[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 50 (Thursday, March 22, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H2697-H2901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page H2697]]

House of Representatives

 EXPLANATORY STATEMENT SUBMITTED BY MR. FRELINGHUYSEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE 
  HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, REGARDING THE HOUSE AMENDMENT TO 
                     SENATE AMENDMENT ON H.R. 1625

       The following is an explanation of the Consolidated 
     Appropriations Act, 2018.
                                 ______
                                 

   DIVISION H--DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND 
        EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018

       In implementing this agreement, the Departments and 
     agencies should be guided by the language and instructions 
     set forth in House Report 115-244 and Senate Report 115-150. 
     In either such report, any reference to the fiscal year 2019 
     budget request or congressional justification shall be 
     applied to the fiscal year 2020 Justification of Estimates 
     for the Committees on Appropriations.
       Where the explanatory statement speaks to an issue that was 
     addressed in the House or Senate reports, the explanatory 
     statement should supersede the language in the House or 
     Senate reports. In cases where the House Report and the 
     Senate Report address a particular issue not specifically 
     cited in the explanatory statement, the House Report and the 
     Senate Report should be complied with and carry the same 
     emphasis as the language included in the explanatory 
     statement. In providing the operating plan required by 
     section 516 of this Act, the Departments and agencies funded 
     in this Act are directed to include all programs, projects, 
     and activities, including those in House Report 115-244, 
     Senate Report 115-150, and this explanatory statement. All 
     such programs, projects, and activities are subject to the 
     provisions of this Act.
       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. Funds for individual 
     programs and activities 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. 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 of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate.
       Congressional Reports.--Each Department and agency is 
     directed to provide the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House of Representatives and the Senate, within 30 days of 
     enactment of this Act and quarterly thereafter, a summary 
     describing each requested report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations along with its status.

                                TITLE I

                          DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

                 Employment and Training Administration

                    Training and Employment Services

       Apprenticeship Grants.--The agreement includes $145,000,000 
     to support Apprenticeship Grants, an increase of $50,000,000 
     above fiscal year 2017, to expand support for the 
     apprenticeship program that the was created in fiscal year 
     2016. The Department is directed to submit a report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate providing detail on entities awarded funding, 
     selection criteria used, and the funding amount for each 
     grant or contract awarded at the time such awards are made. 
     Not later than September 30, 2018, the Department shall 
     provide the Committees on Appropriations a detailed spend 
     plan of anticipated uses of funds made available, including 
     estimated administrative costs.

                               Job Corps

       The Department has taken steps over the past several years 
     to close selected Job Corps centers based on performance 
     metrics and other factors. The Department is urged to utilize 
     any savings realized by such center closures within the year 
     to enhance instruction, technology, course offerings, and 
     safety at other centers, and conduct additional activities 
     that improve program quality for participants. The Department 
     should also support and incentivize center operators to build 
     and enhance partnerships between centers and other training 
     sites to enhance opportunity and work experiences for 
     students in underserved rural or remote communities as well 
     as in urban settings. Such partnerships should use student-
     focused industry-backed curricula, prepare students for 
     employment in high-demand fields, offer students the 
     opportunity to take coursework leading to college credit, and 
     demonstrate strong employer partnerships within the region in 
     which the center is located.

     State Unemployment Insurance and Employment Service Operations

       The agreement includes $9,000,000 for the UI Center of 
     Excellence (Center), an increase of $3,500,000 above the 
     fiscal year 2017 level. The agreement directs that $6,000,000 
     be provided for the benefit of States to the entity operating 
     the Center. The Department is directed to focus increased 
     funding on proven strategies and continue to test innovative 
     approaches to reducing improper payments in the UI system. 
     The Center is encouraged to continue its work to address 
     improper payments in the UI programs and, with the support of 
     the Department of Labor, to strongly urge States to adopt 
     best practices to identify and prevent improper payments 
     before they occur.

             Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs

       The agreement includes $103,476,000 for the Office of 
     Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and directs the 
     Department to maintain all responsibilities and functions of 
     the OFCCP at the Department of Labor. No funds are provided 
     in this agreement to undertake any activities to prepare for 
     or facilitate the transfer of OFCCP's functions to another 
     Federal agency.

          Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

       The agreement includes a new capacity-building set-aside 
     within the Susan Harwood training grant program. OSHA is 
     directed to work with grantees under this subsection of the 
     program to develop and implement a plan to achieve self-
     sufficiency as required by the cited, previous application 
     notice. Nothing in this provision should be construed to 
     prohibit periodic recompetition of grants.

                        Departmental Management

       The Department is directed to submit a report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate upon closing of the Treasure Island sale. The 
     report should provide detail on the terms of the transaction 
     including, but not limited to, the exchange of land for 
     construction, the buildings and facilities to be constructed 
     for the benefit of the Treasure Island Job Corps Center, and 
     any residual exchange of funds or services to be rendered as 
     part of the final agreement. The report should also state the

[[Page H2698]]

     total amount of funding, if any, that was transferred to Job 
     Corps to be used for future operations as authorized.
       Technical Assistance.--The Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate (Committees) have 
     long relied on the budget office at the Department to 
     facilitate requests for legal and technical information that 
     is not covered by a legitimate claim of privilege. The 
     agreement expects that all technical assistance requests be 
     dealt with in a manner that is consistent with past 
     precedent, including timely answers that respond to any 
     specific inquiries related to obligation and expenditures of 
     appropriations. In addition, the Department is directed to 
     provide the Committees with the number of full time 
     equivalent employees by principal office and appropriations 
     account not later than 30 days after the end of each quarter.

                    Veterans Employment and Training

       The agreement includes new language authorizing the 
     collection and use of fees for the Honoring Investments in 
     Recruiting and Employing (HIRE) Vets Medallion Award program 
     as intended by the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and 
     Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 (HIRE Vets 
     Act).

                           General Provisions

       The agreement modifies a provision related to the 
     Secretary's transfer authority.
       The agreement modifies a provision related to the 
     rescission of funds.
       The agreement includes a new provision related to excess 
     property.
       The agreement includes a new provision related to the use 
     of IT funds by a consortia of States.
       The agreement includes a new provision related to the HIRE 
     Vets Medallion Award program.
       The agreement includes a new provision related to Job Corps 
     property.
       The agreement includes a new provision related to the 
     Secretary's security detail.

                                TITLE II

                DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

              Health Resources and Services Administration


                          primary health care

       Of the available funding for fiscal year 2018, bill 
     language directs that not less than $200,000,000 shall be for 
     making supplemental awards to improve the quality of care 
     under section 330(d) of the Public Health Service Act to 
     expand and improve access to quality mental health and 
     substance use disorder prevention and treatment services 
     nationwide.
       The agreement supports funding for technical assistance 
     available for health centers through National and State 
     cooperative agreements and grants. These resources are 
     critical to the successful operation of the Health Centers 
     program, and ensure Federal funds invested in care delivery 
     are fully utilized and effectively deployed. The agreement 
     supports enhanced technical assistance and training 
     activities provided through primary care associations and 
     National cooperative organizations, and ongoing support for 
     health center-controlled networks.
       Native Hawaiian Health Care.--The agreement provides not 
     less than $17,500,000 for the Native Hawaiian Health Care 
     Program.


                            health workforce

       Advanced Education Nursing.  The agreement provides an 
     increase of $8,000,000 to award grants for the clinical 
     training of sexual assault nurse examiners to administer 
     medical forensic examinations and treatments to victims of 
     sexual assault in hospitals, health centers, and other 
     emergency health care service provider settings referenced in 
     Senate Report 115-150.
       Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training.--The 
     agreement provides an increase of $25,000,000 to expand the 
     mental health and substance abuse workforce, including, but 
     not limited to, master's level social workers, psychologists, 
     counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychiatric 
     mental health nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, 
     psychology doctoral interns, and behavioral health 
     paraprofessionals.
       Mental and Behavioral Health Education Training.--The 
     agreement provides an increase of $27,000,000 to recruit and 
     train professionals and faculty in the fields of social work, 
     psychology, psychiatry, marriage and family therapy, 
     substance abuse prevention and treatment, and other areas of 
     mental and behavioral health.
       National Health Service Corps.--The agreement provides an 
     increase of $105,000,000 to expand and improve access to 
     quality opioid and substance use disorder treatment in rural 
     and underserved areas nationwide. The agreement expands 
     eligibility for loan repayment awards through the National 
     Health Service Corps to include substance use disorder 
     counselors, which will support the recruitment and retention 
     of health professionals needed in underserved areas to 
     provide evidence-based substance abuse treatment and prevent 
     overdose deaths. Of the amount provided, the agreement 
     directs that $30,000,000 shall be available for the new Rural 
     Communities Opioid Response initiative within the Office of 
     Rural Health.
       Nursing Workforce Development.--The agreement recognizes 
     that the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention 
     Program's Veteran's Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing has 
     been important to helping our Nation's veterans progress and 
     graduate with a degree. The agreement supports this effort 
     and directs HRSA to continue to fund this program in fiscal 
     year 2018. The agreement also directs HRSA to ensure that 
     nothing would prevent current grantees from applying to a re-
     competition.
       Oral Health Training.--The agreement includes not less than 
     $10,000,000 for General Dentistry Programs and not less than 
     $10,000,000 for Pediatric Dentistry Programs. The agreement 
     includes not less than $2,000,000 for the Dental Faculty Loan 
     Repayment Program authorized under section 748 of the Public 
     Health Service Act. For the Dental Faculty Loan Repayment 
     Program, the agreement directs HRSA to provide continuation 
     funding for grants initially awarded in fiscal years 2016 and 
     2017, and issue a new funding opportunity announcement with 
     the new funding.
       Primary Care Training and Enhancement.--The agreement 
     directs HRSA to ensure that not less than 15 percent of funds 
     provided for this program are used to support training of 
     physician assistants. The agreement also urges the 
     integration of evidence-based trainings for health 
     professionals to screen, access, intervene, and refer 
     patients to specialized treatment for the severe mental 
     illness of eating disorders as authorized under section 13006 
     of the 21st Century Cures Act (P.L. 114-255).


                       maternal and child health

       Autism and Other Developmental Disorders.--The agreement 
     provides $49,099,000 for the Autism and Other Developmental 
     Disorders program and directs not less than $32,000,000 for 
     the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related 
     Disabilities (LEND) program. The increase will help the LEND 
     program initiate or expand work in the area of 
     interdisciplinary leadership training to meet the needs of 
     children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and related 
     developmental disabilities.
       Children's Health and Development.--The agreement provides 
     $3,500,000 within Special Projects of Regional and National 
     Significance (SPRANS) for the HRSA funded study focused on 
     improving child health through a statewide system of early 
     childhood developmental screenings and interventions. This 
     funding shall be used to extend the currently funded project 
     for another year.
       Heritable Disorders Program.--The agreement provides 
     $15,883,000 for the Heritable Disorders Program, of which 
     $2,000,000 is provided for newborn screening for Severe 
     Combined Immune Deficiency and related disorders.
       Infant-Toddler Court Teams.--The agreement includes 
     $3,000,000 within the total provided for SPRANS for a 
     contract or cooperative agreement to provide ongoing training 
     and technical assistance, implementation support, and 
     evaluation research to support research-based Infant-Toddler 
     Court Teams. These efforts shall use the science of early 
     childhood development to build upon the technical assistance 
     and direct support of sites established through the Quality 
     Improvement Center for Research-Based Infant-Toddler Court 
     Teams initiative, integrating courts and community services 
     to strengthen early childhood systems and change child 
     welfare practices to improve infant-toddler wellbeing.
       Pediatric Mental Health Care Access.--The agreement 
     includes $10,000,000 to expand access to behavioral health 
     services in pediatric primary care by supporting the 
     development of pediatric mental health care telehealth access 
     programs.
       Prenatal Screening Working Group.--The agreement requests 
     the report described under this heading in House Report 115-
     244 within 180 days of enactment of this Act.
       Screening and Treatment for Maternal Depression.--The 
     agreement provides $5,000,000 for the Screening and Treatment 
     for Maternal Depression program as authorized in section 
     10005 of the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114-255). 
     HRSA is directed to make grants to States to establish, 
     improve, or maintain programs to train professionals to 
     screen, assess, and treat for maternal depression in women 
     who are pregnant or who have given birth within the preceding 
     12 months.


                          HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS

       Hansen's Disease.--The agreement includes $13,706,000 for 
     the National Hansen's Disease program and directs HRSA to 
     continue funding Ambulatory Care Centers by aligning 
     resources with the levels of care that Hansen's disease 
     patients need.
       Organ Donation.--HRSA is directed to submit a report on 
     organ donation within 180 days of enactment of this Act that 
     satisfies the requirements included in House Report 115-244 
     and Senate Report 115-150.


                              RURAL HEALTH

       Black Lung Clinics.--The agreement funds Black Lung Clinics 
     at the fully authorized level of $10,000,000, an increase of 
     $2,734,000 over fiscal year 2017. This funding supports 
     services to assist disabled coal miners with medical, 
     educational, and benefits counseling.
       Delta States Rural Development Network Grant Program.--The 
     agreement provides an additional $4,000,000 for continuation 
     of the Delta Regional Authority's (DRA) program to help small 
     rural hospitals improve their financial and operational 
     performance. Of this amount, not more than $500,000 shall be 
     for telehealth equipment and financial systems enhancement 
     for participating hospitals. Of this amount, not less than 
     $750,000

[[Page H2699]]

     shall be dedicated to subcontracts with entities 
     headquartered in the DRA region with expertise in rural 
     hospital finance and telemedicine.
       Rural Communities Opioids Response.--The agreement provides 
     $100,000,000 for a Rural Communities Opioids Response to 
     support treatment for and prevention of substance use 
     disorder, with a focus on the 220 counties identified by the 
     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as being at risk, 
     and other rural communities at the highest risk for substance 
     use disorder. This initiative would include improving access 
     to and recruitment of new substance use disorder providers; 
     building sustainable treatment resources, increasing use of 
     telehealth; establishing cross-sector community partnerships, 
     and implementing new models of care, including integrated 
     behavioral health; and technical assistance. HRSA may also 
     use funds for loan repayment through the National Health 
     Service Corps. Activities should incorporate robust evidence-
     based interventions or promising practice models in community 
     education and workforce training, capacity building and 
     sustainability strategies and facilitate linkage of 
     prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Within the 
     funds provided to Health Workforce for the National Health 
     Service Corps, the agreement directs up to $30,000,000 in 
     addition to the funding in Rural Health for the Rural 
     Communities Opioid Response initiative.
       Rural Health Outreach.--The agreement provides not less 
     than $8,000,000 for Outreach Service Grants; not more than 
     $15,100,000 for Rural Network Development Grants; not less 
     than $14,000,000 for Delta States Network Grant Program; not 
     less than $2,000,000 for Network Planning Grants; and not 
     more than $6,200,000 for Small Healthcare Provider Quality 
     Improvement Grants.
       Rural Residency Program.--The agreement provides 
     $15,000,000 for a new Rural Residency Program to expand the 
     number of rural residency training programs with a focus on 
     developing programs that are sustainable beyond Federal 
     funding. The funds will support planning and development 
     costs accrued while achieving program accreditation through 
     the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The 
     agreement encourages HRSA to support rural hospitals, medical 
     schools, and community-based ambulatory settings with rural 
     designation along with a consortia of urban and rural 
     partnerships.
       Telehealth Centers of Excellence (COE).--Within the funds 
     provided for the Office for Advancement of Telehealth 
     activities, the agreement includes $4,000,000 for a second 
     year of funding for the Telehealth COE program. Of this 
     amount, not less than $1,000,000 shall be used to research, 
     provide healthcare outcomes, and develop best practices for 
     the delivery of mental and behavioral health care via 
     telehealth, consistent with the Secretary's priorities. The 
     agreement directs HRSA to divide the remaining $3,000,000 
     evenly between the two centers, which are responsible for 
     testing the efficacy of telehealth services in various sites 
     and models, providing research and coordination efforts 
     across the Federal government, developing best practices for 
     telehealth, collecting data, and providing relevant 
     telehealth training.

               Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

       The agreement includes $8,301,166,000 in total program 
     level funding for the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention (CDC), which includes $7,260,266,000 in 
     discretionary budget authority, $800,900,000 in transfers 
     from the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPH Fund), and 
     $240,000,000 in transfers from the Nonrecurring Expenses 
     Fund.


                 immunization and respiratory diseases

       The agreement includes a total of $798,405,000 for 
     Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, which includes 
     $474,055,000 in discretionary appropriations and $324,350,000 
     in transfers from the PPH Fund. Within this total, the 
     agreement includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2018
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 317 Immunization Program.....................       $610,847,000
Influenza Planning and Response......................        187,558,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     hiv/aids, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases and 
                        tuberculosis prevention

       The agreement includes $1,127,278,000 for HIV/AIDS, Viral 
     Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Tuberculosis 
     Prevention. Within this total, the agreement includes the 
     following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2018
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic HIV/AIDS Prevention and Research............       $788,712,000
    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....................................         33,081,000
Viral Hepatitis......................................         39,000,000
Sexually Transmitted Infections......................        157,310,000
Tuberculosis.........................................        142,256,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

               emerging and zoonotic infectious diseases

       The agreement includes $614,572,000 for Emerging and 
     Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, which includes $562,572,000 in 
     discretionary appropriations and $52,000,000 in transfers 
     from the PPH Fund. Within this total, the agreement includes 
     the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2018
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antibiotic Resistance Initiative.....................       $168,000,000
Lab Safety and Quality...............................          8,000,000
Vector-borne Diseases................................         38,603,000
Lyme Disease.........................................         10,700,000
Prion Disease........................................          6,000,000
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.............................          5,400,000
Emerging Infectious Diseases.........................        155,457,000
All Other Infectious Diseases........................         29,840,000
Food Safety..........................................         58,000,000
National Healthcare Safety Network...................         21,000,000
Quarantine...........................................         31,572,000
Advanced Molecular Detection.........................         30,000,000
Epidemiology and Lab Capacity program................         40,000,000
Healthcare-Associated Infections.....................         12,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

            chronic disease prevention and health promotion

       The agreement includes $1,162,896,000 for Chronic Disease 
     Prevention and Health Promotion, which includes $915,346,000 
     in discretionary appropriations and $247,550,000 in transfers 
     from the PPH Fund. Within this total, the agreement includes 
     the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Budget Activity                     FY 2018 Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tobacco..............................................       $210,000,000
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity.............         54,920,000
    High Obesity Rate Counties.......................         15,000,000
School Health........................................         15,400,000
Health Promotion.....................................         18,000,000
    Glaucoma.........................................          4,000,000
    Visual Screening Education.......................          1,000,000
    Alzheimer's Disease..............................          4,500,000
    Inflammatory Bowel Disease.......................          1,000,000
    Interstitial Cystitis............................          1,000,000
    Excessive Alcohol Use............................          4,000,000
    Chronic Kidney Disease...........................          2,500,000
Prevention Research Centers..........................         25,461,000
Heart Disease and Stroke.............................        140,062,000
Diabetes.............................................        148,129,000
National Diabetes Prevention Program.................         25,300,000
Cancer Prevention and Control........................        367,674,000
    Breast and Cervical Cancer.......................        218,000,000
        WISEWOMAN....................................         21,120,000
    Breast Cancer Awareness for Young Women..........          4,960,000
    Cancer Registries................................         49,440,000
    Colorectal Cancer................................         43,294,000
    Comprehensive Cancer.............................         19,675,000
    Johanna's Law....................................          7,000,000
    Ovarian Cancer...................................          9,500,000
    Prostate Cancer..................................         13,205,000
    Skin Cancer......................................          2,125,000
    Cancer Survivorship Resource Center..............            475,000
Oral Health..........................................         19,000,000
Safe Motherhood/Infant Health........................         46,000,000
    Preterm Birth....................................          2,000,000
Arthritis............................................         11,000,000
Epilepsy.............................................          8,500,000
National Lupus Patient Registry......................          6,500,000
Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health              50,950,000
 (REACH).............................................
    Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country.......         16,000,000
Million Hearts.......................................          4,000,000
National Early Child Care Collaboratives.............          4,000,000
Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding....................          8,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       High Obesity Counties.--The agreement provides $15,000,000, 
     an increase of $5,000,000, to address obesity in counties. 
     The agreement reiterates the language provided in Senate 
     Report 155-150 and directs CDC to leverage the community 
     extension services provided by land grant universities who 
     are mandated to translate science into practical action and 
     promote healthy lifestyles.
       Safe Motherhood and Infant Health.--The agreement includes 
     funding at the fiscal year 2017 level for the teen pregnancy 
     prevention cooperative agreement.
       Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH).--
     The agreement includes $50,950,000 for the REACH program. 
     Within the total amount, $34,950,000 is provided for the 
     second year of a five-year cooperative agreement for 
     community programs and $16,000,000 is for Good Health and 
     Wellness in Indian Country, as described in House Report 115-
     244.


              birth defects and developmental disabilities

       The agreement includes $140,560,000 for Birth Defects and 
     Developmental Disabilities. Within the total for Birth 
     Defects and Developmental Disabilities, the agreement 
     includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               FY 2018
                      Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Child Health and Development...............................  $65,800,000
    Birth Defects..........................................   19,000,000
    Fetal Death............................................      900,000
    Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.................................   11,000,000
    Folic Acid.............................................    3,150,000
    Infant Health..........................................    8,650,000
    Autism.................................................   23,100,000
Health and Development for People with Disabilities........   59,660,000
    Disability & Health....................................   27,000,000
    Tourette Syndrome......................................    2,000,000
    Early Hearing Detection and Intervention...............   10,760,000
    Muscular Dystrophy.....................................    6,000,000
    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder...............    1,900,000
    Fragile X..............................................    2,000,000
    Spina Bifida...........................................    6,000,000
    Congenital Heart Failure...............................    4,000,000
Public Health Approach to Blood Disorders..................    4,400,000
Hemophilia CDC Activities..................................    3,500,000
Hemophilia Treatment Centers...............................    5,100,000
Thalassemia................................................    2,100,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       National Centers on Disability.--The agreement includes 
     $8,500,000 to continue to strengthen existing programs that 
     address healthy athletes and an additional $2,500,000 to 
     continue to strengthen existing activities that improve 
     physical activity and health promotion for people with 
     mobility disabilities.
       Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) Pilot.--The 
     agreement includes $100,000 within the Hemophilia Treatment 
     Centers line to support the second year of a two-year pilot 
     program that enables up to three existing Federally-funded 
     Hemophilia Treatment Centers across the country to serve as 
     specialty centers for the evaluation and management of HHT.


                   PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENTIFIC SERVICES

       The agreement includes a total of $490,397,000 for Public 
     Health Scientific Services. Within the total for Public 
     Health Scientific Services, the agreement includes the 
     following amounts:

[[Page H2700]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Budget Activity                     FY 2018 Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Statistics....................................       $160,397,000
Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Informatics..........        279,000,000
    Lab Training.....................................          5,000,000
Public Health Workforce..............................         51,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

       The agreement includes $205,750,000 for Environmental 
     Health programs, which includes $188,750,000 in discretionary 
     appropriations, and $17,000,000 in transfers from the PPH 
     Fund. The agreement provides support for CDC's environmental 
     health research, evaluation, and surveillance activities. 
     These activities are intended to be complementary to the 
     biomedical research conducted at the National Institute of 
     Environmental Health Sciences. Within this total, the 
     agreement includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Budget Activity                     FY 2018 Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Environmental Health Laboratory......................        $63,150,000
    Other Environmental Health (Biomonitoring/Chronic         48,500,000
     Disease Biomarkers).............................
    Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program......         13,400,000
    Newborn Screening/Severe Combined Immuno-                  1,250,000
     deficiency Diseases.............................
Environmental Health Activities......................         44,600,000
    Safe Water.......................................          8,600,000
    Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry...........         10,000,000
    Climate Change...................................         10,000,000
    All Other Environmental Health...................         16,000,000
Environmental and Health Outcome Tracking Network....         34,000,000
Asthma...............................................         29,000,000
Childhood Lead Poisoning.............................         35,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Harmonization of Lab Results.--The agreement recognizes 
     that certain clinical laboratory tests need harmonization to 
     ensure that accurate results are available for correct 
     patient care. The agreement provides $2,000,000 to the 
     Environmental Health Laboratory to improve the quality and 
     reliability of diagnostic tests for hormones such as thyroid 
     stimulating hormone, testosterone, and estrogen.


                     INJURY PREVENTION AND CONTROL

       The agreement includes $648,559,000 for Injury Prevention 
     and Control activities. Within this total, the agreement 
     includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Budget Activity                     FY 2018 Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intentional Injury...................................       $102,730,000
    Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence............         32,700,000
        Child Maltreatment...........................          7,250,000
    Youth Violence Prevention........................         15,100,000
    Domestic Violence Community Projects.............          5,500,000
    Rape Prevention..................................         49,430,000
National Violent Death Reporting System..............         23,500,000
Unintentional Injury.................................          8,800,000
    Traumatic Brain Injury...........................          6,750,000
    Elderly Falls....................................          2,050,000
Injury Prevention Activities.........................         28,950,000
Opioid Overdose Prevention and Surveillance..........        475,579,000
Injury Control Research Centers......................          9,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       While appropriations language prohibits the CDC and other 
     agencies from using appropriated funding to advocate or 
     promote gun control, the Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services has stated the CDC has the authority to conduct 
     research on the causes of gun violence.
       National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS).--The 
     agreement includes an increase in funding to expand the NVDRS 
     to all 50 States and the District of Columbia, which will 
     allow researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to get a 
     more complete understanding of violent deaths in the United 
     States.
       Opioid Prescription Drug Overdose (PDO) Prevention 
     Activity.--The agreement includes $475,579,000, an increase 
     of $350,000,000 and reflects continued strong support of CDC 
     PDO activities. As such, it reiterates support for the 
     interconnected language in both the House and the Senate 
     reports on this issue. CDC shall use the provided funds to 
     advance the understanding of the opioid overdose epidemic and 
     scale up prevention activities across all 50 States and 
     Washington, D.C. The agreement expects that this will include 
     the expansion of case-level syndromic surveillance data, 
     improvements of interventions that monitor prescribing and 
     dispensing practices, better timeliness and quality of 
     morbidity and mortality data, as well as the enhancement of 
     efforts with medical examiners and coroner offices. CDC shall 
     promote the use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs 
     (PDMPs), including implementation of activities described in 
     the National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting 
     Act of 2005 as amended by the Comprehensive Addiction and 
     Recovery Act of 2016. This shall include continuing to expand 
     efforts to enhance the utility of PDMPs in States and 
     communities, making them more interconnected, real-time, and 
     usable for public health surveillance and clinical decision 
     making. CDC shall also promote alternative surveillance 
     programs for States and communities that do not have a PDMP. 
     CDC is encouraged to work with the Office of the National 
     Coordinator for Health Information Technology to enhance the 
     integration of PDMPs and electronic health records. Finally, 
     CDC shall use $10,000,000 of the funds provided to conduct an 
     opioid nationwide awareness and education campaign.


         NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

       The agreement includes a total of $335,200,000 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 2018
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Occupational Research Agenda................       $116,000,000
    Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing...................         25,500,000
Education and Research Centers.......................         29,000,000
Personal Protective Technology.......................         20,000,000
Mining Research......................................         59,500,000
National Mesothelioma Registry and Tissue Bank.......          1,100,000
Other Occupational Safety and Health Research........        109,600,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Total Worker Health.--The agreement provides funding in the 
     Other Occupational Safety and Health Research line to 
     continue to support the Total Worker Health program at not 
     less than the fiscal year 2017 level.


                             GLOBAL HEALTH

       The agreement includes $488,621,000 for Global Health 
     activities. Within this total, the agreement includes the 
     following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            FY 2018
                   Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global AIDS Program..................................       $128,421,000
Global Immunization Program..........................        226,000,000
    Polio Eradication................................        176,000,000
    Measles and Other Vaccine Preventable Diseases...         50,000,000
Parasitic Diseases/Malaria...........................         26,000,000
Global Public Health Protection......................        108,200,000
    Global Disease Detection and Emergency Response..         98,400,000
    Global Public Health Capacity....................          9,800,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Global Health Security Strategy.--The agreement reiterates 
     strong support for the Global Health Security (GHS) strategy 
     and notes that funding provided in the Ebola supplemental 
     will expire at the end of fiscal year 2019. The agreement 
     provides an additional $50,000,000 with three-year 
     availability which will help CDC sustain its GHS work in 
     other countries. Not later than 180 days after enactment of 
     this Act, the Senior Director for Global Health Security and 
     Biothreats at the National Security Council, in coordination 
     with the Secretary of State, the United States Agency for 
     International Development Administrator, the Director of the 
     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Secretary of 
     Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Defense, the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of the 
     Office of Management and Budget, shall submit to the 
     appropriate Congressional committees a comprehensive inter-
     agency strategy to accelerate the capabilities of targeted 
     countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious 
     disease outbreaks. The strategy shall: (i) detail the role 
     and responsibility of each relevant agency of the United 
     States Government in implementing the strategy; (ii) include 
     multi-year cost estimates for operations and programs 
     necessary to implement such strategy, disaggregated by 
     agency; (iii) describe the mechanisms for coordination and 
     oversight of such programs; (iv) review lessons-learned from 
     previous efforts to promote global health security; and (v) 
     identify any obstacles to the implementation of such strategy 
     in policy or legislation, and include specific 
     recommendations for addressing such obstacles.
       Global Disease Detection.--Within the total for Global 
     Disease Detection and Emergency Response, the agreement 
     includes $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2018 to provide continued 
     support for existing longitudinal, population-based 
     infectious disease surveillance platforms that enable 
     comparative analysis between urban and rural populations in 
     the developing world.
       Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH).--The agreement includes 
     $1,500,000 for surveillance, source remediation, and clinical 
     care aimed at reducing STH as described in Senate Report 115-
     150.


                PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

       The agreement includes $1,450,000,000 for public health 
     preparedness and response activities. Within the total for 
     Public Health Preparedness and Response, the agreement 
     includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Budget Activity                     FY 2018 Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative            $670,000,000
 Agreements..........................................
Academic Centers for Public Health Preparedness......          8,200,000
CDC Preparedness and Response........................        161,800,000
    BioSense.........................................         23,000,000
    All Other CDC Preparedness.......................        138,800,000
Strategic National Stockpile.........................        610,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).--The agreement 
     appreciates the Secretary's efforts to improve the efficiency 
     of the Department's public health preparedness and response 
     programs and looks forward to considering and evaluating the 
     Department's proposal to shift the funding and oversight of 
     the SNS from CDC to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness 
     and Response (ASPR), as submitted in the fiscal year 2019 
     budget request. The Committees note that CDC has unique 
     expertise in public health preparedness and response, 
     science-based policy and decision making, public health 
     communications, and coordination with State and local 
     partners. Should the proposed move be implemented, the 
     Secretary is strongly urged to maintain a strong and central 
     role for CDC in the medical countermeasures enterprise.


                        BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

       The agreement includes $510,000,000 for Buildings and 
     Facilities. Within this amount, the agreement includes 
     $480,000,000 for construction of a new Biosafety Level 4 lab, 
     of which $240,000,000 shall be transferred from the 
     Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.


                          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 in transfers from the PPH 
     Fund. Within this total, the agreement includes the following 
     amounts:

[[Page H2701]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Budget Activity                     FY 2018 Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preventative Health and Health Services
Block Grant..........................................       $160,000,000
Public Health Leadership and Support.................        113,570,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     National Institutes of Health

       The agreement provides $37,084,000,000 for the National 
     Institutes of Health (NIH), including $496,000,000 from the 
     21st Century Cures Act (P.L. 114-255), an increase of 
     $3,000,000,000, or 8.8 percent, above fiscal year 2017.
       The agreement continues the commitment to funding research 
     on Alzheimer's disease and increases funding by $414,000,000 
     to a total of $1,828,000,000 in fiscal year 2018; increases 
     funding for the All of Us precision medicine initiative by 
     $60,000,000; increases funding for the Brain Research through 
     Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative by 
     $140,000,000; increases funding for regenerative medicine by 
     $8,000,000; increases funding for antibiotic resistance 
     research by $50,000,000; and increases funding for the 
     development of a universal influenza vaccine by $40,000,000. 
     In addition, the agreement includes $500,000,000 for targeted 
     research on opioid addiction within the National Institute of 
     Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National 
     Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and encourages NIDA to commit 
     additional funding to this effort from within its base 
     budget. It also includes a new initiative to expand research 
     into Down syndrome. In addition, a funding increase above 
     fiscal year 2017 is provided to every Institute and Center to 
     continue investments in research that will save lives, lead 
     to new drug and device development, reduce health care costs, 
     and improve the lives of all Americans.
       The agreement appropriates funds authorized in the 21st 
     Century Cures Act (P.L. 114-255). Per the authorization, 
     $300,000,000 is transferred to the National Cancer Institute 
     for cancer research; $43,000,000 to NINDS and $43,000,000 to 
     the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) for the BRAIN 
     Initiative; and $110,000,000 will be allocated from the NIH 
     Innovation Fund, in this agreement reflected in the Office of 
     the Director, for the Precision Medicine Initiative cohort 
     ($100,000,000) and regenerative medicine research 
     ($10,000,000).
       The agreement increases funding for Clinical and 
     Translational Science Awards to $542,771,000; increases 
     funding for Institutional Development Awards to $350,575,000; 
     and continues to support the National Children's Study 
     Follow-on program at $165,000,000.
       The Common Fund is supported as a set-aside within the 
     Office of the Director at $588,116,000, plus an additional 
     $12,600,000 to support pediatric research as authorized by 
     the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act (P.L. 113-94).
       The agreement expects the 8.8 percent increase of funds 
     over the fiscal year 2017 level to support an increase in the 
     number of new and competing Research Project Grants.
       The agreement expects that NIH will continue its focus on 
     emerging investigators and first-time renewals of these young 
     investigators with actions to significantly reduce the 
     average age of an NIH-supported new investigator.
       The agreement expects NIH to support an increase in the 
     number of Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service 
     Awards and to provide a stipend level and inflationary 
     increase to grantees that is at least consistent with the 
     fiscal year 2018 Federal employee pay raise.


                    NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI)

       Heavy Ion Cancer Therapy and Research.--The agreement 
     supports NIH's continued exploration of advanced therapeutic 
     cancer research, specifically heavy ion irradiation 
     technology. Heavy ion technology will introduce a novel 
     treatment option to cancer patients that is currently not 
     available in the U.S. The agreement notes that the U.S. 
     stands to be a world leader in this advanced research. The 
     agreement encourages NIH to explore further the development 
     of a state of the art heavy ion research facility in the U.S. 
     Furthermore, the agreement encourages NIH to work with the 
     Departments of Defense and Energy, and other applicable 
     Federal agencies to equip the first U.S. heavy ion research 
     center. The agreement urges NIH to capitalize on the 
     expertise and potential of recently awarded heavy ion 
     facility planning grant recipients in order to foster a 
     multidisciplinary approach and advance heavy ion research 
     that would produce novel, cutting edge treatments for cancer 
     patients.


   NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES 
                                (NIDDK)

       National Commission on Digestive Diseases.--The agreement 
     requests an update on the implementation and recommendations 
     of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases report 
     entitled ``Opportunities & Challenges in Digestive 
     Diseases''' in the fiscal year 2020 Congressional 
     Justification.


    NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE (NINDS)

       Opioids Research.--The agreement includes $250,000,000 for 
     targeted research related to opioid addiction, development of 
     opioid alternatives, pain management, and addiction 
     treatment.


     NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES (NIAID)

       Universal Influenza Vaccine.--The agreement directs NIAID 
     to allocate not less than $100,000,000 in fiscal year 2018 to 
     advance basic, translational, and clinical research necessary 
     to develop a universal influenza vaccine. To date, 128 
     children have died from influenza this season, and the 
     hospitalization rate this season is among the highest since 
     the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began 
     collecting these data in 2010. In response to the severity of 
     the 2017-2018 influenza season, the agreement encourages 
     NIAID to continue to prioritize investment in the basic and 
     clinical scientific research necessary to develop a universal 
     influenza vaccine.


         NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES (NIGMS)

       Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA).--The agreement 
     expects SEPA to receive not less than $19,498,000, which is 
     the fiscal year 2017 level plus the proportional share of the 
     general increase provided to NIGMS.


  EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN 
                          DEVELOPMENT (NICHD)

       Birth Settings Study.--The agreement notes that rates of 
     home and birth center births continue to rise and there is 
     ongoing need for further study on issues related to the 
     choice of birth setting. Therefore, NICHD is directed to 
     enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences 
     to provide an evidence-based analysis of the complex findings 
     in the research on birth settings, including but not limited 
     to: definitions and assessment of risk factors; access to and 
     choice in birth settings; social determinants that influence 
     risk and outcomes in varying birth settings; financing models 
     for childbirth across settings; and the licensing, training, 
     and accreditation issues impacting professionals providing 
     maternity care across all settings.


     NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN--
                           DISEASES--(NIAMS)

       Dermatology Branch.--The agreement reflects the move of the 
     Dermatology Branch from NCI to NIAMS.


                NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE (NIDA)

       Opioid Research.--The agreement includes $250,000,000 for 
     targeted research related to opioid addiction, development of 
     opioid alternatives, pain management, and addiction 
     treatment. The agreement commends the NIH Director for 
     initiating a Public-Private Partnership to develop new 
     medications to respond to the opioid crisis, but notes, 
     however, that NIH has failed to identify additional funding 
     within the NIH's budget for efforts to address the opioid 
     crisis. Presently, NIDA allocates 15 percent of its annual 
     budget to researching issues related to opioid addiction, 
     arguably one of the greatest public health threats facing the 
     nation today. While a significant improvement compared to 
     previous years, in addition to the new opioid research 
     funding provided by this agreement, NIH is strongly 
     encouraged to explore opportunities for committing additional 
     resources from the significant base funding included in the 
     agreement for NIDA. It is understood that $141,000,000 in 
     expiring grant awards will become available for new competing 
     awards in fiscal year 2018.


  NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON MINORITY HEALTH AND HEALTH DISPARITIES (NIMHD)

       Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMIs).--The 
     agreement continues to support the core mission of RCMIs to 
     develop new investigators from under-represented communities 
     and to conduct world-class biomedical research that 
     emphasizes minority health and health disparities. The 
     agreement expects the RCMIs to receive not less than 
     $61,478,000, which is the fiscal year 2017 level plus the 
     proportional share of the general increase provided to NIMHD.


      NATIONAL CENTER FOR ADVANCING TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCES (NCATS)

       Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program.--
     The bill provides $542,771,000, an increase of $26,651,000, 
     for the CTSA program.-- The agreement continues to support 
     the program, a stabilization in the number of hubs funded, 
     and a five year grant cycle.-- The agreement acknowledges the 
     positive changes made to the program in response to language 
     included in the fiscal year--2018 Senate Report, including 
     the increase in communication and collaboration with the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate.-- The agreement expects the Director to 
     provide quarterly updates to principal investigators of CTSA 
     hubs beginning within 30--days of enactment of this Act and 
     to continue the ongoing updates to the Committees.-- Finally, 
     the agreement expects written notification to continue to be 
     provided to the Committees at least three days in advance of 
     any public release of CTSA grant awards.


                         OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

       Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act.--The agreement 
     continues bill language for specific funds authorized by the 
     Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act--(P.L.--114-255) 
     within the Common Fund to support the fourth year of the 10-
     year Pediatric Research Initiative. The agreement requests an 
     update in the fiscal year 2020 Congressional Justification on 
     this effort as described in the House and Senate Reports.
       Down Syndrome.--The agreement directs the NIH Director to 
     develop a new trans-NIH initiative-involving, at a minimum, 
     NICHD, NIA, and NCI-to study trisomy 21, with the aim of 
     yielding scientific discoveries to improve the health and 
     neurodevelopment of

[[Page H2702]]

     individuals with Down syndrome and typical individuals at 
     risk for Alzheimer's disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, 
     immune system dysregulation, and autism, among others.--This 
     initiative shall bring together research results that will be 
     available to academic researchers, nonprofit organizations, 
     and industry researchers. Funding for this trans-NIH 
     initiative will supplement, not supplant, existing NIH 
     funding levels for Down syndrome research.-- The agreement 
     directs NIH to report to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate within--180 days 
     of enactment of this act on the structure, leadership, and 
     key areas of focus for the new trans-NIH initiative for 
     fiscal years 2018 through 2022.
       Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).--The 
     agreement notes the release of the 2016 2017 Interagency 
     Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) Strategic Plan for 
     Autism Spectrum Disorder and encourages NIH to consider the 
     IACC's recommendations regarding future research related to 
     ASD.
       Clinical Trials Definition.--The agreement appreciates 
     efforts NIH has taken to increase transparency and improve 
     oversight of its clinical trials and recognizes that the 
     results of NIH-funded clinical trials have not always been 
     reported in a timely manner, reducing the potential benefit 
     from the findings. The agreement urges NIH to continue to 
     address this problem through enhanced registration and 
     reporting through ClinicalTrials.gov. There is concern, 
     however, that in addressing this issue, many fundamental 
     research studies involving human participants are being 
     redefined as clinical trials without sufficient notification 
     and consultation with this segment of the research community. 
     Fundamental research is critical to the NIH mission and of 
     value to the public, and there is concern that policy changes 
     could have long-term, unintended consequences for this 
     research, add unnecessary regulatory burdens, and 
     substantially increase the number of studies in the 
     clinicaltrials.gov database that are not clinical trials. For 
     fiscal year 2018, the agreement directs NIH to delay 
     enforcement of the new policy published in the Federal 
     Register on September 21, 2017--including NIH's more 
     expansive interpretation of ``interventions'''--in relation 
     to fundamental research projects involving humans. The new 
     policy should go forward for research projects that would 
     have been considered clinical trials under the prior policy. 
     This delay is intended to provide NIH sufficient time to 
     consult with the basic research community to determine the 
     reporting standards best suited to this kind of research. The 
     agreement directs NIH to provide the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     a plan and schedule for soliciting comments and input from 
     the research community within 30 days of enactment of this 
     act, and brief the Committees on the results of these 
     consultations and next steps by June 22, 2018.
       Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD).--The agreement strongly 
     encourages NIH maintain and expand a multi-site 
     infrastructure and network of clinical sites to extend the 
     study of genetic and sporadic FTD cohorts. By supporting 
     research in this way, we may increase our knowledge of the 
     natural history of the disease by building an infrastructure 
     for biomarker discovery and clinical trials in defined FTD 
     cohorts. A key component of this infrastructure includes 
     support for a bioinformatics framework that will enable broad 
     data sharing with the research community to advance disease 
     modeling, and target and pathway discovery for therapeutic 
     development. The agreement also recommends NIH prepare plans 
     of action to increase research and treatment initiatives as 
     they pertain to all forms of dementia, including challenges 
     faced by those with younger onset and non-amnestic forms of 
     the disease.
       Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH).--The agreement 
     recognizes the continuing importance of the ORWH, and the 
     valuable role it plays in ensuring clinical and basic 
     research accurately reflects the racial, ethnic, age, sex and 
     gender diversity necessary to provide generalizable data on 
     the safety and efficacy of new medical products and the 
     applicability of NIH-funded research to all Americans. It is 
     anticipated that funding for ORWH will be assigned the 
     priority merited by the important mission it advances and 
     reflect growth in the overall NIH budget.

   Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

       The agreement encourages SAMHSA to include as eligible 
     applicants in new funding opportunity announcements, States, 
     political subdivisions of States, Indian tribes or tribal 
     organizations, health facilities, or programs operated by or 
     in accordance with a contract or grant with the Indian Health 
     Service, or other public or private nonprofit organizations. 
     The agreement strongly encourages SAMHSA to exercise maximum 
     flexibility when developing funding opportunity announcements 
     to ensure that all eligible applicants may apply.
       The agreement urges the Assistant Secretary to ensure that 
     all training requirements specified by 21 U.S.C. 
     823(g)(2)(G)(ii)(IV) are meaningfully addressed.


                             MENTAL HEALTH

       Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.--The 
     agreement includes $100,000,000 and directs SAMSHA to 
     prioritize resources to entities within States that are part 
     of the section 223(a) of the Protecting Access to Medicare 
     Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-93) demonstration and to entities 
     within States that were awarded planning grants. SAMHSA is 
     encouraged to coordinate these resources with its efforts on 
     substance use disorders. SAMHSA shall conduct an evaluation 
     of the program and provide a report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     not later than 15 months after the date of enactment of this 
     Act.
       Children's Mental Health Services.--The agreement includes 
     a new 10 percent set-aside for an early intervention 
     demonstration program with persons not more than 25 years of 
     age at clinical high risk of developing a first episode of 
     psychosis. SAMHSA is directed to work with NIMH on the 
     implementation of this set-aside.
       Within the total provided for Mental Health Programs of 
     Regional and National Significance (PRNS), the agreement 
     includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               FY 2018
                      Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity:..................................................
    Seclusion & Restraint..................................   $1,147,000
    Project Aware State Grants.............................   71,001,000
    Mental Health First Aid................................   19,963,000
    Healthy Transitions....................................   25,951,000
    Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health...............    5,000,000
    National Child Traumatic Stress Network................   53,887,000
    Children and Family Programs...........................    7,229,000
    Consumer and Family Network Grants.....................    4,954,000
    Mental Health System Transformation and Health Reform..    3,779,000
    Project LAUNCH.........................................   23,605,000
    Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration.........   49,877,000
    National Strategy for Suicide Prevention...............   11,000,000
        Zero Suicide.......................................    9,000,000
            American Indian and Alaska Native..............    2,000,000
    Suicide Lifeline.......................................    7,198,000
    Garrett Lee Smith--Youth Suicide Prevention--States....   35,427,000
    Garrett Lee Smith--Youth Suicide Prevention--Campus....    6,488,000
    American Indian and Alaskan Native Suicide Prevention      2,931,000
     Initiative............................................
    Homelessness Prevention Programs.......................   30,696,000
    Tribal Behavioral Grants...............................   15,000,000
    Minority AIDS..........................................    9,224,000
    Criminal and Juvenile Justice Programs.................    4,269,000
    Assisted Outpatient Treatment..........................   15,000,000
    Assertive Community Treatment for Individuals with         5,000,000
     Serious Mental Illness................................
Science and Service:.......................................
    Garrett Lee Smith--Suicide Prevention Resource Center..    5,988,000
    Practice Improvement and Training......................    7,828,000
    Primary/Behavioral Health Integration T.A..............    1,991,000
    Consumer & Consumer Support T.A. Centers...............    1,918,000
    Minority Fellowship Program............................    8,059,000
    Disaster Response......................................    1,953,000
    Homelessness...........................................    2,296,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.--The agreement 
     includes $5,000,000 for infant and early childhood mental 
     health promotion, intervention, and treatment as authorized 
     in section 10006 of the 21st Century Cures Act (P.L. 114-
     255).
       Mental Health First Aid.--When SAMHSA issues new 
     competitive funding opportunities, SAMHSA is directed to 
     include as eligible grantees local law enforcement agencies, 
     fire departments, and emergency medical units with a special 
     emphasis on training for crisis de-escalation techniques. 
     SAMHSA is also encouraged to prioritize training for 
     veterans, armed services personnel, and their family members.
       Project AWARE.--The agreement provides $71,000,000, an 
     increase of $14,000,000 for Project AWARE, a program which 
     raises awareness of mental health issues and connects young 
     people experiencing behavioral health issues, as well as 
     their families, with needed services. Of the amount provided 
     for Project AWARE, the agreement provides not less than 
     $10,000,000 for discretionary grants to support efforts in 
     high-crime, high-poverty areas and, in particular, 
     communities that are seeking to address relevant impacts and 
     root causes of civil unrest. These grants should maintain the 
     same focus as fiscal year 2017 grants. The agreement requests 
     a report on progress of fiscal year 2017 grantees 180 days 
     after the enactment of this Act.


                       SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT

       21st Century Cures.--The agreement notes concern that 
     SAMHSA has restricted State's flexibility for addressing the 
     opioid crisis by limiting the amount of funding that can be 
     used for opioid prevention activities. The agreement 
     recommends States be given flexibility within the existing 
     grant program authorized in section 1003(b)(3) of the 21st 
     Century Cures Act (P.L. 114-255) to direct resources in 
     accordance with local needs. The agreement requests a report 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate on such plans and evaluation 
     results available on this program, one year after enactment 
     of this Act.
       State Opioid Response Grants.--The agreement provides 
     $1,000,000,000 in new funding for grants to States to address 
     the opioid crisis. This funding is in addition to the 
     $500,000,000 provided in the 21st Century Cures Act. Bill 
     language provides $50,000,000 for grants to Indian tribes or 
     tribal organizations. In addition, the agreement provides a 
     15 percent set-aside for States with the highest age-adjusted 
     mortality rate related to opioid use disorders. The Assistant 
     Secretary is encouraged to apply a weighted formula within 
     the set-aside based on state ordinal ranking. The agreement 
     urges the Assistant Secretary to ensure the formula avoids a 
     significant cliff between States with similar mortality 
     rates. SAMHSA shall submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     a work plan of the proposed allocation of funds not later 
     than 30 days prior to awarding grants.
       In addition, not later than one year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, SAMHSA

[[Page H2703]]

     shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate that includes a 
     description of the activities for which each State has 
     received funding and the ultimate recipients of the funds 
     provided to States. In addition, SAMHSA shall submit an 
     evaluation of the program not later than two years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act. SAMHSA is directed to make the 
     report and evaluation publicly available on SAMHSA's website.
       National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Review.--Within the 
     total for administration, technical assistance, and 
     evaluation, provided to SAMHSA for the State Opioid Response 
     Grants, the agreement includes $2,000,000 to charter a NAS 
     review within 90 days of enactment of this Act. The NAS 
     review will identify outcomes that are to be achieved by 
     activities authorized in the Comprehensive Addiction and 
     Recovery Act (P.L. 114-198) and the metrics by which the 
     achievement of such outcomes shall be determined, as required 
     by section 701 of such Act. The NAS study should report on 
     the effectiveness of the programs in achieving their 
     respective goals for preventing, treating, and supporting 
     recovery from substance use disorders. The NAS study will 
     result in the public availability of program level data and 
     recommendations to Congress concerning the appropriate 
     allocation of resources to such programs to ensure cost-
     effectiveness in the Federal government's response to the 
     opioid addiction epidemic. It is expected that an interim 
     report will be completed within three years after enactment 
     of this Act, and a final report will be completed within five 
     years after enactment of this Act.
       Within the total provided for Substance Abuse Treatment 
     Programs of Regional and National Significance, the agreement 
     includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Budget Activity                     FY 2018 Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity:
    Opioid Treatment Programs/Regulatory Activities..         $8,724,000
    Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral, and              30,000,000
     Treatment.......................................
        PHS Evaluation Funds.........................          2,000,000
    Targeted Capacity Expansion--General.............         95,192,000
        Medication-Assisted Treatment for                     84,000,000
         Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction......
    Pregnant & Postpartum Women......................         29,931,000
    Building Communities of Recovery.................          5,000,000
    Recovery Community Services Program..............          2,434,000
    Children and Families............................         29,605,000
    Treatment Systems for Homeless...................         36,386,000
    Minority AIDS....................................         65,570,000
    Criminal Justice Activities......................         89,000,000
        Drug Courts..................................          70,000,00
Science and Service:
    Addiction Technology Transfer Centers............          9,046,000
    Minority Fellowship Program......................          4,539,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Medication-Assisted Treatment for Prescription Drug and 
     Opioid Addiction.--The agreement provides $84,000,000 for the 
     Medication-Assisted Treatment for Prescription Drug and 
     Opioid Addiction program. SAMHSA is directed to include as an 
     allowable use medication-assisted treatment and other 
     clinically appropriate services to achieve and maintain 
     abstinence from all opioids and heroin. SAMHSA is directed to 
     give preference in grant awards to treatment regimens that 
     are less susceptible to diversion for illicit purposes. These 
     grants should target States with the highest age adjusted 
     rates of admissions, including those that have demonstrated a 
     dramatic age adjusted increase in admissions for the 
     treatment of opioid use disorders. Within the total, the 
     agreement includes $5,000,000 for grants to Indian tribes, 
     tribal organizations, or consortia.
       Minority Fellowship Program.--With the $1,000,000 increase 
     provided, the agreement directs SAMHSA to provide funding to 
     grantees to develop and implement fellowships in psychology, 
     addiction psychiatry, and addiction medicine with a specific 
     focus in addressing the needs of individuals with substance 
     use disorders.


                       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                     FY 2018 Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity:
    Strategic Prevention Framework/Partnerships for         $119,484,000
     Success.........................................
        Strategic Prevention Framework Rx............         10,000,000
    Grants to Prevent Prescription Drug/Opioid                12,000,000
     Overdose........................................
    First Responder Training.........................         36,000,000
        Rural Set-aside..............................         18,000,000
    Improving Access to Overdose Treatment...........          1,000,000
    Mandatory Drug Testing...........................          4,894,000
    Minority AIDS....................................         41,205,000
    Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking (STOP          7,000,000
     Act)............................................
        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.........
    Tribal Behavioral Health Grants..................         15,000,000
Science and Service:
    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 all funding appropriated explicitly 
     for substance abuse prevention purposes both in the Center 
     for Substance Abuse Prevention's PRNS lines as well as the 
     funding from the 20 percent prevention set-aside in the 
     Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant be used 
     only for bona fide substance abuse prevention programs and 
     not for any other purpose.
       Federal Drug Free Workplace.--The agreement strongly 
     encourages the Secretary to expeditiously produce the 
     technical guidelines for the use of hair testing as a 
     Federally-accepted drug testing method.


                health surveillance and program support

       Within the total provided for health surveillance and 
     program support, the agreement includes the following 
     amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               FY 2018
                      Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Health Surveillance.......................................  $47,258,000
    PHS Evaluation Funds...................................   30,428,000
Program Management.........................................   79,000,000
Performance and Quality Info. Systems......................   10,000,000
Drug Abuse Warning Network.................................   10,000,000
Public Awareness and Support...............................   13,000,000
Behavioral Health Workforce Data...........................    1,000,000
    PHS Evaluation Funds...................................    1,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality


                    healthcare research and quality

       The agreement provides $334,000,000 for the Agency for 
     Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Within the total, the 
     agreement includes the following amounts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               FY 2018
                      Budget Activity                         Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Patient-Centered Health Research..........................           $0
Prevention/Care Management.................................   11,649,000
Health Information Technology (IT).........................   16,500,000
    Health IT to Improve Quality...........................   14,500,000
Patient Safety Research....................................   70,276,000
    Healthcare-Associated Infections Prevention............   36,000,000
        Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria............   10,000,000
    Healthcare Delivery Systems............................   10,000,000
Crosscutting Activities Related to Quality, Effectiveness,    94,284,000
 and Efficiency Research...................................
    Health Services Contract/IAA Research..................   14,000,000
    Investigator-Initiated Research Grants.................   52,933,000
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey...........................   69,991,000
Program Management.........................................   71,300,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Health Services and Primary Care Research.--The agreement 
     includes $1,000,000 within the total for Program Management 
     to contract with an independent entity to study health 
     services and primary care research supported by Federal 
     agencies since fiscal year 2012. This study should identify 
     research gaps and areas for consolidation, as well as propose 
     strategies for better coordination of the Federal health 
     services research enterprise. AHRQ shall provide a report to 
     the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate on the status of this study 
     within one year of enactment of this Act.

            Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)


                           program management

       Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System.--The agreement 
     notes that CMS recently finalized the payment rates under the 
     Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System for calendar year 
     2018. CMS is directed to submit a report within 180 days of 
     enactment of this Act to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate. Such report 
     should include a detailed justification of the payment 
     methodology for Interventional Pain Ambulatory Surgical 
     Centers.
       Assistive Technology.--The agreement encourages CMS to 
     support efforts by State Medicaid programs to partner with 
     State Assistive Technology Act Programs to develop and 
     implement reutilization programs with a goal of containing 
     Medicaid costs.
       Cost Plans.--The agreement supports efforts that ensure 
     beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare Cost Plan subject to a 
     transition in contract year 2019 are either deemed from the 
     Cost Plan to one of its Medicare Advantage plans, seamlessly 
     transitioned to a new Medicare Advantage plan, or 
     transitioned to Medicare Fee-for-Service without disruption 
     to care. The agreement requests the Secretary notify 
     beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Cost Plans as of January 
     1, 2018, if their plan will not be available, and notify 
     beneficiaries of available educational resources not later 
     than June 1, 2018. The agreement requests CMS inform impacted 
     beneficiaries of their coverage options for January 1, 2019, 
     as early as practicable.
       Durable Medical Equipment.--The agreement encourages CMS to 
     promulgate the pending Interim Final Rule entitled ``Durable 
     Medical Equipment Fee Schedule, Adjustments to Resume the 
     Transitional 50/50 Blended Rates to Provide Relief in Non-
     Competitive Bidding Areas.''
       Health Insurance Exchange Transparency.--The agreement 
     continues to include bill language in section 220 that 
     requires CMS to provide cost information for the following 
     categories: Federal Payroll and Other Administrative Costs; 
     Exchange-related Information Technology (IT); Non-IT Program 
     Costs, including Health Plan Benefit and Rate Review, 
     Exchange Oversight, Payment and Financial Management, 
     Eligibility and Enrollment; Consumer Information and 
     Outreach, including the Call Center, Navigator Grants and 
     Consumer Education and Outreach; Exchange Quality Review; 
     Small Business Health Options Program and Employer 
     Activities; and Other Exchange Activities. Cost information 
     should be provided for each fiscal year since the enactment 
     of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-
     148). CMS is also required to include the estimated costs for 
     fiscal year 2019.
       Mental Health Providers.--The agreement is aware that 
     Medicare beneficiaries have limited access to substance use 
     disorder and mental health services, particularly in rural 
     and underserved areas. The agreement notes

[[Page H2704]]

     concern about the shortage of eligible mental health 
     providers for the Medicare population and supports efforts to 
     explore the expansion of the mental and behavioral health 
     workforce.
       Recovery Audit Contractors.--The agreement requests a 
     briefing on the Recovery Audit Contractor program for the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate within 60 days of enactment of this Act.
       Risk Corridor Program.--The agreement continues bill 
     language to prevent the CMS Program Management appropriation 
     account from being used to support risk corridor payments. 
     The agreement directs CMS to provide a report starting with 
     plan year 2014 to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House of Representatives and the Senate detailing the 
     receipts and transfer of payments for this program.
       Telehealth.--The agreement reaffirms the request under this 
     heading in Senate Report 115-150 for a report within one year 
     of enactment of this Act. The agreement directs the 
     Administrator to consult with Telehealth Centers of 
     Excellence and other relevant agencies and stakeholders.

             Administration for Children and Families (ACF)


                   low income home energy assistance

       The agreement includes an increase of $250,000,000 for the 
     Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP 
     provides critical assistance to help low-income households 
     keep up with home energy costs, which is particularly 
     valuable for geographic regions that experience extreme 
     temperatures in the winter and summer months.


                     refugee and entrant assistance

       Refugee Support Services.--The agreement accepts the 
     Administration's proposal to consolidate funding from Social 
     Services, Preventive Health, and Targeted Assistance into 
     Refugee Support Services. The agreement expects activities 
     funded under these three lines in fiscal year 2017 to 
     continue in fiscal year 2018 at the same funding level as 
     fiscal year 2017.
       Transitional and Medical Services.--The agreement provides 
     a funding level consistent with the current estimates of 
     eligible arrivals. The agreement affirms the expectations 
     outlined in Senate Report 115-150, including ACF maintaining 
     the number of months refugees are eligible for benefits.
       Unaccompanied Children.--The agreement directs HHS to 
     provide a joint briefing with the Departments of Homeland 
     Security and State, within 45 days of enactment of this Act, 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate. The briefing should outline 
     the Administration's current and planned policies that impact 
     the resources needed for this program.
       Victims of Trafficking.--The agreement includes $17,000,000 
     for services for foreign national victims and $6,755,000 to 
     improve services available for U.S. citizens and legal 
     permanent residents. Within the total of $23,755,000, the 
     agreement includes $1,750,000 for the National Human 
     Trafficking Hotline program, an increase of $250,000.


   payments to states for the child care and development block grant

       The agreement includes a $2,370,000,000 increase for the 
     Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act. It is 
     expected that this increase will support the full 
     implementation of the CCDBG Act as reauthorized in 2014, 
     including activities to improve the quality and safety of 
     child care programs, increasing provider reimbursement rates, 
     and ensuring health and safety standards are met. The 
     Department should work with States to ensure they are fully 
     in compliance with, and meeting the goals of, the CCDBG Act. 
     Further, the Department should work with States to ensure 
     they are aware of the availability of funds under current law 
     to make minor improvements to facilities to bring them into 
     compliance with health and safety requirements and improve 
     professional development for the child care workforce. 
     Finally, the Department should work with States to ensure 
     they are meeting the needs of families with non-traditional 
     work hours. The funding will also increase access to 
     affordable, high-quality child care to more low-income, 
     working families.


                children and families services programs

       Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Infant 
     Plans of Safe Care.--The agreement provides an increase of 
     $60,000,000 for CAPTA State Grants. Within the increase, the 
     agreement directs States to prioritize infant plans of safe 
     care, including compliance with the requirements in section 
     106(b)(2)(B)(iii) of CAPTA. The incidence of neonatal 
     abstinence syndrome has increased as the opioid crisis has 
     worsened, and this funding is intended to help States improve 
     their response to infants affected by substance use disorder 
     and their families. The agreement also directs HHS to provide 
     the necessary technical assistance, monitoring, and oversight 
     to assist and evaluate State's activities on plans of safe 
     care. The agreement requests an update on those activities in 
     the fiscal year 2020 Congressional Justification.
       Child Abuse Discretionary Activities.--The agreement notes 
     the lack of knowledge regarding effective and appropriate 
     text-based and chat-based intervention and education services 
     for child abuse victims and concerned adults as these new 
     communication channels increase in prevalence. Therefore, the 
     agreement includes $1,000,000 for an extramural grant to 
     develop and expand text and chat capabilities and protocols 
     for a National child abuse hotline to determine best 
     practices in appropriate communication, identity 
     verification, privacy protection, and resource sharing with 
     youth seeking assistance. In awarding the grant, ACF is 
     directed to prioritize ability to coordinate with other 
     hotlines administered by ACF.
       Community Economic Development.--The agreement directs ACF 
     to issue a funding opportunity announcement prioritizing 
     applications from rural areas with high rates of poverty, 
     unemployment, and substance abuse.
       Early Head Start (EHS).--The agreement includes a 
     $115,000,000 increase for Early Head Start Expansion and 
     Early Head Start-Child Care (EHS-CC) Partnership Grants. The 
     agreement directs ACF to continue to equally prioritize EHS 
     Expansion and EHS-CC Partnerships, as determined by the needs 
     of local communities, as done in previous grant competitions 
     for this program. Within the total, the agreement includes a 
     cost of living adjustment of $15,000,000 for existing 
     grantees.
       Head Start.--The agreement provides a full cost-of-living 
     adjustment of $216,000,000 to Head Start grantees. The 
     agreement also includes $260,000,000 for grantees to increase 
     their program hours, in alignment with the requirement in the 
     Head Start Program Performance Standards. In addition to 
     supporting working families, research shows that extended 
     duration of high-quality early learning services improves 
     child learning and developmental outcomes.
       Family Violence Prevention and Services.--The agreement 
     includes a $9,000,000 increase and directs ACF to use 
     $5,000,000 of that increase to supplement existing funding 
     for Native American tribes and tribal organizations. The 
     agreement recognizes the importance of providing supports 
     that are culturally appropriate to the populations they 
     serve.
       Native American Programs.--The agreement includes 
     $12,000,000 for Native American language preservation 
     activities, including $3,000,000 for Generation Indigenous, 
     and not less than $4,000,000 for language immersion programs 
     authorized by section 803C(b)(7)(A)-(C) of the Native 
     American Programs Act.
       Runaway and Homeless Youth.--The agreement provides an 
     increase of $8,300,000 for the Runaway and Homeless Youth 
     program. The new funding should be provided to Transitional 
     Living Program and Maternal Group Home grantees whose awards 
     end on April 30, 2018 to continue services until new awards 
     for those grantees are made or for grantees who did not get a 
     new grant, a continuation grant to provide services until the 
     end of fiscal year 2018. The new funding can only be used for 
     additional new awards after funds have been set aside for 
     completing extensions to ensure grantees awarded grants in 
     fiscal year 2013 are able to operate through the end of 
     fiscal year 2018.
       Street Outreach Program.--The agreement acknowledges the 
     value of geographic balance in providing resources to fight 
     against youth homelessness and encourages ACF to award at 
     least one grant in each of the 10 regions.


                   PROMOTING SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES

       Kinship Navigator Programs.--As parents struggle with 
     opioid addiction and substance use disorder, more 
     grandparents and relatives are taking primary responsibility 
     for the care of children. The agreement includes $20,000,000 
     to assist States and Indian tribes to develop and enhance 
     kinship navigator programs. The new funding is provided to 
     support changes to comply with upcoming requirements in the 
     recently passed Family First Prevention Services Act, 
     included as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 
     115-123).
       Regional Partnership Grants.--This agreement includes 
     $20,000,000 for Regional Partnership Grants to fund community 
     collaborations among substance abuse treatment, courts, and 
     child welfare agencies to improve the lives of children and 
     families affected by opioids and other substance use 
     disorders.

               Administration for Community Living (ACL)


                 AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES PROGRAMS

       Aging Network Support Activities.--The agreement provides 
     $12,461,000 for Aging Network Support Activities, of which 
     $5,000,000 is for the Holocaust Survivor's Assistance 
     program.
       Alzheimer's Disease Program.--The agreement provides 
     $23,500,000 for the Alzheimer's Disease Program, an increase 
     of $4,000,000. The agreement accepts the Administration's 
     proposal to streamline several Alzheimer's disease programs 
     into one larger, more flexible program that will allow 
     States, communities, nonprofits, and Indian tribes greater 
     access to funding opportunities authorized under Title IV of 
     the Older Americans Act. The agreement directs ACL to expand 
     support for evidence-based interventions funded in fiscal 
     year 2017 and to test cutting edge approaches that will serve 
     persons with Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, and 
     their family caregivers. The agreement notes that the 
     National Institute on Aging will continue its Alzheimer's 
     Disease Outreach Campaign and the agreement also provides 
     funding for the National Alzheimer's Call Center under this 
     heading.
       Assistive Technology.--The agreement includes $2,000,000 
     for competitive grants as specified in House Report 115-244. 
     In addition, the agreement encourages CMS to support efforts 
     by State Medicaid programs to

[[Page H2705]]

     partner with State Assistive Technology Act Programs to 
     develop and implement reutilization programs with a goal of 
     containing Medicaid costs.
       Elder Rights Support Activities.--The agreement includes 
     $15,874,000 for Elder Rights Support Activities, of which 
     $12,000,000 is included for the Elder Justice and Adult 
     Protective Services program.
       Developmental Disabilities Projects of National 
     Significance.--The agreement includes $12,000,000 for 
     Developmental Disabilities Projects of National Significance. 
     Of this amount, not less than $1,000,000 is to fund 
     transportation assistance activities for older adults and 
     persons with disabilities. The transportation activities 
     should focus on the most cost-effective and sustainable 
     strategies that can be replicated to other communities.
       Independent Living.--The agreement provides $113,183,000 
     for the Independent Living program, of which $24,878,000 is 
     for the Independent Living State Grants program and 
     $88,305,000 is for the Centers for Independent Living 
     program.
       Paralysis Resource Center.--The agreement includes 
     $7,700,000 for the National Paralysis Resource Center (PRC), 
     an increase of $1,000,000. This program has long provided 
     essential, comprehensive information, and referral services 
     that promote independence and quality of life for the 5.4 
     million people living with paralysis and their families. The 
     agreement directs ACL to continue support for the national 
     PRC at not less than the fiscal year 2017 funding level.

                        Office of the Secretary


                    GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

       Healthcare Costs of Illegal Immigration.--The agreement 
     directs the Department to provide a report to the Committees 
     on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate on available information regarding the costs borne by 
     State and local governments for providing services to 
     individuals without legal immigration status, including the 
     Federal resources from the Department that are being used to 
     assist States in fiscal year 2018 to cover these expenses.
       Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.--In addition to funds directed 
     in the CDC's Buildings and Facilities account to support the 
     BSL-4 laboratory, the agreement directs the Secretary to 
     prioritize obligations from resources in the Nonrecurring 
     Expenses Fund for the following projects: CDC National 
     Institute for Occupational Safety and Health facility, Indian 
     Health Services facilities, NIH chillers, Food and Drug 
     Administration laboratory renovations, HHS cybersecurity 
     initiatives, and the Departmental Appeals Board case 
     management system. Additionally, the agreement notes the 
     number of notified projects that have not yet been completed. 
     The agreement encourages the Secretary to complete 
     outstanding projects in a timely manner and prior to 
     directing funding to new projects.
       Obligation Reports.--The agreement directs the Secretary to 
     submit electronically to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate an Excel table 
     detailing the obligations made in the most recent quarter for 
     each office and activity funded under this appropriation not 
     later than 30 days after the end of each quarter.
       Staffing Reports.--The agreement directs the Secretary to 
     submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate a monthly Excel table listing 
     the names, titles, grades, agencies, and divisions of all of 
     the political appointees and special government employees, 
     and detailees that were employed by or assigned within the 
     Department during the previous month.
       Technical Assistance.--The agreement reiterates the 
     importance of the long-standing relationship between the 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate (Committees) and the Department's Office of 
     the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR). As 
     noted in Senate Report 115-150, the Committees have long 
     relied on ASFR to facilitate the Committees' requests for 
     legal and technical feedback that is not covered by a 
     legitimate claim of privilege, as well as technical 
     assistance to ensure the Committees' guidance is implemented 
     as intended. The Committees expect that all technical 
     assistance requests be dealt with in a manner that is 
     consistent with past precedent, including timely answers that 
     respond to any specific inquiries.


                 OFFICE OF MEDICARE HEARINGS AND APPEALS

       The agreement directs the Office of Medicare Hearings and 
     Appeals to provide quarterly reports to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     reflecting the total number of appeals filed, appeals 
     pending, and appeals disposed of for all levels of the 
     appeals process. The quarterly updates should include a 
     breakout of Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) and non-RAC 
     claims.


             PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES EMERGENCY FUND

       The agreement includes a program level of $1,953,458,000 
     for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund 
     (PHSSEF). This funding will support a comprehensive program 
     to prepare for and respond to the health and medical 
     consequences of all public health emergencies, including 
     bioterrorism, and support the cybersecurity efforts of HHS.
       The agreement commends the Assistant Secretary for 
     Preparedness and Response (ASPR) for the work ASPR has done 
     to develop regional, coalition-based disaster medical 
     response plans. The agreement encourages ASPR to work with 
     States that have demonstrated success in creating statewide 
     disaster healthcare systems to coordinate patient movement, 
     evacuation and field emergency care, particularly in areas 
     with high incidence of natural disasters, with the goal of 
     establishing best practices and maximizing Federal resources.
       Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP).--The agreement rejects 
     the Administration's proposal to change the allocation 
     formula that would leave 26 States and Territories without 
     HPP funding.

                           General Provisions

       Prevention and Public Health Fund.--The agreement reflects 
     the allocation of the Prevention and Public Health Fund.

                    PREVENTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH FUND
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               FY 2018
               Agency                    Budget Activity      Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACL................................  Alzheimer's Disease     $14,700,000
                                      Program.
ACL................................  Chronic Disease Self-     8,000,000
                                      Management.
ACL................................  Falls Prevention......    5,000,000
CDC................................  Breast Feeding Grants     8,000,000
                                      (Hospitals Promoting
                                      Breastfeeding).
CDC................................  Diabetes..............   52,275,000
CDC................................  Epidemiology and         40,000,000
                                      Laboratory Capacity
                                      Grants.
CDC................................  Healthcare Associated    12,000,000
                                      Infections.
CDC................................  Heart Disease & Stroke   53,275,000
                                      Prevention Program.
CDC................................  Million Hearts Program    4,000,000
CDC................................  Office of Smoking and   126,000,000
                                      Health.
CDC................................  Preventative Health     160,000,000
                                      and Health Services
                                      Block Grants.
CDC................................  Section 317             324,350,000
                                      Immunization Grants.
CDC................................  Lead Poisoning           17,000,000
                                      Prevention.
CDC................................  Early Care                4,000,000
                                      Collaboratives.
SAMHSA.............................  Garrett Lee Smith-       12,000,000
                                      Youth Suicide
                                      Prevention.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement includes a new provision related to indirect 
     cost negotiated rates.
       The agreement includes a new provision granting transfer 
     authority for funds related to opioid research at NIH.
       The agreement includes a new provision prohibiting Child 
     Care and Development Block Grant funds from going to 
     providers where a serious injury or death occurred due to a 
     substantiated health or safety violation.

                               TITLE III

                        DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

                    Education for the Disadvantaged

       Consultation on State Plans.--As State Educational Agencies 
     work to finalize their plans for distributing their section 
     1003 funds, and continue to give priority to supporting Local 
     Educational Agencies as required under section 1003(f) of the 
     Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), States must include 
     assurances in their State plans as required under 1111(g)(2), 
     including the assurance that the State educational agencies 
     will ensure that local educational agencies, in developing 
     and implementing programs under Title I, Part A, will, to the 
     extent feasible, work in consultation with outside 
     intermediary organizations (such as educational service 
     agencies), or individuals, that have practical expertise in 
     the development or use of evidence-based strategies and 
     programs to improve teaching, learning, and schools.

                      School Improvement Programs

       Native Hawaiian Education Program.--The agreement includes 
     $36,397,000 for the Native Hawaiian Education program, 
     including $650,000 for the Native Hawaiian Education Council.
       Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants.--One of the 
     goals of the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) 
     grants program is to provide safe, healthy learning 
     environments for students. The funding can be utilized for a 
     wide range of uses, including to expand access to or 
     coordinate resources for school-based mental health services 
     and supports, which may include trauma-informed practices and 
     school counseling; bullying prevention; and professional 
     development for personnel in crisis management and school-
     based violence prevention strategies. The agreement provides 
     $1,100,000,000, which is a $700,000,000 increase over fiscal 
     year 2017, to make these flexible resources available to 
     States, which can include assisting in protecting students 
     and educators.
       In addition to the language included in House Report 115-
     244 regarding SSAE grants and science, technology, 
     engineering, and math (STEM) education, the agreement 
     encourages the Department to especially support pre-
     kindergarten through grade 12 computer science education 
     programs that address the enrollment and achievement gap for 
     underrepresented students such as minorities, girls, and 
     youth from families living at or below the poverty line.


                        INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT

       Education Innovation and Research (EIR).--The agreement 
     reiterates and applies language included under this heading 
     in both House Report 115-244 and Senate Report 115-150 to 
     funds provided in this Act.
       In addition, within the total, the agreement includes 
     $50,000,000 for innovative STEM education projects, including 
     computer science education. The Department proposed in its 
     fiscal year 2019 budget new bill language, not included in 
     this agreement, that would allow the Secretary to devote all 
     of these funds to STEM. This proposal will be considered as 
     part of the fiscal year 2019 appropriations process.
       The Department should coordinate with other Federal 
     agencies that issue grants in this area, including the 
     National Science Foundation, to avoid duplication and ensure 
     activities funded under EIR build on the existing evidence 
     base and provide a unique benefit to the field. The agreement 
     also notes that a wide-range of formula and competitive 
     grants at the Department of Education can also be used to 
     support STEM education.
       The agreement also encourages the Department to seek 
     opportunities to collaborate with researchers from the fields 
     of neuroscience, cognitive development, psychiatry, 
     psychology, and education and human development, for the 
     purposes of promoting research-based scientific interventions 
     in the science of learning that improve academic outcomes for 
     high-need, high-poverty students. The agreement also directs 
     the Department to prioritize proposals that seek to

[[Page H2706]]

     improve early learning and cognitive development outcomes 
     among high-need, high-poverty students through neuroscience-
     based and scientifically validated interventions and meet the 
     evidence requirements for this program established by ESSA.
       Charter Schools Program.--The agreement modifies the 
     language in Senate Report 115-150 to include up to $7,500,000 
     for developer grants to establish or expand charter schools 
     in underserved, high-poverty, rural areas, as described 
     therein.
       Supporting Effective Educator Development.--In awarding 
     grants under the Supporting Effective Educator Development 
     (SEED) program, the Secretary is directed to ensure that 
     grants are distributed among a diverse set of eligible 
     entities including National non-profit organizations 
     implementing evidence-based activities (as defined in section 
     8101(21)(A)(i) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act) 
     across a number of sites which can help bring to scale 
     evidence-based programs of National significance across the 
     country.
       Additionally, the agreement supports funding for activities 
     described under this heading in the explanatory statement 
     accompanying Division H of the Consolidated Appropriations 
     Act, 2017, regarding programs, which may include a consortia 
     of programs operating in multiple States, to improve the 
     academic preparation and college readiness, including the 
     college-and-career pipeline, of rural youth.
       Finally, within the SEED program, the agreement supports 
     funding for innovative programs providing professional 
     development for teachers in early childhood and early 
     elementary school focused on social emotional learning, 
     classroom and behavior management, and improving school 
     climate, with the goal of improving the social and emotional 
     well-being and academic performance of students.
       Arts in Education.--The agreement includes funding to 
     continue the Department's support for all grant programs 
     funded within this program at not less than the fiscal year 
     2017 level. This includes $7,700,000, an increase of 
     $1,000,000, for the National Arts in Education program, to 
     continue the Department's support for National-level, high-
     quality arts education projects, which could include 
     developing arts education data mapping tools to identify gaps 
     in arts education across the country; developing and updating 
     standards-aligned arts curriculum; professional development 
     for special educators; and other high-quality projects for 
     children and youth, with an emphasis on servicing students 
     from low-income families and students with disabilities. The 
     Department is also directed to provide more flexibility to 
     Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination 
     grantees by establishing more appropriate performance 
     measures, such as access to standards-based arts education in 
     high-needs schools and assessment of student knowledge and 
     skills in the arts, for this grant activity.


                  SAFE SCHOOLS AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION

       National Activities.--The agreement includes $90,000,000, 
     an increase of $22,000,000. These funds should be used to 
     expand evidence-based programs to ensure safe learning 
     environments for students and educators, including improving 
     school climates, preventing violence in schools, and 
     providing services in response to serious incidents.
       Promise Neighborhoods.--The agreement reiterates language 
     under this heading in Senate Report 115-150 except that it 
     expects initial implementation continuation grants to be 
     awarded as soon as possible, not later than June 1, 2018. In 
     addition, the agreement specifies that not less than 
     $12,000,000 shall be available for such extension grants in 
     fiscal year 2018, with a minimum grant of not less than 
     $3,000,000 per year.


                            SPECIAL EDUCATION

       Within the total for Technical Assistance and Dissemination 
     the agreement includes $15,083,000 for education activities 
     authorized under P.L.--108-406.
       Seclusion and Restraint.--The agreement includes direction 
     for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a 
     further study on data reported to the Department of 
     Education's Office for Civil Rights on the use of seclusion 
     and restraints for all students at the school and district 
     level on efforts to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint 
     practices. There is concern that seclusion and restraint 
     issues continue to be chronically underreported. In 
     particular, GAO is encouraged to evaluate recommendations for 
     improving data collection at any school, including any 
     special education or alternative school, that serves 
     students, ages 3-21. In fulfilling the requested study, the 
     GAO should also include recommendations, including examples 
     of best practices, of how schools are adopting effective 
     alternatives to these practices and reducing the incidence of 
     seclusion and restraint.


                       STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

       Federal Work Study.--The agreement includes up to 
     $9,625,000, an increase of $1,235,000, for the Work Colleges 
     program authorized under section 448 of the Higher Education 
     Act.
       Pell Grants.--The agreement includes sufficient funding to 
     increase the maximum award by $175 to $6,095 in academic year 
     2018-2019.


                        STUDENT AID ADMINISTRATION

       Student Loan Servicing.--The agreement supports efforts to 
     improve the Federal student aid application and servicing 
     process to best serve students and student borrowers. 
     However, there remains concern about specific elements of the 
     Department's proposal to significantly revamp the Federal 
     student loan servicing process. Accordingly, the agreement 
     includes language, modified from Senate Report 115-150, 
     preventing the Department from moving forward with specific 
     components of their proposal and current solicitation unless 
     they are modified to include certain elements to promote 
     accountability, transparency, and competition, to better 
     serve student borrowers and taxpayers. Nothing in this 
     language should be interpreted as otherwise preventing the 
     Department from modernizing the student loan servicing 
     process, or the student and borrower experience; or improving 
     the current performance-based student loan allocation process 
     to strengthen incentives for servicers to provide high-
     quality service to borrowers.
       The Department is directed to provide pursuant to the 
     quarterly obligation plans reporting instructions in Senate 
     Report 115-150 the following additional information: 
     performance metrics, total loan volume, and number of 
     accounts broken out by servicer and for each private 
     collection agency. Further, the Department is directed to 
     provide the requested briefing on the benefits for 
     servicemembers and veterans directive in Senate Report 115-
     150 within 30 days of enactment of this Act.


                             HIGHER EDUCATION

       Cybersecurity Education.--The growing presence of 
     cybersecurity threats continues to highlight the need for 
     quality cybersecurity education programs. The efforts of the 
     nation's community colleges to expand cybersecurity education 
     in lower-income student populations is commendable and 
     important, but often those schools lack the resources to 
     maintain state of the art programs. To address these needs, 
     the agreement includes $1,000,000 for the Department of 
     Education to establish a pilot grant program to support 
     technological upgrades for community colleges for the purpose 
     of supporting cybersecurity programs.
       Federal TRIO Programs.--The agreement reiterates the 
     language in Senate Report 115-150 regarding reviewing fiscal 
     year 2017 applications with minor technical issues. Further, 
     the agreement clarifies that minor technical issues includes 
     applications with minor budget issues, and adds that the 
     review should include applications under all fiscal year 2017 
     TRIO competitions.
       GEAR UP.--The Department is directed to announce Notices 
     Inviting Applications for New Awards for State Grants and 
     Partnership Grants in the Federal Register. In such notice 
     for State grants, the Department is directed to uphold the 
     long-standing guidance that States may only administer one 
     active State GEAR UP grant at a time. The Secretary is 
     directed to provide written guidance in the Federal Register 
     notifying applicants that only States without an active State 
     GEAR UP grant, or States that have an active State GEAR UP 
     grant that is scheduled to end prior to October 1, 2018, will 
     be eligible to receive a new State GEAR UP award funded in 
     whole or in part by this appropriation.
       Open Textbooks Pilot.--The agreement includes $5,000,000 
     for a pilot, competitive grant program to support projects at 
     institutions of higher education that create new open 
     textbooks or expand their use in order to achieve savings for 
     students while maintaining or improving instruction and 
     student learning outcomes. The Secretary shall require that 
     any open textbook created with program funds be licensed 
     under a nonexclusive, irrevocable license to the public to 
     exercise any of the rights under copyright conditioned only 
     on the requirement that attribution be given as directed by 
     the copyright owner. Further, the Secretary should give 
     special consideration to projects at institutions of higher 
     education that demonstrate the greatest potential to achieve 
     the highest level of savings for students through 
     sustainable, expanded use of open textbooks in postsecondary 
     courses offered by the eligible entity and expand the use of 
     open textbooks at institutions of higher education outside of 
     the eligible entity.

      Historically Black College and University Capital Financing 
                                Program

       The agreement includes new funding and provisions related 
     to the deferment of outstanding loans for private 
     historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It also 
     includes a new provision regarding an outreach plan to help 
     additional public HBCUs participate in the program.

                        Departmental Management

       Reorganization Plans.--The Department is directed to 
     provide detailed information on any plans to reform or 
     reorganize the Department to the Committees on Appropriations 
     of the House of Representatives and Senate prior to beginning 
     implementing any such plans. There remains concern that 
     adequate information about and justification for its 
     reorganization have not been transparently shared with 
     Congress and stakeholders to be able to evaluate the changes 
     being proposed, including the potential benefits or existing 
     challenges they are meant to address.
       Of particular concern is any attempt to reorganize or alter 
     the current structure of the Budget Service office. The 
     Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate rely on the quality and professional expertise 
     of this office and are deeply concerned about proposed 
     changes to its structure. Therefore, a provision is included 
     in the agreement which would not allow funding to be used for 
     the purpose of reorganizing or decentralizing the office.
       The Budget Service office shall continue to have lead 
     responsibility for: (1) developing and implementing the 
     Department's budget; (2) formulating budget and related 
     legislative policies for Department programs; (3) presenting 
     the Department's budget and related policy proposals to the 
     public and Congress; (4) establishing and maintaining a 
     Department-wide performance-based budget formulation, 
     execution, and management system; and (5) reviewing and 
     analyzing Department program operations, including budget and 
     policy implementation. The Budget Service office shall also 
     continue to play a prominent role in reviewing, analyzing and 
     estimating costs of regulations, analyzing policy, and 
     overseeing the Department's management of its programs and 
     administrative resources. There is strong concern that a 
     decentralization of these functions will create 
     inefficiencies.
       Borrower Defense Claims Reporting.--The Department is 
     directed to provide quarterly reports pursuant to the 
     borrower defense claims reporting instructions in Senate 
     Report 115-150 that also include the following additional 
     information: the total and median dollar amount of 
     outstanding debt from borrowers prior to discharge, the 
     percentage of

[[Page H2707]]

     the total approved claims receiving partial relief, and the 
     median student loan debt remaining as part of claims 
     receiving partial relief.
       Office for Civil Rights.--The agreement includes 
     $117,000,000 for the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The OCR 
     is directed in fiscal year 2018 to use this appropriation to 
     increase its level of full time equivalent employment in 
     order to effectively and timely investigate complaints; 
     execute and report on the civil rights data collection; 
     thoroughly monitor corrective actions of institutions and 
     meet other critical workloads. Further, OCR is directed to 
     maintain its 12 regional offices consistent with the 
     organizational structure described in its fiscal year 2018 
     and 2019 Justification of Appropriation Estimates to the 
     Congress.

                           General Provisions

       The agreement includes a new general provision to exempt 
     the Magnet Schools program from one long-standing general 
     provision on transporting students. ESSA reauthorized the 
     Magnet School program in 2015 and allowed funds to be used 
     for transportation and this agreement should not impede the 
     Magnet School program from doing so. The agreement notes that 
     the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate should consider a longer term 
     solution to this issue during the fiscal year 2019 
     appropriations process.
       The agreement modifies a provision rescinding unobligated 
     balances available for the Pell Grant program to offset the 
     mandatory costs of increasing the maximum award.
       The agreement includes a new provision to address a 
     drafting error related to the reauthorization of the Impact 
     Aid program.
       The agreement includes a new provision clarifying 
     availability of hurricane relief funding.
       The agreement includes a new provision to clarify current 
     law and allow for the continued sharing of financial data to 
     scholarship granting organizations.
       The agreement includes a new provision modifying existing 
     authority relating to cohort default rates for a period of 
     two years.
       The agreement includes a new provision related to public 
     service loan forgiveness.
       The agreement includes a new provision regarding Pell 
     eligibility for children of first responders who have died in 
     the line of duty.

