3.0.0 5683 2023-11-13T20:31:18Z 2023-11-13T20:31:18Z House H HR 2008-04-02 110 ssga00 Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Senate Standing Reported by 2008-07-26T13:20:24Z Markup by 2008-06-25T15:42:38Z Referred to 2008-06-10T20:49:27Z hsgo00 Oversight and Accountability Committee House Standing hsgo25 Information Technology Subcommittee Reported by 2008-04-03T18:49:44Z Markup by 2008-04-03T18:49:36Z Referred to 2008-04-02T21:23:13Z Reported by 2008-05-23T01:07:08Z Markup by 2008-05-01T16:03:31Z Referred to 2008-04-02T14:06:05Z H. Rept. 110-671 Government Accountability Office Act of 2007 110 3268 HR 2008-03-13 Subcommittee Hearings Held. Related bill CRS Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 110 2564 S 2008-01-29 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Related bill CRS 2008-09-22 Became Public Law No: 110-323. President E40000 2 House floor actions 2008-09-22 Became Public Law No: 110-323. BecameLaw 36000 9 Library of Congress 2008-09-22 Signed by President. President E30000 2 House floor actions 2008-09-22 Signed by President. BecameLaw 36000 9 Library of Congress 2008-09-11 Presented to President. Floor E20000 2 House floor actions 2008-09-11 Presented to President. President 28000 9 Library of Congress 2008-09-09 Cleared for White House. 2008-09-09 14:00:55 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. ResolvingDifferences H41931 2 House floor actions 2008-09-09 14:00:54 On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote. (text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H7881-7883) ResolvingDifferences H41610 2 House floor actions 2008-09-09 Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.(text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H7881-7883) NotUsed 19500 9 Library of Congress 2008-09-09 13:55:50 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 5683. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2008-09-09 13:55:45 Mr. Davis (IL) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment. (consideration: CR H7881-7884) ResolvingDifferences H40140 2 House floor actions 2008-08-01 Senate Message on Senate action sent to the House. Floor 2008-08-01 Senate Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. Floor 2008-08-01 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. Floor 17000 9 Library of Congress 2008-08-01 Senate The committee amendments were withdrawn by Unanimous Consent. Floor 2008-08-01 Senate Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8070-8073; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S8071-8073) Floor 2008-07-26 Senate Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 901. Calendars 2008-07-26 ssga00 Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Lieberman with amendments. Without written report. Committee 2008-07-26 Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Lieberman with amendments. Without written report. Committee 14000 9 Library of Congress ssga00 Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee 2008-06-25 ssga00 Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably. Committee 2008-06-10 ssga00 Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Senate Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. IntroReferral 2008-06-09 17:38:49 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. Floor H38310 2 House floor actions 2008-06-09 17:38:44 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5080-5082) Floor H37300 2 House floor actions 2008-06-09 17:38:44 Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H5080-5082) Floor 8000 9 Library of Congress 2008-06-09 17:30:43 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5683. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2008-06-09 17:30:40 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5080-5084) Floor H30000 2 House floor actions 2008-06-09 17:30:22 Mr. Davis (IL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. Floor H30300 2 House floor actions 2008-05-22 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 422. Calendars H12410 2 House floor actions U00422 2008-05-22 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government. H. Rept. 110-671. Committee H12200 2 House floor actions hsgo00 Oversight and Accountability Committee 2008-05-22 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government. H. Rept. 110-671. Committee 5000 9 Library of Congress hsgo00 Oversight and Accountability Committee 2008-05-01 hsgo00 Oversight and Accountability Committee 1 House committee actions Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. Committee 2008-05-01 hsgo00 Oversight and Accountability Committee 1 House committee actions Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. Committee 2008-04-03 hsgo25 Information Technology Subcommittee 1 House committee actions Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote . Committee 2008-04-03 hsgo25 Information Technology Subcommittee 1 House committee actions Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. Committee 2008-04-02 hsgo25 Information Technology Subcommittee 1 House committee actions Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia. Committee 2008-04-02 Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. IntroReferral H11100 2 House floor actions hsgo00 Oversight and Accountability Committee 2008-04-02 Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E477) IntroReferral B00100 9 Library of Congress 2008-04-02 Introduced in House IntroReferral Intro-H 9 Library of Congress 2008-04-02 Introduced in House IntroReferral 1000 9 Library of Congress D000096 Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7] DANNY DAVIS D IL K. 7 N W000215 Rep. Waxman, Henry A. [D-CA-30] HENRY WAXMAN D CA A. 30 2008-04-02 True N000147 Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] ELEANOR NORTON D DC HOLMES 0 2008-04-02 True F000043 Rep. Fattah, Chaka [D-PA-2] CHAKA FATTAH D PA 2 2008-04-22 False W000784 Rep. Wynn, Albert Russell [D-MD-4] ALBERT WYNN D MD R. 4 2008-04-22 False J000284 Rep. Jones, Stephanie Tubbs [D-OH-11] STEPHANIE JONES D OH TUBBS 11 2008-04-22 False H000324 Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-23] ALCEE HASTINGS D FL L. 23 2008-04-22 False C000380 Del. Christensen, Donna M. [D-VI-At Large] DONNA CHRISTENSEN D VI M. 0 2008-04-22 False F000116 Rep. Filner, Bob [D-CA-51] BOB FILNER D CA 51 2008-04-29 False 2008-05-15T04:00:00Z H.R. 5683, Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 http://www.cbo.gov/publication/19762 <p>Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on May 1, 2008</p> 2008-05-15T04:00:00Z H.R. 5683, Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 https://www.cbo.gov/publication/19762 Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on May 1, 2008 2008-07-29T04:00:00Z H.R. 5683, Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 http://www.cbo.gov/publication/20129 <p>Cost estimate for the bill as reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on July 26, 2008</p> 2008-07-29T04:00:00Z H.R. 5683, Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 https://www.cbo.gov/publication/20129 Cost estimate for the bill as reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on July 26, 2008 Public Law 110-323 Congress Agriculture and Food Appropriations Auditing Civil service retirement Collection of accounts Congressional agencies Congressional investigations Congressional reorganization Congressional reporting requirements Congressional-executive relations Consultants Cost of living adjustments Economics and Public Finance Executive compensation Expense accounts Federal employees Federal officials Finance and Financial Sector Financial disclosure Financial statements Government Accountability Office (GAO) Government Operations and Politics Government ethics Government procurement Inspectors general Labor and Employment Oaths Recreation Recruiting of employees Salaries Severance pay Wage restitution Waste in government spending Whistle blowing Congress 00 2008-04-02 Introduced in House 2008-05-05T15:33:32Z Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 - Requires specified minimum percentage pay increases and lump sum back payments for certain Government Accountability Office (GAO) officers and employees.

