the official mail costs of the Senate, the Committee recommends an appropriation of $300,000 which is equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and the fiscal year 2017 request. Administrative Provisions Sec. 1. This provision requires that amounts remaining in the Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account be used for deficit reduction or to reduce the Federal debt. Sec. 2. This provision allows the Secretary of the Senate to transfer funds from the Senate Commission on Art to the Architect of the Capitol. Sec. 3. This provision relates to the cost of living adjustments for Members of Congress. JOINT ITEMS Joint Economic Committee Appropriations, 2016.................................... $4,203,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 4,203,000 Committee recommendation................................ 4,203,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,203,000 for the Joint Economic Committee [JEC]. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and the fiscal year 2017 request. The Joint Economic Committee was created by the Employment Act of 1946. The primary tasks of the JEC are to review economic conditions and to recommend improvements in economic policy. The JEC performs research and economic analysis, and monitors and analyzes current economic, financial, and employment conditions. Joint Committee on Taxation Appropriations, 2016.................................... $10,095,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 11,540,000 Committee recommendation................................ 10,095,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,095,000 for salaries and expenses of the Joint Committee on Taxation. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $1,445,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. The Joint Committee is established under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to: --investigate the operation and effects of internal revenue taxes and the administration of such taxes; --investigate measures and methods for the simplification of such taxes; --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 --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. 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 of Representatives or the Senate. Office of the Attending Physician Appropriations, 2016.................................... $3,784,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 3,838,000 Committee recommendation................................ 3,784,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,784,000 for the Office of the Attending Physician. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $54,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. The Office was first established by House Resolution 253, adopted December 5, 1928. Office of Congressional Accessibility Services Appropriations, 2016.................................... $1,400,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 1,429,000 Committee recommendation................................ 1,400,000 The Committee recommends $1,400,000 for the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services. This office is a successor to the Special Services Office following enactment of the Capitol Visitor Center Act of 2008. The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services [OCAS] provides and coordinates accessibility services for individuals with disabilities, including Members of Congress, staff, and visitors to the U.S. Capitol complex. These services include sign language interpreting, adaptive tours, and wheelchair loans. OCAS also provides information regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities, as well as related training and staff development to Members of Congress and employees of the Senate and House of Representatives. CAPITOL POLICE Appropriations, 2016.................................... $375,000,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 409,588,000 Committee recommendation................................ 387,000,000 The United States Capitol Police [USCP] is charged with the protection of the United States Congress, its legislative processes, Members, employees, visitors and facilities within the U.S. Capitol complex from crime, disruption or terrorism, so that the Congress may fulfill its constitutional responsibilities in a safe and open environment. The Committee recommends $387,000,000 for the USCP. The recommendation is $12,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $22,588,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Evolving Threats and Inauguration Preparation.--The core mission and highest priority of the Capitol Police is to ensure the safety and security of Americans and our visitors within the Capitol Complex. In addition to ensuring the physical safety of those under the protection of the Capitol Police, a high level of security ensures continued open citizen participation and transparency of our democratic process. The Committee directs the Capitol Police to work with its partners to ensure robust preparation for major events, such as the 2017 inauguration, in light of significant evolving and emerging global threats and capabilities, including potential threats posed by unmanned aircraft. The Committee directs the Capitol Police to continue to prepare to combat evolving and emerging threats, including to implement emerging technology and operational capabilities that will decrease our potential vulnerability to threats in the future. The Committee also directs the Capitol Police to keep the Committee immediately and fully apprised of resource and operational needs as emerging threats to the Capitol evolve, to robustly engage with leaders in Federal and commercial research and development on technology to counter potential emerging threats, and to ensure the highest level of security for major events, such as the 2017 inauguration, foreign heads-of-state visits, and the President's State of the Union address. Findings of the Office of Inspector General.--The Committee values the work of the USCP Office of Inspector General [OIG] to investigate and report on waste, fraud, and abuse and make recommendations to improve USCP operations. The Committee recognizes that the OIG has made 310 recommendations to the Department since the inception of its office in August 2006 and commends the OIG for its diligence in identifying these areas for improvement. The Committee understands that USCP has agreed to implement all recommendations and to date has fully implemented, or completed, 255 of those recommendations. The Department and the OIG have agreed to resolve the remaining 55 recommendations and are to be commended for these efforts. It is important to note that USCP has never resisted or objected to oversight activities, restricted or delayed access to information requested by the OIG, or made any attempts to interfere with the independence of the OIG. The Committee also commends USCP for earning an unmodified audit opinion on its financial statements for fiscal year 2015. An unmodified opinion is the highest rating that may be received from an auditor and USCP has received this rating for 5 consecutive years. The Committee will continue to monitor the resolution and completion of all recommendations in its regularly scheduled monthly and biweekly meetings with the Inspector General and the Department respectively. Salaries Appropriations, 2016.................................... $309,000,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 333,128,000 Committee recommendation................................ 320,000,000 The amount provided covers salaries, benefits, and overtime costs. USCP personnel are also eligible for hazardous duty pay and comparability pay similar to locality pay adjustments granted other Federal law enforcement personnel in the Washington, DC, area. The Committee recommends $320,000,000 for USCP salaries, which is $11,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $13,128,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. The total staffing level is expected to be approximately 1,799 sworn and 370 civilian staff under the Committee recommendation. USCP Office of Inspector General.--The Committee includes funds to support not less than six FTEs within the USCP Office of Inspector General. The Committee notes that additional oversight of the USCP is conducted by the Government Accountability Office to supplement the work of the USCP Office of Inspector General, as needed. Overtime.--The Committee recommends no more than $35,305,000 for overtime in fiscal year 2017. This provides for approximately 564,646 hours of additional duty. The Committee notes that overtime pay is a standard practice law enforcement entities utilize to respond to unscheduled and unanticipated events. However, the Committee finds that keeping overtime pay at a minimum should continue to be a goal of the USCP. The Committee appreciates the efforts of the USCP to better track and manage overtime pay in order to keep overtime costs to a minimum. The Committee directs the USCP to continue to keep the Committee apprised of these efforts. The Committee directs the USCP to provide for overtime in accordance with the budget request, as provided for in the following table. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Funding Hours (est.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Scheduled, (including training)........ $31,171,000 500,946 Unscheduled............................ 1,879,000 30,000 LOC--non-reimbursable events........... 232,000 3,700 Inauguration........................... 2,023,000 30,000 -------------------------------- Total............................ 35,305,000 564,646 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The recommendation does not include funds for USCP overtime for requirements associated with the restoration of the U.S. Capitol Dome, the Cannon House Renewal Project, or any other major construction projects undertaken by the Architect of the Capitol [AOC] as those funds are provided to the AOC as part of the overall project costs for those major projects and are paid to the USCP on a reimbursable basis. The Committee expects the USCP to operate within the designated funding level for requirements associated with each project. The Committee directs the USCP to provide for any additional requirement costs beyond that allocation. General Expenses Appropriations, 2016.................................... $66,000,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 76,460,000 Committee recommendation................................ 