[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 151 (Thursday, December 11, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H9307-H10003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



EXPLANATORY STATEMENT SUBMITTED BY MR. ROGERS OF KENTUCKY, CHAIRMAN OF 
THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS REGARDING THE HOUSE AMENDMENT TO 
                    THE SENATE AMENDMENT ON H.R. 83

       The following is an explanation of the Consolidated and 
     Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015.
       This Act includes eleven regular appropriations bills for 
     fiscal year 2015, as well as further continuing 
     appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security 
     Appropriations Act. The divisions contained in the Act are as 
     follows:
         Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food 
     and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations 
     Act, 2015;
         Division B--Commerce, Justice, Science, and 
     Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015;
         Division C--Department of Defense Appropriations 
     Act, 2015;
         Division D--Energy and Water Development and 
     Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015;
         Division E--Financial Services and General 
     Government Appropriations Act, 2015;
         Division F--Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015;
         Division G--Departments of Labor, Health and 
     Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act, 2015;
         Division H--Legislative Branch Appropriations 
     Act, 2015;
         Division I--Military Construction and Veterans 
     Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015;
         Division J--Department of State, Foreign 
     Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2015;
         Division K--Transportation, Housing and Urban 
     Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015;
         Division L--Further Continuing Appropriations, 
     2015;
         Division M--Expatriate Health Coverage 
     Clarification Act of 2014; and
         Division N--Other Matters.NOTICE

If the 113th Congress, 2nd Session, adjourns sine die on or before 
December 24, 2014, a final issue of the Congressional Record for 
the 113th Congress, 2nd Session, will be published on Wednesday, 
December 31, 2014, to permit Members to insert statements.
All material for insertion must be signed by the Member and 
delivered to the respective offices of the Official Reporters of 
Debates (Room HT-59 or S-123 of the Capitol), Monday through 
Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. through 
Tuesday, December 30. The final issue will be dated Wednesday, 
December 31, 2014, and will be delivered on Monday, January 5, 
2015.
None of the material printed in the final issue of the 
Congressional Record may contain subject matter, or relate to any 
event, that occurred after the sine die date.
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Members of the House of Representatives' statements may also be 
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The Official Reporters will transmit to GPO the template formatted 
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Members of Congress desiring to purchase reprints of material 
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contacting the Office of Congressional Publishing Services, at the 
Government Printing Office, on 512-0224, between the hours of 8:00 
a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
By order of the Joint Committee on Printing.
                                                                
CHARLES E. SCHUMER, Chairman.

[[Page H9308]]

       Section 3 of the Act states that, unless expressly provided 
     otherwise, any reference to ``this Act'' contained in any 
     division shall be treated as referring only to the provisions 
     of that division.
       Section 4 of the Act specifies that this explanatory 
     statement shall have the same effect with respect to the 
     allocation of funds and implementation of this legislation as 
     if it were a joint explanatory statement of a committee of 
     conference.
       Section 5 of the Act provides a statement of 
     appropriations.
       Section 6 of the Act states that each amount designated by 
     Congress as being for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global 
     War on Terrorism (OCO/GWOT), as well as each amount 
     designated by Congress as an emergency requirement, is 
     contingent on the President so designating all such OCO/GWOT 
     or emergency requirement amounts, respectively, and 
     transmitting such designations to Congress. The provision is 
     consistent with the requirements in the Budget Control Act of 
     2011 for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on 
     Terrorism and emergency designations by the President.
       Section 7 of the Act addresses possible technical 
     scorekeeping differences for fiscal year 2015 between the 
     Office of Management and Budget and the Congressional Budget 
     Office.
       Section 8 of the Act prohibits cost-of-living adjustments 
     for Members of Congress under the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act during fiscal year 2015.
       Sections 9 and 10 of the Act contain the text of sections 1 
     and 2, respectively, of the Senate amendment to H.R. 83, ``An 
     Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to assemble a 
     team of technical, policy, and financial experts to address 
     the energy needs of the insular areas of the United States 
     and the Freely Associated States through the development of 
     energy action plans aimed at promoting access to affordable, 
     reliable energy, including increasing use of indigenous 
     clean-energy resources, and for other purposes.''
       Section 11 of the Act provides $372,000,000 for payments in 
     lieu of taxes under chapter 69 of title 31, United States 
     Code. Together with an additional $33,000,000 available for 
     fiscal year 2015, and $37,000,000 available on October 1, 
     2015, provided by section 3096 of the Carl Levin and Howard 
     P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2015, a total of $442,000,000 will be available 
     for the program.
       The Act does not contain any congressional earmarks, 
     limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined 
     by clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of 
     Representatives.

       DIVISION A--AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG 
     ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015

                        Congressional Directives

       The explanatory statement is silent on provisions that were 
     in both the House Report (H.Rpt. 113-468) and Senate Report 
     (S.Rpt. 113-164) that remain unchanged by this agreement, 
     except as noted in this explanatory statement.
       The agreement restates that executive branch wishes cannot 
     substitute for Congress's own statements as to the best 
     evidence of congressional intentions, which are the official 
     reports of the Congress. The agreement further points out 
     that funds in this Act must be used for the purposes for 
     which appropriated, as required by section 1301 of title 31 
     of the United States Code, which provides: ``Appropriations 
     shall be applied only to the objects for which the 
     appropriations were made except as otherwise provided by 
     law.''
       The House and Senate report language that is not changed by 
     the explanatory statement is approved and indicates 
     congressional intentions. The explanatory statement, while 
     repeating some report language for emphasis, does not intend 
     to negate the language referred to above unless expressly 
     provided herein.
       In cases in which the House or the Senate have directed the 
     submission of a report, such report is to be submitted to 
     both the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no 
     later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, unless 
     otherwise directed.
       Hereafter, in Division A of this statement, the term `the 
     Committees' refers to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House of Representatives and the Senate.
       Certain agencies under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture, 
     Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related 
     Agencies Subcommittees took actions that appear to violate 
     long-standing notification requirements. This Act modifies 
     its notification requirements and provides additional 
     information to assist the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
     Food and Drug Administration, and Farm Credit Administration 
     in complying with the spirit and letter of the law.
       For the appropriations provided by this Act and previous 
     Acts, the departments and agencies funded by this agreement 
     are reminded that the Committees use the definitions for 
     transfer, reprogramming, and program, project, and activity 
     as defined by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 
     GAO-04-261SP Appropriations Law--Vol. I and GAO-05-734SP 
     Budget Glossary. The Committees provide additional direction 
     in this statement.
       A transfer is the shifting of funds between appropriations. 
     It applies to (1) transfers from one agency to another, (2) 
     transfers from one account to another within the same agency, 
     and (3) transfers to an interagency or intra-agency working 
     fund. In each instance, statutory authority is required.
       Reprogramming is the utilization of funds in an 
     appropriation account for purposes other than those 
     contemplated at the time of appropriation. It is the shifting 
     of funds from one object to another within an appropriation.
       A program, project, or activity (PPA) is an element within 
     a budget account. PPAs are identified by reference to include 
     the most specific level of budget items identified in the 
     Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, 
     and Related Agencies Act, 2015, accompanying Committee 
     reports, explanatory statements, the Statement of Managers, 
     and budget justifications. Program activity structures are 
     intended to provide a meaningful representation of the 
     operations financed by a specific budget account by project, 
     activity, or organization.
       For fiscal year 2015, the Committees adopt a new subsection 
     to require advanced notification of certain agency actions. 
     Notification will be required at least 15 days in advance of 
     any action if (1) a major capital investment is modified; (2) 
     an office is realigned or reorganized; and (3) activities are 
     carried out that were not described in the budget request.
       The agreement directs the Office of Budget and Program 
     Analysis of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to 
     provide an organizational chart for each agency funded by 
     this Act to the division and subdivision level, as 
     appropriate, by January 30, 2015. The agreement also directs 
     the Food and Drug Administration, Commodity Futures Trading 
     Commission, and the Farm Credit Administration to provide an 
     organizational chart of each agency respectively to the 
     division and subdivision level, as appropriate, by January 
     30, 2015.

                     TITLE I--AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS

                 Production, Processing, and Marketing

                        Office of the Secretary


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $45,805,000 for the Office of the 
     Secretary.
       The following table reflects the agreement:

                         OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary......................................     $5,051
Office of Tribal Relations...................................        502
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination.......      1,496
Office of Advocacy and Outreach..............................      1,209
Office of Assistant Secretary for Administration.............        804
Departmental Administration..................................     25,124
Office of Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations....      3,869
Office of Communications.....................................      7,750
                                                              ----------
    Total, Office of the Secretary...........................    $45,805
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) reported that 
     USDA offices and agencies made an estimated $6,200,000,000 in 
     improper payments in fiscal year 2013. While there has been 
     recent progress toward improving their processes to identify, 
     report, and reduce wasteful spending, this level of improper 
     payment is unacceptable. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is 
     directed to develop a plan to significantly reduce USDA's 
     improper payment rate in fiscal year 2015 and to release it 
     simultaneously with the OIG's report on improper payments for 
     fiscal year 2014.
       During the past year, certain USDA agencies and offices 
     informed non-governmental stakeholders of important decisions 
     and announcements before they informed the Committees. A 
     collaborative working relationship between the Committees and 
     agencies is necessary to ensure efficient and effective 
     implementation of Congress's funding decisions. These actions 
     jeopardized this relationship. As such, USDA is directed to 
     ensure the Committees are notified of major changes to 
     existing policies and any significant developments in its 
     operations prior to providing non-governmental stakeholders 
     such information.

                          Executive Operations


                     OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ECONOMIST

       The agreement provides $17,377,000 for the Office of the 
     Chief Economist.
       The agreement reaffirms the establishment of an Under 
     Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural 
     Affairs pursuant to Section 3208 of Public Law 113-79. The 
     mandatory report in (b)(4) of such section to Congress is 
     overdue. The agreement directs the Office of the Chief 
     Economist (OCE) to oversee the completion of this report in 
     coordination with a third-party entity, the National Academy 
     of Public Administration, and the Committees. The agreement 
     provides $600,000 for this purpose and directs OCE to begin 
     the study within 60 days of enactment and completion within 
     270 days of enactment.


                       NATIONAL APPEALS DIVISION

       The agreement provides $13,317,000 for the National Appeals 
     Division.


                 OFFICE OF BUDGET AND PROGRAM ANALYSIS

       The agreement provides $9,392,000 for the Office of Budget 
     and Program Analysis.

                Office of the Chief Information Officer

       The agreement provides $45,045,000 for the Office of the 
     Chief Information Officer. This amount includes not less than 
     $28,000,000 to support cybersecurity requirements of the 
     Department.
       Recognizing that some agencies require more oversight and 
     assistance than others, the agreement provides the Chief 
     Information Officer (CIO) flexibility to set variable

[[Page H9309]]

     thresholds for approval of agency IT expenditures. The 
     purpose is to tailor oversight to the unique situation of 
     each agency while allowing the CIO to continue to exercise 
     prudent judgment and provide expert advice regarding the 
     expenditure of taxpayer resources on IT investments. The CIO 
     is directed to establish a performance plan that assesses the 
     capability of each agency against standard IT management 
     protocols, including governance processes; experience of the 
     agency's CIO; prior management of major and non-major IT 
     investments; training and certification programs; and 
     utilization of appropriate procurement, enterprise 
     architecture, and security systems. The plan is expected to 
     be updated as needed but not less than every two years. The 
     CIO is directed to submit the plan to the Committees for 
     review prior to implementation.

                 Office of the Chief Financial Officer

       The agreement provides $6,028,000 for the Office of the 
     Chief Financial Officer.
       The Department continues to assess its agencies for 
     government and department-wide activities not requested in 
     the budget or appropriated by Congress. Therefore, most of 
     the funding for these activities has come at the expense of 
     the agency's mission critical programs. The CFO is encouraged 
     to scrutinize the need for each activity, to consider its 
     benefit to each agency, and to limit spending where possible, 
     especially in regard to promotional, communications-related, 
     and other activities not specifically authorized in law. The 
     CFO is directed to provide a report to the Committees within 
     90 days of enactment of this Act detailing where savings can 
     be made in these areas.

           Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

       The agreement provides $898,000 for the Office of the 
     Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.

                         Office of Civil Rights

       The agreement provides $24,070,000 for the Office of Civil 
     Rights.

                  Agriculture Buildings and Facilities


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $55,866,000 for Agriculture 
     Buildings and Facilities. The agreement includes General 
     Services Administration rental payments and Department of 
     Homeland Security payments within each respective agency, as 
     requested in the budget. The Department is reminded that 
     rental and security payments as described in the budget 
     constitute a PPA for the purpose of reprogrammings.

                     Hazardous Materials Management


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $3,600,000 for Hazardous Materials 
     Management.

                      Office of Inspector General

       The agreement provides $95,026,000 for the Office of 
     Inspector General.

                     Office of the General Counsel

       The agreement provides $44,383,000 for the Office of the 
     General Counsel.

                            Office of Ethics

       The agreement provides $3,654,000 for the Office of Ethics.

  Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics

       The agreement provides $898,000 for the Office of the Under 
     Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics.

                       Economic Research Service

       The agreement provides $85,373,000 for the Economic 
     Research Service.

                National Agricultural Statistics Service

       The agreement provides $172,408,000 for the National 
     Agricultural Statistics Service, including up to $47,842,000 
     for the Census of Agriculture.
       The agreement includes requested funding for the pollinator 
     health initiative, restoration of the fruit and vegetable in-
     season reports, and restoration of the chemical use survey 
     and does not include the suspension of reports as proposed in 
     the budget.
       In fiscal year 2014, USDA was provided $2,250,000 to 
     conduct the Organic Production Survey. It is expected that 
     USDA will conduct this survey as a comprehensive follow-on 
     survey to the 2012 Census of Agriculture.

                     Agricultural Research Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $1,132,625,000 for the Agricultural 
     Research Service (ARS), Salaries and Expenses.
       The agreement does not accept the President's budget 
     request regarding the termination and redirection of research 
     programs or the closure of research stations. The agreement 
     expects extramural research to be funded at no less than 
     fiscal year 2014 levels. The agreement provides funding 
     increases for forest product, pollinator, porcine virus, 
     grazing-related sheep, and methyl bromide alternatives 
     research.
       ARS is directed to prepare a long-term facility management 
     plan to guide capital asset construction and renovation for 
     current ARS and university cooperator space where the 
     cooperator or university has expressed an interest in 
     relocating ARS researchers or facilities to alternate 
     locations. The plan should establish a process for setting 
     and ranking these facilities, with priority placed on current 
     ARS facilities conducting high priority research with a low 
     facility condition index. The report should clearly describe 
     the proposed relocation, include estimated costs for 
     completing the relocation, and address any legal barriers 
     that may exist for the proposed location.


                        BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

       For ARS Buildings and Facilities, the agreement provides an 
     appropriation of $45,000,000 for priorities identified in the 
     USDA ARS Capital Investment Strategy, April 2012.

               National Institute of Food and Agriculture


                   RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

       The agreement provides $786,874,000 for the National 
     Institute of Food and Agriculture's research and education 
     activities.
       The agreement directs that not less than 15 percent of the 
     competitive research grant funds be used for USDA's 
     agricultural research enhancement awards program, including 
     USDA-EPSCoR.
       The following table reflects the amounts provided by the 
     agreement:

    NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
                               ACTIVITIES
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hatch Act.......................  7 U.S.C. 361a-i....           $243,701
McIntire-Stennis Cooperative      16 U.S.C. 582a                  33,961
 Forestry Act.                     through a-7.
Research at 1890 Institutions     7 U.S.C. 3222......             52,485
 (Evans-Allen Program).
Payments to the 1994              7 U.S.C. 301 note..              3,439
 Institutions.
Education Grants for 1890         7 U.S.C. 3152(b)...             19,336
 Institutions.
Education Grants for Hispanic-    7 U.S.C. 3241......              9,219
 Serving Institutions.
Education Grants for Alaska       7 U.S.C. 3156......              3,194
 Native and Native Hawaiian-
 Serving Institutions.
Research Grants for 1994          7 U.S.C. 301 note..              1,801
 Institutions.
Capacity Building for Non Land-   7 U.S.C. 3319i.....              4,500
 Grant Colleges of Agriculture.
Grants for Insular Areas........  7 U.S.C. 3222b-2,                2,000
                                   3362 and 3363.
Agriculture and Food Research     7 U.S.C. 450i(b)...            325,000
 Initiative.
Veterinary Medicine Loan          7 U.S.C. 3151a.....              5,000
 Repayment.
Continuing Animal Health and      7 U.S.C. 3195......              4,000
 Disease Research Program.
Supplemental and Alternative      7 U.S.C. 3319d.....                825
 Crops.
Multicultural Scholars, Graduate  7 U.S.C. 3152(b)...              9,000
 Fellowship and Institution
 Challenge Grants.
Secondary and 2-year Post-        7 U.S.C. 3152(j)...                900
 Secondary Education.
Aquaculture Centers.............  7 U.S.C. 3322......              4,000
Sustainable Agriculture Research  7 U.S.C. 5811,                  22,667
 and Education.                    5812, 5831, and
                                   5832.
Farm Business Management........  7 U.S.C. 5925f.....              1,450
Sun Grant Program...............  7 U.S.C. 8114......              2,500
Minor Crop Pest Management (IR-   7 U.S.C. 450i(c)...             11,913
 4).
Alfalfa and Forage Research       7 U.S.C. 5925......              1,350
 Program.
Special Research Grants:........  7 U.S.C. 450i(c)...
    Global Change/UV Monitoring.  ...................              1,405
    Potato Research.............  ...................              1,350
    Aquaculture Research........  ...................              1,350
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Special Research   ...................              4,105
         Grants.
Necessary Expenses of Research
 and Education Activities:
    Grants Management System....  ...................              7,830
    Federal Administration--      ...................              6,387
     Other Necessary Expenses
     for Research and Education
     Activities.
    GSA Rent and DHS Security     ...................              6,311
     Expenses.
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Necessary          ...................             20,528
         Expenses.
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Research and       ...................           $786,874
         Education Activities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page H9310]]

              NATIVE AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS ENDOWMENT FUND

       The agreement provides $11,880,000 for the Native American 
     Institutions Endowment Fund.


                          EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

       The agreement provides $471,691,000 for the National 
     Institute of Food and Agriculture's extension activities.
       The following table reflects the amounts provided by the 
     agreement:

     NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smith-Lever, Section 3(b) and     7 U.S.C. 343(b) and           $300,000
 (c) programs and Cooperative      (c) and 208(c) of
 Extension.                        P.L. 93-471.
Extension Services at 1890        7 U.S.C. 3221......             43,920
 Institutions.
Extension Services at 1994        7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3).              4,446
 Institutions.
Facility Improvements at 1890     7 U.S.C. 3222b.....             19,730
 Institutions.
Renewable Resources Extension     16 U.S.C. 1671 et                4,060
 Act.                              seq..
Rural Health and Safety           7 U.S.C. 2662(i)...              1,500
 Education Programs.
Food Animal Residue Avoidance     7 U.S.C. 7642......              1,250
 Database Program.
Women and Minorities in STEM      7 U.S.C. 5925......                400
 Fields.
Food Safety Outreach Program....  7 U.S.C. 7625......              2,500
Smith-Lever, Section 3(d):......  7 U.S.C. 343(d)....
    Food and Nutrition Education  ...................             67,934
    Farm Safety and Youth Farm    ...................              4,610
     Safety Education Programs.
    New Technologies for          ...................              1,550
     Agricultural Extension.
    Children, Youth, and          ...................              8,395
     Families at Risk.
    Federally Recognized Tribes   ...................              3,039
     Extension Program.
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Section 3(d).....  ...................             85,528
Necessary Expenses of Extension
 Activities:
    Agriculture in the K-12       ...................                552
     Classroom.
    Federal Administration--      ...................              7,805
     Other Necessary Expenses
     for Extension Activities.
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Necessary          ...................              8,357
         Expenses.
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Extension          ...................           $471,691
         Activities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES

       The agreement provides $30,900,000 for the National 
     Institute of Food and Agriculture's integrated activities.
       The following table reflects the amounts provided by the 
     agreement:

    NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Methyl Bromide Transition         7 U.S.C. 7626......             $2,000
 Program.
Organic Transition Program......  7 U.S.C. 7626......              4,000
Regional Rural Development        7 U.S.C. 450i(c)...              1,000
 Centers.
Food and Agriculture Defense      7 U.S.C. 3351......              6,700
 Initiative.
Crop Protection/Pest Management   7 U.S.C. 7626......             17,200
 Program.
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Integrated Activities  ...................            $30,900
------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs

       The agreement provides $898,000 for the Office of the Under 
     Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

               Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service


                         Salaries and Expenses

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $871,315,000 for the Animal and 
     Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Salaries and 
     Expenses.
       The APHIS agreement includes several programmatic increases 
     to enhance ongoing initiatives, mitigate potential threats, 
     and address high priority concerns. Included in the APHIS 
     funding level are an increase of $2,000,000 for Overseas 
     Technical and Trade Operations activities in order to help 
     resolve sanitary and phytosanitary trade issues that could 
     result in the opening of new markets and retaining and 
     expanding existing market access for U.S. agricultural 
     products; an increase of $250,000 for the National Veterinary 
     Stockpile to assist in the supply of critical veterinary 
     countermeasures that would be used for emergency preparedness 
     and response efforts in the event of an intentional or 
     unintentional introduction of an animal disease into the U.S. 
     market; an increase of $2,000,000 for the Swine Health 
     program in support of increased biosecurity and herd 
     management efforts for the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus; 
     an increase of $4,500,000 for the Citrus Health Response 
     Program to help address the damaging effects of citrus 
     greening disease; an increase of $2,600,000 for Wildlife 
     Damage Management for priority initiatives such as oral 
     rabies vaccinations, livestock protection, predator damage 
     management, and preventing the transport of invasive snakes 
     and other harmful species; and an increase of $740,000 for 
     Biotechnology Regulatory Services to address the backlog of 
     product petitions awaiting determination.
       There continues to be concern about the time it takes the 
     agency to review biotechnology product petitions for 
     regulatory determination. The agency is encouraged to reduce 
     the backlog of petitions that still remains and reduce the 
     number of petitions awaiting determination. The agreement 
     provides the funding necessary to ensure regulatory decisions 
     can be made in a more timely and predictable manner.
       The agreement includes no less than $3,000,000 for cervid 
     health activities. Within the funds provided, APHIS should 
     give consideration to indemnity payments if warranted.
       APHIS' inspection data demonstrates that there was 
     inconsistency in conducting horse inspections during recent 
     shows. Due to the subjective nature of the horse inspections, 
     the agency is encouraged to provide greater transparency, 
     more written communication with stakeholders on the rules and 
     regulations such as the scar rule, and improved consistency 
     to the extent possible when enforcing the Horse Protection 
     Act.
       The agreement provides $26,000,000 under Wildlife Damage 
     Management for national rabies management, surveillance, and 
     eradication efforts.
       APHIS recently proposed rules regarding adjustment to fees 
     for Agricultural Quarantine Inspection services and overtime 
     reimbursement rates that affect a wide variety of industries, 
     including pest treatment providers, cargo and passenger 
     vessels, international and domestic shippers, importers, and 
     the ports. The proposed changes are significant, and it is 
     expected that comments received during the initial rulemaking 
     process will be considered in drafting the final rule. The 
     agency is directed to meet with impacted stakeholders within 
     30 days of enactment to share updated information about the 
     regulatory changes prior to publishing a final rule on the 
     matter.
       The agreement includes $6,700,000 for the National Animal 
     Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). Funding shall be 
     administered in consultation with the NAHLN Coordinating 
     Council.
       The following table reflects the agreement:

               ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal Health Technical Services.....................            $35,339
Aquatic Animal Health................................              2,253
Avian Health.........................................             52,340
Cattle Health........................................             92,500
Equine, Cervid & Small Ruminant Health...............             19,500
National Veterinary Stockpile........................              3,973
Swine Health.........................................             24,250
Veterinary Biologics.................................             16,417
Veterinary Diagnostics...............................             31,540
Zoonotic Disease Management..........................              9,523
                                                      ------------------
    Subtotal, Animal Health..........................            287,635
                                                      ==================
Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (Appropriated)....             26,900
Cotton Pests.........................................             11,520
Field Crop & Rangeland Ecosystems Pests..............              8,826
Pest Detection.......................................             27,446
Plant Protection Methods Development.................             20,686
Specialty Crop Pests.................................            156,000

[[Page H9311]]

 
Tree & Wood Pests....................................             54,000
                                                      ------------------
    Subtotal, Plant Health...........................            305,378
                                                      ==================
Wildlife Damage Management...........................             90,027
Wildlife Services Methods Development................             18,856
                                                      ------------------
    Subtotal, Wildlife Services......................            108,883
                                                      ==================
Animal & Plant Health Regulatory Enforcement.........             16,224
Biotechnology Regulatory Services....................             18,875
                                                      ------------------
    Subtotal, Regulatory Services....................             35,099
                                                      ==================
Contingency Fund.....................................                470
Emergency Preparedness & Response....................             16,966
                                                      ------------------
    Subtotal, Emergency Management...................             17,436
                                                      ==================
Agriculture Import/Export............................             14,099
Overseas Technical & Trade Operations................             22,114
                                                      ------------------
    Subtotal, Safe Trade.............................             36,213
                                                      ==================
Animal Welfare.......................................             28,010
Horse Protection.....................................                697
                                                      ------------------
    Subtotal, Animal Welfare.........................             28,707
                                                      ==================
APHIS Information Technology Infrastructure..........              4,251
Physical/Operational Security........................              5,146
GSA Rental and DHS Security Payments.................             42,567
                                                      ------------------
    Subtotal, Agency Management......................             51,964
                                                      ==================
        Total, Direct Appropriation..................           $871,315
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

       The agreement provides $3,175,000 for Animal and Plant 
     Health Inspection Service Buildings and Facilities.

                     Agricultural Marketing Service


                           MARKETING SERVICES

       The agreement provides $81,192,000 for the Agricultural 
     Marketing Service.
       Within 15 days of final resolution, including all pending 
     appeals, or May 1, 2015, whichever comes first, the Secretary 
     of Agriculture, in consultation with the U.S. Trade 
     Representative, shall submit to the Committees and the 
     Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
     the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
     Senate a report that contains the Secretary's recommendations 
     for any changes in Federal law that would be required for the 
     establishment and implementation of a country of origin 
     labeling program with respect to beef, pork, and poultry that 
     does not conflict with, or is in any manner inconsistent 
     with, the trade obligations of the United States, taking into 
     account the findings contained in the report of the 
     compliance panel established by the Dispute Settlement Body 
     of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for purposes of the WTO 
     disputes ``United States--Certain Country of Origin Labelling 
     (COOL) Requirements (DS384 and DS386)'', including the 
     available results of all pending appeals.
       There is concern that the Secretary has started a process 
     for establishing a second beef checkoff program under the 
     Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. 
     An overwhelming majority of cattle producers do not support 
     paying assessments into two separate beef checkoff programs 
     operating simultaneously. The Secretary is directed not to 
     implement a second duplicative beef checkoff program.


                 LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

       The agreement includes a limitation on administrative 
     expenses of $60,709,000.


    FUNDS FOR STRENGTHENING MARKETS, INCOME, AND SUPPLY (SECTION 32)


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $20,186,000 for Funds for 
     Strengthening Markets, Income, and Supply.
       The following table reflects the status of this fund for 
     fiscal year 2015:

       ESTIMATED TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE AND BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation (30% of Customs Receipts)..............         $9,714,923
Less Transfers:
    Food & Nutrition Service.........................         -8,355,671
    Commerce Department..............................           -143,738
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Transfers.............................         -8,499,409
Prior Year Appropriation Available, Start of Year....            187,486
Unavailable for Obligations (recoveries & offsetting                 ---
 collections)........................................
Transfer of Prior Year Funds to FNS (F&V)............           -119,000
Budget Authority.....................................          1,284,000
Rescission of Current Year Funds.....................           -121,094
Appropriations Temporarily Reduced--Sequestration....            -81,906
Unavailable for Obligations (F&V Transfer to FNS)....           -122,000
                                                      ------------------
Available for Obligation.............................            959,000
Less Obligations:
    Child Nutrition Programs (Entitlement                        465,000
     Commodities)....................................
    State Option Contract............................              5,000
    Removal of Defective Commodities.................              2,500
    Emergency Surplus Removal........................                ---
    Small Business Support...........................                ---
    Disaster Relief..................................              5,000
    Additional Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts Purchases            206,000
    Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program................             40,000
    Estimated Future Needs...........................            180,604
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Commodity Procurement.................            904,104
Administrative Funds:
    Commodity Purchase Support.......................             34,710
    Marketing Agreements and Orders..................             20,186
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Administrative Funds..................             54,896
                                                      ------------------
        Total Obligations............................            959,000
Unavailable for Obligations (F&V Transfer to FNS)....            122,000
Balances, Collections, and Recoveries Not Available..                ---
                                                      ------------------
    Total, End of Year Balances......................           $122,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                   PAYMENTS TO STATES AND POSSESSIONS

       The agreement provides $1,235,000 for Payments to States 
     and Possessions.

        Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $43,048,000 for the Grain 
     Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.


        LIMITATION ON INSPECTION AND WEIGHING SERVICES EXPENSES

       The agreement includes a limitation on inspection and 
     weighing services expenses of $50,000,000.

             Office of the Under Secretary For Food Safety

       The agreement provides $816,000 for the Office of the Under 
     Secretary for Food Safety.

                   Food Safety and Inspection Service

       The agreement provides $1,016,474,000 for the Food Safety 
     and Inspection Service (FSIS).
       There remains concern about countering economic fraud and 
     improving the safety of the U.S. seafood supply. FSIS, in 
     conjunction with other USDA agencies and FDA, is encouraged 
     to support developing technologies that will provide rapid, 
     portable, and facile screening of food fish species at port 
     sites and wholesale and retail centers.
       The following table reflects the agreement:

                   FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal..............................................           $900,641
State................................................             60,905
International........................................             16,589
Codex Alimentarius...................................              3,759
Public Health Data Communications Infrastructure                  34,580
 System..............................................
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Food Safety and Inspection Service........         $1,016,474
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural 
                                Services

       The agreement provides $898,000 for the Office of the Under 
     Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services.

                          Farm Service Agency


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $1,200,180,000 for the Farm Service 
     Agency.
       The agreement includes sufficient funding to maintain 
     staffing levels and does not support the significant funding 
     and staffing shifts proposed in the budget request. The 
     agreement does not permit the closure of 250 Farm Service 
     Agency (FSA) county offices or the elimination of 815 non-
     federal staff years, as proposed in the budget. The agreement 
     reiterates dissatisfaction with the agency's budget 
     submission. The budget request did not provide a rationale 
     for the proposed office closures and staffing changes, did 
     not clearly describe the effect of those proposed actions, 
     and did not include a timeline for the implementation that 
     demonstrates how savings could be achieved. Therefore, the 
     agreement includes a temporary moratorium on closing offices 
     and relocating employees until a comprehensive assessment of 
     workload, based on new farm bill requirements, can be 
     conducted by the agency. FSA is directed to initiate a 
     workload analysis to assess the impact of new farm bill 
     programs on current and future activities in county offices 
     nationwide and complete this analysis by August 1, 2015. In 
     addition, the agreement directs the agency to enter into a 
     contract with an independent third-party, the National 
     Academy of Public Administration, and includes $900,000 to 
     conduct this independent review of the workload analysis and 
     determine a clear path forward to ensure the agency continues 
     to provide the highest level of customer service. The 
     independent review shall begin within 30 days after 
     completion of the workload analysis by FSA and the review 
     shall be submitted to the Committees no later than one year 
     after FSA has contracted with the third-party entity.
       The agreement includes funding for FSA's information 
     technology (IT) needs in order for the agency to effectively 
     and efficiently deliver farm programs to farmers, ranchers, 
     and producers. In response to significant concerns regarding 
     USDA's management of certain IT projects, especially the 
     Modernize and Innovate the Delivery of Agricultural Systems 
     (MIDAS) program, the agreement includes statutory language 
     that allows FSA to release funds for IT projects only after 
     it meets certain reporting requirements. The agreement 
     includes such controls in response to USDA's mismanagement of 
     funds and IT projects, including the use of funds intended 
     for salaries and expenses for MIDAS. It is important to note 
     that USDA derived such additional funds from a hiring freeze 
     of FSA personnel--an action unknown to and never endorsed by 
     the Congress. The Department's mismanagement of the MIDAS 
     program is of greatest concern. MIDAS was intended to deliver 
     a modernized, secure, and integrated IT solution. The 
     planning for MIDAS began over 10 years ago, and after 
     spending over $400 million, USDA ended the MIDAS project by 
     redefining the scope of the project and failing to deliver 
     what USDA had promised Congress and the agricultural 
     community. USDA is directed to deliver a modernized 
     functional system that: builds existing farm program 
     applications into an integrated system; delivers increased 
     efficiency and security; retires redundant legacy systems; 
     eliminates the path of siloed legacy applications; 
     capitalizes on the investment that

[[Page H9312]]

     USDA has already made in the enterprise platform; addresses 
     the new requirements required by the 2014 farm bill; and 
     improves upon the capabilities originally promised to 
     Congress and the Nation's farmers and ranchers. Further, the 
     Secretary is directed to continue monthly briefings for the 
     Committees regarding all IT projects and activities related 
     to farm program delivery.
       The Secretary is directed to operate the marketing 
     assistance loan program in a way that encourages redemption 
     and minimizes forfeitures of loan commodities to the Federal 
     government, and enables the orderly marketing of loan 
     commodities throughout the year. Further, the Secretary shall 
     ensure that the marketing assistance loan program remains a 
     viable tool for all producers to use in marketing loan 
     commodities freely and competitively.
       The following table reflects the agreement:

 
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salaries and expenses................................         $1,200,180
Transfer from P.L. 480...............................              2,528
Transfer from Export Loans...........................                354
Transfer from ACIF...................................            306,998
                                                      ------------------
    Total, FSA Salaries and expenses.................         $1,510,060
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         STATE MEDIATION GRANTS

       The agreement provides $3,404,000 for State Mediation 
     Grants.


               GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $5,526,000 for the Grassroots Source 
     Water Protection Program.


                        DAIRY INDEMNITY PROGRAM

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $500,000 for the Dairy Indemnity 
     Program.


           AGRICULTURAL CREDIT INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The following table reflects the agreement:

 
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm Ownership Loans:
    Direct.....................................             ($1,500,000)
    Subsidy....................................                      ---
    Guaranteed.................................              (2,000,000)
    Subsidy....................................                      ---
Farm Operating Loans:
    Direct.....................................              (1,252,004)
    Subsidy....................................                   63,101
    Unsubsidized Guaranteed....................              (1,393,443)
    Subsidy....................................                   14,770
Emergency Loans................................                 (34,667)
    Subsidy....................................                      856
Indian Tribe Land Acquisition Loans............                  (2,000)
    Subsidy....................................                       --
Conservation Loans--Guaranteed.................                (150,000)
    Subsidy....................................                       --
Indian Highly Fractionated Land................                 (10,000)
    Subsidy....................................                       --
Boll Weevil Eradication........................                 (60,000)
    Subsidy....................................                       --
ACIF Expenses:
    Salaries and Expenses......................                 $306,998
    Administrative Expenses....................                   $7,920
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         Risk Management Agency


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $74,829,000 for the Risk Management 
     Agency.

                              CORPORATIONS

                Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund

       The agreement provides an appropriation of such sums as may 
     be necessary for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund.

                   Commodity Credit Corporation Fund


                 REIMBURSEMENT FOR NET REALIZED LOSSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides an appropriation of such sums as may 
     be necessary for Reimbursement for Net Realized Losses of the 
     Commodity Credit Corporation.


                       HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

                        (LIMITATION ON EXPENSES)

       The agreement provides a limitation of $5,000,000 for 
     Hazardous Waste Management.

                    TITLE II--CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

  Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment

       The agreement provides $898,000 for the Office of the Under 
     Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment.

                 Natural Resources Conservation Service


                        CONSERVATION OPERATIONS

       The agreement provides $846,428,000 for Conservation 
     Operations.
       The agreement provides $9,300,000 for the Snow Survey and 
     Water Forecasting Program; $9,400,000 for the Plant Materials 
     Centers; $80,000,000 for the Soil Surveys Program; and 
     $747,728,000 for conservation technical assistance.


                    WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $12,000,000 for the Watershed 
     Rehabilitation Program.

                 TITLE III--RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

          Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development

       The agreement provides $898,000 for the Office of the Under 
     Secretary for Rural Development.

                           Rural Development


                         Salaries and Expenses

                     (Including Transfers of Funds)

       The agreement provides $224,201,000 for Rural Development, 
     Salaries and Expenses.

                         Rural Housing Service


              Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account

                     (Including Transfers of Funds)

       The agreement provides a total subsidy of $510,943,000 for 
     activities under the Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program 
     Account. This includes a transfer of $415,100,000 to the 
     Rural Development, Salaries and Expenses account.
       The agreement directs the Department to provide a report to 
     the Committees by March 1, 2015, describing in detail the 
     proposal to charge lenders a Guaranteed Underwriting User 
     Fee. At a minimum, the report should include information 
     regarding the current Guaranteed Underwriting System, the 
     need and plan to enhance and maintain the system, the lenders 
     that will utilize the system, the effect on borrowers, the 
     use of collected fees for enhancement and maintenance 
     purposes, and how the Department intends to manage and 
     account for the collected fees.
       The following table indicates loan, subsidy, and grant 
     levels provided by the agreement:

 
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan authorizations:
    Single family direct (sec. 502)..................         ($900,000)
    Single family unsubsidized guaranteed............       (24,000,000)
    Housing repair (sec. 504)........................           (26,279)
    Rental housing (sec. 515)........................           (28,398)
    Multi-family guaranteed (sec. 538)...............          (150,000)
    Credit sales of acquired property................           (10,000)
    Self-help housing land development (sec. 523)....            (5,000)
    Site development loans (sec. 524)................            (5,000)
    Farm labor housing...............................           (23,602)
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Loan authorizations...................      ($25,148,279)
Loan subsidies:
    Single family direct (sec. 502)..................            $66,420
    Housing repair (sec. 504)........................              3,687
    Rental housing (sec. 515)........................              9,800
    Farm labor housing...............................              7,600
                                                      ------------------
    Subtotal, Loan subsidies.........................             87,507
    Farm labor housing grants........................              8,336
                                                      ------------------
    Total, loan subsidies and grants.................             95,843
    Administrative expenses (transfer to RD).........            415,100
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Loan subsidies, grants, and                      $510,943
         administrative expenses.....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $1,088,500,000 for the Rental 
     Assistance Program.
       The agreement directs the Department to provide a report no 
     later than June 1, 2015, regarding implementation of the new 
     authority related to the Rental Assistance Program. At a 
     minimum, the report should include information on the 
     timeline for implementation; the contracts and properties 
     affected; any mitigation measures the Department utilized; 
     the status of the transition to the new process for 
     determining rental rates; and the effect on the program as a 
     whole.


          MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REVITALIZATION PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The agreement provides $24,000,000 for the Multi-Family 
     Housing Revitalization Program Account. This includes 
     $7,000,000 for vouchers and $17,000,000 for a housing 
     preservation demonstration program.


                  Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants

       The agreement provides $27,500,000 for Mutual and Self-Help 
     Housing Grants.


                    Rural Housing Assistance Grants

       The agreement provides $32,239,000 for Rural Housing 
     Assistance Grants.
       The following table reflects the grant levels provided by 
     the agreement:

 
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very-low income housing repair grants................            $28,701
Housing preservation grants..........................              3,538
                                                      ------------------
  Total, grants......................................            $32,239
------------------------------------------------------------------------

               RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $30,278,000 for the Rural Community 
     Facilities Program Account.
       The following table reflects the loan, subsidy, and grant 
     amounts provided by the agreement:

 
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Authorizations:
    CF direct loans..................................       ($2,200,000)
    CF guaranteed loans..............................           (73,222)
Loan Subsidies and Grants:
    CF guaranteed loans..............................              3,500
    CF grants........................................             13,000
    Rural Community Development Initiative...........              4,000
    Economic Impact Initiative.......................              5,778
    Tribal College Grants............................              4,000
                                                      ------------------
        Total, subsidies and grants..................            $30,278
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                   Rural Business-Cooperative Service


                     RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $74,000,000 for the Rural Business 
     Program Account.
       The following table reflects the loan, subsidy, and grant 
     levels provided by the agreement:

 
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guaranteed loan authorization........................         ($919,765)
Guaranteed loan subsidy..............................             47,000
Rural business development grants....................             24,000
Delta Regional Authority.............................              3,000
                                                      ------------------
  Total, subsidy and grants..........................            $74,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page H9313]]

              INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM FUND ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $10,257,000 for the Rural 
     Development Loan Fund Program Account.
       The agreement provides for a transfer of $4,439,000 to the 
     Rural Development, Salaries and Expenses account.
       The following table reflects the loan and subsidy levels 
     provided by the agreement:

 
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan authorization...................................          ($18,889)
Loan subsidy.........................................              5,818
Administrative expenses (Transfer to RD).............              4,439
                                                      ------------------
  Total, subsidy and administrative expenses.........            $10,257
------------------------------------------------------------------------

            RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $33,077,000 for the Rural Economic 
     Development Loans Program Account.


                  RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

       The agreement provides $22,050,000 for Rural Cooperative 
     Development Grants.


                    RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $1,350,000 for the Rural Energy for 
     America Program.

                        Rural Utilities Service


             RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $464,857,000 for the Rural Water and 
     Waste Disposal Program Account.
       The following table reflects the loan, subsidy, and grant 
     levels provided by the agreement:

 
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan authorizations:
    Water and waste direct loans.....................       ($1,200,000)
    Water and waste guaranteed loans.................           (50,000)
Subsidies and grants:
    Guaranteed loan subsidy..........................                295
    Water and waste revolving fund...................              1,000
    Water well system grants.........................                993
    Grants for Colonias, Native Americans, Alaskan                66,500
     Native Villages, and Hawaiian Home Lands:.......
    Water and waste technical assistance grants......             19,000
    Circuit Rider program............................             15,919
    Solid waste management grants....................              4,000
    High energy cost grants..........................             10,000
    Water and waste disposal grants..................            347,150
                                                      ------------------
        Total, subsidies and grants..................           $464,857
------------------------------------------------------------------------



 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  December 11, 2014, on page H9313, in the second table in the 
first column, typographical errors appeared in the stub column 
entry Grants for Colonias, Native Americans, Alaskan Native 
Villages, and Hawaiian Home Lands.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read as shown below.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 



   RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $34,478,000 for activities under the 
     Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program 
     Account. The agreement provides for an estimated loan level 
     of $6,190,000,000.
       The agreement provides for a transfer of $34,478,000 to the 
     Rural Development, Salaries and Expenses account.
       The following table indicates loan levels provided by the 
     agreement:

 
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan authorizations:
  Electric:
  Direct, FFB........................................       ($5,000,000)
    Guaranteed underwriting..........................          (500,000)
                                                      ------------------
      Subtotal.......................................        (5,500,000)
Telecommunications...................................          (690,000)
                                                      ------------------
    Total, loan authorizations.......................        (6,190,000)
                                                      ==================
Administrative expenses (transfer to RD).............             34,478
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Loan subsidies and administrative expenses            $34,478
------------------------------------------------------------------------

         DISTANCE LEARNING, TELEMEDICINE, AND BROADBAND PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $36,872,000 for the Distance 
     Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program.
       The agreement provides $22,000,000 for grants for 
     telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas. 
     The agreement provides $3,000,000 for telemedicine and 
     distance learning grants for health needs in the Mississippi 
     River Delta area.
       The agreement provides $10,372,000 for grants to finance 
     broadband transmission and Internet services in unserved 
     rural areas.
       The agreement provides an estimated loan level of 
     $24,077,000 and $4,500,000 in subsidy for broadband 
     telecommunications.

                    TITLE IV--DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS

    Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer 
                                Services

       The agreement provides $816,000 for the Office of the Under 
     Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services.

                       Food and Nutrition Service


                        CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $21,300,170,000 for Child Nutrition 
     Programs. Included in the total is an appropriated amount of 
     $12,944,499,000 and a transfer from Section 32 of 
     $8,355,671,000.
       Some schools are having difficulty complying with the 100 
     percent whole grain requirement that went into effect July 1, 
     2014, and there is concern about further reductions in the 
     sodium requirements for school meals. In lieu of the language 
     in the House and Senate reports on School Meals, the 
     agreement provides bill language pertaining to whole grain 
     and sodium standards. The Secretary is directed to allow 
     States to grant an exemption from the whole grain 
     requirements to those school food authorities that 
     demonstrate a hardship, including financial hardship, in 
     procuring whole grain products. Additionally, sodium 
     standards cannot be reduced below Target 1 until the latest 
     scientific research establishes the reduction is beneficial 
     for children.
       The agreement directs the Secretary to use the authority 
     under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 to allow 
     States to vary the frequency of monitoring and compliance 
     reviews of each school food authority based on past school 
     performance, with no cycle extending more than five years. 
     The Secretary shall submit a report to the Committees that 
     describes the Department's process for allowing States to 
     prioritize monitoring and compliance reviews.
       USDA issued a proposed rule in the Federal Register on 
     February 4, 2014, titled ``Professional Standards for State 
     and Local School Nutrition Programs Personnel.''As this 
     process moves forward, USDA is encouraged to work with 
     schools to ensure this regulation does not result in 
     unintended consequences.
       The agreement provides the following for Child Nutrition 
     Programs:

                      TOTAL OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Child Nutrition Programs:
    School lunch program.............................        $11,996,089
    School breakfast program.........................          3,959,929
    Child and adult care food program................          3,195,866
    Summer food service program......................            495,521
    Special milk program.............................             11,216
    State administrative expenses....................            263,686
    Commodity procurement............................          1,255,510
    Food safety education............................              2,718
    Coordinated review...............................             10,000
    Computer support and processing..................             11,250
    CACFP training and technical assistance..........              8,137
    Child Nutrition Program studies and evaluations..             20,079
    Child Nutrition payment accuracy.................              9,904
    Farm to school tactical team.....................              2,261
    Team Nutrition...................................             15,504
    Healthier US Schools Challenge...................              1,500
    School meals equipment grants....................             25,000
    Summer EBT demonstration.........................             16,000
                                                      ------------------
        Total........................................        $21,300,170
------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN 
                                 (WIC)

       The agreement provides $6,623,000,000 for the Special 
     Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and 
     Children (WIC).
       Based upon revised USDA estimates, the agreement fully 
     funds all eligible WIC participants in fiscal year 2015. The 
     agreement includes $25,000,000 for States to continue 
     transitioning from paper checks and vouchers to an Electronic 
     Benefit Transfer (EBT) system. EBT is a proven, effective 
     tool in combatting waste, fraud, and abuse, and all WIC state 
     agencies are mandated to have an EBT system in place by 
     October 1, 2020.


               SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $81,837,570,000 for the Supplemental 
     Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The agreement includes 
     $3,000,000,000 to be made available for a contingency 
     reserve. The agreement provides a funding level for SNAP 
     benefits as reflected in OMB's mid-session review of the 
     budget.
       The agreement provides the following for the Supplemental 
     Nutrition Assistance Program:

                      TOTAL OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program:
    Benefits.........................................        $71,035,786
    Contingency Reserve..............................          3,000,000
    State Administrative Costs.......................          4,122,994
    Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant             407,000
     Program.........................................
    Employment and Training..........................            447,227
    Mandatory Other Program Costs....................            174,992
    Discretionary Other Program Costs................                998
    Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico (NAP).......          1,951,397
    Nutrition Assistance for American Samoa..........              7,837
    Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.            145,191
    TEFAP Commodities................................            327,000
    Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.....             12,148
    Community Food Projects..........................              9,000
    E&T Work Pilot...................................            190,000
    Pilots and Demonstration Projects................              1,000
    Program Access...................................              5,000
                                                      ------------------
        Total........................................        $81,837,570
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      COMMODITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $278,501,000 for the Commodity 
     Assistance Program. This total provides $211,482,000 for the 
     Commodity Supplemental Food Program to fully fund existing 
     caseload in fiscal year 2015 and includes $2,800,000 to begin 
     service in seven additional States with approved plans. The 
     agreement provides $16,548,000 for the Farmers' Market 
     Nutrition Program; $49,401,000 for TEFAP administrative 
     funding; and $1,070,000 for Pacific Island Assistance.


                   NUTRITION PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION

       The agreement includes $150,824,000 for Nutrition Programs 
     Administration.
       There is concern that the advisory committee for the 2015 
     Dietary Guidelines for Americans is considering issues 
     outside of the nutritional focus of the panel. The advisory 
     committee is showing an interest in incorporating agriculture 
     production practices and environmental factors into their 
     criteria for establishing the next dietary recommendations. 
     The agreement expects the Secretary to ensure that the 
     advisory committee focuses on nutrient and dietary 
     recommendations based upon sound nutrition

[[Page H9314]]

     science. The agreement directs the Secretary to only include 
     nutrition and dietary information, not extraneous factors, in 
     the final 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

            TITLE V--FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS

                      Foreign Agricultural Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $181,423,000 for the Foreign 
     Agricultural Service, Salaries and Expenses and transfers of 
     $6,394,000.
       The agreement directs the agency to incorporate the 
     outcome-based measures for trade promotion as recommended in 
     the Inspector General Audit Report 50601-0001-22 into its 
     fiscal year 2016 budget justifications. In addition, the 
     agency is directed to include budget estimates, major object 
     class percentages, and authority for the programs, projects, 
     and activities it carries out, including the middle-income 
     country training programs and the Borlaug Fellowship program.


  FOOD FOR PEACE TITLE I DIRECT CREDIT AND FOOD FOR PROGRESS PROGRAM 
                                ACCOUNT

              (INCLUDING RESCISSION AND TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $2,528,000 for administrative 
     expenses for the Food for Peace Title I Direct Credit and 
     Food for Progress Program Account to be transferred to and 
     merged with the appropriation for ``Farm Service Agency, 
     Salaries and Expenses''.


                     FOOD FOR PEACE TITLE II GRANTS

       The agreement provides $1,466,000,000 for Food for Peace 
     Title II Grants.


  MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION 
                             PROGRAM GRANTS

       The agreement provides $191,626,000 for the McGovern-Dole 
     International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.


              COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION EXPORT (LOANS)

                    CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $6,748,000 for the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation Export Loans Credit Guarantee Program Account.

       TITLE VI--RELATED AGENCY AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

                Department of Health and Human Services


                      FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $2,588,536,000 in new discretionary 
     budget authority and $1,854,820,000 in definite user fees for 
     a total of $4,443,356,000 for Food and Drug Administration, 
     Salaries and Expenses. The agreement provides specific 
     amounts by FDA activity as reflected in the following table:

            FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION--SALARIES & EXPENSES
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget Authority:
    Foods............................................           $903,403
    Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.....            279,994
        Field Activities.............................            623,409
    Human Drugs......................................            482,287
    Center for Drug Evaluation and Research..........            346,080
        Field Activities.............................            136,207
    Biologics........................................            211,382
    Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.....            171,096
        Field Activities.............................             40,286
    Animal Drugs and Feeds...........................            147,577
    Center for Veterinary Medicine...................             93,505
        Field Activities.............................             54,072
    Devices and Radiological Products................            320,825
    Center for Devices and Radiological Health.......            240,345
        Field Activities.............................             80,480
    National Center for Toxicological Research.......             63,331
    Other Activities/Office of the Commissioner......            174,862
    White Oak Consolidation..........................             43,044
    GSA Rent.........................................            168,882
    Other Rent and Rent Related......................             72,943
                                                      ------------------
        Subtotal, Budget Authority...................          2,588,536
User Fees:
    Prescription Drug User Fee Act...................            798,000
    Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act....            128,282
    Animal Drug User Fee Act.........................             22,464
    Animal Generic Drug User Fee Act.................              6,944
    Tobacco Product User Fees........................            566,000
    Human Generic Drug User Fee Act..................            312,116
    Biosimilar User Fee Act..........................             21,014
                                                      ------------------
        Subtotal, User Fees..........................          1,854,820
                                                      ==================
            Total, FDA Program Level.................         $4,443,356
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement includes the following increases in budget 
     authority: $27,500,000 for food safety; $15,000,000 for 
     pharmacy compounding; $4,820,000 for counterfeit drugs; 
     $3,000,000 for the National Antimicrobial Resistance 
     Monitoring System; and $2,000,000 for foreign drug 
     inspections. The agreement also accepts proposed 
     administrative savings in the amount of $15,689,000.
       The agreement includes an increase of $4,820,000 to provide 
     FDA with additional resources to investigate counterfeit 
     drugs both within the United States and internationally. 
     These funds will be used to complete undercover purchases of 
     suspected counterfeit products for testing; to remove 
     counterfeit products from the market; and to prosecute 
     criminal actors. The growing marketplace for counterfeit 
     drugs available on the Internet is particularly concerning, 
     and these funds will allow FDA to enhance its cybercrime 
     program, which will ultimately allow FDA to seek appropriate 
     criminal fines and forfeitures, and to protect the public 
     health.
       The $2,000,000 increase for foreign drug safety is provided 
     to address the growing number of human drugs produced 
     overseas and the increasing number of imported drug shipments 
     in order to ensure the continued safety and quality of these 
     products. Funds are provided to support the agency's overseas 
     inspections, work with industry and other stakeholders on 
     safety in manufacturing, strengthen agency relationships with 
     foreign regulators, and analyze trends and events that might 
     affect the safety of FDA-regulated products exported to the 
     United States. The increased funding will supplement existing 
     resources and not supplant base funds.
       During the past year, FDA has informed non-governmental 
     stakeholders of important decisions and announcements before 
     they informed the Committees. A collaborative working 
     relationship between the Committees and agency is necessary 
     to ensure efficient and effective implementation of 
     Congress's funding decisions. These actions jeopardized this 
     relationship. As such, FDA is directed to ensure the 
     Committees are notified of major changes to existing policies 
     and any significant developments in its operations prior to 
     providing non-governmental stakeholders such information.
       On December 1, 2014, FDA published a final regulation 
     entitled ``Food Labeling: Nutrition Labeling of Standard Menu 
     Items in Restaurants.'' Prior to implementation or 
     enforcement of the regulation, FDA shall work with industry 
     and other stakeholders to identify questions and concerns, 
     and provide any clarification necessary, including 
     publication of any necessary guidance, not later than March 
     1, 2015.
       Congress is closely following the advancement of the field 
     of mitochondrial manipulation technologies and is aware of a 
     study commissioned from the Institute of Medicine on 
     ``Ethical and Social Policy Considerations of Novel 
     Techniques for Prevention of Maternal Transmission of 
     Mitochondrial DNA Diseases.'' FDA is directed to notify the 
     Committees when the final report becomes available. As 
     science progresses in this field, the agency is also directed 
     to notify the Committees within three business days of 
     issuing reports or press releases related to decisions on 
     this matter, including the approval of clinical trials and 
     future reviews.
       The FDA Circular of Information for the Use of Human Blood 
     and Blood Components states that plasma from different 
     sources has identical clinical indications. Plasma from 
     manual donation may be transfused, and if not needed for that 
     indication may be sent for further manufacture into biologics 
     such as immunoglobulin, clotting factor concentrates, and 
     albumin. However, plasma from automated donation may be 
     transfused but cannot be shipped for further manufacture 
     until approximately one year after the donation. At that 
     point, the plasma is too old to be manufactured into other 
     biologics and is destroyed and wasted. FDA is directed to 
     report to the Committees on the scientific or medical 
     justification for the different post-donation manufacturing 
     policies and under what circumstances those policies might be 
     adjusted to allow for the more timely use of plasma from 
     automated donations into other biologics.
       FDA issued the proposed rule ``Supplemental Applications 
     Proposing Labeling Changes for Approved Drugs and Biological 
     Products'' in November 2013 to propose changes to the current 
     regulations and practices that govern labeling changes of an 
     approved drug or biological product to reflect certain types 
     of newly acquired safety information. In addition to FDA's 
     continued review of comments submitted in response to the 
     proposed rule, the agreement supports a listening meeting 
     between the regulated industries and FDA within 30 days of 
     enactment to consider alternative solutions to the proposed 
     rule on safety labeling that will meet all public health 
     goals relating to multisource drugs.
       The agreement directs the Commissioner to finalize the 
     Veterinary Feed Directive rule prior to April 1, 2015.
       Over the past five years FDA's responsibilities have grown 
     significantly and resources available to the agency have 
     increased more than 60 percent. There is concern that 
     oversight of FDA has not kept pace with the growth in the 
     agency's regulatory authority or funding. Therefore, the 
     agreement includes $1,500,000 for the HHS Office of Inspector 
     General specifically for oversight activities supported 
     within the Inspector General's regular appropriation. The 
     Inspector General is instructed to submit a plan to the 
     Committees on the additional oversight activities planned 
     with this funding and base funding for FDA oversight.


                        BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

       The agreement provides $8,788,000 for the Food and Drug 
     Administration Buildings and Facilities.

                           INDEPENDENT AGENCY

                       Farm Credit Administration


                 LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

       The agreement includes a limitation of $60,500,000 on 
     administrative expenses of the Farm Credit Administration.

                     TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS


             (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS AND TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       Section 701.--The agreement includes language making funds 
     available for the purchase, replacement, and hire of 
     passenger motor vehicles.

[[Page H9315]]

       Section 702.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     transfers of funds to the Working Capital Fund of the 
     Department of Agriculture.
       Section 703.--The agreement includes language limiting 
     funding provided in the bill to one year unless otherwise 
     specified.
       Section 704.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     indirect cost rates on cooperative agreements between the 
     Department of Agriculture and nonprofit institutions.
       Section 705.--The agreement includes language making 
     appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for the cost 
     of direct and guaranteed loans available until expended to 
     disburse certain obligations for certain Rural Development 
     programs.
       Section 706.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     transfer of funds to the Office of the Chief Information 
     Officer and the acquisition of information technology 
     systems.
       Section 707.--The agreement includes language making funds 
     available until expended to the Department of Agriculture to 
     disburse certain obligations for certain conservation 
     programs.
       Section 708.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     Rural Utilities Service program eligibility.
       Section 709.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     rescission of certain unobligated balances.
       Section 710.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     funds for information technology expenses.
       Section 711.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     availability of funds for liquid infant formula.
       Section 712.--The agreement includes language prohibiting 
     first-class airline travel.
       Section 713.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     availability of certain funds of the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation.
       Section 714.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     funding for advisory committees.
       Section 715.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     limitation on indirect costs for grants awarded by the 
     National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
       Section 716.--The agreement includes language regarding a 
     limitation and rescission of funds.
       Section 717.--The agreement includes language regarding a 
     limitation and rescission of funds.
       Section 718.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     user fee proposals without offsets.
       Section 719.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     reprogramming of funds and notification requirements.
       Section 720.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     fees for the guaranteed business and industry loan program.
       Section 721.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     appropriations hearing process.
       Section 722.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     government-sponsored news stories.
       Section 723.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     details and assignments of Department of Agriculture 
     employees.
       Section 724.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     Department of Agriculture's mohair program.
       Section 725.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     section 1621 of Public Law 110-246.
       Section 726.--The agreement includes language regarding a 
     pilot program for certain forest lands.
       Section 727.--The agreement includes language requiring 
     spend plans.
       Section 728.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     Food for Peace Act.
       Section 729.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     Rural Development programs.
       Section 730.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     USDA loan programs.
       Section 731.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.
       Section 732.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     Working Capital Fund of the Department of Agriculture.
       Section 733.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     farm disaster programs.
       Section 734.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     Food and Drug Administration.
       Section 735.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     limitation on certain funds.
       Section 736.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     nutrition programs.
       Section 737.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     Water Bank Act.
       Section 738.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     Department of Health and Human Services.
       Section 739.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     Rural Economic Area Partnership Zones.
       Section 740.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant Program.
       Section 741.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     Food Safety and Inspection Service.
       Section 742.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     non-recurring expenses.
       Section 743.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     emergency spending.
       Section 744.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     administrative expenses.
       Section 745.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     rescission of certain unobligated balances.
       Section 746.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     rescission of certain unobligated balances.
       Section 747.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     organic checkoff program.
       Section 748.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     rescission of certain unobligated balances.
       Section 749.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.
       Section 750.--The agreement includes language regarding the 
     use of funds for certain horse inspection activities.
       Section 751.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     school meal programs.
       Section 752.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     school meal programs.
       Section 753.--The agreement includes language regarding 
     purchases made through nutrition programs.

              TITLE VIII--EBOLA RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS

                Department of Health and Human Services


                      FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $25,000,000 for Food and Drug 
     Administration (FDA) activities related to the ongoing 
     response to the Ebola epidemic. FDA shall provide quarterly 
     obligation reports by program with specific accomplishments.
       FDA is reminded that the funding provided for this effort 
     is one-time and the agency should not engage in activities 
     that will require additional resources in future fiscal years 
     that are not included in the budget request. FDA is further 
     reminded that all funding provided to the agency is subject 
     to the reprogramming requirements in section 719 of this Act.

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     DIVISION B--COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015

       Report language included in House Report 113-448 (``the 
     House report'') or Senate Report 113-181 (``the Senate 
     report'') that is not changed by this explanatory statement 
     or this Act is approved. The explanatory statement, while 
     repeating some language for emphasis, is not intended to 
     negate the language referred to above unless expressly 
     provided herein. In cases where both the House report and the 
     Senate report address a particular issue not specifically 
     addressed in the explanatory statement, the House report and 
     the Senate report should be read as consistent and are to be 
     interpreted accordingly. In cases where the House report or 
     the Senate report directs the submission of a report, such 
     report is to be submitted to both the House and Senate 
     Committees on Appropriations (``the Committees'').
       Each department and agency funded in this Act shall follow 
     the directions set forth in this Act and the accompanying 
     statement, and shall not reallocate resources or reorganize 
     activities except as provided herein. Reprogramming 
     procedures shall apply to: funds provided in this Act; 
     unobligated balances from previous appropriations Acts that 
     are available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 
     2015; and non-appropriated resources such as fee collections 
     that are used to meet program requirements in fiscal year 
     2015. These procedures are specified in section 505 of this 
     Act.
       Any reprogramming request shall include any out-year 
     budgetary impacts and a separate accounting of program or 
     mission impacts on estimated carryover funds. Any program, 
     project or activity cited in this statement, or in the House 
     report or the Senate report and not changed by this Act or 
     statement, shall be construed as the position of the Congress 
     and shall not be subject to reductions or reprogramming 
     without prior approval of the Committees. Further, any 
     department or agency funded in this Act that plans a 
     reduction-in-force shall notify the Committees by letter no 
     later than 30 days in advance of the date of any such planned 
     personnel action.
       When a department or agency submits a reprogramming or 
     transfer request to the Committees and does not receive 
     identical responses, it shall be the responsibility of the 
     department or agency seeking the reprogramming to reconcile 
     the differences between the two bodies before proceeding. If 
     reconciliation is not possible, the items in disagreement in 
     the reprogramming or transfer request shall be considered 
     unapproved. Departments and agencies shall not submit 
     reprogramming notifications after July 1, 2015, except in 
     extraordinary circumstances. Any such notification shall 
     include a description of the extraordinary circumstances.
       In compliance with section 535 of this Act, the Departments 
     of Commerce and Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration and the National Science Foundation shall 
     submit spending plans, signed by the respective department or 
     agency head, for the Committees' review not later than 45 
     days after enactment of this Act.

                    TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

                   International Trade Administration


                     OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION

       This Act includes $472,000,000 in total resources for the 
     programs of the International Trade Administration. This 
     amount is offset by $10,000,000 in estimated fee collections, 
     resulting in a direct appropriation of $462,000,000. Within 
     funds provided, up to $9,000,000 is for the Interagency Trade 
     Enforcement Center, up to $10,000,000 is for SelectUSA, and 
     no less than the fiscal year 2014 level shall be for Global 
     Markets, subject to section 505 reprogramming requirements of 
     this Act.

                    Bureau of Industry and Security


                     OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION

       This Act includes $102,500,000 for the Bureau of Industry 
     and Security. The agreement does not include House language 
     regarding use of prior year unobligated balances.

                  Economic Development Administration

       This Act includes $250,000,000 for the programs and 
     administrative expenses of the Economic Development 
     Administration (EDA). Section 524 of this Act includes a 
     rescission of $5,000,000 in Economic Development Assistance 
     Program balances. The Department and EDA shall prioritize 
     recoveries or deobligations as sources of funds for the 
     rescission.


                ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

       This Act includes $213,000,000 for Economic Development 
     Assistance Programs. Funds are to be distributed as follows; 
     any deviation of funds shall be subject to the procedures set 
     forth in section 505 of this Act:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Works.........................................        $99,000,000
Partnership Planning.................................         30,000,000
Technical Assistance.................................         11,000,000
Research and Evaluation..............................          1,500,000
Trade Adjustment Assistance..........................         12,500,000
Economic Adjustment Assistance.......................         35,000,000
Assistance to coal communities.......................         10,000,000
Section 26 Innovative Technologies in Manufacturing            4,000,000
 Loan Guarantees.....................................
Section 27 Regional Innovation Program Grants........         10,000,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................       $213,000,000
                                                      ==================
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Section 27 programs.--The agreement does not adopt Senate 
     language regarding funding for Section 27 loan guarantees. 
     Instead, up to $5,000,000 shall be for Regional Innovation 
     Program planning grants for science park infrastructure.
       Repatriation grants.--The agreement includes $5,000,000 for 
     repatriation grants and modifies House report language to 
     clarify that EDA shall use its existing grant authorities to 
     encourage communities to submit applications for projects 
     that will support or encourage United States firms to 
     relocate their manufacturing or services back to the United 
     States.
       Trade Adjustment Assistance.--The agreement includes 
     $12,500,000 for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms 
     (TAAF) program, which is below the fiscal year 2014 level, in 
     recognition of existing carryover balances. If TAAF reduces 
     carryover balances by the end of fiscal year 2015, the 
     Committees will use this information to inform future funding 
     decisions.


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $37,000,000 for EDA salaries and 
     expenses.

                  Minority Business Development Agency


                     MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

       This Act includes $30,000,000 for the Minority Business 
     Development Agency.

                   Economic and Statistical Analysis


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $100,000,000 for Economic and Statistical 
     Analysis. The Bureau of Economic Analysis shall use existing 
     balances of up to $4,000,000 to begin collocating within the 
     Census headquarters facility. Should additional funds be 
     required during fiscal year 2015 for this consolidation, the 
     Department shall submit a notification pursuant to section 
     505 of this Act.

                          Bureau of the Census

       This Act includes $1,088,000,000 for the Bureau of the 
     Census.


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $248,000,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Bureau of the Census. Census shall collect 
     data for the Annual Social and Economic Supplement to the 
     Current Population Survey using the same health insurance 
     questions included in previous years, in addition to the 
     revised questions implemented in the Current Population 
     Survey in February 2014. Census shall ensure that the data 
     gathered is readily accessible to the public. The agreement 
     adopts by reference Senate language regarding comparisons 
     with 2010 and 2013 baseline data. Census shall brief the 
     Committees on Appropriations on the proposed methodology, 
     sample size, and questionnaire format at least 30 days before 
     it intends to implement the aforementioned requirements.


                     PERIODIC CENSUSES AND PROGRAMS

       This Act includes $840,000,000 for periodic censuses and 
     programs. The agreement does not adopt section 545 of the 
     House bill. Instead, this agreement reiterates House and 
     Senate language regarding the American Community Survey and 
     directs that Census continue efforts to assess the necessity 
     of questions included on the survey and improve non-response 
     follow-up procedures.

       National Telecommunications and Information Administration


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $38,200,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the National Telecommunications and Information 
     Administration (NTIA). This funding level reflects the 
     requested decrease of $12,264,000 associated with the 
     conclusion of the grant award portion of the Broadband 
     Technology Opportunities Program. NTIA and the Commerce 
     Inspector General (IG) shall continue to exercise grant 
     closeout and monitoring activities. The agreement reiterates 
     House and Senate language regarding reporting requirements 
     and includes up to $3,000,000 for NTIA to provide technical 
     assistance regarding broadband to communities.
       Internet governance.--The agreement reiterates House and 
     Senate language regarding the Internet Corporation for 
     Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and Internet Assigned 
     Numbers Authority (IANA) matters and modifies Senate language 
     by directing NTIA to inform appropriate Congressional 
     committees not less than 45 days in advance of any such 
     proposed successor contract or any other decision related to 
     changing NTIA's role with respect to ICANN or IANA 
     activities. In addition, NTIA shall submit a report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations within 45 days of enactment of 
     this Act regarding any recourse that would be available to 
     the United States if the decision is made to transition to a 
     new contract and any subsequent decisions made following such 
     transfer of Internet governance are deleterious to the United 
     States.

               United States Patent and Trademark Office


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       This Act includes language making available to the United 
     States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) $3,458,000,000, the 
     full amount of offsetting fee collections estimated for 
     fiscal year 2015. PTO had unobligated balances of 
     $650,957,000 at the end of fiscal year 2014.
       Addressing management failures.--PTO shall respond 
     aggressively to serious issues highlighted in two recent 
     Inspector General reports: Review of Waste and Mismanagement 
     at

[[Page H9343]]

     the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (13-1077) and Review of 
     Conduct by a High-Ranking USPTO Official in the Hiring of a 
     Trademark Organization Employee (13-0726); and a PTO Internal 
     Administrative Inquiry Report in response to Inspector 
     General Referral No.12-1196-H PTO regarding Abuse of Telework 
     Programs at PTO. The Secretary shall submit a report on these 
     matters to the Committees no later than 180 days after 
     enactment that describes additional policies and training 
     necessary to ensure that employee time and attendance is 
     appropriately managed and that nepotism is not tolerated at 
     PTO or elsewhere throughout the Department. Further, PTO and 
     the Secretary shall ensure that managers review employee 
     conduct, take appropriate actions and not turn a blind eye to 
     such abuses simply because performance, or processing of 
     patent applications, continues apace. PTO and the Department 
     of Commerce shall provide regular updates to the Committees 
     on the changes implemented in response to the problems 
     revealed in each of these reports.

             National Institute of Standards and Technology

       This Act includes $863,900,000 for the National Institute 
     of Standards and Technology (NIST).


             SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES

       This Act includes $675,500,000 for NIST's scientific and 
     technical core programs. Within amounts provided, $15,000,000 
     is for the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence; up to 
     $60,700,000 is for cybersecurity research and development; 
     $4,000,000 is for National Initiative for Cybersecurity 
     Education; and $16,500,000 is for the National Strategy for 
     Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC). House report 
     language regarding a reporting requirement on NSTIC is 
     adopted by reference. The agreement also includes up to 
     $6,000,000 for the lab-to-market program, and up to 
     $2,000,000 for urban dome programs.
       Forensics.--The agreement does not adopt House report 
     language regarding Forensic Science Advisory Committee 
     activities. Instead, the agreement acknowledges a transfer of 
     $3,000,000, the current funding level, from the Department of 
     Justice to NIST to support ongoing interagency forensic 
     programs. The agreement also supports an increase of up to 
     $3,500,000 under this heading for NIST forensic activities. 
     NIST and its Federal partners shall ensure that the State and 
     local practitioner community is adequately represented on the 
     various working groups.


                     INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

       This Act includes $138,100,000 for industrial technology 
     services, including $130,000,000 for the Hollings 
     Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The recommendation also 
     includes a total of $15,000,000 for the Advanced 
     Manufacturing Technology Consortia, which includes $8,100,000 
     in new appropriations and $6,900,000 from prior year 
     available balances.


                  CONSTRUCTION OF RESEARCH FACILITIES

       This Act includes $50,300,000 for NIST construction. NIST 
     shall prioritize activities within this amount and shall 
     provide a detailed spending plan to the Committees no later 
     than 60 days after enactment of this Act documenting how NIST 
     will allocate funds to address existing construction projects 
     in Boulder; address maintenance needs across the Boulder and 
     Gaithersburg sites; and plan for the future renovation of 
     Building 245.
       Boulder facilities renovation plan.--Renovations to the 
     interiors of wings 6 and 3 of Building 1 in Boulder have been 
     delayed by 15 months. NIST shall provide the Committees with 
     a detailed report outlining renovation plans for fiscal year 
     2015 and beyond no later than 120 days after enactment of 
     this Act. This report shall provide revised cost estimates 
     for renovations on the campus; identify any swing space 
     requirements; outline the timing of phases of the renovation; 
     and summarize any programmatic risks associated with the re-
     phased renovation.

            National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

       This Act includes total appropriations of $5,440,973,000 
     for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     (NOAA). The agreement does not include section 544 of the 
     House bill regarding the National Ocean Policy. No funding 
     was provided in fiscal year 2014 and none was requested by 
     any agencies funded in this Act in fiscal year 2015 to 
     implement the National Ocean Policy. Consequently, no funds 
     for National Ocean Policy activities are included for any 
     agency funded in this Act.


                  OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       This Act includes a total program level of $3,333,398,000 
     under this account for the coastal, fisheries, marine, 
     weather, satellite and other programs of NOAA. This total 
     funding level includes $3,202,398,000 in direct 
     appropriations; a transfer of $116,000,000 from balances in 
     the ``Promote and Develop Fishery Products and Research 
     Pertaining to American Fisheries'' fund; and $15,000,000 
     derived from recoveries of prior year obligations.
       The following narrative descriptions and tables identify 
     the specific activities and funding levels included in this 
     Act.
       National Ocean Service.--$481,107,000 is for the National 
     Ocean Service. The agreement includes the requested amount 
     for Coastal Zone Management Grants.

       NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navigation, Observations and Positioning:
    Navigation, Observations and Positioning.........           $137,961
    Integrated Ocean Observing System Regional                    29,500
     Observations....................................
    Hydrographic Survey Priorities/Contracts.........             25,000
                                                      ------------------
Navigation, Observations and Positioning.............            192,461
                                                      ==================
Coastal Science and Assessment:
    Coastal Science, Assessment, Response and                     71,000
     Restoration.....................................
    Competitive External Research....................              9,000
                                                      ------------------
Coastal Science and Assessment.......................             80,000
                                                      ==================
Ocean and Coastal Management and Services:
    Coastal Zone Management and Services.............             41,700
    Coastal Zone Management Grants...................             71,146
    Coral Reef Program...............................             26,000
    Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas...........             48,500
    National Estuarine Research Reserve System.......             21,300
                                                      ------------------
Ocean and Coastal Management and Services............            208,646
                                                      ==================
    Total, National Ocean Service, Operations,                  $481,107
     Research, and Facilities........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).--$822,138,000 is 
     for NMFS operations, research, and facilities.
       Habitat Conservation and Restoration.--The agreement 
     includes $5,000,000 for coastal ecosystem resiliency grants 
     instead of $10,000,000 as recommended by the Senate.

 NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protected Species Research and Management:
    Protected Species Research and Management                    $39,000
     Programs Base...................................
    Species Recovery Grants..........................              5,000
    Marine Mammals...................................             49,000
    Marine Turtles...................................             12,200
    Other Protected Species (marine fish, plants and               8,000
     invertebrates)..................................
    Atlantic Salmon..................................              5,500
    Pacific Salmon...................................             60,000
                                                      ------------------
Total, Protected Species Research and Management.....            178,700
                                                      ==================
Fisheries Research and Management:
    Fisheries Research and Management Programs Base..            175,500
    National Catch Share Program.....................             25,000
    Expand Annual Stock Assessments - Improve Data                70,000
     Collection......................................
    Economics and Social Sciences Research...........              7,300
    Salmon Management Activities.....................             30,200
    Regional Councils and Fisheries Commissions......             32,738
    Fisheries Statistics.............................             22,000
    Fish Information Networks........................             22,000
    Survey and Monitoring Projects...................             24,000
    Fisheries Oceanography...........................              2,100
    American Fisheries Act...........................              3,700
    Interjurisdictional Fisheries Grants.............              2,500
    National Standard 8..............................              1,000
    Reducing Bycatch.................................              3,500
    Product Quality and Safety.......................              6,700
                                                      ------------------
Total, Fisheries Research and Management.............            428,238
                                                      ==================
Enforcement and Observers/Training:
    Enforcement......................................             65,000
    Observers/Training...............................             43,000
                                                      ------------------
Total, Enforcement and Observers/Training............            108,000
                                                      ==================
Total, Habitat Conservation and Restoration..........             47,000
                                                      ==================
Other Activities Supporting Fisheries:
    Antarctic Research...............................              2,900
    Aquaculture......................................              5,700
    Climate Regimes and Ecosystem Productivity.......              2,000
    Computer Hardware and Software...................              1,800
    Cooperative Research.............................             12,000
    Information Analyses and Dissemination...........             15,000
    Marine Resources Monitoring, Assessment and                      800
     Prediction Program..............................
    National Environmental Policy Act................              6,500
    NMFS Facilities Maintenance......................              3,300
    Regional Studies.................................             10,200
                                                      ------------------
Total, Other Activities Supporting Fisheries.........             60,200
                                                      ==================
Total, National Marine Fisheries Service, Operations,           $822,138
 Research, and Facilities............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.--$432,900,000 is for 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Research operations, research, and 
     facilities.
       Regional Climate Data and Information.--The recommendation 
     supports the full requested amount for the National 
     Integrated Drought Information System.
       Weather and Air Chemistry Research.--The agreement 
     clarifies that Vortex tornado research activities are 
     coordinated within this activity.

  OFFICE OF OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND
                               FACILITIES
                        [in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Climate Research:
    Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes..........            $60,000
    Regional Climate Data and Information............             38,000
    Climate Competitive Research, Sustained                       60,000
     Observations and Regional Information...........
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Climate Research......................            158,000
                                                      ==================
Weather and Air Chemistry Research:
    Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes..........             70,000
    U.S. Weather Research Program....................              7,300
    Tornado Severe Storm Research/Phased Array Radar.             13,500
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Weather and Air Chemistry Research....             90,800
                                                      ==================
Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Research:
    Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes..........             27,000
    National Sea Grant College Program...............             62,800
    Marine Aquaculture Program.......................              4,500
    Ocean Exploration and Research...................             28,000
    Integrated Ocean Acidification...................              8,500
    Sustained Ocean Observations and Monitoring......             41,300
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes                    172,100
         Research....................................
                                                      ==================

[[Page H9344]]

 
High Performance Computing Initiatives...............             12,000
                                                      ==================
Total, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research,              $432,900
 Operations, Research, and Facilities................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       National Weather Service (NWS).--$954,153,000 is for NWS 
     operations, research, and facilities. Funding for the core 
     life and safety missions fulfilled by the National Weather 
     Service remains a high priority for the Committees on 
     Appropriations. The agreement reiterates both House and 
     Senate report language regarding the National Weather 
     Service. NOAA shall continue to brief the Committees on 
     Appropriations on no less than a quarterly basis regarding 
     ongoing activities at the National Weather Service.

     NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE--OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Observations.........................................           $210,777
Central Processing...................................             96,617
Analyze, Forecast and Support........................            483,060
Dissemination........................................             40,099
Science and Technology Integration...................            123,600
                                                      ------------------
    Total, National Weather Service, Operations,                $954,153
     Research, and Facilities........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information 
     Service.--$188,600,000 is for National Environmental 
     Satellite, Data and Information Service operations, research, 
     and facilities.

     NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE
                  OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Environmental Satellite Observing Systems:
    Satellite and Product Operations.................            $84,000
    NSOF operations..................................              8,500
                                                      ------------------
    Subtotal, Office of Satellite and Product                     92,500
     Operations......................................
                                                      ------------------
Product Development, Readiness and Application.......             26,000
                                                      ------------------
Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs.........              1,000
Office of Space Commercialization....................                600
Group on Earth Observations..........................                500
                                                      ------------------
Total, Environmental Satellite Observing Systems.....            120,600
                                                      ------------------
National Environmental Information Office............             68,000
                                                      ==================
Total, National Environmental Satellite, Data and               $188,600
 Information Service, Operations, Research, and
 Facilities..........................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Program Support.--$454,500,000 is for Program Support.

          PROGRAM SUPPORT OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program Support:
    Corporate Services:
        Under Secretary and Associate Offices........            $27,000
        NOAA-Wide Corporate Services and Agency                  112,000
         Management..................................
        DOC Accounting System........................             10,000
        Payment to the DOC Working Capital Fund......             40,000
        IT Security..................................              8,300
        NOAA Facilities Management, Maintenance,                  23,000
         Construction and Safety.....................
                                                      ------------------
        Subtotal, Corporate Services and Facilities..            220,300
                                                      ==================
    NOAA Education Program:
        BWET Regional Programs.......................              7,200
        Education Partnership Program/Minority                    14,400
         Serving Institutions........................
        NOAA Education Program Base..................              6,000
                                                      ------------------
        Subtotal, NOAA Education Program.............             27,600
                                                      ==================
Total, Program Support...............................            247,900
                                                      ==================
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations:
    Marine Operations and Maintenance................            175,000
    Aviation Operations and Aircraft Services........             31,600
                                                      ------------------
Total, Office of Marine and Aviation Operations......            206,600
                                                      ==================
Total, Program Support and OMAO, Operations,                    $454,500
 Research, and Facilities............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

               PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION

       This Act includes a total program level of $2,192,225,000 
     in direct obligations for NOAA Procurement, Acquisition and 
     Construction (PAC), of which $2,179,225,000 is appropriated 
     from the general fund and $13,000,000 is derived from 
     recoveries of prior year obligations. The following narrative 
     description and table identify the specific activities and 
     funding levels included in this Act.
       Weather satellites.--The agreement provides the full 
     requested amounts for NOAA's flagship weather satellites, 
     including $980,838,000 for the Geostationary Operational 
     Environmental Satellite-R (GOES-R) program and $916,267,000 
     for the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). The agreement 
     reiterates House and Senate language regarding NOAA's 
     satellite portfolio and includes additional emphasis that 
     NOAA and the Department shall take aggressive steps to 
     address the fragility of the JPSS and shall continue to 
     provide quarterly updates to the Committees regarding the 
     NOAA satellite portfolio and steps being taken to address any 
     potential gaps in weather satellite coverage. NOAA shall 
     examine carefully all overhead costs associated with these 
     programs and shall maximize efficiency by eliminating any 
     unnecessary redundancies. NOAA shall also provide quarterly 
     updates on the status of implementing the recommendations in 
     the July 2014 OIG report, Significant Security Deficiencies 
     in NOAA's Information Systems Create Risks in its National 
     Critical Mission.
       Jason-3 and DSCOVR.--In order to best maintain the launch 
     schedules for the Jason-3 and Deep Space Climate Observatory 
     (DSCOVR) satellites, the agreement does not adopt Senate 
     language regarding transfer of these programs to NASA and 
     instead provides full funding for both missions within NOAA's 
     appropriations. NOAA shall keep the Committees informed 
     regarding the status of these two programs. Further, the 
     Committees expect to see a reduction in overhead costs 
     associated with these two programs in the NOAA and NASA 
     fiscal year 2016 budget requests since these missions will 
     transition from development to operations.
       Solar Irradiance, Data and Rescue.--The recommendation 
     includes $7,300,000 to support activities associated with 
     accommodating the Total Solar Irradiance Sensor-1 (TSIS-1) 
     instrument on the International Space Station (ISS), and to 
     maintain international partnerships related to Search and 
     Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking System and the Advanced Data 
     Collection System. The Committees note that a decision to 
     host TSIS-1 on the ISS was not part of the President's fiscal 
     year 2015 budget request. NOAA shall submit a report no later 
     than 60 days after enactment of this Act regarding the 
     revised TSIS-1/ISS plan that shall include steps to ensure 
     that TSIS-1 is ready to launch in fiscal year 2017 as 
     planned.

                PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION
                        (in thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                              Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Ocean Service:
    National Estuarine Research Reserve Construction             $1,700
    Marine Sanctuaries Construction.................              2,000
                                                     -------------------
Total, National Ocean Service, Procurement,                       3,700
 Acquisition and Construction.......................
                                                     ===================
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Systems
 Acquisition:
    Research Supercomputing/CCRI....................             13,379
                                                     ===================
National Weather Service Systems Acquisition:
    Observations....................................             12,300
    Central Processing..............................             64,000
    Dissemination...................................             45,000
                                                     -------------------
    Subtotal, National Weather Service, Systems                 121,300
     Acquisition....................................
                                                     -------------------
    Weather Forecast Office Construction............             12,000
                                                     -------------------
Total, National Weather Service, Procurement,                   133,300
 Acquisition and Construction.......................
                                                     ===================
National Environmental Satellite, Data and
 Information Service Systems Acquisition:
    GOES R..........................................            980,838
    Jason-3.........................................             23,175
    Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS).............            916,267
    Solar Irradiance, Data and Rescue...............              7,300
    DSCOVR..........................................             21,100
    COSMIC 2........................................              6,800
    Satellite Ground Services.......................             50,000
    System Architecture and Advanced Planning.......              3,000
    Projects, Planning, and Analysis................             25,200
                                                     -------------------
    Subtotal, NESDIS Systems Acquisition............          2,033,680
                                                     -------------------
    Construction Satellite CDA Facility.............              2,166
                                                     -------------------
Total, NESDIS — PAC...........................          2,035,846
                                                     ===================
Program Support:
    Office of Marine and Aviation Operations Fleet                6,000
     Replacement Fleet Capital Improvements and
     Technology Infusion............................
                                                     ===================
Total, Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction...         $2,192,225
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    PACIFIC COASTAL SALMON RECOVERY

       This Act includes $65,000,000 for Pacific Coastal Salmon 
     Recovery.


                      FISHERMEN'S CONTINGENCY FUND

       This Act includes $350,000 for the Fishermen's Contingency 
     Fund.


                   FISHERIES FINANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       This Act includes language under this heading limiting 
     obligations of direct loans to $24,000,000 for Individual 
     Fishing Quota loans and $100,000,000 for traditional direct 
     loans.

                        Departmental Management


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $56,000,000 for Departmental Management 
     salaries and expenses.
       Trade secrets.--The Secretary of Commerce shall submit, in 
     coordination with the United States Trade Representative 
     (USTR) and the United States International Trade Commission 
     (ITC), a report no later than 120 days after the enactment of 
     this Act regarding the authorities of the Department of 
     Commerce, USTR, and ITC, respectively, to impose sanctions 
     against corporations or other legal entities that benefit 
     from utilizing trade secrets or other information obtained by 
     such corporations or entities through cyber intrusions or 
     other illegal methods; or provided to such corporations or 
     entities by a national government, foreign intelligence 
     service, or other entity using such means. If the Department 
     of Commerce, USTR, or the ITC does not have sufficient 
     authorities to impose sanctions in this area, the report 
     shall include recommendations to improve or broaden the scope 
     of such authorities.
       BusinessUSA.--Senate report language regarding BusinessUSA 
     and space agreements is not adopted. The agreement clarifies 
     that BusinessUSA is an online tool designed to facilitate 
     information sharing, improve services to the public, and 
     reduce interagency

[[Page H9345]]

     redundancies. Funds provided shall not be used to expand 
     staffing or open any offices. The Department shall brief the 
     Committees on Appropriations no later than 90 days after 
     enactment of this Act regarding BusinessUSA activities.
       Working Capital Fund.--The agreement does not support the 
     level requested for the Department's Working Capital Fund. 
     Instead, the Department shall submit with its fiscal year 
     2015 spending plan a list of transfers to and activities to 
     be funded from the Working Capital Fund based on funding 
     levels provided in this Act.


                      RENOVATION AND MODERNIZATION

       This Act includes $4,500,000 for continuing renovation 
     activities only at the Herbert C. Hoover Building.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       This Act includes a total of $35,449,000 for the Office of 
     Inspector General. This amount includes $30,596,000 in direct 
     appropriations, a $2,000,000 transfer from USPTO, a transfer 
     of $1,551,000 from the Bureau of the Census, Periodic 
     Censuses and Programs, and $1,302,000 from NOAA PAC for 
     audits and reviews of those programs.

               General Provisions--Department of Commerce

       This Act includes the following general provisions for the 
     Department of Commerce:
       Section 101 makes funds available for advanced payments 
     only upon certification of officials, designated by the 
     Secretary, that such payments are considered to be in the 
     public interest.
       Section 102 makes appropriations for Department salaries 
     and expenses available for hire of passenger motor vehicles, 
     for services, and for uniforms and allowances as authorized 
     by law.
       Section 103 provides the authority to transfer funds 
     between Department of Commerce appropriation accounts and 
     requires 15 days advance notification to the Committees on 
     Appropriations for certain actions.
       Section 104 provides congressional notification 
     requirements for NOAA satellite programs and includes life 
     cycle cost estimates for certain weather satellite programs.
       Section 105 provides for reimbursement for services within 
     Department of Commerce buildings.
       Section 106 clarifies that grant recipients under the 
     Department of Commerce may continue to deter child 
     pornography, copyright infringement, or any other unlawful 
     activity over their networks.
       Section 107 provides the NOAA Administrator with the 
     authority to avail NOAA of needed resources, with the consent 
     of those supplying the resources, to carry out 
     responsibilities of any statute administered by NOAA.
       Section 108 requires the Department of Commerce to provide 
     a monthly report on any official travel to China by any 
     Commerce employee.
       Section 109 prohibits the National Technical Information 
     Service from charging for certain services.
       Section 110 provides NOAA with authority to receive 
     payments from other entities to defray some costs of 
     permitting and regulatory activities.
       Section 111 provides the Secretary of Commerce with the 
     authority to waive certain bond requirements regarding vessel 
     construction, alteration, or repair.

                    TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

                         General Administration


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $111,500,000 for General Administration, 
     Salaries and Expenses.
       Department of Veterans Affairs.--The Department of Justice 
     (DOJ) shall brief the Committees on Appropriations no less 
     than 30 days after enactment of this Act regarding the 
     progress of civil and criminal investigations of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs and its officials, as 
     specified in the Senate report, to include related DOJ 
     component agencies' activities and any pending 
     recommendations or criminal proceedings. The Department shall 
     hereafter provide quarterly briefings to the Committees on 
     Appropriations on the status of such investigations.
       Heroin.--The Department shall convene key multi-agency 
     stakeholders to address the rising number of heroin users and 
     overdose deaths in the United States and develop a 
     comprehensive Federal approach by examining collaborative, 
     evidence-based ways to address the heroin problem through 
     prevention and education, law enforcement, and treatment. The 
     Department shall submit an interim report to the Committees 
     on Appropriations no later than 90 days after enactment of 
     this Act, and a final report, with guidelines for law 
     enforcement, best practices for a coordinated community 
     response and policy recommendations not less than one year 
     after enactment of this Act.
       Cybersecurity and cybercrime.--The Department is directed 
     to identify and report on specific metrics by which 
     cybercrime and cybersecurity efforts may be measured, 
     consistent with the direction included in the Senate report, 
     no later than 90 days after enactment of this Act. In 
     addition, the Department shall convene Federal, State, local 
     and private stakeholders to consider whether the 
     establishment of a central repository of cyber attacks and 
     data breaches may be beneficial. The stakeholder group shall 
     produce a report detailing their findings, including any 
     dissenting views, on the establishment of a repository and 
     other similar matters identified in the House report.
       Bakken oil region.--The Department shall brief the 
     Committees on Appropriations no later than 90 days after 
     enactment of this Act on crime trends in the Bakken oil 
     region, and the Department's plans, staffing and resource 
     needs to address such crime, as specified in the Senate 
     report.
       Spending plan.--Section 535 of the Act requires a 
     Department-wide spending plan that encompasses plans for all 
     Department agencies and activities.
       Reports and briefings.--The Department has made progress in 
     submitting reports and briefings required pursuant to the 
     fiscal year 2014 Appropriations Act, and shall ensure that 
     all reports and briefings required by this Act, to include 
     those directed in House and Senate Committee reports, shall 
     be provided to the Committees on Appropriations in a timely 
     fashion.
       National Gang Threat Assessment.--In light of the 
     significant impact of violent gangs in the United States, the 
     Department shall submit an updated National Gang Threat 
     Assessment (last published for 2013) as specified in the 
     House and Senate reports.
       Anti-human trafficking collaboration.--The Attorney General 
     shall convene a meeting of stakeholders on human trafficking 
     in the United States, as specified in the House report. This 
     meeting shall result in a report setting forth policy goals 
     with recommendations for executive and legislative action.
       Revenue reporting.--The Department shall submit to the 
     Committees on Appropriations, no later than 90 days after 
     enactment of this Act, a plan for tracking and reporting all 
     revenue collected by the Department for violation or alleged 
     violation of Federal law, to include civil and criminal 
     fines, penalties, and legal settlements, as specified in the 
     House report.
       Law enforcement and prosecution in the Caribbean.--The 
     Department is directed to assess the adequacy of current 
     Federal prosecutorial and law enforcement personnel and 
     resources dedicated to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin 
     Islands and identify in future budget submissions additional 
     resources necessary to close enforcement gaps.
       Hiring practices.--The Department shall make it a priority 
     to expedite its department-wide implementation of new 
     policies regarding hiring practices, based on lessons learned 
     from the OIG reports on Justice Management Division (JMD) and 
     Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) personnel and 
     hiring practices.


                 Justice Information Sharing Technology

       This Act includes $25,842,000 for Justice Information 
     Sharing Technology.


                   ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND APPEALS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       This Act includes $351,072,000 for the Executive Office for 
     Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Office of the Pardon 
     Attorney (OPA), of which $4,000,000 is derived by transfer 
     from fee collections.
       The agreement includes funding for 35 new Immigration Judge 
     Teams allowing EOIR to adjudicate up to 39,000 more cases 
     annually. Within the amounts provided, EOIR shall take steps 
     as specified in the House and Senate reports to expand 
     adjudication capacity, enhance the Legal Orientation Program, 
     improve court efficiency and better serve vulnerable 
     populations such as children through continuation of fiscal 
     year 2014 pilot programs. Any plan to augment OPA staffing in 
     fiscal year 2015 through the transfer or temporary assignment 
     of non-OPA employees shall be subject to the procedures set 
     forth in section 505 of this Act.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       This Act includes $88,577,000 for the Office of Inspector 
     General (OIG).
       Foreign Agents Registration Act.--Within the funding 
     provided, the OIG shall review the Department's enforcement 
     of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, as directed in the 
     House report.
       OIG access.--The Inspector General shall report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations not later than 180 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act on the impact of section 
     218 of this Act, which is designed to improve OIG access to 
     Department documents and information.

                    United States Parole Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $13,308,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the United States Parole Commission.

                            Legal Activities


            SALARIES AND EXPENSES, GENERAL LEGAL ACTIVITIES

       This Act includes $885,000,000 for General Legal 
     Activities. The Department is directed to allocate resources 
     to its legal activities at no less than levels obligated in 
     fiscal year 2014.
       Human trafficking and slavery prosecution.--The Department 
     should continue making it a priority to support the work of 
     the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and its Anti-
     Trafficking Coordination Teams, and to sustain funding and 
     personnel at a level not less than in fiscal year 2014.
       Criminal Division (CRM).--The Criminal Division shall make 
     combating cyber threats a priority, as directed in the Senate 
     report, and carry out its efforts at no less than the fiscal 
     2014 level. CRM is also expected to add additional personnel 
     and case management resources to its Mutual Legal Assistance 
     Treaty processing and enhance its intellectual property 
     rights enforcement.
       INTERPOL Washington.--Within the amount provided, 
     $32,000,000 is included for INTERPOL Washington.

[[Page H9346]]

       Civil Rights Division (CRT).--The Department is expected to 
     sustain CRT prosecution and related activity at not less than 
     fiscal year 2014 levels, within the funding provided, to 
     include increased efforts to investigate and address 
     violations of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons 
     Act.
       Deinstitutionalization.--There is a nationwide trend 
     towards deinstitutionalization of patients with intellectual 
     or developmental disabilities in favor of community-based 
     settings. The Department is strongly urged to continue to 
     factor the needs and desires of patients, their families, 
     caregivers, and other stakeholders, as well as the need to 
     provide proper settings for care, into its enforcement of the 
     Americans with Disabilities Act.


                 VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION TRUST FUND

       This Act includes a reimbursement of $7,833,000 for DOJ 
     expenses associated with litigating cases under the National 
     Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 (Public Law 99--660).


               SALARIES AND EXPENSES, ANTITRUST DIVISION

       This Act includes $162,246,000 for the Antitrust Division. 
     This appropriation is offset by $100,000,000 in pre-merger 
     filing fee collections, resulting in a direct appropriation 
     of $62,246,000.


             SALARIES AND EXPENSES, UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS

       This Act includes $1,960,000,000 for the Executive Office 
     for United States Attorneys and the 94 United States 
     Attorneys' offices, of which $25,000,000 shall remain 
     available until expended.
       Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT).--Within the amounts 
     provided, the Department shall provide funding above the 
     fiscal year 2014 level to enhance its MLAT processing and 
     backlog reduction.
       Sexual exploitation of children.--Within the amounts 
     provided, the Department shall continue to carry out 
     investigations into and prosecutions of cases involving the 
     sexual exploitation of children as specified in the Senate 
     report, and sustain such efforts at not less than the fiscal 
     year 2014 levels.
       Fraud investigations and prosecution.--Within the amounts 
     provided, the Department shall sustain efforts to combat 
     financial and mortgage fraud at not less than the fiscal year 
     2014 levels.


                   UNITED STATES TRUSTEE SYSTEM FUND

       This Act includes $225,908,000 for the United States 
     Trustee Program. The appropriation is fully offset by fee 
     collections.


      SALARIES AND EXPENSES, FOREIGN CLAIMS SETTLEMENT COMMISSION

       This Act includes $2,326,000 for the Foreign Claims 
     Settlement Commission.


                     FEES AND EXPENSES OF WITNESSES

       This Act includes $270,000,000 for Fees and Expenses of 
     Witnesses.


           SALARIES AND EXPENSES, COMMUNITY RELATIONS SERVICE

       This Act includes $12,250,000 for the Community Relations 
     Service. Within funding provided, the Department shall 
     sustain efforts related to the Matthew Shepard and James 
     Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act at not less than the 
     fiscal year 2014 level.


                         ASSETS FORFEITURE FUND

       This Act includes $20,514,000 for the Assets Forfeiture 
     Fund.

                     United States Marshals Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $1,195,000,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the United States Marshals Service (USMS). Within 
     funding provided, USMS shall continue to carry out activities 
     to implement the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act 
     of 2006 at no less than the fiscal year 2014 level.


                              CONSTRUCTION

       This Act includes $9,800,000 for construction and related 
     expenses in space controlled, occupied or utilized by the 
     USMS for prisoner holding and related support.


                       FEDERAL PRISONER DETENTION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       This Act includes $1,595,307,000 for Federal prisoner 
     detention (FPD), of which $1,100,000,000 is to be funded from 
     excess unobligated balances in the Assets Forfeiture Fund. 
     Section 524 of this Act includes a rescission of $188,000,000 
     from prior year balances in this account.

                       National Security Division


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $93,000,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the National Security Division (NSD). Within the funding 
     provided, NSD shall provide additional resources to enforce 
     the Foreign Agents Registration Act, and shall strengthen its 
     support of the Intelligence Community to combat cyber 
     threats.

                      Interagency Law Enforcement


                 INTERAGENCY CRIME AND DRUG ENFORCEMENT

       This Act includes $507,194,000 for the Organized Crime and 
     Drug Enforcement Task Forces. While decision unit 
     designations proposed in the House report are not adopted, 
     the Department shall identify funding provided for such units 
     in its fiscal year 2016 budget request and the fiscal year 
     2015 spending plan.

                    Federal Bureau of Investigation


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $8,326,569,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), 
     including $1,680,000,000 for Intelligence, $3,356,712,000 for 
     Counterterrorism/Counterintelligence, $2,740,000,000 for 
     Criminal Enterprises and Federal Crimes, and $549,857,000 for 
     Criminal Justice Services.
       9/11 Commission recommendations.--The agreement includes 
     $1,000,000 to complete the comprehensive external review of 
     the implementation of recommendations for the FBI proposed in 
     the report by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks 
     Upon the United States (the ``9/11 Commission''). The 
     deadline to report to Congress on the findings of the 
     independent review specified in the explanatory statement 
     accompanying the fiscal year 2013 Department of Justice 
     appropriations Act is extended until such time as the review 
     is complete, or one year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, whichever is earlier. It is expected that the FBI will 
     continue to support this review, and facilitate communication 
     of the reviewers' findings and recommendations.
       Violent Gangs and Human Trafficking.--The agreement 
     includes not less than $8,500,000 for the National Gang 
     Intelligence Center (NGIC), but does not rename the center as 
     proposed by the House. NGIC shall provide and coordinate 
     intelligence on human trafficking patterns and networks 
     involving violent gangs, and disseminate such intelligence to 
     law enforcement partners. As part of its National Gang Threat 
     Assessment, NGIC shall include a National Sex Trafficking 
     Threat Assessment reflecting detailed analysis of the 
     trafficking carried out by gang organizations. In lieu of the 
     report specified in the House report, the FBI shall provide a 
     briefing to the Committees on Appropriations not later than 
     180 days after enactment of this Act.
       Financial fraud.--The FBI shall, from within funding 
     provided, make it a priority to sustain its financial and 
     mortgage fraud investigations at not less than the fiscal 
     year 2014 level.
       Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC).--The 
     agreement includes by reference Senate report language 
     regarding TEDAC funding and recognizes that as the key U.S. 
     Government Interagency resource in combating the global 
     threat posed by terrorist use of explosives, and noting that, 
     as the single strategic level IED exploitation center and 
     repository for the whole of government, TEDAC fulfills the 
     requirements of the National Counter Improvised Explosive 
     Devices (IED) Strategy. That Strategy requires the Department 
     to designate a single entity to lead the Counter IED effort, 
     and the Department is directed to take swift action in 
     formally making that designation, and report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations no later than 30 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act on the status of such action. 
     The report shall also describe steps the Department is taking 
     to prevent duplication of effort in this specialized area and 
     to ensure coordination and collaboration, to include the 
     status of information sharing by Department components, as 
     well as by other Federal or international partners.


                              CONSTRUCTION

       This Act includes $110,000,000 for FBI Construction, to 
     include funding for operations and construction as proposed 
     in the Senate and House reports.

                    Drug Enforcement Administration


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes a direct appropriation of $2,033,320,000 
     for the salaries and expenses of the Drug Enforcement 
     Administration (DEA). DEA expects to derive $366,680,000 from 
     fees deposited in the Diversion Control Fund to carry out the 
     Diversion Control Program. The agreement includes language 
     under the Community Oriented Policing Services program 
     account transferring $7,000,000 to DEA for methamphetamine 
     lab cleanup.

          Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $1,201,000,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and 
     Explosives.

                         Federal Prison System


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       This Act includes $6,815,000,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Federal Prison System, including 
     $2,563,000,000 for Inmate Care and Programs, $2,993,000,000 
     for Institution Security and Administration, $1,054,000,000 
     for Contract Confinement, and $205,000,000 for Management and 
     Administration. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) shall include 
     detailed, project-specific information on activations in the 
     Departmental spending plan required by this Act.
       Contract Confinement.--Within funding provided, BOP shall 
     use contract confinement facilities and services that meet 
     BOP standards to alleviate overcrowding.
       Oleoresin capsicum (OC) aerosol spray pilot program.--BOP 
     shall report to the Committees on Appropriations no later 
     than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act on the 
     status of OC pilots, including an assessment of the pilots, 
     to include plans and recommendations for implementing OC use 
     at other BOP facilities.


                        BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

       This Act includes $106,000,000 for the construction, 
     acquisition, modernization, maintenance and repair of prison 
     and detention facilities housing Federal inmates.

[[Page H9347]]

       BOP shall include detailed project-specific spending plans 
     for both the New Construction and the Modernization and 
     Repair decision units, along with a comprehensive report on 
     the current modernization and repair backlog, in the 
     Department's spending plan required by this Act.


   LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, 
                              INCORPORATED

       This Act includes a limitation on administrative expenses 
     of $2,700,000 for Federal Prison Industries (FPI), 
     Incorporated.

               State and Local Law Enforcement Activities

       In total, this Act includes $2,328,800,000 for State and 
     local law enforcement and crime prevention programs. This 
     amount includes $2,257,800,000 in discretionary budget 
     authority and $71,000,000 scored as mandatory for Public 
     Safety Officer Benefits.
       House and Senate report language regarding management and 
     administration expenses is adopted by reference, and it is 
     clarified that the Department's methodology for assessing 
     these costs should be both fair and equitable across all 
     grant programs.
       Vision 21.--The agreement includes $12,500,000 in 
     discretionary funding under State and Local Law Enforcement 
     Assistance for Vision 21, which seeks to bring better 
     technology, planning, research and data into the crime 
     victims services field. House report language regarding 
     Vision 21 is not adopted.
       Crime Victims Fund.--The agreement includes section 510, 
     providing a significant increase in funds available for 
     distribution through the Crime Victims Fund, raising the 
     obligations level to $2,361,000,000. Management and oversight 
     of this expansion of the grants portfolio is critical, and as 
     such, the Office for Victims of Crime shall report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations no later than 45 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act on its plans to increase 
     oversight efforts by requiring victim assistance grant 
     recipients to certify their 501(c)(3) status and make their 
     financial statements publicly available online. Victim 
     assistance grant recipients who have long-standing and proven 
     track records of service to their communities should be given 
     preference. Section 510 also provides $10,000,000 to the 
     Office of Inspector General for increased oversight and 
     auditing activities associated with the anticipated increases 
     in both funds available, and in the number of grant 
     recipients.

                    Office on Violence Against Women


       VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION PROGRAMS

       This Act includes $430,000,000 for the Office on Violence 
     Against Women (OVW). These funds are distributed as follows:

       VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION PROGRAMS
                        [in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOP Grants..........................................           $195,000
Transitional Housing Assistance......................             26,000
Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women....              3,000
Consolidated Youth-Oriented Program..................             10,000
Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies..................             50,000
    Homicide Reduction Initiative....................            (4,000)
Sexual Assault Victims Services......................             30,000
Rural Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Enforcement..             33,000
Violence on College Campuses.........................             12,000
Civil Legal Assistance...............................             42,500
Elder Abuse Grant Program............................              4,500
Family Civil Justice.................................             16,000
Education and Training for Disabled Female Victims...              6,000
National Resource Center on Workplace Responses......                500
Research on Violence Against Indian Women............              1,000
Indian Country--Sexual Assault Clearinghouse.........                500
                                                      ==================
    Total, Violence Against Women Prevention and                $430,000
     Prosecution Programs............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Rural Domestic Violence Grant Program.--Due to concerns 
     regarding the number of grant applications and efficiency in 
     the allocation of resources for the Rural Domestic Violence 
     Grant Program, OVW shall report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations, no later than 90 days after enactment of this 
     Act, on steps taken to improve grant funding execution and 
     efficiency. The report shall include a discussion of what, if 
     any, effect providing OVW additional flexibilities in 
     administering the program would have on the existing 
     distribution of funds. The report should also include an 
     explanation of OVW's efforts to raise awareness of the 
     program in rural communities.

                       Office of Justice Programs


                  RESEARCH, EVALUATION AND STATISTICS

       This Act provides $111,000,000 for the Research, Evaluation 
     and Statistics account. These funds are distributed as 
     follows:

                   RESEARCH, EVALUATION AND STATISTICS
                        [in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau of Justice Statistics.........................            $41,000
National Institute of Justice........................             36,000
Regional Information Sharing Activities..............             30,000
Forensics Initiative.................................              4,000
  Transfer to NIST...................................            (3,000)
                                                      ==================
    Total, Research, Evaluation and Statistics.......           $111,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Forensic sciences.--The agreement provides $4,000,000 for a 
     forensics initiative, of which $1,000,000 is to support the 
     Forensic Science Advisory Committee, to be chaired by the 
     Attorney General and the Director of the National Institute 
     of Standards and Technology (NIST), and $3,000,000 is to be 
     provided, by transfer, to NIST to support Scientific Area 
     Committees. The Department shall report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations, no later than 90 days after enactment of this 
     Act, on the status of these efforts. House report language 
     regarding the State and local practitioner community is 
     adopted by reference.


               STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE

       This Act includes $1,241,000,000 for State and Local Law 
     Enforcement Assistance programs. These funds are distributed 
     as follows:

               STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants.............           $376,000
    VALOR Initiative.................................           (15,000)
    Domestic Radicalization Research.................            (4,000)
    Smart Policing...................................            (5,000)
    Smart Prosecution................................            (2,500)
    Firearms Safety Materials and Gun Locks..........            (3,000)
    Missing Alzheimer's Patients Grants..............              (750)
    Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program........           (10,500)
    Juvenile Indigent Defense........................            (2,500)
State Criminal Alien Assistance Program..............            185,000
Victims of Trafficking Grants........................             42,250
Drug Courts..........................................             41,000
Mentally Ill Offender Act............................              8,500
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment................             10,000
Capital Litigation and Wrongful Conviction Review....              2,000
Economic, High-tech and Cybercrime Prevention........             13,000
    Intellectual Property Enforcement Program........            (2,500)
John R. Justice Grant Program........................              2,000
Adam Walsh Act Implementation........................             20,000
Children Exposed to Violence Initiative..............              8,000
Bulletproof Vests Partnerships.......................             22,250
    Transfer to NIST/OLES............................            (1,500)
National Sex Offender Public Website.................              1,000
Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction.................              5,000
National Instant Criminal Background Check System                 73,000
 (NICS) Initiative...................................
    NICS Act Record Improvement Program..............           (25,000)
Paul Coverdell Forensic Science......................             12,000
DNA Initiative.......................................            125,000
    Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grants..................          (117,000)
    Kirk Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA Testing                 (4,000)
     Grants..........................................
    Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Program Grants......            (4,000)
Community Teams to Reduce the Sexual Assault Kit                  41,000
 (SAK) Backlog.......................................
CASA--Special Advocates..............................              6,000
Tribal Assistance....................................             30,000
Second Chance Act/Offender Reentry...................             68,000
    Smart Probation..................................            (6,000)
    Children of Incarcerated Parents Demo Grants.....            (5,000)
    Pay for Success..................................            (7,500)
Veterans Treatment Courts............................              5,000
Prescription Drug Monitoring.........................             11,000
Prison Rape Prevention and Prosecution...............             13,000
Campus Public Safety.................................              2,000
Justice Reinvestment Initiative......................             27,500
    Charles Colson Task Force on Federal Corrections.              (750)
Project HOPE Opportunity Probation with Enforcement..              4,000
Vision 21............................................             12,500
Comprehensive School Safety Initiative...............             75,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total, State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance         $1,241,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Community-based sexual assault response reform.--The 
     agreement includes $41,000,000 for a competitive grant 
     program to support multi-disciplinary community response 
     teams tasked with a comprehensive approach to sexual assault 
     cases. The goal of this grant program is to address the 
     growing backlog of sexual assault kits at law enforcement 
     agencies. There is broad consensus that this must be 
     accomplished through an integrative approach to the problem. 
     The Department, through the National Institute of Justice 
     (NIJ), shall develop a comprehensive model to address the 
     underlying issues that led to the backlogs. The Department 
     shall ensure that grant award decisions shall be informed by 
     this model, and shall support efforts that include planning, 
     implementation, and long-term evaluation. Grant funding may 
     be used to inventory the existing backlog of rape kits, test 
     backlogged kits, develop ``cold case'' units to pursue new 
     investigative leads and to support victims throughout the 
     investigation and prosecution process. Grants may also be 
     used to develop evidence-tracking systems, train law 
     enforcement on sexual assault investigations, and conduct 
     research on outcomes in sexual assault cases.
       This effort shall complement and not duplicate other 
     forensic grant programs at the Department that test DNA 
     evidence kits in crime labs. These grants shall not supplant 
     other sources of funding for these activities.
       The National Institute of Justice is directed to brief the 
     Committees on Appropriations on the program not less than 45 
     days after the enactment of this Act, including design and 
     evaluation criteria for the program, ideal grant size and the 
     number of jurisdictions where this intervention is needed.
       Human trafficking.--The agreement includes $42,250,000 for 
     victims of human trafficking. The Office of Justice Programs 
     (OJP) shall consult with stakeholders in determining the 
     overall allocation of this funding, including amounts 
     allocated to assist foreign national victims, and such 
     details shall be included in the spending plan required by 
     this Act.
       National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) 
     Initiative grants.--The agreement includes $73,000,000 for 
     grants to improve records in the NICS system. These funds 
     will strengthen NICS by assisting States in finding ways to 
     add more records to the system, especially mental health 
     records. This will help close gaps in Federal and State 
     records currently available in NICS, which hinder the ability 
     to confirm quickly whether a prospective purchaser is 
     prohibited from acquiring a firearm. Not less than 
     $25,000,000 shall be available only for States meeting the 
     requirements for the NICS Act Record Improvement Program.
       Comprehensive School Safety Initiative.--The agreement 
     includes $75,000,000 for the Comprehensive School Safety 
     Initiative. The Department shall follow the same format for 
     this program as in fiscal year 2014.

[[Page H9348]]

       Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs).--House 
     language regarding PDMPs is adopted by reference. New State 
     laws requiring prescribers to check PDMP databases prior to 
     prescribing controlled substances are producing significant 
     reductions in doctor shopping and excessive opioid 
     prescriptions. It is imperative that the identification, 
     documentation and dissemination of excellence in PDMP Best 
     Practices be increased, and that expansion of notes from the 
     field, briefings and white papers on best practices occur. 
     Therefore, support is maintained for technical assistance for 
     PDMPs, PDMP data users and other key stakeholders through 
     this grant program.


                       JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS

       This Act includes $251,500,000 for Juvenile Justice 
     programs. These funds are distributed as follows:

                        JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part B--State Formula Grants.........................            $55,500
  Emergency Planning--Juvenile Detention Facilities..              (500)
Youth Mentoring Grants...............................             90,000
Title V--Delinquency Prevention Incentive Grants.....             15,000
  Tribal Youth.......................................            (5,000)
  Gang and Youth Violence Education and Prevention...            (3,000)
  Community-Based Violence Prevention Initiatives....            (6,000)
  National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention........            (1,000)
Victims of Child Abuse Programs......................             19,000
Missing and Exploited Children Programs..............             68,000
Training for Judicial Personnel......................              1,500
Children of Incarcerated Parents Web Portal..........                500
Girls in the Justice System..........................              2,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Juvenile Justice..........................           $251,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Missing and exploited children.--The agreement provides 
     $68,000,000 for missing and exploited children programs. 
     Within the increase provided, the Department is urged to 
     explore opportunities to employ wounded, ill, or injured 
     veterans to support child exploitation investigations.


                     PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER BENEFITS

       This Act includes $87,300,000 for the Public Safety Officer 
     Benefits program for fiscal year 2015. Within the funds 
     provided, $71,000,000 is for death benefits for survivors, an 
     amount estimated by the Congressional Budget Office that is 
     considered mandatory for scorekeeping purposes. In addition, 
     $16,300,000 is provided for disability benefits for public 
     safety officers permanently and totally disabled as a result 
     of a catastrophic injury and for education benefits for the 
     spouses and children of officers killed in the line of duty 
     or permanently and totally disabled as a result of a 
     catastrophic injury sustained in the line of duty.

                  Community Oriented Policing Services


             COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES PROGRAMS

       This Act includes $208,000,000 for Community Oriented 
     Policing Services (COPS) programs, as follows:

              COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES PROGRAMS
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transfer to DEA for Methamphetamine Lab Cleanups.....             $7,000
COPS Hiring Grants...................................            180,000
    Tribal Resources Grant Program...................           (33,000)
    Community Policing Development/Training and                  (7,500)
     Technical Assistance............................
    Collaborative Reform Model.......................            (5,000)
Anti-Methamphetamine Task Forces.....................              7,000
Anti-Heroin Task Forces..............................              7,000
Regional gang task forces............................              7,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Community Oriented Policing Services......           $208,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

               General Provisions--Department of Justice

       This Act includes the following general provisions for the 
     Department of Justice:
       Section 201 makes available additional reception and 
     representation funding for the Attorney General from the 
     amounts provided in this title.
       Section 202 prohibits the use of funds to pay for an 
     abortion, except in the case of rape or to preserve the life 
     of the mother.
       Section 203 prohibits the use of funds to require any 
     person to perform or facilitate the performance of an 
     abortion.
       Section 204 establishes that the Director of the Bureau of 
     Prisons is obliged to provide escort services to an inmate 
     receiving an abortion outside of a Federal facility, except 
     where this obligation conflicts with the preceding section.
       Section 205 establishes requirements and procedures for 
     transfer proposals.
       Section 206 authorizes the Attorney General to extend an 
     ongoing Personnel Management Demonstration Project.
       Section 207 prohibits the use of funds for transporting 
     prisoners classified as maximum or high security, other than 
     to a facility certified by the BOP as appropriately secure.
       Section 208 prohibits the use of funds for the purchase or 
     rental by Federal prisons of audiovisual or electronic media 
     or equipment, services and materials used primarily for 
     recreational purposes, except for those items and services 
     needed for inmate training, religious or educational 
     purposes.
       Section 209 requires review by the Deputy Attorney General 
     and the Department Investment Review Board prior to the 
     obligation or expenditure of funds for major information 
     technology projects.
       Section 210 requires the Department to follow reprogramming 
     procedures prior to any deviation from the program amounts 
     specified in this title or the reuse of specified deobligated 
     funds provided in previous years.
       Section 211 prohibits the use of funds for A-76 
     competitions for work performed by employees of the BOP or 
     FPI, Inc.
       Section 212 prohibits U.S. Attorneys from holding 
     additional responsibilities that exempt U.S. Attorneys from 
     statutory residency requirements.
       Section 213 permits up to 3 percent of grant and 
     reimbursement program funds made available to OJP to be used 
     for training and technical assistance, and permits up to 2 
     percent of grant funds made available to that office to be 
     used for criminal justice research, evaluation and statistics 
     by NIJ and Bureau of Justice Statistics. Senate language 
     regarding a tribal set-aside is not adopted.
       Section 214 gives the Attorney General the authority to 
     waive matching requirements for Second Chance Act adult and 
     juvenile reentry demonstration projects; State, tribal and 
     local reentry courts; drug treatment programs; and prison 
     rape elimination programs.
       Section 215 waives the requirement that the Attorney 
     General reserve certain funds from amounts provided for 
     offender incarceration.
       Section 216 prohibits funds, other than funds for the 
     national instant criminal background check system established 
     under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, from being 
     used to facilitate the transfer of an operable firearm to a 
     known or suspected agent of a drug cartel where law 
     enforcement personnel do not continuously monitor or control 
     such firearm.
       Section 217 places limitations on the obligation of funds 
     from certain Department of Justice accounts and funding 
     sources.
       Section 218 requires the Department to provide the 
     Inspector General timely access to records and documents.
       Section 219 permits the Department of Justice to 
     participate in Performance Partnership Pilot collaboration 
     programs.