Establishes an Office of the Inspector General in GAO, who shall report semiannually to the Comptroller General.

Requires the Comptroller General's annual report to Congress to assess the overall degree of federal agency cooperation with GAO audits.

Requires any executive agency (or component) that prepares an audited financial statement to reimburse GAO the cost of any GAO audit of such statement.

Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to revise the coverage of certain GAO officers and employees under its financial disclosure requirements.

Revises the highest basic pay rate for GAO personnel from GS-15 to Executive Level III.

Increases from 15 to 20 the number of experts and consultants whose services the Comptroller General may procure for renewable three-year terms at rates up to level IV of the Executive Schedule.

Makes funds appropriated to GAO for salaries and expenses also available for recruitment-related meals and entertainment.

Revises provisions governing GAO voluntary separation incentive payments.

]]> 36 2008-06-09 Passed House amended 2008-08-18T15:56:18Z Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Requires: (1) the Comptroller General to provide for a pay increase to covered Government Accountability Office (GAO) officers and employees if the increase that would otherwise take effect would be less than the required minimum percentage (equal to the total annual pay adjustment for General Schedule positions within a pay locality); and (2) nonpermanent merit pay to a such an officer or employee to be decreased by an amount equal to the portion of such person's basic pay that is attributable to the increase provided by this Act.

Defines a "covered officer or employee" to mean a Government Accountability Office (GAO) officer or employee whose performance is at least at a satisfactory level and who is not a member of the Senior Executive Service, a Federal Wage System employee, or an employee who is in GAO's entry-level developmental programs.

(Sec. 3) Requires the Comptroller General, within six months, to pay to a GAO employee who did not receive a permanent base pay increase in 2006 and 2007 a lump sum payment. Requires the lump sum payment to be: (1) applied prospectively; and (2) treated as basic pay for purposes of any determination of the average pay.