67,000,000 Expenses include office supplies and equipment, communications, motor vehicles, uniforms and equipment, investigations, training, and miscellaneous items. The Committee recommends $67,000,000 for general expenses, which is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $9,460,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Administrative Provision Sec. 1001. This provision allows the Capitol Police to accept and dispose of surplus property. OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE Salaries and Expenses Appropriations, 2016.................................... $3,959,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 4,315,151 Committee recommendation................................ 3,959,000 The Office of Compliance [OOC] is an independent nonpartisan agency established to administer and enforce the Congressional Accountability Act [CAA]. The OOC administers the dispute resolution system established to resolve disagreements that arise under the CAA; carries out an education and training program for the regulated community on the rights and responsibilities of the CAA; and advises Congress on needed changes and amendments to the CAA. The OOC General Counsel has independent investigatory and enforcement authority for certain violations of the CAA. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,959,000 for the salaries and expenses of the OOC, which is equal to the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $356,151 below the fiscal year 2017 request. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE Salaries and Expenses Appropriations, 2016.................................... $46,500,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 47,637,000 Committee recommendation................................ 46,500,000 The Congressional Budget Office [CBO] is responsible for providing to the Congress objective, nonpartisan, and timely analyses to aid in economic and budgetary decisions on the wide array of programs covered by the Federal budget, and the information and estimates required for the congressional budget process. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $46,500,000 for the CBO. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $1,137,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL The Office of the Architect of the Capitol [AOC] is responsible to the United States Congress for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of 16.5 million square feet of buildings and more than 450 acres of land throughout the Capitol complex. This includes the Capitol, the Capitol Visitor Center, the House and Senate office buildings, the Library of Congress buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power Plant, and other facilities. The AOC also provides professional expertise with regard to the preservation of architectural and artistic elements entrusted to its care, and provides recommendations concerning design, construction, and maintenance of the facilities and grounds. The Committee has recommended a funding level of $419,255,000 for activities of the Architect of the Capitol, excluding the House Office Buildings account. The recommendation is $8,687,000 below the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $75,518,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. The following table compares the Committee recommendation for the AOC accounts to the fiscal year 2017 request, excluding the House Office Buildings account. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiscal year 2017 Committee Item request recommendation Difference ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital Construction and Operations....................... $103,650,000 $92,957,000 -$10,693,000 Capitol Building.......................................... 44,010,000 33,082,000 -10,928,000 Capitol Grounds........................................... 13,083,000 11,712,000 -1,371,000 Senate Office Buildings................................... 88,406,000 88,406,000 ................ Capitol Power Plant....................................... 105,765,000 86,646,000 -19,119,000 Library Buildings and Grounds............................. 65,959,000 42,179,000 -23,780,000 Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security........... 37,513,000 29,649,000 -7,864,000 Botanic Garden............................................ 15,081,000 14,067,000 -1,014,000 Capitol Visitor Center.................................... 21,306,000 20,557,000 -749,000 ----------------------------------------------------- Total............................................... 494,773,000 419,255,000 -75,518,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outdoor Recycling.--The Committee commends the efforts of the Architect of the Capitol and the United States Capitol Police [USCP] for implementing outdoor recycling programs on the Capitol grounds while maintaining security of the complex. The Committee encourages the Architect of the Capitol and the USCP to continue to collaborate and work together to expand these efforts where appropriate in high-traffic areas across the Capitol complex. Financial Management.--The Committee commends the AOC for earning an unmodified audit opinion, without any material weaknesses, on its financial statements for fiscal year 2015. An unmodified opinion is the highest rating that may be received from an external auditor, and the AOC has earned this rating for 12 consecutive years. The AOC also successfully eliminated material weaknesses that were identified in the AOC's financial controls in prior years. This positive independent assessment of the agency's financial stewardship of taxpayer resources demonstrates the agency's strong financial foundation as it embarks on major restoration and renovation projects. Working Capital Fund.--The Architect of the Capitol [AOC] requested legislation to create a working capital fund [WCF] to manage the salaries, benefits, employee leave, and safety training aspects of AOC's funding for its construction division. The Committee understands that WCF's are commonplace throughout the Federal Government and that they have been established for various reasons based on the specific needs of a given agency. However, the Committee has concerns about the reasons why the AOC would like to establish a WCF. Therefore, the Committee directs the Government Accountability Office to provide the Committee with alternative options for AOC's management of the construction division that are less cumbersome than the establishment of a no-year working capital fund. Senate Restaurants.--The Committee is deeply troubled by findings by the Architect of the Capitol [AOC] that the food service provider for the Senate underpaid many of its employees by misclassifying their work duties. The Committee understands that the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, which has oversight over the food service contract managed by the AOC, also has significant concerns. The Committee is concerned about the possibility of continued problems with contract compliance, especially related to treatment of employees. The Committee directs the AOC to closely monitor contract compliance, including routinely reviewing wage classifications. The Committee also directs AOC to immediately report any inconsistencies to the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Rules and Administration and to consider all recourses in ensuring compliance and accountability with the contract. Reform of Contract Oversight.--The AOC currently has authority to seek recourses for contract compliance failures, and has exercised that authority in certain situations. However, the Government Accountability Office recently reported (GAO-16-348) that ``While the AOC has tools for addressing poor performance on specific contracts, it does not have a suspension and debarment process in place that could bar irresponsible contractors from working for the AOC or provide notice to other government agencies. Past GAO work has shown that having suspension and debarment procedures is critical to ensuring that the government only does business with responsible contractors.'' Such procedures are standard throughout the Federal government, and the Committee finds that the AOC should immediately update its contracting procedures to reflect such standard practices. To ensure accountability for the performance of contracts administered by the AOC, the Committee has included a provision requiring the AOC to establish suspension and debarment procedures, to provide notice to other Federal agencies via the existing government-wide excluded parties system, and to consult that system before awarding future contracts. Office of Inspector General.--The Architect of the Capitol Inspector General Act of 2007 [AOC IG Act] requires the Inspector General to keep the Architect and the Congress fully and currently informed about problems and deficiencies relating to the administration of programs and operations of the Architect of the Capitol and to maintain an independent and objective office to conduct and supervise audits and investigations. The Committee notes that, other than the Semiannual Report to Congress, the Office of Inspector General [OIG] has not routinely provided written reports to Congress. In accordance with the AOC IG Act, the Committee directs the OIG to conduct timely and regular audits and investigations of the AOC; provide written audit, investigative and other reports to the Committee, complete with recommendations for improvement to the agency; track the outcomes of those recommendations; and report to the Committee with a written record on the resolution and closure of all recommendations. The Committee also directs the OIG to adhere to Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, which provide a framework for conducting high quality audits with competence, integrity, objectivity, and independence. The Committee expects the OIG to operate with the full level of independence required by the AOC IG Act. Furthermore, the OIG shall comply with requests from Congress for specific audits and investigations. Capital Construction and Operations Appropriations, 2016.................................... $91,589,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 103,650,000 Committee recommendation................................ 92,957,000 The Capital Construction and Operations appropriation provides funding for salaries and related benefits of the Architect, officers, administrative and support staff, including engineering and architecture employees. This account also provides for administrative items such as agency-wide contractual services; surveys and studies; information technology; and safety engineering operations. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $92,957,000 for capital construction and operations. The recommendation is $1,368,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $10,693,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Of the amount recommended, $1,368,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2021. The following table displays the budget detail. CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amount Committee Item requested recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget Payroll................................. $59,545,000 $56,189,000 Administrative.......................... 