                       TITLE IV--RELATED AGENCIES

         Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)

       Innovation, Demonstration, and Other Activities.--The 
     agreement includes $7,600,000 for innovation, demonstration, 
     and assistance activities. Within the total, the agreement 
     recommends $5,400,000 for the Volunteer Generation Fund. The 
     agreement also includes a total of $2,200,000 for National 
     Days of Service, to be equally allocated between the 
     September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance and the 
     Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, two 
     important national events.
       Commission Investment Fund (CIF).--The agreement includes 
     not less than $8,500,000, an increase of $1,000,000 for CIF, 
     which provides funds to State commissions for training and 
     technical assistance activities to expand the capacity of 
     current and potential AmeriCorps programs, particularly in 
     underserved areas.
       Reduced Full Time Service Positions.--The agreement 
     includes a provision to allow CNCS to establish a new 1,200 
     hour service position, including a proportional reduction in 
     the education award.

                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                     FY 2018 Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Library Services Technology Act:
    Grants to States.................................       $160,803,000
    Native American Library Services.................          5,063,000
    National Leadership: Libraries...................         13,406,000
    Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian................         10,000,000
Museum Services Act:
    Museums for America..............................         22,899,000
    Native American/Hawaiian Museum Services.........          1,472,000
    National Leadership: Museums.....................          8,113,000
African American History and Culture Act:
    Museum Grants for African American History &               2,231,000
     Culture.........................................
Research, Analysis, and Data Collection..............          2,013,000
Program Administration...............................         14,000,000
TOTAL................................................        240,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       Railroad Retirement Board

       The agreement includes $10,000,000 for the implementation 
     of information technology systems modernization efforts. 
     Within 180 days of enactment of this Act, the Railroad 
     Retirement Board is directed to submit a comprehensive update 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate on: project status, timelines 
     to completion, and total cost of development.

                  Social Security Administration (SSA)


                  LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

       Administrative Funding.--The agreement provides an increase 
     of $480,000,000 for administrative expenses. Of this amount, 
     bill language directs $280,000,000 to support SSA's 
     information technology modernization initiative and directs 
     $100,000,000, with extended availability, for processing the 
     backlog of disability hearings within the Office of Hearings 
     Operations.
       Capability Determination Process Improvements.--The 
     agreement notes the importance of SSA accurately evaluating 
     an individual's ability to manage--or direct the management 
     of--his or her Social Security benefits. However, a 2016 
     study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
     Medicine, entitled Informing Social Security's Process for 
     Financial Capability Determination, raised concerns about 
     SSA's capability determination process, and a 2015 internal 
     SSA report found that most capability determination decisions 
     are not adequately developed or documented. The agreement is 
     encouraged by the steps SSA is taking to improve its 
     capability determination process and requests a report not 
     later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act on SSA's 
     plans to evaluate the effects of these changes.
       Disability Case Processing System (DCPS).--The agreement 
     supports efforts to modernize the case processing systems 
     used by State Disability Determination Service agencies, 
     including the DCPS. The SSA is directed to take the necessary 
     actions that would permit States the ability to select from 
     all available options in the modernization of their case 
     processing systems, so long as the selected option has 
     similar or better functionality as DCPS without imposing 
     costs that are higher than using DCPS. Such process must be 
     in conformance with all Federal procurement rules and 
     information technology security requirements. The agreement 
     requests a detailed analysis in the fiscal year 2020 
     Congressional Justification on the actions SSA has taken to 
     implement this request. The analysis should include a 
     detailed description of any challenges or legal barriers to 
     implementing any option to modernize the disability case 
     processing system.
       Field Offices.--The agreement is concerned that SSA may be 
     reducing resources for field offices and expects SSA to 
     continue to support frontline operations. In fiscal year 
     2017, SSA field offices served approximately 42 million 
     visitors, a five percent increase over fiscal year 2015. The 
     high volume of visitors, combined with factors such as 
     complex workloads, shortened public operating hours, and 
     staff shortages, have led to increased wait times in both 
     field offices and the National 800 number. SSA is directed to 
     submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House of Representatives and the Senate within 90 days of 
     enactment of this Act outlining its plan for ensuring that 
     field offices, hearing offices, processing centers, and 
     teleservice centers are receiving sufficient resources to 
     maintain at least the current level of constituent services.
       Field Office Closures.--There is significant concern about 
     decisions to close field offices that may not be in 
     accordance with law, regulations, and SSA procedures. These 
     critical decisions must comply with Federal law, regulations, 
     and procedures to account for the impact such actions will 
     have on the community. The agreement notes that SSA's 
     Inspector General (IG) is reviewing decisions to close field 
     offices, including whether SSA followed internal procedures 
     in proposing consolidation, notifying the public, and 
     considering feedback from public input. While the IG review 
     is ongoing, the Acting Commissioner should not make any final 
     decisions related to field office locations under review. 
     Further, the agreement encourages SSA to carefully consider 
     and fully implement any IG recommendations that may result 
     from such review.
       Report on Compassionate Allowances.--The agreement is 
     concerned about SSA's process for identifying Compassionate 
     Allowance (CAL) conditions. The GAO issued a report entitled 
     SSA's Compassionate Allowance Initiative (GAO-17-625), which 
     found that SSA did not have a formal or systematic approach 
     for designating certain medical conditions for the CAL 
     initiative. The agreement directs SSA to submit a report not 
     later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act describing 
     the steps that SSA is taking to identify and evaluate new CAL 
     conditions and to improve the overall management of the 
     process, including the regular review and use of available 
     data to assess the accuracy and consistency of CAL decision-
     making.
       Representative Payee Program.--The agreement recognizes the 
     importance of providing oversight of the individuals and 
     organizations serving as representative payees and that the 
     current oversight structure needs improvement. The agreement 
     supports efforts to institute a new, stronger system of 
     oversight through the Federal-State Protection and Advocacy 
     system. The SSA's current contractor has consistently 
     underperformed and is not on track to meet the terms of the 
     contract. In light of the concerns about the existing 
     vendor's performance, the agreement believes it would be 
     inappropriate for SSA to extend its current contract beyond 
     its July 31, 2018 expiration date. Given continued concern 
     over the administration of the program, SSA should expect 
     further Congressional oversight of this situation throughout 
     the coming year.
       Ticket to Work Program.--The agreement recognizes that the 
     purpose of the Ticket to Work Program is to provide the 
     assistance disabled beneficiaries need to return to work. The 
     agreement notes that a number of evaluations have been done 
     on the Ticket to Work Program, including a 2016 SSA IG Report 
     entitled ``The Ticket to Work Program'' (A-02-17-50203) and 
     independent evaluations by Mathematica Policy Research. In 
     lieu of language in Senate Report 115-150, the agreement 
     directs GAO to submit a report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate, the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of 
     Representatives, and the Committee on Finance of the Senate, 
     and to make such report publicly available. The report shall 
     address the following: the annual benefit savings associated 
     with Tickets in use, the annual cost associated with the 
     Ticket to Work Program (in excess of those that would be made 
     under the SSA's traditional cost-reimbursement to vocational 
     rehabilitation agencies, if the Ticket to Work program did 
     not exist), how these costs and savings compare over time, 
     and whether the Ticket to Work Program has led to increased 
     earnings for beneficiaries and, if it is not possible to make 
     such a determination, the options for a demonstration or 
     study that would be necessary to make such a determination on 
     earnings. Finally, GAO is directed to include any benefits 
     from the Ticket to Work Program that are not captured by the 
     above cost-savings analysis, whether those benefits are 
     quantifiable, and to incorporate the views of beneficiary 
     representatives and other stakeholders in this aspect of the 
     report.
       Vocational Experts.--The agreement notes that the Office of 
     Hearing Operations (OHO) is developing a solicitation for a 
     market-

[[Page H2708]]

     based approach to acquiring contractors to provide vocational 
     expert testimony. Prior to issuing a solicitation, the 
     agreement requests a report on the market research used to 
     assess the fair and reasonable rate for vocational experts. 
     The report shall also include an assessment of how the 
     market-based approach taken by SSA will ensure vocational 
     experts contracted under the new procurement will have the 
     training and experience to demonstrate a thorough 
     understanding of the impact of impairments on functional 
     abilities, labor market needs, and job placement strategies. 
     The report should also include SSA's process for measuring 
     contractor performance and contractor adherence to 
     requirements on vocational expert qualifications.
       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 includes language rescinding various 
     unobligated balances.-

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[[Page H2784]]

  


        DIVISION I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018

       The following is an explanation of the effects of Division 
     I, which makes appropriations for the Legislative Branch for 
     fiscal year 2018. Unless otherwise noted, reference to the 
     House and Senate reports are to House Report 115-199 and 
     Senate Report 115-137. The language included in these reports 
     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.
       Security: This agreement provides additional resources to 
     the United States Capitol Police and the Sergeants at Arms of 
     both chambers to enhance security for Members of Congress, 
     their staff, and office visitors. Over the past year there 
     have been humbling reminders of the threats Members of 
     Congress and their staff face as public servants. The 
     Congressional community has also been reminded of the heroic 
     capabilities of the men and women of the United States 
     Capitol Police. There is no higher priority in this agreement 
     than providing adequate resources for the physical security 
     of Members and their staff as well as constituents and 
     visitors to the Capitol campus.
       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 $750,000 between programs, projects or activities, or in 
     excess of $750,000 between object classifications (except for 
     shifts within the pay categories, object class 11, 12, and 13 
     or as further specified in each agency's respective section). 
     This includes cumulative reprogrammings that together total 
     at least $750,000 from or to a particular program, activity, 
     or object classification as well as reprogramming 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.
       Inspectors General Budgets: It is important to ensure 
     independence between Legislative Branch Inspectors General 
     (IG) and their respective reporting agencies. Agencies are 
     directed to include a separate section in their respective 
     future budget justifications reflecting a detailed budget 
     request for the agency's IG Office. Additionally, each IG is 
     directed to keep the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House and Senate fully apprised of its funding needs, and 
     each agency shall not interfere with, or require approval 
     for, such communications.

                                TITLE I

                                 SENATE

       The agreement includes $919,931,581 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 requirements of the report requested pursuant to S. 
     Rept. 106-304 related to Senate collections is also requested 
     to include, for all appropriated amounts, the balance of 
     funds, the amount of prudent reserves, and the status, 
     timeline, and cost expectations of future projects.
       The Secretary of the Senate shall determine the allocations 
     of the Offices under the Senators' Official Personnel and 
     Office Expense Account for fiscal year 2018 by updating the 
     amounts provided under Public Law 111-68 to reflect any 
     applicable adjustments under Public Law 92-607, Public Law 
     95-94, and Public Law 90-57.


                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

       The agreement provides for unspent amounts remaining in 
     Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account to be 
     used for deficit or debt reduction and authority for transfer 
     of funds, exempts the Senate from the requirements of 41 
     U.S.C. 6101, and provides a technical change to the Student 
     Loan Program.

                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

       The agreement includes $1,200,000,766 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.
       Workplace Rights: This agreement provides $5,000,000 to the 
     CAO for workplace rights initiatives. The funds will support 
     mandatory training requirements for all Members and staff 
     included in House Resolution 630, as well as the 
     establishment of the Office of Employee Advocacy created in 
     House Resolution 724. Mandatory training is an important 
     first step to ensure that every Member, staff, intern, fellow 
     and detailee is fully aware of the laws that apply to them 
     and their right to a harassment-free workplace under the 
     Congressional Accountability Act. The Office of Employee 
     Advocacy will provide House employees with immediate access 
     to a dedicated advocate who will provide legal consultation, 
     representation, and assistance on allegations, claims, and 
     complaints under the Congressional Accountability Act in 
     proceedings before the Office of Compliance and Committee on 
     Ethics.
       House Wellness Program: This agreement provides $380,000 
     for the establishment of a comprehensive House wellness 
     program.
       Internships: The Committee believes that House internships 
     should be available to the broadest possible pool of 
     candidates who have the ability and interest to serve. The 
     Committee intends to seek information on the extent to which 
     paid internships could expand the pool of candidates and how 
     such expansion might be implemented to the benefit of Member 
     and Committee offices and their constituents.
       House Child Care Center Expansion: This agreement provides 
     $12,000,000 for the second phase of the House Child Care 
     Center expansion. While expanding the center which will 
     reduce the lengthy waitlist and create more opportunities for 
     families to utilize the facility, it also provides an 
     opportunity to examine and evaluate the operations of the 
     Center. The CAO is encouraged to work with the House Child 
     Care Center Advisory Board in evaluating current operations 
     and with the expectation any recommendations be implemented 
     in conjunction with the full physical expansion of the 
     Center.
       Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission: The Tom Lantos Human 
     Rights Commission established in 2008 is charged with 
     promoting, defending and advocating for international human 
     rights. The Commission undertakes public education 
     activities, provides expert human rights advice and 
     encourages Members of Congress to actively engage in human 
     rights matters. After considering testimony from the co-
     chairs of the Commission an additional $200,000 has been made 
     available to the House Foreign Affairs Committee in order to 
     provide additional support for the Commission's work.


                       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, daily calendars, and the Congressional 
     Pictorial Directory; amends the House Services Revolving 
     Fund, and repurposes unexpended funds.

                              JOINT ITEMS

                        Joint Economic Committee

       The agreement includes $4,203,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.

                      Joint Committee on Taxation

       The agreement includes $11,169,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.

                   Office of the Attending Physician

       The agreement includes $3,838,000.

             Office of Congressional Accessibility Services


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $1,444,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.

                             Capitol Police


                                SALARIES

       The agreement includes $351,700,000 for salaries of the 
     Capitol Police. The increase includes necessary half year 
     funds to hire the required officers to staff garage security 
     and additional pre-screeners; half year funding for 48 
     civilians that will civilianize positions currently staffed 
     by sworn officers to allow the department to better utilize 
     the 48 sworn officers. The total staffing level is expected 
     to be approximately 1,943 sworn and 420 civilian staff. No 
     more than $45,000,000 is recommended for overtime in fiscal 
     year 2018, which includes funds to support the staffing of 
     the Thomas P. O'Neill House Office Building. This provides 
     for approximately 702,280 hours of additional duty.
       Security: The agreement includes $7,500,000 to enhance 
     Member protection, including funds for increased training, 
     equipment and technology-related support items. The men and 
     women of the Capitol Police have an increasingly difficult 
     mission of protecting Members of Congress and the overall 
     Capitol complex. Their mission can, at times, put them in 
     harm's way. Ensuring these officers have the best tools and 
     resources to carry out their duties is of the upmost 
     importance to Congress.
       Use of Grounds: Congress understands the need to maintain 
     safety and order on the Capitol grounds and the Capitol 
     Police is commended for their efforts. Given the family-style 
     neighborhood that the Capitol shares with the surrounding 
     community the Committee continues to instruct the Capitol 
     Police to forebear enforcement of 2 U.S.C. 1963 (``an act to 
     protect the public property, turf, and grass of the Capitol 
     Grounds from injury'') and the Traffic Regulations for the 
     United States Capitol Grounds when encountering snow sledders 
     on the grounds.
       USCP Office of Inspector General: The agreement includes 
     funds to support not less than six FTEs within the USCP 
     Office of Inspector General.


                            GENERAL EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $74,800,000 for general expenses of 
     the Capitol Police.

                          Office of Compliance


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $4,959,000 for salaries and 
     expenses. An increase of $1,000,000 is

[[Page H2785]]

     provided for training and information technology 
     enhancements.
       Reform: Ensuring and protecting workplace rights of 
     employees is imperative and the funds provided in this act 
     support that effort. Processes to protect workplace rights 
     have been in place for many years but they are not perfect. 
     As Congress considers changes to the Congressional 
     Accountability Act of 1995, which will impact the Office of 
     Compliance's operations, there is a need to strengthen the 
     agency's overall capacity, including the quality of its 
     training and information technology processes.

                      Congressional Budget Office


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $49,945,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.
       Transparency: The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) 
     provides timely, nonpartisan budgetary and economic analysis 
     to support the work of the Congress and its reports and 
     analysis can have far reaching policy implications. The 
     Congress expects CBO to ensure a high level of transparency, 
     while also recognizing the importance of maintaining the 
     agency's professional independence and respecting its 
     analytical processes. There is support for the work that CBO 
     has done in the area of transparency thus far as well as 
     support for the agency's goals to continue to clearly present 
     and explain the methodology and results of CBO's analysis 
     while pursuing opportunities to further enhance transparency. 
     This includes exploring ways to make more supporting 
     documents publicly available for methods used in analysis, 
     cost estimates, and forecasts.


                        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

       This agreement provides contract parity with the Executive 
     Branch.

                        Architect of the Capitol

       The agreement includes $712,105,000 for the activities of 
     the Architect of the Capitol (AOC).
       Office of Inspector General: The AOC IG must maintain a 
     staffing level commensurate with the scale of AOC's vast 
     portfolio of operations, construction, and contract 
     oversight. Within funds provided, the AOC IG is directed to 
     employ not fewer than 14 full-time equivalent positions 
     during fiscal year 2018. The AOC is directed to ensure that 
     sufficient funding is available for contracts and other 
     expenses identified by the AOC IG to fulfill its mission.
       Custodial Services: The AOC is directed to study the 
     feasibility of consolidating custodial services for all AOC 
     jurisdictions across the Capitol Campus and geographically 
     separated facilities to include leased buildings. The 
     elements of this study should include opportunities and cost 
     savings derived from a shared contract approach within the 
     existing AOC custodial service(s) approaches using in-house 
     operations and/or contractors. The consolidation of future 
     custodial services with the current maintenance and repair 
     services provided by the AOC should support the desired 
     outcome of sustaining and preserving the historic fabric as 
     well as the building materials and architectural 
     accouterments through industry standard cleaning practices 
     that will also reduce the life cycle costs for maintenance 
     and repair for the AOC. The results of this study should be 
     delivered to the Committees on Appropriations of the House 
     and Senate within 180 days of enactment.


                  Capital Construction and Operations

       The agreement includes $93,478,000 for Capital Construction 
     and Operations.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:..........................................  $93,478,000
Total, Capital Construction and Operations.................  $93,478,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Capitol Building

       The agreement includes $45,300,000, for maintenance, care, 
     and operation of the Capitol, of which $19,458,000 shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2022.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:..........................................  $25,842,000
Project Budget:
    Exterior Stone & Metal Preservation, West Facade, Phase   12,125,000
     IV....................................................
    Kitchen and Exhaust Renovation.........................    1,734,000
    Conservation of Fine and Architectural Art.............      599,000
    Minor Construction.....................................    5,000,000
                                                            ------------
                                                              19,458,000
        Total, Capitol Building............................  $45,300,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Capitol Grounds

       The agreement includes $13,333,000 for the care and 
     improvements of the grounds surrounding the Capitol, House 
     and Senate office buildings, and the Capitol Power Plant, of 
     which $3,195,000 shall remain available until September 30, 
     2022.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:..........................................  $10,138,000
Project Budget:
    Capitol Square Infrastructure Repair...................    1,195,000
    Minor Construction.....................................    2,000,000
                                                            ------------
                                                               3,195,000
        Total, Capitol Grounds.............................  $13,333,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        Senate Office Buildings

       The agreement includes $101,614,000 for the maintenance, 
     care and operation of the Senate office buildings, of which 
     $38,937,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2022.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:....................................        $62,677,000
Project Budget:
    Senate Underground Garage Renovations and                 34,607,000
     Landscaping Restoration, Phase III..............
    Building Engineering and Safety Parameters.......            330,000
    Minor Construction...............................          4,000,000
                                                      ------------------
                                                              38,937,000
        Total, Senate Office Buildings...............       $101,614,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       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.


                         House Office Buildings

       The agreement includes $207,294,000 for the care and 
     maintenance of the House Office Buildings, of which 
     $135,130,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2022 
     and $62,000,000 shall remain available until expended.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:....................................        $62,164,000
Project Budget:
    Garage Rehabilitation, Phase III, RHOB...........         31,056,000
    Garage Rehabilitation, Plaza Waterproofing                 3,414,000
     Restoration, West...............................
    Child Care Center Expansion......................         12,000,000
    Security Improvements............................         17,000,000
    CAO Project Support..............................          3,660,000
    Restoration & Renovation, CHOB...................         62,000,000
    Minor Construction...............................          6,000,000
                                                      ------------------
                                                             135,130,000
House Office Buildings (base program)................       $197,294,000
    House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust             10,000,000
     Fund............................................
Total, House Office Buildings........................       $207,294,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       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.


                          CAPITOL POWER PLANT

       In addition to the $9,000,000 made available from receipts 
     credited as reimbursements to this appropriation, the 
     agreement includes $106,694,000 for maintenance, care and 
     operation of the Capitol Power Plant, of which $28,057,000 
     shall remain available until September 30, 2022.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:....................................        $87,637,000
Project Budget:
    WRP Cooling Tower Renovation and Electrical               19,190,000
     Upgrade, Phase IIIA.............................
    City Water Piping Replacement....................          2,886,000
    Boiler Feedwater Piping Replacement..............          1,017,000
    Cogeneration Management Program..................            964,000
    Minor Construction...............................          4,000,000
                                                      ------------------
                                                              28,057,000
Subtotal, Capitol Power Plant........................       $115,694,000
            Offsetting Collections...................        (9,000,000)
                                                      ------------------
Total, Capitol Power Plant...........................       $106,694,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     LIBRARY BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

       The agreement includes $74,873,000 for Library of Congress 
     buildings and grounds, of which $47,500,000 shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2022.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:....................................        $27,373,000
Project Budget:
    Collection Storage Module 6, Fort Meade..........         45,000,000
    Minor Construction...............................          2,500,000
                                                      ------------------
                                                              47,500,000
Total, Library Buildings and Grounds.................        $74,873,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

            CAPITOL POLICE BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, AND SECURITY

       The agreement includes $34,249,000 for Capitol Police 
     Buildings, Grounds, and Security, of which $13,300,000 shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2022.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:....................................        $20,949,000
Project Budget:
    Barrier Lifecycle and Perimeter Security Kiosk             8,300,000
     Replacement, Phase II...........................
    Minor Construction...............................          5,000,000
                                                      ------------------
                                                              13,300,000
Total, Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and                $34,249,000
 Security............................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             BOTANIC GARDEN

       The agreement includes $13,800,000 for salaries and 
     expenses for the Botanic Garden, of which $3,000,000 shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2022.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:....................................        $10,800,000
Project Budget:
    Urban Agriculture................................            400,000
    Minor Construction...............................          2,600,000
                                                      ------------------
                                                               3,000,000
Total, Botanic Garden................................        $13,800,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Urban Agriculture: This agreement includes $400,000 for the 
     Botanic Garden to expand its urban agriculture education and 
     outreach programs including a feasibility study and pilot 
     project for a joint outreach program between the Botanic 
     Garden and urban local public gardens that engages citizens 
     in food-insecure, undernourished communities in the 
     production of nutrition-rich, healthy foods, and which 
     includes educational, job training, and therapeutic 
     horticultural and agricultural components.


                         CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER

       The agreement includes $21,470,000 for the Capitol Visitor 
     Center.


                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

       The agreement prohibits payments of bonuses to contractors 
     behind schedule or over

[[Page H2786]]

     budget; and prohibits expenditure of funds for scrims for 
     projects performed by the Architect of the Capitol.


                          library of congress

                         salaries and expenses

       The agreement includes $470,667,000 in direct 
     appropriations and authority to spend receipts of $6,350,000.
       This amount includes $9,494,000 for Enterprise Investment 
     in Information Technology Modernization, $297,000 for Office 
     of Inspector General Expanded Information Technology Audit 
     Capabilities, $2,349,000 for the Veterans History Project and 
     $8,653,000 for the Teaching with Primary Sources program. The 
     increased funding in the agreement provides requested funding 
     for maintaining the workforce, information technology, and 
     custodial services.
       Thomas Jefferson Building Experience: The recently revealed 
     Visitor Experience Plan for the Library of Congress' Thomas 
     Jefferson Building is an initiative that has support in 
     Congress. The proposed concept will enhance the Library's 
     ability to bring the nation's collections and history out of 
     the vaults and into public spaces. With enhancements to 
     exhibition spaces and development of learning centers, the 
     Library can maximize the experience for its nearly two 
     million annual visitors. The proposed funding for this 
     initiative involves a public/private partnership, which has 
     been a successful strategy for many similar institutions' 
     efforts to showcase our nation's treasures. This agreement 
     includes a total of $10,000,000, for enhancements to the 
     public exhibits and visitor services at the Library. Of that 
     amount, $2,000,000 is immediately available until September 
     30, 2020 to begin planning, including developing a detailed 
     budget justification. The budget justification shall provide 
     the following: 1) An overall acquisition plan with project 
     timelines; 2) Direct and indirect cost estimates developed in 
     conjunction with the Architect of the Capitol; 3) Projected 
     financial impact of this capital project on the Library's 
     operating budget; 4) Total cost estimates for: design 
     services; construction; construction management services; 
     project management services; and a contingency allowance. The 
     plan should also ensure consideration of historic 
     preservation. The remaining $8,000,000 will become available 
     only upon written approval by the Chair and Ranking Member of 
     the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch of the Committee 
     on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and by the 
     Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the 
     Legislative Branch of the Committee on Appropriations of the 
     Senate, following review of the project's budget 
     justification and cost estimate. It is expected that the 
     Library provide to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House and Senate a budget justification that is comprehensive 
     in nature and includes elements consistent with other project 
     justifications in the past, prior to consideration of future 
     funding requests for this project.
       Memoranda of Understanding (MOU): The Library of Congress 
     maintains several agreements with other Legislative Branch 
     agencies to provide a range of support services. It is 
     important that the Library works to ensure that the service 
     level agreements within the MOUs are fully met.
       Preservation: The agreement defers to the Senate report 
     language.
       National Film and Sound Recording Preservation Programs: 
     The agreement incorporates language in Senate Report 115-137 
     related to the Library's National Film and Sound Recording 
     Preservation Programs, and it is expected that the Library 
     will provide full support to these programs.


                            COPYRIGHT OFFICE

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $28,446,000 in direct appropriations 
     to the Copyright Office which fully funds the agency's 
     amended request. An additional $41,305,000 is made available 
     from receipts for salaries and expenses and $2,260,000 is 
     available from prior year unobligated balances.
       Modernization: Modernizing the Copyright Office and 
     bringing its processes into the 21st Century has wide-spread 
     support within Congress, and this act provides funds to 
     further that effort. To date, the collaboration between the 
     Copyright Office and the Library's Office of Chief 
     Information Officer on modernization efforts has been 
     promising. That collaboration is expected to continue, while 
     allowing for mission-specific modernization requirements to 
     be defined by the Copyright Office. As with many information 
     technology (IT) projects there are many phases, some forward 
     facing, some not. Much of the IT modernization work to date 
     has been behind the scenes building a strong foundation for 
     the long-term IT modernization strategy. However, there is an 
     expectation that external Copyright users will begin to see 
     and benefit from the progress being made. As new modernized 
     processes are rolled out it is important to solicit feedback 
     from the external Copyright community and to consider that 
     feedback with efforts moving forward.


                     CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $119,279,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.
       Public Access to CRS Reports: The bill includes a provision 
     directing the Library of Congress's Congressional Research 
     Service (CRS) to make available to the public all non-
     confidential CRS products on a website operated and 
     maintained by the Library of Congress. Non-confidential CRS 
     products include any written CRS products containing research 
     or analysis that are currently available for general 
     congressional access on the CRS Congressional Intranet, or 
     that would be made available on the CRS Congressional 
     Intranet in the normal course of business. Non-confidential 
     CRS reports do not include material prepared in response to 
     Congressional requests for confidential analysis or research. 
     The published products are to be made available in a standard 
     format, such as PDF.
       CRS reports are funded by taxpayers and should be made 
     available to citizens, schools and libraries across the 
     country. Ensuring these products are made publicly available 
     is in keeping with the Committees' priority of full 
     transparency to the American people; however, CRS is not 
     expected or directed to respond to requests from the public, 
     and its core mission will continue to be to provide support 
     to the Congress. Within 60 days of enactment of this act CRS, 
     in consultation with the Library of Congress, shall provide 
     to the relevant oversight Committees, including the House and 
     Senate Appropriations Committees, a plan for making these 
     reports available by the end of Fiscal Year 2018, as well as 
     any associated cost estimates.
       Congressional Research Service Modernization: Included in 
     the agreement is $4,000,000 to begin modernization of CRS's 
     mission-specific information systems to increase efficiency 
     of the office while protecting confidentiality of 
     congressional data.
       Supporting Areas of High Congressional Demand: The 
     agreement includes $753,000 for eight additional support 
     staff to handle routine requests, allowing senior staff to 
     focus on more highly analytical research.


             BOOKS FOR THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $51,498,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.
       National Library Service: The National Library Service for 
     the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) has been 
     headquartered for over 50 years in a privately leased 
     building in Northwest, Washington, D.C. which is in need of 
     substantial renovations to meet program requirements. Library 
     of Congress and NLS leadership have expressed a desire to 
     move the headquarters closer to the Library's main campus. 
     NLS believes being in closer proximity to the Library will 
     improve management efficiencies by integrating into existing 
     Library infrastructure, reduce support service costs, reduce 
     lease costs, and enhance various program synergies. Available 
     office space exists at the Government Publishing Office (GPO) 
     to meet NLS's needs. NLS, GPO, and the Architect of the 
     Capitol are directed to study the feasibility of this move 
     and provide cost estimates to their committees of oversight.


                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

       The agreement includes provisions regarding reimbursable 
     and revolving funds, updates to revolving fund returns to 
     allow the Library of Congress to accept fees for services 
     currently provided, allowing the Library of Congress to 
     accept gifts of goods and services, providing coverage for 
     Library of Congress employees under the Congressional 
     Accountability Act, and providing equal access to non-
     confidential Congressional Research Service products.


                      GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

                        CONGRESSIONAL PUBLISHING

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement includes $79,528,000 for authorized 
     publishing, printing and binding for the Congress.


     PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAMS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement includes $29,000,000.


                      GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

                   BUSINESS OPERATIONS REVOLVING FUND

       The agreement includes $8,540,000.


                    GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $578,916,653 in direct 
     appropriations for salaries and expenses of the Government 
     Accountability Office (GAO). In addition, $23,800,000 is 
     available from offsetting collections. The agreement provides 
     $6,000,000 for information technology projects and $4,000,000 
     for facility management and services projects. The agreement 
     also provides for statutory authority related to property 
     management.
       Inspector General Reports: With the creation of 
     Oversight.gov, which compiles non-confidential Inspector 
     General (IG) reports from agencies across the Federal 
     Government, the agreement no longer requires the report 
     requested in Senate Report 115-137 and House Report 115-199 
     for GAO to examine the availability of such reports by 
     individual IG offices.


                OPEN WORLD LEADERSHIP CENTER TRUST FUND

       The agreement includes $5,600,000.


   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; limitation on transfers; and guided tours of 
     the Capitol.

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   DIVISION J--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED 
                   AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018

       The following is an explanation of the effects of Division 
     J, which makes appropriations for Military Construction, 
     Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies for fiscal year 2018. 
     Unless otherwise noted, reference to the House and Senate 
     reports are to House Report 115-188 and Senate Report 115-
     130. The language set forth in House Report 115-188 and 
     Senate Report 115-130 should be complied with and carry the 
     same emphasis as the language included in the joint 
     explanatory statement, unless specifically addressed to the 
     contrary in this joint explanatory statement. While repeating 
     some report language for emphasis, this joint explanatory 
     statement does not intend to negate the language referred to 
     above unless expressly provided herein. In cases in which 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 specifically directed by 
     this joint explanatory statement are to be met.

                                TITLE I

                         DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

       Bid Savings.--Cost variation notices required by 10 U.S.C. 
     2853 continue to demonstrate the Department of Defense 
     continues to have bid savings on previously appropriated 
     military construction projects. Therefore, the agreement 
     includes rescissions to the NATO Security Investment Program 
     and Army Family Housing Construction accounts. The Secretary 
     of Defense is directed to continue to submit 1002 reports on 
     military construction bid savings at the end of each fiscal 
     quarter to the Committees.
       Naval Shipyard Modernization.--On February 12, 2018 the 
     Secretary of the Navy transmitted a Shipyard Infrastructure 
     Optimization Plan as directed by Senate Report 115-130 
     accompanying the fiscal year 2018 Military Construction, 
     Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. 
     The report seeks to, among other requirements, assess 
     existing facilities for efficiencies and address future 
     infrastructure requirements at public shipyards and includes 
     a master plan for each shipyard, including, but not limited 
     to, capital equipment and facility investment requirements. 
     These first steps taken by the Department of the Navy to 
     identify gaps are important and the Secretary of the Navy is 
     urged to adequately prioritize public shipyard 
     infrastructure, in particular dry dock and shore 
     infrastructure needs to support critical maintenance of 
     surface and submarine fleets.
       Coastal Erosion and Sea-Level Rise.--Sea level rise and 
     flooding on facilities, particularly at DOD's coastal 
     military installations, both in the United States and 
     overseas continue to have harmful impacts. In a report to 
     Congress in January 2018 regarding the security implications 
     of climate-related risks, the Department noted it had 
     conducted a preliminary screening-level assessment to 
     determine installation vulnerabilities to climate-related 
     security risks with the goal of identifying serious 
     vulnerabilities and developing necessary adaptation 
     strategies. The report identified numerous installations that 
     experienced climate-related effects affecting, among others, 
     airfield operations, transportation, and energy 
     infrastructure, as well as training facilities. However, the 
     Department has not developed a comprehensive adaptation 
     approach, nor has it provided estimated costs associated with 
     implementing such a strategy. Therefore, the Comptroller 
     General is directed to undertake a study of DOD's progress in 
     developing a means to account for potentially damaging 
     weather in project design, and to report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no later than 180 
     days after enactment of this Act. At a minimum, the 
     Comptroller General should answer the following questions: 
     (1) What is known about the historical and projected costs 
     for facilities maintenance and repair beyond expected repair 
     costs of DOD infrastructure stemming from damage or 
     degradation caused by sea level rise and weather effects 
     associated with climate change; (2) What best practices has 
     DOD adopted for incorporating climate change adaptation into 
     the design of military construction or facilities 
     sustainment, restoration, or modernization projects; and (3) 
     To what extent has DOD developed a systematic process for 
     ensuring climate change or severe weather effects are 
     accounted for in the design of military construction and 
     facilities sustainment, modernization, or restoration 
     projects.


                      MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY

       The agreement provides $923,994,000 for Military 
     Construction, Army. Within this amount, the agreement 
     provides $101,470,000 for study, planning, design, architect 
     and engineer services, and host nation support. The agreement 
     also provides an additional $10,000,000 to supplement 
     unspecified minor military construction.
       Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant.--The U.S. Army is 
     currently managing the environmental remediation of the 
     Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant (SFAAP) property in excess of 
     9,000 acres in DeSoto, Kansas, which was conveyed to 
     Sunflower Redevelopment, LLC (SRL) through the Army and the 
     General Services Administration on August 3, 2005. Ten years 
     after the conveyance, on October 29, 2015, the Army 
     reinforced its responsibility in writing, ``the Army is 
     committed to programming the necessary resources to carry out 
     a long-term clean-up and has, for execution in fiscal year 
     2016, awarded several services contracts for the short-term 
     requirements.'' The Army further wrote it would ``issue 
     competitively sourced clean-up contracts, with Army oversight 
     to ensure its Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
     Compensation, and Liabilities Act (CERCLA) Sec. 120(h) 
     obligation at Sunflower.'' The Army confirmed its intention 
     ``to conduct in-depth coordination with Sunflower 
     Redevelopment, LLC (SRL) to ensure SRL's redevelopment 
     priorities are synchronized with the Army managed clean-up 
     activities.'' However, the Army has neglected to communicate 
     regularly with SRL and far less than the in-depth 
     coordination commitment made by the Army. The Army is 
     conducting ongoing risk assessments of contaminated portions 
     of SFAAP and is directed to work in consultation and 
     coordination with SRL to ensure transparency. The findings 
     and recommendations of such assessments should receive 
     approval from State and Federal regulators regarding 
     allowable levels of contaminants including, but not limited 
     to, pesticides, asbestos or other contaminants subject to 
     remediation for commercial use of the property. The Secretary 
     of the Army is directed to deliver the assessment and brief 
     the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress 
     on its findings and to provide a plan that ensures SRL's 
     redevelopment priorities are synchronized with Army managed 
     cleanup activities.
       Badger Army Ammunition Plant.--In 2011, an Army Feasibility 
     Study concluded that an offsite drinking water treatment 
     system was needed as part of a comprehensive groundwater 
     cleanup remedy for the former Badger Army Ammunition Plant 
     (BAAP). Accordingly, in 2015, the Town of Merrimac, 
     Wisconsin, designed and approved a sanitation district 
     required by the Army to support such a system, and as 
     recently as May 2016, the Army noted in writing that ``design 
     of the municipal drinking water system has been initiated.'' 
     Recently, however, the Army reversed its plans to construct 
     and operate the drinking water system. This decision, its 
     potential to delay the provision of clean drinking water to 
     homes near the site, and the Army's lack of public 
     communication regarding the decision is concerning.
       Therefore, the Army is directed to conduct required human 
     health risk assessments expeditiously, and if needed, use 
     expedited contracting authorities. Additionally, the Army 
     should hold regular public meetings to update and engage with 
     local stakeholders and integrate local priorities in its 
     remediation plans. Furthermore, within 90 days of enactment 
     of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a 
     report and provide a corresponding briefing regarding the 
     Army's rationale and process for approving plans to construct 
     and operate a drinking water system and its subsequent 
     decision to terminate such plans, as well as the Army's 
     completed and planned actions for environmental restoration 
     at the site.
       Conveyance of property.--The Army is proposing to convey 
     17.1 acres of land known as Shenandoah Square and the 126 
     existing housing units to raise capital to improve other 
     military housing owned by private entities. Under the 
     proposed action, the existing 126 housing units would be 
     demolished to allow for the construction of high-density 
     residential housing. The residents have expressed concern 
     about the displacement from Shenandoah Square as it is in one 
     of the most expensive housing markets in the country and the 
     uncertainty about the affordability of new potential housing 
     on the site. Therefore, the Department of the Army is urged 
     to explore all possible alternatives to a conveyance of 
     Shenandoah Square, including a sublease of the property to an 
     entity that can better develop affordable housing on the 
     property.


              MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

       The agreement provides $1,553,275,000 for Military 
     Construction, Navy and Marine Corps. Within this amount, the 
     agreement provides $219,069,000 for study, planning, design, 
     architect and engineer services. The agreement also provides 
     an additional $10,000,000 to supplement unspecified minor 
     military construction.
       Marine Corps fire stations.--The Marine Corps has been 
     neglecting fire station new construction and renovation over 
     the years and funding for military construction of new 
     stations has been deferred to the out years of budget 
     submissions. Many of the fire stations are deteriorating and 
     antiquated, creating significant life, safety, and health 
     concerns. Therefore, the Secretary of the Navy is directed to 
     prioritize funding for fire stations in a much timelier 
     manner and submit to the congressional defense committees a 
     list of how those requirements will be incorporated into 
     their construction requests for the out years. Fire stations 
     are valuable assets that should be maintained in a manner 
     that will ensure appropriate response time and their vital 
     role in protecting U.S. national security assets on military 
     installations.


                    MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE

       The agreement provides $1,543,558,000 for Military 
     Construction, Air Force. Within this amount, the agreement 
     provides $97,852,000 for study, planning, design, architect 
     and engineer services. The agreement

[[Page H2801]]

     also provides an additional $10,000,000 to supplement 
     unspecified minor military construction.


                  MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE-WIDE

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $2,811,513,000 for Military 
     Construction, Defense-Wide. Within this amount, the agreement 
     provides $210,717,000 for study, planning, design, architect 
     and engineer services, an increase of $35,000,000. The 
     agreement also provides an additional $10,000,000 to 
     supplement unspecified minor military construction.
       Army Corps of Engineers projects within the Defense Health 
     Agency.--The Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) has an 
     extremely large portfolio including executing Defense Health 
     Agency (DHA) construction projects. There is great concern 
     for cost overruns and poor execution of Corps projects. The 
     Corps currently has 45 active DHA construction projects 
     underway worldwide where there is a definitive need for 
     effective and efficient project management. Therefore, the 
     Acting Director of the Facilities Division within DHA is 
     directed to provide quarterly reports to the congressional 
     defense committees on the progress of all hospital 
     construction projects to include any settlements that have 
     been reached for contractor error or project management 
     deficiencies.


               MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

       The agreement provides $220,652,000 for Military 
     Construction, Army National Guard. Within this amount, the 
     agreement provides $16,271,000 for study, planning, design, 
     architect and engineer services. The agreement also provides 
     an additional $10,000,000 to supplement unspecified minor 
     military construction.


               MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR NATIONAL GUARD

       The agreement provides $171,491,000 for Military 
     Construction, Air National Guard. Within this amount, the 
     agreement provides $18,000,000 for study, planning, design, 
     architect and engineer services. The agreement also provides 
     an additional $10,000,000 to supplement unspecified minor 
     military construction.


                  MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY RESERVE

       The agreement provides $83,712,000 for Military 
     Construction, Army Reserve. Within this amount, the agreement 
     provides $6,887,000 for study, planning, design, architect 
     and engineer services. The agreement also provides an 
     additional $10,000,000 to supplement unspecified minor 
     military construction.


                  MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, NAVY RESERVE

       The agreement provides $95,271,000 for Military 
     Construction, Navy Reserve. Within this amount, the agreement 
     provides $24,430,000 for study, planning, design, architect 
     and engineer services, an increase of $20,000,000. The 
     agreement also provides an additional $10,000,000 to 
     supplement unspecified minor military construction.


                MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE RESERVE

       The agreement provides $73,535,000 for Military 
     Construction, Air Force Reserve. Within this amount, the 
     agreement provides $4,725,000 for study, planning, design, 
     architect and engineer services. The agreement also provides 
     an additional $10,000,000 to supplement unspecified minor 
     military construction.


     NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

       The agreement provides $177,932,000 for the North Atlantic 
     Treaty Organization Security Investment Program, an increase 
     of $23,932,000.


               DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BASE CLOSURE ACCOUNT

       The agreement provides $310,000,000 for the Department of 
     Defense Base Closure Account, an increase of $54,133,000 
     above the request. The additional funding is for the 
     Department to accelerate environmental remediation at 
     installations closed under previous Base Realignment and 
     Closure rounds.
       Accelerated cleanup.--The agreement includes additional 
     funding to accelerate environmental remediation at 
     installations closed during previous Base Realignment and 
     Closure (BRAC) rounds. Priority should be given to those 
     sites with newly identified radiological cleanup cost. There 
     are many factors hindering the cleanup of BRAC sites. 
     However, strategic investments can lead to quicker clean-ups 
     and faster turnover of DOD property to the local community. 
     Therefore, the Department is directed to submit to the 
     congressional defense committees a spend plan for the 
     additional BRAC funds not later than 30 days after enactment 
     of this Act.
       Perfluorinated chemicals.--Perfluorinated chemical (PFC) 
     contaminants linked to a firefighting agent formerly used by 
     the DOD have been identified in water systems near military 
     installations closed during previous Base Realignment and 
     Closure (BRAC) rounds. Identification, testing, response, and 
     prevention activities are ongoing and will require 
     significant attention in future budget requests. Therefore, 
     the Secretary of the Air Force is urged to prioritize PFC-
     contaminated sites when considering BRAC cleanup project 
     funding requested through this account and to move forwards 
     with short- and long-term remediation efforts as 
     expeditiously as possible.