                           TITLE III--SCIENCE

                Office of Science and Technology Policy

       This Act includes $5,555,000 for the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy (OSTP).
       Public access to federally funded research.--The agreement 
     includes language from the House and Senate reports on public 
     access to federally funded research, except that the 
     reporting to the Committees on this topic shall be quarterly 
     and shall include cost information as described in the Senate 
     report.

             National Aeronautics and Space Administration

       This Act includes $18,010,200,000 for the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
       A table of specific funding allocations for NASA is 
     delineated below, and additional detail may be found under 
     the relevant account headings.

              NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Science:
    Earth Science....................................         $1,772,500
    Planetary Science................................          1,437,800
    Astrophysics.....................................            684,800
    James Webb Space Telescope.......................            645,400
    Heliophysics.....................................            662,200
    Education........................................             42,000
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Science...............................          5,244,700
                                                      ==================
Aeronautics:.........................................            651,000
                                                      ==================
Space Technology:....................................            596,000
                                                      ==================
Exploration:
    Human Exploration Capabilities...................          3,245,300
        Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle.............        (1,194,000)
        Space Launch System (SLS)....................        (2,051,300)
            SLS Vehicle Development..................        (1,700,000)
            Exploration Ground Systems...............          (351,300)
    Commercial Spaceflight...........................            805,000
    Exploration Research and Development.............            306,400
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Exploration...........................          4,356,700
                                                      ==================
Space Operations:....................................          3,827,800
                                                      ==================
Education:
    Aerospace Research and Career Development........             58,000
        NASA Space Grant.............................           (40,000)
        Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive           (18,000)
         Research....................................
    STEM Education and Accountability................             61,000
        Minority University Research Education                  (32,000)
         Program.....................................
        STEM Education and Accountability Projects...           (29,000)
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Education.............................            119,000
                                                      ==================
Cross Agency Support:................................          2,758,900
                                                      ==================
Construction and Environmental Compliance and                    419,100
 Restoration:........................................
                                                      ==================
Office of Inspector General:.........................             37,000
                                                      ==================
        Total, NASA..................................        $18,010,200
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                SCIENCE

       This Act includes $5,244,700,000 for Science.
       Education and Public Outreach (EPO).--The agreement 
     includes $42,000,000 for EPO as an independent budget line 
     within the Science Mission Directorate (SMD), to be 
     administered by the Astrophysics Division.
       Earth Science.--Within the amount provided for Earth 
     Science, NASA shall comply with funding direction from the 
     Senate report on: Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) and 
     Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2). The 
     agreement also includes $20,000,000 for the Pre-Aerosol, 
     Clouds, Ecosystem (PACE) mission.
       The agreement does not adopt Senate language regarding the 
     transfer of funding responsibility from NOAA to NASA for the 
     Jason-3 and Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) missions. 
     Funding for these missions is included in this Act under the 
     NOAA Procurement, Acquisition and Construction account. The 
     agreement for this account

[[Page H9349]]

     only supports NASA's requested funding related to these two 
     missions.
       The agreement does not include direction in the House 
     report regarding the Total Solar Irradiance Sensor 2 (TSIS-
     2). Within funding for Other Missions and Data Analysis, the 
     agreement includes funding to proceed with studies in fiscal 
     year 2015 related to the development of TSIS-2.
       The agreement supports Senate direction on Landsat Data 
     Continuity, but provides the requested amount of $64,100,000 
     and clarifies Senate direction on development parameters. 
     Instead of a firm cost cap boundary, the mission shall: cost 
     substantially less than Landsat-8; provide the same data 
     quality as Landsat-8 so as to not require an overhaul of 
     associated ground systems; and provide no degradation or gap 
     in data including the 8-day continuous terrestrial coverage. 
     The agreement does not endorse any efforts to develop 
     alternative approaches to this data acquisition that would 
     increase risk of a coverage gap and not meet the needs of the 
     Landsat user community.
       Planetary Science.--In lieu of any amounts included for 
     specific Planetary Science activities in the House and Senate 
     reports, the agreement provides $255,800,000 for Planetary 
     Science Research, including $165,400,000 for Research and 
     Analysis and $40,000,000 for Near Earth Object Observations; 
     $255,000,000 for Discovery, including not less than 
     $25,000,000 for Future Discovery Missions; $286,000,000 for 
     New Frontiers, including not less than $5,000,000 for Future 
     New Frontiers Missions and $224,800,000 for OSIRIS-Rex; 
     $305,000,000 for Mars Exploration, including not less than 
     $100,000,000 for a Mars 2020 Rover that meets scientific 
     objectives laid out in the most recent Planetary Science 
     decadal survey; $181,000,000 for Outer Planets, including not 
     less than $100,000,000 for a Jupiter Europa mission as 
     described in the House report; and $155,000,000 for 
     Technology, including $18,000,000 for technologies for the 
     study and characterization of the surface and subsurface of 
     Europa as described in the House report. NASA shall follow 
     direction from the House and Senate reports regarding the 
     Europa Mission and its potential launch vehicle. Funding is 
     provided for the planning of a mission in line with the 
     Planetary Science decadal survey, including an evaluation of 
     the Space Launch System as the baseline launch vehicle.
       Astrophysics.--Within the amount provided for Astrophysics, 
     NASA shall comply with direction from the Senate report 
     regarding the Hubble Space Telescope and the Balloon Project. 
     The agreement includes $70,000,000 for the Stratospheric 
     Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) to maintain core 
     operations. NASA shall continue to seek partners to restore 
     SOFIA to its full operational level, as described in the 
     House report. The agreement reiterates direction in the 
     Senate report that any science mission terminations should be 
     made only after a senior review that evaluates the relative 
     scientific benefit and return on investment. In addition, 
     within the amount for Cosmic Origins, the agreement includes 
     $50,000,000 for the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope 
     (WFIRST) as described in the Senate report.
       Heliophysics.--Within the amount provided for Heliophysics, 
     NASA shall comply with direction from the Senate report 
     regarding Solar Probe Plus, and direction in the House and 
     Senate reports on the Explorer program. The agreement 
     includes $38,900,000 for Heliophysics Research and Analysis, 
     including no less than $5,000,000 to implement the Diversity, 
     Realize, Integrate, Venture and Education initiative. The 
     agreement also includes $39,500,000 for the Magnetospheric 
     MultiScale mission.


                              AERONAUTICS

       This Act includes $651,000,000 for Aeronautics. NASA shall 
     apply funds provided above the request proportionally across 
     the restructured Aeronautics programs.


                            SPACE TECHNOLOGY

       This Act includes $596,000,000 for Space Technology.


                              EXPLORATION

       This Act includes $4,356,700,000 for Exploration.
       Human Exploration Capabilities.--The agreement includes 
     $3,245,300,000 for Human Exploration Capabilities, including 
     $1,700,000,000 for Space Launch System (SLS) vehicle 
     development and $1,194,000,000 for the Orion Multi-Purpose 
     Crew Vehicle. The agreement also includes bill language 
     requiring NASA to submit budget requirements for SLS and 
     Orion that conform to their current or upcoming Key Decision 
     Point C agreements, and also budget profiles and funding 
     requirements that relate to associated management agreements 
     that assume earlier dates for completion.
       Commercial Crew Program (CCP).--The agreement includes 
     $805,000,000 for the CCP. The agreement does not include 
     direction in the Senate report regarding transparency on cost 
     and pricing data.
       The CCP is developing a national capability to restore 
     domestic access to the International Space Station (ISS) as 
     quickly and safely as possible, which will allow NASA to 
     fully utilize ISS capabilities. In order to provide adequate 
     insight into this program, NASA shall provide quarterly 
     reports to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and 
     Senate that include the technical and financial quarterly 
     reports required of each awardee, as well as any actions 
     taken by NASA or the awardees to adjust schedule, change or 
     alter milestones, or modify milestone payments. In the event 
     that there are adjustments to the schedule in excess of 2 
     months, NASA shall immediately notify the Committees in 
     writing and provide a detailed explanation and justification 
     for the schedule alteration. Moreover, any accompanying 
     alteration in milestones or milestone payments shall be 
     reflected in the aforementioned notification.
       Exploration Research and Development.--The agreement 
     includes $306,400,000 for Exploration Research and 
     Development, including up to $182,900,000 for Advanced 
     Exploration Systems (AES). Within AES, the agreement 
     maintains support for Habitat Systems activities as proposed 
     in the budget request. The agreement includes direction in 
     the House report regarding research and development for 
     support of future lunar mission activities and cost sharing 
     by private partners.


                            SPACE OPERATIONS

       This Act includes $3,827,800,000 for Space Operations. Any 
     reduction below the request for the International Space 
     Station should be taken from the operations budget and not 
     from research, or crew and cargo transportation. The 
     agreement does not include direction in the Senate report 
     regarding certified cost and price data for the second round 
     of cargo supply contracts.
       Commercial Cargo.--For the remainder of the current 
     Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contracts and the next 
     round of CRS contracts to transport cargo to and from the 
     ISS, NASA shall provide quarterly updates to the 
     Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate on the CRS 
     schedule and resupply plans that include: the status of the 
     CRS launch manifest; the mission and date that NASA granted 
     the authority to proceed, identifying the provider; the 
     amount of cargo contracted for delivery, the amount actually 
     delivered, the amount of cargo contracted for return and the 
     amount actually returned, both cumulatively and by mission 
     for each contract; and any requests for changes to the 
     current plans, including requests to delay launch dates, the 
     initiator of the request, as well as the date any 
     aforementioned alterations to the resupply plan are 
     acknowledged and approved. Further, NASA shall immediately 
     notify the Committees of any alteration of the CRS schedule 
     and incorporate those notifications in the quarterly report.
       Satellite servicing.--The agreement supports the Senate's 
     direction on satellite servicing but the total amount of 
     $130,000,000 shall include not only amounts in both the Space 
     Technology and Human Exploration and Operations Mission 
     Directorates, but also carryover funding from fiscal year 
     2014.
       Space and Flight Support.--The agreement provides 
     $45,900,000 for the 21st Century Space Launch Complex 
     program, including funding above the request in support of 
     Senate direction for the Wallops Flight Facility.


                               EDUCATION

       This Act includes $119,000,000 for Education.
       Space Grant.--Any Space Grant funds available in excess of 
     the amount needed to fulfill base awards shall be made 
     available to all consortia on a competitive basis.


                 SAFETY, SECURITY AND MISSION SERVICES

       This Act includes $2,758,900,000 for Safety, Security and 
     Mission Services. The agreement includes language in the 
     House report directing NASA to fund any Independent 
     Verification and Validation (IV&V) shortfall below the fiscal 
     year 2014 funding level from within the funding of mission 
     directorates that make use of IV&V services.
       Use of Space Act Agreements (SAAs).--With regard to SAAs, 
     NASA shall make summary information on active SAAs publicly 
     available, and update this information quarterly. In 
     addition, for all new non-reimbursable SAAs, NASA shall 
     include in the publicly available information an estimated 
     value of the associated NASA contribution. Further, NASA 
     shall report to the Committees, no later than 60 days after 
     enactment of this Act on the status of all actions taken and 
     planned to respond to Report IG--14--020 on NASA's use of 
     SAAs.


       CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION

       This Act includes $429,100,000 for direct obligations for 
     Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration, of 
     which $419,100,000 is from new appropriations and $10,000,000 
     is from recoveries of prior year obligations.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       This Act includes $37,000,000 for the Office of Inspector 
     General.


                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       This Act includes the following administrative provisions 
     for NASA:
        a provision that makes funds for announced prizes 
     available without fiscal year limitation until the prize is 
     claimed or the offer is withdrawn;
        a provision that establishes terms and conditions 
     for the transfer of funds;
        a provision that subjects the NASA spending plan 
     and specified changes to that spending plan to reprogramming 
     procedures under section 505 of this Act; and
        a provision that allows the transfer of balances 
     under a previous appropriations account structure to the new 
     structure.

                      National Science Foundation

       This Act includes $7,344,205,000 for the National Science 
     Foundation (NSF).

[[Page H9350]]

                    RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

       This Act includes $5,933,645,000 for Research and Related 
     Activities (R&RA). NSF's R&RA reduction and consolidation 
     proposals are incorporated unless specifically noted 
     otherwise in this statement or in language in either the 
     House or Senate report that is not modified or superseded by 
     this statement.
       Neuroscience.--House report language regarding funding and 
     policy for neuroscience at the National Science Foundation 
     (NSF) is adopted by reference. Furthermore, NSF is encouraged 
     to work in conjunction with the Interagency Working Group on 
     Neuroscience (IWGN) and the Brain Research through Advancing 
     Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) initiative to establish 
     a National Brain Observatory working group to determine how 
     to use the data infrastructure of the NSF, the Department of 
     Energy's national laboratory network, and other applicable 
     agencies to help neuroscientists collect, standardize, 
     manage, and analyze the large amounts of data that will 
     result from research attempting to understand how the brain 
     functions. NSF shall report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations not later than 180 days after enactment of 
     this Act on the progress of this effort.


          MAJOR RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION

       This Act includes $200,760,000 for Major Research Equipment 
     and Facilities Construction.


                     EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

       This Act includes $866,000,000 for Education and Human 
     Resources (EHR). The agreement includes $66,000,000 for 
     Advanced Technological Education; $32,000,000 for the 
     Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program; 
     $46,000,000 for the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority 
     Participation; and $13,500,000 for the Tribal Colleges and 
     Universities Program. NSF's EHR termination and reduction 
     proposals are incorporated unless specifically noted 
     otherwise in this statement or in language in either the 
     House or Senate report that is not modified or superseded by 
     this statement.
       Broadening participation programs.--Within existing funding 
     for these programs, the agreement includes up to $3,000,000 
     to create effective models of intervention to nurture 
     students in STEM subjects from K-12 through undergraduate 
     studies, as described in the Senate report.
       NSF shall comply with House direction to meet the needs of 
     Hispanic Serving Institutions through existing NSF programs 
     and shall report to the Committees no later than 180 days 
     after the enactment of this Act on how these activities 
     increase the recruitment, retention and graduation rates of 
     Hispanic students in STEM fields.


                 AGENCY OPERATIONS AND AWARD MANAGEMENT

       This Act includes $325,000,000 for Agency Operations and 
     Award Management.


                  OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD

       This Act includes $4,370,000 for the National Science 
     Board.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       This Act includes $14,430,000 for the Office of Inspector 
     General.


                        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

       This Act includes a provision that establishes terms and 
     conditions for the transfer of funds.

                                TITLE IV

                            RELATED AGENCIES

                       Commission on Civil Rights


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $9,200,000 for the Commission on Civil 
     Rights.
       Management issues.--The Commission shall submit a report to 
     the Committees on Appropriations no later than 60 days after 
     the enactment of this Act on recommendations for improving 
     the management structure of the Commission. The report, 
     developed through the Chair and with approval of the Staff 
     Director, should focus on the issues of the Commission acting 
     as one unified body, the workload for the special assistants 
     assigned to each Commissioner, and the impacts of these 
     factors on the function of the organization as a whole. 
     Alternative staffing structures for the Commissioners should 
     be developed and evaluated in the report so that they can be 
     considered as part of the fiscal year 2016 budget submission.

                Equal Employment Opportunity Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $364,500,000 for the Equal Employment 
     Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Up to $30,000,000 shall be for 
     payments to State and local enforcement agencies to ensure 
     that the EEOC provides adequate resources to its State and 
     local partners.

                     International Trade Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $84,500,000 for the International Trade 
     Commission (ITC).
       Section 337.--House report language on Section 337 
     investigations is not adopted. In lieu of this provision, ITC 
     shall provide a report, no later than 120 days after 
     enactment of this Act, that provides statistical data on 
     Section 337 investigations for fiscal years 2006--2014. The 
     report also shall include a discussion of the practices and 
     procedures the Commission uses to assist small and medium-
     sized enterprises, the procedures in place to ensure 
     consideration of public interest factors, and procedures for 
     the issuance of early rulings, as well as a discussion of the 
     feasibility of narrowing the existing interpretation of 
     licensing.
       Bilateral Investment Treaty.--The agreement modifies House 
     report language regarding a Bilateral Investment Treaty with 
     China. Should such an agreement be proposed, the ITC shall 
     report to the Committees on how its implementation would help 
     increase production by U.S.-invested enterprises in China to 
     serve the U.S. market. In preparing this information, the ITC 
     shall identify the impact that such a treaty will have on the 
     current estimated proportion of Chinese exports to the U.S. 
     that are produced by foreign-invested enterprises operating 
     in China. In addition, the ITC shall provide information on 
     the extent to which the treaty would allow Chinese investors 
     to seek redress for U.S. government legal, regulatory or 
     other measures that they claim reduce the value of their 
     investments in the United States.

                       Legal Services Corporation


               PAYMENT TO THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

       This Act includes $375,000,000 for the Legal Services 
     Corporation (LSC).


          ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION--LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

       Unauthorized uses of funds.--The Inspector General of the 
     LSC is encouraged to conduct annual audits of LSC grantees to 
     ensure that funds are not being used in contravention of the 
     restrictions on engaging in political activities or any of 
     the other restrictions by which LSC grantees are required to 
     abide. The removal of funds from any LSC grantee determined 
     by the Inspector General to have engaged in unauthorized 
     political activity is recommended.

                        Marine Mammal Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $3,340,000 for the Marine Mammal 
     Commission.

            Office of the United States Trade Representative


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       This Act includes $54,250,000 for the Office of the U.S. 
     Trade Representative.

                        State Justice Institute

                         Salaries and Expenses

       This Act includes $5,121,000 for the State Justice 
     Institute.

                      TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS


                        (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

       This Act includes the following general provisions:
       Section 501 prohibits the use of funds for publicity or 
     propaganda purposes unless expressly authorized by law.
       Section 502 prohibits any appropriation contained in this 
     Act from remaining available for obligation beyond the 
     current fiscal year unless expressly provided.
       Section 503 provides that the expenditure of any 
     appropriation contained in this Act for any consulting 
     service through procurement contracts shall be limited to 
     those contracts where such expenditures are a matter of 
     public record and available for public inspection, except 
     where otherwise provided under existing law or existing 
     Executive Order issued pursuant to existing law.
       Section 504 provides that if any provision of this Act or 
     the application of such provision to any person or 
     circumstance shall be held invalid, the remainder of this Act 
     and the application of other provisions shall not be 
     affected.
       Section 505 prohibits a reprogramming of funds that: (1) 
     creates or initiates a new program, project or activity; (2) 
     eliminates a program, project, or activity; (3) increases 
     funds or personnel by any means for any project or activity 
     for which funds have been denied or restricted; (4) relocates 
     an office or employee; (5) reorganizes or renames offices, 
     programs or activities; (6) contracts out or privatizes any 
     function or activity presently performed by Federal 
     employees; (7) augments funds for existing programs, projects 
     or activities in excess of $500,000 or 10 percent, whichever 
     is less, or reduces by 10 percent funding for any existing 
     program, project, or activity, or numbers of personnel by 10 
     percent; or (8) results from any general savings, including 
     savings from a reduction in personnel, which would result in 
     a change in existing programs, projects, or activities as 
     approved by Congress; unless the House and Senate Committees 
     on Appropriations are notified 15 days in advance of such 
     reprogramming of funds. Language is included requiring the 
     Department of Justice to notify the Committees 45 days in 
     advance of any such reprogramming.
       Section 506 provides that if it is determined that any 
     person intentionally affixes a ``Made in America'' label to 
     any product that was not made in America, that person shall 
     not be eligible to receive any contract or subcontract with 
     funds made available in this Act. The section further 
     provides that to the extent practicable, with respect to 
     purchases of promotional items, funds made available under 
     this Act shall be used to purchase items manufactured, 
     produced or assembled in the United States or its territories 
     or possessions.
       Section 507 requires quarterly reporting to Congress on the 
     status of balances of appropriations.
       Section 508 provides that any costs incurred by a 
     department or agency funded under this Act resulting from, or 
     to prevent, personnel actions taken in response to funding 
     reductions in this Act, or, for the Department of Commerce, 
     from actions taken for the care and protection of loan 
     collateral or grant property, shall be absorbed within the

[[Page H9351]]

     budgetary resources available to the department or agency, 
     and provides transfer authority between appropriation 
     accounts to carry out this provision, subject to 
     reprogramming procedures.
       Section 509 prohibits funds made available in this Act from 
     being used to promote the sale or export of tobacco or 
     tobacco products or to seek the reduction or removal of 
     foreign restrictions on the marketing of tobacco products, 
     except for restrictions which are not applied equally to all 
     tobacco or tobacco products of the same type. This provision 
     is not intended to impact routine international trade 
     services to all U.S. citizens, including the processing of 
     applications to establish foreign trade zones.
       Section 510 delays the obligations of certain receipts 
     deposited into the Crime Victims Fund until the following 
     fiscal year.
       Section 511 prohibits the use of Department of Justice 
     funds for programs that discriminate against or denigrate the 
     religious or moral beliefs of students participating in such 
     programs.
       Section 512 prohibits the transfer of funds in this Act to 
     any department, agency or instrumentality of the United 
     States Government, except for transfers made by, or pursuant 
     to authorities provided in, this Act or any other 
     appropriations Act.
       Section 513 provides that funds provided for E-Government 
     Initiatives shall be subject to the procedures set forth in 
     section 505 of this Act.
       Section 514 requires certain timetables of audits performed 
     by Inspectors General of the Departments of Commerce and 
     Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 
     the National Science Foundation and the Legal Services 
     Corporation and sets limits and restrictions on the awarding 
     and use of grants or contracts funded by amounts appropriated 
     by this Act.
       Section 515 prohibits funds for acquisition of certain 
     information systems unless the acquiring department or agency 
     has reviewed and assessed certain risks. Any acquisition of 
     such an information system is contingent upon the development 
     of a risk mitigation strategy and a determination that the 
     acquisition is in the national interest. Each department or 
     agency covered under section 515 shall submit a quarterly 
     report to the Committees on Appropriations describing reviews 
     and assessments of risk made pursuant to this section and any 
     associated findings or determinations.
       Section 516 prohibits the use of funds in this Act to 
     support or justify the use of torture by any official or 
     contract employee of the United States Government.
       Section 517 prohibits the use of funds in this Act to 
     require certain export licenses.
       Section 518 prohibits the use of funds in this Act to deny 
     certain import applications regarding ``curios or relics'' 
     firearms, parts or ammunition.
       Section 519 prohibits the use of funds to include certain 
     language in trade agreements.
       Section 520 prohibits the use of funds in this Act to 
     authorize or issue a National Security Letter (NSL) in 
     contravention of certain laws authorizing the Federal Bureau 
     of Investigation to issue NSLs.
       Section 521 requires congressional notification for any 
     project within the Departments of Commerce or Justice, the 
     National Science Foundation or the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration totaling more than $75,000,000 that has 
     cost increases of 10 percent or more.
       Section 522 deems funds for intelligence or intelligence-
     related activities as authorized by the Congress until the 
     enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal 
     year 2015.
       Section 523 prohibits contracts or grant awards in excess 
     of $5,000,000 unless the prospective contractor or grantee 
     certifies that the organization has filed all Federal tax 
     returns, has not been convicted of a criminal offense under 
     the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and has no unpaid Federal 
     tax assessment.


                             (RESCISSIONS)

       Section 524 provides for rescissions of unobligated 
     balances. Subsection (c) requires the Departments of Commerce 
     and Justice to submit a report on the amount of each 
     rescission. These reports shall include the distribution of 
     such rescissions among decision units, or, in the case of 
     rescissions from grant accounts, the distribution of such 
     rescissions among specific grant programs, and whether such 
     rescissions were taken from recoveries and deobligations, or 
     from funds that were never obligated.
       Section 525 prohibits the use of funds in this Act for the 
     purchase of first class or premium air travel. Departments 
     and agencies funded in this Act shall file, in a timely 
     fashion, all required premium travel reports to the General 
     Services Administration.
       Section 526 prohibits the use of funds to pay for the 
     attendance of more than 50 department or agency employees at 
     any single conference outside the United States, unless the 
     conference is a law enforcement training or operational event 
     where the majority of Federal attendees are law enforcement 
     personnel stationed outside the United States.
       Section 527 prohibits the use of funds in this Act in a 
     manner that is inconsistent with the principal negotiating 
     objective of the United States with respect to trade remedy 
     laws.
       Section 528 includes language regarding detainees held at 
     Guantanamo Bay.
       Section 529 includes language regarding facilities for 
     housing detainees held at Guantanamo Bay.
       Section 530 includes language regarding the purchase of 
     light bulbs.
       Section 531 requires any department, agency or 
     instrumentality of the United States Government receiving 
     funds appropriated under this Act to track and report on 
     undisbursed balances in expired grant accounts.
       Section 532 prohibits the use of funds by the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration or the Office of Science 
     and Technology Policy to engage in bilateral activities with 
     China or a Chinese-owned company or effectuate the hosting of 
     official Chinese visitors at certain facilities unless the 
     activities are authorized by subsequent legislation or NASA 
     or OSTP have made a certification pursuant to subsections (c) 
     and (d) of this section.
       Section 533 prohibits funds made available by this Act from 
     being used to deny the importation of shotgun models if no 
     application for the importation of such models, in the same 
     configuration, had been denied prior to January 1, 2011, on 
     the basis that the shotgun was not particularly suitable for 
     or readily adaptable to sporting purposes.
       Section 534 prohibits the use of funds to establish or 
     maintain a computer network that does not block pornography, 
     except for law enforcement purposes.
       Section 535 requires the Departments of Commerce and 
     Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     and the National Science Foundation to submit spending plans.
       Section 536 prohibits the use of funds to implement the 
     Arms Trade Treaty until the Senate approves a resolution of 
     ratification for the Treaty.
       Section 537 prohibits the use of funds under the heading 
     ``Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery'' for grant guidelines or 
     requirements to establish minimum riparian buffers.
       Section 538 prohibits the Department of Justice from 
     preventing certain States from implementing State laws 
     regarding the use of medical marijuana.
       Section 539 prohibits the use of funds by the Department of 
     Justice or the Drug Enforcement Administration in 
     contravention of a certain section of the Agricultural Act of 
     2014.
       Section 540 prohibits the use of funds to relinquish the 
     responsibility of the NTIA with respect to Internet domain 
     name system functions.
       Section 541 provides a temporary extension of the Trade 
     Adjustment Assistance for Firms program through December 31, 
     2015.
       Section 537 of the Senate bill, regarding vehicle fleets, 
     is not included. Instead, all agencies and departments funded 
     under this Act shall submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations, at the end of the fiscal year, a report 
     containing a complete inventory of the total number of 
     vehicles owned, permanently retired, and purchased during 
     fiscal year 2015 as well as the total cost of the vehicle 
     fleet, including maintenance, fuel, storage, purchasing, and 
     leasing.
       Section 553 from the House bill, regarding agency 
     implementation of certain climate-related activities, is not 
     included. The Office of Science and Technology Policy shall 
     submit a report no later than 90 days after enactment of this 
     Act detailing fiscal year 2013 and 2014 funding under this 
     Act used in support of the U.S. Global Climate Research 
     Program National Climate Assessment; the Intergovernmental 
     Panel on Climate Change's Fifth Assessment Report; the United 
     Nations' Agenda 21 sustainable development report; and the 
     May 2013 Technical Update of the Social Cost of Carbon for 
     Regulatory Impact Analysis under Executive Order 12866. This 
     report shall also include the specific authorization for each 
     agency that enables participation in each of the activities 
     listed above.
       Section 565 of the House bill, regarding trade agreements 
     and greenhouse gas emissions, is not included. It is 
     understood that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) 
     does not plan to negotiate any trade agreement that includes 
     a limit on greenhouse gas emissions, and it is expected that 
     the USTR will not negotiate or enter into such an agreement.

                       TITLE VI--TRAVEL PROMOTION

       This Act includes the Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and 
     Modernization Act of 2014.

            TITLE VII--NETWORK FOR MANUFACTURING INNOVATION

       This Act includes the Revitalize American Manufacturing and 
     Innovation Act of 2014.

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[[Page H9364]]

       DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015

       The agreement on the Department of Defense Appropriations 
     Act, 2015 incorporates some of the provisions of both the 
     House-passed and the Senate-reported versions of the bill. 
     The language and allocations set forth in House Report 113-
     473 and Senate Report 113-211 shall be complied with unless 
     specifically addressed to the contrary in the accompanying 
     bill and explanatory statement.


              DEFINITION OF PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY

       The agreement delineates that, for the purposes of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 
     (Public Law 99-177), as amended by the Balanced Budget and 
     Emergency Deficit Control Reaffirmation Act of 1987 (Public 
     Law 100-119), and by the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990 
     (Public Law 101-508), the terms ``program, project, and 
     activity'' for appropriations contained in this Act shall be 
     defined as the most specific level of budget items identified 
     in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2015, the 
     related classified annexes and explanatory statements, and 
     the P-1 and R-1 budget justification documents as 
     subsequently modified by congressional action. The following 
     exception to the above definition shall apply: the military 
     personnel and the operation and maintenance accounts, for 
     which the term ``program, project, and activity'' is defined 
     as the appropriations accounts contained in the Department of 
     Defense Appropriations Act.
       At the time the President submits the budget request for 
     fiscal year 2016, the Secretary of Defense is directed to 
     transmit to the congressional defense committees budget 
     justification documents to be known as the ``M-1'' and ``O-
     1'' which shall identify, at the budget activity, activity 
     group, and sub-activity group level, the amounts requested by 
     the President to be appropriated to the Department of Defense 
     for military personnel and operation and maintenance in any 
     budget request, or amended budget request, for fiscal year 
     2016.


                            CLASSIFIED ANNEX

       Adjustments to classified programs are addressed in the 
     accompanying classified annex.


                  CONGRESSIONAL SPECIAL INTEREST ITEMS

       Items for which additional funds have been provided or 
     items for which funding is specifically reduced as shown in 
     the project level tables or in paragraphs using the phrase 
     ``only for'' or ``only to'' are congressional special 
     interest items for the purpose of the Base for Reprogramming 
     (DD Form 1414). Each of these items must be carried on the DD 
     Form 1414 at the stated amount, as specifically addressed in 
     the explanatory statement.


                         REPROGRAMMING GUIDANCE

       The Secretary of Defense is directed to continue to follow 
     the reprogramming guidance for acquisition accounts as 
     specified in the report accompanying the House version of the 
     Department of Defense Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 
     2008 (House Report 110-279). For operation and maintenance 
     accounts, the Secretary of Defense shall continue to follow 
     the reprogramming guidelines specified in the conference 
     report accompanying H.R. 3222, the Department of Defense 
     Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008. The dollar threshold 
     for reprogramming funds shall remain at $10,000,000 for 
     military personnel; $15,000,000 for operation and 
     maintenance; $20,000,000 for procurement; and $10,000,000 for 
     research, development, test and evaluation.
       Also, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) is 
     directed to continue to provide the congressional defense 
     committees annual DD Form 1416 reports for titles I and II 
     and quarterly, spreadsheet-based DD Form 1416 reports for 
     Service and defense-wide accounts in titles III and IV of 
     this Act. Reports for titles III and IV shall comply with 
     guidance specified in the explanatory statement accompanying 
     the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 
     2006. The Department shall continue to follow the limitation 
     that prior approval reprogrammings are set at either the 
     specified dollar threshold or 20 percent of the procurement 
     or research, development, test and evaluation line, whichever 
     is less. These thresholds are cumulative from the base for 
     reprogramming value as modified by any adjustments. 
     Therefore, if the combined value of transfers into or out of 
     a military personnel (M-1), an operation and maintenance (O-
     1), a procurement (P-1), or a research, development, test and 
     evaluation (R-1) line exceeds the identified threshold, the 
     Secretary of Defense must submit a prior approval 
     reprogramming to the congressional defense committees. In 
     addition, guidelines on the application of prior approval 
     reprogramming procedures for congressional special interest 
     items are established elsewhere in this statement.


                          FUNDING ADJUSTMENTS

       The funding increases outlined in the project level tables 
     for each appropriation account shall be provided only for the 
     specific purposes indicated in the tables. Programs for which 
     the funding provided is less than the requested amount shall 
     be reduced for the purposes specified in the project level 
     tables and may be considered congressional special interest 
     items as defined in titles I, II, III, and IV of this 
     statement. The reductions to special interest items shall 
     only be restored using the prior approval reprogramming 
     process. The Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall 
     ensure appropriate distribution of this guidance.


                           CIVILIAN FURLOUGHS

       In fiscal year 2013, the Secretary of Defense furloughed 
     most Department of Defense civilian employees for up to six 
     days due to budgetary shortfalls primarily caused by 
     sequestration. There is concern that the negative impact on 
     productivity, morale, and readiness substantially outweighed 
     the savings generated from civilian furloughs. The Bipartisan 
     Budget Act (BBA) replaced sequestration in fiscal years 2014 
     and 2015 with new spending limits and raised the budget limit 
     for National Defense spending above the sequestration level. 
     No furloughs were implemented in fiscal year 2014 and while 
     the agreement does not include provisions to prohibit the use 
     of funds to furlough civilian employees, it is assumed that 
     the passage of the BBA and the passage of this Act will 
     eliminate entirely any need to furlough civilian employees in 
     fiscal year 2015.


                    ISRAELI MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAMS

       The fiscal year 2015 budget request includes $272,775,000 
     for Israeli missile defense programs within the Missile 
     Defense Agency (MDA) budget, including $175,972,000 for the 
     procurement of Iron Dome. This request concludes a previous 
     U.S. commitment to the Government of Israel to provide 
     $680,000,000 from fiscal years 2012 to 2015 for the Iron Dome 
     program in response to a request from the Government of 
     Israel. Strong bipartisan congressional support remains for 
     Israeli missile defense programs to ensure fulfillment of 
     Israel's missile defense needs and the retention of Israel's 
     qualitative military edge. Long-standing and successful 
     contributions of U.S. industry towards meeting these goals 
     include co-production of Arrow and David's Sling; and, 
     beginning in fiscal year 2014, co-production of Iron Dome 
     components.
       Subsequent to the fiscal year 2015 budget submission, the 
     Government of Israel increased its funding requirement for 
     Iron Dome. Therefore, the agreement provides an additional 
     $175,000,000 above the request for Iron Dome, which brings 
     U.S. investment in Iron Dome production since fiscal year 
     2011 to over $1,200,000,000. The Iron Dome program, which was 
     developed by Israel solely with Israeli funding, is not 
     subject to conditions of other joint Israel-U.S. cooperative 
     missile defense programs, but rather is governed by a 
     Memorandum of Agreement signed in March 2014. Therefore, the 
     agreement directs that all funds appropriated in fiscal year 
     2015 for Iron Dome be subject to the terms and provisions of 
     this Memorandum of Agreement, as amended, to reflect an 
     agreed-upon implementation plan between MDA and the Israel 
     Missile Defense Organization (IMDO).
       In addition, the agreement directs that not more than 
     $175,972,000 may be obligated or expended for Iron Dome in 
     fiscal year 2015 until IMDO provides additional justification 
     and documentation to MDA, and the Director of MDA certifies 
     receipt of all such information to the congressional defense 
     committees. The documentation should include a timeline for 
     the expenditure of Iron Dome funds included in the fiscal 
     year 2015 budget request and the additional funds recommended 
     in fiscal year 2015, a delivery schedule for items funded 
     with these and prior year funds, and a report to MDA 
     documenting full and complete delivery by Israeli industry 
     and acceptance by U.S. industry suppliers of all technical 
     data packages required for U.S. co-production of Iron Dome 
     components. Further, this report shall document that all 
     export licenses required to enable the release of classified 
     technical data packages from the U.S. prime contractor to 
     U.S. subcontractors are completed; a common cost model of 
     Iron Dome components that includes recurring and non-
     recurring engineering costs, to be jointly developed and 
     agreed upon by MDA and IMDO; actual Iron Dome production 
     costs beginning in fiscal year 2013; and component lead-times 
     and delivery schedules for each fiscal year thereafter. It is 
     expected that to fully satisfy the requirements listed above, 
     the Government of Israel will provide to MDA copies of signed 
     and ratified contracts, subcontracts, and teaming 
     arrangements between Israeli and U.S. industry for all Iron 
     Dome co-production efforts.
       In addition, the Director of MDA, in coordination with the 
     Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology, and 
     Logistics), is directed to provide a report to the 
     congressional defense committees with the fiscal year 2016 
     budget submission on the information provided in the detailed 
     cost and schedule justification required above, including the 
     views of the Director and the Under Secretary on its 
     sufficiency. It is noted that moving forward with Iron Dome 
     co-production will not negatively impact development, test, 
     and production schedules of the Arrow and David's Sling 
     programs. Therefore, the agreement recommends an additional 
     $172,039,000 above the request for the Arrow and David's 
     Sling programs.


          SHIP MODERNIZATION, OPERATIONS AND SUSTAINMENT FUND

       The fiscal year 2015 budget request includes a new proposal 
     by the Navy to remove eleven Ticonderoga-class guided missile 
     cruisers and three amphibious dock landing ships from the 
     operational fleet and lay them up for several years under a 
     phased modernization plan. It is noted that this proposal 
     does not conform to direction provided

[[Page H9365]]

     in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2013, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2014, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations 
     Act, 2013, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014. 
     Instead, the Navy's fiscal year 2015 budget request removes 
     more Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers and amphibious 
     dock landing ships from the operational fleet than previously 
     proposed by the Navy, relies on the congressional defense 
     committees to provide additional financial management and 
     acquisition authorities, and does not contain full funding in 
     the outyears for this proposal.
       The agreement does not support the Navy's proposal due to 
     concerns over the duration of the proposed lay-up period for 
     several of the ships, the additional authorities required, 
     and doubts as to whether the Navy could execute the phased 
     modernization plan as proposed given the volatility of the 
     Navy's budget requests in recent years. Therefore, the 
     agreement rejects the Navy's proposal and instead recommends 
     a modified modernization plan that is consistent with the 
     Navy's proposal to expand the application of Ship 
     Modernization, Operations and Sustainment Fund (SMOSF) 
     resources to four additional Ticonderoga-class guided missile 
     cruisers and an additional amphibious dock landing ship, 
     while modifying the induction schedule for SMOSF ships' 
     modernization. The agreement directs the Secretary of the 
     Navy to induct no more than two cruisers per year into phased 
     modernization, beginning with two cruisers in fiscal year 
     2016. Further, the Secretary of the Navy is directed to allow 
     no more than six cruisers in lay-up at any given time. 
     Finally, the Secretary of the Navy is directed to ensure that 
     the duration of the lay-up period be no longer than four 
     years and that modernization equipment be ordered and placed 
     on contract in the year prior to the ship entering its 
     modernization period.
       The SMOSF was established in fiscal year 2013 to allow the 
     Navy sufficient time to plan and fully budget for the 
     manning, operation, equipping, sustainment, and modernization 
     of the cruisers previously proposed for premature retirement. 
     However, as in fiscal year 2014, the Navy has not budgeted 
     accordingly in fiscal year 2015. In fact, it is noted that to 
     date the Navy has obligated more than $670,000,000 from the 
     SMOSF for cruiser operations, with only a modest investment 
     in modernization. Further, it is understood that the Navy 
     intends to use SMOSF funds in fiscal year 2015 to pay for 
     military personnel funding requirements that should have been 
     included in the Navy's fiscal year 2015 budget request. Given 
     the two-year budgeting window provided to the Navy in fiscal 
     year 2013 with the establishment of the SMOSF, this is 
     inconsistent with congressional intent, and the agreement 
     does not provide either the authority to transfer or obligate 
     SMOSF funds for the purpose of military personnel costs at 
     any time or operation costs incurred outside of the 
     modernization period. In addition, while the agreement 
     continues to allow the use of SMOSF funds to pay for the 
     sustainment of SMOSF cruisers, it is noted that this 
     authority shall be limited to sustainment of cruisers during 
     lay-up, and that the Navy ought to properly budget for the 
     operation of these ships in its operation and maintenance 
     account.
       Finally, the agreement recommends $540,000,000 in addition 
     to the more than $1,400,000,000 currently remaining in the 
     SMOSF, which is sufficient to fund the revised phased 
     modernization plan in the near-term. The Secretary of the 
     Navy is expected to fully budget additional funds required in 
     the future.


                    WORKING CONDITIONS IN BANGLADESH

       The agreement commends the Marine Corps for adopting a 
     requirement to abide by the Accord for Fire and Building 
     Safety in Bangladesh, an agreement designed to improve worker 
     safety in Bangladesh, and strongly encourages the other 
     Services to adopt this standard. A second organization of 
     companies, the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety, is also 
     committed to improving working conditions in Bangladesh.
       In order to better understand the magnitude of business 
     that the Department of Defense conducts with businesses that 
     are not signatories or in compliance with the Alliance or the 
     Accord, the Secretary of Defense is directed to provide 
     annual reports, not later than March 1 of each year, to the 
     congressional defense committees, which disclose all 
     factories in Bangladesh producing items sold in the 
     commissary and exchange systems. The reports should include 
     the factory name, address, brand(s), private label(s), 
     licensee(s), or retail supplier(s) sourcing from that factory 
     from the prior year. Next to the factory name, it shall be 
     indicated whether that factory complies with the Alliance, 
     the Accord, both, or neither. This language replaces the 
     reporting requirements directed in the Consolidated 
     Appropriations Act, 2014.


                    NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY REPORTS

       The agreement does not contain language proposed by the 
     Senate requiring several reports from the National Security 
     Agency related to the bulk telephone metadata program. The 
     House report contained no similar language.

                      TITLE I--MILITARY PERSONNEL

       The agreement provides $128,004,618,000 in Title I, 
     Military Personnel. The agreement on items addressed by 
     either the House or the Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9367]]



                                   SUMMARY OF MILITARY PERSONNEL END STRENGTH
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               Fiscal Year 2015
                                                    Fiscal   ---------------------------------------------------
                                                  Year 2014                                          Change from
                                                  Authorized     Budget     Final Bill  Change from  Fiscal Year
                                                                Request                    Request       2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Forces (End Strength):
    Army*......................................      520,000      490,000      490,000  ...........      -30,000
    Navy.......................................      323,600      323,600      323,600
    Marine Corps**.............................      190,200      184,100      184,100  ...........       -6,100
    Air Force..................................      327,600      310,900      312,980       +2,080      -14,620
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Active Forces...................    1,361,400    1,308,600    1,310,680       +2,080      -50,720
                                                ================================================================
Guard and Reserve Forces (End Strength):
    Army Reserve...............................      205,000      202,000      202,000  ...........       -3,000
    Navy Reserve...............................       59,100       57,300       57,300  ...........       -1,800
    Marine Corps Reserve.......................       39,600       39,200       39,200  ...........         -400
    Air Force Reserve..........................       70,400       67,100       67,100  ...........       -3,300
    Army National Guard........................      354,200      350,200      350,200  ...........       -4,000
    Air National Guard.........................      105,400      105,000      105,000  ...........         -400
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Selected Reserve................      833,700      820,800      820,800  ...........      -12,900
                                                ================================================================
    Total, Military Personnel..................    2,195,100    2,129,400    2,131,480       +2,080     -63,620
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* For FY14, Army Active Forces end strength includes 30,000 Army end strength requested in the Overseas
  Contingency Operations budget.
** For FY15, Marine Corps Active Forces end strength includes 2,100 Marine Corps end strength requested in the
  Overseas Contingency Operations budget.


                                 SUMMARY OF GUARD AND RESERVE FULL-TIME SUPPORT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               Fiscal Year 2015
                                                    Fiscal   ---------------------------------------------------
                                                  Year 2014                                          Change from
                                                  Authorized     Budget     Final Bill  Change from  Fiscal Year
                                                                Request                    Request       2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Army Reserve:
    AGR........................................       16,261       16,261       16,261
    Technicians................................        8,395        7,895        7,895  ...........         -500
Navy Reserve:
    AR.........................................       10,159        9,973        9,973  ...........         -186
Marine Corps Reserve:
    AR.........................................        2,261        2,261        2,261
Air Force Reserve:
    AGR........................................        2,911        2,830        2,830  ...........          -81
    Technicians................................       10,429        9,789        9,789  ...........         -640
Army National Guard:
    AGR........................................       32,060       31,385       31,385  ...........         -675
    Technicians................................       27,210       27,210       27,210
Air National Guard:
    AGR........................................       14,734       14,704       14,704  ...........          -30
    Technicians................................       21,875       21,792       21,792  ...........          -83
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------
Totals:
    AGR/AR.....................................       78,386       77,414       77,414  ...........         -972
    Technicians................................       67,909       66,686       66,686  ...........       -1,223
                                                ================================================================
        Total, Full-Time Support...............      146,295      144,100      144,100  ...........       -2,195
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

               MILITARY PERSONNEL SPECIAL INTEREST ITEMS

       Items for which additional funds have been provided or have 
     been specifically reduced as shown in the project level 
     tables or in paragraphs using the phrase ``only for'' or 
     ``only to'' in the explanatory statement are congressional 
     special interest items for the purpose of the Base for 
     Reprogramming (DD Form 1414). Each of these items must be 
     carried on the DD Form 1414 at the stated amount as 
     specifically addressed in the explanatory statement. Below 
     Threshold Reprogrammings may not be used to either restore or 
     reduce funding from congressional special interest items as 
     identified on the DD Form 1414.


                     RETIRED PAY ACCRUAL SHORTFALL

       In February 2014, Congress revised a provision in the 
     Bipartisan Budget Act (P.L. 113-67) that impacted the annual 
     cost-of-living adjustment for military retirees. The 
     agreement recognizes that the Army and Air Force have updated 
     their military personnel budget requirements and no longer 
     project a shortfall in their retired pay accrual accounts. 
     Accordingly, the agreement includes an additional 
     $215,300,000 in the remaining military personnel accounts to 
     ensure that military retirement accounts are fully funded in 
     fiscal year 2015.


    DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GUIDANCE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF CHAPLAINS

       The agreement supports the Department of Defense Guidance 
     for the Appointment of Chaplains for the Military Departments 
     in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act. This 
     Guidance requires all applicants to fulfill certain 
     requirements to become a chaplain, which includes endorsement 
     by a religious organization that completes and maintains all 
     administrative requirements as laid out by the Guidance.


                  LONG TERM TEMPORARY DUTY ASSIGNMENTS

       There is concern that the Special Operations Command's 
     (SOCOM) growing use of continuous rotational temporary duty 
     assignments (TDYs) is being used to effectively establish 
     persistent presence in countries overseas. Language in House 
     Report 113-473 directed the Secretary of Defense to include a 
     comprehensive assessment of SOCOM's use of continuous 
     rotational TDYs as part of the review of the use of extended 
     TDYs for all Department of Defense personnel. The Long Term 
     Temporary Duty Assignments report to Congress, dated May 
     2014, failed to include this information. Accordingly, the 
     Secretary of Defense is directed to conduct a comprehensive 
     evaluation of SOCOM's use of continuous rotational TDYs, its 
     compliance with the Joint Federal Travel Regulation, 
     limitations on billets in combatant command positions, dwell 
     time requirements, and established Department and interagency 
     policies and procedures regarding the establishment of 
     permanent assignments overseas. The report should also 
     include the number and duration of continuous rotational TDYs 
     for fiscal years 2010 through 2014 broken out by combatant 
     command. The Secretary of Defense is directed to provide this 
     report on the practice and its compliance with the above 
     regulations to the congressional defense committees not later 
     than 120 days after the enactment of this Act.


             DD 214 SEPARATION PROGRAM DESIGNATOR NARRATIVE

       The DD Form 214, which is issued to all servicemembers upon 
     discharge from military service, includes the discharge 
     status (honorable, other than honorable, etc.) as well as a 
     Separation Program Designator code and narrative reason for 
     the separation, such as Force Shaping (Board Selected), 
     Reduction in Force, Insufficient Retainability (Economic 
     Reasons), or Early Retirement. While the military Services 
     are relying on both voluntary and involuntary separation to 
     meet their reduced force structure requirements and maintain 
     a balanced force, there is concern that the narrative codes 
     could make a permanent, negative mark on the records of 
     dedicated servicemembers who served honorably. The Under 
     Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) is directed to 
     revise the regulation regarding the use of narrative codes on 
     the DD 214 to address these concerns.


                FEMALE SERVICEMEMBER GROOMING STANDARDS

       The Army recently issued revised regulations regarding 
     hairstyles and grooming policies that were described as 
     offensive and discriminatory to minority women and generated 
     significant concern. After conducting a review, the Secretary 
     of Defense issued new guidance for grooming policies 
     specifically to address concerns that certain grooming 
     policies discriminate against African American female 
     servicemembers with natural hairstyles. The Army, Navy, and 
     Air Force have authorized additional hairstyles and removed 
     the terms found offensive from

[[Page H9368]]

     Service grooming policies. The Secretary of Defense is 
     directed to provide a report to the congressional defense 
     committees detailing the Services' revised grooming standards 
     and their implementation, including how the revised standards 
     addressed the concerns raised above, not later than 120 days 
     after the enactment of this Act.


    UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE ARTICLE 32 PRELIMINARY HEARINGS

       The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal 
     Year 2014 amended the Uniform Code of Military Justice Rules 
     for Military Courts Martial 405 to enhance privacy 
     protections for victims of sexual assault by applying 
     restrictions on public accessibility to information about a 
     victim's sexual history during pretrial proceedings. Concerns 
     have been expressed that the initial executive order 
     directing the implementation may have weakened the 
     protections instead of strengthening them as the NDAA 
     intended. It is understood that recent changes to the Rules 
     for Military Courts Martial 405 have addressed these 
     concerns. The Secretary of Defense is encouraged to monitor 
     implementation to ensure that victims' privacy is fully 
     protected during Article 32 preliminary hearings.


             SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $5,709,000 in Operation and 
     Maintenance, Defense-Wide to be transferred to the 
     Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, including the 
     National Guard and reserve components, for support of high 
     priority Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program 
     requirements and activities. The agreement also provides an 
     additional $25,000,000 to the Services, including the 
     National Guard and reserve components, for continued 
     implementation and expansion of the Sexual Assault Special 
     Victims' Counsel Program.

                        MILITARY PERSONNEL, ARMY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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                        MILITARY PERSONNEL, NAVY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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                    MILITARY PERSONNEL, MARINE CORPS

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9380]]

                     MILITARY PERSONNEL, AIR FORCE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9382]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.050
     


[[Page H9383]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.051
     


[[Page H9384]]

                        RESERVE PERSONNEL, ARMY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9385]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.052
     


[[Page H9386]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.053
     


[[Page H9387]]

                        RESERVE PERSONNEL, NAVY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9388]]

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[[Page H9389]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.055
     


[[Page H9390]]

                    RESERVE PERSONNEL, MARINE CORPS

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9391]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.056
     


[[Page H9392]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.057
     


[[Page H9393]]

                      RESERVE PERSONNEL, AIR FORCE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9394]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.058
     


[[Page H9395]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.059
     


[[Page H9396]]

                     NATIONAL GUARD PERSONNEL, ARMY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9397]]

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[[Page H9398]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.061
     


[[Page H9399]]

                  NATIONAL GUARD PERSONNEL, AIR FORCE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9400]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.062
     


[[Page H9401]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.063
     


[[Page H9402]]

                  TITLE II--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

       The agreement provides $161,655,679,000 in Title II, 
     Operation and Maintenance. The agreement on items addressed 
     by either the House or the Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9403]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.064
     


[[Page H9404]]

     REPROGRAMMING GUIDANCE FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ACCOUNTS

       The Secretary of Defense is directed to submit the Base for 
     Reprogramming (DD Form 1414) for each of the fiscal year 2015 
     appropriation accounts not later than 60 days after the 
     enactment of this Act. The Secretary of Defense is prohibited 
     from executing any reprogramming or transfer of funds for any 
     purpose other than originally appropriated until the 
     aforementioned report is submitted to the House and Senate 
     Appropriations Committees.
       The Secretary of Defense is directed to use the normal 
     prior approval reprogramming procedures to transfer funds in 
     the Services' operation and maintenance accounts between O-1 
     budget activities in excess of $15,000,000. In addition, the 
     Secretary of Defense should follow prior approval 
     reprogramming procedures for transfers in excess of 
     $15,000,000 out of the following budget sub-activities:
       Army: 
       Maneuver units
       Modular support brigades
       Land forces operations support
       Force readiness operations support
       Land forces depot maintenance
       Base operations support
       Facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization
       Navy: 
       Aircraft depot maintenance
       Ship depot maintenance
       Facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization
       Marine Corps: 
       Depot maintenance
       Facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization
       Air Force: 
       Primary combat forces
       Combat enhancement forces
       Combat communications
       Facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization
       Air Force Reserve: 
       Depot maintenance
       Air National Guard: 
       Depot maintenance
       Additionally, the Secretary of Defense shall follow prior 
     approval reprogramming procedures for transfers in excess of 
     $15,000,000 into the following budget sub-activity:
       Operation and Maintenance, Army National Guard: 
       Other personnel support/recruiting and advertising
       With respect to Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, 
     proposed transfers of funds to or from the levels specified 
     for defense agencies in excess of $15,000,000 shall be 
     subject to prior approval reprogramming procedures.
       During fiscal year 2015, the Secretary of Defense is 
     required to submit written notification and justification to 
     the congressional defense committees not later than 15 days 
     prior to implementing transfers in excess of $15,000,000 out 
     of the following budget sub-activities:
       Navy: 
       Mission and other flight operations
       Mission and other ship operations
       Air Force: 
       Operating forces depot maintenance
       Mobilization depot maintenance
       Training and recruiting depot maintenance
       Administration and service-wide depot maintenance
       These transfers may be implemented 15 days after a 
     congressional notification unless an objection is received 
     from one of the congressional defense committees.
       Finally, House Report 113-473 included language emphasizing 
     the importance of prior approval reprogramming procedures 
     being followed for new starts in the operation and 
     maintenance appropriations. The agreement maintains and 
     expands that direction to the Under Secretary of Defense 
     (Comptroller) to review this matter and to issue clarifying 
     guidance to the Services and defense agencies, including the 
     Special Operations Command, and report actions taken to the 
     congressional defense committees not later than 60 days after 
     the enactment of this Act to ensure full compliance with 
     established regulations.


            OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL INTEREST ITEMS

       Items for which additional funds have been provided or have 
     been specifically reduced as shown in the project level 
     tables or in paragraphs using the phrase ``only for'' or 
     ``only to'' in the explanatory statement are congressional 
     special interest items for the purpose of the Base for 
     Reprogramming (DD Form 1414). Each of these items must be 
     carried on the DD Form 1414 at the stated amount as 
     specifically addressed in the explanatory statement. Below 
     Threshold Reprogrammings may not be used to either restore or 
     reduce funding from congressional special interest items as 
     identified on the DD Form 1414.


                           CIVILIAN WORKFORCE

       The agreement supports a strong civilian workforce for the 
     Department of Defense. However, the fiscal year 2015 budget 
     request substantially overestimates the number of civilians 
     that will be employed during fiscal year 2015. Civilian full-
     time equivalent (FTE) data provided by the Services show that 
     each Service and defense agency ended fiscal year 2014 far 
     short of what was planned for in the fiscal year 2015 budget 
     request. Therefore, the agreement includes funding reductions 
     due to the overestimation of civilian FTE targets.


                      MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY

       The agreement directs that none of the funds made available 
     by this Act may be used to maintain or improve Department of 
     Defense real property with a zero percent utilization rate 
     according to the Department's real property inventory 
     database, except in the case of maintenance of an historic 
     property, as required by the National Historic Preservation 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.) or maintenance to prevent a 
     negative environmental impact as required by the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).


             OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE BUDGET DOCUMENTATION

       Both House Report 113-473 and Senate Report 113-211 
     included direction for various improvements to operation and 
     maintenance budget justification materials. All of the items 
     in each of the reports are agreed to with the exception of 
     the requirements directed specifically to the Army National 
     Guard, which are no longer required. During fiscal year 2015, 
     the Service Secretaries are encouraged to work with the 
     congressional defense committees on building more meaningful 
     performance criteria for recruiting, advertising, marketing, 
     and retention initiatives.


        DEPOT-LEVEL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR BUDGET JUSTIFICATION

       The lack of summary-level budget justification materials 
     for depot maintenance expenditures continues to inhibit 
     congressional oversight. Instead of the reporting 
     requirements directed under this heading in House Report 113-
     473, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), the 
     Comptrollers of the military Services, and the Director of 
     Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation are directed to review 
     the current depot-related exhibits to determine if the data 
     currently provided can be streamlined and presented in a more 
     concise and complete manner and to report the results of this 
     review not later than 180 days after the enactment of this 
     Act to the congressional defense committees.
       The Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) is further 
     directed to coordinate with the congressional defense 
     committees to ensure a comprehensive budget justification 
     exhibit of depot-level maintenance and repair workloads for 
     each of the Services is developed and provided with the 
     annual congressional budget justification documents. Until a 
     new exhibit is developed, the Secretary of Defense and the 
     Service Secretaries shall provide the OP-30, OP-31, and the 
     PB-45 as part of the fiscal year 2016 budget request 
     submission.


                 DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE

       The agreement directs that no plan may be implemented by 
     the Secretary of Defense, a Service Secretary, the Director 
     of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, or any other 
     person to transfer financial management, bill paying, or 
     accounting services functions from the Defense Finance and 
     Accounting Service to another entity until the Secretary of 
     Defense provides the congressional defense committees a 
     written report on the plan and the Secretary certifies that 
     the plan would reduce costs, increase efficiencies, and 
     maintain the timeline for auditability of financial 
     statements.


                           BIOFUEL REFINERIES

       The agreement does not include a provision included in the 
     House-passed version of H.R. 4870 on the design and 
     construction of biofuel refineries. However, not later than 
     30 days before entering into a contract for the planning, 
     design, refurbishing, or construction of a biofuel refinery, 
     or of any other facility or infrastructure used to refine 
     biofuels, the Secretary of Defense or the applicable Service 
     Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense 
     committees a business case analysis for such planning, 
     design, refurbishing, or construction, as directed by the 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015.


                         CLIMATE CHANGE REPORTS

       The agreement does not include a provision included in the 
     House-passed version of H.R. 4870 that would prohibit the use 
     of funds to implement recent climate change reports. There is 
     still concern that the assessments referenced in Section 
     10011 of the House-passed version of H.R. 4870 would impact 
     the operational capabilities and associated budgets of the 
     Department of Defense. Therefore, the Secretary of Defense is 
     directed to report to the congressional defense committees 
     not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act on the 
     operational and budgetary impacts of implementing the 
     assessments as referenced in Section 10011 of the House-
     passed version of H.R. 4870.


                               LANDMINES

       The agreement does not include a provision included in the 
     House-passed version of H.R. 4870 that would prohibit the use 
     of funds to implement the Convention on the Prohibition of 
     the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-
     Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. Although the 
     Convention has not been ratified by the Senate, U.S. policy 
     changes announced this year make it unclear how the 
     Department of Defense will utilize anti-personnel mines in 
     warfare and strategy. Therefore, the Secretary of Defense is 
     directed to report to the congressional defense committees 
     not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, in 
     classified form if necessary, on the strategy and uses

[[Page H9405]]

     of anti-personnel mines and how they apply to current and 
     future operational plans.


                  ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT

       The agreement does not include a provision included in the 
     House-passed version of H.R. 4870 that referenced the Energy 
     Independence and Security Act of 2007. It is noted that the 
     enforcement of section 526 of the Energy Independence and 
     Security Act of 2007 may lead to higher fuel costs for 
     federal fleets in the absence of competitively priced new 
     generation fuels that emit fewer emissions. In carrying out 
     this statute, the Secretary of Defense and the Service 
     Secretaries should work to ensure that costs associated with 
     fuel purchases necessary to carry out their respective 
     missions should be minimized to the greatest extent possible.

                    OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9406]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.065
     


[[Page H9407]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.066
     


[[Page H9408]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.067
     


[[Page H9409]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.068
     


[[Page H9410]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.069
     


[[Page H9411]]

                    OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9412]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.070
     


[[Page H9413]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.071
     


[[Page H9414]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.072
     


[[Page H9415]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.073
     


[[Page H9416]]

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[[Page H9417]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.075
     


[[Page H9418]]

                       TIRE SUCCESSOR INITIATIVE

       There is concern that the Tire Successor Initiative 
     arrangement may not put all tire manufacturers on an equal 
     competitive footing. Accordingly, the agreement directs the 
     Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and 
     Logistics) to report to the congressional defense committees 
     not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act on the 
     steps that the Secretary of Defense will take to maintain a 
     fair and competitive marketplace for military tires. This 
     language replaces the language included under this heading in 
     House Report 113-473.

                OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, MARINE CORPS

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9419]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.076
     


[[Page H9420]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.077
     


[[Page H9421]]

                  OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9422]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.078
     


[[Page H9423]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.079
     


[[Page H9424]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.080
     


[[Page H9425]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.081
     


[[Page H9426]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.082
     


[[Page H9427]]

      AIR FORCE FLYING HOUR METRICS AND WEAPON SYSTEM SUSTAINMENT

       It is understood that the Air Force is revising its budget 
     documentation to better enable meaningful budget analysis and 
     comprehensive oversight of the flying hour and depot 
     maintenance programs. The agreement continues to support 
     robust funding for the flying hour and depot maintenance 
     programs and asserts that improving the clarity and 
     completeness of the budget justification materials will 
     improve management of the programs and related funding. This 
     language replaces both the language included in House Report 
     113-473 under the headings ``Air Force Flying Hour Metrics'' 
     and ``Air Force Weapon System Sustainment.''


 RAPID ENGINEER DEPLOYABLE HEAVY OPERATIONAL REPAIR SQUADRON ENGINEER 
                                 UNITS

       In early 2015, the Secretary of the Air Force is expected 
     to announce a Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational 
     Repair Squadron Engineer (RED HORSE) unit consolidation 
     basing plan. The agreement directs that none of the funds 
     made available by this Act may be obligated or expended to 
     transfer from one installation to another any RED HORSE unit 
     based in the continental United States until 30 days after 
     the Secretary of the Air Force submits to the congressional 
     defense committees a report that includes the following: the 
     recommended basing alignment for RED HORSE units; an 
     assessment of the national security benefits and any other 
     benefits of the proposed transfer; an assessment of the costs 
     of the proposed transfer, including the impact of the 
     proposed transfer on the installation from which a RED HORSE 
     unit will be transferred; an analysis of the recommended 
     basing alignment that assesses whether the recommendation is 
     the most effective and efficient alternative for such basing 
     alignment; and an assessment of how the basing alignment 
     affects the national emergency response mission of RED HORSE 
     reserve component units.

                OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, DEFENSE-WIDE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9428]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.083
     


[[Page H9429]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.084
     


[[Page H9430]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.085
     


[[Page H9431]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.086
     


[[Page H9432]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.087
     


[[Page H9433]]

                 CAPITAL SECURITY COST SHARING PROGRAM

       The cost for the Capital Security Cost Sharing program has 
     nearly tripled over the past two years, yet no supporting 
     data has been provided to justify the increases or allow for 
     appropriate oversight. Therefore, the Secretary of Defense is 
     directed to develop budget exhibits that will provide a total 
     cost accounting of the Capital Security Cost Sharing program. 
     These exhibits shall be submitted with the fiscal year 2016 
     budget request. This accounting should include a breakout of 
     all costs, by country, embassy, and mission, and include 
     actual costs from previous fiscal years and estimated costs 
     for fiscal years for which actual costs are not yet 
     available. The Secretary of Defense is directed to submit a 
     list of categories of expenditures comprised by these 
     exhibits to the congressional defense committees not later 
     than 30 days after the enactment of this Act. It is expected 
     that these categories will include items such as rent, 
     utilities, security, and maintenance costs.
       Finally, to support a more comprehensive and detailed 
     justification for future budget submissions, the Under 
     Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) is directed to consult 
     with the House and Senate Appropriations Committees not later 
     than 90 days after the enactment of this Act to develop a 
     complete set of metrics that should be included in future 
     budget submissions.


            CYBER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WITH UNIVERSITIES

       The National Security Agency conducts classified cyber-
     related research through partnerships with universities. The 
     agreement provides an increase of $6,250,000 in the 
     Information Systems Security Program to support these 
     relationships with academia.


                                  GUAM

       The agreement notes that the strategic posture and presence 
     of the U.S. military in the Asia-Pacific region is critically 
     important to the security and stability of that region, and 
     Guam is a key location for supporting these objectives. In 
     recent years, the Department of Defense has requested funding 
     for civilian infrastructure improvements on Guam to support 
     an increased U.S. military presence. Funds are included in 
     the fiscal year 2015 budget request for additional 
     improvements, but the agreement finds these funds early to 
     need due to unresolved questions regarding force posture in 
     the region and specific requirements for civilian 
     infrastructure improvements on Guam. The Secretary of Defense 
     is directed to remain actively engaged in discussions with 
     the Government of Guam to find solutions to meet Guam's 
     requirements for an increased military presence in the Asia-
     Pacific region. In addition, the Director of the Office of 
     Economic Adjustment is directed to report to the 
     congressional defense committees not later than 90 days after 
     the enactment of this Act on required enhancements to Guam 
     that support the projected U.S. military operational tempo in 
     the Asia-Pacific region.

                OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY RESERVE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9434]]

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[[Page H9435]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.089
     


[[Page H9436]]

                OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY RESERVE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9437]]

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[[Page H9438]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.091
     


[[Page H9439]]

            OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, MARINE CORPS RESERVE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9440]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.092
     


[[Page H9441]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.093
     


[[Page H9442]]

              OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE RESERVE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9443]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.094
     


[[Page H9444]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.095
     


[[Page H9445]]

             OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9446]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.096
     


[[Page H9447]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.097
     


[[Page H9448]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.098
     


[[Page H9449]]

             OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR NATIONAL GUARD

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9450]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.099
     


[[Page H9451]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.100
     


[[Page H9452]]

         UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ARMED SERVICES

       The agreement provides $13,723,000 for the United States 
     Court of Appeals for the Armed Services.

                    ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, ARMY

       The agreement provides $201,560,000 for Environmental 
     Restoration, Army.

                    ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, NAVY

       The agreement provides $277,294,000 for Environmental 
     Restoration, Navy.

                  ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, AIR FORCE

       The agreement provides $408,716,000 for Environmental 
     Restoration, Air Force.

                ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, DEFENSE-WIDE

       The agreement provides $8,547,000 for Environmental 
     Restoration, Defense-Wide.

         ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, FORMERLY USED DEFENSE SITES

       The agreement provides $250,853,000, an increase of 
     $42,500,000 above the budget request, for Environmental 
     Restoration, Formerly Used Defense Sites.

             OVERSEAS HUMANITARIAN, DISASTER, AND CIVIC AID

       The agreement provides $103,000,000, an increase of 
     $3,000,000 above the budget request, for Overseas 
     Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid.

                  COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION ACCOUNT

       The agreement provides $365,108,000 for the Cooperative 
     Threat Reduction Account, as follows:

                                    EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    FY 2015 Request             Final Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION ACCOUNT:
    Strategic Offensive Arms Elimination......................                    1,000                    1,000
    Chemical Weapons Destruction..............................                   15,720                   15,720
    Biological Threat Reduction...............................                  256,762                  256,762
    Threat Reduction Engagement...............................                    2,375                    2,375
    Other Assessments/Admin Costs.............................                   27,844                   27,844
    Global Nuclear Security...................................                   20,703                   20,703
    WMD Proliferation Prevention..............................                   40,704                   40,704
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
        TOTAL, COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION...................                  365,108                  365,108
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ACQUISITION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FUND

       The agreement provides $83,034,000, a decrease of 
     $129,841,000 below the budget request, for the Department of 
     Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund.

                         TITLE III--PROCUREMENT

       The agreement provides $93,835,072,000 in Title III, 
     Procurement. The agreement on items addressed by either the 
     House or the Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9453]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.101
     


[[Page H9454]]

                   PROCUREMENT SPECIAL INTEREST ITEMS

       Items for which additional funds have been provided as 
     shown in the project level tables or in paragraphs using the 
     phrase ``only for'' or ``only to'' in the explanatory 
     statement are congressional special interest items for the 
     purpose of the Base for Reprogramming (DD Form 1414). Each of 
     these items must be carried on the DD Form 1414 at the stated 
     amount as specifically addressed in the explanatory 
     statement.


            REPROGRAMMING GUIDANCE FOR ACQUISITION ACCOUNTS

       The Secretary of Defense is directed to continue to follow 
     the reprogramming guidance as specified in the report 
     accompanying the House version of the Department of Defense 
     Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2008 (House Report 110-
     279). Specifically, the dollar threshold for reprogramming 
     funds will remain at $20,000,000 for procurement and 
     $10,000,000 for research, development, test and evaluation.
       Also, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) is 
     directed to continue to provide the congressional defense 
     committees quarterly, spreadsheet-based DD Form 1416 reports 
     for Service and defense-wide accounts in titles III and IV of 
     this Act. Reports for titles III and IV shall comply with the 
     guidance specified in the explanatory statement accompanying 
     the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 
     2006. The Department shall continue to follow the limitation 
     that prior approval reprogrammings are set at either the 
     specified dollar threshold or 20 percent of the procurement 
     or research, development, test and evaluation line, whichever 
     is less. These thresholds are cumulative from the base for 
     reprogramming value as modified by any adjustments. 
     Therefore, if the combined value of transfers into or out of 
     a procurement (P-1) or research, development, test and 
     evaluation (R-1) line exceeds the identified threshold, the 
     Secretary of Defense must submit a prior approval 
     reprogramming to the congressional defense committees. In 
     addition, guidelines on the application of prior approval 
     reprogramming procedures for congressional special interest 
     items are established elsewhere in this statement.


                     MILITARY FOOTWEAR PROCUREMENT

       The agreement notes that the Small Business Size Standards 
     adopted by the Small Business Administration on October 1, 
     2012 could have a detrimental impact on the domestic supply 
     base for military footwear. The Defense Logistics Agency 
     (DLA), which is responsible for managing the acquisition of 
     military footwear, aims to maintain the health of this supply 
     base and preserve surge capacity for times of extreme demand. 
     It is acknowledged that both of these goals may be affected 
     by the new size standards. The agreement directs the Director 
     of the Defense Logistics Agency to submit a report to the 
     congressional defense committees not later than 60 days after 
     the enactment of this Act that provides an estimate of the 
     impact of the new size standards upon the supply base for 
     military footwear, the potential impact to maintaining 
     adequate surge capacity within the supply base, and the steps 
     that DLA will take to ensure that both this surge capacity 
     and the overall health of the supply base will be maintained 
     under the new size standards for the footwear industry.


               AEROSPACE CONTROL ALERT MISSION EQUIPMENT

       Given the uncertainty of the current and projected fiscal 
     environment, there remains a concern regarding the 
     availability of equipment to sustain and modernize the 
     National Guard and reserve components for their missions both 
     as an operational reserve and for necessary domestic support 
     to the aerospace control and alert mission. In particular, 
     there is concern regarding the availability of legacy 
     aircraft as part of the aerospace control alert mission, 
     including associated replacement of avionics and radars.

                       AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT, ARMY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9455]]

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[[Page H9456]]

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[[Page H9457]]

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[[Page H9458]]

                  ARMY AVIATION RESTRUCTURE INITIATIVE

       The Army's fiscal year 2015 budget request proposes the 
     Aviation Restructure Initiative (ARI), which includes the 
     transfer of Apache helicopters from Army National Guard units 
     to the active Army. This transfer is addressed in Section 
     8133 of this Act. With respect to the retirement of TH-67 and 
     OH-58 series aircraft, there is concern about the impact of 
     the divestment of rotary airframes on the industrial base. 
     Therefore, the agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to 
     submit a report to the congressional defense committees not 
     later than 120 days after the enactment of this Act on the 
     aircraft being retired as part of ARI. This report should 
     include the number of airframes being divested, the number of 
     airframes being transferred to other government agencies, the 
     number of airframes being offered for sale to other nations, 
     the cost of divesting these aircraft, and the impact the 
     divestment of these airframes will have on the domestic 
     rotary wing industrial base. Further, the Secretary of the 
     Army shall not resell or auction TH-67 and OH-58 series 
     aircraft until 30 days after the report is submitted by the 
     Secretary of Defense.

                       MISSILE PROCUREMENT, ARMY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9460]]

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[[Page H9461]]

        PROCUREMENT OF WEAPONS AND TRACKED COMBAT VEHICLES, ARMY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9463]]

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[[Page H9464]]

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[[Page H9465]]

                    PROCUREMENT OF AMMUNITION, ARMY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9466]]

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[[Page H9467]]

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[[Page H9468]]

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[[Page H9469]]

                        OTHER PROCUREMENT, ARMY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9471]]

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[[Page H9472]]

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[[Page H9473]]

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[[Page H9479]]

                       AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT, NAVY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9481]]

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[[Page H9483]]

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[[Page H9485]]

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[[Page H9486]]

                       WEAPONS PROCUREMENT, NAVY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9488]]

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[[Page H9490]]

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[[Page H9491]]

            PROCUREMENT OF AMMUNITION, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9493]]

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[[Page H9495]]

                   SHIPBUILDING AND CONVERSION, NAVY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9497]]

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[[Page H9498]]

                        OTHER PROCUREMENT, NAVY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9500]]

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[[Page H9501]]

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[[Page H9502]]

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[[Page H9503]]

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[[Page H9504]]

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[[Page H9505]]

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[[Page H9506]]

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[[Page H9507]]

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[[Page H9508]]

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[[Page H9509]]

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[[Page H9510]]

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[[Page H9511]]

                       PROCUREMENT, MARINE CORPS

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9513]]

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[[Page H9514]]

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[[Page H9515]]

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[[Page H9516]]

                    AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9518]]

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[[Page H9519]]

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[[Page H9520]]

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[[Page H9522]]

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[[Page H9523]]

                                 CV-22

       The agreement includes an additional $15,000,000 to protect 
     the CV-22 fleet against undue risk from diminishing 
     manufacturing sources for parts and modifications. The 
     Secretary of the Air Force is directed to prioritize end-
     items that have long lead times for production and are at the 
     greatest risk for loss of supply should those production 
     lines shut down with delivery of the last currently funded 
     Air Force CV-22. Additionally, the Secretary of the Air Force 
     is directed to submit an expenditure plan for these funds to 
     the congressional defense committees not later than 60 days 
     after the enactment of this Act.


                     UNDEFINITIZED CONTRACT ACTIONS

       The agreement notes with concern that the Air Force remains 
     heavily reliant on undefinitized contract actions (UCAs) to 
     execute procurement programs, particularly within the 
     Aircraft Procurement, Air Force account. The Government 
     Accountability Office (GAO) has noted that government risks 
     are greater under UCAs when there is little incentive for 
     vendors to definitize contracts. Therefore, the agreement 
     directs the GAO to review the use of UCAs within all Air 
     Force procurement accounts to determine how often this 
     contracting option is being utilized, and for what reasons; 
     if other contracting strategies are more efficient and 
     effective; and recommendations to reduce the usage of UCAs in 
     the future. GAO shall report the results of this review to 
     the House and Senate Appropriations Committees not later than 
     120 days after the enactment of this Act.


                  C-130 AVIONICS MODERNIZATION PROGRAM

       Senate Report 113-211 included language that directed the 
     Secretary of the Air Force to obligate prior year C-130 
     Avionics Modernization Program funds to complete testing and 
     to transition the program to production. The agreement 
     provides the flexibility, consistent with the National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, to allow the 
     Secretary of the Air Force to proceed with a reduced scope 
     program to address safety and airspace compliance 
     requirements. This language replaces the language included 
     under this heading in Senate Report 113-211.

                     MISSILE PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9525]]

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[[Page H9526]]

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[[Page H9527]]

                DEFENSE METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE PROGRAM

       The agreement reduces the funding request for the Defense 
     Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) by $9,000,000 for 
     excessive cost growth. Further, the agreement prohibits the 
     Secretary of the Air Force from obligating more than 
     $28,000,000 until she certifies to the congressional defense 
     committees that the DMSP-20 satellite will be launched by the 
     end of calendar year 2016. If the decision is not to launch 
     the DMSP-20 satellite by the end of calendar year 2016, it is 
     expected that the program be brought to an orderly close 
     during calendar year 2015.

                  PROCUREMENT OF AMMUNITION, AIR FORCE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9529]]

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[[Page H9530]]

                      OTHER PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9532]]

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[[Page H9534]]

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[[Page H9535]]

                       PROCUREMENT, DEFENSE-WIDE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9537]]

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[[Page H9541]]

                   AVIATION FOREIGN INTERNAL DEFENSE

       The agreement includes $10,500,000 within the amount 
     provided for Non-Standard Aviation, only to be used for 
     Aviation Foreign Internal Defense modifications to nine MC-12 
     platforms as requested in the budget.

                    DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT PURCHASES

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

                                    EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    FY 2015 Request             Final Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next Generation Star Tracker System...........................                    4,305                    4,305
Read Out Integrated Circuit Foundry Improvement and                               2,639                    2,639
 Sustainability...............................................
Space Qualified Solar Cell Supply Chain.......................                    1,500                    1,500
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Focal Plan Arrays.....                    1,690                    1,690
Additive Manufacturing for Liquid Rocket Engines..............                      700                      700
Cadmium Zinc Telluride Substrates.............................                    1,591                    1,591
Activated Carbon Capacity Expansion...........................                    4,213                    4,213
Modernization of Steel Plate Production.......................                    2,000                    2,000
Scale Up of Green Energetics..................................                    2,000                    2,000
Transparent Ceramics Initiative...............................                    1,000                    1,000
Program Increase..............................................  .......................                   30,000
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
     Total, Defense Production Act............................                   21,638                   51,638
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

          TITLE IV--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION

       The agreement provides $63,713,275,000 in Title IV, 
     Research, Development, Test and Evaluation. The agreement on 
     items addressed by either the House or the Senate is as 
     follows:

[[Page H9542]]

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[[Page H9543]]

   RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION SPECIAL INTEREST ITEMS

       Items for which additional funds have been provided as 
     shown in the project level tables or in paragraphs using the 
     phrase ``only for'' or ``only to'' in the explanatory 
     statement are congressional special interest items for the 
     purpose of the Base for Reprogramming (DD Form 1414). Each of 
     these items must be carried on the DD Form 1414 at the stated 
     amount as specifically addressed in the explanatory 
     statement.


            REPROGRAMMING GUIDANCE FOR ACQUISITION ACCOUNTS

       The Secretary of Defense is directed to continue to follow 
     the reprogramming guidance as specified in the report 
     accompanying the House version of the Department of Defense 
     Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2008 (House Report 110-
     279). Specifically, the dollar threshold for reprogramming 
     funds will remain at $20,000,000 for procurement and 
     $10,000,000 for research, development, test and evaluation.
       Also, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) is 
     directed to continue to provide the congressional defense 
     committees quarterly, spreadsheet-based DD Form 1416 reports 
     for Service and defense-wide accounts in titles III and IV of 
     this Act. Reports for titles III and IV shall comply with the 
     guidance specified in the explanatory statement accompanying 
     the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 
     2006. The Department shall continue to follow the limitation 
     that prior approval reprogrammings are set at either the 
     specified dollar threshold or 20 percent of the procurement 
     or research, development, test and evaluation line, whichever 
     is less. These thresholds are cumulative from the base for 
     reprogramming value as modified by any adjustments. 
     Therefore, if the combined value of transfers into or out of 
     a procurement (P-1) or research, development, test and 
     evaluation (R-1) line exceeds the identified threshold, the 
     Secretary of Defense must submit a prior approval 
     reprogramming to the congressional defense committees. In 
     addition, guidelines on the application of prior approval 
     reprogramming procedures for congressional special interest 
     items are established elsewhere in this statement.

            RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION, ARMY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9545]]

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[[Page H9550]]

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[[Page H9551]]

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[[Page H9552]]

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[[Page H9556]]

        SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH PILOT PROGRAM

       The agreement recommends $2,250,000 for a Science, 
     Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) pilot program to 
     reach out to under-served student populations. The Secretary 
     of the Army shall carry out a pilot research and development 
     initiative to conduct STEM education research and evaluation 
     at elementary and secondary schools to build evidence about 
     promising practices and program effectiveness. This pilot 
     shall be used across agencies and shared with the public to 
     improve the impact of STEM investment and engagement with the 
     public school sector. This pilot should focus on serving low-
     income students and other groups from historically under-
     served populations in STEM fields.

            RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION, NAVY

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9558]]

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[[Page H9559]]

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[[Page H9560]]

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[[Page H9561]]

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[[Page H9562]]

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[[Page H9563]]

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[[Page H9564]]

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[[Page H9565]]

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[[Page H9566]]

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[[Page H9567]]

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[[Page H9568]]

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[[Page H9569]]

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[[Page H9570]]

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[[Page H9571]]

                RQ-4 TRITON UNMANNED AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE

       The fiscal year 2015 budget request includes $498,003,000 
     to continue system development and begin modernization of the 
     RQ-4 Triton Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle program. The program 
     has experienced numerous cost overruns and development 
     delays. The agreement reduces the fiscal year 2015 budget 
     request by $41,500,000 and directs the Secretary of the Navy 
     to defer some modernization activities until a review of the 
     capability development document is completed by the Joint 
     Requirements Oversight Council. The agreement includes a 
     separate modernization budget line for increased 
     transparency.


   UNMANNED CARRIER LAUNCHED AIRBORNE SURVEILLANCE AND STRIKE SYSTEM

       The agreement fully funds the fiscal year 2015 budget 
     request of $403,017,000 to continue the development of the 
     Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike 
     (UCLASS) system in three segments: the air segment, the 
     control system and connectivity segment, and the carrier 
     segment. However, there is concern that the Navy is 
     proceeding with the development of the UCLASS system prior to 
     the formal establishment of stable requirements. The Joint 
     Staff has provided a memorandum to the House and Senate 
     Appropriations Committees stating that the requirements 
     validation process will be streamlined, where possible, and 
     the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) will approve 
     the capability development document prior to Milestone B. 
     Therefore, the agreement directs the Secretary of the Navy to 
     confirm JROC validation of the key performance parameters 
     prior to issuing the final request for proposals for the 
     development program.

         RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION, AIR FORCE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9572]]

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[[Page H9573]]

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[[Page H9574]]

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[[Page H9575]]

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[[Page H9576]]

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[[Page H9577]]

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[[Page H9578]]

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[[Page H9579]]

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[[Page H9580]]

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[[Page H9581]]

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[[Page H9582]]

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[[Page H9583]]

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[[Page H9584]]

  GLOBAL HAWK, U-2, AND HIGH-ALTITUDE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND 
                             RECONNAISSANCE

       Pursuant to the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2015, the Secretary of the Air Force may not take 
     any action to divest the U-2 fleet until authorized by 
     Congress. Further, the Secretary of the Air Force may not 
     obligate $77,100,000 provided for RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 30 
     payloads until 30 days after the Secretary submits an updated 
     high-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance 
     (HAISR) transition plan to the congressional defense 
     committees. This report shall be written in consultation with 
     the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation and 
     shall include a cost and schedule estimate to modify the 
     Global Hawk Block 30 fleet pursuant to an updated capability 
     development document for Block 30, a certification that the 
     plan will provide sufficient aircraft availability and sensor 
     capabilities capable of meeting combatant commander HAISR 
     requirements in each year of the transition, and a mitigation 
     plan for the loss of the U-2's photo reconnaissance 
     capability supporting the Israel-Egypt peace treaty.


        COMPETITIVE ROCKET INNOVATION--MOTOR/ENGINE ARRANGEMENT

       The agreement provides $220,000,000 to accelerate rocket 
     propulsion system development with a target demonstration 
     date of fiscal year 2019. The agreement directs the Secretary 
     of the Air Force, in consultation with the Administrator of 
     the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as 
     practical, to develop an affordable, innovative, and 
     competitive strategy for this development effort that 
     includes an assessment of the potential benefits and 
     challenges of using public-private partnerships, innovative 
     teaming arrangements, and small business considerations. The 
     strategy should include plans for targeted risk reduction 
     projects and technology maturation efforts to buy down risk 
     and accelerate potential launch system solutions. This 
     strategy shall be submitted to the congressional defense 
     committees not later than 180 days after the enactment of 
     this Act.


                     GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM III

       The budget request includes $32,900,000 for Global 
     Positioning System (GPS) III Space Modernization Initiative 
     (SMI) to address issues related to design, systems, 
     engineering, program management, obsolescence, and 
     efficiencies for GPS satellites. The agreement includes full 
     funding for GPS III SMI and directs the Secretary of the Air 
     Force to allocate $20,000,000 to study technological 
     maturation, including the use of an alternative digital GPS 
     payload, and risk reduction consistent with the GPS 
     Enterprise analysis of alternatives.


                       APPLIED RESEARCH MATERIALS

       The agreement recognizes and supports Air Force Research 
     Laboratory (AFRL) research in Applied Research Materials 
     which is a key element of the human-machine interface. Human 
     monitoring is as important as equipment monitoring as the two 
     must perform in tandem at optimum levels for successful 
     mission completion and personal safety. The Director of AFRL 
     is encouraged to continue research into nano-bio 
     manufacturing of materials and sensor devices that are 
     capable of detecting biomarkers and other substances 
     correlating to human body conditions such as stress, fatigue, 
     and organ damage.


                       LONG RANGE STANDOFF WEAPON

       The fiscal year 2015 budget request proposes delaying 
     development efforts associated with the Long Range Standoff 
     Weapon. The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to 
     submit a report to the congressional defense committees not 
     later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act 
     describing the requirements, anticipated missions, programmed 
     funding by fiscal year, and current program schedule for the 
     Long Range Standoff Weapon.

        RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION, DEFENSE-WIDE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows: 

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[[Page H9586]]

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[[Page H9587]]

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[[Page H9588]]

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[[Page H9590]]

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[[Page H9591]]

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[[Page H9592]]

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[[Page H9593]]

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[[Page H9595]]

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[[Page H9598]]

     DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY PROJECT TRANSITIONS

       The fiscal year 2015 budget request for the Defense 
     Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is $2,914,770,000, 
     an increase of $136,114,000 over the fiscal year 2014 enacted 
     level. Within that request, a larger increase of $175,986,000 
     is included specifically for Advanced Technology Development 
     projects, which develop subsystems and components and 
     integrate them into system prototypes for field experiments 
     or tests in a simulated environment. This development often 
     requires the procurement of advance materials and an increase 
     to a contractor's workforce. Therefore, it is critical that 
     these projects be well-planned, focused on proving specific 
     technologies that are warfighter-relevant, and funded 
     appropriately. Since DARPA's mission includes creating 
     breakthrough technologies, but does not include the 
     development or acquisition of weapon systems, ensuring the 
     transition of projects that have successfully demonstrated a 
     capability that address warfighter needs is key to avoiding 
     waste of taxpayer resources and destabilizing the industrial 
     base. It is concerning that these transitions have not been 
     managed accordingly at DARPA, particularly as it relates to 
     space programs, which in some instances have been terminated 
     following years of development and an investment of several 
     hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars due to lack of 
     warfighter requirements or lack of a business case. It is not 
     apparent why warfighter requirements and the business case 
     were not considered prior to beginning these projects.
       Therefore, the Director of DARPA is directed to submit a 
     report to the congressional defense committees with the 
     fiscal year 2016 budget submission that details by fiscal 
     year, for each of the three previous fiscal years, the 
     transition status of each project and program funded with 6.3 
     funds for Advanced Technology Development. This report shall 
     include program schedules, funding by fiscal year, 
     applicability of the technology to identified and documented 
     warfighter needs, identification of potential transition 
     partners, status of applicable Memoranda of Agreement 
     detailing the transition, and any funds set aside by DARPA to 
     ensure a successful transition to the identified partner. In 
     addition, the Director of DARPA is directed to provide for 
     each new start 6.3 project proposed in the fiscal year 2016 
     budget submission a transition plan that includes the 
     information requested above.


       MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY--EUROPEAN PHASED ADAPTIVE APPROACH

       Recent successful Aegis flight tests, coupled with 
     significant progress of the construction of Aegis Ashore in 
     Romania, demonstrate continued strides made by the Missile 
     Defense Agency (MDA) towards fielding the European Phased 
     Adaptive Approach (EPAA) on schedule. Congressional support 
     for developing the EPAA, which augments protection of the 
     U.S. homeland against long-range ballistic missile threats 
     and provides for the defense of deployed forces and allies in 
     Europe, remains strong. However, concerns remain about MDA's 
     poor budgeting practices for programs that support the EPAA. 
     Therefore, the agreement recommends adjustments across MDA's 
     budget with the expectation that MDA will improve its budget 
     formulation and justification process with the fiscal year 
     2016 budget submission. It is noted that none of these 
     adjustments negatively affect MDA's ability to field the EPAA 
     on time.


       MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY--DIVERT AND ATTITUDE CONTROL SYSTEM

       The intent of the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Divert and 
     Attitude Control System (DACS) investment strategy is to 
     mitigate the risk of relying on a single supplier and to 
     maintain a competitive industrial base. It is noted that MDA 
     repeatedly benefitted from access to a competitive industrial 
     base in the past, particularly when programs were failing to 
     deliver on cost and on schedule. Therefore, it is concerning 
     that MDA is not adequately funding DACS research for future 
     needs. The Director of MDA is directed to review the DACS 
     investment strategy and to submit a report not later than 60 
     days after the enactment of this Act to the congressional 
     defense committees on MDA's plans to sustain a competitive 
     DACS industrial base.


                  DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAM

       The agreement includes $10,000,000 above the budget request 
     for a regionally focused technology transfer innovation pilot 
     program. The agreement directs the Assistant Secretary of 
     Defense (Research and Engineering) to conduct a pilot program 
     on public-private technology transfer ventures between 
     Department of Defense research and development centers and 
     regionally focused technology incubators, with the goal of 
     increasing the commercialization of intellectual property 
     developed in the Department's research and development 
     enterprise in support of critical cross-service technological 
     needs such as energetics, unmanned systems, and rapid 
     prototyping. Technology incubator partners should be selected 
     through full and open competition emphasizing strong business 
     plans, demonstrated expertise in mentorship and 
     commercialization, and strong regional partnerships. This 
     language does not replace the report language on Technology 
     Transfer included under Research, Development, Test and 
     Evaluation, Air Force in Senate Report 113-211.


                   EXPANDING FEDERAL CLOUD COMPUTING

       The agreement supports the fiscal year 2015 budget request 
     to transform the Government Information Technology (IT) 
     portfolio through cloud computing, giving agencies the 
     ability to purchase IT services in a utility-based model, 
     paying for only the IT services consumed. The expedited 
     transition to cloud computing offers significant savings to 
     federal agencies. The agreement directs the Chief Information 
     Officer for the Department of Defense to provide a report to 
     the House and Senate Appropriations Committees not later than 
     270 days after the enactment of this Act on the status of 
     expanding the adoption of cloud computing within the 
     Department of Defense. The report should include an update on 
     the use of commercial cloud computing services, current plans 
     for the expansion of cloud computing to leverage the utility-
     based model, security impacts of transitioning to cloud 
     computing, and the cost savings achieved in fiscal years 2014 
     and 2015 by the utilization of cloud computing services. The 
     agreement further directs the Chief Information Officer, in 
     coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense 
     (Comptroller), to assess whether it may be necessary to 
     establish cloud service Working Capital Funds to enable the 
     transition to cloud-based solutions. This assessment shall be 
     provided to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees 
     not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act.


                         DEFENSE CONNECT ONLINE

       The agreement notes that there is concern about the 
     implementation of the next stage of collaborative software 
     used by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). 
     Defense Connect Online currently is DISA's main collaborative 
     enterprise service with more than 900,000 civilian and 
     military users and has been credited with saving millions of 
     dollars over the past seven years by replacing travel with 
     virtual meetings and online training. The agreement notes the 
     lack of funding and execution information available regarding 
     a proposed transition in collaborative services and 
     encourages DISA to clearly communicate to the congressional 
     defense committees the strategy for the future use of 
     collaborative enterprise services.

                OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION, DEFENSE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

                                    EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              R-1                                   FY 2015 Request             Final Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1  OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION............................                   74,583                   93,223
    Program increase--Cyber force training and resiliency.....  .......................                   10,000
    Program increase--PACOM cyber training range..............  .......................                    4,880
    Program increase--Cyber RED team and training.............  .......................                    3,760
2  LIVE FIRE TESTING..........................................                   45,142                   45,142
3  OPERATIONAL TEST ACTIVITIES AND ANALYSIS...................                   48,013                   71,013
    Program increase--Threat resource analysis................  .......................                    5,000
    Program increase--Joint test and evaluation...............  .......................                   18,000
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
      TOTAL, OPERATIONAL TEST & EVALUATION, DEFENSE...........                  167,738                  209,378
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  December 11, 2014, on page H9598, typographical errors appeared 
in the tabular material beneath the header EXPLANATION OF PROJECT 
LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read as shown below.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 



                            THREAT EMITTERS

       The agreement notes that progress has been made by the 
     Director of Test Resources Management Center and the Director 
     of Operational Test and Evaluation in achieving a coordinated 
     path forward on the development and fielding of advanced 
     electronic warfare threat emitters. The agreement supports 
     the streamlined approach that the Directors have presented, 
     allowing for the rapid acquisition of both open and closed 
     loop threat emitters that can be used to test future weapons 
     systems. The agreement continues to encourage both 
     organizations to coordinate in finding the best solution that 
     leverages the expertise of the test community to address this 
     critical mission requirement.

                TITLE V--REVOLVING AND MANAGEMENT FUNDS

       The agreement provides $2,134,480,000 in Title V, Revolving 
     and Management Funds. The agreement on items addressed by 
     either the House or the Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9599]]

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[[Page H9600]]

                     DEFENSE WORKING CAPITAL FUNDS

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

                                    EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    FY 2015 Request             Final Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORKING CAPITAL FUND, ARMY....................................                   13,727                  238,727
    Program increase--arsenal initiative......................  .......................                  225,000
WORKING CAPITAL FUND, AIR FORCE...............................                   61,717                   61,717
WORKING CAPITAL FUND, DEFENSE-WIDE............................                   44,293                   44,293
DEFENSE WORKING CAPITAL FUND, DECA............................                1,114,731                1,304,731
    Program increase..........................................  .......................                  190,000
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL, DEFENSE WORKING CAPITAL FUNDS......................                1,234,468                1,649,468
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     NATIONAL DEFENSE SEALIFT FUND

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

                                    EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    FY 2015 Request             Final Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRATEGIC SEALIFT ACQUISITION.................................                        0                   17,300
    Outfitting and Post Delivery--transfer from SCN line 18...  .......................                   17,300
DOD MOBILIZATION ASSETS.......................................                        0                  152,100
    Lg Med Spd RO/RO maintenance--transfer from OM,N..........  .......................                  105,900
    DOD mobilization alterations--transfer from OM,N..........  .......................                   19,000
    TAH maintenance--transfer from OM,N.......................  .......................                   27,200
SEALIFT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT..............................                        0                   24,417
    Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future)--transfer from       .......................                    8,454
     RDTE,N line 121..........................................
    Naval Operational Logistics Integration--transfer from      .......................                   15,963
     RDTE,N line 43...........................................
READY RESERVE FORCE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE.................                        0                  291,195
    Ready Reserve Force--transfer from OM,N...................  .......................                  291,195
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL, NATIONAL DEFENSE SEALIFT FUND......................                        0                  485,012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

             TITLE VI--OTHER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROGRAMS

       The agreement provides $34,144,557,000 in Title VI, Other 
     Department of Defense Programs. The agreement on items 
     addressed by either the House or the Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9601]]

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[[Page H9602]]

                         DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAM

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

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[[Page H9606]]

         REPROGRAMMING GUIDANCE FOR THE DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAM

       There remain concerns regarding the transfer of funds from 
     the In-House Care budget sub-activity to pay for contractor-
     provided medical care. To limit such transfers and improve 
     oversight within the Defense Health Program operation and 
     maintenance account, the agreement includes a provision which 
     caps the funds available for Private Sector Care under the 
     TRICARE program subject to prior approval reprogramming 
     procedures. The provision and accompanying explanatory 
     statement language should not be interpreted as limiting the 
     amount of funds that may be transferred to the In-House Care 
     budget sub-activity from other budget sub-activities within 
     the Defense Health Program. In addition, funding for the In-
     House Care budget sub-activity continues to be designated as 
     a congressional special interest item. Any transfer of funds 
     from the In-House Care budget sub-activity into the Private 
     Sector Care budget sub-activity or any other budget sub-
     activity requires the Secretary of Defense to follow prior 
     approval reprogramming procedures for operation and 
     maintenance funds.
       There also remain concerns with continual reports that 
     substantial amounts of funding are transferred from the 
     Private Sector Care budget sub-activity without the 
     submission of written notification as required by prior year 
     Department of Defense Appropriations Acts. The Secretary of 
     Defense is directed to provide written notification to the 
     congressional defense committees of cumulative transfers in 
     excess of $10,000,000 out of the Private Sector Care budget 
     sub-activity not later than fifteen days after such a 
     transfer. Furthermore, the Secretary of Defense is directed 
     to provide a report to the congressional defense committees 
     not later than 30 days after the enactment of this Act that 
     delineates transfers of funds in excess of $10,000,000, and 
     the dates any transfers occurred, from the Private Sector 
     Care budget sub-activity to any other budget sub-activity 
     groups for fiscal years 2012 through 2014.
       The Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) is 
     directed to provide quarterly reports to the congressional 
     defense committees on budget execution data for all of the 
     Defense Health Program budget activities and to adequately 
     reflect changes to the budget activities requested by the 
     Services in future budget submissions.


                               CARRYOVER

       For fiscal year 2015, the agreement recommends one percent 
     carryover authority for the operation and maintenance account 
     of the Defense Health Program. The Assistant Secretary of 
     Defense (Health Affairs) is directed to submit a detailed 
     spending plan for any fiscal year 2014 designated carryover 
     funds to the congressional defense committees not less than 
     30 days prior to executing the carryover funds.


                 PEER-REVIEWED CANCER RESEARCH PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $50,000,000 for the peer-reviewed 
     cancer research program to research cancers not addressed in 
     the breast, prostate, ovarian, and lung cancer research 
     programs currently executed by the Department of Defense.
       The funds provided in the peer-reviewed cancer research 
     program are directed to be used to conduct research in the 
     following areas: colorectal cancer, genetic cancer research, 
     kidney cancer, listeria vaccine for cancer, liver cancer, 
     melanoma and other skin cancers, mesothelioma, 
     myeloproliferative disorders, neuroblastoma, pancreatic 
     cancer, and stomach cancer.
       The reports directed under this heading in House Report 
     113-473 and Senate Report 113-211 are still required.


                 PEER-REVIEWED MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $247,500,000 for a peer-reviewed 
     medical research program. The Secretary of Defense, in 
     conjunction with the Service Surgeons General, is directed to 
     select medical research projects of clear scientific merit 
     and direct relevance to military health. Research areas 
     considered under this funding are restricted to the following 
     areas: acupuncture, acute lung injury, advanced prosthetics, 
     arthritis, burn pit exposure, cardiovascular health, chronic 
     migraine and post-traumatic headache, congenital heart 
     disease, Dengue, diabetes, DNA vaccine technology for 
     postexposure prophylaxis, dystonia, focal segmental 
     glomerulosclerosis, food allergies, Fragile X syndrome, 
     healthcare-acquired infection reduction, hepatitis B, 
     hereditary angioedema, hydrocephalus, inflammatory bowel 
     disease, integrative medicine, interstitial cystitis, lupus, 
     malaria, metals toxicology, mitochondrial disease, 
     nanomaterials for bone regeneration, osteoarthritis, 
     pancreatitis, pathogen-inactivated dried plasma, polycystic 
     kidney disease, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, psychotropic 
     medications, pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory health, 
     rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, sleep disorders, tinnitus, 
     vascular malformations, and women's heart disease.


                             GLOBAL HEALTH

       The Department of Defense is making critical contributions 
     with research and development efforts to protect troops from 
     infectious and neglected diseases that may be encountered on 
     missions around the world. There is a need to sustain and 
     support investment in this area by fully funding those 
     important research areas. Therefore, the program director of 
     each program within the Department of Defense currently 
     involved in infectious disease-related research is directed 
     to submit a report on the program's research and development 
     activities to the congressional defense committees not later 
     than 180 days after the enactment of this Act. The report 
     shall outline the program's funding and accomplishments from 
     fiscal years 2011 through 2014, and include each program's 
     goals and funding requirements across the Future Years 
     Defense Program.


                        ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD

       There remain concerns about the progress being made by the 
     Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to develop and 
     procure fully interoperable electronic health records. The 
     ultimate goal of the efforts of both Departments is to have 
     systems that can exchange data in a meaningful way and can be 
     used in a dynamic environment to improve patient care and 
     facilitate smoother transitions for servicemembers from 
     military service to veteran status. There must be more 
     cooperation throughout the two Departments to find, develop, 
     and implement the best solution that will allow 
     interoperability in a timely manner.
       The agreement includes a provision that restricts the 
     amount of funding that may be obligated for the Interagency 
     Program Office (IPO), the Defense Healthcare Management 
     Systems Modernization (DHMSM) program, and the Defense 
     Medical Information Exchange to 25 percent of the funding 
     provided until the Secretary of Defense provides the House 
     and Senate Appropriations Committees, and such Committees 
     approve, an expenditure plan that includes numerous reporting 
     requirements. This report shall also be submitted to the 
     House and Senate Armed Services Committees and the Government 
     Accountability Office (GAO) for review. The Secretary of 
     Defense is also directed to provide written notification to 
     the congressional defense committees prior to obligating any 
     contract or combination of contracts in excess of $5,000,000.
       The Program Executive Office (PEO) for DHMSM is directed to 
     provide quarterly reports to the congressional defense 
     committees and GAO on the cost and schedule of the program, 
     to include milestones, knowledge points, and acquisition 
     timelines, as well as quarterly obligation reports. The 
     Committee further directs the PEO DHMSM to continue briefing 
     the House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees on 
     a quarterly basis, coinciding with the report submission.
       Furthermore, the Director of the IPO is directed to 
     continue to provide quarterly briefings on the progress of 
     interoperability between the two Departments to the House and 
     Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees and the House and 
     Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related 
     Agencies Appropriations Subcommittees. The briefings shall 
     include an update on standards development and how those 
     standards are being incorporated by both Departments.
       In an effort to ensure Government-wide accountability, the 
     Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs, is directed to provide the Federal Chief 
     Information Officer of the United States with monthly updates 
     on progress made by the two Departments to reach 
     interoperability and modernize their respective electronic 
     health records.


                       HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

       Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress 
     disorder (PTSD) are the signature wounds of more than a 
     decade of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Patients 
     suffering from these conditions are often prescribed various 
     psychotropic drugs to ease their symptoms. These drugs often 
     have negative side effects and carry the risk of leading to 
     dependency. As an alternative treatment, the Department of 
     Defense has studied the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy; 
     and, although private sector research has shown positive 
     effects of using the therapy, the Department of Defense has 
     decided not to pursue its use, citing that clinical trials 
     failed to show positive results.
       The agreement directs the Comptroller General of the United 
     States to conduct a review and provide a report to the 
     congressional defense committees not later than 180 days 
     after the enactment of this Act on the use of hyperbaric 
     oxygen therapy to treat TBI and PTSD. The report shall 
     include an assessment of the results of the clinical trials 
     completed by the Department of Defense and a review of 
     private sector research on the use of hyperbaric oxygen 
     therapy and whether those conclusions are similar or 
     different from the Department of Defense study.


                 TRANSFER OF SERVICE TREATMENT RECORDS

       The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 directed the 
     Department of Defense Inspector General (DOD IG) to work in 
     coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
     Inspector General to assess the time it takes for Service 
     Treatment records (STRs) to be transmitted to the VA, 
     identify impediments to providing the records in a useable 
     electronic format, and provide recommendations to streamline 
     this process. In its report, the DOD IG found that the 
     Department of Defense did not consistently transfer timely 
     and complete STRs to the VA. The DOD IG concluded that the 
     Department did not provide the military Services with clear 
     or comprehensive guidance concerning the STR transfer 
     process, to include the agreed upon procedure for certifying 
     STR completeness, and that the Department's failure to 
     consistently make timely and complete STRs available to the 
     VA likely contributed to delays in processing veterans' 
     benefit claims.

[[Page H9607]]

       The Secretary of Defense is directed to implement the 
     recommendations of the DOD IG report as soon as possible and 
     submit a report on the status of the implementation of the 
     recommendations to the congressional defense committees not 
     later than 120 days after the enactment of this Act. 
     Additionally, the report found that delays with the Health 
     Artifacts and Imaging System (HAIMS) and insufficient server 
     capacity contributed to poor timeliness and completeness 
     rates. The agreement includes $3,600,000 for the continuation 
     and improvement of HAIMS and expects this funding to be 
     utilized to address these issues.


                SUICIDE PREVENTION AND FINANCIAL STRESS

       The agreement recognizes the complexities of determining a 
     single cause leading to a military suicide, as there are many 
     sources of stress for servicemembers. One of these sources 
     meriting increased attention is the financial health and 
     status of servicemembers. Therefore, the agreement expects 
     the Secretary of Defense to allocate up to $1,000,000 of the 
     funds made available for suicide prevention efforts within 
     the Defense Health Program to study the role of financial 
     stress as a factor in military suicides.

           CHEMICAL AGENTS AND MUNITIONS DESTRUCTION, DEFENSE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

                                    EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    FY 2015 Request             Final Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE.....................................                  222,728                  196,128
    Recovered Chemical Warfare Material Project excess to need  .......................                  -26,600
PROCUREMENT...................................................                   10,227                   10,227
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION....................                  595,913                  595,913
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL, CHEMICAL AGENTS AND MUNITIONS DESTRUCTION, DEFENSE.                  828,868                  802,268
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         DRUG INTERDICTION AND COUNTER-DRUG ACTIVITIES, DEFENSE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

                                    EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    FY 2015 Request             Final Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COUNTER-NARCOTICS SUPPORT.....................................                  719,096                  669,631
    Transfer to National Guard counter-drug program...........  .......................                  -89,465
    Program increase..........................................  .......................                   40,000
DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION PROGRAM.................................                  101,591                  105,591
    Young Marines--drug demand reduction......................  .......................                    4,000
NATIONAL GUARD COUNTER-DRUG PROGRAM...........................                        0                  175,465
    Transfer from counter-narcotics support...................  .......................                   89,465
    Program increase..........................................  .......................                   86,000
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL, DRUG INTERDICTION AND COUNTER-DRUG ACTIVITIES,                       820,687                  950,687
     DEFENSE..................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

             JOINT IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE DEFEAT FUND

       The agreement does not recommend funding for the Joint 
     Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund in the base budget. 
     Funding requirements of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device 
     Defeat Organization are addressed in title IX.

                  JOINT URGENT OPERATIONAL NEEDS FUND

       The agreement does not recommend funding for the Joint 
     Urgent Operational Needs Fund.

                    OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

                                    EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    FY 2015 Request             Final Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE.....................................                  310,830                  309,430
    IG requested transfer to Research, Development, Test and    .......................                   -1,400
     Evaluation...............................................
PROCUREMENT...................................................                    1,000                    1,000
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION....................                        0                    1,400
    IG requested transfer from Operation and Maintenance......  .......................                    1,400
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL....................                  311,830                  311,830
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROTECTED COMMUNICATIONS WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The agreement reiterates a concern that servicemembers have 
     been prevented from communicating with, or retaliated against 
     for communicating with, Members of Congress or the Department 
     of Defense Inspector General. Current law protects 
     whistleblower communications and prohibits retaliatory 
     personnel actions. The agreement remains strongly supportive 
     of those protections.

            SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL SPORTING COMPETITIONS

       The agreement provides $10,000,000 for Support for 
     International Sporting Competitions.

                      TITLE VII--RELATED AGENCIES

       The agreement provides $1,021,600,000 in Title VII, Related 
     Agencies. The agreement on items addressed by either the 
     House or the Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9608]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.230
     


[[Page H9609]]

                            CLASSIFIED ANNEX

       Adjustments to classified programs are addressed in a 
     separate, detailed, and comprehensive classified annex. The 
     intelligence community, the Department of Defense, and other 
     organizations are expected to fully comply with the 
     recommendations and directions in the classified annex 
     accompanying the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 
     2015.

   CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY SYSTEM FUND

       The agreement provides $514,000,000 for the Central 
     Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund.

               INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT

       The agreement provides $507,600,000 for the Intelligence 
     Community Management Account.

                     TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS

       The agreement incorporates general provisions from the 
     House and Senate versions of the bill which were not amended. 
     Those general provisions that were addressed in the agreement 
     are as follows:
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     which provides general transfer authority not to exceed 
     $4,500,000,000. The House bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     which identifies tables as Explanation of Project Level 
     Adjustments. The Senate bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     regarding limitations and conditions on the use of funds made 
     available by this Act to initiate or terminate multi-year 
     contracts. The House bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding management of civilian personnel of the Department 
     of Defense. The Senate bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding limitations on the use of funds to purchase anchor 
     and mooring chains. The Senate bill contained no similar 
     provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     providing funds to construct, renovate, repair, or expand 
     elementary and secondary public schools on military 
     installations. The Senate bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     which prohibits the use of funds to demilitarize or dispose 
     of certain small firearms. The House bill contained a similar 
     provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding incentive payments authorized by the Indian 
     Financing Act of 1974. The Senate bill contained a similar 
     provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     which provides funding from various appropriations for the 
     Civil Air Patrol Corporation. The Senate bill contained a 
     similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding funds appropriated for programs of the Central 
     Intelligence Agency. The Senate bill contained a similar 
     provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding mitigation of environmental impacts on Indian lands 
     resulting from Department of Defense activities. The Senate 
     bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding field operating agencies. The Senate bill contained 
     a similar provision.


                             (RESCISSIONS)

       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     and the Senate recommending rescissions and provides for the 
     rescission of $1,228,020,000. The rescissions agreed to are:

2013 Appropriations:
    Aircraft Procurement, Army:
        Kiowa Warrior program termination............        $18,242,000
    Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles, Army:
        Howitzer, SP 155 109A6.......................          5,000,000
    Other Procurement, Army:
        Joint Tactical Radio System..................         67,000,000
        Mid-tier networking vehicular radio..........         30,000,000
    Aircraft Procurement, Navy:
        RQ-4 UAV.....................................         47,200,000
    Procurement, Marine Corps:
        Combat support system........................          2,000,000
        Communications and electronics infrastructure         15,000,000
        HMMWV........................................          5,925,000
        LAV PIP......................................         10,006,000
        LVSR.........................................          7,286,000
    Aircraft Procurement, Air Force:
        MQ-IB modifications..........................         16,300,000
        MQ-IB spares.................................          4,500,000
        MQ-9.........................................         37,800,000
        RQ-4.........................................          6,000,000
    Missile Procurement, Air Force:
        Minuteman III modifications..................          7,100,000
        Missile support equipment....................          6,700,000
2014 Appropriations:
    Aircraft Procurement, Army:
        Aerial common sensor.........................         30,000,000
    Other Procurement, Army:
        Fire support C2 family.......................          4,400,000
        JTRS HMS radio...............................        103,000,000
        Tactical bridge..............................          6,000,000
        Transportable tactical command communications            598,000
        WIN-T Increment 2............................        100,000,000
    Aircraft Procurement, Navy:
        Aviation life support modifications..........          6,267,000
        Common electronic countermeasures............         17,355,000
        E-2D Hawkeye.................................         15,000,000
        EA-18G.......................................         25,000,000
        Executive helicopter series..................         15,000,000
        F/A-18E/F advance procurement................         75,000,000
        P-8A contract savings........................         43,000,000
    Weapons Procurement, Navy:
        Classified programs..........................          7,000,000
        Sidewinder...................................          5,000,000
        Standard missile.............................         46,400,000
        Tomahawk obsolescence........................          5,000,000
    Other Procurement, Navy:
        National airspace system.....................          1,505,000
    Aircraft Procurement, Air Force:
        A-10.........................................         45,300,000
        C-5 modifications............................         36,000,000
        MQ-IB spares.................................          2,100,000
    Missile Procurement, Air Force:
        Evolved expendable launch vehicle............        118,685,000
        Minuteman III modifications..................          2,500,000
        Small diameter bomb..........................         36,024,000
    Procurement, Defense-Wide:
        JBPDS program termination....................         12,100,000
    Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army:
        Biometric enabled intelligence...............          5,000,000
    Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy:
        Amphibious combat vehicle....................         78,800,000
        Harpoon modifications termination............            500,000
        JATAS termination............................         14,000,000
        JPALS Increment 2............................         25,000,000
        Marine Corps combat services support.........          6,600,000
        Ship to shore connector......................         16,330,000
        Tactical cryptologic activities..............            497,000
    Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air
     Force:
        F-22 Increment 3.2B..........................         23,000,000
        ICBM fuze modernization......................         14,000,000
 

       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the Senate 
     to sustain work rates at manufacturing arsenals. The House 
     bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     restricting procurement of ball and roller bearings other 
     than those produced by a domestic source and of domestic 
     origin. The Senate bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     which provides funding to the United Service Organizations 
     and the Red Cross. The Senate bill contained a similar 
     provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     directing that transfers to Small Business Innovation 
     Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs be 
     taken proportionally. The House bill contained no similar 
     provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     making permanent the requirement for prior congressional 
     notification of article or service transfers to international 
     peacekeeping organizations. The House bill contained a 
     similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     providing for the availability of funds to implement cost 
     effective agreements for required heating facility 
     modernization in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, 
     Landstuhl Army Regional Medical Center, and Ramstein Air 
     Base, Germany. The Senate bill contained no similar 
     provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     regarding funding for the Sexual Assault Prevention and 
     Response program and the Special Victims Counsel program. The 
     House bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement modifies language proposed by the House 
     regarding human rights vetting. The Senate bill contained a 
     similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     making permanent a prohibition on the use of funds made 
     available to the Department of Defense to provide support to 
     an agency that is more than 90 days in arrears in making 
     payments. The House bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     providing for the use of National Guard personnel to support 
     ground-based elements of the National Ballistic Missile 
     Defense System. The House bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding a waiver for the Chief of the National Guard Bureau 
     or his designee for all or part of consideration in cases of 
     personal property leases of less than one year. The Senate 
     bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     directing the Army to request funding for Arlington National 
     Cemetery in the Cemeterial Expenses, Army appropriation. The 
     House bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     which prohibits funds from being used to separate the 
     National Intelligence Program from the Department of Defense 
     budget. The Senate bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     which provides a grant to the Fisher House Foundation, Inc. 
     The Senate bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     eliminating the 5 percent discount on tobacco products at 
     military exchanges. The House bill contained no similar 
     provision.

[[Page H9610]]

       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     related to funding for the Israeli Cooperative Defense 
     programs. The Senate bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding specific allocation of funds under the heading 
     ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy''. The Senate bill 
     contained a similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the Senate 
     which reduces funding due to favorable foreign exchange 
     rates. The House bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     that requires written notification to members of reserve 
     components of the expected duration of their mobilization 
     once called to active duty. The Senate bill contained no 
     similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     that directs the acceleration of a competitively awarded 
     launch. The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the Senate 
     that provides for the transfer of not more than $16,000,000 
     from any available Department of the Navy appropriation to 
     any available Navy ship construction appropriation for the 
     purpose of liquidating necessary changes resulting from 
     inflation, market fluctuations, or rate adjustments. The 
     House bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     which establishes a baseline for application of reprogramming 
     and transfer authorities for the Office of the Director of 
     National Intelligence. The House bill contained a similar 
     provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     that prohibits changes to the Army Contracting Command-New 
     Jersey without prior notification. The Senate bill contained 
     no similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     which prohibits the use of funds to violate the Child Soldier 
     Prevention Act of 2008. The Senate bill contained a similar 
     provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding reprogramming guidelines for the National 
     Intelligence Program. The Senate bill contained a similar 
     provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the Senate 
     that requires monthly reporting on Operation Enduring Freedom 
     and Operation Inherent Resolve. The House bill contained a 
     similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     which prohibits the Office of the Director of National 
     Intelligence from employing more Senior Executive Service 
     employees than are specified in the classified annex. The 
     Senate bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     making permanent a prohibition on the use of funds to pay 
     retired general or flag officers to serve as senior mentors 
     unless they file Form 278. The House bill contained a similar 
     provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     related to agreements with the Russian Federation pertaining 
     to missile defense or information regarding United States 
     ballistic missile defense systems. The Senate bill contained 
     a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding parking spaces provided at the Mark Center. The 
     Senate bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     which requires quarterly reports on civilian end strength. 
     The Senate bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding the Ship Modernization, Operations and Sustainment 
     Fund to be used for certain purposes. The Senate bill 
     contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     regarding the use of new designs or fielding of combat and 
     camouflage utility uniforms. The House bill contained no 
     similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding the transfer of detainees from Naval Station 
     Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to the United States. The Senate bill 
     contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     which prohibits the use of funding to modify any United 
     States facility, other than the facility at Naval Station 
     Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to house any individual detained at 
     Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Senate bill contained 
     a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     regarding the transfer of detainees from Naval Station 
     Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to foreign countries. The House bill 
     contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     which prohibits funds from being used to violate the 
     Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. The Senate bill 
     contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     which prohibits funds from being used to violate the War 
     Powers Resolution. The Senate bill contained no similar 
     provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     which prohibits funding from being used in violation of 
     Presidential Memorandum-Federal Fleet Performance, dated May 
     24, 2011. The Senate bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     related to funding for Rosoboronexport. The Senate bill 
     contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     which prohibits funds from being used for the purchase or 
     manufacture of a flag of the United States unless such flags 
     are treated as covered items under section 2533a(b) of title 
     10, U.S.C. The Senate bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     regarding the President of Afghanistan. The House bill 
     contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     which restricts reductions to the number of deployed and non-
     deployed strategic delivery vehicles and launchers below the 
     levels set forth in the report submitted to Congress in 
     accordance with section 1042 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. The House bill 
     contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     that requires the Secretary of Defense to post grant awards 
     on a public Web site in a searchable format. The House bill 
     contained no similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding the use of funds to cancel the avionics 
     modernization program of record for the C-130 aircraft. The 
     Senate bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding force structure changes at Lajes Field, Azores, 
     Portugal. The Senate bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     which prohibits funding from being used in contravention of 
     Section 41106 of title 49, U.S.C. The Senate bill contained 
     no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding funding for flight demonstration teams at locations 
     outside the United States. The Senate bill contained no 
     similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding the National Security Agency. The Senate bill 
     contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     that directs that up to $1,000,000 from Operation and 
     Maintenance, Navy shall be available for transfer to the John 
     C. Stennis Center for Public Service Development Trust Fund. 
     The Senate bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     which provides $88,000,000 for basic allowance for housing 
     for military personnel in accordance with the National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     that prohibits the use of funds to divest E-3 airborne 
     warning and control system aircraft. The Senate bill 
     contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     that prohibits the use of funds to implement the Arms Trade 
     Treaty until the treaty is ratified by the Senate. The Senate 
     bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     that prohibits the transfer of AH-64 helicopters from the 
     Army National Guard to the active Army. The Senate bill 
     contained no similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     limiting the availability of funds for activities authorized 
     under Section 1208 of Public Law 112-81. The Senate bill 
     contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     that requires that the Comptroller General review contracts 
     impacted by section 811 of the National Defense Authorization 
     Act for Fiscal Year 2010. The House bill contained no similar 
     provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     that requires the Secretary of the Air Force to designate a 
     facility on Scott Air Force Base to be named after Senator 
     Alan J. Dixon. The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     that restricts funds that may be used to require that seafood 
     procured for the Department of Defense from sustainably 
     managed fisheries be required to additionally meet 
     sustainability certification criteria prescribed by third-
     party nongovernmental organizations. The House bill contained 
     no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     that precludes the use of funds for the disestablishment of 
     any Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. The 
     Senate bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     that prohibits the use of funds to retire the KC-10 fleet. 
     The Senate bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     that prohibits introducing U.S. armed forces into Iraq in 
     contravention of the War Powers Resolution. The Senate bill 
     contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     that prohibits the use of funds to retire the A-10 fleet. The 
     Senate bill contained no similar provision.