7,208,000 6,161,000 Architectural and Engineering........... 2,576,000 2,078,000 Construction Services................... .............. .............. Curator Services........................ 220,000 215,000 Electronic Systems...................... .............. .............. Facilities Maintenance.................. 1,918,000 1,875,000 Information Resource Management......... 21,313,000 19,580,000 Inspector General....................... 978,000 958,000 Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 2,187,000 2,144,000 Safety Engineering Operations and 2,437,000 2,389,000 Maintenance............................ ------------------------------- Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 98,382,000 91,589,000 ------------------------------- Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget Ford House Office Building Data Center 3,900,000 .............. Relocation............................. New Legislative Call System............. 1,368,000 1,368,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 5,268,000 1,368,000 =============================== Total, Capital Construction and 103,650,000 92,957,000 Operations....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Capitol Building Appropriations, 2016.................................... $46,737,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 44,010,000 Committee recommendation................................ 33,082,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $33,082,000 for necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and operation of the Capitol, which is $13,655,000 below the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $10,928,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Of the amount recommended, $9,082,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2021. Miscellaneous Improvements Notifications.--The Committee appreciates the AOC's efforts to document and notify the Committee of ``Miscellaneous Improvements'' projects, which are completed projects that costs less than $5,000 for labor and materials. The Committee directs the AOC to provide quarterly reports on Miscellaneous Improvements projects, including a description and cost of each project and the status of total funding set aside for this purpose. The following table displays the budget detail. CAPITOL BUILDING ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amount Committee Item requested recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget Payroll................................. $21,740,000 $20,525,000 Facilities Maintenance.................. 3,053,000 2,911,000 Furniture Repair........................ 51,000 50,000 Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 615,000 514,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 25,459,000 24,000,000 =============================== Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget Exterior Stone & Metal Preservation, 5,582,000 5,582,000 West Facade, Phase III................. Senate Reception Room Restoration & 4,025,000 .............. Conservation........................... Domestic Water, Storm, Sanitary & Vent 3,435,000 .............. Piping Replacement..................... Brumidi Corridors Restoration & 1,410,000 .............. Conservation Plan...................... Conservation of Fine and Architectural 599,000 .............. Art.................................... Minor Construction...................... 3,500,000 3,500,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 18,551,000 9,082,000 =============================== Total, Capitol Building........... 44,010,000 33,082,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Capitol Grounds Appropriations, 2016.................................... $11,880,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 13,083,000 Committee recommendation................................ 11,712,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $11,712,000 for Capitol Grounds for the care and improvements of the grounds surrounding the Capitol, the Senate and House office buildings, and the Capitol Power Plant. The recommendation is $168,000 below the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $1,371,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Of the amount recommended, $2,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2021. The following table displays the budget detail: CAPITOL GROUNDS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amount Committee Item requested recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget Payroll................................. $7,012,000 $6,767,000 Grounds Maintenance..................... 2,745,000 2,745,000 Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 380,000 200,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 10,137,000 9,712,000 =============================== Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget Capitol Square Infrastructure Repair.... 946,000 .............. Minor Construction...................... 2,000,000 2,000,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 2,946,000 2,000,000 =============================== Total, Capitol Grounds............ 13,083,000 11,712,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Senate Office Buildings Appropriations, 2016.................................... $84,221,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 88,406,000 Committee recommendation................................ 88,406,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $88,406,000 for maintenance of the Senate office buildings. The recommendation is $4,185,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and equal to the fiscal year 2017 request. Of the amount recommended, $27,944,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2021. The following table displays the budget detail: SENATE OFFICE BUILDINGS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amount Committee Item requested recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget Payroll................................. $43,802,000 $43,802,000 Facilities Maintenance.................. 6,222,000 6,222,000 Furniture Repair........................ 1,559,000 1,559,000 Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 8,879,000 8,879,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 60,462,000 60,462,000 =============================== Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget Exterior Envelope Repair & Restoration, 14,439,000 14,439,000 Phases IV & V, RSOB.................... Senate Underground Garage Renovations & 8,505,000 8,505,000 Landscape Restoration, Phase IB........ Minor Construction...................... 5,000,000 5,000,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 27,944,000 27,944,000 =============================== Total, Senate Office Buildings.... 88,406,000 88,406,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Capitol Power Plant Appropriations, 2016.................................... $94,722,499 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 105,765,000 Committee recommendation................................ 86,646,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $86,646,000 for the operations of the Capitol Power Plant. This is supplemented by $9,000,000 in reimbursements, for a total of $95,646,000. The recommendation is $8,076,499 below the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $19,119,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Of the amount provided, $9,505,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2021. The Power Plant provides heat, light, power, and air- conditioning for the Capitol, Senate and House office buildings, and the Library of Congress buildings; heat, light, and power for the Botanic Garden and the Senate and House Garages; light for the Capitol Grounds' street, park, and floodlighting system; steam heat for the Government Publishing Office and Washington City Post Office, also known as Postal Square; and steam heat and air-conditioning for the Union Station complex, Folger Shakespeare Library, the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, and the U.S. Supreme Court Building on a reimbursable basis. Within the operating budget, the recommended amount for the purchase of electricity from the local private utility, payment to the government of the District of Columbia for the provision of water and sewer services, and the procurement of boiler fuel, is displayed in the following table. FISCAL YEAR 2017 ESTIMATED UTILITY COSTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cost ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Purchase of electrical energy........................... $31,000,000 Purchase of natural gas................................. 12,500,000 Purchase of steam....................................... 750,000 Purchase of chilled water............................... 717,000 Purchase of oil......................................... 1,477,000 Purchase of solid fuel.................................. 500,000 Water and Sewer payments................................ 7,500,000 Utilities for Postal Square............................. 725,000 Energy Saving Performance Contracts..................... 9,270,000 --------------- Energy Reduction Services Contract...................... 607,000 Total............................................. 65,046,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The balance of this appropriation supports a workforce to operate and maintain the Power Plant. The following table displays the budget detail: CAPITOL POWER PLANT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amount Committee Item requested recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget Payroll............................... $10,823,000 $9,761,000 Jurisdiction Centralized Activities... 247,000 242,000 Plant Operations & Maintenance........ 11,129,000 10,915,000 Safety Engineering Operations and 181,000 177,000 Maintenance.......................... Utilities............................. 56,046,000 56,046,000 --------------------------------- Subtotal, Operating Budget...... 78,426,000 77,141,000 ================================= Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget WRP Chiller System Replacement, RPR, 17,834,000 ............... Phase IIIA, CPP...................... Roof Replacement, PPBP & PPGP......... 3,805,000 3,805,000 Cogeneration Management Program....... 1,700,000 1,700,000 Minor Construction.................... 4,000,000 4,000,000 --------------------------------- Subtotal, Project Budget........ 27,339,000 9,505,000 ================================= Total, Capitol Power Plant...... 105,765,000 86,646,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Library Buildings and Grounds Appropriations, 2016.................................... $40,689,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 65,959,000 Committee recommendation................................ 