Provides for an exclusive remedy for individuals with claims that they are owed any money denied to them in the form of pay increases for 2006 or 2007.

(Sec. 4) Requires the Comptroller General to pay each qualified individual a lump-sum payment equal to the amount of performance-based compensation such individual was denied for 2006. Defines "qualified individual" to mean an individual who is: (1) a GAO officer or employee, excluding members of the Senior Executive Service, Federal Wage System employees, and employees in GAO's entry-level developmental programs; and (2) a Band I staff member with a salary above the Band I cap, a Band IIA staff member with a salary above the Band IIA cap, or an administrative professional or support staff member with a salary above the cap for that individual's pay band.

(Sec. 5) Establishes an Office of the Inspector General in GAO to: (1) conduct and supervise audits and investigations relating to GAO; (2) provide leadership and coordination and recommend policies to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in GAO; and (3) keep the Comptroller General and Congress informed concerning fraud and other serious problems, abuses, and deficiencies relating to the administration of GAO programs and operations.

Authorizes the Inspector General to receive and investigate complaints or information from GAO employees concerning the possible existence of an activity constituting a violation of law, mismanagement, or a gross waste of funds. Requires the Inspector General to refer complaints or information concerning violations of personnel law to established investigative and adjudicative GAO entities.

Prohibits the Inspector General from disclosing the identity of an employee who submitted a complaint or information without the employee's consent, unless such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation.

Prohibits employees who have authority for personnel actions from taking or threatening action against employees as a reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information, unless the complaint or disclosure was made with the knowledge that it was false or with willful disregard for its truth or falsity.

Requires the Inspector General to report semiannually to the Comptroller General on the Office's activities. Requires the Comptroller General's annual report to Congress to assess the overall degree of federal agency cooperation with GAO audits.

Prohibits the Comptroller General from preventing the Inspector General from carrying out any his or her responsibilities under this Act.

(Sec. 6) Requires any executive agency that prepares an audited financial statement to reimburse GAO for the cost of any GAO audit of such statement.

(Sec. 7) Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to revise the coverage of certain GAO officers and employees under its financial disclosure requirements.

(Sec. 8) Revises the highest basic pay rate for GAO personnel from GS-15 to Executive Level III.

Increases from 15 to 20 the number of experts and consultants whose services the Comptroller General may procure for renewable three-year terms at rates up to level IV of the Executive Schedule.

Makes funds appropriated to GAO for salaries and expenses also available for recruitment-related meals and entertainment.

]]> 35 2008-08-01 Passed Senate amended 2008-08-20T19:38:12Z Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Requires: (1) the Comptroller General to provide for a pay increase to covered Government Accountability Office (GAO) officers and employees if the increase that would otherwise take effect would be less than the required minimum percentage (equal to the total annual pay adjustment for General Schedule positions within a pay locality); and (2) nonpermanent merit pay to a such an officer or employee to be decreased by an amount equal to the portion of such person's basic pay that is attributable to the increase provided by this Act.

Defines a "covered officer or employee" to mean a Government Accountability Office (GAO) officer or employee whose performance is at least at a satisfactory level and who is not a member of the Senior Executive Service, a Federal Wage System employee, or an employee who is in GAO's entry-level developmental programs.

(Sec. 3) Requires the Comptroller General, within six months, to pay to a GAO employee who did not receive a permanent base pay increase in 2006 and 2007 a lump sum payment. Requires the lump sum payment to be: (1) applied prospectively; and (2) treated as basic pay for purposes of any determination of the average pay.

Requires the GAO to deduct and withhold from such lump-sum payments employee contributions to, and to pay the applicable agency contribution to, the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.

Provides for an exclusive remedy for individuals with claims that they are owed any money denied to them in the form of pay increases for 2006 or 2007.

(Sec. 4) Requires the Comptroller General to pay each qualified individual a lump-sum payment equal to the amount of performance-based compensation such individual was denied for 2006. Defines "qualified individual" to mean an individual who is: (1) a GAO officer or employee, excluding members of the Senior Executive Service, Federal Wage System employees, and employees in GAO's entry-level developmental programs; and (2) a Band I staff member with a salary above the Band I cap, a Band IIA staff member with a salary above the Band IIA cap, or an administrative professional or support staff member with a salary above the cap for that individual's pay band.