               TITLE IX--OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS

       The agreement provides $63,999,995,000 in Title IX, 
     Overseas Contingency Operations.

[[Page H9611]]

                         REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

       The Secretary of Defense is directed to continue to report 
     incremental contingency operations costs for Operation 
     Inherent Resolve, Operation Enduring Freedom and any 
     successor operation, or any other operation designated and 
     identified by the Secretary of Defense for the purposes of 
     Section 127a of Title 10, U.S.C, on a monthly basis in the 
     Cost of War Execution report as required by the Department of 
     Defense Financial Management Regulation, Chapter 23, Volume 
     12. The Secretary of Defense is directed to continue 
     providing Cost of War reports to the congressional defense 
     committees that include the following information by 
     appropriation account: funding appropriated, funding 
     allocated, monthly obligations, monthly disbursements, 
     cumulative fiscal year obligations, and cumulative fiscal 
     year disbursements.
       In order to meet unanticipated requirements, the Secretary 
     of Defense may need to transfer funds within these 
     appropriations accounts for purposes other than those 
     specified in the explanatory statement. The Secretary of 
     Defense is directed to follow normal prior approval 
     reprogramming procedures should it be necessary to transfer 
     funding between different appropriations accounts in this 
     title using authority provided in section 9002 of this Act.


  OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS EXECUTION REPORTS

       The Secretary of Defense is directed to submit a monthly 
     report to the congressional defense committees not later than 
     30 days after the last day of each month that details 
     commitment, obligation, and expenditure data by sub-activity 
     group for the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund, the 
     Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund including funds for Syria 
     Train and Equip, and the Iraq Train and Equip Fund.


                   COUNTERTERRORISM PARTNERSHIPS FUND

       The agreement includes $1,300,000,000 for the 
     Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund to respond to emerging 
     needs as terrorist threats around the world continue to 
     evolve by using existing authorities to allow the Department 
     of Defense to help build partnership capacity.


                    EUROPEAN REASSURANCE INITIATIVE

       The agreement supports current actions being taken to 
     reassure NATO allies and partners of the continued commitment 
     of the United States to their security and territorial 
     integrity. The agreement provides $810,000,000 for the 
     European Reassurance Initiative (ERI) to support increased 
     capability, presence, readiness, and responsiveness to deter 
     further destabilization in central and eastern Europe.
       The budget amendment requests that the ERI be established 
     as a transfer fund with funding made available for two years. 
     However, the majority of the ERI request is for operation and 
     maintenance funding, which is available for one year. The 
     agreement provides ERI operation and maintenance funding for 
     fiscal year 2015 at the account, budget activity, and sub-
     activity group level of detail and does not extend the length 
     of time the appropriation is available. Further, the 
     agreement does not provide funding for fiscal year 2016, as 
     requested, but directs the Secretary of Defense to include 
     required funding within existing operation and maintenance 
     accounts as part of the fiscal year 2016 budget request.
       Of the total amount recommended for the ERI, the agreement 
     provides $635,000,000 in the operation and maintenance 
     accounts and $175,000,000 in a centralized fund only for 
     military assistance to support Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, 
     and Estonia. This funding is intended to bolster these 
     governments as they potentially have to defend their 
     sovereignty against expanding regional aggression.
       In addition, the request for ERI funding includes limited 
     detail explaining the surge capabilities and the enduring 
     requirements for this effort. This lack of detailed 
     explanation challenges proper congressional oversight. 
     Therefore, the Secretary of Defense is directed to provide to 
     the congressional defense committees, not later than April 1, 
     2015, and quarterly thereafter, a report detailing the 
     obligations and expenditure of appropriated funds. The 
     Secretary of Defense is further directed to provide 
     notification to the congressional defense committees 15 days 
     prior to the obligation of funds if funding is going to be 
     used for efforts other than those outlined in the supporting 
     documentation provided with the budget amendment. Finally, it 
     is expected that the fiscal year 2016 budget request will 
     include justification for any additional funds needed for the 
     ERI and that efforts that are considered enduring 
     requirements or new missions will be specifically noted as 
     such in the base and Overseas Contingency Operations budget 
     justification materials. Funding provided for the ERI shall 
     be considered a congressional interest item.


                       IRAQ TRAIN AND EQUIP FUND

       The agreement provides $1,618,000,000 for the Iraq Train 
     and Equip Fund to counter the threat from the Islamic State 
     of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). ISIL poses an immediate 
     security challenge to Iraq, Syria, and their neighboring 
     countries and seeks to impose an oppressive and intolerant 
     interpretation of sharia law in the region. ISIL is not only 
     a danger to Iraq and the Levant but also poses a risk to the 
     United States and its partners throughout the world.
       The agreement supports efforts that will increase the 
     military capability of resistance forces opposing ISIL within 
     Iraq. However, ultimate success against the threat in Iraq 
     will require a national governance structure that respects 
     the rights of all Iraqis regardless of regional alignment.The 
     agreement notes the commitment by partners to contribute 
     resources to assist in developing this capability and 
     encourages the Secretary of Defense to aggressively solicit 
     such support throughout the duration of this enterprise. In 
     an effort to support that commitment, the agreement directs 
     the Secretary of Defense to submit a quarterly report that 
     outlines the allied and regional state contributions, to 
     include financial and in-kind contributions. The Secretary of 
     Defense is required to provide monthly obligation and 
     expenditure reporting as outlined elsewhere in the agreement.

                           MILITARY PERSONNEL

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9612]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.231
     


[[Page H9613]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.232
     


[[Page H9614]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.233
     


[[Page H9615]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.234
     


[[Page H9616]]

                       OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9617]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.235
     


[[Page H9618]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.236
     


[[Page H9619]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.237
     


[[Page H9620]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.238
     


[[Page H9621]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.239
     


[[Page H9622]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.240
     


[[Page H9623]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.241
     


[[Page H9624]]

                               READINESS

       The agreement includes $1,000,000,000 in title IX to be 
     transferred to the operation and maintenance accounts and be 
     divided proportionately among the Services and the National 
     Guard and reserve components. This funding shall be used only 
     to improve military readiness, including increased training, 
     depot maintenance, and base operations support. None of the 
     funding provided may be used for recruiting, marketing, or 
     advertising programs. The funding provided is a congressional 
     special interest item. The Secretary of Defense and the 
     Service Secretaries are directed to submit a detailed 
     spending plan by sub-activity group to the House and Senate 
     Appropriations Committees not less than 30 days prior to the 
     obligation of these funds. These transfers may be implemented 
     30 days after congressional notification unless an objection 
     is received from either the House or Senate Appropriations 
     Committees.

                              PROCUREMENT

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9625]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.242
     


[[Page H9626]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.243
     


[[Page H9627]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.244
     


[[Page H9628]]

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[[Page H9629]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.246
     


[[Page H9630]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.247
     


[[Page H9631]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.248
     


[[Page H9632]]

                  NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE EQUIPMENT

       The agreement provides $1,200,000,000 for National Guard 
     and Reserve Equipment. Of that amount, $415,000,000 is for 
     the Army National Guard; $415,000,000 is for the Air National 
     Guard; $185,000,000 is for the Army Reserve; $65,000,000 is 
     for the Navy Reserve; $60,000,000 is for the Marine Corps 
     Reserve; and $60,000,000 is for the Air Force Reserve to meet 
     urgent equipment needs that may arise this fiscal year.
       This funding will allow the National Guard and reserve 
     components to procure high priority equipment that may be 
     used by these units for both their combat missions and their 
     missions in support of State governors. The National Guard 
     and Reserve Equipment account shall be executed by the Chiefs 
     of the National Guard and reserve components with priority 
     consideration given to the following items: Acoustic Hailing 
     Devices; C-130 Propulsion Upgrades; C-130 and KC-135 Secure 
     Line-of-Sight/Beyond Line-of-Sight Data Link and Situational 
     Awareness Cockpit Displays; Chemical and Biological 
     Protective Shelters; Coastal Riverine Force Boats and 
     Communications Upgrades; Combat Mobility Equipment; 
     Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic 
     Management; Construction Engineering Equipment; Crashworthy 
     Auxiliary Fuel Systems; Cyber Range Training Equipment; 
     Electronic Flight Bags with Tablet Enabled Interface; 
     Emergency Management Training Simulation; F-15C/D AESA 
     Radars; F-15/F-16 Sensor Upgrades; Fire-Resistant 
     Environmental Ensemble; FMTV Virtual Trainers; Global 
     Satellite Communications On-The-Move and all necessary 
     related hardware; HMMWV Ambulances; HMMWV Modernization; 
     High-Mobility Engineer Excavators; In-Flight Propeller 
     Balancing System; Integrated Vehicle Health Management System 
     for UH-72As; Interoperable Wideband Network Communications; 
     Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures; Light Utility 
     Helicopters; Mobile Ad Hoc Network Radios; Mobile Satellite 
     Networking Technology; Naval Construction Force Equipment; 
     Radio Enhancements; Palletized Loading Systems; Reactive Skin 
     Decontamination Lotion; Rotary Medium Cargo (H-60M) 
     modernization; Security and Support/Civil Support 
     Communication Package for UH-60s; Semi-Permanent Humidity 
     Controlled Shelters; Semitrailers; Simulation Training 
     Systems; SINGCAR ASIP Radio Enhancements; Small Arms 
     Simulation Training Systems; TACSAT Radios; Tactical 
     Communications Equipment for MQ-9s; Tactical Trucks; Ultra-
     Light Tactical Vehicles; and Wireless Mobile Mesh Network 
     Systems.


              NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE EQUIPMENT REPORT

       In the fiscal year 2015 National Guard and Reserve 
     Equipment Report (NGRER), the Army changed the method used to 
     calculate its equipment shortages to include modernized 
     substitutes, which led the Army's equipment shortage data to 
     not be included in the report. The agreement notes that this 
     method caused a variation from past reports and that this 
     change in calculation detracts from the usefulness of the 
     report. The Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial 
     Management & Comptroller) is directed to provide data 
     excluding modernized substitutes in future NGRERs.

               RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

[[Page H9633]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.249
     


[[Page H9634]]

                     REVOLVING AND MANAGEMENT FUNDS

       The agreement provides $91,350,000 for Revolving and 
     Management Funds.

                  OTHER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROGRAMS

                         DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAM

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

                                    EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    FY 2015 Request             Final Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IN-HOUSE CARE.................................................                   65,902                   65,902
PRIVATE SECTOR CARE...........................................                  214,259                  214,259
CONSOLIDATED HEALTH SUPPORT...................................                   15,311                   15,311
EDUCATION AND TRAINING........................................                    5,059                    5,059
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL, DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAM.............................                  300,531                  300,531
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         DRUG INTERDICTION AND COUNTER-DRUG ACTIVITIES, DEFENSE

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

                                    EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    FY 2015 Request             Final Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DRUG INTERDICTION AND COUNTER-DRUG ACTIVITIES.................                  189,000                  205,000
    Program increase--SOUTHCOM ISR............................  .......................                   16,000
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL, DRUG INTERDICTION AND COUNTER-DRUG ACTIVITIES,                       189,000                  205,000
     DEFENSE..................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

             JOINT IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE DEFEAT FUND

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

                                    EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Line                                   FY 2015 Request             Final Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 ATTACK THE NETWORK..........................................                  189,700                  189,700
2 DEFEAT THE DEVICE...........................................                   94,600                   94,600
3 TRAIN THE FORCE.............................................                   15,700                   15,700
4 STAFF AND INFRASTRUCTURE....................................                   79,000                   79,000
4A STAFF AND INFRASTRUCTURE--TRANSFER FROM TITLE VI...........                  115,058                   65,464
    Advanced Technology Investments...........................                   49,594                        0
        Excess carryover......................................  .......................                  -10,000
        Excess to need........................................  .......................                  -39,594
    Civilian Personnel........................................                   38,001                   38,001
    Mobilization Designees....................................                    6,683                    6,683
    Information Technology....................................                    7,300                    7,300
    Facilities................................................                   12,032                   12,032
    Travel....................................................                      624                      624
    Other (Supplies)..........................................                      824                      824
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL, JOINT IED DEFEAT FUND..............................                  494,058                  444,464
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The agreement on items addressed by either the House or the 
     Senate is as follows:

                                    EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    FY 2015 Request             Final Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE.....................................                    7,968                   10,623
    Program increase--Operation Inherent Resolve oversight....  .......................                    2,655
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
        TOTAL, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL................                    7,968                   10,623
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS TITLE

       The agreement for title IX incorporates general provisions 
     from the House and Senate versions of the bill which were not 
     amended. Those general provisions that were addressed in the 
     agreement are as follows:
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     providing for the transfer of appropriations or funds in this 
     title up to $3,500,000,000. The House bill contained a 
     similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     regarding the supervision and administration costs and costs 
     for design during construction associated with a construction 
     project. The Senate bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     providing not to exceed $10,000,000 for the Commander's 
     Emergency Response Program. The House bill contained a 
     similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the Senate 
     prohibiting the use of funds for the Afghanistan Security 
     Forces Fund prior to approval by the Afghanistan Resources 
     Oversight Council. The House bill contained a similar 
     provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the Senate 
     providing funds for the Office of Security Cooperation in 
     Iraq but limiting the amount made available to $140,000,000. 
     The House bill contained a similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     providing that funds made available under Operation and 
     Maintenance, Defense-Wide for reimbursement to the Government 
     of Pakistan are contingent upon certification by the 
     Secretary of Defense, with concurrence from the Secretary of 
     State, that certain conditions have been met. The Senate bill 
     contained no similar provision.


                             (RESCISSIONS)

       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the House 
     and the Senate recommending rescissions. The provision 
     provides for the rescission of $1,236,580,000 from the 
     following programs:

[[Page H9635]]



 
 
 
2013 Appropriations:
  Other Procurement, Army:
    Fire support C2 family...........................         $3,200,000
    Single Army logistics enterprise.................          5,000,000
2014 Appropriations:
  Afghanistan Security Forces Fund:
    Program adjustment...............................        764,380,000
  Aircraft Procurement, Army:
    CH-47 Chinook....................................        347,000,000
    Kiowa Warrior program termination................        117,000,000
 

       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the Senate 
     providing $250,000,000 to remove unexploded ordnance at 
     closed training ranges in Afghanistan. The House bill 
     contained no similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the Senate 
     that authorizes the Secretary of Defense, in coordination 
     with the Secretary of State, to provide defense-related 
     articles and services to vetted elements of the Syrian 
     opposition for certain purposes. The House bill contained no 
     similar provision.
       The agreement modifies a provision proposed by the Senate 
     prohibiting the use of funds to transfer additional C-130 
     aircraft to Afghanistan until the Department of Defense 
     conducts a review of the country's medium airlift 
     requirements. The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The agreement retains a provision proposed by the House 
     under title VIII providing $1,000,000,000 for military 
     readiness. The Senate bill contained no similar provision.

                TITLE X--EBOLA RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS

       The agreement provides $112,000,000 in title X, Ebola 
     Response and Preparedness, to develop and deploy vaccines, 
     therapeutics, diagnostic systems and other equipment in 
     response to the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa. 
     Several Department of Defense organizations, including the 
     Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the 
     Chemical and Biological Defense Program, are in the process 
     of developing and manufacturing countermeasures to respond to 
     the current epidemic. While there are experimental Ebola 
     vaccines and treatments under development, these 
     investigational products are in the early stages of 
     development, and have not yet been fully tested for safety or 
     effectiveness for humans.
       The agreement provides $33,000,000 to DARPA for Phase 1 
     clinical trials of experimental vaccines and therapeutics and 
     $12,000,000 for diagnostic efforts.
       The agreement also provides $50,000,000 to the Chemical and 
     Biological Defense Program (CBDP) in Research, Development, 
     Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide to continue work on 
     vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic systems that could 
     mitigate the spread of Ebola, and $17,000,000 in Procurement, 
     Defense-Wide for detection and diagnostic systems, mortuary 
     supplies, and isolation transport units.
       The agreement recognizes that the most efficient way to 
     combat this outbreak is through increased collaboration 
     between the CBDP and DARPA. Therefore, the agreement expects 
     these agencies to work closely together to obtain the best 
     possible scientific solution.

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[[Page H9648]]

     DIVISION D--ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES 
             APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015 EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

       The following statement to the House of Representatives and 
     the Senate is submitted in explanation of the agreed upon Act 
     making appropriations for energy and water development for 
     the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other 
     purposes.
       The language and allocations set forth in House Report 113-
     48E carry the same emphasis as the language included in this 
     explanatory statement and should be complied with unless 
     specifically addressed to the contrary herein. Report 
     language included by the House which is not contradicted by 
     the explanatory statement is approved. The explanatory 
     statement, while repeating some report language for emphasis, 
     does not intend to negate the language referred to above 
     unless expressly provided herein. In cases in which the House 
     directed the submission of a report, such report is to be 
     submitted to both the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House of Representatives and the Senate.
       Funds for the individual programs and activities within the 
     accounts in this Act are displayed in the detailed table at 
     the end of the explanatory statement for this Act. Funding 
     levels that are not displayed in the detailed table are 
     identified in this explanatory statement.
       In fiscal year 2015, for purposes of the Balanced Budget 
     and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-
     177), the following information provides the definition of 
     the term ``program, project, or activity'' for departments 
     and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Energy and Water 
     Development Appropriations Act. The term ``program, project, 
     or activity'' shall include the most specific level of budget 
     items identified in the Energy and Water Development 
     Appropriations Act, 2015 and the explanatory statement 
     accompanying the Act.

                   TITLE I--CORPS OF ENGINEERS--CIVIL

                         DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

                       Corps of Engineers--Civil

       The summary tables included in this title set forth the 
     dispositions with respect to the individual appropriations, 
     projects, and activities of the Corps of Engineers. 
     Additional items of the Act are discussed below.
       Concerns persist that the effort to update the Water 
     Resources Principles and Guidelines is not proceeding 
     consistent with the language or intent of section 2031 of the 
     Water Resources Development Act of 2007. No funds provided to 
     the Corps of Engineers shall be used to develop or implement 
     rules or guidance to support implementation of the final 
     Principles and Requirements for Federal Investments in Water 
     Resources released in March 2013. The Corps shall continue to 
     use the document dated March 10, 1983, and entitled 
     ``Economic and Environmental Principles and Guidelines for 
     Water and Related Land Resources Implementation Studies'' 
     during the fiscal year period covered by the Energy and Water 
     Development Appropriations Act for 2015. If Interagency 
     Guidelines for implementing the March 2013 Principles and 
     Requirements are finalized, the Corps shall be ready to 
     report to the appropriate committees of Congress not later 
     than 120 days after finalization on the impacts of the 
     revised Principles and Requirements and Interagency 
     Guidelines. The Corps shall be prepared to explain the intent 
     of each revision, how each revision is or is not consistent 
     with section 2031 of the Water Resources Development Act of 
     2007, and the probable impact of each revision on water 
     resources projects carried out by the Secretary including 
     specific examples of application to at least one project from 
     each main mission area of the Corps.
       Concerns remain that the Corps has moved forward with its 
     Levels of Service proposals at locks and dams without 
     undertaking any analysis of whether this reduced service is 
     in the best economic interests of the Nation. The Corps has 
     provided no information showing the amount of additional 
     maintenance funding made available or the economic activity 
     foregone by this policy. Even in times of tight operation and 
     maintenance budgets, changes in policy must be supported by 
     factual information. The Corps is directed to report on the 
     benefits and costs of its Levels of Service policy to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate as soon as practicable. In the meantime, the 
     Corps is encouraged to continue to use all existing 
     authorities to collect additional funds for the operation and 
     maintenance of locks and dams, including the acceptance of 
     contributed funds and the engagement in public-private 
     partnerships.
       Development of Ratings Systems.--The Corps again is 
     directed to develop ratings systems for use in evaluating 
     studies and projects for allocation of the additional funding 
     provided in this title. These evaluation systems may be, but 
     are not required to be, individualized for each account, 
     category, or subcategory. Each study and project eligible for 
     funding shall be evaluated under the applicable ratings 
     system. A study or project may not be excluded from 
     evaluation for being ``inconsistent with Administration 
     policy.'' The Corps retains complete control over the 
     methodology of these ratings systems, and the executive 
     branch retains complete discretion over project-specific 
     allocation decisions within the additional funds provided.
       The Administration's responses to previous years' 
     directives to develop ratings systems for use in allocating 
     additional funding have been woefully inadequate. It is not 
     sufficient to simply list a few performance measures without 
     explaining, in detail, how studies and projects are evaluated 
     under each measure, how the performance measures interact, 
     and the relative importance or emphasis given to each measure 
     when comparing projects. Additionally, under a truly 
     transparent and performance-based process, the methodology 
     being used to evaluate studies and projects and to make 
     allocation decisions should be available prior to, or at 
     least in conjunction with, the list of final project-specific 
     allocations, not two months after as in fiscal year 2014.


                             INVESTIGATIONS

       The agreement includes $122,000,000 for Investigations. The 
     agreement includes legislative language regarding parameters 
     for new study starts.
       Planning Program.--The planning program is the entry point 
     for federal involvement in solutions to the Nation's water 
     resources problems and needs. These studies are funded 
     primarily through the Investigations account. Over the past 
     few years, the Corps has attempted to improve the project 
     development process by streamlining the planning phase, an 
     ongoing process that should continue. This effort gave rise 
     to so-called ``smart planning'' and has resulted in the 
     ``3X3X3'' slogan, which translates to no more than 3 years 
     for a feasibility study, without a waiver; no more than $3 
     million for the feasibility study, without a waiver; and 
     either three levels of review or a final report document no 
     thicker than a three inch binder, depending on with whom one 
     discusses this process.
       While the 3X3X3 mantra has been embraced by the Corps and 
     incorporated into law by the Water Resources Reform and 
     Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, it remains questionable as 
     to whether this one-size-fits-all approach will provide for 
     higher quality, quicker, or more economical recommendations 
     from the Corps. While ``better, faster, cheaper'' sounds 
     desirable, the reality seems to be that, all too often, only 
     two out of these three items ultimately get delivered. The 
     Corps is cautioned that the feasibility study is a critical 
     document as it is the basis for the determination of the 
     economic viability, technical soundness, and the 
     environmental sustainability of the Corps' recommendation. 
     Giving short shrift to any of these bedrock principles will 
     call the Corps' recommendations into question.
       The WRRDA 2014 removes the requirement for a reconnaissance 
     study from the planning process. It is expected that the 
     Corps will continue to limit federal participation in new 
     studies until it is determined that the study has a definable 
     federal interest and that there is a local sponsor willing to 
     cost share in the study. How these needs relate to the 3X3X3 
     process outlined in the WRRDA bill is unclear.
       Accelerating the feasibility phase will not have the 
     intended effect of speeding up the project delivery process 
     if required analyses or other activities are simply shifted 
     to the preconstruction engineering and design (PED) phase nor 
     if the PED phase is not seamlessly funded immediately after 
     the feasibility phase.
       Finally, there is concern that the ``smart planning'' and 
     3X3X3 processes do not seem to match the Administration's 
     rhetoric for a comprehensive approach to planning. The new 
     planning processes appear to narrow the options the Corps may 
     examine, which is in direct contrast to a more comprehensive 
     approach touted by the Administration.
       The Corps should reexamine its planning program in light of 
     the changes enacted from the WRRDA 2014 and the statements 
     included here to ensure that the rhetoric of the planning 
     program comports with the realities of the guidance being 
     disseminated. In particular, the Corps is directed to report 
     on the waiver process as detailed in House Report 113-48E.
       The allocation for projects and activities within the 
     Investigations account is shown in the following table:

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       Updated Capability.--The agreement adjusts some project-
     specific allocations downward from the budget request based 
     on updated information regarding the amount of work that 
     could be accomplished in fiscal year 2015.
       South San Francisco Bay Shoreline, California.--Progress on 
     this study continues to be unacceptably slow. The Corps has 
     been studying ways to prevent flooding in the Alviso, 
     California, area and to restore the environment in the South 
     San Francisco Bay area for 10 years, yet the most recent 
     schedule does not show completion of a Chief's report until 
     December 2015. The Corps must meet or exceed this schedule in 
     order to be timely for the next water resources authorization 
     bill.
       Great Lakes Remedial Action Plans.--The Corps is encouraged 
     to budget for these plans in future budget submissions, as 
     they are an integral part of the overall Great Lakes 
     ecosystem restoration efforts.
       Missouri River Authorized Purposes Study, Iowa, Kansas, 
     Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South 
     Dakota.--The agreement includes neither support for nor a 
     prohibition on funding for the study of the Missouri River 
     Projects authorized in section 108 of the Energy and Water 
     Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 
     (division C of Public Law 111-8).
       Additional Funding.--The fiscal year 2015 budget request 
     does not reflect the extent of need for project studies 
     funding. The Corps has numerous continuing studies that will 
     be suspended or slowed unnecessarily under the limits of the 
     budget request. These studies could lead to projects with 
     significant economic benefits, particularly by increasing 
     national competitiveness through marine transportation 
     improvements and by avoiding damages caused by flooding and 
     coastal storms. It is important to note that non-federal 
     sponsors have signed feasibility cost-share agreements and 
     design agreements with the federal government, committing 
     precious local resources that the budget request would leave 
     stranded. The agreement includes additional funds for work 
     that either was not included in the Administration's request 
     or was inadequately budgeted. This funding is intended, in 
     part, to honor commitments made by the federal government in 
     signing agreements with non-federal sponsors. The direction 
     that follows shall be the only direction used for additional 
     funding provided in this account.
       The Corps retains complete discretion over project-specific 
     allocation decisions, but shall consider giving priority to 
     completing or accelerating ongoing studies or to initiating 
     new studies that will enhance the nation's economic 
     development, job growth, and international competitiveness; 
     are for projects located in areas that have suffered recent 
     natural disasters; or are for projects to address legal 
     requirements. It is expected that all of the funds provided 
     in this account will be allocated to specific programs, 
     projects, or activities. The focus of the allocation process 
     should favor the obligation of funds for work in fiscal year 
     2015 rather than expenditures. With the significant backlog 
     of work in the Corps' inventory, there is absolutely no 
     reason for funds provided above the budget request to remain 
     unallocated.
       A study shall be eligible for this funding if: (1) it has 
     received funding, other than through a reprogramming, in at 
     least one of the previous three fiscal years; (2) it was 
     previously funded and could reach a significant milestone or 
     produce significant outputs in fiscal year 2015; or (3) it is 
     selected as one of the new starts allowed in accordance with 
     this Act and the additional direction provided below. None of 
     these funds may be used for any item where funding was 
     specifically denied. A study may not be excluded on the basis 
     of being ``inconsistent with Administration policy.'' The 
     Corps is reminded that these funds are in addition to the 
     Administration's budget request. Administration budget 
     request metrics shall not be a reason to disqualify a study 
     from being funded.
       While this additional funding is shown in the feasibility 
     column, the Corps should use these funds in any applicable 
     phase. Funding associated with each category may be allocated 
     to any eligible study within that category; funding 
     associated with each subcategory may be allocated only to 
     eligible studies within that subcategory. The list of 
     subcategories is not meant to be exhaustive. For example, the 
     agreement does not include a specific subcategory for 
     ``Remote, Coastal, or Small Watershed'' due to a lack of 
     information on capability; the Corps should evaluate any 
     studies under this subcategory with capability in fiscal year 
     2015 for funding under the ``Other Authorized Project 
     Purposes'' category.
       Not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the 
     Corps shall provide to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate a work plan 
     including the following information: (1) a detailed 
     description of the ratings system(s) developed and used to 
     evaluate studies; (2) delineation of how these funds are to 
     be allocated; (3) a summary of the work to be accomplished 
     with each allocation, including phase of work; and (4) a list 
     of all studies that were considered eligible for funding but 
     did not receive funding, including an explanation of whether 
     the study could have used funds in fiscal year 2015 and the 
     specific reasons each study was considered as being less 
     competitive for an allocation of funds.
       New Starts.--The agreement includes up to ten new study 
     starts to be distributed across the three main mission areas 
     of the Corps (three navigation, three flood and storm damage 
     reduction, one additional navigation or flood and storm 
     damage reduction, and three environmental restoration). Each 
     new start shall be funded from the appropriate additional 
     funding line item. Consideration of the ten shall not be 
     limited to only those proposed in the Administration's budget 
     request. In addition to the priority factors used to allocate 
     all additional funding provided, the Corps should give 
     careful consideration to out-year budget impacts of the 
     studies chosen as new starts, as well as to whether there 
     appears to be an identifiable local sponsor that will be 
     ready and able to provide the necessary cost shares in a 
     timely manner for the feasibility and preconstruction 
     engineering and design (PED) phases.
       As all of the studies are to be chosen by the Corps, it 
     should be understood that all are considered of equal 
     importance. The expectation is that future budget submissions 
     will include funding appropriate to meet the goals of the 
     3X3X3 approach for the feasibility study, as well as 
     seamlessly fund the feasibility and PED phases. No new start 
     shall be required when moving from feasibility to PED. The 
     Corps may not change or substitute the new study starts 
     selected once the work plan has been provided to the 
     Committees.
       The Corps shall not select a ``disposition study'' as one 
     or more of the ten new study starts allowed in fiscal year 
     2015. While there likely are instances where disposing of 
     current assets makes sense, treating each individual analysis 
     as a new start, comparable to a feasibility study for a new 
     project, does not. Instead, the Corps should consider 
     including in future budget requests funding and justification 
     for such efforts under a new or existing Remaining Item, as 
     appropriate.
       Lake Erie.--The Western Lake Erie basin watershed is the 
     largest in the Great Lakes, and Lake Erie, being the 
     shallowest lake, faces its freshwater supplies being 
     particularly threatened. Our Great Lakes are the Nation's 
     largest source of freshwater, and these waters are threatened 
     due to changes such as a 50 percent increase in rainfall, 
     population and livestock increases across the watershed, and 
     a quadrupling of fertilizer and land application of manure.
       Under authorities provided for intergovernmental 
     coordination, the Corps is directed to engage the U.S. 
     Department of Agriculture, the Natural Resources Conservation 
     Service, the Western Lake Erie Basin Partnership, the Great 
     Lakes Restoration Initiative, and other instrumentalities 
     essential to outline an approach to infrastructure and 
     institutional challenges posed by existing conditions, which 
     are exacerbating damages to existing infrastructure and 
     contributing to non-point source runoff. These conditions 
     contribute to increasing sediment loads to Lake Erie and 
     nutrient pollution of Lake Erie's Western Basin resulting in 
     dangerous levels of algal blooms.
       The Corps is directed to provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act a report 
     on how existing federal authorities, including the Corps' 
     authorities, can be exercised to outline options for 
     interagency cooperation; to the extent practicable, the 
     estimated cost of a comprehensive solution to existing 
     infrastructure and water quality challenges; and any 
     identified interdepartmental authorities required to execute 
     a comprehensive solution.
       Water Resources Priority Study.--No funds shall be used for 
     this new item.


                              CONSTRUCTION

       The agreement includes $1,639,489,000 for Construction. The 
     agreement includes legislative language regarding parameters 
     for new construction starts.
       Inland Waterways Trust Fund.--The Corps shall continue to 
     adhere to Section 102 of the bill prohibiting the use of 
     funds to award or modify any contract that commits an amount 
     in excess of the amount that remains unobligated. No change 
     to existing policy regarding continuing contracts is 
     authorized or contemplated in the bill.
       The allocation for projects and activities within the 
     Construction account is shown in the following table:

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       Updated Capability.--The agreement adjusts some project-
     specific allocations downward from the budget request based 
     on updated information regarding the amount of work that 
     could be accomplished in fiscal year 2015.
       Savannah Harbor Expansion, Georgia.--The budget request for 
     this item that was proposed in the Investigations account has 
     been moved to this account where it has been funded each year 
     since it was designated a new construction start in fiscal 
     year 2009. The Administration's persistence in treating this 
     project as if it had not yet been approved as a new start is 
     inexplicable, unjustifiable, and unnecessarily confusing. The 
     Administration is reminded that the project's approval as a 
     new start in fiscal year 2009 was agreed to by both branches 
     of government involved in enacting laws--the Congress by 
     passing the law and the President by signing it. As such, and 
     to ensure that there is no doubt as to the status of the 
     project, the Administration is directed to treat this project 
     as an ongoing construction project for purposes of allocating 
     additional fiscal year 2015 funding provided in this account 
     and developing future budget requests. Once again, since the 
     project already received a new construction start in fiscal 
     year 2009, the Administration shall not use any funding in 
     fiscal year 2015 or any fiscal year thereafter to evaluate 
     whether to designate the project as a new start.
       Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Dispersal Barrier, 
     Illinois.--The threat of the dispersal of aquatic nuisance 
     species, including Asian carp, between the Great Lakes and 
     the Mississippi River basins remains a serious concern. 
     Funding is provided for the continued construction, 
     operation, and maintenance of the electric barrier system. No 
     funding is provided for construction of hydrologic separation 
     measures. The issue of hydrologic separation would need to be 
     fully analyzed by the Corps of Engineers and specifically 
     authorized in law before funding could be used for such 
     measures.
       Melvin Price Lock and Dam, Illinois and Missouri.--The 
     length of time it is taking the Corps to rectify the seepage 
     problems that the impoundment of the navigation pool is 
     causing to the Wood River Levee, as well as escalating cost 
     estimates, is troublesome. The Corps has indicated intent to 
     have its alternatives and cost estimates reviewed by an 
     Independent External Peer Review at the appropriate time. The 
     Corps is encouraged to ensure this review is completed, but 
     also that it is conducted in a manner that will not lengthen 
     an already long schedule.
       Columbia River Fish Mitigation, Washington, Oregon and 
     Idaho.--The agreement includes a single funding level for the 
     Columbia River Fish Mitigation program as in previous years, 
     rather than separate funding levels for Columbia River Fish 
     Mitigation and Columbia River Accords, Pacific Lamprey 
     Passage as in the budget request.
       Additional Funding.--The Corps has ongoing, authorized 
     construction projects that would cost tens of billions of 
     dollars to complete, yet the Administration continues to 
     request a mere fraction of the funding necessary to complete 
     those projects. The agreement includes additional funds for 
     projects and activities to enhance the Nation's economic 
     growth and international competitiveness. The intent of these 
     funds is for work that either was not included in the 
     Administration's request or was inadequately budgeted. The 
     direction that follows shall be the only direction used for 
     additional funding provided in this account.
       A project shall be eligible for this funding if: (1) it has 
     received funding, other than through a reprogramming, in at 
     least one of the previous three fiscal years; (2) it was 
     previously funded and could reach a significant milestone or 
     produce significant outputs in fiscal year 2015; or (3) it is 
     selected as one of the new starts allowed in accordance with 
     this Act and the additional direction provided below. The 
     first eligibility criterion above shall include eligibility 
     to start to provide federal funding for construction work on 
     any water resources project for which funds were made 
     available in this account in fiscal year 2014, including 
     funds made available for preconstruction engineering and 
     design work.
       None of these funds may be used for any item where funding 
     was specifically denied, for projects in the Continuing 
     Authorities Program, or to alter any existing cost-share 
     requirements. A project may not be excluded on the basis of 
     being ``inconsistent with Administration policy.'' The Corps 
     is reminded that these funds are in addition to the 
     Administration's budget request. Administration budget 
     request metrics shall not be a reason to disqualify a project 
     from being funded.
       Funding associated with each category may be allocated to 
     any eligible project within that category; funding associated 
     with each subcategory may be allocated only to eligible 
     projects within that subcategory. The list of subcategories 
     is not meant to be exhaustive. Of the additional funds 
     provided in this account, the Corps shall allocate not less 
     than $12,450,000 to projects with riverfront development 
     components. Of the additional funds provided in this account 
     for flood and storm damage reduction and flood control, the 
     Corps shall allocate not less than $18,000,000 to additional 
     nonstructural flood control projects.
       The Corps retains complete control over project-specific 
     allocation decisions, but shall consider giving priority to 
     the following: the benefits of the funded work to the 
     national economy; extent to which the work will enhance 
     national, regional, or local economic development; number of 
     jobs created directly by the funded activity; ability to 
     obligate the funds allocated within the fiscal year, 
     including consideration of the ability of the non-federal 
     sponsor to provide any required cost-share; ability to 
     complete the project, separable element, or project phase 
     with the funds allocated; for flood and storm damage 
     reduction projects (including authorized nonstructural 
     measures and periodic beach renourishments), population, 
     economic activity, or public infrastructure at risk, as 
     appropriate; for flood and storm damage reduction projects 
     (including authorized nonstructural measures and periodic 
     beach renourishments), the severity of risk of flooding or 
     the frequency with which an area has experienced flooding; 
     for navigation projects, the number of jobs or level of 
     economic activity to be supported by completion of the 
     project, separable element, or project phase; for Inland 
     Waterways Trust Fund projects, the economic impact on the 
     local, regional, and national economy if the project is not 
     funded, as well as discrete elements of work that can be 
     completed within the funding provided in this line item; and 
     for environmental infrastructure, projects with the greater 
     economic impact, projects in rural communities, and projects 
     in counties or parishes with high poverty rates. It is 
     expected that all of the funds provided in this account will 
     be allocated to specific programs, projects, or activities. 
     The focus of the allocation process should favor the 
     obligation of funds for work in fiscal year 2015 rather than 
     expenditures. With the significant backlog of work in the 
     Corps' inventory, there is absolutely no reason for funds 
     provided above the budget request to remain unallocated.
       Not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the 
     Corps shall provide to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate a work plan 
     including the following information: (1) a detailed 
     description of the ratings system(s) developed and used to 
     evaluate projects within this account; (2) delineation of how 
     these funds are to be allocated; (3) a summary of the work to 
     be accomplished with each allocation; and (4) a list of all 
     projects that were considered eligible for funding but did 
     not receive funding, including an explanation of whether each 
     project could have used funds in fiscal year 2015 and the 
     specific reasons each project was considered as being less 
     competitive for an allocation of funds.
       New Starts.--The agreement includes up to four new project 
     starts, including one each from the navigation, flood and 
     storm damage reduction, and environmental restoration mission 
     areas (a second navigation or flood and storm damage 
     reduction new project start also may be selected). Each new 
     start shall be funded from the appropriate additional funding 
     line item. Consideration of the four shall not be limited to 
     only those new starts proposed in the Administration's budget 
     request. When considering new starts, only those that can 
     execute a project cost sharing agreement not later than 
     August 31, 2015, shall be chosen.
       In addition to the priority factors used to allocate all 
     additional funding provided, factors that should be 
     considered for all new starts include: the cost-sharing 
     sponsor's ability and willingness to promptly provide the 
     cash contribution (if any) as well as required lands, 
     easements, rights-of-way, relocations, and disposal areas; 
     the technical and financial ability of the non-federal 
     sponsor to implement the project without assistance from the 
     Corps, including other sources of funding available for the 
     project purpose; whether the project provides benefits from 
     more than one benefit category; and the out-year budget 
     impacts of the selected new starts.
       To ensure that the new starts selected are affordable and 
     will not unduly delay completion of any ongoing projects, the 
     Secretary is required to submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     a realistic out-year budget scenario prior to issuing a work 
     allowance for a new start. It is understood that specific 
     budget decisions are made on an annual basis and that this 
     scenario is neither a request for nor a guarantee of future 
     funding for any project. Nonetheless, this scenario shall 
     include an estimate of annual funding for each new start 
     utilizing a realistic funding scenario through completion of 
     the project, as well as the specific impacts of that 
     estimated funding on the ability of the Corps to make 
     continued progress on each previously funded construction 
     project (including impacts to the optimum timeline and 
     funding requirements of the ongoing projects) and on the 
     ability to consider initiating new projects in the future. 
     The scenario shall assume a Construction account funding 
     level at the average of the past three budget requests.
       The information submitted in response to this out-year 
     funding scenario directive in fiscal year 2014 was 
     unsatisfactory at best. Therefore, the Corps shall also 
     provide a scenario showing average annual funding levels per 
     new start selected and the number of years until project 
     completion at that average annual funding level. In this 
     scenario, the total average annual funding level for all 
     selected new starts shall not exceed the funding level 
     included in the fiscal year 2015 budget request for all 
     project completions ($37,163,798).
       As all of these new starts are to be chosen by the Corps, 
     it should be understood that all are considered of equal 
     importance and the

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     expectation is that future budget submissions will include 
     appropriate funding for all new starts selected. The Corps 
     may not change or substitute the new project starts selected 
     once the work plan has been provided to the Committees. Any 
     project for which the new start requirements are not met by 
     the end of fiscal year 2015, or by the earlier date as 
     specified, shall be treated as if the project had not been 
     selected as a new start; such a project shall be required to 
     compete again for new start funding in future years.
       Aquatic Plant Control Program.--The agreement recommends 
     funding for this program, which is the only nationwide 
     research and development program to address invasive aquatic 
     plants, and urges the Corps to support cost-shared aquatic 
     plant management programs.
       Continuing Authorities Program.--The various sections of 
     the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) provide a useful 
     tool for the Corps to undertake small projects without the 
     lengthy study and authorization process typical of most 
     larger Corps projects. The agreement includes a total of 
     $36,850,000 spread over eight CAP sections, rather than 
     $10,000,000 spread over four CAP sections as proposed in the 
     budget request. These funds should be expended for the 
     purposes for which they were appropriated and should be 
     executed as quickly as possible. Within the Continuing 
     Authorities Program and to the extent already authorized by 
     law, the Corps is encouraged to consider projects that 
     enhance coastal and ocean ecosystem resiliency.
       Continuing Authorities Program Direction.--Management of 
     the Continuing Authorities Program should continue consistent 
     with direction provided in previous fiscal years. The 
     direction is restated here for convenience.
       For each CAP section, available funds shall be allocated 
     utilizing this sequence of steps until the funds are 
     exhausted:
       --capability-level funds for ongoing projects that have 
     executed cost-sharing agreements for the applicable phase;
       --capability-level funds for projects that are ready for 
     execution of new cost-sharing agreements for the applicable 
     phase and for which Corps headquarters authorizes execution 
     of the agreements;
       --funds, as permitted by Corps policies, for other projects 
     previously funded for the applicable phase but not ready for 
     execution of new cost-sharing agreements; and
       --funds, as permitted by Corps policies, for projects not 
     previously funded for the applicable phase.
       Funds shall be allocated by headquarters to the appropriate 
     Field Operating Agency (FOA) for projects requested by that 
     FOA. If the FOA finds that the study/project for which funds 
     were requested cannot go forward, the funds are to be 
     returned to Corps headquarters to be reallocated based on the 
     nationwide priority listing. In no case should the FOA retain 
     these funds for use on a different project than the one for 
     which the funds were requested without the explicit approval 
     of the Corps' headquarters.
       Within the step at which available funds are exhausted for 
     each CAP section, funds shall be allocated to the projects in 
     that section that rank high according to the following 
     factors: high overall performance based on outputs; high 
     percent fiscally complete; and high unobligated carry-in. 
     Section 14 funds shall be allocated to the projects that 
     address the most significant risks and adverse consequences, 
     irrespective of phase or previous funding history.
       The Corps shall continue the ongoing process for suspending 
     and terminating inactive projects. Suspended projects shall 
     not be reactivated or funded unless the sponsor reaffirms in 
     writing its support for the project and establishes its 
     willingness and capability to execute its project 
     responsibilities.
       In order to provide a mix of studies, design, and 
     construction within each CAP section, the Corps is directed 
     to divide the funding generally 80/20 between the Design and 
     Implementation and the Feasibility phases within each 
     authority. The Chief of Engineers shall provide to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate not later than 30 days after enactment of this 
     Act a report detailing how funds will be distributed to the 
     individual items in the various CAP sections for the fiscal 
     year. The Chief shall also provide an annual report at the 
     end of each fiscal year detailing the progress made on the 
     backlog of projects. The report should include the 
     completions and terminations as well as progress of ongoing 
     work.
       The Corps may initiate new continuing authorities projects 
     in all sections as funding allows. New projects may be 
     initiated after an assessment is made that such projects can 
     be funded over time based on historical averages of the 
     appropriation for that section and after prior approval by 
     the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate.
       Dam Safety and Seepage/Stability Correction Program.--The 
     Corps is expected to continue to execute all funding 
     available under this line item in fiscal year 2015. It is 
     expected that no unobligated funds will be carried into 
     fiscal year 2016 unless there were no additional activities 
     that could have been conducted in fiscal year 2015.
       Great Lakes Fisheries and Ecosystem Restoration Program.--
     The Corps is encouraged to budget for this aquatic habitat 
     restoration program in future budget submissions, as it is 
     important to the overall Great Lakes Restoration effort.
       Restoration of Abandoned Mines.--The Corps is directed, 
     within existing authority, to work closely with federal land 
     management agencies, Western States, and Tribes with 
     abandoned non-coal mine sites to cost-effectively address the 
     greatest number of those sites presenting threats to public 
     health and safety.


                   MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES

       The agreement includes $302,000,000 for Mississippi River 
     and Tributaries.
       The allocation for projects and activities within the 
     Mississippi River and Tributaries account is shown in the 
     following table:

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       Additional Funding for Ongoing Work.--The fiscal year 2015 
     budget request reflects neither the need nor the importance 
     of the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project. Therefore, 
     the agreement includes additional funds to continue ongoing 
     studies, projects, and maintenance activities. These funds 
     should be used for flood control, navigation, water supply, 
     ground water protection, waterfowl management, bank 
     stabilization, erosion and sedimentation control, and 
     environmental restoration work. The intent of these funds is 
     for ongoing work primarily along the Mississippi River 
     tributaries that either was not included in the 
     Administration's request or was inadequately budgeted. The 
     direction that follows shall be the only direction used for 
     additional funding provided in this account.
       A project shall be eligible for this funding if: (1) it has 
     received funding, other than through a reprogramming, in at 
     least one of the previous three fiscal years; or (2) it was 
     previously funded and could reach a significant milestone or 
     produce significant outputs in fiscal year 2015. None of 
     these funds may be used to start new studies, projects, or 
     activities or for any item where funding was specifically 
     denied. While this additional funding is shown under 
     remaining items, the Corps should utilize these funds in any 
     applicable phase of work. A study or project may not be 
     excluded on the basis of being ``inconsistent with 
     Administration policy.'' The Corps is reminded that these 
     funds are in addition to the Administration's budget request. 
     Administration budget request metrics shall not be a reason 
     to disqualify a study or project from being funded.
       The Corps retains complete control over project-specific 
     allocation decisions, but shall consider giving priority to 
     completing or accelerating ongoing work that will enhance the 
     Nation's economic development, job growth, and international 
     competitiveness, or are for studies or projects located in 
     areas that have suffered recent natural disasters. It is 
     expected that all of the funds provided in this account will 
     be allocated to specific programs, projects, or activities. 
     The focus of the allocation process should favor the 
     obligation of funds for work in fiscal year 2015 rather than 
     expenditures. With the significant backlog of work in the 
     Corps' inventory, there is absolutely no reason for funds 
     provided above the budget request to remain unallocated.
       Not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the 
     Corps shall provide to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate a work plan 
     including the following information: (1) a detailed 
     description of the ratings system(s) developed and used to 
     evaluate studies and projects; (2) delineation of how these 
     funds are to be allocated; (3) a summary of the work to be 
     accomplished with each allocation, including phase of work; 
     and (4) a list of all studies and projects that were 
     considered eligible for funding but did not receive funding, 
     including an explanation of whether each study or project 
     could have used funds in fiscal year 2015 and the specific 
     reasons each study or project was considered as being less 
     competitive for an allocation of funds.


                       OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

       The agreement includes $2,908,511,000 for Operation and 
     Maintenance.
       Not less than 180 days or as soon as practicable prior to 
     any non-emergency scheduled Operation and Maintenance project 
     navigation closure or outage, the Corps shall provide to the 
     Inland Waterways Users Board, the Committees on 
     Appropriations and Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives, and the Committees on 
     Appropriations and Environment and Public Works of the Senate 
     written notice of the location, approximate schedule, and 
     expected impacts of the closure or outage.
       The allocation for projects and activities within the 
     Operation and Maintenance account is shown in the following 
     table:

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       Updated Capability.--The agreement adjusts some project-
     specific allocations downward from the budget request based 
     on updated information regarding the amount of work that 
     could be accomplished in fiscal year 2015.
       Lowell Creek Tunnel, Alaska.--The Corps is encouraged to 
     recognize in future budget submissions the current problems 
     with the existing Lowell Creek Tunnel and the need for an 
     alternative method of flood diversion for Lowell Canyon.
       Mud Mountain Dam, Washington.--The Corps is encouraged to 
     continue developing interim and long-term measures to 
     maintain fish runs past Mud Mountain Dam, in accordance with 
     existing legal responsibilities.
       Great Lakes Navigation System.--The agreement includes 
     funding for individual projects within this System that 
     exceeds the funding level envisioned in section 
     210(d)(1)(B)(ii) of the Water Resources Development Act of 
     198E .
       Additional Funding for Ongoing Work.--The fiscal year 2015 
     budget request does not fund operation, maintenance, and 
     rehabilitation of our Nation's aging infrastructure 
     sufficiently to ensure continued competitiveness in a global 
     marketplace. Federal navigation channels maintained at only a 
     fraction of authorized dimensions and navigation locks and 
     hydropower facilities well beyond their design life results 
     in economic inefficiencies and risks infrastructure failure, 
     which can cause substantial economic losses. Investing in 
     operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of infrastructure 
     today will save taxpayers money in the future.
       The agreement includes additional funds to continue ongoing 
     projects and activities. The intent of these funds is for 
     ongoing work that either was not included in the 
     Administration's request or was inadequately budgeted. The 
     direction that follows shall be the only direction used for 
     additional funding provided in this account.
       None of these funds may be used for any item where funding 
     was specifically denied, to initiate new projects or 
     programs, or to alter any existing cost-share requirements. 
     Funding associated with each category may be allocated to any 
     eligible project within that category; funding associated 
     with each subcategory may be allocated only to eligible 
     projects within that subcategory. The list of subcategories 
     is not meant to be exhaustive.
       The Corps retains complete discretion over project-specific 
     allocation decisions, but shall consider giving priority to 
     the following: ability to complete ongoing work maintaining 
     authorized depths and widths of harbors and shipping 
     channels, including where contaminated sediments are present; 
     ability to address critical maintenance backlog; presence of 
     the U.S. Coast Guard; extent to which the work will enhance 
     national, regional, or local economic development, including 
     domestic manufacturing capacity; extent to which the work 
     will promote job growth or international competitiveness; 
     number of jobs created directly by the funded activity; 
     ability to obligate the funds allocated within the fiscal 
     year; ability to complete the project, separable element, or 
     project phase within the funds allocated; the risk of 
     imminent failure or closure of the facility; and for harbor 
     maintenance activities, total tonnage handled, total exports, 
     total imports, dollar value of cargo handled, energy 
     infrastructure and national security needs served, lack of 
     alternative means of freight movement, and savings over 
     alternative means of freight movement. It is expected that 
     all of the funds provided in this account will be allocated 
     to specific programs, projects, or activities. The focus of 
     the allocation process should favor the obligation of funds 
     for work in fiscal year 2015 rather than expenditures. With 
     the significant backlog of work in the Corps' inventory, 
     there is absolutely no reason for funds provided above the 
     budget request to remain unallocated.
       Concerns persist that the Administration's criteria for 
     navigation maintenance do not allow small, remote, or 
     subsistence harbors and waterways to properly compete for 
     scarce navigation maintenance funds. The Corps is urged to 
     revise the criteria used for determining which navigation 
     projects are funded in order to develop a reasonable and 
     equitable allocation under this account. The criteria should 
     include the economic impact that these projects provide to 
     local and regional economies, in particular those with 
     national defense or public health and safety importance.
       Not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the 
     Corps shall provide to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate a work plan 
     including the following information: (1) a detailed 
     description of the ratings system(s) developed and used to 
     evaluate projects; (2) delineation of how these funds are to 
     be allocated; (3) a summary of the work to be accomplished 
     with each allocation; and (4) a list of all projects that 
     were considered eligible for funding but did not receive 
     funding, including an explanation of whether each project 
     could have used funds in fiscal year 2015 and the specific 
     reasons each project was considered as being less competitive 
     for an allocation of funds.
       Monitoring of Completed Navigation Projects.--The agreement 
     includes additional funding for this line item to restore the 
     funding level to that of previous fiscal years.
       Water Operations Technical Support.--Funding in addition to 
     the budget request is included for research into atmospheric 
     rivers in an effort to develop and demonstrate better 
     prediction capabilities and apply the science to improve 
     reservoir operations to optimize multi-purpose project 
     objectives and to meet stakeholder water needs.
       Movable Bridges at Navigation Projects.--The Corps has 
     responsibility for maintenance of movable bridges that are 
     features of existing Corps navigation projects. Concerns 
     exist that maintenance of these bridges may be deferred given 
     constraints on civil works funding and the fact that bridge 
     maintenance may have substantial benefits but not necessarily 
     to the three civil works missions of commercial navigation, 
     flood mitigation, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. It is 
     unclear if the Corps has a clear idea of the bridges in its 
     national inventory and the magnitude of the maintenance, 
     rehabilitation, and replacement needs. The Corps is directed 
     to provide to the Committees on Appropriations of the House 
     of Representatives and the Senate not later than 180 days 
     after enactment of this Act a report on movable bridges where 
     the Corps has primary maintenance responsibility. The report 
     should include the number of movable bridges in the Corps 
     inventory, as well as for each movable bridge the following 
     information:
       --the year built;
       --the average daily traffic count;
       --the feature for which the bridge serves as a crossing;
       --the bridge's sufficiency rating;
       --the bridge's current weight restriction, if any, due to 
     maintenance issues;
       --whether the bridge serves as part of an evacuation route;
       --any notable impact on local traffic conditions caused by 
     current state of maintenance, such as traffic bottlenecks or 
     length of detour if the bridge is taken out of service;
       --the annual cost incurred by the Corps on maintenance over 
     the past 10 years;
       --estimated replacement cost, if known; and
       --local municipality cost-share of maintenance or 
     replacement either provided over the past 10 years or offered 
     currently, if any.
       Zebra and Quagga Mussels.--The Corps has completed, is 
     working on, and intends to initiate additional invasive 
     mussel vulnerability assessments at numerous federal dams in 
     the Pacific Northwest. The Corps is encouraged to continue 
     these efforts.


                           REGULATORY PROGRAM

       The agreement includes $200,000,000 for the Regulatory 
     Program.


            FORMERLY UTILIZED SITES REMEDIAL ACTION PROGRAM

       The agreement includes $101,500,000 for the Formerly 
     Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program.


                 FLOOD CONTROL AND COASTAL EMERGENCIES

       The agreement includes $28,000,000 for Flood Control and 
     Coastal Emergencies.


                                EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $178,000,000 for Expenses.
       WRRDA 2014.--The Water Resources Reform and Development Act 
     (WRRDA) of 2014 was enacted on June 10, 2014. It provides 
     significant changes in the Corps' project development 
     process, authorizes at least $16,000,000,000 in new projects 
     and authorities, and directs the deauthorization of 
     $18,000,000,000 of previously authorized projects.
       Many of these new authorities will require specific 
     appropriations prior to implementation, but as most of the 
     funding decisions for fiscal year 2015 were made in the 
     absence of the WRRDA, very few of the provisions have been 
     incorporated into this Act. It is anticipated that the 
     provisions from this WRRDA will be integrated more fully into 
     the fiscal year 2016 budget request.
       Implementation guidance will be developed by the Corps in 
     the coming months. The Corps is directed to provide the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate with notification prior to obligating funds 
     for any provision not requiring specific appropriations, as 
     well as monthly updates on the status of implementation 
     guidance documents in draft and final form, including 
     implementation guidance for WRRDA section 5014 regarding a 
     water infrastructure public-private partnership pilot 
     program. Additionally, the Corps is directed to develop and 
     submit to the Committees, in accordance with House Report 
     113-486, a detailed plan for how the Water Infrastructure 
     Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 provisions, if funded, 
     would be implemented.
       It should be noted that enactment of the WRRDA, while 
     providing considerable opportunities for new water resources 
     investments, does not make any additional funding available 
     for water resources projects. Appropriations Acts remain 
     tethered to the defense and non-defense spending caps 
     specified in the Budget Control Acts.


     OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE ARMY FOR CIVIL WORKS

       The agreement includes $3,000,000 for the Office of the 
     Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
       Executive Management and Direction.--There appears to have 
     been a breakdown in the traditional roles and 
     responsibilities between the White House, the Office of the 
     Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)), 
     and the Corps headquarters over the past 18 months. 
     Predictably, this recent confusion and dysfunction has 
     exacerbated problems with program execution and 
     responsiveness to Congress. Some of the execution challenges 
     appear to be related to an

[[Page H9690]]

     idea that increased ``oversight'' and ``quality control'' 
     over the Corps' Civil Works program is necessary on the part 
     of the ASA(CW). While the Administration retains the 
     prerogative to determine the appropriate level of oversight 
     between its political appointees and the career staff, 
     changes to oversight and quality control should be expected 
     to have a discernible positive impact on the quality of the 
     Civil Works program executed, rather than the polar opposite. 
     Beyond program execution, other problems recently have 
     manifested themselves in budget submission documents, reports 
     to Congress, reprogramming actions, and work plans required 
     by appropriations Acts.
       One of the most obvious and ongoing problems has been the 
     delay in submitting the annual budget justifications. The 
     Administration has this single opportunity to present its 
     vision of the Corps of Engineers program, but continued delay 
     in providing the details of the budget deprives Congress of 
     adequate time to properly consider the proposals. Part of the 
     delay seems to stem from ``oversight'' and ``quality 
     control'' of the budget justification process. This oversight 
     and quality control of a very few project justifications 
     resulted in the entire budget justification being submitted 
     to the Congress weeks after the budget was released. 
     Unfortunately, there did not appear to be improvement in the 
     Corps' budget justifications. In fact, errors that had not 
     been present in previous years were introduced in the way 
     data was presented to the Congress.
       Nearly every year, the Congress requests reports from the 
     Administration to assist in congressional oversight. The 
     timeliness of the submission of these reports is critical if 
     the Congress is to be able to use the information to fulfill 
     its oversight responsibilities. Unfortunately, multiple 
     sequential reviews have led to requested reports and analyses 
     being weeks, months, and even years late. In some cases, by 
     the time the Congress receives the report, the data is out of 
     date.
       With a nationwide program where circumstances can change 
     significantly during the fiscal year, reprogramming of funds 
     is critical to program execution. The Congress provides 
     legislative language to describe reprogramming limits 
     available to the Corps and when those reprogramming actions 
     must be submitted to the Congress for review. While the 
     Administration appears to generally be fulfilling the intent 
     of the law concerning these reprogramming actions, extensive 
     sequential reviews have led to extraordinarily long times 
     between the initiation and the execution of a reprogramming. 
     In most cases these long delays to program execution are 
     unnecessary.
       With the end of congressionally directed spending after 
     fiscal year 2011, the Congress transferred to the 
     Administration the task of developing work plans to delineate 
     how funding amounts provided in addition to the 
     Administration's budget request are allocated among programs, 
     projects, and activities. While the Congress provides some 
     guidance for the allocation of funds through the reports that 
     accompany the Acts, the Administration ultimately makes the 
     decisions about which items to fund. Again, it appears that 
     ``oversight'' and ``quality control'' by the Administration 
     are contributing to challenges with timeliness of the work 
     plans and are resulting in the decline in quality of the work 
     plans. With the sequential review process, it appears the 
     Administration is attempting to ensure that the projects in 
     the work plans adhere to the vision that the Administration 
     expressed in the budget submission rather than the guidance 
     provided by the Congress. Once more, this extensive review 
     process leads to delays in program execution.
       The Congress reminds the Administration that once a bill is 
     enacted into law, the Administration is expected to execute 
     the program laid out in the appropriations Act in the most 
     efficient and effective way possible. The Congress endeavors 
     to ensure that funds provided in addition to the 
     Administration request are executable by the Corps for items 
     that were either underfunded in the Administration's request 
     or were omitted from the Administration's request due to 
     other Administration priorities or criteria. The Congress 
     expects the Administration to develop plans that execute the 
     maximum amount of funds possible in a given fiscal year. 
     While constraints that may challenge the execution of funds 
     are sometimes unavoidable, it is expected that in those 
     instances funds would be obligated and carried over for 
     expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year. Some unobligated 
     carry-over of funds in a program the size and complexity of 
     the Corps' is inevitable, but should be an option of last 
     resort. With the backlog of ongoing work in the Corps' 
     program, there should be multiple ways that the 
     Administration can improve execution.
       Currently the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of 
     Reclamation are combined for oversight and policy review with 
     more science based activities, such as the Environmental 
     Protection Agency and the Department of Energy's Science 
     programs. As these infrastructure programs are quite 
     different from science based programs, the Administration 
     should consider a reorganization within the Office of 
     Management and Budget that would align the infrastructure 
     agencies--such as the Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of 
     Reclamation, and the Department of Transportation--under the 
     same branch to provide more effective oversight and policy 
     review of these similar programs.
       The Administration needs to return its focus to executing 
     the Civil Works program and not to addressing multiple 
     conflicting agendas with program execution as an 
     afterthought.


             GENERAL PROVISIONS--CORPS OF ENGINEERS--CIVIL

              (INCLUDING TRANSFER AND RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The agreement includes a provision relating to 
     reprogramming.
       The agreement includes a provision prohibiting the use of 
     funds to carry out any contract that commits funds beyond the 
     amounts appropriated for that program, project, or activity.
       The agreement includes a provision concerning funding 
     transfers related to fish hatcheries.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding research and 
     development on salmon survival.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding the allocation 
     of funds.
       The agreement includes a provision relating to section 
     5018(a)(1) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 
     regarding Missouri River Recovery.
       The agreement includes a provision relating to the use of 
     the Modified Charleston Method.
       The agreement includes a provision relating to unobligated 
     balances. The Corps of Engineers is directed to consider the 
     status of the funds and the risk to project completion prior 
     to rescinding funds from individual project balances. Funds 
     shall not be rescinded from projects where such an action 
     would endanger the completion of a project.
       The agreement includes a provision prohibiting funds from 
     being used to develop or implement changes to certain 
     definitions for the purposes of the Clean Water Act during 
     fiscal year 2015.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding the Mobile 
     Harbor limited reevaluation report.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding section 404 of 
     the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding an 
     interpretative rule.

                  TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

                          Central Utah Project


                CENTRAL UTAH PROJECT COMPLETION ACCOUNT

       The agreement includes a total of $9,874,000 for the 
     Central Utah Project Completion Account, which includes 
     $7,574,000 for Central Utah Project construction, $1,000,000 
     for transfer to the Utah Reclamation Mitigation and 
     Conservation Account for use by the Utah Reclamation 
     Mitigation and Conservation Commission, and $1,300,000 for 
     necessary expenses of the Secretary of the Interior.

                         Bureau of Reclamation

       Persistent Western Drought.--Extensive and exceptional 
     drought continues to plague the Western United States. The 
     U.S. Drought Monitor for December 2, 2014, shows that only 
     two of the seventeen Reclamation states (Montana and Wyoming) 
     are virtually drought free. All or significant portions of 
     twelve Reclamation states are suffering from severe to 
     exceptional drought with 55 percent of California suffering 
     from persistent exceptional drought conditions.
       Drought conditions are difficult to address at the time the 
     drought is occurring, but there are some things that can be 
     done to stretch available water supplies. The Bureau of 
     Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Department of the Interior 
     are encouraged to use all of the flexibility and tools 
     available to mitigate the impacts of this drought. 
     Reclamation is encouraged to examine opportunities for 
     voluntary water conveyances from any state with excess water 
     inventories to meet water use and mitigate drought conditions 
     in Reclamation states. Additional funds have been provided to 
     Reclamation to respond to the impacts of the drought and to 
     work with water districts and other users to provide 
     increased efficiency and conservation of available water.
       The only way to mitigate the effects of future droughts, 
     however, is through a strategy of providing a combination of 
     additional storage, improved conveyance, and increased 
     efficiencies in the uses of water both for agriculture and 
     potable purposes. As the West has consistently been the 
     fastest growing part of the country, it is incumbent on 
     Reclamation, as the leading water purveyor in the West, to 
     lead the way in increasing the water that is available from 
     one year to the next and to research and develop more 
     efficient uses of the water that is available.


                      WATER AND RELATED RESOURCES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement includes $978,131,000 for Water and Related 
     Resources.
       The agreement for Water and Related Resources is shown in 
     the following table:

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[[Page H9698]]

       Central Valley Project, Friant Division, San Joaquin River 
     Restoration.--The agreement does not include a separate 
     account for this item. Funding is included in the Water and 
     Related Resources account as a separate line item under the 
     Friant Division of the Central Valley Project.
       Middle Rio Grande, New Mexico.--The agreement encourages 
     development and implementation of the Water Acquisition 
     Program along the Middle Rio Grande and San Juan Chama 
     Projects and the Physical Habitat Restoration and Management 
     efforts along the San Acacia Reach consistent with fiscal 
     year 2014 activities.
       Scoggins Dam, Tualatin Project, Oregon.--As part of its Dam 
     Safety Program, Reclamation is working on a Corrective Action 
     Alternatives Study (CAS) for Scoggins Dam, the main feature 
     of the Tualatin Project. Working with local stakeholders, 
     Reclamation is evaluating how water supply objectives, such 
     as increased storage, may be coordinated with CAS 
     implementation. Phase two of the CAS, including appraisal 
     level designs and cost estimates, currently is scheduled to 
     be completed in fiscal year 2016. With that date in mind, 
     Reclamation should submit legislative language to the 
     appropriate congressional committees as soon as it becomes 
     clear such authorization is necessary and advisable so that 
     dam safety work can be addressed concurrently with additional 
     storage capacity.
       Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, Washington.--
     The Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management 
     Plan is recognized as an innovative water management plan 
     representing the culmination of years of collaboration among 
     Yakima Basin stakeholders. The Department of the Interior and 
     the Bureau of Reclamation are encouraged to request funding 
     in future budgets to support additional authorized elements 
     of the Plan. Federal funding should be used in combination 
     with stakeholder funding to ensure continued implementation 
     of a balanced plan including water storage and water supply 
     reliability, habitat and watershed conservation, fish 
     passage, and appropriate land acquisition activities to 
     support agriculture, fish, and municipalities within the 
     Yakima River Basin in Central Washington.
       Additional Funding for Water and Related Resources Work.--
     The agreement includes funds in addition to the budget 
     request for Water and Related Resources studies, projects, 
     and activities. Priority in allocating these funds should be 
     given to advance and complete ongoing work; improve water 
     supply reliability; improve water deliveries; enhance 
     national, regional, or local economic development; promote 
     job growth; advance tribal and nontribal water settlement 
     studies and activities; or address critical backlog 
     maintenance and rehabilitation activities. Funding provided 
     under the heading ``Western Drought Response'' may be 
     allocated to any authorized purposes, but shall be allocated 
     to those activities that will have the most direct, most 
     immediate, and largest impact on extending limited water 
     supplies during current drought conditions. Funding included 
     in the budget request under ``Drought Response and 
     Comprehensive Plans'' is incorporated into this line item. 
     Reclamation is encouraged to use all available authorities to 
     provide for additional water supplies through conservation, 
     minor changes to the operations of existing projects, 
     drilling emergency wells, or other means authorized under 
     current law. This additional funding may be used alone or in 
     combination with any other funding provided in a program, 
     project, or activity. For rural water projects, Reclamation 
     shall not use the ability of a non-federal sponsor to 
     contribute funds in excess of the authorized non-federal 
     cost-share as a criterion for prioritizing these funds. Not 
     later than 45 days after enactment of this Act, Reclamation 
     shall provide to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House of Representatives and the Senate a report delineating 
     how these funds are to be distributed, in which phase the 
     work is to be accomplished, and an explanation of the 
     criteria and rankings used to justify each allocation.
       Indian Water Rights Settlements.--The agreement includes 
     funds for these activities in the Water and Related Resources 
     account, instead of in a separate account as proposed in the 
     budget request. To maintain the visibility of these projects, 
     the agreement includes the four projects under the Regional 
     Programs heading with a subheading called Indian Water Rights 
     Settlements.
       Buried Metallic Water Pipe.--Reclamation again is directed 
     to act in a manner consistent with the direction provided in 
     the fiscal year 2012 and 2014 Acts regarding buried metallic 
     water pipe. That direction included, among other things, the 
     requirement for an objective, independently peer-reviewed 
     analysis of pipeline reliability standards. Reclamation is 
     reminded that this study, including all data assembly and 
     analysis must be conducted by an appropriate, independent 
     third-party. Reclamation and its contractors involved in 
     these efforts are expected to protect business-sensitive data 
     that is collected during this process.
       Rural Water.--Voluntary funding in excess of legally 
     required cost shares for rural water projects is acceptable, 
     but shall not be used by Reclamation as a criterion for 
     budgeting in future years.
       Zebra and Quagga Mussels.--Reclamation has completed, is 
     working on, and intends to initiate additional invasive 
     mussel vulnerability assessments at numerous federal dams in 
     the Pacific Northwest. Reclamation is encouraged to continue 
     these efforts.


                CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT RESTORATION FUND

       The agreement provides $56,995,000 for the Central Valley 
     Project Restoration Fund.


                    CALIFORNIA BAY-DELTA RESTORATION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $37,000,000 for the California Bay-
     Delta Restoration Program.


                       POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

       The agreement provides $58,500,000 for Policy and 
     Administration.


               BUREAU OF RECLAMATION LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The agreement includes a rescission of $500,000 in 
     unobligated balances.


                        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

       The agreement includes a provision limiting the Bureau of 
     Reclamation to purchase not more than five passenger vehicles 
     for replacement only.

             GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

       The agreement includes a provision outlining the 
     circumstances under which the Bureau of Reclamation may 
     reprogram funds.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding the San Luis 
     Unit and Kesterson Reservoir in California.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding an 
     authorization of appropriations under the Secure Water Act of 
     2009.
       The agreement includes a technical correction regarding the 
     Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991.
       The agreement includes a provision extending authorization 
     of the Calfed Bay-Delta Authorization Act.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding pilot projects 
     in the Colorado River Basin.

                    TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

       The agreement provides $27,916,797,000 for the Department 
     of Energy to fund programs in its five primary mission areas: 
     science, energy, environment, nuclear non-proliferation, and 
     national security.
       Educational Activities.--The Department is prohibited from 
     funding fellowship and scholarship programs in fiscal year 
     2015 unless they were included in the budget justification or 
     funded within this agreement. The Department may waive this 
     requirement upon notification to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     of the fellowship or scholarship program to be funded.
       Technology Transfer.--The Department is encouraged to fill 
     the position of Technology Transfer Coordinator immediately 
     and implement the recommendations of the Department's Office 
     of the Inspector General as stated in the February 2014 Audit 
     Report: Technology Transfer and Commercialization Efforts at 
     the Department of Energy's National Laboratories, OAS-M-14-
     02. As detailed in the report, the Department is also 
     encouraged to support the finalization of performance metrics 
     and place special emphasis on establishing targets and 
     quantitative metrics that support the growth of U.S. 
     companies. Additionally, the Department is encouraged to take 
     a more forward-looking approach to implementing the 
     Technology Commercialization Fund to enhance the 
     effectiveness of the Department's expenditures.

                       Reprogramming Requirements

       The agreement carries the Department's reprogramming 
     authority in statute to ensure that the Department carries 
     out its programs consistent with congressional direction. The 
     Department should, when possible, submit consolidated, 
     cumulative notifications to the Committees on Appropriations 
     of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
       Definition.--A reprogramming includes the reallocation of 
     funds from one program, project, or activity to another 
     within an appropriation. For construction projects, a 
     reprogramming constitutes the reallocation of funds from one 
     construction project to another project or a change of 
     $2,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less, in the scope of 
     an approved project.

                            ENERGY PROGRAMS

                 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy


              (INCLUDING TRANSFER AND RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $1,936,999,858 in new budget 
     authority for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and 
     rescinds $13,064,858 in prior-year unobligated balances. The 
     agreement includes a provision that authorizes the transfer 
     of up to $45,000,000 to the Defense Production Act Fund.
       The Department is encouraged to support continuation of 
     regional research bodies through competitive funding awards 
     with the goal of fostering research collaboration, technology 
     transfer, and commercialization efforts that will lead to 
     increased domestic production of energy and lower prices for 
     consumers. The Department is further encouraged to examine 
     the feasibility of supplementing the expertise provided by 
     the national laboratories by entering into technical 
     assistance partnerships with non-profit partners to provide 
     affordable grid technology testing and technical assistance 
     to the electric industry to address the variability of 
     renewable power generation.

[[Page H9699]]

       Unless specifically contravened, the agreement supports 
     grid integration and incubator activities to the extent 
     possible within available funds.


                       SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION

       Vehicle Technologies.--Within available funds, the 
     agreement provides $8,000,000 for the SuperTruck program to 
     fulfill existing contracts to support commercialization of 
     truck technologies demonstrated by industry partners. The 
     Department is directed to identify future collaborative 
     research initiatives with the freight industry to improve 
     fuel efficiency in their vehicles. In addition, the 
     Department is directed to provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act a report 
     on the industry's adoption rates of new fuel efficient 
     technologies from the SuperTruck program into its 
     manufacturing lines. Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides $10,000,000 to continue funding of section 131 of 
     the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The 
     agreement provides no direction for the topline funding 
     levels of the Vehicle and Systems Simulation and Testing, 
     Advanced Combustion Engine Research and Development, 
     Materials Technology, and Fuels and Lubricant Technologies 
     subprograms, rather than the levels specified in the House 
     report.
       Shortfalls remain in the research and development of dual-
     fuel systems that meet the power and reliability requirements 
     for severe heavy duty engines used in some buses, fire 
     trucks, on-highway construction haul trucks, and class 8 
     long-haul trucks. The Department is directed to continue 
     research and development on dual-fuel activities to address 
     the needs of severe heavy duty engine vehicles. The research 
     should consider whether direct-fuel-injected or dual-fuel-
     converted diesel engines can provide the necessary horsepower 
     and reliability for safe and efficient long-haul trucking in 
     consideration of the higher temperature exposure of parts and 
     lubricants, in addition to the large onboard fuel storage 
     volume requirements. The research should incorporate highly 
     controlled fleet operations that evaluate the practicality of 
     both dual-fuel systems and gas-to-liquid (GTL) fuel produced 
     directly from natural gas. Since GTL has the potential for 
     broad implementation without changes in truck engine 
     technology or distribution infrastructure, the research 
     should determine the cost, maintenance, and economy of GTL 
     fuels produced directly from natural gas using scalable 
     technology.
       Bioenergy Technologies.--The agreement provides not less 
     than $25,000,000 for research and development of biofuels 
     from algae feedstocks and up to $45,000,000 to support the 
     collaboration among the Navy, the Department of Agriculture, 
     and the Department of Energy to develop innovative 
     technologies for jet and diesel fuels. The agreement provides 
     no direction for the topline funding levels of the 
     Feedstocks, Conversion Technologies, Demonstration and 
     Deployment, and Strategic Analysis and Cross Cutting 
     Sustainability subprograms, rather than the levels specified 
     in the House report.
       For purposes of allocating resources, the Department is 
     directed to include biosolids derived from the municipal 
     wastewater treatment and agricultural processes, and other 
     similar renewables, within the definition of noncellulosic. 
     Furthermore, biosolids from wastewater treatment is 
     encouraged as a feedstock for all research, development, and 
     demonstration activities conducted within the available 
     funding. Technologies utilizing biosolids must provide 
     evidence of the potential to reduce the volume of waste 
     materials and reduce greenhouse gas emissions over current 
     uses of this feedstock. The Department is directed to host a 
     stakeholder meeting to discuss the current state of 
     technologies that utilize biosolids and determine the key 
     barriers that need to be overcome to make substantial gains 
     in reduction of greenhouse gases and cost of energy over 
     full-scale operations already in existence globally.
       Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technologies.--Within available 
     funds, the agreement provides an additional $5,000,000 for 
     Technology Validation to conduct testing and analysis of fuel 
     cells as industrial-scale energy storage devices, with 
     validation and testing using full-scale testing and 
     demonstration capabilities. To support this effort, the 
     Department is encouraged to leverage national laboratory, 
     university, and regional stakeholder partnerships and 
     capabilities, including at-scale grid infrastructure, 
     modeling expertise, extreme environment testing capabilities, 
     and public-private partnerships.
       The agreement supports the collaborative approach reflected 
     in H2USA and sees it as an important step toward 
     commercialization of fuel cell electric vehicles and the 
     supply chain. With regard to infrastructure, the Department 
     is encouraged to analyze, research, and make suitable 
     investments to transform the size, cost, scalability 
     (including modular stations), and interoperability of new 
     retail hydrogen stations. The Department should also 
     emphasize consumer acceptance to meet the needs of the 
     initial commercial market beginning in 2015, while having the 
     ability to increase the station capacity as commercialization 
     develops. These investments should focus on strategic 
     locations where early market introduction of vehicles is 
     likely to occur.


                            RENEWABLE ENERGY

       Solar Energy.--Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides $10,000,000 for the joint Supercritical 
     Transformational Electric Power Generation program with the 
     Offices of Fossil Energy and Nuclear Energy. The agreement 
     further directs the Solar Energy program to provide funding 
     opportunities, as proposed in the budget request, that 
     support U.S. equipment supply chain technology efforts. These 
     efforts will reduce the cost of manufacturing silicon 
     photovoltaic cells by reducing the amount of raw material 
     silicon needed to produce a solar cell while also increasing 
     manufacturing efficiencies by removing manufacturing process 
     steps to produce solar cells. The Department is also 
     encouraged to continue work on systems integration and 
     balance of systems cost areas to reduce costs and ensure that 
     consumers and businesses can yield sustained benefits from 
     distributed solar power installations and their connections 
     to the grid.
       The agreement provides no direction for the topline funding 
     levels of the Concentrating Solar Power, Photovoltaic 
     Research and Development, Systems Integration, and 
     Innovations in Manufacturing Competitiveness subprograms, 
     rather than the levels specified in the House report.
       Wind Energy.--Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides an additional $5,000,000 to further substantiate the 
     design and economic value proposition of alternate project 
     designs for offshore wind power and up to $6,400,000 for 
     distributed wind.
       Geothermal Technologies.--Within available funds, the 
     agreement provides $32,100,000 for Enhanced Geothermal 
     Systems. For future awards, the full spectrum of geothermal 
     technologies as authorized by the Energy Independence and 
     Security Act of 2007 shall be eligible for the funds 
     appropriated for Geothermal Technologies by this Act. The 
     Department is also encouraged to continue its support of 
     comprehensive programs that support academic and professional 
     development initiatives.
       Water Power.--Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides $41,300,000 for marine and hydrokinetic technologies 
     (MHK) and $19,200,000 for conventional hydropower. Of the 
     funding provided for conventional hydropower, $3,960,000 is 
     for the purposes of Section 242 of the Energy Policy Act of 
     2005.
       Of the funding provided for marine and hydrokinetic 
     technologies, no funding is available for the incubator 
     program or the clean energy manufacturing initiative. The 
     Department is directed to continue ongoing consultations with 
     the marine and hydrokinetic energy industry on research, 
     development, and demonstration priorities and ensure that 
     related programs by the national laboratories support 
     industry-driven technology advancement projects. The 
     agreement further directs the Department to continue marine 
     hydrokinetic wave testing infrastructure development work, 
     including preliminary development of an open water, fully 
     energetic wave energy test facility. The Department is 
     encouraged to coordinate closely with the Federal Energy 
     Regulatory Commission, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 
     the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, 
     other relevant agencies, and industry to reduce the amount of 
     time to permit MHK test and demonstration projects. Further, 
     within available funding for marine and hydrokinetic 
     technologies, the Department is encouraged to support 
     activities to develop advanced systems and component 
     technologies to increase energy capture, reliability, and 
     survivability for lower costs, and to assess and monitor 
     environmental effects.


                           ENERGY EFFICIENCY

       Advanced Manufacturing.--Within available funds, the 
     agreement provides not less than $4,205,000 for improvements 
     in the steel industry and $79,000,000 for Next Generation 
     Manufacturing Research and Development Projects, of which 
     $6,000,000 is for incubator activities and $3,000,000 is for 
     a competitive solicitation for universities and industry to 
     help bridge the gap between laboratory research and 
     marketplace deployment of nano-structured metals. The 
     agreement supports $25,000,000 for the fourth year of funding 
     for the Critical Materials Energy Innovation Hub and 
     $56,000,000 for four Clean Energy Manufacturing Institutes.
       The Department is directed to submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     not later than 120 days after enactment of this Act a report 
     that provides metrics-based performance measures to assess 
     the effectiveness of existing institutes in achieving the 
     goals of the Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative, including 
     criteria to assess each institute's progress in becoming 
     self-sufficient after the award term ends by relying 
     exclusively on non-federal funding sources, the benefit of 
     each institute, and specific milestones and objectives over 
     the period of the award term. In awarding new institutes, the 
     Department shall conduct an open solicitation and a 
     competitive, merit-based review process and shall include 
     metrics-based performance measures and milestones as part of 
     each award. Should it propose funding for new institutes in 
     the future, the Department shall include in each budget 
     justification the potential specific research topics 
     associated with the proposed institutes, which will provide 
     Congress with the necessary transparency to evaluate and 
     prioritize funding to ensure that only highly-effective 
     centers closely aligned with the Advanced Manufacturing 
     program missions are funded.
       Building Technologies.--Within available funds, the 
     agreement provides $25,800,000 for

[[Page H9700]]

     solid state lighting research and development and includes no 
     further direction within the Emerging Technologies 
     subprogram. Within the Residential Buildings Integration 
     subprogram, the Department is encouraged to engage 
     stakeholders, including the existing home performance 
     industry and weatherization network, for the purpose of 
     developing policy recommendations that could lead to a new 
     residential energy efficiency retrofit program supporting all 
     residential buildings and income levels.
       The agreement provides no direction for topline funding 
     levels of the Commercial Buildings Integration, Residential 
     Buildings Integration, Emerging Technologies, and Equipment 
     and Buildings Standards subprograms, rather than the levels 
     specified in the House report.
       Weatherization Assistance Program.--The Department is urged 
     to continue working with implementing agencies at the State 
     level to ensure that independent, third-party audits are 
     conducted and results are shared with the relevant parties. 
     Worker training should continue, but contractors repeatedly 
     failing to perform adequately should be disqualified from 
     future work.

              Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability

       The agreement provides $147,306,000 for Electricity 
     Delivery and Energy Reliability, of which $8,000,000 shall be 
     for the Operational Energy and Resilience program to support 
     construction of the Energy Resilience and Operations Center 
     within the Department's Washington, D.C. headquarters.
       Within available funds, the agreement provides $5,000,000 
     to continue development of the industry-scale electric grid 
     test bed and up to $7,000,000 for the Energy Systems 
     Predictive Capability activity. Within Energy Systems 
     Predictive Capability and Advanced Modeling Grid Research, 
     the Department is directed to consider an expanded scope of 
     projects, in addition to response to energy supply 
     disruption, and to include university and industry teams for 
     research and workforce development. Within Cyber Security for 
     Energy Delivery Systems, the Department is encouraged to 
     expand collaborative efforts and increase the deployment of 
     analytical and security tools with industry partners to 
     increase overall resilience of the grid.
       The Department is further encouraged to consider expanding 
     research and development partnerships, including related to 
     the development and deployment of microgrids, with 
     stakeholders in diverse geographic regions with unique market 
     dynamics and policy challenges that can help to inform 
     nationwide efforts to improve grid resiliency, reliability, 
     security, and integration of a broad range of generation 
     sources.

                             Nuclear Energy


                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $913,500,000 in new budget authority 
     for nuclear energy activities and rescinds $80,000,000 in 
     prior-year unobligated balances, of which $62,000,000 shall 
     be derived from non-Program Direction funding and $18,000,000 
     shall be derived from Program Direction funding. The 
     agreement includes no funding derived from the Nuclear Waste 
     Fund.
       The Department is directed to provide support for 
     reconvening a nuclear working group among national 
     laboratories to foster collaboration and identification of 
     nuclear capabilities. As part of the update to the Nuclear 
     Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) Roadmap, the 
     Secretary is directed to solicit input from, and collaborate 
     with, the nuclear working group to recommend a plan to 
     integrate the missions and expertise of the national 
     laboratories to accomplish the RD&D goals of the updated 
     roadmap.
       Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies.--Within available 
     funds, $24,300,000 is available for the Modeling and 
     Simulation Energy Innovation Hub upon completion by the 
     Office of Nuclear Energy of an internal peer review of the 
     first five-year term; a determination to extend the hub, 
     together with the benefit of the extension and specific 
     milestones and objectives over the period of the extension; 
     and notification of and approval by the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate. The agreement also provides $36,500,000 for the 
     National Science User Facility, of which funding above the 
     request is to complete the installation of advanced post-
     irradiation examination equipment at the Irradiated Materials 
     Characterization Laboratory.
       SMR Licensing Technical Support Program.--The agreement 
     provides $54,500,000 for the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) 
     Licensing Technical Support Program, all of which shall be to 
     support the second award for an SMR design. Prior-year funds 
     shall be available for site permitting and related licensing 
     activities to support the continued development of small 
     modular reactor technologies previously selected under this 
     program.
       Reactor Concepts Research and Development.--Within 
     available funds, the agreement provides $98,000,000 for 
     Advanced Reactor Concepts, of which $33,000,000 is for 
     research of the fuel and graphite qualification program for 
     the High Temperature Gas Reactor previously funded under the 
     Next Generation Nuclear Plant line. The agreement accepts the 
     Department's proposal to consolidate Advanced Small Modular 
     Reactor Research and Development within Advanced Reactor 
     Concepts and directs all other activities not specified in 
     the House report within Advanced Reactor Concepts be 
     supported to the extent possible within available funds. The 
     Department is directed to focus funding within Reactor 
     Concepts Research and Development on technologies that show 
     clear potential to be safer, less waste producing, more cost 
     competitive, and more proliferation-resistant than existing 
     nuclear power technologies.
       Fuel Cycle Research and Development.--Within available 
     funds, the agreement provides $60,100,000 for the Advanced 
     Fuels program to continue implementation of accident tolerant 
     fuels development, of which $12,000,000 is for additional 
     support of feasibility studies for accident tolerant light 
     water reactor fuels; $5,000,000 is for additional support of 
     capability development of transient testing, including test 
     design and validation data for reactor modeling; $10,000,000 
     is for the development and qualification of meltdown-
     resistant fuels based on ceramic-compacted coated particles; 
     and $3,000,000 is for the advancement of promising and 
     innovative research, including ceramic cladding and other 
     technologies, emanating from qualified and competitively 
     selected small business research task awards that complement 
     the three major industry and university projects and are 
     focused on the development and testing of accident tolerant 
     fuels. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, 
     the Department shall provide the Committees on Appropriations 
     of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report 
     detailing the results achieved in developing accident 
     tolerant fuels and the expected milestones to achieving in-
     reactor testing and utilization by 2020.
       The agreement provides $71,500,000 for Used Nuclear Fuel 
     Disposition, of which $49,000,000 is for research and 
     development activities, as requested, and $22,500,000 is for 
     integrated waste management system activities. Within funds 
     provided for integrated waste management system activities, 
     $3,000,000 shall be to design, procure, and test industry-
     standard compliant rail rolling stock.
       Supercritical Transformational Electric Power Research and 
     Development.--Within available funds, the Department shall 
     gather information and engage industry to develop an 
     effective solicitation for a public-private cost-shared 
     supercritical carbon dioxide demonstration program, including 
     support for a Request for Information, conceptual design, and 
     cost estimation. Any remaining funding shall be for 
     additional support of the research and development of 
     supercritical carbon dioxide technologies within the nuclear 
     energy program.
       Radiological Facilities Management.--Within available 
     funds, the agreement provides $20,000,000 for hot cells at 
     Oak Ridge National Laboratory and directs the Office of 
     Nuclear Energy to work with the Office of Science to 
     demonstrate a commitment to operation and maintenance of 
     these capabilities that support multiple critical missions in 
     future budget requests.
       Idaho Facilities Management.--The agreement provides 
     funding above the budget request for Idaho Facilities 
     Management, to include an additional $5,000,000 for nuclear 
     facility and support systems major maintenance; $2,000,000 
     for Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) safety margin improvement 
     electrical distribution; $6,000,000 for transient testing 
     scope acceleration and risk reduction; $4,000,000 for ATR 
     evaporation pond liner replacement; and $3,000,000 for the 
     replacement of windows, manipulators, and process equipment 
     at the Hot Fuel Examination Facility.

                 Fossil Energy Research and Development

       The agreement provides $571,000,000 for Fossil Energy 
     Research and Development. The Department is directed to 
     submit not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act a 
     comprehensive program plan and research and development 
     roadmap for the Office of Fossil Energy.
       The Department is encouraged to assess the technical 
     landscape of innovative, commercial-scale gas-to-liquid 
     technology development that is not based on the traditional 
     Fischer-Tropsch technology, is less capital intensive than 
     Fischer-Tropsch technology, and can be developed in smaller 
     units that can be deployed in locations where excessive 
     natural gas is being flared to convert that natural gas to 
     liquid transportation fuel.
       Coal Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Power Systems.--
     Within available funds, the agreement includes funding for 
     the Department of Energy's National Carbon Capture Center 
     consistent with the budget request. To the extent possible 
     within available funds, the Department is directed to support 
     the joint industrial scale integrated energy systems research 
     and development effort with the Offices of Nuclear Energy and 
     Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
       Within Carbon Capture, the agreement includes $76,000,000 
     for post-combustion capture systems, of which funding above 
     the request is for additional support of bench-scale and 
     pilot projects. Within Advanced Energy Systems, the agreement 
     provides $30,000,000 for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells; $28,000,000 
     for Advanced Combustion Systems, of which funding above the 
     request is for additional support of pressure gain reduction, 
     chemical looping, and pressurized combustion technologies and 
     projects; and $25,000,000 for Gasification Systems, of which 
     $8,000,000 is for the Advanced Air Separation Program to 
     continue activities improving advanced air separation 
     technologies. Within Cross Cutting Research, the agreement 
     provides $24,000,000 for Coal Utilization Science. Within 
     National Energy Technology Laboratory

[[Page H9701]]

     Coal Research and Development, the agreement provides 
     $15,000,000 above the budget request for the Department to 
     continue its activities to economically recover rare earth 
     elements from coal and coal byproduct streams, such as fly 
     ash, coal refuse, and aqueous effluents. Within the 
     Supercritical Transformational Electric Power Generation 
     program, the agreement provides funding for additional 
     support of supercritical carbon dioxide technologies within 
     the fossil energy program.
       Natural Gas Technologies.--Within available funds, the 
     agreement provides $15,000,000 for ongoing methane hydrates 
     research and development, including characterization of deep 
     water hydrates, the assessment of the potential impact of 
     hydrate development on climate, and the characterization of 
     Arctic offshore hydrates, and $10,121,000 for collaborative 
     research and development regarding hydraulic fracturing, to 
     include $3,100,000 for the Department to continue the Risk 
     Based Data Management System. Any funding in the area of 
     hydraulic fracturing, including funding to support the 
     proposed joint effort with the Environmental Protection 
     Agency (EPA) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), 
     is for research into hydraulic fracturing technologies that 
     aims both to improve the economics and recoverability of 
     reserves and to address the health, safety, and environmental 
     risks of shale gas extraction. Together with EPA and USGS, 
     the Department of Energy is directed to submit to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate not later than 180 days after enactment of 
     this Act an interagency detailed research plan, to include 
     the proposed length of a collaborative study regarding 
     hydraulic fracturing, out-year budget costs, and specific 
     milestones and objectives.
       Unconventional Technologies.--The agreement provides 
     $4,500,000, of which up to $500,000 shall be for the 
     Department to assess the technical landscape of scalable 
     energy conversion technologies as specified in the House 
     report.

                 Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves

       The agreement provides $19,950,000 for the operation of the 
     Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves.

                      Elk Hills School Lands Fund

       The agreement provides $15,579,815 for the final payment of 
     the settlement agreement.

                      Strategic Petroleum Reserve

       The agreement provides $200,000,000 for the Strategic 
     Petroleum Reserve. The Department has continued to ignore the 
     statutory directive in Public Law 111-8 to submit to the 
     Congress by April 27, 2009, a report regarding the effects of 
     expanding the Reserve on the domestic petroleum market. The 
     Department has not yet submitted the report, and continues to 
     fail to meet other congressionally mandated deadlines without 
     explanation or cause. Although now more than five years 
     delayed, the information requested in the report continues to 
     be pertinent to policy decisions, and the Secretary is 
     directed to submit the report as directed in Section 315 of 
     this Act.

                   Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve


                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $7,600,000 in new budget authority 
     for the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. The agreement 
     also includes a rescission of prior-year unobligated balances 
     of $6,000,000, resulting in a net appropriation of 
     $1,600,000.

                   Energy Information Administration

       The agreement provides $117,000,000 for the Energy 
     Information Administration.

                   Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup

       The agreement provides $246,000,000 for Non-Defense 
     Environmental Cleanup.
       Small Sites.--The agreement provides $80,049,000. Within 
     these funds, $20,000,000 shall be available for design and 
     construction of security upgrades at Fort St. Vrain, for the 
     cleanup of existing contamination and improvement of seismic 
     standards of buildings at Lawrence Berkeley National 
     Laboratory, and for the cleanup of outstanding Department of 
     Energy liabilities at the Southwest Experimental Fast Oxide 
     Reactor. To the extent possible within available funds, the 
     Department should take advantage of near-term opportunities 
     to realize lifecycle cost savings by accelerating completion 
     of ongoing small sites.
       Fort St. Vrain.--Instead of direction in the House report, 
     the Department is directed to report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     not later than 180 days of enactment of this Act on the costs 
     of continuing to store spent nuclear fuel at Fort St. Vrain 
     and other Department locations, and on options for 
     consolidating inventories of all defense-related wastes, 
     spent nuclear fuel, and special nuclear material at one or 
     more private sector or Government sites to reduce ongoing 
     maintenance, operations, and security costs. The Department 
     is further directed to provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     a project data sheet for security upgrades at Fort St. Vrain 
     prior to the use of funds for construction.

      Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund

       The agreement provides $625,000,000 for activities funded 
     from the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and 
     Decommissioning Fund.
       Reporting Requirement.--The Department is directed to 
     provide to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate not later than 90 days after 
     enactment of this Act a report that describes the status of 
     the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning 
     Fund and provides an update of cleanup progress by site since 
     the last report submitted to satisfy requirements of Section 
     1805 of the Atomic Energy Act. The report shall include a 
     general schedule of milestones and costs required to complete 
     the mission at each site within the current lifecycle cost 
     estimates. In addition, the report shall provide an updated 
     timeline and shall explain the cost and schedule assumptions 
     in the current lifecycle cost estimates for Paducah to 
     reflect the Department's assumption of responsibility for the 
     process buildings in fiscal year 2015.

                                Science

       The agreement provides $5,071,000,000 for the Office of 
     Science. The agreement includes legislative language 
     restricting cash contributions to the International 
     Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Organization 
     pending implementation of the Third Biennial International 
     Organization Management Assessment Report recommendations.
       Advanced Scientific Computing Research.--Within available 
     funds, the agreement provides $91,000,000 for the exascale 
     initiative, $104,317,000 for the Oak Ridge Leadership 
     Computing Facility, $80,320,000 for the Argonne Leadership 
     Computing Facility, $75,605,000 for the National Energy 
     Research Scientific Computing Center at Lawrence Berkeley 
     National Laboratory, and up to $3,000,000 for the 
     Computational Sciences Graduate Fellowship program. Should 
     the Department wish to continue the Computational Sciences 
     Graduate Fellowship program, the Office of Science is 
     directed to include it in future budget submissions within 
     Advanced Scientific Computing Research.
       Basic Energy Sciences.--The Office of Science is directed 
     to work with the Office of Nuclear Energy to demonstrate a 
     commitment to operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities 
     at Oak Ridge National Laboratory that support multiple 
     critical missions in future budget requests. Within available 
     funds, the agreement provides up to $100,000,000 for Energy 
     Frontier Research Centers.
       For materials science and engineering research, the 
     agreement provides $371,000,000, of which $24,175,000 is for 
     the third year of the Batteries and Energy Storage Innovation 
     Hub, $10,000,000 is for the Experimental Program to Stimulate 
     Competitive Research, and $8,000,000 is for computational 
     materials science. For chemical sciences, geosciences, and 
     biosciences, the agreement provides $307,103,000, of which up 
     to $15,000,000 is available for the Fuels from Sunlight 
     Innovation Hub upon completion by the Office of Science of an 
     internal peer review of the first five-year term; a 
     determination to extend the hub, together with the benefit of 
     the extension and specific milestones and objectives over the 
     period of extension; and notification of and approval by the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate.
       In lieu of previous direction for scientific user 
     facilities, the agreement provides $916,397,000, of which 
     $804,948,000 is for facilities operations. The agreement 
     supports the budget request's proposal to terminate the 
     Office of Science-operated user program at the Lujan Neutron 
     Scattering Center at Los Alamos National Laboratory and 
     provides $2,000,000 to transition instruments and materials 
     to safe storage conditions.
       Biological and Environmental Research.--Within available 
     funds, the agreement provides $75,000,000 for the third year 
     of the second five-year term of the three BioEnergy Research 
     Centers, $45,501,000 for the operation of the Environmental 
     Molecular Sciences Lab at Pacific Northwest National Lab, and 
     no funding for a new initiative on climate model development 
     and validation.
       Fusion Energy Sciences.--The agreement accepts the new 
     proposed budget structure for fusion energy sciences and 
     provides funding accordingly. Unless specifically contravened 
     in this agreement, references in the House report using the 
     old budget structure shall stand. The agreement further 
     directs the Office of Science to submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act a report 
     on the contribution of fusion energy sciences to scientific 
     discovery and the development and deployment of new 
     technologies beyond possible applications in fusion energy.
       Within available funds, the agreement provides not less 
     than $70,220,000 for the National Spherical Torus Experiment, 
     not less than $79,950,000 for DIII-D, and not less than 
     $22,260,000 for Alcator C-Mod. The Office of Science is 
     advised that fiscal year 2016 will be the final year of 
     funding for Alcator C-Mod, consistent with the Fusion Energy 
     Sciences Advisory Committee strategic planning and priorities 
     report under all budget scenarios, and is directed to plan 
     for an orderly shutdown following fiscal year 2016. The 
     Office of Science is further directed to seek community 
     engagement on the strategic planning and priorities report 
     through a series of scientific workshops on research topics 
     that would benefit from a review of recent progress, would 
     have potential for broadening connections between the fusion 
     energy sciences portfolio and related fields, and would 
     identify scientific research opportunities. The Department is 
     directed to submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House of Representatives and the Senate

[[Page H9702]]

     not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act a report 
     on its community engagement efforts.
       The agreement provides $216,062,000 for burning plasma 
     science foundations, $38,956,000 for burning plasma science 
     long pulse, and $59,682,000 for discovery plasma science. In 
     addition to these funds, the agreement provides $2,500,000 to 
     continue high energy density laboratory plasma science at the 
     Neutralized Drift Compression Experiment-II and $300,000 for 
     the National Undergraduate Fellowship Program to support the 
     study of plasma physics.
       The agreement provides $150,000,000 for ITER, of which not 
     less than $125,000,000 is for in-kind hardware contributions 
     and up to $25,000,000 is for cash contributions to the ITER 
     Organization.
       High Energy Physics.--Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides $22,000,000 for the Long Baseline Neutrino 
     Experiment (LBNE) and its alternatives, to include 
     $10,000,000 for research and development and $12,000,000 for 
     project engineering and design activities. The agreement 
     includes no funding for long-lead procurements or 
     construction activities for the LBNE project. The agreement 
     also includes $15,000,000 for Homestake Mine and $23,000,000 
     to support superconducting radio frequency accelerator 
     research, development, facilities, and infrastructure.
       For energy frontier experimental physics, the agreement 
     provides $147,584,000. For intensity frontier experimental 
     physics, the agreement provides $264,949,000, of which 
     $43,970,000 is for projects, to include $20,000,000 for 
     future projects research and development, and shifts funding 
     for superconducting operations to advanced technology 
     research and development. For cosmic frontier experimental 
     physics, the agreement provides $105,545,000, of which 
     $41,878,000 is for projects. Prior to the execution of 
     $6,878,000 for dark matter, dark energy, and cosmic microwave 
     background experiments, the Office of Science shall submit a 
     spend plan to the Committees on Appropriations of the House 
     of Representatives and the Senate. The agreement provides no 
     direction for research or facility operations and 
     experimental support within the intensity frontier and cosmic 
     frontier subprograms, rather than the levels specified in the 
     House report.
       For other subprograms within high energy physics, the 
     agreement provides $59,274,000 for theoretical and 
     computational physics; $120,366,000 for advanced technology 
     research and development, of which $45,772,000 is for general 
     accelerators; and $10,000,000 for accelerator stewardship.
       Nuclear Physics.--Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides $150,892,000 for medium energy nuclear physics, of 
     which $97,050,000 is for operations at 12 GeV Continuous 
     Electron Beam Accelerator Facility at Thomas Jefferson 
     National Accelerator Facility; $199,966,000 for heavy ion 
     nuclear physics, of which $166,072,000 is for Relativistic 
     Heavy Ion Collider operations at Brookhaven National 
     Laboratory; and $17,541,000 for operation of the Argonne 
     Tandem Linac Accelerator System.
       Science Laboratories Infrastructure.--Within available 
     funds, the agreement provides an additional $3,000,000 to de-
     inventory New Brunswick Laboratory below the Hazard Category 
     3 threshold, as well as any follow-on work to remove 
     remaining material and unneeded equipment.
       Program Direction.--The agreement provides no funding, 
     including for salaries and benefits and travel, to support 
     the Under Secretary for Science and Energy.

               Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy

       The agreement provides $280,000,000 for the Advanced 
     Research Projects Agency--Energy.

         TITLE 17--INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $42,000,000 for administrative 
     expenses for the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan 
     Guarantee Program. This amount is offset by estimated 
     revenues of $25,000,000, resulting in a net appropriation of 
     $17,000,000.
       Recent reviews of the loan program by DOE's Office of the 
     Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office 
     (GAO) have shown progress in the loan program's 
     implementation of recommendations to improve the program's 
     administration and oversight, but several important 
     deficiencies remain. In particular, the speed at which the 
     loan program is finalizing the actions taken to address the 
     deficiencies in the program's administration is 
     unsatisfactory. Concerns persist about the continued lack of 
     comprehensive policies for oversight and monitoring risk of 
     existing loan guarantees. The Department is directed to 
     provide to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate not later than 60 days after 
     enactment of this Act a report responding to the 
     recommendations from GAO-14-367, including a plan for fully 
     complying with its credit review, compliance, and reporting 
     functions.
       The Department is directed to report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act on the 
     status of the Cape Wind conditional commitment, including an 
     update on ongoing litigation and the risks this litigation 
     poses to the success of the project. The Department shall 
     update this report quarterly through fiscal year 2016.

        Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program

       The agreement provides $4,000,000 for the Advanced 
     Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program.

                         Clean Coal Technology


                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The agreement rescinds $6,600,000 from the Clean Coal 
     Technology Program.

                      Departmental Administration

       The agreement provides $245,142,000 for Departmental 
     Administration, of which up to $1,670,000 is for salaries and 
     expenses for the Office of the Under Secretary for Science 
     and Energy. The Department is directed to request funding for 
     this office under Departmental Administration in fiscal year 
     2016 and subsequent years to increase transparency.

                    Office of the Inspector General

       The agreement provides $40,500,000 for the Office of the 
     Inspector General.

                    ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES

                NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

       The agreement provides $11,407,295,000 for the National 
     Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Instead of 
     restrictions in the House report regarding contractor defined 
     benefit pension plan payments above requirements, the 
     Department is directed to notify the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     of the amounts paid that are above the minimum required 
     contribution and the percent funded status of each plan if 
     payments above the minimum required contribution are 
     anticipated to be made in fiscal year 2015.

                           Weapons Activities


                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $8,231,770,000 for Weapons 
     Activities. The agreement rescinds $45,113,000 in funds not 
     apportioned to the Department of Energy in fiscal year 2013 
     and fiscal year 2014.
       Directed Stockpile Work.--The agreement provides 
     $2,692,588,000. The agreement includes $176,615,934 within 
     Stockpile Systems and $58,407,000 within Stockpile Services 
     for surveillance.
       The NNSA is directed to work with the Nuclear Weapons 
     Council and the military services to update the procedures 
     governing nuclear weapons refurbishments prior to submitting 
     future warhead refurbishment proposals that would integrate 
     Air Force and Navy systems in order to better define joint 
     military requirements and to ensure that Air Force and Navy 
     programs and resources are appropriately aligned. The NNSA is 
     directed to provide to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate not later than 30 
     days after enactment of this Act a report that describes the 
     interagency plan for revising and updating the joint Phase 
     6.x warhead acquisition process.
       The NNSA is directed to submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     not later than 120 days after enactment of this Act a report 
     on the options available to avoid a dismantlement workload 
     gap in the mid-2020s while still meeting the 2022 
     dismantlement goal.
       Cruise Missile Warhead life extension study.--The agreement 
     provides $9,418,000 to commence a Phase 6.1 Concept Study for 
     a cruise missile warhead life extension. The NNSA is expected 
     to fully adhere to the fiscal year 2012 Act reporting 
     requirements that direct the NNSA to provide a report on the 
     military requirements and preliminary cost and schedule 
     estimates for a life extension effort at the commencement of 
     Phase 6.2a Design Definition and Cost Study, should those 
     activities be requested in future budget requests. The NNSA 
     is directed to promptly submit its required report regarding 
     its Phase 6.1 Concept Study activities.
       Research and Development Certification and Safety.--The 
     agreement provides $160,000,000. The agreement does not 
     include a prohibition on exploratory development activities 
     that support early life extension and other stockpile 
     stewardship activities in the House report.
       Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E).--The 
     agreement provides $1,766,191,000 for the NNSA's research, 
     development, test, and evaluation activities previously 
     referred to as Campaigns.
       Science.--The agreement provides $412,091,000. Within these 
     funds, $8,000,000 is to support the Dynamic Compression 
     Sector at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National 
     Laboratory. Within funds for Advanced Radiography, 
     $21,000,000 is for the design of new radiography capabilities 
     at U1a.
       Inertial Confinement Fusion and High Yield.--The agreement 
     provides $512,895,000. Within these funds, $68,000,000 is for 
     Omega at the University of Rochester and $329,000,000 is for 
     the National Ignition Facility (NIF). The NNSA is directed to 
     provide to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate not later than 90 days after 
     enactment of this Act an assessment on whether the likelihood 
     of achieving ignition at the NIF has increased since December 
     2012 and the level of confidence that the NNSA will achieve 
     ignition at the NIF by December 2015.
       Advanced Simulation and Computing.--The agreement provides 
     $598,000,000. Within these

[[Page H9703]]

     funds, $50,000,000 is for activities associated with the 
     exascale initiative.
       Advanced Manufacturing Development.--The agreement provides 
     $107,200,000 to develop, demonstrate, and utilize advanced 
     technologies that are needed to enhance the NNSA's secure 
     manufacturing capabilities and to ensure timely support for 
     the production of nuclear weapons and other critical national 
     security components as described in the House report. Instead 
     of specific funding allocations directed in the House report, 
     the agreement includes $12,600,000 for Additive 
     Manufacturing, $75,000,000 for Component Manufacturing 
     Development, and $19,600,000 for Process Technology 
     Development.
       The NNSA is directed to provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     not later than 120 days after enactment of this Act a ten-
     year strategic plan for using additive manufacturing to 
     reduce costs at NNSA production facilities while meeting 
     stringent qualification requirements.
       Readiness in Technical Base and Facilities.--The agreement 
     provides $2,033,400,000. The NNSA is directed to submit to 
     the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate not later than 120 days after 
     enactment of this Act a ten-year strategic plan that would 
     reduce the deferred maintenance backlog below fiscal year 
     2014 baseline levels and dispose of unneeded facilities.
       Recapitalization.--The agreement provides $224,600,000. The 
     allocation for projects and activities within 
     Recapitalization is shown in the following table: 
     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.303
     

[[Page H9704]]

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.304
     


[[Page H9705]]

       Uranium Processing Facility, Y-12 National Security 
     Complex.--The agreement provides $335,000,000. The agreement 
     does not include a restriction on the use of funds for 
     construction prior to achieving 90 percent design. Upon 
     completion of a conceptual design for the project that 
     incorporates the Red Team recommendations, the NNSA shall 
     submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate a report that describes the 
     preliminary project execution plan, including any tailoring 
     strategy to break project milestones into smaller projects 
     with distinct performance baselines. The report shall also 
     include an updated cost range for the revised project design 
     that has been independently reviewed by the Department of 
     Energy's Office of Engineering and Construction Management.
       Nuclear Counterterrorism Incident Response.--The agreement 
     provides $177,940,000. Within this amount, $142,577,000 is 
     for emergency response activities to fully support the ninth 
     stabilization city and $14,850,000 is for Operations Support 
     to address improvements for the Department of Energy's 
     Emergency Operations Center.
       Site Stewardship.--The agreement provides $76,531,000. 
     Within these funds, $14,531,000 is provided for the Minority 
     Serving Institution Partnerships Program.
       Defense Nuclear Security.--The agreement provides 
     $636,123,000. Within funds for physical security systems, up 
     to $5,000,000 may be used to procure advanced security 
     technologies for the Y-12 National Security Complex and the 
     Pantex Plant.
       Domestic Uranium Enrichment Research, Development, and 
     Demonstration.--The agreement provides $97,200,000. The 
     agreement provides funds to maintain centrifuges in standby 
     and to conduct further analysis of enriched uranium and 
     tritium needs. The Department is directed to conduct an 
     interagency bottoms-up reevaluation of the active and reserve 
     tritium stockpile requirements and provide a certification 
     from the Nuclear Weapons Council as directed by the House 
     report. Instead of the analysis of process technologies in 
     the House report, the agreement includes a general provision 
     that prohibits the use of funds in fiscal year 2015 to build 
     centrifuges for enriched uranium production and requires an 
     accounting of nuclear material available to meet defense 
     needs and a cost-benefit analysis of domestic uranium 
     enrichment options.

                    Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation


                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $1,641,369,000 for Defense Nuclear 
     Nonproliferation. The agreement rescinds $24,731,000 in funds 
     not apportioned to the Department of Energy in fiscal year 
     2013 and fiscal year 2014.
       Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and 
     Development.--The agreement provides $393,401,000. Within 
     these funds, the agreement provides $66,900,000 for the 
     National Center for Nuclear Security and additional funds to 
     accelerate efforts to develop the next generation of warhead 
     monitoring technologies, improve low-yield nuclear test 
     detection capabilities, and deploy long-range remote 
     monitoring technologies for plutonium and uranium production 
     detection. The NNSA is directed to conduct a joint assessment 
     with the Department of Defense on the continued need to 
     deploy space-based sensors for atmospheric testing and 
     provide the results to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate not later than 
     120 days after enactment of this Act.
       International Material Protection and Cooperation 
     (IMP&C).--The agreement provides $270,911,000. Within these 
     funds, the agreement provides $148,000,000 for the Second 
     Line of Defense Program to complete installation of fixed 
     detection equipment at vulnerable border crossings, airports, 
     and small seaports in Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, 
     Romania, Belarus, and Jordan and expand work in high threat 
     areas in the Middle East. The agreement does not include 
     $66,900,000 requested within IMP&C for projects in Russia. No 
     funds may be used for the Multiple Integrated Laser 
     Engagement System for Russia.
       Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel Fabrication Facility, Savannah 
     River.--The agreement provides $345,000,000 for continued 
     construction of the MOX Fuel Fabrication Facility, including 
     Other Project Costs. The agreement includes statutory 
     language that prohibits the NNSA from using funds to place 
     the project in cold standby in fiscal year 2015. Instead of 
     the reporting requirements in the House report, the NNSA is 
     directed to submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House of Representatives and the Senate not later than 120 
     days after enactment of this Act an independently-verified 
     lifecycle cost estimate for the option to complete 
     construction and operate the MOX facility and the option to 
     downblend and dispose of the material in a repository.
       Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI).--The agreement 
     provides $325,752,000. Within these funds, the agreement 
     provides $36,600,000 for international material protection to 
     complete additional security upgrades at research reactor and 
     radiological buildings, including facilities in Turkey and 
     Algeria that have Category 1 source materials. Also within 
     funds for GTRI, the agreement provides $67,987,000 for 
     domestic material protection to help meet the goal of 
     securing all buildings in the U.S. with Category 1 source 
     materials by the end of 2016. The NNSA's efforts to develop a 
     U.S. capability to produce Moly-99 from sources other than 
     high-enriched uranium should include but not be limited to 
     low-enriched uranium and natural molybdenum. The agreement 
     does not include $25,400,000 requested within GTRI for 
     projects in Russia.
       Use of Prior-Year Balances.--The agreement directs the use 
     of $22,963,000 in prior-year balances from Russian Fissile 
     Material Disposition.

                             Naval Reactors


                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $1,238,500,000 for Naval Reactors. 
     Within these funds, the agreement provides $68,000,000 for 
     Advanced Test Reactor Operations. The agreement rescinds 
     $4,500,000 in prior-year funds for program direction.
       Naval Reactors Operations and Infrastructure.--The 
     agreement provides $390,000,000. Within these funds, 
     $119,279,000 is for Research Reactor Facility Operations and 
     Maintenance, including the full amount requested for 
     operations and maintenance of the prototype reactors at the 
     Kesselring Site.
       Spent Fuel Handling Recapitalization Project, Naval 
     Reactors Facility.--The agreement provides $70,000,000, 
     including Other Project Costs.

                     Federal Salaries and Expenses

       The agreement provides $370,000,000 for the federal 
     salaries and expenses of the Office of the NNSA 
     Administrator. Within this amount, the NNSA is directed to 
     provide any funds needed for Corporate Project Management in 
     fiscal year 2015.
       NNSA Albuquerque Complex.--Instead of direction regarding 
     the Albuquerque Complex in the House report under Office of 
     the Administrator and Weapons Activities, the agreement 
     permits the NNSA to lease new office space in fiscal year 
     2015 after the NNSA Administrator notifies the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     of the full costs of the lease, relocation, vault 
     construction and other capital expenses, and any associated 
     increases in annual operating and security costs. The 
     notification shall include a description of the NNSA's plan 
     to demolish legacy buildings at the Albuquerque Complex to 
     meet footprint reduction requirements and shall provide a 
     certification that the cyber and physical security 
     requirements have been reviewed and approved by the 
     responsible intelligence authority.

               ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER DEFENSE ACTIVITIES

                     Defense Environmental Cleanup


                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $5,010,830,000 for Defense 
     Environmental Cleanup. Within these funds, the Department is 
     directed to fund hazardous waste worker training at 
     $10,000,000. The agreement rescinds $10,830,000 in prior-year 
     funds for program direction.
       Separations Process Research Unit (SPRU).--The Department 
     is directed to preserve the approximately $33,000,000 in 
     prior-year appropriations for SPRU until a plan has been 
     determined for the site. If, at that time, the Department is 
     found to have a liability, the Department shall apply all 
     remaining prior-year balances toward that outstanding 
     obligation. If additional funding is needed once final 
     agreement between the parties is achieved, the Department 
     should submit a reprogramming request to fully support the 
     agreed upon plan.
       Hanford Site.--The agreement provides $941,000,000. Within 
     available funds in the River Corridor control point, the 
     Department is directed to carry out maintenance and public 
     safety efforts at the B Reactor and the Hazardous Materials 
     Management and Emergency Response facilities.
       Oak Ridge Reservation.--The agreement provides 
     $223,050,000. Within cleanup and disposition, $41,626,000 is 
     provided for the U233 Disposition Program. While the 
     agreement does not include a Congressional reprogramming 
     control point, the Department shall continue to separately 
     report funds for this activity in its monthly financial 
     balances report and in its budget request.
       Outfall 200 Mercury Treatment Facility, Oak Ridge.--The 
     agreement provides $9,400,000 to continue a project to 
     construct a water treatment plant at the outfall 200 site as 
     originally approved in the fiscal year 2014 Act. The 
     Department should continue to advance plans to construct the 
     water treatment plant at its originally planned outfall 200 
     location upstream of the Upper East Fork Poplar Creek. None 
     of the funds available in this Act or any other Act are 
     available for a new siting study for this project. If the 
     Department wishes to use project funds to pursue a 
     significant change in the approved scope of this project, 
     including a change in project location, the Department shall 
     submit a reprogramming request in accordance with the 
     reprogramming requirements carried in this Act.
       Office of River Protection.--The agreement provides 
     $1,212,000,000. The Department is encouraged to complete work 
     previously undertaken on removing salts from the low-activity 
     tank waste streams by conducting conceptual design and cost 
     estimating activities in order to gain a deeper understanding 
     of its potential within recent waste treatment system 
     changes.
       Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).--The agreement provides 
     $320,000,000, including funds needed in fiscal year 2015 to 
     fully support the WIPP recovery effort. None of the funds for 
     WIPP shall be used to fund incident recovery or other 
     transuranic waste activities at any other site. The 
     Department is directed to provide a separate accounting of 
     all

[[Page H9706]]

     funds supporting the WIPP recovery plan in its budget request 
     for fiscal year 2016. The Secretary of Energy is directed to 
     designate an official responsible for implementing the 
     Department's recovery plan who shall provide quarterly 
     updates on the Department's progress to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate.
       Technology Development and Deployment.--The agreement 
     provides $14,000,000. Within these funds, $2,000,000 is for 
     the National Spent Fuel Program at Idaho National Laboratory.