42,179,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $42,179,000 for the care and maintenance of the Library buildings and grounds by the Architect of the Capitol, of which $17,236,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2021. The recommendation is $1,490,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $23,780,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. The following table displays the budget detail: LIBRARY BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amount Committee Item requested recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget Payroll................................. $17,176,000 $16,545,000 Facilities Maintenance.................. 9,194,000 8,163,000 Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 349,000 235,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 26,719,000 24,943,000 =============================== Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget North Exit Stair B, Phase II, TJB....... 16,603,000 .............. East and West Pavilion Roof Replacement, 2,222,000 2,222,000 TJB.................................... Elevator Modernization, JMMB MC1-MC4; 4,292,000 4,292,000 JAB 13-14.............................. Emergency Generator Replacement, TJB.... 4,901,000 .............. Garage Structural Repairs & Entry 8,722,000 8,722,000 Improvements, JAB...................... Minor Construction...................... 2,500,000 2,000,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 39,240,000 17,236,000 =============================== Total, Library Buildings & Grounds 65,959,000 42,179,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security Appropriations, 2016.................................... $25,434,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 37,513,000 Committee recommendation................................ 29,649,000 The Committee recommends $29,649,000 for Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security, which is $4,215,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $7,864,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Of this amount, $12,500,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2021. The following table displays the budget detail: CAPITOL POLICE BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, AND SECURITY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amount Committee Item requested recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget Payroll................................. $2,800,000 $2,141,000 Facilities Maintenance.................. 7,837,000 7,837,000 Furniture Repair........................ 51,000 51,000 Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 9,661,000 7,120,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 20,349,000 17,149,000 =============================== Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget Chiller Replacement and Chilled Water 14,664,000 10,000,000 System Expansion, Phase I, ACF......... Minor Construction...................... 2,500,000 2,500,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 17,164,000 12,500,000 =============================== Total, Capitol Police Buildings & 37,513,000 29,649,000 Grounds.......................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Botanic Garden Appropriations, 2016.................................... $12,113,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 15,081,000 Committee recommendation................................ 14,067,000 The Committee recommends $14,067,000 for salaries and expenses of the Botanic Garden. The recommendation is $1,954,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $1,014,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Of this amount, $4,054,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2021. The following table displays the budget detail: BOTANIC GARDEN ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amount Committee Item requested recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget Payroll................................. $6,593,000 $6,353,000 Exhibits................................ 611,000 409,000 Facilities Maintenance.................. 2,080,000 2,038,000 Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 1,243,000 1,213,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 10,527,000 10,013,000 =============================== Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget Production Facility Renewal, BG......... 1,954,000 1,954,000 Minor Construction...................... 2,600,000 2,100,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 4,554,000 4,054,000 =============================== Total, Botanic Garden............. 15,081,000 14,067,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Capitol Visitor Center Appropriations, 2016.................................... $20,557,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 21,306,000 Committee recommendation................................ 20,557,000 The Committee recommends a total of $20,557,000 for the operation of the Capitol Visitor Center. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $749,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. The following table displays the budget detail: CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amount Committee Item requested recommendation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget Payroll................................. $17,979,000 $17,300,000 Information Resource Management......... 1,181,000 1,160,000 Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 394,000 386,000 Visitor Services........................ 1,752,000 1,711,000 ------------------------------- Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 21,306,000 20,557,000 =============================== Total, Capitol Visitor Center..... 21,306,000 20,557,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Administrative Provisions Sec. 1101. This provision prohibits payment of bonuses to contractors behind schedule or over budget. Sec. 1102. This provision prohibits the expenditure of funds for scrims containing photographs of building facades for projects performed by the Architect of the Capitol. Sec. 1103. This provision establishes a revolving fund that will allow the Architect of the Capitol to retain all flag flying fees to support activities of the Flag Office. Sec. 1104. This provision allows the use of expired funds to pay for unemployment compensation payments. Sec. 1105. This provision directs the AOC to establish and follow formal procedures for suspension and debarment of contractors. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world and an unmatched source of information for Congress, the American people and beyond. The Library acquires, registers, preserves, protects and makes accessible the creative record of the United States. It is the main research arm of the United States Congress and its resources and services are used by millions of people every month. Its mission is to support the Congress in fulfilling its constitutional duties and to further the progress of knowledge and creativity for the benefit of the American people. The Library's collections include more than 162 million items (books, photographs, maps, sound recordings, films, sheet music, legal materials) in 470 languages. Digital technology is transforming the way the Library does its work, and the institution plays an important leadership role in superimposing digital library collections and services on those that are analog based. The Library of Congress houses the Congressional Research Service, U.S. Copyright Office, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Law Library of Congress, and numerous other programs and services. The Committee recommends a total of $608,907,000 for the Library of Congress, an increase of $8,995,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $58,308,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. In addition to the appropriation, the Library estimates receipts of $52,045,000, funds from gifts and trusts totaling $12,211,000, and reimbursable and revolving funds totaling $188,188,000. Total funds available to support Library operations, including the Architect of the Capitol account, are expected to be approximately $903,530,000 in fiscal year 2017 under the Committee recommendation. Salaries and Expenses Appropriations, 2016: Salaries and expenses............................... $425,971,000 Authority to spend receipts......................... -6,350,000 -------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________ Net, salaries and expenses........................ 419,621,000 ======================================================== ____________________________________________________ Budget estimate, 2017: Salaries and expenses............................... 479,235,000 Authority to spend receipts......................... -6,350,000 -------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________ Net, salaries and expenses........................ 472,885,000 ======================================================== ____________________________________________________ Committee recommendation: Salaries and expenses............................... 434,934,000 Authority to spend receipts......................... -6,350,000 -------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________ Net, salaries and expenses........................ 428,584,000 ======================================================== ____________________________________________________ The Committee recommends an appropriation of $428,584,000 for salaries and expenses of the Library of Congress and approves authority to spend receipts of $6,350,000 in fiscal year 2017, for a total of $434,934,000. The recommendation is $8,963,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $44,301,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Included within this recommendation, as requested by the Library for fiscal year 2017, is $6,563,000 for information technology security enhancements; $1,348,000 for digital collections management; and $2,000,000 for phase I of the Law Library's compact shelving replacement program. The fiscal year 2016 FTE level of 2,501 shall be maintained; however, in order to meet the objectives of the aforementioned projects, FTEs may be shifted among PPAs within this appropriation. Also, the Library may use these funds to hire contractors where necessary. Veterans History Project.--The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,923,000 for the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project [VHP]. VHP, which marked its 15th anniversary in 2015, oversees a nationwide effort to build an archive of oral histories, from World War I through current conflicts, by collecting, preserving, and making available the personal stories of American war veterans and the civilian workers who support them. The VHP collection includes submissions from every State and is the largest oral history project in the United States recently surpassing 100,000 collections. In fiscal year 2015, through an active national outreach effort to volunteer organizations, institutions, and individuals across the country, VHP gained new participants and acquired 4,430 new collections. Teaching with Primary Sources.