                         DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

                             Family Housing


                   FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, ARMY

       The agreement provides $182,662,000 for Family Housing 
     Construction, Army.


             FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY

       The agreement provides $348,907,000 for Family Housing 
     Operation and Maintenance, Army.


           FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

       The agreement provides $83,682,000 for Family Housing 
     Construction, Navy and Marine Corps.


    FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

       The agreement provides $328,282,000 for Family Housing 
     Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps.


                 FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE

       The agreement provides $85,062,000 for Family Housing 
     Construction, Air Force.


          FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE

       The agreement provides $318,324,000 for Family Housing 
     Operation and Maintenance, Air Force.


         FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, DEFENSE-WIDE

       The agreement provides $59,169,000 for Family Housing 
     Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide.

                         DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE


                    FAMILY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT FUND

       The agreement provides $2,726,000 for the Department of 
     Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund.

                         DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE


            MILITARY UNACCOMPANIED HOUSING IMPROVEMENT FUND

       The agreement provides $623,000 for the Department of 
     Defense Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund.


                       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 establishing a 
     preference for American architectural and engineering 
     services for overseas projects.
       The agreement includes section 112 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 agreement includes section 113 requiring congressional 
     notification of military exercises when construction costs 
     exceed $100,000.
       The agreement includes section 114 allowing funds 
     appropriated in prior years for new projects authorized 
     during the current session of Congress.
       The agreement includes section 115 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 116 allowing military 
     construction funds to be available for five years.
       The agreement includes section 117 allowing the transfer of 
     funds from Family Housing Construction accounts to the Family 
     Housing Improvement Program.
       The agreement includes section 118 allowing transfers to 
     the Homeowners Assistance Fund.
       The agreement includes section 119 limiting the source of 
     operation and maintenance funds for flag and general officer 
     quarters and allowing for notification by electronic medium. 
     The provision also requires an annual report on the 
     expenditures of each quarters.
       The agreement includes section 120 extending the 
     availability of funds in the Ford Island Improvement Account.
       The agreement includes section 121 allowing the transfer of 
     expired funds to the Foreign Currency Fluctuations, 
     Construction, Defense account.
       The agreement includes section 122 restricting the 
     obligation of funds for relocating an Army unit that performs 
     a testing mission.

[[Page H2802]]

       The agreement includes section 123 allowing for the 
     reprogramming of construction funds among projects and 
     activities subject to certain criteria.
       The agreement includes section 124 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 125 providing additional 
     planning and design and construction funds for various 
     Military Construction accounts.
       The agreement includes section 126 rescinding funds from 
     prior Appropriation Acts from various accounts.
       The agreement includes section 127 defining the 
     congressional defense committees.
       The agreement includes section 128 prohibiting the use of 
     funds in this Act to close or realign Naval Station 
     Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The provision is intended to prevent 
     the closure or realignment of the installation out of the 
     possession of the United States, and maintain the Naval 
     Station's long-standing regional security and migrant 
     operations missions.
       The agreement includes section 129 restricting funds in the 
     Act to be used to consolidate or relocate any element of Air 
     Force Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair 
     Squadron Engineer until certain conditions are met.
       The agreement includes section 130 directing all amounts 
     appropriated to ``Military Construction, Defense-Wide'' be 
     immediately available and allotted for the full scope of 
     authorized projects.
       The agreement include section 131 providing additional 
     funding for Defense Access Roads.

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                                TITLE II

                     DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

                    Veterans Benefits Administration

                       Compensation and Pensions


                     (including transfer of funds)

       The agreement provides $95,768,462,000 for Compensation and 
     Pensions in advance for fiscal year 2019. Of the amount 
     provided, not more than $17,882,000 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 $11,832,175,000 for Readjustment 
     Benefits in advance for fiscal year 2019.


                   VETERANS INSURANCE AND INDEMNITIES

       The agreement provides $109,090,000 for Veterans Insurance 
     and Indemnities in advance for fiscal year 2019, as well as 
     an additional $12,439,000 for fiscal year 2018.


                 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 $178,626,000 shall be available for 
     administrative expenses.


            VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The agreement provides $30,000 for the cost of direct loans 
     from the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program Account, 
     plus $395,000 to be paid to the appropriation for General 
     Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration. The 
     agreement provides for a direct loan limitation of 
     $2,356,000.
       As indicated in the House report, the Secretary is directed 
     to provide the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress (``the Committees''') options to support greater 
     utilization of the Home Loan Program in locations with a 
     large veteran population and competitive housing markets.


          NATIVE AMERICAN VETERAN HOUSING LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The agreement provides $1,163,000 for administrative 
     expenses of the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program 
     Account.


      GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES, VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

       The agreement provides $2,910,000,000 for General Operating 
     Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration and makes 
     available not to exceed 10 percent of this funding until the 
     end of fiscal year 2019. The agreement provides $66,000,000 
     above the request and intends that the increase be used for 
     the Veterans Claims Intake Program; additional claims and 
     appellate staff; increased staff for the Vocational 
     Rehabilitation and Employment program; and overtime payments, 
     as necessary.
       Equitable relief.--As described in the House report, the 
     Secretary is directed to continue to grant or extend 
     equitable relief to eligible veterans initially deemed 
     eligible in instances of administrative error.
       Compensation claims for Camp Lejeune contaminated water 
     veterans.--There is concern regarding the lack of consistency 
     in the Department's handling of disability compensation 
     claims for veterans, former reservists, and former National 
     Guard members who served at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune 
     for no less than 30 days (consecutive or nonconsecutive) 
     between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. VA established 
     a presumption of service connection for eight diseases 
     associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply 
     at Camp Lejeune during that period. The Department made the 
     decision to subject nonpresumptive Camp Lejeune Contaminated 
     Water (CLCW) exposure claims to a higher level of scrutiny 
     than is applied to other exposure claims and did so without 
     providing notice or an opportunity for public comment. In 
     addition, no other toxic exposure claims require a positive 
     medical opinion to warrant service connection. The 
     evidentiary burden VA requires for CLCW nonpresumptive 
     exposure claims is significantly greater than the standard 
     used for Agent Orange or any other exposure claims. 
     Furthermore, there currently exists a wealth of ``competent 
     medical evidence'' specific to diseases related to exposure 
     to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, as published by the 
     Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the 
     Institute of Medicine (IoM), and other government-sanctioned 
     medical experts. Nevertheless, the Department's same Clinical 
     Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), who provide medical opinions, 
     have routinely rejected ATSDR and IoM's findings without 
     providing any justification or explanation for doing so.
       The Department is directed to conduct a Special Focus 
     Review for the CLCW claims process and submit the results of 
     the review to the Committees no later than 180 days after 
     enactment of this Act. The report should also address the 
     lack of consistency for CLCW claims as compared to other non-
     presumptive and exposure claims, as well as answer the 
     following questions: (1) Why did the Department determine it 
     was necessary to ``create a process that fell outside of the 
     traditional Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination 
     process''' for Camp Lejeune exposure claims? (2) The 
     Department has stated that ``SMEs are required to be familiar 
     with the study of Environmental & Occupational Medicine and 
     Toxicology due to the specialized nature of these claims.'' 
     (a) Explain what the Department means by ``the specialized 
     nature of these claims.'' (b) Explain how and why this 
     process differs from the C&P examination process for Agent 
     Orange or other exposure claims. (c) What are the 
     educational, practical, or other requirements that a VHA 
     employee must meet in order to qualify as a ``Subject Matter 
     Expert'' who can adjudicate Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water 
     claims? (3) What justification did the Department use to 
     require a positive medical opinion to warrant service 
     connection for every single non-presumptive claim for CLCW 
     veterans? (a) What evidence is there to demonstrate the 
     necessity of establishing such a process? (b) What evidence 
     is there to demonstrate the impact that such extraordinary 
     evidentiary requirements have had on the processing of CLCW 
     exposure claims? (4) What percentage of non-presumptive 
     claims (VA wide) are currently referred to VHA Clinical SMEs 
     for a medical opinion? (5) Why does the Department require an 
     evidentiary standard greater than ``competent medical 
     evidence'' for CLCW claims? (6) Does the Department consider 
     the ATSDR and IoM reports on diseases associated with 
     exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to be 
     ``competent medical evidence?'' (a) If so, why has the 
     Department refused to accept these findings as sufficient 
     medical evidence to establish a nexus of service connection? 
     (b) If not, why does the Department apply a different 
     definition of ``competent medical evidence'' to CLCW claims 
     than it applies to Agent Orange claims? (7) Is there any 
     other type of claim for which the Department requires a 
     positive medical opinion from a VHA clinical Subject Matter 
     Expert on each claim?


                     VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

                                Overview

       As described in the Senate report, the Secretary is 
     directed to establish relationships with personnel divisions 
     at the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Homeland Security to 
     enable rapid hiring by the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     (VA) of separating service members.


                            MEDICAL SERVICES

       The agreement provides $49,161,165,000 in advance for 
     fiscal year 2019 for Medical Services and makes 
     $1,400,000,000 of the advance available through fiscal year 
     2020. The agreement also provides $1,962,984,000 for fiscal 
     year 2018 in addition to the advance appropriation provided 
     last year.
       Given that there may be significant unfunded liabilities 
     created by the winding down of the Choice Act, the agreement 
     continues to include bill language in section 229 permitting 
     the transfer of funding from multiple VA appropriations 
     accounts to Medical Services to address unfunded needs.
       The agreement includes bill language requiring the 
     Secretary to ensure that sufficient amounts are available for 
     the acquisition of prosthetics designed specifically for 
     female veterans.
       Allocations.--At the beginning of fiscal year 2018, without 
     public notice, the Department considered fundamentally 
     changing the manner in which Medical Services allocations 
     were made to the Veterans Integrated Service Networks 
     (VISNs). Specifically, consideration was being given to 
     converting almost $1,000,000,000 of Specific Purpose funding 
     to General Purpose funding. After consultation with Congress 
     regarding the unknown and potentially serious impacts the 
     conversion could have to programs, such as the successful 
     Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive 
     Services program, the Department ceased implementation and 
     determined that conversion to General Purpose funding would 
     not go forward in fiscal year 2018. In order to provide for 
     transparency and ensure Congressional oversight and 
     deliberation, in the future, the VA is directed to consult 
     with the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on 
     Veterans Affairs of both Houses of Congress before any 
     attempt is made to change the manner in which funding 
     allocations are made to the field, and to propose these types 
     of changes in an annual budget submission.
       Opioid abuse.--The agreement provides the estimated 
     $329,953,000 VA will spend on inpatient and outpatient 
     treatment, methadone and other pharmacy-related costs related 
     to opioid abuse; $55,821,000 to continue to implement opioid 
     safety initiatives outlined as part of the Comprehensive 
     Addiction and Recovery Act; and $48,778,000 for the Justice 
     Outreach and Prevention program. In addition to these 
     amounts, the agreement also includes $270,000,000 for the 
     Office of Rural Health's Rural Health Initiative, which funds 
     several pilot projects aimed at treating and preventing 
     opioid abuse, including projects focused on alternatives to 
     opioid-centered pain management in rural, highly rural, and 
     remote areas. In addition to the funding levels described 
     above, all directives regarding opioid prevention, treatment, 
     safety, and drug monitoring programs in both Senate Report 
     115-130 and House Report 115-188 shall be complied with.
       Overmedication.--As indicated in the Senate report, and in 
     addition to the funding levels highlighted for opioid abuse 
     above, the agreement provides $500,000 for the National 
     Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct 
     an assessment of the potential overmedication of veterans 
     during fiscal years 2010 to 2017 that led to suicides, 
     deaths, mental disorders, and combat-related traumas.

[[Page H2817]]

       Mental health.--The agreement provides the full budget 
     request for all VA mental health services and programs of 
     $8,385,202,000, with an additional $10,000,000 provided for 
     the Veterans Crisis Line, an additional $22,002,000 above the 
     request provided for the National Centers for Posttraumatic 
     Stress Disorder, and an additional $10,000,000 to the Clay 
     Hunt pilot programs. The agreement includes $40,000,000 for 
     the National Centers and $99,044,000 for the Veterans Crisis 
     Line. The additional Clay Hunt funding will provide new 
     funding to each pilot site to incorporate best practices and 
     funding for new pilot sites in highly rural areas. Overall, 
     the agreement includes $186,128,000 for suicide prevention 
     outreach.
       Staffing shortages.--As indicated in the Senate report, VA 
     is directed to ensure that the brain bank and the 
     consultation program for providers, particularly in rural 
     areas, have the appropriate number of full-time staff.
       Suicide hotline.--The agreement includes bill language in 
     section 232 that was contained in the House bill which 
     requires certain professional standards for the suicide 
     hotline. As indicated in the House report, the Secretary is 
     urged to develop a basic training protocol for all VA 
     employees who deal with veterans in crisis, not only those 
     who staff the suicide hotline, as well as community providers 
     who deal with veterans.
       Women's health.--While VA has made efforts to address the 
     needs of female veterans, many still often report feeling 
     unrecognized and underappreciated. To better assist female 
     veterans and increase their knowledge of the services and 
     benefits to which they are entitled, the agreement provides 
     $512,000,000 for gender-specific healthcare, which is 
     $20,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 budget estimate. 
     Furthermore, the Secretary should make it a top priority to 
     increase female veterans' access and utilization of VA 
     benefits and services. There are several areas where VA could 
     improve the quality of life for female veterans. One area 
     that needs improvement is access to mental healthcare 
     services. Many female veterans are faced with disabling 
     mental health issues when they leave active duty. Therefore, 
     VA is directed to renew its focus on improving access to 
     mental health services for female veterans and to work to 
     ensure that female veterans' psychological needs are met. In 
     addition to mental healthcare access, VA must ensure that VA 
     facilities can meet the needs of female veterans. Currently, 
     women make up 15 percent of the active military and are a 
     growing segment of the veteran population. According to the 
     1990 Census, there were 1.2 million women veterans. By the 
     next census in 2000, that number increased to 1.6 million, 
     with 1.74 million at the end of the fiscal year 2010, and it 
     is projected to increase to 1.9 million in 2020. However, 
     even with this growth in the female veteran population, 
     numerous VA facilities are still primarily designed to meet 
     the needs of male veterans. Consequently, the agreement 
     directs VA to describe the locations where VA facilities do 
     not meet the standards established in 2010 specifically for 
     healthcare services for female veterans. Also, VA is further 
     directed to create a master plan to address issues at the 
     locations that do not meet the established standards for 
     female veterans. This report shall be submitted no later than 
     180 days after enactment of this Act.
       Rural healthcare.--The agreement provides $270,000,000 for 
     the Office of Rural Health (ORH) and the Rural Health 
     Initiative, which is $20,000,000 above the President's 
     request. As included in the Senate report, the Department is 
     directed to conduct an agency-wide assessment of its rural 
     and highly rural workforce to identify geographic areas where 
     staffing needs exist. The Committees support the Department's 
     expansive use of telehealth for medical services and 
     encourage VA to strive to be even more innovative, more 
     expansive, and more connected in this area, especially as the 
     technique has proven particularly helpful in mental health 
     and primary care health delivery. The agreement includes 
     $1,348,883,000 for telehealth services, which is $5,000,000 
     above the budget request. The additional funding should be 
     used to further expand telehealth capacity and services in 
     rural and remote areas. The agreement directs no less than 
     $4,000,000 toward a pilot program to train veterans in 
     agricultural vocations while also tending to behavioral and 
     mental health needs with behavioral healthcare services and 
     treatments from licensed providers at no fewer than three 
     locations, as instructed in the Senate report.
       Long-term care.--The agreement provides $8,821,657,000 as 
     requested for long-term care, including $6,073,862,000 for 
     institutional care and $2,747,795,000 for non-institutional 
     care. As indicated in the Senate report, VA is directed to 
     meet its fiscal year 2018 non-institutional care request as 
     originally proposed in the advance Medical Services 
     appropriation if that care is not provided through the Choice 
     program. In order to improve budgetary oversight of non-
     institutional care programs, the Department is directed to 
     meet the reporting requirements included in Senate Report 
     115-130.
       Headache centers of excellence.--The agreement provides 
     $10,000,000 for the creation of headache centers of 
     excellence, as described in the Senate report.
       Veterans centers.--The agreement provides $258,483,000 for 
     readjustment counseling at Vet Centers, which is $15,000,000 
     above the budget request. As described in the Senate report, 
     within this amount, $2,500,000 is allocated to develop a 
     program to partner with organizations that provide outdoor 
     experiences for veterans as part of a continuum of care to 
     treat combat-related injuries, including those related to 
     behavioral health. The Department is also directed to 
     continue to work to expand Vet Centers and readjustment 
     services at areas across the country that currently lack 
     access.
       Caregivers program.--The agreement provides $839,828,000 
     for the caregivers program, which is the same as the original 
     fiscal year 2018 request and $235,889,000 above the revised 
     2018 request. The Department is instructed to provide 
     quarterly reports on obligations for the caregivers program, 
     with a full explanation of any inability to obligate the 
     original 2018 request.
       Dental care.--As part of VA's comprehensive medical 
     benefits package, certain eligible veterans also qualify for 
     dental care benefits. In some instances, VA is authorized to 
     provide extensive dental care, while in other cases treatment 
     may be limited. In order to better understand the full array 
     of services provided, and the locations in which they are 
     provided, the Department is directed to submit a report to 
     the Committees no later than 60 days after enactment of this 
     Act, describing the types of services provided to eligible 
     veterans, as well as a list of on-site dental clinics by 
     location and medical center. The report should also include 
     any implementation plans to expand on-sight dental care, 
     particularly in States in which there are currently no 
     services offered by VA or which have no on-site VA dental 
     clinics.
       Homeless assistance programs.--The agreement provides 
     $1,747,784,000 for homeless assistance programs, which 
     includes $340,000,000 for the homeless supportive services 
     for low income veterans and families, a level which is 
     $20,000,000 above the request.
       Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive 
     Housing (HUD-VASH).--The agreement includes full funding for 
     the HUD-VASH program. However, if additional new vouchers are 
     issued in fiscal year 2018 by the Department of Housing and 
     Urban Development for the HUD/VASH program. VA is directed to 
     increase funding for this program above the budget estimate 
     to ensure adequate staffing levels exist to manage the 
     increased workload. Further, the Department is directed to 
     submit to the Committee on Appropriations no later than 30 
     days after enactment of this Act the amount above the budget 
     estimate that has been made available for this purpose.
       High-cost areas.--There is a need for an examination of the 
     effects of rapidly rising rents in urban areas across the 
     nation and strategies to create and retain affordable housing 
     options for veterans. Avoiding the displacement of veterans 
     and their families in these communities should be a top 
     priority at the Department. Therefore, the Secretary is 
     directed, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and 
     Urban Development, to submit a report detailing the best 
     practices and recommendations to address the displacement of 
     lower-income veterans who are long-time residents in urban 
     areas when there is a loss of affordable housing due to high 
     rental cost. This report shall be submitted to the Committees 
     no later than 180 days after enactment of this Act.
       Curing Hepatitis C within the veteran population.--The 
     Department should be commended on its successful efforts to 
     treat almost 100,000 veterans. Since VA has been successful 
     in negotiating lower prices for the drugs used to cure 
     hepatitis C, it has obligated less funding than anticipated. 
     Therefore, the agreement includes a rescission (Section 237) 
     and reappropriation (within the Medical Services account) of 
     $751,000,000 to prevent the funding already provided from 
     lapsing. The Department is directed to continue to 
     aggressively fund the Hepatitis C program consistent with its 
     fiscal year 2018 budget request.
       Hepatitis C screening.--There is a cohort of veterans who 
     are more difficult to screen, engage, and treat for hepatitis 
     C, due to factors such as the inability to adhere to therapy, 
     psychosocial determinants, unstable or uncontrolled medical 
     comorbidities, and enrollment barriers and challenges. The 
     Department is directed to improve hepatitis C screening rates 
     in traditional and non-traditional settings, including 
     increasing the utilization of innovative strategies like 
     point-of-care testing and public health outreach. The 
     Department is directed to submit a report to the Committees 
     no later than 120 days after enactment of this Act on VA's 
     efforts to facilitate this directive.
       Incorrect reporting of laboratory tests.--According to 
     press reports, in February 2018, at least 8 veterans in the 
     Miami area were given incorrect lab results indicating that 
     they did not test positive for the presence of human 
     immunodeficiency virus (HIV), when in fact they did have the 
     virus and needed treatment. The VA Inspector General is 
     directed to provide a report to the Committees describing how 
     the incident at the Miami VA hospital occurred and who was 
     responsible. This report shall be submitted no later than 180 
     days after enactment of this Act. The agreement further 
     directs that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) 
     provide a report to the Committees that examines VA's HIV 
     testing policy, including the use of the latest technologies, 
     and how this policy is implemented at a sample of VA 
     hospitals. This report shall be submitted no later than 180 
     days after enactment of this Act.
       Hospice care for veterans.--As described in the House and 
     Senate reports, the Department is directed to conduct a study 
     on the feasibility of implementing hospice care protocols 
     tailored to the unique needs of combat

[[Page H2818]]

     veterans, with special emphasis on the needs of Vietnam 
     veterans.
       Intimate Partner Violence Program.--The agreement provides 
     $17,000,000 for the Intimate Partner Violence Program within 
     the Medical Services account, which is the base level of 
     funding for the program and the amount identified in the 
     Senate report.
       Colorectal cancer screening.--The Department is directed to 
     offer all 7 colorectal cancer screening strategies 
     recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task 
     Force and adopted by the National Committee for Quality 
     Assurance Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set 
     measures, which are used by more than 90 percent of U.S. 
     health plans to measure performance. The Department is 
     directed to report to the Committees within 90 days of 
     enactment of this Act if it determines that it is unable to 
     comply with this directive.
       National Veteran Sports Program.--The agreement provides 
     $16,965,000 for the National Veterans Sports Program, with 
     $2,000,000 designated for veterans monthly assistance 
     allowances; $9,000,000 for the Adaptive Sports Grants 
     Program; and $5,965,000 for support of national veterans 
     sports and special events programs like the Paralympics. The 
     agreement includes necessary bill language within the Medical 
     Services account to permit VHA to carry out the Office's 
     activities.
       Equine therapy.--The Adaptive Sports Program awards small 
     grants for equine therapy, mostly for physical disabilities. 
     An additional $1,000,000 above the request is provided to the 
     Adaptive Sports Program to encourage VA to increase its use 
     of Adaptive Sports Program grants for equine therapy for 
     mental health issues, given the promising results reported 
     using equine therapy for veterans with posttraumatic stress 
     disorder.
       Burn pits.--The agreement provides $5,000,000 for the 
     purpose of implementing the recommendations included in 
     National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's 
     assessment to improve the VA open burn pit registry.
       Specialized and modular prosthetics.--As referenced in the 
     House report, the field of specialized and modular 
     prosthetics is evolving at a faster pace than VA has been 
     able to match. There is concern that VA does not have an 
     effective, streamlined model of service for specialized or 
     innovative modular prosthetics, unlike both the DOD and the 
     Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which have begun 
     to explore this field. Therefore, the agreement directs VA to 
     conduct comparative analyses of prosthetic manufacturing 
     processes and determine whether it has the capacity to use 
     the ``best of breed'' manufacturing processes in cases where 
     it directly produces the prosthesis. This report shall be 
     submitted to the Committees no later than 90 days after 
     enactment of this Act.
       Proposed prosthetics regulation.--VA has included a 
     provision in its proposed regulation on prosthetic and 
     rehabilitative items and services that may limit veterans' 
     choice in obtaining prosthetic, orthotic and other 
     rehabilitative services. The regulation appears to give the 
     Department sole authority to choose the provider of the 
     services, contrary to the current practice of giving veterans 
     a choice in these services. VA is encouraged to reconsider 
     this issue as it develops its final regulation.
       Partnerships with community providers.--The Department is 
     encouraged to establish a pilot program within the Veterans 
     Health Administration (VHA) to support a partnership between 
     community health centers, other health providers, and higher 
     education institutions for the purpose of providing 
     education, training, and placement of veterans into health 
     professions. No later than 60 days after enactment of this 
     Act, the Department is directed to submit a report to the 
     Committees outlining the feasibility and advisability of 
     establishing such a pilot program.
       Demand profile.--The creation of a demand profile of VA 
     healthcare needs across the country would be important to 
     inform the proper balance between VA and non-VA care covered 
     by the Department at VA and non-VA facilities. The Department 
     is directed to establish a demand profile for each of the 
     healthcare services furnished by VA and submit the findings 
     to the Committees no later than twelve months after enactment 
     of this Act. VA is directed to use the demand profile to 
     inform the capability and capacity of any non-Department 
     healthcare services provided. Each demand profile shall 
     include the following information: (1) the number of requests 
     for the healthcare service; (2) the number of appointments 
     for the receipt of the healthcare service, disaggregated by 
     appointments at VA facilities and appointments with non-
     Department healthcare providers; (3) the capacity of the 
     Department to provide the healthcare service at VA 
     facilities; and (4) an assessment of the extent to which the 
     Department needs to use non-Department healthcare providers 
     to provide healthcare services.
       Chiropractic services.--The agreement includes $5,000,000 
     for the chiropractic programs to be developed under the 
     authority of sec. 245.


                         MEDICAL COMMUNITY CARE

       The agreement provides $8,384,704,000 in advance fiscal 
     year 2019 funding for Medical Community Care, with 
     $2,000,000,000 available through fiscal year 2022. The 
     agreement also provides $419,176,000 for fiscal year 2018 in 
     addition to the advance appropriation provided last year.
       Due to the timing of reconciliation between obligations, 
     authorizations, and the number of those authorizations filled 
     through private providers, VA's accounting procedure has led 
     to the de-obligation of funds past the life of the budget 
     authority, leading to the expiration of millions of dollars 
     that could have been applied to veterans healthcare programs. 
     Therefore, the agreement provides extended availability to 
     aid the Department in ensuring that it can obligate all 
     appropriations within this account before expiration.


                     MEDICAL SUPPORT AND COMPLIANCE

       The agreement provides $7,239,156,000 in advance for fiscal 
     year 2019 for Medical Support and Compliance and makes 
     $100,000,000 of the advance funding available through fiscal 
     year 2020. The agreement also provides $100,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2018 in addition to the advance appropriation 
     provided last year.


                           MEDICAL FACILITIES

       The agreement provides $5,914,288,000 in advance for fiscal 
     year 2019 for Medical Facilities, as well as $707,000,000 in 
     fiscal year 2018 funding, which is in addition to the advance 
     funding provided last year and is made available for two 
     years. Of the advance funding, $250,000,000 is made available 
     through fiscal year 2020.
       In addition, $1,000,000,000 is provided for non-recurring 
     maintenance in section 255 to be available until expended. 
     The funding is to be used to correct deficiencies identified 
     in the VA's facilities assessments reports as well as to 
     supplement base funding provided within this Medical 
     Facilities account.
       Bakersfield outpatient clinic.--The lengthy period VA has 
     taken to lease a new outpatient clinic in Bakersfield, CA 
     pursuant to Public Law 111-82 is concerning. Outpatient 
     clinics greatly reduce the need for veterans to travel long 
     distances for care by providing reliable medical services 
     closer to a veteran's home. The new outpatient clinic would 
     replace the Bakersfield community-based outpatient clinic and 
     would provide expanded primary care and mental health 
     services while offering a range of specialty care clinics. 
     This project would simultaneously increase veterans' access 
     to healthcare locally as well as reduce the caseload at other 
     facilities in the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. 
     While VA received congressional authorization for the project 
     in fiscal year 2010 and has allocated funding for it, the 
     project has been delayed for years and is still in the 
     acquisition phase. The Department is urged to expedite the 
     project in light of the urgent need for expanded healthcare 
     services. The Secretary is directed to report to the 
     Committees no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act 
     on past actions and the future plan forward, including the 
     timeline for this project, and to provide periodic progress 
     reports to the Committees every 120 days. These periodic 
     progress reports shall include an explanation of any changes 
     to: (1) the project's status; (2) the expected cost of the 
     lease; and (3) the projected completion date.


                    MEDICAL AND PROSTHETIC RESEARCH

       The agreement provides $722,262,000 for Medical and 
     Prosthetic Research, available until September 30, 2019. Bill 
     language is included to ensure that the Secretary allocates 
     adequate funding for research on gender-appropriate 
     prosthetics and toxic exposures.
       Exoskeleton research.--As indicated in the Senate report, 
     VA is directed to study the efficacy of exoskeletons in the 
     rehabilitation of patients who have suffered a stroke or 
     traumatic brain injury.
       Cancer moonshot.--As indicated in the Senate report, the 
     Department is urged to include skin cancer as a subject of 
     its efforts to provide targeted cancer treatments to veterans 
     through genomic science.
       Rare cancers.--The disproportionate impact of rare cancers 
     on veterans, the number of rare cancers affecting veterans 
     that are understudied and misunderstood, and inadequate 
     treatment options for rare cancers are concerning. Therefore, 
     the Department is instructed to provide a report to the 
     Committees within 90 days of enactment of this Act for each 
     of the last five years: the prevalence rate of rare cancers 
     among veterans; the types of treatments being provided to 
     veterans specifically for rare cancers; any studies on rare 
     cancers conducted by the Department; the Department's 
     expenditures on the treatment of rare cancers; the 
     Department's programs dedicated to addressing rare cancers 
     among veterans; and recommendations on ways the Department 
     can enhance rare cancer treatments for veterans.
       Exposure to Agent Orange by certain Navy veterans.--As 
     described in the Senate report, beginning in 2002, a revised 
     VA interpretation of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 (Public Law 
     102-4) has prevented ``Blue Water'' Navy veterans who served 
     in the Navy outside of the riverine and coastal areas from 
     collecting benefits unless they could prove that they stepped 
     onto land or that their ship entered the internal river 
     system of the Republic of Vietnam. However, a growing body of 
     research supports the resumption of the presumption of 
     exposure for these veterans. Subsequently, the Secretary has 
     testified before the House Veterans Affairs Committee that he 
     believes these veterans should be extended the presumption of 
     exposure. The Department is directed to submit a report to 
     the Committees no later than 180 days after enactment of this 
     Act evaluating each of the U.S. and non-U.S. studies on Agent 
     Orange exposure and any additional relevant material. The 
     report should also include any justification for the 
     continued exclusion policy

[[Page H2819]]

     or, in the alternative, detail the intent, along with 
     associated milestones, for lifting the exclusion policy.


                    NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION

       The agreement provides $306,193,000 for the National 
     Cemetery Administration (NCA). Of the amount provided, not to 
     exceed 10 percent is available until September 30, 2019.
       Burial rights for Hmong veterans.--The agreement includes 
     section 251 permitting burial in a National Cemetery 
     Administration national cemetery for any Hmong veterans 
     naturalized pursuant to the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization 
     Act of 2000, who served on behalf of the United States during 
     the Vietnam War, and who were residing in the United States 
     at the time of the individual's death. The Department is 
     instructed to conduct an analysis of the number of surviving 
     Hmong veterans who served in Vietnam on behalf of the United 
     States and who would not be eligible for burial in a VA 
     national cemetery under the provisions of section 251. This 
     analysis should be submitted to the Committees no later than 
     180 days after enactment of this Act.
       Deferred maintenance.--Given the weaknesses in the 
     Facilities Condition Assessment currently used by NCA, as 
     described in the House report, NCA is encouraged to pilot in 
     one region the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Sustainment 
     Management System (SMS). The procurement of the SMS is 
     available to VA without cost. The SMS provides automated, 
     predictive modeling that may provide more accurate data to 
     model future maintenance needs. Since other groups within VA 
     also currently use the Facilities Condition Assessment, this 
     pilot may provide a useful test to see if the SMS has utility 
     department-wide. VA is directed to inform the Committees of 
     its plans to pilot the SMS, including the region chosen, the 
     expected cost, and planned start date and duration of the 
     pilot. If VA determines it is unable to conduct the pilot, it 
     is directed to report to the Committees the reasons why.

                      Departmental Administration

                         General Administration


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $335,891,000 for General 
     Administration. Of the amount provided, not to exceed 10 
     percent is available for obligation until September 30, 2019. 
     The agreement continues to include bill language permitting 
     the transfer of funds from this account to General Operating 
     Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration.
       Recording of obligations.--VA is in the process of changing 
     its accounting for obligations for healthcare services 
     purchased from non-VA providers. Up to this time, such 
     obligations have been recorded at the time the health care 
     services were authorized. Obligations were later adjusted 
     after healthcare services were rendered, and VA received a 
     claim for payment, VA evaluated the claim to ensure that it 
     was allowable, and VA approved the claim for payment. Because 
     of the lag in the time between the date services were 
     rendered and the date a claim was processed, approved and 
     paid, approximately 75 percent of the preliminary fiscal year 
     2017 obligations were based on VA's ``best estimate'' of 
     services that a veteran might or might not receive. This is 
     because the amount of VA's final liability was contingent on 
     the veteran seeking health care services and the type and 
     length of services that were provided by the non-VA provider. 
     The proposed accounting change will mean that obligations 
     will be recorded at the time claims are processed and 
     approved, thereby eliminating the uncertainty regarding the 
     actual total obligations against the program. The Department 
     believes that this change in obligation procedure will 
     improve program management and the ability to forecast and 
     justify budget requirements. The Committees concur with the 
     VA proposal, noting the Comptroller General has opined in the 
     past that VA could determine whether the government should 
     accept liability for non-VA health care claims following a 
     review and approval process and record obligations upon 
     approval. This proposal matches the system DOD uses for its 
     non-Department healthcare claims.
       Staff vacancies.--As indicated in the Senate report, VA is 
     directed to use funds provided by this Act to fill its staff 
     vacancies and to report monthly on its progress in doing so.
       Financial management system.--The agreement includes 
     $10,800,000 in this account, as well as $83,000,000 in the 
     Information Technology Systems account for development of a 
     new financial management system. The VA agreement to use the 
     Department of Agriculture's Federal Shared Services financial 
     management system has broken down and VA is trying to use the 
     contracts USDA had set up to reconstruct the financial 
     management system it had anticipated acquiring through USDA. 
     It is concerning that VA is trying to move forward alone, 
     given the disastrous outcomes of its two previous attempts to 
     create a modern financial management system. VA is directed 
     to provide a report to the Committees within 60 days of 
     enactment of this Act that describes the components that will 
     be included in its planned financial management system, such 
     as acquisition, the cost of the contracts and staffing that 
     VA has acquired from USDA, the annual and total costs of the 
     project, and its timeline and performance benchmarks. The 
     report should also include a description of interim steps the 
     Department is taking to improve the timeliness of payments 
     made to healthcare providers and vendors while the FMS is 
     being developed. Upon submission of this report, VA is 
     directed to provide the Committees on a quarterly basis a 
     report that compares actual progress on the financial 
     management system to the performance benchmarks and timeline 
     provided in the first report.
       Inconsistencies in contracting policy after the Kingdomware 
     decision.--VA issued guidance to implement the Kingdomware 
     decision of June 2016, which held that the VA ``must use the 
     Rule of Two when awarding contracts, even when the Department 
     will otherwise meet its annual minimum contracting goals'' 
     and that it must be applied to Federal Supply Schedule 
     purchase orders. The VA guidance outlined ways to identify 
     potential vendors and evaluate their capabilities. However, 
     there is concern that VA's guidance is being interpreted 
     inconsistently across the VISNs. In some VISNs, option years 
     are not being exercised as anticipated, but instead, are 
     being re-bid to satisfy the ``Rule of Two'' retroactively 
     based on a misinterpretation of the Supreme Court's ruling.
       A report by the GAO (GAO-17-748) highlighted similar 
     concerns. The GAO report identified significant 
     inconsistencies between national policies set by the VA and 
     implementation of those policies at the regional and local 
     levels. The report emphasized that VA has not established a 
     process for systematically ensuring that local policies are 
     aligned with national policies.
       To ensure veterans' continued access to quality care, VA is 
     urged to issue additional guidance to provide a standard set 
     of criteria for contracting officers to evaluate veteran-
     owned providers' capabilities and to take steps to ensure 
     their implementation in a consistent manner across the VISNs, 
     in alignment with the GAO's recommendations, especially with 
     regard to option years.


                       BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS

       The agreement provides $161,048,000 for the Board of 
     Veterans Appeals (BVA), of which not to exceed 10 percent 
     shall remain available until September 30, 2019. Funding 
     above the budget request is to be used to assist in 
     streamlining the appeals process, with the new authorities 
     provided by Congress. Bill language continues to be included 
     in section 230 permitting 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.


                     INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $4,055,500,000 for Information 
     Technology (IT) Systems. The agreement identifies separately 
     in bill language the funding available for pay 
     ($1,230,320,000); operations and maintenance 
     ($2,496,650,000); and systems development ($328,530,000). The 
     agreement makes not to exceed 5 percent of pay and of 
     operations and maintenance funding available until the end of 
     fiscal year 2019; not to exceed 5 percent of operations and 
     maintenance funding available until the end of fiscal year 
     2019, and all IT systems development funding available until 
     the end of fiscal year 2019.
       The agreement includes $63,404,000 in information 
     technology funding for the Veterans Benefits Management 
     System which processes disability claims; $7,500,000 for the 
     BVA claims appeals modernization effort; $83,000,000 for 
     development of a new VA financial management system; and 
     $340,000,000 for the Office of Information Security.
       The agreement continues language prohibiting the obligation 
     of IT development funding until VA submits a certification of 
     the amounts to be obligated, in part or in full, for each 
     development project.
       The agreement continues language permitting funding to be 
     transferred among the three IT subaccounts, subject to 
     approval from the Committees.
       The agreement continues language providing that funding may 
     be transferred among development projects or to new projects 
     subject to the Committees' approval.
       The agreement continues language indicating that no 
     development project may be increased or decreased by more 
     than $1,000,000 prior to receiving approval of the Committees 
     or a period of 30 days has elapsed.
       The agreement provides funding for IT development for the 
     projects and in the amounts specified in the following table:

               INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
                        (in thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Project                             Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
VLER Health................................................       10,000
VistA Module Enhancements..................................        9,000
Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS).................       59,904
Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER)..................       20,968
Veteran Customer Experience (formerly VRM).................       58,473
Other IT Systems Development...............................      170,185
                                                            ------------
    Total, All Development.................................     $328,530
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       This table is intended to serve as the Department's 
     approved list of development projects; any requested changes 
     are subject to reprogramming requirements.
       Expenditure plan.--The Department is directed to continue 
     to provide a fiscal year 2018 IT expenditure plan to the 
     Committees upon enactment of this Act. This plan should be in 
     the same format as the table above.


                   VETERANS ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD

       The agreement provides $782,000,000 for activities related 
     to the development and rollout of a new VA electronic health 
     record, the

[[Page H2820]]

     associated contractual costs, and the salaries and expenses 
     of employees hired under titles 5 and 38, United States Code. 
     Because this is a very substantial new effort, the timing of 
     obligation of funding is uncertain. As a result, the 
     agreement makes these funds available for three years.
       This account is intended to be the single source of funding 
     within VA for the electronic health record effort. There is 
     no authority for funds from other VA accounts to be 
     transferred to this account or for funds from this account to 
     be transferred to other accounts. Consistent with the effort 
     to centralize financial management of the development of the 
     electronic health record, the Department is directed to place 
     top management of the project at the headquarters level above 
     either the VHA or the Office of Information Technology, such 
     as in the Office of the Deputy Secretary.
       The bill language for this account requires the Secretary 
     to submit a report quarterly to the Committees detailing 
     obligations, expenditures, and deployment strategy by 
     facility. In addition, GAO is directed to perform quarterly 
     performance reviews of the VA electronic health record 
     deployment so that the Committees are kept abreast of 
     important issues such as cost and operational capability. It 
     is expected that this quarterly reporting will avail the 
     Committees and VA with timely information to properly oversee 
     this effort and address important issues.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The agreement provides $164,000,000 for the Office of 
     Inspector General (OIG). Of the amount provided, not to 
     exceed 10 percent is available for obligation until September 
     30, 2019.


                      CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS

       The agreement provides $512,430,000 for Construction, Major 
     Projects, which is the same as the budget request. The 
     agreement makes this funding available for five years, except 
     that $80,000,000 is made available until expended.
       External project management.--The agreement continues the 
     bill language requiring that large VA construction projects 
     be managed by a non-VA government entity. Of the total 
     provided, $117,300,000 for VHA major construction projects 
     shall not be available until the Department enters into an 
     agreement with a non-Department of Veterans Affairs Federal 
     entity to serve as the design and/or construction agent for 
     each major construction project with a total estimated cost 
     of $100,000,000 or above. Funding is available for obligation 
     for each project only after VA certifies that the agreement 
     with the non-Department Federal entity is in effect for that 
     project. The single large VHA project affected by this 
     provision is in Livermore, California.
       The requirement to contract with an outside agent for major 
     construction projects was also mandated in Section 502 of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 
     2015 (Public Law 114-58), enacted on September 30, 2015. 
     Since the provision in the annual appropriations bill is also 
     contained in permanent authorizing law, in future years, this 
     provision will not be included in the appropriations bill.
       The agreement funds the following items as requested in the 
     budget submission:

                      CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS
                        (in thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Location and description                    Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Veterans Health Admin. (VHA):
    Livermore, CA, realignment and closure of the Livermore     $117,300
     campus................................................
Advance Planning and Design Fund:
    various locations......................................       57,500
    Asbestos: various locations............................        7,500
    Major Construction Staff: various locations............       27,500
    Hazardous Waste: various locations.....................       15,000
    Judgment Fund: various locations.......................       10,000
    Non-Dept. Fed. Entity Project Management Support.......       16,730
        Total, VHA.........................................      251,530
National Cemetery Admin. (NCA):
    Sacramento, CA: gravesite expansion....................       35,000
    Bushnell, FL: gravesite expansion and cemetery                51,500
     improvement sites.....................................
    Elwood, IL: gravesite expansion, Phase 3...............       35,000
    Calverton, NY: gravesite expansion.....................       50,000
    Phoenix, AZ: gravesite expansion.......................       31,900
    Bridgeville, PA: gravesite expansion , Phase 3.........       39,000
        Advance Planning and Design Fund...................        8,500
        NCA Land Acquisition Fund..........................        5,000
            Total, NCA.....................................      255,900
General Admin.:
    Staff Offices Advance Planning Fund....................        5,000
            Total, Construction Major Projects.............     $512,430
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       West Los Angeles, California seismic corrections.--VA 
     removed six buildings from the scope of the West Los Angeles, 
     California seismic corrections project to be addressed 
     through the Enhanced Use Lease supportive housing program. In 
     the fiscal year 2018 budget submission, VA advised that 
     details would be provided on how the remaining funding 
     appropriated for the West LA project would be used. VA's most 
     urgent need is to address Building 300, the Regional Food 
     Services Facility, which is critical for providing quality 
     service to vulnerable inpatient veterans. The Regional Food 
     Services Facility is currently housed in a 65 year old, 
     seismically at-risk facility potentially impacting food 
     quality and safety, and placing veterans at risk. Renovation 
     of Building 300 was originally included in the scope of the 
     major project, but VA has determined that new construction 
     would be more cost-effective than the originally planned 
     renovation. The new Food Services facility will be efficient, 
     purpose-built, and centrally located adjacent to the 
     inpatient facility. VA has estimated that the total cost for 
     new construction of the approximately 25,000 gross square 
     foot Food Services facility is $35,000,000. VA is directed to 
     utilize $35,000,000 of the remaining funds from the West Los 
     Angeles, California Seismic Corrections major construction 
     project for construction of the Food Service facility. 
     Further, it is expected that the vacated Building 300 site 
     will be used to support the Department's stated goal of 
     developing at least 1,200 housing units on the campus by 
     2026. VA is directed to provide to the Committees no later 
     than 60 days after enactment of this Act an estimated 
     schedule for completion of the Food Services facility.
       Strategic Capital Investment Plan (SCIP).--It is 
     appreciated that VA has consulted with the Committees and 
     will be modifying its future capital budget and long term 
     capital plan, with its submission to include a clearer 
     presentation of its capital needs, by year, over the next 
     five years. In addition, VA will make improvements to the 
     congressional justification to make it a more usable and 
     understandable document. This additional information will 
     provide more clarity on VA's future capital plans. An example 
     of a presentation that accurately reflects the priority 
     projects from the SCIP that will actually be funded in the 
     request is the ``Active Development Major Construction 
     Projects''' on page 8.2 11 of Volume 4 of the fiscal year 
     2018 justification volumes. VA is encouraged to place such 
     charts in a more prominent place in the justifications. VA is 
     also encouraged to ensure that the funds requested for 
     projects (major, minor, leases, and non-recurring 
     maintenance) that are presented in congressional 
     justification documents are in fact allocated to those 
     projects for execution. VA is directed to report quarterly on 
     the allocation and execution of such funds for the identified 
     projects and clearly identify any changes.
       Vacant and underutilized buildings and structures.--In June 
     2017, the Secretary announced plans to initiate disposal or 
     reuse actions for 430 vacant buildings in VA's real property 
     inventory in order to decrease the maintenance of buildings 
     VA does not need and reinvest the savings. The Secretary also 
     announced a review of 784 non-vacant but underutilized 
     buildings. While the Department's initiative to review the 
     utility of VA property is commendable, the process by which 
     the list of buildings and structures was created was not 
     transparent. The Department is directed to submit a report to 
     the Committees no later than 90 days after enactment of this 
     Act that includes the following elements: (1) an explanation 
     of the process and methodology used to determine, record, and 
     validate which buildings and structures in VA's real property 
     portfolio are vacant, mostly vacant, or underutilized, and 
     their physical condition; (2) an explanation of the process 
     by which those property disposal analyses and plans were 
     developed and coordinated with, and within, each VISN; (3) a 
     cost-benefit analysis of the Department's ongoing real 
     property disposal plans, both in terms of this immediate 
     disposal action, and in aggregate; (4) a discussion of the 
     impact of historic designations of buildings and structures 
     on the Department's ability to manage its real property 
     portfolio; and (5) a certification that the disposal of these 
     identified properties will have no significant adverse impact 
     on the Department's ability to provide health care and 
     benefits for veterans.
       National realignment strategy.--It is understood the 
     Department, as part of a national realignment strategy of VA 
     services, will continue to reevaluate and scrutinize the 
     utility of facilities and property as well as the healthcare 
     services available at VA facilities and available through 
     non-Department healthcare providers. The Department is 
     prohibited from diminishing healthcare services at existing 
     VHA medical facilities as part of a planned realignment of VA 
     services until the Secretary provides justification to the 
     Committees.