     Defense Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning

       The agreement provides $463,000,000 for Defense Uranium 
     Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning. Funds provide 
     for a federal contribution into the Uranium Decontamination 
     and Decommissioning Fund. The agreement does not include a 
     reauthorization for the collection of a special assessment 
     from private industry.

                        Other Defense Activities

       The agreement provides $754,000,000 for Other Defense 
     Activities.

                    POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS

                  Bonneville Power Administration Fund

       The agreement provides no appropriation for the Bonneville 
     Power Administration, which derives its funding from revenues 
     deposited into the Bonneville Power Administration Fund.

      Operation and Maintenance, Southeastern Power Administration

       The agreement provides a net appropriation of $0 for the 
     Southeastern Power Administration.

      Operation and Maintenance, Southwestern Power Administration

       The agreement provides a net appropriation of $11,400,000 
     for the Southwestern Power Administration.

 Construction, Rehabilitation, Operation and Maintenance, Western Area 
                          Power Administration

       The agreement provides a net appropriation of $93,372,000 
     for the Western Area Power Administration.

           Falcon and Amistad Operating and Maintenance Fund

       The agreement provides a net appropriation of $228,000 for 
     the Falcon and Amistad Operating and Maintenance Fund. The 
     agreement includes legislative language authorizing the 
     acceptance and use of contributed funds in fiscal year 2015 
     for operating, maintaining, repairing, rehabilitating, 
     replacing, or upgrading the hydroelectric facilities at the 
     Falcon and Amistad Dams.

                  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $304,389,000 for the Federal Energy 
     Regulatory Commission (FERC). Revenues for FERC are set to an 
     amount equal to the budget authority, resulting in a net 
     appropriation of $0. The agreement does not include language 
     in House Report 113-486 regarding increased salaries and 
     benefits.
       The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently 
     approved a request by the New York Independent System 
     Operator (NYISO) for a new capacity zone (Docket N. ER13-
     1380-000). Concerns persist regarding the effect of the 
     capacity zone on consumer costs. The FERC is not currently 
     required to take further action in fiscal year 2015. However, 
     should the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals remand the 
     order during 2015, the Commission would be required to issue 
     an order in response to the decision. The FERC is directed to 
     report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate on a quarterly basis through 
     fiscal year 2016, beginning not later than 30 days after 
     enactment of this Act, on the status of the court case, 
     actions taken by FERC, and estimates of additional planned 
     capacity and consumer costs.

                GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


             (INCLUDING TRANSFER AND RESCISSIONS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement includes a provision prohibiting the use of 
     funds provided in this title to initiate requests for 
     proposals, other solicitations, or arrangements for new 
     programs or activities that have not yet been approved and 
     funded by the Congress; requires notification or a report for 
     certain funding actions; prohibits funds to be used for 
     certain multi-year ``Energy Programs'' activities without 
     notification; and prohibits the obligation or expenditure of 
     funds provided in this title through a reprogramming of funds 
     except in certain circumstances.
       The agreement includes a provision relating to unexpended 
     balances.
       The agreement includes a provision authorizing intelligence 
     activities of the Department of Energy for purposes of 
     section 504 of the National Security Act of 1947.
       The agreement includes a provision prohibiting the use of 
     funds in this title for capital construction of high hazard 
     nuclear facilities, unless certain independent oversight is 
     conducted.
       The agreement includes a provision prohibiting the use of 
     funds provided under this title to approve critical decision-
     2 or critical decision-3 for certain construction projects, 
     unless a separate independent cost estimate has been 
     developed for that critical decision.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding uranium 
     adverse material impact determinations and notification 
     requirements for uranium transactions.
       The agreement includes a provision prohibiting the Office 
     of Science from entering into multi-year funding agreements 
     with a value below a specific threshold.
       The agreement includes a provision requiring analysis of 
     alternatives for warhead life extension programs.
       The agreement includes a provision rescinding certain 
     prior-year funds. The rescission does not include funds 
     previously appropriated in the ``Construction, 
     Rehabilitation, Operation and Maintenance, Western Area Power 
     Administration'' account for work related to the Animas-
     LaPlata Project. The Western Area Power Administration should 
     note, however, that in future years this funding will be 
     treated the same as other prior-year funds within DOE 
     accounts. Therefore, Western and the Bureau of Reclamation 
     are directed to work together to ensure that future budget 
     requests include appropriate funding for these activities 
     such that the costs will not be shifted to power customers 
     who receive no benefit from the activities.
       The agreement includes a provision prohibiting funds in the 
     ``Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation'' account for certain 
     activities and assistance in the Russian Federation.
       The agreement includes a provision standardizing the 
     availability of funds for certain research and development 
     activities beginning in fiscal year 2016.
       The agreement includes a provision directing the use of 
     funds for the Domestic Uranium Enrichment program.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding prohibiting 
     funds to implement or enforce higher efficiency light bulb 
     standards.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding analysis and 
     transparency requirements for uranium sales.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding management of 
     the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

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                     TITLE IV--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

       It is the mission of all the regional commissions to 
     maximize spending on programs rather than personnel. Given 
     the budget cuts the regional commissions have experienced in 
     recent years, the regional commissions are directed to 
     provide to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate a detailed accounting of all 
     personnel costs, including an accounting for employees who 
     are designated as non-federal employees, in their annual 
     budget requests to Congress. If the regional commissions are 
     to continue to be successful they need to show they are 
     maximizing the public good and making sound personnel 
     management decisions.

                    Appalachian Regional Commission

       The agreement provides $90,000,000 for the Appalachian 
     Regional Commission (ARC). To diversify and enhance regional 
     business development, $10,000,000 is provided to continue the 
     program of high-speed broadband deployment in distressed 
     counties within the Central Appalachian region that have been 
     most negatively impacted by the downturn in the coal 
     industry. This funding shall be in addition to the 30 percent 
     directed to distressed counties.
       Within the funding provided, $10,000,000 is recommended to 
     support a workforce training program in Southern Appalachia, 
     primarily focused on the automotive supplier industry. The 
     program will benefit economically distressed counties in 
     Southern Appalachia. This funding shall be in addition to any 
     funds otherwise directed to distressed counties. The funds 
     shall be distributed according to ARC's Distressed Counties 
     Formula which includes land area, population estimates, and 
     the number of distressed counties.

                Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $28,500,000 for the Defense Nuclear 
     Facilities Safety Board.

                        Delta Regional Authority


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $12,000,000 for the Delta Regional 
     Authority.

                           Denali Commission

       The agreement provides $10,000,000 for the Denali 
     Commission.

                  Northern Border Regional Commission

       The agreement provides $5,000,000 for the Northern Border 
     Regional Commission.

                 Southeast Crescent Regional Commission

       The agreement provides $250,000 for the Southeast Crescent 
     Regional Commission.

                     Nuclear Regulatory Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $1,003,233,000 for Nuclear 
     Regulatory Commission salaries and expenses. This amount is 
     offset by estimated revenues of $885,375,000, resulting in a 
     net appropriation of $117,858,000.
       The agreement reduces the amount made available for 
     salaries and expenses by $34,200,000 below the budget request 
     to account for fee-based unobligated carryover from fiscal 
     year 2014 to fiscal year 2015 and authorizes the Commission 
     to re-allocate its unobligated carryover to supplement its 
     fiscal year 2015 appropriation. The Commission is directed to 
     submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate not later than 30 days after 
     enactment of this Act a base table that documents this re-
     allocation. The agreement further reduces salaries and 
     expenses by $10,000,000 below the budget request to account 
     for lower-than-anticipated staffing levels. Within available 
     funds, not more than $7,500,000 is included for salaries, 
     travel, and other support costs for the Office of the 
     Commission.
       The Commission is directed to engage an outside entity with 
     expertise on federal agency management to recommend ways it 
     can reduce its corporate support requirements and improve the 
     efficiency of the Commission's internal processes. The 
     Commission is further directed to submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     not later than May 1, 2015, the review's findings, budgetary 
     impacts, and a long-term strategic workforce plan. The 
     Commission is also encouraged to have a fair, effective, 
     predictable, and efficient process for subsequent license 
     renewal that builds upon the technical and regulatory success 
     of the initial license renewal process and to act 
     expeditiously, particularly for licensees actively planning 
     to pursue subsequent license renewal in the 2017 timeframe, 
     to ensure timely issuance of the regulatory guidance and 
     establishment of the updated framework for subsequent license 
     renewal.
       A recent report by the Department of Energy's Office of 
     Nuclear Energy concluded that the nuclear energy workforce is 
     more stable than it has been in several decades, noting that 
     this is due in part to established programs that drive 
     interest in the field. In light of current circumstances, the 
     Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in consultation with the 
     Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy and industry, 
     is directed to review the Integrated University Program with 
     regard to its effectiveness and recommend any changes 
     necessary to maintain its efficacy in ensuring that the 
     Nation continues to have a sufficient nuclear workforce. The 
     study should include any specialized areas that may require 
     training beyond that which is necessary for the general 
     nuclear workforce.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The agreement includes $12,071,000 for the Office of 
     Inspector General in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This 
     amount is offset by revenues of $10,099,000, for a net 
     appropriation of $1,972,000.
       The agreement includes a provision to permanently authorize 
     the Inspector General of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to 
     execute the duties and responsibilities in the Inspector 
     General Act of 1978 with respect to the Defense Nuclear 
     Facilities Safety Board. The agreement provides $850,000 to 
     carry out these responsibilities in fiscal year 2015.

                  Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $3,400,000 for the Nuclear Waste 
     Technical Review Board.

                GENERAL PROVISIONS--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

       The agreement includes a provision permanently requiring 
     reporting on the use of emergency authority.
       The agreement includes a provision instructing the Nuclear 
     Regulatory Commission on responding to congressional requests 
     for information.
       The agreement includes a provision mandating an evaluation 
     of and reporting on the effectiveness of domestic 
     radiological security requirements.
       The agreement includes a provision requiring each agency 
     receiving funding to submit a Congressional Budget 
     Justification and annual report.

                      TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS

       The agreement includes a provision relating to lobbying 
     restrictions.
       The agreement includes a provision relating to transfer 
     authority. No additional transfer authority is implied or 
     conveyed by this provision. For the purposes of this 
     provision, the term ``transfer'' shall mean the shifting of 
     all or part of the budget authority in one account to 
     another. In addition to transfers provided in this Act or 
     other appropriations Acts, and existing authorities, such as 
     the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535), by which one part of the 
     United States Government may provide goods or services to 
     another part, the Act allows transfers using Section 4705 of 
     the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2745) and 15 U.S.C. 
     638 regarding SBIR/STTR.
       The agreement includes a provision prohibiting funds to be 
     used in contravention of the executive order entitled 
     ``Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in 
     Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations.''

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[[Page H9733]]

 DIVISION E--FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS 
                               ACT, 2015

       Language included in House Report 113-508 that is not 
     changed by this explanatory statement is approved. This 
     explanatory statement, while repeating some report language 
     for emphasis, is not intended to negate the language 
     referenced in the House Committee report unless expressly 
     provided herein.
       Program, Project and Activity.--During fiscal year 2015, 
     for the purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-177), as amended, with 
     respect to appropriations contained in Division E of the 
     agreement, the terms ``program, project, and activity'' (PPA) 
     shall mean any item for which a dollar amount is contained in 
     appropriations acts (including joint resolutions providing 
     continuing appropriations) or accompanying reports of the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate 
     (Committees), or accompanying conference reports and joint 
     explanatory statements of the committee of conference.
       Operating Plan.--Each agency shall submit an operating plan 
     to the Committees not later than 60 days after enactment of 
     this Act to establish the baseline for application of 
     reprogramming and transfer authorities. The operating plan 
     shall provide a table for each appropriation with columns 
     displaying the budget request; adjustments made by Congress; 
     adjustments for rescissions, if appropriate; and the fiscal 
     year enacted level. The table shall delineate the 
     appropriation both by object class and by PPA, and identify 
     items of special congressional interest.
       Reprogramming of Funds.--The bill includes a general 
     provision (section 608) establishing the authority of 
     agencies to reprogram funds, the limitation on that 
     authority, and the circumstances under which the advance 
     approval of the Committees is required prior to the 
     reprogramming of funds. Except in emergency situations, 
     reprogramming requests should be submitted no later than June 
     30.
       When a Department or agency submits a reprogramming or 
     transfer request to the Committees and does not receive 
     identical responses from the House and the Senate, it is the 
     responsibility of the Department or agency to reconcile the 
     House and the Senate differences before proceeding, and if 
     reconciliation is not possible, to consider the request to 
     reprogram funds unapproved.
       Relationship with Budget Offices.--The bill directs that 
     justifications submitted with the fiscal year 2016 budget 
     requests by agencies funded under this Act must contain the 
     customary level of detailed data and explanatory statements 
     to support the appropriations requests at the level of detail 
     contained in the funding table included at the end of the 
     report. Among other items, agencies shall provide a detailed 
     discussion of proposed new initiatives, proposed changes in 
     the agency's financial plan from prior year enactment, and 
     detailed data on all programs and comprehensive information 
     on any office or agency restructurings. At a minimum, each 
     agency must also provide adequate justification for funding 
     and staffing changes for each individual office. Explanatory 
     materials should compare programs, projects, and activities 
     that are proposed for fiscal year 2016 to the fiscal year 
     2015 enacted level. The budget justification materials shall 
     also incorporate a separate table briefly describing the top 
     management challenges for fiscal year 2015 as identified by 
     the agency inspector general, along with an explanation of 
     how the fiscal year 2016 budget request addresses each such 
     management challenge.
       Agency Reports.--Agencies funded by this Act that currently 
     provide separate copies of periodic reports and 
     correspondence to the chairs and ranking members of the House 
     and Senate Appropriations Committees and Subcommittees on 
     Financial Services and General Government are directed to use 
     a single cover letter jointly addressed to the chairs and 
     ranking members of the Committees and Subcommittees of both 
     the House and the Senate. To the greatest extent feasible, 
     agencies should include in the cover letter a reference or 
     hyperlink to facilitate electronic access to the report and 
     provide the documents by electronic mail delivery. These 
     measures will help reduce costs, conserve paper, expedite 
     agency processing, and ensure that consistent information is 
     conveyed concurrently to the majority and minority committee 
     offices of both chambers of Congress.

                  TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

                          Departmental Offices


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $210,000,000 for departmental offices 
     salaries and expenses. Within the amount provided under this 
     heading, $9,500,000 is for the audit, oversight, and 
     administration of the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund, 
     including evaluation of implementation plans submitted by 
     Gulf Coast States and coastal political subdivisions; 
     $3,400,000 is for the development and implementation of 
     programs within the Office of Critical Infrastructure 
     Protection and Compliance Policy; and up to $1,000,000 is for 
     continued contributions to the Organization for Economic 
     Cooperation and Development to cover the Department's 
     participation in programs related to global tax 
     administration.
       Communication Failures.--The Committees on Appropriations 
     of the House and Senate are concerned about the 
     responsiveness of the Office of the Secretary and the Office 
     of Legislative Affairs to Congressional requests. 
     Communication failures undermine the Administration's ability 
     to achieve its legislative priorities and the Congress' 
     ability to understand the activities, expenditures, budget 
     needs and policy priorities of the Department's bureaus and 
     offices. The Office of the Secretary and the Office of 
     Legislative Affairs are strongly encouraged to provide timely 
     and complete responses to Congressional requests, to make 
     officials and staff available for briefings, and to follow 
     through when additional agency action is required.
       Cloud Computing Usage.--Well-planned cloud-based computing 
     solutions offer the opportunity for potential savings on the 
     order of millions of dollars. The Department shall provide a 
     report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and 
     Senate by September 30, 2015, on current and planned cloud 
     computing usage by bureau and office. The report should also 
     include the costs and savings in 2014-15 realized as a result 
     of such usage, plans to retire associated legacy systems, and 
     milestones in meeting Federal security standards.
       Wildlife Trafficking.--The Secretary shall submit a report 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate 
     and the appropriate authorizing committees, not later than 90 
     days after the date of enactment, outlining the specific 
     steps being taken by the Department to further address 
     wildlife trafficking and illegal natural resources trade, the 
     engagement of the Department with the Presidential Task Force 
     on Wildlife Trafficking, steps taken by the Department to 
     implement the National Strategy on Wildlife Trafficking, 
     resources aligned to activities and initiatives to address 
     wildlife and natural resources trafficking, and 
     recommendations for any authorities needed to combat money 
     laundering related to wildlife trafficking and the trade of 
     illegally harvested timber.
       Foreclosure Crisis.--The Secretary is directed to encourage 
     mortgage servicers and investors, including Fannie Mae and 
     Freddie Mac, to consider and implement foreclosure mitigation 
     authorities as provided in P.L. 110-343 to help save taxpayer 
     dollars while allowing homeowners to remain in their homes. 
     The Department shall also ensure mortgage servicers are 
     properly complying with the Home Affordable Modification 
     Program (HAMP) agreements and to provide ample technical 
     assistance and outreach to properly educate servicers about 
     their responsibilities under the program.
       Crimea.--Due to concerns about the Russian aggression in 
     Ukraine, Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, and Russia's 
     illegal and unacceptable efforts to exploit stolen Crimean 
     resources, the Department is urged to spend none of the funds 
     in this Act to recognize, or imply recognition, of the 
     sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea, its 
     territory, airspace, or territorial waters.
       Cybercrime.--To better enhance data protection, the 
     Department of the Treasury shall report to Congress within 
     120 days after enactment identifying ways in which it engages 
     with various Federal law enforcement agencies and regulators, 
     including but not limited to the Department of Homeland 
     Security, including the Secret Service, and the Department of 
     Justice, as well as key international partners, to coordinate 
     to combat cybercrime and data breaches. In particular, this 
     report should include ways that these law enforcement 
     entities currently, or may in the future, leverage resources 
     of other agencies in order to enhance data security. Further, 
     the report should identify where Federal regulatory agencies 
     fail to effectively cooperate with each other as well as with 
     law enforcement to ensure the most effective protections, 
     standards, and enforcement measures are in place to protect 
     consumers' financial data. The report should also identify 
     recommendations for additional supervision, legislation, 
     regulation and enforcement where significant gaps exist.
       Ivory Poaching.--The Department is directed to pursue and 
     enforce money laundering and other related laws as related to 
     the illegal ivory trade, particularly in Africa, and to 
     report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and 
     Senate semiannually during fiscal year 2015 on enforcement 
     actions taken during such fiscal year.
       Gulf Coast Restoration.--The Department is directed to 
     report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and 
     Senate within 180 days of enactment on staffing for oversight 
     and implementation of the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund, 
     including full-time equivalents hired and their specific 
     responsibilities, and applications for the fund, including 
     number of applications received, and the average number of 
     days to approve or reject complete applications. Consistent 
     with Subtitle F of Public Law 112-141, the Department's 
     statutory role in administering the Direct Component is not 
     to determine which projects and programs will best benefit 
     the Gulf Coast region. Instead, Treasury is expected to 
     expeditiously review applications to solely determine 
     compliance with eligibility criteria and other requirements 
     set forth in the Resources and Ecosystem Sustainability, 
     Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf 
     Coast States (RESTORE) Act and other Federal laws and 
     policies.

[[Page H9734]]

       Management of Capital Investments.--As required by Section 
     120 of this bill, the Department is directed to submit a 
     Capital Investment Plan to the Committees on Appropriations 
     of the House and Senate, including estimated funding 
     requirements for the lifetime capital needs of a project, not 
     just the budget year, and meaningful, understandable 
     summaries of capital investments by project type.


             OFFICE OF TERRORISM AND FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $112,500,000 for the Office of Terrorism 
     and Financial Intelligence, of which no more than $27,000,000 
     is for administrative expenses and $1,000,000 is available 
     until September 30, 2016.
       Economic Sanctions and Divestments.--The Department of the 
     Treasury will fully implement sanctions and divestment 
     measures applicable to the Islamic State of Iraq and the 
     Levant, Russia, North Korea, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe and 
     designated rebel groups operating in and around the 
     Democratic Republic of Congo. The Department will promptly 
     notify the Committees on Appropriations of the House and 
     Senate of any resource constraints that adversely impact the 
     implementation of these sanctions programs.


        DEPARTMENT-WIDE SYSTEMS AND CAPITAL INVESTMENTS PROGRAMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $2,725,000 for the Department-Wide 
     Systems and Capital Investments Programs.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $35,351,000 for the Office of Inspector 
     General.
       The Inspector General shall utilize funds provided to 
     perform audits on Treasury's anti-money laundering and 
     terrorist financing activities, capital investment spending 
     and planning, and the Community Development Financial 
     Institutions Fund.


           TREASURY INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR TAX ADMINISTRATION

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $158,210,000 for salaries and expenses of 
     the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration 
     (TIGTA).
       TIGTA is directed to keep the Committees on Appropriations 
     of the House and Senate regularly informed about its ongoing 
     audit, investigative, and examination work, including 
     briefings on final reports before such reports are publicly 
     released.


    SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR THE TROUBLED ASSET RELIEF PROGRAM

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $34,234,000 for salaries and expenses of 
     the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled 
     Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP).
       SIGTARP is expected, within its audits and investigations, 
     to continue to monitor the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) and alert 
     the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate if 
     any HHF funds are used inappropriately by any State or local 
     government for the purpose of funding pension obligations.

                  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $112,000,000 for salaries and expenses of 
     the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
       FinCEN is directed to continue efforts to improve the 
     completeness and reliability of Bank Secrecy Act data in 
     accordance with Treasury Inspector General and Government 
     Accountability Office (GAO) recommendations. FinCEN is 
     directed to submit a written update to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and Senate within 60 days of 
     enactment on the status of its reorganization including 
     information about any significant impacts on productivity due 
     to staff transitions, as well as a final report one year 
     after the last step of the reorganization is completed. As 
     part of marshalling its unique expertise in analyzing 
     financial flows to combat human trafficking, in the course of 
     ongoing strategic operations, FinCEN shall routinely monitor 
     the effectiveness of its September 2014 advisory to financial 
     institutions on including red flag indicators in relevant 
     suspicious activity report narratives.

                        Treasury Forfeiture Fund


                              (RESCISSION)

       The bill includes a rescission of $769,000,000 of the 
     unobligated balances in the Treasury Forfeiture Fund.

                      Bureau of the Fiscal Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $348,184,000 for salaries and expenses of 
     the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, and provides $165,000 to be 
     derived from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to reimburse 
     Fiscal Service personnel for financial management of the 
     fund.
       Do Not Pay Center.--The Bureau is directed to submit a 
     report within 180 days of enactment of this Act to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate on its 
     progress toward developing the Do Not Pay Center, including 
     how the center incorporates (1) comparisons of payment and 
     beneficiary enrollment lists for State programs that use 
     Federal funds to identify improper payments, (2) reviews of 
     payments across Federal programs to identify payment 
     duplication, and (3) metrics used to determine the 
     effectiveness of analytical and investigatory efforts to 
     reduce improper payments.

                Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $100,000,000 for salaries and expenses of 
     the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Within this 
     amount, $3,000,000 is for the cost of special law enforcement 
     agents to target tobacco smuggling and other criminal 
     diversion activities.
       The Bureau is directed to include in their fiscal year 2016 
     budget request the full cost of supporting special law 
     enforcement agents working on tobacco smuggling and other 
     criminal diversion activities solely within the Bureau. These 
     activities are clearly within the Bureau's expertise and 
     should be better reflected in the Bureau's future budget 
     requests.

                           United States Mint


               UNITED STATES MINT PUBLIC ENTERPRISE FUND

       The bill specifies that not more than $20,000,000 in new 
     liabilities and obligations may be incurred during fiscal 
     year 2015 for circulating coinage and protective service 
     capital investments of the U.S. Mint.

   Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account

       The bill provides $230,500,000 for the Community 
     Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund program. 
     Within this amount, not less than $152,400,000 is for 
     financial and technical assistance grants; not less than 
     $15,000,000 is for technical assistance and other purposes 
     for Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaskan Native 
     communities; not less than $22,000,000 is for the Healthy 
     Food Financing Initiative; not less than $18,000,000 is for 
     the Bank Enterprise Award program; and up to $23,100,000 is 
     for administrative expenses. The bill limits the total loan 
     principal for the Bond Guarantee program to $750,000,000.
       Healthy Food Financing Initiative.--The CDFI Fund is 
     directed to encourage awardees to include food hubs as part 
     of the overall strategy for increasing the availability of 
     healthy, affordable foods, as required under the Healthy Food 
     Financing Initiative.
       CDFI Capacity Building.--To enhance the CDFI Fund's efforts 
     in building the capacity of CDFIs to serve the needs of 
     underserved communities, $1,000,000 is provided to support 
     the enhancement of CDFIs' presence and activities in 
     underserved communities.
       Non-Metropolitan and Rural Areas.--The Treasury Department 
     is directed to take into consideration the unique conditions, 
     challenges and scale of non-metropolitan areas when designing 
     programs to address economic revitalization and community 
     development.

                        Internal Revenue Service

       Operating Plan and Notification.--In its operating plan 
     submitted to the Committees on Appropriations of the House 
     and Senate (Committees), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 
     shall include comments of the IRS Oversight Board as well as 
     details on any planned agency reorganizations, job 
     reductions, or increases to offices or activities, and 
     modifications to any service or enforcement activity, and 
     shall promptly notify the Committees and the IRS Oversight 
     Board of any substantial changes to these plans.
       Budget Presentation for Staffing of New Initiatives.--The 
     IRS is directed to ensure that the justification materials 
     submitted to the Committees for fiscal year 2016 accurately 
     reflect the anticipated hiring dates for staff identified for 
     proposed new initiatives, rather than assuming that such 
     planned hiring will occur at the start of the fiscal year.
       Reconciliation.--The IRS shall submit quarterly reports 
     about reconciling advance premium tax credits as described in 
     House Report 113-508.
       Bonuses.--Not later than 30 days after enactment of this 
     Act, the Commissioner shall submit a report to the Committees 
     on the policy used to consider conduct issues resulting in 
     disciplinary actions, including the nonpayment of taxes, 
     prior to awarding all types of employee performance and 
     discretionary awards. This report shall also explain the 
     internal controls that ensure strict adherence to the policy 
     by IRS management.


                           TAXPAYER SERVICES

       The bill provides $2,156,554,000 for Internal Revenue 
     Service (IRS) Taxpayer Services. Within the overall amount, 
     not less than $10,000,000 is for low-income taxpayer clinic 
     grants, not less than $7,000,000 is for the Tax Counseling 
     for the Elderly program, and not less than $206,000,000 is 
     provided for operating expenses of the IRS Taxpayer Advocate 
     Service, of which not less than $5,000,000 is for identity 
     theft casework.
       In addition, within the overall amount provided, not less 
     than $12,000,000, available until September 30, 2016, is 
     included for the Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 
     matching grants program.
       Free File.--In lieu of the House report language requiring 
     monthly reports on the Free File program, IRS is directed to 
     provide quarterly briefings to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and Senate on actions taken and 
     planned to complete a five-year Memorandum of Understanding 
     (MOU) with Free File Alliance in a timely manner. The current 
     MOU expires in October 2015 and this valuable service should 
     continue without interruption.
       Taxpayer Assistance Blueprint Updates.--The IRS, the IRS 
     Oversight Board, and the National Taxpayer Advocate are 
     directed to

[[Page H9735]]

     continue to submit to Congress annual updates to the Taxpayer 
     Assistance Blueprint identifying any changes to the current 
     strategic plan for taxpayer service, including the results of 
     any new research and relevant findings, and any open issues 
     requiring additional research.
       Rural Service Delivery Issues.--The IRS is directed to 
     identify changes to its current strategic plan for taxpayer 
     service delivery to help alleviate difficulties faced by 
     rural taxpayers seeking guidance and assistance to properly 
     file their tax returns. The IRS is directed to examine the 
     impacts on minority, rural, elderly, disabled, and low-income 
     populations of closing Taxpayer Assistance Center locations, 
     limiting the types of questions and time of year IRS 
     employees can answer such questions, and eliminating the tax 
     return preparation assistance for qualifying taxpayers.
       Taxpayer Services in Alaska and Hawaii.--As directed 
     annually since fiscal year 1997, the IRS shall continue to 
     staff each Taxpayer Advocate Service Center in Alaska and 
     Hawaii with a collection technical advisor and an examination 
     technical advisor in addition to the current complement of 
     office staff.


                              ENFORCEMENT

       The bill provides $4,860,000,000 for Enforcement.
       Combating Refund Fraud and Identity Theft.--The Internal 
     Revenue Service (IRS) is directed to institute, and share 
     with the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate 
     (Committees) within 90 days of enactment of this Act, an 
     updated action plan and timetable predicated on a goal of 
     reducing by half the average amount of time a taxpayer must 
     await a disposition of a refund fraud claim.
       Preventing Payroll Tax Fraud.--The IRS is directed to 
     intensify its scrutiny of questionable practices of payroll 
     service providers and continue to inform taxpayers of their 
     responsibility for payment of all Federal and State 
     employment taxes notwithstanding any contractual relationship 
     with a payroll service provider. The IRS is further directed 
     to update its 2014 report to the Committees within 60 days of 
     enactment of this Act of changes in information provided in 
     the earlier submission.
       Addressing Fraud and Filing Errors in Refundable Credit 
     Programs.--In an effort to reduce intentional fraud and 
     filing errors in refundable credit programs intended to help 
     taxpayers, the Department of the Treasury is directed to 
     ensure that the same questions are being asked of taxpayers 
     whether they are preparing their returns with a paid tax 
     preparer or via do it-yourself methods such as paper forms, 
     preparation software, or online preparation tools. 
     Implementing uniform questions for refundable credit filers 
     is a common sense step that will help alleviate confusion 
     over eligibility and better establish qualification for these 
     credits. The Department of the Treasury shall ensure that all 
     questions asked on forms 8867 or 9867, or for any other 
     refundable tax credit programs, will be the same questions 
     the Internal Revenue Service requires tax filers to answer 
     regardless of filing method.
       Misclassification of Contractors.--Prior to any staffing 
     reductions at IRS SS-8 processing locations, the IRS shall 
     provide a report to the Committees detailing the past 5 years 
     of staffing levels and employee productivity, SS-8 receipt 
     volumes, and rationale for the proposed workforce changes.


                           OPERATIONS SUPPORT

       The bill provides $3,638,446,000 for Operations Support.
       Information Technology Management and Oversight.--The 
     Internal Revenue Service (IRS) shall include within its 
     fiscal year 2016 budget request a proposed long-term 
     multiyear funding strategy and timetable to upgrade and 
     modernize the aging legacy IRS information technology 
     infrastructure. The IRS shall utilize and keep the Committees 
     on Appropriations of the House and Senate informed of a 
     strategic plan, including identification of specific short-
     term and long-term opportunities for new or enhanced uses of 
     e-services and an assessment of the related resource needs.


                     BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION

       The bill provides $290,000,000 for Business Systems 
     Modernization.


          ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill includes the following provisions:
       Section 101 provides transfer authority.
       Section 102 requires the IRS to maintain an employee 
     training program on topics such as taxpayers' rights.
       Section 103 requires the IRS to safeguard taxpayer 
     information and to protect taxpayers against identity theft.
       Section 104 permits funding for 1-800 help line services 
     for taxpayers and directs the Commissioner to make improving 
     phone service a priority and to enhance response times.
       Section 105 prohibits funds for videos unless reviewed in 
     advance by the IRS' Video Editorial Board for cost, topic, 
     tone, and purpose.
       Section 106 requires the IRS to issue notices to employers 
     of any address change request and to give special 
     consideration to offers in compromise for taxpayers who have 
     been victims of payroll tax preparer fraud.
       Section 107 prohibits the use of funds by the IRS to target 
     United States citizens for exercising any right guaranteed 
     under the First Amendment to the Constitution.
       Section 108 prohibits the use of funds by the IRS to target 
     groups for regulatory scrutiny based on their ideological 
     beliefs.
       Section 109 requires the IRS to comply with procedures and 
     policies on conference spending in accordance with IRS 
     policies issued as a result of Treasury Inspector General for 
     Tax Administration recommendations.
       Section 110 prohibits the IRS from using funds made 
     available by this Act to contravene a provision of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 related to the confidentiality 
     and disclosure of returns and return information.

         Administrative Provisions--Department of the Treasury


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The bill includes the following provisions:
       Section 111 allows Treasury to use funds for certain 
     specified expenses.
       Section 112 allows for the transfer of up to 2 percent of 
     funds among various Treasury bureaus and offices.
       Section 113 allows for the transfer of up to 2 percent from 
     the IRS accounts to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax 
     Administration.
       Section 114 prohibits funding to redesign the $1 note.
       Section 115 allows for the transfer of funds from the 
     Bureau of Fiscal Service-Salaries and Expenses to the Debt 
     Collection Fund conditional on future reimbursement.
       Section 116 prohibits funds to build a United States Mint 
     museum without the approval of the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and Senate and the authorizing 
     committees of jurisdiction.
       Section 117 prohibits funding for consolidating the 
     functions of the United States Mint and the Bureau of 
     Engraving and Printing without the approval of the Committees 
     on Appropriations of the House and Senate and the authorizing 
     committees of jurisdiction.
       Section 118 specifies that funds for Treasury intelligence 
     activities are deemed to be specifically authorized until 
     enactment of the fiscal year 2015 intelligence authorization 
     act.
       Section 119 permits the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to 
     use up to $5,000 from the Industrial Revolving Fund for 
     reception and representation expenses.
       Section 120 requires the Secretary to submit a Capital 
     Investment Plan.
       Section 121 requires the Office of Financial Research and 
     Office of Financial Stability Oversight to submit quarterly 
     reports.
       Section 122 requires a Franchise Fund report.
       Section 123 requires the Department to submit a report on 
     economic warfare and financial terrorism.
       Health Insurance Exchange Premium Payments.--The Secretary 
     shall submit each month to the Committees on Appropriations 
     of the House and Senate an accounting of the number of 
     individuals who have not paid the full amount of any premium 
     owed for the preceding month for coverage under a qualified 
     health plan that was enrolled in through a health insurance 
     exchange.

 TITLE II--EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO 
                             THE PRESIDENT

                            The White House


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $55,000,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the White House. The Executive Office of the President is 
     directed to allocate sufficient resources to continue the 
     robust operation of the Office of National AIDS Policy and to 
     continue to coordinate a Government-wide effort to achieve 
     the goals of the National HIV/AIDS strategy.

                 Executive Residence at the White House


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

       The bill provides $12,700,000 for the Executive Residence 
     at the White House.

                   White House Repair and Restoration

       The bill provides $625,000 for repair, alteration and 
     improvement of the Executive Residence at the White House.

                      Council of Economic Advisers


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $4,184,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the Council of Economic Advisers.

        National Security Council and Homeland Security Council


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $12,600,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the National Security Council and Homeland Security 
     Council.

                        Office of Administration


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $111,300,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Office of Administration. The bill includes 
     not to exceed $12,006,000, to remain available until 
     expended, for information technology modernization. The 
     Office of Administration is directed to continue to implement 
     comprehensive policies to preserve all records, including 
     electronic records, consistent with the Presidential Records 
     Act, the Federal Records Act, and other pertinent laws, and 
     in close coordination with the National Archives and Records 
     Administration.

                    Office of Management and Budget


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $91,750,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

[[Page H9736]]

       OMB is directed to allocate increased funds toward non-
     politically appointed civil service staff and to utilize 
     additional resources to respond to, in a timely and complete 
     manner, requests from Congress.
       In lieu of House report language regarding reports on 
     personnel and obligations, OMB is directed to provide the 
     Committees with quarterly reports on personnel and 
     obligations, including: on-board staffing levels by office, 
     estimated staffing levels by office for the remainder of the 
     fiscal year, total obligations incurred to date, estimated 
     total obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year, and a 
     narrative description of current hiring initiatives and any 
     other issues that affect OMB's ability to add additional 
     staff as intended.
       OMB is directed to continue to enhance the Federal 
     Budgeting System, which is accessed by over 1,000 users 
     Government-wide to collect, analyze and publish information 
     related to the Federal budget, and to notify the Committees 
     of any cost-effective opportunities that OMB may identify to 
     further improve the system.
       Agency staffing decisions should be based on agency 
     workload and the level of funds made available rather than 
     pre-determined formulaic reductions. Decisions to backfill 
     vacant positions should be based on the number of staff with 
     the combination of skills and qualifications necessary to 
     carry out the agency's mission within available funding 
     levels. The OMB Director shall report within 60 days of 
     enactment of this Act to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House and Senate (Committees) on any agencies not 
     adhering to the policies mentioned above.
       OMB is directed to issue guidance, consistent with section 
     735 of division D of the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, 
     Public Law 111-8, and section 739(a)(1) of division D of the 
     Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-161), 
     and section 327 of the 2008 National Defense Authorization 
     Act (Public Law 110-181), regarding use of direct conversions 
     to contract out, in whole or in part, activities or functions 
     last performed by Federal employees.
       OMB is directed to issue guidance within 60 days of 
     enactment of this Act, notifying all agencies of their 
     responsibilities to adhere to the requirements included in 
     the Government-wide general provisions.
       OMB shall notify the Committees annually of any agencies 
     that fail to report conference expenditures on their agency 
     websites, as required by OMB Memorandum M-12-12.
       OMB shall report to the Committees within 180 days of 
     enactment of this Act on recommendations to improve the 
     Federal Acquisition Regulation to prevent agencies from 
     issuing contract incentives to underperforming contractors.
       In lieu of the general provision previously included in 
     this bill to require certain agencies to provide quarterly 
     reports on unobligated balances, OMB is directed to report to 
     the Committees within 45 days of the end of each fiscal 
     quarter on available balances at the start of the fiscal 
     year, current year obligations, and resulting unobligated 
     balances for each discretionary account within the following 
     agencies: the Department of the Treasury, the Executive 
     Office of the President, the Federal Communications 
     Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the General 
     Services Administration, the National Archives and Records 
     Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and 
     the Small Business Administration.

                 Office of National Drug Control Policy


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $22,647,000 for salaries and expenses of 
     the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
       There is cause for concern about the increasing popularity 
     of synthetic drugs, particularly among teens and young 
     adults. Synthetic drugs have caused significant abuse, 
     addiction, emergency department visits, organ damage, and 
     overdose deaths. ONDCP is directed to report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate no later 
     than 90 days after enactment of this Act on: (1) what 
     preventative steps the Administration is taking to educate 
     people about the health risks posed by these substances; (2) 
     how the Administration intends to address the manufacture, 
     distribution, sale and use of synthetic drugs; and (3) 
     ONDCP's coordination with other Federal agencies, Drug-Free 
     Community coalitions, and High Intensity Drug Trafficking 
     Area (HIDTA) partners to combat this threat.


                     FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS

             HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS PROGRAM

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $245,000,000 for the High Intensity Drug 
     Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program.
       ONDCP is directed to consult with the HIDTAs in advance of 
     deciding programmatic spending allocations for discretionary 
     (supplemental) funding.
       ONDCP is directed to transfer HIDTA funds to the 
     appropriate drug control agencies expeditiously and 
     provisions are included in the bill to help prevent delay. 
     Transferred funds that are no longer necessary for their 
     original purpose may be transferred back to the HIDTA 
     program.
       HIDTA funds should not be used to supplant existing support 
     for ongoing Federal, State, or local drug control operations 
     normally funded out of the operating budgets of each agency. 
     ONDCP is directed to withhold all HIDTA funds from a State 
     until such time as a State or locality has met its financial 
     obligation.
       The Midwest region continues to serve as a strategic 
     conduit for drug traffickers between the east and west 
     coasts. ONDCP is directed to update the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and Senate on how its programs 
     are addressing these challenges.
       In previous years, ONDCP has provided HIDTA discretionary 
     funding for a Native American program to combat drug 
     trafficking on tribal lands. This is a worthwhile and 
     necessary investment that should be continued.
       Opioid addiction and the resultant increase in trafficking 
     of, and addiction to, heroin is an emergent threat to 
     communities across the nation. To the extent practicable, 
     ONDCP is encouraged, in consultation with the HIDTA 
     Directors, to prioritize discretionary funds to aid States 
     that have identified heroin addiction as an emergent threat 
     and that are developing community responses to combat 
     addiction to heroin and other opioids.


                  OTHER FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $107,150,000 for Other Federal Drug 
     Control Programs. The agreement allocates funds among 
     specific programs as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drug-Free Communities Program........................         93,500,000
    (Training........................................         2,000,000)
Drug court training and technical assistance.........          1,400,000
Anti-Doping activities...............................          9,000,000
World Anti-Doping Agency (U.S. membership dues)......          2,000,000
Discretionary Grants as authorized by P.L. 109-469,            1,250,000
 section 1105........................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       ONDCP and Drug Free Communities grantees should emphasize 
     training and assistance in the prevention of prescription 
     drug and heroin abuse in States that have seen a spike in 
     opioid abuse. Training, assistance, and coordination with 
     other State and local efforts can reduce heroin and 
     prescription opioid addiction through education and 
     prevention efforts.

                          Unanticipated Needs

       The bill provides $800,000 for Unanticipated Needs.

              Information Technology Oversight and Reform


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $20,000,000 for information technology 
     oversight and reform activities. The bill continues language 
     requiring the submission of quarterly reports outlining the 
     savings achieved through the Administration's information 
     technology reform efforts.
       High Priority IT Investments.--The Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and Senate are concerned about 
     the large number of major IT development projects that are 
     over-budget, off-schedule and ultimately fail to function. To 
     address these concerns, funding is included to support the 
     budget request for the new ``Digital Service'', which will 
     provide enhanced oversight and guidance for major IT 
     investments. As one component of this oversight, the 
     Executive Office of the President (EOP) shall identify the 10 
     highest priority IT investment projects that are under 
     development across Federal agencies and report quarterly to 
     the Committees on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on 
     Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the House 
     Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on the status of 
     these projects. In addition, the EOP shall provide the 
     Committees on Appropriations a quarterly report describing 
     progress made by the Department of Defense and the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs to build interoperability between the 
     current Electronic Health Records (EHR) legacy systems and 
     future EHR systems.
       IT Dashboard.--The EOP is directed to issue guidance to 
     Federal agencies requiring all major IT investments to be 
     consistently included on the IT Dashboard, to explore other 
     meaningful data to include on the Dashboard, and to ensure 
     the accuracy of investment data.

                  Special Assistance to the President


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $4,211,000 for salaries and expenses to 
     enable the Vice President to provide special assistance to 
     the President.

                Official Residence of the Vice President


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $299,000 for operating expenses for the 
     official residence of the Vice President.

Administrative Provisions--Executive Office of the President and Funds 
                     Appropriated to the President


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides the following Administrative Provisions 
     under this title:
       Section 201 provides transfer authority among various 
     Executive Office of the President accounts.
       Section 202 requires the Office of Management and Budget 
     (OMB) to report on the costs of implementing the Dodd-Frank 
     Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Public Law 
     111-203).
       Section 203 requires the Director of the OMB to include a 
     statement of budgetary impact with any Executive order issued 
     during fiscal year 2015.
       Section 204 requires a detailed narrative and financial 
     plan for Office of National Drug Control Policy Funds.
       Section 205 provides transfer authority among Office of 
     National Drug Control Policy accounts.

[[Page H9737]]

       Section 206 governs reprogramming of Office of National 
     Drug Control Policy funds.
       Section 207 provides a technical correction to the fiscal 
     year 2014 Data-Driven Innovation appropriations language.

                        TITLE III--THE JUDICIARY

                   Supreme Court of the United States


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $74,967,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the Supreme Court. In addition, the bill provides 
     mandatory costs as authorized by current law for the salaries 
     of the chief justice and associate justices of the court.


                    CARE OF THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS

       The bill provides $11,640,000 for the care of the Supreme 
     Court building and grounds.
       The Supreme Court shall provide biannual updates of the 
     facade stone restoration project as well as any other 
     significant rehabilitative work to be undertaken, including 
     descriptions, timelines, and funding details.

         United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $30,212,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal 
     Circuit. In addition, the bill provides mandatory costs as 
     authorized by current law for the salaries of the chief judge 
     and judges of the court.

               United States Court of International Trade


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $17,807,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the United States Court of International Trade. In 
     addition, the bill provides mandatory costs as authorized by 
     current law for the salaries of the chief judge and judges of 
     the court.

    Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $4,846,818,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other 
     Judicial Services. In addition, the bill provides mandatory 
     costs as authorized by current law for the salaries of 
     circuit and district judges (including judges of the 
     territorial courts of the United States), bankruptcy judges, 
     and justices and judges retired from office or from regular 
     active service. The bill provides the Judiciary with its most 
     current estimate of costs for this account. The bill also 
     provides $5,423,000 from the Vaccine Injury Compensation 
     Trust Fund.
       The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts in 
     coordination with the Court of Federal claims is directed to 
     submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House and Senate (Committees) on the historical caseload, 
     staffing, and spending levels for the Vaccine Injury 
     Compensation Trust Fund within 120 days of enactment of this 
     Act.
       Beginning in fiscal year 2016, the Judiciary shall provide 
     to the Committees annually, as part of its budget 
     justification, a description of its courthouse capital 
     planning process, including the Judiciary's highest 
     priorities for that fiscal year.


                           DEFENDER SERVICES

       The bill provides $1,016,499,000 for Defender Services. The 
     bill provides the Judiciary with its most current estimate of 
     costs for this account.


                    FEES OF JURORS AND COMMISSIONERS

       The bill provides $52,191,000 for Fees of Jurors and 
     Commissioners. The bill provides the Judiciary with its most 
     current estimate of costs for this account.


                             COURT SECURITY

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $513,975,000 for Court Security. The bill 
     provides the Judiciary with its most current estimate of 
     costs for this account.

           Administrative Office of the United States Courts


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $84,399,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.

                        Federal Judicial Center


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $26,959,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the Federal Judicial Center.

                  United States Sentencing Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $16,894,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the United States Sentencing Commission.

                Administrative Provisions--The Judiciary


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill includes the following administrative provisions:
       Section 301 makes funds appropriated for salaries and 
     expenses available for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.
       Section 302 provides transfer authority among Judiciary 
     appropriations.
       Section 303 permits not more than $11,000 to be used for 
     official reception and representation expenses of the 
     Judicial Conference.
       Section 304 extends through fiscal year 2015 the delegation 
     of authority to the Judiciary for contracts for repairs of 
     less than $100,000.
       Section 305 continues a pilot program where the United 
     States Marshals Service provides perimeter security services 
     at selected courthouses.
       Section 306 extends temporary judgeships in the eastern 
     district of Missouri, Kansas, Arizona, the central district 
     of California, Hawaii, the northern district of Alabama, the 
     southern district of Florida, New Mexico, the western 
     district of North Carolina, and the eastern district of 
     Texas.
       Section 307 establishes a place of holding court in 
     Bakersfield, California.
       Section 308 eliminates a reporting requirement.

                     TITLE IV--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

                             Federal Funds


              FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR RESIDENT TUITION SUPPORT

       The bill provides $30,000,000 for District of Columbia 
     resident tuition support. The State Superintendent is 
     directed to include, as a component of the fiscal year 2016 
     budget justification submission, an annual update of the 
     District's efforts, including research findings, to enhance 
     the retention, persistence, and graduation rates of program 
     participants, including early awareness and readiness 
     initiatives to promote academic college preparation, 
     guidance, and other support mechanisms and partnerships. The 
     budget justification should also describe the status and 
     effectiveness of cost containment measures instituted.


   FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR EMERGENCY PLANNING AND SECURITY COSTS IN THE 
                          DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

       The bill provides $12,500,000 for emergency planning and 
     security costs in the District of Columbia. The District of 
     Columbia is directed to submit a detailed budget 
     justification for emergency planning and security with its 
     funding request for fiscal year 2016. The District of 
     Columbia shall also submit, within 60 days of the end of 
     fiscal year 2015, a report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and Senate detailing the purposes 
     and amounts expended using the funds, particularly noting any 
     deviation from the original proposed spending.


           FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS

       The bill provides $245,110,000 for the District of Columbia 
     Courts. Within the amount provided, $13,622,000 is for the 
     District of Columbia Court of Appeals; $116,443,000 is for 
     the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; $71,155,000 
     is for the District of Columbia Court System; and $43,890,000 
     is for capital improvements for District of Columbia court 
     facilities.


  FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR DEFENDER SERVICES IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS

       The bill provides $49,890,000 for Defender Services in 
     District of Columbia Courts.


 FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE COURT SERVICES AND OFFENDER SUPERVISION AGENCY 
                      FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

       The bill provides $234,000,000 to the Court Services and 
     Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia. 
     Within the amount provided, $173,155,000 is for Community 
     Supervision and Sex Offender Registration and $60,845,000 is 
     for the Pretrial Services Agency for the District of 
     Columbia. The recommendation includes $9,000,000 in multi-
     year funds for costs associated with the expiration of 
     facility leases.


  FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE

       The bill provides $41,231,000 for the District of Columbia 
     Public Defender Service. The recommendation includes a 
     $1,150,000 multi-year funds provision for costs associated 
     with the expiration of facility leases.


 FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY

       The bill provides $14,000,000 for the District of Columbia 
     Water and Sewer Authority.


      FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL

       The bill provides $1,900,000 for the Criminal Justice 
     Coordinating Council (CJCC). The CJCC is directed to submit 
     annual performance measures in a report to accompany the 
     fiscal year 2016 budget justification, which should also 
     describe progress made on specific CJCC initiatives.


                FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR JUDICIAL COMMISSIONS

       The bill provides $565,000 for Judicial Commissions. Within 
     the amount provided, $295,000 is for the Commission on 
     Judicial Disabilities and Tenure, and $270,000 is for the 
     Judicial Nomination Commission.


                 FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

       The bill provides $45,000,000 for school improvement in the 
     District of Columbia, in accordance with the provisions of 
     the Scholarship for Opportunity and Results Act (P.L. 112-10) 
     (SOAR Act).
       The Secretary of Education (Secretary) shall ensure that 
     all students eligible for a scholarship are aware of the 
     program and have an opportunity to participate. Within the 
     funds available in this and prior years, the Secretary shall 
     provide scholarships for students currently enrolled and as 
     many new students as financially feasible based on the 
     eligibility requirements outlined in section 3013(3) of the 
     SOAR Act and using the priorities outlined in section 3006 of 
     the SOAR Act.
       The Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate 
     (Committees) understand that the Secretary is working on a 
     grant competition for the administration of the Opportunity 
     Scholarships Program (OSP) in accordance with the 
     requirements in section 3004 of the SOAR Act and using the 
     criteria outlined in section 3005 of the SOAR Act. The 
     Committees support this process. In reviewing potential 
     grantees, it is imperative

[[Page H9738]]

     that the Secretary ensure that the administrator of the 
     program improves oversight of the participating schools and 
     increases awareness of the program to eligible students.
       In November 2013, the Government Accountability Office 
     (GAO) published a report regarding the management of OSP 
     (GAO-13-805). GAO identified weaknesses in program management 
     signaling a need for improved oversight and attention. The 
     Secretary is directed to submit a written report to the 
     Committees, no later than 60 days following enactment of this 
     Act, describing the specific corrective actions undertaken 
     and the current status of progress to address GAO's 
     recommendations.
       The Secretary shall ensure that any grantee awarded funds 
     to administer OSP can implement GAO's recommendations and 
     ensure participating schools are in compliance with the 
     statutory requirements of section 3007(a)(4) of the SOAR Act. 
     The Secretary shall also ensure that any grantee awarded 
     funds to administer OSP can increase awareness and 
     participation in the program.
       The Mayor is directed to submit, as part of the 2016 
     budget, a detailed FY 2016-2019 public education facilities 
     plan that will ensure public charter schools access to 
     surplus and underutilized space.
       The District of Columbia Public Schools and the Office of 
     the State Superintendent of Education are reminded of the 
     requirement of section 3011 of the SOAR Act to provide annual 
     reports on how the funds provided for the SOAR Act are 
     utilized.


      FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL GUARD

       The bill provides $435,000 for the Major General David F. 
     Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention 
     and College Access Program.


         FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR TESTING AND TREATMENT OF HIV/AIDS

       The bill provides $5,000,000 for the purpose of HIV/AIDS 
     testing and treatment.

                       District of Columbia Funds

       The bill provides authority for the District of Columbia to 
     spend its local funds in accordance with the Fiscal Year 2015 
     Budget Request Act of 2014.

                     TITLE V--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

             Administrative Conference of the United States


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $3,100,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2016, for the Administrative Conference of the 
     United States.

                  Commodity Futures Trading Commission


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The explanatory statement remains silent on provisions that 
     were in the House Report (H. Rpt. 113-468) that remain 
     unchanged by this agreement, except as noted.
       The agreement provides $250,000,000 for the Commodity 
     Futures Trading Commission. This total includes not less than 
     $50,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2016, 
     for information technology investments; not less than 
     $2,620,000 for the Office of the Inspector General; and not 
     to exceed $10,000,000 for transfers between the amounts for 
     salaries and expenses and information technology.
       The agreement directs the Commission to consult with the 
     Committees in developing its five-year strategic plan as 
     required by Public Law 111-352. The agreement further directs 
     the Commission to develop a comprehensive, multi-year 
     technology plan as a separate appendix with defined goals for 
     overseeing electronic trading environments.
       The agreement directs the Commission to submit, within 30 
     days of enactment, a detailed spending plan for the 
     allocation of the funds made available, displayed by discrete 
     program, project, and activity, including staffing 
     projections, specifying both FTEs and contractors, and 
     planned investments in information technology.

                   Consumer Product Safety Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill includes $123,000,000 for the Consumer Product 
     Safety Commission (CPSC).
       Within the amount provided, $1,000,000 is for test burden 
     reduction. Resolution is expected on the question of whether 
     the CPSC, within its authority and without materially 
     impacting its core safety work, can provide meaningful third-
     party testing cost relief while still assuring compliance. 
     The CPSC is urged to articulate to the regulated community 
     any additional data or information the CPSC needs to provide 
     third-party testing cost relief while still assuring 
     compliance. Upon receipt of such information, the CPSC shall 
     inform the regulated community what, if any, steps it can 
     take, and along what timeline, to reduce third-party testing 
     costs while still assuring compliance. The CPSC shall report 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate 
     (Committees) on the status of this effort within 90 days of 
     enactment.
       Within the amount provided, $4,000,000 is for port 
     surveillance. This funding increase is provided to address 
     CPSC's ongoing need to fulfill the statutory requirements of 
     section 222 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act 
     (CPSIA) of 2008 (P.L. 110-314) to develop and implement a 
     risk assessment methodology for the identification of 
     shipments of consumer products that are intended for import 
     into the United States and likely to include consumer 
     products in violation of section 17(a) of the CPSIA or other 
     import provisions enforced by the Commission.
       As the Commission considers new upholstered furniture 
     flammability standards, CPSC is directed to take steps to 
     reduce or limit the use of flame retardant chemicals.
       CPSC is directed to report to the Committees within 180 
     days of enactment of this Act on the progress to update the 
     current National Operating Committee on Standards for 
     Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) football helmet standards 
     regarding new and reconditioned football helmets.
       In some cases, voluntary standards go further than the 
     existing safety criteria set forth under CPSC mandatory 
     standards for identical products. However, since 
     manufacturers are required by law to comply with the 
     mandatory, but not voluntary standards, the public might not 
     derive the added safety benefit of a more effective voluntary 
     standard. Toward this end, the Commission is requested to 
     report to the committees of jurisdiction within 180 days of 
     enactment of this Act: (1) the extent to which any voluntary 
     standards go further in terms of safety criteria than any 
     similar mandatory standards enforced by the Commission, and, 
     if any, (2) the legislative changes that would be necessary 
     to allow the Commission to make updates more expeditiously to 
     the relevant mandatory standards.

                     Election Assistance Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $10,000,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). This includes 
     $1,900,000 to be transferred to the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology (NIST).
       As in previous years, within 30 days of the transfer to 
     NIST, NIST shall provide to EAC and the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and Senate a detailed expenditure 
     plan. Both EAC and NIST shall establish priorities for the 
     work jointly in order to meet timelines.

                   Federal Communications Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $339,844,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This 
     includes $300,000 for consultation with Federally recognized 
     Indian tribes, Alaskan Native villages, and entities related 
     to Hawaiian Home Lands, and $11,090,000 for the FCC Office of 
     Inspector General. The bill provides that $339,844,000 be 
     derived from offsetting collections, resulting in no net 
     appropriation.
       Call Completion in Rural Areas.--The FCC shall submit a 
     report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and 
     Senate within 90 days of enactment of this Act detailing the 
     agency's efforts to resolve call completion issues and to 
     prevent discriminatory delivery of calls to any area of the 
     country.
       Joint Sales Agreements.--The FCC is directed to outline the 
     process and factors it will use in evaluating waiver requests 
     regarding the recently promulgated rules addressing Joint 
     Sales Agreements. There is concern that questions surrounding 
     this waiver process have caused uncertainty for many 
     broadcasters and possible delays in approval of applications 
     for broadcast license transfers.


      ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

       The bill includes the following administrative provisions 
     for the Federal Communications Commission:
       Section 501 extends an exemption for the Universal Service 
     Fund.
       Section 502 prohibits the FCC from changing rules governing 
     the Universal Service Fund regarding single connection or 
     primary line restrictions.

                 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


                    OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The bill provides a transfer of $34,568,000 to fund the 
     Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Federal Deposit 
     Insurance Corporation. The OIG's appropriations are derived 
     from the Deposit Insurance Fund and the FSLIC Resolution 
     Fund.

                      Federal Election Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $67,500,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the Federal Election Commission.

                   Federal Labor Relations Authority


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $25,548,000 for the Federal Labor 
     Relations Authority.

                        Federal Trade Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $293,000,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Federal Trade Commission. This appropriation 
     is partially offset by premerger filing and Telemarketing 
     Sales Rule fees estimated at $100,000,000 and $14,000,000.

                    General Services Administration

       White Oak Consolidation.--The General Services 
     Administration (GSA), in consultation with the U.S. 
     Department of Agriculture, is directed to provide a detailed 
     report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and 
     Senate within 120 days of enactment of this Act on the 
     progress for completion, including identification of 
     necessary funding levels, of the fiscal year 2009 Master Plan 
     (Phases II and III) for the White Oak Consolidation.

[[Page H9739]]

       Use of Stairs.--GSA is directed to display signage at 
     various locations in future GSA-owned and leased buildings to 
     encourage the use of stairs and to utilize new building 
     designs that promote the use of stairs.
       Rural Leases.--GSA is directed to take further steps to 
     improve its leasing process in rural areas.
       Feasibility Studies.--The Judiciary has completed three-
     fourths of its asset management planning reviews of Federal 
     courthouse facilities, which were undertaken to address cost 
     containment concerns and to incorporate changes recommended 
     by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for courthouse 
     construction. However, several of the Federal courthouses 
     that ranked highest in relative urgency under the new 
     evaluation criteria have not received a feasibility study. 
     GSA is directed to perform feasibility studies for the 
     highest ranking Federal courthouses by urgency evaluation 
     scores, as prioritized by the Judiciary's urgency evaluation 
     rating, that have not already undergone such a study.
       Large Scale Construction.--GSA is encouraged to procure 
     construction goods and services at the best value for the 
     Federal Government on behalf of American taxpayers and to 
     follow existing laws with regard to worker protections and 
     wages.
       Activities Report.--GSA is directed to submit a report to 
     the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate 
     within 120 days of enactment of this Act regarding how it 
     ensures an appropriate level of minority, women, and veteran 
     owned firm participation in its facilities and procurement 
     activities.
       FBI Headquarters Consolidation.--The FBI headquarters 
     consolidation is expected to result in a full consolidation 
     of FBI headquarters so that employees currently located at 
     the J. Edgar Hoover building may be co-located with 
     colleagues who are currently spread out across 20 leased 
     offices in the region. GSA has begun this important process 
     and narrowed the field down to a short list of 3 possible 
     sites. GSA is expected to move forward in a timely and 
     transparent way so that the agency does not fall behind its 
     acquisition timeline, seeking the appropriate authorization 
     and appropriation as required as the agency works to complete 
     the project.


                        REAL PROPERTY ACTIVITIES

                         FEDERAL BUILDINGS FUND

                 LIMITATIONS ON AVAILABILITY OF REVENUE

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides resources from the General Services 
     Administration (GSA) Federal Buildings Fund totaling 
     $9,238,310,000.
       Construction and Acquisition.--The bill provides 
     $509,670,000 for construction and acquisition.

                      CONSTRUCTION AND ACQUISITION
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         State                     Description                Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA.....................  Calexico, United States Land        $98,062,000
                          Port of Entry.
CA.....................  San Ysidro, United States Land     $216,828,000
                          Port of Entry.
DC.....................  Washington, DHS Consolidation      $144,000,000
                          at St. Elizabeths.
                         National Capital Region,            $35,000,000
                          Civilian Cyber Campus.
NY.....................  Glenville, Scotia Depot             $15,780,000
                          Remediation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Repairs and Alterations.--The bill provides $818,160,000 
     for repairs and alterations. Funds are provided in the 
     amounts indicated:

 
 
 
Major Repairs and Alterations........................       $306,894,000
Basic Repairs and Alterations........................       $390,266,000
Energy and Water Retrofit and Conservation Measures..         $5,000,000
Fire and Life Safety Program.........................        $26,000,000
Judiciary Capital Security Program...................        $20,000,000
Consolidation Activities.............................        $70,000,000
 

       For Major Repairs and Alterations, GSA is directed to 
     submit a spending plan, by project, as specified in Section 
     516 of this Act to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House and Senate (Committees) and to provide notification to 
     the Committees, within 15 days prior to any changes in the 
     use of these funds.
       Rental of Space.--The bill provides $5,666,348,000 for 
     rental of space.
       Building Operations.--The bill provides $2,244,132,000 for 
     building operations. Within this amount, $1,122,727,000 is 
     for building services and $1,121,405,000 is for salaries and 
     expenses. Up to five percent of the funds may be transferred 
     between these activities upon the advance notification to 
     Committees. Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit a spend 
     plan, by region, regarding the use of these funds to the 
     Committees.


                           GENERAL ACTIVITIES

                         GOVERNMENT-WIDE POLICY

       The bill provides $58,000,000 for General Services 
     Administration (GSA) Government-wide policy activities.
       GSA Contracting Issues.--Untimely payments from prime 
     contractors to subcontractors continue to be a problem. 
     Following up on the guidance in the previous fiscal year, GSA 
     is directed to report to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House and Senate, no later than 120 days after enactment 
     of this Act, on steps taken to improve payments to 
     subcontractors.
       Federal Fleet Maintenance.--GSA is encouraged to utilize 
     remanufactured vehicle components to maintain Federal 
     vehicles, if using such components reduces the cost while 
     maintaining quality, but not if using such components: (1) 
     does not reduce the cost; (2) lowers the quality of vehicle 
     performance, as determined by the employee of the Federal 
     agency responsible for the repair decision; or (3) delays the 
     return to service of a vehicle.


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $61,049,000 for operating expenses. 
     Within the amount provided under this heading, the bill 
     provides $26,328,000 for Real and Personal Property 
     Management and Disposal, $25,729,000 for the Office of the 
     Administrator, and $8,992,000 for the Civilian Board of 
     Contract Appeals. Up to five percent of the funds for the 
     Office of the Administrator may be transferred to Real and 
     Personal Property Management and Disposal upon the advance 
     notification to the Committees on Appropriations of the House 
     and Senate.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The bill provides $65,000,000 for the Office of Inspector 
     General (OIG).


           ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS

       The bill provides $3,250,000 for allowances and office 
     staff for former Presidents.


                     FEDERAL CITIZEN SERVICES FUND

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $53,294,000 for deposit into the Federal 
     Citizen Services Fund (the Fund) and authorizes use of 
     appropriations, revenues and collections in the Fund in an 
     aggregate amount not to exceed $90,000,000. Within the amount 
     provided, $14,135,000 is for Electronic Government projects. 
     GSA is directed to submit a spending plan, by project, as 
     specified in Section 516 of this Act to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and Senate. The bill merges the 
     funding and authorities of the Federal Citizen Services Fund 
     and the Electronic Government Fund in fiscal year 2015 as 
     proposed by the budget request.


       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill includes the following provisions:
       Section 510 specifies that funds are available for hire of 
     motor vehicles.
       Section 511 authorizes transfers within the Federal 
     Buildings Fund, with advance approval of the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and Senate.
       Section 512 requires transmittal of a fiscal year 2016 
     request for courthouse construction that meets design guide 
     standards, reflects the priorities in the Judicial 
     Conference's 5-year construction plan, and includes a 
     standardized courtroom utilization study.
       Section 513 specifies that funds in this Act may not be 
     used to increase the amount of occupiable space or provide 
     services such as cleaning or security for any agency that 
     does not pay the rental charges assessed by GSA.
       Section 514 permits GSA to pay certain construction-related 
     claims against the Federal Government from savings achieved 
     in other projects.
       Section 515 requires that the delineated area of 
     procurement for leased space match the approved prospectus, 
     unless the Administrator provides an explanatory statement to 
     the appropriate congressional committees.
       Section 516 requires a spend plan for certain accounts and 
     programs.
       Section 517 requires that any consolidation of the 
     headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation result in 
     a full consolidation.

                 Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $750,000 for a payment to the Harry S 
     Truman Scholarship Foundation Trust Fund.

                     Merit Systems Protection Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $45,085,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2016, for the salaries and expenses of the 
     Merit Systems Protection Board. Within the amount provided, 
     $42,740,000 is a direct appropriation and $2,345,000 is a 
     transfer from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability 
     Fund to adjudicate retirement appeals.

            Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation


            MORRIS K. UDALL AND STEWART L. UDALL TRUST FUND

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $1,995,000 for payment to the Morris K. 
     Udall and Stewart L. Udall Trust Fund, of which $200,000 
     shall be transferred to the Department of the Interior Office 
     of Inspector General to conduct audits and investigations.
       Previous reports that the Udall Foundation (Foundation) may 
     have not been implementing basic internal controls related to 
     contract oversight and personnel management are deeply 
     concerning. A recent review by the Government Accountability 
     Office (GAO) of the Foundation's internal controls found that 
     the Foundation was beginning to overhaul its internal 
     controls and implement the recommended reforms. GAO is 
     directed to conduct an additional evaluation of the 
     Foundation's internal controls to determine the degree to 
     which internal controls are being fully implemented. The 
     Foundation is directed to fully cooperate with GAO and 
     implement the reforms as soon as possible, and to report 
     semiannually to the Committees on Appropriations of the House 
     and Senate regarding its progress on instituting reformed 
     internal controls, including milestones achieved.

[[Page H9740]]

                 ENVIRONMENTAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION FUND

       The bill provides $3,400,000 for payment to the 
     Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund.

              National Archives and Records Administration


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

       The bill provides $365,000,000 for the operating expenses 
     of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Archivist of the United States shall conduct an 
     inspection and submit a report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and the Senate, the House 
     Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Senate 
     Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on 
     the compliance by the Internal Revenue Service with the 
     provisions of chapters 29, 31, and 33 of title 44, United 
     States Code, during calendar years 2009 through 2013.
       It is noted that NARA is taking steps to reduce costs by 
     reducing its real property footprint. However, NARA 
     facilities play an important role in providing citizens with 
     access to archival Federal records, and there is concern that 
     relocation of records out of the State where they are 
     currently stored will require researchers to travel 
     significant distances to access original records. NARA is 
     encouraged to digitize and post on-line archival records that 
     are relocated as a result of a facility closure; however, 
     there is concern that NARA has not yet provided detailed 
     plans that show a firm commitment to digitizing relocated 
     archival records in a timely manner. NARA is directed to 
     report, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, on its plans 
     to digitize and preserve physical access to archival records 
     that have been or will be relocated to another State by any 
     facility closure occurring in fiscal year 2014 or planned for 
     fiscal year 2015. The report shall: (1) describe NARA's 
     digitization priorities for any relocated archival records; 
     (2) explain how NARA incorporated stakeholder input when 
     developing its priorities; (3) include a timeline for 
     digitization and posting on-line; (4) identify any relocated 
     archival records that NARA does not believe are suitable for 
     digitizing or making publicly available on-line; and (5) 
     describe the services that NARA will provide to facilitate 
     access for researchers who must travel significant distances 
     to access records previously stored in their States of 
     residence. NARA is further directed to give due consideration 
     and appropriate adjudication, within the limits of the 
     Federal Records Act and all applicable laws, of any request 
     to review archival records that are relocated as a result of 
     a facility closure, to determine whether those records 
     continue to require permanent preservation in the National 
     Archives.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The bill provides $4,130,000 for NARA's Office of Inspector 
     General.


                        REPAIRS AND RESTORATION

       The bill provides $7,600,000 for repairs and restoration.


 NATIONAL HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS AND RECORDS COMMISSION GRANTS PROGRAM

       The bill provides $5,000,000 for the National Historical 
     Publications and Records Commission grants program.

                  National Credit Union Administration


               COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND

       The bill provides $2,000,000 for the Community Development 
     Revolving Loan Fund.

                      Office of Government Ethics


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $15,420,000 for salaries and expenses of 
     the Office of Government Ethics.

                     Office of Personnel Management


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                  (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF TRUST FUNDS)

       The bill provides $214,464,000 for salaries and expenses of 
     the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Within the amount 
     provided, $96,039,000 is a direct appropriation and 
     $118,425,000 is a transfer from OPM trust funds.
       OPM is directed to provide monthly updates on its progress 
     to address the backlog of retirement claims and continue to 
     report on retirement modernization efforts.
       OPM is directed to review the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs request to consider the establishment of two new 
     General Schedule occupational series to meet the hiring needs 
     of the Department. OPM is directed to report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate within 
     90 days of enactment of this Act on its progress.
       An inherent conflict of interest exists when Federal 
     security clearance contractors are contractually permitted to 
     conduct final quality reviews of their own work. Agencies 
     conducting background investigations for Federal suitability 
     and security clearances should prevent future occurrences of 
     potential contractor conflicts of interest by enacting 
     stricter contractual control mechanisms. OPM should implement 
     internal controls to ensure that contractor activities are 
     properly monitored and investigations are being done 
     appropriately.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                  (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF TRUST FUNDS)

       The bill provides $25,724,000 for salaries and expenses of 
     the Office of Inspector General. Within the amount provided, 
     $4,384,000 is a direct appropriation and $21,340,000 is a 
     transfer from OPM trust funds.

                       Office of Special Counsel


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill includes $22,939,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the Office of Special Counsel. The amount provided above 
     the request level is to address new casework estimates.

                      Postal Regulatory Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $14,700,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the Postal Regulatory Commission.

              Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $7,500,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.

             Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $18,000,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board.

                   Securities and Exchange Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $1,500,000,000 for the Securities and 
     Exchange Commission (SEC). The bill provides $56,613,000 for 
     the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis, and stipulates 
     that $1,500,000,000 be derived from offsetting collections 
     resulting in no net appropriation. The bill provides that the 
     SEC Office of Inspector General shall receive no less than 
     $9,239,000.
       Reserve Fund.--In its written notifications to Congress 
     regarding amounts obligated from the Reserve Fund as required 
     by 15 U.S.C. 78d(i)(3), the SEC shall specify: 1) the balance 
     in the fund remaining available after the obligation is 
     deducted; 2) the estimated total cost of the project for 
     which amounts are being deducted; 3) the total amount for all 
     projects that have withdrawn funding from the Reserve Fund 
     since fiscal year 2012; and 4) the estimated amount, per 
     project, that will be required to complete all ongoing 
     projects which use funding derived from the Reserve Fund.
       Disclosures.--The Commission is directed to submit an 
     updated report to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House and Senate on SEC's efforts to modernize disclosure 
     requirements within 90 days of enactment of this Act, 
     including an update on cybersecurity.

                        Selective Service System


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $22,500,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the Selective Service System.

                     Small Business Administration


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $257,000,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Small Business Administration (SBA).
       Loan and Lender Monitoring System.--The SBA is directed to 
     continue its use of the Loan and Lender Monitoring System (L/
     LMS) to ensure that lenders are employing sound financial 
     risk management techniques to manage and monitor risk within 
     their SBA loan portfolios. SBA is directed to continue to 
     maintain the current capability and capacity of the L/LMS 
     system, and to strongly consider ways to upgrade the system 
     to improve lender oversight.
       IT Modernization.--The SBA is directed to continue to 
     report quarterly to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House and Senate summarizing the agency's progress regarding 
     the IT modernization effort. In its report, the SBA shall 
     include progress on schedule and spending, both estimated and 
     actual, beginning with the first fiscal year of the 
     modernization project. Such reports are expected to include 
     plain language descriptions of the project rather than 
     technical jargon.


                  ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

       The bill provides $220,000,000 for SBA Entrepreneurial 
     Development Programs. The SBA shall not reduce these amounts 
     and shall not merge any of the entrepreneurial development 
     programs without the advance written approval from the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate 
     (Committees).

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Project                               ($000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
7(j) Technical Assistance Program (Contracting                     2,800
 Assistance).........................................
Boots to Business....................................              7,500
Entrepreneurship Education...........................              7,000
Growth Accelerators..................................              4,000
HUBZone Program......................................              3,000
Microloan Technical Assistance.......................             22,300
National Women's Business Council....................              1,000
Native American Outreach.............................              2,000
PRIME Technical Assistance...........................              5,000
Regional Innovation Clusters.........................              6,000
SCORE................................................              8,000
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)............            115,000
State Trade & Export Promotion (STEP)................             17,400
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC)............              3,000
Women's Business Centers (WBC).......................             15,000
Intermediate Lending Program.........................              1,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Entrepreneurial Development Programs......            220,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Veterans Programs.--The SBA is directed to report to the 
     Committees within 180 days of enactment of this Act on 
     outreach to veterans, including an analysis of the efficacy 
     of providing counseling and training services before 
     deployment, an assessment of the current level of outreach to 
     women veterans provided by Women's Business Centers, Veterans 
     Business Centers and Small Business Development Centers, and 
     recommendations

[[Page H9741]]

     for improving outreach to these demographic groups.
       Native American Outreach.--The SBA is directed to submit a 
     spending plan within 60 days of enactment of this Act to the 
     Committees detailing planned spending on Native American out-
     reach programs in fiscal year 2015.
       Growth Accelerators.--The SBA is directed to require $4 of 
     matching funds for every $1 awarded under the growth 
     accelerator program, and to report within 60 days of 
     enactment of this Act to the Committees on the use of fiscal 
     year 2014 funds, including performance metrics to assess the 
     success of the program.
       HUBZone.--The HUBZone program is a critical resource for 
     distressed communities, especially those surrounding military 
     bases closed under the Base Realignment and Closure [BRAC] 
     process. Businesses located in a BRAC HUBZone face unique 
     challenges in qualifying for the program and competing for 
     Federal procurement opportunities. SBA is directed to examine 
     ways to address these issues in any future revisions of the 
     Small Business Act or other legislation.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The bill provides $19,400,000 for the Office of Inspector 
     General of the Small Business Administration.
       The Inspector General is directed to continue routine 
     analysis and reporting on SBA's modernization of its loan 
     management and accounting systems, including acquisition, 
     contractor oversight, implementation, and progress regarding 
     budget and schedule.


                           OFFICE OF ADVOCACY

       The bill provides $9,120,000 for the Office of Advocacy.
       A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) study found 
     weaknesses in the Office of Advocacy's internal controls over 
     research and regulatory activities (GAO 14-525), 
     strengthening concerns over the transparency and inclusivity 
     of the Office's efforts to solicit the views of small 
     businesses in the regulatory process. The Office of Advocacy 
     is directed to report within 60 days of enactment of this Act 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate 
     on steps it has taken to address the concerns raised by the 
     GAO and improve transparency of its regulatory functions.


                     BUSINESS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $195,226,000 for the Business Loans 
     Program Account. Of the amount provided, $2,500,000 is for 
     the cost of direct loans in the microloan program, 
     $45,000,000 is for the cost of guaranteed loans, and 
     $147,726,000 is for administrative expenses to carry out the 
     direct and guaranteed loan programs which may be transferred 
     to and merged with Salaries and Expenses.
       504 loans.--A recent change to the 504 loan program has 
     resulted in significant delays in the approval process for 
     504 loans due to existing indemnities, covenants or liens. 
     The SBA is directed to report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations and Small Business of the House and Senate 
     explaining the legal rationale for the change in 
     interpretation of this longstanding policy and, if needed, 
     recommend any legislative changes to address this issue.
       Loan Application Process.--The SBA's recent efforts to 
     streamline the application and approval process for SBA 
     guaranteed loans are appreciated. The SBA is encouraged to 
     continue to assess options to improve and streamline the loan 
     process while collecting necessary information. The SBA is 
     directed to report to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House and Senate on the steps the agency has taken to 
     streamline the application and review process for 7(a) and 
     504 loans, including recommendations for further 
     improvements.
       Microloans.--The SBA is directed to assess the impact of 
     the requirement that only 25 percent of funds for microloan 
     technical assistance may be used for prospective buyers, and 
     to submit any recommendations for statutory changes to 
     improve the microloan technical assistance program to the 
     Committees on Appropriations and Small Business of the House 
     and Senate within 90 days of enactment of this Act.


                     DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The bill includes $186,858,000 for the administrative costs 
     of the Disaster Loans Program Account.


        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill includes the following administrative provisions 
     for the Small Business Administration:
       Section 520 concerns transfer authority and availability of 
     funds.
       Section 521 waives 7(a) loan guarantee fees for veterans 
     and their spouses.

                      United States Postal Service


                   PAYMENT TO THE POSTAL SERVICE FUND

       The bill provides $70,000,000 for a payment to the Postal 
     Service Fund of which $41,000,000 is an advance 
     appropriation.
       Letter Carrier Safety.--Since October 2011, there have been 
     more than 130 robberies and 330 assaults committed against 
     postal workers. The Postmaster General is directed to report 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate 
     within 90 days of enactment of this Act on the steps the 
     United States Postal Service (USPS) will take in fiscal year 
     2015 to improve postal worker safety.
       Facility Closures.--On June 30, 2014 the Postmaster General 
     announced the USPS' plan to begin consolidating up to 82 mail 
     processing facilities, beginning in January 2015. The USPS 
     Office of Inspector General reported that the USPS had not 
     completed all of the impact analysis as required in the Area 
     Mail Processing feasibility studies under the Postal 
     Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. The USPS is 
     encouraged to complete the required analysis in advance of 
     the proposed closings, with sufficient outreach and 
     communication to the affected communities.

                      Office of Inspector General


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $243,883,000 for the Office of Inspector 
     General.

                        United States Tax Court


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $51,300,000 for the salaries and expenses 
     of the United States Tax Court.

     TITLE VI--GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT (INCLUDING RESCISSION)

       The bill includes the following provisions:
       Section 601 prohibits paying expenses or otherwise 
     compensating non-Federal parties in regulatory or 
     adjudicatory proceedings funded in this Act.
       Section 602 prohibits obligations beyond the current fiscal 
     year and transfers of funds unless expressly so provided 
     herein.
       Section 603 limits consulting service expenditures to 
     contracts where such expenditures are a matter of public 
     record, with exceptions.
       Section 604 prohibits funds from being transferred to any 
     department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States 
     without express authority provided in this or any other 
     appropriations Act.
       Section 605 prohibits the use of funds to engage in 
     activities that would prohibit the enforcement of section 307 
     of the 1930 Tariff Act.
       Section 606 prohibits funds from being expended unless the 
     recipient agrees to comply with the Buy American Act.
       Section 607 prohibits funding to a person or entity 
     convicted of violating the Buy American Act.
       Section 608 provides reprogramming authority and requires 
     agencies to submit financial plans to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and Senate.
       Section 609 provides that not to exceed 50 percent of 
     unobligated balances from salaries and expenses may remain 
     available for certain purposes.
       Section 610 prohibits funds for the Executive Office of the 
     President to request either a Federal Bureau of Investigation 
     background investigation, except with the express consent of 
     the individual involved in an investigation or in 
     extraordinary circumstances involving national security, or 
     an Internal Revenue Service determination with respect to 
     section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
       Section 611 provides that cost accounting standards not 
     apply to a contract under the Federal Employees Health 
     Benefits Program.
       Section 612 permits the Office of Personnel Management to 
     accept funds related to nonforeign area cost-of-living 
     allowances.
       Section 613 prohibits the expenditure of funds for 
     abortions under the Federal Employees Health Benefits 
     Program.
       Section 614 provides an exemption from section 613 if the 
     life of the mother is in danger or the pregnancy is a result 
     of an act of rape or incest.
       Section 615 waives certain restrictions on the purchase of 
     non-domestic articles, materials, and supplies for 
     information technology acquired by the Federal Government.
       Section 616 prohibits the acceptance by any regulatory 
     agency or commission funded by this Act, or by their officers 
     or employees, of payment or reimbursement for travel, 
     subsistence, or related expenses from any person or entity, 
     or their representative, that engages in activities regulated 
     by such agency or commission.
       Section 617 permits the Securities and Exchange Commission 
     and Commodity Futures Trading Commission to fund a joint 
     advisory committee to advise on emerging regulatory issues, 
     notwithstanding section 708 of this Act.
       Section 618 requires agencies covered by this Act with 
     independent leasing authority to consult with the General 
     Services Administration before seeking new office space or 
     making alterations to existing office space.
       Section 619 provides funding for several appropriated 
     mandatory accounts. These are accounts where authorizing 
     language requires the payment of funds. The budget request 
     assumes the following estimated cost for the programs 
     addressed in this provision: $450,000 for Compensation of the 
     President including $50,000 for expenses, $143,600,000 for 
     the Judicial Retirement Funds (Judicial Officers' Retirement 
     Fund, Judicial Survivors' Annuities Fund, and the United 
     States Court of Federal Claims Judges' Retirement Fund), 
     $11,806,000,000 for the Government Payment for Annuitants, 
     Employee Health Benefits, $55,000,000 for the Government 
     Payment for Annuitants, Employee Life Insurance, and 
     $8,975,000,000 for the Payment to the Civil Service 
     Retirement and Disability Fund.
       Section 620 provides authority for the Public Company 
     Accounting Oversight Board to obligate funds for a 
     scholarship program.

[[Page H9742]]

       Section 621 prohibits funds for the Federal Trade 
     Commission to complete the draft report on food marketed to 
     children unless certain requirements are met.
       Section 622 prohibits funds for certain positions.
       Section 623 addresses conflicts of interest by preventing 
     contractor security clearance-related background 
     investigators from undertaking final Federal reviews of their 
     own work.
       Section 624 extends the Internet Tax Freedom Act through 
     October 1, 2015.
       Section 625 provides authority for Chief Information 
     Officers over information technology spending.
       Section 626 prohibits funds from being used in 
     contravention of the Federal Records Act.
       Section 627 prohibits funds to enter into any contract with 
     an incorporated entity if such entity's sealed bid or 
     competitive proposal shows that such entity is incorporated 
     or chartered in Bermuda or the Cayman Islands, and such 
     entity's sealed bid or competitive proposal shows that such 
     entity was previously incorporated in the United States.
       Section 628 prohibits funds to lease or purchase new light 
     duty vehicles unless in accordance with the Presidential 
     Federal Fleet Memorandum including certain exceptions.
       Section 629 rescinds $25,000,000 from the Securities and 
     Exchange Commission Reserve Fund established by the Dodd-
     Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
       Section 630 amends section 716 of the Dodd-Frank Wall 
     Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

             TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS--GOVERNMENT-WIDE

                Departments, Agencies, and Corporations


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill includes the following provisions:
       Section 701 requires all agencies to have a written policy 
     for ensuring a drug-free workplace.
       Section 702 sets specific limits on the cost of passenger 
     vehicles with exceptions for police, protective, heavy duty, 
     electric hybrid and clean fuels vehicles.
       Section 703 makes appropriations available for quarters and 
     cost-of-living allowances.
       Section 704 prohibits the use of appropriated funds to 
     compensate officers or employees of the Federal Government in 
     the continental United States unless they are citizens of the 
     United States or qualify under other specified exceptions.
       Section 705 ensures that appropriations made available to 
     any department or agency for space, services and rental 
     charges shall also be available for payment to the General 
     Services Administration.
       Section 706 allows the use of receipts from the sale of 
     materials for acquisition, waste reduction and prevention, 
     environmental management programs and other Federal employee 
     programs as appropriate.
       Section 707 allows funds for administrative expenses of 
     government corporations and certain agencies to also be 
     available for rent in the District of Columbia, services 
     under 5 U.S.C. 3109, and the objects specified under this 
     head.
       Section 708 prohibits funds for interagency financing of 
     boards (with exception), commissions, councils, committees or 
     similar groups to receive multi-agency funding without prior 
     statutory approval.
       Section 709 precludes funds for regulations which have been 
     disapproved by joint resolution.
       Section 710 limits the amount of funds that can be used for 
     redecoration of offices under certain circumstances to 
     $5,000, unless advance notice is transmitted to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate.
       Section 711 allows for interagency funding of national 
     security and emergency preparedness telecommunications 
     initiatives.
       Section 712 requires agencies to certify that a Schedule C 
     appointment was not created solely or primarily to detail the 
     employee to the White House.
       Section 713 prohibits the salary payment of any employee 
     who prohibits, threatens, prevents or otherwise penalizes 
     another employee from communicating with Congress.
       Section 714 prohibits Federal employee training not 
     directly related to the performance of official duties.
       Section 715 prohibits executive branch agencies from using 
     funds for propaganda or publicity purposes in support or 
     defeat of legislative initiatives.
       Section 716 prohibits any Federal agency from disclosing an 
     employee's home address to any labor organization, absent 
     employee authorization or court order.
       Section 717 prohibits funds to be used to provide non-
     public information such as mailing, electronic mailing, or 
     telephone lists to any person or organization outside the 
     government without the approval of the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and Senate.
       Section 718 prohibits the use of funds for propaganda and 
     publicity purposes not authorized by Congress.
       Section 719 directs agency employees to use official time 
     in an honest effort to perform official duties.
       Section 720 authorizes the use of funds to finance an 
     appropriate share of the Federal Accounting Standards 
     Advisory Board administrative costs.
       Section 721 authorizes the transfer of funds to the General 
     Services Administration to finance an appropriate share of 
     various government-wide boards and councils under certain 
     conditions.
       Section 722 permits breastfeeding in a Federal building or 
     on Federal property if the woman and child are authorized to 
     be there.
       Section 723 permits interagency funding of the National 
     Science and Technology Council and requires the Office of 
     Management and Budget to provide a report to the House and 
     Senate on the budget and resources of the National Science 
     and Technology Council.
       Section 724 requires that the Federal forms that are used 
     in distributing Federal funds to a State must indicate the 
     agency providing the funds, the Federal Domestic Assistance 
     Number, and the amount provided.
       Section 725 prohibits Federal agencies from monitoring 
     individuals' internet use.
       Section 726 requires health plans participating in the 
     Federal Employees Health Benefits Program to provide 
     contraceptive coverage and provides exemptions to certain 
     religious plans.
       Section 727 recognizes the United States is committed to 
     ensuring the health of the Olympic, Pan American and 
     Paralympic athletes, and supports the strict adherence to 
     antidoping in sport activities.
       Section 728 allows funds for official travel to be used by 
     departments and agencies, if consistent with OMB and Budget 
     Circular A-126, to participate in the fractional aircraft 
     ownership pilot program.
       Section 729 prohibits funds for implementation of the 
     Office of Personnel Management regulations limiting detailees 
     to the Legislative Branch or implementing limitations on the 
     Coast Guard Congressional Fellowship Program.
       Section 730 restricts the use of funds for Federal law 
     enforcement training facilities with an exception for the 
     Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
       Section 731 prohibits executive branch agencies from 
     creating prepackaged news stories that are broadcast or 
     distributed in the United States unless the story includes a 
     clear notification within the text or audio of that news 
     story that the prepackaged news story was prepared or funded 
     by that executive branch agency.
       Section 732 prohibits funds from being used in 
     contravention of the Privacy Act or associated regulations.
       Section 733 prohibits funds in this or any other Act to be 
     used for Federal contracts with inverted domestic 
     corporations, unless the contract preceded this Act or the 
     Secretary grants a waiver in the interest of national 
     security.
       Section 734 requires agencies to pay a fee to the Office of 
     Personnel Management for processing retirements of employees 
     who separate under Voluntary Early Retirement Authority or 
     who receive Voluntary Separation Incentive payments.
       Section 735 prohibits funds to require any entity 
     submitting an offer for a Federal contract to disclose 
     political contributions.
       Section 736 prohibits funds for the painting of a portrait 
     of an employee of the Federal government including the 
     President, the Vice President, a Member of Congress, the head 
     of an executive branch agency, or the head of an office of 
     the legislative branch.
       Section 737 limits the pay increases of certain prevailing 
     rate employees.
       Section 738 eliminates automatic statutory pay increases 
     for the Vice President, political appointees paid under the 
     executive schedule, ambassadors who are not career members of 
     the Foreign Service, politically appointed (noncareer) Senior 
     Executive Service employees, and any other senior political 
     appointee paid at or above level IV of the executive 
     schedule.
       Section 739 requires reports to Inspectors General 
     concerning expenditures for agency conferences.
       Section 740 prohibits the use of funds to increase, 
     eliminate, or reduce a program or project unless such change 
     is made pursuant to reprogramming or transfer provisions.
       Section 741 prohibits agencies from using funds to 
     implement regulations changing the competitive areas under 
     reductions-in-force for Federal employees.
       Section 742 prohibits funds to begin or announce a study or 
     public-private competition regarding conversion to contractor 
     performance pursuant to OMB Circular A-76.
       Section 743 ensures that contractors are not prevented from 
     reporting waste, fraud, or abuse by signing confidentiality 
     agreements that would prohibit such disclosure.
       Section 744 prohibits funds to any corporation with certain 
     unpaid Federal tax liabilities unless an agency has 
     considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and 
     made a determination that further action is not necessary to 
     protect the interests of the Government.
       Section 745 prohibits funds to any corporation that was 
     convicted of a felony criminal violation within the preceding 
     24 months unless an agency has considered suspension or 
     debarment of the corporation and made a determination that 
     further action is not necessary to protect the interests of 
     the Government.
       Section 746 improves financial reporting and Government 
     transparency.
       Section 747 prohibits the expenditure of funds for the 
     implementation of certain nondisclosure agreements unless 
     certain provisions are included in the agreements.
       Section 748 requires the Bureau of Consumer Financial 
     Protection to notify the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House and Senate, the Committee on Financial Services of the 
     House, and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban 
     Affairs of the Senate of requests for a transfer of funds

[[Page H9743]]

     from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
       Budget Briefing.--Given the need for transparency and 
     accountability in the Federal budgeting process, and that the 
     Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection's budget is funded 
     independently of the annual appropriations spending bills, 
     the Bureau is directed to provide an informal, nonpublic full 
     briefing at least annually before the relevant subcommittee 
     of the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate 
     on the Bureau's finances and expenditures.
       Section 749 prohibits funds to implement a new Federal 
     Flood Risk Management Standard until the Administration has 
     solicited and considered input from Governors, mayors, and 
     other stakeholders.
       Section 750 declares references to ``this Act'' contained 
     in any title other than title IV or VIII shall not apply to 
     such titles IV or VIII.
       Federal Disaster Programs.--The Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and Senate (Committees) on 
     disaster assistance expenditures by the Federal Government. 
     For purposes of this report, ``disaster assistance'' should 
     go beyond the definition included in the Budget Control Act 
     (Public Law 112-25). The report should include expenditures 
     for major disaster, emergencies, and fire management 
     assistance grants under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 93-288 as 
     amended), and encompass disaster-related spending in all 
     Federal departments and agencies, whether or not they are 
     specifically referenced in the Stafford Act. The resulting 
     report shall also include recommendations for how the process 
     of estimating future disaster accounting can be improved. The 
     Government Accountability Office shall consult with the 
     Committees in its development of the scope of the report, and 
     complete its work no later than 1 year after enactment.
       Restrictions on Use of Funds.--Executive Branch agencies 
     shall not use appropriated funds to hire contractors to train 
     staff on how to support or defeat legislation pending before 
     Congress. Section 1913 of title 18 of the United States Code 
     and section 715 of this Act, prohibit the use of appropriated 
     funds for the purpose of lobbying to support or defeat 
     pending legislation except in normal executive-legislative 
     relationships. These legislative prohibitions should be 
     vigorously enforced.

          TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The bill includes the following general provisions for the 
     District of Columbia:
       Section 801 allows the use of local funds for making 
     refunds or paying judgments against the District of Columbia 
     government.
       Section 802 prohibits the use of Federal funds for 
     publicity or propaganda designed to support or defeat 
     legislation before Congress or any State legislature.
       Section 803 establishes reprogramming procedures for 
     Federal funds.
       Section 804 prohibits the use of Federal funds for the 
     salaries and expenses of a shadow U.S. Senator or U.S. 
     Representative.
       Section 805 places restrictions on the use of District of 
     Columbia government vehicles.
       Section 806 prohibits the use of Federal funds for a 
     petition or civil action which seeks to require voting rights 
     for the District of Columbia in Congress.
       Section 807 prohibits the use of Federal funds in this Act 
     to distribute, for the purpose of preventing the spread of 
     blood borne pathogens, sterile needles or syringes in any 
     location that has been determined by local public health 
     officials or local law enforcement authorities to be 
     inappropriate for such distribution.
       Section 808 concerns a ``conscience clause'' on legislation 
     that pertains to contraceptive coverage by health insurance 
     plans.
       Section 809 prohibits Federal funds to enact or carry out 
     any law, rule, or regulation to legalize or reduce penalties 
     associated with the possession, use or distribution of any 
     schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act or 
     any tetrahydrocannabinols derivative. In addition, section 
     809 prohibits Federal and local funds to enact any law, rule, 
     or regulation to legalize or reduce penalties associated with 
     the possession, use or distribution of any schedule I 
     substance under the Controlled Substances Act or any 
     tetrahydrocannabinols derivative for recreational purposes.
       Section 810 prohibits the use of funds for abortion except 
     in the cases of rape or incest or if necessary to save the 
     life of the mother.
       Section 811 requires the CFO to submit a revised operating 
     budget no later than 30 calendar days after the enactment of 
     this Act for agencies the CFO certifies as requiring a 
     reallocation in order to address unanticipated program needs.
       Section 812 requires the CFO to submit a revised operating 
     budget for the District of Columbia Public Schools, no later 
     than 30 calendar days after the enactment of this Act, that 
     aligns school budgets to actual enrollment.
       Section 813 allows for transfers of local funds between 
     operating funds and capital and enterprise funds.
       Section 814 prohibits the obligation of Federal funds 
     beyond the current fiscal year and transfers of funds unless 
     expressly provided herein.
       Section 815 provides that not to exceed 50 percent of 
     unobligated balances from Federal appropriations for salaries 
     and expenses may remain available for certain purposes. This 
     provision will apply to the District of Columbia Courts, the 
     Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency and the 
     District of Columbia Public Defender Service.
       Section 816 appropriates local funds during fiscal year 
     2016 if there is an absence of a continuing resolution or 
     regular appropriation for the District of Columbia. Funds are 
     provided under the same authorities and conditions and in the 
     same manner and extent as provided for fiscal year 2015.
       Section 817 specifies that references to ``this Act'' in 
     this title or title IV are treated as referring only to the 
     provisions of this title and title IV.

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[[Page H9759]]

   DIVISION F--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED 
                   AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015

       The following statement is an explanation of the effects of 
     Division F, which makes appropriations for the Department of 
     the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 
     Forest Service, the Indian Health Service, and related 
     agencies for fiscal year 2015. Language contained in House 
     Report 113-551 providing specific guidance to agencies 
     regarding the administration of appropriated funds and any 
     corresponding reporting requirements carries the same 
     emphasis as the language included in this explanatory 
     statement and should be complied with unless specifically 
     addressed to the contrary herein.
       In instances where the House report speaks more broadly to 
     policy issues or offers views that are subject to 
     interpretation, such views remain those of the House and are 
     not affirmed by this explanatory statement unless repeated 
     herein. In cases where the House report or this explanatory 
     statement directs the submission of a report, such report is 
     to be submitted to both the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations. Where this explanatory statement refers to 
     the Committees or the Committees on Appropriations, unless 
     otherwise noted, this reference is to the House Subcommittee 
     on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies and the Senate 
     Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.
       The Committees direct each department and agency funded in 
     this Act to follow the directions set forth in this Act and 
     the accompanying statement, and not reallocate resources or 
     reorganize activities except as provided herein or otherwise 
     approved by the Committees through the reprogramming process 
     as described in this explanatory statement. This explanatory 
     statement addresses only those agencies and accounts for 
     which there is a need for greater explanation than provided 
     in the Act itself. Funding levels for appropriations by 
     account, program, and activity, with comparisons to the 
     fiscal year 2014 enacted level and the fiscal year 2015 
     budget request, can be found in the table at the end of this 
     division.
       Unless expressly stated otherwise, any reference to ``this 
     Act'' or ``at the end of this statement'' shall be treated as 
     referring only to the provisions of this division.
       National Ocean Policy.--The President's budget submission 
     for fiscal year 2016 shall identify all funding and 
     associated actions proposed for the implementation of the 
     National Ocean Policy. In addition, not later than 90 days 
     after the date on which the President's fiscal year 2016 
     budget request is submitted to the Congress, the President 
     shall submit a comprehensive report to the House and Senate 
     Committees on Appropriations identifying Federal expenditures 
     since fiscal year 2012 by agency and account that have 
     supported the development, administration, or implementation 
     of the National Ocean Policy developed under Executive Order 
     13547. The report shall also identify funding proposed for 
     the implementation of the National Ocean Policy in the fiscal 
     year 2016 budget. In addition, the Administration is directed 
     to include in the report a summary of the actions taken to 
     date to execute the April 2013 National Ocean Policy 
     Implementation Plan and the outcomes of such actions.
       State Wildlife Data.-- The Department of the Interior and 
     the Forest Service are expected to prioritize continued 
     coordination with other Federal agencies and State fish and 
     wildlife agencies to recognize and fully utilize State fish 
     and wildlife data and analyses as a primary source to inform 
     land use, planning, and related natural resource decisions. 
     Federal agencies should not unnecessarily duplicate raw data, 
     and when appropriate, evaluate existing analysis of data 
     prepared by the States, and reciprocally share data with 
     State wildlife managers, to ensure that the most complete 
     data set is available for decision support systems.
       Making Litigation Costs Transparent.--The Department of the 
     Interior, EPA, and the Forest Service are directed to provide 
     to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, and to 
     make publicly available no later than 60 days after enactment 
     of this Act, detailed Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) fee 
     information as specified in the Consolidated Appropriations 
     Act, 2014.
       Public Access.--The Department of the Interior and the 
     Forest Service are directed to notify the House and Senate 
     Committees on Appropriations in advance of any proposed 
     project specifically intending to close an area to 
     recreational shooting, hunting, or fishing on a non-emergency 
     basis of more than 30 days.
       Sage-Grouse.--The agreement includes a general provision in 
     Title I of the bill, prohibiting for fiscal year 2015 any use 
     of funds to write or issue a final rule to list the Gunnison 
     sage-grouse or the bi-State Distinct Population Segment of 
     greater sage-grouse, and any proposed rule to list the 
     greater sage-grouse range-wide or in the Columbia Basin. The 
     Committees recognize the unprecedented collaboration 
     regarding sage-grouse conservation. This provision is not 
     intended to impede current conservation efforts; it is 
     imperative that stakeholders continue on-the-ground 
     conservation and monitoring activities. The Committees direct 
     the Fish and Wildlife Service to include with its fiscal year 
     2016 budget submission an update on the status of all sage-
     grouse. The agreement does not contain the other directives 
     pertaining to sage-grouse in the front of House Report 113-
     551, with the exception of guidance provided within the 
     Wildland Fire Management accounts later in this explanatory 
     statement.
       Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT).--Section 11 of this 
     consolidated Act provides $372,000,000 for payments in lieu 
     of taxes under chapter 69 of title 31, United States Code. 
     Together with an additional $33,000,000 available for fiscal 
     year 2015, and $37,000,000 available on October 1, 2015, 
     provided by section 3096 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. 
     ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2015, a total of $442,000,000 will be available for the 
     program.

                        REPROGRAMMING GUIDELINES

       The following are the procedures governing reprogramming 
     actions for programs and activities funded in the Department 
     of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act. The Committees remind the agencies funded 
     in this Act that these reprogramming guidelines are in 
     effect, and must be complied with, until such time as the 
     Committees modify them through bill or report language.
       Definitions.--``Reprogramming,'' as defined in these 
     procedures, includes the reallocation of funds from one 
     budget activity, budget line-item, or program area, to 
     another within any appropriation funded in this Act.
       For construction, land acquisition, and forest legacy 
     accounts, a reprogramming constitutes the reallocation of 
     funds, including unobligated balances, from one construction, 
     land acquisition, or forest legacy project to another such 
     project.
       A reprogramming shall also consist of any significant 
     departure from the program described in the agency's budget 
     justifications. This includes proposed reorganizations, 
     especially those of significant national or regional 
     importance, even without a change in funding. Any change to 
     the organization table presented in the budget justification 
     shall be subject to this requirement.
       General Guidelines for Reprogramming.--
       (a) A reprogramming should be made only when an unforeseen 
     situation arises, and then only if postponement of the 
     project or the activity until the next appropriation year 
     would result in actual loss or damage.
       (b) Any project or activity, which may be deferred through 
     reprogramming, shall not later be accomplished by means of 
     further reprogramming, but instead, funds should again be 
     sought for the deferred project or activity through the 
     regular appropriations process.
       (c) Except under the most urgent situations, reprogramming 
     should not be employed to initiate new programs or increase 
     allocations specifically denied or limited by Congress, or to 
     decrease allocations specifically increased by the Congress.
       (d) Reprogramming proposals submitted to the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations for approval shall be 
     considered approved 30 calendar days after receipt if the 
     Committees have posed no objection. However, agencies will be 
     expected to extend the approval deadline if specifically 
     requested by either Committee.
       Criteria and Exceptions.--A reprogramming must be submitted 
     to the Committees in writing prior to implementation if it 
     exceeds $1,000,000 annually or results in an increase or 
     decrease of more than 10 percent annually in affected 
     programs, with the following exceptions:
       (a) With regard to the tribal priority allocations of the 
     Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, 
     there is no restriction on reprogrammings among these 
     programs. However, the Bureaus shall report on all 
     reprogrammings made during a given fiscal year no later than 
     60 days after the end of the fiscal year.
       (b) With regard to the EPA, State and Tribal Assistance 
     Grants account, the Committee does not require reprogramming 
     requests associated with States and Tribes Partnership 
     Grants.
       Assessments.--``Assessment'' as defined in these procedures 
     shall refer to any charges, reserves, or holdbacks applied to 
     a budget activity or budget line item for costs associated 
     with general agency administrative costs, overhead costs, 
     working capital expenses, or contingencies.
       (a) No assessment shall be levied against any program, 
     budget activity, sub-activity, budget line item, or project 
     funded by the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act unless such assessment and the basis 
     therefor are presented to the Committees on Appropriations in 
     the budget justifications and are subsequently approved by 
     the Committees. The explanation for any assessment in the 
     budget justification shall show the amount of the assessment, 
     the activities assessed, and the purpose of the funds.
       (b) Proposed changes to estimated assessments, as such 
     estimates were presented in annual budget justifications, 
     shall be submitted through the reprogramming process and 
     shall be subject to the same dollar and reporting criteria as 
     any other reprogramming.
       (c) The Committees direct that each agency or bureau which 
     utilizes assessments shall submit an annual report to the 
     Committees which provides details on the use of all funds 
     assessed from any other budget activity, line item, sub-
     activity, or project.
       (d) In no case shall contingency funds or assessments be 
     used to finance projects and activities disapproved or 
     limited by Congress, or to finance programs or activities

[[Page H9760]]

     that could be foreseen and included in the normal budget 
     review process.
       (e) New programs requested in the budget should not be 
     initiated before enactment of the bill without notification 
     to, and the approval of, the Committees on Appropriations. 
     This restriction applies to all such actions regardless of 
     whether a formal reprogramming of funds is required to begin 
     the program.
       Quarterly Reports.--All reprogrammings between budget 
     activities, budget line-items, program areas, or the more 
     detailed activity levels shown in this agreement, including 
     those below the monetary thresholds established above, shall 
     be reported to the Committees within 60 days of the end of 
     each quarter and shall include cumulative totals for each 
     budget activity, budget line item, or construction, land 
     acquisition, or forest legacy project.
       Land Acquisitions, Easements, and Forest Legacy.--Lands 
     shall not be acquired for more than the approved appraised 
     value (as addressed in section 301(3) of Public Law 91-646), 
     unless such acquisitions are submitted to the Committees on 
     Appropriations for approval in compliance with these 
     procedures.
       Land Exchanges.--Land exchanges, wherein the estimated 
     value of the Federal lands to be exchanged is greater than 
     $1,000,000, shall not be consummated until the Committees 
     have had a 30-day period in which to examine the proposed 
     exchange. In addition, the Committees shall be provided 
     advance notification of exchanges valued between $500,000 and 
     $1,000,000.
       Budget Structure.--The budget activity or line item 
     structure for any agency appropriation account shall not be 
     altered without advance approval of the House and Senate 
     Committees on Appropriations.

                  TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR


                       BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

                   MANAGEMENT OF LANDS AND RESOURCES

       The bill provides $970,016,000 for Management of Lands and 
     Resources. In addition to the funding allocation table at the 
     end of this explanatory statement, the agreement includes the 
     following instructions:
       Soil, Water, and Air Management.--The agreement includes 
     $1,130,000 for the requested Colorado River Basin Salinity 
     Program, $300,000 above the fiscal year 2014 level.
       Rangeland Management.--The Committees direct the Bureau, to 
     the greatest extent practicable, to make vacant grazing 
     allotments available to a holder of a grazing permit or lease 
     when lands covered by the holder of the permit or lease are 
     unusable because of drought or wildfire.
       The Committees urge the Secretary to convene a stakeholders 
     meeting on the California Desert Conservation Area to resolve 
     remaining issues, as described in House Report 113-551.
       The Committees direct the Bureau to comply with the 
     language in House Report 113-551 regarding the Steens 
     Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000.
       Wild Horse and Burro Management.--The Committees encourage 
     the Bureau to consider sterilization as a tool for population 
     management and to request funding for a pilot program in 
     fiscal year 2016, in accordance with recommendations from the 
     National Research Council and others.
       Wildlife Management.--The agreement includes $15,000,000 as 
     requested for sage-grouse. The BLM should dedicate funding 
     for collaboration with States on the development of State 
     plans designed to promote sustainable sage-grouse populations 
     through conservation of sensitive habitat and to avoid an 
     Endangered Species Act listing designation of the species. 
     The Bureau is urged to support advanced collaboration efforts 
     that could be models for conservation strategies in other 
     places.
       Recreation Management.--The Committees encourage the Bureau 
     to continue its collaborative efforts with non-Federal 
     partners to teach outdoor ethics and stewardship to staff and 
     visitors.
       Realty and Ownership Management.--Section 326 of Public Law 
     101-512 required the Secretary of the Interior to report to 
     Congress on contaminated lands conveyed through the Alaska 
     Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). Section 103 of Public 
     Law 104-42 required the Secretary of the Interior to provide 
     a more detailed report on contaminants on lands prior to 
     conveyance to Alaska Native Corporations. In December 1998, 
     the Department submitted a report to Congress in which it 
     acknowledged conveying approximately 650 contaminated sites 
     on lands conveyed through ANCSA. The Bureau shall provide the 
     House and Senate Committees on Appropriations with a detailed 
     report within 180 days of enactment of this Act, which 
     includes the following information: (1) a comprehensive 
     inventory of contaminated sites conveyed through ANCSA, 
     including sites identified subsequent to the 1998 report; (2) 
     an updated status on the six recommendations listed in the 
     1998 report; and (3) a detailed plan on how the Department 
     intends to complete cleanup of each contaminated site.
       Resource Protection and Maintenance.--The agreement 
     includes $1,000,000 for the requested enterprise geospatial 
     system.
       The Bureau is expected to defer any final decision-making 
     regarding land use plans as part of the Oklahoma, Kansas, and 
     Texas Resource Management Plan Revision until appropriate 
     surveys have been conducted to determine ownership along the 
     Red River.
       Law Enforcement.--The Bureau is encouraged to focus on 
     visitor safety and archaeological resource protection, and 
     work with the Department of Justice and the Department of 
     Homeland Security on other matters of Federal law not unique 
     to Bureau lands or property.
       Challenge Cost Share.--The Committees encourage the Bureau 
     to consider how it might leverage program partnerships to 
     support the goals of the Youth in the Great Outdoors 
     Initiative through projects such as the development and 
     maintenance of trails.
       BLM Foundation.--The Administration is encouraged to submit 
     a legislative proposal to create such a foundation for the 
     Bureau of Land Management with the fiscal year 2016 budget 
     request.


                            LAND ACQUISITION

       The bill provides $19,746,000 for Land Acquisition. The 
     amounts recommended by this bill compared with the budget 
     estimates by activity are shown in the table below, listed in 
     priority order pursuant to the budget request for fiscal year 
     2015. The Bureau of Land Management is directed to prioritize 
     recreational access projects that significantly enhance 
     access to existing public lands that have inadequate access 
     for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities.

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Bureau of Land
                State                         Management             Budget Request             This Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA...................................  CA Southwest Desert--                 $1,720,000               $1,720,000
                                        California Wilderness.
CA...................................  CA Southwest Desert--                  1,000,000                1,000,000
                                        Santa Rosa and San
                                        Jacinto Mountains NM.
CA...................................  CA Southwest Desert--                    950,000                  950,000
                                        Pacific Crest National
                                        Scenic Trail.
CA...................................  CA Southwest Desert--                    982,000                  982,000
                                        San Sebastian Marsh/
                                        San Felipe Creek ACEC.
ID...................................  Upper Snake/South Fork                 1,000,000                1,000,000
                                        Snake River ACEC/SRMA.
OR...................................  John Day National Wild                   600,000                  600,000
                                        and Scenic River.
OR...................................  Sandy River ACEC/Oregon                1,000,000                1,000,000
                                        National Historic
                                        Trail.
WY...................................  North Platte River SRMA                1,200,000                1,200,000
CO...................................  Canyons of the Ancients                1,200,000                1,200,000
                                        National Monument.
ID...................................  National Trails System--               3,000,000                3,000,000
                                        Nez Perce National
                                        Historic Trail/Henry's
                                        Lake ACEC.
OR...................................  National Trails System--                 542,000                  542,000
                                        Pacific Crest National
                                        Scenic Trail.
MT...................................  National Trails System--               1,032,000                1,032,000
                                        Lewis and Clark
                                        National Historic
                                        Trail.
                                       Additional project                     5,254,000                        0
                                        requests.
    Subtotal, Acquisitions...........  .......................               19,480,000               14,226,000
                                       Inholding, emergency,                  1,616,000                1,616,000
                                        and hardship.
                                       Acquisition management.                1,904,000                1,904,000
                                       Sportsmen/Recreational                 2,000,000                2,000,000
                                        Access.
    Total, BLM Land Acquisition......  .......................               25,000,000               19,746,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                   OREGON AND CALIFORNIA GRANT LANDS

       The bill provides $113,777,000 for Oregon and California 
     Grant Lands, to be distributed as displayed in the funding 
     allocation table at the end of this explanatory statement. 
     Improvement in Federal forest management will improve forest 
     health, reduce hazardous fuels, increase timber production, 
     and restore forest jobs. The Bureau is encouraged to engage 
     with regional academic institutions to conduct research that 
     furthers these goals. The Bureau is also encouraged to 
     prioritize hiring that will expedite the backlog of planning 
     work.


                           RANGE IMPROVEMENTS

       The bill provides $10,000,000 to be derived from public 
     lands receipts and Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act lands 
     grazing receipts.


               SERVICE CHARGES, DEPOSITS, AND FORFEITURES

       The bill provides an indefinite appropriation estimated to 
     be $32,465,000 for Service Charges, Deposits, and 
     Forfeitures.


                       MISCELLANEOUS TRUST FUNDS

       The bill provides an indefinite appropriation estimated to 
     be $24,000,000 for Miscellaneous Trust Funds.


                UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

                          RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

       The bill provides $1,207,658,000 for Resource Management. 
     In addition to the funding allocation table at the end of 
     this explanatory statement, the agreement includes the 
     following instructions:

[[Page H9761]]

       Budget Structure.--The agreement keeps in place the budget 
     structure from fiscal year 2014.
       Candidate Conservation.--The agreement includes $500,000 
     above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level, which may be used 
     for but is not limited to sage-grouse conservation.
       Consultation and HCPs.--The agreement includes $1,000,000 
     above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level for Habitat 
     Conservation Plans.
       Listing and Critical Habitat.--In agreement with the 
     request, funding caps for petition processing and for listing 
     activities related to foreign species have been retained. The 
     agreement does not include the directive contained in House 
     Report 113-551.
       Recovery.--The agreement includes $2,500,000 for the State 
     of the Birds program and $1,000,000 to continue the livestock 
     loss demonstration program as authorized by Public Law 111-
     11. States with de-listed wolf populations shall continue to 
     be eligible for funding, provided that those States continue 
     to meet the eligibility criteria contained in Public Law 111-
     11.
       The Service is directed to prioritize the recovery of the 
     California condor and northern aplomado falcon and provide 
     the necessary funding to enable the longstanding public-
     private partnerships to continue to support the wild 
     populations through captive propagation, releases, and 
     management, as the Service and the States work to address the 
     continued environmental threats to these species.
       The agreement does not include the directive regarding the 
     Recovery Report to Congress contained in House Report 113-
     551.
       The Service is directed to publish in the Federal Register 
     advance notice of its intent to approve any future phase of 
     the La Purisima Conservation Bank project involving a split 
     estate, and to invite public comment on the proposed 
     agreement.
       Coastal Barrier Resources Act.--The agreement includes 
     $500,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level to 
     accelerate technical corrections and updates of coastal 
     floodplain maps.
       National Wildlife Refuge System.--In recognition of the 
     important bottomland hardwood research being conducted by the 
     Forest Service Southern Research Station at the Yazoo 
     National Wildlife Refuge, the Service is encouraged to 
     continue cooperating in these efforts.
       Migratory Bird Management.--The agreement does not include 
     the directive contained in House Report 113-551. The Service 
     is encouraged to submit with its fiscal year 2016 budget 
     request: (a) an estimate of average permit processing times 
     and a goal to minimize such times; and (b) an estimate of 
     costs, FTE, and a timeline to develop and test an appropriate 
     survey protocol to assess black vulture distribution and 
     population size, and to determine whether and where the 
     species may be overabundant.
       The Service's strategy of allocating increased Migratory 
     Bird Conservation Fund dollars to mitigate against conversion 
     of natural waterfowl habitat to cropland is supported. The 
     Service is encouraged to consider the important value of the 
     nesting habitat in the southern prairie potholes region to 
     ensure that waterfowl habitat acquisition and preservation 
     continue to occur across the entire prairie potholes region.
       Law Enforcement and International Affairs.--The agreement 
     includes the increases as requested to combat wildlife 
     trafficking. The Secretary is directed to submit a status 
     update report, not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, outlining the specific steps being 
     taken by the Department to further address wildlife 
     trafficking and illegal natural resources trade, including 
     steps to improve coordination with the Department of Homeland 
     Security and Department of Justice related to wildlife 
     trafficking, and what, if any, authorizations are required to 
     implement the National Strategy for Combating Wildlife 
     Trafficking.
       Science Support.--The agreement is $250,000 below the 
     fiscal year 2014 enacted level. The Service is directed to 
     take the reduction from Landscape Conservation Cooperatives 
     grants. White-nose syndrome in bats research is level-funded 
     at $2,500,000.
       National Fish Hatchery System Operations.--The bill 
     provides $52,860,000 for operations, including not less than 
     $237,000 for the Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership as 
     requested. None of the funds may be used to terminate 
     operations or to close any facility. No production programs 
     may be reduced or terminated without advance, informal 
     consultation with affected States and Indian tribes. Within 
     90 days of enactment of this Act, the Service shall publish 
     an operations and maintenance plan for fiscal year 2015 for 
     the National Fish Hatchery System that includes funding 
     allocations by region, together with an explanation of the 
     allocation methodology. The Service is directed to publish 
     fiscal year 2015 funding allocations and production targets 
     for each facility of the National Fish Hatchery System before 
     the end of the fiscal year, and to submit estimates for 
     fiscal year 2016 along with the President's budget request.
       The Committees support the Service's position that its 
     hatchery mitigation activities should be fully reimbursed by 
     the Federal agencies responsible for the Federal water 
     development projects. The Service is directed to submit as 
     part of its annual budget request an estimate of its 
     mitigation activities by facility, along with an estimate of 
     sources of reimbursement funding by agency.
       The Committees direct the Service, through its Fisheries 
     Program, to continue the nation's 140-year tradition of 
     supporting commercial, subsistence, and recreational fishing. 
     In addition, the fisheries archives, including the National 
     Fishery Artifacts and Records Center and the Collection 
     Management Facility, shall be maintained in its current 
     location.
       Aquatic Habitat and Species Conservation.--The agreement 
     includes $3,000,000 for the Klamath Basin restoration 
     program, $5,500,000 for the Asian carp program, and 
     $2,000,000 for the quagga and zebra mussel program.
       Population Assessment and Cooperative Management are funded 
     at the requested level. This funding supports inventory, 
     monitoring, management, restoration, and maintenance of 
     healthy and diverse aquatic species populations. These 
     activities include working with hatcheries to monitor captive 
     propagation programs across the country, including both the 
     Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes fisheries.