--The Committee recommends an appropriation of $8,400,000 for the Library of Congress' Teaching with Primary Sources program [TPS]. TPS is a teacher training initiative that encourages educators to incorporate the Library's online primary sources into school curricula. Library staff harness the power of primary sources as teaching tools by providing educators with methods and materials that build student literacy skills, content knowledge, and critical thinking abilities. TPS has successfully worked with educators in 49 States, the District of Columbia, and American Samoa. The Committee notes that the Library sponsors many educational lectures and events and encourages the Library to incorporate excerpts from these presentations into the curriculum materials it develops. Preservation.--The Committee notes that the Library utilizes multiple preservation strategies to extend the life of its vast collections for future generations to enjoy, including building and operating climate-controlled storage facilities, preparing new acquisitions for commercial binding and shelving, deacidification, and digital reformatting. During 2015, the Library executed over 11.4 million preservation actions on its books, serials, prints, photographs, audio-visual and other high value, high use, and at-risk items. In 2016, the Library and the Architect of the Capitol began construction of a fifth climate-controlled storage facility at Fort Meade, Maryland. The Committee supports the Library's preservation efforts and directs the Library to continue funding for ongoing preservation activities at not less than the current level for each ongoing preservation strategy. Digital Collections Management.--The Library of Congress Office of the Inspector General stated in its top management challenges for the Library that there is not an organization- wide, interdependent strategy for digital-collection activities, and that the goal of addressing a digital collections strategy was not included in the Library-wide strategic plan or its information technology strategic plan. The Committee understands that individual service units have been addressing their own digital collection needs. This is not the most cost effective or efficient way of managing digital collection needs across the Library, which may have driven the Library's request for $1,348,000 and 11 FTEs to create a digital collections management unit. While the Committee supports the Library's request of funding to address digital collections management, there is concern about bringing on board additional FTEs to establish a new unit within the Library when there is no evidence of a comprehensive digital collections strategy. Therefore, the Committee encourages the Library to consult and/or contract with experts who may be able to assist with the development of an efficient, organization- wide system for acquiring, managing, and sharing digital materials. Once a comprehensive digital collections plan is in place, the Library should reevaluate the need for additional FTEs. National Film and Sound Recording Preservation Programs.-- The Committee recognizes the important work of the National Film Preservation Program and the National Sound Recording Preservation Program, including the federally chartered National Film and National Recording Preservation Foundations. Consistent with the authorizing statute, the Foundations utilize both public and private matching funds to provide grants to a wide array of educational and non-profit organizations to preserve films and sound recordings. Congress is currently considering authorizing legislation, and if the programs are reauthorized, the Committee expects the Library to provide them support. Copyright Office salaries and expenses Appropriations, 2016: Salaries and expenses............................... $58,875,000 Authority to spend receipts......................... -35,777,000 -------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________ Net, salaries and expenses........................ 23,098,000 ======================================================== ____________________________________________________ Budget estimate, 2017: Salaries and expenses............................... 74,026,000 Authority to spend receipts......................... -39,548,000 Prior year unobligated balances..................... -6,147,000 -------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________ Net, salaries and expenses........................ 28,331,000 ======================================================== ____________________________________________________ Committee recommendation: Salaries and expenses............................... 68,825,000 Authority to spend receipts......................... -39,548,000 Prior year unobligated balances..................... -6,147,000 -------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________ Net, salaries and expenses........................ 23,130,000 ======================================================== ____________________________________________________ The United States Copyright Office plays an important role in our Nation's intellectual property system. Copyright law is the foundation for the creation and dissemination of American artistic works, leading to substantial economic and cultural benefits. The Copyright Office serves multiple central roles in the copyright system, overseeing the registration of copyrighted works, administering the copyright law, and providing counsel to Congress on copyright policy. The Committee recommends the direct appropriation of $23,130,000 for the Copyright Office; approves authority to spend receipts of $39,548,000 in fiscal year 2017; and approves authority to spend prior year unobligated balances of $6,147,000, for a total of $68,825,000. The recommendation for total funding available is $9,950,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $5,201,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Information Technology Modernization.--The Committee recognizes that the digital revolution has transformed the copyright marketplace and, as a result, the role of the Copyright Office in our economy. On February 29, 2016, the Committee received a ``provisional'' report from the Copyright Office regarding its plan for Information Technology [IT] modernization and upgrades within the Copyright Office, in accordance with a directive in the fiscal year 2016 enacted legislation. The Committee fully understands and supports the need for improved IT infrastructure and modernized software systems for the Copyright Office. However, there are concerns that the Copyright Office did not work collaboratively with the Library's Office of the Chief Information Officer [CIO] in the development of this plan. The Library's CIO developed an overall IT strategy for the Library, in response to the GAO report from March 2015 regarding the need to address serious IT management weaknesses, for which the first phase of funding was requested in fiscal year 2017. However, the Copyright Office's provisional report does not appear to align with the Library's overall direction on IT, including taking advantage of shared services provided by the Library. In order to achieve cost efficiencies of shared servicing with the Library, it is critical that the Copyright Office work with the Library's CIO to ensure there is no duplication of any shared services. Once shared services with the Library are taken into account, funding modernized software systems that are specific to the needs of the Copyright Office should be the responsibility of the Copyright Office. The Committee directs the Copyright Office, in collaboration with the Library's CIO, to submit a revised IT modernization plan that incorporates shared servicing with the Library no later than 90 days after enactment of this act. To the extent that this collaboration results in multiple options regarding the applicability of, or potential cost savings from, a particular shared service, those options should be identified and explained in the revised plan. The Copyright Office shall also include a spend plan for the IT enhancements intended to be addressed with the funds provided in fiscal year 2017. Congressional Research Service salaries and expenses Appropriations, 2016.................................... $106,945,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 114,408,000 Committee recommendation................................ 106,945,000 The Committee recommends an appropriation of $106,945,000 for the Congressional Research Service. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $7,463,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Congressional Research Service Modernization.--The Committee recognizes the tremendous value that the Congressional Research Service [CRS] has added to Congress by providing objective, authoritative, nonpartisan, and confidential research and analysis on the breadth of policy issues considered during each legislative session since its inception in 1914. CRS has developed a 5-year strategic plan to help the agency ``adapt to the challenges of change and identify opportunities to optimize its service to Congress'' (CRS Strategic Plan, iii) in the years 2016-2020. However, it is not clear how CRS plans to modernize in a resource constrained environment while fulfilling the priority needs of Congress. While the increase requested in fiscal year 2017 includes support for 22 additional full-time equivalents that purports to improve service to Congress, bringing on board new employees in the midst of this budget stagnation may not be a practical or cost-effective solution to optimize service. The Committee directs CRS to examine ways in which the internal structure of the organization may be improved to meet the challenges of the ever-changing Congressional environment and provide a report to the Committee on a proposed restructuring within 120 days of enactment of this act. The report should include recommended changes to staffing, pay levels, the management structure, technology, and research priorities in order to create and support the workflow, products, and services that best meet Congress' needs. Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped salaries and expenses Appropriations, 2016.................................... $50,248,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 51,591,000 Committee recommendation................................ 