                      CONSTRUCTION, MINOR PROJECTS

       The agreement provides $342,570,000 for Construction, Minor 
     Projects. The agreement makes this funding available for five 
     years. Included within the total is $193,610,000 for the 
     Veterans Health Administration; $97,950,000 for the National 
     Cemetery Administration; $29,895,000 for the Veterans 
     Benefits Administration; and $21,115,000 for General 
     Administration--Staff Offices.
       In addition, $425,000,000 is provided for minor 
     construction projects in section 255 to remain available 
     until expended.
       Expenditure plan.--The agreement includes a directive for 
     the Department to provide an expenditure plan no later than 
     30 days after the enactment of this Act. This expenditure 
     plan shall include a complete list of minor construction 
     projects to be supported with the fiscal year 2018 
     appropriation. The plan shall be updated six months and 
     twelve months after enactment.


       GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STATE EXTENDED CARE FACILITIES

       The agreement provides $110,000,000 for Grants for 
     Construction of State Extended Care Facilities, to remain 
     available until expended.
       The agreement includes in section 253 a provision ensuring 
     that the priority order for eligible and approved, but 
     unfunded, State projects in 2017 is not disrupted by priority 
     designated for approved 2018 projects.
       The agreement includes section 255 which provides an 
     additional $575,000,000 for grants

[[Page H2821]]

     for construction of State extended care facilities to be 
     available until expended. This funding, coupled with the base 
     funding of $110,000,000 and fiscal year 2017 carryover should 
     be sufficient to support the entire existing backlog of 
     approved State applications.
       VA is encouraged to prioritize the needs of rural States in 
     its allocation of funding for State homes by: (1) including 
     consideration of rural mileage access in its ``great need for 
     beds to be established'' at a State home; (2) considering the 
     unique needs of small States with a single facility; and (3) 
     prioritizing large rural States where veterans may live 
     hundreds of miles from the nearest facility.


             GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF VETERANS CEMETERIES

       The agreement provides $45,000,000 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 the 
     transfer of funds among the three mandatory accounts.
       The agreement includes section 202 allowing for the 
     transfer of funds among the four 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, the Office 
     of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication, the 
     Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, and 
     the Office of Diversity and Inclusion can charge other 
     offices of the Department for services provided.
       The agreement includes section 211 requiring the Department 
     to collect third-party payer information for persons treated 
     for a non-service-connected disability.
       The agreement includes section 212 allowing for the use of 
     enhanced-use leasing revenues for Construction, Major 
     Projects and Construction, Minor Projects.
       The agreement includes section 213 outlining authorized 
     uses for Medical Services funds.
       The agreement includes section 214 allowing for funds 
     deposited into the Medical Care Collections Fund to be 
     transferred to the Medical Services and Medical Community 
     Care accounts.
       The agreement includes section 215 which allows Alaskan 
     veterans to use medical facilities of the Indian Health 
     Service or tribal organizations.
       The agreement includes section 216 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 217 requiring the Secretary 
     to submit financial status quarterly reports for each of the 
     Administrations in the Department. The specific data 
     requested is similar to that requested in the fiscal year 
     2016 conference report.
       The agreement includes section 218 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 and limits the aggregate annual 
     increase in the account to no more than 10 percent of the 
     funding appropriated to the account in this Act.
       The agreement includes section 219 providing up to 
     $297,137,000 of fiscal year 2018 funds for transfer to the 
     Joint DOD-VA Medical Facility Demonstration Fund.
       The agreement includes section 220 which permits 
     $306,378,000 of fiscal year 2019 medical care funding 
     provided in advance to be transferred to the Joint DOD-VA 
     Medical Facility Demonstration Fund.
       The agreement includes section 221 which authorizes 
     transfers from the Medical Care Collections Fund to the Joint 
     DOD-VA Medical Facility Demonstration Fund.
       The agreement includes section 222 which transfers at least 
     $15,000,000 from VA medical accounts to the DOD-VA Health 
     Care Sharing Incentive Fund.
       The agreement includes section 223 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 224 requiring that the 
     Department notify the Committees of bid savings in a major 
     construction project of at least $5,000,000, or 5 percent, 
     whichever is less, 14 days prior to the obligation of the bid 
     savings and their anticipated use.
       The agreement includes section 225 which prohibits VA from 
     increasing the scope of work for a major construction project 
     above the scope specified in the original budget request 
     unless the Secretary receives approval from the Committees.
       The agreement includes section 226 requiring a quarterly 
     report from each VBA regional office on pending disability 
     claims, both initial and supplemental; error rates; the 
     number of claims processing personnel; corrective actions 
     taken; training programs; and review team audit results. It 
     also requires a quarterly report on the number of appeals 
     pending at the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Board 
     of Veterans Appeals.
       The agreement includes section 227 requiring VA to notify 
     the Committees 15 days prior to any staff office relocations 
     within VA of 25 or more fulltime-equivalent staff.
       The agreement includes section 228 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 229 permitting the transfer 
     to the Medical Services account of fiscal year discretionary 
     2018 funds appropriated in this Act or available from advance 
     fiscal year 2018 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 a 
     greater than projected number of enrollees or higher 
     intensity of use of benefits. Any such transfer requires the 
     approval of the Committees.
       The agreement includes section 230 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 231 prohibiting the 
     Secretary from reprogramming funds in excess of $7,000,000 
     among major construction projects or programs unless the 
     reprogramming is approved by the Committees.
       The agreement includes section 232 mandating certain 
     professional standards for the veterans crisis hotline.
       The agreement includes section 233 restricting funds from 
     being used to close medical facilities in the absence of a 
     national realignment strategy.
       The agreement includes section 234 modifying current law to 
     permit VA hospitals to use shuttle buses for employees so 
     that patients can use the closer parking lots.
       The agreement includes section 235 requiring VA to use the 
     mammography screening guidelines announced by the Secretary 
     on May 10, 2017.
       The agreement includes section 236 allowing the use of 
     Medical Services funding for assisted reproductive technology 
     treatment and adoption reimbursement for veterans and their 
     spouses if the veteran has a service-connected disability 
     that results in being unable to procreate without such 
     fertility treatment.
       The agreement includes section 237 which provides a 
     rescission of $751,000,000. This funding is reappropriated in 
     the Medical Services account to extend its availability.
       The agreement includes section 238 prohibiting any funds 
     from being used in a manner that is inconsistent with 
     statutory limitations on outsourcing.
       The agreement includes section 239 pertaining to 
     limitations on Indian- or Native Hawaiian-owned businesses 
     contracting with VA.
       The agreement includes section 240 directing the 
     elimination over a series of years of the use of social 
     security numbers in VA programs.
       The agreement includes section 241 referencing the 
     provision in the 2017 appropriations Act pertaining to 
     certification of marriage and family therapists.
       The agreement includes section 242 which prohibits funds 
     from being used to transfer funding from the Filipino 
     Veterans Equity Compensation Fund to any other VA account.
       The agreement includes section 243 which rescinds and 
     reappropriates Major Construction funding for eight projects 
     to extend its availability.
       The agreement includes section 244 permitting funding to be 
     used in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 to carry out and expand 
     the child care pilot program authorized by section 205 of 
     Public Law 111-163.
       The agreement includes section 245 creating a pilot program 
     for chiropractic services.
       The agreement includes section 246 creating a pilot program 
     for training veterans to become physician assistants.
       The agreement includes section 247 which includes a 
     reference to a provision in the 2017 appropriations Act 
     identifying information

[[Page H2822]]

     which may be used to verify the status of coastwise merchant 
     seamen who served during World War II for the purposes of 
     eligibility for medals, ribbons, or other military 
     decorations.
       The agreement includes section 248 permitting the Secretary 
     to use appropriated funds to ensure particular ratios of 
     veterans to full-time employment equivalents within any VA 
     program of rehabilitation.
       The agreement includes section 249 prohibiting VA from 
     using funds to enter into an agreement to resolve a dispute 
     or claim with an individual that would restrict the 
     individual from speaking to members of Congress or their 
     staff on any topic, except those required to be kept secret 
     in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign 
     affairs.
       The agreement includes section 250 referencing language in 
     the 2017 appropriations Act requiring certain data to be 
     included in budget justifications for Major Construction 
     projects.
       The agreement includes section 251 permitting Hmong 
     veterans who served in Vietnam and were naturalized pursuant 
     to the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000 to be 
     buried in VA national cemeteries.
       The agreement includes section 252 creating a 2 year pilot 
     program to make grants to veterans service organizations to 
     upgrade their facilities to become health and wellness 
     centers.
       The agreement includes section 253 ensuring that the 
     priority order for eligible and approved, but unfunded, State 
     projects in 2017 is not disrupted by priority designated for 
     approved 2018 projects.
       The agreement includes section 254 prohibiting the use of 
     canines in VA research unless: the scientific objectives of 
     the study can only be met by using canines; the study has 
     been directly approved by the Secretary; and the study is 
     consistent with the revised VA canine research policy 
     document released in December 2017.
       The agreement includes section 255 providing $2,000,000,000 
     to be available until expended for VA infrastructure needs, 
     of which $1,000,000,000 is for Medical Facilities for non-
     recurring maintenance; $425,000,000 is for Minor 
     Construction; and $575,000,000 is for Grants for Construction 
     of State Extended Care Facilities. This funding is not made 
     available until VA provides and the Committees approve a 
     detailed expenditure plan.
       The agreement includes section 256 clarifying that payment 
     for the costs of contract disability examinations shall be 
     financed within the Compensation and Pensions account.
       The agreement includes section 257 prohibiting funds to be 
     used to charge a veteran for a veterans identification card.
       The agreement includes section 258 related to the 
     eligibility of veterans for certain medical services with 
     other than honorable discharges. The two criteria that the 
     veteran must meet to be eligible for these medical services 
     are as follows: 1) veterans who have served 100 days in 
     uniform and were deployed to a combat zone; or 2) veterans 
     who are victims of sexual assault/sexual harassment.
       The agreement includes section 259 regarding the process 
     for a veteran to appeal the character of his or her service 
     determination.

                               TITLE III

                            RELATED AGENCIES

                  American Battle Monuments Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $79,000,000 for Salaries and 
     Expenses of the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), 
     an increase of $3,900,000 to support World War I anniversary 
     activities.


                 FOREIGN CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS ACCOUNT

       The agreement includes such sums as necessary for the 
     Foreign Currency Fluctuations Account. However, due to 
     favorable exchange rates, no funds are expected to be 
     required in fiscal year 2018.

           United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $33,600,000 for Salaries and 
     Expenses for the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans 
     Claims.

                      DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE--CIVIL

                       Cemeterial Expenses, Army


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $80,800,000 for Cemeterial Expenses, 
     Army Salaries and Expenses. Within that amount, up to 
     $15,000,000 in funding is available until September 30, 2020.


                              CONSTRUCTION

       The agreement provides $167,000,000 for planning and design 
     and construction of Southern Expansion to remain available 
     until expended.


                      ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME

                               TRUST FUND

       The agreement includes a total of $64,300,000 for the Armed 
     Forces Retirement Home (AFRH), as requested, but does not 
     provide the funds in the manner requested. The agreement 
     directs that $42,300,000 be derived from the Trust Fund and 
     $22,000,000 be provided from the General Fund to support AFRH 
     operations.
       Trust Fund Solvency.--There continues to be a belief that 
     both legislative and administrative actions are necessary to 
     improve Trust Fund solvency, eliminate AFRH's reliance on the 
     General Fund, and maintain the high-quality services provided 
     to AFRH residents. While there is still concern about the 
     path forward, DOD is directed to continue working with AFRH 
     to take appropriate administrative action and to develop and 
     submit proposed authorizing language that addresses the issue 
     of Trust Fund solvency.


                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

       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.
       The agreement includes section 302 allowing Arlington 
     National Cemetery to deposit and use funds derived from 
     concessions.

                                TITLE IV

                    Overseas Contingency Operations


                         Department of Defense

       The agreement includes title IV, Overseas Contingency 
     Operations, for military construction projects related to the 
     Global War on Terrorism and the European Deterrence/
     Reassurance Initiative.


                      Military Construction, Army

       The agreement includes $146,100,000 for ``Military 
     Construction, Army'', for planning and design and 
     construction in support of Overseas Contingency Operations 
     and the European Deterrence/Reassurance Initiative.


              Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps

       The agreement includes $33,248,000 for ``Military 
     Construction, Navy and Marine Corps'', for planning and 
     design and construction in support of Overseas Contingency 
     Operations and the European Deterrence/Reassurance 
     Initiative.


                    Military Construction, Air Force

       The agreement includes $546,352,000 for ``Military 
     Construction, Air Force'', for planning and design and 
     construction in support of Overseas Contingency Operations 
     and the European Deterrence/Reassurance Initiative.


                  Military Construction, Defense-Wide

       The agreement includes $24,300,000 for ``Military 
     Construction, Defense-Wide'', for planning and design and 
     construction in support of Overseas Contingency Operations 
     and the European Deterrence/Reassurance Initiative.


                       Administrative Provisions

       The agreement includes section 401 which provides the 
     contingent emergency designation for the Overseas Contingency 
     Operations accounts.
       The agreement includes section 402 which requires the 
     Department of Defense to provide a future year defense 
     program for European Deterrence/Reassurance Initiative to the 
     congressional defense committees.

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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 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 air 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.

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[[Page H2841]]

  


   DIVISION K--DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED 
                   PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018

       In implementing this agreement, Federal departments, 
     agencies, commissions, and other entities are directed to 
     comply with the directives, reporting requirements, and 
     instructions contained in H. Rept. 115-253 (House report) 
     accompanying H.R. 3362 (House bill) and S. Rept. 115-152 
     (Senate report) accompanying S. 1780 (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 language in such reports unless expressly provided 
     herein. Language expressing an opinion or making an 
     observation in the House or Senate reports represents the 
     view of the respective committee unless specifically endorsed 
     in this explanatory statement. In cases in which the House 
     and Senate reports provide contradictory directives or 
     instructions that are not addressed in this explanatory 
     statement, such directives or instructions are negated.
       Reports required to be submitted pursuant to the Act, 
     including reports required by this explanatory statement and 
     the House and Senate reports, may not be consolidated to 
     include responses to multiple requirements in a single 
     report, except following consultation with the Committees on 
     Appropriations.
       In lieu of the tables contained in the House and Senate 
     reports, the tables contained in this explanatory statement 
     shall guide departments, agencies, commissions, and other 
     entities when allocating funds.
       Section 7019 requires that amounts designated in the 
     respective tables referenced in this explanatory statement 
     for funds appropriated in titles III through V shall be made 
     available in such designated amounts, unless otherwise 
     provided for in the Act, and shall be the basis of the report 
     required by section 653(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 
     1961 (FAA) (the 653(a) report), where applicable. The section 
     also includes limited authority to deviate from such 
     specified amounts and continues language similar to prior 
     years including exceptions to the application of the 
     requirements of such section for amounts designated in tables 
     included in this explanatory statement for International 
     Military Education and Training and Global Health Programs, 
     and funds for which the initial period of availability has 
     expired.
       Proposed deviations from tables in titles I and II in this 
     explanatory statement are subject to the regular notification 
     procedures of the Committees on Appropriations, unless an 
     exception or deviation authority is specifically provided 
     herein.
       For the purposes of the Act, the term ``regular 
     notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations'' 
     means such Committees are notified not less than 15 days in 
     advance of the initial obligation of funds.
       For purposes of the Act, the term ``prior consultation'' 
     shall mean a pre-decisional engagement between a relevant 
     Federal agency and the Committees on Appropriations during 
     which such Committees are provided a meaningful opportunity 
     to provide relevant facts and opinions to inform the use of 
     funds; the development, content, or conduct of a program or 
     activity; or a decision to be taken.
       In meeting the requirements of section 7076(e) of the Act, 
     the Department of State and the United States Agency for 
     International Development (USAID) shall include in 
     congressional budget justifications (CBJs) the justifications 
     for multi-year availability for funds requested under 
     Diplomatic and Consular Programs and Operating Expenses. The 
     Department of State, USAID, and other agencies are also 
     directed to include in CBJs the information included in the 
     Introduction of the Senate report under Congressional Budget 
     Request and Justifications, as applicable.
       The Department of State, USAID, and other agencies funded 
     by the Act are directed to notify the Committees on 
     Appropriations of: (1) reprogrammings of funds, as required 
     by sections 7015 and 7019 of the Act, at the most detailed 
     level of the CBJ, the Act, or this explanatory statement; (2) 
     significant departures in funding from the CBJ or the 653(a) 
     report to be submitted 30 days after enactment of the Act; 
     and (3) plans for restructuring the department or agency 
     involving funding or staffing changes in accordance with 
     section 7081 of the Act.
       CBJ documents, and operating and spend plans, shall not 
     suffice for purposes of satisfying special notification 
     requirements contained in the Act.
       As in prior fiscal years, additional funding designated as 
     Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism (OCO/
     GWOT) pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985 (BBEDCA) is contained in title VIII of 
     the Act. Such funds are intended to address the extraordinary 
     costs of operations and assistance in countries in conflict 
     and areas of instability and violence, particularly in the 
     Middle East, South Asia, and Africa; security, stabilization, 
     and peacekeeping programs; humanitarian activities; and 
     counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts.
       For purposes of the Act, the ``term extremist 
     organization'' means the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria 
     (ISIS); organizations affiliated with ISIS; a foreign 
     organization that is determined to be engaged in terrorist 
     activity, as defined in section 212(a)(3)(B) of the 
     Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182); and other 
     entities designated as foreign terrorist organizations 
     pursuant to section 219 of such Act. The term ``extremist'' 
     means an individual affiliated with an extremist 
     organization. The term ``extremism'' means the advocacy or 
     use of violence by such organizations or individuals to 
     achieve political or religious goals.

                                TITLE I

                 DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY

                          DEPARTMENT OF STATE

                   Administration of Foreign Affairs

       The Act provides $9,054,019,000 for Administration of 
     Foreign Affairs in this title, and an additional 
     $3,115,849,000 in title VIII under this heading is designated 
     for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA. The Act includes a total of 
     $6,071,348,000 for embassy security in this title and title 
     VIII, as contained in the table below:

                            EMBASSY SECURITY
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Program/Activity                        Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Security Protection..............................    3,756,874
Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance............    2,314,474
                                                            ------------
    Total..................................................    6,071,348
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS

       The Act provides $5,744,440,000 for Diplomatic and Consular 
     Programs in this title, and an additional $2,975,971,000 in 
     title VIII under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT 
     pursuant to BBEDCA.
       Within the total provided under this heading in this title, 
     up to $1,380,752,000 is for Worldwide Security Protection 
     (WSP) and may remain available until expended; and 
     $4,363,688,000 is for operations, of which $654,553,000 may 
     remain available until September 20, 2019. Not later than 
     September 1, 2018, the Secretary of State is directed to 
     report to the Committees on Appropriations on projected 
     amounts available for operations beyond fiscal year 2018 by 
     category and bureau. Title VIII of the Act includes funds for 
     embassy operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq and 
     other areas of unrest.
       Funds appropriated by the Act for activities, bureaus, and 
     offices under this heading in this title are allocated 
     according to the following table:

                    DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                          Category                            Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Human Resources............................................    2,770,673
    Worldwide Security Protection..........................    [476,879]
Overseas Programs..........................................    1,253,799
Diplomatic Policy and Support..............................      794,561
Security Programs..........................................      925,407
    Worldwide Security Protection..........................    [903,873]
                                                            ------------
Total......................................................    5,744,440
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              BUREAU/OFFICE
               (includes salary and bureau-managed funds)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau of Administration
    Freedom of Information Act.............................     [33,960]
Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.................        6,250
Cultural Antiquities Task Force............................        1,000
Bureau of Counterterrorism
    Office of Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage             [1,250]
     Affairs...............................................
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor...............       42,020
    Human Rights Vetting...................................      [9,000]
    Office of International Religious Freedom..............      [6,500]
    of which, religious freedom curriculum development.....        [500]
    Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious      [2,000]
     Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia....
    Atrocities Prevention Training.........................        [500]
    Special Advisor for International Disability Rights....        [445]
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
    Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues.......        [634]
Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs
    Office of Terrorism Financing and Economic Sanctions         [6,100]
     Policy................................................
Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and              41,859
 Scientific Affairs........................................
Office of the Legal Advisor
    Document Review Unit...................................      [2,889]
Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons........       13,822
Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
    Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement................      [3,570]
Office of the Secretary
    Office of Global Women's Issues........................      [5,326]
    Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues.............      [5,497]
    Undersecretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and         [2,347]
     Human Rights..........................................
    Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.................      [1,000]
    Ambassador at Large for Global Criminal Justice........      [3,750]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Funds allocated for offices and programs under the bureaus 
     listed in the table under this heading that exceed the 2018 
     CBJ levels for such offices and programs are in addition to 
     funds otherwise made available for such bureaus.
       The agreement includes sufficient funds to support public 
     diplomacy programs at not less than the fiscal year 2017 
     level. In addition, the Secretary of State is directed to 
     include projected funding levels for public diplomacy in the 
     operating plan required by section 7076(a) of the Act.
       Section 7034(h) of the Act continues a limitation on the 
     use of funds for the preservation of religious sites as in 
     prior fiscal years.
       Section 7034(l)(1) of the Act extends for one year the 
     Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative surcharge authority, 
     which is the same extension of authority included in prior 
     fiscal years.
       Section 7034(l)(4) of the Act continues the Foreign Service 
     overseas pay comparability authority, but, as in prior fiscal 
     years, prohibits implementation of the third phase of the 
     authority.

[[Page H2842]]

       Assaults Abroad.--The Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) sets 
     forth authorities, responsibilities, and guidelines for 
     assisting United States citizens and their families who are 
     victims of sexual assaults and other crimes while traveling 
     abroad. FAM chapter 7, section 1931.1 directs consular 
     officers to ``assist victims of crime abroad and their 
     families in receiving necessary services while still 
     overseas'', and to ``assist victims in continuing those 
     services in the United States if appropriate and desired. . 
     .'' The Secretary of State is directed to remind consular 
     officers that they can lessen the effects of a crime on 
     United States victims by the quality and timeliness of their 
     response. The Secretary shall make officers aware of their 
     obligation to expeditiously fulfill their responsibilities to 
     crime victims set forth in FAM chapter 7, sections 1920 and 
     1930, including ascertaining the status of the police 
     investigation into the incident and assisting victims in 
     obtaining a copy of the police report, with translation if 
     possible.
       Chief of Mission Authority.--The Secretary of State shall 
     exercise existing authorities to strengthen interagency 
     coordination at United States diplomatic facilities abroad to 
     gain greater visibility on all United States Government 
     foreign assistance in a country and region, and to strengthen 
     the authority of the Chief of Mission.
       Conflict Stabilization Operations.--The agreement does not 
     include the authority for the Bureau of Conflict and 
     Stabilization Operations (CSO) to use funds made available 
     under this heading for related reconstruction and 
     stabilization grants and cooperative agreements. Funds are 
     included under Economic Support Fund for CSO to support such 
     activities, subject to the regular notification procedures of 
     the Committees on Appropriations.
       Cultural Property.--The Cultural Properties Implementation 
     Act requires each State Party seeking or participating in an 
     MOU with the United States to take measures consistent with 
     the Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the 
     Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural 
     Property to protect its cultural patrimony. In carrying out 
     section 303(f) of such Act and in lieu of the guidance in the 
     House and Senate reports, the Cultural Property Advisory 
     Committee should consider a State Party's expenditures on 
     securing and inventorying cultural sites and museums among 
     the criteria used to determine whether a State Party has 
     taken such measures. The Secretary of State should review the 
     feasibility of collecting and reporting on such measures 
     taken by a State Party and be prepared to report on such 
     review during the hearing process on the fiscal year 2019 
     budget request.
       Eligible Family Member (EFM) Employment.--The agreement 
     endorses the reporting directive under this heading in the 
     Senate report concerning cost-savings associated with EFM 
     employment at diplomatic facilities abroad.
       Expanded Professional Associates Program.--The agreement 
     provides funds under this heading for the Expanded 
     Professional Associates Program equal to the prior fiscal 
     year, and the Secretary of State shall consult with the 
     Committees on Appropriations prior to implementing a 
     significant deviation from such levels.
       Foreign Affairs Security Training Center.--Not later than 
     45 days after enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State 
     shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a progress 
     report on the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center 
     project, which shall be updated semi-annually until the 
     completion the completion of the project. The report shall 
     include the requirements described under this heading in the 
     House and Senate reports.
       Global Engagement Center (GEC).--The agreement includes up 
     to $20,000,000 for the GEC for countering foreign state 
     propaganda and disinformation. Pursuant to section 
     7015(h)(2)(A) of the Act, the Secretary of State shall 
     consult with the appropriate congressional committees on the 
     intended use of such funds, including any funds transferred 
     or requested to be transferred for such purposes from the 
     Department of Defense, prior to submitting the notification 
     required by such section. In addition, not later than 30 days 
     after enactment of the Act, the Secretary shall submit the 
     reports related to the GEC referenced under this heading in 
     the Senate report.
       Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.--The 
     agreement includes $13,822,000 for the Office to Monitor and 
     Combat Trafficking in Persons for support of activities and 
     directives described in the House and Senate reports.
       Review of Development Finance Activities.--The Secretary of 
     State, in consultation with the USAID Administrator, the 
     President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation 
     (OPIC), and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, 
     shall submit the review required under this heading in the 
     House report not later than 90 days after enactment of the 
     Act. The review shall also include recommendations for 
     enhancing the effectiveness of such programs within the 
     current organization of executive agencies, and a comparison 
     of the advantages and disadvantages of all recommendations 
     made in the review, including in relation to those proposed 
     in the fiscal year 2019 budget request.
       Workforce Diversity Initiatives.--Funds appropriated under 
     this heading shall continue to be made available for support 
     of workforce diversity initiatives, at levels commensurate 
     with prior years, including for fellowships to promote 
     diversity and excellence in the Foreign Service, such as the 
     Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program and the 
     Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program.
       Worldwide Aviation Support Services.--In lieu of the 
     requirement in the Senate report for the Department of State 
     OIG to submit a report on the Worldwide Aviation Support 
     Services contract, the Assistant Secretary for International 
     Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs shall consult with the 
     Committees on Appropriations, not later than 90 days after 
     enactment of the Act, on steps taken by the Department of 
     State to ensure the security and safety of aviation services 
     performed under such contract, including in Afghanistan.


                        CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND

       The Act provides $103,400,000 for Capital Investment Fund, 
     including $88,400,000 for improving and modernizing 
     information technology platforms.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The Act provides $77,629,000 for Office of Inspector 
     General (OIG) in this title, of which $11,644,000 may remain 
     available until September 30, 2019, and an additional 
     $68,100,000 in title VIII under this heading is designated 
     for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA. The Act waives the 
     requirement of section 209(a)(1) of the Foreign Service Act 
     of 1980, as included in prior fiscal years.
       In addition to the review required by this explanatory 
     statement under section 7081, the OIG shall review the 
     current status of the freeze on hiring, including EFM 
     employment and lateral transfers, and assess the impact of 
     such freeze during calendar year 2017 on: (1) the day-to-day 
     function and mission of the Department of State, United 
     States embassies, and consulates; (2) the safety, welfare, 
     and morale of Department personnel; and (3) the personnel 
     costs of the Department. The review shall also examine the 
     impact of the suspension of EFM employment on embassy and 
     consulate operations, and on other Federal agencies.


               EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

       The Act provides $646,143,000 for Educational and Cultural 
     Exchange Programs, of which not less than $240,000,000 is for 
     the Fulbright Program and $111,360,000 is for the Citizen 
     Exchange Program, of which not less than $4,125,000 is for 
     the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange. Funds under this 
     heading are allocated according to the following table:

                   EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGES
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Program/Activity                        Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Academic Programs:
    Fulbright Program......................................      240,000
    Global Academic Exchanges..............................       63,176
    Special Academic Exchanges.............................       16,950
        Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Program..     [12,550]
                                                            ------------
            Subtotal.......................................      320,126
Professional and Cultural Exchanges:
    International Visitor Program..........................       97,765
    Citizen Exchange Program...............................      111,360
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange..........................      [4,125]
    Special Professional and Cultural Exchanges............        5,575
                                                            ------------
            Subtotal.......................................      214,700
Special Initiatives:
    Young Leaders Initiatives..............................       28,500
    Countering State Disinformation and Pressure...........       12,000
                                                            ------------
            Subtotal.......................................       40,500
Program and Performance....................................        7,383
Exchanges Support..........................................       63,434
                                                            ------------
                Total......................................      646,143
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The Secretary of State shall include in the operating plan 
     required by section 7076(a) of the Act the information listed 
     under this heading in the House and Senate reports.
       Countering State Disinformation and Pressure.--The 
     agreement includes $12,000,000 in additional funding to 
     counter state-sponsored disinformation and hybrid threats, 
     promote democracy, and support exchanges with countries 
     facing state-sponsored disinformation and pressure campaigns, 
     particularly in Europe and Eurasia. A portion of the funds 
     shall be made available through a process whereby the Bureau 
     of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State, 
     solicits proposals from posts located in affected countries.
       Fulbright Initiatives.--The agreement funds Fulbright 
     program initiatives in Korea, the Baltic states and Finland, 
     and Eastern Europe at not less than, and in a manner 
     consistent with, fiscal year 2017.
       Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Staffing.--The 
     Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of 
     State, which manages programs funded under this heading, is 
     currently only staffed at 75 percent of its authorized 
     personnel level. Under-staffing hinders the effective 
     implementation and oversight of such programs. The Secretary 
     of State is directed to report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations not later than 30 days after enactment of the 
     Act on a plan to ensure adequate personnel levels to 
     effectively implement and oversee the funds provided for 
     exchanges, including a justification for any proposed 
     reductions to staffing below the authorized level.
       Citizen Exchange Program.--Funds made available for the 
     Citizen Exchange Program are intended for the purposes 
     described under this heading in the House report.
       Special Academic and Professional and Cultural Exchanges.--
     The agreement includes funds to continue the Special Academic 
     Exchanges and Special Professional

[[Page H2843]]

     and Cultural Exchanges described in the House and Senate 
     reports, including the Benjamin Gilman International 
     Scholarship Program and the Tibetan exchanges and 
     fellowships.
       The agreement includes $2,500,000 under this heading and 
     $2,500,000 under Development Assistance for grants authorized 
     by section 211 of the Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 
     2000, as amended.


                        REPRESENTATION EXPENSES

       The Act provides $8,030,000 for Representation Expenses, 
     subject to section 7020 of the Act.


              PROTECTION OF FOREIGN MISSIONS AND OFFICIALS

       The Act provides $30,890,000 for Protection of Foreign 
     Missions and Officials.
       Section 7034(i) of the Act continues the authority for the 
     Secretary of State to transfer expired, unobligated balances 
     from funds made available under Diplomatic and Consular 
     Programs to this heading.


            EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE

       The Act provides $2,242,696,000 for Embassy Security, 
     Construction, and Maintenance in this title, of which 
     $1,477,237,000 is for Worldwide Security Upgrades (WSU) and 
     $765,459,000 is for other construction, operations, and 
     maintenance. An additional $71,778,000 is provided in title 
     VIII under this heading that is designated for OCO/GWOT 
     pursuant to BBEDCA.
       The agreement includes not less than $1,120,000,000 under 
     this heading for the Department of State share of the Capital 
     Security and Maintenance Cost Sharing Programs, consistent 
     with section 7004(c) of the Act. These funds, combined with 
     an estimated $151,100,000 from consular fee revenue, bring 
     the total Department of State share for such programs to 
     $1,271,100,000.
       The agreement includes funds for compound security upgrades 
     and domestic renovations at not less than the fiscal year 
     2017 level.
       Design Excellence.--The Secretary of State shall submit the 
     report required under this heading in the Senate report 
     regarding a review of the Department of State's embassy 
     construction processes and the Excellence approach, which 
     shall also include a summary of any changes to the Design 
     Excellence/Excellence approach already implemented. Such 
     report shall be submitted to the appropriate congressional 
     committees not later than 180 days after enactment of the 
     Act.
       Diplomatic Facilities in Russia and Tunisia.--Not later 
     than 45 days after the enactment of the Act, the Secretary of 
     State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations 
     with respect to the funding directives for diplomatic 
     facilities in Russia and Tunisia included in the Senate 
     report.


           EMERGENCIES IN THE DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICE

       The Act provides $7,885,000 for Emergencies in the 
     Diplomatic and Consular Service.


                   REPATRIATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The Act provides $1,300,000 for Repatriation Loans Program 
     Account.


              PAYMENT TO THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN

       The Act provides $31,963,000 for Payment to the American 
     Institute in Taiwan.


         INTERNATIONAL CENTER, WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

       The Act provides $743,000 for International Center, 
     Washington, District of Columbia.


     PAYMENT TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND

       The Act provides $158,900,000 for Payment to the Foreign 
     Service Retirement and Disability Fund.

                      International Organizations


              CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

       The Act provides $1,371,168,000 for Contributions to 
     International Organizations in this title, and an additional 
     $96,240,000 in title VIII under this heading is designated 
     for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA.
       Review of Contributions to International Organizations and 
     Multilateral Entities.--In lieu of the requirement in the 
     Senate report under this heading, the Secretary of State, in 
     consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal 
     agencies, shall submit a report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations not later than 90 days after enactment of the 
     Act that includes: (1) a description of the current tools, 
     methods, and resources, including personnel, employed by the 
     Department of State, USAID, the Department of the Treasury, 
     and other relevant Federal agencies, to assess the value of, 
     and prioritize contributions to, international organizations 
     and other multilateral entities; and (2) recommendations for 
     the development of more effective tools and methods for 
     evaluating United States participation in, and contributions 
     to, such organizations and entities, including a review of 
     the approach and methods specified in the Senate report.


        CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES

       The Act provides $414,624,000 for Contributions for 
     International Peacekeeping Activities in this title, and an 
     additional $967,456,000 in title VIII under this heading is 
     designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA.
       Sufficient funds are provided in the agreement for United 
     States contributions to peacekeeping missions at the 
     statutory level of 25 percent. Funding for the United States 
     share of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia is 
     provided under Peacekeeping Operations in title VIII instead 
     of under this heading.

                       International Commissions


 INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The Act provides $48,134,000 for Salaries and Expenses.


                              CONSTRUCTION

       The Act provides $29,400,000 for Construction.


              AMERICAN SECTIONS, INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS

       The Act provides $13,258,000 for American Sections, 
     International Commissions, including $8,052,000 for the 
     International Joint Commission, $2,304,000 for the 
     International Boundary Commission, and $2,902,000 for the 
     Border Environment Cooperation Commission, in the amounts and 
     for the purposes specified under this heading in the Senate 
     report.
       In addition to the report required under this heading in 
     the House report, not later than 60 days after enactment of 
     the Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the 
     Committees on Appropriations a report detailing actions taken 
     to date, and planned for the future, to engage the Government 
     of Canada to jointly refer for research and study by the 
     International Joint Commission the proposed deep geologic 
     repository for nuclear waste in Kincardine, Ontario. The 
     Secretary of State is directed to include in the report the 
     diplomatic and legal steps the Department plans to take to 
     address concerns about the protection of the Great Lakes 
     water basin and to review alternatives for the proposed 
     nuclear storage facility that will not place the health, 
     safety, and economic security of residents of the Great Lakes 
     basin at risk.


                  INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS

       The Act provides $46,356,000 for International Fisheries 
     Commissions. The agreement provides funding for the purposes 
     specified under this heading in the Senate report and such 
     funds are allocated according to the following table:

                   INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                    Commission/Activity                       Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great Lakes Fishery Commission.............................       33,290
    Lake Champlain Basin...................................      [5,000]
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission....................        1,750
Pacific Salmon Commission..................................        3,685
International Pacific Halibut Commission...................        4,200
Other Marine Conservation Organizations....................        3,431
                                                            ------------
        Total..............................................       46,356
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             RELATED AGENCY

                    Broadcasting Board of Governors


                 INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS

       The Act provides $797,986,000 for International 
     Broadcasting Operations.
       Of the funds made available under this heading, up to 
     $34,508,000 may remain available until expended for satellite 
     transmissions and Internet freedom programs, of which not 
     less than $13,800,000 is for Internet freedom and 
     circumvention programs. In addition, $1,200,000 is included 
     within funds provided for Radio Free Asia for the personnel 
     costs associated with Internet freedom activities, bringing 
     the total provided for such programs to not less than 
     $15,000,000. The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is 
     directed to include amounts planned for Internet freedom in 
     fiscal year 2018 as part of the operating plan required by 
     section 7076(a) of the Act and to describe the planned 
     activities in the Internet freedom spend plan required by 
     section 7078(c) of the Act.
       Funds under this heading in the Act are allocated according 
     to the following table:

                  INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                     Entities/Grantees                        Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Entities:
International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB):
        IBB Operations.....................................       58,628
            Internet Freedom...............................     [13,800]
    Office of Technology, Services, and Innovation.........      182,987
    Voice of America.......................................      244,894
    Office of Cuba Broadcasting............................       28,936
                                                            ------------
        Subtotal...........................................      515,445
    Independent Grantee Organizations:.....................
    Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty........................      126,821
    Radio Free Asia........................................       44,173
    Middle East Broadcasting Networks......................      111,547
                                                            ------------
        Subtotal...........................................      282,541
                                                            ------------
            Total..........................................      797,986
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                   BROADCASTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

       The Act provides $9,700,000 for Broadcasting Capital 
     Improvements.

                            RELATED PROGRAMS

                          The Asia Foundation

       The Act provides $17,000,000 for The Asia Foundation.

                    United States Institute of Peace

       The Act provides $37,884,000 for United States Institute of 
     Peace.

         Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund

       The Act provides $140,000 from interest and earnings from 
     the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund.

                 Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program

       The Act provides $158,000 from interest and earnings from 
     the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program Trust Fund.

[[Page H2844]]

  


                    Israeli Arab Scholarship Program

       The Act provides $65,000 from interest and earnings from 
     the Israeli Arab Scholarship Endowment Fund.

                            East-West Center

       The Act provides $16,700,000 for East-West Center.

                    National Endowment for Democracy

       The Act provides $170,000,000 for National Endowment for 
     Democracy.
       Not later than 45 days after enactment of the Act, the 
     President of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is 
     directed to submit a report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations on the proposed uses of the funds provided 
     under this heading on a regional and country basis. The 
     report should include a description of programmatic goals for 
     each region and country and how the planned use of funds will 
     meet such goals. The NED President should consult with such 
     Committees in advance of any significant deviation from the 
     plans outlined in such report.

                           OTHER COMMISSIONS

      Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The Act provides $675,000 for Commission for the 
     Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad.

      United States Commission on International Religious Freedom


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The Act provides $4,500,000 for United States Commission on 
     International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), of which $1,000,000 
     is withheld from obligation until the Commission consults 
     with the appropriate congressional committees on the steps 
     taken to implement the recommendations of the Independent 
     Review of USCIRF Mission Effectiveness that was conducted 
     pursuant to the United States Commission on International 
     Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2015 (Public Law 
     114-71). Additionally, the funds withheld are subject to the 
     regular notification procedures of the Committees on 
     Appropriations.

            Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The Act provides $2,579,000 for Commission on Security and 
     Cooperation in Europe.

  Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The Act provides $2,000,000 for Congressional-Executive 
     Commission on the People's Republic of China.

      United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The Act provides $3,500,000 for United States-China 
     Economic and Security Review Commission.

                                TITLE II

           UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

       The Act provides $1,189,609,000 for Operating Expenses in 
     this title, of which $178,441,000 may remain available until 
     September 30, 2019, and an additional $158,067,000 in title 
     VIII under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant 
     to BBEDCA. Funds for certain programs under this heading are 
     allocated according to the following table:

                           OPERATING EXPENSES
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Program/Mission                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atrocities Prevention Training.............................          250
USAID Advisor for Indigenous Peoples Issues................          250
Regional Development Mission for Asia......................       16,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Limited Competition.--The USAID Administrator shall submit 
     the report required under this heading in the House report 
     regarding limited competition not later than 45 days after 
     the enactment of the Act.
       Regional Development Mission for Asia.--The agreement 
     provides $16,500,000 for the operating expenses of the 
     Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA), including 
     salaries and benefits and other direct costs, which is 
     consistent with prior fiscal year levels. Any deviation in 
     operations and personnel for RDMA, including any proposal for 
     such deviation, shall be subject to the notification 
     requirements of section 7019 of the Act.
       The March 8, 2018 USAID OIG report entitled ``USAID's 
     Redesign Efforts Have Shifted Over Time'' (Audit Report 9-
     000-18-003-P) raises questions about USAID's compliance with 
     notification and reporting requirements mandated by law, and 
     decision making processes regarding RDMA's Mission Management 
     Assessment and the proposed closure of the Mission. While a 
     review of RDMA is appropriate, particularly its role in 
     supporting other missions in the region, the mishandling of 
     this matter caused significant disruption to RDMA personnel, 
     operations, and programs. The USAID Administrator is directed 
     to review USAID actions regarding RDMA from November 2016 to 
     the present, inform the appropriate congressional committees 
     of specific findings and recommendations, and provide 
     supporting documents. The review should include consultation 
     with Department of State personnel at Embassy Bangkok.
       The USAID Administrator shall consult with the Committees 
     on Appropriations prior to informing any mission of a 
     proposed closure.
       Workforce Diversity Initiatives.--Funds appropriated under 
     this heading shall continue to be made available for support 
     of workforce diversity initiatives, at levels commensurate 
     with prior years, including for fellowships to promote 
     diversity and excellence in the Foreign Service, such as the 
     Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship 
     Program.