(Sec. 5) Establishes an Office of the Inspector General in GAO to: (1) conduct and supervise audits and investigations relating to GAO; (2) provide leadership and coordination and recommend policies to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in GAO; and (3) keep the Comptroller General and Congress informed concerning fraud and other serious problems, abuses, and deficiencies relating to the administration of GAO programs and operations.

Authorizes the Inspector General to receive and investigate complaints or information from GAO employees concerning the possible existence of an activity constituting a violation of law, mismanagement, or a gross waste of funds. Requires the Inspector General to refer complaints or information concerning violations of personnel law to established investigative and adjudicative GAO entities.

Prohibits the Inspector General from disclosing the identity of an employee who submitted a complaint or information without the employee's consent, unless such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation.

Prohibits employees who have authority for personnel actions from taking or threatening action against employees as a reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information, unless the complaint or disclosure was made with the knowledge that it was false or with willful disregard for its truth or falsity.

Requires the Inspector General to report semiannually to the Comptroller General on the Office's activities. Requires the Comptroller General's annual report to Congress to assess the overall degree of federal agency cooperation with GAO audits.

Prohibits the Comptroller General from preventing the Inspector General from carrying out any his or her responsibilities under this Act.

(Sec. 6) Requires any executive agency that prepares an audited financial statement to reimburse GAO for the cost of any GAO audit of such statement if GAO audited the statement or schedule of such agency for fiscal year 2007. Requires the GAO to consult with the relevant executive agency and the Inspector General of such agency prior to the initiation of the audit on the scope, terms, and cost of such audit.

(Sec. 7) Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to revise the coverage of certain GAO officers and employees under its financial disclosure requirements.

(Sec. 8) Revises the highest basic pay rate for GAO personnel from GS-15 to Executive Level III.

Increases from 15 to 20 the number of experts and consultants whose services the Comptroller General may procure for renewable three-year terms at rates up to level IV of the Executive Schedule.

Makes funds appropriated to GAO for salaries and expenses also available for recruitment-related meals and entertainment.

]]> 49 2008-09-22 Public Law 2008-10-09T15:55:00Z (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on August 1, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Requires: (1) the Comptroller General to provide for a pay increase to covered Government Accountability Office (GAO) officers and employees if the increase that would otherwise take effect would be less than the required minimum percentage (equal to the total annual pay adjustment for General Schedule positions within a pay locality); and (2) nonpermanent merit pay to a such an officer or employee to be decreased by an amount equal to the portion of such person's basic pay that is attributable to the increase provided by this Act.

Defines a "covered officer or employee" to mean a Government Accountability Office (GAO) officer or employee whose performance is at least at a satisfactory level and who is not a member of the Senior Executive Service, a Federal Wage System employee, or an employee who is in GAO's entry-level developmental programs.

(Sec. 3) Requires the Comptroller General, within six months, to pay to a GAO employee who did not receive a permanent base pay increase in 2006 and 2007 a lump sum payment. Requires the lump sum payment to be: (1) applied prospectively; and (2) treated as basic pay for purposes of any determination of the average pay.

Requires the GAO to deduct and withhold from such lump-sum payments employee contributions to, and to pay the applicable agency contribution to, the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.

Provides for an exclusive remedy for individuals with claims that they are owed any money denied to them in the form of pay increases for 2006 or 2007.

(Sec. 4) Requires the Comptroller General to pay each qualified individual a lump-sum payment equal to the amount of performance-based compensation such individual was denied for 2006. Defines "qualified individual" to mean an individual who is: (1) a GAO officer or employee, excluding members of the Senior Executive Service, Federal Wage System employees, and employees in GAO's entry-level developmental programs; and (2) a Band I staff member with a salary above the Band I cap, a Band IIA staff member with a salary above the Band IIA cap, or an administrative professional or support staff member with a salary above the cap for that individual's pay band.

(Sec. 5) Establishes an Office of the Inspector General in GAO to: (1) conduct and supervise audits and investigations relating to GAO; (2) provide leadership and coordination and recommend policies to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in GAO; and (3) keep the Comptroller General and Congress informed concerning fraud and other serious problems, abuses, and deficiencies relating to the administration of GAO programs and operations.

Authorizes the Inspector General to receive and investigate complaints or information from GAO employees concerning the possible existence of an activity constituting a violation of law, mismanagement, or a gross waste of funds. Requires the Inspector General to refer complaints or information concerning violations of personnel law to established investigative and adjudicative GAO entities.