                              CONSTRUCTION

       The bill provides $15,687,000 for Construction. The 
     detailed allocation of funding by activity is included in the 
     table at the end of this statement. The Service is expected 
     to follow the construction project priority list included in 
     the President's fiscal year 2015 budget request, and as shown 
     in the table below.

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Refuge, Hatchery, or
                State                         Other Unit             Budget Request             This Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         National Wildlife Refuge System
CA...................................   Bitter Creek NWR......                 $313,000                 $313,000
TX...................................   Buffalo Lake NWR......                  300,000                  300,000
CA...................................   Modoc NWR.............                2,000,000                2,000,000
CO...................................   Rocky Mountain Arsenal                  300,000                  300,000
                                        NWR.
IA...................................   De Soto NWR...........                  793,000                  793,000
NJ...................................   Wallkill River NWR /                    632,000                  632,000
                                        Great Swamp NWR.
                                          National Fish Hatchery System
WA...................................   Quinault NFH..........                  862,000                  862,000
WA...................................   Abernathy FTC.........                1,019,000                1,019,000
AZ...................................   Williams Creek NFH....                  120,000                  120,000
                                                      Other
N/A..................................   Service Wide Seismic                    215,000                  215,000
                                        Safety.
    Total, Line Item Construction....                                         6,554,000                6,554,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  December 11, 2014, on page H9761, typographical errors appeared 
in the tabular material preceeding the header LAND ACQUISITION.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read as shown below.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 



                            LAND ACQUISITION

       The bill provides $47,535,000 for Land Acquisition. The 
     amounts recommended by this bill compared with the budget 
     estimates by activity are shown in the table below, listed in 
     priority order pursuant to the budget request for fiscal year 
     2015.
       Highlands Conservation Act Grants.--Since budgetary 
     constraints only allow for a limited number of new land 
     acquisition projects, it is critical to support programs that 
     leverage public-private partnerships for land conservation 
     like the Highlands Conservation Act, which has a record of 
     more than a 2 to 1 ratio in non-Federal matching funds. This 
     bill provides $3,000,000 for the Highlands Conservation Act 
     Grants and the Committees direct the Fish and Wildlife 
     Service to work with the Highlands States regarding priority 
     projects for fiscal year 2015.
       California Foothills Legacy Area.--During the past year, 
     the Fish and Wildlife Service has been developing a proposal 
     to place certain private rangeland in central California into 
     permanent Federal conservation easements. In recognition of 
     the concerns raised in House Report 113-551, the Service, in 
     a letter dated December 3, 2014, has committed not to proceed 
     any further in development of this program. The Committees on 
     Appropriations expect the Service to adhere to this 
     agreement.

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Fish and Wildlife
                State                          Service               Budget Request             This Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA...................................   CA Southwest Desert--                $5,000,000               $5,000,000
                                        San Diego National
                                        Wildlife Refuge.
ND/SD................................   Dakota Tallgrass                      3,000,000                3,000,000
                                        Prairie Wildlife
                                        Management Area.

[[Page H9762]]

 
ND/SD................................   Dakota Grassland                      7,000,000                7,000,000
                                        Conservation Area.
VA...................................   National Trails                       2,000,000                2,000,000
                                        System--Rappahanock
                                        River National
                                        Wildlife Refuge.
MT...................................   Rocky Mountain Front                  2,000,000                2,000,000
                                        Conservation Area.
FL...................................   Everglades Headwaters                 3,000,000                3,000,000
                                        National Wildlife
                                        Refuge and
                                        Conservation Area.
AR...................................   Cache River National                  1,071,000                1,071,000
                                        Wildlife Refuge.
CT/MA/NH/VT..........................   Silvio O. Conte                       2,000,000                2,000,000
                                        National Fish and
                                        Wildlife Refuge.
  Additional project requests........    .....................               10,000,000                        0
    Subtotal, Acquisitions...........    .....................               35,071,000               25,071,000
  Inholding, emergency, and hardships    .....................                5,351,000                5,351,000
  Exchanges..........................    .....................                1,500,000                1,500,000
  Acquisition Management.............    .....................               12,613,000               12,613,000
        Land protection planning         .....................                  465,000                        0
  Highlands Conservation Act Grants      .....................                        0                3,000,000
 (CT/NJ/NY/PA).
    Total, FWS Land Acquisition......    .....................               55,000,000               47,535,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  December 11, 2014, on page H9762, typographical errors appeared 
in the tabular material preceeding the header COOPERATIVE 
ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read as shown below.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 



            COOPERATIVE ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND

       The bill provides $50,095,000 for the Cooperative 
     Endangered Species Conservation Fund, of which $22,695,000 is 
     to be derived from the Cooperative Endangered Species 
     Conservation Fund, and $27,400,000 is to be derived from the 
     Land and Water Conservation Fund. The detailed allocation of 
     funding by activity is included in the table at the end of 
     this statement.


                     NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FUND

       The bill provides $13,228,000 for payments to counties 
     authorized by the National Wildlife Refuge Fund.


               NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION FUND

       The bill provides $34,145,000 for the North American 
     Wetlands Conservation Fund.


              NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION FUND

       The bill provides $3,660,000 for the Neotropical Migratory 
     Bird Conservation Fund.


                MULTINATIONAL SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND

       The bill provides $9,061,000 for the Multinational Species 
     Conservation Fund. The detailed allocation of funding by 
     activity is included in the table at the end of this 
     statement.


                    STATE AND TRIBAL WILDLIFE GRANTS

       The bill provides $58,695,000 for State and Tribal Wildlife 
     Grants. The detailed allocation of funding by activity is 
     included in the table at the end of this statement.


                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

       The bill does not provide the Service with the authority to 
     seek compensation from responsible parties who injure or 
     destroy National Wildlife Refuge System or other Service 
     resources. The Service should resubmit the proposal in the 
     next budget justification and provide more detail regarding 
     the Service's current practice for litigating and seeking 
     damages from responsible parties and a discussion of how the 
     new process would differ.
       The bill does not contain reprogramming language proposed 
     in H.R. 5171. The Committees have been concerned in recent 
     years with actions taken by the Service that have the 
     appearance of attempting to sidestep the long-standing 
     reprogramming guidelines contained in this explanatory 
     statement. This concern has been further compounded by 
     requested reprogrammings that have on occasion appeared to be 
     not unforeseen or not a true emergency. In lieu of the 
     language proposed by the House, the Committees expect the 
     Service to fulfill both the letter and spirit of the existing 
     reprogramming guidelines. Failure to do so will result in the 
     Committees revisiting the House language next year.


                         NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

                 OPERATION OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

       The bill provides $2,275,773,000 for the Operation of the 
     National Park System. The detailed allocation of funding by 
     program area and activity is included in the table at the end 
     of this division.
       Operation of the National Park System.--The bill provides 
     $25,000,000 in new discretionary funding within the Operation 
     of the National Park System (ONPS) appropriation to 
     strengthen visitor services, public safety, and 
     infrastructure programs in anticipation of increased 
     visitation leading up to the Centennial of the National Park 
     Service in 2016. The agreement includes $6,000,000 to support 
     youth and veterans programs; $8,000,000 to increase seasonal 
     ranger staff and enhance education and interpretation 
     services; and $11,000,000 to improve facilities at national 
     park units across the country. These funds will be 
     supplemented by a $10,000,000 Centennial Challenge 
     appropriation to fund joint public-private infrastructure 
     investments. These funds are complemented by language in 
     Title I General Provisions addressing the Volunteers in Parks 
     program, as requested. The Service is directed to provide a 
     report, no later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, to 
     the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations detailing 
     the distribution of funds supporting the Centennial 
     Initiative and the anticipated return on this Federal 
     investment.
       Operating Plan.--The Service is directed to submit to the 
     House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, within 60 days 
     of enactment of this Act, an operating plan for the Operation 
     of the National Park System appropriations account that 
     includes any necessary adjustments to the amounts provided to 
     maintain park operations of all units budgeted in the fiscal 
     year 2015 request. Such plan shall be subject to the 
     reprogramming guidelines contained in this explanatory 
     statement.
       Quagga and Zebra Mussel Control.--The Committees remain 
     concerned about the rapid spread of quagga and zebra mussels 
     in the West. The Secretary of the Interior is directed to 
     develop and continue to update, using the best available 
     science, minimum protocols and training techniques for 
     Federal, State, local, and private entities, a consistent 
     standard of inspection and decontamination of recreational 
     watercraft and equipment, as prescribed in the February 2010 
     Quagga/Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. Waters. 
     Further, the Service is directed to provide no less than 
     $2,000,000 for quagga and zebra mussel containment, 
     prevention, and enforcement and prioritize the 
     decontamination of watercraft and equipment leaving the 
     watersheds of contaminated bodies, including Lake Powell and 
     Lake Mead. Lastly, the Service is directed to report to the 
     House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, no later than 
     90 days after enactment of this Act, on steps taken to 
     address this pervasive threat to western watersheds.
       White-Nose Syndrome in Bats.--The Committees urge the 
     Service to provide no less than $3,000,000 within the funds 
     provided for monitoring and surveillance activities 
     associated with white-nose syndrome in bats.
       Park Partnerships.--The Committees continue to support 
     ongoing public-private partnerships which leverage Federal 
     dollars and promote the efficient management of park 
     resources. Such partnerships are fundamental to the long-term 
     fiscal and administrative health of the Service. There is 
     merit in the Service partnering with qualified entities to 
     cooperatively finance and manage improvements to park 
     facilities and programs. Efforts made by the Service thus far 
     to expand partnerships are commendable, but more can be done. 
     The Department and the Service are urged to continue 
     reassessing recent policy interpretations and review 
     procedures to promote the greater use of partnerships that 
     have historically proven beneficial to national parks and 
     partners.
       Sewall-Belmont House and Museum.--The Sewall-Belmont House 
     and Museum occupies an important role in the history of the 
     women's suffrage and equal rights movements and is listed on 
     the National Register of Historic Places. The Service is 
     presently conducting a study to determine whether this 
     historic landmark merits inclusion in the national park 
     system as a standalone unit. The Service is directed to 
     complete the study in a timely manner and share its findings 
     with the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
       National Capital Area Performing Arts Program.--Within the 
     amounts provided, the Service is directed to maintain funding 
     for the National Capital Area Performing Arts Program, 
     including the summer concert series staged on the U.S. 
     Capitol grounds, at the fiscal year 2014 enacted level.
       National Mall and Memorial Parks.--Within 60 days of 
     enactment of this Act, the Service is directed to provide the 
     House and Senate Committees on Appropriations a long-term 
     plan for renewal of the concessions contract on the National 
     Mall. The Plan shall include options for expanding services 
     and increasing revenues to the park.
       Ozark National Scenic Riverways.--The Service is directed 
     to work collaboratively with affected parties to ensure that 
     any Draft Management Plan for the Ozark National Scenic 
     Riverways addresses the legitimate concerns of affected 
     stakeholders including, but not limited to, local communities 
     and businesses.
       Roosevelt-Campobello International Park.--Funding for 
     Roosevelt-Campobello International Park on the Maine-Canada 
     border is jointly supported by the U.S. and Canadian 
     governments. The Service is encouraged to provide funding for 
     the park that is commensurate with past fiscal years and 
     consistent with international agreements.
       Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.--The CityArchRiver 
     project has raised significant private donations for the 
     Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. The Service is expected 
     to exercise the maximum flexibility with respect to the 
     recognition of private donors. The Service is further urged 
     to engage with all stakeholders to reach agreements on donor 
     recognition which will help to facilitate the raising of 
     private funds while protecting the values of the Jefferson 
     National Expansion Memorial.
       Mississippi Civil Rights Sites.--There are a number of 
     historically significant civil

[[Page H9763]]

     rights sites in Mississippi, such as the Medgar Evers House 
     in Jackson, which are deserving of special recognition and 
     preservation. Within 180 days of enactment of this Act, the 
     Service, working with the State of Mississippi and other 
     interested stakeholders, shall provide the Committees an 
     inventory of such sites that includes a listing of each 
     site's current historic designation status and an analysis of 
     possible threats to their preservation.
       Affiliated Areas.--The bill includes language within the 
     Operation of the National Park System account addressing 
     certain longstanding affiliated areas of the National Park 
     System.


                  NATIONAL RECREATION AND PRESERVATION

       The bill provides $63,117,000 for National Recreation and 
     Preservation with the following specific directives:
       Chesapeake Gateways and Trails Program.--As requested, the 
     agreement includes $1,999,000 for the Chesapeake Gateways and 
     Trails Program.
       Heritage Partnership Program.--The agreement provides 
     $20,321,000 for the Heritage Partnership Program. The 
     recommendation rejects the Administration's proposal to 
     reduce funding for national heritage areas. This proposed 
     reduction would have a particularly acute impact since the 
     Service is in the process of approving management plans for 
     newer areas which allow them access to additional funding to 
     implement their restoration and recreation programs.
       In order to maintain stable funding sources for all areas, 
     the bill restores funding for longstanding areas to each 
     area's fiscal year 2014 level; provides a total of $300,000 
     to national heritage areas with recently approved management 
     plans, known as tier 2 areas, including funding for those 
     areas whose plans are expected to be approved during the 
     fiscal year; and provides $150,000 to each tier 1 area that 
     has been authorized and is still in the process of having its 
     management plan approved. The Service is directed to refrain 
     from further funding reallocations from longstanding areas.
       The agreement includes within Title I General Provisions 
     bill language extending by one year the authorization for the 
     Automobile National Heritage Area, as requested. The 
     agreement also includes language addressing a national 
     heritage area in Wheeling, West Virginia.
       The agreement includes within Title IV General Provisions 
     bill language extending until 2021 the authorization for the 
     American Battlefield Protection Program.


                       HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND

       The bill provides $56,410,000 for the Historic Preservation 
     Fund. Within this amount, $46,925,000 is provided for grants 
     to States and $8,985,000 is provided to Tribes, consistent 
     with the request. The recommendation also includes $500,000 
     for grants to underserved communities, as requested.


                              CONSTRUCTION

       The bill provides $138,339,000 for Construction with the 
     following specific directives:
       Line Item Construction.--The bill provides $61,678,000 for 
     line item construction projects in the fiscal year 2015 
     budget request and as shown in the table below. Requests for 
     reprogramming will be considered pursuant to the guidelines 
     in the front of this statement.
       Brooks Lodge, Katmai National Park.-- Funds have been 
     provided, as requested, for the Service to construct a new 
     bridge across the Brooks River within Katmai National Park. 
     However, additional plans to relocate the lodge, based on the 
     existing outdated Development Concept Plan (DCP), are 
     unwarranted. No fundamental changes at Brooks Lodge shall be 
     undertaken unless and until the Service prepares a new 
     factually and legally sufficient DCP.

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             State                         Park Unit                 Budget Request             This Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL............................  Dry Tortugas National Park....               $4,500,000               $4,500,000
KY............................  Mammoth Cave National Park....                6,734,000                6,734,000
NY............................  Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace                 4,375,000                4,375,000
                                 National Historic Site.
PR............................   San Juan National Historic                   1,770,000                1,770,000
                                 Site.
VA............................   Petersburg National                          4,993,000                4,993,000
                                 Battlefield.
MT............................  Glacier National Park.........                6,300,000                6,300,000
CA............................  Golden Gate National                          3,872,000                3,872,000
                                 Recreation Area.
CA............................  Yosemite National Park........                5,575,000                5,575,000
AK............................  Katmai National Park &                        4,374,000                4,374,000
                                 Preserve.
WA............................  Olympic National Park.........                6,275,000                6,275,000
DC............................  National Mall and Memorial                    5,000,000                5,000,000
                                 Parks.
DC............................  National Capital Regional                     6,060,000                6,060,000
                                 Office.
AK............................  Gates of the Arctic National                    452,000                  452,000
                                 Park and Preserve, Denali
                                 National Park and Preserve.
MA............................  Cape Cod National Seashore....                1,158,000                1,158,000
CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, PA,     Appalachian National Scenic                     240,000                  240,000
 VA, VT.                         Trail.
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
                                Total, Line Item Construction.               61,678,000               61,678,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND

                              (RESCISSION)

       The bill includes a rescission of $28,000,000 in annual 
     contract authority. This authority has not been used in 
     recent years and there are no plans to use this authority in 
     fiscal year 2015.


                 LAND ACQUISITION AND STATE ASSISTANCE

       The bill provides $98,960,000 for Land Acquisition and 
     State Assistance. The amounts recommended by this bill 
     compared with the budget estimates by activity are shown in 
     the table below, listed in priority order pursuant to the 
     budget request for fiscal year 2015.

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             State                   National Park Service           Budget Request             This Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA............................  CA Southwest Desert--Joshua                    $138,000                 $138,000
                                 Tree National Park.
CA............................  CA Southwest Desert--Mojave                   1,873,000                1,873,000
                                 National Preserve.
CA............................  Redwood National Park.........                6,250,000                6,250,000
MO............................  Wilson's Creek National                         900,000                  900,000
                                 Battlefield.
NM............................  Pecos National Historical Park                1,205,000                1,205,000
VA............................  Fredericksburg and                            1,519,000                1,519,000
                                 Spotsylvania County
                                 Battlefields National
                                 Military Park.
PA............................  Gettysburg National Military                    376,000                  376,000
                                 Park.
HI............................  National Trails System--Ala                   2,000,000                2,000,000
                                 Kahakai National Historic
                                 Trail.
VT............................  National Trails System--                        533,000                  533,000
                                 Appalachian National Scenic
                                 Trail.
NH............................  National Trails System--                      2,251,000                2,251,000
                                 Appalachian National Scenic
                                 Trail.
VA............................  National Trails System--                      4,000,000                4,000,000
                                 Captain John Smith National
                                 Historic Trail.
WI............................  National Trails System--Ice                   1,664,000                1,664,000
                                 Age National Scenic Trail.
MA............................  National Trails System--New                     247,000                  247,000
                                 England National Scenic Trail.
MI............................  National Trails System--North                   519,000                  519,000
                                 Country National Scenic Trail.
                                Additional project requests...                5,510,000                        0
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
                                Subtotal, Acquisitions........               28,985,000               23,475,000
                                American Battlefield                          8,516,000                8,986,000
                                 Protection Program.
                                Emergencies and hardships.....                3,928,000                3,928,000
                                Acquisition management........                9,526,000                9,526,000
                                Inholdings, donations, and                    4,928,000                4,928,000
                                 exchanges.
                                                               =================================================
                                Total, NPS Land Acquisition...               55,883,000               50,843,000
Assistance to States:
                                State conservation grants                    42,000,000               42,000,000
                                 (formula).
                                State conservation grants                     3,000,000                3,000,000
                                 (competitive).
                                Administrative expenses.......                3,117,000                3,117,000
                                                               =================================================
                                Total, Assistance to States...               48,117,000               48,117,000
                                Total, NPS Land Acquisition                 104,000,000               98,960,000
                                 and State Assistance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE

       The bill provides $10,000,000 for the Centennial Challenge 
     matching grant program, a key component of the Service's 
     Centennial Initiative. The program provides dedicated Federal 
     funding to leverage partnerships for signature projects and 
     programs for the national park system, including critical 
     infrastructure investments. The amount provided for the 
     Centennial Challenge is intended to complement funding for 
     core operations provided in the Operation of the National 
     Park System account to enhance the visitor experience and to 
     protect cultural and natural

[[Page H9764]]

     resources at national park system units in anticipation of 
     the Service's Centennial celebration. A one-to-one matching 
     requirement is required for projects to qualify for these 
     funds. The Service is urged to give preference to projects 
     that demonstrate additional leveraging capacity from its 
     partners.


                    UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

                 SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND RESEARCH

       The bill provides $1,045,000,000 for Surveys, 
     Investigations, and Research of the U.S. Geological Survey 
     (USGS). In addition to the funding allocation table at the 
     end of this explanatory statement, the agreement includes the 
     following instructions:
       Ecosystems.-- Within the Ecosystems activity, $1,005,000 is 
     provided to address white-nose syndrome in bats, and 
     $5,646,000 is included for Asian carp control efforts. The 
     Survey is directed to continue to analyze the distribution 
     and magnitude of endocrine-disrupting chemicals impacting 
     fish and wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; therefore, 
     the bill includes the requested increases for research in the 
     Chesapeake Bay.
       Climate and Land Use Change.--Within the Climate and Land 
     Use Change activity, $3,000,000 is provided for drought 
     impacts and adaptive management; $3,343,000 is provided for 
     Landsat science activities; and $5,024,000 is provided for 
     the National Civil Applications Program.
       Natural Hazards.--Funding for Natural Hazards programs 
     includes $59,503,000 for earthquake hazards, of which 
     $5,000,000 is provided to transition the earthquake early 
     warning demonstration project into an operational capability 
     on the West Coast. A critical component of the earthquake 
     early warning system is maintaining the existing real-time 
     broadband and strong motion seismic networks along with 
     geodetic monitoring networks. As the earthquake early warning 
     system is developed, USGS is directed to collaborate with 
     universities, companies and other Federal agencies with 
     expertise and existing digital seismic observing networks to 
     continue precise observation of critical fault locations.
       The bill includes $25,121,000 for volcano hazards, of which 
     $2,000,000 is provided for repairing and upgrading current 
     systems, with a focus on the highest risk volcanoes as 
     described in the Survey's 2005 volcano assessment inventory. 
     Several monitors are currently inoperable and maintenance is 
     needed to continue rapid detection for public safety 
     dissemination, including information critical to civilian and 
     military air routes.
       The bill also includes $3,485,000 for landslide hazards. 
     This important public safety program is encouraged to 
     continue and strengthen its partnerships with other Federal 
     agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service, as well as with 
     State and local emergency managers, in order to increase the 
     dissemination of information and enhance coordination among 
     them.
       In order to develop a better understanding of marine hazard 
     risk and resource availability, the Survey is encouraged to 
     work in partnership with other Federal agencies and non-
     governmental organizations where practicable to support 
     research and assessments of marine hazards and critical 
     minerals on deepwater ships of exploration.
       Water Resources.--Within Water Resources, $34,901,000 is 
     provided for the National Streamflow Information Program, and 
     $6,500,000 is provided for Water Resources Research 
     Institutes. The National Groundwater Monitoring Network is 
     funded at $2,600,000 and the Survey is directed to provide 
     cost-share grants to States in the form of cooperative 
     agreements to upgrade monitoring networks to national 
     standards and to incorporate wells into the network. This 
     funding will also support the additional work by the Survey 
     to manage the network and provide data access through an 
     Internet web portal.


                   BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

                        OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

       The bill provides $169,770,000 for Ocean Energy Management 
     to be partially offset with the collection of rental receipts 
     and cost recovery fees totaling $97,348,000, for a net 
     discretionary appropriation of $72,422,000. The request did 
     not include any funds for coastal marine spatial planning and 
     accordingly the bill provides no funds for such activities. 
     The agreement includes the following additional guidance:
       Renewable Energy.--The Bureau should continue to work with 
     the Department of Energy to identify and permit a national 
     offshore wind test site that incorporates new technology 
     related to the structural material of transitional depth and 
     floating wind turbines. The Bureau is also expected to 
     continue working with coastal States and other stakeholders 
     to study new wind energy areas, including those in shallow, 
     transitional, and deep (over 200 feet) waters.


             BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT

             OFFSHORE SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT

       The bill provides $189,726,000 for Offshore Safety and 
     Environmental Enforcement to be partially offset with the 
     collection of rental receipts, cost recovery fees and 
     inspection fees totaling $123,579,000, for a net 
     discretionary appropriation of $66,147,000.


                           OIL SPILL RESEARCH

       The bill provides $14,899,000 for Oil Spill Research.


          OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

                       REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY

       The bill provides $122,713,000 for Regulation and 
     Technology. Within this amount, the bill funds regulatory 
     grants at $68,590,000, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted 
     level. The Committees find that the budget proposal to reduce 
     regulatory grants would undermine the State-based regulatory 
     system. It is imperative that States continue to operate 
     protective regulatory programs as delegation of authority to 
     the States is the cornerstone of the surface mining 
     regulatory program. Further, the agreement does not provide 
     funds to expand and enhance Federal oversight activities of 
     State programs.
       Coal Miners' Benefits.--For nearly 20 years, Congress has 
     facilitated the secure retirement of coal miners by providing 
     funding for retiree healthcare benefits through the Abandoned 
     Mine Lands program. However, there are additional threats to 
     miners' pension and health plans as the result of the 2008 
     financial crisis and a recent corporate bankruptcy. If 
     Congressional action is not taken to address the long-term 
     solvency of these pension and healthcare funds prior to the 
     end of the 113th Congress, the Administration is encouraged 
     to consider legislative alternatives to address these 
     concerns as part of the fiscal year 2016 budget request.


                    ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND

       The bill provides $27,399,000 for the Abandoned Mine 
     Reclamation Fund.


        BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION

                      OPERATION OF INDIAN PROGRAMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $2,429,236,000 for Operation of Indian 
     Programs. In addition to the funding allocation table at the 
     end of this explanatory statement, the agreement includes the 
     following instructions and changes to the budget request:
       New Tribes.--The agreement supports the requested amount of 
     $463,000 for new Tribes and notes the challenge of 
     reconciling the timing of the tribal recognition process with 
     the annual budget formulation process. If additional Tribes 
     are recognized during fiscal year 2015 beyond those 
     contemplated in the budget request, the Bureau is urged to 
     support their capacity building efforts to the extent 
     feasible.
       Road Maintenance.--The agreement includes $2,000,000 above 
     the budget request which may be used for school bus routes. 
     The agreement does not include further reporting 
     requirements.
       Trust-Real Estate Services.--Consistent with the request, 
     $127,002,000 is provided for trust-real estate services 
     programs, including $7,000,000 to implement Klamath Basin 
     Restoration Agreement activities.
       Education.--The agreement includes $2,000,000 for the 
     development and operation of tribal departments or divisions 
     of education as authorized in 25 U.S.C. 2020.
       The Bureau is directed to publish its internal review of 
     Early Child and Family Development programs and to consult 
     with Tribes, other current program partners, and Congress 
     before initiating the pilot projects proposed in the request. 
     Any new pilot projects shall not reduce funding for currently 
     operating Family and Child Education programs.
       The Bureau is directed to publish the results of the most 
     recent Johnson-O'Malley student count, and to consult with 
     Tribes and Congress before proposing any changes in the 
     distribution of future funds or in the frequency or method of 
     future counts.
       The Bureau is encouraged to coordinate with the Indian 
     Health Service to establish a pilot program integrating 
     preventive dental care at schools within the Bureau system.
       The agreement includes bill language providing the 
     Secretary with the authority to approve satellite locations 
     of existing BIE schools if a Tribe can demonstrate that the 
     establishment of such locations would provide comparable 
     levels of education as are being offered at such existing BIE 
     schools, and would not significantly increase costs to the 
     Federal Government. The intent is for this authority to be 
     exercised only in extraordinary circumstances to provide 
     Tribes with additional flexibility regarding where students 
     are educated without compromising how they are educated, and 
     to significantly reduce the hardship and expense of 
     transporting students over long distances, all without unduly 
     increasing costs that would otherwise unfairly come at the 
     expense of other schools in the BIE system.
       In order to be successful, the Administration's emphasis on 
     education must be complemented by efforts to improve 
     interagency coordination for the multiplicity of programs 
     that affect the wellbeing of Native American children. In 
     addition to education, these include healthcare, social 
     services, child welfare and juvenile justice programs. It is 
     recommended that the Bureau, working in concert with other 
     affected Federal agencies, examine ways to support such a 
     cross-cutting coordination effort, including the 
     establishment of a commission on Native American children.
       Public Safety and Justice.--The agreement includes 
     $1,000,000 above the budget request to provide training in 
     Indian country to carry out the new provisions in the 
     Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013.
       The Indian Law and Order Commission's November 2013 report 
     notes that Federal investment in tribal justice for Public 
     Law 83-280 States has been more limited than elsewhere in 
     Indian country. Within 180 days of enactment of this Act, the 
     Bureau, in coordination with the Department of Justice, is 
     directed to report to the House and Senate

[[Page H9765]]

     committees of jurisdiction on the budgetary needs of tribal 
     courts in these States.
       Executive Direction and Administrative Services.--The 
     Bureau is directed to fund the requested program evaluations 
     for education and social service programs within the amounts 
     provided in this program.
       Indian Arts and Crafts Board.--Funding for the Indian Arts 
     and Crafts Board is retained within the Office of the 
     Secretary rather than transferred to the Bureau as requested.


                              construction

                     (including transfer of funds)

       The bill provides $128,876,000 for Construction. In 
     addition to the funding allocation table at the end of this 
     explanatory statement, the agreement includes the following 
     instructions and changes to the budget request:
       Education.--The agreement includes $20,165,000 for school 
     replacement, $3,823,000 for employee housing repair, and 
     $50,513,000 for facilities improvement and repair. The amount 
     for school replacement completes the funding requirements for 
     the school construction project started in fiscal year 2014 
     and covers design costs for the final two schools on the 2004 
     priority list. The Bureau is directed to publish a new list 
     in time for the fiscal year 2016 funding cycle.
       Significant health and safety hazards exist at Indian 
     educational facilities across the country, including the Bug-
     O-Nay-Ge-Shig School of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. The 
     Bureau is urged to continue to work with Tribes to repair and 
     replace substandard educational facilities.
       Public Safety and Justice.--The Committees continue to 
     encourage the Bureau to consider establishing regional 
     detention centers at new or existing facilities, such as the 
     Shoshone-Bannock Tribes' Justice Center, as it works to 
     combat the crime problem in Indian Country.
       Maintenance Shortfalls.--The Bureau is encouraged to 
     request full funding for facilities maintenance needs in 
     future budget requests.


indian land and water claims settlements and miscellaneous payments to 
                                indians

       The bill provides $35,655,000 for Indian Land and Water 
     Claims Settlements and Miscellaneous Payments to Indians. The 
     detailed allocation of funding by activity is included in the 
     table at the end of this explanatory statement.


                 indian guaranteed loan program account

       The bill provides $7,731,000 for the Indian Guaranteed Loan 
     Program Account.


                          departmental offices

                        office of the secretary

                        departmental operations

       The bill provides $265,263,000 for Departmental Offices, 
     Office of the Secretary, Departmental Operations. The 
     detailed allocation of funding by program area and activity 
     is included in the table at the end of the statement. The 
     bill provides $12,000,000 for the Office of Valuation 
     Services. The amount provided for the Office of Natural 
     Resources Revenue includes fixed costs and partial funding 
     for verification pilots, as requested.
       National Monument Designations.--The Department is directed 
     to work collaboratively with interested parties, including 
     the Congress, States, local communities, Tribal governments 
     and others before making national monument designations.
       Indian Arts and Crafts Board.--The Committees have provided 
     funding for the Indian Arts and Crafts Board within the 
     Office of the Secretary rather than moving it to the Bureau 
     of Indian Affairs as proposed in the budget request.
       Invasive Species.--The National Invasive Species Council is 
     directed to submit an interagency crosscut budget for fiscal 
     years 2013 through 2016 not later than 90 days after the 
     President submits a fiscal year 2016 budget to the Congress. 
     The crosscut budget should include the same seven general 
     spending categories as in prior year reports.


                            insular affairs

                       assistance to territories

       The bill provides $85,976,000 for Assistance to 
     Territories, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level. In 
     addition to the funding allocation table at the end of this 
     explanatory statement, the agreement includes the following 
     instructions:
       Within these amounts, the bill includes a total of 
     $3,000,000 to continue discretionary grants to mitigate the 
     impact of Compact-related migration on affected 
     jurisdictions, as authorized by section 104(e) of Public Law 
     108-188. This amount is equal to the fiscal year 2014 level. 
     As in previous years, the Department shall allocate these 
     grants in conjunction with other currently authorized 
     mandatory grants in order to help offset educational costs 
     incurred by these jurisdictions.


                      compact of free association

       The bill provides $3,318,000 for Compact of Free 
     Association. The detailed allocation of funding is included 
     in the table at the end of this explanatory statement.


                        office of the solicitor

                         salaries and expenses

       The bill provides $65,800,000 for the Office of the 
     Solicitor. The detailed allocation of funding is included in 
     the table at the end of this explanatory statement.


                      office of inspector general

                         salaries and expenses

       The bill provides $50,047,000 for the Office of Inspector 
     General. The detailed allocation of funding is included in 
     the table at the end of this explanatory statement.


           office of the special trustee for american indians

                         federal trust programs

                     (including transfer of funds)

       The bill provides $139,029,000 for the Office of the 
     Special Trustee for American Indians. The detailed allocation 
     of funding by activity is included in the table at the end of 
     this explanatory statement.


                        department-wide programs

                        wildland fire management

                     (including transfers of funds)

       The bill provides $804,779,000 for Department of the 
     Interior Wildland Fire Management, which is $63,797,000 above 
     the fiscal year 2014 enacted level (excluding the additional 
     fire suppression funding that was included as repayment for 
     fire transfers in fiscal year 2013). Of the funds provided, 
     $291,657,000 is for suppression operations, which combined 
     with $92,000,000 in the FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve 
     Fund fully funds the 10-year average for fire suppression at 
     $383,657,000. Total funding provided in fiscal year 2015 for 
     Department of the Interior Wildland Fire Management accounts 
     is $896,779,000. The detailed allocation of funding for these 
     accounts is included in the table at the end of this 
     statement. The following directions are also provided:
       Hazardous Fuels Management.--The bill provides $164,000,000 
     for hazardous fuels management activities, of which 
     $10,000,000 is for resilient landscapes activities. The total 
     for hazardous fuels management activities is $18,976,000 
     above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level.
       The Department of the Interior is encouraged to evaluate 
     existing commercial satellite technology to determine whether 
     such technology may provide a low-cost early warning 
     capability to save lives and property.
       Sage-Grouse Habitat.--The Department of the Interior is 
     directed to work collaboratively with the Forest Service and 
     other stakeholders in developing hazardous fuels management 
     plans that take into consideration the conservation of sage-
     grouse habitat. The Committees encourage the Administration 
     to seek additional funding in fiscal year 2016 and subsequent 
     fiscal years to continue this concerted effort.


                flame wildfire suppression reserve fund

                     (including transfers of funds)

       The bill provides $92,000,000 for the FLAME Wildfire 
     Suppression Reserve Fund.


                    central hazardous materials fund

       The bill provides $10,010,000 for the Central Hazardous 
     Materials Fund.


           natural resource damage assessment and restoration

                natural resource damage assessment fund

       The bill provides $7,767,000 for the Natural Resource 
     Damage Assessment Fund. The detailed allocation of funding by 
     activity is included in the table at the end of this 
     explanatory statement.


                          working capital fund

       The bill provides $57,100,000 for the Department of the 
     Interior, Working Capital Fund. Within the funds provided, a 
     total of $1,200,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level 
     has been provided to initiate office space consolidation in 
     lieu of the amounts requested. The Secretary may proceed with 
     additional consolidation activities if cost savings are 
     realized from other Working Capital Fund programs during the 
     fiscal year, consistent with reprogramming guidelines.


             general provisions, department of the interior

                     (including transfers of funds)

       The agreement includes various legislative provisions 
     affecting the Department in Title I of the bill, ``General 
     Provisions, Department of the Interior.'' The provisions are:
       Section 101 provides Secretarial authority for the intra-
     bureau transfer of program funds for expenditures in cases of 
     emergencies when all other emergency funds are exhausted.
       Section 102 provides for the Department-wide expenditure or 
     transfer of funds by the Secretary in the event of actual or 
     potential emergencies including forest fires, range fires, 
     earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, storms, oil spills, 
     grasshopper and Mormon cricket outbreaks, and surface mine 
     reclamation emergencies.
       Section 103 provides for the use of appropriated funds by 
     the Secretary for contracts, rental cars and aircraft, 
     telephone expenses, and other certain services.
       Section 104 provides for the transfer of funds from the 
     Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, and 
     Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians.
       Section 105 permits the redistribution of tribal priority 
     allocation and tribal base funds to alleviate funding 
     inequities.
       Section 106 authorizes the acquisition of lands for the 
     purpose of operating and maintaining facilities that support 
     visitors to Ellis, Governors, and Liberty Islands.
       Section 107 continues Outer Continental Shelf inspection 
     fees to be collected by the Secretary of the Interior.
       Section 108 authorizes the Bureau of Land Management to 
     implement an oil and gas leasing Internet program.
       Section 109 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to 
     continue the reorganization of the Bureau of Ocean Energy 
     Management,

[[Page H9766]]

     Regulation, and Enforcement in conformance with Committee 
     reprogramming guidelines.
       Section 110 provides the Secretary of the Interior with 
     authority to enter into multi-year cooperative agreements 
     with non-profit organizations for long-term care of wild 
     horses and burros.
       Section 111 addresses the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 
     responsibilities for mass marking of salmonid stocks.
       Section 112 continues a provision which directs the 
     Secretary of the Interior to make certain certifications with 
     respect to existing rights of way. The section also retains a 
     provision limiting funding for a proposal to approve 
     specified rights-of-way on the Mojave National Preserve or 
     lands managed by the Needles Field Office of the Bureau of 
     Land Management.
       Section 113 extends authorization for certain payments to 
     the Republic of Palau for fiscal year 2015.
       Section 114 addresses Bureau of Land Management actions 
     regarding grazing on public lands.
       Section 115 continues a provision prohibiting funds to 
     implement, administer, or enforce Secretarial Order 3310 
     issued by the Secretary of the Interior on December 22, 2010.
       Section 116 extends a provision allowing the Bureau of 
     Indian Education authority to rent or lease land and 
     facilities and retain the receipts.
       Section 117 continues through fiscal year 2020 forest 
     ecosystem health and recovery activities.
       Section 118 addresses the National Park Service's ability 
     to implement the Volunteers in Parks program in anticipation 
     of increased volunteer activity related to the Service's 
     Centennial in 2016.
       Section 119 allows the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau 
     of Indian Education to more efficiently and effectively 
     perform reimbursable work.
       Section 120 addresses National Heritage Areas.
       Section 121 addresses certain payments made by the National 
     Park Service.
       Section 122 addresses the issuance of rules for sage-
     grouse.

               TITLE II--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

       The bill provides $8,139,887,000 for the Environmental 
     Protection Agency (EPA). Based on estimates provided by EPA 
     in the fiscal year 2015 congressional budget justification, 
     the funding level provided is adequate to fully fund payroll. 
     EPA shall make payroll its top priority as it executes its 
     fiscal year 2015 appropriation. Further, this amount fully 
     funds rent needs in each account and program project area, 
     taking into account the fiscal year 2014 reprogramming that 
     shifted funds between program areas to restore rent.
       Congressional Budget Justification.--The Agency is directed 
     to continue to include the information requested in House 
     Report 112-331 and any proposals to change State allocation 
     formulas that affect the distribution of appropriated funds 
     in future budget justifications.
       Reprogramming.--The Agency is held to the reprogramming 
     limitation of $1,000,000 and should continue to follow the 
     reprogramming directives as provided in the front of this 
     explanatory statement. Further, the Agency may not use any 
     amount of deobligated funds to initiate a new program, 
     office, or initiative, without the prior approval of the 
     Committees.
       Within 30 days of enactment of this Act, the Agency is 
     directed to submit to the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations its annual operating plan for fiscal year 
     2015, which shall detail how the Agency plans to allocate 
     funds at the program project level.


                         science and technology

       The bill provides $734,648,000 for Science and Technology 
     programs and transfers $18,850,000 from the Hazardous 
     Substance Superfund account to this account. The bill 
     provides the following specific funding levels and direction:
       Indoor Air and Radiation.--The agreement includes 
     $5,997,000. The proposed elimination of radon activities has 
     been rejected.
       Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability.--The 
     agreement includes $126,930,000. The agreement rejects the 
     proposed reduction for the IRIS program and provides no 
     further directives related to the program.
       Research: National Priorities.--The bill provides 
     $4,100,000 which shall be used for extramural research 
     grants, independent of the Science to Achieve Results grant 
     program, to fund high-priority water quality and availability 
     research by not-for-profit organizations who often partner 
     with the Agency. Funds shall be awarded competitively with 
     priority given to partners proposing research of national 
     scope and who provide a 25 percent match. The Agency is 
     directed to allocate funds to grantees within 180 days of 
     enactment of this Act.
       Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources.--The 
     agreement includes $107,434,000. The proposed elimination of 
     the beach program has been rejected and the agreement 
     provides no further directives.
       Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities.--The 
     agreement includes $149,975,000. Funding is included for the 
     Agency's STAR and the Greater Research Opportunities 
     fellowship programs consistent with fiscal year 2014 levels.
       Additional Guidance.--The agreement includes the following 
     additional guidance:
       Bristol Bay Assessment.--The agreement does not include a 
     directive on the Bristol Bay Watershed assessment.
       Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS).--The Agency is 
     directed to provide the report requested in House Report 113-
     551.
       Nanomaterial Research.--The Agency is encouraged to 
     continue collaborative research efforts with the Food and 
     Drug Administration and, where possible, seek to maximize the 
     impact of their respective research program related to 
     nanotechnology and safe and sustainable molecular design.
       Public Access to Research.--In February 2013, the Office of 
     Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the 
     President issued guidelines on increasing public access to 
     the results of federally funded scientific research. Given 
     the importance of research funded by EPA, the Agency is 
     encouraged to comply expeditiously.


                 environmental programs and management

       The bill provides $2,613,679,000 for Environmental Programs 
     and Management and includes the following specific funding 
     levels and direction:
       Enforcement.--The agreement includes $240,637,000 and 
     includes no further directives under this heading.
       Environmental Protection: National Priorities.--The bill 
     provides $12,700,000 for a competitive grant program to 
     provide technical assistance for improved water quality or 
     safe drinking water to rural and urban communities or 
     individual private well owners. The Agency is directed to 
     provide $11,000,000 for grants to qualified not-for-profit 
     organizations, on a national or multi-State regional basis, 
     for on-site training and technical assistance for water 
     systems in rural or urban communities. The Agency is also 
     directed to provide $1,700,000 for grants to qualified not-
     for-profit organizations for technical assistance for 
     individual private well owners, with priority given to 
     organizations that currently provide technical and 
     educational assistance to individual private well owners. The 
     Agency shall require each grantee to provide a minimum 10 
     percent match, including in-kind contributions.The Agency is 
     directed to allocate funds to grantees within 180 days of 
     enactment of this Act.
       Geographic Programs.--The bill provides $427,737,000, as 
     distributed in the table at the end of this division, and 
     includes the following direction:
       Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).--The bill 
     provides $300,000,000. EPA shall follow the direction 
     provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 as it 
     implements the program in fiscal year 2015. Further, new 
     research tools are providing more rapid tests of organism 
     health and environmental conditions, which can serve to 
     reduce costs and leverage public investment in the health of 
     the Great Lakes. The Agency is encouraged to consider such 
     promising fields of study as they allocate research funding 
     under the GLRI.
       Chesapeake Bay.--The bill provides $73,000,000. From within 
     the amount, the Committees direct $6,000,000 for nutrient and 
     sediment removal grants and $6,000,000 for small watershed 
     grants to control polluted runoff from urban, suburban and 
     agricultural lands, and include no further directives.
       Gulf of Mexico.--The bill provides $4,482,000. The 
     increasing problem of hypoxia is a cause for concern. The 
     Gulf of Mexico program is crucial in partnering with States 
     and universities to study and monitor the effects of hypoxia.
       Indoor Air and Radiation.--The agreement includes 
     $27,637,000. The proposed elimination of radon activities has 
     been rejected.
       Information Exchange.--The agreement includes $126,538,000, 
     including $3,427,000 for the Immediate Office of the 
     Administrator and $7,163,000 for the Office of Congressional 
     Affairs (OCIR). Bill language is included withholding 
     $856,750 from the Immediate Office and $1,790,750 from OCIR 
     until the following overdue reports from the Consolidated 
     Appropriations Act, 2014 are submitted to the Committees: (1) 
     the progress report under the heading Integrated Risk 
     Information System (IRIS); (2) the report under the heading 
     Drinking Water Treatment Compliance Flexibility; (3) the 
     report under the heading State Role in Clean Air Act 
     Implementation; and (4) the report under the heading 
     Infrastructure Assistance.
       Operations and Administration.--The agreement includes 
     $482,751,000, including $2,966,000 for the Immediate Office 
     of the Chief Financial Officer. Bill language is included 
     withholding $741,500 from the Immediate Office until the 
     following overdue reports from the Consolidated 
     Appropriations Act, 2014 are submitted to the Committees: (1) 
     the progress report under the heading Integrated Risk 
     Information System (IRIS); (2) the report under the heading 
     Drinking Water Treatment Compliance Flexibility; (3) the 
     report under the heading State Role in Clean Air Act 
     Implementation; and (4) the report under the heading 
     Infrastructure Assistance.
       Water: Ecosystems.--The agreement includes $47,788,000. The 
     Agency is strongly encouraged to provide cooperative funding 
     to enhance real-time monitoring of coastal and estuarine 
     water quality in areas affected by extreme weather events, 
     and to develop tools to provide real time and dynamic 
     information to inform management decisions. In addition, the 
     Committees direct EPA to use the funds provided to accelerate 
     the processing of mining permits with the Corps of Engineers. 
     Further, the Committees direct EPA, in consultation with the 
     Corps of Engineers, to report monthly on the number of

[[Page H9767]]

     Section 404 permits under EPA's review. The report should 
     include the information requested under this heading in House 
     Report 112-589, and the Committees include no further 
     directives under this heading.
       Water: Human Health Protection.--The agreement includes 
     $98,507,000. The proposed elimination of the beach program 
     has been rejected and funding for this program has been 
     restored within the funds provided.
       Water Quality Protection.--The agreement includes 
     $210,417,000. From within this amount, $2,200,000 is for 
     hiring and staffing needs to implement the Agency's new 
     responsibilities under the Water Infrastructure Finance and 
     Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA). The Committees support the 
     Agency's development of the Integrated Planning Guidance to 
     enhance flexibility for communities struggling to meet 
     compliance costs mandated under the Clean Water Act (CWA) as 
     well as the Agency's efforts to consider a community's 
     ability to pay for compliance costs when determining 
     settlement agreements under the CWA. Further, the Agency is 
     directed to maintain technical assistance and outreach to 
     communities seeking to develop and implement an integrated 
     planning approach to meeting Clean Water Act requirements.
       Additional Guidance.--The agreement includes additional 
     guidance detailed in House Report 113-551 related only to 
     Antimicrobial Solutions for Citrus Disease, Brown Marmorated 
     Stink Bug, Composite Wood Products, Consent Decree, E15 
     outreach, and Pending herbicide registrations. The agreement 
     also includes the following:
       Administrator Priorities.--Funding for Administrator 
     priorities shall not exceed the fiscal year 2014 enacted 
     level. The Agency is directed to submit a report within 90 
     days of enactment of this Act that identifies how the fiscal 
     year 2013 and 2014 funding was used by account, program area 
     and program project and includes a description of the 
     activities and any anticipated results. Future congressional 
     budget justifications should identify funding in each program 
     project that has been set aside for Administrator priorities, 
     and include a justification for the effort and any 
     anticipated results.
       Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs).--CSOs are a major 
     contributor to water quality issues in the Lake Michigan 
     Basin and it is noted that many communities have made strides 
     to update wastewater infrastructure to mitigate the impact of 
     CSOs. As such, the Agency is directed to provide a report 
     based on available data indicating, for each CSO community in 
     the Great Lakes Basin, the implementation status of each CSO 
     long term control plan. Additionally, the report should 
     include a summary of annual discharge volumes.
       Lead Test Kit.--In 2008, EPA adopted the Lead Renovation, 
     Repair and Painting rule which included criteria by which the 
     Agency could certify a test kit that contractors could use 
     onsite to comply with the rule; yet, six years later no kit 
     has been developed that meets these standards. The Agency is 
     directed to prioritize efforts with stakeholders in fiscal 
     year 2015 to identify solutions that would allow for a test 
     kit to meet the criteria within the 2008 rule to reduce costs 
     for consumers, remodelers and families to comply with the 
     rule. If no solution is reached by the end of the fiscal 
     year, EPA should revisit the test kit criteria in the 2008 
     rule and solicit public comment on alternatives.
       Protection of Personal Information.--The Committees 
     understand that the Government Accountability Office's 
     (GAO's) investigation into the EPA's policies for protecting 
     personal information is ongoing. The Committees look forward 
     to the GAO's findings and recommendations to ensure that all 
     personally identifiable information, when collected, is 
     appropriately safeguarded.
       Reclaimed and Recycled Oil.--The Agency is urged to support 
     public-private partnerships that address the reclamation, 
     recycling and beneficial reuse of refined petroleum products.


            hazardous waste electronic manifest system fund

       The bill provides $3,674,000 for the Hazardous Waste 
     Electronic Manifest System Fund.


                      office of inspector general

       The bill provides $41,489,000 for the Office of Inspector 
     General.


                        buildings and facilities

       The bill provides $42,317,000 for Buildings and Facilities. 
     From within this amount $7,850,000 is provided for design and 
     engineering plans for a new research facility as described in 
     the budget request, and the Agency is directed to submit a 
     status report to the Committees on Appropriations on a 
     quarterly basis.


                     hazardous substance superfund

                     (including transfers of funds)

       The bill provides $1,088,769,000 for the Hazardous 
     Substance Superfund account and includes bill language to 
     transfer $9,939,000 to the Office of Inspector General 
     account and $18,850,000 to the Science and Technology 
     account. The agreement only includes the following directives 
     for the Superfund program:
       Community Involvement.--The Agency is directed to factor 
     community acceptance into its Superfund remedial cleanup 
     remedy selection process and, when supported by a community, 
     consider remedial cleanup remedies that provide green space 
     as part of a remedial action.
       Financial Assurance.--Prior to proposing any rule pursuant 
     to section 108(b) of the Comprehensive Environmental 
     Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 
     9608(b)), the Administrator is directed to collect and 
     analyze information from the commercial insurance and 
     financial industries regarding the use and availability of 
     necessary instruments (including surety bonds, letters of 
     credit and insurance) for meeting any new financial 
     responsibility requirements and to make that analysis 
     available to the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations and to the general public on the Agency 
     website 90 days prior to a proposed rulemaking. In addition, 
     the analysis shall include the Agency's plan to avoid 
     requiring financial assurances that are duplicative of those 
     already required by other Federal agencies.


          LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK TRUST FUND PROGRAM

       The bill provides $91,941,000 for the Leaking Underground 
     Storage Tank Trust Fund Program.


                       INLAND OIL SPILL PROGRAMS

       The bill provides $18,209,000 for Inland Oil Spill 
     Programs.


                   STATE AND TRIBAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

       The bill provides $3,545,161,000 for the State and Tribal 
     Assistance Grants (STAG) program and includes the following 
     specific funding levels and direction:
       Diesel Emissions Reductions Grants (DERA).--The bill 
     provides $30,000,000 for DERA grants. The Agency shall 
     continue to make at least 70 percent of DERA grants available 
     to improve air quality in non-attainment areas.
       Targeted Airshed Grants.--The bill provides $10,000,000 for 
     targeted airshed grants to reduce air pollution in non-
     attainment areas. These grants shall be distributed on a 
     competitive basis to non-attainment areas that EPA determines 
     are ranked as the top five most polluted areas relative to 
     annual ozone or particulate matter 2.5 standards. To 
     determine these areas, the Agency shall use the most recent 
     design values calculated from validated air quality data. The 
     Committees note that these funds are available for emission 
     reduction activities deemed necessary for compliance with 
     national ambient air quality standards and included in a 
     State Implementation Plan submitted to EPA.
       Categorical Grants.--The bill provides $1,054,378,000 for 
     Categorical Grants and funding levels are specified in the 
     table at the end of this division. The amount also includes 
     $228,219,000 for the State and Local Air Quality Management 
     grant program. The Agency is directed to allocate funds for 
     this program using the same formula as fiscal year 2014.
       Use of Iron and Steel.--The bill includes language in Title 
     IV General Provisions that stipulates requirements for the 
     use of iron and steel in State Revolving Fund projects. The 
     Committees acknowledge that EPA may issue a waiver of said 
     requirements for de minimis amounts of iron and steel 
     building materials. The Committees emphasize that any coating 
     processes that are applied to the external surface of iron 
     and steel components that otherwise qualify under the 
     procurement preference shall not render such products 
     ineligible for the procurement preference regardless of where 
     the coating processes occur, provided that final assembly of 
     the products occurs in the United States.


       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

              (INCLUDING TRANSFER AND RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The bill includes language that addresses the collection 
     and expenditure of pesticide fees, allows cooperative 
     agreements to Tribes, allows transfer of funds for the Great 
     Lakes Restoration Initiative, and authorizes amounts for one-
     time facility repairs. EPA shall follow the direction 
     provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 as it 
     utilizes its special pay authority, and submit a report to 
     the Committees on Appropriations that details the Agency's 
     use of such authority within 60 days of the date of enactment 
     of this Act. The report should include the number of 
     employees, by program office, that the Agency has hired in 
     the last two years using its authority. The report should 
     include a breakdown of how many employees were hired from 
     outside the Agency, and how many were internal hires.
       Rescission.--The bill rescinds $40,000,000 of unobligated 
     balances from the State and Tribal Assistance Grants account. 
     The Committee is aware that the Agency has $16,600,000 of 
     remaining balances from prior year special project 
     infrastructure grants that grantees could not use or 
     repurpose and therefore returned to the Agency. The Agency is 
     directed to rescind these balances; however, beyond this 
     amount the Agency is not to include any other unobligated 
     balances from prior year special project infrastructure 
     grants. The remaining $23,400,000 of the rescission shall be 
     taken from all other unobligated balances in the State and 
     Tribal Assistance Grants appropriation account, applying a 
     percentage that is proportional to the unobligated balance 
     remaining for each program project, except that the Committee 
     does not expect EPA to include brownfield infrastructure 
     assistance grants in the rescission. Thirty days prior to 
     executing the rescission, the Agency shall submit a report to 
     the Committees on Appropriations detailing the amount of 
     rescission by program project.

[[Page H9768]]

       Purchase Cards.--The recent Inspector General report 
     detailing significant improper transactions on purchase cards 
     issued to employees is concerning. Employees whose purchase 
     card transactions are found to be prohibited, improper, or 
     erroneous should have their purchase card privileges 
     immediately revoked. Further, the Agency shall submit a 
     report within 60 days of enactment of this Act to the House 
     and Senate Committees on Appropriations detailing what steps 
     it has taken to ensure further violations will not occur if 
     it wishes to reinstate the card, and that restitution by the 
     employee has been made.

                      TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES


                       DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

                             FOREST SERVICE

                     FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH

       The bill provides $296,000,000 for Forest and Rangeland 
     Research, which includes $70,000,000 for Forest Inventory and 
     Analysis. The following directions are also provided:
       The Forest Service is directed to continue making 
     significant investments in research and development and to 
     prioritize white-nose syndrome in bats, research to improve 
     management of the stressors impacting forests, and 
     development of markets to offset the increasing cost of 
     forest management. The Forest Service is urged to invest in 
     high value, high volume markets for low value wood through a 
     wide range of biomass uses, including nanotechnology, wood 
     for energy, and green building construction. This includes 
     innovative building systems to support growth in the market 
     share of wood in both residential and non-residential 
     construction; research, grants, and demonstration projects to 
     advance the use of wood products in high-rise construction; 
     and wood-based nanotechnology.
       Urban Forest Research.--The Forest Service is encouraged to 
     maintain a vibrant urban forest research program to assist 
     urban communities in inventorying and assessing the changing 
     conditions and health of urban forests and develop strategic 
     plans to sustain these natural resources.
       Bighorn Sheep Research.--The Forest Service is urged to 
     collaborate with the Bureau of Land Management and the 
     Agricultural Research Service on research involving the risk 
     of disease transmission between domestic and bighorn sheep.


                       STATE AND PRIVATE FORESTRY

       The bill provides $232,653,000 for State and Private 
     Forestry. The following directions are also provided:
       Landscape Scale Restoration.--The Forest Service is 
     expected to continue the competitive process and to award the 
     funding in a manner that provides each State with funds to 
     implement the highest priorities in their Forest Action 
     Plans, engage woodland owners in active forest management, 
     leverage non-Federal resources, and produce measurable 
     economic, ecological and social benefits. The Forest Service 
     is directed to report to the Committees on Appropriations 
     within 90 days of enactment of this Act on the progress made 
     during the first year of implementation and projections for 
     the coming year.
       Cooperative Forestry.--The Forest Stewardship Program is 
     uniquely positioned to engage woodland owners on active 
     forest management and conservation activities to address the 
     growing threats of fire, insects and disease, fragmentation, 
     and other challenges facing privately owned forest lands. The 
     Forest Service is directed to provide the Committees on 
     Appropriations with a report on its actions to improve this 
     program, better leverage partner resources, engage additional 
     landowners, and ensure sustained follow-up, as part of the 
     fiscal year 2016 budget justification.
       The Forest Service is directed to report to the Committees 
     on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment of this Act on 
     the progress being made with regard to salvage and 
     rehabilitation operations on the Stanislaus National Forest.
       Forest Legacy.--The bill provides $53,000,000 for the 
     Forest Legacy program. This includes $6,400,000 for program 
     administration and $46,600,000 for projects. The Service 
     should fund projects in priority order according to the 
     competitively selected national priority list submitted by 
     the Forest Service as part of its fiscal year 2015 budget 
     request.
       International Forestry.--The Forest Service is expected to 
     continue making investments in this program that plays a 
     large role in protecting the U.S. forest products industry by 
     improving the sustainability and legality of timber 
     management overseas, thereby reducing the amount of 
     underpriced and illegally harvested timber on the world 
     market.


                         NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $1,494,330,000 for the National Forest 
     System. The following directions are also provided:
       Integrated Resource Restoration (IRR).--The bill continues 
     funding for the IRR pilot in Regions 1, 3, and 4. The Forest 
     Service is expected to complete an evaluation during fiscal 
     year 2015 of the first three years of the proof of concept 
     pilot, including the metrics required in the initiation of 
     the pilot in fiscal year 2012. If the Forest Service expects 
     due consideration of a fiscal year 2016 request to expand IRR 
     beyond these three regions, the report should be provided no 
     later than 90 days after enactment of this Act.
       Land Management Planning, Inventory and Monitoring.--The 
     bill provides $37,754,000 for Land Management Planning and 
     $151,019,000 for Inventory and Monitoring. The agreement does 
     not approve the consolidation of these two line items.
       Travel Management Plans.--The Committees expect the Forest 
     Service to work with impacted communities prior to and during 
     the travel management planning process to gain comprehensive 
     information regarding current and historic road location and 
     usage and to ensure understanding of the social, cultural and 
     economic impact of travel management plans.
       Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness.--The Forest Service is 
     urged to provide sufficient funding for the maintenance of 
     rural airstrips in future budget requests and to consult with 
     Congress, State and local officials, and affected 
     stakeholders, prior to making a determination to close or 
     terminate the use of any rural airstrips. The Forest Service 
     is encouraged to work with local partners to facilitate the 
     rehabilitation of historic structures, some of which were 
     constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, to generate 
     revenue and provide opportunities for interpretation.
       The Forest Service is directed to report to the Committees 
     on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment of this Act on 
     its plans for continued operation of the Philadelphia Peak 
     radio repeater in the Green Mountain National Forest.
       The Forest Service is urged to target a higher board feet 
     volume and to implement larger projects and reduce unit 
     costs.
       Grazing Management.--The Committees direct the Forest 
     Service, to the greatest extent practicable, to make vacant 
     grazing allotments available to a holder of a grazing permit 
     or lease when lands covered by the holder of the permit or 
     lease are unusable because of drought or wildfire.
       Law Enforcement Operations.--The Forest Service is directed 
     to report to the Committees on Appropriations 90 days after 
     the enactment of this Act, regarding the steps taken to 
     include Law Enforcement and Investigations as an integral 
     participant in the annual forest planning process as a means 
     to ensure stronger collaboration among all partners and 
     focused enforcement strategies aimed at safety, interdiction 
     and mitigation of illegal marijuana cultivation on public 
     lands.
       Valles Caldera National Preserve.--In accordance with Sec. 
     3043 of the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 
     2015, this bill provides the Secretary of Agriculture with 
     the necessary authority to transfer all unobligated balances 
     from the Valles Caldera National Preserve account to the 
     Secretary of the Interior.
       Stewardship Contracting.--The Forest Service is strongly 
     encouraged to expeditiously prepare and publish draft 
     rulemaking to establish a small business set-aside program 
     for timber contracts undertaken using stewardship contracting 
     authority that is consistent with previous commitments made 
     by the Service and the Department of Agriculture on this 
     matter.


                  CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $360,374,000 for Capital Improvement and 
     Maintenance programs offset by a $17,000,000 scoring credit 
     related to the road and trail fund. The following directions 
     are also provided:
       Facilities.--The bill provides $71,600,000 for Facilities 
     including $16,231,000 for construction and $55,369,000 for 
     maintenance.
       Roads.--The bill provides $168,094,000 for Roads including 
     $24,640,000 for construction and $143,454,000 for 
     maintenance.
       Trails.--The bill provides $77,530,000 for Trails including 
     $7,753,000 for construction and $69,777,000 for maintenance.
       Legacy Roads and Trails.--The bill provides $40,000,000 for 
     the Legacy Roads and Trails program. The Forest Service is 
     expected to allocate this funding in a manner proportionate 
     to the distribution of roads in need of attention across the 
     system and to direct funds to regions most in need of road 
     remediation.
       Gifford Pinchot National Forest.--Within the Gifford 
     Pinchot National Forest, the Forest Service is encouraged to 
     give preference to the reduction of a road to Maintenance 
     Level l over decommissioning and to decommission only after 
     final plantation restoration work in Late Successional 
     Reserve habitat development, or on a portion of road where 
     resource protection cannot be adequately met by closing and 
     stabilizing.


                            LAND ACQUISITION

       The bill provides $47,500,000 for Land Acquisition. The 
     amounts recommended by this bill compared with the budget 
     estimates by activity are shown in the table below, listed in 
     priority order pursuant to the budget request for fiscal year 
     2015. The Forest Service is expected to use the Cash 
     Equalization, Critical Inholdings, and Priority Recreational 
     Access line items to acquire high priority lands that 
     maximize benefits to the public through consolidated Federal 
     ownership that creates management efficiencies, or protects 
     critical resources, including wilderness. The Forest Service 
     is directed to prioritize recreational access projects that 
     significantly enhance access to existing public lands that 
     have inadequate access for hunting, fishing, and other 
     recreational activities.

[[Page H9769]]



 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 State                        Forest Service              Forest Unit                Budget Request                   This Bill
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA....................................  California Southwest       San Bernardino...........                    $2,100,000                    $2,100,000
                                         Desert.
CA....................................  California Southwest       Pacific Crest NST........                     1,265,000                     1,265,000
                                         Desert.
CA....................................  Sierra Nevada              Tahoe....................                     2,200,000                     2,200,000
                                         Checkerboard; Royal
                                         Gorge.
MT....................................  Tenderfoot...............  Lewis and Clark..........                     2,000,000                     2,000,000
TN....................................  National Trails System...  Appalachian NST..........                       330,000                       330,000
WA....................................  National Trails System...  Pacific Northwest NST....                     2,700,000                     2,700,000
WA....................................  National Trails System...  Pacific Crest NST........                     1,320,000                     1,320,000
NC....................................  North Carolina Threatened  Pisgah...................                     2,100,000                     2,100,000
                                         Treasures.
NM....................................  Wilderness Inholdings....  Gila Wilderness..........                       500,000                       500,000
NM....................................  Wilderness Inholdings....  White Mountain Wilderness                       100,000                       100,000
KY....................................  Wilderness Inholdings....  Beaver Creek Wilderness..                        50,000                        50,000
AK....................................  Wilderness Inholdings....  Stikine LeConte                                 145,000                       145,000
                                                                    Wilderness.
CA....................................  Wilderness Inholdings....  Ventana Wilderness.......                       240,000                       240,000
FL....................................  Florida-Georgia Longleaf   Osceola..................                     5,000,000                     5,000,000
                                         Pine Initiative.
IL....................................  Mid-America's Great        Shawnee..................                     2,200,000                     2,200,000
                                         Rivers.
OR....................................  Pacific Northwest Streams  Siuslaw..................                       150,000                       150,000
WA....................................  Pacific Northwest Streams  Rogue River-Siskiyou.....                       350,000                       350,000
WA....................................  Washington Cascades-       Okanogan-Wenatchee.......                     2,700,000                     2,700,000
                                         Yakima River Watershed.
MI....................................  Great Lakes Northwoods...  Ottawa...................                       650,000                       650,000
WI....................................  Great Lakes Northwoods...  Chequamegon-Nicolet......                     2,500,000                     2,500,000
NM....................................  Miranda Canyon South       Carson...................                     2,600,000                     2,600,000
                                         Carolina's Longleaf.
SC....................................  Legacy Wasatch Watersheds- Francis Marion...........                     2,000,000                     2,000,000
                                         .
UT....................................  Bonneville Shoreline       Uinta-Wasatch-Cache......                     1,500,000                     1,500,000
                                         Trail.
CA....................................  Hurdygurdy...............  Six Rivers...............                     1,300,000                     1,300,000
                                        Additional project         .........................                     5,000,000                             0
                                         requests.
                                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal, Acquisitions............  .........................  .........................                    41,000,000                    36,000,000
                                        Acquisition Management...  .........................                     7,500,000                     7,500,000
                                        Cash equalization........  .........................                       500,000                       500,000
                                        Priority recreational      .........................                     2,000,000                     2,000,000
                                         access.
                                        Critical Inholdings......  .........................                             0                     1,500,000
                                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, FS Land Acquisition........  .........................  .........................                    51,000,000                    47,500,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         ACQUISITION OF LANDS FOR NATIONAL FORESTS SPECIAL ACTS

       The bill provides $950,000 for the Acquisition of Lands for 
     National Forests Special Acts.


            ACQUISITION OF LANDS TO COMPLETE LAND EXCHANGES

       The bill provides $216,000 for the Acquisition of Lands to 
     Complete Land Exchanges.


                         RANGE BETTERMENT FUND

       The bill provides $2,320,000 for the Range Betterment Fund.


    GIFTS, DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS FOR FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH

       The bill provides $45,000 for Gifts, Donations and Bequests 
     for Forest and Rangeland Research.


        MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FOREST LANDS FOR SUBSISTENCE USES

       The bill provides $2,500,000 for the Management of National 
     Forest Lands for Subsistence Uses and does not support the 
     proposed elimination of this appropriation.


                        WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $2,333,298,000 for Forest Service 
     Wildland Fire Management, which is $170,996,000 above the 
     fiscal year 2014 enacted level, (excluding the additional 
     fire suppression funding that was included as repayment for 
     fire transfers in fiscal year 2013). Of the funds provided, 
     $708,000,000 is for suppression operations, which combined 
     with $303,060,000 in the FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve 
     Fund fully funds the 10-year average for suppression at 
     $1,011,060,000. Total funding provided in fiscal year 2015 
     for Forest Service Wildland Fire Management accounts is 
     $2,636,358,000. The following directions are also provided:
       Wildfire Preparedness Operations.--The bill provides an 
     additional $65,000,000 for the acquisition of aircraft for 
     the next-generation airtanker fleet to enhance firefighting 
     mobility, effectiveness, efficiency, and safety. Funding for 
     the acquisition of new airtankers is essential to support the 
     need of the Forest Service to phase out numerous antiquated 
     aircraft and its desire to maintain 18 to 28 airtankers for 
     wildland fire suppression. While aircraft being transferred 
     to the Forest Service from the Coast Guard under the National 
     Defense Authorization Act, 2014 will be a helpful short-term 
     solution, the Forest Service anticipates a life expectancy of 
     six to twelve years once they take possession, due to the 
     mission stressors of aerial firefighting. Therefore, it is 
     critical to begin the process of developing a long-term 
     solution for air support in fighting wildfires. The Forest 
     Service is directed to budget for ongoing airtanker 
     modernization needs in fiscal year 2016 and subsequent fiscal 
     years, and to continue to provide regular updates to the 
     Committees on Appropriations on cost-containment and risk 
     management efforts and the budgetary impact of additional 
     aviation assets.
       The Forest Service is encouraged to evaluate existing 
     commercial satellite technology to determine whether such 
     technology may provide a low-cost early warning capability to 
     save lives and property.
       Hazardous Fuels Management.--The bill provides $361,749,000 
     for hazardous fuels management activities, $55,249,000 above 
     the fiscal year 2014 enacted level. Within this amount, 
     $15,000,000 is for biomass utilization grants, which the 
     Forest Service is expected to use for the development of 
     bioenergy and bio-based products that will expand commercial 
     markets for low value wood to facilitate increased removal of 
     biomass beyond traditional fuels treatment. The Forest 
     Service is urged to work proactively with States, as well as 
     new and existing local forest collaboratives on project areas 
     where risk from fire to communities, sensitive wildlife 
     habitat, and healthy forests is high, where risk can 
     effectively be mitigated, and where communities are 
     proactively investing in risk reduction activities on 
     adjacent private lands.
       Sage-Grouse Habitat.--The Forest Service is directed to 
     work collaboratively with the Department of the Interior and 
     other stakeholders in developing hazardous fuels management 
     plans that take into consideration the conservation of sage-
     grouse habitat. The Committees encourage the Administration 
     to seek additional funding in fiscal year 2016 and subsequent 
     fiscal years to continue this concerted effort.


                FLAME WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION RESERVE FUND

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $303,060,000 for the FLAME Wildfire 
     Suppression Reserve Fund.


                DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

                         INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE

                         INDIAN HEALTH SERVICES

       The bill provides $4,182,147,000 for Indian Health 
     Services. In addition to the table at the end of this 
     explanatory statement, the agreement includes the following 
     instructions and changes to the budget request:
       The agreement includes $662,970,000 for contract support 
     costs. This amount includes $45,765,000 to meet the fiscal 
     year 2015 shortfall estimate that was provided to the 
     Committees following submission of the President's budget 
     request. The agreement includes funds requested to re-pay 
     other budget line items which were reprogrammed in order to 
     cover the fiscal year 2014 contract support cost shortfall.
       The agreement does not include requested funds for medical 
     inflation.
       The agreement includes $914,139,000 for Purchased/Referred 
     Care, which is an increase of $35,564,000 above the fiscal 
     year 2014 enacted level. Additional dollars in support of 
     Purchased/Referred Care remains a top priority for Tribes.
       The agreement includes a transfer of $4,876,000 in loan 
     repayment funds from Hospitals and Health Clinics to Indian 
     Health Professions. In addition, there is a $5,000,000 
     program increase above the budget request for loan 
     repayments.
       The agreement includes $62,324,000 for the staffing of 
     newly opened health facilities. Funds for the staffing of new 
     facilities are limited to facilities funded through the 
     Health Care Facilities Construction Priority System or the 
     Joint Venture Construction Program that have opened in fiscal 
     year 2014 or will open in fiscal year 2015. None of these 
     funds may be allocated to a facility until such facility has 
     achieved beneficial occupancy status.
       The Service is encouraged to coordinate with the Bureau of 
     Indian Education to establish a pilot program integrating 
     preventive dental care at schools within the Bureau system.
       The Service is encouraged to work with Tribes and health 
     care organizations to find creative ways to address the 
     Service's health care provider shortage, including 
     improvements to the credentialing process.


                        INDIAN HEALTH FACILITIES

       The bill provides $460,234,000 for Indian Health 
     Facilities. In addition to the table at the end of this 
     explanatory statement, the agreement includes the following 
     instructions:
       The agreement includes $8,494,000 for the staffing of newly 
     opened health facilities. The stipulations included in the 
     `Indian

[[Page H9770]]

     Health Services' account regarding the allocation of funds 
     pertains to this account as well.


                     NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

          NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

       The bill provides $77,349,000 for the National Institute of 
     Environmental Health Sciences.


            AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY

            TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH

       The bill provides $74,691,000 for the Agency for Toxic 
     Substances and Disease Registry.


                         OTHER RELATED AGENCIES

                   EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

  COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

       The bill provides $3,000,000 for the Council on 
     Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental Quality.


             CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $11,000,000 for the Chemical Safety and 
     Hazard Investigation Board.


              OFFICE OF NAVAJO AND HOPI INDIAN RELOCATION

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The bill provides $7,341,000 for the Office of Navajo and 
     Hopi Indian Relocation.


    INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE CULTURE AND ARTS 
                              DEVELOPMENT

                        PAYMENT TO THE INSTITUTE

       The bill provides $9,469,000 for the Institute of American 
     Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development.


                        SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides a total of $819,541,000 for all 
     Smithsonian Institution accounts, of which $675,343,000 is 
     provided for salaries and expenses. The Committees maintain 
     their longstanding commitment to the preservation of 
     priceless, irreplaceable Smithsonian collections and have 
     provided funds, as requested, for improving the stewardship 
     of national collections. The Committees direct the 
     Smithsonian to provide, within 90 days of enactment of this 
     Act, a progress report on the multi-year effort to improve 
     the stewardship of national collections including those 
     within the National Museum of American History. The 
     Committees support the Smithsonian Latino Center's goal of 
     promoting the inclusion of Latino contributions in 
     Smithsonian Institution programs, exhibitions, collections, 
     and public outreach. The Committees continue to urge 
     collaboration between the Smithsonian Latino Center and 
     appropriate Federal and local organizations in order to 
     advance these goals and expand the American Latino presence 
     at the Institution. The Committees have not included 
     requested funding for the Administration's Science, 
     Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative 
     believing that the administrative costs of implementing such 
     a program are not sustainable and would divert scarce 
     resources that could be applied to greater advantage among 
     the Institution's existing programs. The Committees have 
     received the report requested from the Smithsonian in the 
     fiscal year 2014 joint explanatory statement describing the 
     Asian Pacific American Center's current activities and future 
     plans. The Committees support the Center's goal of developing 
     a more robust program, both within the Institution and 
     through external partnerships, which will promote a better 
     understanding of the Asian Pacific American experience.


                           FACILITIES CAPITAL

       The bill provides $144,198,000 for the Facilities Capital 
     account, of which $24,010,000 is to complete the construction 
     of the National Museum of African American History and 
     Culture.


                        NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $119,500,000 for the Salaries and 
     Expenses account of the National Gallery of Art, of which not 
     to exceed $3,578,000 is for the special exhibition program.


            REPAIR, RESTORATION AND RENOVATION OF BUILDINGS

       The bill provides $19,000,000 for the Repair, Restoration 
     and Renovation of Buildings account. This funding level 
     includes the requested increase to address fire protection 
     and life safety requirements in the East Building, which will 
     allow the building to reopen to the public, as scheduled, in 
     2016.


             JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

                       OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

       The bill provides $22,000,000 for the Operations and 
     Maintenance account.


                     CAPITAL REPAIR AND RESTORATION

       The bill provides $10,800,000 for the Capital Repair and 
     Restoration account.


            WOODROW WILSON INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR SCHOLARS

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $10,500,000 for the Woodrow Wilson 
     International Center for Scholars.


           NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

                    NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

                       GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION

       The bill provides $146,021,000 for the National Endowment 
     for the Arts (NEA).
       The Committees greatly value the longstanding collaborative 
     relationship between the NEA and the States. The Committees 
     commend the NEA for its work through its Healing Arts 
     Partnerships with Walter Reed National Military Medical 
     Center and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital to incorporate 
     arts therapy into the treatment of active-duty military 
     patients and their families. The Committees direct that 
     priority be given to providing services and grant funding for 
     projects, productions, or programs that encourage public 
     knowledge, education, understanding, and appreciation of the 
     arts. Any reduction in support to the States for arts 
     education should be no more than proportional to other 
     funding decreases taken in other NEA programs.


                 NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES

                       GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION

       The bill provides $146,021,000 for the National Endowment 
     for the Humanities (NEH). The Committees commend the NEH for 
     its support of grant programs to benefit Wounded Warriors and 
     to ensure educational opportunities for American heroes 
     transitioning to civilian life. The Committees commend the 
     NEH Federal/State partnership for its ongoing, successful 
     collaboration with State humanities councils in each of the 
     50 States as well as Washington, DC, the Commonwealth of 
     Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth 
     of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. The 
     Committees urge the NEH to provide program funding to support 
     the critical work of State humanities councils consistent 
     with guidance provided in the Consolidated Appropriations 
     Act, 2014.


                        COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $2,524,000 for the Commission of Fine 
     Arts.


               NATIONAL CAPITAL ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

       The bill provides $2,000,000 for the National Capital Arts 
     and Cultural Affairs program.


               ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $6,204,000 for the Advisory Council on 
     Historic Preservation.


                  NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $7,948,000 for the National Capital 
     Planning Commission.


                UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

       The bill provides $52,385,000 for the United States 
     Holocaust Memorial Museum.


                DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MEMORIAL COMMISSION

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The bill provides $1,000,000 for the Salaries and Expenses 
     account. The Committees understand that the Eisenhower 
     Memorial Commission is continuing to meet with the Commission 
     of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission in 
     an effort to refine the Eisenhower Memorial's design and 
     obtain final agency approvals that are required before 
     construction can begin. Less clear, however, is whether the 
     concerns of the Eisenhower family and Congress regarding the 
     Memorial design have been addressed satisfactorily in the 
     revisions that have been proposed. This remains an area of 
     significant concern for the Committees that must be resolved 
     before the project plans are finalized and ground is broken. 
     Resolution of any outstanding disagreements is in the best 
     interest of all involved in this effort and the Committees 
     hope this can be done expeditiously. No funds have been 
     appropriated to the ``Construction'' account for fiscal year 
     2015 because of ongoing delays in the planning and approval 
     process. The agreement includes in Section 423 of Title IV 
     General Provisions bill language contained in the Continuing 
     Appropriations Resolution, 2015 (PL 113-164).

                      TITLE IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement includes various legislative provisions in 
     Title IV of the bill. The provisions are:
       Section 401 continues a provision providing that 
     appropriations available in the bill shall not be used to 
     produce literature or otherwise promote public support of a 
     legislative proposal on which legislative action is not 
     complete.
       Section 402 continues a provision providing for annual 
     appropriations unless expressly provided otherwise in this 
     Act.
       Section 403 continues a provision providing restrictions on 
     departmental assessments unless approved by the Committees on 
     Appropriations.
       Section 404 continues a limitation on accepting and 
     processing applications for patents and on the patenting of 
     Federal lands.
       Section 405 continues a provision regarding the payment of 
     contract support costs.
       Section 406 addresses the payment of contract support costs 
     for fiscal year 2014.
       Section 407 addresses the payment of contract support costs 
     for fiscal year 2015.
       Section 408 continues a provision providing that the 
     Secretary of Agriculture shall not be considered in violation 
     of certain provisions of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable 
     Resources Planning Act solely because more than 15 years have 
     passed without revision of a forest plan, provided that the 
     Secretary is

[[Page H9771]]

     working in good faith to complete the plan revision.
       Section 409 continues a provision limiting preleasing, 
     leasing, and related activities within the boundaries of 
     National Monuments.
       Section 410 restricts funding appropriated for acquisition 
     of land or interests in land from being used for declarations 
     of taking or complaints in condemnation.
       Section 411 continues a provision addressing timber sales 
     involving Alaska western red and yellow cedar.
       Section 412 continues a provision which prohibits no-bid 
     contracts.
       Section 413 continues a provision which requires public 
     disclosure of certain reports.
       Section 414 continues a provision which delineates the 
     grant guidelines for the National Endowment for the Arts.
       Section 415 continues a provision which delineates the 
     program priorities for the programs managed by the National 
     Endowment for the Arts.
       Section 416 adjusts existing statutory caps for 
     international and domestic arts exhibition indemnity 
     agreements under the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act.
       Section 417 requires the Department of the Interior, 
     Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service and Indian 
     Health Service to provide the Committees on Appropriations 
     quarterly reports on the status of balances of 
     appropriations.
       Section 418 requires the President to submit a report to 
     the Committees on Appropriations no later than 120 days after 
     submission of the fiscal year 2016 budget request describing 
     Federal agency obligations and expenditures for climate 
     change programs in fiscal years 2014 and 2015.
       Section 419 continues a provision prohibiting the use of 
     funds to promulgate or implement any regulation requiring the 
     issuance of permits under Title V of the Clean Air Act for 
     carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, water vapor, or methane 
     emissions.
       Section 420 continues a provision prohibiting the use of 
     funds to implement any provision in a rule if that provision 
     requires mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from 
     manure management systems.
       Section 421 extends the authorization for American 
     Battlefield Protection program grants.
       Section 422 provides an extension of the current recreation 
     fee authority.
       Section 423 continues a provision modifying authorities 
     relating to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission.
       Section 424 sets requirements for the use of American iron 
     and steel for certain loans and grants.
       Section 425 prohibits the use of funds to regulate the lead 
     content of ammunition or fishing tackle.

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[[Page H9827]]

   DIVISION G--DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND 
        EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015

       The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and 
     Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015, put 
     in place by this division incorporates the following 
     agreements. Funds for the individual programs and activities 
     within the accounts in this division are displayed in the 
     detailed table at the end of the explanatory statement for 
     this division. Funding levels that are not displayed in the 
     detailed table are identified within this explanatory 
     statement.

                      TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

                 Employment and Training Administration


                    TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement notes that Tribal Colleges and Universities 
     (TCUs) are eligible for grants under section 166 of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Since TCUs 
     are well-positioned to positively impact the employment and 
     training of native populations, the agreement urges the 
     Department to give full and fair consideration to TCUs 
     competing for grant funds.
       The agreement includes language that allows the Secretary 
     to transfer and utilize additional funds to provide technical 
     assistance activities related to the implementation of the 
     WIOA. The additional funds are intended to be a one-time 
     provision only. The agreement expects the Department to use 
     the funds to help implement the WIOA as quickly and 
     effectively as possible.
       In January 2011, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) 
     issued a report entitled ``Multiple Employment and Training 
     Programs'' (GAO-11-92) and stated that ``even when programs 
     overlap, the services they provide and the populations they 
     serve may differ in meaningful ways.'' The agreement supports 
     efforts by the Department to work with other agencies, 
     specifically the Department of Health and Human Services, to 
     evaluate the delivery strategies and increase administrative 
     efficiencies in employment and training programs.
       Not later than 180 days after enactment of this act, the 
     Department, in collaboration with the other agencies 
     identified in the GAO report, shall submit to the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations a report on the status of 
     efforts to implement the GAO recommendation to facilitate 
     further progress by States and localities in increasing 
     administrative efficiencies in employment and training 
     programs. The report should also include how the Department 
     is supporting improved collaboration among job training 
     programs in response to GAO Report 12-97 entitled 
     ``Innovative Collaborations between Workforce Boards and 
     Employers Helped Meet Local Needs.''


                          OFFICE OF JOB CORPS

       The agreement notes continued concern about the 
     Department's mismanagement of Job Corps, and in particular 
     the deficient financial oversight which resulted in projected 
     costs exceeding the funding provided for the operations 
     account in program years 2011 and 2012. After the Department 
     implemented a series of cost cutting measures, including 
     freezes on new student enrollment, Job Corps ended program 
     year 2012 with more than $40,000,000 in cost underruns. The 
     agreement notes that Job Corps announced plans to increase 
     On-Board Strength, utilizing $12,000,000 from the underruns 
     to support this effort. The agreement places a high priority 
     on maximizing student enrollment within the appropriation 
     provided, and directs the Secretary to provide a report on 
     the policies and procedures in place to address this priority 
     within 60 days of enactment of this act. The Department is 
     directed to provide semiannual updates to the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations on its implementation of 
     the recommendations in the Office of Inspector General (OIG) 
     report No. 22-13-015-03-370 (May 31, 2013) and the OIG report 
     No. 26-14-001-03-370 (April 29, 2014) to improve Job Corps 
     financial management and controls.
       The Department is directed to submit in its fiscal year 
     2015 operating plan, in coordination with the Department of 
     Agriculture, a detailed and comprehensive estimate of all 
     costs and savings related to the closure of the Treasure Lake 
     Job Corps center.


              FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

       The agreement provides funding to carry out the Trade 
     Adjustment Assistance for Workers program at the requested 
     level to allow for the full operation of the program 
     throughout fiscal year 2015, including the provision of 
     benefits to groups of workers certified after December 31, 
     2014.


     STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OPERATIONS

       The agreement continues to support investments in 
     unemployment insurance program integrity activities, 
     including technology-based programs that identify and reclaim 
     overpayments. The agreement expects the Secretary to submit a 
     follow-up report by September 30, 2015 on the Department's 
     progress in meeting the outcomes identified in the plan 
     requested in Senate Report 113--71.
       To the extent that funds not needed for workload become 
     available at the end of the fiscal year, the Department is 
     encouraged to make funding available to States for program 
     integrity, performance improvement, and technology 
     investments, including associated implementation and 
     operational support services for each, with a portion of 
     funds not needed for workload to be distributed to all States 
     proportionally based on each State's base allocation.
       There is significant concern that automation acquisition 
     being carried out through consortia of States has fallen 
     critically behind schedule and that funds provided for this 
     purpose, as far back as fiscal year 2011, are at risk of 
     lapsing before the projects are completed. The Department is 
     directed to collect and approve detailed automation 
     acquisition plans for each project that include lifecycle 
     systems cost estimates and implementation timelines, and to 
     submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations a 
     report by April 1 of each fiscal year, until funds available 
     to consortia are expended or expire, that includes the status 
     of all project funds and analysis of each project's progress 
     toward executing the acquisition plan.
       The agreement supports the use of combining reemployment 
     and eligibility assessments and reemployment services and 
     training referrals to address unemployment and urges the 
     Department to use its evaluation authority to evaluate and 
     report on their effectiveness.


                  PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION

       The agreement treats investment management fees as program 
     expenses, not subject to the limitation on administrative 
     expenses established by this act. These fees will continue to 
     be subject to oversight through various mechanisms, including 
     reviews by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) 
     Board, PBGC Inspector General and GAO. PBGC should continue 
     to report on these expenses, including an analysis of the 
     forces driving any trends, in its annual congressional budget 
     justification.


                         WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION

       The Wage and Hour Division is directed to submit a report 
     to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 
     180 days of enactment of this act on the steps taken to 
     improve the process for wage determinations for public works 
     projects and correct the deficiencies found in the 2004 OIG 
     report titled ``Concerns Persist with the Integrity of Davis-
     Bacon Act Prevailing Wage Determinations.''
       The Wage and Hour Division is directed to submit a report 
     to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 
     120 days of enactment of this act on the methodology and 
     accuracy of the Adverse Effect Wage Rates.


             OFFICE OF FEDERAL CONTRACT COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS

       Compensation discrimination is one form of discrimination 
     that is prohibited by Executive Order 11246. The Office of 
     Federal Contract Compliance Programs is directed to seek 
     input from stakeholders on issues related to scope, content 
     and format of the Nondiscrimination in Compensation: 
     Compensation Data Collection Tool and to carefully consider 
     input and public comments on any proposed rule.


                    BLACK LUNG DISABILITY TRUST FUND

       The agreement provides $4,860,000 in addition to the 
     $25,543,000 requested in the fiscal year 2015 budget for 
     Departmental Management Salaries and Expenses within the 
     Black Lung Disability Trust Fund account. These additional 
     funds shall be used to reduce the backlog of black lung cases 
     pending before the Department.


             OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

       The bill continues the exemption of small farming 
     operations from Occupational Safety and Health Administration 
     (OSHA) regulation. The OSHA is encouraged to continue working 
     with the Department of Agriculture before moving forward with 
     any attempts to redefine and regulate post-harvest 
     activities, to include, but not limited to, storing, drying, 
     grinding, and other activities necessary to market farm 
     products to subsequent users in the agricultural value chain, 
     and clarify that this exemption shall apply to on farm post-
     harvest activities.
       OSHA is directed to notify the House and Senate Committees 
     on Appropriations 10 days prior to the announcement of any 
     new National, Regional or Local Emphasis Program including 
     the circumstances and data used to determine the need for the 
     launch of a new Program.
       OSHA is urged to consider all currently available 
     technology as it develops any new standard for workers' 
     exposure to silica dust.


                       BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

       The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is directed to conduct 
     a review of the methodology for the collection and reporting 
     of data for Metropolitan Statistical Areas within the Current 
     Employment Statistics program. Within 180 days of enactment 
     of this act, BLS shall submit a report to the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations on ways that reporting 
     for Metropolitan Statistical areas could be improved and any 
     estimated costs of implementation.


                        DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

                            IT MODERNIZATION

       The Department is directed to submit to the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations a detailed IT 
     modernization implementation plan by May 29, 2015. The plan 
     shall include: a complete list of all new systems and 
     significant improvements of existing systems proposed for 
     development; the projected cost of each development project

[[Page H9828]]

     each year to completion including the total estimated cost of 
     development; the estimated annual operations and maintenance 
     costs for each system once development is complete; and a 
     timeline and estimated maintenance cost savings of any legacy 
     systems that will no longer be necessary and are proposed to 
     be eliminated. The plan should also include an assessment of 
     the Department's information technology management controls 
     that includes: How the systems integrate into the 
     Department's enterprise architecture; an analysis of the 
     Department's project management capabilities; and a review of 
     the Department's information technology investment and human 
     capital management practices. The requested plan shall 
     address IT funding provided in this account, the related 
     general provision established in title I of this Act and 
     other spending authority planned for or proposed to be used 
     for such purposes.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The Office of Inspector General (OIG) plans to initiate a 
     long-term, cyclical oversight program to independently 
     review, on a prioritized basis, individual States' efforts to 
     identify and recover UI overpayments. The OIG should conduct 
     as many multi-State reviews as funding will allow in fiscal 
     year 2015 and submit a report to the House and Senate 
     Committees on Appropriations by March 31, 2016 on the 
     progress and effectiveness of this effort.

                           General Provisions

       The bill includes a new provision related to Pension 
     Benefit Guaranty Corporation actions under 4062(e) of the 
     Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
       The bill includes a new provision related to information 
     technology transfer authority.
       The bill includes a new provision related to the Fair Labor 
     Standards Act.

           TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

       The agreement includes tables within and at the end of the 
     statement allocating funding for the programs, projects, and 
     activities in this act. The agencies within this act are 
     directed to fully implement these allocations in accordance 
     with the statement, except as permitted by the reprogramming 
     and transfer authorities provided in this act. Any action to 
     eliminate or consolidate programs, projects, and activities 
     should be pursued through a proposal in the President's 
     budget so it can be considered by the Committees on 
     Appropriations.
       The Department is directed to include in its fiscal year 
     2016 congressional budget justification the amount of expired 
     unobligated balances available for transfer to the 
     nonrecurring expenses fund (NEF) and the amount of any such 
     balances transferred to the NEF. This should include actual 
     or estimated amounts for the prior, current, and budget 
     years.

              Health Resources and Services Administration


                           PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

       Health Centers.--Of the available funding for fiscal year 
     2015, the agreement directs not less than $165,000,000 shall 
     be awarded for base grant adjustments to existing centers and 
     not less than $350,000,000 shall be awarded for the 
     establishment of new delivery sites, medical capacity 
     expansions, and expanded medical services including oral, 
     behavioral, pharmacy, or vision services. In addition, not 
     more than $150,000,000 will be awarded for construction and 
     capital improvement projects. In addition, within the funds 
     provided for Primary Health Care, the agreement includes not 
     less than the fiscal year 2014 level for the Native Hawaiian 
     Health Care Program.


                            HEALTH WORKFORCE

       National Health Service Corps.--The agreement includes 
     section 223 of this act to modify the rules governing 
     National Health Service Corps (NHSC) to allow every Corps 
     member 60 days to cancel their contract. HRSA is directed to 
     evaluate the establishment of a demonstration project within 
     the NHSC in which optometrists are recognized as primary 
     health services providers for purposes of the Loan Repayment 
     Program.
       Oral Health Training.--The agreement includes not less than 
     $9,000,000 for General Dentistry programs and not less than 
     $10,000,000 for Pediatric Dentistry programs.
       Alternative Dental Health Providers.--While the agreement 
     continues to carry bill language that prohibits the use of 
     funds for alternative dental health care provider 
     demonstration projects, this language is not intended to 
     prohibit or preclude a State's ability to independently 
     develop policies to increase patient access to dental care in 
     underserved areas in order to address the unique needs and 
     demands of that State.
       Mental and Behavioral Health.--The agreement provides 
     $8,916,000 for Mental and Behavioral Health programs. With 
     increasing numbers of military service members reintegrating 
     into civilian life following multiple deployments, the 
     Administrator of HRSA is directed to devote the increase to 
     the Graduate Psychology Education Program for a special 
     effort to focus additional grants on the inter-professional 
     training of doctoral psychology graduate students and interns 
     to address the psychological needs of military personnel, 
     veterans and their families in civilian and community-based 
     settings, including those in rural areas. The agreement 
     continues funding for the Leadership Training Program in 
     Social Work to support centers of excellence at schools of 
     social work to help develop the next generation of social 
     workers and to provide critical leadership, resources, and 
     training.
       Public Health and Preventive Medicine Training.--The 
     agreement provides $21,000,000 for Public Health Workforce 
     Development and directs that no less than $6,000,000 for 
     preventive medicine residencies and no less than $4,000,000 
     for existing programs and residencies related to integrative 
     medicine.


                       MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH

       Maternal and Child Health Block Grant.--The agreement 
     includes bill language setting aside $77,093,000 for Special 
     Projects of Regional and National Significance (SPRANS), 
     which is intended to include sufficient funding to continue 
     the set-asides for oral health, epilepsy, sickle cell, and 
     fetal alcohol syndrome at not less than fiscal year 2014 
     levels. The agreement also provides $551,631,000 for the 
     State grants.
       Autism and Other Developmental Disorders.--The agreement 
     provides $47,099,000 for the Autism and Other Developmental 
     Disorders program and directs that HRSA provide no less than 
     the fiscal year 2014 level for the LEND programs. Further, 
     the agreement acknowledges that the Autism and Other 
     Developmental Disorders program has demonstrated an ability 
     to develop early detection, education, and intervention 
     activities on autism and other developmental disorders. The 
     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced 
     that the highest rate of increased diagnoses for children 
     with autism is from minority and rural communities. HRSA is 
     directed to ensure that competitive funding opportunities are 
     made available to specifically target innovative diagnosis 
     and treatment models, including the use of telehealth 
     networks, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of Autism 
     Spectrum Disorders in minority and rural communities.
       Heritable Disorders Program.--The agreement provides 
     $13,883,000 for the Heritable Disorders Program, of which 
     $2,000,000 is provided for a new grant competition to support 
     the wider implementation, education and awareness of newborn 
     screening for Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID) and 
     related disorders. The qualifying grantee must have at least 
     five years of direct involvement in the effort to support 
     implementation of SCID screening in State newborn screening 
     protocols and offer a national network of medical centers to 
     provide linkage to care for diagnosed newborns.
       Healthy Start.--The Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) 
     program is an important component of many Healthy Start 
     Initiatives and that providing evidence-based interventions 
     are crucial to improving infant health in high risk 
     communities. HRSA is encouraged to continue to support the 
     FIMR program with Healthy Start funding while educating 
     Healthy Start Programs on the successes of the FIMR.
       HRSA is also encouraged to assist Healthy Start grantees 
     that did not receive grants in fiscal year 2014 due to 
     changes in the grant process, but were funded in previous 
     years, with transitional funding to help alleviate their 
     shortfalls.


                          HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS

       340B Drug Program.--HRSA is required to make 340B ceiling 
     prices available to covered entities through a secure Web 
     site. Funding was provided in fiscal year 2014 to implement 
     such requirements, including the creation of a Web site. HRSA 
     is directed to provide a briefing to update the House and 
     Senate Appropriations Committees on implementation by March 
     3, 2015. There are concerns that HRSA has been unable to 
     demonstrate that the 340B program benefits the most 
     vulnerable patients. In order to best serve the public need, 
     the program should examine its ability to ensure patients' 
     access to 340B savings for outpatient drugs. HRSA is directed 
     to work with covered entities to better understand the way 
     these entities support direct patient benefits from 340B 
     discounted sales.
       Poison Control Centers.--Increased education and outreach 
     services provided by the poison control centers to Medicare 
     and Medicaid beneficiaries could result in substantial 
     savings by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 
     The Secretary is directed to continue the discussions with 
     the Nation's poison control centers to develop an action plan 
     to achieve these possible new Medicare and Medicaid cost 
     savings.


                              RURAL HEALTH

       The agreement includes sufficient funding to continue the 
     five key program areas identified in the President's budget: 
     outreach services grants, rural network development grants, 
     network planning grants, small healthcare provider quality 
     improvement grants, and the Delta States network grant 
     program.
       Oral Health.--There is a significant need for dental 
     providers in rural communities who can provide oral 
     healthcare and education to individuals on the importance of 
     proper oral care and prevention, and concerns remain about 
     the number of unnecessary hospital emergency room visits for 
     oral health issues. The Office of Rural Health Policy is 
     encouraged to support mobile dentistry programs led by 
     properly licensed dental providers.
       Rural Access to Emergency Devices.--The agreement provides 
     $4,500,000 for the Rural Access to Emergency Devices program. 
     In past fiscal years, the funding was used to purchase 
     automated external defibrillators for public locations and to 
     train emergency responders in their use. The increase over

[[Page H9829]]

     fiscal year 2014 should be competitively awarded for the 
     purchase of other emergency devices used to rapidly reverse 
     the effects of opioid overdoses, as well as training licensed 
     healthcare professionals and emergency responders on their 
     use. Funding will be used to buy automated external 
     defibrillators and other emergency devices used to rapidly 
     reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and put them in 
     public areas where cardiac arrests and other life threatening 
     events are likely to occur as well as train licensed 
     healthcare professionals to include paramedics on their use.
       Telehealth.--The Office of the Advancement of Telehealth 
     (OAT) expands high quality medical care to rural communities 
     that do not have adequate access to medical providers 
     including many medical specialties. OAT is directed to use 
     these funds to expand existing telehealth networks and to 
     award new grants under the Telehealth Network Grant Program 
     while also increasing activities that demonstrate the use and 
     success of telehealth networks across the country.
       OAT is commended for its work to provide greater access, 
     quality, and scope of care to medically underserved 
     populations. OAT is urged to fund sustainable programs with 
     demonstrable accomplishments, placing particular emphasis on 
     programs seeking to aid diverse populations in regions with 
     significant chronic disease burden and evident health 
     disparities such as diabetes.


             VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM TRUST FUND

       HHS is directed to implement the Advisory Commission on 
     Childhood Vaccines' recommendations on maternal immunization 
     that were adopted in 2013 as HRSA administers the Vaccine 
     Injury Compensation Program under existing authorities.

               Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

       The agreement includes a program level of $6,925,776,000, 
     which includes $6,023,476,000 in appropriated funds for the 
     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 
     addition, it provides $887,300,000 in transfers from the 
     Prevention and Public Health (PPH) Fund and $15,000,000 in 
     Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (PHSSEF) 
     unobligated balances from pandemic influenza supplemental 
     appropriations.


                 IMMUNIZATION AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES

       The agreement includes a total of $798,405,000 for 
     Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, which includes 
     $573,105,000 in discretionary appropriations, $210,300,000 in 
     transfers from the PPH Fund and $15,000,000 in transfers from 
     PHSSEF unobligated balances. Within this total, the agreement 
     includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 317 Immunization Program.....................       $610,847,000
    National Immunization Survey.....................         12,864,000
Influenza Planning and Response......................        187,558,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Cost Estimates.--CDC is requested to update its report on 
     estimated funding needs of the Section 317 Immunization 
     Program, which should be submitted not later than February 1, 
     2015, to reflect fiscal year 2016 cost estimates.
       Influenza.--The agreement directs the Department to use 
     $15,000,000 in pandemic influenza supplemental balances to 
     support CDC's global influenza activity. CDC and the 
     Department are expected to clearly identify in budget 
     documents when and how prior year supplemental appropriations 
     are used.


     HIV/AIDS, VIRAL HEPATITIS, SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND 
                        TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION

       The agreement includes $1,117,609,000 for HIV/AIDS, Viral 
     Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Tuberculosis 
     Prevention, in discretionary appropriations.
       Within this total, the agreement includes the following 
     amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic HIV/AIDS Prevention and Research............       $786,712,000
    HIV Prevention by Health Departments.............        397,161,000
    HIV Surveillance.................................        119,861,000
    Activities to Improve Program Effectiveness......        103,208,000
    National, Regional, Local, Community and Other           135,401,000
     Organizations...................................
    School Health....................................         31,081,000
Viral Hepatitis......................................         31,331,000
Sexually Transmitted Infections......................        157,310,000
Tuberculosis.........................................        142,256,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       HIV Screening.--The agreement notes concerns have been 
     raised related to CDC's promotion of draft HIV screening 
     algorithms that would limit antibody testing.
       Tuberculosis (TB).--The agreement notes the high costs 
     associated with treating TB, especially multi-drug resistant 
     TB. CDC and the Federal Tuberculosis Task Force are urged to 
     work with the FDA and other partners to identify long-term 
     strategies to ensure an adequate and affordable supply of 
     tuberculosis drugs.
       Youth-based Programs.--Youth under the age of 24 have one 
     of the highest rates of HIV diagnosis. CDC is encouraged to 
     improve outreach and education to this population via youth-
     based programs.


               EMERGING AND ZOONOTIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES

       The agreement includes $404,990,000 for Emerging and 
     Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, which includes $352,990,000 in 
     discretionary appropriations and $52,000,000 that is made 
     available from amounts in the PPH Fund.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerging and Zoonotic core activities................        $29,840,000
Vector-borne Diseases................................         26,410,000
Lyme Disease.........................................         10,663,000
Prion Disease........................................          5,850,000
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.............................          5,400,000
Emerging Infectious Diseases.........................        147,230,000
Food Safety..........................................         47,993,000
National Healthcare Safety Network...................         18,032,000
Quarantine...........................................         31,572,000
Advanced Molecular Detection.........................         30,000,000
Epidemiology and Lab Capacity program................         40,000,000
Healthcare-Associated Infections.....................         12,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       CDC Lab Capacity.--The agreement includes an increase of 
     $7,250,000 to increase CDC's internal lab capacity. CDC shall 
     use the additional funding provided to establish cutting-edge 
     lab diagnostics to improve rapid identification and detection 
     of emerging pathogens; establish an innovative e-pathology 
     system to speed communication and establish virtual specimen 
     sharing in real time; and increase research capacity and 
     safety in high-containment labs.
       Food Safety.--The agreement includes an increase of 
     $8,000,000 to apply advanced DNA technology to improve and 
     modernize our diagnostic capabilities; and enhance 
     surveillance, detection, and prevention efforts at the State 
     and local level.
       Lyme Disease.--The agreement encourages CDC to consider 
     expanding activities related to developing sensitive and more 
     accurate diagnostic tools and tests for Lyme disease, 
     including evaluating emerging diagnostic methods and 
     improving the utilization of adequate diagnostic testing; 
     expanding its epidemiological research to determine the 
     frequency and nature of the long-term complications of Lyme 
     disease; improving surveillance and reporting of Lyme disease 
     to produce more accurate data on its incidence; evaluate 
     developing a national reporting system; and expanding 
     prevention activity such as community-based public education 
     and healthcare provider programs based on the latest 
     scientific research on the disease.
       Responding to Emerging Threats.--The agreement continues to 
     support the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity and Advanced 
     Molecular Detection programs to strengthen epidemiologic and 
     laboratory capacity by providing critical resources to 
     address 21st century public health challenges.
       Surveillance.--The agreement commends CDC for its 
     surveillance strategy, and expects CDC to continue to take 
     steps to modernize and improve this strategy across all CDC-
     wide public health programs. CDC is urged to expeditiously 
     improve standardization and commonality of platforms across 
     all CDC systems, which would reduce duplication, tackle 
     workforce and informatics challenges at CDC, and State and 
     local public health agencies, and reduce the burden of 
     participation in surveillance. The agreement requests an 
     update on the plans and progress in the fiscal year 2016 
     congressional budget request.


            CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION

       The agreement includes $1,199,220,000 for Chronic Disease 
     Prevention and Health Promotion, which includes $747,220,000 
     in discretionary appropriations, and $452,000,000 that is 
     made available from amounts in the PPH Fund.
       Within this total, the agreement includes the following 
     amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tobacco..............................................       $216,492,000
Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity............         47,585,000
High Obesity Rate Counties...........................          7,500,000
School Health........................................         15,383,000
Health Promotion.....................................         19,970,000
    Community Health Promotion.......................          6,348,000
    Glaucoma.........................................          3,294,000
    Visual Screening Education.......................            512,000
    Alzheimer's Disease..............................          3,344,000
    Inflammatory Bowel Disease.......................            716,000
    Interstitial Cystitis............................            659,000
    Excessive Alcohol Use............................          3,000,000
    Chronic Kidney Disease...........................          2,097,000
Prevention Research Centers..........................         25,461,000
Heart Disease and Stroke.............................        130,037,000
Diabetes.............................................        140,129,000
National Diabetes Prevention Program.................         10,000,000
Cancer Prevention and Control........................        352,649,000
    Breast and Cervical Cancer.......................        206,993,000
        WISEWOMAN....................................         21,114,000
    Breast Cancer Awareness for Young Women..........          4,951,000
    Cancer Registries................................         49,440,000
    Colorectal Cancer................................         43,294,000
    Comprehensive Cancer.............................         19,673,000
    Johanna's Law....................................          5,500,000
    Ovarian Cancer...................................          7,000,000
    Prostate Cancer..................................         13,205,000
    Skin Cancer......................................          2,121,000
    Cancer Survivorship Resource Center..............            472,000
Oral Health..........................................         15,749,000
Safe Motherhood/Infant Health........................         45,473,000
Arthritis............................................          9,598,000
Epilepsy.............................................          7,994,000
National Lupus Patient Registry......................          5,750,000
REACH................................................         50,950,000
Community Prevention Grants..........................         80,000,000
Million Hearts.......................................          4,000,000
Workplace Wellness...................................         10,000,000
National Early Child Care Collaboratives.............          4,000,000
Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding....................          8,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Alzheimer's and Healthy Aging.--The agreement notes the 
     importance of developing and maintaining a population-based 
     surveillance system with longitudinal follow-up. The 
     agreement also urges that significant effort be made to 
     ensure comprehensive implementation of the action steps 
     listed in the updated Road Map. The agreement supports this 
     important initiative to further develop and expand the 
     surveillance system on cognitive decline and caregiving, 
     including widespread dissemination of the data gathered, and 
     to implement the updated Road Map.
       Burden of Disease.--The agreement directs the CDC Director 
     to implement a population-adjusted burden of disease criteria 
     as a significant factor for new competitive awards within the 
     Chronic Disease portfolio for Heart Disease, Stroke, and 
     Diabetes.
       Chronic Disease.--The agreement directs that the CDC 
     Director shall not consolidate programs under Chronic Disease 
     Prevention

[[Page H9830]]

     and Health Promotion in any manner, including through use of 
     contracting, grant, cooperative agreement, or other such 
     mechanism, which does not allow for an auditable accounting 
     process to certify that all the funding provided supported 
     the programs and activities at the levels identified in this 
     statement.
       Division of Oral Health (DOH).--The agreement provides the 
     DOH support for enhancements to the State oral health 
     infrastructure grants, national surveillance activities and 
     community prevention programs. The agreement urges DOH to 
     support clinical and public health interventions that target 
     pregnant women and young children at highest risk for dental 
     caries. CDC is encouraged to work across HHS to improve the 
     coordination of oral health surveillance in a manner that 
     reliably measures and reports health outcomes.
       Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Stroke.--The agreement expects 
     a significant portion of resources will support local 
     communities with the highest burden of these diseases. 
     Further, CDC shall conduct an evaluation of supported 
     activities to ensure they are effective and achieve the 
     anticipated results. The agreement requests a report within 
     180 days of enactment on how much of the funding directly 
     supported local communities with the highest disease burden 
     and an analysis on how CDC evaluates its program 
     effectiveness.
       Epilepsy.--The agreement applauds the CDC epilepsy program 
     for the progress it has made in advancing a public health 
     agenda to improve the lives of people living with epilepsy. 
     CDC is encouraged to support internal and external 
     collaborations that advance the recommendations of the 2012 
     Institute of Medicine Report ``Epilepsy Across the Spectrum: 
     Promoting Health and Understanding''.
       Excessive Alcohol Use.--The agreement includes an increase 
     above the fiscal year 2014 level for CDC to increase its 
     support of alcohol epidemiologists in State and local health 
     departments, and to widely disseminate existing research on 
     effective strategies for reducing underage drinking, 
     including translational research, and to make that research 
     easily accessible to the public.
       Interstitial Cystitis.--The agreement commends CDC for 
     developing partnerships to enhance awareness of Interstitial 
     Cystitis (IC). It also recognizes the progress made to assure 
     proper diagnosis and treatment of IC through the development 
     of continuing medical education and patient self-management 
     modules available online.
       Mississippi Delta Health Collaborative (MDHC).--The 
     Mississippi Delta Region experiences some of the Nation's 
     highest rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, 
     hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and stroke. The 
     agreement recognizes CDC's expertise in supporting evidence-
     based programs to prevent the leading causes of death and 
     disability and commends their partnership with the MDHC. The 
     CDC is urged to continue to support MDHC's work to strengthen 
     linkages between the community and clinical services in the 
     region and to continue CDC's support for implementation of 
     strategies that increase prevention efforts and improve 
     access to physical activity and healthy nutrition.
       Moderate Drinking.--The agreement notes that numerous 
     epidemiological and basic science studies have demonstrated 
     that moderate drinking can be beneficial to health by 
     reducing risk for coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, 
     and rheumatoid arthritis, among others. However, these 
     studies used different protocols or questionnaires, and may 
     be difficult to compare. The agreement urges the Center to 
     work with National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 
     on this issue.
       National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP).--The agreement 
     provides support for the NDPP that encourages collaboration 
     among federal agencies, community-based organizations, 
     employers, insurers, health care professionals, academia, and 
     other stakeholders to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 
     diabetes among people in the United States. The agreement 
     expects CDC to have measurable long-term public health 
     measures for this program that are reported annually in the 
     congressional budget request. Further, the agreement requests 
     CDC provide an update in the fiscal year 2016 budget request 
     on how this program coordinates with other CDC and HHS 
     programs.
       Obesity.--The agreement expands support for the rural 
     extension and outreach services pilot to support additional 
     grants for rural counties with an obesity prevalence of over 
     40 percent. The agreement expects CDC to work with State and 
     local public health departments to support measurable 
     outcomes through evidenced based obesity research, 
     intervention and prevention programs. CDC should focus its 
     efforts in areas of the country with the highest burden of 
     obesity and with the co-morbidities of hypertension, cardiac 
     disease and diabetes from county level data in the Behavioral 
     Risk Factor Surveillance System. The agreement encourages CDC 
     childhood obesity efforts to only support activities that are 
     supported by scientific evidence.
       Special Interest Projects.--The agreement directs CDC to 
     ensure that any funds used to support Special Interest 
     Projects will be competitively awarded through an open 
     process that is available to all qualified entities, 
     including non-profit organizations, small businesses, and 
     for-profit organizations.
       Vitiligo.--The agreement directs the CDC to report on the 
     epidemiology of vitiligo, including incidence, causal 
     factors, any associations with minority populations, and 
     hereditary occurrence. The agreement requests a report within 
     180 days on the medical research that has been done to date, 
     suggestions on treatment for consequent conditions, and 
     prospects for a cure.


              BIRTH DEFECTS AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

       The agreement includes $131,781,000 for Birth Defects and 
     Developmental Disabilities.
       Within the total for Birth Defects and Developmental 
     Disabilities, the agreement includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Child Health and Development.........................        $64,232,000
    Birth Defects....................................         18,074,000
    Fetal Death......................................            891,000
    Fetal Alcohol Syndrome...........................         10,505,000
    Folic Acid.......................................          3,121,000
    Infant Health....................................          8,639,000
    Autism...........................................         23,002,000
Health and Development for People with Disabilities..         52,440,000
    Disability & Health..............................         20,042,000
    Tourette Syndrome................................          2,000,000
    Early Hearing Detection and Intervention.........         10,752,000
    Muscular Dystrophy...............................          6,000,000
    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.........          1,850,000
    Fragile X........................................          1,800,000
    Spina Bifida.....................................          5,996,000
    Congenital Heart Failure.........................          4,000,000
Public Health Approach to Blood Disorders............          4,500,000
Hemophilia CDC Activities............................          3,504,000
Hemophilia Treatment Centers.........................          5,000,000
Thalassemia..........................................          2,105,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Birth Defects Prevention.--The Center for Birth Defects 
     Research and Prevention is commended for its work toward 
     greater understanding of the causes of birth defects and for 
     expanding the National Birth Defects Prevention Network to 
     include the work of the BD-STEPS program. CDC is encouraged 
     to allocate additional resources to expand the BD-STEPS 
     program, with the goal of incorporating States that do not 
     currently have a birth defects surveillance system. Priority 
     should be given to programs in these States that have 
     previously submitted meritorious applications but did not 
     receive grant funding due to budget constraints.
       Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs).--The agreement provides 
     $4,000,000 to expand CDC's surveillance of CHD among 
     adolescents and adults in order to better understand issues 
     relating to CHDs incidence, prevalence, disparities and 
     barriers to optimal care for those with CHDs.
       Hemophilia.--The agreement includes sufficient funding to 
     maintain the Center's hemophilia programs, particularly the 
     surveillance and research activities of the national network 
     of hemophilia treatment centers and CDC's national outreach 
     and education programs on hemophilia.
       Limb Loss Resource Center.--The agreement transfers funding 
     for the Limb Loss Resource Center to the Administration for 
     Community Living (ACL). CDC is expected to work with ACL to 
     ensure a smooth transition for grantees and those served by 
     this program.
       Thalassemia.--The agreement continues to support blood 
     safety surveillance at major thalassemia research and 
     treatment centers, as well as support patients outside of 
     major research and treatment centers by working with the 
     thalassemia patient advocacy community.


                   PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENTIFIC SERVICES

       The agreement includes a total of $481,061,000 for Public 
     Health Scientific Services in discretionary appropriations.
       Within the total for Public Health Scientific Services, the 
     agreement includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Statistics....................................       $155,397,000
Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Informatics..........        273,464,000
Public Health Workforce..............................         52,200,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia.--CDC is directed to 
     recommend ways to obtain more accurate and complete 
     measurements of the death rate due to Alzheimer's disease and 
     dementia and to develop a consensus on the mortality burden 
     of the disease.


                          ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

       The agreement includes $179,404,000 for Environmental 
     Health programs, which includes $166,404,000 in discretionary 
     appropriations, and $13,000,000 that is made available from 
     amounts in the PPH Fund.
       Within this total, the agreement includes the following 
     amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Environmental Health Laboratory......................        $55,870,000
    Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program......          8,243,000
    Newborn Screening/Severe Combined Immuno-                  1,175,000
     deficiency Diseases.............................
Environmental Health Activities......................         45,580,000
    Environmental Health Activities..................         17,703,000
    Safe Water.......................................          8,601,000
    Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry...........          7,820,000
    Built Environment & Health Initiative............          2,843,000
    Climate Change...................................          8,613,000
Environmental and Health Outcome Tracking Network....         34,904,000
Asthma...............................................         27,528,000
Childhood Lead Poisoning.............................         15,522,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Registry.--The 
     agreement supports CDC's national ALS registry, which may 
     help to identify the incidence and prevalence of the disease 
     in the United States and advance research into the causes and 
     treatments of ALS. CDC is encouraged to promote enrollment in 
     the registry and facilitate the use of registry information 
     for ALS research. CDC is also encouraged to continue to 
     consult with other Federal agencies, including the NIH and 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs

[[Page H9831]]

     to coordinate efforts and to avoid duplication.
       Environmental Public Health Tracking Network.--The 
     agreement includes sufficient funding for this network to 
     continue to support the 23 States and one city that are 
     currently funded through the program. The program has 
     strengthened State and local agencies' ability to prevent and 
     control diseases and health conditions that may be linked to 
     environmental hazards.
       Harmonization of Laboratory Test Results.--Laboratory 
     professionals use a variety of test methods to obtain 
     accurate and informative results to diagnose and treat 
     patients, which may result in the reporting of different 
     numeric values for the same test. CDC is urged to partner 
     with the private sector in ``harmonizing'' clinical 
     laboratory test results.
       Primary Immunodeficiency.--The agreement recognizes CDC's 
     support for physician education and public awareness for 
     primary immunodeficiency diseases and strongly encourages the 
     agency to maintain its efforts to elevate the understanding 
     of this important set of disorders.


                     INJURY PREVENTION AND CONTROL

       The agreement includes $170,447,000 for Injury Prevention 
     and Control activities.
       Within this total, the agreement includes the following 
     amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intentional Injury...................................        $92,001,000
Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence................         32,674,000
Child Maltreatment...................................          7,250,000
Youth Violence Prevention............................         15,086,000
Domestic Violence Community Projects.................          5,414,000
Rape Prevention......................................         38,827,000
National Violent Death Reporting System..............         11,302,000
Unintentional Injury.................................          8,598,000
Traumatic Brain Injury...............................          6,548,000
Elderly Falls........................................          2,050,000
Injury Prevention Activities.........................         28,950,000
Prescription Drug Overdose...........................         20,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention.--The agreement 
     applauds CDC's public health approach to combating this 
     problem. However, it does not concur with the 
     administration's proposal to fund this initiative through the 
     Core Violence and Injury Prevention Program because it does 
     not sufficiently target funds where they are most needed. 
     Instead, the agreement directs CDC to fund this initiative 
     through cooperative agreements that target States that 
     contribute significantly to the national burden of 
     prescription drug overdose morbidity and mortality. The 
     agreement directs CDC to incorporate State burden of 
     prescription drug overdose, including CDC's mortality data 
     (age adjusted rate), in the competitive process to test and 
     implement best practices for identification, treatment, and 
     control of prescription drug abuse. Further, the States are 
     expected to work with local businesses, medical providers, 
     medical organizations, law enforcement, and support not-for-
     profit organizations to prevent prescription drug overdose. 
     Further, the agreement directs that funding to States should 
     address data issues, improve data standards and the ability 
     to share data across State lines and nationally to improve 
     prescription drug overdose prevention activities. The 
     agreement expects the activities will include working with 
     States to establish or expand prescription drug monitoring 
     databases of physicians writing prescriptions for opiates and 
     pharmacists filling prescriptions. Finally, the agreement 
     requests CDC to develop performance measures with annual 
     targets for this program.


         NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

       The agreement includes a total of $334,863,000 for the 
     National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 
     in discretionary appropriations.
       Within the total for NIOSH, the agreement includes the 
     following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Occupational Research Agenda................       $114,500,000
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing.......................         24,000,000
Education and Research Centers.......................         27,445,000
Personal Protective Technology.......................         19,695,000
Healthier Workforce Centers..........................          4,976,000
Mining Research......................................         59,420,000
Other Occupational Safety and Health Research........        107,721,000
National Mesothelioma Registry and Tissue Bank.......          1,106,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Combination Unit Respirator.--The agreement notes with 
     concern the lack of progress by NIOSH in the development of a 
     certification standard for Combination Unit Respirators. 
     Therefore, the agreement directs NIOSH to provide an update 
     on the progress of the research needed to validate the 
     requirements and standards for combination unit respirators 
     within one year from the date of enactment.
       Facilities.--NIOSH is urged to maximize the use of existing 
     federally owned research facilities and property to conduct 
     its work, in particular its Catastrophic Failure and 
     Prevention, Mining Injury and Disease Prevention and Mining 
     and Surveillance and Statistical programs. Utilization of 
     non-rental, non-leased, existing federally owned properties, 
     such as those located near the newly revitalized Silver 
     Valley of Idaho, the gold mining areas of Nevada, the 
     platinum area in Montana, mines in Wyoming, and mines of 
     various types in Alaska, would allow NIOSH to use Federal 
     funds efficiently.


       ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS COMPENSATION PROGRAM

       The agreement includes $55,358,000 in mandatory funding for 
     CDC's responsibilities with respect to the Energy Employee 
     Occupational Illness Compensation Program.


                             GLOBAL HEALTH

       The agreement includes $416,517,000 for Global Health 
     activities. Within this total, the agreement includes the 
     following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global AIDS Program..................................       $128,421,000
Global Immunization Program..........................        208,608,000
Polio Eradication....................................        158,774,000
Measles and Other Vaccine Preventable Diseases.......         49,834,000
Global Disease Detection and Emergency Response......         45,360,000
Parasitic Diseases/Malaria...........................         24,369,000
Global Public Health Capacity........................          9,759,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Global Public Health.--The agreement requests an operating 
     plan, within 90 days after enactment, for all international 
     activities funded through this CDC activity to the 
     Appropriations Committees of the House of Representatives and 
     the Senate.


                PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

       The agreement includes $1,352,551,000 for public health 
     preparedness and response activities.
       Within the total for Public Health Preparedness and 
     Response, the agreement includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative            $643,609,000
 Agreements..........................................
Academic Centers for Public Health Preparedness......          8,018,000
All Other State and Local Capacity...................          9,415,000
CDC Preparedness and Response........................        133,797,000
BioSense.............................................         23,369,000
Strategic National Stockpile.........................        534,343,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Cooperative 
     Agreement Program.--The agreement is aware that State and 
     local health departments rely on the PHEP cooperative 
     agreement program to support their work with Federal 
     government officials, law enforcement, emergency management, 
     health care, business, education, and religious groups to 
     plan, train, and prepare for emergencies so that when 
     disaster strikes communities are prepared. The agreement 
     requests that the fiscal year 2016 budget request describe 
     how PHEP funding is distributed at the local level and how 
     CDC coordinates with States to ensure the funds are being 
     directed toward the highest priorities. The agreement 
     continues the traditional breakout of separate funding lines. 
     The agreement does not expect the cooperative agreements to 
     fund any CDC programmatic operating costs.
       Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).--The agreement is 
     concerned that CDC's response plans do not include guidance 
     to State, county, and local public health officials regarding 
     new acquisitions to the SNS and how those new acquisitions 
     should be used in a response effort. Therefore, the agreement 
     directs CDC to update all current response plans within 120 
     days of enactment to include countermeasures procured with 
     Project BioShield funds since its inception in an effort to 
     ensure that first responders and health care providers have 
     the most up-to-date guidance to respond to potential threats, 
     including anthrax, smallpox, and acute radiation syndrome. 
     Further, the agreement requests CDC to develop a process to 
     ensure that all plans are reviewed annually and that new 
     countermeasures acquired are in the plan within 60 days of 
     receipt into the SNS program.


                        BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

       The agreement includes $10,000,000 for Buildings and 
     Facilities.
       The agreement includes separate bill language for buildings 
     and facilities given the recent implementation of the working 
     capital fund and distribution of the funds to the appropriate 
     centers, in lieu of having this account within the CDC-wide 
     activity account.
       Underground Mine Safety.--The agreement is disappointed 
     that the administration has not taken steps necessary to 
     ensure that the mine explosive research capacity that was 
     present at the now-closed CDC Lake Lynn facility in 
     Pennsylvania continues to exist. The agreement is concerned 
     with the CDC's proposal to abandon plans to find an 
     alternative site for the underground mining research facility 
     at Lake Lynn. The Lake Lynn Laboratory and Experimental Mine 
     is a unique and critical resource for conducting large scale 
     explosion tests and mine fire research, which are essential 
     components of preventing accidents and disasters in the 
     mining industry. The agreement rejects the budget proposal to 
     redirect existing resources intended for a new mine safety 
     research center to other CDC facility projects and expects 
     this funding to remain available for an alternative site for 
     Lake Lynn. Further, CDC shall move forward with a new site 
     selection process and report to the House and Senate 
     Committees on Appropriations no later than 60 days after 
     enactment of this act on a specific timeline for replacing 
     this research capability.


                          CDC-WIDE ACTIVITIES

       The agreement includes $273,570,000 for CDC-wide 
     activities, which includes $113,570,000 in discretionary 
     appropriations and $160,000,000 made available through the 
     PPH Fund.
       Within this total, the agreement includes the following 
     amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preventive Health & Health Services Block Grant......       $160,000,000
Public Health Leadership and Support.................        113,570,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant 
     (PHHSBG).--The agreement rejects the

[[Page H9832]]

     Administration's proposed elimination of the PHHSBG. The 
     agreement restores the PHHSBG to a level of $160,000,000. CDC 
     is expected to provide these flexible funds to State public 
     health agencies. CDC is urged to enhance reporting and 
     accountability for the PHHSBG, such as providing technical 
     assistance to States regarding using funds for core public 
     health capacities that may not be supported through other CDC 
     categorical funding streams, such as information exchange 
     systems, health information technology, billing capacity, 
     public health accreditation preparation, and implementation 
     of evidence-based practices.
       CDC Director's Discretionary Fund.--The CDC Director shall 
     provide timely quarterly reports on all obligations made with 
     the Director's Discretionary Fund to the Appropriations 
     Committees of the House of Representatives and Senate.
       Grant Table.--The agreement directs the CDC Director to 
     include in the fiscal year 2016 and future budget requests a 
     table that identifies each type of grant awarded under each 
     CDC program. It should clearly include for each program the 
     percentage of funds awarded by formula and non-formula for 
     each type of and competitive grant for each of the past three 
     years, current year, and budget year.
       Public Health Leadership and Support Detail.--The agreement 
     expects the budget request for fiscal year 2016 and future 
     years to include specific breakouts and details by budget 
     activity with typical object class data for each activity.
       Single Web-based Data Collection Information Technology 
     (IT) Platform.--The agreement recognizes the efforts by CDC 
     to develop a plan for a single Web-based data collection IT 
     platform for public health. A significant need exists for an 
     agile, cloud-based, and flexible IT platform to reduce the 
     reporting burden on State public health departments, and 
     create economic efficiencies. The agreement directs CDC to 
     continue to work with State and local health officials to 
     develop a timeline for a cloud-based and flexible IT public 
     health data reporting platform for CDC programs and provide 
     it to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees no later 
     than 180 days after enactment of this act.
       Scientific Research Coordination with NIH.--The agreement 
     directs CDC programs to coordinate with the Institutes and 
     Centers of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and share 
     scientific gaps to accelerate knowledge research related to 
     disease and prevention activity supported through NIH's 
     research portfolios. The Director shall include an update in 
     the fiscal year 2016 budget request on this effort.
       Strategic Plan.--The agreement includes language to require 
     CDC to establish a budget based on measurable public health 
     goals and objectives. Further, CDC is expected to develop a 
     report examining options on how to align funding based on 
     measurable public health and preparedness goals to address 
     counties with the highest burden of each disease.
       The agreement continues to support CDC public health and 
     preparedness activities in the following areas and requests 
     an update for each listed disease, condition, or topic in the 
     fiscal year 2016 budget request to describe the latest 
     efforts ongoing and planned for the fiscal year 2016 request:
       Advocacy Restrictions.--Describe mechanisms, processes, and 
     on-going efforts to educate its staff and recipients to 
     prevent violations;
       Autism.--How CDC works with NIH and other agencies to 
     identify research gaps;
       Chikungunya.--How the National Center for Emerging and 
     Zoonotic Infectious Diseases works with the Center for Global 
     Health on this cross-cutting issue;
       Cerebral Palsy;
       Colorectal Cancer;
       Duchene Muscular Dystrophy;
       Duplication.--Process to ensure no funds support activities 
     funded via a competitive announcement from the NIH or other 
     Federal agency, such as the Federal Trade Commission's report 
     to Congress on alcohol industry self-regulatory initiatives;
       Fragile X;
       Global Health Strategy.--How CDC, FDA, and NIH jointly 
     develop, coordinate, plan, and prioritize global health 
     research activities;
       Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs);
       Hepatitis C.--Details on progress and activities undertaken 
     to prevent new infections;
       Inflammatory Bowel Disease;
       National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Registry;
       National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network;
       Neglected Tropical Diseases;
       National Lupus Patient Registry;
       Ovarian Cancer;
       Public Health Emergency Preparedness Index;
       Preterm Birth;
       Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Data Collection;
       Sepsis;
       Tourette Syndrome;
       Thalassemia;
       Vaccine Safety.--Specific actions with State and local 
     officials and the provider community to reduce waste and 
     ensure vaccine potency;
       West Virginia Tap Project; and
       Spina Bifida Registry.

                     National Institutes of Health

       The National Institutes of Health (NIH) receives a total of 
     $30,084,304,000 in this agreement. Within this total, 
     increases are generally distributed proportionately among NIH 
     Institutes and Centers (ICs). Additional amounts have been 
     added to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), in 
     recognition of the Alzheimer's disease research initiative 
     throughout NIH, several institutes received support in 
     connection with the Brain Research through Application of 
     Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) initiative, National 
     Cancer Institute for cancer research, and the Common Fund to 
     support the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act (Kids 
     First).
       The agreement also includes an important reform for NIH and 
     the stakeholder community. In response to growing concern at 
     the loss of NIH funds to PHS Act section 241 transfers, the 
     agreement reforms section 241 allocations such that NIH, 
     still subject to the transfer, now will receive $715,000,000 
     in return which is more than the estimated $700,000,000 it 
     will contribute. All the section 241 transfer funds are 
     allocated to the National Institute of General Medical 
     Sciences (NIGMS). This reform ensures the section 241 
     transfers are a net benefit to NIH rather than a liability.
       The NIH is expected to base its funding decisions only on 
     scientific opportunities and the peer review process. In 
     accordance with longstanding tradition, funding is not 
     directed to any specific disease research area.
       The agreement notes concern that the number of Ruth L. 
     Kirschstein National Research Service Awards has declined 
     since fiscal year 2007. The agreement expects the NIH to 
     provide no less than last year in stipend levels and training 
     awards.
       The agreement expects NIH to promote the advancement of 
     biomedical science in a manner that builds public trust and 
     accountability and expects NIH to conduct rigorous oversight 
     prior to the awarding of funds to ensure that all grants are 
     connected to the core mission and priorities of NIH.
       Recent GAO reports (GAO-14-490R and GAO-14-246) on NIH 
     research allocations highlight that NIH's research allocation 
     process does not significantly take into account any method 
     related to burden of disease on the American public, such as 
     death or prevalence rate. Therefore, the agreement urges NIH 
     to ensure research dollars are invested in areas in which 
     Americans lives may be improved.
       The agreement continues to protect the Clinical and 
     Translational Science Awards program, the Institutional 
     Development Awards program, and the mission of the National 
     Children's Study.
       The Common Fund is supported as a set-aside within the 
     Office of the Director at $545,639,000, which includes the 
     $12,600,000 to support pediatric research as described in the 
     recently enacted Kids First legislation.
       The agreement directs the NIH Director and each IC Director 
     to ensure a process is in place to make certain new 
     scientific information reaches the public and health care 
     providers through the various other HHS outreach programs. 
     The agreement requests a report within 180 days of enactment 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate 
     on how this process operates across each IC and the HHS 
     agencies, with an eye toward reducing duplication, and 
     improving dissemination of information.
       Administrative Burden Workgroup.--The agreement for FY 2014 
     requested that the NIH Director to initiate an Administrative 
     Burden Workgroup that included relevant stakeholders to 
     develop a plan to reduce the administrative burden on 
     grantees and their organizations. The NIH has not yet 
     chartered this workgroup and is directed to do so within 60 
     days of enactment and conduct the first meeting within 30 
     days of that date. The agreement requests a copy of the plan 
     and any applicable goals or reduction targets within 180 days 
     of enactment to the Committees on Appropriations of the House 
     of Representatives and the Senate.
       Antibiotic Resistance.--The agreement reflects concern 
     about growing antibiotic resistance. The agreement encourages 
     NIAID, BARDA, CDC, and other appropriate partners, within 180 
     days, to conduct a workshop and develop a coordinated action 
     plan to address research, public health and preparedness 
     issues in this field. It is anticipated that NIAID will work 
     with partners to develop a comprehensive plan with a timeline 
     and measurable objectives for each partner to address the 
     issues over the next five years. The agreement also urges 
     NIAID to increase its efforts to accelerate the development 
     of new antibiotics.
       Alzheimer's Disease.--The agreement includes an increase of 
     $25,000,000 for NIA. In keeping with longstanding practice, 
     the agreement does not recommend a specific amount of NIH 
     funding for this purpose or for any other individual disease. 
     Doing so would establish a dangerous precedent that could 
     politicize the NIH peer review system. Nevertheless, in 
     recognition that Alzheimer's disease poses a serious threat 
     to the Nation's long-term health and economic stability, the 
     agreement expects that a significant portion of the 
     recommended increase for NIA should be directed to research 
     on Alzheimer's. The exact amount should be determined by 
     scientific opportunity of additional research on this disease 
     and the quality of grant applications that are submitted for 
     Alzheimer's relative to those submitted for other diseases.
       Autism and Telehealth.--The agreement supports NIMH's 
     funding of meaningful research into the use of telehealth 
     resources in

[[Page H9833]]

     the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. 
     NIMH shall report to the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations within 90 days of enactment of this act 
     detailing the current research opportunities involving 
     telehealth and autism diagnosis and treatment.
       Basic Biomedical Research.--The agreement urges the NIH 
     Director to continue the traditional focus on basic 
     biomedical research. The purpose of basic research is to 
     discover the nature and mechanics of disease and identify 
     potential therapeutic avenues likely to lead to the 
     prevention and treatment of human disease. Without this early 
     scientific investigation, future development of treatments 
     and cures would be impossible. Basic biomedical research must 
     remain a key component of both the intramural and extramural 
     research portfolio at the NIH.
       Big Data.--The agreement continues to expect NIH to protect 
     the privacy of individuals who are the subject of research. 
     As the Big Data to Knowledge Initiative (or any similar 
     initiative) creates new methods of collecting data from 
     research, attention must be paid to new ways of protecting 
     the data of individuals involved. NIH is directed to include 
     requirements related to privacy protections in every grant 
     that involves human research, such as the issuance of 
     certificates of confidentiality.
       Blue Ribbon Commission on Scientific Standing.--The 
     agreement directs the NIH Office of the Director to fund, in 
     consultation with the National Science Foundation and 
     Department of Education, a contract with the National Academy 
     of Sciences to establish a Blue Ribbon Commission charged 
     with discerning American public opinion on, understanding of, 
     and acceptance of scientific research. The Commission shall 
     examine the present state of scientific repute in America and 
     present recommendations for how to improve scientific 
     literacy, education, and enhance scientific regard amongst 
     the American public.
       Cardiovascular Disease.--The agreement reflects awareness 
     that in March 2014, Cambridge University researchers reported 
     that current evidence does not clearly support cardiovascular 
     guidelines that encourage high consumption of polyunsaturated 
     fatty acids and low consumption of total saturated fats. The 
     agreement recognizes that these findings create conflicting 
     information being provided to the public. The agreement 
     requests NHLBI convene a state of the science meeting within 
     180 days after enactment with participants from CDC and other 
     appropriate scientists from all sides of this debate to 
     identify the open questions arising from this new study.
       Clinical Trials.--The agreement requests GAO to conduct a 
     review of how NIH applied the recommendations from the 2010 
     IOM report on NCI's clinical trials across all NIH ICs to 
     improve NIH-wide clinical trial activity. Specifically, the 
     review should provide recommendations related to 
     administering, monitoring, managing, and supporting an 
     appropriate NIH-wide portfolio of clinical trial activity. 
     Further, the agreement expects NIH to review its policies and 
     make changes as appropriate to ensure appropriate minority 
     participation in clinical trials across all NIH ICs.
       Commitment to New and Early Stage Investigators.--The 
     agreement appreciates NIH's commitment to identifying and 
     attracting new biomedical researchers and expects it will 
     continue to explore novel ways to encourage early transition 
     to independence. The agreement reflects significant concern 
     that the average age at which an investigator first obtains 
     R01 funding from NIH remains around age 42. Therefore, NIH is 
     directed to develop a new approach with actionable steps to 
     reduce the average age at which an investigator first obtains 
     R01 funding. The agreement requests NIH to provide the 
     Committees a report within 120 days of enactment on the steps 
     it will take, measurement methods, and a senior level IC 
     Director monitoring plan. Further, the plan should include an 
     analysis of the role of the universities in this effort. It 
     is also requested that future budget requests include the 
     past ten years of actual data on the average age at which an 
     investigator obtains R01 funding and the next three years of 
     future estimates.
       Common Fund.--NIH is expected to continue the longstanding 
     policy for Common Fund projects to be short-term, high-impact 
     awards, with no projects receiving funding for more than 10 
     years. Funding is not included for research within the Common 
     Fund specifically related to health care financing reform and 
     insurance incentive activities related to the Affordable Care 
     Act. The agreement continues to encourage NIH to consider 
     research related to new treatments, diagnostics, and the 
     impact of widespread adoption of the results of biomedical 
     science done with taxpayer dollars.
       Dental Caries.--Although dental caries have significantly 
     decreased for most Americans over the past four decades, 
     disparities remain among some population groups. The 
     agreement is concerned with these trends and encourages NIDCR 
     to explore more opportunities related to dental caries 
     research. In addition, NIDCR should coordinate with CDC 
     Division of Oral Health to identify research opportunities.
       Enhanced NIH Reporting on Research Spending by Disease and 
     Affected Populations.--The NIH reports and makes available to 
     the public on an annual basis the amount of research spending 
     by disease. This information is helpful and provides insight 
     to the public and the research community about overall NIH 
     research. The agreement requests NIH include, no later than 
     180 days after enactment and thereafter, the number of 
     Americans affected by each category listed in the RCDC 
     database, according to CDC or another federally-sourced data 
     file.
       Extramural and Intramural Research.--The agreement requests 
     an update in the fiscal year 2016 budget request on what 
     processes NIH has in place to ensure consistency between the 
     application of scientific policies to both extramural and 
     intramural researchers. The update should also describe how 
     NIH has implemented the request that all peer reviewers for 
     extramural research are provided detailed knowledge on the 
     scope of intramural activities that are related to the 
     subjects under consideration within their study sections to 
     prevent unintended support for duplicative research activity.
       Health Disparities.--The principles that serve as the 
     foundation of NCATS (public-private partnerships, community 
     outreach, and faster access to clinical trials) have 
     tremendous potential for addressing the long-standing 
     diseases associated with health disparities. NIH is 
     encouraged to support NCATS centers with a history of serving 
     health disparity populations so that research funding 
     provided through the various institutes can be leveraged to 
     address the higher incidences of cancer, stroke, and heart 
     disease disproportionately suffered by minority populations.
       Improve Data Availability.--The agreement directs that 
     within 90 days after enactment, the NIH Director should 
     submit a report that assures the Committees on Appropriations 
     that all journals supported with NIH resources are consistent 
     with the February 2013 memorandum from the Director of the 
     Office of Science and Technology Policy in the White House, 
     which states that data sets used in publications supported by 
     government grants should be made available to the public 
     where possible. The agreement expects NIH to take immediate 
     actionable steps to ensure all data from NIH supported 
     journals is available and reproducible.
       Institutional Development Award (IDeA).--Many institutions 
     in Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research 
     (EPSCoR) qualifying States that could benefit from the IDeA 
     program are ineligible for funding. The IDeA Director is 
     directed to develop a legislative plan, including legislative 
     language, to update eligibility criteria and specifically 
     incorporate flexibility into the program to address EPSCoR 
     eligibility. The NIH is directed to report to the Committees 
     on Appropriations within 60 days after enactment of this act.
       Microbicides.--With NIH and USAID leadership, research has 
     shown the potential for antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to prevent 
     HIV infection in women. NIAID is encouraged to continue 
     coordination with USAID, the State Department and others to 
     advance ARV based microbicide development efforts with the 
     goal of enabling regulatory approval of the first safe and 
     effective microbicide for women and supporting product 
     development and efficacy trials of alternative ARV based 
     microbicides.
       Moderate Drinking.--Numerous epidemiological and basic 
     science studies have demonstrated that moderate drinking can 
     be beneficial to health by reducing risk for coronary artery 
     disease, type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, among 
     others. However, these studies used different protocols or 
     questionnaires, and may be difficult to compare. The 
     agreement encourages NIAAA to undertake a multicenter, 
     multiyear clinical study to clarify the health impact of 
     moderate alcohol consumption.
       NIH Workforce Study.--NIH performed a workforce study in 
     2008 that examined the state of the biomedical workforce in 
     the United States and provided insight on the future 
     workforce capacity and the need for new investigators to 
     sustain the enterprise. The agreement requests NIH update the 
     NIH New Investigator Projection (PI) report developed by the 
     NIH Office of Budget, assuming level funding. It should 
     consider the historical data, success rates of new 
     investigators, the success rates of second R01 (first 
     renewal) applications for early stage investigators, trends 
     in the workforce, data and actuarially sound assumptions with 
     updates on the number of researchers who receive NIH F or K 
     funding who then go on to work in industry. In addition, the 
     report should survey the historical change over time of 
     university policies that feed into the length of time to 
     become a PI and use that data to update the PI projection 
     model to ensure it has the correct mix of new and experienced 
     PIs in the workforce.
       National Center for Complementary and Alternative 
     Medicine.--The agreement includes a provision to change the 
     name of this center from the ``National Center for 
     Complementary and Alternative Medicine'' to the ``National 
     Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.'' Since the 
     inception of this center, the practices it researches have 
     grown in use to the point that Americans no longer consider 
     them an alternative to medical care: well over half of 
     Americans report using a dietary supplement; CDC data shows 
     that Americans spend $3,900,000,000 annually on spinal 
     manipulation therapy; and a recent survey showed that three-
     quarters of healthcare workers prefer to utilize 
     complementary methods when suffering from illness or injury. 
     These methods are no longer being used instead of medical 
     care; they are increasingly being integrated into the 
     Nation's healthcare system, whether by practitioners or by 
     patients themselves. For that

[[Page H9834]]

     reason, the term ``alternative medicine'' is being retired in 
     favor of supporting research on integrative health.
       National Children's Study (NCS).--The recommendations of 
     the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) June 2014 NCS assessment 
     provided valuable insight. The NCS's goals and mission has 
     the potential to add immeasurably to the scientific knowledge 
     on children's health and the Committees on Appropriations 
     have supported this project for numerous years. The IOM 
     provided a framework of recommendations and concerns about 
     the recent changes to the NCS. The NIH Director is expected 
     to use this framework to ensure the mission and goals of the 
     NCS are realized to generate the anticipated returns from the 
     years of tax-payer support.
       NIH has an on-going workgroup reviewing the NCS that will 
     provide input to the NIH Director who will consider the NCS's 
     next phase over the coming weeks. In particular, the NIH 
     decision process should ensure full consideration of IOM 
     comments prior to any changes. The NIH Director is to provide 
     the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, within 90 
     days of enactment, a detailed report and plan about the 
     actions taken, decision making process, options under 
     consideration, and other similar structural issues identified 
     by the IOM.
       Nurturing Talent and Innovation in Research.--The agreement 
     understands that NIDA is considering a new kind of award, 
     which would blend NIH's Pioneer and new innovator award 
     mechanisms. The agreement requests that NIH provide the data 
     used to develop this approach, the expected outcome measures 
     for this mechanism, and annual updates on the progress 
     related to the measures prior to any forward movement on this 
     approach.
       Office of the Director.--The agreement encourages the NIH 
     Director to ensure all ICs continue to support the pathways 
     to independence program, which provides new investigators 
     with mentored grants that convert into independent research 
     project grants. In addition, the agreement continues to 
     support new innovator awards, pioneer awards, and the 
     transformative R01 program through the Common Fund. The 
     agreement has provided bill language for specific funds 
     authorized by the recently enacted Kids First Act within the 
     Common Fund to support the first year of the 10-year 
     Pediatric Research Initiative.
       Pediatric Cancer.--The agreement understands NCI reduced 
     support for some pediatric cancer clinical trials. The 
     agreement requests an update in the fiscal year 2016 budget 
     request with a summary of all pediatric cancer activity 
     supported in fiscal years 2013, 2014, and 2015 estimate. 
     Further, the agreement expects NIH to review how it can use 
     the Cures Acceleration Network (CAN) activity and funds to 
     develop regulatory and other tools that can be used to 
     accelerate the development of pediatric drugs.
       Pilot on Third Party Collections.--The agreement 
     understands from NIH that it determined, after much effort 
     that it could not effectively implement the 3rd party 
     collections pilot. Thus, the agreement deletes the 3rd party 
     collections language that appeared in prior appropriations 
     bills.
       Prioritization of Funding.--NIH is expected to prioritize 
     Federal funds for medical research over outreach and 
     education. The agreement expects NIH to distribute grant 
     funding in the spirit of its long-standing reputation as a 
     meritocracy, basing eligibility requirements on the merit of 
     the researchers' ideas and productivity, with no 
     discriminatory review requirements, and supporting both 
     research institutes and team-based research.
       Quarterly Updates of NIH Operating Plans.--The agreement 
     acknowledges the IC mechanism tables serve as the NIH 
     operating plans for available resources and directs NIH to 
     provide quarterly updates of these plans to the 
     Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate.
       Rehabilitation Research.--The agreement expects the NIH 
     Rehabilitation Coordinating Committee (NIH RCC) to host a 
     trans-NIH State of the Science Conference on Medical 
     Rehabilitation Research, develop and regularly update a 
     trans-NIH plan for medical rehabilitation science, and better 
     coordinate the grants to adhere to the definition of 
     rehabilitation research recommended by the Blue Ribbon Panel 
     on Medical Rehabilitation Research. NIH is urged to establish 
     certain benchmarks to assess whether the coordination 
     proposals being implemented are having a positive impact on 
     rehabilitation science at NIH. Finally, the agreement 
     requests the NICHD and the NIH Director receive an annual 
     briefing to discuss progress in rehabilitation research and 
     the level of trans-NIH activity in this area of research.
       Reproducibility of Research Results.--The agreement expects 
     NIH to stress the importance of experimental rigor and 
     transparency of reporting of research findings in order to 
     enhance the ability of others to replicate them. The 
     agreement concurs in the view that the gold standard of good 
     science is the ability of a lab to reproduce a method and 
     finding and is therefore concerned with reports that so much 
     published biomedical research cannot be easily reproduced. 
     The agreement expects that NIH will develop incentives for 
     scientists to undertake confirmation studies, best practice 
     guidelines that would facilitate the conduct of replicable 
     research and guidelines to encourage research transparency in 
     the reporting of methods and findings. In addition, the 
     agreement expects an NIH-wide policy and trans-NIH oversight 
     to address the replication concerns. The agreement requests 
     an update in the fiscal year 2016 budget request on the 
     activities NIH has on-going toward this effort, the annual 
     measure and amount of resources spent or estimated each year 
     toward this effort.
       Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM).--The 
     President's fiscal year 2015 budget recommends eliminating 
     several STEM programs at the NIH as part of a government-wide 
     consolidation of STEM education activities. The proposed STEM 
     consolidation would affect NIAID Science Education Awards, 
     NIDA Science Education Drug Abuse Partnership Award, NIEHS 
     Short Term Education Experience for Research, and NINDS 
     Diversity Research Education Grants in Neuroscience. NIH is 
     directed to continue funding these programs in fiscal year 
     2015 and sufficient funding is provided to do so.
       Study Sections Pediatric Expertise.--The agreement 
     recognizes the importance of having experts in pediatric 
     cancer serve on study sections that review pediatric cancer 
     applications to provide a better understanding of the value 
     and implication of pediatric cancer research proposals. The 
     agreement expects NIH to ensure that when study sections are 
     reviewing pediatric research applications they have permanent 
     or ad hoc members who are experts in the field as part of the 
     review.
       Transforming Basic Science to Preventive Medicine through 
     Technology.--The agreement requests NIH to develop an NIH-
     wide approach (including all ICs) to rapidly improve the 
     speed and validity of personalized preventative medicine 
     through the convergence of technology and biomedical science. 
     The agreement requests NIH hold a joint forum with these 
     types of industries, academic engineers, and appropriate 
     biomedical research organizations to develop a range of 
     potential scientific questions, capabilities, gaps, and 
     related biomedical scientific constraints.
       Undiagnosed Disease Program.--The agreement encourages NIH 
     to create a public/private partnership for the Undiagnosed 
     Disease Network (UDN) similar to other partnerships NIH has 
     fostered with other entities. The partnership should include 
     how the UND can support physicians who are handling cases of 
     undiagnosed diseases with new knowledge, consistent with 
     applicable privacy laws, including HIPAA privacy and security 
     law, through an ability to search for similar cases and to 
     network and collaborate with physicians handling similar 
     cases in order to accelerate the diagnosis, treatment 
     options, and improve patient outcomes across the country. The 
     agreement expects NIH to fully leverage the public/private 
     partnership with other federal research agencies to 
     facilitate even earlier recognition and improved treatment 
     options of undiagnosed symptoms and diseases across the 
     country.
       Women's Health Research.--The agreement notes the recent 
     25th anniversary of the NIH's Office of Research on Women's 
     Health. This office was authorized by Congress to correct the 
     gender imbalance of research and highlight the importance of 
     women's health issues to the larger scientific community. The 
     agreement congratulates the office on its longevity and 
     success. In that vein, the agreement supports NIH's recent 
     shift toward achieving balance between females and males in 
     pre-clinical research and encourages the NIH to ensure this 
     applies to experimental models used for basic science 
     research and that both males and females are utilized to 
     investigate diseases that affect men and women. It is 
     recommended that the NIH expand its current policies to 
     require NIH funded investigators to prominently indicate the 
     sex of their experimental model in their grant application 
     and progress reports. Further, those investigators studying 
     both sexes, should be required to report, and when 
     appropriate, analyze their data by sex as part of grant 
     progress reporting to the Agency. The same should be 
     encouraged in all published results resulting from NIH 
     funding. When it is unknown what proportions of women and men 
     are affected by a specific disease, NIH is encouraged to 
     require investigators to utilize valid experimental design 
     including consideration of sex as a biological variable in 
     relevant research on animals, cells, and human subjects, as 
     scientifically appropriate.
       The agreement recognizes NIH's efforts to include female 
     participants in all phases of pre-clinical and clinical 
     trials, as scientifically appropriate. The agreement also 
     supports requiring investigators to analyze study results by 
     sex/gender and minority subpopulations as appropriate, based 
     on the scope of the research. Proposals that include adequate 
     numbers of women and men and include a robust plan for 
     analysis, publication, and distribution of findings should be 
     given priority in funding decisions, when appropriate.
       NIH is directed to include in their biannual report the 
     proportion of women and minorities as subjects in clinical 
     research participant enrollment by trial phase and in all 
     studies of human subjects. The NIH is also directed to report 
     on preclinical research in terms of the proportion of studies 
     that incorporate sex as a biological variable and of those 
     studies which analyze data by sex as part of grant review, 
     award, and oversight processes and this data should be 
     reported by Institute and Center across the Agency.
       The National Library of Medicine is urged to implement 
     changes to Clinicaltrials.gov that will require users to 
     input the number of participants that drop out of trials and

[[Page H9835]]

     break those participants out by sex/gender and race.
       Valley Fever.--The agreement acknowledges the joint NIH and 
     CDC efforts to combat coccidiodomycosis, also known as Valley 
     Fever. Specifically, the agreement supports ongoing efforts 
     by NIH and CDC to develop a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) 
     to identify an effective treatment for coccidioidomycosis, 
     develop a vaccine, and increase awareness of this disease 
     among medical professionals and the public, which can help 
     with early diagnosis and treatments to reduce the length and 
     severity of this disease. The agreement encourages NIH and 
     CDC to work with relevant experts in coccidioidomycosis 
     endemic areas to consider RCT activity.
       Young Investigators.--The agreement requests NIH review the 
     grant success rates for early stage investigators in their 
     first two grant submissions to consider whether the grant 
     applications submitted by all early stage investigators, 
     regardless of whether they successfully achieved their first 
     submission, should compete against other early stage 
     investigators instead of all submissions as a whole.
       In particular, the agreement continues to support NIH 
     biomedical research activities in the following areas and 
     requests an update for each listed disease, condition, or 
     topic in the fiscal year 2016 budget request to describe the 
     latest efforts ongoing and planned for the fiscal year 2016 
     request:
       Amyloidosis; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Angelman 
     syndrome; ARV based microbicides; Autism; autoimmune 
     diseases; behavioral research and cancer; biomarkers; 
     botanical products to treat cancer; Brain Research through 
     Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies initiative; breast 
     cancer screenings; chemical risk assessments; chromosome 
     abnormalities; chronic constipation; chronic overlapping pain 
     conditions; chronic pelvic pain; chronic obstructive 
     pulmonary disease; congenital heart disease; contraception 
     research and development; cures related to blindness-inducing 
     illnesses; Cystic Fibrosis; diabetes; diabetes-related kidney 
     disease; DPCPSI portfolio analysis NIH-wide policies; drug 
     rescue and repurposing; Duchene muscular dystrophy; The 
     Entrepreneurs-in-Residence initiative; fiscal management; 
     focal gastric cancer; Fragile X research; gastrointestinal 
     cancer; global health technologies; health disparities in 
     children and adolescents; Healthy Homes; Hepatitis B; 
     heterotaxy research; high risk and high reward research; 
     human placenta project; implementation of CTSA IOM 
     recommendations; implementation of the Recalcitrant Cancer 
     Research Act; inflammatory bowel disease; information 
     technology related to behavioral risk factors for cancer; 
     infusion pumps; interstitial cystitis; Jackson Heart Study; 
     Kennedy's disease; liver cancer; lower life expectancy; 
     Lupus; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Malaria and neglected 
     tropical diseases; marijuana research; maternal morbidity; 
     medications in pregnancy; metastasis genetics; minority 
     participation in clinical trials; mitochondrial disease; 
     multiple sclerosis; National Pediatric Research Network Act; 
     Nephrotic syndrome; Neurofibromatosis; Network for Excellence 
     in Neuroscience Clinical Trials; non-small lung cancer; 
     opioid drug abuse; ovarian cancer; palliative care; 
     pancreatic cancer; pediatric low grade astrocytoma research; 
     pediatric kidney disease; performance measures for each NCATS 
     program, project, or activity; precision medicine; preterm 
     birth; psychosocial distress complications; psychotropic 
     medications and children; rare bone diseases; research 
     centers in minority institutions; research focused on drug 
     abuse in veterans; segmental glomerulosclerosis; scleroderma; 
     Sickle Cell disease; sleep disorders; Spina Bifida; spinal 
     muscular atrophy; stroke; telemedicine; temporomandibular 
     disorders; training and career development for clinical 
     investigators (``K'' and ``T'' Awards); translational 
     research results and expenditures since FY 2013; trans-NIH 
     basic behavioral and social science opportunity network; type 
     1 diabetes; universal flu vaccine; Usher Syndrome; vision 
     research relating to ``Regenerating Neurons and Neural 
     Connections in the Eye and Visual System''; and Wilms tumor.

       Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

       The agreement continues bill language directing the 
     Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
     Services Administration (SAMHSA) to exempt the Mental Health 
     Block Grant and the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment 
     Block Grant from being used as a source for the PHS 
     evaluation set-aside in fiscal year 2015, as was done prior 
     to fiscal year 2012.


                             MENTAL HEALTH

       Within the total provided for Mental Health Programs of 
     Regional and National Significance, the agreement includes 
     the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity:
    Seclusion & Restraint............................         $1,147,000
    Youth Violence Prevention........................         23,099,000
    Project Aware State Grants.......................         39,902,000
    Mental Health First Aid..........................         14,963,000
    Healthy Transitions..............................         19,951,000
    National Traumatic Stress Network................         45,887,000
    Children and Family Programs.....................          6,458,000
    Consumer and Family Network Grants...............          4,954,000
    MH System Transformation and Health Reform.......          3,779,000
    Project LAUNCH...................................         34,555,000
    Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration...         49,877,000
    National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.........          2,000,000
    Suicide Lifeline.................................          7,198,000
GLS--Youth Suicide Prevention--States................         35,427,000
    GLS--Youth Suicide Prevention--Campus............          6,488,000
    AI/AN Suicide Prevention Initiative..............          2,931,000
    Homelessness Prevention Programs.................         30,696,000
    Minority AIDS....................................          9,224,000
    Criminal and Juvenile Justice Programs...........          4,269,000
    Tribal Behavioral Health Grants..................          4,988,000
Science and Service:
    GLS--Suicide Prevention Resource Center..........          5,988,000
    Consumer & Consumer Support T.A. Centers.........          1,918,000
    Primary/Behavioral Health Integration T.A........          1,991,000
    Minority Fellowship Program......................          8,059,000
    Disaster Response................................          1,953,000
    Homelessness.....................................          2,296,000
    HIV/AIDS Education...............................            771,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans.--Many 
     localities have successfully used customized web portals to 
     assist veterans struggling with mental health and substance 
     abuse issues. SAMHSA is encouraged to promote locally-
     customized web portals in order to expand their use 
     nationwide.
       Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Integration.--The 
     agreement directs SAMHSA to ensure that new Integration 
     grants awarded for fiscal year 2015 are funded under the 
     authorities in section 520K of the PHS Act.
       Community Mental Health Services Block Grant.--The 
     agreement continues bill language from last year requiring 
     that at least 5 percent of the funds for the Mental Health 
     Block Grant program be set-aside for evidence-based programs 
     that address the needs of individuals with early serious 
     mental illness, including psychotic disorders. SAMHSA is 
     expected to continue its collaboration with NIMH to ensure 
     that funds from this set-aside are used only for programs 
     showing strong evidence of effectiveness.
       Children's Mental Health Services.--The agreement includes 
     bill language requested by the administration allowing SAMHSA 
     to provide technical assistance to communities wanting to 
     establish comprehensive children's mental health services 
     even if they are not current grantees. The authorization 
     currently limits the provision of technical assistance by 
     SAMHSA only to current grantees.


                       SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT

       Within the total provided for Substance Abuse Treatment 
     Programs of Regional and National Significance, the agreement 
     includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Budget Activity                       FY15 Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity:
    Opioid Treatment Programs/Regulatory Activities..         $8,724,000
    Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral, and              44,889,000
     Treatment.......................................
        PHS Evaluation Funds.........................          2,000,000
    TCE.--General....................................         23,223,000
    Pregnant & Postpartum Women......................         15,931,000
    Strengthening Treatment Access and Retention.....          1,000,000
    Recovery Community Services Program..............          2,434,000
    Access to Recovery...............................         38,223,000
    Children and Families............................         29,605,000
    Treatment Systems for Homeless...................         41,386,000
    Minority AIDS....................................         65,570,000
    Criminal Justice Activities......................         78,000,000
Science and Service:
    Addiction Technology Transfer Centers............          9,046,000
    Minority Fellowship Program......................          2,539,000
    Special Initiatives/Outreach.....................          1,432,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTC).--The 
     agreement rejects the administration request to reduce 
     funding for the ATTCs. SAMHSA is directed to ensure that 
     ATTCs maintain a primary focus on addiction treatment and 
     recovery services.
       Criminal Justice Activities.--The agreement provides 
     $78,000,000 for Criminal Justice Activities and directs that 
     no less than $50,000,000 will be used exclusively for Drug 
     Court activities. SAMHSA is directed to ensure that all Drug 
     Treatment Court funding is allocated to serve people 
     diagnosed with a substance use disorder as their primary 
     condition. SAMHSA is further directed to ensure that all drug 
     treatment court grant recipients work directly with the 
     corresponding State substance abuse agency in the planning, 
     implementation, and evaluation of the grant. SAMHSA is 
     further directed to expand training and technical assistance 
     to drug treatment court grant recipients to ensure evidence-
     based practices are fully implemented.
       SAMHSA is directed to make Criminal Justice funding 
     available for competitive grants to community-based providers 
     through the Offender Reentry Program to implement overdose 
     prevention programs for incarcerated and recently released 
     individuals. The Administrator is directed to ensure an 
     equitable amount of grant opportunities are available to 
     grantees that serve those currently in custody, prior to 
     release from incarceration, and continue for at least two 
     months post-release into community-based services as part of 
     a transition plan. Overdose prevention programs should 
     include an educational component that includes SAMHSA's 
     Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit. Additionally, grant award 
     decisions should give particular weight to overdose 
     prevention programs that collaborate with community 
     corrections and law enforcement entities as well as judges.
       Adult Behavioral Health Court Collaborative.--SAMHSA is 
     directed to provide a briefing within 30 days of enactment to 
     explain the basis for awarding Behavioral Health Court 
     Collaborative grants. There are concerns that such awards may 
     not be based primarily on factors that demonstrate the 
     effectiveness of these grants.
       Opioid Treatment Education and Training Programs.--The 
     agreement reflects concern that the United States has seen a 
     500 percent increase in admissions to treatment for 
     prescription drug abuse since 2000. Further, according to a 
     recent study, 37 States saw an increase in admissions to 
     treatment for heroin dependence during the past 2 years. To 
     address the ongoing opioid crisis, SAMHSA

[[Page H9836]]

     is directed to update all of its professional education and 
     training programs for opioid treatment programs (OTPs), 
     office-based opioid treatment programs (OBOTs) and other 
     addiction treatment settings, such that evidence-based 
     innovations in counseling, recovery support, and abstinence-
     based relapse prevention medication assisted treatments, are 
     fully incorporated.
       Prescription Drug and Heroin Treatment.--Of the amount 
     provided for Targeted Capacity Expansion, the agreement 
     includes $12,000,000 for discretionary grants to States for 
     the purpose of expanding treatment services to those with 
     heroin or opioid dependence. The agreement directs CSAT to 
     ensure that these grants include as an allowable use the 
     support of medication assisted treatment and other clinically 
     appropriate services. These grants should be made available 
     to States with the highest rates of primary treatment 
     admissions for heroin and opiates per capita, and should 
     target those States that have demonstrated a dramatic 
     increase in admissions for the treatment of opiates and 
     heroin in recent years.
       Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment 
     (SBIRT).--SAMHSA is directed to ensure that funds provided 
     for SBIRT are used for existing evidence-based models of 
     providing early intervention and treatment services to those 
     at risk of developing substance abuse disorders.
       Overdose Fatality Prevention.--The agreement reflects 
     strong concerns about the increasing number of unintentional 
     overdose deaths attributable to prescription and 
     nonprescription opioids. SAMHSA is urged to take steps to 
     encourage and support the use of Substance Abuse and 
     Prevention Block Grant funds for opioid safety education and 
     training, including initiatives that improve access for 
     licensed healthcare professionals, to include paramedics, to 
     emergency devices used to rapidly reverse the effects of 
     opioid overdoses. Such initiatives should incorporate robust 
     evidence-based intervention training, and facilitate linkage 
     to treatment and recovery services.


                       SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION

       Within the total provided for Substance Abuse Prevention 
     Programs of Regional and National Significance, the agreement 
     includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Budget Activity                      FY15  Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity:
    Strategic Prevention Framework/Partnerships for         $109,484,000
     Success.........................................
    Mandatory Drug Testing...........................          4,894,000
    Minority AIDS....................................         41,205,000
    Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking (STOP      7,000,0002006
     Act)............................................
December 11, 2014, on page H9836, typographical
 errors appeared in the first table beneath the
 header SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION.
The online version has been corrected to read as
 shown below.
        National Adult-Oriented Media Public Service           1,000,000
         Campaign....................................
        Community-based Coalition Enhancement Grants.          5,000,000
        Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee on            1,000,000
         the Prevention of Underage Drinking.........
Science and Service:
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder..................          1,000,000
    Center for the Application of Prevention                   7,493,000
     Technologies....................................
    Science and Service Program Coordination.........          4,072,000
    Minority Fellowship Program......................             71,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement directs that all of the funding appropriated 
     explicitly for substance abuse prevention purposes both in 
     CSAP's PRNS lines as well as the funding from the 20 percent 
     prevention set-aside in the SAPT Block Grant be used only for 
     bona fide substance abuse prevention programs and not for any 
     other purpose.
       Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant 
     (SPFSIG) and Partnerships for Success.--The agreement 
     provides $109,484,000 for the Strategic Prevention Framework 
     State Incentive Grant and Partnerships for Success program. 
     These two programs shall continue to focus exclusively on: 
     addressing State- and community-level indicators of alcohol, 
     tobacco, and drug use; targeting and implementing appropriate 
     universal prevention strategies; building infrastructure and 
     capacity; and preventing substance use and abuse.
       The agreement does not approve of SAMHSA's proposal to use 
     $1,500,000 from the SPFSIG to expand the focus of community 
     coalitions to include mental health promotion and mental 
     illness prevention. SAMHSA is directed not to use any SPFSIG 
     funds for this initiative.
       STOP Act.--SAMHSA is commended for delivering annual 
     reports to Congress that include best practices standards and 
     provide guidance to States regarding underage drinking 
     prevention policies. In recognition of the increasingly 
     strong evidence of a relationship between youth exposure to 
     alcohol marketing and underage drinking, SAMHSA is urged to 
     add to its data collection activities monitoring and 
     reporting of State laws and regulations that address alcohol 
     marketing targeting young people, including but not limited 
     to: sponsorships of family events, marketing on college 
     campuses, and signage in locales where children are likely to 
     be present. SAMHSA is also encouraged to initiate a 
     dissemination program to alert community coalitions, policy 
     makers, researchers, and other interested parties to the 
     findings and resources found in the reports to Congress, 
     working collaboratively with STOP Act Drug Free Community 
     coalition grantees. All funds appropriated for STOP Act 
     community based coalition enhancement grants shall be used 
     for making grants to eligible communities and not for any 
     other purposes or activities.


                HEALTH SURVEILLANCE AND PROGRAM SUPPORT

       Within the total provided for health surveillance and 
     program support, the agreement includes the following 
     amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Budget Activity                       FY15 Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Surveillance..................................        $16,830,000
    PHS Evaluation Fund..............................         30,428,000
Program Management...................................         72,002,000
Behavioral Health Workforce..........................         35,000,000
Public Awareness and Support.........................         13,482,000
Performance and Quality Info. Systems................         12,918,000
Behavioral Health Workforce Data.....................                  0
    PHS Evaluation Fund..............................          1,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement includes bill language requested by the 
     administration to allow funds tapped for emergency response 
     grants, as authorized by section 501(m) of the PHS Act, to be 
     available for an additional year. SAMHSA shall provide a 
     report within 90 days of enactment on its use of this 
     authority for the past 5 years, which should include the 
     amount of funds tapped from programs and the amount lapsing 
     at the end of the year.
       The agreement notes that SAMHSA is taking steps to change 
     the platforms used to collect data describing outcomes 
     associated with substance abuse grants and mental health 
     grants. Any data collection effort must reflect the fact that 
     mental illness and addiction are two separate and unique 
     diseases requiring different data elements to accurately 
     assess program performance. SAMHSA is directed to submit a 
     report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
     by March 31, 2015, describing any changes made to date; any 
     plans for additional changes to data platforms; the reasons 
     behind the changes; and the process by which input has been, 
     or is being, sought regarding any proposed changes.
       The agreement includes $1,000,000 for the Behavioral Health 
     Minimum Data Set, which will develop consistent data 
     collection methods to identify and track behavioral health 
     workforce needs.

               Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality


                    healthcare research and quality

       The agreement provides $363,698,000 for the Agency for 
     Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
       Within the total for Health Costs, Quality, and Outcomes, 
     the agreement includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patient-Centered Health Research.....................                 $0
Prevention/Care Management...........................         11,590,000
Value................................................                  0
Health Information Technology (IT)...................         28,170,000
Patient Safety Research..............................         76,584,000
    Healthcare Delivery Systems......................         10,000,000
Crosscutting Activities Related to Quality,                  112,207,000
 Effectiveness and Efficiency Research...............
    Investigator-Initiated Research Grants...........         45,882,000
MEPS.................................................         65,447,000
Program Management...................................         69,700,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement expects AHRQ to focus its research on its 
     traditional mission, such as improving patient safety and 
     preventing healthcare associated infections.
       Health IT.--The agreement continues to fund research on 
     safe health IT practices specifically related to the design, 
     implementation, usability, and safe use of health IT systems.
       Healthcare Delivery Systems.--The agreement includes a 
     $5,000,000 increase for Healthcare Delivery Systems grants, 
     or ``patient safety learning labs.'' This funding supports a 
     systems model approach to patient safety issues in order to 
     identify interrelated threats, generate new ways of thinking 
     about these threats, and establish new environments conducive 
     to brainstorming and rapid prototyping techniques.
       Investigator-Initiated Research.--The agreement provides 
     support for investigator-initiated research at the same level 
     provided in fiscal year 2014. Investigator-initiated research 
     should not be targeted to any specific area of health 
     services research so as to generate the best unsolicited 
     ideas from the research community about a wide variety of 
     topics. For this reason the agreement rejects the 
     administration's request to target $15,000,000 of the 
     investigator-initiated grants to health economics. No funds 
     are included for this purpose.

               Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services


                           program management

       The agreement includes $3,669,744,000 for the Program 
     Management account to support a broad range of activities 
     including claims processing and program safeguard activities 
     performed by Medicare contractors.
       Access to Home Health Care.--The agreement requests that in 
     the fiscal year 2016 budget request, CMS quantify and explain 
     how the policy directing physicians to conduct face-to-face 
     certifications for home health care has prevented fraud, 
     increased access to health care, and impacted costs to the 
     Medicare and Medicaid programs. The agreement requests that 
     CMS include in the budget request how provider documentation 
     for face-to-face encounters can be simplified. In addition, 
     CMS should provide a public analysis related to rebasing 
     Medicare home health agencies within 90 days of enactment of 
     this act.
       Budget Request.--The CMS is expected to provide the 
     detailed plans for all of the agency's mandatory and 
     discretionary resources. The CMS tables should include the 
     prior year actual, current year request level, current year 
     actual (based on the operating plan) and budget request year 
     level. Further, include a description in the fiscal year 2016 
     budget request on the CMS fiscal management processes.

[[Page H9837]]

       Congressional Notice.--CMS has not been providing 
     congressional notification on issues of importance to the 
     Committees, such as ACA innovation grants and Health 
     Insurance Marketplace enrollment figures. These notifications 
     often are provided to organizations and the media prior to 
     notification to the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations, and in some cases without any notification 
     provided to the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations. CMS is directed to notify the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations not less than one full 
     business day before ACA-related data and grant opportunities 
     are released by the Department.
       CMS Test Environment for Testing Industry Solutions.--The 
     agreement requests an update in the fiscal year 2016 budget 
     request on how CMS is making users aware of this IT solution 
     test space.
       Critical Access Hospitals (CAH)--The agreement continues to 
     be concerned about the proposal to eliminate CAH status from 
     facilities located less than 10 miles from another hospital 
     as this would require individuals to travel long distances to 
     access proper care and would fail to consider whether nearby 
     hospitals are capable of providing the services that would be 
     lost if a CAH is closed as a result of losing its 
     designation. It would also cause individuals to delay seeking 
     medical treatment and preventive care. The agreement requests 
     that CMS provide a report within 90 days of enactment of this 
     act to the appropriate Committees of the House and Senate on 
     how this proposal is expected to impact access to services in 
     rural communities, including the analysis and criteria.
       Demonstration of Part C and D Update.--The agreement 
     requests CMS provide an update in the fiscal year 2016 budget 
     request on demonstrations related to parts C and D. It should 
     specifically include evaluations that examine the advantages 
     and disadvantages of the service area of such plans that may 
     impact senior housing options in a given geographical area.
       Dialysis Facilities.--The agreement notes that dialysis 
     facilities and manufacturers may be receiving contradictory 
     guidance from State surveyors regarding conditions for 
     coverage. CMS is directed to review this issue and take 
     appropriate corrective actions as needed.
       Emergency Preparedness Plans.--The agreement encourages CMS 
     to partner with the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and 
     Response as the Department moves forward on a rule to require 
     emergency preparedness planning for all Medicare and Medicaid 
     providers.
       Enteral Nutrition.--In 2004, CMS concluded in a report to 
     Congress that enteral nutrition formulas and supplies were 
     not well suited for competitive acquisition. CMS is directed 
     to submit a report within 90 days after enactment of this act 
     that assesses the impact of the program on changes in 
     treatment patterns of enteral nutrition patients residing in 
     skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, and 
     intermediate care facilities, including the impact on the 
     patient's health, whether access has been reduced, and if 
     costs have increased due to new suppliers unfamiliar with the 
     clinical demands associated with such care.
       Fraud, Waste, and Abuse.--The agreement requests an update 
     in the fiscal year 2016 budget request on CMS' process, 
     across all operations, to ensure CMS maintains a focus on 
     preventing improper payments and paying claims right the 
     first time. The update shall include a proposal to measure 
     prevention as opposed to typical ``pay and chase'' measures 
     reported by CMS. Further, CMS is directed to increase its 
     collaboration with the HHS OIG on the oversight of ACA-
     related contracts to ensure all contract recipients meet 
     their performance obligations and are held accountable for 
     any actions not in accordance to the contract. The agreement 
     requests a report no later than 90 days after enactment of 
     this act describing the current oversight measures in place 
     for contracts awarded by CMS, including the recourse 
     available in the event that an organization fails to meet its 
     contractual obligations.
       Health Insurance Marketplace Transparency.--The agreement 
     includes modified bill language in section 226 that requires 
     CMS to provide cost information for the following categories: 
     Federal Payroll and Other Administrative Costs; Marketplace 
     related Information Technology (IT); Non IT Program Costs, 
     including Health Plan Benefit and Rate Review, Marketplace 
     Oversight, Payment and Financial Management, Eligibility and 
     Enrollment; Consumer Information and Outreach, including the 
     Call Center, Navigator Grants and Consumer Education and 
     Outreach; Marketplace Quality Review; Small Business Health 
     Options Program and Employer Activities; and Other 
     Marketplace Activities. Cost information should be provided 
     for each fiscal year since the enactment of Public Law 111-
     148. CMS is also required to include the estimated costs for 
     fiscal year 2016.
       Hepatitis C.--The agreement encourages CMS to consider the 
     prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis among beneficiaries and 
     the cost of providing care to those who are in the late 
     stages of this disease. The agreement encourages CMS to 
     educate Medicare beneficiaries and healthcare providers about 
     hepatitis C and the need for screening while identifying 
     opportunities to improve the quality of treatments and 
     services.
       Implantable Pain Pumps.--For 20 years, both pharmacies and 
     providers have billed Medicare directly for patient-specific 
     Part B drugs prescribed by providers and used for certain 
     implantable pain pumps. The agreement encourages CMS to 
     review their technical billing change made in 2013 whereby 
     only providers could bill CMS for these Part B drugs, so that 
     patient access to these medications will not be restricted in 
     States where State law prohibits pharmacies from selling 
     these medications to providers who directly bill CMS.
       Indian Eligibility.--The agreement directs CMS to work with 
     the Internal Revenue Service to review federal regulations 
     under their respective jurisdictions to determine who is 
     eligible as an Indian for the benefits and protections 
     provided to Indians. The agreement directs CMS to submit a 
     report with the agency's findings to the Senate and House 
     Appropriations Committees within 180 days of enactment of 
     this act.
       Medicaid Authority.--CMS is strongly urged to continue any 
     hospital pool payment authorities granted under Sec. 1115 of 
     the Social Security Act on the same terms and conditions as 
     the authorities currently apply to the demonstration project 
     for states not provided a disproportionate share hospital 
     allotment by law.
       Medicare Star Quality Rating System's (Stars).--The 
     agreement requests CMS provide an update on the status of 
     implementing the changes to the Stars methodology in the 
     fiscal year 2016 budget request.
       Physician Fee Schedule.--The agreement is concerned that 
     CMS has not provided adequate opportunity for public comment 
     on changes to surgical procedures described in the annual 
     Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rules, and is 
     concerned appropriate methodology has not been tested to 
     ensure no negative impact on patient care, patient access, 
     and undue administrative burdens are not placed on providers 
     and CMS. The agreement believes additional consideration 
     should be given to these changes prior to implementation of 
     changes outlined in the MPFS.
       Provider Nondiscrimination.--The fiscal year 2014 omnibus 
     directed HHS to correct the 2013 FAQ on Section 2706 of the 
     ACA to reflect the law and congressional intent; CMS has not 
     complied with this directive. CMS is directed to provide a 
     corrected FAQ by March 3, 2016 or an explanation for ignoring 
     congressional intent.
       Ophthalmology.--The agreement directs CMS to review its 
     current policy regarding awarding in-patient hospital status 
     for the purpose of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for 
     specialty eye hospitals and report to the Senate and House 
     Appropriations Committees on results of the review within 180 
     days of enactment of this act.
       Outpatient Drug Dispensing.--The agreement directs the 
     Administrator of CMS to develop additional proposals designed 
     to encourage short-cycle dispensing of outpatient 
     prescription drugs in long-term care facilities and 
     investigate the effects of dispensing fee changes on cost 
     savings in the short-cycle dispensing program. These 
     proposals should be submitted to the Senate and House 
     Appropriations Committees no later than 90 days after 
     enactment of this act.
       Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs).--Unintended consequences 
     of RAC audits can reduce patient access to care and 
     jeopardize the economic viability of critical health care 
     providers. The Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (OMHA) 
     has a backlog of nearly 750,000 appeals. The length of time 
     to resolve an appeal, including OMHA's assignment of an 
     Administrative Law Judge, can take over five years. CMS has 
     an obligation to find a reasonable balance to eliminate true 
     fraud and abuse while not slowing payment to the majority of 
     honest providers that are negatively impacted by the RAC 
     process. CMS is directed to educate providers on how to 
     reduce errors, develop procedures to reduce the OMHA backlog; 
     and establish a process that provides educational feedback 
     from the OMHA to CMS and RAC contractors to reduce the 
     identification of claims that are likely to be overturned 
     once elevated to the OMHA. The fiscal year 2016 budget 
     request shall include a timeline, milestones, and measurable 
     goals to address these concerns with the RACs to reduce the 
     appeals backlog. The budget request for fiscal year 2016, and 
     subsequent years, shall include an actuarial estimate on the 
     amount of improper payments, actual and estimated recoveries 
     by year with percentage of recovered payments. CMS is 
     directed to submit a report to the appropriate committees of 
     the House and Senate, within 180 days of enactment, on the 
     cross-agency working group reviewing the Medicare appeals 
     process and its recommendations. The report should include 
     the agency's strategy to analyze and improve the entire 
     appeals process, as well as areas related to Medicare audit 
     contractors' quality of medical reviews; proposed statutory 
     challenges; timeline and strategy to eliminate the backlog; 
     steps to address the high overturn rates at OMHA; and steps 
     to improve stakeholder confidence that Medicare policies are 
     interpreted consistently and transparently throughout the 
     system.
       Rehabilitation Innovation Centers.--Comprehensive 
     rehabilitation research centers in the United States serve a 
     unique role in complex fields such as brain injury, strokes, 
     multiple traumas, and wartime injuries. Given the high volume 
     of Medicare and Medicaid patients served by these centers, 
     HHS is urged to evaluate the current prospective payment rate 
     with the goal of maintaining these centers of excellence and 
     continuing the high quality of care provided by these 
     centers.

[[Page H9838]]

       Risk Corridor Program.--In 2014, HHS issued a regulation 
     stating that the risk corridor program will be budget 
     neutral, meaning that the federal government will never pay 
     out more than it collects from issuers over the three year 
     period risk corridors are in effect. The agreement includes 
     new bill language to prevent the CMS Program Management 
     appropriation account from being used to support risk 
     corridors payments.
       Ventricular Assist Devices.--The agreement is concerned 
     with the Medicare National Coverage Analysis for Ventricular 
     Assist Devices for Bridge-to-Transplant and Destination 
     Therapy (CAG-00432R), Decision Memo dated October 30, 2013. 
     CMS is encouraged to review the decision, and upon receipt of 
     appropriate new evidence, to consider whether to cover 
     ventricular assist devices for 1) individuals who are 
     undergoing an evaluation to determine candidacy for heart 
     transplantation; and 2) individuals who would be potential 
     heart transplant candidates, but are not eligible because of 
     a contraindication that may be favorably modified by the use 
     of a ventricular assist device.


              HEALTH CARE FRAUD AND ABUSE CONTROL ACCOUNT

       The agreement includes $672,000,000, to be transferred from 
     the Medicare trust funds, for Health Care Fraud and Abuse 
     Control activities. This includes a base amount of 
     $311,000,000 and an additional $361,000,000 through a budget 
     cap adjustment authorized by section 251(b) of the Balanced 
     Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                Administration for Children and Families


               LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

       Technical assistance, training, and monitoring.--The 
     director of the Office of Community Services should ensure 
     that funds provided for training and technical assistance are 
     provided to organizations with significant expertise working 
     with State, tribal, and local home energy assistance 
     programs.


                     REFUGEE AND ENTRANT ASSISTANCE

       Refugee Social Services.--In allocating social services 
     funding to States, the director of Office of Refugee 
     Resettlement should account for secondary migration of 
     refugees to ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that 
     funding is allocated based on the total need for such 
     services in the State, and the total number of eligible 
     refugees living in that State. The director should work with 
     national resettlement agencies, State refugee coordinators, 
     and other organizations to determine ways to improve data 
     collection on secondary migration, and the mental and 
     physical health care and housing needs of refugees. Finally, 
     the director should also provide guidance to national 
     resettlement agencies and State refugee coordinators on how 
     to best consult with local stakeholders in the refugee 
     resettlement process.


   PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR THE CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT

       State plan requirements.--In submitting plans under section 
     658E of the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) 
     Act, States shall include an assurance that CCDBG Act funds 
     received by the State will not be used to develop or 
     implement an assessment for children that will be the primary 
     or sole basis for a child care provider being determined to 
     be ineligible to participate in the program.


                     CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICES

       Head Start Designation Renewal System.--The agreement 
     continues to encourage HHS to consider the unique challenges 
     faced by Head Start providers in remote and frontier areas 
     when reviewing grantees as part of the Designation Renewal 
     System.
       Child Abuse Discretionary Activities.--The agreement 
     includes funding to continue the Quality Improvement Center 
     for Research-Based Infant-Toddler Court Teams program. These 
     funds support efforts that bring together the court system, 
     child welfare agencies, health professionals, and community 
     leaders to improve current practices in the child welfare 
     system and make better informed decisions on behalf of the 
     child.
       Child Welfare Research, Training and Demonstration.--The 
     agreement includes funding within this program to resume the 
     National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being.
       The Administration for Children and Families is encouraged 
     to continue to work with the Department of Housing and Urban 
     Development to improve the availability and coordination of 
     housing, child welfare, and foster care services for older 
     youth in or aging out of the child welfare and foster care 
     systems.
       Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).--The Office of 
     Community Services (OCS) is commended for developing 
     additional assessment measures of the CSBG program and 
     management performance at the State, federal and local levels 
     in collaboration with grantees and community action agencies. 
     In addition, the agreement encourages OCS to renew support 
     for implementing a standard of excellence initiative for 
     community action agencies.
       The director of OCS should ensure CSBG funding is released 
     to grantees in a timely manner, and instruct grantees to 
     allocate funds to sub-grantees as quickly as reasonably 
     possible. Delays in awarding and distributing these funds can 
     cause unnecessary hardships on both State and local agencies 
     administering these funds and the individuals they serve.

                  Administration For Community Living


                 AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES PROGRAMS

       The agreement includes a new general provision that 
     supports implementation of section 491 of the WIOA and the 
     transfer of the National Institute on Disability and 
     Rehabilitation Research, independent living programs under 
     chapter 1 of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act, and 
     programs under the Assistive Technology Act from the 
     Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human 
     Services.
       Home- and Community-Based Supportive Services.--ACL is 
     directed to work with States to prioritize innovative service 
     models, like naturally occurring retirement communities, 
     which help older Americans remain independent as they age.
       Elder Rights Support Activities.--The agreement includes 
     $7,874,000 for Elder Rights Support Activities, of which 
     $4,000,000 is included for a new Elder Justice Initiative to 
     provide competitive grants to States to test and evaluate 
     innovative approaches to preventing and responding to elder 
     abuse.
       Aging Network Support Activities.--The agreement provides 
     $9,961,000 for Aging Network Support Activities. The 
     agreement includes $2,500,000 to help provide supportive 
     services for aging Holocaust survivors living in the United 
     States.
       Limb Loss.-- Funding and administrative responsibility for 
     the Limb Loss Program is transferred from CDC to ACL in 
     fiscal year 2015 because the program is better aligned with 
     the ACL mission of increasing the independence and well-being 
     of people with disabilities. ACL is directed to work with CDC 
     on a smooth transition of the program, which ensures that 
     support for current grantees is continued in fiscal year 
     2015.
       University Centers for Excellence in Developmental 
     Disabilities (UCEDD).--Within the amount appropriated for 
     UCEDD, the agreement provides no less than the fiscal year 
     2014 level for technical assistance for the UCEDD network.
       Human Services Transportation.--The agreement includes 
     $1,000,000 for a competitive grant or contract for the 
     purpose of providing generally available technical assistance 
     to local government and nonprofit transportation providers. 
     This assistance should focus on the most cost-effective ways 
     to provide transportation assistance to all persons of any 
     age with disabilities.

                        Office of the Secretary


                    GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

       Overhead Costs.--The Department is directed to include in 
     its annual budget justification for fiscal year 2016, the 
     amount of administrative and overhead costs spent by the 
     Department for every major budget line. Beginning in fiscal 
     year 2017, and each year thereafter, the agreement directs 
     the Department to include the amount and percentage of 
     administrative and overhead costs spent by the Department for 
     every program, project and activity.
       Office of Women's Health.--The agreement includes 
     $3,100,000 to continue the State partnership initiative to 
     reduce violence against women, which provides funding to 
     state-level public and private health programs to improve 
     healthcare providers' ability to help victims of violence and 
     improve prevention programs.
       Sports-Related Injuries.--The agreement encourages the 
     Department to investigate the development of new and better 
     standards for testing sports equipment that is supported 
     through independent research, governance, and industrial 
     independence. These standards should actually replicate on-
     field impacts and produce testing data for ``worst-practical-
     impact'' conditions. Such standards will lead to research and 
     development of new safety equipment to ensure that athletes 
     have state-of-the-art gear that significantly reduces 
     injuries.
       Lupus.--The agreement includes $2,000,000 to continue the 
     national health education program on lupus for healthcare 
     providers, with the goal of improving diagnosis for those 
     with lupus and reducing health disparities. The agreement 
     reflects strong support for this program, which is intended 
     to engage healthcare providers, educators, and schools of 
     health professions in working together to improve lupus 
     diagnosis and treatment through education.
       Tribal Lease Agreements.--The agreement encourages the 
     Secretary to work with tribal governments in recognizing the 
     unique circumstances of Native Americans while maximizing 
     their full participation in Federal programs. Specifically, 
     the Secretary should review issues relating to real property 
     lease agreements when such agreements are ``less-than-arm's-
     length'' as defined under the Office of Management and 
     Budget's Circular A-87. The Secretary should work with tribes 
     in resolving such issues in the future.
       Transparency in Health Plans.--The agreement directs the 
     Secretary to provide additional clarification to qualified 
     health plans, based upon relevant and related GAO findings, 
     to ensure greater consistency and full transparency of 
     coverage options included in health insurance plans prior to 
     plan purchase in the marketplace enrollment process. The 
     agreement requests a timeline for such clarifying guidance to 
     be submitted to the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations within 30 days after enactment of this act.
       Seafood Sustainability.--The agreement prohibits the 
     Department from using or recommending third party, 
     nongovernmental certification for seafood sustainability.
       Healthcare Provider Complaints.--Legislation appropriating 
     funding for the Department of Health and Human Services has 
     carried a general provision relating to health

[[Page H9839]]

     care providers since fiscal year 2005 (Division H, Section 
     507(d) of Public Law 113-76). Complaints regarding reported 
     violations of these provisions have been filed with the 
     Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human 
     Services. The Secretary is directed to respond to these 
     complaints expeditiously in accordance with final rule 45 CFR 
     Part 88 published in Federal Register Vol. 76 No. 36.
       Evaluation Set-Aside.--The agreement expects that the 
     Department's calculation of the PHS evaluation set-aside will 
     be consistent with that of previous years.


                OFFICE OF MEDICARE HEARINGS AND APPEALS

       Appeals Backlog.--The agreement continues to be concerned 
     over the substantial backlog in the number of cases pending 
     before the administrative law judges at the Office of 
     Medicare Hearings and Appeals (OMHA) and the two-year 
     moratorium on assigning new cases. OMHA is directed to use 
     the additional funds provided to address the current backlog 
     and to increase its capacity to process the rising caseload. 
     The agreement requests a report no later than 90 days after 
     enactment of this act describing the plan to resolve the 
     current and future backlog at OMHA.


  OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

       Information Blocking.--The Office of the National 
     Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is urged 
     to use its certification program judiciously in order to 
     ensure certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) 
     provides value to eligible hospitals, eligible providers and 
     taxpayers. ONC should use its authority to certify only those 
     products that clearly meet current meaningful use program 
     standards and that do not block health information exchange. 
     ONC should take steps to decertify products that proactively 
     block the sharing of information because those practices 
     frustrate congressional intent, devalue taxpayer investments 
     in CEHRT, and make CEHRT less valuable and more burdensome 
     for eligible hospitals and eligible providers to use. The 
     agreement requests a detailed report from ONC no later than 
     90 days after enactment of this act regarding the extent of 
     the information blocking problem, including an estimate of 
     the number of vendors or eligible hospitals or providers who 
     block information. This detailed report should also include a 
     comprehensive strategy on how to address the information 
     blocking issue.
       Interoperability.--The agreement directs the Health IT 
     Policy Committee to submit a report to the House and Senate 
     Committees on Appropriations and the appropriate authorizing 
     committees no later than 12 months after enactment of this 
     act regarding the challenges and barriers to 
     interoperability. The report should cover the technical, 
     operational and financial barriers to interoperability, the 
     role of certification in advancing or hindering 
     interoperability across various providers, as well as any 
     other barriers identified by the Policy Committee.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The agreement includes $71,000,000 for the HHS Office of 
     the Inspector General (OIG) account.
       The agreement expects the OIG to improve its annual budget 
     request and looks forward to a revised format with more 
     details and performance measures related to discretionary 
     oversight. Further, the agreement expects the OIG to ensure 
     full oversight of ACA activities are included and described 
     in the fiscal year 2015 work plan. The work plan should 
     provide substantive activity for all HHS operating divisions 
     including the Food and Drug Administration.
       Lobbying.--The agreement requests an update on how the OIG 
     is working with the HHS agencies to improve monitoring of 
     grantee activities to ensure that no taxpayer resources are 
     used for lobbying.
       Top-25 Unimplemented Recommendations.--The agreement again 
     requests that within 90 days of enactment the OIG provide a 
     revised top-25 unimplemented recommendations report under the 
     same terms and condition as described in the explanatory 
     statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 
     2014.
       Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP).--Recent 
     reviews by the OIG raise questions about the independence of 
     the OHRP during the process to make determinations. The 
     agreement requests the OIG conduct a formal review of OHRP 
     procedures and make appropriate recommendations to ensure and 
     strengthen human subjects protections in future research and 
     ensure the independence of OHRP.
       Health Reform Oversight.--The agreement provides support 
     for oversight activities related to health reform. The OIG is 
     expected to provide a plan of how it will conduct these 
     oversight activities within 60 days after enactment to the 
     appropriate House of Representatives and Senate Committees.
       Effectiveness of Subsidy Data.--No later than June 1, 2015, 
     the HHS OIG, in consultation with the Treasury Inspector 
     General, shall submit a report to Congress that assesses 
     Internal Revenue Service procedures to reconcile Advance 
     Premium Tax Credit (APTC) amounts paid to individual 
     taxpayers for health care coverage in Federal and State 
     Health Insurance Exchanges and how HHS uses IRS information 
     to reduce fraud and overpayments.


            PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES EMERGENCY FUND

       The agreement reflects strong support for the Office of the 
     Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response's (ASPR) 
     International Influenza Vaccine Manufacturing program and 
     includes $15,000,000 in annual pandemic influenza funding for 
     this purpose. The funding level provided by the agreement 
     reflects a recognition that balances from previous pandemic 
     flu supplemental appropriations remain unobligated and 
     available for use by the Department. The agreement does not 
     support the request to establish a strategic investor 
     program.
       Pandemic Influenza Response Activities.--The agreement is 
     increasingly concerned about the threat posed to public 
     health by novel influenza strains such as H7N9, which caused 
     an outbreak in 2013. As a result of these potentially 
     devastating outbreaks, the agreement continues to support the 
     goals of protecting the U.S. population from national health 
     security threats posed by pandemic influenza and other new 
     and emerging threats.
       Project BioShield.--The agreement is committed to ensuring 
     the nation is adequately prepared against chemical, 
     biological, radiological, and nuclear attacks. The agreement 
     recognizes a public-private partnership to develop medical 
     countermeasures (MCMs) is required to successfully prepare 
     and defend the nation against these threats as has been 
     demonstrated in the decade since the initiation of the 
     Project BioShield Special Reserve Fund (SRF). Where there is 
     little or no commercial market, the agreement supports the 
     goal of an explicit commitment by the Government to 
     biodefense medical countermeasures, such as was provided 
     during fiscal years 2004-2013 by the initial SRF. Although 
     the agreement cannot provide the authorized 5-year amount of 
     $2,800,000,000, it continues to support the procurement of 
     MCMs. Further, the agreement requests the agency provide an 
     update in the fiscal year 2016 congressional budget on how it 
     can support training and simulated events to prepare for the 
     coordinated management and utilization of medical 
     countermeasures.
       Spend Plan.--ASPR has still not provided the 5-year spend 
     plan for the MCM enterprise as referenced in Senate report 
     113-71, as well as the Explanatory Statement accompanying 
     Public Law 113-76, and as required by Public Law 113-5, the 
     Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 
     2013. ASPR is directed to brief the House and Senate 
     Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment on 
     the status of this report and the reasons for the delay in 
     its receipt.

                           General Provisions


              PREVENTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH TRANSFER TABLE

       The agreement includes a provision that directs the 
     transfer of the Prevention and Public Health (PPH) Fund. In 
     fiscal year 2015, the level appropriated for the fund is 
     $927,000,000 after accounting for sequestration. The 
     agreement includes bill language in section 219 of this act 
     that requires that funds be transferred within 45 days of 
     enactment of this act to the following accounts, for the 
     following activities, and in the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Agency              Budget Activity           FY 2015  Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                ACL Alzheimer's Disease                      $14,700,000
                     Prevention Education and
                     Outreach..................
                ACL Chronic Disease Self                       8,000,000
                     Management................
                ACL Falls Prevention...........                5,000,000
                 CDCBreast Feeding Grants                      8,000,000
                     (Hospitals Promoting
                     Breastfeeding)............
                 CDCCancer Prevention & Control              104,000,000
                 CDCDiabetes...................               73,000,000
                 CDCEpidemiology and Laboratory               40,000,000
                     Capacity Grants...........
                 CDCHealthcare Associated                     12,000,000
                     Infections................
                 CDCHeart Disease & Stroke                    73,000,000
                     Prevention Program........
                 CDCMillion Hearts Program.....                4,000,000
                 CDCNutrition, Physical                       35,000,000
                     Activity, & Obesity Base
                     Activities................
                 CDCOffice of Smoking and                    110,000,000
                     Health....................
                 CDCPreventive Health and                    160,000,000
                     Health Services Block
                     Grants....................
                 CDCRacial and Ethnic                         30,000,000
                     Approaches to Community
                     Health (REACH)............
                 CDCSection 317 Immunization                 210,300,000
                     Grants....................
                 CDCLead Poisoning Prevention..               13,000,000
                 CDCWorkplace Wellness Grants..               10,000,000
                 CDCEarly Care Collaboratives..                4,000,000
           SAMHSA   Suicide Prevention (Garrett               12,000,000
                     Lee Smith)................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement modifies the qualifying recipients of 
     National Research Service Awards funding for research in 
     primary medical care.
       The agreement includes a new provision renaming the 
     National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine as 
     the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
       The agreement includes a new provision allowing NIH to 
     retain reimbursements for research substances and credit them 
     to NIH Institutes and Centers.
       The agreement modifies the provision related to ACA 
     exchange funding transparency.
       The agreement includes new bill language to prevent the CMS 
     Program Management appropriation account from being used to 
     support risk corridors payments.
       The agreement includes a reauthorization of the Temporary 
     Assistance for Needy Families program.
       The agreement includes a new provision requiring unused 
     abstinence education funding to be reallocated to qualifying 
     States.

[[Page H9840]]

       The agreement includes a new provision requiring the NIH 
     Director to prepare and submit an annual independent 
     Alzheimer's budget request directly to Congress.

                   TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

                    Education for the Disadvantaged

       The Department shall continue to use its existing formula 
     in allocating funds to Bureau of Indian Education schools and 
     to follow this practice in any relevant future emergency 
     funding that provides it the same authority and discretion.
       With regard to the School Improvement Grants (SIG) program, 
     the Department's proposed implementation of bill language 
     that allows local educational agencies (LEAs) to implement a 
     State-determined school improvement strategy falls short of 
     Congressional intent. Several new bill language provisions 
     provide flexibility from the existing prescriptive SIG 
     requirements, so that LEAs will have the opportunity to 
     implement alternative strategies beyond those previously 
     required by the Department. However, the Department's Notice 
     of Proposed Requirements would require a State-determined 
     intervention strategy to be aligned with turnaround 
     principles, as well as impose seven additional requirements 
     on the State-determined strategy. The Department shall ensure 
     that any Final Requirements for the SIG program strictly 
     adhere to bill language which stipulates that LEAs may 
     implement an alternative State-determined school improvement 
     strategy that has been established by a State educational 
     agency (SEA) with the approval of the Secretary. In addition, 
     not later than 15 days prior to the publication of a Notice 
     Inviting Applications to submit State-determined school 
     improvement strategies, the Department shall brief the House 
     and Senate Committees on Appropriations, Committee on 
     Education and the Workforce, and Committee on Health, 
     Education, Labor and Pensions on the Final Notice Inviting 
     Applications.

                      School Improvement Programs

       The Department should recognize that the roles and 
     responsibilities of principals continue to expand, including 
     the implementation of State-led teacher evaluation systems, 
     college and career-ready standards and new on-line 
     assessments, so they must be afforded specialized 
     opportunities for professional learning and growth targeted 
     to their role as instructional leaders. Therefore, the 
     Department should provide guidance to SEAs on ensuring that 
     sufficient professional development opportunities are 
     provided to principals in order to help them improve 
     instructional leadership capacity.
       Civic Education.--The agreement includes funding within the 
     SEED program for competitive grants to non-profit 
     organizations with demonstrated effectiveness in the 
     development and implementation of civic learning programs. 
     Priority should be given to applicants that demonstrate 
     innovation, scalability, and a focus on underserved 
     populations, including rural schools and students.
       The 21st Century Community Learning Center initiative is 
     the only federal funding source authorized specifically for 
     before-school, afterschool and summer learning programs for 
     students attending high-poverty, low-performing schools. Data 
     demonstrates that quality afterschool programs have a 
     positive impact on a number of measures of student academic 
     achievement, positively affecting behavior and discipline and 
     helping relieve parents' worries about their children's 
     safety during the hours when school is out.
       The Department shall conduct a new grant competition in 
     fiscal year 2015 for the Alaska Native Educational Equity 
     Assistance program. Additionally, the Department should 
     continue its efforts to ensure maximum participation of 
     Alaska Native organizations in programs funded under the 
     Alaska Native Education Equity Act, implement statutory 
     requirements that SEAs and LEAs apply in consortia with 
     Alaska Native organizations, ensure that all grantees have 
     meaningful plans for consultation with Alaska Native leaders, 
     and strictly adhere to the programmatic priorities contained 
     in the statute.

                       Innovation and Improvement

       Within the funds for the Javits Gifted and Talented 
     Students Education program, funds shall be used for projects 
     that build the capacity of elementary and secondary schools 
     to meet the educational needs of gifted and talented 
     students, a group that includes high achieving students as 
     well as those capable of high achievement. The Department 
     also should continue support to a National Research Center on 
     the Gifted and Talented.
       Within the Fund for the Improvement of Education, the 
     agreement includes funding for the following activities in 
     the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arts in Education....................................        $25,000,000
Non-cognitive Skills initiative......................          2,000,000
Full Service Community Schools.......................         10,000,000
Educational Facilities Clearinghouse.................          1,000,000
Preschool development grants.........................        250,000,000
Innovative Approaches to Literacy....................         25,000,000
Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program         10,000,000
Teacher Incentive Fund...............................        230,000,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................        553,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The bill also modifies existing language related to charter 
     school renewals.
       In 2012, the Government Accountability Office recommended 
     that an effective and inclusive Early Childhood Education 
     coordinating group could help mitigate early care and 
     education program fragmentation through simplifying 
     children's access to these services, identifying and managing 
     service gaps, meeting data requirements for the coordinated 
     operation and evaluation of these programs, and identifying 
     and minimizing any unwarranted overlap. This effort, along 
     with the review required by section 13 of Public Law 113-186, 
     could also provide a vehicle to conduct a coordinated 
     analysis of child care tax expenditures and program spending. 
     The Departments of Health and Human Services and Education 
     are directed, in consultation with the heads of all federal 
     agencies that administer federal early education and care 
     programs, to provide to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate and relevant 
     authorizing Committees the report on the review of federal 
     early learning and care programs required by section 13 of 
     Public Law 113-186.
       The Department is directed to establish an absolute 
     priority in the investing in innovation notice inviting 
     applications for funds available in this act for the 
     implementation of comprehensive high school reform strategies 
     that will increase the number and percentage of students who 
     graduate from high school and enroll in postsecondary 
     education without the need for remediation and with the 
     ability to think critically, solve complex problems, evaluate 
     arguments on the basis of evidence, and communicate 
     effectively. This competition should target schools where not 
     less than 40 percent of the students to be served will be 
     from low-income families as calculated under section 1113 of 
     the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

                           Special Education

       The Department should continue to make progress in 
     accessible images, graphics and math, including further 
     research, development, and dissemination of new and emerging 
     platforms and tools for students with disabilities to access 
     images, graphics, math, and chemistry. The Department should 
     also take note of the growing challenge of ensuring 
     accessibility for interactive educational content for 
     students with visual disabilities and the need for useful 
     tools, standards or guidelines in this fast-emerging arena.

            Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research

       The agreement continues language allowing excess funds 
     above those requested during the reallotment process to 
     support innovative activities aimed at improving outcomes for 
     individuals with disabilities, including activities under the 
     Promoting Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income 
     (PROMISE) program. After covering the continuation costs of 
     PROMISE, the agreement includes VR funds remaining available 
     at the end of fiscal year 2015 to support a new Transition 
     Model System (TMS) that addresses the complex challenges 
     facing youth with disabilities as they transition from school 
     to adult life. The agreement expects that an estimated 
     $15,000,000 will be needed to support the cost of the 5-year 
     TMS projects. The Department shall notify the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations in advance of 
     announcements related to the initiative.
       Access to and knowledge of public transportation--
     especially in rural areas--is critical for transition-aged 
     youth with disabilities to participate in employment programs 
     and receive services. Given the challenges facing youth with 
     disabilities in accessing reliable public transportation, the 
     Secretary shall collaborate with transit experts on 
     increasing transportation access for transition-aged youth 
     with disabilities when designing and implementing the TMS. 
     Partnerships with local transportation providers to develop 
     transportation education and coordination strategies shall be 
     a strong component of the initiative.
       The agreement includes $1,000,000 in increased funding for 
     Client Assistance State Grants to help transition-aged 
     students with disabilities and persons with disabilities in 
     subminimum wage positions obtain competitive, integrated 
     employment through advocacy and the enforcement of their 
     rights under the Rehabilitation Act.
       The agreement includes not less than $985,000 to continue 
     support for the Parent Information and Training Centers as 
     well as the National Parent Technical Assistance Center.
       The agreement includes $33,000,000 for the Assistive 
     Technology programs. This includes $25,704,000 for State 
     grant activities authorized under section 4 of the 
     Rehabilitation Act of 1973; $4,300,000 for protection and 
     advocacy systems authorized by section 5; and $996,000 for 
     technical assistance activities authorized under section 6.
       The agreement also includes $2,000,000 within the Assistive 
     Technology program for competitive grants to support 
     alternative financing programs that provide for the purchase 
     of assistive technology devices. The goal in providing these 
     funds is to allow greater access to affordable financing to 
     help people with disabilities purchase the specialized 
     technologies needed to live independently, to succeed at 
     school and work and to otherwise live active and productive 
     lives. Applicants should incorporate credit building 
     activities in their programs, including financial education 
     and information about other possible funding sources. 
     Successful applicants must emphasize consumer choice and 
     control and build programs that will

[[Page H9841]]

     provide financing for the full array of assistive technology 
     devices and services and ensure that all people, regardless 
     of type of disability or health condition, age, level of 
     income and residence have access to the program.

           SPECIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

       The agreement includes $24,931,000 to support the American 
     Printing House for the Blind, of which $475,000 is to support 
     the Resources with Enhanced Accessibility for Learning (REAL) 
     plan.
       The agreement includes $67,016,000 for the National 
     Technical Institute for the Deaf. Funding for construction 
     will be considered in the future as needs may warrant.

                 Career, Technical, and Adult Education

       The agreement includes $13,712,000 for adult education 
     national leadership activities, including up to $3,000,000 
     for continued support for the reentry education model 
     demonstration initiative.

                      Student Financial Assistance

       The agreement includes $8,390,000 for the Work Colleges 
     program authorized under section 448 of the HEA from the 
     Federal Work Study appropriation.
       The Department is directed to submit a report to the House 
     and Senate Appropriations Committees, no later than 120 days 
     after the enactment of this Act, on enrollment and graduation 
     information for Pell Grant recipients included in the 
     National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Enrollment 
     Reporting roster files for the 2013-2014 Pell Grant Award 
     Year. The Department is also directed to continue to provide 
     enrollment and graduation information to the House and Senate 
     Appropriations Committees in the future as more robust and 
     useful information becomes available.
       Since Pell Grant recipient enrollment and graduation 
     information was not included in the NSLDS Enrollment 
     Reporting roster files as a separate category for an 
     institution's Pell Grants-only recipients until the 2012-2013 
     Pell Grant Award Year, it is understood that six year 
     graduation cohort rates will not be available for analysis 
     until 2019. While understanding the limitation of the data, 
     the report should continue to include enrollment and 
     graduation information for Pell Grant recipients by each 
     institution of higher education. The report should also 
     include an updated plan to minimize the burden of recent 
     changes to the NSLDS Enrollment Reporting roster files on 
     institutions of higher education, an updated proposal to 
     improve the tracking of enrollment and graduation rates for 
     students that transfer and nontraditional students, and 
     strategies to increase enrollment and improve graduation 
     rates for Pell Grant recipients.

                       Student Aid Administration

       The agreement directs the Department to continue to provide 
     quarterly reports detailing its obligation plan by quarter 
     for student aid administrative activities broken out by 
     servicer and activity.
       The agreement includes new bill language providing the 
     Department with the authority to administer the Health 
     Education Assistance Loan (HEAL) program, since Public Law 
     113-76 required HHS to transfer the HEAL program to the 
     Department to improve administrative efficiencies.
       The agreement commends the Department for the increased 
     focus it has placed on preventing campus sexual violence. 
     Within the amount for Student Aid Administration, the 
     agreement expects the Department to continue its efforts to 
     prevent sexual violence on campus.
       The agreement requests an update on the progress of the 
     interagency task force to ensure oversight of for-profit 
     institutions of higher education in the fiscal year 2016 
     congressional justification.
       The agreement requests that the fiscal year 2016 
     congressional budget justification include an update on the 
     Department's implementation of the expanded student complaint 
     system detailed in Senate Report 113-71.
       In October 2013, the Department announced that the impact 
     of the 7.3 percent reduction in funds for NFP servicers, 
     pursuant to the mandatory sequester provisions in the Budget 
     Control Act of 2011, prevented the Department from entering 
     into contracts with new not-for-profit (NFP) servicers, 
     including those that had signed memoranda of understanding. 
     The agreement notes that the Department expects to begin the 
     process of recompeting servicing contracts not later than 
     fiscal year 2016. One of the evaluation factors will be the 
     servicers' utilization of small business subcontractors, with 
     the goal of broadening opportunities for new entities to 
     participate in Federal student loan servicing. The agreement 
     directs the Secretary to hold a full and open competition 
     consistent with legal procurement requirements that allows 
     eligible NFP servicers to compete for servicing contracts, 
     including those NFP servicers that were affected by the 
     mandatory sequester.

                            HIGHER EDUCATION

       The agreement requests that a report be submitted to the 
     House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 
     March 2, 2015, providing the following information about the 
     fiscal year 2014 First in the World competition: number of 
     applicants; number of applicants and awardees that applied 
     under the competitive priority, including how many applicants 
     and awardees each submitted as supporting evidence 
     correlational studies, randomized control trials, or quasi-
     experimental design studies; analysis of geographic 
     distribution of applicants and awardees; and the number of 
     applicants and awardees that partnered with public and 
     private organizations and agencies as well as a description 
     of the types of partner organizations and agencies.
       The agreement includes $67,775,000 for the Fund for the 
     Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). Within the 
     amounts for FIPSE, the agreement includes $60,000,000 for the 
     First in the World Initiative (FITW). Of the amount 
     recommended for FITW, the agreement includes $16,000,000 to 
     continue the set-aside for minority-serving institutions, as 
     defined in titles III and V of the HEA.
       The agreement includes new bill language allowing up to 2.5 
     percent of the funds made available for FITW to be used for 
     technical assistance and evaluation. Within the remaining 
     funding for FIPSE, the agreement includes $2,500,000 for a 
     National Center for Information and Technical Support for 
     Postsecondary Students with Disabilities, as authorized by 
     section 777(a) of the HEA. The agreement also includes 
     $5,000,000 for the Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student 
     Success program, as authorized by section 873 of the HEA, and 
     $275,000 for a database contract.
       The agreement includes $11,800,000 for the Model 
     Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for 
     Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID). Of that 
     amount, the agreement includes no less than $2,000,000 to 
     support a national coordinating center to conduct and 
     disseminate research on strategies to promote positive 
     academic, social, employment, and independent living outcomes 
     for students with intellectual disabilities. The coordinating 
     center will establish a comprehensive research and evaluation 
     protocol for TPSID programs; administer a mentoring program 
     matching current and new TPSID grantees based on areas of 
     expertise; and coordinate longitudinal follow-up data 
     collection and technical assistance to TPSID grantees on 
     programmatic components and evidence-based practices. The 
     coordinating center will also provide technical assistance to 
     build the capacity of K-12 transition services as well as 
     postsecondary education inclusive practices, among other 
     activities.
       The agreement recognizes the important role the Jacob K. 
     Javits Fellowship has played in encouraging scholarship in 
     the social sciences and humanities. As the Secretary consults 
     with appropriate agencies and organizations to designate the 
     fields that are considered ``areas of national need,'' the 
     Secretary is strongly encouraged to consider the humanities 
     and social sciences as eligible fields and take into account 
     the extent to which these areas fulfill a compelling national 
     interest during the fiscal year 2015 Graduate Assistance in 
     Areas of National Need grant competition.
       The agreement supports the Department's effort in 
     developing and testing competency-based education as an 
     alternative method for delivering federal financial aid, 
     including its most recent Experimental Sites Initiative that 
     will provide institutions flexibility in how they provide 
     financial aid to students enrolled in self-paced competency-
     based education programs. The agreement encourages the 
     Department to continue incentivizing institutions to develop 
     and test this model.

                    INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES

       Increased NAEP contract costs and the 2013 sequester led to 
     decisions in 2013 to postpone indefinitely implementation of 
     assessments for 4th and 12th grade students in United States 
     History, Civics and Geography. Previous assessments conducted 
     by the National Assessment Governing Board indicate that 
     fewer than one in four 4th, 8th, and 12th grade students at 
     all grade levels is proficient in United States History. 
     Reducing the frequency of assessments in this area will limit 
     the ability of Congress to track the progress of the American 
     education system in addressing this important problem. At its 
     next scheduled meeting, the National Assessment Governing 
     Board should consider options for implementing assessments in 
     4th and 12th grade United States History, Civics and 
     Geography and schedule them to be conducted as soon as is 
     feasible.

                        DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

       The GAO shall conduct a study on the use of State, local, 
     Federal, and philanthropic funds to support year-round 
     learning activities. The study should include (1) what is 
     known about LEAs' and SEAs' use of funds to support year-
     round school calendars; (2) a discussion of barriers, if any, 
     to the use of funds to implement year-round school calendars; 
     and (3) a review of what is known about the effectiveness of 
     summer learning in improving the achievement gap, addressing 
     summer-slide, the propensity of involvement in criminal 
     behavior, and other key challenges facing the Nation's school 
     systems. To address the third objective, the study should 
     include information about evaluations from schools and school 
     districts that have implemented year-round school calendars, 
     to the extent such evaluations are available.
       Vision and Educational Performance.--According to the NIH, 
     one out of four children in the United States has a vision 
     problem and at least two million schoolchildren start the 
     school year not being able to see clearly. As a result, 
     thousands of schoolchildren from economically disadvantaged 
     families are unable to make the most of their education.

[[Page H9842]]

     Most of these cases of poor vision are due to refractive 
     error and can be easily corrected. The Department of 
     Education is encouraged to consider steps it could take to 
     raise awareness of the need to identify children with poor 
     vision and promote options for children from low-income 
     families to acquire prescription eyeglasses. These steps 
     could help such children achieve educational performance and 
     future vocational success that otherwise may be hindered due 
     to poor vision.

                        OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

       The agreement includes an increase in the Office for Civil 
     Rights to help ensure that educational institutions are 
     protecting students from sexual violence.

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

       The Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the 
     Institute of Education Sciences, is required to provide the 
     House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, Committee on 
     Education and the Workforce, and Committee on Health, 
     Education, Labor and Pensions an operating plan describing 
     the proposed uses of this evaluation authority as well as the 
     source appropriation for such activities. In addition, not 
     later than 45 days prior to the submission of the required 
     operating plan, the Department shall brief the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations, Committee on Education 
     and the Workforce, and Committee on Health, Education, Labor 
     and Pensions on the programs and activities being considered 
     for inclusion in the plan, how ESEA programs will be 
     regularly evaluated, and how finding of evaluations completed 
     under this section will be widely disseminated. Further, the 
     Secretary and Director shall include in future congressional 
     budget justifications a discussion of the planned use of this 
     authority.
       The agreement includes a new provision reinstating student 
     aid eligibility for students enrolled in career pathways 
     programs.
       The agreement includes a new provision allowing certain 
     institutions to continue to use endowment income for student 
     scholarships.
       The agreement includes a new provision to ensure that TRIO 
     Student Support Services Grants are awarded in a timely 
     manner.

                       TITLE IV--RELATED AGENCIES

             Corporation for National and Community Service

       The agreement rejects the budget request's proposal to 
     restructure the Senior Corps programs, and includes funding 
     for each of the Senior Corps programs at no less than the 
     fiscal year 2014 level.
       The agreement includes new bill language to reinforce 
     longstanding policy that a professional corps program may 
     demonstrate an inadequate number of professionals in a 
     community in a number of ways, including a determination of 
     need by the local community. Further, the Corporation for 
     National and Community Service is directed to ensure that any 
     changes in policies regarding professional corps programs 
     operating expenses do not adversely impact the ability of 
     AmeriCorps programs to operate in certain communities. The 
     Corporation should provide AmeriCorps programs the maximum 
     amount of flexibility in demonstrating the importance of 
     these operating costs as part of their grant application to 
     ensure the viability of such programs in all communities.
       Consistent with the authorization of the Social Innovation 
     Fund (SIF) in section 198K(e) of the National and Community 
     Service Act of 1990, the Corporation is directed to allow 
     current high-performing SIF grantees to apply for renewal 
     funding to continue implementation and evaluation of their 
     current projects, and to compete for new SIF funding for 
     projects not currently funded by the SIF.
       The agreement includes an increase in funding for 
     Innovation, Demonstration, and Other Activities to support 
     national call to service activities, including the September 
     11th National Day of Service and Remembrance and the Martin 
     Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service.

                INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES

       Within the total for IMLS, the bill includes funds for the 
     following activities in the following amounts:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Budget Activity                      FY15  Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Library Services Technology Act:
    Grants to States.................................       $154,848,000
    Native American Library Services.................          3,861,000
    National Leadership: Libraries...................         12,200,000
    Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian................         10,000,000
Museum Services Act:
    Museums for America..............................         20,200,000
    Native American/Hawaiian Museum Services.........            924,000
    National Leadership: Museums.....................          7,600,000
African American History and Culture Act:
    Museum Grants for African American History &               1,407,000
     Culture.........................................
Program Administration...............................         16,820,000
    Total............................................        227,860,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement includes an increase of $1,000,000 to assist 
     with relocation costs.

                  Medicare Payment Advisory Commission

       Current law requires the Medicare Payment Advisory 
     Commission (MedPAC) to be comprised of a mix of individuals 
     with expertise in the financing and delivery of healthcare 
     services and have a broad geographic representation, 
     including, but not limited to, those with rural backgrounds 
     and experience. The Government Accountability Office is 
     directed to continue to follow the statute when making 
     appointments to MedPAC.

                     Social Security Administration


                      SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME

       Disability Early Intervention Initiative.--Within the total 
     for research and demonstration, the agreement includes 
     $35,000,000 for a disability early intervention initiative. 
     This demonstration project will test innovative and evidence-
     based approaches to improve outcomes for individuals with 
     disabilities who are not yet receiving Social Security 
     disability benefits, but who are likely to be eligible for 
     benefits in the future, focusing on helping them remain in 
     the workforce. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is 
     directed to work in close consultation with the Departments 
     of Labor, Education, HHS, and other agencies as appropriate, 
     in developing and administering this demonstration project, 
     including determining the appropriate target population and 
     the types of interventions or services to be tested. Prior to 
     issuing a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for this 
     demonstration project, SSA should publish a detailed 
     executive summary of a proposed FOA, or a draft FOA itself, 
     and allow for public comment by outside organizations. SSA 
     should also ensure that participation in any demonstration is 
     voluntary and that individuals are not required to waive any 
     of their rights under the Social Security Act.


                 LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

       Continuing disability reviews and SSI redeterminations of 
     eligibility.--The agreement includes a total of 
     $1,527,000,000 for SSA to conduct continuing disability 
     reviews (CDRs) under the Disability Insurance and 
     Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs, and 
     redeterminations of eligibility under the SSI program. This 
     includes $1,396,000,000 specified to meet the terms of 
     section 251(b)(2)(B)(ii)(III) of the Balanced Budget and 
     Emergency Deficit Control Act, and $131,000,000 in additional 
     funding provided under SSA's Limitation on Administrative 
     Expenses (LAE) account. This allocation is consistent with 
     the funding decisions of the agency in recent years but 
     reprioritizes proposed funding to improve basic services to 
     the public. The Commissioner may allocate more or less than 
     $131,000,000 from SSA's regular LAE account for CDRs and 
     redeterminations but only for reconciling estimated and 
     actual unit costs for conducting such activities, and after 
     notifying the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate at least 15 days prior to any 
     such reallocation. If less funding is allocated for such 
     activities, the funding will be available for regular 
     activities within the LAE account. Finally, the Commissioner 
     is directed to provide in its fiscal year 2016 budget 
     justification a consolidated accounting of total funding 
     spent, or estimated to be spent, on CDRs and redeterminations 
     in the prior year, current year, and budget year.
       Field office closings and consolidations.--The Commissioner 
     is directed to provide an opportunity for community input and 
     public comment prior to making a decision to permanently 
     close, consolidate, or significantly reduce service hours or 
     services available at any field office. Before deciding to 
     permanently close or consolidate an office, SSA should make 
     detailed information widely-available to the public about any 
     proposed closure, including demographic information of the 
     service area affected; distance to other office locations; 
     access to and the availability of public transportation to 
     other office locations; availability of services for people 
     with disabilities, seniors, non-English speakers, and other 
     vulnerable populations living in the impacted area; and any 
     specific plans for SSA to mitigate any burdens on the public 
     from closing the office. Allowing public input in these 
     decisions will help SSA consider even more information about 
     the impact of closing an office on individual communities and 
     improve the overall transparency of these critical decisions. 
     Further, the Commissioner is directed to provide a widely-
     available public notice no later than 180 days prior to 
     permanently closing, consolidating, or significantly reducing 
     services available at any field office. SSA is directed to 
     brief the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate within 120 days of enactment 
     on how they plan to implement these changes.
       Access and availability of Benefit Verification Letters and 
     SSN printouts.--The Commissioner is directed, consistent with 
     SSA's current guidance, to continue to make Benefit 
     Verification Letters available upon request at field offices. 
     Reducing the availability of this document at field offices 
     could adversely impact individuals who are required to 
     provide proof of this information for a variety of purposes. 
     SSA should continue to encourage third parties to use 
     existing online tools to verify this same information, and 
     eliminate the need for individuals to provide these documents 
     altogether, but this ultimately relies on third parties to do 
     so. Similarly, the Commissioner is directed to ensure the 
     maximum amount of flexibility in helping individuals verify 
     their SSN through a field office. Individuals need to verify 
     their SSN for a variety of purposes, often for time-sensitive 
     issues where waiting for a replacement SSN card is not 
     possible or practical.
       Annual Social Security Statements.--The agreement includes 
     sufficient resources for SSA to resume mailing Social 
     Security Statements, and to otherwise increase the number of 
     individuals viewing and receiving their statement annually, 
     in accordance with its plan submitted to Congress in March 
     2014.

[[Page H9843]]

       Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) and 
     Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security 
     (PABSS).--The agreement includes $23,000,000 for WIPA and 
     $7,000,000 for PABSS.

                      TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS

       The agreement modifies the general provision related to 
     Performance Partnerships Pilot.
       The agreement includes a new general provision that 
     supports implementation of section 491 of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act and the transfer of the 
     National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, 
     independent living programs under chapter 1 of title VII of 
     the Rehabilitation Act, and programs under the Assistive 
     Technology Act from the Department of Education to the 
     Department of Health and Human Services.
       The agreement prohibits funding from going to the 
     Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now 
     (ACORN), or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, allied 
     organizations, or successors.

               TITLE VI--EBOLA RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS

       The agreement provides $2,742,000,000 across the various 
     accounts of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 
     to support Ebola activities. Within the total for Ebola 
     Response, the agreement includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2015
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Domestic
 Ebola Response:
    Public Health Emergency Preparedness.............       $155,000,000
    State and Local..................................        255,000,000
    Worker Training..................................         10,000,000
    Migration/Quarantine.............................        114,000,000
    Other............................................         37,000,000
International Response and Preparedness..............      1,200,000,000
Biomedical Advanced Research and Development                 157,000,000
 Authority (BARDA)...................................
Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response....        576,000,000
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases        238,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Ebola Reporting.--The Secretary of HHS shall provide a 
     detailed spend plan within 30 days of enactment and quarterly 
     obligation reports by program to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate. 
     HHS should also provide obligation updates to the Committees 
     every six months until all funds are expended or expire. HHS 
     is further reminded that all funding provided to the agency 
     is subject to the reprogramming requirements in title V of 
     this Act.
       Ebola Oversight.--The Secretary is directed to ensure 
     procedures are in place to prevent fraud and waste in the 
     expenditure of these funds. Specifically, HHS is directed to 
     work with the HHS Office of Inspector General to develop an 
     oversight plan, which shall be submitted to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate 
     within 90 days of enactment.
       International Preparedness.--Of the total for international 
     response and preparedness, the agreement provides 
     $597,000,000 to CDC for setting up and strengthening National 
     Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) and for other international 
     preparedness activities. Funding is included to continue and 
     expand the work of NPHI grantees who received awards from 
     fiscal year 2014 funding.
       Treatment Centers.--The agreement does not concur with the 
     Administration's request to designate at least one treatment 
     center in every State. Instead, the agreement provides 
     funding to the Department to implement a regional strategy 
     for designating treatment centers which balances both 
     geographic need and the fact that different institutional 
     capabilities may be necessary for a successful strategy.
       Worker training.--Funds are provided for medical worker 
     training related to Ebola response. Recent incidents 
     involving hospital personnel point to the current shortage of 
     state-of-the-art personal protective equipment, and the need 
     for alternative methods of protection, particularly in small 
     community hospitals. CDC is expected to conduct an 
     independent review of best practices and the training of 
     personnel in the use of alternative methods of protection 
     when first-line personal protective equipment is not 
     available.

                           General Provisions

       The bill includes a provision relating to the use of funds 
     by the Secretary.
       The bill includes a provision relating to notification 
     requirements to the Committees on Appropriations.
       The bill includes a provision allowing the Secretary to 
     condition grant funding on agreement by the awardee to follow 
     Departmental guidance regarding the control of the spread of 
     Ebola.
       The bill includes a provision allowing the Secretary to 
     transfer funds between accounts.

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        DIVISION H--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015

       The following is an explanation of the effects of Division 
     H, which makes appropriations for the Legislative Branch for 
     fiscal year 2015. Unless otherwise noted, reference to the 
     House and Senate reports are to House Report 113-417 and 
     Senate Report 113-196. The language included in House Report 
     113-417 and Senate Report 113-196 should be complied with and 
     carry the same emphasis as the language included in the 
     explanatory statement, unless specifically addressed to the 
     contrary in this explanatory statement. While repeating some 
     report language for emphasis, this explanatory statement does 
     not intend to negate the language referred to above unless 
     expressly provided herein.
       Reprogramming Guidelines.--It is expected that all agencies 
     notify the Committees on Appropriations of the House and the 
     Senate of any significant departures from budget plans 
     presented to the Committees in any agency's budget 
     justifications. In particular, agencies funded through this 
     bill are required to notify the Committees prior to each 
     reprogramming of funds in excess of the lesser of 10 percent 
     or $500,000 between programs, projects or activities, or in 
     excess of $500,000 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 $500,000 from or to a particular program, activity, 
     or object classification as well as reprogramming FTEs or 
     funds to create new organizational entities within the Agency 
     or to restructure entities which already exist. The 
     Committees desire 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.

                            TITLE I--SENATE

       The agreement includes $864,285,102 for Senate operations. 
     This item relates solely to the Senate, and is in accordance 
     with long practice under which each body determines its own 
     housekeeping requirements and the other concurs without 
     intervention.
       The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is directed to 
     evaluate the methods available to Senate offices to both 
     communicate with blind and deaf constituents as well as to 
     support congressional staff covered under the Americans with 
     Disabilities Act. GAO should also make recommendations on 
     additional steps needed to reasonably accommodate such 
     constituents and staff, including new technologies that are 
     not currently being utilized.


                        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

       The agreement eliminates an outdated requirement that the 
     Secretary of the Senate purchase newspaper advertisements to 
     solicit bids for procuring stationary products for the 
     Senate.


                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

       The agreement includes $1,180,736,000 for House operations. 
     This item relates solely to the House, and is in accordance 
     with long practice under which each body determines its own 
     housekeeping requirements and the other concurs without 
     intervention.
       To ensure that employees and supervisors of Member, 
     Committee, and House Offices prevent and maintain harassment 
     free work environments, the Chief Administrative Officer is 
     directed to develop and offer online training on workplace 
     sexual harassment. The CAO shall utilize already developed 
     materials from other Federal agencies and build on training 
     already available through the House on similar subject 
     matter. The CAO shall brief the Committee on Appropriations 
     on strategies for dissemination of this new training.


                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

       The agreement provides for unspent amounts remaining in 
     Members' Representational Allowances account to be used for 
     deficit or debt reduction, prohibits the delivery of bills 
     and resolutions, prohibits the delivery of printed copies of 
     the Congressional record, places a limitation on amount 
     available to lease vehicles, places a limitation on print 
     copies of the U.S. Code, prohibits delivery of reports of 
     disbursements, and prohibits delivery of daily calendar.


                              JOINT ITEMS

                        JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE

       The agreement includes $4,203,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.


                      JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION

       The Joint Committee on Taxation is provided $10,095,000 for 
     salaries and expenses, as requested. As proposed in the 
     budget request, this amount adjusts the fiscal year 2014 
     level for cost-of-living increases and therefore maintains 
     current services.


                   OFFICE OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN

       The agreement includes $3,371,000.


             OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $1,387,000.


                             CAPITOL POLICE

                                SALARIES

       The agreement includes $286,500,000 for salaries of the 
     Capitol Police. This will support a staffing level of 1,775 
     sworn officers and 370 civilian personnel.


                            GENERAL EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $61,459,000 for general expenses of 
     the Capitol Police.


                          OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $3,959,000.


                        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

       The agreement allows the Office of Compliance to send 
     certain notifications to employees electronically.


                      CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $45,700,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.


                        ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL

                         GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

       The agreement includes $91,455,000 for General 
     Administration.
       Projects that were requested in this account were moved to 
     the account of jurisdiction.


                            CAPITOL BUILDING

       The agreement includes $54,665,000, for maintenance, care, 
     and operation of the Capitol, of which $9,134,000 shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2019 and $21,222,000 
     shall remain available until expended.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

Operating Budget.....................................        $24,309,000
Project Budget:
    1. West Grand Stair Enclosure....................          1,568,000
    2. Dome Restoration, Phase IIC, Rotunda..........         21,222,000
    3. Exterior Stone & Metal Preservation, South              2,527,000
     Extension, Phase IIA............................
    4. Brumidi Corridors Restoration & Conservation            1,340,000
     Plan............................................
    5. Conservation of Fine and Architectural Art....            199,000
    6. Minor Construction............................          3,500,000
                                                      ------------------
                                                              30,356,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Capitol Building..........................        $54,665,000
 

                            CAPITOL GROUNDS

       The agreement includes $11,973,000 for the care and 
     improvements of the grounds surrounding the Capitol, House 
     and Senate office buildings, and the Capitol Power Plant, of 
     which $2,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 
     2019.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following was 
     agreed to:

Operating Budget.....................................         $9,973,000
Project Budget:
    1. Minor Construction............................          2,000,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Capitol Grounds...........................        $11,973,000
 

       The Committees support the Light Pole Structural Repairs 
     and Improvement project and direct the Architect of the 
     Capitol to make this a priority to accomplish within existing 
     funds.


                        SENATE OFFICE BUILDINGS

       The agreement includes $94,313,000 for the maintenance, 
     care and operation of the Senate office buildings, of which 
     $36,488,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2019.
       This item relates solely to the Senate and is in accordance 
     with long practice under which each body determines its own 
     housekeeping requirements, and the other concurs without 
     intervention.

Operating Budget.....................................        $57,825,000
Project Budget:
    1. Senate Underground Garage Renovations &                19,300,000
     Landscape Restoration, Phase I..................
    2. Exterior Envelope Repair & Restoration, Phase          12,188,000
     II East Facade, RSOB............................
    3. Minor Construction............................          5,000,000
                                                      ------------------
                                                              36,488,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Senate Office Buildings...................        $94,313,000
 

       Based on information provided by AOC, AOC is directed to 
     use existing unobligated balances within Senate Office 
     Buildings to complete Phase II of the Kitchen Exhaust System 
     Upgrade, DSOB.


                         HOUSE OFFICE BUILDINGS

       The agreement includes $89,446,898 for the basic and 
     recurring needs of the House within the House Office 
     Buildings account, of which $24,824,898 shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2019.

Operating Budget.....................................        $64,622,000
Project Budget:
    1. Garage Rehabilitation, Phase I, RHOB..........         17,824,898
    2. Minor Construction............................          7,000,000
                                                      ------------------
                                                              24,824,898
                                                      ------------------
    Total, House Office Buildings (base program).....        $89,446,898
 

       House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund.--In 
     addition to funding for core facility needs, the agreement 
     includes $70,000,000 for the Historic Buildings 
     Revitalization Trust Fund, to remain available until 
     expended.
       As these funds relate solely to the House, and is in 
     accordance with long practice under which each body 
     determines its own housekeeping requirements and the other 
     concurs without intervention.


                          CAPITOL POWER PLANT

       In addition to the $9,000,000 made available from receipts 
     credited as reimbursements to this appropriation, the 
     agreement includes $90,652,000 for maintenance, care and 
     operation of the Capitol Power Plant, of which $8,686,000 
     shall remain available until September 30, 2019.
       With respect to operations and project differences, the 
     agreement includes the following:

[[Page H9907]]


Operating Budget.....................................        $90,966,000
Project Budget:
    1. WRP Chiller System Replacement, RPR, Phase              4,686,000
     IIIS, CPP.......................................
    2. Minor Construction............................          4,000,000
                                                      ------------------
                                                               8,686,000
        Subtotal, Capitol Power Plant................        $99,652,000
                                                      ------------------
            Offsetting Collections...................        (9,000,000)
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Capitol Power Plant.......................        $90,652,000
 

       Based on information provided by AOC on available balances 
     within the Capitol Power Plant account, AOC is directed to 
     utilize existing funds to continue development of the 
     Cogeneration program.


                     LIBRARY BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

       The agreement includes $42,180,000 for Library of Congress 
     buildings and grounds, of which $17,042,000 shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2019.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

Operating Budget.....................................        $25,138,000
Project Budget:
    1. Book Conveyor & Pneumatic Messenger System              2,925,000
     Removal & Infrastructure Repairs, JAB...........
    2. Infrastructure UPS Replacement, Main Data               4,500,000
     Center, Phase I, JMMB...........................
    3. Fall Protection, JMMB.........................          3,911,000
    4. Direct Digital Controls Upgrade, Phase II,              3,706,000
     JMMB............................................
    5. Minor Construction............................          2,000,000
                                                      ------------------
                                                              17,042,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Library Buildings and Grounds.............        $42,180,000
 

            CAPITOL POLICE BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, AND SECURITY

       The agreement includes $19,159,000 for Capitol Police 
     Buildings, Grounds, and Security, of which $1,000,000 shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2019.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

Operating Budget.....................................        $18,159,000
Project Budget:
    1. Minor Construction............................          1,000,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and            $19,159,000
     Security........................................
 

                             BOTANIC GARDEN

       The agreement includes $15,573,000 for salaries and 
     expenses for the Botanic Garden, of which $5,693,000 shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2019.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

Operating Budget.....................................         $9,880,000
Project Budget:
    1. Exterior Stone Repair & Roof Replacement, BG..          3,593,000
    2. Minor Construction............................          2,100,000
                                                      ------------------
                                                               5,693,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Botanic Garden............................        $15,573,000
 

                         CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER

       The agreement includes $20,844,000 for the Capitol Visitor 
     Center.


                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

       The agreement prohibits AOC from awarding contractor 
     bonuses if the contractor is behind schedule or over budget, 
     with certain exceptions.
       The agreement authorizes the U.S. Botanic Garden to 
     participate in certain educational exhibits, programs, 
     outreach, and related services at no cost to the taxpayer.
       The agreement prohibits funding in this Act from being used 
     for scrims containing photographs of building facades during 
     restoration or construction projects.


                          LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $413,007,000 in direct 
     appropriations, of which $8,231,000 is to remain available 
     until expended for digital collections and educational 
     curricula program.
       The agreement has provided an additional $1,000,000 for the 
     Teaching with Primary Sources program to be used to increase 
     competitive opportunities for developing online interactive 
     and apps for classroom use on Congress and civic 
     participation.
       In addition, the agreement has provided $200,000 for the 
     purchase of books law and $1,090,000 for the purchase of 
     books general.
       It is expected that the $2,000,000 remainder from the one-
     time cost for the financial system migration be applied 
     proportionately to all Library of Congress, Salary and 
     Expenses activities to partially offset the impact of the 
     fiscal year 2013 sequestration.
       The agreement provides $2,041,000 for the Veterans History 
     Project and $226,000 for the Civil Rights History Project, 
     equal to the budget request.
       Included is $5,500,000 base funding for the Preservation 
     Directorate to continue the 30 year program of mass 
     deacidification. In addition, $1,000,000 is provided for 
     compact shelving at the Library's Packard Campus.


                            COPYRIGHT OFFICE

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $20,721,000 in direct appropriations 
     to the Copyright Office. An additional $33,582,000 is made 
     available from receipts for salaries and expenses.


                     CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $106,945,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.


             BOOKS FOR THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $50,248,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.


                        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

       The agreement authorizes obligational authority for 
     reimbursable and revolving funds.
       Under current law, funds appropriated for the Library of 
     Congress may be transferred between accounts upon approval of 
     the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the House 
     of Representatives. Not more than 10 percent of the total 
     amount of funds appropriated to an account may be transferred 
     from that account as a result of all such transfers made.