                        CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND

       The Act provides $197,100,000 for Capital Investment Fund.
       The agreement includes not less than $167,500,000 under 
     this heading for USAID's share of the Capital Security and 
     Maintenance Cost Sharing Programs, consistent with section 
     7004(c) of the Act.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The Act provides $72,800,000 for Office of Inspector 
     General, of which $10,920,000 may remain available until 
     September 30, 2019, and an additional $2,500,000 in title 
     VIII under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant 
     to BBEDCA.
       The Act provides up to $2,000,000 to support Office of 
     Inspector General activities in the West Bank and Gaza: 
     $1,000,000 is provided under this heading and up to 
     $1,000,000 is provided pursuant to section 7039. The Act also 
     provides an additional $2,800,000 under this heading to 
     support Office of Inspector General activities in 
     Afghanistan.

                               TITLE III

                     BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                         GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

       The Act provides $8,690,000,000 for Global Health Programs. 
     Funds under this heading are allocated according to the 
     following table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:

                         GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Program/Activity                        Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maternal and Child Health..................................      829,500
    Polio..................................................     [51,500]
    Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus..........................      [1,000]
    The GAVI Alliance......................................    [290,000]
Nutrition (USAID)..........................................      125,000
    Micronutrients.........................................     [33,000]
    of which, Vitamin A....................................     [22,500]
    Iodine Deficiency Disorder.............................      [2,500]
Vulnerable Children (USAID)................................       23,000
    Blind Children.........................................      [3,500]
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)..........................    1,188,550
    Global Health Security.................................     [72,550]
    Malaria................................................    [755,000]
    Tuberculosis...........................................    [261,000]
    of which, Global TB Drug Facility......................     [15,000]
    Neglected Tropical Diseases............................    [100,000]
                                                            ------------
        Total..............................................    8,690,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Female Morbidity and Mortality.--Not later than 120 days 
     after enactment of the Act, the USAID Administrator shall 
     submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on the 
     leading causes of morbidity and mortality of females in low-
     income countries by age group from infancy to older age, the 
     cost of effectively addressing such causes, and an assessment 
     of the quality and coverage of data in such countries on 
     female morbidity and mortality.
       Repurposed Funds.--Section 7058(d) of the Act repurposes 
     funds from title IX of division J of Public Law 113-235 for 
     specific purposes.


                         DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

       The Act provides $3,000,000,000 for Development Assistance. 
     Funds for certain programs under this heading are allocated 
     according to the following table and subject to section 7019 
     of the Act:

                         DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Global Programs                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau for Food Security...................................      315,960
    Community Development Fund.............................     [80,000]
    Feed the Future Innovation Labs........................     [55,000]
    Global Crop Diversity Trust............................     [15,000]
Combating child marriage...................................       11,000
Development Innovation Ventures............................       23,000
Leahy War Victims Fund.....................................       13,500
Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program........................        1,500
Reconciliation Programs....................................       18,000
Trade capacity building....................................       10,000
USAID Advisor for Indigenous Peoples Issues................        3,500
Victims of torture.........................................       12,000
Wheelchairs................................................        5,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Domestic Resource Mobilization.--Funds appropriated by the 
     Act under title III should be made available for USAID to 
     promote domestic resource mobilization consistent with the 
     purposes identified in the House and Senate reports. The 
     USAID Administrator shall consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations prior to the obligation of such funds, 
     including on how eligibility for such assistance will be 
     determined and how USAID, in consultation with other Federal 
     agencies, will develop the objectives, monitor the 
     implementation, and measure the outcomes of such assistance.

[[Page H2845]]

       Food Security and Agricultural Development.--Funds provided 
     to countries for food security and agricultural development 
     should be made available at levels not less than the prior 
     fiscal year, particularly for countries with high levels of 
     food insecurity.
       Higher Education.--The agreement includes funds for 
     partnerships between higher education institutions in the 
     United States and developing countries to be used for 
     institutional capacity building, including $15,000,000 for 
     new partnerships which should be competed and awarded not 
     later than one year after enactment of the Act. Despite 
     congressional directives in prior years, USAID has not 
     sufficiently responded to the demand for higher education 
     institutional capacity building. Programs should be designed 
     to ensure that each partnership has sufficient resources and 
     time to affect meaningful institutional change and should be 
     awarded on an open and competitive basis. The USAID 
     Administrator shall consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations on the proposed uses of funds made available 
     for higher education partnerships.
       Indigenous Peoples.--The USAID Administrator is directed to 
     develop, in consultation with the heads of other relevant 
     Federal agencies and indigenous peoples' organizations, a 
     USAID policy to guide the Agency in effectively addressing 
     the rights and needs of indigenous peoples in USAID programs, 
     projects, and activities. The Administrator shall report to 
     the Committees on Appropriations on progress in developing 
     the policy not later than 90 days after enactment of the Act.
       Latrines.--In lieu of the directive in the Senate report 
     regarding latrines, the agreement provides funds to support 
     initiatives by local communities in developing countries to 
     build and maintain safe latrines.
       Microenterprise and Microfinance.--Not later than 120 days 
     after enactment of the Act, the USAID Administrator shall 
     submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees 
     on the extent to which microenterprise and microfinance 
     programs have demonstrated sustainable improvements in the 
     lives of the very poor or of those who are slightly above the 
     poverty level in developing countries. The report shall 
     further address, based on the latest evidence, the most 
     effective approaches to economic empowerment of the poor in 
     order to provide sustainable pathways out of poverty in such 
     countries.


                   INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

       The Act provides $2,696,534,000 for International Disaster 
     Assistance in this title, and an additional $1,588,778,000 in 
     title VIII under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT 
     pursuant to BBEDCA.


                         TRANSITION INITIATIVES

       The Act provides $30,000,000 for Transition Initiatives in 
     this title, and an additional $62,043,000 in title VIII under 
     this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA.


                          COMPLEX CRISES FUND

       The Act provides $10,000,000 for Complex Crises Fund in 
     this title, and an additional $20,000,000 in title VIII under 
     this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA.
       Consistent with previous practice, the USAID Administrator 
     shall have responsibility for the use of funds appropriated 
     under this heading in this title, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of State, and the Secretary of State shall have the 
     responsibility for the use of funds appropriated under this 
     heading in title VIII.


                      DEVELOPMENT CREDIT AUTHORITY

       The Act includes a $55,000,000 limitation on funds that may 
     be transferred from other programs in this title to 
     Development Credit Authority. In addition, $10,000,000 is 
     provided for administrative expenses, which may be 
     transferred to, and merged with, Operating Expenses. A 
     limitation of $1,750,000,000 is included on total loan 
     principal.


                         ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND

       The Act provides $1,816,731,000 for Economic Support Fund 
     in this title, and an additional $2,152,122,000 in title VIII 
     under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to 
     BBEDCA. Funds for certain programs under this heading are 
     allocated according to the following table and subject to 
     section 7019 of the Act:

                          ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Global  Programs                        Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues..............       10,000
Conflict and Stabilization Operations......................        5,000
Disability Programs........................................        7,500
Family Planning/Reproductive Health (USAID)................       51,050
House Democracy Partnership................................        1,900
Organization of American States............................        9,000
Polio......................................................        7,500
Reconciliation Programs....................................       12,000
Trade capacity building....................................       10,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement provides funding to support the first through 
     third organizational pillars of the Organization of American 
     States. Within the total provided under this heading, 
     $4,000,000 is for programs to strengthen democracy, and 
     $5,000,000 is for programs to promote and protect human 
     rights, of which not less than $500,000 is for the Office of 
     the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression. Such funds 
     are subject to prior consultation with the Committees on 
     Appropriations.
       Programs that provide policy and technical training to 
     information communication technology professionals from 
     developing countries shall be continued at the fiscal year 
     2017 levels.


                             DEMOCRACY FUND

       The Act provides $215,500,000 for Democracy Fund, of which 
     $150,375,000 is for the Department of State Human Rights and 
     Democracy Fund, including $5,000,000 to implement section 
     7032(i) of the Act, and $65,125,000 is for the USAID Center 
     of Excellence for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance.
       The Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and 
     Labor shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on 
     the uses of funds provided by the Act for the Human Rights 
     and Democracy Fund that are above the fiscal year 2016 level.
       A portion of funds appropriated by the Act under this 
     heading may be used by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, 
     and Labor (DRL), Department of State, and the Bureau for 
     Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, USAID, for 
     costs associated with administering such funds.


            ASSISTANCE FOR EUROPE, EURASIA AND CENTRAL ASIA

       The Act provides $750,334,000 for Assistance for Europe, 
     Eurasia and Central Asia.
       The agreement continues the notwithstanding authority 
     provided in the prior year. Not later than 45 days after 
     enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination 
     with the USAID Administrator, shall submit a report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations on the use of such authority 
     during fiscal year 2017 to include: (1) a description of each 
     use of such authority, including the activity, purpose, and 
     dollar amount, if applicable; (2) the provision of law that 
     was notwithstood; and (3) in the absence of such authority, 
     the use of an alternative notwithstanding authority that 
     would have achieved the same result. The report shall include 
     such information with regard to hiring and personnel matters.
       Baltic States.--Funds made available by the Act for the 
     Countering Russian Influence Fund (CRIF) shall be made 
     available for the Baltic states for cyber and democracy 
     programs to counter Russian influence and aggression. The 
     Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations on the uses of such funds.

                          Department of State


                    MIGRATION AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE

       The Act provides $927,802,000 for Migration and Refugee 
     Assistance in this title, and an additional $2,431,198,000 in 
     title VIII under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT 
     pursuant to BBEDCA.
       Funds made available under this heading in the Act shall be 
     administered in accordance with the directive in section 
     7081(b)(2)(A) of the Act.
       Funds made available by the Act should be made available to 
     address the needs of refugees from Venezuela in Colombia, 
     including to reduce stress on Colombian health care and other 
     social welfare systems.


     UNITED STATES EMERGENCY REFUGEE AND MIGRATION ASSISTANCE FUND

       The Act provides $1,000,000 for United States Emergency 
     Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund. The agreement also 
     directs the transfer to Migration and Refugee Assistance of 
     any balances in the Fund that exceed the limitation in 
     paragraph (2) of section 2(c) of the Migration and Refugee 
     Assistance Act of 1962.

                          Independent Agencies


                              PEACE CORPS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The Act provides $410,000,000 for Peace Corps.


                    MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION

       The Act provides $905,000,000 for Millennium Challenge 
     Corporation, including up to $105,000,000 for administrative 
     expenses.


                       INTER-AMERICAN FOUNDATION

       The Act provides $22,500,000 for Inter-American Foundation.


              UNITED STATES AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

       The Act provides $30,000,000 for United States African 
     Development Foundation.

                       Department of the Treasury


               INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

       The Act provides $30,000,000 for International Affairs 
     Technical Assistance.
       The operating and spend plans required under sections 
     7076(a) and (b) of the Act shall include estimated program 
     and administrative costs by fiscal year of appropriation.

              TITLE IV--INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE

                          Department of State


          INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

       The Act provides $950,845,000 for International Narcotics 
     Control and Law Enforcement in this title, and an additional 
     $417,951,000 in title VIII under this heading is designated 
     for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA. Funds for certain programs 
     under this heading are allocated according to the following 
     table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:

           INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Program/Activity                    Budget  Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combating wildlife trafficking.......................             50,000

[[Page H2846]]

 
Cybercrime and intellectual property rights..........             10,000
Demand reduction.....................................             12,500
International Law Enforcement Academy................             27,000
Programs to end modern slavery.......................             25,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Combating Wildlife Trafficking.--Funds included to combat 
     wildlife trafficking should be used to strengthen law 
     enforcement capacity, further partnerships through regional 
     and international cooperation, and provide site-based 
     protection of wildlife. The Secretary of State shall continue 
     to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the use 
     of aircraft for anti-poaching activities, including any 
     demonstration projects started in the previous fiscal year.
       Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Rights.--The agreement 
     includes $10,000,000 to support the efforts of Federal 
     agencies to build the capacity of partner nations to combat 
     cybercrime and strengthen law enforcement in the area of 
     intellectual property rights. Not later than 45 days after 
     enactment of the Act and prior to the initial obligation of 
     funds for such purposes, the Secretary of State is directed 
     to submit a spend plan to the Committees on Appropriations 
     for assistance planned under this heading.
       International Organized Crime.--The agreement includes 
     $27,000,000 to further the objectives of Executive Order 
     13773 on Enforcing Federal Law with Respect to Transnational 
     Criminal Organizations and Preventing International 
     Trafficking, which is in addition to funds made available for 
     combating wildlife trafficking. Not later than 45 days after 
     enactment of the Act and prior to the initial obligation of 
     funds for such purposes, the Secretary of State is directed 
     to submit a spend plan to the Committees on Appropriations 
     for assistance planned under this heading.
       Opioids.--The agreement supports Department of State 
     programs to combat the production, trafficking, and sale of 
     heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids. Not later than 90 days 
     after enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall 
     submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees 
     that describes the specific activities undertaken or planned 
     by the Department of State to stop the flow of opioids into 
     the United States. The report shall also include relevant 
     information on efforts by other Federal agencies implementing 
     programs in foreign countries, and steps taken to achieve 
     such goals by countries in which opioids are produced or 
     trafficked.


    NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS

       The Act provides $655,467,000 for Nonproliferation, Anti-
     terrorism, Demining and Related Programs in this title, and 
     an additional $220,583,000 in title VIII under this heading 
     is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA. Funds for 
     certain programs under this heading are allocated according 
     to the following table and subject to section 7019 of the 
     Act:

     NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Program/Activity                     Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonproliferation programs............................            292,300
    Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund............           [30,000]
    Export Control and Related Border Security.......           [60,000]
    Global Threat Reduction..........................           [70,000]
    International Atomic Energy Agency...............           [94,800]
Anti-terrorism programs..............................            344,750
    Anti-terrorism Assistance........................          [182,000]
    of which, airport and aviation security..........           [20,000]
    Terrorist Interdiction Program...................           [36,000]
    Counterterrorism financing.......................           [12,500]
    Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund...............          [114,250]
Conventional weapons destruction.....................            189,000
    Humanitarian demining............................          [151,500]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Airport and Aviation Security.--Not later than 45 days 
     after enactment of the Act and prior to the initial 
     obligation of funds for such purposes, the Secretary shall 
     submit a spend plan to the Committees on Appropriations on 
     the uses of such funds by country and program.
       Conventional Weapons Destruction.--In lieu of the 
     directives under this heading in the House and Senate 
     reports, the Secretary of State shall conduct an assessment 
     of programs funded under this heading and submit a report to 
     the Committees on Appropriations not later than 90 days after 
     enactment of the Act. For each country that receives 
     $2,000,000 or more of assistance for conventional weapons 
     destruction programs, the report shall include: (1) an 
     explanation of the United States national interest served; 
     (2) the risk factors and casualty data associated with such 
     weapons and their proposed removal; (3) the effectiveness of 
     ongoing programs, including a description of how programs are 
     evaluated; (4) short and long-term goals, graduation 
     criteria, and associated metrics; (5) the cooperation of host 
     governments in program implementation; (6) support for 
     similar activities from sources other than the United States 
     Government; and (7) the scale of the conventional weapons 
     problem in such country that are intended to be addressed by 
     such assistance. The Secretary of State shall consult with 
     the Committees on Appropriations prior to conducting such 
     assessment.


                        PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

       The Act provides $212,712,000 for Peacekeeping Operations 
     in this title, and an additional $325,213,000 in title VIII 
     under this heading is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to 
     BBEDCA. Funds under this heading are allocated according to 
     the following table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:

                         PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Program/Activity                        Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Africa.....................................................      326,825
    Central African Republic...............................      [8,000]
    Democratic Republic of the Congo.......................      [5,000]
    Liberia................................................      [1,000]
    Somalia................................................    [253,500]
    South Sudan............................................     [25,000]
    Africa Regional........................................     [34,325]
    of which, Partnership for Regional East Africa              [10,000]
     Counterterrorism......................................
    of which, Africa Conflict Stabilization and Border           [8,400]
     Security..............................................
    of which, Africa Military Education Program............      [3,000]
    of which, Africa Maritime Security Initiative..........      [2,000]
    of which, Africa Regional Counterterrorism.............     [10,000]
Near East..................................................       31,000
    Multinational Force and Observers......................     [31,000]
Political-Military Affairs.................................      180,100
    Defense Reform.........................................      [5,000]
    Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership..............     [34,100]
    Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative..............     [61,000]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total..............................................      537,925
            of which, OCO..................................    [325,213]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Congressional notifications submitted for funds made 
     available under Peacekeeping Operations shall continue to 
     include for each program a description of the type of 
     equipment, training, or other assistance to be provided, and 
     the total amount obligated for each such program in fiscal 
     years 2017 and 2018 at the time of submission of such 
     notification, on a country-by-country basis to the extent 
     practicable.
       Multinational Force and Observers.--Funds made available by 
     the Act above the level of the United States contribution are 
     intended to address ongoing force protection requirements and 
     emerging needs to protect and sustain the Multinational Force 
     and Observers mission in the Sinai.

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


             INTERNATIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING

       The Act provides $110,875,000 for International Military 
     Education and Training, of which up to $11,000,000 may remain 
     available until September 30, 2019.
       The agreement includes $1,000,000 for Greece and not less 
     than the fiscal year 2017 level for Malta. The agreement also 
     includes $5,000,000 for the Countering Russian Influence 
     Fund. The agreement does not provide funding under this 
     heading for Nicaragua.
       The Secretary of State is directed to submit the report 
     described under this heading in the House report concurrently 
     with the report required by section 7034(b)(7) of the Act.


                   FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM

       The Act provides $5,671,613,000 for Foreign Military 
     Financing Program in this title, and an additional 
     $460,000,000 in title VIII under this heading is designated 
     for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA.
       Countering Russian Influence Fund.--Funds made available 
     for the CRIF under this heading are provided to assist 
     countries in Europe and Eurasia in enhancing the capacity of 
     their security forces, including for the modernization of 
     systems of North Atlantic Treaty Organization partners, such 
     as Greece. The Secretary of State is directed to consult with 
     the Committees on Appropriations on the proposed uses of such 
     funds prior to the submission of the spend plan required by 
     section 7076(b) of the Act.
       Greece.--Not later than 30 days after enactment of the Act, 
     the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Defense, shall submit a report to the appropriate 
     congressional committees detailing the proposed upgrades to 
     the Greek F-16 fighter jet program and recommending specific 
     actions to be taken to support such upgrades, including with 
     funds made available under this heading.

                                TITLE V

                        MULTILATERAL ASSISTANCE

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS

       The Act provides $339,000,000 for International 
     Organizations and Programs. Funds under this heading are 
     allocated according to the following table and subject to 
     section 7019 of the Act:

                INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                          Programs                            Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Chemicals and Toxins Programs................        3,175
International Civil Aviation Organization..................          800
International Conservation Programs........................        7,000
International Development Law Organization.................          400
International Maritime Organization........................          325
Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund........................       31,000
Organization of American States Development Assistance               500
 Programs..................................................
Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and                50
 Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.......................
UN Capital Development Fund................................          500
UN Children's Fund.........................................      137,500
    of which, Combating female genital mutilation programs.      [5,000]
UN Democracy Fund..........................................        3,000
UN Development Program.....................................       80,000
UN Environmental Programs..................................       10,000
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights......................        8,500
    of which, Honduras.....................................        [500]

[[Page H2847]]

 
    of which, Colombia.....................................      [1,000]
UN Human Settlements Program...............................          700
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.....        2,500
UN Population Fund.........................................       32,500
UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for             1,750
 Sexual Violence in Conflict...............................
UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women................        1,000
UN Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in the Field of        1,150
 Human Rights..............................................
UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture...................        6,550
UN Women...................................................        8,500
World Meteorological Organization..........................        1,000
World Trade Organization Technical Assistance..............          600
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total..................................................      339,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  International Financial Institutions


                      GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY

       The Act provides $139,575,000 for Global Environment 
     Facility.


       CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

       The Act provides $1,097,010,000 for Contribution to the 
     International Development Association.


               CONTRIBUTION TO THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND

       The Act provides $47,395,000 for Contribution to the Asian 
     Development Fund.


              CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

       The Act provides $32,418,000 for Contribution to the 
     African Development Bank.


              LIMITATION ON CALLABLE CAPITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

       The Act provides $507,860,808 for Limitation on Callable 
     Capital Subscriptions.


              CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND

       The Act provides $171,300,000 for Contribution to the 
     African Development Fund.


  CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

       The Act provides $30,000,000 for Contribution to the 
     International Fund for Agricultural Development.


              GLOBAL AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM

       The Act does not include an appropriation for a 
     contribution to the Global Agriculture Food Security Program 
     (GAFSP), which has remaining balances available from prior 
     appropriations Acts for such contribution. The Secretary of 
     the Treasury shall continue the 2012 pledge to provide to 
     GAFSP $1 for every $2 in contributions from other donors, 
     utilizing such prior year balances.

                                TITLE VI

                    EXPORT AND INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE

                Export-Import Bank of the United States


                           INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The Act provides $5,700,000 for Inspector General for the 
     Export-Import Bank of the United States, of which $855,000 
     may remain available until September 30, 2019.


                        ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

       The Act provides $110,000,000 for Administrative Expenses 
     for the Export-Import Bank of the United States, of which 
     $16,500,000 may remain available until September 30, 2019.

                Overseas Private Investment Corporation


                           NONCREDIT ACCOUNT

       The Act provides $79,200,000 for Noncredit Account of the 
     Overseas Private Investment Corporation.


                            PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The Act provides $20,000,000 for Program Account of the 
     Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
       In lieu of the directive on monthly reports in the House 
     report, OPIC shall submit the confidential annex on a 
     quarterly basis for the current year to the Committees on 
     Appropriations not later than 30 days after the end of each 
     quarter, including the amounts of principal and subsidy 
     obligated or deobligated by date and the remaining 
     unobligated balances of resources and the statutory cap. This 
     quarterly report is in addition to the annual confidential 
     annex.
       The efforts made by the OPIC President and the USAID 
     Inspector General to successfully reach a long-term inter-
     agency agreement for continued oversight of OPIC are 
     commendable. In support of such agreement, not less than 
     $1,000,000 under this heading shall be allocated to reimburse 
     the USAID OIG for costs for fiscal year 2018 oversight 
     activities.


                      TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

       The Act provides $79,500,000 for Trade and Development 
     Agency.

                               TITLE VII

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

       The following general provisions are continued in the Act 
     substantively unchanged from the fiscal year 2017 Act 
     (division J of Public Law 115-31):
     Section 7001. Allowances and Differentials
     Section 7002. Unobligated Balances Report
     Section 7003. Consulting Services
     Section 7005. Personnel Actions
     Section 7007. Prohibition Against Direct Funding for Certain 
         Countries
     Section 7008. Coups d'Etat
     Section 7009. Transfer of Funds Authority
     Section 7012. Limitation on Assistance to Countries in 
         Default
     Section 7014. Reservations of Funds
     Section 7016. Notification on Excess Defense Equipment
     Section 7018. Prohibition on Funding for Abortions and 
         Involuntary Sterilization
     Section 7020. Representation and Entertainment Expenses
     Section 7021. Prohibition on Assistance to Governments 
         Supporting International Terrorism
     Section 7022. Authorization Requirements
     Section 7023. Definition of Program, Project, and Activity
     Section 7024. Authorities for the Peace Corps, Inter-American 
         Foundation and United States African Development 
         Foundation
     Section 7025. Commerce, Trade and Surplus Commodities
     Section 7026. Separate Accounts
       The USAID Administrator is directed to include the report 
     on local currency in the congressional budget justification 
     pursuant to subsection (a)(5).
     Section 7027. Eligibility for Assistance
     Section 7028. Local Competition
     Section 7029. International Financial Institutions
     Section 7030. Debt-for-Development
     Section 7035. Arab League Boycott of Israel
     Section 7036. Palestinian Statehood
     Section 7037. Restrictions Concerning the Palestinian 
         Authority
     Section 7038. Prohibition on Assistance to the Palestinian 
         Broadcasting Corporation
     Section 7040. Limitation on Assistance for the Palestinian 
         Authority
     Section 7047. War Crimes Tribunals
     Section 7049. Community-Based Police Assistance
     Section 7050. Disability Programs
     Section 7051. International Conferences
     Section 7052. Aircraft Transfer, Coordination, and Use
     Section 7053. Parking Fines and Real Property Taxes Owed by 
         Foreign Governments
     Section 7054. Landmines and Cluster Munitions
     Section 7055. Prohibition on Publicity or Propaganda
     Section 7056. Continuous Supervision and General Direction of 
         Economic and Military Assistance
     Section 7057. United States Agency for International 
         Development Management
     Section 7061. Overseas Private Investment Corporation
     Section 7062. Arms Trade Treaty
     Section 7063. Inspectors General
     Section 7064. Reporting Requirements Concerning Individuals 
         Detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
     Section 7065. Multi-Year Pledges
     Section 7066. Prohibition on the Use of Torture
     Section 7067. Extradition
       The Act continues the limitation on assistance for the 
     central government of a country that refuses to extradite to 
     the United States any individual indicted for a criminal 
     offense for which the maximum penalty is life imprisonment 
     without parole or for killing a law enforcement officer, as 
     specified in a United States extradition request. The 
     Secretary of State is directed to engage with foreign 
     governments not covered by section 7067 of the Act, such as 
     the Government of Cuba, to resolve cases of fugitives from 
     justice, including persons sought by the United States 
     Department of Justice for such crimes committed in the United 
     States, such as Joanne Chesimard.
     Section 7068. Commercial Leasing of Defense Articles
     Section 7071. International Monetary Fund
     Section 7072. Special Defense Acquisition Fund
     Section 7074. Enterprise Funds
     Section 7075. Use of Funds in Contravention of this Act
     Section 7079. Impact on Jobs in the United States
     Section 7082. United Nations Population Fund
       The following general provisions are new or substantively 
     modified from the fiscal year 2017 Act (division J of Public 
     Law 115-31):
     Section 7004. Diplomatic Facilities (Modified)
       Subsection (c) includes a new requirement that funds 
     appropriated by the Act that are made available for Federal 
     agencies shall be made available for the Capital Security 
     Cost Sharing Program and the Maintenance Cost Sharing Program 
     at levels not less than the prior fiscal year.
       Subsection (h) directs that the Secretary of State not 
     grant final approval for the construction of a new facility 
     or substantial construction to improve or expand an existing 
     facility in the United States by or for the Government of the 
     People's Republic of China (PRC) until the Secretary 
     certifies that the PRC permits secure resupply, maintenance, 
     and new construction of United States Government facilities 
     in the PRC.
       Subsection (i) conditions a portion of assistance for the 
     Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo until the 
     Secretary of State certifies that such Government has vacated 
     the property purchased by the United States in Kinshasa for 
     the construction of a New Embassy Compound.
       Subsection (j) adds the New Delhi Embassy project to the 
     reporting directive carried in prior years.
     Section 7006. Department of State Management (Modified)
       The report required in subsection (c) shall include a 
     description of the criteria used by the Secretary of State to 
     certify that an office or bureau is capable of managing and 
     overseeing foreign assistance, and a brief description of the 
     technical training required

[[Page H2848]]

     by the Department of State for personnel involved in such 
     activities. The report should also include a summary of each 
     open recommendation from the Department of State Office of 
     Inspector General related to oversight and management of 
     foreign assistance for such bureau or office and the 
     respective timelines and actions planned to close such 
     recommendations.
       The plan and timeline required in paragraph (3) shall be 
     submitted to the Committees on Appropriations.
     Section 7010. Prohibition on Certain Operational Expenses 
         (Modified)
     Section 7011. Availability of Funds (Modified)
     Section 7013. Prohibition on Taxation of United States 
         Assistance (Modified)
       The report required to be submitted by the Secretary of 
     State pursuant to subsection (h) shall include a description 
     of the steps taken by the Department of State and other 
     relevant Federal agencies to comply with the requirements of 
     this section. The report shall include rules, regulations, 
     and policy guidance issued and updated pursuant to subsection 
     (f).
     Section 7015. Notification Requirements (Modified)
       Trust Funds.--In lieu of the notification requirements in 
     the House report for certain trust funds, notifications 
     submitted pursuant to subsection (g), including for funds 
     made available for the Women Entrepreneurs Finance 
     Initiative, shall include the following information: (1) the 
     office or bureau at the Department of the Treasury and USAID 
     or the Department of State that will oversee programs and 
     expenditures of the trust fund; (2) the Web site link to 
     publicly available expenditures of the trust fund; (3) a copy 
     of the administrative agreement between the international 
     financial institution and the United States; and (4) whether 
     direct government assistance will be provided by the trust 
     fund and specific risk mitigation and anti-corruption steps 
     are being taken by the trust fund.
       Programs to End Modern Slavery.--The notification 
     requirement for programs to end modern slavery in subsection 
     (h)(2)(G) shall not apply to funds made available pursuant to 
     section 7060(f).
     Section 7017. Limitation on Availability of Funds for 
         International Organizations and Programs (Modified)
     Section 7019. Allocations and Reports (Modified)
       The Act continues the requirement, with certain exceptions 
     and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Act, 
     that amounts designated in the respective tables referenced 
     in the explanatory statement accompanying the Act shall be 
     made available in such designated amounts and shall be the 
     basis of the 653(a) report, where applicable.
     Section 7031. Financial Management and Budget Transparency 
         (Modified)
       The waiver authority provided in subsection (c)(3) may only 
     be exercised with respect to an individual.
     Section 7032. Democracy Programs (Modified)
       Funds.--The Act provides a total of not less than 
     $2,308,517,000 for democracy programs. The spend plan 
     required pursuant to section 7076(b) for such programs should 
     include regions and global programs at not less than the 
     following levels: $314,271,000 for Africa; $147,130,000 for 
     East Asia and the Pacific; $218,141,000 for Europe and 
     Eurasia; $280,111,000 for Near East; $517,426,000 for South 
     and Central Asia; $551,245,000 for Western Hemisphere; and 
     $280,193,000 for global programs. Funds made available for 
     democracy programs in Africa are also designated in the Other 
     Assistance for Africa table under section 7042 of this 
     explanatory statement.
       Funds made available pursuant to this section are not 
     intended for attribution to other sector or program 
     directives included in the Act.
       Authority.--The Secretary of State and USAID Administrator 
     shall only apply the authority of subsection (b) to funds 
     attributed to democracy programs pursuant to subsection (a) 
     and to funds made available to the NED.
       Current Practices.--For the purposes of subsection (f), the 
     term civil society includes the program area Independent 
     Media and Free Flow of Information.
       Not later than September 30, 2018, the USAID Administrator 
     shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a 
     report on the use of acquisition and assistance instruments 
     for democracy programs, which shall include: (1) the 
     assessment being conducted by USAID as a result of the 
     recommendation of the United States Government Accountability 
     Office report GAO-18-136 Democracy Assistance; and (2) an 
     assessment of implementation of the Amplifying Guidance for 
     Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance programs.
       Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Department of 
     State.--Subsection (a)(2) provides that DRL shall administer 
     not less than the amount of democracy funds made available by 
     the Act under Economic Support Fund and Assistance for 
     Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia as DRL administered in 
     fiscal year 2017.
       In order to more accurately track funds administered by 
     DRL, including funds made available for specific directives, 
     the Secretary of State shall identify in the 653(a) report 
     the amount of funds, at the country or program level, as 
     appropriate, to be administered by DRL under Economic Support 
     Fund, Democracy Fund, and Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and 
     Central Asia.
       Protection of Civil Society Activists and Journalists.--
     Subsection (i) requires an action plan to address how 
     diplomatic engagement and foreign assistance will be used in 
     a proactive and consistent manner to support and protect 
     members of civil society, including democratic activists, 
     human rights and environmental defenders, and independent 
     journalists who have been threatened, harassed, or attacked 
     for exercising their rights of free expression, association, 
     or assembly. DRL shall develop the plan in coordination with 
     other relevant bureaus and offices of the Department of State 
     and USAID, and in consultation with representatives of civil 
     society and independent media organizations whose members 
     have been threatened, harassed, or attacked. The action plan 
     should include an analysis of current programs that work with 
     civil society actors in restrictive environments to increase 
     their protection, provide legal assistance and emergency 
     training, and identify gaps where greater support and 
     protection are possible.
       Funds made available pursuant to this subsection are in 
     addition to amounts allocated for such purposes in fiscal 
     year 2017. Prior to the obligation of such funds, the 
     Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations on: (1) the proposed allocations by bureau and 
     office; and (2) proposed activities to implement the plan, 
     including to enhance the security of such activists and 
     journalists, support the enactment of laws to protect 
     fundamental freedoms and the rights of civil society and 
     independent media organizations to operate, and increase 
     public awareness about the legitimate role of such 
     organizations in society.
     Section 7033. International Religious Freedom (Modified)
       The Act provides not less than $25,000,000 for 
     international religious freedom programs, including to 
     protect vulnerable and persecuted religious minorities. 
     Transitional justice programs should support the efforts of 
     entities, including nongovernmental organizations, to assist 
     in addressing crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, or 
     war crimes, including in Iraq, Syria, Sri Lanka, and Burma.
       Pursuant to subsection (d), funds for atrocities prevention 
     shall be derived in the following manner: $2,500,000 under 
     Economic Support Fund and $2,500,000 under International 
     Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.
       The agreement includes not less than $1,000,000 for 
     programs to combat anti-Semitism abroad.
     Section 7034. Special Provisions (Modified)
       The Secretary of State has not submitted several reports 
     required by section 7034(b)(8) of the Department of State, 
     Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 
     2017 (division J of Public Law 115-31). The Secretary of 
     State is directed to submit such reports not later than 30 
     days after the enactment of the Act.
       The agreement does not include a requirement for the 
     Secretary of State to withhold assistance to the central 
     government of a country if the Secretary determines that such 
     government has engaged in, planned, or facilitated 
     unconventional attacks against United States personnel 
     stationed abroad. However, the Secretary shall regularly 
     brief the appropriate congressional committees on embassy 
     security matters, including unconventional attacks, as 
     appropriate.
       Of the funds made available pursuant to subsection 
     (b)(4)(A), funds shall be made available for such programs in 
     Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Iraq, Sri Lanka, and Syria.
       In addition to the directives in subsection (k), and with 
     respect to the implementation of section 203(a)(2) of Public 
     Law 110-457, the Secretary of State shall consider the 
     following as sufficient to determine that a diplomatic 
     mission ``tolerated such actions'': the failure to provide a 
     replacement passport within a reasonable period of time to a 
     T-visa recipient; the existence of multiple concurrent civil 
     suits against members of the diplomatic mission; or the 
     failure to satisfy a civil judgment against an employee of 
     the diplomatic mission.
       Subsection (o)(2) includes Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia.
       Subsection (p) renames the Small Grants Program as Local 
     Works. The USAID Administrator is directed to comply with the 
     directives under the heading Local Sustainable Awards Program 
     (LSAP) in this section and under the heading Local 
     Sustainable Development Officers under Operating Expenses in 
     the Senate report, except that each reference to LSAP and to 
     the Small Grants Program shall be considered a reference to 
     Local Works.
Section 7039. Assistance for the West Bank and Gaza (Modified)
       For the purposes of subsection (c)(1)(A), the prohibition 
     shall include any funds provided to family members of 
     Palestinians who commit or have committed acts of terrorism 
     if the purpose of providing such funds is to recognize or 
     otherwise honor the individual who commits or has committed 
     such acts.
Section 7041. Middle East and North Africa (Modified)
       Egypt.--Funds for Egypt are allocated according to the 
     following table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:

[[Page H2849]]



                                  EGYPT
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund......................................      112,500
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........        2,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related             3,000
 Programs..................................................
International Military Education and Training..............        1,800
Foreign Military Financing Program.........................    1,300,000
                                                            ------------
        Total..............................................    1,419,300
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The Act provides not less than $10,000,000 for Egyptian 
     students with high financial need to attend not-for-profit 
     institutions of higher education. Such institutions must meet 
     standards equivalent to those required for United States 
     institutional accreditation by a regional accrediting agency 
     recognized by the United States Department of Education.
       For the purpose of the certification required under 
     subsection (a)(3)(A)(v), such cases include the murder of 
     Giulio Regeni.
       The agreement requires that an assessment of the Government 
     of Egypt's compliance with United Nations Security Council 
     Resolution 2270 and other such resolutions regarding North 
     Korea be included in the report required to accompany any 
     waiver exercised by the Secretary of State pursuant to 
     subsection (a)(3)(B). Illicit arms sales and trafficking are 
     a source of significant revenue for the North Korean regime 
     and present an increasing threat to United States national 
     security and global stability.
       Iraq.--Funds are made available to support American-style 
     higher education institutions in Iraq, including in the 
     Kurdistan region, on an open and competitive basis. American 
     educational institutions play an important role in educating 
     the next generation of leaders in the region, countering 
     extremism, strengthening democracy, and encouraging economic 
     opportunities. The Secretary of State or USAID Administrator, 
     as appropriate, shall include funds allocated for this 
     purpose in the spend plan submitted pursuant to section 
     7076(b) of the Act.
       Jordan.--In addition to the amounts designated in the Act 
     for Economic Support Fund and Foreign Military Financing 
     Program for assistance for Jordan, the agreement includes not 
     less than $13,600,000 under Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, 
     Demining and Related Programs and not less than $4,000,000 
     under International Military Education and Training for 
     assistance for Jordan.
       Lebanon.--In meeting the reporting requirement on Lebanon 
     in the House report under Foreign Military Financing Program, 
     the Secretary of State shall also include an assessment of 
     the capability and performance of the Lebanese Armed Forces 
     over time in carrying out each of the purposes contained in 
     subsection (e)(4).
       Libya.--No funds were requested for lethal assistance for 
     Libya, and none are provided in the Act. In submitting the 
     certification required by subsection (f)(3), the Secretary of 
     State is directed to include a description of how regular 
     oversight will be provided by the Department of State and 
     USAID, as well as a detailed description of the vetting 
     procedures used for recipients of any assistance made 
     available by the Act for security forces.
       Morocco.--Funds for Morocco are allocated according to the 
     following table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:

                                 MOROCCO
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                          Account                             Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Economic Support Fund.....................................       20,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........        5,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related             1,500
 Programs..................................................
International Military Education and Training..............        2,000
Foreign Military Financing Program.........................       10,000
                                                            ------------
        Total..............................................       38,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Refugee Assistance in North Africa.--In lieu of the 
     statements regarding United Nations Security Council 
     Resolution 2351 in the House and Senate reports, subsection 
     (h) includes a reporting requirement regarding the delivery 
     of humanitarian assistance to refugees in North Africa.
       Relief and Recovery Fund.--The agreement includes the 
     following amounts for the Relief and Recovery Fund: 
     $25,000,000 under International Narcotics Control and Law 
     Enforcement; $50,000,000 under Nonproliferation, Anti-
     terrorism, Demining and Related Programs; $80,000,000 under 
     Peacekeeping Operations; $75,000,000 under Foreign Military 
     Financing Program; and $270,000,000 under Economic Support 
     Fund, which includes funds for assistance for Libya, Syria, 
     and Yemen. Not later than 45 days after enactment of the Act, 
     and every 90 days thereafter until September 30, 2019, the 
     Secretary of State and USAID Administrator shall submit a 
     consolidated report to the Committees on Appropriations 
     containing updated information on obligations and 
     expenditures of such funds on a country and program basis.
       Funds made available for the Relief and Recovery Fund shall 
     be made available for stabilization assistance for vulnerable 
     ethnic and religious minority communities affected by 
     conflict. The Secretary of State and USAID Administrator 
     should consider the stabilization needs of such communities 
     in Iraq and Syria, such as in the Nineveh Plains, Tel Afar, 
     and Sinjar areas of Iraq, when making decisions on the 
     allocation of funds. Funds should also support programs that 
     are locally-led and intended to promote sustainable 
     development.
       The Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations prior to exercising the transfer authority 
     contained in subsection (j)(1). Funds made available pursuant 
     to subsection (j)(2) are made available to support the 
     efforts of entities, including nongovernmental organizations, 
     to assist in addressing genocide, crimes against humanity, 
     and war crimes in Iraq and Syria, including through programs 
     to assist in the conduct of criminal investigations, to 
     develop local investigative and judicial skills, and to 
     collect and preserve evidence and the chain of custody of 
     evidence. Funds made available pursuant to this subsection 
     are in addition to funds under section 7033(b)(4).
       The uses of funds for the Relief and Recovery Fund shall be 
     made available in consultation with the Chief of Mission in a 
     recipient country, if a diplomatic presence exists in such 
     country.
       Syria.--The agreement includes funds for non-lethal 
     assistance programs to address the needs of civilians 
     affected by conflict in Syria in a manner consistent with the 
     prior fiscal year. Such funds are made available for programs 
     in areas not controlled by the Government of Syria.
       Tunisia.--The Act provides not less than $165,400,000 for 
     assistance for Tunisia. Such funds are allocated according to 
     the following table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:

                                 TUNISIA
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Economic Support Fund.....................................       79,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........       13,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related             6,100
 Programs..................................................
International Military Education and Training..............        2,300
Foreign Military Financing Program.........................       65,000
                                                            ------------
        Total..............................................      165,400
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The Secretary of State and USAID Administrator, as 
     appropriate, shall encourage the National Economic Strategic 
     Dialogue to include discussion of governance reforms.
       Of the funds appropriated by the Act for assistance for 
     Tunisia, not less than $30,800,000 shall be made available 
     for democracy and governance programs, including to support 
     implementation of Tunisia's Law on Eliminating Violence 
     Against Women.
       Other Assistance for the Middle East and North Africa.--
     Funds for certain programs for the Middle East and North 
     Africa are allocated according to the following table and 
     subject to section 7019 of the Act:

          OTHER ASSISTANCE FOR THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund:
    Iraq...................................................      100,000
        Marla Ruzicka Iraqi War Victims Fund...............      [7,500]
    Lebanon................................................      115,000
        Scholarships.......................................     [12,000]
    Middle East Partnership Initiative scholarship program.       20,000
    Middle East Regional Cooperation.......................        5,000
    Near East Regional Democracy...........................       42,000
    Relief and Recovery:
        Refugee Scholarships Pilot Program in Lebanon......      [2,000]
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement:
    West Bank security assistance..........................       60,000
Foreign Military Financing Program:
    Iraq...................................................      250,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Refugee Scholarships.--The agreement provides $2,000,000 to 
     continue a university scholarship program for refugees in 
     Lebanon. Consistent with the Lebanon scholarship program, 
     scholarships shall be for students with high financial need 
     at not-for-profit educational institutions in Lebanon that 
     meet standards comparable to those required for United States 
     accreditation, to be awarded on a competitive basis. The 
     USAID Administrator shall ensure that refugees in Lebanon of 
     any nationality, including those attending public or private 
     secondary schools, are eligible to apply for such 
     scholarships.
     Section 7042. Africa (Modified)
       Partnership for Regional East Africa Counterterrorism.--
     Funds for the Partnership for Regional East Africa 
     Counterterrorism are allocated according to the following 
     table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:

               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                          Account                             Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund......................................        2,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........        1,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related            11,150
 Programs..................................................
Peacekeeping Operations....................................       10,000
                                                            ------------
    Total..................................................       24,150
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership.--Funds for the 
     Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership are allocated 
     according to the following table and subject to section 7019 
     of the Act:

[[Page H2850]]



                TRANS-SAHARA COUNTERTERRORISM PARTNERSHIP
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                          Account                             Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Development Assistance.....................................       15,275
Economic Support Fund......................................       10,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........        6,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related            18,446
 Programs..................................................
Peacekeeping Operations....................................       34,100
                                                            ------------
    Total..................................................       83,821
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Ethiopia.--The report submitted pursuant to subsection 
     (d)(3) shall include: (1) a detailed description of the role 
     and conduct of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) in 
     internal security, including under the state of emergency 
     declared in February 2018; (2) the impact of such role and 
     conduct on United States assistance programs, including any 
     intended changes to the content of such programs; (3) any 
     plans for the United States to partner with other countries 
     to advance security sector objectives in Ethiopia; and (4) a 
     description of the role of the ENDF in Somalia.
       South Sudan.--Due to mass displacement and the absence of a 
     constitutional framework necessary to support credible 
     elections, no funds are provided for electoral assistance for 
     South Sudan.
       The strategy update required under subsection (h)(1) shall 
     include a description of steps taken, or intended to be 
     taken, by the United States, in cooperation with the 
     international community, to restrict the influx of weapons 
     and ammunition into South Sudan, including with regard to 
     countries named by the Panel of Experts as having facilitated 
     arms transfers to South Sudan.
       Assistance made available under title IV of the Act for the 
     central Government of South Sudan pursuant to subsection 
     (h)(3) should only be made available for monitoring the peace 
     process and the verification of a ceasefire and to continue, 
     but not expand, assistance previously provided by the United 
     States, unless the Secretary of State determines and reports 
     to the Committees on Appropriations that such government is 
     in compliance with a comprehensive ceasefire agreement, 
     including providing unimpeded access for ceasefire monitors, 
     and that such assistance will be made available to support 
     entities that are inclusive of all relevant stakeholders.
       Zimbabwe.--The agreement continues the prior year 
     limitation on assistance, including international financing, 
     for the central Government of Zimbabwe. The Secretary of 
     State is directed to work with other donor governments to 
     advocate for similar limitations on assistance for Zimbabwe 
     until fundamental rights are being respected, including 
     freedom of expression, association, and assembly, due 
     process, and the holding of free and fair elections.
       The Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of State 
     shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations not later 
     than 15 days prior to exercising an exception pursuant to 
     subsection (j)(1).
       The agreement includes not less than the fiscal year 2017 
     level for programs to promote democracy and protect human 
     rights in Zimbabwe, which should include efforts to build the 
     capacity of political parties.
       Other Assistance for Africa.--Funds for certain programs 
     for Africa are allocated according to the following table and 
     subject to section 7019 of the Act:

                       OTHER ASSISTANCE FOR AFRICA
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Development Assistance:
    Liberia................................................       65,439
    Malawi higher education................................       10,000
Economic Support Fund:
    Counter Lord's Resistance Army (section 7042(f)).......       10,000
    Democratic Republic of the Congo.......................       75,188
    Djibouti...............................................        9,000
    West Africa anti-slavery programs......................        2,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement:
    Liberia................................................       11,000
Africa Democracy Programs (section 7032(a))................      314,271
    Cameroon...............................................        1,000
    Chad...................................................        1,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Funds for West Africa anti-slavery programs are derived 
     from within bilateral country and regional programs.
     Section 7043. East Asia and the Pacific (Modified)
       Burma.--Funds for Burma are allocated according to the 
     following table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:

                                  BURMA
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund......................................       82,700
    Documentation of human rights violations against             [2,500]
     Rohingya..............................................
        Documentation of human rights violations in Burma..        [500]
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........        3,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       In considering programs pursuant to subsection 
     (a)(1)(B)(xii) to support the return of Rohingya, Karen, and 
     other ethnic minorities that have been displaced, the 
     Secretary of State shall ensure that: (1) such returns are 
     verifiably of a voluntary nature; (2) such returnees are 
     guaranteed equal rights with others in Burma, including the 
     restoration or granting of full citizenship, freedom of 
     movement and access to basic services in such locations, and 
     are not placed in internment camps; (3) such locations are 
     free from ethnic violence, and the root causes of unrest are 
     addressed, consistent with the Rakhine Advisory Commission 
     recommendations (for the return of Rohingya) to ensure the 
     sustainability of returns and prevent further displacement; 
     (4) such programs are implemented in a credible and 
     transparent manner; and (5) international and local media 
     organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner 
     for Refugees and the Office of the United Nations High 
     Commissioner for Human Rights, have unimpeded access to 
     monitor all areas of return.
       For purposes of this section, displaced Rohingya should be 
     considered refugees regardless of their legal status in their 
     current location.
       Cambodia.--The report on the electoral environment in 
     Cambodia in the Senate report is no longer required.
       North Korea.--The agreement includes the following amounts 
     for human rights programs pursuant to subsection (c)(4)(A), 
     to be administered by DRL: $4,000,000 under Economic Support 
     Fund and $4,000,000 under Democracy Fund.
       People's Republic of China.--The Secretary of State and 
     USAID Administrator are directed to provide no assistance to 
     the central Government of the PRC under Global Health 
     Programs, Development Assistance, and Economic Support Fund, 
     except for assistance to detect, prevent, and treat 
     infectious diseases.
       The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary 
     of Defense, shall brief the appropriate congressional 
     committees as requested on freedom of navigation and 
     operations in the South China Sea.
       Philippines.--The agreement includes funds under title III 
     for USAID to support the implementation by the Philippine 
     Department of Health and local entities of a national and 
     community based drug treatment and demand reduction program, 
     including for the purposes enumerated in the Senate report. 
     Such funds shall be made available on a cost-matching basis, 
     to the maximum extent practicable, and following consultation 
     with the appropriate congressional committees.
       The Secretary of State shall comply with the reporting 
     requirement in Senate Report 114-79 under Foreign Military 
     Financing Program with respect to certain actions by the 
     Government of the Philippines.
       Thailand.--Funds for Thailand under Economic Support Fund 
     are allocated according to the following table and subject to 
     section 7019 of the Act:

                                THAILAND
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund:
    Democracy and conflict resolution programs.............        4,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations prior to the obligation of assistance for 
     Thailand.
       Tibet.--For purposes of the 653(a) report, spend plans, and 
     notifications, the Department of State and USAID shall 
     differentiate assistance made available by the Act for Tibet 
     from any such assistance made available for the People's 
     Republic of China.
       USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia.--Program funds 
     for RDMA are allocated according to the following table and 
     subject to section 7019 of the Act:

               USAID REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MISSION FOR ASIA
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Development Assistance.....................................       35,440
Economic Support Fund......................................        5,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Vietnam.--Funds for certain programs for Vietnam are 
     allocated according to the following table and subject to 
     section 7019 of the Act:

                                 VIETNAM
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Development Assistance.....................................       55,250
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........        6,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related            12,500
 Programs Humanitarian demining............................
Foreign Military Financing Program.........................       12,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Other Assistance for East Asia and the Pacific Region.--
     Funds for certain programs in East Asia and the Pacific are 
     allocated according to the following table and subject to 
     section 7019 of the Act:

          OTHER ASSISTANCE FOR EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC REGION
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Health Programs:
    Laos nutrition programs................................        3,500
Development Assistance:
    Laos...................................................       20,000
    Timor-Leste............................................       16,000
    Philippines............................................       70,000
Economic Support Fund:
    People's Republic of China (democracy, rule of law, and       15,000
     environment)..........................................
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement:
    Indonesia..............................................       10,625

[[Page H2851]]

 
    Laos...................................................        1,000
    Southeast Asia Maritime Security Initiative............        7,750
Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining and Related
 Programs:
    Laos humanitarian demining.............................       30,000
Foreign Military Financing Program:
    Indonesia..............................................       14,000
    Mongolia...............................................        2,600
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Section 7044. South and Central Asia (Modified)
       Afghanistan.--The Secretary of State shall submit the 
     report required by section 7044(a)(1)(B) of the Department of 
     State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs 
     Appropriations Act, 2017 (division J of Public Law 115-31), 
     in the manner described.
       In making the certification in subsection (a)(1)(B), the 
     Secretary shall consider, for each requirement, whether 
     progress has been made during the previous calendar year.
       In lieu of the House and Senate reports regarding 
     assistance provided to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust 
     Fund, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the USAID 
     Administrator, shall submit a report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations not later than 90 days after enactment of the 
     Act on progress made with respect to the monitoring of such 
     assistance, including the extent to which information 
     obtained through such monitoring is shared with the United 
     States Government.
       The Secretary of State, in consultation with the USAID 
     Administrator, shall ensure sufficient funding for the safety 
     and security of soft targets in Afghanistan, including the 
     American University of Afghanistan.
       Of the funds provided under International Narcotics Control 
     and Law Enforcement for assistance for Afghanistan, not less 
     than $10,000,000 is for programs to significantly increase 
     the recruitment, training, and retention of women in law 
     enforcement positions and in the judiciary, and to train 
     Afghan security personnel to prevent and address gender-based 
     violence, human trafficking, and other practices that 
     disproportionately harm women and girls. The Secretary of 
     State is directed to consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations prior to the obligation of such funds.
       The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan 
     Reconstruction, in consultation with the offices of the 
     Inspectors General of the Department of State and USAID, 
     shall update the assessment required by the explanatory 
     statement accompanying division J of Public Law 115-31 of the 
     Government of Afghanistan's implementation of the 
     ``Afghanistan National Strategy for Combating Corruption,'' 
     including whether such government is making progress toward 
     achieving its anti-corruption objectives.
       Maldives.--The agreement provides $1,500,000 for civil 
     society programs to counter violent extremism in the 
     Maldives, to be administered by USAID.
       Pakistan.--In submitting the information required in 
     subsection (c)(1)(B), the Secretary of State shall include a 
     description of the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan 
     to: (1) conduct military operations that significantly 
     disrupt the safe havens, fundraising and recruiting efforts, 
     and freedom of movement of domestic and foreign terrorist 
     organizations, including the Haqqani Network, in Pakistan; 
     (2) demonstrate its commitment to prevent domestic and 
     foreign terrorist organizations, including the Haqqani 
     Network, from using any Pakistan territory as a safe haven 
     and for fundraising and recruiting efforts; (3) coordinate 
     with the Government of Afghanistan to restrict the movement 
     of militants, such as the Haqqani Network, along the 
     Afghanistan-Pakistan border; (4) arrest and prosecute senior 
     leaders and mid-level operatives of domestic and foreign 
     terrorist organizations; and (5) prevent the proliferation of 
     nuclear-related materials and expertise.
       Not later than 90 days after enactment of the Act, the 
     Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations: (1) a report identifying the amount of funds 
     appropriated under Foreign Military Financing Program for 
     assistance for Pakistan under the Act and prior Acts, by 
     fiscal year, that are withheld from expenditure; a 
     description of existing contracts; the amount of funds 
     required to fulfill commitments on existing contracts; and 
     the amount of uncommitted funds; and (2) a report identifying 
     the total amount of funds withheld from obligation, by fiscal 
     year and account, pursuant to subsection (c)(4) and similar 
     provisions of law.
       Sri Lanka.--Subsection (d)(3)(B) conditions assistance 
     related to international peacekeeping that is made available 
     under Peacekeeping Operations for Sri Lanka on whether the 
     Government of Sri Lanka is taking effective steps to bring to 
     justice Sri Lankan peacekeeping troops who have engaged in 
     sexual exploitation and abuse, including in Haiti in 2007, 
     and including preventing such troops from deploying on future 
     missions.
       Regional Programs.--Of the funds made available pursuant to 
     subsection (e)(2), funds shall be made available for such 
     programs in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
       Other Assistance for South and Central Asia.--Funds for 
     certain programs for South and Central Asia are allocated 
     according to the following table and subject to section 7019 
     of the Act:

               OTHER ASSISTANCE FOR SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Development Assistance:
    Bangladesh labor programs..............................        3,000
Economic Support Fund:
    Civilian victims of war, Afghanistan...................       10,000
    Civilian victims of war, Pakistan......................       10,000
    Maldives...............................................        1,500
    Nepal..................................................       75,000
Foreign Military Financing Program:
    Sri Lanka..............................................          500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Section 7045. Latin America and the Caribbean (Modified)
  Central America.--Subsection (a) provides that up to $615,000,000 may 
be made available for assistance for countries in Central America to 
implement the United States Strategy for Engagement in Central America 
(the Strategy). Such funds are allocated according to the following 
table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:

        UNITED STATES STRATEGY FOR ENGAGEMENT IN CENTRAL AMERICA
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Health Programs:
    Guatemala..............................................       13,000
                                                            ------------
        Subtotal...........................................       13,000
Development Assistance:
    El Salvador............................................       55,035
    Guatemala..............................................       93,000
    Honduras...............................................       75,000
    Nicaragua..............................................       10,000
    Award for Extraordinary Progress.......................        7,000
    Transfer to Inter-American Foundation..................       10,000
                                                            ------------
        Subtotal...........................................      250,035
Economic Support Fund:
    Central America Regional Security Initiative...........      104,225
    Award for Extraordinary Progress.......................      [4,000]
                                                            ------------
        Subtotal...........................................      104,225
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement:
    Central America Regional Security Initiative...........      215,000
    Costa Rica.............................................     [25,000]
    DNA forensic technology................................      [6,000]
    International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala.      [6,000]
    Award for Extraordinary Progress.......................      [4,000]
                                                            ------------
        Subtotal...........................................      215,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related
 Programs:
    Panama.................................................          500
                                                            ------------
        Subtotal...........................................          500
International Military Education and Training:
    Belize.................................................          250
    Costa Rica.............................................          725
    El Salvador............................................          800
    Guatemala..............................................          800
    Honduras...............................................          800
                                                            ------------
    Panama.................................................          725
        Subtotal...........................................        4,100
Foreign Military Financing Program:
    Belize.................................................        1,000
    Costa Rica.............................................        5,000
    El Salvador............................................        1,900
    Guatemala..............................................        1,740
    Honduras...............................................        4,000
    Panama.................................................        2,000
    State Western Hemisphere Regional......................       12,500
                                                            ------------
        Subtotal...........................................       28,140
                                                            ------------
            Total..........................................      615,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       In accordance with subsection (a)(2), the updated multi-
     year spend plan shall include an explanation of how funds 
     will be prioritized to address the key factors in countries 
     in Central America that contribute to the migration of 
     undocumented Central Americans to the United States. The plan 
     shall also describe how funds address the factors that 
     contribute to criminal activity in the United States by 
     individuals with ties to Central American-based criminal 
     organizations, and the flows of illicit narcotics and money 
     into the United States. The plan shall also include a 
     description of: (1) the 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year goals and 
     benchmarks against which the success of the Strategy should 
     be measured; (2) the proposed uses of assistance from the Act 
     for each country and the amounts allocated from prior Acts 
     since fiscal year 2015; (3) how such assistance differs from, 
     complements, and leverages funds allocated by the governments 
     of such countries, other donors (including international 
     financial institutions), and other Federal agencies, and the 
     amounts of funding from such sources; (4) funds planned to be 
     transferred or otherwise provided to other Federal agencies, 
     international financial institutions, organizations, and 
     offices, and the purpose; and (5) the funding levels by 
     account planned for each of the central governments of El 
     Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, including amounts subject 
     to the certifications in subsection (a)(3).
       In making the certification pursuant to subsection 
     (a)(3)(B), the Secretary of State shall review whether such 
     government is taking effective steps to enact and implement 
     plea bargaining laws.
       Not later than 60 days after enactment of the Act, the 
     Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations a report detailing any outstanding commercial 
     and trade disputes between the United States and El Salvador, 
     Guatemala, and Honduras.
       To further incentivize progress in the region, subsection 
     (a)(4)(B) authorizes the Secretary of State to increase 
     funding for El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras if the 
     Secretary determines and reports to the appropriate 
     congressional committees that the

[[Page H2852]]

     central government of such country has made extraordinary 
     progress in meeting the requirements of paragraphs (3)(A) and 
     (3)(B). $15,000,000 is designated for an Award for 
     Extraordinary Progress, to be provided in total for one 
     country.
       Not later than 60 days after enactment of the Act, the 
     Secretary of State, in coordination with the USAID 
     Administrator, is directed to issue a progress report based 
     on the plan for monitoring and evaluation developed in 
     accordance with the explanatory statements accompanying 
     division K of Public Law 114-113 and division J of Public Law 
     115-31. The report shall include a description of the 
     results, by country, for each of the program and context 
     indicators, and be submitted to the appropriate congressional 
     committees. The Department of State and USAID Web sites shall 
     be updated accordingly in a timely manner.
       The Secretary of State and USAID Administrator shall 
     consult with the Committees on Appropriations prior to 
     transferring funds under Development Assistance to the Inter-
     American Development Bank or the Inter-American Foundation in 
     support of the Strategy.
       The agreement supports efforts to strengthen the rule of 
     law by combating corruption and impunity in Central America. 
     Within the total funding provided for the Strategy, a total 
     of $31,000,000 is for the Mission to Support the Fight 
     against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) and the 
     offices of the Attorneys General/Public Ministries of El 
     Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The spend plan required by 
     subsection (a)(2) shall identify the amounts proposed for 
     such organizations and the proposed uses of funds.
       Not later than 90 days after enactment of the Act, the 
     Secretary of State is directed to submit a report to the 
     appropriate congressional committees on whether: (1) the 
     Organization of American States Secretariat has made reforms 
     to ensure that MACCIH has a qualified director with authority 
     over budgetary, personnel, and programmatic decisions; (2) 
     MACCIH is able to carry out its mission independently and 
     with the support of the Government of Honduras; and (3) funds 
     provided for MACCIH are properly managed and subject to 
     independent audits.
       Colombia.--Subsection (b) provides not less than 
     $391,253,000 for assistance for Colombia. Such funds are 
     allocated according to the following table and subject to 
     section 7019 of the Act:

                                COLOMBIA
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund......................................      187,328
    Transfer to Migration and Refugee Assistance...........      [7,000]
    Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities..............     [20,000]
        Human rights.......................................      [9,000]
        Biodiversity.......................................      [5,000]
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........      143,000
    Office of the Attorney General, Human Rights Unit......     [10,000]
    Office of the Attorney General, Environmental Crimes         [1,000]
     Unit..................................................
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related            21,000
 Programs..................................................
International Military Education and Training..............        1,400
Foreign Military Financing Program.........................       38,525
                                                            ------------
            Total..........................................      391,253
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       In accordance with subsection (b)(3), the spend plan shall 
     describe in detail the proposed uses of funds by account and 
     activity, including those activities specified in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1), and the 
     amounts made available from prior Acts for such activities. 
     The spend plan shall also include the following information 
     for any funds made available to support the implementation of 
     the peace agreement: (1) an estimate of planned funding by 
     fiscal year and account; (2) an estimate of the commitments 
     and expenditures by the Government of Colombia to implement 
     the agreement; (3) an explanation of how assistance made 
     available by the Act and prior Acts to support implementation 
     of the agreement will be coordinated with resources provided 
     by the Government of Colombia and other donors, including 
     international financial institutions; and (4) information 
     regarding funding from other Federal agencies.
       The report to accompany the certification submitted 
     pursuant to subsection (b)(5) shall include metrics and 
     related information to support such certification.
       The report to accompany the certification submitted 
     pursuant to subsection (b)(6) shall include the effective 
     steps taken by the Government of Colombia to investigate and 
     prosecute individuals responsible for attacks against human 
     rights defenders, journalists, trade unionists, and other 
     civil society activists. The Secretary of State should not 
     submit the report directed in the House report under this 
     section regarding justice and rule of law activities.
       Not later than 60 days after enactment of the Act, the 
     Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations an update to the report on outstanding 
     commercial and trade disputes between the United States and 
     Colombia required by the explanatory statement accompanying 
     division J of Public Law 115-31. The updated report shall 
     include the information described in the House report under 
     this section.
       Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.--Funds for the 
     Caribbean Basin Security Initiative are allocated according 
     to the following table and subject to section 7019 of the 
     Act:

                   CARIBBEAN BASIN SECURITY INITIATIVE
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                          Account                             Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund......................................       25,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........       25,200
Foreign Military Financing Program.........................        7,500
                                                            ------------
    Total..................................................       57,700
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Mexico.--Funds for assistance for Mexico are allocated 
     according to the following table and subject to section 7019 
     of the Act:

                                 MEXICO
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                          Account                             Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund......................................       45,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........      100,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related             1,160
 Programs..................................................
International Military Education and Training..............        1,500
Foreign Military Financing Program.........................        5,000
                                                            ------------
    Total..................................................      152,660
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The Act provides resources above the prior fiscal year to 
     combat the production and trafficking of heroin, fentanyl, 
     and other opioids into the United States. The report on 
     opioids under International Narcotics Control and Law 
     Enforcement required in this explanatory statement shall 
     include information on such matters.
       The Secretary of State shall follow the directive in the 
     Senate report under Foreign Military Financing Program 
     regarding assistance for Mexico. The Secretary of State 
     should not submit the report directed in the House report 
     under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement 
     regarding Mexico.
       The agreement supports efforts to investigate and prosecute 
     cases of violence against journalists in Mexico. Within the 
     amount provided for assistance for Mexico, $1,000,000 is for 
     the Special Prosecutor's Office for Crimes against Freedom of 
     Expression, subject to prior consultation with the Committees 
     on Appropriations.
       Other Assistance for Latin America and the Caribbean.--
     Funds for certain programs in Latin America and the Caribbean 
     are allocated according to the following table and subject to 
     section 7019 of the Act:

          OTHER ASSISTANCE FOR LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund:
    Caribbean Energy Security Initiative...................        2,000
    Cuba...................................................       20,000
    Haiti reforestation....................................        8,500
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement:
    Argentina..............................................        2,500
    Haiti prison assistance................................        1,500
    Peru...................................................       32,000
    Western Hemisphere regional security cooperation.......       12,500
Foreign Military Financing Program:
    Peru...................................................        1,800
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       In lieu of the directives in the House and Senate bills and 
     reports, the agreement includes funds for democracy programs 
     in Cuba.
       Funds provided under International Narcotics Control and 
     Law Enforcement for assistance for Argentina should support 
     mutually agreed upon goals in the areas of counterterrorism, 
     counternarcotics, and law enforcement, and help increase 
     Argentina's technological capabilities in such areas.
       The Act provides $1,500,000 for Haiti prison assistance in 
     the manner described under this heading in the Senate report.
       Funds provided for Western Hemisphere regional security 
     cooperation are in addition to amounts otherwise provided for 
     bilateral and regional programs under International Narcotics 
     Control and Law Enforcement.
     Section 7046. Europe and Eurasia (Modified)
       Georgia.--The Act provides not less than $105,325,000 for 
     assistance for Georgia. Such funds are allocated according to 
     the following table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:

                                 GEORGIA
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                          Account                             Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia............       63,025
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........        4,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related             1,100
 Programs..................................................
International Military Education and Training..............        2,200
Foreign Military Financing Program.........................       35,000
                                                            ------------
    Total..................................................      105,325
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Ukraine.--The Act provides not less than $420,700,000 for 
     assistance for Ukraine. Such funds are allocated according to 
     the following table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:

                                 UKRAINE
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                          Account                             Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Health Programs.....................................       32,800
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia............      250,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........       30,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related            10,000
 Programs..................................................
International Military Education and Training..............        2,900
Foreign Military Financing Program.........................       95,000
                                                            ------------
    Total..................................................      420,700
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Other Assistance for Europe and Eurasia.--Funds for certain 
     programs in Europe and

[[Page H2853]]

     Eurasia are allocated according to the following table and 
     subject to section 7019 of the Act:

                 OTHER ASSISTANCE FOR EUROPE AND EURASIA
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Country                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Military Education and Training:
    Greece.................................................        1,000
Foreign Military Financing Program:
    Estonia................................................        8,000
    Latvia.................................................        8,000
    Lithuania..............................................        8,000
    Moldova................................................       12,750
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement includes funding at levels consistent with 
     prior years to further the economic, social development, and 
     reconciliation goals of Public Law 99-415.
     Section 7048. United Nations (Modified)
       In making the determination required by subsection 
     (a)(1)(C), the Secretary of State shall review whether each 
     organization, department, or agency is effectively 
     implementing and enforcing policies and procedures on the 
     appropriate use of travel funds, including restrictions on 
     first class and business class travel. The report to 
     accompany such determination shall assess all of the 
     recommendations (including the status of such 
     recommendations) contained in the April 2017 United Nations 
     Joint Inspection Unit's ``Review of Air Travel Policies in 
     the United Nations System,'' including the steps taken or 
     planned to be taken to implement the report's second 
     recommendation to ``abolish first class travel for all 
     categories of staff and non-staff by January 2019.'' The 
     report may include additional recommendations from the 
     Secretary for reducing travel costs and improving the 
     oversight of travel at such entities.
       Not later than 30 days after enactment of the Act, the 
     Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations on the status of any outstanding 
     determinations required by subsection (a), including with 
     respect to the World Intellectual Property Organization, and 
     inform the Committee of any steps that need to be taken by 
     such organizations to comply with the requirements of such 
     subsection.
     Section 7058. Global Health Activities (Modified)
       Global Health Security Strategy.--Not later than 180 days 
     after enactment of the Act, the Senior Director for Global 
     Health Security and Biothreats at the National Security 
     Council, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the 
     USAID Administrator, the Director of the Centers for Disease 
     Control and Prevention, the Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland 
     Security, and the Director of the Office of Management and 
     Budget, shall submit to the appropriate congressional 
     committees a comprehensive inter-agency strategy to 
     accelerate the capabilities of targeted countries to prevent, 
     detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. The 
     strategy shall: (1) detail the role and responsibility of 
     each relevant Federal agency in implementing the strategy; 
     (2) include multi-year cost estimates for operations and 
     programs necessary to implement such strategy, disaggregated 
     by agency; (3) describe the mechanisms for coordination and 
     oversight of such programs; (4) review lessons-learned from 
     previous efforts to promote global health security; and (5) 
     identify any obstacles to the implementation of such strategy 
     in policy or legislation, and include specific 
     recommendations for addressing such obstacles.
       Subsection (d)(1)(C) repurposes funds to assist communities 
     in Haiti affected by cholera resulting from the United 
     Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. The Act also requires 
     the Secretary of State to ensure that mechanisms are in place 
     for monitoring, oversight, and control of such funds in order 
     to prevent waste, fraud and abuse. The Secretary of State 
     shall work to increase such assistance from other donor 
     countries. Information on these matters shall be included in 
     any notification submitted pursuant to subsection (d)(1)(C).
       Subsection (d)(1)(B) repurposes funds for USAID to carry 
     out programs to accelerate the capacities of targeted 
     countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious 
     disease outbreaks.
     Section 7059. Gender Equality (Modified)
     Section 7060. Sector Allocations (Modified)
       Environment Programs.--Subsection (c) includes authority 
     for environment programs, subject to the regular notification 
     procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. Additionally, 
     subsection (c) states that none of the funds in the Act are 
     appropriated or otherwise made available for a contribution, 
     grant, or other payment to the Green Climate Fund.
       Funds for certain bilateral environment programs are 
     allocated according to the following table and subject to 
     section 7019 of the Act:

                          ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andean Amazon..............................................       20,000
Brazilian Amazon...........................................       10,500
Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment........       39,400
    USAID..................................................     [21,900]
    United States Fish and Wildlife Service................     [17,500]
Guatemala/Belize...........................................        5,000
    USAID..................................................      [3,500]
    Department of the Interior.............................      [1,500]
Lacey Act..................................................        2,500
United States Fish and Wildlife Service....................        9,150
    Great apes.............................................      [3,500]
    Migratory bird conservation............................        [500]
    Endangered sea turtles.................................        [150]
United States Forest Service...............................        5,000
    USAID/Indonesia Orangutan program......................        2,500
    Toxic chemicals........................................        5,000
    Waste recycling........................................        5,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The spend plan requirement for funds made available 
     pursuant to subsection (c) shall include levels consistent 
     with prior fiscal years. Such spend plan shall include 
     proposed amounts for programs and activities in the Senate 
     report.
       Not later than 45 days after enactment of the Act and prior 
     to the obligation of funds made available pursuant to 
     subsection (c), the Secretary of State, USAID Administrator, 
     Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service 
     (USFWS), Director of the United States Forest Service (USFS), 
     and Secretary of Interior are directed to consult with the 
     Committees on Appropriations on the uses of such funds.
       Funds included for USFWS, USFS, and Department of the 
     Interior (DOI) shall be provided through direct transfers 
     pursuant to section 632(a) of the FAA not later than 90 days 
     after enactment of the Act. Prior to such transfer, the 
     USFWS, USFS, and DOI shall submit spend plans to the 
     Committees on Appropriations and to USAID detailing the 
     planned uses of funds and expected programmatic results.
       The Act provides not less than fiscal year 2016 levels for 
     USAID Great Apes programs.
       The agreement includes funds to support programs in the 
     Mekong region, and in other vulnerable areas, that assist 
     countries in adapting to flooding, drought, infrastructure 
     development, and other natural and man-made causes that 
     threaten the livelihoods of local people.
       Combating Wildlife Trafficking.--The Act includes not less 
     than $90,664,000 to combat wildlife poaching and trafficking, 
     of which not less than $10,000,000 shall be made available 
     for programs to combat rhinoceros poaching primarily for 
     site-based, anti-poaching activities to address immediate 
     requirements. Funds are provided to support regional wildlife 
     enforcement networks, including not less than the fiscal year 
     2017 level to support regional cooperation in Southern 
     Africa.
       Trafficking in Persons.--The Act provides not less than 
     $78,822,000 for programs and activities to combat trafficking 
     in persons internationally, including $13,822,000 provided 
     under Diplomatic and Consular Programs for the State Office 
     to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, and not less 
     than $65,000,000 from funds made available under titles III 
     and IV which are allocated according to the following table 
     and subject to section 7019 of the Act:

                         TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                          Account                             Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia............        5,000
Development Assistance.....................................       12,000
Economic Support Fund......................................        8,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........       40,000
    Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons....     [32,000]
                                                            ------------
        Total..............................................       65,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Programs to end modern slavery designated in the table 
     under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement in 
     title IV are in addition to funds allocated to combat 
     trafficking in persons pursuant to this section. Up to 
     $5,000,000 should be made available for child protection 
     compacts, pursuant to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act 
     of 2000, as amended by Public Law 113-4, and following 
     consultation with the appropriate congressional committees. 
     The Department of State and USAID shall implement the 
     directive in section 7060(f)(3) of division J of Public Law 
     115-31 requiring program coordination.
     Section 7069. Joint Strategic Plan, Budget, and Transitions 
         (New)
       Prior to selecting a country for strategic transition, the 
     USAID Administrator shall report to the appropriate 
     congressional committees on the justification for such 
     transition.
     Section 7070. Countering Russian Influence and Aggression 
         (Modified)
       Countering Russian Influence Fund.--The Act provides not 
     less than $250,000,000 for the CRIF, which is in addition to 
     amounts made available for bilateral assistance for countries 
     in Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia. Such funds are allocated 
     according to the following table and subject to section 7019 
     of the Act:

                    COUNTERING RUSSIAN INFLUENCE FUND
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                          Account                             Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia............       75,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement........       50,000
International Military Education and Training..............        5,000
Foreign Military Financing Program.........................      120,000
                                                            ------------
        Total..............................................      250,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on 
     Appropriations on the proposed uses of such funds prior to 
     obligation.
       Not later than 90 days after the initial obligation of 
     funds and every 90 days thereafter until September 30, 2019, 
     the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator shall submit a 
     consolidated report to the Committees

[[Page H2854]]

     on Appropriations containing updated information on 
     obligations and expenditures of such funds on a country and 
     project basis.
       In lieu of the directive in the Senate report under this 
     heading concerning Russia reporting requirements, the 
     Secretary of State is directed to update the reports required 
     by subsections (b)(2) and (e) of section 7071 of the 
     Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs 
     Appropriations Act, 2014 (division K of Public Law 113-76) 
     not later than 45 days after enactment of the Act.
     Section 7073. Stability and Development in Regions Impacted 
         by Extremism and Conflict (Modified)
     Section 7076. Budget Documents (Modified)
       Spend Plans.--Subsection (b)(3) includes new language that 
     makes 10 percent of the funds contained in a spend plan 
     available for obligation prior to the submission of such 
     spend plan in certain circumstances. The Secretary of State 
     or USAID Administrator, as applicable, shall submit each 
     spend plan required by this subsection with all planned 
     accounts, programs, and activities. Partial spend plans will 
     not be considered complete for the purposes of this 
     requirement. Funds notified prior to the submission pursuant 
     to this section shall be noted in such spend plan.
     Section 7077. Reports and Records Management (Modified)
     Section 7078. Global Internet Freedom (Modified)
       The Act provides not less than $55,500,000 for programs to 
     promote Internet freedom globally. Funds for such activities 
     appropriated in title III of the Act are allocated according 
     to the following table and subject to section 7019 of the 
     Act:

                         GLOBAL INTERNET FREEDOM
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Budget
                      Account/Program                         Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Democracy Fund (Department of State).......................       14,000
Democracy Fund (USAID).....................................        3,500
Economic Support Fund......................................       17,025
    Near East Regional Democracy...........................     [11,750]
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia............        5,975
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       In addition to the funds made available in title III, the 
     Act also includes $15,000,000 for Internet freedom under 
     Broadcasting Board of Governors, including $13,800,000 for 
     International Broadcasting Operations for programs and 
     $1,200,000 for the associated personnel costs of Radio Free 
     Asia.
     Section 7080. United States Citizens and Nationals Unlawfully 
         or Wrongfully Detained Abroad (New)
     Section 7081. Reorganization and Redesign (New)
       Not later than 45 days after enactment of the Act, the 
     Secretary of State and USAID Administrator shall each submit 
     to the appropriate congressional committees a report 
     summarizing all efforts taken during calendar year 2017 to 
     reorganize, redesign, or otherwise change the form or 
     function of their respective agencies, including actions 
     taken pursuant to Executive Order 13781 on a Comprehensive 
     Plan for Reorganizing the Executive Branch. The report shall 
     include a clear description of the desired outcome the 
     respective agency seeks to achieve through any reforms. The 
     report shall also include a description of the current policy 
     for supporting the operations of the National Security 
     Council (NSC) through the detail of agency staff, including 
     staff projected to be detailed to the NSC during fiscal years 
     2018 and 2019, if applicable.
       The offices of the Inspectors General of the Department of 
     State and USAID shall review the processes by which the 
     Department of State and USAID, respectively, developed and 
     implemented reorganization and redesign efforts and plans, 
     including the extent to which employees of such agencies 
     provided input into such efforts and plans.
       Funds made available by the Act are provided in the amounts 
     necessary for, and purposes of, hiring to attrition and 
     maintaining the on-board Foreign Service and Civil Service 
     staff levels at the Department of State and USAID as of 
     December 31, 2017.
       The agreement assumes that the USAID Administrator will be 
     responsible for establishing all personnel levels and 
     positions for USAID, pursuant to the existing agreement 
     between the Department of State and USAID.
       The agreement assumes sufficient funding for introductory 
     classes for the Department of State Foreign Service (A-100 
     classes) at the pre-fiscal year 2017 rate, and the Secretary 
     of State shall continue such classes in such manner. The 
     Secretary is directed to report to the appropriate 
     congressional committees not later than 45 days after 
     enactment of the Act on the schedule for the A-100 classes.
       The agreement includes sufficient funds for new leadership 
     training programs which shall be subject to prior 
     consultation with the appropriate congressional committees. 
     Additional funds should be made available to expand and 
     enhance training for Department of State and USAID personnel.
       Pursuant to subsection (a)(3), the notification shall 
     include a detailed justification and analysis that includes 
     the following information: (1) a detailed description of, and 
     justification for, the proposed action, including any 
     policies or procedures currently or expected to be used to 
     implement Executive Order 13781; (2) the current 
     organizational chart, showing the operating units of the 
     respective department, agency or organization and a brief 
     description of each operating unit; the number of employees 
     for each operating unit; the proposed new organizational 
     chart with descriptions of each new operating unit; and the 
     number of employees once the proposed reorganization is 
     complete; (3) an assessment of how the proposed action will 
     improve the efficiency, effectiveness, performance, and 
     accountability (including through modernizing information 
     technology platforms and streamlining administrative 
     functions) of the department, agency, or organization; (4) an 
     analysis of the impact of any such change on the ability to 
     advance the national interest of the United States through 
     diplomacy and development, and to conduct adequate monitoring 
     and oversight of foreign assistance programs, and any 
     legislative change necessary to implement such proposals; (5) 
     the estimated cost and timeline to complete the proposed 
     action; and (6) an assessment of any cost savings and 
     efficiencies achieved through implementation of each element 
     of the proposed action.
       Many of the proposals included in the August 28, 2017 
     letter from the Secretary of State to the appropriate 
     congressional committees on the proposed elimination, 
     consolidation, and retention of positions at the Department 
     of State have been cleared by the Committees on 
     Appropriations. Pursuant to subsection (a)(4), operating 
     plans shall include amounts for the following:
       Department of State:
       Bureau of Consular Affairs
       Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
       Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
       Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and 
     Scientific Affairs
       Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration
       Coordinator for Cyber Issues
       Coordinator for Sanctions Policy
       Office of Global Women's Issues
       Office of International Religious Freedom
       Office of the Special Coordinator for Global Criminal 
     Justice
       Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-
     Semitism
       Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage 
     Affairs
       Special Advisor for International Disability Rights
       Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East 
     and South Central Asia
       Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues
       Special Representative for the Arctic Region
       USAID:
       Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance
       Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment
       Bureau for Food Security
       Regional Development Mission for Asia
       Office of Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment
       USAID Advisor for Indigenous Peoples Issues
       The directive in the Senate report for the Comptroller 
     General to review any reorganization or redesign proposal or 
     plan by the Department of State and USAID is no longer 
     required.
     Section 7083. Multilateral Development Bank Replenishments 
         (New)
     Section 7084. Rescissions (New)

                               TITLE VIII

                 OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS/GLOBAL

                            WAR ON TERRORISM

                          DEPARTMENT OF STATE

                   Administration of Foreign Affairs


                    DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The Act provides an additional $2,975,971,000 for 
     Diplomatic and Consular Programs, of which $2,376,122,000 is 
     for WSP, for the extraordinary costs of operations and 
     security in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, areas of unrest, and 
     high threat and high risk posts, which is designated for OCO/
     GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA.
       Within the total, up to $5,000,000 may be transferred to 
     other agencies to support operations in, and assistance for, 
     Afghanistan. The Secretary of State is directed to include in 
     the operating plan required by section 7076(a) of the Act a 
     description of any funds transferred to other agencies in 
     support of Afghanistan operations, including projected 
     transfer amounts and the number of staff supported by each 
     agency, and operating levels for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and 
     Iraq.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The Act provides an additional $68,100,000 for Office of 
     Inspector General, of which $54,900,000 is for the Special 
     Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, and is 
     designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA.


            EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE

       The Act provides an additional $71,778,000 for Embassy 
     Security, Construction, and Maintenance, which is for WSU and 
     designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA.

                      International Organizations


              CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

       The Act provides an additional $96,240,000 for 
     Contributions to International Organizations for the 
     extraordinary costs of UN missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, 
     Libya, and Somalia, which is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant 
     to BBEDCA.

[[Page H2855]]

  



        CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES

       The Act provides an additional $967,456,000 for 
     Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities for 
     peacekeeping operations in the Middle East and Africa, which 
     is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA. Sufficient 
     funds are provided under Peacekeeping Operations for a United 
     States contribution to the United Nations Support Office in 
     Somalia at the statutory level of 25 percent.

                             RELATED AGENCY

           UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

       The Act provides an additional $158,067,000 for Operating 
     Expenses for the extraordinary costs of operations in 
     countries in conflict and areas of instability and violence, 
     including in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, which is 
     designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The Act provides an additional $2,500,000 for Office of 
     Inspector General for the costs associated with oversight of 
     the obligation and expenditure of OCO/GWOT funding, which is 
     designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA.

                     BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                   INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

       The Act provides an additional $1,588,778,000 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 BBEDCA.


                         TRANSITION INITIATIVES

       The Act provides an additional $62,043,000 for Transition 
     Initiatives for the extraordinary costs of assistance for 
     conflict countries and countries emerging from conflict, 
     which is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA.


                          COMPLEX CRISES FUND

       The Act provides an additional $20,000,000 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 
     BBEDCA.


                         ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND

       The Act provides an additional $2,152,122,000 for Economic 
     Support Fund for the extraordinary costs of assistance for 
     countries in conflict and areas of instability and violence, 
     including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and countries in the Middle 
     East and Africa, which is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to 
     BBEDCA.

                          Department of State


                    MIGRATION AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE

       The Act provides an additional $2,431,198,000 for Migration 
     and Refugee Assistance for the extraordinary costs to respond 
     to refugee crises overseas, which is designated for OCO/GWOT 
     pursuant to BBEDCA.

                   INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE

                          Department of State


          INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

       The Act provides an additional $417,951,000 for 
     International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement for the 
     extraordinary costs for assistance for countries in conflict 
     and areas of instability and violence, including Afghanistan 
     and Pakistan, which is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to 
     BBEDCA.


    NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS

       The Act provides an additional $220,583,000 for 
     Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related 
     Programs for the extraordinary costs for anti-terrorism, 
     demining, and other programs in countries in conflict and 
     areas of instability and violence, which is designated for 
     OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA.


                        PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

       The Act provides an additional $325,213,000 for 
     Peacekeeping Operations for the extraordinary cost for 
     peacekeeping requirements, including the United States share 
     of the UN Support Office in Somalia, which is designated for 
     OCO/GWOT pursuant to BBEDCA.

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                   FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM

       The Act provides an additional $460,000,000 for Foreign 
     Military Financing Program for the extraordinary costs for 
     assistance for countries in conflict and areas of instability 
     and violence, including to counter Russian influence and 
     aggression, which is designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to 
     BBEDCA.

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

     Section 8001. Additional Appropriations
       This section clarifies that amounts appropriated by this 
     title are in addition to amounts appropriated or otherwise 
     made available in the Act for fiscal year 2018.
     Section 8002. Extension of Authorities and Conditions
       This section requires that the authorities and conditions 
     applicable to funding elsewhere in the Act are applicable to 
     funds in this title.
     Section 8003. Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund
       The Act provides $114,250,000 under Nonproliferation, Anti-
     terrorism, Demining and Related Programs for the 
     Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund, including to enhance the 
     capacity of the Kurdistan Regional Government security 
     services and for other programs in the Kurdistan Region of 
     Iraq. The Secretary of State shall consult with the 
     Committees on Appropriations prior to the notification and 
     obligation of such funds.
     Section 8004. Transfer of Funds
       Subsection (a) provides certain transfer authorities for 
     funds appropriated by this title in the Act.
       Subsection (b) provides authority for the Secretary of 
     State to transfer funds appropriated by this title in the Act 
     under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, 
     Peacekeeping Operations, and Foreign Military Financing 
     Program in an amount that shall not exceed $7,500,000 to 
     Global Security Contingency Fund.
       Subsection (c) requires that any transfers pursuant to 
     subsection (a) may only be exercised to address 
     contingencies.
       Subsection (d) 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.