Prohibits the Inspector General from disclosing the identity of an employee who submitted a complaint or information without the employee's consent, unless such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation.

Prohibits employees who have authority for personnel actions from taking or threatening action against employees as a reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information, unless the complaint or disclosure was made with the knowledge that it was false or with willful disregard for its truth or falsity.

Requires the Inspector General to report semiannually to the Comptroller General on the Office's activities. Requires the Comptroller General's annual report to Congress to assess the overall degree of federal agency cooperation with GAO audits.

Prohibits the Comptroller General from preventing the Inspector General from carrying out any his or her responsibilities under this Act.

(Sec. 6) Requires any executive agency that prepares an audited financial statement to reimburse GAO for the cost of any GAO audit of such statement if GAO audited the statement or schedule of such agency for fiscal year 2007. Requires the GAO to consult with the relevant executive agency and the Inspector General of such agency prior to the initiation of the audit on the scope, terms, and cost of such audit.

(Sec. 7) Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to revise the coverage of certain GAO officers and employees under its financial disclosure requirements.

(Sec. 8) Revises the highest basic pay rate for GAO personnel from GS-15 to Executive Level III.

Increases from 15 to 20 the number of experts and consultants whose services the Comptroller General may procure for renewable three-year terms at rates up to level IV of the Executive Schedule.

Makes funds appropriated to GAO for salaries and expenses also available for recruitment-related meals and entertainment.

]]> Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 Short Titles as Enacted Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 Short Titles as Passed House Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 H House Short Titles as Passed Senate Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 S Senate Display Title Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 Short Titles as Introduced Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 Official Title as Introduced To make certain reforms with respect to the Government Accountability Office, and for other purposes. Short Titles as Reported to House Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 H House Short Titles as Reported to Senate Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 S Senate 5264 110 SAMDT To make certain reforms with respect to the Government Accountability Office, and for other purposes. 2022-02-03T05:20:33Z 2008-08-01 Amendment SA 5264 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. SA 5264 https://www.congress.gov/amendment/110th-congress/senate-amendment/5264 L000304 Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [ID-CT] JOSEPH LIEBERMAN ID CT I. 2008-08-01T04:00:00Z 2008-08-01T04:00:00Z Senate 110 HR House H 5683 Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 2023-11-13T20:31:18Z 6 2008-08-01 0 Senate Amendment SA 5264 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. Floor 2008-08-01 0 Senate Amendment SA 5264 proposed by Senator Reid for Senator Lieberman. (consideration: CR S8073) To make certain reforms with respect to the Government Accountability Office, and for other purposes. Floor 2008-08-01 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor): Amendment SA 5264 proposed by Senator Reid for Senator Lieberman.(consideration: CR S8073) Floor 93000 9 Library of Congress 2008-08-01 Senate amendment agreed to: Amendment SA 5264 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. Floor 94000 9 Library of Congress 2008-08-01 Senate amendment submitted Floor 91000 9 Library of Congress Enrolled Bill 2008-09-09T04:00:00Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-110hr5683enr/xml/BILLS-110hr5683enr.xml Engrossed Amendment Senate 2008-08-01T04:00:00Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-110hr5683eas/xml/BILLS-110hr5683eas.xml Reported to Senate 2008-07-26T04:00:00Z Referred in Senate 2008-06-10T04:00:00Z Engrossed in House 2008-06-09T04:00:00Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-110hr5683eh/xml/BILLS-110hr5683eh.xml Reported in House 2008-05-22T04:00:00Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-110hr5683rh/xml/BILLS-110hr5683rh.xml Introduced in House 2008-04-02T04:00:00Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-110hr5683ih/xml/BILLS-110hr5683ih.xml 2008-09-23T03:59:59Z Public Law 2008-09-22 Became Public Law No: 110-323. text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress This file contains bill summaries and statuses for federal legislation. A bill summary describes the most significant provisions of a piece of legislation and details the effects the legislative text may have on current law and federal programs. Bill summaries are authored by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) of the Library of Congress. As stated in Public Law 91-510 (2 USC 166 (d)(6)), one of the duties of CRS is "to prepare summaries and digests of bills and resolutions of a public general nature introduced in the Senate or House of Representatives". For more information, refer to the User Guide that accompanies this file.