                      GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

       To acknowledge that the information needs of Congress, 
     Federal agencies, and the public have evolved beyond print 
     and that GPO has transformed itself to meet those needs, 
     section 1301 changes the formal name of the organization from 
     the Government Printing Office to the Government Publishing 
     Office.


                        CONGRESSIONAL PUBLISHING

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement includes $79,736,000 for authorized 
     publishing, printing and binding for the Congress.
       This appropriation was previously titled ``Congressional 
     Printing and Binding''.


     PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAMS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement includes $31,500,000.
       This appropriation was previously titled ``Office of 
     Superintendent of Documents''.


    GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE BUSINESS OPERATIONS REVOLVING FUND

       The agreement includes $8,757,000.
       This appropriation was previously titled ``Government 
     Printing Office Revolving Fund''.


                        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

       The agreement redesignates the Government Printing Office 
     as the Government Publishing Office and makes other 
     conforming changes pertaining to the name of the office and 
     its staff.


                    GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $522,000,000 in direct 
     appropriations for salaries and expenses of the Government 
     Accountability Office. In addition, $23,750,000 is available 
     from offsetting collections.
       Senate Report language related to communications and 
     individuals with disabilities is addressed within Senate 
     accounts.


                        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

       The agreement establishes the Center for Audit Excellence 
     to be operated on a fee-based basis.


                OPEN WORLD LEADERSHIP CENTER TRUST FUND

       The agreement includes $5,700,000 for payment to the Open 
     World Leadership Center Trust Fund. Funds made available to 
     support Russian participants shall only be used for those 
     engaging in free market development, humanitarian activities, 
     and civic engagement, and shall not be used for officials of 
     the central government of Russia.


   JOHN C. STENNIS CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

       The agreement includes $430,000.

                      TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

       The agreement continues provisions related to maintenance 
     and care of private vehicles, fiscal year limitations, rates 
     of compensation and designation, consulting services, costs 
     of the LBFMC, landscape maintenance, limitation on transfers, 
     and guided tours of the capitol.
       A Senate provision restricting bonuses for contractors 
     behind schedule and over budget is included as an 
     administrative provision under the Architect of the Capitol. 

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 DIVISION I.--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED 
                   AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015

       Matters Addressed by Only One Committee.--The language and 
     allocations set forth in House Report 113-416 and Senate 
     Report 113-174 should be complied with unless specifically 
     addressed to the contrary in this explanatory statement. 
     Report language included by the House, which is not changed 
     by the report of the Senate or this explanatory statement, 
     and Senate report language, which is not changed by this 
     explanatory statement, is approved by the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress. This explanatory 
     statement, while repeating some report language for emphasis, 
     does not intend to negate the language referred to above 
     unless expressly provided herein. In cases where the House or 
     the Senate has directed the submission of a report, such 
     report is to be submitted to both Houses of Congress. House 
     or Senate reporting requirements with deadlines prior to, or 
     within 15 days after, enactment of this Act shall be 
     submitted no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act. 
     All other reporting deadlines not changed by this explanatory 
     statement are to be met.

                     TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

       Incrementally Funded Projects.--The Administration 
     requested several large military construction projects that 
     can be incrementally funded, but were instead submitted as 
     large single-year requests, in accordance with a directive 
     from the Office of Management and Budget to the Department of 
     Defense (DOD) to severely restrict the use of incremental 
     funding for military construction. The Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress (hereinafter, ``the 
     Committees'') have previously notified the Administration 
     that they reserve the prerogative to provide incremental 
     funding where appropriate, in accordance with authorizing 
     legislation. In general, the agreement supports full funding 
     for military construction projects. In some cases, however, 
     incremental funding makes fiscal and programmatic sense. The 
     agreement therefore incrementally funds the following 
     projects: Fort Bliss Hospital Replacement, Texas, and Rhine 
     Ordnance Barracks Medical Center Replacement, Germany.
       Real Property.--It is important for DOD to eliminate 
     wasteful spending on unused facilities and properties that 
     have been rated at zero percent utilization. The DOD is urged 
     to manage its facilities and properties in a responsible 
     manner that does not waste taxpayer resources.
       Defense Access Roads and Road Improvement Requirements at 
     Military Installations.--Military construction budget 
     constraints are negatively affecting the ability of the 
     Department to address urgent transportation requirements at 
     certain U.S. military installations. This includes both 
     Defense Access Roads (DAR) and internal road improvements 
     that are necessary for the safety and well-being of 
     employees, both civilian and military. This problem is 
     particularly acute on growth installations that serve as host 
     commands for a variety of military departments.
       Fort George C. Meade in Maryland is illustrative of the 
     seriousness of this situation. Fort Meade is the epicenter of 
     Department of Defense cyber security in the United States, a 
     mission that has grown exponentially over the past few years. 
     As a result, the Army, as the installation host, is tasked 
     with providing the resources within its budget to support the 
     infrastructure of not only the 6,000 Army personnel assigned 
     to the base, but also of an additional 44,000 military and 
     civilian employees representing other services and Defense 
     agencies, primarily associated with the cyber security 
     missions of the National Security Agency and the U.S. Cyber 
     Command. The recent growth of these affiliated commands has 
     put enormous pressure on the Army to provide necessary road 
     and access improvements at Fort Meade, but as the host 
     command, the Army has been unable to provide the military 
     construction funding within its budget to accommodate these 
     requirements. As a result, access to Fort Meade and traffic 
     congestion on base present increasingly serious problems both 
     on base and on surrounding public roads.
       This problem is not unique to Fort Meade. In response to a 
     directive in the report accompanying H.R. 4486, the House of 
     Representatives Fiscal Year 2015 Military Construction, 
     Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 
     the Department submitted a list of certified unfunded DAR 
     requirements totaling $92,900,000. Significantly, the report 
     noted that these requirements do not compete well against 
     other infrastructure requirements for declining military 
     construction dollars and are not included in the current 
     Future Years Defense Program.
       There is concern that the Department does not have a 
     coherent strategy to address the growing problem of access 
     and traffic congestion on installations experiencing rapid 
     growth during a time of severe budget constraints. As a 
     result, traffic congestion and safety concerns on both 
     internal base roads and public connecting roads at growth 
     installations are likely to increase.
       Therefore, the Department is directed to submit to the 
     congressional defense committees with the fiscal year 2016 
     military construction budget request the following reports:
      An updated list of certified unfunded Defense Access 
     Road requirements;
      A list of unfunded requirements for internal road 
     improvements at military installations (1) which have 
     experienced a growth rate of 10 percent or more in tenant 
     populations within the past five years, or (2) where tenant 
     organizations comprise more than 50 percent of the workforce; 
     and
      Recommendations of ways in which the Department can 
     facilitate the contribution and coordination of multiple 
     service and Defense agency components of an installation's 
     population to address unfunded base access and internal 
     transportation requirements.
       Each of the services is further directed to submit, with 
     the fiscal year 2016 military construction budget request, a 
     list of unfunded internal road improvement requirements on 
     installations that host other service or Defense agency 
     organizations that could be accomplished within the limit for 
     unspecified minor construction as established in the fiscal 
     year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, and a plan for 
     how those requirements will be incorporated into their minor 
     construction requests for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
       Unfunded Quality of Life Military Construction 
     Requirements.--Increasingly severe budget constraints have 
     resulted in a precipitous decline in funding for essential 
     quality of life (QOL) military construction requirements, 
     including child development centers, physical fitness 
     facilities and troop housing. Both the Department and the 
     services have acknowledged that they are taking risk in their 
     military construction programs, especially QOL requirements, 
     to provide additional funds for operational readiness.
       Unfortunately, deferral of needed QOL investment can 
     adversely impact troop readiness and jeopardize the health 
     and safety of service members. Undersized, overcrowded, and 
     poorly equipped physical fitness centers can impede strength, 
     endurance, and agility training, which are key to troop 
     readiness across all services. Deteriorating barracks can 
     harbor health hazards, such as mold and mildew, and pose 
     other safety concerns. Prolonged waiting lists for child care 
     due to unfunded child development center requirements can 
     endanger the well-being of children and create additional 
     stress on military personnel and their families.
       In an era in which repeated combat deployments have imposed 
     increased strain on the military, the assurance of adequate 
     QOL facilities on military installations is of paramount 
     importance to the readiness, health, and well-being of 
     military personnel and their families.
       The fiscal year 2015 Senate Military Construction, Veterans 
     Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provided 
     additional funding for unfunded QOL military construction 
     requirements identified by the services, subject to 
     authorization. However, no additional funding for QOL 
     projects was authorized in either the fiscal year 2015 Senate 
     or House of Representatives Defense authorization bills.
       The Department is therefore directed to provide, with the 
     submission of the fiscal year 2016 budget request, a 
     prioritized list of unfunded QOL requirements to include, but 
     not limited to, troop housing, child development and youth 
     centers, and physical fitness centers, for each of the 
     services, and a plan across the Future Years Defense Program 
     to address these requirements.


                      MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY

       The agreement provides $528,427,000 for Military 
     Construction, Army. Within this amount, the agreement 
     provides $51,127,000 for study, planning, design, architect 
     and engineer services, and host nation support.


              MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

       The agreement provides $1,018,772,000 for Military 
     Construction, Navy and Marine Corps. Within this amount, the 
     agreement provides $33,366,000 for study, planning, design, 
     architect and engineer services.


                    MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE

       The agreement provides $811,774,000 for Military 
     Construction, Air Force. Within this amount, the agreement 
     provides $10,738,000 for study, planning, design, architect 
     and engineer services.


                  MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE-WIDE

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $1,991,690,000 for Military 
     Construction, Defense-Wide. Within this amount, the agreement 
     provides $162,240,000 for study, planning, design, architect 
     and engineer services. Within this amount, $58,704,000 is 
     provided for the Missile Defense Agency planning and design 
     account, which is an increase of $20,000,000 over the 
     request. The additional funding is to expedite the 
     construction and deployment of urgently needed missile 
     defense assets, including the second Aegis Ashore system in 
     Redzikowo, Poland, and the Long Range Discrimination Radar in 
     the Pacific Region.
       Energy Conservation Investment Program (ECIP).--The 
     agreement provides $150,000,000 for ECIP. Additionally, the 
     agreement provides $10,000,000 in dedicated funding for ECIP 
     planning and design as requested in the budget. The agreement 
     supports the efforts of the Department of Defense to promote 
     energy conservation, green building initiatives, energy 
     security, and investment in renewable energy resources. The 
     Department and the Services are commended for making energy 
     efficiency a key component of construction on military 
     installations. The Department is urged to use the dedicated 
     planning

[[Page H9920]]

     and design funds to invest in innovative renewable energy 
     projects as well as projects that enhance energy security at 
     military installations.


               MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

       The agreement provides $128,920,000 for Military 
     Construction, Army National Guard. Within this amount, the 
     agreement provides $17,600,000 for study, planning, design, 
     architect and engineer services.


               MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR NATIONAL GUARD

       The agreement provides $92,663,000 for Military 
     Construction, Air National Guard. Within this amount, the 
     agreement provides $7,700,000 for study, planning, design, 
     architect and engineer services.


                  MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY RESERVE

       The agreement provides $103,946,000 for Military 
     Construction, Army Reserve. Within this amount, the agreement 
     provides $8,337,000 for study, planning, design, architect 
     and engineer services.


                  MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, NAVY RESERVE

       The agreement provides $51,528,000 for Military 
     Construction, Navy Reserve. Within this amount, the agreement 
     provides $2,123,000 for study, planning, design, architect 
     and engineer services.


                MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE RESERVE

       The agreement provides $49,492,000 for Military 
     Construction, Air Force Reserve. Within this amount, the 
     agreement provides $6,892,000 for study, planning, design, 
     architect and engineer services.


     NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $199,700,000 for the North Atlantic 
     Treaty Organization Security Investment Program.


                   FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, ARMY

       The agreement provides $78,609,000 for Family Housing 
     Construction, Army.


             FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY

       The agreement provides $350,976,000 for Family Housing 
     Operation and Maintenance, Army.


           FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

       The agreement provides $16,412,000 for Family Housing 
     Construction, Navy and Marine Corps.


    FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

       The agreement provides $354,029,000 for Family Housing 
     Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps.


                 FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE

       The agreement does not provide funds for Family Housing 
     Construction, Air Force. The budget request did not propose 
     funds.


          FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE

       The agreement provides $327,747,000 for Family Housing 
     Operation and Maintenance, Air Force.


         FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, DEFENSE-WIDE

       The agreement provides $61,100,000 for Family Housing 
     Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide.


         DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FAMILY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT FUND

       The agreement provides $1,662,000 for the Department of 
     Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund.


          CHEMICAL DEMILITARIZATION CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE-WIDE

       The agreement provides $38,715,000 for Chemical 
     Demilitarization Construction, Defense-Wide.


               DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BASE CLOSURE ACCOUNT

       The agreement provides $315,085,000 for the Department of 
     Defense Base Closure Account, $45,000,000 above the request. 
     The additional funding is for the Navy to accelerate 
     environmental remediation at installations closed under 
     previous Base Closure and Realignment rounds.


                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

             (Including Transfers and Rescissions of Funds)

       The agreement includes section 101 limiting the use of 
     funds under a cost-plus-a-fixed-fee contract.
       The agreement includes section 102 allowing the use of 
     construction funds in this title for hire of passenger motor 
     vehicles.
       The agreement includes section 103 allowing the use of 
     construction funds in this title for advances to the Federal 
     Highway Administration for the construction of access roads.
       The agreement includes section 104 prohibiting construction 
     of new bases in the United States without a specific 
     appropriation.
       The agreement includes section 105 limiting the use of 
     funds for the purchase of land or land easements that exceed 
     100 percent of the value.
       The agreement includes section 106 prohibiting the use of 
     funds, except funds appropriated in this title for that 
     purpose, for family housing.
       The agreement includes section 107 limiting the use of 
     minor construction funds to transfer or relocate activities.
       The agreement includes section 108 prohibiting the 
     procurement of steel unless American producers, fabricators, 
     and manufacturers have been allowed to compete.
       The agreement includes section 109 prohibiting the use of 
     construction or family housing funds to pay real property 
     taxes in any foreign nation.
       The agreement includes section 110 prohibiting the use of 
     funds to initiate a new installation overseas without prior 
     notification.
       The agreement includes section 111 as modified, 
     establishing a preference for American architectural and 
     engineering services for overseas projects.
       The agreement includes section 112 as modified, 
     establishing a preference for American contractors in United 
     States territories and possessions in the Pacific and on 
     Kwajalein Atoll and in countries bordering the Arabian Gulf. 
     The Department's military construction program remains key to 
     advancing U.S. security interests in these regions.
       The agreement includes section 113 requiring congressional 
     notification of military exercises when construction costs 
     exceed $100,000.
       The agreement includes section 114 limiting obligations in 
     the last two months of the fiscal year.
       The agreement includes section 115 allowing funds 
     appropriated in prior years for new projects authorized 
     during the current session of Congress.
       The agreement includes section 116 allowing the use of 
     expired or lapsed funds to pay the cost of supervision for 
     any project being completed with lapsed funds.
       The agreement includes section 117 allowing military 
     construction funds to be available for five years.
       The agreement includes section 118 allowing the transfer of 
     proceeds between BRAC accounts.
       The agreement includes section 119 as modified, allowing 
     the transfer of funds from Family Housing Construction 
     accounts to the Family Housing Improvement Fund.
       The agreement includes section 120 allowing transfers to 
     the Homeowners Assistance Fund.
       The agreement includes section 121 limiting the source of 
     operation and maintenance funds for flag and general officer 
     quarters and allowing for notification by electronic medium.
       The agreement includes section 122 extending the 
     availability of funds in the Ford Island Improvement Account.
       The agreement includes section 123 allowing the transfer of 
     expired funds to the Foreign Currency Fluctuations, 
     Construction, Defense account.
       The agreement includes section 124 restricting the 
     obligation of funds for relocating an Army unit that performs 
     a testing mission.
       The agreement includes section 125 allowing for the 
     reprogramming of construction funds among projects and 
     activities subject to certain criteria.
       The agreement includes section 126 prohibiting the 
     obligation or expenditure of funds provided to the Department 
     of Defense for military construction for projects at 
     Arlington National Cemetery.
       The agreement includes section 127 making funds available 
     for previously authorized military construction projects.
       The agreement includes section 128 making funds available 
     for accelerated military construction projects requested by 
     the Department of the Army. The agreement provides for 
     Military Construction, Army, the first two projects requested 
     for acceleration; for Military Construction, Army National 
     Guard, the first project requested for acceleration; and for 
     Military Construction, Army Reserve, the first two projects 
     requested for acceleration.
       The agreement includes section 129 rescinding unobligated 
     balances from the Military Construction, Army account.
       The agreement includes section 130 rescinding unobligated 
     balances from the Military Construction, Navy and Marine 
     Corps account.
       The agreement includes section 131 rescinding unobligated 
     balances from the Military Construction, Air Force account.
       The agreement includes section 132 rescinding unobligated 
     balances from the NATO Security Investment Program.
       The agreement includes section 133 rescinding unobligated 
     balances from the fund established by Sec. 1013(d) of 42 
     U.S.C. 3374 for expenses associated with the Homeowners 
     Assistance Program.
       The agreement includes section 134 defining the 
     congressional defense committees.
       The agreement includes section 135 prohibiting funds to be 
     used for the closure or abandonment of any facility at Lajes 
     Field.

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[[Page H9931]]

                TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


                    veterans benefits administration

                       compensation and pensions

                     (including transfer of funds)

       The agreement provides $79,071,000,000 for Compensation and 
     Pensions, reflecting new estimates provided in the 
     Administration's mid-session review. Of the amount provided, 
     not more than $15,430,000 is to be transferred to General 
     Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) 
     and Information Technology Systems for reimbursement of 
     necessary expenses in implementing provisions of title 38.


                         readjustment benefits

       The agreement provides $14,997,136,000 for Readjustment 
     Benefits, reflecting new estimates provided in the 
     Administration's mid-session review.


                   veterans insurance and indemnities

       The agreement provides $63,257,000 for Veterans Insurance 
     and Indemnities.


                 veterans housing benefit program fund

       The agreement provides such sums as may be necessary for 
     costs associated with direct and guaranteed loans for the 
     Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund. The agreement limits 
     obligations for direct loans to not more than $500,000 and 
     provides that $160,881,000 shall be available for 
     administrative expenses.


            vocational rehabilitation loans program account

       The agreement provides $10,000 for the cost of direct loans 
     from the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program Account, 
     plus $361,000 to be paid to the appropriation for General 
     Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration. The 
     agreement provides for a direct loan limitation of 
     $2,877,000.


          native american veteran housing loan program account

       The agreement provides $1,130,000 for administrative 
     expenses of the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program 
     Account.


                     veterans health administration

                            medical services

       The agreement provides $47,603,202,000 in advance for 
     fiscal year 2016 for Medical Services. The agreement also 
     provides $209,189,000 for fiscal year 2015 in addition to the 
     advance appropriation provided last year.
       In an effort to address the severe crisis of access to 
     medical care at many Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
     hospitals and clinics across the country, Congress took the 
     unusual step of creating as part of the Veterans Access, 
     Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (VACAA) a new contract 
     care program designed for veterans who live more than 40 
     miles from a VA facility or who have to wait an unreasonable 
     time for medical appointments, funding this effort with a 
     total of $10,000,000,000 over three years. In addition, 
     section 801(a) of VACAA provided an additional $5,000,000,000 
     to increase veterans access to healthcare and improve VA's 
     physical infrastructure. This funding is in addition to the 
     funds appropriated in this Act or the advance funding 
     provided in the fiscal year 2014 appropriations Act, although 
     the appropriated funds are used for many of the same purposes 
     as those provided in VACAA. At this time, the VA is 
     developing the programs to administer the new VACAA 
     authority, and there are many uncertainties about which 
     activities can be funded with which authority, and whether 
     there are significant unfunded liabilities created by the new 
     legislation. To address this uncertainty, the agreement 
     includes bill language permitting the transfer of funding 
     from various VA appropriations accounts to Medical Services 
     to address any unfunded needs.
       Rural Healthcare--The agreement includes $250,000,000 for 
     rural healthcare, as requested. This funding continues the 
     Rural Health Initiative established by Congress in fiscal 
     year 2009 to ensure that the VA dedicates sufficient 
     resources to reach veterans residing in rural and highly 
     rural areas who do not have immediate access to a veterans 
     medical center or community-based outpatient clinic. The VA 
     is strongly encouraged to continue to improve the 
     accessibility, efficiency and effectiveness of care for rural 
     veterans.
       The funds provided for the Rural Health Initiative include 
     support for Project Access Received Closer to Home (Project 
     ARCH). Section 104 of the VACAA extended the authorization of 
     Project ARCH for an additional two years. The Project ARCH 
     pilot program has been successful for veterans who are 
     enrolled in VA healthcare in five rural and highly rural 
     Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs). Prior to 
     program reauthorization, the Senate bill included an 
     administrative provision (section 237) directing the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs to utilize existing 
     authorities to continue the program at no less than 
     $35,000,000 in fiscal year 2015. This level of funding was 
     intended to allow the VA to continue the program so that 
     veterans depending on the services provided by Project ARCH 
     did not experience any lapse in service until follow-on 
     programs were proven adequate. In addition, the funding level 
     was intended to provide for the expansion of the program to 
     other rural and highly rural areas. Since the Project ARCH 
     authorization has been extended, this agreement does not 
     include the Senate proposed administrative provision. 
     However, the VA is directed to continue funding the program 
     at no less than the estimated fiscal year 2015 funding level 
     and to consider utilizing existing authorities to provide 
     contract care for veterans in other rural and highly rural 
     areas.
       The agreement incorporates directions in the House and 
     Senate reports regarding providing an operating plan for the 
     Office of Rural Health, including information on full-time 
     equivalent (FTE) requirements and future requirements for 
     initiatives and programs. As directed in the Senate report, 
     the VA is instructed to conduct a comprehensive needs 
     assessment of veterans in rural and highly rural areas who 
     are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The agreement 
     incorporates the Senate direction regarding filling 
     healthcare professional vacancies, especially in rural areas, 
     and Health Professional Shortage Areas with the greatest 
     need. The agreement also reflects the Senate direction to the 
     VA to conduct a full assessment of all community-based 
     outpatient clinics in rural and highly rural areas.
       The agreement includes $7,448,900,000 for mental health 
     programs in fiscal year 2016 and $436,700,000 for gender-
     specific healthcare for women veterans in fiscal year 2016.
       Concerns continue to be raised in Congress about vacant 
     mental health provider positions at VA clinics, especially in 
     locations where the VA does not receive suitable applications 
     for published job notices. There are several positions in 
     high cost rural and highly rural areas that continue to be 
     vacant for many months after a previous provider's departure, 
     and the VA is not offering competitive salaries. In addition 
     to the elements of the report already requested in House 
     Report 113-416, the VHA is instructed to detail the steps the 
     VA will take to hire replacements after no more than 120 days 
     of a vacancy. The VA is to provide a comprehensive list of 
     current vacant mental health positions, highlighting 
     vacancies in rural and highly rural areas and how long those 
     positions have been vacant. Further, VHA is instructed to 
     provide the VA proposed salary range as well as the salary 
     range of a private provider in the same city.
       Women Veterans--Despite efforts over the past few years, 
     the VA must make better progress at addressing the needs of 
     women veterans. Toward this end, the advance appropriation 
     for fiscal year 2015 provided last year and the fiscal year 
     2016 advance appropriation included in this Act fully fund 
     gender-specific healthcare. Access to and utilization of VA 
     benefits and services by women veterans remain low, with 
     women often encountering cultural roadblocks in a system that 
     was largely designed to meet the needs of male veterans. As 
     part of an effort to better address access, the Department is 
     currently undertaking a system-wide review to determine what 
     type and number of healthcare workers the system should have 
     to address current and future demand. The Department is 
     directed to include in this review whether VHA's current 
     number of healthcare professionals providing gender-specific 
     care is adequate. This review will help the VA properly staff 
     hospitals and clinics with healthcare professionals providing 
     gender-specific care and lead to improved access for women 
     veterans.
       Understanding demand is key to providing high-quality 
     services, yet the VA does not collect, analyze, and publish 
     data by gender or minority status. This type of data is 
     essential for the VA and Congress to enhance services for 
     women veterans by developing programs and ensuring adequate 
     funding levels of those programs. The stratification of data 
     would also allow the VA to better understand the demand mix 
     in the system, how it is being met, and what changes need to 
     be implemented to the system to meet current and future 
     trends. The Department is directed through the Women's Health 
     Service and the Center for Women Veterans to collect and 
     analyze gender-specific data and to develop programs and 
     funding recommendations based on this data.
       To better assist women veterans and increase their 
     knowledge of the services and benefits to which they are 
     entitled, the Department is directed to continue the Women 
     Veterans Call Center (WVCC). The WVCC answers questions and 
     responds to concerns from women veterans, their families, and 
     caregivers across the Nation about VA services and resources. 
     Additionally, in an effort to leverage the VA's existing 
     local community partnerships, such as those for homeless 
     veterans, the VA should establish support networks for women 
     veterans to assist in accessing healthcare, employment 
     services, financial counseling, and housing.
       None of the VA's partnerships is more important than that 
     with the DOD. High priority collaboration and resource 
     sharing between the VA and the DOD are governed by the Joint 
     Executive Committee (JEC). The JEC allows senior leadership 
     at both Departments a forum to develop policies and programs 
     to address overlapping priorities, including transition 
     programs for veterans. While the JEC, through its subordinate 
     committees and working groups, has made tremendous progress 
     in addressing several pressing issues facing active duty 
     military and veterans, there is currently no working group 
     focused solely on the transition of women from active duty to 
     veteran status. The VA, in consultation with the DOD, is 
     encouraged to establish a women's working group within the 
     JEC aimed at creating or strengthening transition programs 
     which address female concerns and cultural roadblocks so that 
     more women veterans access VA benefits and services.

[[Page H9932]]

       Recent studies have shown that servicewomen who experience 
     sexual assault while serving in the military are far more 
     likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
     compared to other female veterans. The VA must be prepared to 
     provide these veterans with mental health services designed 
     to treat the effects of military sexual trauma (MST). The 
     Department is directed to maximize the availability of mental 
     health services available to veterans who were victims of 
     MST.
       Physician Ambassadors Helping Veterans Program--In some 
     communities non-VA physicians have encountered difficulties 
     when seeking to volunteer time at VA medical facilities. 
     Under existing authority, Section 7405(a)(1) of title 38, 
     United States Code, the Secretary may appoint on a without 
     compensation basis such personnel found necessary for the 
     provision of healthcare for veterans. At medical facilities 
     exhibiting staffing shortages and appointment backlogs due to 
     waiting time issues, the VA is urged to utilize this existing 
     authority to appoint physicians on a volunteer basis to serve 
     veterans' healthcare needs at VA medical facilities.
       To further understand the benefit to the Department of the 
     utilization of volunteer physicians, the VA is directed to 
     establish a three-year pilot program, under the authorities 
     contained in Section 7405(a)(1) of title 38, United States 
     Code, entitled the ``Physician Ambassadors Helping Veterans 
     Program.'' The Secretary is directed to establish this pilot 
     program in no fewer than two medical facilities in two 
     distinct VISNs. The Secretary is urged to select medical 
     facilities for this pilot program that have a demonstrated 
     need for additional physicians in any practice area or 
     specialty, yet have been unable to expeditiously fill such 
     vacancies and/or continue to exceed VA's appointment waiting 
     time goals in any area of practice.
       Each pilot location shall establish a volunteer coordinator 
     who shall develop relationships with local medical 
     associations to educate non-VA physicians in the area about 
     the program. The volunteer coordinator shall be the initial 
     point of contact for physicians seeking to volunteer at the 
     medical facility.
       Due to the cost and effort exerted to credential and 
     educate physicians for such volunteer opportunities, the 
     Department, as part of this pilot program, shall establish a 
     required number of hours per year physician ambassadors must 
     commit to serving at a facility that is cost beneficial to 
     the Department. This metric should be no fewer than 60 hours 
     a year and no more than 100 hours a year, though there is no 
     limit to the total number of hours a physician ambassador may 
     volunteer a year. The medical facility shall enter into 
     agreement with the physician ambassadors regarding the 
     minimum number of hours required before beginning the 
     credentialing or privilege granting process.
       The Department is directed to provide a report no later 
     than 90 days after enactment of this Act to the Committees on 
     Appropriations and the Veterans Affairs Committees of both 
     Houses of Congress detailing the current credentialing 
     process for volunteer physicians, the current cost of 
     credentialing volunteer physicians, and the current 
     utilization rate of volunteer physicians. This report shall 
     also outline the parameters of the pilot program and the 
     reasons for choosing the participating VISNs and facilities.
       The Department is also directed to report quarterly, 
     beginning with the first quarter after enactment of this Act, 
     to the Committees on Appropriations and the Veterans Affairs 
     Committees of both Houses of Congress the number of physician 
     ambassadors participating in the pilot program; the number of 
     hours per week physician ambassadors volunteer; the process 
     of bringing on board physician volunteers, to include the 
     amount of time elapsed from the date a physician contacts the 
     facility expressing interest in volunteering, to the time the 
     volunteer and the medical facility enter into an agreement 
     regarding the minimum number of hours required, to the date 
     of completion of the credentialing process; and the 
     appointment waiting times and staffing shortages at each 
     facility. This report shall also include a comparison to an 
     equal number of medical facilities not participating in the 
     pilot program to determine if mandating a minimum number of 
     hours required improves volunteer participation and increases 
     the cost-benefit to the Department.
       The agreement reiterates the language in the Senate report 
     directing the VA to provide regular updates on its efforts to 
     rebalance institutional and home-based care, including what 
     metrics have been developed to track implementation.
       The agreement incorporates the direction in the Senate 
     report for the VA to provide more detailed explanations 
     within its budget justifications about data that have been 
     modified for the updated actuarial model. The agreement also 
     incorporates the House direction to the VA to provide a 
     healthcare expenditure plan within 20 days of receiving a 
     full-year appropriation.


                     medical support and compliance

       The agreement provides $6,144,000,000 in advance for fiscal 
     year 2016 for Medical Support and Compliance.
       The Office of the Medical Inspector (OMI) of the Veterans 
     Health Administration (VHA) is directed to provide the 
     Committees a semi-annual report describing the problems or 
     deficiencies in the VHA identified by the OMI; whether the 
     General Counsel of the Department has reviewed these OMI 
     findings; any violations of law by an employee of the 
     Department identified in the OMI review, with identity 
     redacted; and what legal or administrative action was taken.


                           medical facilities

       The agreement provides $4,915,000,000 in advance for fiscal 
     year 2016 for Medical Facilities.
       The agreement incorporates the House directive requiring 
     the VA to provide a report explaining how non-recurring 
     maintenance projects are rated, scheduled, and budgeted.


                    MEDICAL AND PROSTHETIC RESEARCH

       The agreement provides $588,922,000 for Medical and 
     Prosthetic Research, available until September 30, 2016.


                    NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION

       The agreement provides $256,800,000 for the National 
     Cemetery Administration. Of the amount provided, $25,600,000 
     is available until September 30, 2016.
       Public Law 113-6 required the National Cemetery 
     Administration (NCA) to develop a strategy that included 
     eight elements to serve the burial needs of veterans residing 
     in rural areas and mandated the Government Accountability 
     Office (GAO) to review the strategy. The GAO review of the VA 
     strategy was completed in September 2014. The Department is 
     instructed to report to the Committees within 90 days of 
     enactment of this Act explaining why it has not included in 
     its strategy all eight elements mandated by Congress and why 
     it has not accepted the GAO recommendation to use census 
     tract level data to calculate the veteran population served, 
     since the GAO analysis demonstrates that the VA's use of 
     county level data understates the number and location of 
     unserved veterans.

                      DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION


                         GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $321,591,000 for General 
     Administration. Of the amount provided, $9,660,000 is 
     available for obligation until September 30, 2016. The 
     agreement continues to include language permitting the 
     transfer of funds from this account to General Operating 
     Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration.
       The agreement includes the following funding levels:

                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Office                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary..............................            $10,032
Office of General Counsel............................             80,365
Office of Management.................................             44,098
Office of Human Resources and Administration.........             62,064
Office of Policy and Planning........................             25,009
Office of Operations, Security and Preparedness......             17,901
Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.......             22,279
Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs......              5,969
Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction....             53,874
    Total............................................           $321,591
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The Department is required to submit an annual report 
     identifying the amount of third party health billings owed to 
     the VA, the annual amount collected, and efforts underway to 
     increase the efficiency and accuracy in the collections 
     process. The report should describe the VA's contingency plan 
     to ensure that the provision of healthcare does not suffer 
     should there be a failure to meet billing and collection 
     expectations.
       In an effort to improve management and reduce redundancy, 
     the Department has undertaken a review of its organizational 
     structure and will potentially reorganize many functions 
     within the VA. The Department is directed to report on a 
     monthly basis to the Committees the status of reorganization 
     within the Department. The Department is also reminded that 
     while the Committees reserve the right to call upon all 
     offices for information, the primary point of communication 
     should be through the Office of Management. The Committees 
     require timely access to the Department's professional budget 
     staff in order to effectively and efficiently evaluate 
     resource requirements and proposals requested by the 
     Administration. Any reorganization with regard to budgetary 
     matters should take this into consideration. In addition to 
     concerns about the principal point of contact in the VA, 
     Department leadership should be aware that there are 
     continuing problems with the Department's lack of 
     responsiveness to the Committees' information requests, as 
     well as lack of detail in responses when finally received.


                       BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS

       The agreement provides $99,294,000 for the Board of 
     Veterans Appeals, of which not to exceed $9,429,000 shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2016. Bill language is 
     included in section 239 permitting the VA to transfer funding 
     between this account and the General Operating Expenses, 
     Veterans Benefits Administration account if needed to align 
     funding with the appropriate account to hire staff to address 
     the appeals backlog. The agreement also includes the Senate 
     report directive to the VA to refresh the Department's 
     strategic plan to transform the appeals process.


      GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES, VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

       The agreement provides $2,534,254,000 for General Operating 
     Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration and makes 
     available not to exceed $124,000,000 of this funding until 
     the end of fiscal year 2016.
       Disability Claims Processing.--The backlog of veterans 
     compensation claims for service-

[[Page H9933]]

     connected disabilities remains one of the most pressing 
     problems at the VA. Despite progress made over the past year 
     and the efforts of the VA to improve its processes, increase 
     staffing, and increase automation, it is clear that problems 
     persist, and more needs to be done to ensure that veterans 
     are receiving timely access to the benefits they have earned. 
     To that end, the agreement includes provisions to give the VA 
     additional tools to address the backlog and strengthen 
     accountability. This effort is focused not only on production 
     but also on accuracy in an effort to ensure veterans receive 
     fair compensation at the outset and do not encounter 
     additional delays by having to appeal decisions.
       To further the reforms instituted by the Committees in 
     response to the backlog, the agreement:
       --Includes $40,000,000 above the budget request to hire 
     additional claims and support personnel at the regional 
     offices; to expand the Veterans Claims Intake Program records 
     scanning system; and to implement the centralized mail 
     initiative. The VA is instructed to provide a spending plan 
     for this funding within 30 days of enactment of this Act.
       --Directs the VA to continue to provide quality review 
     teams and to conduct spot audits at regional offices to 
     assess the performance of claims processing operations and 
     flag any management or operational weaknesses.
       --Includes bill language in section 239 permitting the 
     transfer of funding between this account and the Board of 
     Veterans Appeals if necessary to permit the hiring of 
     staffing at the appropriate stage of the appeals process to 
     address mounting claims appeals workload.
       --Continues the requirement first enacted for fiscal year 
     2014 to provide rigorous, publicly available Web-based 
     monthly reports to the Committees on performance measures for 
     each regional office, including the number of backlogged 
     claims, the average number of days to complete a claim, and 
     error rates.
       --Continues the fiscal year 2014 requirement to submit 
     quarterly reports that include the number of claims personnel 
     in each regional office, corrective action taken to remedy 
     any problems at poorly performing offices, training programs 
     undertaken by regional offices, and quality review team 
     audits performed during the quarter.
       --Requires the VA to report whether it is feasible to 
     conduct a study to analyze data regarding the statistical 
     progression of disabilities over time and whether this data 
     could be used to more quickly adjudicate claims for increased 
     compensation.
       --Directs the VA to develop a plan to execute a uniform 
     mail processing and scanning system throughout all regional 
     offices.
       --Directs the VA to contract with the National Academy of 
     Public Administration to review the Department's planned 
     claims processing activities and strategies to prevent future 
     claims processing backlogs.
       Eradicating the veterans benefits claims backlog must 
     remain a top priority of the VA, and the agency will continue 
     to be closely monitored to assess progress on this front.
       To inform the Committees of its progress in resolving 
     issues of paper claims record retention, the VA is directed 
     to report the status of its work with the Department of 
     Defense (DOD): in obtaining certification of the Veterans 
     Benefits Management System's (VBMS) compliance with DOD data 
     storage requirements; in finalizing the Memorandum of 
     Agreement with DOD allowing DOD appropriate access to 
     electronic records maintained by the VA; and in developing a 
     plan and timeline for selecting courses of action for 
     resolving the storage of paper service treatment records and 
     the associated costs. The report should also include VA plans 
     to brief the various veterans service organizations on the 
     improvements made in the scanning process and its approach 
     and safeguards for transferring the documents to DOD, as well 
     as the VA plan for the most efficient utilization of its 
     office and storage warehouse space once the records are 
     transferred back to DOD.
       The VBA has begun to develop and implement new training 
     initiatives and procedures for PTSD claims related to 
     military sexual trauma (MST). The Department is directed to 
     continue to publicize benefits veterans may be entitled to as 
     a result of MST. As stipulated in Senate Report 113-174, the 
     Department is directed to submit a report on the current 
     standard of proof for service-connection under chapter 11 of 
     title 38, U.S.C., for covered mental health conditions based 
     on military sexual trauma. The agreement also incorporates 
     the House direction regarding reporting data sets of 
     information regarding military sexual trauma-related claims.
       The agreement incorporates the House direction prohibiting 
     a change in the location of VBA regional offices without 
     providing the Committees a cost-benefit analysis and 
     information on benefits to veterans and operational 
     efficiency.


                     INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $3,903,344,000 for Information 
     Technology (IT) Systems. The agreement identifies separately 
     the funding available for pay ($1,039,000,000); operations 
     and maintenance ($2,316,009,000); and systems development, 
     modernization, and enhancement ($548,335,000). The agreement 
     makes $30,792,000 of pay funding available until the end of 
     fiscal year 2016; $160,000,000 of operations and maintenance 
     funding available until the end of fiscal year 2016; and all 
     IT systems development, modernization and enhancement funding 
     available until the end of fiscal year 2016.
       The agreement includes $137,000,000 in information 
     technology funding for VBMS; $99,614,000 in information 
     technology funding for the Veterans Relationship Management 
     System; and $343,614,000 for total funding of the 
     interoperable electronic health record (both VHA and IT 
     funding).
       The agreement assumes an additional $20,000,000 above the 
     request will be used for additional hardware upgrades at 
     regional offices to ensure that increased VBMS functionality 
     can be supported in the field. The Secretary is directed to 
     report to the Committees within 30 days after enactment of 
     this Act how the Department is implementing this directive.
       The agreement includes language prohibiting the obligation 
     of IT development, modernization, and enhancement funding 
     until the VA submits a certification of the amounts to be 
     obligated, in part or in full, for each development project.
       The agreement includes language permitting funding made 
     available for the three IT subaccounts to be transferred 
     among them after the VA requests and receives approval from 
     the Committees.
       The agreement includes language providing that funding may 
     be transferred between development projects or to new 
     projects subject to the Committees' approval.
       The agreement provides $269,406,000 for the VistA Evolution 
     interoperable health record and $74,208,000 for the 
     interoperability actions taking place within the Interagency 
     Program Office (IPO) and the execution of the Virtual 
     Lifetime Electronic Health Record (VLER Health). As with the 
     fiscal year 2014 bill, the fiscal year 2015 agreement 
     includes a prohibition on obligation or expenditure of more 
     than 25 percent of fiscal year 2015 funds provided for 
     development, modernization, and enhancement of the 
     Department's VistA electronic health record until the 
     Department meets reporting and accountability requirements 
     that are similar to those in the House and Senate bills.
       The agreement for the DOD appropriations bill includes 
     similar electronic health record requirements.
       The agreement requires the VA to provide quarterly 
     briefings to the Committees regarding schedule, milestones, 
     and obligations for the VistA Evolution program, as directed 
     in the Senate report. It also requires quarterly briefings 
     from the IPO on the electronic health record interoperability 
     project and monthly updates to the Federal Chief Information 
     Officer of the United States, as directed in the Senate 
     report. In addition, the agreement requires the VA to report 
     on the process the VA and DOD will follow to establish 
     security standards and identify technology to secure data, as 
     directed in the Senate report.
       Bill language is included making funds available for IT 
     development, modernization, and enhancement for the projects 
     and in the amounts specified in the following table:

               INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Project                               Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Access to Healthcare.................................             $9,686
Healthcare Efficiency IT Development.................             10,723
Electronic Health Record Interoperability/VLER Health             49,208
VistA Evolution......................................            179,922
New Models of Care...................................             30,551
Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS)...........             63,500
Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER)............             18,600
Veterans Relationship Management (VRM)...............             76,600
Health Management Platform...........................              5,746
Other IT Systems Development.........................            103,799
                                                      ------------------
    Total All Development............................           $548,335
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       This table is intended to serve as the Department's 
     approved list of development projects; any requested changes 
     are subject to reprogramming guidelines.
       The agreement directs the Department to continue to provide 
     an IT expenditure plan to the Committees within 30 days of 
     enactment of this Act and on a monthly basis thereafter, as 
     indicated in both the House and Senate reports. This plan 
     should be in the same format as the table above.
       The pending Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology Next 
     Generation (T4NG) draft request for proposals will be the 
     principal information technology procurement vehicle for the 
     VA for up to ten years, with potential total funding of 
     $23,000,000,000. With the complexity and magnitude of VA 
     expenditures on information technology in areas such as 
     electronic health records and appointment scheduling, it is 
     important that the VA permit proposals from a wide range of 
     firms, both large and small, veteran-owned and disabled 
     veteran-owned, in order to benefit from the broad array of IT 
     services that exist. The VA is urged to expand the number of 
     awards under T4NG that are not reserved for particular 
     categories of vendors in order to maximize its consideration 
     of emerging technologies.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The agreement appropriates $126,411,000 for the Office of 
     Inspector General (OIG). Of the amount provided, $12,141,000 
     is available for obligation until September 30, 2016. The 
     increase above the budget request is intended to be used for 
     ongoing responsibilities associated with the waitlist/
     appointment scheduling audits as well as the two reviews 
     described below.
       The OIG is instructed to review a complaint to the Montana 
     Board of Psychologists reprimanding a VA psychologist in Ft.

[[Page H9934]]

     Harrison, Montana, for practicing outside the scope of his 
     professional qualifications when performing a Compensation 
     and Pensions examination for traumatic brain injury (TBI). 
     The OIG review should address the specific Montana case, but 
     also the protocols the VA uses for examinations for TBI 
     throughout the VA medical system to judge whether the VA 
     needs to revise its protocols nationwide.
       Due to questions about VA residential substance abuse 
     treatment in Miami, Florida, that have been raised by the VA 
     OIG (Report No. 13-03089-104, March 27, 2014), the OIG is 
     requested to conduct a broader review of the operations and 
     effectiveness of VA substance abuse inpatient rehabilitation 
     programs and report back to the Committees by August 1, 2015, 
     on the following: the current number of VA inpatient 
     rehabilitation programs; the annual number of veterans who 
     participate and their average length of treatment; the 
     average length of time for VA treatment compared to that of 
     non-VA residential treatment programs; the rate of recidivism 
     for both types of programs; the process used to refer 
     patients to VA inpatient treatment; the degree of supervision 
     of patients in VA programs and how often drug tests are 
     performed; and how well mental health and substance abuse 
     treatment are integrated for veterans with comorbidities.


                      CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS

       The agreement provides $561,800,000 for Construction, Major 
     Projects. The agreement makes this funding available for five 
     years, except that $34,000,000 is made available until 
     expended.
       As requested in the House and Senate reports, the agreement 
     requires an annual report on the process used to identify 
     construction project priority listing and directs the VA to 
     work collaboratively with other executive branch agencies 
     with substantial construction portfolios, private sector 
     contractors and other non-governmental experts to explore the 
     feasibility of new funding mechanisms, such as private 
     development lease-backs.
       The agreement directs the VA to increase its use of design-
     build contracting processes and off-site construction 
     methods, including prefabricated components and panelized 
     structures.
       The agreement funds the following items as requested in the 
     budget submission:

                      CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Location and description                      Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Veterans Health Admin. (VHA):
    West Los Angeles, CA seismic corrections.........            $35,000
    Long Beach, CA seismic corrections, mental health            101,900
     and community living replacements...............
    Canandaigua, NY community living center,                     122,400
     outpatient clinic, and domiciliary..............
    San Diego, CA spinal cord injury and seismic                 187,500
     corrections.....................................
    Advance Planning Fund--various locations.........             69,000
    Major Construction Staff--various locations......             24,000
    Claims Analysis--various locations...............              2,000
    Hazardous Waste--various locations...............              6,000
                                                      ------------------
        Total VHA....................................            547,800
National Cemetery Admin. (NCA):
    Advance Planning Fund--various locations.........              2,500
    NCA Land Acquisition Fund........................              7,500
                                                      ------------------
        Total NCA....................................             10,000
General Admin.:
    Staff Offices Advance Planning Fund..............              4,000
                                                      ------------------
        Major Construction total.....................           $561,800
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement acknowledges the inclusion of the 
     prospectuses of two NCA projects--Ohio Western Reserve and 
     National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Pennsylvania--in the 
     2015 budget request so that these projects may be funded in 
     the future if monies should become available through 
     reprogramming.


                      CONSTRUCTION, MINOR PROJECTS

       The agreement provides $495,200,000 for Construction, Minor 
     Projects. The agreement makes this funding available for five 
     years.
       The agreement includes the directive to provide an 
     expenditure plan within 30 days of enactment of this Act, as 
     provided in the Senate report.


       GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STATE EXTENDED CARE FACILITIES

       The agreement provides $90,000,000 for Grants for 
     Construction of State Extended Care Facilities, to remain 
     available until expended.


             GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF VETERANS CEMETERIES

       The agreement provides $46,000,000 for Grants for 
     Construction of Veterans Cemeteries, to remain available 
     until expended.


                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

             (Including Transfers and Rescissions of Funds)

       The agreement includes section 201 allowing for transfer of 
     funds among the three mandatory accounts.
       The agreement includes section 202 allowing for the 
     transfer of funds among the three medical accounts.
       The agreement includes section 203 allowing salaries and 
     expenses funds to be used for related authorized purposes.
       The agreement includes section 204 restricting the accounts 
     that may be used for the acquisition of land or the 
     construction of any new hospital or home.
       The agreement includes section 205 limiting the use of 
     funds in the Medical Services account only for entitled 
     beneficiaries unless reimbursement is made to the Department.
       The agreement includes section 206 allowing for the use of 
     certain mandatory appropriations accounts for payment of 
     prior year accrued obligations for those accounts.
       The agreement includes section 207 allowing the use of 
     appropriations available in this title to pay prior year 
     obligations.
       The agreement includes section 208 allowing the Department 
     to use surplus earnings from the National Service Life 
     Insurance Fund, the Veterans' Special Life Insurance Fund, 
     and the United States Government Life Insurance Fund to 
     administer these programs.
       The agreement includes section 209 allowing the Department 
     to cover the administrative expenses of enhanced-use leases 
     and provides authority to obligate these reimbursements in 
     the year in which the proceeds are received.
       The agreement includes section 210 limiting the amount of 
     reimbursement the Office of Resolution Management and the 
     Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication 
     can charge other offices of the Department for services 
     provided.
       The agreement includes section 211 limiting the use of 
     funds for any lease with an estimated annual rental cost of 
     more than $1,000,000 unless approved by the Committees.
       The agreement includes section 212 requiring the Department 
     to collect third-party payer information for persons treated 
     for a non-service connected disability.
       The agreement includes section 213 allowing for the use of 
     enhanced-use leasing revenues for Construction, Major 
     Projects and Construction, Minor Projects.
       The agreement includes section 214 outlining authorized 
     uses for Medical Services funds.
       The agreement includes section 215 allowing for funds 
     deposited into the Medical Care Collections Fund to be 
     transferred to the Medical Services account.
       The agreement includes section 216 which allows Alaskan 
     veterans to use medical facilities of the Indian Health 
     Service or tribal organizations.
       The agreement includes section 217 permitting the transfer 
     of funds from the Department of Veterans Affairs Capital 
     Asset Fund to the Construction, Major Projects and 
     Construction, Minor Projects accounts and makes those funds 
     available until expended.
       The agreement includes section 218 prohibiting the use of 
     funds for any policy prohibiting the use of outreach or 
     marketing to enroll new veterans.
       The agreement includes section 219 requiring the Secretary 
     to submit quarterly reports on the financial status of the 
     Veterans Health Administration.
       The agreement includes section 220 requiring the Department 
     to notify and receive approval from the Committees of any 
     proposed transfer of funding to or from the Information 
     Technology Systems account.
       The agreement includes section 221 limiting the obligation 
     of non-recurring maintenance funds during the last two months 
     of the fiscal year.
       The agreement does not include Senate section 221. The 
     provision is carried as a government--wide provision in 
     division E of this consolidated Act.
       The agreement includes section 222 providing up to 
     $259,251,213 for transfer to the Joint DOD-VA Medical 
     Facility Demonstration Fund.
       The agreement includes section 223 which permits 
     $245,398,000 of fiscal year 2016 medical care funding to be 
     transferred to the Joint DOD-VA Medical Facility 
     Demonstration Fund.
       The agreement includes section 224 which authorizes 
     transfers from the Medical Care Collections Fund to the Joint 
     DOD-VA Medical Facility Demonstration Fund.
       The agreement includes section 225 which transfers at least 
     $15,000,000 from VA medical accounts to the DOD-VA Health 
     Care Sharing Incentive Fund.
       The agreement includes section 226 which rescinds fiscal 
     year 2015 medical account funding and re-appropriates it to 
     be available for two years. The provision rescinds and re-
     appropriates $1,400,000,000 for Medical Services, rescinds 
     and re-appropriates $100,000,000 for Medical Support and 
     Compliance, and rescinds and re-appropriates $250,000,000 for 
     Medical Facilities.
       The agreement includes section 227 requiring that the 
     Department notify the Committees of bid savings in major 
     construction projects of at least $5,000,000 or five percent 
     within 14 days of a contract identifying the programmed 
     amount.
       The agreement includes section 228 which prohibits the VA 
     from increasing the scope of work for a major construction 
     project above the scope specified in the original budget 
     request.
       The agreement includes section 229 requiring a quarterly 
     report from each VBA regional office on pending disability 
     claims, error rates, the number of claims processing 
     personnel, corrective actions taken, training programs and 
     review audit results.
       The agreement includes section 230 requiring the VA to 
     submit a reprogramming request whenever funding allocated in 
     the expenditure plan for a Medical Care initiative differs by 
     more than $25,000,000 from the allocation shown in the 2015 
     congressional budget justification.
       The agreement includes section 231 limiting the funding 
     from the Medical Services and Medical Support and Compliance 
     accounts for the VistA Evolution and electronic health record 
     interoperability projects.
       The agreement includes section 232 requiring the VA to 
     notify the Committees 15 days

[[Page H9935]]

     prior to any staff office relocations within the VA of 25 or 
     more FTE.
       The agreement includes section 233 rescinding $41,000,000 
     in VA discretionary funds to be allocated from fiscal year 
     2015 funding provided in this Act or in advance in other 
     appropriations Acts. These funds constitute the savings 
     created by section 705 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
     Accountability Act of 2014, which limits the aggregate amount 
     of awards and bonuses paid by the Secretary in fiscal year 
     2015 to $360,000,000. The Secretary is directed to allocate 
     the rescission in alignment with the amount of funding 
     allocated for awards in each appropriation account and to 
     report this allocation to the Committees within 20 days of 
     enactment of this Act.
       The agreement includes section 234 requiring the Secretary 
     to report to the Committees each quarter about any single 
     national outreach and awareness marketing campaign exceeding 
     $2,000,000.
       The agreement includes section 235 prohibiting the closing 
     of VA medical facilities in VISN 23 as part of a planned 
     realignment of VA services until the Secretary meets a series 
     of reporting requirements.
       The agreement includes section 236 prohibiting funds 
     available to the Department in this or any other Act from 
     being used to replace the current system by which VISNs 
     select and contract for diabetes monitoring supplies and 
     equipment.
       The agreement includes section 237 prohibiting funding 
     provided in this Act or prior years to duplicate the capacity 
     of contractor-provided dialysis care until the later of 
     September 30, 2015, or the full independent evaluation of the 
     four-site dialysis pilot program being conducted by the VA.
       The agreement includes section 238 permitting the transfer 
     to the Medical Services account of fiscal year discretionary 
     2015 funds appropriated in this Act or available from advance 
     fiscal year 2015 funds already appropriated, except for funds 
     appropriated to General Operating Expenses, VBA, to address 
     possible unmet, high priority needs in Medical Services. Such 
     unanticipated demands may result from circumstances such as 
     increased utilization of Caregiver program benefits, newly 
     available hepatitis C medications, or VACAA requirements. Any 
     such transfer requires the approval of the Committees.
       The agreement includes section 239 permitting the transfer 
     of funding between the General Operating Expenses, Veterans 
     Benefits Administration account and the Board of Veterans 
     Appeals account if necessary to permit the hiring of staffing 
     at the appropriate stage of the appeals process to address 
     mounting claims appeals workload. Any such transfer requires 
     the approval of the Committees.
       The agreement includes section 240 rescinding $15,000,000 
     in unobligated balances in the DOD-VA Health Care Sharing 
     Incentive Fund.
       The agreement includes section 241 expanding the contract 
     disability examinations pilot program authorized in section 
     504 of the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 to not 
     more than twelve regional offices in 2015; fifteen in 2016; 
     and the number considered appropriate by the Secretary in 
     2017 and beyond.
       The agreement includes section 242 clarifying that the 
     payment rates used by the VA for VA medical care in the State 
     of Alaska and in those States with an all-payer model 
     agreement under the Social Security Act that became effective 
     on January 1, 2014, should also be used in implementation of 
     the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014.
       The agreement includes section 243 changing the eligibility 
     period for VA health benefits under the Honoring America's 
     Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 
     (P.L. 112-154) from a minimum 30-day presence at Camp Lejeune 
     during the period of January 1, 1957, through December 31, 
     1987 to the period from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987. 
     This date change conforms to more recent contamination 
     information from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease 
     Registry.
       The agreement includes section 244 creating the authority 
     to provide advance appropriations for three mandatory VA 
     programs within the Veterans Benefits Administration--
     Compensation and Pensions, Readjustment Benefits, and 
     Veterans Insurance and Indemnities.

                      TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES

                  AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $74,100,000 for Salaries and 
     Expenses of the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). 
     The agreement provides an additional $4,000,000 above the 
     budget request to support ABMC's interpretive program and 
     nonrecurring maintenance needs.

                 FOREIGN CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS ACCOUNT

       The agreement includes such sums as necessary, estimated at 
     $1,900,000 for the Foreign Currency Fluctuations Account.

           UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $31,386,000 for Salaries and 
     Expenses. The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans 
     Claims (Court) is the last step in the VA claims process and 
     has exclusive jurisdiction to review decisions made by the 
     Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). The number of appeals filed 
     with the Court is generally affected by the number of claims 
     processed by the BVA. For the past two years, Congress has 
     increased funding for BVA to hire additional staff and 
     attorneys to address the BVA appeals backlog, and the Court 
     needs to prepare for an increase in appeals as this backlog 
     is resolved. The Court is directed to undertake a five year 
     strategic analysis to determine whether staffing, including 
     the number of judges, will need to grow to handle future 
     demand. The Court is directed to submit this analysis to 
     Congress with the fiscal year 2016 budget request.

                      DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE--CIVIL

                       CEMETERIAL EXPENSES, ARMY


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $65,800,000 for Salaries and 
     Expenses, which includes $20,000,000 to address the 
     maintenance and infrastructure repairs proposed for funding 
     through the Operation and Maintenance, Army account. The 
     Committee directs that future budget requests will include 
     all funding proposed for Arlington National Cemetery, to 
     include any funding required for cemetery expansion, within 
     the Cemeterial Expenses, Army account. Language is included 
     to make $3,000,000 available until September 30, 2016.

                ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME TRUST FUND

       The agreement includes $63,400,000 for the Armed Forces 
     Retirement Home, to be derived from the Trust Fund.
       Standardization of Healthcare Delivery.--The Committee is 
     in receipt of DOD IG Report, DODIG-2014-093, ``Inspection of 
     the Armed Forces Retirement Home'' (AFRH) and notes this 
     report makes numerous recommendations regarding the health 
     and well-being of our Nation's veterans currently served by 
     the AFRH. The Chief Operating Officer of the AFRH is directed 
     to submit a report to the Committees not later than 120 days 
     after enactment of this Act, on the status and implementation 
     of recommendations 3.a, 7.b, and 14b. The report should 
     include specific actions taken to implement the 
     recommendations.

                        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

       The agreement includes section 301 permitting funds to be 
     provided to Arlington County, Virginia, for the relocation of 
     a water main located on the Arlington National Cemetery 
     property.

               TITLE IV--OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS

                         Department of Defense

       The agreement includes a new title IV, Overseas Contingency 
     Operations, for military construction projects related to the 
     Global War on Terrorism and the European Reassurance 
     Initiative that were requested by the Administration in the 
     FY 2015 Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) budget request. 
     The OCO request was submitted to Congress subsequent to 
     congressional consideration of the FY 2015 Military 
     Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations bills.


                  Military Construction, Defense-Wide

       The agreement includes $46,000,000 for ``Military 
     Construction, Defense-Wide'', as requested in the FY 2015 
     Overseas Contingency Operations budget amendment, for a 
     classified project at a classified location.


         European Reassurance Initiative Military Construction

       The agreement includes $175,000,000 for military 
     construction projects associated with the European 
     Reassurance Initiative (ERI). The ERI proposal included a 
     provision to allow the use of up to $175,000,000 in Operation 
     and Maintenance funds for unspecified military construction 
     projects associated with the initiative. Subsequent to the 
     initial request, the Department of Defense identified and 
     provided to the Committees line-item ERI military 
     construction requirements. Military construction projects 
     should be funded within the Military Construction 
     appropriations bill, and thus the agreement provides funding 
     in this division for specific ERI military construction 
     projects as identified by the Department.

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                      TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS

       The agreement includes section 501 prohibiting the 
     obligation of funds in this Act beyond the current fiscal 
     year unless expressly so provided.
       The agreement includes section 502 prohibiting the use of 
     the funds in this Act for programs, projects or activities 
     not in compliance with Federal law relating to risk 
     assessment, the protection of private property rights, or 
     unfunded mandates.
       The agreement includes section 503 encouraging all 
     Departments to expand their use of ``E-Commerce.''
       The agreement includes section 504 specifying the 
     congressional committees that are to receive all reports and 
     notifications.
       The agreement includes section 505 prohibiting the transfer 
     of funds to any instrumentality of the United States 
     Government without authority from an appropriations Act.
       The agreement includes section 506 prohibiting the use of 
     funds for a project or program named for a serving Member, 
     Delegate, or Resident Commissioner of the United States House 
     of Representatives.
       The agreement includes section 507 requiring all reports 
     submitted to the Congress to be posted on official Web sites 
     of the submitting agency.
       The agreement includes section 508 prohibiting the use of 
     funds to establish or maintain a computer network unless such 
     network blocks the viewing, downloading, and exchanging of 
     pornography, except for law enforcement investigation, 
     prosecution, or adjudication activities.
       The agreement includes section 509 prohibiting the use of 
     funds for the payment of first-class travel by an employee of 
     the executive branch.
       The agreement includes section 510 prohibiting the use of 
     funds in this Act for any contract where the contractor has 
     not complied with E-Verify requirements.
       The agreement includes section 511 prohibiting the use of 
     funds in this Act by the Department of Defense or the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs for the purchase or lease of a 
     new vehicle except in accordance with Presidential 
     Memorandum--Federal Fleet Performance, dated May 24, 2011.
       The agreement includes section 512 prohibiting the use of 
     funds in this Act for the renovation, expansion, or 
     construction of any facility in the continental United States 
     for the purpose of housing any individual who has been 
     detained at the United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, 
     Cuba.
       The agreement does not include House section 403/Senate 
     section 404. The provision is carried as a government-wide 
     provision in division E of this consolidated Act.
       The agreement does not include House section 413. The 
     provision is carried as a government-wide provision in 
     division E of this consolidated Act.
       The agreement does not include House section 414. The 
     provision is carried as a government-wide provision in 
     division E of this consolidated Act.
       The agreement does not include Senate section 411. The 
     provision is carried as a government-wide provision in 
     division E of this consolidated Act.
       The agreement does not include Senate section 412. The 
     provision is carried as a government-wide provision in 
     division E of this consolidated Act.

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[[Page H9948]]

   DIVISION J--DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED 
                   PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015

       In implementing this agreement, Federal departments, 
     agencies, commissions, and other entities shall comply with 
     the directives, reporting requirements, instructions, and 
     allocations contained in H. Rept. 113-499 (House report) 
     accompanying H.R. 5013 (House bill) and S. Rept. 113-195 
     (Senate report) accompanying S. 2499 (Senate bill) as though 
     stated in this explanatory statement, unless specifically 
     directed to the contrary. This explanatory statement, while 
     repeating some House and Senate report language for emphasis 
     or clarification, does not negate such language unless 
     expressly provided herein.
       The agreement modifies language in section 7019 by 
     including all funding directives referenced in this 
     explanatory statement. In executing the directives provided 
     in this explanatory statement, the Secretary of State, the 
     Administrator of the United States Agency for International 
     Development (USAID), and the Broadcasting Board of Governors 
     (BBG) shall exercise the authority provided in section 
     7019(b) of this Act in a limited manner and in response to 
     extraordinary circumstances. Additionally, the agreement 
     assumes that the report required pursuant to section 653(a) 
     of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA) shall be 
     submitted within the specified time frame established by such 
     Act.
       In lieu of the funding directives in the House and Senate 
     reports for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, the Secretary of 
     State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations 
     proposed funding levels for such countries in the report 
     required in section 653(a) of the FAA and in the spend plan 
     required by section 7076 of this Act. Prior to the submission 
     of both reports, the Secretary of State shall consult with 
     the Committees on Appropriations.
       The Department of State, USAID, and other Federal agencies, 
     as applicable, are directed to report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations, not later than 90 days after enactment of 
     this Act, on the estimated cost and steps required for the 
     Department and such agencies to provide the compensation 
     information requested under Executive Salaries and 
     Compensation in the Introduction of the Senate report.
       Section 7076(e) of this Act directs the Department of State 
     and USAID to submit congressional budget justifications 
     (CBJs) concurrent with the President's fiscal year 2016 
     budget request, including justifications for multi-year 
     availability for funds requested under Diplomatic and 
     Consular Programs and Operating Expenses. The Department of 
     State, USAID, and other agencies shall also include in CBJs, 
     as applicable, the information in the Introduction of the 
     Senate report under Congressional Budget Request and 
     Justifications, on reimbursement agreements, the Economy Act, 
     Working Capital Fund, office closures, and representation 
     expenses.
       The Department of State, USAID, and other agencies funded 
     by this Act are directed to notify the Committees on 
     Appropriations of--
       1) reprogrammings of funds, as required by sections 7015 
     and 7019 of this Act, at the most detailed level of the CBJ, 
     this Act, or explanatory statement;
       2) significant departures in funding from the CBJ or the 
     final report submitted pursuant to section 653(a) of the FAA; 
     and
       3) commitments requiring significant funding and staffing 
     in future fiscal years.
       The regular notification procedures of the Committees on 
     Appropriations, including CBJ documents and operating and 
     spend plans, shall not suffice for purposes of satisfying 
     special notification requirements contained in this Act.
       With respect to prior year reporting requirements 
     referenced in the House and Senate reports, if such reporting 
     requirements were completed prior to the enactment of this 
     Act, the reporting agency shall consult with the Committees 
     on Appropriations to determine if an additional report is 
     required in fiscal year 2015. With regard to reporting 
     requirements and instructions contained in prior year Acts 
     that have not yet been submitted, unless specifically stated 
     to the contrary, the agreement does not terminate such 
     reporting requirements.
       With respect to appropriations contained in this Act, the 
     term ``program, project, and activity'' shall mean any item 
     for which a dollar amount is specified in this Act or 
     explanatory statement. In addition, the definition of 
     program, project, and activity in section 7023 of this Act 
     shall apply to the accounts listed in such section.
       Funds that are described in this explanatory statement 
     under title IX for Ebola response and preparedness are in 
     addition to funds described under titles I through VIII.

            TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY

                          DEPARTMENT OF STATE

                   Administration of Foreign Affairs


                    DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS

       The agreement provides $6,461,172,000 for Diplomatic and 
     Consular Programs. The agreement provides an additional 
     $1,350,803,000 in title VIII under this heading designated 
     for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism 
     (OCO/GWOT) pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985.
       Within the total provided, up to $2,128,115,000 is for 
     Worldwide Security Protection (WSP) and may remain available 
     until expended, $4,332,524,000 is for operations, of which 
     $650,000,000 may remain available until September 30, 2016, 
     and $533,000 is for the International Chancery Center. The 
     Secretary of State is directed to report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations, not later than September 1, 2015, on 
     projected amounts that are to remain available for operations 
     beyond fiscal year 2015, by category and bureau.
       Funds for activities, bureaus, and offices under this 
     heading are allocated according to the following table and 
     are subject to paragraph (6)(A) under such heading and 
     section 7019 of this Act:

                    DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Category                        Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Human Resources......................................          2,270,036
    Public Diplomacy.................................          [131,713]
    Worldwide Security Protection....................          [331,885]
Overseas Programs....................................          1,595,805
    Public Diplomacy.................................          [369,589]
Diplomatic Policy and Support........................            780,860
Security Programs....................................          1,813,938
    Worldwide Security Protection....................        [1,796,230]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Subtotal, Diplomatic and Consular Programs             6,460,639
         Appropriated Funds..........................
International Chancery Center........................                533
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Subtotal, Diplomatic and Consular Programs...          6,461,172
------------------------------------------------------------------------


 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Offices/Programs                        Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation...........              5,750
Cultural Antiquities Task Force......................              1,000
Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor...................             32,293
    Human Rights Vetting (non-add)...................            [5,000]
    Office of International Religious Freedom (non-              [4,000]
     add)............................................
Office of Terrorism Financing and Economic Sanctions               4,100
 Policy..............................................
Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons..............              7,500
Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues...........              5,667
Office of the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.              1,000
Office for Global Women's Issues.....................              9,988
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement provides $2,128,115,000 for WSP under this 
     heading and an additional $989,706,000 for WSP is provided in 
     title VIII and designated for OCO/GWOT, for a total of 
     $3,117,821,000 for WSP in this Act.
       No funds were requested, and no funds are provided in the 
     agreement, for a Foreign Affairs Security Training Center 
     (FASTC). The Secretary of State shall comply with the 
     reporting and information directives in the House and Senate 
     reports. No funds from this Act or prior Acts may be made 
     available for obligation for FASTC without prior notification 
     to the appropriate congressional committees.
       The agreement supports the efforts of the Department of 
     State to monitor United States assistance for foreign 
     security forces. In addition to funds made available for such 
     activities, not less than $5,000,000 under this heading is 
     included to implement section 620M of the FAA.
       The agreement includes the funds recommended in the Senate 
     report for the Bureau of Oceans and International 
     Environmental and Scientific Affairs, including for the 
     Arctic Council, and the authority included in the Senate bill 
     to make grants pursuant to section 504 of Public Law 95-426.
       The agreement includes section 7034(l)(1), which extends 
     for one year the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative 
     surcharge authority, which is the same authority included in 
     prior years.
       Section 7034(l)(7) of this Act continues the Foreign 
     Service overseas pay comparability authority, but, as in 
     prior years, prohibits implementation of the third phase of 
     the authority and does not include funds requested for such 
     implementation.
       Section 7034(n) of this Act provides limitations on the 
     uses of the Department of State Working Capital Fund. The 
     Secretary of State is directed to include information on the 
     Working Capital Fund in the operating plan required by 
     section 7076 of this Act and reprogramming notifications for 
     funds made available under this heading.
       The agreement does not specifically designate funds for the 
     new non-security positions related to the Department-wide 
     hiring initiatives included in the fiscal year 2015 budget 
     request. The Secretary of State is directed to examine the 
     assignment of existing lower priority positions, including 
     vacancies and such positions identified by the Department of 
     State's Office of Inspector General, to meet higher priority 
     staffing requirements, including those enumerated under this 
     heading in the Senate report. If, however, the Secretary 
     determines that it is in the national interest of the United 
     States to redirect the funds appropriated under this heading 
     for additional positions, the Committees on Appropriations 
     will consider such request as part of the operating plan 
     required by section 7076 of this Act. Such plan shall include 
     a detailed description of any new or reassigned Foreign or 
     Civil Service positions requested by a bureau or office, a 
     justification of the request, and the salary and benefit 
     costs for fiscal years 2015 and 2016.
       The agreement designates up to $23,500,000 under this 
     heading for conflict and stabilization operations and permits 
     such amount to be transferred to, and merged with, funds 
     available under Conflict Stabilization Operations. In 
     addition, $15,000,000 is included under Conflict 
     Stabilization Operations in title VIII.

[[Page H9949]]

       The agreement does not include the requested authority to 
     transfer $1,000,000 of the funds available under this heading 
     to funds available under Representation Expenses.
       The agreement does not include a prohibition on the use of 
     funds appropriated under this heading for the Ambassadors 
     Fund for Cultural Preservation that was included in the House 
     bill. Instead, the agreement continues the limitation on the 
     use of funds for the preservation of religious sites as 
     included in prior years.
       The Office of Inspector General of the Department of State 
     released three Management Alerts in fiscal year 2014 that 
     included recommendations to strengthen contract files, grants 
     management, and information system security programs. The 
     Secretary of State, in coordination with the Department of 
     State's Office of Inspector General, is directed to submit a 
     report to the appropriate congressional committees, not later 
     than 90 days after enactment of this Act, detailing the 
     status of each of the recommendations included in the Alerts.
       Funds made available by this Act should be used to support 
     Department of State efforts to reopen and operate a 
     diplomatic presence in the Eastern Congo, once the security 
     environment permits such a presence.
       The Secretary of State shall report to the appropriate 
     congressional committees, not later than 45 days after 
     enactment of this Act, on the Department of State's policy 
     regarding its presence in Somalia, including personnel 
     involved, current limitations imposed on temporary duty 
     assignments, an assessment of the ability of such personnel 
     to affect inter-agency and international donor coordination 
     efforts and diplomacy under such limitations, an assessment 
     of the security situation, and the costs associated with such 
     activities, including for security.


                        CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND

       The agreement provides $56,400,000 for Capital Investment 
     Fund.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The agreement provides $73,400,000 for Office of Inspector 
     General, of which $11,000,000 may remain available until 
     September 30, 2016, and an additional $56,900,000 in title 
     VIII under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant 
     to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985. The agreement waives the requirement of section 
     209(a)(1) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as included in 
     the Senate bill and in prior years.
       Funding for the Department of State Office of Inspector 
     General is provided under title I of this Act, which may be 
     used for oversight of operations and programs funded under 
     title VIII of this Act.


               EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

       The agreement provides $589,900,000 for Educational and 
     Cultural Exchange Programs, of which not less than 
     $236,485,000 shall be for the Fulbright Program.
       The agreement does not include funds for an Exchanges Rapid 
     Response program.
       Funds under this heading are allocated according to the 
     following table and are subject to section 7019 of this Act:

               EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Program/Activity                        Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Academic Exchanges:
    Fulbright Program: Students, Scholars, Teachers,             236,485
     Humphrey, Undergraduates........................
    Global Academic Exchanges........................             58,351
    Special Academic Exchanges.......................             36,800
        Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship               [12,500]
         Program.....................................
        Young African Leaders Initiative.............           [15,000]
        Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative.....            [5,000]
                                                      ------------------
        Subtotal, Academic Programs..................            331,636
Professional and Cultural Exchanges:
    International Visitor Leadership Program.........             89,665
    Citizen Exchange Programs........................            100,000
    Special Professional and Cultural Exchanges......              5,575
                                                      ------------------
        Subtotal, Professional and Cultural Exchanges            195,240
                                                      ------------------
    Program Evaluation and Performance...............              4,752
    Exchanges Support................................             58,272
                                                      ------------------
            Total, Educational and Cultural Exchange             589,900
             Programs................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        REPRESENTATION EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $8,030,000 for Representation 
     Expenses, to be provided in accordance with section 7020 of 
     this Act.


              PROTECTION OF FOREIGN MISSIONS AND OFFICIALS

       The agreement provides $30,036,000 for Protection of 
     Foreign Missions and Officials.
       Section 7034(j) of this Act includes authority for the 
     Secretary of State to transfer expired unobligated balances 
     from funds made available under Diplomatic and Consular 
     Programs, which is similar to authority made available in 
     fiscal year 2014 and that was proposed in the House and 
     Senate bills.


            EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE

       The agreement provides $2,063,255,000 for Embassy Security, 
     Construction, and Maintenance, of which $1,240,500,000 is for 
     Worldwide Security Upgrades and $822,755,000 is for other 
     construction, operations, and maintenance. The agreement 
     provides an additional $260,800,000 in title VIII under this 
     heading designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the Balanced 
     Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, of which, 
     $250,000,000 is available for Worldwide Security Upgrades and 
     is subject to the requirements and authorities of section 
     7004 of this Act.
       The Secretary of State should consider providing additional 
     support to protect soft targets in Kenya and such amounts 
     should be included in the operating plan required by section 
     7076 of this Act.
       Section 7004(d) of this Act directs that all purchase of 
     land and award of construction contracts be subject to prior 
     consultation with, and the regular notification procedures 
     of, the Committees on Appropriations. Notifications made 
     pursuant to such section shall include the information 
     detailed under Embassy Security, Construction, and 
     Maintenance in title I of the House report. The Department of 
     State should not proceed with any purchase of land or award 
     of contracts for construction without approval by the 
     Committees on Appropriations. In addition, the Department of 
     State is directed to consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations after both the rightsizing study and the 
     planning for a major construction project are complete and 
     before the pre-solicitation for the construction award is 
     released.
       Section 7004(f) of this Act continues, in modified form, 
     the directives concerning expeditionary, interim, and 
     temporary diplomatic facilities abroad.


           EMERGENCIES IN THE DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICE

       The agreement provides $7,900,000 for Emergencies in the 
     Diplomatic and Consular Service.


                   REPATRIATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The agreement provides $1,300,000 for Repatriation Loans 
     Program Account.


              PAYMENT TO THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN

       The agreement provides $30,000,000 for Payment to the 
     American Institute in Taiwan.


     PAYMENT TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND

       The agreement provides $158,900,000 for Payment to the 
     Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund.

                      International Organizations


              CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

       The agreement provides $1,399,151,000 for Contributions to 
     International Organizations and an additional $74,400,000 in 
     title VIII under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT 
     pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control 
     Act of 1985.
       The agreement does not include funds for an assessed 
     contribution to the United Nations Educational, Scientific 
     and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which is prohibited due 
     to the application of Public Law 101-246 and Public Law 103-
     236.


        CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES

       The agreement provides $2,118,891,000 for Contributions for 
     International Peacekeeping Activities. The agreement provides 
     funding for the United States share of United Nations 
     Operations in Somalia under Peacekeeping Operations in title 
     VIII.
       The agreement provides funding and authorities under titles 
     I, VII, and VIII of this Act to fund fiscal year 2015 United 
     States contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions. 
     The Secretary of State may not exceed the assessed rate 
     described in the last proviso under this heading with 
     appropriated funds, but credits may be applied to meet the 
     current assessment rate. The Secretary of State is directed 
     to submit an operating plan for international peacekeeping 
     activities that specifies the planned apportionment of funds 
     for all known fiscal year 2015 peacekeeping assessments, 
     including funds available from this Act, prior year 
     unobligated balances, credits, and the planned use of 
     transfer and other authorities provided by this Act under 
     sections 7009 and 8003, as necessary.
       The Department of State has informed the Committees on 
     Appropriations that, as of November 2014, unobligated 
     balances under Diplomatic and Consular Programs from fiscal 
     year 2014, excluding WSP and Diplomatic Security, totaled 
     $588,264,000. The Secretary of State should transfer 
     unobligated fiscal year 2014 funds from Diplomatic and 
     Consular Programs, as necessary and within the limitations 
     and notification requirements of section 7009 of this Act, to 
     fund assessed international peacekeeping contributions at the 
     assessed rate described in the last proviso under this 
     heading.
       The Department of State and the United States Mission to 
     the United Nations (USUN) should work with the UN Department 
     of Peacekeeping Operations to evaluate and prioritize 
     peacekeeping missions, and consider phase-out and withdrawal 
     when mission goals have been substantially achieved. The 
     Secretary of State is directed to report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations, not later than 180 days after enactment of 
     this Act, on efforts and progress made to address these 
     issues.
       The Department of State and USUN should seek a reduction of 
     the United States-assessed rate for international 
     peacekeeping activities for future years.
       USUN shall work to ensure that the United Nations is 
     pursuing investigations and prosecutions of human rights 
     abuses committed by international peacekeepers, including 
     sexual exploitation, and shall encourage a

[[Page H9950]]

     focus on monitoring and investigating such abuses within the 
     United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the 
     Democratic Republic of Congo.

                       International Commissions


 INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO

       The agreement includes a limitation of $6,000 on 
     representation expenses of the International Boundary and 
     Water Commission, United States and Mexico (IBWC).


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $44,707,000 for salaries and 
     expenses of IBWC.


                              CONSTRUCTION

       The agreement provides $29,000,000 for planning, 
     preparation, and construction.
       Funds under this heading are allocated according to the 
     following table, and are subject to section 7019 of this Act:

                              CONSTRUCTION
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Program/Activity                    Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water Quality Program................................              3,500
Water Quantity Program...............................             22,600
  Rio Grande Flood Control System Rehabilitation.....            [6,000]
Resource & Asset Management Program..................              2,900
                                                      ------------------
    Total, Construction..............................             29,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Section 7045(g)(3) of this Act directs the Secretary of 
     State, in consultation with the Commissioner for the United 
     States Section of the IBWC, to report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations not later than 45 days after enactment of this 
     Act.
       If the mechanisms and actions detailed in section 
     7045(g)(3) of this Act are not in place or have not been 
     taken by June 30, 2015, the Secretary of State shall submit a 
     report to the Committees on Appropriations detailing why no 
     such mechanisms are in place or no such actions have been 
     taken and provide updated projections of the balance of the 
     water delivery deficit at the end of the current 5-year 
     cycle, and the estimated impact on the United States of such 
     deficit.
       The Secretary of State is directed to provide to the 
     Committees on Appropriations the annual report required in 
     section 12310 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 
     113-79) on efforts by Mexico to meet its deliveries of water 
     to the Rio Grande in accordance with the treaty.


              AMERICAN SECTIONS, INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS

       The agreement provides $12,561,000 for American Sections, 
     International Commissions to support the International 
     Boundary Commission, International Joint Commission, and 
     Border Environment Cooperation Commission.
       Funds under this heading are allocated according to the 
     following table and are subject to section 7019 of this Act:

                            AMERICAN SECTIONS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Program/Activity                    Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Boundary Commission....................              2,525
International Joint Commission.......................              7,663
Border Environment Cooperation Commission............              2,373
                                                      ------------------
    Total, American Sections.........................             12,561
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS

       The agreement provides $36,681,000 for International 
     Fisheries Commissions at the levels requested, with the 
     exception of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the 
     International Pacific Halibut Commission.
       Funds under this heading are allocated according to the 
     following table and are subject to section 7019 of this Act:

                   INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Commission/Activity                   Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great Lakes Fishery Commission.......................             24,950
    Lake Champlain Basin.............................            [3,500]
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission..............              1,750
Pacific Salmon Commission............................              2,800
International Pacific Halibut Commission.............              4,150
Other Marine Conservation Organizations..............              3,031
                                                      ------------------
    Total, International Fisheries Commissions.......             36,681
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             RELATED AGENCY

                    Broadcasting Board of Governors


                 INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS

       The agreement provides $726,567,000 for International 
     Broadcasting Operations, and an additional $10,700,000 in 
     title VIII under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT 
     pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control 
     Act of 1985.
       Of the funds made available under this heading, up to 
     $44,025,000 may remain available until expended for satellite 
     transmissions and Internet freedom programs, of which not 
     less than $17,500,000 is for Internet freedom and 
     circumvention programs. BBG is directed to include amounts 
     planned for Internet freedom in fiscal year 2015 as part of 
     the operating plan required by section 7076 of this Act and 
     to expand upon the planned activities in the Internet freedom 
     spend plan required by section 7078 of this Act.
       The agreement includes a one year extension of the personal 
     services contract authority of the BBG, as included in prior 
     year Acts.
       The agreement includes $27,130,000 for the Office of Cuba 
     Broadcasting (OCB). In addition to the amount provided, funds 
     may be transferred to OCB from Economic Support Fund for the 
     purposes proposed in the Congressional Budget Request, Fiscal 
     Year 2015, for the BBG up to the amount necessary to restore 
     the proposed program reductions. The BBG is further directed 
     to include in the fiscal year 2016 budget request the full 
     amount required to support the proposed staffing and program 
     requirements for OCB during fiscal year 2016 and to not rely 
     on proposed interagency transfers to maintain program 
     requirements.
       The BBG is directed to consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations prior to the submission of the fiscal year 
     2015 operating plan on the program increases and reductions 
     recommended under this heading in the House and Senate 
     reports, including for enhanced broadcasts to Ukraine and the 
     surrounding region. The BBG shall include in the operating 
     plan detailed information on the increases and reductions the 
     BBG proposes to implement in fiscal year 2015, including the 
     timeframe for implementation and the fiscal years 2015 and 
     2016 costs or savings for each of the program increases and 
     reductions.
       Title VIII of this Act provides $4,400,000 for Voice of 
     America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) 
     broadcasts to Afghanistan and Pakistan and $6,300,000 for 
     increases to VOA and Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) 
     broadcasts to Iraq and Syria. The BBG is directed to include 
     in the operating plan a proposal for the use of such funds.
       Funds in this Act under this heading are allocated 
     according to the following table and are subject to section 
     7019 of this Act:

                  INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      BBG Entity                       Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBG/International Broadcasting Bureau Operations.....             61,404
Voice of America.....................................            209,383
    OCO--Afghanistan/Pakistan........................              2,200
    OCO--Syria/Iraq..................................              3,150
        Subtotal, VOA Program Level..................            214,733
Office of Cuba Broadcasting..........................             27,130
Technology, Services and Innovation..................            182,487
    Internet Freedom and Circumvention Activities                 17,500
     (non-add).......................................
                                                      ------------------
        Subtotal, Federal Entities...................            480,404
                                                      ==================
        Subtotal, Federal Entities with OCO..........            485,754
Independent Grantee Organizations:
    Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty..................            101,650
    OCO--Afghanistan/Pakistan........................              2,200
        Subtotal, RFE/RL Program Level...............            103,850
    Radio Free Asia..................................             38,255
    Middle East Broadcasting Networks................            106,258
    OCO--Syria/Iraq..................................              3,150
                                                      ------------------
        Subtotal, MBN Program Level..................            109,408
        Subtotal, Independent Grantee Organizations..            246,163
                                                      ==================
        Subtotal, Independent Grantee Organizations              251,513
         with OCO....................................
            Total, BBG Entities......................            726,567
                                                      ==================
            Total, BBG Entities Program Level with               737,267
             OCO.....................................
Title VIII--OCO......................................             10,700
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                   BROADCASTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

       The agreement provides $4,800,000 for Broadcasting Capital 
     Improvements.

                            RELATED PROGRAMS

                          The Asia Foundation

       The agreement provides $17,000,000 for The Asia Foundation.
       The Asia Foundation is directed to comply with the 
     reporting and consultation requirements in section 7034(s) of 
     this Act and the accompanying explanatory statement.

                    United States Institute of Peace

       The agreement provides $35,300,000 for United States 
     Institute of Peace (USIP).
       USIP is directed to comply with the reporting and 
     consultation requirements in section 7034(s) of this Act and 
     the accompanying explanatory statement. In addition, USIP is 
     directed to submit the operating plan required by section 
     7076 of this Act.

         Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund

       The agreement provides $83,000 from interest and earnings 
     from the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust 
     Fund.
       The Center is directed to comply with the reporting and 
     consultation requirements in section 7034(s) of this Act and 
     the accompanying explanatory statement.

                 Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program

       The agreement provides $400,000 from interest and earnings 
     from the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program Trust Fund.

                    Israeli Arab Scholarship Program

       The agreement provides $26,000 from interest and earnings 
     from the Israeli Arab Scholarship Endowment Fund.

                            East-West Center

       The agreement provides $16,700,000 for East-West Center.
       The East-West Center is directed to comply with the 
     reporting and consultation requirements in section 7034(s) of 
     this Act and the accompanying explanatory statement.

                    National Endowment for Democracy

       The agreement provides $135,000,000 for National Endowment 
     for Democracy (NED).
       Not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act, the 
     President of the NED shall submit a report to the Committees 
     on Appropriations on the proposed uses of funds appropriated 
     under this heading on a regional and country basis.
       The allocation of additional funding for the NED above the 
     budget request shall be

[[Page H9951]]

     guided by the table under this heading in the Senate report.
       The NED is directed to comply with the reporting and 
     consultation requirements in section 7034(s) of this Act and 
     the accompanying explanatory statement.

                           OTHER COMMISSIONS

      Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $644,000 for Commission for the 
     Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad.
       The agreement provides for one year of expanded procurement 
     authority, and directs the Chairman of the Commission to 
     consult with the Committees on Appropriations prior to 
     implementing such authority. The Chairman is also directed to 
     ensure that no contractor makes in excess of the equivalent 
     of the salary for executive level IV.

      United States Commission on International Religious Freedom


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $3,500,000 for United States 
     Commission on International Religious Freedom, subject to 
     authorization, and includes a limitation of $4,000 on 
     representation expenses.
       The Commission is directed to comply with the reporting and 
     consultation requirements in section 7034(s) of this Act and 
     the accompanying explanatory statement.

            Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $2,579,000 for Commission on 
     Security and Cooperation in Europe.
       The Commission is directed to comply with the reporting and 
     consultation requirements in section 7034(s) of this Act and 
     the accompanying explanatory statement.

  Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $2,000,000 for Congressional-
     Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China.
       The Commission is directed to comply with the reporting and 
     consultation requirements in section 7034(s) of this Act and 
     the accompanying explanatory statement.

      United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $3,500,000 for United States-China 
     Economic and Security Review Commission.
       The Commission is directed to comply with the reporting and 
     consultation requirements in section 7034(s) of this Act and 
     the accompanying explanatory statement.

      TITLE II--UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $1,090,836,000 for USAID Operating 
     Expenses, of which $163,625,000 may remain available until 
     September 30, 2016, and an additional $125,464,000 in title 
     VIII under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant 
     to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.
       No funds are provided under this heading to increase the 
     number of employee positions at USAID in fiscal year 2015. In 
     addition to the reporting requirements regarding USAID staff 
     included in the House and Senate reports, the USAID 
     Administrator shall include the staffing levels and position 
     titles for all Washington-based employees by bureau, office, 
     or other unit. The USAID Administrator shall consult with the 
     Committees on Appropriations prior to the submission of the 
     report.
       Section 7031(a)(1)(A)(iv) of this Act requires that ``no 
     level of acceptable fraud is assumed'' by any implementing 
     agency or ministry of a foreign government that receives 
     direct government-to-government assistance. Recognizing that 
     the risk of fraud exists in all countries, the USAID 
     Administrator is directed to implement such section by 
     ensuring that each implementing agency or ministry has fraud 
     risk mitigation procedures that appropriately protect against 
     fraud and the misappropriation of funds.
       The agreement does not include a House provision that would 
     authorize funds under Operating Expenses to remain available 
     for an additional 4 years if such funds were initially 
     obligated prior to expiration. The independent audit of 
     USAID's fiscal year 2014 consolidated financial statements, 
     dated November 17, 2014, states that USAID's process for de-
     obligating unliquidated obligations is ineffective and 
     identifies this process as a significant internal control 
     deficiency. In response, USAID set a target date of June 30, 
     2015, for completing actions to implement the audit 
     recommendation. The USAID Administrator is directed to report 
     to the Committees on Appropriations, not later than July 31, 
     2015, on the status of the implementation of the 
     recommendation, any additional steps USAID has taken to 
     improve the process for de-obligating unliquidated 
     obligations, and the total unliquidated obligations by fiscal 
     year funded in Operating Expenses.
       Section 7057(j) of this Act directs the USAID Administrator 
     to submit to the Committees on Appropriations, not later than 
     180 days after enactment of this Act, a plan to modify 
     USAID's Foreign Service training, assignment, and promotion 
     practices to enable all Foreign Service Officers to 
     effectively incorporate local sustainable development 
     practices into USAID assistance programs.
       Using existing authority, funds are included under this 
     heading for USAID to support the salaries and benefits for 
     Global Development Lab (the Lab) program staff. No new 
     authority is included to fund personnel from other accounts 
     in this Act. USAID is encouraged to find innovative solutions 
     to development challenges through the Lab and is further 
     encouraged to seek buy-in from countries that the Lab 
     programs seek to benefit. The USAID Administrator shall 
     regularly consult with, and ensure the participation of, 
     nongovernmental and governmental entities in developing 
     countries at all stages of the Lab's activities. The 
     Administrator shall submit a report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations, not later than April 1, 2015, detailing 
     projects supported by the Lab since October 1, 2013.
       Funds in this Act under this heading are allocated 
     according to the following table and are subject to section 
     7019 of this Act:

                        USAID OPERATING EXPENSES
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                         Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Frontline States Overseas Operations.............            641,915
Washington Operations................................            408,578
    Office of Security...............................           [18,270]
    Oversight of Acquisition and Assistance..........            [7,000]
Central Support......................................            251,507
    Staff training...................................           [25,075]
Less other sources \1\...............................           -211,164
        Total, USAID Operating Expenses..............          1,090,836
    OCO/GWOT.........................................            125,464
        Total, USAID Operating Expenses with OCO/GWOT         1,216,300
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Other sources include trust funds, reimbursements, and unobligated
  balances carried forward from prior years.

                        CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND

       The agreement provides $130,815,000 for Capital Investment 
     Fund.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The agreement provides $54,285,000 for Office of Inspector 
     General, of which $8,143,000 may remain available until 
     September 30, 2016.
       The Inspector General shall submit the annual audit plan 
     within the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.

                TITLE III--BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                         GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

       The agreement provides $8,453,950,000 for Global Health 
     Programs.
       The agreement provides $59,000,000 for programs to combat 
     polio, of which $51,500,000 is provided under this heading 
     and $7,500,000 under Economic Support Fund.


                               COUNTRIES

       Laos.--The agreement provides not less than $2,000,000 
     under this heading for nutrition programs in Laos as part of 
     a multi-year effort to combat maternal and child mortality 
     and malnutrition.
       Funds under this heading are allocated according to the 
     following table and are subject to section 7019 of this Act:

                         GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Program/Activity                    Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maternal and Child Health............................            715,000
    Polio............................................           [51,500]
    The GAVI Alliance................................          [200,000]
Nutrition (USAID)....................................            115,000
    Micronutrients...................................           [33,000]
    [of which, Vitamin A]............................           [22,500]
    Iodine Deficiency Disorder.......................            [2,500]
Vulnerable Children (USAID)..........................             22,000
    Blind Children...................................            [2,500]
HIV/AIDS (USAID).....................................            330,000
    Microbicides.....................................           [45,000]
HIV/AIDS (Department of State).......................          5,670,000
    The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and          [1,350,000]
     Malaria.........................................
    UNAIDS...........................................           [45,000]
Family Planning/Reproductive Health (USAID)..........            523,950
Other Infectious Diseases (USAID)....................          1,078,000
    Pandemic Influenza and Other Emerging Threats....           [72,500]
    Malaria..........................................          [669,500]
    Tuberculosis.....................................          [236,000]
    [of which, Global TB Drug Facility]..............           [15,000]
    Neglected Tropical Diseases......................          [100,000]
                                                      ------------------
        Total, Global Health Programs................          8,453,950
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

       The agreement provides $2,507,001,000 for Development 
     Assistance.


                                PROGRAMS

       Workforce Development Programs.--The agreement includes 
     funding for workforce development and post-secondary training 
     programs, which shall be focused on leadership development 
     and industries with high-growth potential.


                               COUNTRIES

       Central America.--The agreement provides the budget request 
     for El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, which should 
     support the strategy required by section 7045(a)(1) of this 
     Act.
       Vietnam.--Funds made available under this heading for 
     assistance for Vietnam for health/disability activities 
     should prioritize assistance for individuals with severe 
     upper or lower body mobility impairment and/or cognitive or 
     developmental disabilities.
       Funds under this heading are allocated according to the 
     following table, and are subject to section 7019 of this Act:

[[Page H9952]]



                         DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Country/Program                     Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Countries:
    Bangladesh labor programs........................              3,000
    Cambodia.........................................             31,250
    El Salvador......................................             25,000
    Guatemala........................................             57,387
    Honduras.........................................             44,326
    Indonesian human rights programs.................                350
    Vietnam health/disability programs...............              7,500
Global Programs:
    Child Marriage...................................             10,000
    Education for Blind and Deaf.....................             15,000
    Global Crop Diversity Trust......................             15,000
    Indigenous Peoples Grants........................              2,000
    Leahy War Victims Fund...........................             12,000
    Reconciliation Programs..........................             16,000
    Trade Capacity Building..........................             10,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                   international disaster assistance

       The agreement provides $560,000,000 for International 
     Disaster Assistance, and an additional $1,335,000,000 in 
     title VIII under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT 
     pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control 
     Act of 1985.
       The USAID Administrator shall submit a report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations, not later than October 30, 
     2015, on funds used for emergency food security during fiscal 
     year 2015, including the amounts and justification. USAID 
     should consult with the Committees on Appropriations not 
     later than 45 days after enactment of this Act on the content 
     of the report.


                         transition initiatives

       The agreement provides $47,000,000 for Transition 
     Initiatives, and an additional $20,000,000 in title VIII 
     under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.


                          COMPLEX CRISES FUND

                     (including transfer of funds)

       The agreement provides $20,000,000 for Complex Crises Fund, 
     and an additional $30,000,000 in title VIII under this 
     heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the Balanced 
     Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.


                      development credit authority

       The agreement includes a $40,000,000 limitation on funds 
     that may be transferred from other programs in this title to 
     the Development Credit Program, $8,120,000 for administrative 
     expenses, and a cap on total loan principal of 
     $1,500,000,000.


                         economic support fund

       The agreement provides $2,632,529,000 for Economic Support 
     Fund, and an additional $2,114,266,000 in title VIII under 
     this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
       Cambodia.--Funds made available for democracy programs in 
     Cambodia under this heading shall be subject to the 
     requirements of section 7043(c)(1) of this Act.
       Colombia.--The agreement provides $133,000,000 for Colombia 
     under this heading to be directly apportioned to USAID for 
     alternative development/institution building, local 
     governance programs, and support for victims of the violence 
     in Colombia, of which not less than $7,000,000 shall be 
     transferred to Migration and Refugee Assistance.
       Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone.--The Secretary of 
     State is encouraged to continue support for the Residual 
     Special Court, as needed, and is directed to consult with the 
     Committees on Appropriations on any planned contributions in 
     fiscal year 2015.
       Funds in this Act under this heading are allocated 
     according to the following table, and are subject to section 
     7019 of this Act:

                          ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Country/Program                     Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Africa:
    Anti-slavery Programs in Africa..................              3,000
    Counter-Lord's Resistance Army...................             10,000
    Democratic Republic of the Congo.................             71,440
    Djibouti.........................................              5,000
East Asia and the Pacific:
    Nepal............................................             33,000
    Cambodia.........................................              5,000
    People's Republic of China (Democracy, rule of                15,000
     law, and environment)...........................
    Tibet............................................              7,900
    Tibetan Communities in India and Nepal...........              3,000
    Vietnam (Environmental remediation of dioxin)....             15,000
Europe and Eurasia:
    Europe and Eurasia Regional......................            502,000
    Research and Training............................              3,000
Near East:
    Bahrain (Democracy and governance)...............              3,500
    Lebanon Scholarships.............................             12,000
    Marla Ruzicka Iraqi War Victims Fund.............              5,000
    Middle East Partnership Initiative...............             70,000
        Scholarships.................................           [10,000]
    Middle East Response.............................            400,000
    Middle East Regional Cooperation Program.........              5,000
    Morocco..........................................             20,000
    Near East Regional Democracy.....................             32,000
    Tunisia..........................................             30,000
    Reconciliation Programs..........................             10,000
Western Hemisphere:
    Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).......             28,000
    Central America Regional Security Initiative                 100,000
     (CARSI).........................................
    Colombia.........................................            133,000
        Transfer to Migration and Refugee Assistance.            [7,000]
        Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities....           [15,000]
        Human rights.................................            [6,500]
        Biodiversity.................................            [3,500]
        Children disabled by violence................              [500]
    Haiti............................................            110,000
        Reforestation................................           [15,000]
    Mexico...........................................             46,100
    Trade Capacity Building..........................             10,000
Global Programs:
    Forensic Anthropology Assistance.................              3,000
    House Democracy Partnership......................              1,900
    Polio............................................              7,500
    Disability Programs..............................              7,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             democracy fund

       The agreement provides $130,500,000 for Democracy Fund, of 
     which $75,500,000 is for the Department of State Human Rights 
     and Democracy Fund and $55,000,000 is for the USAID Center of 
     Excellence for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance.

                          Department of State


                    migration and refugee assistance

       The agreement provides $931,886,000 for Migration and 
     Refugee Assistance, and an additional $2,127,114,000 in title 
     VIII under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant 
     to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.
       Section 7034(p) of this Act directs that funds made 
     available for monitoring and evaluation of humanitarian 
     assistance shall be made available, as appropriate, for the 
     regular collection of feedback obtained directly from 
     beneficiaries of humanitarian programs funded under this 
     heading and under International Disaster Assistance, to 
     maximize effectiveness of programs and accountability to 
     beneficiaries. In addition, grantees that receive funds under 
     such headings shall establish procedures for collecting and 
     responding to such feedback, including by developing a 
     methodology for collecting the feedback that ensures a 
     representative and accurate reflection of beneficiary views.
       The agreement includes modified language in section 7048(d) 
     of the House bill regarding the UN Relief and Works Agency.


     united states emergency refugee and migration assistance fund

       The agreement provides $50,000,000 for United States 
     Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund.

                          Independent Agencies


                              peace corps

                     (including transfer of funds)

       The agreement provides $379,500,000 for Peace Corps.


                    millennium challenge corporation

       The agreement provides $899,500,000 for Millennium 
     Challenge Corporation, including up to $105,000,000 for 
     administrative expenses.


                       inter-american foundation

       The agreement provides $22,500,000 for Inter-American 
     Foundation.


              united states african development foundation

       The agreement provides $30,000,000 for United States 
     African Development Foundation.

                       Department of the Treasury


               international affairs technical assistance

       The agreement provides $23,500,000 for International 
     Affairs Technical Assistance.

              TITLE IV--INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE

                          Department of State


          international narcotics control and law enforcement

       The agreement provides $853,055,000 for International 
     Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, and an additional 
     $443,195,000 in title VIII under this heading is designated 
     for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985.
       The Secretary of State shall submit a report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations, not later than 45 days after 
     enactment of this Act and prior to the initial obligation of 
     program and country funds appropriated under this heading, on 
     the proposed uses of funds on a program and country-by-
     country basis for each program, project, and activity.
       The agreement recommends that Department of State personnel 
     involved in overseas police training, judicial reform, 
     corrections, and related programs advise foreign partners of 
     the potential benefits of not expending scarce criminal 
     justice resources on the prosecution and incarceration of 
     nonviolent, low level offenders.
       The agreement includes funds for DNA forensic technology to 
     combat human trafficking in Central America and Mexico.
       Funds provided above the budget request for assistance for 
     Mexico are for enhanced border security initiatives with a 
     focus on the southern border of Mexico, and for other law 
     enforcement and judicial reform programs. Funds for border 
     security shall be provided in accordance with the strategy 
     required by section 7045(a)(1) of this Act.
       Funds in this Act under this heading are allocated 
     according to the following table and are subject to section 
     7019 of this Act:

           INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Country/Program                     Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Country:
Colombia.............................................            145,250
    Office of the Attorney General Human Rights Unit.           [10,000]
Guatemala--Sexual Assault Units......................              3,000
Mexico...............................................            148,131
Global Programs:
CBSI.................................................             25,000
CARSI................................................            160,000
Combating Piracy.....................................              5,000
Demand Reduction.....................................             12,500
DNA Forensic Technology..............................              3,000
International Commission Against Impunity in                       5,000
 Guatemala...........................................
International Law Enforcement Academies..............             27,000
Regional Training Partnerships.......................              4,500
Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking....................             25,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining and related programs

       The agreement provides $586,260,000 for Nonproliferation, 
     Anti-terrorism, Demining

[[Page H9953]]

     and Related Programs, and an additional $99,240,000 in title 
     VIII under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant 
     to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.
       The agreement includes $10,000,000 above fiscal year 2014 
     to support a multi-year plan for unexploded ordnance (UXO) 
     clearance in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
       Funds in this Act under this heading are allocated 
     according to the following table, and are subject to section 
     7019 of this Act:

     NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Programs                        Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonproliferation Programs:...........................            283,680
    Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund............           [27,000]
    Export Control and Related Border Security                  [56,990]
     Assistance......................................
    Global Threat Reduction..........................           [69,540]
Anti-terrorism Programs..............................            219,091
    Anti-terrorism Assistance........................          [173,000]
    Terrorist Interdiction Program...................           [25,091]
    Counterterrorism Financing.......................           [15,000]
Regional Stability & Humanitarian Assistance:
    Conventional Weapons Destruction.................            182,729
    Humanitarian Demining............................          [162,729]
    [of which, UXO Laos].............................           [12,000]
    [of which, additional UXO South East Asia and               [10,000]
     Pacific Islands]................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        peacekeeping operations

       The agreement provides $144,993,000 for Peacekeeping 
     Operations, and an additional $328,698,000 in title VIII 
     under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
       The agreement includes $28,000,000 for the Multinational 
     Force and Observers (MFO) mission in the Sinai. Funds for the 
     MFO from this Act and prior Acts are intended to be used to 
     address force protection enhancements.

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


             international military education and training

       The agreement provides $106,074,000 for International 
     Military Education and Training.


                   foreign military financing program

       The agreement provides $5,014,109,000 for Foreign Military 
     Financing Program, and an additional $866,420,000 in title 
     VIII under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant 
     to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.
       Funds in this Act under this heading are allocated 
     according to the following table, and are subject to section 
     7019 of this Act:

                   FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Country/Program                     Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colombia.............................................             26,750
Egypt................................................          1,300,000
Georgia..............................................             30,000
Israel...............................................          3,100,000
Mexico...............................................              7,000
Moldova..............................................             11,250
Morocco..............................................              7,000
Philippines..........................................             50,000
Ukraine..............................................             47,000
Western Hemisphere Regional..........................              7,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement funds the $75,000,000 requested for the 
     European Reassurance Initiative through increased assistance 
     for Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. In addition, the agreement 
     includes $25,000,000 above the budget request to support 
     partners and allies in Europe and Eurasia. The Secretary of 
     State is directed to consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations prior to the obligation of funds.
       Morocco.--The agreement modifies the House and Senate 
     provisions on Morocco and the Western Sahara and expects that 
     no funds will be used for internal security purposes as none 
     were requested for such purposes.

                    TITLE V--MULTILATERAL ASSISTANCE

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS

       The agreement provides $344,170,000 for International 
     Organizations and Programs.
       The agreement does not include a direct contribution for 
     UNESCO, which is prohibited due to the application of Public 
     Law 101-246 and Public Law 103-236.
       The Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations prior to the initial obligation of funds 
     appropriated by this Act for the UN High Commissioner for 
     Human Rights.
       For purposes of sections 7048 and 7071 of this Act, the 
     term ``best practices'' for the protection of whistleblowers 
     means practices that are implemented consistent with terms 
     specified in international conventions or adopted by 
     international organizations such as the Organization for 
     Economic Cooperation and Development and the Organization of 
     American States (OAS).
       Funds under this heading are allocated according to the 
     following table and are subject to section 7019 of this Act:

                INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Programs                        Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Civil Aviation Organization............                800
International Conservation Programs..................              7,900
International Development Law Organization...........                600
International Maritime Organization..................                360
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change/UN                      10,000
 Framework Convention on Climate Change..............
International Chemicals and Toxin Programs...........              3,610
Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund..................             25,500
OAS Development Assistance Programs..................              3,400
OAS Fund for Strengthening Democracy.................              4,500
    Inter-American Commission on Human Rights........            [2,000]
Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy                    50
 and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.............
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian                     3,000
 Affairs.............................................
UN Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in the                 1,250
 Field of Human Rights...............................
UN Women.............................................              7,500
UN Human Settlements Program.........................              1,400
UN Capital Development Fund..........................                900
UN Democracy Fund....................................              4,200
UN Development Program...............................             80,000
UN Environment Program...............................              7,550
UN Children's Fund...................................            132,000
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights................              5,500
UN Population Fund...................................             35,000
UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.............              6,500
World Meteorological Organization....................              1,650
World Trade Organization Technical Assistance........              1,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total, International Organizations and Programs..            344,170
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  International Financial Institutions

       The agreement modifies language in section 7029 on the 
     evaluation policies of the international financial 
     institutions. The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct 
     the United States executive director of each IFI to work to 
     strengthen the respective institution's independent 
     evaluation policies and practices, including by: (a) adopting 
     transparent, pre-established criteria for when impact, in-
     depth, and other evaluations shall be conducted; (b) 
     increasing the use of external and peer reviews; (c) 
     instituting regular external evaluations of the IFI's 
     internal evaluation offices; (d) creating incentives and 
     feedback mechanisms to ensure that lessons learned are 
     incorporated into IFI programming; and (e) strengthening 
     public disclosure of data in usable forms.
       The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United 
     States Executive Directors of the World Bank and the Inter-
     American Development Bank to submit a report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations, not later than 90 days after 
     enactment of this Act and every 90 days thereafter until 
     September 30, 2015, on actions taken in the previous 90 days 
     by such institutions to support, and by the Government of 
     Guatemala to implement, the Policy for Reparations to 
     Communities Affected by the Construction of the Chixoy 
     Hydroelectric Dam, Whose Human Rights Were Violated 
     (Executive Decree 378-2014).
       The agreement includes language in section 7029(f) that 
     provides for application of the provision ``to the maximum 
     extent practicable,'' to enable the Secretary of the Treasury 
     to take into consideration important law enforcement 
     objectives.
       The Secretary of the Treasury, when evaluating a proposal 
     by an IFI to finance construction of a large dam, shall apply 
     due diligence, including reviewing for full compliance with 
     IFI policies and legislative voting mandates and the relevant 
     policies of other Federal agencies. The United States 
     executive director of such IFI may vote to support such a 
     project only if the Secretary, after consulting with USAID, 
     the Department of State, and other technical personnel, as 
     appropriate, determines that the IFI is taking the necessary 
     steps to meet the following safeguards, which the Secretary 
     shall encourage the IFI to adopt in relevant strategy and 
     policy reviews--
       1) Risk Assessment--Projects are selected based on resource 
     and river basin management plans that include full 
     stakeholder participation. These processes include a 
     thorough, objective assessment of social and environmental 
     impacts (including cumulative and life cycle gas emissions 
     from sediment accumulation), and economic risks and returns;
       2) Sustainability--Based on the comprehensive impact 
     assessment described above, projects will safeguard river 
     basin ecosystems, including by maintaining sufficient 
     operational flows to protect existing ecosystems and critical 
     natural habitats;
       3) Citizens' Rights--Demonstrable public acceptance of 
     projects, planned mitigation, and benefits are achieved 
     through transparent, good faith engagement with full 
     participation of affected people in the catchment, reservoir, 
     and downstream areas. In addition, in recognition of communal 
     ownership and usage rights of lands, territories, cultural 
     and natural resources, decisions affecting indigenous people 
     require meaningful informed participation during all phases 
     of planning, implementation, and monitoring and good faith 
     negotiations with affected indigenous people communities, 
     including individuals and their representative bodies and 
     organizations. Affected people have access to grievance 
     mechanisms at the project and IFI level or through the 
     borrowing country government;
       4) Public Oversight--The project has been developed 
     transparently, with timely public access to key documents 
     including environmental and social impact assessments and 
     management plans, feasibility studies, economic and risk 
     analyses, and revenue management plans, with appropriate 
     exceptions for proprietary information;
       5) Management--The country has in place sound dam 
     management practices, or, where necessary, commits to 
     appropriate and timely capacity building. Outstanding 
     operational problems with existing dams in the country in the 
     same river basin are being addressed before investments in 
     new dams; and
       6) Independent Monitoring--The project includes 
     environmental and social mitigation measures to be funded and 
     implemented throughout the life of the project based on a 
     monitoring and mitigation plan. Progress on these mitigation 
     measures is regularly monitored and publicly reported.


                      GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY

       The agreement provides $136,563,000 for Global Environment 
     Facility.

[[Page H9954]]

       CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

       The agreement provides $1,287,800,000 for Contribution to 
     the International Development Association.


     CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND 
                              DEVELOPMENT

       The agreement provides $186,957,000 for Contribution to the 
     International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.


              LIMITATION ON CALLABLE CAPITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

       The agreement provides $2,928,990,899 for Limitation on 
     Callable Capital Subscriptions.


               CONTRIBUTION TO THE CLEAN TECHNOLOGY FUND

       The agreement provides $184,630,000 for Contribution to the 
     Clean Technology Fund.


               CONTRIBUTION TO THE STRATEGIC CLIMATE FUND

       The agreement provides $49,900,000 for Contribution to the 
     Strategic Climate Fund.


          CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

       The agreement provides $102,020,448 for Contribution to the 
     Inter-American Development Bank.


              LIMITATION ON CALLABLE CAPITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

       The agreement provides $4,098,794,833 for Limitation on 
     Callable Capital Subscriptions.


CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENTERPRISE FOR THE AMERICAS MULTILATERAL INVESTMENT 
                                  FUND

       The agreement provides $3,378,000 for Contribution to the 
     Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund.


               CONTRIBUTION TO THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

       The agreement provides $106,586,000 for Contribution to the 
     Asian Development Bank.


              LIMITATION ON CALLABLE CAPITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

       The agreement provides $2,558,048,769 for Limitation on 
     Callable Capital Subscriptions.


               CONTRIBUTION TO THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND

       The agreement provides $104,977,000 for Contribution to the 
     Asian Development Fund.


              CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

       The agreement provides $32,418,000 for Contribution to the 
     African Development Bank.


              LIMITATION ON CALLABLE CAPITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

       The agreement provides $507,860,808 for Limitation on 
     Callable Capital Subscriptions.


              CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND

       The agreement provides $175,668,000 for Contribution to the 
     African Development Fund.


  CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

       The agreement provides $30,000,000 for Contribution to the 
     International Fund for Agricultural Development.

               TITLE VI--EXPORT AND INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE

                Export-Import Bank of the United States


                           INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The agreement provides $5,750,000 for the Inspector General 
     for the Export-Import Bank.
       The Inspector General shall submit the annual audit plan 
     within the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.


                            PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The Export-Import Bank is directed to report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations, and post on its Web site, any 
     proposed use in fiscal year 2015 of the aggregate loan, 
     guarantee, and insurance authorities available to the Export-
     Import Bank that would result in greenhouse gas emissions 
     from the extraction or production of fossil fuels or the use 
     of fossil fuels in electricity generation that exceeds the 
     average of total emissions in the previous five fiscal years 
     resulting from the use of such authorities, and the amount of 
     the increase.


                        ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $106,250,000 for Administrative 
     Expenses for the Export-Import Bank. Funds available under 
     this heading shall be subject to sections 7015 and 7076(a) of 
     this Act. The operating plan and any subsequent reprogramming 
     of funds shall be at the budget cost levels presented in the 
     Export-Import Bank's CBJ and for each investment listed in 
     the CBJ, including to support small businesses. The President 
     of the Export-Import Bank is directed to include in such plan 
     a description of the small business program, regional office 
     structure, and other outreach methods. The President is also 
     directed to provide not less than the fiscal year 2014 level 
     for personnel and other costs directly related to small 
     business transactions.

                Overseas Private Investment Corporation


                           NONCREDIT ACCOUNT

       The agreement provides $62,787,000 for Noncredit Account of 
     the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC).
       Not later than January 15, 2015, the President of OPIC 
     shall sign a memorandum of understanding with the USAID 
     Office of Inspector General which includes an inspection/
     audit plan for fiscal year 2015. OPIC is also directed to 
     fill the vacant Office of Accountability director position 
     through an open and competitive hiring process.
       The agreement includes a one-year extension of OPIC's 
     authorization.
       Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the 
     President of OPIC shall provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations OPIC management's plan to implement the 
     recommendations of the September 2014 report by OPIC's Office 
     of Accountability pertaining to Liberia.
       The President of OPIC shall consult with the appropriate 
     congressional committees regarding access to energy projects 
     prior to the obligation of funds in fiscal year 2015.


                            PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The agreement provides $25,000,000 for Program Account of 
     OPIC.


                      TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

       The agreement provides $60,000,000 for Trade and 
     Development Agency.