50,248,000 This appropriation supports a national reading program for eligible residents of the United States and U.S. citizens living overseas who are blind or physically handicapped. Books and magazines in braille and various recorded formats are produced by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for distribution through a network of State and locally supported libraries. At present, 55 regional libraries in 49 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands house and circulate books and magazines to eligible readers. Thirty-two subregional libraries in 10 States, and Guam, assist at the local public library level. In addition, 14 Advisory and Outreach Centers assist regional libraries in provision of services. Fifty-two of the regional libraries and four separate cooperating agencies distribute sound reproducers. Two multi-State centers, under contract to the National Library Service, store and distribute books and other materials in their geographical region. The program supports a readership of approximately 800,000. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $50,248,000 for salaries and expenses for Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $1,343,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Administrative Provision Sec. 1201. The Committee has included a routine administrative provision regarding reimbursable and revolving funds carried in prior years. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE The U.S. Government Publishing Office [GPO] is the Federal Government's primary centralized resource for gathering, cataloging, producing, providing, and preserving published information in all its forms. By law and tradition, the GPO's mission is to provide expert publishing and printing services to all three branches of Government; to provide, in partnership with Federal depository libraries, permanent public access to the printed and electronic information products of all three branches of the Federal Government; and to sell copies of authentic printed and electronic documents and other government information products to the public. GPO's core mission dates to 1813 when Congress determined that information regarding the work of the Federal Government should be available to all Americans. Over 200 years later, GPO's mission remains unchanged. However, the means for producing and distributing that information has transformed dramatically with the advent of the digital revolution. Today, GPO provides free online public access to more than 1.5 million searchable titles, including the Budget of the U.S. Government, the Code of Federal Regulations, the Congressional Record, and congressional bills, hearings, and reports. GPO also provides access to Government information in digital format through apps, eBooks, and related technologies. Since 2009, GPO has experienced more than 1.5 billion digital retrievals from its Federal Digital System [FDsys], and in February 2016 GPO introduced the next generation of its digital information system, govinfo.gov, symbolizing the evolution of how Americans access Government information in the digital era. Congressional Publishing Appropriations, 2016.................................... $79,736,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 79,736,000 Committee recommendation................................ 79,736,000 The appropriation for Congressional Publishing supports transparency of the congressional process by funding digital and print publication of congressional proceedings, including the Congressional Record, bills, amendments, Committee reports, and hearing transcripts. This appropriation also supports the direct publication and printing needs of Congress. The Committee recommends $79,736,000 for congressional publishing. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and the 2017 request. The following table compares the component categories within this account for fiscal year 2016 and the fiscal year 2017 request. The Committee has not recommended separate amounts for each activity in order to give GPO the flexibility to meet changing requirements. CONGRESSIONAL PUBLISHING ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal year 2016 Fiscal year 2017 enacted requested ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Congressional Record Publications. $23,274,000 $22,482,000 Miscellaneous publications........ 3,707,000 3,683,000 Miscellaneous publishing and 18,454,000 18,108,000 services......................... Details to Congress............... 4,410,000 4,557,000 Document envelopes and document 631,000 648,000 franks........................... Business and committee calendars.. 3,978,000 2,625,000 Bills, resolutions, and amendments 4,410,000 4,590,000 Committee reports................. 2,768,000 2,775,000 Documents......................... 1,872,000 1,922,000 Hearings.......................... 19,764,000 18,547,000 Committee prints.................. 1,123,000 1,176,000 Transfers......................... (4,655,000) (1,377,000) ------------------------------------- Total....................... 79,736,000 79,736,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Public Information Programs of the Office of Superintendent of Documents salaries and expenses Appropriations, 2016.................................... $30,500,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 29,500,000 Committee recommendation................................ 29,500,000 This appropriation provides for salaries and expenses associated with the distribution of electronic and printed Government documents to depository and international exchange libraries, the cataloging and indexing of Government publications, and the distribution of electronic and printed publications authorized by law at the request of Members of Congress and other Government agencies. The Committee recommends $29,500,000 for salaries and expenses of the Public Information Programs of the Office of the Superintendent of Documents. The recommendation is $1,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and equal to the fiscal year 2017 request. The Committee supports GPO's introduction of its next generation information system, govinfo.gov, as well as the agency's other information technology systems, given that these efforts continue to reduce costs. Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving Fund Appropriations, 2016.................................... $6,832,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 7,832,000 Committee recommendation................................ 7,832,000 The Committee recommends $7,832,000 for the Government Publishing Office [GPO] Business Operations Revolving Fund. The recommendation is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and equal to the fiscal year 2017 request. The Committee supports continued investment in the Revolving Fund as the most efficient solution to both cutting costs and ensuring efficient online access to government documents. One reason GPO is able to meet the increased work demands and continually reduce costs is through its constant focus on capital investments to modernize information systems, production equipment, and major facility repairs. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE Salaries and Expenses Appropriations, 2016.................................... $531,000,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 567,825,000 Committee recommendation................................ 542,405,919 The U.S. Government Accountability Office [GAO] is an independent nonpartisan agency that was established by the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 to act as an auditor for Congress and investigate how the Federal Government spends taxpayer dollars. The function of GAO includes auditing agency operations to determine whether Federal funds are being spent efficiently and effectively; investigating allegations of illegal and improper activities; reporting on how well Government programs and policies are meeting their objectives; performing policy analyses and outlining options for congressional consideration; and issuing legal decisions and opinions, such as bid protest rulings and reports on agency rules. The Committee recommends funding of $542,405,919 for salaries and expenses of the Government Accountability Office. The recommendation is $11,405,919 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $25,419,081 below the fiscal year 2017 request. The funding provided will support current staffing levels and the highest priority information technology infrastructure and security improvements included in the budget request. Additionally, $23,350,000 is authorized in offsetting collections derived from rent receipts and reimbursements for conducting financial audits of Government corporations, for a total of $565,755,919. Agency Inspector General Reports.--The Committee directs GAO to examine the extent to which Inspector General reports are currently available in a timely manner on agency Web sites. GAO should examine any reasons such reports are not posted, including legal requirements, cost, or sensitivity of the reported information, and make any appropriate recommendations. GAO should also review how Inspector General reports could be made available on GPO's govinfo.gov Web site, including any barriers to doing so. The report shall be submitted to the Senate Appropriations Committee within 120 days of enactment of this act. OPEN WORLD LEADERSHIP CENTER TRUST FUND Appropriations, 2016.................................... $5,600,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 5,800,000 Committee recommendation................................ 5,600,000 The Committee recommends $5,600,000 as a payment to the Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund, which is equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $200,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. The Center for Russian Leadership Development was established on December 21, 2000 (Public Law 106-554) as a legislative branch entity. The Fiscal Year 2003 Consolidated Appropriation Resolution (Public Law 108-7) carried legislation (section 1401) changing the name to the Open World Leadership Center and expanding the mission of the program to include Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union including the Baltic States. The mission of the Center is to enable emerging leaders in Russia and Newly Independent States at all levels of civic life to gain significant, first-hand exposure to the American free market economic system and the operation of American democratic institutions through visits to comparable governments and communities in the United States. While the Committee recognizes the ongoing U.S. national interest in maintaining constructive relations with the Russian people, the Committee includes a provision that limits the Open World Leadership Center to using appropriated funds only for Russian participants engaging in free market development, humanitarian activities, and civic engagement, and not for senior officials of the central Government of Russia. JOHN C. STENNIS CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Appropriations, 2016.................................... $430,000 Budget estimate, 2017................................... 