                     TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS

       The following general provisions are continued in this Act 
     substantively unchanged from the fiscal year 2014 Act 
     (division K of Public Law 113-76):
       Sec. 7001. Allowances and Differentials
       Sec. 7002. Unobligated Balances Report
       Sec. 7003. Consulting Services
       Sec. 7005. Personnel Actions
       Sec. 7006. Local Guard Contracts
       The Secretary of State is directed to consult with the 
     appropriate congressional committees on plans to use the 
     expanded best value authority conferred in section 7006.
       Sec. 7007. Prohibition Against Direct Funding for Certain 
     Countries
       Sec. 7011. Availability of Funds
       Sec. 7012. Limitation on Assistance to Countries in Default
       Sec. 7016. Notification on Excess Defense Equipment
       Sec. 7018. Prohibition on Funding for Abortions and 
     Involuntary Sterilization
       Sec. 7020. Representation and Entertainment Expenses
       Sec. 7021. Prohibition on Assistance to Governments 
     Supporting International Terrorism
       Sec. 7022. Authorization Requirements
       Sec. 7023. Definition of Program, Project, and Activity
       Sec. 7024. Authorities for the Peace Corps, Inter-American 
     Foundation and United States African Development Foundation
       Sec. 7025. Commerce, Trade and Surplus Commodities
       Sec. 7026. Separate Accounts
       Sec. 7027. Eligibility for Assistance
       Sec. 7028. Local Competition
       Sec. 7030. Debt-for-Development
       Sec. 7033. Multi-Year Pledges
       Sec. 7035. Arab League Boycott of Israel
       Sec. 7036. Palestinian Statehood
       Sec. 7037. Restrictions Concerning the Palestinian 
     Authority
       Sec. 7038. Prohibition on Assistance to the Palestinian 
     Broadcasting Corporation
       Sec. 7039. Assistance for the West Bank and Gaza
       Sec. 7040. Limitation on Assistance for the Palestinian 
     Authority
       Sec. 7046. Prohibition of Payments to United Nations 
     Members
       Sec. 7047. War Crimes Tribunals
       Sec. 7049. Community-Based Police Assistance
       Sec. 7050. Prohibition on Promotion of Tobacco
       Sec. 7051. International Conferences
       Sec. 7052. Aircraft Transfer and Coordination
       Sec. 7053. Parking Fines and Real Property Taxes Owed by 
     Foreign Governments
       Sec. 7054 Landmines and Cluster Munitions
       Sec. 7055. Prohibition on Publicity or Propaganda
       Sec. 7056. Limitation on Residence Expenses
       Sec. 7061. Uzbekistan
       Sec. 7062. Arms Trade Treaty
       Sec. 7063. United Nations Population Fund
       Sec. 7064. Requests for Documents
       Sec. 7065. International Prison Conditions
       Sec. 7067. Extradition
       Sec. 7068. Commercial Leasing of Defense Articles
       Sec. 7073. Overseas Private Investment Corporation
       Sec. 7074. Special Defense Acquisition Fund
       Sec. 7077. Use of Funds in Contravention of this Act
       Sec. 7081. Prohibition on First-Class Travel
       The following general provisions are new or substantively 
     modified from those included in division K of Public Law 113-
     76:
       Sec. 7004. Diplomatic Facilities (Modified)
       Sec. 7008. Coups d'EEtat (Modified)
       Sec. 7009. Transfer Authority (Modified)
       Sec. 7010. Security Assistance Report (Modified)
       For the purposes of the report required by section 7010, 
     the Secretary of State is directed to include the specific 
     countries and military services that received assistance and 
     the amounts and purposes of such assistance.
       Sec. 7013. Prohibition on Taxation of United States 
     Assistance (Modified)
       The agreement modifies section 7013(g) by deleting Personal 
     Service Contractors (PSCs) from the Senate bill, but notes 
     that USAID guidance requires that non-national PSCs be 
     included in negotiated tax exemptions.
       Sec. 7014. Reservations of Funds (Modified)

[[Page H9955]]

       Sec. 7015. Notification Requirements (Modified)
       Sec. 7017. Limitation on Availability of Funds for 
     International Organizations and Programs (Modified)
       Sec. 7019. Allocations (Modified)
       Sec. 7029. International Financial Institutions (Modified)
       Sec. 7031. Financial Management and Budget Transparency 
     (Modified)
       The Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations prior to the initial obligation of funds made 
     available pursuant to section 7031(b).
       Funds appropriated by this Act under titles I and II, and 
     funds made available to independent agencies under title III, 
     as appropriate, shall be made available to support the 
     Department of State's foreign assistance Web site. The 
     Department of State and USAID shall include in the fiscal 
     year 2016 CBJ funding by account for the purposes of this 
     section. The Secretary of State shall submit a report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations, not later than 90 days after 
     enactment of this Act, detailing the funding in fiscal years 
     2013 and 2014, estimated in fiscal year 2015, and projected 
     in fiscal year 2016 for maintaining the foreign assistance 
     database and the expected future year costs as a result of 
     increased data collection.
       Sec. 7032. Democracy Programs (Modified)
       The agreement does not include language proposed by the 
     Senate in section 7032(c)(2)(A) regarding the policy and 
     conduct of USAID democracy programs in closed societies. 
     However, the USAID Administrator, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of State, shall follow the directives contained in 
     such section, which reflects such policy.
       The agreement does not include language proposed by the 
     Senate in section 7032(c)(2)(B) regarding the clarification 
     of the role and responsibilities of the Department of State 
     and USAID in the promotion of democracy abroad. However, such 
     agencies shall submit the report required in the manner 
     described. In addition, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations 
     prior to evaluating such report.
       Section 7032(j) is modified and provides $10,000,000 above 
     the budget request to countries in the Western Hemisphere 
     following the consultation required in such section.
       Sec. 7034. Special Provisions (Modified)
       Section 7034(o) modifies section 7034(p) in the Senate bill 
     to direct the Secretary of State to report to the Committees 
     on Appropriations on the uses of funds to implement section 
     620M(c) of the FAA.
       Section 7034(r) includes the authority to establish and 
     operate one or more enterprise funds for Egypt and Tunisia. 
     Such funds should be used to strengthen the private sector in 
     Egypt and Tunisia with a strong focus on startup, small- and 
     medium-sized private enterprises and women-led businesses, to 
     create economic opportunity and employment.
       Section 7034(s) directs the head of any non-Federal or 
     quasi-Federal organization that is provided a direct 
     appropriation with funds made available by this Act under 
     titles I or III (defined for the purposes of this section as 
     an organization receiving appropriated funds from an account 
     heading under titles I or III that is the same as the 
     organization's name) to report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations on salary and compensation for such 
     organization's executive level employees. Such report shall 
     include--
       1) The position title, base salary, bonuses, and other 
     compensation for each employee whose base salary is 
     equivalent to or higher than the salary of level IV of the 
     Executive Schedule;
       2) A description of current law, as applicable, related to 
     salary and compensation limitations for such organization's 
     executive level employees;
       3) Other sources of funding (including donations and fees) 
     available to such organization for salary, benefit, and other 
     employee compensation costs, and whether such funds are 
     currently used for such costs; and
       4) A description of the executive salary information that 
     is made publicly available, including where it is available.
       The head of each such organization is also directed to 
     consult with the Committees on Appropriations, not later than 
     90 days after enactment of this Act, on ways to reduce the 
     amount of appropriated funds used for executive employee 
     compensation costs and increase the amount of appropriated 
     funds available for program costs.
       Sec. 7041. Middle East and North Africa (Modified)
       Egypt.--The agreement requires the Secretary of State to 
     submit a report on any defense articles withheld from 
     delivery to Egypt, which shall include a detailed description 
     of the conditions the Government of Egypt must meet to resume 
     the delivery of such defense articles, and any actions by the 
     Government of Egypt to meet such conditions. The report shall 
     also include a description of the cost incurred for each 
     category of defense article withheld, including the cost of 
     storage and subsequent delivery of such articles.
       Iraq.--In fulfilling the reporting requirement in section 
     7041(c)(4), the Secretary of State shall be guided by the 
     directives in the Senate report.
       Lebanon.--The agreement includes language similar to that 
     proposed in the Senate bill. The Secretary of State should 
     inform the Committees on Appropriations of any further 
     deterioration in security or stability in Lebanon that arises 
     from the conflict in Syria, and should encourage political 
     stability in Lebanon in order to strengthen the country's 
     unity and sovereignty. The Secretary of State shall regularly 
     consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the 
     activities of the Lebanese Internal Security Forces and the 
     Lebanese Armed Forces and assistance provided by the United 
     States.
       Libya.--The agreement does not include language proposed by 
     the Senate in section 7041(f)(1) regarding assistance for 
     Libya. However, the Department of State and USAID, as 
     appropriate, should support programs that support security, 
     stability, and governance in that country.
       Middle East Response.--The agreement recommends the 
     following amounts to address instability and conflict in the 
     Middle East: $400,000,000 under Economic Support Fund; 
     $15,000,000 under Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining 
     and Related Programs; $5,000,000 under International 
     Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; and $110,000,000 under 
     Foreign Military Financing Program. Section 8003 of the Act 
     provides the Department of State with the necessary 
     flexibility to transfer funding between specific accounts, if 
     needed to address unanticipated contingencies.
       Funds made available for Middle East Response shall be made 
     available to meet the directives in sections 7041(d) and (h), 
     regarding assistance for Jordan and non-lethal assistance to 
     address the Syrian conflict, respectively. The agreement does 
     not provide funding in a new Counterterrorism Partnerships 
     Fund proposed by the Administration, and instead includes 
     funding for similar purposes under existing headings.
       Funds made available for Middle East Response should be 
     used to promote inclusive governance in countries in the 
     Middle East to maintain and enhance security; strengthen the 
     rule of law, civil society, and institutions; and provide 
     basic services to citizens, particularly in areas vulnerable 
     to influence by extremist groups. In addition, funds should 
     be used to disrupt and deny the financial revenue of 
     extremist groups, counter violent extremism in accordance 
     with section 7060(b) of this Act, and prevent the formation 
     of splinter extremist groups.
       The Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate 
     congressional committees, not later than 90 days after 
     enactment of this Act, a strategy for countering, degrading, 
     and marginalizing extremism in the Middle East, which shall 
     be updated on an ongoing basis. The strategy shall include 
     clear goals and objectives; data on the obligation and 
     expenditure of funds appropriated for such a strategy; an 
     assessment of political stability in countries in the Middle 
     East affected by extremist-related conflict; an assessment of 
     the military capabilities of such countries to counter, 
     degrade, and marginalize such groups; and a description of 
     efforts taken to achieve a political solution to the Syrian 
     conflict.
       The agreement provides an additional $1,011,626,000 above 
     the budget request under Migration and Refugee Assistance and 
     an additional $505,000,000 above the budget request under 
     International Disaster Assistance in titles III and VIII of 
     this Act, a significant portion of which should address 
     growing humanitarian needs in the Middle East.
       Sec. 7042. Africa (Modified)
       Counterterrorism Programs.--The Secretary of State, after 
     consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal 
     agencies, is directed to submit a report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations, not later than 90 days after enactment of 
     this Act, on the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership 
     (TSCTP) and Partnership for Regional East Africa 
     Counterterrorism (PREACT). The report shall include the 
     specific objectives of each program, how funds support such 
     objectives, an assessment of the effectiveness of the 
     programs, the criteria used to measure and evaluate results, 
     and the extent to which the programs are capable of being 
     sustained by partner governments. The report shall also 
     include an update on the status of implementation of the 
     recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office 
     (GAO) in GAO-14-502 and GAO-14-518.
       The Secretary of State is directed to submit a report to 
     the Committees on Appropriations, not later than May 1, 2015, 
     and 30 days after the end of fiscal year 2015, on the status 
     of cumulative unobligated balances and obligated, but 
     unexpended, balances made available for TSCTP and PREACT.
       Ethiopia.--The agreement modifies section 7042(d) and 
     recognizes the cooperation between the United States and 
     Ethiopia on counterterrorism as well as Ethiopia's important 
     role in support of peacekeeping efforts.
       Kenya.--The agreement does not include section 7042(f) of 
     the Senate bill regarding assistance for Kenya. However, not 
     less than $10,500,000 should be made available for such 
     purposes under title IV of this Act. Not later than 45 days 
     after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State is 
     directed to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on 
     the uses of such funds.
       Lord's Resistance Army.--The Secretary of State is directed 
     to continue the reporting requirement in the Joint 
     Explanatory Statement of Public Law 113-76 during fiscal year 
     2015.
       Somalia.--The agreement does not include a prohibition on 
     lethal assistance for Somalia to train select units of the 
     Somali National Forces. Such training should be conducted in 
     an inclusive manner that reduces ethnic and clan rivalries. 
     Prior to the initial obligation of funds appropriated by this 
     Act for such assistance, the Secretary of State,

[[Page H9956]]

     in consultation with the heads of other relevant federal 
     agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional 
     committees (as defined in section 1206(e) of Public Law 113-
     66) the updated strategy on Somalia required by section 
     1206(b)(3) of Public Law 113-66 and consult with the 
     Committees on Appropriations on the content of such strategy, 
     including specific program details, funding levels, and 
     objectives. The Secretary shall also submit a report to such 
     Committees, not later than September 30, 2015, detailing any 
     obstacles encountered in implementing such strategy during 
     the previous 12 months, and challenges for the future.
       South Sudan.--The Secretary of State is directed to ensure 
     that data collected by the Intergovernmental Authority on 
     Development's Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (MVM) is 
     shared in a timely manner and in its entirety with the United 
     States Government, including all relevant bureaus and offices 
     of the Department of State, and is made publicly available as 
     appropriate. The agreement recognizes that the United States 
     provides the majority of international donor assistance for 
     the MVM, and directs the Secretary of State to leverage 
     assistance from other international donors to the extent 
     practicable.
       Sudan.--The Secretary of State should review United States 
     assistance provided to the central government of any country 
     that admits President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan and should 
     consider reducing such assistance if the admission was for 
     any reason other than to bring President Bashir to justice or 
     to further the peace process between South Sudan and Sudan.
       Sec. 7043. East Asia and the Pacific (Modified)
       Asia Rebalancing Initiative.--Section 7043(a) modifies 
     language in section 7043(a)(2) of the Senate bill regarding 
     alliances and partnerships in Asia. The Department of State 
     and USAID, as appropriate, shall include in congressional 
     notifications any estimated costs associated with travel and 
     accommodation for foreign government officials to regional 
     conferences or other meetings.
       The Secretary of State shall implement the directive on 
     information regarding public and private economic investment 
     in respective countries in the Asia region in the manner 
     described in Section 7043(a)(3)(A) of the Senate bill.
       The agreement does not include language proposed in the 
     Senate bill regarding calculations for the Asia Rebalancing 
     Initiative. However, in preparing the report required by 
     section 7043(a)(4) of the agreement, the Secretary of State 
     shall be guided by the direction in section 7043(a)(4) of the 
     Senate bill, except that for purposes of such calculations 
     the baseline fiscal year shall be 2011 instead of 2012, and 
     may include programs initiated prior to fiscal year 2011 for 
     which significant funding increases were proposed for the 
     Initiative in subsequent fiscal years.
       Prior to the obligation of funds for the purposes of 
     section 7043(a)(7), the Secretary of State shall submit the 
     report required in such section in the Senate bill in the 
     manner described.
       Burma.--Section 7043(b) prohibits assistance for Burma 
     under International Military Education and Training and 
     Foreign Military Financing Program.
       Cambodia.--The agreement modifies language in section 
     7043(c) of the Senate bill regarding assistance for Cambodia.
       The agreement includes no funds for Cambodia under Foreign 
     Military Financing Program as none were included in the 
     budget request. In addition, the reporting requirements for 
     the Department of the Treasury in Senate Report 113-195 shall 
     be submitted in the manner described in such report.
       Philippines.--Section 7043(f) directs that funds under 
     Foreign Military Financing Program should only be obligated 
     for assistance for the Philippine army if the Secretary of 
     State certifies and reports to the Committees on 
     Appropriations that the Government of the Philippines is--
       1) investigating and prosecuting army personnel who are 
     credibly alleged to have committed, or aided or abetted, 
     extra-judicial executions, forced disappearances, and other 
     gross violations of human rights, and strengthening 
     government institutions working to eliminate such crimes;
       2) implementing a policy of promoting army personnel who 
     demonstrate professionalism and respect for human rights; and
       3) taking steps to ensure that the Philippine army and 
     paramilitary groups under its control are not engaging in 
     acts of intimidation or violence against journalists or human 
     rights defenders.
       Sec. 7044. South and Central Asia (Modified)
       Afghanistan.--Section 7044(a)(2)(B) provides the Chief of 
     Mission in Afghanistan with the responsibility for 
     determining whether the Government of Afghanistan or other 
     Afghan entities are capable of sustaining programs funded by 
     this Act pursuant to the requirement of such section. 
     Submission of congressional notifications for assistance for 
     Afghanistan shall include a description of determinations on 
     program sustainability for each program being notified.
       Section 7044(a)(7) provides funding for an endowment to 
     empower women and girls in Afghanistan, and the Secretary of 
     State and USAID Administrator, as appropriate, shall submit a 
     concept proposal and consult with the appropriate 
     congressional committees prior to obligating funds for such 
     purpose.
       The spend plan required by section 7076 of this Act shall 
     prioritize the following: governance, women's rights, rule of 
     law, anti-trafficking, civil society, education, health, food 
     security, natural resource management, private sector 
     development, and counternarcotics.
       Sri Lanka.--Section 7044(e) continues restrictions on 
     assistance, export licenses, sales and transfers of equipment 
     for the Sri Lankan military unless the Secretary of State 
     certifies and reports in writing to the Committees on 
     Appropriations that the Government of Sri Lanka is--
       1) conducting credible, thorough investigations of war 
     crimes and violations of international humanitarian law by 
     government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam;
       2) bringing to justice individuals who have been credibly 
     alleged to have committed such violations;
       3) supporting and cooperating with any UN investigation of 
     war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law;
       4) implementing policies to protect judicial independence; 
     freedom of expression, association, assembly, and religion; 
     the right of political parties, civil society organizations, 
     and journalists to operate without harassment or 
     interference; and due process of law, including ending arrest 
     and detention under emergency-type regulations;
       5) providing access to detainees by humanitarian 
     organizations; and
       6) implementing policies to promote reconciliation and 
     justice including the demilitarization of public 
     administration and development activities in the north, and 
     devolution of power.
       Sec. 7045. Western Hemisphere (Modified)
       Central America Migration Prevention and Response.--Section 
     7045(a) requires a strategy to address the key factors in the 
     countries in Central America contributing to the migration of 
     unaccompanied, undocumented minors to the United States. The 
     Secretary of State, in consultation with the USAID 
     Administrator, shall designate a lead office that is 
     responsible for coordinating the strategy.
       To implement such strategy, the agreement provides 
     $130,000,000 above the budget request under Development 
     Assistance for El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras and under 
     Economic Support Fund and International Narcotics Control and 
     Law Enforcement for CARSI. Economic and social development 
     programs funded under Development Assistance and Economic 
     Support Fund should aim to improve prosperity in the region 
     by focusing on education, vocational training, and employment 
     opportunities, and should seek to strengthen families, 
     including by reducing child abuse and neglect and 
     facilitating foster care and adoption. Funds provided under 
     International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement should be 
     prioritized for enhanced border security initiatives, anti-
     trafficking and anti-gang programs, and counternarcotics and 
     law enforcement activities.
       Colombia.--The Government of Colombia has taken steps to 
     improve respect for human rights and to dismantle illegal 
     armed groups. However, significant challenges remain. In 
     accordance with section 7045(b), 25 percent of the funds 
     under Foreign Military Financing Program that are available 
     for assistance for Colombia may be obligated only if the 
     Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on 
     Appropriations that--
       1) cases involving members of the Colombian military who 
     have been credibly alleged to have violated human rights are 
     subject only to civilian jurisdiction and the Colombian 
     military is cooperating with civilian prosecutors and 
     judicial authorities in such cases;
       2) the Government of Colombia is upholding its 
     international obligations by investigating, prosecuting, and 
     punishing persons responsible for crimes against humanity, 
     war crimes, and other gross violations of human rights, and 
     is not offering amnesty to such persons; and
       3) the Government of Colombia is making progress in 
     dismantling illegal armed groups; taking effective steps to 
     protect the rights of human rights defenders, journalists, 
     trade unionists, and other social activists; and respecting 
     the rights and territory of indigenous and Afro-Colombian 
     communities, including protecting them from forced 
     displacement, killings, and other violations.
       Guatemala.--The agreement recognizes that the Government of 
     Guatemala has a timeline for developing and implementing a 
     proposal for the progressive reduction of the armed forces 
     that support the police in citizen security activities. In 
     accordance with section 7045(d), funds under Foreign Military 
     Financing Program may be obligated for assistance for the 
     Guatemalan army only if the Secretary of State certifies and 
     reports to the Committees on Appropriations that--
       1) the Government of Guatemala is implementing a credible 
     plan to build a professional, accountable police force and 
     end the army's involvement in internal law enforcement; and
       2) civilian judicial authorities are investigating and 
     prosecuting current and retired army personnel who are 
     credibly alleged to have committed gross violations of human 
     rights, and the Guatemalan army is fully cooperating in such 
     cases, with the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights, 
     and with the International Commission against Impunity in 
     Guatemala, including providing timely access for 
     investigators to witnesses, documents (including archival 
     documents), forensic evidence, and other relevant 
     information.

[[Page H9957]]

       Honduras.--In accordance with section 7045(f), 25 percent 
     of the funds under International Narcotics Control and Law 
     Enforcement and Foreign Military Financing Program that are 
     available for assistance for the Honduran army and police may 
     be obligated only if the Secretary of State certifies and 
     reports to the Committees on Appropriations that--
       1) agreements between the United States and Honduras 
     concerning counternarcotics operations, including assistance 
     for innocent victims of such operations, are being 
     implemented;
       2) the Government of Honduras is implementing policies to 
     protect freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, 
     and due process of law, including in the Bajo Aguan Valley, 
     and taking steps to prevent threats and attacks against 
     social activists and human rights defenders; and
       3) civilian judicial authorities are investigating and 
     prosecuting army and police personnel who are credibly 
     alleged to have violated human rights, including forced 
     evictions, or to have aided or abetted armed groups involved 
     in such acts, the Honduran army and police are cooperating in 
     such cases, and judicial proceedings are making steady 
     progress.
       Mexico.--The agreement supports assistance for Mexico to 
     combat drug trafficking and related violence and corruption, 
     and to strengthen judicial and law enforcement capacity. In 
     recent years, Mexico has undertaken positive judicial 
     reforms, including changes to the Code of Military Justice 
     and enactment of the National Penal Procedures Code. However, 
     significant challenges remain.
       In accordance with section 7045(g), 15 percent of the funds 
     under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement and 
     Foreign Military Financing Program that are available for 
     assistance for the Mexican army and police may be obligated 
     only if the Secretary of State reports to the Committees on 
     Appropriations that--
       1) the Government of Mexico is investigating and 
     prosecuting violations of human rights in civilian courts;
       2) the Government of Mexico is enforcing prohibitions 
     against torture and the use of testimony obtained through 
     torture;
       3) the Mexican army and police are promptly transferring 
     detainees to the custody of civilian judicial authorities, in 
     accordance with Mexican law, and are cooperating with such 
     authorities in such cases; and
       4) the Government of Mexico is searching for the victims of 
     forced disappearances and is investigating and prosecuting 
     those responsible for such crimes.
       Sec. 7048. United Nations (Modified)
       Sec. 7057. United States Agency for International 
     Development Management (Including Transfer of Funds) 
     (Modified)
       Sec. 7058. Global Health Activities (Modified)
       Sec. 7059. Gender Equality (Modified)
       Sec. 7060. Sector Allocations (Modified)
       The agreement provides not less than $1,153,500,000 for 
     bilateral and multilateral environment programs in this Act, 
     including not less than $123,500,000 for sustainable 
     landscapes and not less than $250,000,000 for biodiversity. 
     Funds for certain bilateral environment programs are 
     allocated according to the following table and are subject to 
     section 7019 of this Act:

                          ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Program/Activity                    Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andean Amazon........................................             20,000
Brazilian Amazon.....................................             10,500
United States Forest Service.........................              5,000
Mayan Biosphere--Department of Interior..............              1,000
Lacey Act............................................              2,000
Toxic Chemicals......................................              5,000
Waste Recycling......................................              5,000
Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment..             39,400
    of which, USAID..................................           [21,900]
    of which, USFWS..................................           [17,500]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement includes $55,000,000 to combat wildlife 
     poaching and trafficking, of which not less than $10,000,000 
     shall be made available for programs to combat rhinoceros 
     poaching and shall be used primarily for site-based anti-
     poaching activities to address immediate requirements. Funds 
     are directed to support regional wildlife enforcement 
     networks; address consumer demand, including in Asia; 
     strengthen law enforcement; and enhance regional cooperation 
     and anti-trafficking networks. The Secretary of State, USAID 
     Administrator, and Director of the United States Fish and 
     Wildlife Service (USFWS) are directed to consult with the 
     Committees on Appropriations, not later than 45 days after 
     enactment of this Act, on the uses of funds for these 
     purposes. The Secretary of State is further directed to 
     update the report required in the joint explanatory statement 
     accompanying Public Law 113-76, and expects such strategy to 
     include how funds are being used to implement the National 
     Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking. The Secretary of 
     State shall include country and program funding levels for 
     combating wildlife poaching and trafficking in the fiscal 
     year 2016 CBJ.
       Funds appropriated by this Act to support international 
     conservation programs of the United States Forest Service and 
     the USFWS shall be apportioned directly to such agencies and 
     are in addition to funds otherwise available from this Act 
     for such agencies.
       The agreement provides authority for contributions to the 
     multilateral environmental funds and facilities included in 
     the fiscal year 2015 CBJ to support adaptation and mitigation 
     programs. Any other funding made available for such funds and 
     facilities not identified in the fiscal year 2015 CBJ may 
     only be available subject to the regular notification 
     procedures of the Committees on Appropriations, except that 
     no funds may be made available for the Green Climate Fund, 
     for which no funds were requested in fiscal year 2015. Prior 
     to the initial obligation of funds, the Secretary of State, 
     or the Secretary of the Treasury, as appropriate, shall 
     report to the Committees on Appropriations on the planned 
     contributions for such funds in fiscal year 2015.
       The agreement provides not less than $60,000,000 for 
     programs and activities to combat trafficking in persons 
     internationally, including for assistance as provided in the 
     following table:

                         TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Account                         Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Development Assistance...............................             11,244
Economic Support Fund................................             10,912
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement..             30,344
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement includes $7,500,000 under Diplomatic and 
     Consular Programs for the Office to Monitor and Combat 
     Trafficking in Persons, Department of State. The agreement 
     includes $5,000,000 to support a multi-faceted approach to 
     combat human trafficking in Guatemala pursuant to section 
     7045(a) of this Act.
       The agreement includes $12,500,000 for latrines in Africa 
     and Asia and expects funds to be prioritized for programs 
     that provide women and girls access to safe, public latrines.
       Sec. 7066. Prohibition on Use of Torture (Modified)
       Sec. 7069. Independent States of the Former Soviet Union 
     (Modified)
       Sec. 7070. Russia (Modified)
       The agreement includes restrictions and conditions on 
     assistance for the Russian Federation similar to that 
     proposed by the House and the Senate.
       The agreement does not include a requirement proposed in 
     section 7070(c) of the Senate bill regarding the uses of 
     funds appropriated under International Military Education and 
     Training. However, the Secretary of State shall follow the 
     directive of such section.
       The agreement provides $139,283,000 for assistance for 
     Ukraine, and authority for loan guarantees under section 
     7034(r)(1) of this Act. In addition to amounts made available 
     for bilateral assistance for Ukraine, the following amounts 
     are provided in Europe and Eurasia Regional funding to 
     counter Russian Federation aggression and influence: 
     $502,000,000 under Economic Support Fund, which may also be 
     used for loan guarantees for Ukraine pursuant to the 
     authority in section 7034(r)(1) of this Act; $15,800,000 
     under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; 
     $5,850,000 under Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining 
     and Related Programs; and $29,550,000 under Foreign Military 
     Financing Program.
       Sec. 7071. International Monetary Fund (Modified)
       Sec. 7072. Public Posting of Reports (New)
       Sec. 7075. Enterprise Funds (Modified)
       Sec. 7076. Budget Documents (Modified)
       Sec. 7078. Global Internet Freedom (Modified)
       Sec. 7079. Disability Programs (Modified)
       Sec. 7080. Small Grants Program (New)
       Section 7080, which is modified from the Senate bill, 
     establishes a Small Grants Program (SGP) to replace the 
     existing Development Grants Program to provide small 
     organizations access to USAID support for unsolicited 
     proposals and funding through open and competitive processes. 
     To ensure continuity of program expertise, the SGP program 
     design and management shall be the responsibility of USAID's 
     Local Sustainability Office of the Bureau for Economic 
     Growth, Education and Environment. For purposes of this 
     section, ``eligible entities'' means small local, 
     international, and United States-based nongovernmental 
     organizations (NGOs), educational institutions, and other 
     small entities that have received less than a total of 
     $5,000,000 in direct United States Government support over 
     the previous five years. USAID guidance shall include 
     procedures in which not less than three USAID missions shall 
     be competitively selected to run a multi-year SGP for their 
     respective countries. Missions shall be selected, in part, on 
     the basis of their engagement with local entities, which can 
     provide long-term support to NGOs and other civil society 
     organizations. Mission requests for SGP are not required to 
     fit within USAID's country development plan, which has often 
     acted as a barrier to meritorious unsolicited proposals. For 
     the same reason, SGP funding may not be allocated or 
     attributed toward certain funding directives prior to making 
     awards. The agreement provides for a five-year period of 
     availability of funds made available for the SGP. The 
     agreement also provides that, upon selection, a mission may 
     be allocated the full, estimated amount of SGP funding to 
     carry out a multi-year SGP rather than having funds 
     incrementally allocated

[[Page H9958]]

     on a yearly basis. These authorities should allow selected 
     missions to plan and implement a multi-year SGP, and ensure 
     the availability of necessary funding not otherwise 
     attributed to meet additional funding directives. The 
     agreement requires consultation with the appropriate 
     congressional committees and expects such consultations to 
     occur prior to the issuance of guidance for the SGP.
       Sec. 7082. Reporting Requirements Concerning Individuals 
     Detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (New)
       Sec. 7083. Authority for Replenishments (New)
       Sec. 7084. Rescission of Funds (New)
       Sec. 7085. Modifications to the Vietnam Education 
     Foundation Act of 2000 (New)
       Sec. 7086. Impact on Jobs in the United States (Modified)
       The agreement includes a provision to allow support by the 
     Export-Import Bank of the United States and OPIC for coal-
     fired and other power generation projects in International 
     Development Association (IDA) and IDA-blend eligible 
     countries. This provision is expected to increase affordable 
     electricity, especially to those without current access to 
     electricity, as well as to support increased exports from the 
     United States and prevent the loss of United States jobs.
       The agreement does not continue the following general 
     provisions included in division K of Public Law 113-76: 
     sections 7073, 7082, and 7083.

              TITLE VIII--OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS

       Funds designated as OCO/GWOT under this title address the 
     extraordinary costs of contingency operations in Afghanistan, 
     Pakistan, and Iraq; stabilization, security, and response 
     efforts, including in the Middle East and North Africa; and 
     other programs that address counterterrorism, 
     counterinsurgency, and humanitarian crises.
       The Secretary of State and USAID Administrator are directed 
     to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on a regular 
     and ongoing basis on operations and assistance for 
     Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq.

                          DEPARTMENT OF STATE

                   Administration of Foreign Affairs


                    DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides an additional $1,350,803,000 for 
     Diplomatic and Consular Programs, of which $989,706,000 is 
     for Worldwide Security Protection, for the extraordinary 
     costs of operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and other 
     areas of unrest, which is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to 
     the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.
       Within the total, up to $361,097,000 is for ongoing 
     operations (excluding Worldwide Security Protection) in 
     Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq.
       Section 7044(a) of this Act includes additional directives 
     and limitations related to operations in Afghanistan.


                   CONFLICT STABILIZATION OPERATIONS

       The agreement provides an additional $15,000,000 for 
     Conflict Stabilization Operations for deployment costs, 
     including to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and other areas of 
     unrest, which is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The agreement provides an additional $56,900,000 for Office 
     of Inspector General at the Department of State for the 
     Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction and 
     is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the Balanced Budget 
     and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.


            EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE

       The agreement provides an additional $260,800,000 for 
     Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance, of which 
     $250,000,000 is for Worldwide Security Upgrades, which is 
     designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the Balanced Budget and 
     Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                      International Organizations


              CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

       The agreement provides an additional $74,400,000 for 
     Contributions to International Organizations for the 
     extraordinary costs of UN missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, 
     which is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the Balanced 
     Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                             RELATED AGENCY

                    Broadcasting Board of Governors


                 INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS

       The agreement provides an additional $10,700,000 for 
     International Broadcasting Operations for the extraordinary 
     costs of United States international broadcasting to 
     Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq, which is designated for OCO/
     GWOT pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985.

           UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

       The agreement provides an additional $125,464,000 for 
     Operating Expenses for the extraordinary costs of operations 
     in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, which is designated for 
     OCO/GWOT pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                     BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                   INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

       The agreement provides an additional $1,335,000,000 for 
     International Disaster Assistance for the extraordinary costs 
     of the United States response to international disasters and 
     crises, including those resulting from conflict, which is 
     designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the Balanced Budget and 
     Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.


                         TRANSITION INITIATIVES

       The agreement provides an additional $20,000,000 for 
     Transition Initiatives for the extraordinary costs of 
     contingency operations in conflict countries and countries 
     emerging from conflict, which is designated for OCO/GWOT 
     pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control 
     Act of 1985.


                          COMPLEX CRISES FUND

       The agreement provides an additional $30,000,000 for 
     Complex Crises Fund for the extraordinary costs of addressing 
     security and stabilization requirements in conflict 
     countries, which is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
       For purposes of implementing this agreement, the USAID 
     Administrator shall have responsibility for the uses of funds 
     appropriated under this heading in title III of this Act, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of State, and the Secretary 
     of State shall have responsibility for the uses of funds 
     appropriated under this heading in this title.
       Funds under this heading should be made available for the 
     prevention of complex crises and to respond to unanticipated 
     contingencies, and the Department of State and USAID, as 
     appropriate, shall ensure proper oversight of the uses of 
     such funds.


                         ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND

       The agreement provides an additional $2,114,266,000 for 
     Economic Support Fund for the extraordinary costs of 
     contingency operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq and 
     other assistance. The full amount provided is designated for 
     OCO/GWOT pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                          Department of State


                    MIGRATION AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE

       The agreement provides an additional $2,127,114,000 for 
     Migration and Refugee Assistance for the extraordinary costs 
     of the United States response to humanitarian crises 
     resulting from conflict, including in Africa, the Near East, 
     and South Asia, which is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to 
     the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.

                   INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE


                          DEPARTMENT OF STATE

          INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

       The agreement provides an additional $443,195,000 for 
     International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement for the 
     extraordinary costs of contingency operations, including in 
     Afghanistan and Pakistan, and for other assistance. The 
     amount provided is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.


    NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS

       The agreement provides an additional $99,240,000 for 
     Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related 
     Programs for the extraordinary costs of anti-terrorism and 
     other assistance, including in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and 
     Iraq, which is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.


                        PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

       The agreement provides an additional $328,698,000 for 
     Peacekeeping Operations, including funding for the 
     extraordinary cost of the United States share of UN 
     Operations in Somalia and other peacekeeping needs, which is 
     designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the Balanced Budget and 
     Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                   FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM

       The agreement provides an additional $866,420,000 for 
     Foreign Military Financing Program, including funding for the 
     extraordinary costs of assistance for countries in the Near 
     East, Pakistan, and for countries in Europe and Eurasia to 
     counter Russian Federation aggression and influence, which is 
     designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the Balanced Budget and 
     Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

       Sec. 8001. Additional Appropriations
       Section 8001 clarifies that amounts appropriated by this 
     title are in addition to amounts appropriated or otherwise 
     made available in this Act for fiscal year 2015.
       Sec. 8002. Extension of Authorities and Conditions
       Section 8002 requires that the authorities and conditions 
     applicable to funding elsewhere in this Act are applicable to 
     funds in this title.
       Sec. 8003. Transfer and Additional Authority
       Section 8003(a) provides authority for the Secretary of 
     State to transfer funds appropriated by this title under 
     Transition Initiatives, Complex Crises Fund, Economic Support 
     Fund, International Narcotics Control

[[Page H9959]]

     and Law Enforcement, Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, 
     Demining and Related Programs, Peacekeeping Operations, and 
     Foreign Military Financing Program between such headings and 
     to International Disaster Assistance and Migration and 
     Refugee Assistance. However, no authority is provided to 
     transfer funds from International Disaster Assistance and 
     Migration and Refugee Assistance.
       Section 8003(b) provides authority for the Secretary of 
     State to transfer funds appropriated by this title under 
     International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, 
     Peacekeeping Operations, and Foreign Military Financing 
     Program in an amount that shall not exceed $25,000,000 to the 
     Global Security Contingency Fund and requires the Secretary 
     of State to notify the Committees on Appropriations on the 
     implementation plans and timeline.
       Section 8003(c) requires that any transfers pursuant to 
     sections 8003(a) and (b) of this section may only be 
     exercised to address unanticipated contingencies.
       Section 8003(d) includes authority for the Secretary of 
     State to provide up to $380,000,000 appropriated by this 
     title under Bilateral Economic Assistance to support 
     international peacekeeping requirements if the Secretary of 
     State submits a determination to the Committees on 
     Appropriations that additional funds are necessary to support 
     such requirements above the amounts provided under 
     Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities in 
     title I of this Act and under Peacekeeping Operations in this 
     title, and that it is in the national security interest of 
     the United States to do so. Such funds may only be made 
     available for the purposes described in the determination, 
     are subject to the regular notification procedures of the 
     Committees on Appropriations, and must be used in accordance 
     with the terms and conditions of funds appropriated under 
     Peacekeeping Operations.
       Section 8003(e) requires that the transfer authority 
     provided by subsections (a) and (b) is subject to prior 
     consultation with, and the regular notification procedures 
     of, the Committees on Appropriations and that such transfer 
     authority is in addition to any transfer authority otherwise 
     available under any other provision of law.

               TITLE IX--EBOLA RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS

       Funds designated under this title address requirements 
     related to the Ebola virus disease outbreak. The Secretary of 
     State and USAID Administrator are directed to consult with 
     the Committees on Appropriations on a regular and ongoing 
     basis on assistance for these efforts.

                          DEPARTMENT OF STATE

                   Administration of Foreign Affairs


                    DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS

       The agreement provides an additional $36,420,000 for 
     Diplomatic and Consular Programs, which is designated as an 
     emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of 
     the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.

           UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

       The agreement provides an additional $19,037,000 for 
     Operating Expenses, which is designated as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.


                      Office of Inspector General

       The agreement provides an additional $5,626,000 for Office 
     of Inspector General, which is designated as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                     BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                         GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

       The agreement provides an additional $312,000,000 for 
     Global Health Programs, which is designated as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.


                   INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

       The agreement provides an additional $1,436,273,000 for 
     International Disaster Assistance, which is designated as an 
     emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of 
     the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.


                         ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND

       The agreement provides an additional $711,725,000 for 
     Economic Support Fund, which is designated as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                   INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE

                          Department of State


    NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS

       The agreement provides an additional $5,300,000 for 
     Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related 
     Programs, which is designated as an emergency requirement 
     pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget 
     and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

       Sec. 9001. Transfer Authority
       Section 9001(a) provides the authority to transfer funds 
     appropriated by this title under Global Health Programs, 
     International Disaster Assistance, and Economic Support Fund 
     between such headings, and from such headings to funds 
     appropriated under International Narcotics Control and Law 
     Enforcement, Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 
     Related Programs, and Peacekeeping Operations in this Act.
       Section 9001(b) provides the authority to transfer up to 
     $1,000,000 in funds appropriated under Diplomatic and 
     Consular Programs to Repatriation Loans Program Account.
       Section 9001(c) provides the authority to transfer up to 
     $50,000,000 in funds appropriated under Global Health 
     Programs to International Organizations and Programs.
       Section 9001(d) provides the authority to transfer up to 
     $35,300,000 in funds appropriated under International 
     Disaster Assistance to International Organizations and 
     Programs and Contributions to International Organizations.
       Section 9001(e) provides that the transfer authorities of 
     this section are in addition to any other transfer authority 
     provided by law.
       Section 9001(f) includes a notification requirement 
     regarding funds transferred pursuant to this section.
       Section 9001(g) provides that, upon a determination that 
     all or part of the funds transferred pursuant to this section 
     are not necessary for such purposes, such amounts may be 
     transferred back to such headings, subject to the 
     notification requirement in section 9001(f).
       Sec. 9002. Reimbursement Authority
       Section 9002 provides the authorities to use funds 
     appropriated by this title under Global Health Programs, 
     International Disaster Assistance, and Economic Support Fund 
     to reimburse obligations incurred prior to the enactment of 
     this Act for the purposes of this title.
       Sec. 9003. Notification Requirement
       Section 9003 contains a notification requirement for the 
     accounts in this title except for International Disaster 
     Assistance.
       Sec. 9004. Reporting Requirement
       Section 9004 requires a report, not later than 30 days 
     after enactment of this Act, on the proposed uses of all 
     funds in this title on a country and project basis for which 
     the obligation of funds is anticipated. Such report should be 
     updated every 30 days until September 30, 2016, and every 180 
     days until all funds are expended.
       Sec. 9005. Comptroller General Oversight
       Section 9005 makes available up to $500,000 of funds 
     appropriated by this title under Economic Support Fund for 
     the Comptroller General of the United States for oversight of 
     activities supported with funds appropriated by this title.

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DIVISION K--TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED 
                   AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015

                        Congressional Directives

       The language and allocations set forth in the House report 
     (House Report 113-464) and the Senate report (Senate Report 
     113-182) should be complied with unless specifically 
     addressed to the contrary in this division or explanatory 
     statement. Report language included by the House, which is 
     not changed by the report of the Senate or this explanatory 
     statement, and the Senate report language, which is not 
     changed by this explanatory statement, is a result of the 
     2015 appropriations agreement. The explanatory statement, 
     while repeating some report language for emphasis, does not 
     intend to negate the language referred to above unless 
     expressly provided herein. In cases where the House or the 
     Senate has directed the submission of a report, such report 
     is to be submitted to both the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations. The Department of Transportation and the 
     Department of Housing and Urban Development are directed to 
     notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
     seven days prior to the announcement of a new program or 
     authority. Any reprogramming requests must be submitted to 
     the Committees on Appropriations no later than June 30, 2015.

                 TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

                        Office of the Secretary


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $105,000,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Office of the Secretary. The agreement 
     includes funding by office as specified below, and offices 
     are to manage staffing levels within the amounts provided. 
     Funds are available for transfer between all offices under 
     certain conditions.

 
 
 
Immediate Office of the Secretary....................         $2,696,000
Immediate Office of the Deputy Secretary.............          1,011,000
Office of the General Counsel........................         19,900,000
Office of the Under Secretary for Transportation               9,800,000
 Policy..............................................
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and              12,500,000
 Programs............................................
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Government               2,500,000
 Affairs.............................................
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration.         25,365,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.          2,000,000
Office of the Executive Secretariat..................          1,714,000
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business                     1,414,000
 Utilization.........................................
Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency               10,600,000
 Response............................................
Office of the Chief Information Officer..............         15,500,000
 

                        RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

       The agreement provides $13,000,000 for the Office of the 
     Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology.


                  NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

       The agreement provides $500,000,000 for capital investments 
     in surface transportation infrastructure, commonly known as 
     the ``TIGER'' program. Funds are available for highway and 
     bridge projects, transit projects, passenger and freight rail 
     projects, and port and inland port projects, but not planning 
     activities.


                      FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CAPITAL

       The agreement provides $5,000,000 for the financial 
     management capital program.


                       CYBER SECURITY INITIATIVES

       The agreement provides $5,000,000 for departmental cyber 
     security initiatives.


                         OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS

       The agreement provides $9,600,000 for the office of civil 
     rights.


           TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

       The agreement provides $6,000,000 for planning, research 
     and development activities. The Department is urged to use 
     funds made available under this heading for increasing the 
     number of projects published in the Federal Infrastructure 
     Projects Permitting Dashboard.


                          WORKING CAPITAL FUND

       The agreement limits expenditures for working capital fund 
     activities to $181,500,000.


               MINORITY BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAM

       The agreement provides a total appropriation of $925,000 
     for the minority business center program: $333,000 for the 
     cost of guaranteed loans and $592,000 for the administrative 
     expenses of the program. The bill limits loans to 
     $18,367,000.


                       MINORITY BUSINESS OUTREACH

       The agreement provides $3,099,000 for minority business 
     outreach.


                        PAYMENTS TO AIR CARRIERS

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement provides $155,000,000 for payments to air 
     carriers. In addition to these funds, the program will 
     receive approximately $100,000,000 in overflight fees 
     pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.
       The agreement includes a provision that allows amounts 
     authorized for the essential air service program to be 
     immediately available from resources of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration and that such resources shall be reimbursed 
     from collected overflight fees.


  ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

       Section 101 prohibits funds available to the Department of 
     Transportation from being obligated for the Office of the 
     Secretary of Transportation to approve assessments or 
     reimbursable agreements pertaining to funds appropriated to 
     the modal administrations, except for activities underway on 
     the date of enactment of this Act, unless such assessments or 
     agreements have completed the normal reprogramming process 
     for Congressional notification.
       Section 102 allows the Secretary of Transportation or his 
     designee to engage with states to consider proposals related 
     to the reduction of motorcycle fatalities.
       Section 103 allows the Department of Transportation Working 
     Capital Fund to provide payments in advance to vendors for 
     the Federal transit pass fringe benefit program.
       Section 104 requires the Secretary of Transportation to 
     post on the web a schedule of all Credit Council meetings, 
     agendas, and meeting minutes.

                    Federal Aviation Administration


                               OPERATIONS

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement includes $9,740,700,000 for the operations of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Of the total 
     amount provided, $8,595,000,000 is to be derived from the 
     airport and airway trust fund. Funds are distributed in the 
     bill by budget activity.
       The following table compares the agreement to the levels 
     proposed in the budget request by activity:

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Budget Request                         Agreement
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air Traffic Organization................                      $7,396,654,000                      $7,396,654,000
Aviation Safety.........................                       1,215,458,000                       1,218,458,000
Commercial Space Transportation.........                          16,605,000                          16,605,000
Finance and management..................                         765,047,000                         756,047,000
NextGen and operations planning.........                          60,089,000                          60,089,000
Staff offices...........................                         296,147,000                         292,847,000
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total...............................                      $9,750,000,000                      $9,740,700,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Operations funding.--The agreement includes the full budget 
     request for the air traffic organization, commercial space 
     transportation, and NextGen operations and planning. An 
     increase of $3,000,000 above the budget request is provided 
     for aviation safety activities to facilitate the safe 
     integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace. 
     The agreement includes reductions of $9,300,000 below the 
     budget request from non-operational, administrative 
     activities.
       Facility security.--In the aftermath of the fire at the 
     Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center, FAA completed a 30-
     day review of agency contingency plans and security 
     protocols. The FAA identified near and long term measures 
     that will improve security and minimize service disruptions. 
     The agency, however, has not yet been able to indicate how 
     measures that can be taken in fiscal year 2015 impact the 
     priorities it had identified in the budget request. FAA is 
     therefore directed to identify resources to advance these 
     measures through the prioritization of its programs and, if 
     necessary, submit a reprogramming request to complete the 
     most urgent security initiatives.
       Contract towers.--The agreement provides $144,500,000 for 
     the contract tower program, including $9,500,000 for the 
     contract tower cost-sharing program.
       Controller hiring eligibility.--The agreement includes 
     language prohibiting the use of funds to issue a job 
     announcement for air traffic control specialists that renders 
     ineligible by reason of age an applicant in the specialist 
     inventory as of January 15, 2014 who was born between 
     February 9, 1983 and October 1, 1984.
       Controller hiring.--The FAA is directed to provide an 
     update on its fiscal year 2014 controller hiring progress, 
     including hiring totals, academy completion totals, and an 
     analysis of hiring and screening procedures, within 60 days 
     of enactment.
       Air traffic control optimum training solution (ATCOTS).--
     The FAA is directed to provide a training plan for meeting 
     hiring goals in fiscal year 2015 within 60 days after 
     enactment. Further, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is 
     directed to submit an update to the

[[Page H9976]]

     December 2013 report on the ATCOTS program no later than six 
     months after enactment.
       Aircraft certification review process and reform.--The FAA 
     is directed to submit to the Committees on Appropriations a 
     report within 60 days of enactment on measures of 
     effectiveness that the FAA is applying to its implementation 
     of the aviation rulemaking committee's recommendations to 
     expanding the use of delegated authority and a risk-based, 
     systems safety approach to its oversight. The report should 
     include all of the requirements outlined in House report 113-
     464 and Senate report 113-182.
       Aircraft certification workforce staffing.--The FAA is 
     directed to include in its annual aviation workforce safety 
     workforce plan a section devoted to the actions undertaken 
     and planned by the FAA to further enhance aircraft 
     certification workforce skills and training.
       International coordination of certification activities.--
     The FAA is expected to use such funds as may be necessary to 
     coordinate with and educate other international aviation 
     authorities about FAA's certification processes.
       Small Airplane Revitalization Act.--The FAA is expected to 
     use the resources as requested in the budget request to 
     support the completion of a final rule that advances the 
     safety and continued development of small airplanes, as 
     required by the Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013.
       Pilots records database.--The FAA is directed to provide a 
     letter report to the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations on its progress in meeting the requirements of 
     section 203 of the Airline Safety Act of 2010 no later than 
     60 days after enactment of this Act.
       Public comment periods.--Public comment periods play a 
     critical role in the FAA's rulemaking proceedings and the 
     agency's non-rulemaking activities related to special use 
     airspace. To ensure the public's ability to submit comments 
     on actions being considered by the FAA, it is important to 
     make electronic submissions available, especially as many 
     individuals have shifted toward providing comments to the 
     Federal government through the internet. The FAA is urged to 
     update its procedures to ensure an online venue is available 
     for comment submissions for proceedings initiated after the 
     date of enactment of this Act. These updates should not 
     undermine progress or in any way impede current airspace 
     proceedings.
       Phoenix departure procedures.--The FAA has been helpful in 
     evaluating measures to address local concerns that have been 
     raised as a result of new departure routes out of Phoenix Sky 
     Harbor International Airport. The FAA is directed to continue 
     to work expeditiously to identify appropriate mitigation 
     measures and to enforce adherence to flight procedures, 
     unless specific flight modifications are necessary for safety 
     purposes, in order to avoid impacts on nearby residential 
     neighborhoods. The FAA is expected to provide a progress 
     report on these measures to the House and Senate Committees 
     on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment of this Act.


                        FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement includes $2,600,000,000 for FAA facilities 
     and equipment. Of the total amount available, $460,000,000 is 
     available until September 30, 2015 and $2,140,000,000 is 
     available until September 30, 2017. The agreement includes 
     language directing FAA to transmit a detailed five-year 
     capital investment plan to Congress with its fiscal year 2016 
     budget submission, and reducing funding by $100,000 for each 
     day the capital investment plan is late.
       The following table provides a breakdown of the agreement 
     by program:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Program                    Request           Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activity 1--Engineering,
 Development, Test and Evaluation:
    Advanced Technology                    29,900,000         29,900,000
     Development and Prototyping..
    NAS Improvement of System               1,000,000          1,000,000
     Support Laboratory...........
    William J. Hughes Technical            12,049,000         12,049,000
     Center Facilities............
    William J. Hughes Technical            12,200,000         12,200,000
     Center Infrastructure
     Sustainment..................
    Separation Management                  13,000,000         13,000,000
     Portfolio....................
    Improved Surface/TFDM                  38,808,000         38,808,000
     Portfolio....................
    On Demand NAS Portfolio.......          6,000,000          6,000,000
    Environment Portfolio.........          2,500,000          5,500,000
    Improved Multiple Runway                3,500,000          5,500,000
     Operations Portfolio.........
    NAS Infrastructure Portfolio..         13,480,000         14,480,000
    NextGen Support Portfolio.....         13,000,000         13,000,000
    Performance Based Navigation &         25,500,000         26,500,000
     Metroplex Portfolio..........
        Total Activity 1..........        170,937,000        177,937,000
Activity 2--Air Traffic Control
 Facilities and Equipment:
    a. En Route Programs:
        En Route Automation                10,500,000         10,500,000
         Modernization (ERAM).....
        En Route Automation                45,200,000         45,200,000
         Modernization (ERAM)--
         System Enhancements and
         Tech Refresh.............
        En Route Communications             6,600,000          6,600,000
         Gateway (ECG)............
        Next Generation Weather             7,100,000          7,100,000
         Radar (NEXRAD)--Provide..
        ARTCC and CERAP Building           63,700,000         59,000,000
         Improvements/Plant
         Improvements.............
        Air Traffic Management              5,729,000          5,729,000
         (ATM)....................
        Air/Ground Communications           3,900,000          3,900,000
         Infrastructure...........
        Air Traffic Control En              5,100,000          5,100,000
         Route Radar Facilities
         Improvements.............
        Voice Switching and                13,800,000         13,800,000
         Control System (VSCS)....
        Oceanic Automation System.          3,508,000          3,508,000
        Next Generation Very High          40,000,000         40,000,000
         Frequency Air/Ground
         Communications (NEXCOM)..
        System-Wide Information            60,261,000         60,261,000
         Management...............
        ADS-B NAS Wide                    247,200,000        254,700,000
         Implementation...........
        Windshear Detection                 4,300,000          4,300,000
         Service..................
        Collaborative Air Traffic          13,491,000         13,491,000
         Management Technologies
         WP2 & WP3................
        Time Based Flow Management         21,000,000         21,000,000
         Portfolio................
        NextGen Weather Processors         23,320,000         23,320,000
        Airborne Collision                 12,000,000         12,000,000
         Avoidance System X
         (ACASX)..................
        Data Communications in            147,340,000        150,340,000
         Support of NG Air
         Transportation System....
            Subtotal En Route             734,049,000        739,849,000
             Programs.............
    b. Terminal Programs:
        Airport Surface Detection           5,436,000          5,436,000
         Equipment--Model X (ASDE-
         X).......................
        Terminal Doppler Weather            1,900,000          1,900,000
         Radar (TDWR)--Provide....
        Standard Terminal                  50,700,000         50,700,000
         Automation Replacement
         System (STARS) (TAMR
         Phase 1).................
        Terminal Automation               136,150,000        146,150,000
         Modernization/Replacement
         Program (TAMR Phase 3)...
        Terminal Automation                 1,600,000          1,600,000
         Program..................
        Terminal Air Traffic               29,800,000         52,600,000
         Control Facilities--
         Replace..................
        ATCT/Terminal Radar                45,040,000         45,040,000
         Approach Control (TRACON)
         Facilities--Improve......
        Terminal Voice Switch               2,000,000          2,000,000
         Replacement (TVSR).......
        NAS Facilities OSHA and            43,501,000         40,000,000
         Environmental Standards
         Compliance...............
        Airport Surveillance Radar         13,600,000         13,600,000
         (ASR-9)..................
        Terminal Digital Radar             21,100,000         21,100,000
         (ASR-11) Technology
         Refresh and Mobile
         Airport Surveillance
         Radar (MASR).............
        Runway Status Lights......         41,710,000         41,710,000
        National Airspace System           20,550,000         20,550,000
         Voice System (NVS).......
        Integrated Display System          16,917,000         16,917,000
         (IDS)....................
        Remote Monitoring and               3,930,000          3,930,000
         Logging System (RMLS)....
        Mode S Service Life                 8,100,000          8,100,000
         Extension Program (SLEP).
        Surveillance Interface              4,000,000          4,000,000
         Modernization............
        Voice Recorder Replacement          1,000,000          1,000,000
         Program (VRRP)...........
        Precision Runway Monitor            1,000,000          1,000,000
         (PRM)....................
        Integrated Terminal                 4,400,000          4,400,000
         Weather System (ITWS)....
            Subtotal Terminal             452,434,000        481,733,000
             Programs.............
    c. Flight Service Programs:
        Aviation Surface                    8,000,000          8,000,000
         Observation System (ASOS)
        Future Flight Services              1,000,000          1,000,000
         Program..................
        Alaska Flight Service               2,800,000          2,800,000
         Facility Modernization
         (AFSFM)..................
        Weather Camera Program....            200,000            200,000
            Subtotal Flight                12,000,000         12,000,000
             Service Programs.....
    d. Landing and Navigational
     Aids Program:
        VHF Omnidirectional Radio           8,300,000          8,300,000
         Range (VOR) with Distance
         Measuring Equipment (DME)
        Instrument Landing System           7,000,000          7,000,000
         (ILS)--Establish.........
        Wide Area Augmentation            103,600,000         98,600,000
         System (WAAS) for GPS....
        Runway Visual Range (RVR)           6,000,000          7,500,000
         and Enhanced Low
         Visibility Operations
         (ELVO)...................
        Approach Lighting System            3,000,000          3,000,000
         Improvement Program
         (ALSIP)..................
        Distance Measuring                  3,000,000          3,000,000
         Equipment (DME)..........
        Visual NAVAIDS--Establish/          2,000,000          2,000,000
         Expand...................
        Instrument Flight                   2,400,000          2,400,000
         Procedures Automation
         (IFPA)...................

[[Page H9977]]

 
        Navigation and Landing              3,000,000          3,000,000
         Aids--Service Life
         Extension Program (SLEP).
        VASI Replacement--Replace           5,000,000          5,000,000
         with Precision Approach
         Path Indicator...........
        GPS Civil Requirements....         27,000,000         10,000,000
        Runway Safety Areas--              35,000,000         35,000,000
         Navigational Mitigation..
            Subtotal Landing and          205,300,000        184,800,000
             Navigational Aids
             Programs.............
    e. Other ATC Facilities
     Programs:
        Fuel Storage Tank                  15,500,000         14,500,000
         Replacement and
         Management...............
        Unstaffed Infrastructure           32,300,000         30,300,000
         Sustainment..............
        Aircraft Related Equipment          9,000,000          9,000,000
         Program..................
        Airport Cable Loop                  5,000,000          5,000,000
         Systems--Sustained
         Support..................
        Alaskan Satellite                  11,400,000         11,400,000
         Telecommunications
         Infrastructure (ASTI)....
        Facilities Decommissioning          5,700,000          5,700,000
        Electrical Power Systems--        102,000,000         82,701,000
         Sustain/Support..........
        Energy Management and               1,000,000          1,000,000
         Compliance (EMC).........
            Subtotal Other ATC            181,900,000        159,601,000
             Facilities Programs..
        Total Activity 2..........      1,585,683,000      1,577,983,000
Activity 3--Non-Air Traffic
 Control Facilities and Equipment:
    a. Support Equipment:
        Hazardous Materials                22,000,000         22,000,000
         Management...............
        Aviation Safety Analysis           11,900,000         11,900,000
         System (ASAS)............
        Logistics Support Systems           8,000,000          8,000,000
         and Facilities (LSSF)....
        National Air Space (NAS)           12,000,000         12,000,000
         Recovery Communications
         (RCOM)...................
        Facility Security Risk             14,300,000         14,300,000
         Management...............
        Information Security......         12,000,000         12,000,000
        System Approach for Safety         22,500,000         22,500,000
         Oversight (SASO).........
        Aviation Safety Knowledge          10,200,000         10,200,000
         Management Environment
         (ASKME)..................
        System Safety Management           18,700,000         18,700,000
         Portfolio................
        National Test Equipment             2,000,000          2,000,000
         Program..................
        Mobile Assets Management            4,000,000          4,000,000
         Program..................
        Aerospace Medicine Safety           3,000,000          3,000,000
         Information Systems
         (AMSIS)..................
        Tower Simulation System             3,000,000          3,000,000
         (TSS) Technology Refresh.
            Subtotal Support              143,600,000        143,600,000
             Equipment............
    b. Training, Equipment and
     Facilities:
        Aeronautical Center                13,180,000         13,180,000
         Infrastructure
         Modernization............
        Distance Learning.........          1,500,000          1,500,000
            Subtotal Training,             14,680,000         14,680,000
             Equipment and
             Facilities...........
        Total Activity 3..........        158,280,000        158,280,000
Activity 4--Facilities and
 Equipment Mission Support:
    a. System Support and
     Services:
        System Engineering and             34,504,000         34,504,000
         Development Support......
        Program Support Leases....         43,200,000         43,200,000
        Logistics and Acquisition          11,500,000         11,500,000
         Support Services.........
        Mike Monroney Aeronautical         18,350,000         18,350,000
         Center Leases............
        Transition Engineering             16,596,000         16,596,000
         Support..................
        Technical Support Services         23,000,000         23,000,000
         Contract (TSSC)..........
        Resource Tracking Program           4,000,000          4,000,000
         (RTP)....................
        Center for Advanced                60,000,000         60,000,000
         Aviation System
         Development (CAASD)......
        Aeronautical Information           12,650,000         12,650,000
         Management Program.......
        Cross Agency NextGen                2,000,000          2,000,000
         Management...............
        Total Activity 4..........        225,800,000        225,800,000
Activity 5--Personnel and Related
 Expenses:
    Personnel and Related Expenses        463,000,000        460,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        TOTAL.....................      2,603,700,000      2,600,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       NextGen-environment.--The agreement includes $3,000,000 
     above the budget request for the NextGen-environment 
     portfolio to support the Continuous Low Energy, Emissions and 
     Noise (CLEEN) program to develop and test aircraft 
     technologies that reduce noise, emissions and fuel burn.
       NextGen-improve multiple runway operations.--The agreement 
     includes $5,500,000 for FAA's program to improve multiple 
     runway operations. Of this amount, $2,000,000 is to enhance 
     procedures to allow operations on closely spaced parallel 
     runways, $1,500,000 is to mitigate wake turbulence on 
     arrivals, and $2,000,000 is to support Category III 
     development and certification efforts needed for FAA's 
     ground-based augmentation system.
       Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) 
     implementation.--The agreement includes an increase of 
     $7,500,000 above the budget request to advance the use of 
     space-based ADS-B for air traffic control separation services 
     and support the collection and validation of surveillance 
     data and help assess the impact on FAA's oceanic automation 
     system. The FAA is directed to make an investment decision 
     regarding satellite-based ADS-B no later than 30 days after 
     enactment of this Act to address the concern that the 
     agency's absence from the program is undermining its status 
     as a global safety and technology leader.
       Enhanced low visibility operations.--The agreement includes 
     $1,500,000 above the budget request to support enhanced low 
     visibility operations and directs FAA to use the funding for 
     advanced aircraft and airport navigation safety equipment for 
     airports serving remote communities that rely on aviation for 
     basic transportation needs.


                 RESEARCH, ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement provides $156,750,000 for the FAA's research, 
     engineering, and development activities.
       The agreement provides the following levels for specific 
     programs:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Program                    Request           Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire Research and Safety..........          6,929,000          6,000,000
Propulsion and Fuel Systems.......          2,413,000          2,000,000
Advanced Materials/Structural               2,909,000          2,909,000
 Safety...........................
Aircraft Icing/Digital System               5,889,000          5,500,000
 Safety...........................
Continued Airworthiness...........          9,619,000          9,619,000
Aircraft Catastrophic Failure               1,567,000          1,500,000
 Prevention Research..............
Flightdeck/Maintenance/System               9,897,000          6,000,000
 Integration Human Factors........
System Safety Management..........          7,970,000          7,970,000
Air Traffic Control/Technical               5,898,000          5,400,000
 Operations Human Factors.........
Aeromedical Research..............          8,919,000          8,300,000
Weather Program...................         17,800,000         14,847,000
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research          8,974,000         14,974,000
NextGen--Alternative Fuels for              5,700,000          6,000,000
 General Aviation.................
A11--Safety.......................         94,484,000         91,019,000
NextGen--Wake Turbulence..........          8,541,000          8,541,000
NextGen--Air Ground Integration             9,697,000          9,697,000
 Human Factors....................
NextGen--Weather Technology in the          4,048,000          4,048,000
 Cockpit..........................
A12--Economic Competitiveness.....         22,286,000         22,286,000
Environment and Energy............         14,921,000         14,921,000
NextGen--Environmental Research--          19,514,000         23,014,000
 Aircraft Technologies, Fuels, and
 Metrics..........................
A13--Environmental Sustainability.         34,435,000         37,935,000
System Planning and Resource                2,135,000          2,100,000
 Management.......................
William J. Hughes Technical Center          3,410,000          3,410,000
 Laboratory Facility..............
A14--Mission Support..............          5,545,000          5,510,000
                                   -------------------------------------
    TOTAL.........................        156,750,000        156,750,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).--The agreement includes 
     $14,974,000 for unmanned aircraft systems research, an 
     increase of $6,000,000 above the budget request. Within this 
     increase, $4,000,000 is provided for a new center of 
     excellence on unmanned aircraft systems, for a total of 
     $5,000,000 for the center; and $2,000,000 is provided to help 
     meet FAA's UAS research goals of system safety and data 
     gathering, aircraft certification, command and control link 
     challenges, control station layouts and certification, sense 
     and avoid, and environmental impacts.
       NextGen environmental research-aircraft technologies, 
     fuels, and metrics.--The agreement provides $23,014,000 for 
     environmental research-aircraft technologies, fuels, and 
     metrics, an increase of $3,500,000 above the budget request 
     to continue the research, development and testing of 
     alternative fuels, including efforts to produce fit for 
     purpose chemical-analytical, fuel-property and material 
     compatibility testing, and to continue the Continuous, Lower 
     Energy Emission, and Noise (CLEEN) program.


                       GRANTS-IN-AID FOR AIRPORTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

                         (INCLUDING RESCISSION)

       The agreement includes an obligation limitation of 
     $3,350,000,000; a liquidating cash appropriation of 
     $3,200,000,000; a limitation on administrative expenses of 
     not more than $107,100,000; not less than $15,000,000 for the 
     airport cooperative research program; and not less than 
     $29,750,000 for airport technology research.
       Small community air service development program.--The 
     agreement includes $5,500,000 under the obligation limitation 
     to continue the small community air service development 
     program (SCASDP) and directs the

[[Page H9978]]

     FAA to transfer funds to the Office of the Secretary salaries 
     and expenses appropriation.
       Cost share.--The agreement includes a provision that allows 
     small airports to continue contributing five percent of the 
     total cost for unfinished phased projects that were underway 
     prior to the passage of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act 
     of 2012.
       Rescission.--The agreement includes a rescission of amounts 
     authorized for fiscal year 2015 and prior years under section 
     48112 of title 49, U.S.C.


       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

       Section 110 allows no more than 600 technical staff-years 
     at the Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development.
       Section 111 prohibits funds for adopting guidelines or 
     regulations requiring airport sponsors to provide FAA 
     ``without cost'' building construction or space.
       Section 112 allows reimbursement for fees collected and 
     credited under 49 U.S.C. 45303.
       Section 113 allows reimbursement of funds for providing 
     technical assistance to foreign aviation authorities to be 
     credited to the operations account.
       Section 114 prohibits funds for Sunday premium pay unless 
     work was actually performed on a Sunday.
       Section 115 prohibits funds in the Act from being used to 
     buy store gift cards with Government issued credit cards.
       Section 116 allows all airports experiencing the required 
     level of boardings through charter and scheduled air service 
     to be eligible for funds under 49 U.S.C. 47114(c).
       Section 117 prohibits funds from being obligated or 
     expended for retention bonuses for FAA employees without 
     prior written approval of the DOT Assistant Secretary for 
     Administration.
       Section 118 limits to 20 percent the cost share required 
     under the contract tower cost-share program.
       Section 119 requires the Secretary to block the display of 
     an owner or operator's aircraft registration number in the 
     Aircraft Situational Display to Industry program upon the 
     request of an owner or operator.
       Section 119A prohibits funds for salaries and expenses of 
     more than nine political and Presidential appointees in the 
     FAA.
       Section 119B prohibits funds to increase fees under 49 
     U.S.C. 44721 until the FAA provides a report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations that justifies all fees related 
     to aeronautical navigation products and explains how such 
     fees are consistent with Executive Order 13642.
       Section 119C prohibits funds from being used to change 
     weight restrictions or prior permission rules at Teterboro 
     Airport in New Jersey.
       Section 119D requires FAA to notify the Committees on 
     Appropriations at least 90 days before closing a regional 
     operations center or reducing the services provided.
       Section 119E clarifies the name of the FAA center of 
     excellence on advanced materials.
       Section 119F provides an average Federal share for a 
     primary non-hub airport located in a public lands state 
     within 15 miles from the border of another public lands state 
     with a higher Federal share.

                     Federal Highway Administration


                 LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement limits obligations for the administrative 
     expenses of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to 
     $426,100,000. In addition, the agreement provides $3,248,000 
     above this limitation for the administrative expenses of the 
     Appalachian Regional Commission in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 
     104.


                          FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement limits obligations for the federal-aid 
     highways program to $40,256,000,000 in fiscal year 2015.
       Safety performance measures and reporting requirements.--
     FHWA is directed to establish separate, non-motorized safety 
     performance measures for the highway safety improvement 
     program, define performance measures for fatalities and 
     serious injuries from pedestrian and bicycle crashes, and 
     publish its final rule on safety performance measures no 
     later than September 30, 2015.


                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement provides a liquidating cash appropriation of 
     $40,995,000,000, which is available until expended, to pay 
     the outstanding obligations of the various highway programs 
     at the levels provided in this Act and prior appropriations 
     acts.


       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

       Section 120 distributes the federal-aid highways program 
     obligation limitation.
       Section 121 allows funds received by the Bureau of 
     Transportation Statistics from the sale of data products to 
     be credited to the federal-aid highways account.
       Section 122 provides requirements for any waiver of Buy 
     America requirements.
       Section 123 prohibits tolling in Texas, with exceptions.
       Section 124 prohibits funds from being used to provide 
     credit assistance under sections 603 and 604 of title 23, 
     United States Code, unless the Secretary of Transportation 
     notifies the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, 
     the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the 
     Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and 
     the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure at 
     least three days prior to credit application approval.
       Section 125 changes title 23, United States Code, to add 
     additional exemptions to federal truck weight limitations.

              Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration


              MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement includes a liquidation of contract 
     authorization and a limitation on obligations of $271,000,000 
     for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 
     of which $12,000,000 is made available from prior year 
     unobligated balances of contract authority. Of this 
     limitation, $9,000,000 is for research and technology 
     programs and will remain available for obligation until 
     September 30, 2017; $34,545,000 is for information management 
     and shall be available until September 30, 2017; $2,300,000 
     is for commercial motor vehicle operator grants; $4,000,000 
     is available for the study required under section 133 of this 
     Act; and, $6,700,000 is available for inspection and 
     enforcement activities related to the transportation of 
     energy products, information management and technology needs, 
     and the implementation of the Capital Improvement Plan for 
     border facilities and field offices. The agreement includes a 
     provision which requires the Secretary to complete final 
     regulatory action on the implementation of 49 U.S.C. 31137 no 
     later than June 1, 2015.
       Compliance reviews of mandatory carriers.--The Secretary 
     shall transmit to the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations a report on FMCSA's ability to meet its 
     requirement to conduct compliance reviews on mandatory 
     carriers for the preceding fiscal year no later than March 
     27, 2015.
       Safety fitness determination.--The Secretary shall initiate 
     action on a safety fitness determination rule no later than 
     June 1, 2015.
       Small passenger van compliance.--The Secretary is directed 
     to engage with stakeholders through a notice and comment 
     period prior to issuing any guidance that would enforce 
     commercial regulations against an entity providing 
     transportation for no more than fifteen passengers by 
     passenger van as an incidental business activity for which it 
     does not receive direct compensation.
       Hours of service.--The agreement does not require the 
     report on the FMCSA's hours of service rule referenced in 
     House Report 113-464. However, under section 133, the 
     agreement includes a temporary suspension of certain hours of 
     service regulations and requires a comprehensive field study 
     of the impact of those regulations.


                      MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement provides a liquidating cash appropriation and 
     a limitation on obligations of $313,000,000 for motor carrier 
     safety grants. The agreement allocates the total grant 
     funding as follows:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                              Funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motor carrier safety assistance program..............       $218,000,000
Commercial driver's license program improvement               30,000,000
 grants..............................................
Border enforcement grants............................         32,000,000
Performance and registration information system                5,000,000
 management grants...................................
Commercial vehicle information systems and networks           25,000,000
 deployment program..................................
Safety data improvement grants.......................          3,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Of the $218,000,000 provided for the motor carrier safety 
     assistance program, the agreement provides $32,000,000 for 
     audits of new entrant motor carriers.


 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

       Section 130 subjects funds appropriated in this Act to the 
     terms and conditions of section 350 of Public Law 107-87 and 
     section 6901 of Public Law 110-28.
       Section 131 requires FMCSA to send notice of 49 CFR section 
     385.308 violations by certified mail, registered mail, or 
     some other manner of delivery which records receipt of the 
     notice by the persons responsible for the violations.
       Section 132 prohibits funding provided under the Act from 
     being used to enforce any regulation prohibiting a state from 
     issuing a commercial learner's permit to individuals under 
     the age of eighteen if state law authorized such issuance as 
     of May 9, 2011.
       Section 133 temporarily suspends enforcement of the hours 
     of service regulation related to the restart provisions that 
     went into effect on July 1, 2013 and directs the Secretary to 
     conduct a study of the operational, safety, health and 
     fatigue aspects of the restart provisions in effect before 
     and after July 1, 2013. The Inspector General is directed to 
     review the study plan and report to the House and Senate 
     Committees on Appropriations whether it meets the 
     requirements under this provision.
       Section 134 prohibits funds from being used to deny an 
     application to renew a hazardous materials safety permit 
     unless a carrier has the opportunity to present its own 
     corrective actions and the Secretary determines such actions 
     are insufficient.

[[Page H9979]]

             National Highway Traffic Safety Administration


                        OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH

       The agreement provides $130,000,000 from the general fund 
     for operations and research activities. Of this amount, 
     $20,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2016.
       The agreement provides funding as requested in the budget 
     for vehicle electronics and emerging technology research and 
     for advanced testing of emerging technologies at the Vehicle 
     Research and Test Center in East Liberty, Ohio. Additional 
     resources are provided to improve the Office of Defect 
     Investigation's ability to identify vehicle safety defects, 
     expand crash worthiness testing, conclude equipment 
     compliance testing, conduct research and testing for 
     motorcoach safety regulatory activities, and to continue 
     testing of emerging alternative fuel systems. Specifically, 
     $9,300,000 is provided to support the implementation and 
     maintenance of the electronic document and records management 
     system corporate information factory and $10,000,000 is 
     provided for the new car assessment program. In addition, as 
     requested, $9,140,000 is provided for federal motor vehicle 
     safety standards and $7,900,000 is provided for the corporate 
     average fuel economy program.


                        OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement provides a liquidating cash appropriation and 
     an obligation limitation of $138,500,000, to remain available 
     until expended, which reflects the authorized level of 
     contract authority plus $20,000,000 from prior-year 
     unobligated contract authority balances. Of the total, 
     $133,500,000 is provided for the programs authorized under 23 
     U.S.C. 403, and $5,000,000 is for the National Driver 
     Register. Of the total amount provided under this heading, 
     $20,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2016 
     and shall be in addition to any limitation imposed on 
     obligations in future fiscal years.
       National roadside survey.--The agreement directs the 
     Secretary and GAO to report on the national roadside survey 
     as directed by Senate Report 113-182.


                     HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement provides a liquidating cash appropriation and 
     an obligation limitation of $561,500,000 for highway traffic 
     safety grants, to remain available until expended. The 
     agreement allocates funding as follows:

Highway safety programs (section 402)................       $235,000,000
National priority safety programs (section 405)......        272,000,000
High visibility enforcement program..................         29,000,000
Administrative expenses..............................         25,500,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................        561,500,000
 

       The agreement continues a provision which prohibits certain 
     construction and furnishing activities and limits technical 
     assistance to States to $500,000 of the funds made available 
     for impaired driving countermeasures under 23 U.S.C. 405(d), 
     as amended by MAP-21.
       The agreement allows for the transfer of funds within the 
     grant programs consistent with 23 U.S.C. 405(a)(1)(G) and 
     requires NHTSA to notify the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations of the exercise of this authority within 60 
     days of enactment of this Act.
       The agreement includes $5,574,000 for in-
     vehicle alcohol detection device research.


      ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY 
                             ADMINISTRATION

       Section 140 provides funding for travel and related 
     expenses for state management reviews and highway safety core 
     competency development training.
       Section 141 exempts obligation authority made available in 
     previous public laws from the obligation limitations set for 
     the current year.
       Section 142 prohibits the use of funds to implement 23 
     U.S.C. 404.

                    Federal Railroad Administration


                         SAFETY AND OPERATIONS

       The agreement provides $186,870,000 for safety and 
     operations of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Of 
     the funds provided, $15,400,000 is available until expended. 
     The agreement provides $370,000 for five new safety 
     inspectors and $3,000,000 for the automated track inspection 
     program, including amounts to fund an automated car for 
     inspection of crude oil routes.


                   RAILROAD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

       The agreement provides $39,100,000 for railroad research 
     and development. The agreement is consistent with the budget 
     request and provides an additional $2,000,000 to improve 
     safety practices and safety training for Class II and Class 
     III freight railroads. This additional funding supports FRA's 
     initiative to partner with short line and regional railroads 
     to build a stronger, sustainable safety culture in this 
     segment of the rail industry. The initiative will support 
     safety compliance assessments and training on short lines 
     that transport crude oil. In addition, the agreement provides 
     $2,000,000 for the design, testing and evaluation of 
     liquefied natural gas (LNG) bulk tank cars, LNG locomotive 
     tenders, and technologies suitable to retrofit tank cars that 
     transport certain high-risk flammable liquids.


       RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING PROGRAM

       The agreement authorizes the Secretary to issue notes or 
     other obligations pursuant to section 501 through 504 of P.L. 
     94-210. The agreement prohibits new direct loans or loan 
     guarantee commitments using Federal funds for the credit risk 
     premium during fiscal year 2015. The agreement also prohibits 
     new direct loans or loan guarantee commitments in fiscal year 
     2015 that cause the total principal amount committed to 
     projects in a single state to exceed $5,600,000,000.


    OPERATING GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION

       The agreement provides $250,000,000 in quarterly operating 
     grants to Amtrak, based on the Secretary's assessment of 
     Amtrak's seasonal cash flow requirements, and provides that 
     funds remain available until expended. Before approving 
     funding to cover operating losses, the agreement requires the 
     Secretary to review a grant request for each specific train 
     route. The agreement prohibits Amtrak from discounting 
     tickets at more than 50 percent off the normal peak fare, 
     unless the operating loss due to the discounted fare is 
     covered by a state and the state participates in setting the 
     fares.
       The agreement requires Amtrak to take actions to reduce 
     food and beverage losses identified in the October 31, 2013 
     OIG report, and as summarized in House Report 113-464. Within 
     60 days of enactment of this Act, Amtrak is directed to 
     provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations detailing reforms Amtrak has implemented to 
     reduce food and beverage losses, the savings each reform 
     generated since Amtrak's October 3, 2013 announcement, and 
     its plan to eliminate food and beverage losses by October 
     2018.


  CAPITAL AND DEBT SERVICE GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER 
                              CORPORATION

       The agreement provides $1,140,000,000 for capital and debt 
     service grants to Amtrak to remain available until expended. 
     Within the funds provided, the agreement includes up to 
     $175,000,000 for Amtrak's debt service payments, and not less 
     than $50,000,000 for investments to comply with the Americans 
     with Disabilities Act. In addition, the agreement provides 
     for an initial distribution of $200,000,000 for a working 
     capital account, allows the Secretary to use up to 
     $50,000,000 for operating grants to Amtrak should its 
     operating losses in fiscal year 2015 exceed amounts provided 
     under the previous heading, and conditions the Secretary's 
     approval of grants for capital expenditures upon the receipt 
     and review of a grant request for each specific capital 
     project justifying the Federal support to the Secretary's 
     satisfaction. The agreement allows the Secretary to retain up 
     to one-half of one percent of the funds provided under this 
     heading for oversight of both operating activities and 
     capital expenditures. The agreement also allows the Secretary 
     to retain up to $5,000,000 to fund the costs associated with 
     implementing section 212 of division B of Public Law 110-432.
       The agreement retains the requirement that the Northeast 
     Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission 
     submit a fiscal year 2016 budget request. The agreement 
     directs Amtrak to provide transparent, accurate cost 
     information to States on the section 209 cost methodology 
     consistent with Senate Report 113-182, requires Amtrak to 
     conduct a business case analysis on all major capital 
     acquisitions that exceed $10,000,000 in life cycle costs, and 
     directs Amtrak to increase transparency regarding capital 
     projects in its budget submissions. The agreement retains a 
     reporting requirement included in House Report 113-464 
     relating to Amtrak's contract to purchase 70 electric 
     locomotives, and directs Amtrak to submit within 90 days of 
     enactment of this Act, a determination of how many 
     locomotives it needs and a business case analysis on 
     continuing the contract or reducing its scope if Amtrak needs 
     fewer than 70.


       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION

       Section 150 allows the FRA safety and operations account to 
     receive and use cash or spare parts to repair and replace 
     damaged track inspection cars.
       Section 151 authorizes the Secretary to allow the issuer of 
     preferred stock sold to the Department to redeem or 
     repurchase such stock upon payment to the Department as 
     determined by the Secretary.
       Section 152 limits overtime to $35,000 per employee. The 
     agreement allows Amtrak's president to waive this restriction 
     for specific employees for safety or operational efficiency 
     reasons. Amtrak's president is required to delineate the 
     reasons for granting such waivers, provide quarterly reports 
     on waivers granted, amounts paid above the cap, and the 
     department that incurred the overtime for each employee by 
     month for the quarter. The agreement also requires Amtrak's 
     president to provide an annual report by March 1, 2015 that 
     summarizes Amtrak's total overtime expenses by month and by 
     department, the number of employees receiving overtime cap 
     waivers by department and the total overtime payments 
     resulting from waivers for each employee by month of the 2014 
     calendar year and the three prior calendar years.
       Section 153 appropriates $10,000,000 to the Secretary to 
     make grants for grade crossing and track improvements on rail 
     routes that transport energy products.

[[Page H9980]]

                     Federal Transit Administration


                        ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $105,933,000 for the administrative 
     expenses of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), of 
     which not less than $4,500,000 is for the safety office and 
     $1,000,000 is for asset management activities. Staffing 
     levels are to be determined by funding levels under this 
     heading. FTA is directed to follow the process for informing 
     the Committees on Appropriations on full funding grant 
     agreement notifications consistent with prior years and 
     include appropriations information through fiscal year 2019.


                         TRANSIT FORMULA GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement limits obligations from the Mass Transit 
     Account for transit formula grants to $8,595,000,000, as 
     authorized by MAP-21. Funds are to be distributed as 
     authorized. Further, the agreement provides $9,500,000,000 
     for the liquidation of contract authority.


                            TRANSIT RESEARCH

       The agreement provides $33,000,000 for FTA's research 
     program, of which $30,000,000 is for the national research 
     program (Sec. 5312) and $3,000,000 is for the cooperative 
     research program (Sec. 5313).


                   TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING

       The agreement provides $4,500,000 for transit technical 
     assistance and training, of which $4,000,000 is for technical 
     assistance and standards development (Sec. 5314) and $500,000 
     is for training (Sec. 5322). FTA should recognize the 
     continuing need for a strong technical assistance, education 
     and research program for every component of public transit 
     systems.


                       CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS

                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The bill appropriates $2,120,000,000 for new fixed-guideway 
     projects. Combined with available prior year transit funds, a 
     total of $2,147,989,839 is available for new start 
     activities.
       Of the funds available, $1,510,137,944 is for projects with 
     signed full funding grant agreements (FFGAs), $120,000,000 is 
     available for core capacity projects, and $21,149,233 is 
     available for oversight activities. For new small start 
     projects, $143,712,823 of the funds provided under this 
     heading, plus $27,989,839 in prior year funds (as provided in 
     Sec. 168), are available. The agreement rescinds a total of 
     $121,546,138 in prior year funds.
       For projects anticipated to be under a signed FFGA in 
     fiscal year 2015, $325,000,000 is available. FTA is directed 
     to give funding priority to projects requiring a 40 percent 
     or less Federal share.


      GRANTS TO THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY

       The agreement provides $150,000,000 to carry out section 
     601 of division B of Public Law 110-432 to remain available 
     until expended. The bill includes language temporarily 
     waiving the wireless access requirements in the Passenger 
     Rail Investment and Improvement Act for fiscal year 2015 and 
     requiring the Secretary to certify that WMATA is making 
     significant progress addressing audit recommendations.


       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

       Section 160 exempts previously made transit obligations 
     from limitations on obligations.
       Section 161 allows funds provided in this Act for fixed 
     guideway capital investment projects that remain unobligated 
     by September 30, 2019 be available for projects eligible to 
     use the funds for the purposes for which they were originally 
     provided.
       Section 162 allows for the transfer of appropriations made 
     prior to October 1, 2014 from older accounts to be merged 
     into new accounts with similar current activities.
       Section 163 exempts an area in Washington State from 
     enforcement of the charter bus rule.
       Section 164 allows the Secretary to consider significant 
     private contributions when calculating the non-Federal share 
     of capital costs for new starts projects.
       Section 165 limits FTA to signing full funding grant 
     agreements with a new starts share of 60 percent or less.
       Section 166 prohibits funds in this Act from being used to 
     advance a specific transit line in Harris County, Texas.
       Section 167 directs that in developing guidance 
     implementing 49 U.S.C. 5309(i) regarding interrelated 
     projects, the Secretary shall consider projects eligible 
     under 5309(h), including streetcars.
       Section 168 allows bus rapid transit projects recommended 
     for funding in fiscal year 2015 under ``capital investment 
     grants'' to be funded by $27,989,839 in unobligated and 
     unexpended discretionary formula funds.

             Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation


                       OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

                    (HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND)

       The agreement provides $32,042,000 for the operations, 
     maintenance and capital asset renewal program of the Saint 
     Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC), of which 
     $542,000 is to support the economic and trade development 
     mission of the SLSDC. The agreement requires the SLSDC to 
     report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
     by April 30, 2015 on the asset renewal program, consistent 
     with the requirements of the Explanatory Statement of the 
     Department of Transportation Appropriations Act of 2009.

                        Maritime Administration


                       MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM

       The agreement provides the full authorized level of 
     $186,000,000 for the maritime security program.


                        OPERATIONS AND TRAINING

       The agreement provides a total of $148,050,000 for the 
     Maritime Administration's (MARAD) operations and training 
     account.
       For the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), the bill 
     provides a total of $79,150,000. Of the funds provided, 
     $64,150,000 is for Academy operations and $15,000,000 is for 
     capital asset management activities, of which $12,000,000 is 
     for capital improvements and $3,000,000 is for maintenance, 
     repairs and equipment.
       The agreement provides a total of $18,500,000 for the state 
     maritime academies, of which $3,600,000 is for direct 
     payments, $2,400,000 is for student incentive payments, 
     $11,300,000 is for schoolship maintenance and repair, and 
     $1,200,000 is for fuel assistance.
       Finally, the agreement provides a total of $50,400,000 for 
     MARAD headquarters, regional offices, and maritime program 
     expenses. Of the amount, $3,000,000 is for the maritime 
     environmental and technical assistance program as authorized 
     by 46 U.S.C. 50307.


                             SHIP DISPOSAL

       The agreement provides $4,000,000 for the disposal of 
     obsolete vessels of the National Defense Reserve Fleet.


          MARITIME GUARANTEED LOAN (TITLE XI) PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $3,100,000 for the administrative 
     expenses of the Title XI program. Funds are to be transferred 
     to MARAD's operations and training account.


           ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

       Section 170 authorizes MARAD to furnish utilities and 
     services and make necessary repairs in connection with any 
     lease, contract, or occupancy involving Government property 
     under control of MARAD, and allow payments received to be 
     credited to the Treasury and remain available until expended.
       Section 171 prohibits a fee-for-service contract for vessel 
     disposal, scrapping or recycling unless a qualified domestic 
     ship recycler will pay for the vessel.

         Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration


                          OPERATIONAL EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $22,225,000 for the necessary 
     operational expenses of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
     Safety Administration (PHMSA). Of the amount provided, 
     $1,500,000 is to be transferred to the pipeline safety 
     account to fund pipeline safety information grants to 
     communities.


                       HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY

       The agreement provides $52,000,000 for the agency's 
     hazardous materials safety functions. Of this amount, 
     $7,000,000 shall be available until September 30, 2017, and 
     $800,000 in fees collected under 49 U.S.C. 5108(g) shall be 
     deposited in the general fund as offsetting receipts. Funds 
     made available until September 30, 2017 are for long-term 
     research and development contracts.
       Tank car design.--The Secretary is directed to finalize 
     DOT-111 tank car design regulations no later than January 15, 
     2015.
       Small-scale natural gas liquefaction facilities.--The 
     agreement directs PHMSA to evaluate and develop new 
     approaches for the siting, design and construction of small-
     scale liquefaction facilities that generate and package 
     liquefied natural gas as a transportation fuel for domestic 
     delivery via non-pipeline means. The agency shall consider 
     ways to facilitate the growing demand for this alternative 
     fuel while also ensuring appropriate public safety 
     protections consistent with updated National Fire Protection 
     Standards and industry best practices, in cooperation with 
     state authorities where applicable.


                            PIPELINE SAFETY

                         (PIPELINE SAFETY FUND)

                    (OIL SPILL LIABILITY TRUST FUND)

                  (PIPELINE SAFETY DESIGN REVIEW FUND)

       The agreement provides $146,000,000 for pipeline safety 
     activities. Of this amount, $19,500,000 is derived from the 
     oil spill liability trust fund, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2017, $124,500,000 is derived from the pipeline 
     safety fund, of which $66,309,000 is available until 
     September 30, 2017, and $2,000,000 is derived from the 
     pipeline safety design review fund, to remain available until 
     expended. The agreement provides not less than $1,058,000 for 
     the one-call state grant program.
       The agreement does not include funding requested for a 
     national pipeline information exchange.


                     EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANTS

                     (EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUND)

       The agreement provides $188,000, derived from the emergency 
     preparedness fund and available until September 30, 2016, and 
     an obligation limitation of $28,318,000 for emergency 
     preparedness grants. The agreement provides PHMSA the 
     authority to use prior year carryover and recaptures to 
     develop a web-based hazardous materials response

[[Page H9981]]

     training curriculum for emergency responders, including 
     response activities for crude oil, ethanol, and other 
     flammable liquids by rail. The training curriculum shall be 
     developed in coordination with the FRA and be consistent with 
     National Fire Protection Association standards. Prior year 
     carryover balances shall also be used to train public sector 
     emergency response personnel in communities on or near rail 
     lines that transport a significant volume of high-risk energy 
     commodities or toxic inhalation hazards. Further, the amount 
     of funding provided under this account that is available for 
     administrative costs is increased from two percent to four 
     percent.

                      Office of Inspector General


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $86,223,000 for the Office of 
     Inspector General. The agreement includes language that 
     provides the Inspector General with authority to participate 
     in asset forfeiture programs.

                      Surface Transportation Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $31,375,000 for salaries and 
     expenses of the Surface Transportation Board. The agreement 
     permits the collection of up to $1,250,000 in user fees to be 
     credited to this appropriation. The agreement provides that 
     the general fund appropriation be reduced on a dollar-for-
     dollar basis by the actual amount collected in user fees to 
     result in a final appropriation from the general fund 
     estimated at no more than $30,125,000.

            General Provisions--Department of Transportation

       Section 180 allows the Department of Transportation to use 
     funds for aircraft, motor vehicles, liability insurance, 
     uniforms, or allowances, as authorized by law.
       Section 181 limits appropriations for services authorized 
     by 5 U.S.C. 3109 to the rate for an Executive Level IV.
       Section 182 prohibits funds from being used for salaries 
     and expenses of more than 110 political and Presidential 
     appointees in DOT. The provision also requires that none of 
     the personnel covered by this provision may be assigned on 
     temporary detail outside DOT.
       Section 183 prohibits recipients of funds made available in 
     this Act from releasing certain personal information and 
     photographs from a driver's license or motor vehicle record 
     without express consent of the person to whom such 
     information pertains, and prohibits the withholding of funds 
     provided in this Act for any grantee if a state is in 
     noncompliance with this provision.
       Section 184 permits funds received by specified DOT 
     agencies from states or other private or public sources for 
     expenses incurred for training to be credited to certain 
     specified agency accounts.
       Section 185 prohibits funds for loans, loan guarantees, 
     lines of credit, or grants unless the Secretary of 
     Transportation notifies the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations no less than three days in advance, and 
     directs the Secretary to give concurrent notification for any 
     ``quick release'' of funds from the Federal Highway 
     Administration's emergency release program.
       Section 186 allows funds received from rebates, refunds, 
     and similar sources to be credited to appropriations of the 
     DOT.
       Section 187 allows amounts from improper payments to a 
     third party contractor that are lawfully recovered by the DOT 
     to be available to cover expenses incurred in the recovery of 
     such payments, and allows the Secretary to credit an account 
     that is associated with such improper payments.
       Section 188 mandates that reprogramming action 
     notifications shall be transmitted solely to the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations, and are to be approved 
     or denied solely by the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations.
       Section 189 caps the amount of fees the Surface 
     Transportation Board can charge and collect for rate or 
     practice complaints filed at the amount authorized for court 
     civil suit filing fees.
       Section 190 allows funds appropriated to modal 
     administrations to be obligated for the Office of the 
     Secretary for costs related to assessments only when such 
     funds provide a direct benefit to that modal administration.
       Section 191 authorizes DOT to set uniform standards for 
     transit benefits for agency transit passes and transit 
     benefits.

         TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

                     Management and Administration


                           EXECUTIVE OFFICES

       The agreement includes $14,500,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses for Executive Offices which shall be comprised of 
     seven offices including Offices of the Secretary, Deputy 
     Secretary, Adjudicatory Services, Congressional and 
     Intergovernmental Relations, Public Affairs, Small and 
     Disadvantaged Business Utilization, and the Center for Faith-
     Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The agreement includes a 
     provision limiting official reception and representation 
     expenses to no more than $25,000.
       The Department is not directed to find efficiencies 
     adequate to reduce travel and contracting expenses within the 
     account by at least ten percent. The Department is directed 
     to submit a spending plan to the House and Senate Committees 
     on Appropriations within ninety days of the date of enactment 
     which outlines how budgetary resources are to be distributed 
     among the seven offices.

                     ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT OFFICES

       The agreement provides $518,100,000 for Administrative 
     Support Offices. Funds are provided as follows:

Office of the Chief Financial Officer..........              $47,000,000
Office of the General Counsel..................               94,000,000
Office of Administration.......................              200,000,000
Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer......               57,000,000
Office of Field Policy and Management..........               50,000,000
Office of the Chief Procurement Officer........               16,500,000
Office of Departmental Equal Employment                        3,200,000
 Opportunity...................................
Office of Strategic Planning and Management....                4,400,000
Office of the Chief Information Officer........               46,000,000
                                                ------------------------
    Total......................................              518,100,000
 

       The increase for the Office of the Chief Information 
     Officer includes amounts transferred from the information 
     technology fund account for contractor support.

                  Program Office Salaries and Expenses


                       PUBLIC AND INDIAN HOUSING

       The agreement provides $203,000,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses for the Office of Public and Indian Housing. The 
     amount provided supports critical new hires in key areas 
     including additional staff in oversight and moving-to-work, 
     one FTE dedicated to the Office of Native American Programs, 
     and at least one FTE dedicated to work on the family self-
     sufficiency and the resident opportunity and self-sufficiency 
     programs. In fiscal year 2014, HUD was directed to increase 
     the budgetary resources dedicated to unit inspections by 
     $5,000,000 above fiscal year 2013, and the agreement includes 
     $5,000,000 to sustain the increased level of investment in 
     fiscal year 2015. These investments include the establishment 
     of a consistent inspection standard across housing assistance 
     programs and oversight of Section 8 units.


                   COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

       The agreement provides $102,000,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses for the Office of Community Planning and 
     Development.


                                HOUSING

       The agreement provides $379,000,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses for the Office of Housing, of which at least 
     $9,000,000 is for the Office of Risk and Regulatory Affairs.
       Office of Multi-Family Housing Reorganization.--The 
     Department is directed to report to the House and Senate 
     Committees on Appropriations within 180 days of enactment of 
     this Act on the progress of the reorganization of the Office 
     of Multifamily Housing, including any issues identified in 
     the initial waves of the plan and any adjustments HUD is 
     making to its implementation based on lessons learned.


                    POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH

       The agreement provides $22,700,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses for the Office of Policy Development and Research.


                   FAIR HOUSING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

       The agreement provides $68,000,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses for the Office of Fair Housing and Equal 
     Opportunity.


            OFFICE OF LEAD HAZARD CONTROL AND HEALTHY HOMES

       The agreement provides $6,700,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses for the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy 
     Homes.

                       Public and Indian Housing


                     TENANT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE

       The agreement provides $19,304,160,000 for all tenant-based 
     section 8 activities under the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance 
     Account. Language is included designating funds provided as 
     follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Activity                            Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voucher Renewals...............................          $17,486,000,000
Tenant Protection Vouchers.....................              130,000,000
Administrative Fees............................            1,530,000,000
HUD-VASH Incremental Vouchers..................               75,000,000
Section 811 Vouchers...........................               83,160,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The amount in the agreement included for voucher renewals 
     is based on revised estimates from the Department using more 
     recent data. This estimate also includes amounts to cover 
     leasing that is anticipated to occur before the end of the 
     year.
       The agreement includes language allowing the Secretary to 
     take into account anticipated impact of changes in income 
     targeting and utility allowances in determining funding 
     allocations. The agreement includes a provision requiring the 
     notification of obligations to public housing authorities 
     (PHAs) 60 days after enactment or by March 1, 2015.
       The agreement includes language that allows the Secretary 
     to consider PHAs' net restricted assets balances when 
     determining allocations.
       The agreement provides $120,000,000 for PHAs that need 
     additional funds to administer their Section 8 programs 
     related to specified circumstances, including PHAs that 
     experienced significant end of year leasing in calendar year 
     2014.
       The agreement includes provisions requiring HUD to set 
     aside a portion of HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing 
     Program (HUD-VASH) funds for a pilot designed to provide 
     housing and supportive services to veterans who are homeless 
     or at risk of homelessness living on tribal reservations or 
     in Indian areas. Funds are to be provided to entities 
     eligible to receive block grants under the Native American 
     Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA).

[[Page H9982]]

                        HOUSING CERTIFICATE FUND

                        (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

       The agreement includes language allowing unobligated 
     balances in the housing certificate fund to be used for 
     renewal of or amendments to section 8 project-based contracts 
     and for performance-based contract administrators.


                      PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND

       The agreement provides $1,875,000,000 for the public 
     housing capital fund. The agreement provides up to $5,000,000 
     for public housing financial and physical assessment 
     activities, not to exceed $23,000,000 for emergency capital 
     needs, $45,000,000 for supportive services, service 
     coordinators and congregate services, and up to $15,000,000 
     for the jobs-plus pilot initiative.
       The agreement includes language allowing PHAs to transfer 
     additional amounts from their capital funds into their 
     operating fund for activities related to safety and security.
       The agreement prohibits HUD from requiring or enforcing the 
     physical needs assessment (PNA) in fiscal year 2015. HUD is 
     not, however, prohibited from continuing to work on a PNA 
     tool that will help PHAs assess the physical quality of their 
     public housing stock in a way that is not overly burdensome. 
     HUD is expected to continue to evaluate the PNA tool and 
     update its 2014 report to the Committees on Appropriations, 
     as specified in the Senate report accompanying this Act, no 
     later than March 2, 2015.
       The agreement encourages housing authorities that 
     participate in the rental assistance demonstration program to 
     grant current workers whose employment positions are 
     eliminated during conversion the right of first refusal for 
     new employment openings for which they are qualified.


                     PUBLIC HOUSING OPERATING FUND

       The agreement provides $4,440,000,000 for the public 
     housing operating fund.


                    CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS INITIATIVE

       The agreement provides $80,000,000 for the choice 
     neighborhoods initiative (Choice). The agreement includes 
     language requiring that at least $50,000,000 be made 
     available to Public Housing Authorities, and provides up to 
     $5,000,000 to assist communities in developing strategies for 
     implementing the program with community notice and input. HUD 
     is expected to take into account regional diversity when 
     awarding Choice planning and implementation grants.


                        FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY

       The agreement provides $75,000,000 for the family self-
     sufficiency (FSS) program to support service coordinators 
     serving residents in both the public housing and voucher 
     programs. The agreement also allows project-based owners to 
     participate in the program, using their own funds. The 
     agreement includes a new pilot program to test the 
     effectiveness of pairing the FSS program with the family 
     unification program (FUP) vouchers for homeless youth to 
     increase their opportunities for self-sufficiency through 
     housing stability, education and job training.


                  NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANTS

       The agreement provides $650,000,000 for Native American 
     Housing Block Grants, to remain available until September 30, 
     2019. The agreement provides $3,500,000 for training and 
     technical assistance, with no less than $2,000,000 for a 
     national organization as designated under NAHASDA. The 
     agreement provides $2,000,000 for inspections, contracting 
     expertise, training, and technical assistance by HUD or its 
     designee, including up to $300,000 for related travel; and 
     $2,000,000 to subsidize a loan level of $16,530,000 under 
     title VI of NAHASDA.
       HUD is directed to collaborate with the Council on 
     Environmental Quality and affected Federal agencies specified 
     in the Senate Report 113-182 to develop a coordinated 
     environmental review process to simplify tribal housing 
     development and related infrastructure needs. The agencies 
     are directed to consult with tribes and tribally designated 
     housing entities and report their conclusions, 
     recommendations and any statutory changes that may be 
     necessary to facilitate this progress to the Committees on 
     Appropriations by May 1, 2015.
       HUD is expected to use technical assistance funding to 
     regional and national tribal organizations to aid tribes with 
     capacity challenges, especially tribes receiving small grant 
     awards. It is expected that any assistance provided will 
     reflect the unique needs and cultures of Native Americans.


                  NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANT

       The agreement provides $9,000,000 for the Native Hawaiian 
     Housing Block Grant, to remain available until September 30, 
     2019.


           INDIAN HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The agreement provides $7,000,000, to remain available 
     until expended, to subsidize a loan level of $744,047,000.


      NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The agreement provides $100,000, to remain available until 
     expended, to subsidize a loan level of $16,130,000.

                   Community Planning and Development


              HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS

       The agreement provides $330,000,000 for the housing 
     opportunities for persons with AIDS program, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2017. The agreement includes a 
     provision that requires HUD to adequately fund supportive 
     housing contract commitments made in fiscal year 2010 and 
     prior years that meet all program requirements before 
     awarding funds for any new contract commitments.


                       COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND

       The agreement provides $3,066,000,000 for the community 
     development fund, to remain available until September 30, 
     2017. Of the total, the agreement provides $3,000,000,000 in 
     formula funding and $66,000,000 for Indian tribes, of which 
     $6,000,000 shall be for grants for mold remediation and 
     prevention.
       The agreement includes a new provision prohibiting funds 
     from being provided to a for-profit entity for an economic 
     development project under section 105(a)(17) unless such 
     project has been evaluated and selected in accordance with 
     guidelines under subparagraph (e)(2) of the Housing and 
     Community Development Act of 1974.


                 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LOAN GUARANTEES

                            PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The agreement does not provide a credit subsidy for this 
     program, but instead provides the authority to collect fees 
     from borrowers adequate to result in a subsidy cost of zero. 
     The agreement also provides an aggregate limitation of no 
     more than $500,000,000 in section 108 loan guarantees.
       The agreement does not rescind unobligated balances of 
     funds previously appropriated under this heading.


                  HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $900,000,000, to remain available 
     until September 30, 2018, for the home investment 
     partnerships (HOME) program. The agreement does not set-aside 
     $10,000,000 of the amounts provided under this heading for 
     the self-help and assisted homeownership opportunity program. 
     Instead, this program continues to be funded under a separate 
     heading.


        SELF-HELP AND ASSISTED HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $50,000,000 for this account, to 
     remain available until September 30, 2017. Of the total, 
     $10,000,000 is provided for the self-help and assisted 
     homeownership opportunity program; $35,000,000 is provided 
     for the second, third and fourth capacity building activities 
     authorized under section 4(a) of the HUD Demonstration Act of 
     1993, of which not less than $5,000,000 shall be for rural 
     capacity building activities; and $5,000,000 is provided for 
     capacity building activities by national organizations with 
     expertise in rural housing development.


                       HOMELESS ASSISTANCE GRANTS

       The agreement provides $2,135,000,000, to remain available 
     until September 30, 2017, for homeless assistance grants. Of 
     the amount provided, not less than $250,000,000 is for the 
     emergency solutions grants program; not less than 
     $1,862,000,000 is for the continuum of care and rural housing 
     stability assistance programs; and up to $7,000,000 is for 
     the national homeless data analysis project.
       HUD is required to submit the annual homeless assessment 
     report by August 28, 2015.

                            Housing Programs


                    PROJECT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE

       The agreement provides $9,330,000,000 for project-based 
     rental assistance activities, of which not to exceed 
     $210,000,000 is for performance-based contract 
     administrators. The agreement also provides an advance 
     appropriation of $400,000,000 to be made available on October 
     1, 2015. The agreement allows the Secretary to use project 
     funds held in residual receipt accounts, unobligated 
     balances, including recaptures, and carryover balances for 
     program activities. The agreement does not make renewal of 
     senior preservation rental assistance contracts as authorized 
     by section 811(e) of the American Housing and Economic 
     Opportunity Act of 2000 an eligible expense.


                        HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY

       The agreement provides a total of $436,000,000 for the 
     section 202 program to be available until September 30, 2018, 
     of which up to $70,000,000 shall be for service coordinators 
     and existing congregate service grants. The agreement fully 
     funds all renewal and amendments of project-based rental 
     assistance contracts, senior preservation rental assistance 
     contracts, service coordinators, and existing congregate 
     service grants. The agreement does not provide funding for an 
     elderly project rental assistance demonstration program.


                 HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

       The agreement provides $135,000,000 for the section 811 
     program to be available until September 30, 2018. The 
     agreement allows the Secretary to use project funds held in 
     residual receipt accounts, or unobligated balances including 
     recaptures and carryover balances, to supplement the recent 
     demonstration competition for project rental assistance to 
     State housing finance agencies.


                     HOUSING COUNSELING ASSISTANCE

       The agreement provides $47,000,000 for housing counseling 
     assistance, including up to $4,500,000 for administrative 
     contract services. The agreement allows the Secretary to 
     enter into multiyear grant agreements, subject to the 
     availability of annual appropriations.


                       RENTAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE

       The agreement provides $18,000,000 for the rental housing 
     assistance program and allows HUD to use funds, including 
     unobligated balances and recaptured amounts, for one year 
     contract extensions.

[[Page H9983]]

            PAYMENT TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING FEES TRUST FUND

       The agreement provides $10,000,000 for authorized 
     activities, of which $10,000,000 is to be derived from the 
     Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund.

                     Federal Housing Administration


               MUTUAL MORTGAGE INSURANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The agreement establishes a limitation of $400,000,000,000 
     on commitments to guarantee single-family loans during fiscal 
     year 2015, and provides that such commitment authority shall 
     be available until September 30, 2016. For administrative 
     contract expenses, the bill provides $130,000,000, plus 
     $1,400 (up to $30,000,000) for each $1,000,000 in additional 
     guaranteed loan commitments if guaranteed loan commitment 
     levels exceed $200,000,000,000 by April 1, 2015. The 
     agreement prohibits implementation of the homeowners armed 
     with knowledge pilot program.


                GENERAL AND SPECIAL RISK PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                         (INCLUDING RESCISSION)

       The agreement establishes a $30,000,000,000 limitation on 
     multifamily and specialized loan guarantees during fiscal 
     year 2015, and provides that such commitment authority shall 
     be available until September 30, 2016. The agreement includes 
     a rescission of $10,000,000 previously provided to support 
     programs with positive credit subsidies that are no longer 
     issuing new commitments.

                Government National Mortgage Association


                GUARANTEES OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

                     LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The agreement establishes a limitation of up to 
     $500,000,000,000 for new commitments during fiscal year 2015, 
     which shall be available until September 30, 2016. The 
     agreement also provides $23,000,000 for salaries and expenses 
     for the Government National Mortgage Association during 
     fiscal year 2015. The agreement increases salaries and 
     expenses by $100 for each $1,000,000 in additional guaranteed 
     loan commitments, up to $3,000,000, if guaranteed loan 
     commitments exceed $155,000,000,000 by April 1, 2015.

                    Policy Development and Research


                        RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

       The agreement provides $72,000,000 for research and 
     technology activities, including activities formerly funded 
     under the transformation initiative.
       The agreement provides $12,300,000 for research support, 
     dissemination, studies, data, and partnerships; 
     demonstrations; and on-going evaluations, plus new 
     evaluations of the Native American VASH demonstration and the 
     family self-sufficiency homeless youth demonstration. HUD is 
     encouraged to work with the Federal Emergency Management 
     Agency and the Small Business Administration to identify ways 
     to improve post-disaster recovery coordination and data 
     sharing, and implement best practices moving forward.
       The agreement provides a total of $22,000,000 under this 
     heading for technical assistance including OneCPD and OneHUD; 
     assistance to, and finance and governance training for, 
     public housing authorities; assistance for various programs 
     under the Office of Housing; and coordinating new 
     requirements under the Violence Against Women Act. Further, 
     $37,700,000 is provided for various housing market surveys.

                   Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity


                        FAIR HOUSING ACTIVITIES

       The agreement provides $65,300,000 for fair housing 
     activities, of which $40,100,000 is for the fair housing 
     initiatives program (FHIP), $23,300,000 is for the fair 
     housing assistance program, $1,600,000 is for the National 
     Fair Housing Training Academy, and $300,000 is for translated 
     materials. Of the funds available for FHIP, $29,275,000 is 
     available for private enforcement grants.
       HUD is directed to work with the United States Access 
     Board, interested disability advocates, and other 
     stakeholders to consider mechanisms to increase the 
     availability of accessible housing, including but not limited 
     to voluntary accessibility standards, innovative model 
     designs, and demonstration programs that will improve the 
     ability of individuals with disabilities to have a fair 
     opportunity to rent or own accessible housing in their 
     communities. HUD, in consultation with the Access Board, 
     shall report to the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations on recommended options or areas for further 
     study within one year of enactment of this Act.

            Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes


                         LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION

       The agreement provides $110,000,000 for the lead hazard 
     control and healthy homes programs. Of the total, $15,000,000 
     is provided for the healthy homes program, and $45,000,000 is 
     to be made available on a competitive basis for areas with 
     the highest lead abatement needs.

                      Information Technology Fund

       The agreement provides $250,000,000 for the information 
     technology fund, which is available until September 30, 2016. 
     The agreement does not include separate funding for 
     development, modernization and enhancement (DM&E) activities 
     and does not include statutory language for GAO to review the 
     Department's spend plan for DM&E. HUD has effectively crafted 
     expenditure plans and the Committees are putting greater 
     focus on HUD's ability to implement those plans. Integrating 
     and implementing information technology (IT) best practices 
     are still weaknesses at the Department. In light of this, the 
     agreement directs HUD to provide a report within 120 days of 
     enactment of this Act that details the status of how the 
     Department is implementing GAO's IT-related recommendations. 
     Further, the agreement directs GAO to evaluate how the New 
     CORE system project integrates into the Department's 
     strategic plan and report on project milestones as well as 
     how HUD is integrating IT best practices into this critical 
     project for the next two years.

                      Office of Inspector General

       The agreement provides $126,000,000 for the necessary 
     expenses of the Office of Inspector General (OIG). Concurrent 
     with the next budget submission, the OIG is directed to 
     provide information on new acquisition plans and account for 
     funding in all Schedule O activities, information technology 
     investments, and other capacity enhancing investments.

                       Transformation Initiative

       The agreement provides funds for program technical 
     assistance, program demonstrations and evaluations, and other 
     similar activities under the Policy Development and Research 
     account. No funds or transfer authorities are provided under 
     this heading for fiscal year 2015.

    General Provisions--Department of Housing and Urban Development


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

                        (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

       Section 201 splits overpayments evenly between Treasury and 
     State HFAs.
       Section 202 prohibits the use of funds to investigate or 
     prosecute legal activities under the Fair Housing Act.
       Section 203 extends HOPWA formula modifications affecting 
     certain jurisdictions in New York, New Jersey, and North 
     Carolina.
       Section 204 requires that funds be distributed on a 
     competitive basis unless specified otherwise in statute.
       Section 205 allows HUD to use funds to reimburse the 
     Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Fannie Mae 
     and other Federal entities for services and facilities.
       Section 206 requires HUD to comport with the budget 
     estimates except as otherwise provided in this Act or through 
     an approved reprogramming.
       Section 207 provides authorization for HUD corporations to 
     utilize funds under certain conditions and restrictions.
       Section 208 requires a report on available balances each 
     quarter.
       Section 209 requires that the Administration's budget and 
     the Department's budget justifications for fiscal year 2016 
     be submitted in the identical account and sub-account 
     structure provided in this Act.
       Section 210 exempts PHA Boards in Alaska, Iowa, and 
     Mississippi and the County of Los Angeles from the public 
     housing resident representation requirement, and provides 
     alternative requirements.
       Section 211 exempts GNMA from certain requirements of the 
     Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990.
       Section 212 authorizes HUD to transfer debt and use 
     agreements from an obsolete project to a viable project, 
     provided certain conditions are met.
       Section 213 sets forth the requirements for eligibility for 
     section 8 voucher assistance.
       Section 214 distributes Native American Housing Block Grant 
     funds to the same Native Alaskan recipients as in Fiscal Year 
     2005.
       Section 215 authorizes the Secretary to insure mortgages 
     under section 255 of the National Housing Act.
       Section 216 instructs HUD on managing and disposing of any 
     multifamily property that is owned or held by HUD.
       Section 217 allows amounts provided under the Section 108 
     loan guarantee program to be used to guarantee notes or other 
     obligations issued by any State on behalf of non-entitlement 
     communities in the State.
       Section 218 allows PHAs that own and operate 400 or fewer 
     units of public housing to be exempt from asset management 
     requirements.
       Section 219 restricts the Secretary from imposing any 
     requirement or guideline relating to asset management that 
     restricts or limits the use of capital funds for central 
     office costs, up to the limit established in the Quality 
     Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998.
       Section 220 directs that no HUD employee, including those 
     working in the offices of the IG and GNMA, shall be 
     designated as an allotment holder unless the Chief Financial 
     Officer determines that they have received training.
       Section 221 requires HUD to provide an annual report to the 
     House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the status 
     of all section 8 project-based housing.
       Section 222 requires that the Secretary publish all notice 
     of funding availability on the internet for fiscal year 2015.
       Section 223 requires that attorney fees for programmatic 
     litigation must be paid from the personnel and benefits 
     accounts of affected offices and the Office of General 
     Counsel, and be restricted to payment of attorney fees only.
       Section 224 sets reprogramming guidelines for 
     Administrative Support Offices and Program Office Salaries 
     and Expenses, and transfers between the two.
       Section 225 allows the Disaster Housing Assistance Programs 
     to be considered a program of HUD for the purpose of income 
     verifications and matching.

[[Page H9984]]

       Section 226 requires HUD to take certain actions against 
     owners receiving rental subsidies that do not maintain safe 
     properties (do not meet minimum REAC standards).
       Section 227 places a salary and bonus limit on public 
     housing agency officials and employees.
       Section 228 prohibits funds from being used for the 
     doctoral dissertation research grant program at HUD.
       Section 229 extends the HOPE VI program until September 30, 
     2015.
       Section 230 requires the Secretary to provide the 
     Committees on Appropriations advance notice of discretionary 
     awards.
       Section 231 allows the Secretary to transfer up to 
     $2,500,000 from salaries and expenses accounts to the 
     ``Information Technology Fund''.
       Section 232 extends section 579 of MAHRAA through October 
     1, 2017.
       Section 233 prohibits funds from being used to require or 
     enforce the physical needs assessment (PNA).
       Section 234 modifies the rental assistance demonstration 
     included in the fiscal year 2012 bill.
       Section 235 prohibits funds from being used for the 
     homeowners armed with knowledge (HAWK) program.
       Section 236 prohibits funds for HUD financing of mortgages 
     for properties that have been subject to eminent domain.
       Section 237 rescinds balances from various HUD programs 
     that are no longer funded.
       Section 238 makes adjustments to flat-rents to accommodate 
     local markets.
       Section 239 prohibits funds from being used for the 
     relocation of any asset management positions within the 
     Office of Multifamily Housing currently in existence on the 
     date of enactment of this Act.
       Section 240 prohibits funds from being used to terminate 
     the status of a unit of local government as a metropolitan 
     city, as defined under section 102 of the Housing and 
     Community Development Act of 1974, with respect to grants 
     under section 106 of such Act.
       Section 241 requires lenders that provide loans under the 
     Native American loan program to consider loan modifications 
     and meet standards for servicing loans in default before the 
     payment of a claim by HUD.

                      TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES

                              Access Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $7,548,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Access Board.

                      Federal Maritime Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $25,660,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Federal Maritime Commission, of which not 
     more than $2,000 may be available for official reception and 
     representation expenses.

                National Railroad Passenger Corporation

                    Office of the Inspector General


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $23,999,000 for the Office of the 
     Inspector General for Amtrak.

                  National Transportation Safety Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $103,981,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). 
     Some offices of the NTSB are currently experiencing vacancies 
     in some of its investigative offices, and it is expected that 
     the agency will use travel and investigative staff in other 
     offices to ensure transportation incidents are fully covered.

                 Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation


          PAYMENT TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD REINVESTMENT CORPORATION

       The agreement provides $185,000,000 for the Neighborhood 
     Reinvestment Corporation (NRC), of which $135,000,000 is for 
     the core program, including $5,000,000 for the multifamily 
     rental housing program. Of the total provided, $50,000,000 is 
     for the national foreclosure mitigation counseling (NFMC) 
     program. The agreement provides $4,000,000 to wind down and 
     close out this program, which could be a multiyear effort. It 
     also allows NRC to use up to 5 percent of NFMC funds on 
     administrative expenses to carry out foreclosure mitigation 
     activities.

           United States Interagency Council on Homelessness


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $3,530,000 for operating expenses of 
     the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) 
     and includes a provision which amends Title II of the 
     McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to extend the sunset 
     date of USICH to October 1, 2017.
       USICH is encouraged to work with agencies to establish 
     long-term working interagency relationships among permanent 
     federal agencies, and to leverage the resources of those 
     agencies to continue interagency coordination on ``Opening 
     Doors: the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End 
     Homelessness''.

                 TITLE IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS, THIS ACT

       Section 401 prohibits pay and other expenses for non-
     Federal parties in regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings 
     funded in this Act.
       Section 402 prohibits obligations beyond the current fiscal 
     year and prohibits transfers of funds unless expressly so 
     provided herein.
       Section 403 limits consulting service expenditures through 
     a procurement contract to contracts where such expenditures 
     are a matter of public record, with exceptions.
       Section 404 prohibits employee training not specifically 
     related to the performance of official duties.
       Section 405 specifies reprogramming procedures and requires 
     tables to include prior year enacted levels.
       Section 406 allows up to fifty percent of unobligated 
     balances appropriated for salaries and expenses to remain 
     available for certain purposes, contingent upon approval by 
     the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
       Section 407 prohibits funds from being used for any project 
     that seeks to use the power of eminent domain unless eminent 
     domain is employed only for a public use.
       Section 408 requires agencies and departments funded herein 
     to report on all sole-source contracts by July 30, 2015.
       Section 409 denies the transfer of funds made available in 
     this Act, except pursuant to a transfer made by this Act or 
     by authority granted in this Act.
       Section 410 prohibits funds in this Act from being used to 
     permanently replace an employee intent on returning to his or 
     her past occupation after completion of military service.
       Section 411 prohibits funds in this Act from being used 
     unless the expenditure is in compliance with the Buy American 
     Act.
       Section 412 prohibits funds from being made available to 
     any person or entity that has been found to have violated the 
     Buy American Act.
       Section 413 prohibits funds for first-class airline 
     accommodations in contravention of section 301-10.122 and 
     301-10.123 of title 41, C.F.R.
       Section 414 prohibits funds from being used in 
     contravention of the 5th or 14th Amendments to the 
     Constitution or title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
       Section 415 prohibits funds from being used for the 
     approval of a new foreign air carrier permit or exemption 
     application if that approval would contravene United States 
     law or Article 17 bis of the U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Norway Air 
     Transport Agreement and specifies that nothing in this 
     section shall prohibit, restrict, or preclude the Secretary 
     of DOT from granting a permit or exemption where such 
     authorization is consistent with the U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Norway 
     Air Transport Treaty and U.S. law.
       Section 416 prohibits funds from being used to obligate or 
     award funds for NHTSA's National Roadside Survey.
       Section 417 prohibits funds for global positioning systems 
     without providing full and appropriate consideration of 
     privacy concerns under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 5, subchapter II.
       Section 418 prohibits funds from being used by the Federal 
     Transit Administration to implement, administer, or enforce 
     section 18.36(c)(2) of title 49, U.S.C. for construction 
     hiring purposes.
       Section 419 prohibits funds from being used to lease or 
     purchase new light duty vehicles for any executive fleet or 
     an agency's fleet inventory, except in accordance with 
     Presidential Memorandum-Federal Fleet Performance, dated May 
     24, 2011.
       Section 420 states that Congress should not pass any 
     legislation authorizing spending cuts that would increase 
     poverty in the United States.
       Section 421 requires agencies and departments funded by 
     this Act to report to Congress, at the end of fiscal year 
     2015, a complete inventory of the number of vehicles owned, 
     retired, and purchased in fiscal year 2015, as well as the 
     total cost of the vehicle fleet, including maintenance, fuel, 
     storage, purchasing, and leasing.
       Section 422 limits the number of employees a single agency 
     or department may send to an international conference to 50, 
     unless the relevant Secretary reports to the Committees on 
     Appropriations at least five days in advance that such 
     attendance is important to the national interest.
       Section 423 requires any reports sent to the Committees on 
     Appropriations to be posted on the public Web site of that 
     agency 45 days following its receipt by the Committees, 
     unless such reports would compromise national security or 
     contain proprietary information.
       Section 424 requires any Federal agency or department 
     funded in this Act to respond to GAO recommendations in a 
     timely manner.

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