430,000 Committee recommendation................................ 430,000 The John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development was created by Congress in 1988. The mandate of the Center is to promote and strengthen public service. The Committee recommends the budget request of $430,000 as authorized by 2 U.S.C. 1105, for the Center's congressional staff training and development programs. TITLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS Included are several routine general provisions carried annually in the bill (sections 201-210), as follows: Section 201 bans the use of appropriated funds for service and maintenance of private vehicles, except under such regulations as may be promulgated by the House Administration Committee and the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, respectively. Section 202 limits the availability for obligation of appropriations to the fiscal year for which it is expressly provided in the bill accompanying this report. Section 203 provides that any pay rate and title designation for a staff position created in this act, and not specifically established by the Legislative Pay Act of 1929, is to be made permanent law by this act. Further, any pay rate and title change for a position provided for in the 1929 Act is to be made permanent law by this act and any changes in the official expenses of Members, officers, and committees, and in the clerk hire of the House and Senate are to be made permanent law by this act. Section 204 bans the use of funds for contracts unless such contracts are matters of public record and are available for public inspection. Section 205 authorizes legislative branch entities participating in the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council [LBFMC] to finance the costs of the LBFMC. Section 206 authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to maintain certain property. Section 207 prohibits unauthorized transfers of funds to other agencies. Section 208 ensures continuation of the staff-led tours of the Capitol. COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI, OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee reports on general appropriations bills identify, with particularity, each Committee amendment to the House bill ``which proposes an item of appropriation which is not made to carry out the provisions of an existing law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution previously passed by the Senate during that session.'' The Committee has recommended no such funding. COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on May 19, 2016, the Committee ordered favorably reported an original bill (S. 2955) making appropriations for the legislative branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes, provided, that the bill be subject to amendment and that the bill be consistent with its budget allocation, and provided that the Chairman of the Committee or the Chairman of the Subcommittee reporting the original bill be authorized to offer the substance of the original bill as a Committee amendment in the nature of a substitute to the House companion measure, by a recorded vote of 30-0, a quorum being present. The vote was as follows: Yeas Nays Chairman Cochran Mr. McConnell Mr. Shelby Mr. Alexander Ms. Collins Ms. Murkowski Mr. Graham Mr. Kirk Mr. Blunt Mr. Moran Mr. Hoeven Mr. Boozman Mrs. Capito Mr. Cassidy Mr. Lankford Mr. Daines Ms. Mikulski Mr. Leahy Mrs. Murray Mrs. Feinstein Mr. Durbin Mr. Reed Mr. Tester Mr. Udall Mrs. Shaheen Mr. Merkley Mr. Coons Mr. Schatz Ms. Baldwin Mr. Murphy COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI, OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports on a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any statute or part of any statute include ``(a) the text of the statute or part thereof which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a comparative print of that part of the bill or joint resolution making the amendment and of the statute or part thereof proposed to be amended, showing by stricken-through type and italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical devices the omissions and insertions which would be made by the bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form recommended by the Committee.'' In compliance with this rule, the following changes in existing law proposed to be made by the bill are shown as follows: existing law to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets; new matter is printed in italic; and existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman. TITLE 2--THE CONGRESS Chapter 29--Capitol Police Subchapter I--Organization and Administration PART A--GENERAL Sec. 1906. Disposal and acceptance of surplus property (a) In general Within the limits of available appropriations, the Capitol Police may dispose of surplus or obsolete property, including disposed, forfeited, voluntarily abandoned and unclaimed property of the Capitol Police by interagency transfer, donation, sale, trade-in, or other appropriate method and the Capitol Police may accept the surplus or obsolete property of Federal agencies upon notification to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate. * * * * * * * Chapter 30--Operation and Maintenance of Capitol Complex Subchapter V--Historical Preservation and Fine Arts PART II--CRIMINAL PROCEDURE Sec. 2108. Provisions relating to Senate Commission on Art (a) Authority to acquire and dispose * * * * * * * (c) Establishment of Senate Preservation Fund (1) Establishment * * * * * * * (3) Deposits, credits, [and disbursements] disbursements, and transfers (A) Deposits * * * * * * * (C) Disbursements Disbursements from the fund shall be made on vouchers approved by the Commission and signed by the Executive Secretary of the Commission. (D) Transfers.-- (i) In general.--The Commission may transfer amounts in the fund to the Architect of the Capitol for the cost of the conservation or restoration, in whole or in part, by the Architect of the Capitol of works of art, historical objects, documents, or material relating to historical matters placed or exhibited, or to be placed or exhibited, within the Senate wing of the United States Capitol or any Senate Office Building. (ii) Availability.--Amounts transferred to the Architect of the Capitol under clause (i) shall remain available until expended. BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS AMENDED [In millions of dollars] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Budget authority Outlays ------------------------------------------------------- Committee Amount in Committee Amount in allocation bill allocation bill ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Comparison of amounts in the bill with the subcommittee allocation for 2017: Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch: Mandatory........................................... 139 139 139 \1\139 Discretionary....................................... 4,399 3,021 4,327 \1\3,184 Security........................................ ............ ............ NA NA Nonsecurity..................................... 4,399 3,021 NA NA Projections of outlays associated with the recommendation: 2017................................................ ............ ............ ............ \2\2,602 2018................................................ ............ ............ ............ 381 2019................................................ ............ ............ ............ 109 2020................................................ ............ ............ ............ 30 2021 and future years............................... ............ ............ ............ 11 Financial assistance to State and local governments for NA ............ NA ............ 2017................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority. \2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. NA: Not applicable. COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 [In thousands of dollars] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Senate Committee recommendation compared with (+ or -) Item 2016 Budget estimate Committee --------------------------------- appropriation recommendation 2016 appropriation Budget estimate -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH SENATE Expense allowances: Vice President................................................. 19 19 19 ............... ............... President Pro Tempore of the Senate............................ 38 38 38 ............... ............... Majority Leader of the Senate.................................. 40 40 40 ............... ............... Minority Leader of the Senate.................................. 40 40 40 ............... ............... Majority Whip of the Senate.................................... 10 10 10 ............... ............... Minority Whip of the Senate.................................... 10 10 10 ............... ............... Chairman of the Majority Conference Committee.................. 5 5 5 ............... ............... Chairman of the Minority Conference Committee.................. 5 5 5 ............... ............... Chairman of the Majority Policy Committee...................... 5 5 5 ............... ............... Chairman of the Minority Policy Committee...................... 5 5 5 ............... ............... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Subtotal, expense allowances................................. 177 177 177 ............... ............... Representation Allowances for the Majority and Minority Leaders.... 28 28 28 ............... ............... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total, Expense allowances and representation................. 205 205 205 ............... ............... ==================================================================================== Salaries, Officers and Employees Office of the Vice President....................................... 2,417 2,474 2,417 ............... -57 Office of the President Pro Tempore................................ 723 741 723 ............... -18 Offices of the Majority and Minority Leaders....................... 5,256 5,378 5,256 ............... -122 Offices of the Majority and Minority Whips......................... 3,359 3,439 3,359 ............... -80 Committee on Appropriations........................................ 15,142 15,142 15,142 ............... ............... Conference committees.............................................. 3,316 3,396 3,316 ............... -80 Offices of the Secretaries of the Conference of the Majority and 817 839 817 ............... -22 the Conference of the Minority.................................... Policy committees.................................................. 3,386 3,466 3,386 ............... -80 Office of the Chaplain............................................. 437 448 437 ............... -11 Office of the Secretary............................................ 24,772 25,339 24,772 ............... -567 Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper...................... 69,000 72,500 70,900 +1,900 -1,600 Offices of the Secretaries for the Majority and Minority........... 1,762 1,804 1,762 ............... -42 Agency contributions and related expenses.......................... 48,797 51,294 50,000 +1,203 -1,294 Outlays............................................................ ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total, Salaries, officers and employees...................... 179,184 186,260 182,287 +3,103 -3,973 ==================================================================================== Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate Salaries and expenses.............................................. 5,409 5,842 5,809 +400 -33 Office of Senate Legal Counsel Salaries and expenses.............................................. 1,120 1,144 1,120 ............... -24 Expense Allowances of the Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms 28 28 28 ............... ............... and Doorkeeper of the Senate, and Secretaries for the Majority and Minority of the Senate: Expense allowances........................ Contingent Expenses of the Senate Inquiries and investigations....................................... 133,265 135,799 133,265 ............... -2,534 Expenses of United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics 508 520 508 ............... -12 Control........................................................... Secretary of the Senate............................................ 8,750 10,250 10,250 +1,500 ............... Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate...................... 130,000 128,535 126,535 -3,465 -2,000 Miscellaneous items................................................ 21,390 20,870 20,870 -520 ............... Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account............ 390,000 445,933 390,000 ............... ............... Official Mail Costs Expenses........................................................... 300 300 300 ............... ............... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total, Contingent expenses of the Senate..................... 684,213 742,207 681,728 -2,485 -60,479 ==================================================================================== Total, Senate................................................ 870,159 935,686 871,177 +1,018 -64,509 ==================================================================================== JOINT ITEMS Joint Economic Committee........................................... 4,203 4,203 4,203 ............... ............... Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies of 2017...... 1,250 ............... ............... -1,250 ............... Joint Committee on Taxation........................................ 10,095 11,540 10,095 ............... -1,445 Office of the Attending Physician Medical supplies, equipment, expenses, and allowances.............. 3,784 3,838 3,784 ............... -54 Office of Congressional Accessibility Services..................... 1,400 1,429 1,400 ............... -29 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total, Joint items........................................... 20,732 21,010 19,482 -1,250 -1,528 ==================================================================================== CAPITOL POLICE Salaries........................................................... 309,000 333,128 320,000 +11,000 -13,128 General expenses................................................... 66,000 76,460 67,000 +1,000 -9,460 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total, Capitol Police........................................ 375,000 409,588 387,000 +12,000 -22,588 ==================================================================================== OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE Salaries and expenses.............................................. 3,959 4,315 3,959 ............... -356 CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE Salaries and expenses.............................................. 46,500 47,637 46,500 ............... -1,137 ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL [AOC] Capital Construction and Operations................................ 91,589 103,650 92,957 +1,368 -10,693 Capitol building................................................... 46,737 44,010 33,082 -13,655 -10,928 Capitol grounds.................................................... 11,880 13,083 11,712 -168 -1,371 Senate office buildings............................................ 84,221 88,406 88,406 +4,185 ............... Capitol Power Plant................................................ 103,722 114,765 95,646 -8,076 -19,119 Offsetting collections......................................... -9,000 -9,000 -9,000 ............... ............... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Subtotal, Capitol Power Plant................................ 94,722 105,765 86,646 -8,076 -19,119 Library buildings and grounds...................................... 40,689 65,959 42,179 +1,490 -23,780 Capitol police buildings, grounds, and security.................... 25,434 37,513 29,649 +4,215 -7,864 Botanic Garden..................................................... 12,113 15,081 14,067 +1,954 -1,014 Capitol Visitor Center............................................. 20,557 21,306 20,557 ............... -749 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total, Architect of the Capitol.............................. 427,942 494,773 419,255 -8,687 -75,518 ==================================================================================== LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Salaries and expenses.............................................. 425,971 479,235 434,934 +8,963 -44,301 Authority to spend receipts.................................... -6,350 -6,350 -6,350 ............... ............... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Subtotal, Salaries and expenses.............................. 419,621 472,885 428,584 +8,963 -44,301 Copyright Office, Salaries and expenses............................ 58,875 74,026 68,825 +9,950 -5,201 Authority to spend receipts.................................... -35,777 -39,548 -39,548 -3,771 ............... Prior year unobligated balances................................ ............... -6,147 -6,147 -6,147 ............... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Subtotal, Copyright Office................................... 23,098 28,331 23,130 +32 -5,201 Congressional Research Service, Salaries and expenses.............. 106,945 114,408 106,945 ............... -7,463 Books for the blind and physically handicapped, Salaries and 50,248 51,591 50,248 ............... -1,343 expenses.......................................................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total, Library of Congress................................... 599,912 667,215 608,907 +8,995 -58,308 ==================================================================================== GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE Congressional publishing........................................... 79,736 79,736 79,736 ............... ............... Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents, 30,500 29,500 29,500 -1,000 ............... Salaries and expenses............................................. Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving Fund.... 6,832 7,832 7,832 +1,000 ............... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total, Government Publishing Office.......................... 117,068 117,068 117,068 ............... ............... ==================================================================================== GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE Salaries and expenses.............................................. 556,450 591,175 565,756 +9,306 -25,419 Offsetting collections......................................... -25,450 -23,350 -23,350 +2,100 ............... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total, Government Accountability Office...................... 531,000 567,825 542,406 +11,406 -25,419 ==================================================================================== OPEN WORLD LEADERSHIP CENTER TRUST FUND Payment to the Open World Leadership Center [OWLC] Trust Fund...... 5,600 5,800 5,600 ............... -200 JOHN C. STENNIS CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Stennis Center for Public Service.................................. 430 430 430 ............... ............... GENERAL PROVISIONS AOC Working Capital Fund........................................... ............... 1,000 ............... ............... -1,000 Rates of compensation and designation (Sec. 203)................... -1,000 ............... -1,000 ............... -1,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total, General Provisions.................................... -1,000 1,000 -1,000 ............... -2,000 ==================================================================================== Grand total.................................................. 2,997,302 3,272,347 3,020,784 +23,482 -251,563 ==================================================================================== RECAPITULATION Senate............................................................. 870,159 935,686 871,177 +1,018 -64,509 Joint Items........................................................ 20,732 21,010 19,482 -1,250 -1,528 Capitol Police..................................................... 375,000 409,588 387,000 +12,000 -22,588 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........................................... 427,942 494,773 419,255 -8,687 -75,518 Library of Congress................................................ 599,912 667,215 608,907 +8,995 -58,308 Government Publishing Office....................................... 117,068 117,068 117,068 ............... ............... Government Accountability Office................................... 531,000 567,825 542,406 +11,406 -25,419 Open World Leadership Center....................................... 5,600 5,800 5,600 ............... -200 Stennis Center for Public Service.................................. 430 430 430 ............... ............... General Provisions................................................. -1,000 1,000 -1,000 ............... -2,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Grand total.................................................. 2,997,302 3,272,347 3,020,784 +23,482 -251,563 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [all]