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DIVISION L--TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED 
                   AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018

                        Congressional Directives

       Unless otherwise noted, the language and allocations set 
     forth in the House report (House Report 115-237) and the 
     Senate report (Senate Report 115-138) carry the same weight 
     as the language included in this joint explanatory statement 
     and should be complied with unless specifically addressed to 
     the contrary in this division or joint explanatory statement. 
     House report language and Senate report language, neither of 
     which is changed by this joint explanatory statement, is a 
     result of the 2018 appropriations agreement. The joint 
     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, initiative, or authority. Any 
     reprogramming requests must be submitted to the Committees on 
     Appropriations no later than June 30, 2018.

                 TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

                        Office of the Secretary


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $112,813,000 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....................         $3,001,000
Immediate Office of the Deputy Secretary.............          1,040,000
Office of the General Counsel........................         20,555,000
Office of the Under Secretary for Transportation              10,331,000
 Policy..............................................
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and              14,019,000
 Programs............................................
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Government               2,546,000
 Affairs.............................................
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration.         29,356,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.          2,142,000
Office of the Executive Secretariat..................          1,760,000
Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency               11,318,000
 Response............................................
Office of the Chief Information Officer..............         16,745,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Consumer protections.--The Department has, in recent years, 
     initiated a process to establish more transparency in 
     displaying the total prices of airfare tickets and related 
     charges. Whether consumers are purchasing directly from the 
     airlines or through ticket agents, consumers should have 
     clear and accurate pricing information when choosing among 
     various air transportation options. Currently, fees for 
     additional services can be difficult to determine when 
     searching for airfares, and, as a result, consumers may be 
     unable to understand the true cost of travel when comparing 
     prices. To enhance consumers' choices and provide consumers 
     with full airline ticket pricing information, the agreement 
     directs the Department to work in collaboration with 
     industry, consumers, and other stakeholders to establish 
     guidelines which should lead to airlines or any for-profit 
     seller of commercial air transportation displaying, on an 
     airline's website or any travel metasearch website with which 
     the airline is partnered, full ticketing charges, including, 
     but not limited to, seat price, any additional fees the 
     consumer will pay per piece of baggage or per seat upgrade, 
     and optional flight insurance costs. As a result, all the 
     charges should be clear to the consumer, at the time of the 
     initial search, and the anticipated total charges fully 
     disclosed. The Secretary is directed to provide a report to 
     the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the 
     progress being made to establish these guidelines within 180 
     days of enactment of this Act.


                        RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

       The agreement provides $23,465,109 for the Office of the 
     Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, of which 
     $2,618,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2020.
       University transportation centers.--The agreement provides 
     $15,000,000 in additional funding for the University 
     Transportation Center (UTC) program as authorized under the 
     FAST Act. This additional funding is for competitive grants 
     for a national center for congestion research, focusing on 
     congestion relief, and a national center for infrastructure 
     research, focusing on improving the durability and extending 
     the life of transportation infrastructure. The increase is in 
     addition to amounts provided for fiscal year 2018 by the FAST 
     Act for a total UTC funding level of $90,000,000. The 
     agreement continues to direct the Department to award no less 
     than $3,000,000 of the amounts provided under the FAST Act 
     for research on rural autonomous vehicles and connected 
     vehicles to be conducted by existing UTC universities.


                  NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

       The agreement provides $1,500,000,000 for capital 
     investments in surface transportation infrastructure, 
     commonly known as the ``TIGER'' program, to remain available 
     until September 30, 2020. The Department is directed to 
     administer the program within its current staffing levels.


     NATIONAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND INNOVATIVE FINANCE BUREAU

       The agreement provides $3,000,000 for the national surface 
     transportation and innovative finance bureau. The agreement 
     does not make an additional $3,000,000 available by transfer 
     from the Maritime Guaranteed (Title XI) Loan Program account 
     and does not expect the bureau to administer the Title XI 
     program in fiscal year 2018.


                      FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CAPITAL

       The agreement provides $6,000,000 for the financial 
     management capital program, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2020, which includes resources for the 
     continued execution of Data Act compliance requirements at 
     the Department.


                       CYBER SECURITY INITIATIVES

       The agreement provides $15,000,000 for departmental cyber 
     security initiatives, to remain available until September 30, 
     2019.


                         OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS

       The agreement provides $9,500,000 for the office of civil 
     rights.


           TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT

       The agreement provides $14,000,000 for planning, research, 
     and development activities, of which $1,500,000 is for the 
     Interagency Infrastructure Permitting Improvement Center 
     (IIPIC) and $5,500,000 is for the safety data and automated 
     vehicle safety data initiatives, to remain available until 
     expended. Bill language is included to allow for the transfer 
     of funds to this account from other Federal agencies 
     utilizing the services of the IIPIC.


                          WORKING CAPITAL FUND

       The agreement limits expenditures for working capital fund 
     activities to $202,245,000.


               MINORITY BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAM

       The agreement provides a total appropriation of $500,301 
     for the minority business center program for administrative 
     expenses, including education outreach activities, monitoring 
     of existing loans, and modification of existing loans. No 
     funding is provided to support the subsidy cost of new loan 
     guarantees, and no additional limitation on guaranteed loans 
     is provided as those functions are administered by the Small 
     Business Administration.


       SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION AND OUTREACH

       The agreement provides $4,646,000 for small and 
     disadvantaged business utilization and outreach, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2019.


                        PAYMENTS TO AIR CARRIERS

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement provides $155,000,000 for payments to air 
     carriers, to remain available until expended.


  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 requires the Secretary of Transportation to 
     post on the internet a schedule of all Council on Credit and 
     Finance meetings, agendas, and meeting minutes.
       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 and to 
     provide full or partial payments to, and to accept 
     reimbursements from, Federal agencies for transit benefit 
     distribution services.

                    Federal Aviation administration


                               OPERATIONS

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement includes $10,211,754,000 for the operations 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to remain 
     available until September 30, 2019. Of the total amount 
     provided, $8,851,000,000 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..........     $7,491,938,000     $7,692,786,000
Aviation safety...................      1,257,981,000      1,310,000,000
Commercial space transportation...         17,905,000         22,587,000
Finance and management............        758,192,000        801,506,000
NextGen planning..................         59,041,000         60,000,000
Security and Hazardous Materials          100,961,000        112,622,000
 Safety...........................
Staff offices.....................        204,868,000        212,253,000
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................      9,890,886,000     10,211,754,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Operations funding.--The agreement includes $200,848,000 
     above the budget request for the air traffic organization. 
     This funding level fully supports the air traffic operational 
     workforce, including the hiring and training of new 
     controllers to fill critical positions.
       Noise mitigation.--The agreement includes no less than 
     $2,000,000 and eight full time equivalencies for regional 
     offices to dedicate staff for activities to address aviation 
     noise concerns, including community engagement.

[[Page H2873]]

       Organization designation authorization.--The agreement 
     modifies language that was included in the House and Senate 
     bills regarding the FAA's Organization Designation 
     Authorization (ODA) in order to advance the certification of 
     new aviation technologies and products. Utilization of ODAs 
     is key to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of 
     product certification. With funds made available under this 
     agreement, the FAA should ensure that ODAs conduct all of the 
     specified activities authorized and approved by the FAA in 
     its procedures manual while the FAA continues to conduct its 
     core responsibility of safety oversight and to take action if 
     a systemic airworthiness noncompliance performance issue has 
     been identified and documented. The agreement recognizes 
     that, for safety oversight, the FAA considers a variety of 
     mechanisms, including inspections, whistleblower alerts, and 
     customer safety concerns.
       Contract towers.--The agreement includes $165,000,000 for 
     the contract tower program and establishes new requirements 
     for the FAA to expedite entry into the program for towers 
     that have met cost-benefit requirements.
       Controller hiring.--The agreement directs the FAA to 
     continue to update the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations on the diversity of the controller workforce, 
     as specified in House Report 115-237, and to report on 
     workforce attrition, as specified in Senate Report 115-138, 
     within 120 days of enactment of this Act.
       Cyber security.--The agreement provides $24,000,000 in the 
     finance and management activity to address cyber security 
     requirements for the air traffic control system, as well as 
     other critical systems at the FAA.
       Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)--Electronic registration.--
     The agreement notes the progress the FAA has made within the 
     past year creating a new electronic registration system for 
     UAS. The FAA has provided regular updates to the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations, and therefore, the 
     agreement no longer directs the FAA to provide an update 
     within 120 days of enactment of this Act.


                        FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement includes $3,250,000,000 for FAA facilities 
     and equipment. Of the total amount available, $498,000,000 is 
     available until September 30, 2019, $2,602,000,000 is 
     available until September 30, 2020, and $150,000,000 is 
     available until expended.
       The following table provides a breakdown of the agreement 
     by program:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Program                    Request           Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Activity 1--Engineering, Development, Test, and Evaluation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced Technology Development           $26,800,000        $26,800,000
 and Prototyping..................
William J. Hughes Technical Center          1,000,000          1,000,000
 Laboratory Improvement...........
William J. Hughes Technical Center         18,000,000         23,000,000
 Laboratory Sustainment...........
William J. Hughes Technical Center         10,000,000         15,000,000
 Infrastructure Sustainment.......
Separation Management Portfolio...         13,500,000         13,500,000
Traffic Flow Management Portfolio.         10,800,000         10,800,000
On Demand NAS Portfolio...........         12,000,000         12,000,000
NAS Infrastructure Portfolio......         17,500,000         17,500,000
NextGen Support Portfolio.........         12,000,000         12,000,000
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)...         15,000,000         25,000,000
Enterprise, Concept Development,            9,000,000          9,000,000
 Human Factors, & Demonstrations
 Portfolio........................
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total Activity 1..............        145,600,000        165,600,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Activity 2--Air Traffic Control Facilities and Equipment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a. En Route Programs:
    En Route Automation                    76,650,000         91,650,000
     Modernization (ERAM)--System
     Enhancements and Tech Refresh
    En Route Communications                 2,650,000          2,650,000
     Gateway (ECG)................
    Next Generation Weather Radar           5,500,000          5,500,000
     (NEXRAD)--Provide............
    Air Route Traffic Control             100,400,000        120,400,000
     Center (ARTCC) & Combined
     Control Facility (CCF)
     Building Improvements........
    Air Traffic Management (ATM)..          4,900,000          4,900,000
    Air/Ground Communications               9,750,000          9,750,000
     Infrastructure...............
    Air Traffic Control En Route            5,400,000          5,400,000
     Radar Facilities Improvements
    Voice Switching and Control            12,800,000         15,800,000
     System (VSCS)................
    Oceanic Automation System.....         23,100,000         34,950,000
    Next Generation Very High              53,000,000         60,000,000
     Frequency Air/Ground
     Communications (NEXCOM)......
    System-Wide Information                50,050,000         50,050,000
     Management...................
    ADS-B NAS Wide Implementation.        139,150,000        150,300,000
    Windshear Detection Service...          1,000,000          1,000,000
    Collaborative Air Traffic               9,000,000          9,000,000
     Management Technologies......
    Time Based Flow Management             40,450,000         40,450,000
     Portfolio....................
    NextGen Weather Processors....         35,450,000         45,450,000
    Airborne Collision Avoidance            7,700,000          7,700,000
     System X (ACASX).............
    Data Communications in Support        154,100,000        294,100,000
     of NG Air Transportation
     System.......................
    Offshore Automation System....         11,000,000          2,000,000
    SBS Advanced Surveillance               4,350,000         24,350,000
     Enhanced Proced Separation/
     Reduced Oceanic Separation
     (ROS)........................
    En Route Service Improvements.          3,000,000          3,000,000
    Commercial Space Integration..          4,500,000          4,500,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal En Route Programs        753,900,000        982,900,000
b. Terminal Programs:
Airport Surface Detection
 Equipment--Model X (ASDE-X):
    Terminal Doppler Weather Radar          3,800,000          3,800,000
     (TDWR)--Provide..............
    Standard Terminal Automation           86,700,000         86,700,000
     Replacement System (STARS)
     (TAMR Phase 1)...............
    Terminal Automation                    66,100,000         66,100,000
     Modernization/Replacement
     Program (TAMR Phase 3).......
    Terminal Automation Program...          8,493,000          8,493,000
    Terminal Air Traffic Control           31,118,485         58,118,485
     Facilities--Replace..........
    ATCT/Terminal Radar Approach           56,800,000         91,800,000
     Control (TRACON) Facilities--
     Improve......................
    Terminal Voice Switch                   6,000,000         10,000,000
     Replacement (TVSR)...........
    NAS Facilities OSHA and                46,700,000         46,700,000
     Environmental Standards
     Compliance...................
    Airport Surveillance Radar             11,400,000         11,400,000
     (ASR-9)......................
    Terminal Digital Radar (ASR-            3,200,000          5,200,000
     11) Technology Refresh and
     Mobile Airport Surveillance
     Radar (MASR).................
    Runway Status Lights..........          2,800,000         12,800,000
    National Airspace System Voice         68,750,000         68,750,000
     System (NVS).................
    Integrated Display System               5,000,000          5,000,000
     (IDS)........................
    Remote Monitoring and Logging           7,400,000          7,400,000
     System (RMLS)................
    Mode S Service Life Extension          20,900,000         20,900,000
     Program (SLEP)...............
    Terminal Flight Data Manager           90,350,000         90,350,000
     (TFDM).......................
    National Air Space (NAS) Voice          5,000,000          5,000,000
     Recorder Program (NVRP)......
    Integrated Terminal Weather             1,000,000          1,000,000
     System (ITWS)................
    Performance Based Navigation &         20,000,000         20,000,000
     Metroplex Portfolio..........
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Terminal Programs        541,511,485        619,511,485
c. Flight Service Programs:
    Aviation Surface Observation           10,000,000         10,000,000
     System (ASOS)................
    Future Flight Services Program         14,038,515         14,038,515
    Alaska Flight Service Facility          2,650,000          2,650,000
     Modernization (AFSFM)........
    Weather Camera Program........          1,300,000          1,300,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Flight Service            27,988,515         27,988,515
         Programs.................
d. Landing and Navigational Aids
 Program:
    VHF Omnidirectional Radio              11,000,000         17,000,000
     Range (VOR) with Distance
     Measuring Equipment (DME)....
    Instrument Landing System               7,000,000         11,000,000
     (ILS)--Establish.............
    Wide Area Augmentation System         102,300,000        110,300,000
     (WAAS) for GPS...............
    Runway Visual Range (RVR) and           4,000,000          4,000,000
     Enhanced Low Visibility
     Operations (ELVO)............
    Approach Lighting System                3,000,000          3,000,000
     Improvement Program (ALSIP)..
    Distance Measuring Equipment            3,000,000          3,000,000
     (DME)........................
    Visual NAVAIDS--Establish/              2,000,000          2,000,000
     Expand.......................
    Instrument Flight Procedures            8,500,000          8,500,000
     Automation (IFPA)............
    Navigation and Landing Aids--           3,000,000          3,000,000
     Service Life Extension
     Program (SLEP)...............
    VASI Replacement--Replace with          5,000,000          5,000,000
     Precision Approach Path
     Indicator....................
    Runway Safety Areas--                   1,600,000          1,600,000
     Navigational Mitigation......
    NAVAIDS Monitoring Equipment..          2,000,000          2,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Landing and              152,400,000        170,400,000
         Navigational Aids
         Programs.................
e. Other ATC Facilities Programs:
    Fuel Storage Tank Replacement          28,100,000         35,000,000
     and Management...............
    Unstaffed Infrastructure               35,700,000         41,000,000
     Sustainment..................
    Aircraft Related Equipment             12,500,000         12,500,000
     Program......................
    Airport Cable Loop Systems--            8,000,000          8,000,000
     Sustained Support............
    Alaskan Satellite                      20,900,000         20,900,000
     Telecommunications
     Infrastructure (ASTI)........
    Facilities Decommissioning....         13,900,000         27,000,000
    Electrical Power Systems--            110,000,000        125,000,000
     Sustain/Support..............
    Energy Management and                   2,400,000          2,400,000
     Compliance (EMC).............
    Child Care Center Sustainment.          1,000,000          1,000,000
    FAA Telecommunications                  2,000,000         30,000,000
     Infrastructure...............
    Data Visualization, Analysis            5,500,000          5,500,000
     and Reporting System (DVARS).
    TDM-to-IP Migration...........          3,000,000         39,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Other ATC                243,000,000        347,300,000
         Facilities Programs......
                                   -------------------------------------
            Total Activity 2......      1,718,800,000      2,148,100,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Activity 3--Non-Air Traffic Control Facilities and Equipment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a. Support Equipment:
    Hazardous Materials Management         35,300,000         35,300,000
    Aviation Safety Analysis               12,000,000         12,000,000
     System (ASAS)................
    National Air Space (NAS)               12,000,000         12,000,000
     Recovery Communications
     (RCOM).......................
    Facility Security Risk                 20,400,000         20,400,000
     Management...................
    Information Security..........         20,700,000         20,700,000
    System Approach for Safety             25,800,000         25,800,000
     Oversight (SASO).............
    Aviation Safety Knowledge               4,000,000          4,000,000
     Management Environment
     (ASKME)......................
    Aerospace Medical Equipment             7,000,000          7,000,000
     Needs (AMEN).................
    System Safety Management               16,200,000         16,200,000
     Portfolio....................
    National Test Equipment                 4,000,000          4,000,000
     Program......................
    Mobile Assets Management                3,600,000          3,600,000
     Program......................
    Aerospace Medicine Safety              14,000,000         14,000,000
     Information Systems (AMSIS)..
    Tower Simulation System (TSS)           3,000,000          3,000,000
     Technology Refresh...........
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Support Equipment        178,000,000        178,000,000
b. Training, Equipment and
 Facilities:
    Aeronautical Center                    14,000,000         14,000,000
     Infrastructure Modernization.
    Distance Learning.............          1,000,000          1,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Training,                 15,000,000         15,000,000
         Equipment and Facilities.
                                   -------------------------------------
            Total Activity 3......        193,000,000        193,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page H2874]]

 
          Activity 4--Facilities and Equipment Mission Support
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a. System Support and Services:
    System Engineering and                 35,700,000         35,700,000
     Development Support..........
    Program Support Leases........         47,000,000         47,000,000
    Logistics and Acquisition              11,000,000         11,000,000
     Support Services.............
    Mike Monroney Aeronautical             19,700,000         19,700,000
     Center Leases................
    Transition Engineering Support         19,900,000         24,900,000
    Technical Support Services             23,000,000         28,000,000
     Contract (TSSC)..............
    Resource Tracking Program               6,000,000          6,000,000
     (RTP)........................
    Center for Advanced Aviation           57,000,000         57,000,000
     System Development (CAASD)...
    Aeronautical Information                4,700,000         15,000,000
     Management Program...........
    Cross Agency NextGen                    1,000,000          1,000,000
     Management...................
                                   -------------------------------------
        Total Activity 4..........        225,000,000        245,300,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Activity 5--Personnel and Related Expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personnel and Related Expenses....        483,800,000        498,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total All Activities..........      2,766,200,000      3,250,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       NextGen funding.--The agreement provides $1,268,165,000 for 
     the FAA's Next Generation of Air Traffic control (NextGen) 
     programs across the operations; facilities and equipment; and 
     research, engineering and development accounts. This is an 
     increase of $238,891,000 above the current level for these 
     efforts.
       DataComm.--The agreement places a high priority on 
     accelerating the ``Data Communications in Support of NextGen 
     Air Traffic Control System'' (DataComm), as a NextGen program 
     that promises significant, near-term improvements in the 
     efficiency of the national airspace system. Accordingly, the 
     agreement provides $294,100,000 for this program, a 
     $140,000,000 increase above the budget request. Within this 
     amount, no less than $5,000,000 is directed for cyber 
     security enhancements to ensure the safety and security of 
     this system.
       Reduced oceanic separation.--The agreement provides 
     $24,350,000, an increase of $20,000,000 above the budget 
     request, to enable enhanced oceanic separation services. The 
     agreement directs an expeditious final investment decision on 
     this program, consistent with priorities of the NextGen 
     Advisory Committee.
       Remote towers.--The agreement includes $5,000,000 to 
     continue the ongoing remote tower project, including 
     operating costs, and to deploy and pilot remote tower systems 
     to at least two additional airports. The FAA is directed to 
     begin the remote tower pilot initiative within 45 days of 
     enactment of this Act.
       Terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities-
     improve.--The agreement provides $91,800,000 for TRACON 
     improvements, a $35,000,000 increase above the budget 
     request, to expedite currently planned improvements at 
     critical TRACON facilities.
       Wide area augmentation system (WAAS) for GPS.--The 
     agreement includes language consistent with House and Senate 
     direction on WAAS dual frequency operations and directs the 
     FAA to provide a briefing to the House and Senate Committees 
     on Appropriations to accomplish the direction within 120 days 
     of enactment of this Act.


                 RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement provides $188,926,000 for the FAA's research, 
     engineering, and development activities, to remain available 
     until September 30, 2020.
       The agreement provides the following levels for specific 
     programs:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Program                       Request     Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire Research and Safety......................   $7,044,000   $7,200,000
Propulsion and Fuel Systems...................    2,269,000    2,100,000
Advanced Materials/Structural Safety..........    4,338,000   10,500,000
Aircraft Icing/Digital System Safety..........    9,253,000    9,253,000
Continued Airworthiness.......................   10,437,000   11,269,000
Aircraft Catastrophic Failure Prevention          1,570,000    1,570,000
 Research.....................................
Flightdeck/Maintenance/System Integration         6,825,000    7,305,000
 Human Factors................................
System Safety Management......................    4,149,000    5,500,000
Air Traffic Control/Technical Operations Human    5,196,000    5,800,000
 Factors......................................
Aeromedical Research..........................    9,765,000    9,080,000
Weather Program...............................   13,399,000   15,476,000
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research............    6,787,000   24,035,000
NextGen--Alternative Fuels for General            5,924,000    7,000,000
 Aviation.....................................
Commercial Space..............................    1,796,000    1,872,000
NextGen--Wake Turbulence......................    6,831,000    6,831,000
NextGen--Air Ground Integration Human Factors.    6,757,000    6,757,000
NextGen--Weather Technology in the Cockpit....    3,644,000    3,644,000
NextGen--Information Security.................    1,000,000    1,000,000
Environment and Energy........................   14,497,000   18,013,000
NextGen--Environmental Research--Aircraft        23,151,000   29,174,000
 Technologies, Fuels, and Metrics.............
System Planning and Resource Management.......    2,135,000    2,135,000
William J. Hughes Technical Center Laboratory     3,233,000    3,412,000
 Facility.....................................
                                               -------------------------
    Total.....................................  150,000,000  188,926,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Advanced material/structural safety.--The agreement 
     provides $10,500,000 for Advanced Material/Structural Safety, 
     including $2,000,000 for public/private partners to evaluate 
     material for airworthiness certification and $4,000,000 to 
     advance the use of new structural material applications and 
     bring new materials into production.
       Continued airworthiness.--The agreement provides 
     $11,269,000 and directs the FAA to use the increase above the 
     enacted level to collaborate with academic and industry 
     partners to develop standards and assessment methods for 
     certifying advanced material components for aerospace 
     applications.
       Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research.--The agreement 
     provides $24,035,000, an increase of $17,248,000 above the 
     budget request. Of the funds provided, $12,035,000 is to 
     support the expanded role of the UAS Center of Excellence, 
     $2,000,000 is to expand the Center's role in transportation 
     disaster preparedness and response, and $10,000,000 is to 
     support UAS research activities at the FAA technical center 
     and other FAA facilities.
       UAS traffic management (UTM).--The agreement includes 
     direction included in House Report 115-237 and Senate Report 
     115-138 and directs the FAA to report its progress on this 
     direction to the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations no later than 120 days after enactment of this 
     Act.
       Environmental sustainability.--The agreement includes a 
     total of $47,187,000 for research related to environmental 
     sustainability, which is $9,539,000 above the budget request 
     and $4,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. This 
     total includes $18,013,000 under ``Environment and Energy'' 
     and another $29,174,000 under ``NextGen--Environmental 
     Research Aircraft Technologies, Fuels, and Metrics.'' The 
     total level of funding supports the CLEEN program, as well as 
     the Center of Excellence for alternative jet fuels and 
     environment. The FAA is directed to use the increase in 
     funding for the Center of Excellence, resulting in a total of 
     $15,000,000 for the Center.


   GRANTS-IN-AID FOR AIRPORTS (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement includes an obligation limitation of 
     $3,350,000,000 and a liquidating cash appropriation of 
     $3,000,000,000, to remain available until expended. Within 
     the obligation limitation, the agreement provides not more 
     than $111,863,000 for administrative expenses, no less than 
     $15,000,000 for the airport cooperative research program, no 
     less than $33,210,000 for airport technology research, and 
     $10,000,000 for the small community air service development 
     program (SCASDP).
       Aircraft rescue and firefighting training facilities.--The 
     agreement includes direction included in House Report 115-237 
     and Senate Report 115-138 regarding aircraft rescue and 
     firefighting training facilities, and directs the FAA to 
     provide a report within 120 days of enactment of this Act.


                       GRANTS-IN-AID FOR AIRPORTS

       The agreement provides $1,000,000,000 in new discretionary 
     budget authority for grants for high priority airport 
     construction projects. The agreement includes language to 
     prioritize funding for small and rural airports.


       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 the use of funds for adopting 
     guidelines or regulations requiring airport sponsors to 
     provide the 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 from being used to buy store 
     gift cards with Government issued credit cards.
       Section 116 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 117 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 118 prohibits the use of funds for salaries and 
     expenses of more than eight political and Presidential 
     appointees in the FAA.
       Section 119 prohibits funds to increase fees under 49 
     U.S.C. 44721 until the FAA provides a report to the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations that justifies all fees 
     related to aeronautical navigation products and explains how 
     such fees are consistent with Executive Order 13642.
       Section 119A requires the FAA to notify the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations at least 90 days before 
     closing a regional operations center or reducing the services 
     provided.
       Section 119B prohibits funds from being used to change 
     weight restrictions or prior permission rules at Teterboro 
     Airport in New Jersey.
       Section 119C prohibits funds from being used to withhold 
     from consideration and approval certain applications for 
     participation in the Contract Tower Program, or for 
     reevaluation of cost-share program participation, pending as 
     of January 1, 2016.
       Section 119D requires the FAA to take certain actions 
     regarding Organization Delegation Authorization (ODA).

                     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 
     $439,443,925.

[[Page H2875]]

     In addition, the agreement provides $3,248,000 for the 
     administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional 
     Commission.


                          FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement limits obligations for the federal-aid 
     highways program to $44,234,212,000.
       Highway guide sign fonts.--The agreement prohibits funds 
     from being used to enforce actions terminating the Interim 
     Approval IA-5 of the Clearview font on highway guide signs. 
     FHWA is directed to reinstate Interim Approval IA-5. FHWA is 
     also directed to conduct a comprehensive review of the 
     research on this alternative font and to report on its 
     findings to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
     within 90 days of enactment of this Act. The report must 
     document the safety and cost implications of the decision to 
     terminate approval of Clearview font and fully address the 
     comments submitted by affected states during the related 
     December 13, 2016 request for information (FHWA Docket No. 
     FHWA 2016 0036). The agreement does not include directives 
     under the paragraph entitled ``Highway Guide Signs Font'' in 
     Senate Report 115-138.
       Bridge corrosion control best practices.--The agreement 
     directs the Secretary to submit the report required in House 
     Report 115 237 on bridge corrosion control best practices, 
     but does not direct the Secretary to use a third party 
     organization to determine the qualification of contractors 
     and subcontractors.
       Culvert and storm sewer materials procurement.--The 
     Secretary is not directed to evaluate the methods by which 
     States procure culvert and storm sewer materials or the 
     impact of those methods on project costs.
       Surface transportation system funding alternatives 
     program.--The Secretary is not directed to issue an annual 
     notice of funding opportunity for the surface transportation 
     system funding alternatives program for each fiscal year for 
     which funding is provided. The Secretary is not directed to 
     modify deadlines within such notices to align with state 
     legislative calendars. Going forward, should pilot planning 
     and predevelopment activities be made eligible for funding 
     under this program, the Secretary is directed to extend the 
     amount of time permitted for these activities from 18 to 24 
     months.


                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement provides a liquidating cash appropriation of 
     $44,973,212,000, to remain available until expended, to pay 
     the outstanding obligations of the various highway programs 
     at the levels provided in this Act and prior appropriations 
     Acts.


                    HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS

       The agreement provides $2,525,000,000 from the general 
     fund, of which $1,980,000,000 is for road and bridge projects 
     eligible under the surface transportation block grant 
     program, $15,800,000 is for the Puerto Rico highway program, 
     $4,200,000 is for the territorial highway program, 
     $300,000,000 is for the nationally significant federal lands 
     and tribal projects program, and $225,000,000 is for a 
     competitive bridge program. Funding for the nationally 
     significant federal lands and tribal projects program is 
     available until expended, and all other funding is available 
     until September 30, 2021.


       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

       Section 120 distributes the federal-aid highways program's 
     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 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 124 requires 60-day notification to the Committees 
     on Appropriations for any INFRA grants as authorized under 23 
     U.S.C. 117 provided that such notification shall be made no 
     later than 180 days from the date of enactment of this Act.
       Section 125 requires the reinstatement of the Clearview 
     font.
       Section 126 allows state DOTs to repurpose certain highway 
     project funding to be used within 50 miles of its original 
     designation.
       Section 127 adds a truck weight exemption for certain 
     highways in North Dakota.
       Section 128 amends an existing high priority corridor on 
     the national highway system.
       Section 129 allows the Secretary to remove outdated 
     restrictions on the use of excess toll revenues for certain 
     highways in order to make them consistent with 23 U.S.C. 129.
       Section 129A makes a technical correction to an existing 
     truck weight exemption for New Hampshire.

              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 $283,000,000 
     for the operations and programs of the Federal Motor Carrier 
     Safety Administration (FMCSA). Of this limitation, $9,073,000 
     is for the research and technology program and $34,824,000 is 
     for information management to remain available for obligation 
     until September 30, 2020.
       Bus and lease interchange rule.--The FMCSA is directed to 
     modify or remove the final rule concerning the lease and 
     interchange of passenger carrying motor vehicles no later 
     than December 1, 2018.
       Regulatory compliance burdens on small carriers.--The 
     Department is not required to deliver a report to the House 
     and Senate Committees on Appropriations on whether an 
     implementation and enforcement delay of the electronic 
     logging device rule would be appropriate.
       Information management.--The Secretary is not directed to 
     hold 50 percent of the allotment of funding for the FMCSA 
     Office of the Chief Information Officer, but the FMCSA 
     Administrator shall submit an information technology capital 
     investment plan that meets the requirements described in 
     Senate Report 115-138 and deliver that plan to the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations by May 31, 2018.
       Heavy vehicle speed limiters.--The agreement does not 
     include a prohibition on finalizing the proposed rule on 
     Speed Limiting Devices and does not direct the FMCSA and 
     NHTSA to fully and expeditiously address all public comments 
     on the August 26, 2016, joint proposed rule requiring speed 
     limiter devices.


                      MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides a liquidating cash appropriation of 
     $374,800,000 and a limitation on obligations of $561,800,000 
     for motor carrier safety grants, of which $87,000,000 shall 
     be available until September 30, 2022, and $474,800,000 shall 
     remain available until expended. The agreement allocates the 
     total grant funding as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Program                              Funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motor carrier safety assistance program..............       $298,900,000
Commercial driver's license program implementation            31,800,000
 program.............................................
High priority activities program.....................         43,100,000
Commercial motor vehicle operators grant program.....          1,000,000
Highly automated vehicle research and development....        100,000,000
Border facility modernization and maintenance........         87,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Highly automated vehicle research and development 
     program.--The agreement provides $100,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended, for a highly automated vehicle 
     research and development program to fund planning, direct 
     research, and demonstration grants for highly autonomous 
     vehicle (HAV) technologies and advanced driver-assistance 
     systems (ADAS). The agreement does not include directives 
     included in House Report 115-237 under the paragraph entitled 
     ``Highly automated commercial vehicle research and 
     development program'' and instead replaces those directives 
     with those contained herein.
       Of the total amount provided, up to $500,000 shall be 
     available to the Secretary to develop a comprehensive plan to 
     better manage departmental initiatives related to automated 
     vehicles in response to the Government Accountability Office 
     (GAO) recommendation for executive action included in the 
     November 2017 report (GAO-18-132) within 90 days of enactment 
     of this Act. The Secretary is directed to specify within this 
     plan goals, priorities, steps to achieve results, milestones, 
     and performance measures to track progress.
       Of the total amount provided, not less than $38,000,000 
     shall be used for direct research, including administrative 
     expenses, on HAV and ADAS technologies by the National 
     Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Highway 
     Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
     Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration, of 
     which no more than $5,000,000 shall be for ADAS research. For 
     the purposes of the agreement, HAV refers to technologies 
     capable of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Level 3, 
     Level 4, or Level 5 automation, whereas ADAS refers to 
     technologies capable of Level 1 or Level 2.
       Prior to obligating funds provided in the above paragraph 
     and within 120 days of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
     shall develop a holistic HAV/ADAS research spend plan that 
     advances DOT's understanding of HAV and ADAS technologies to 
     the benefit of both commercial motor vehicle and light duty 
     vehicle safety and is consistent with the comprehensive plan 
     developed pursuant to GAO's recommendation. The research 
     should leverage the expertise of the private sector to 
     identify methods and criteria for measuring the cyber 
     security assurance levels deployed in autonomous vehicles. 
     The Secretary is expected to prioritize research topics that 
     fill gaps in research being conducted by the private sector, 
     have the strongest potential to advance the safe deployment 
     of HAV and ADAS technologies, and deliver the highest net 
     benefits to road safety. The research spend plan shall 
     identify research topics and goals, estimated

[[Page H2876]]

     costs per topic, estimated time of completion for each goal, 
     the lead modal administration for each topic, as well as 
     roles and responsibilities of any supporting modal 
     administrations. The Secretary is directed to certify in the 
     spend plan that all funded activities shall be coordinated 
     with ongoing research funded across the Department and shall 
     supplement and not supplant ongoing AV and ADAS research 
     including NHTSA's vehicle safety and connected vehicle 
     research programs.
       Of the total amount provided, not less than $60,000,000 
     shall be used for grants and cooperative agreements to fund 
     demonstration projects that test the feasibility and safety 
     of HAV and ADAS deployments, as well as necessary 
     administrative expenses. The Secretary is directed to solicit 
     applications within 180 days of enactment of this Act and to 
     make funding awards within one year of enactment of this Act. 
     The Secretary is directed to include state, local, and tribal 
     governments, transit agencies and authorities, metropolitan 
     planning organizations, other subdivisions of state or local 
     governments, or a multijurisdictional group thereof, 
     including entities designated as automated vehicle proving 
     grounds, as eligible applicants. The Secretary may also 
     include academic institutions or research institutions as 
     eligible, but shall not award funds to private companies. The 
     Department is expected to include as eligible activities the 
     following: technologies associated with autonomous vehicles 
     and other collision avoidance technologies, including systems 
     using cellular technology; advanced safety systems, including 
     vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure 
     communications; advanced mobility and access technologies, 
     such as dynamic ridesharing and information systems to 
     support human services for elderly and disabled individuals; 
     dynamic road network mapping; roadway marking and signage; 
     community education and outreach; and transportation data 
     collection and analysis. In reviewing applications and making 
     funding awards, the Secretary is directed to award no more 
     than $10,000,000 to a single grantee, no more than 
     $15,000,000 to grantees within a single state, and not less 
     than $20,000,000 to entities designated as automated vehicle 
     proving grounds. The Secretary is directed to select projects 
     that serve a variety of communities, including urban, 
     suburban, and rural environments, and that serve a variety of 
     transportation markets including freight, personal mobility, 
     and mass transit. The Secretary is directed to prioritize 
     projects that test applications with the greatest potential 
     to serve transportation-challenged populations, including the 
     elderly and individuals with disabilities. For all funded 
     projects, the Secretary is expected to require grantees to 
     gather and share relevant data with the Department, subject 
     to appropriate protections for confidential business 
     information, to aid DOT research efforts, and to inform 
     future policies and standards.
       Of the total amount provided, up to $1,500,000 shall be for 
     the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of Labor, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of 
     the impact ADAS and HAV technologies on drivers and operators 
     of commercial motor vehicles, including labor displacement, 
     within one year of enactment of this Act. The analysis shall 
     include stakeholder outreach and examine: (1) reduced 
     situational awareness caused by the operation of these 
     vehicles and options for mitigating such safety risks; (2) 
     visibility, mobility, and safety issues of platooning; and 
     (3) minimum and recommended training requirements. The 
     analysis should also examine labor displacement from the 
     deployment of HAV and ADAS technologies, including: (1) the 
     potential pace of job loss; (2) segments of motor carrier and 
     passenger transportation that could be affected; (3) existing 
     labor market programs that link workers to employment; and 
     (4) recommendations for new public or private sector job 
     training opportunities. The analysis shall not impede or 
     delay any ongoing studies at the Department related to 
     automated vehicles.


 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 funds from being used to enforce the 
     electronic logging device rule with respect to carriers 
     transporting livestock or insects.

             National Highway Traffic Safety Administration


                        OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH

       The agreement provides $189,075,000 from the general fund 
     for operations and research. Of this amount, $40,000,000 
     shall remain available until September 30, 2019.
       In addition to salaries and expenses, the agreement 
     provides $24,545,000 in Rulemaking program funding, of which 
     not less than $15,000,000 is for the new car assessment 
     program, $32,154,000 is for enforcement program funding, of 
     which not less than $20,000,000 is for the Office of Defects 
     Investigation, and $48,866,000 is for research and analysis 
     programs, of which not less than $15,000,000 is for vehicle 
     electronics and emerging technologies, which includes 
     research of automated vehicle technologies.
       The agreement fully funds Full Time Equivalent (FTE) 
     staffing increases consistent with prior year appropriations 
     and the program increases provided herein and does not 
     prohibit the addition of FTE above those provided in previous 
     fiscal years.


                        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 $149,000,000, to remain available 
     until expended, which reflects the authorized level of 
     contract authority. Of the total, $143,700,000 is provided 
     for the programs authorized under 23 U.S.C. 403, and 
     $5,300,000 is for the national driver register. Of the total 
     amount provided under this heading, $20,000,000 shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2019, and shall be in addition 
     to any limitation imposed on obligations in future fiscal 
     years. Consistent with the FAST Act, the agreement includes 
     $5,494,000 for in-vehicle alcohol detection device research. 
     The agreement does not include up to $6,500,000 for a high 
     visibility enforcement paid-media campaign in the area of 
     highway-rail grade crossing safety under this heading and 
     instead funds this activity with an additional appropriation 
     from the general fund.
       Additional highway safety funding.--The agreement provides 
     $11,500,000 in additional highway safety funding from the 
     general fund under Section 144 of this Act. Of this amount 
     $6,500,000 shall be used to support a high visibility 
     enforcement paid-media campaign in the area of highway-rail 
     grade crossing safety. The Committee directs NHTSA to 
     coordinate these resources with the media and other highway 
     safety campaigns, and to work collaboratively with the 
     Federal Railroad Administration on the campaign's message 
     development.
       The remaining $5,000,000 shall be available for grants, 
     pilot program activities, and other innovative solutions to 
     reduce impaired-driving fatalities, including efforts to 
     expand awareness and use of Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and 
     Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) 
     training. Such activities shall be in collaboration with 
     appropriate State and local governments and law enforcement 
     organizations.
       The agreement fully funds Full Time Equivalent (FTE) 
     staffing increases consistent with prior year appropriations 
     and the program increases provided herein and does not 
     prohibit the addition of FTE above those provided in previous 
     fiscal years.
       Automated vehicle exemptions to vehicle standards.--The 
     Department is not directed to grant or deny 49 CFR Part 555 
     exemption requests within 60 days. However, the Department is 
     directed to implement a streamlined application process for 
     49 CFR Part 555 exemption requests and to grant or deny a 
     request for exemption as expeditiously as possible.
       Impaired driving study.--The Department is directed to 
     perform a pilot, within existing resources and in partnership 
     with one or more qualified universities, to examine 
     behavioral factors that influence a driver's willingness to 
     drive while impaired rather than a national study as directed 
     in Senate Report 115-138. The pilot shall be conducted to 
     inform whether or not a national study would be useful in 
     determining if traffic safety behavior and culture can be 
     analyzed to predict the intention to drive impaired. Analyses 
     from this pilot study may be used in conjunction with other 
     studies to assist existing safety programs in achieving a 
     sustainable reduction in impaired driving.


                     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 $597,629,000 for highway traffic 
     safety grants, to remain available until expended. The 
     agreement allocates funding as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highway safety programs (section 402)................       $261,200,000
National priority safety programs (section 405)......        280,200,000
High visibility enforcement program (section 404)....         29,900,000
Administrative expenses..............................         26,329,000
                                                      ------------------
        Total:.......................................       $597,629,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Consistent with the FAST Act, the agreement includes 
     $5,494,000 for in-vehicle alcohol detection device research 
     within the highway safety programs funded under the 
     operations and research heading. The agreement does not 
     include additional funding for this research as a set-aside 
     within highway traffic safety grants.


      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 in the Act for the 
     National Roadside Survey.
       Section 143 prohibits funds from being used to mandate 
     global positioning systems in

[[Page H2877]]

     private vehicles without consideration of privacy concerns.
       Section 144 provides additional funding for highway safety 
     programs.

                    Federal Railroad Administration


                         SAFETY AND OPERATIONS

       The agreement provides $221,698,000 for safety and 
     operations of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Of 
     the funds provided, $15,900,000 is available until expended, 
     and up to $350,000 is available for the Secretary to assist 
     Class II and Class III railroads to prepare and apply for 
     Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program 
     (RRIF) direct loans. The agreement fully funds every 
     previously provided full-time equivalent position and does 
     not provide for new positions in fiscal year 2018.
       The agreement funds the following priorities:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safe transportation of energy products.....................   $2,000,000
Automated track inspection program.........................   16,500,000
Railroad safety information system and front end interface.    4,800,000
Positive train control.....................................   10,000,000
Confidential close call program............................    3,500,000
National bridge system inventory update and model                600,000
 modification..............................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement directs FRA to explore ways to increase 
     participation in the confidential close call reporting system 
     and develop a solution that allows the private sector to 
     contribute financially to the program. FRA is directed to 
     provide a summary report on the previous direction to the 
     House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 120 days 
     of enactment of this Act.


                   RAILROAD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

       The agreement provides $40,600,000, to remain available 
     until expended, for railroad research and development. The 
     agreement supports $2,500,000 to improve safety practices and 
     training for Class II and Class III freight railroads; 
     $2,000,000 for tank car research related to the safe 
     transportation of energy products in partnership with other 
     Federal agencies; and $1,000,000 for research with 
     universities on intelligent railroad systems.


       RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING PROGRAM

       The agreement authorizes the Secretary to issue direct 
     loans and loan guarantees pursuant to sections 501 through 
     504 of P.L. 94-210, and provides $25,000,000 for the cost of 
     such credit instruments. The agreement directs the Secretary, 
     in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management 
     and Budget, to define and create loan cohorts on a fiscal 
     year basis within 120 days of enactment of this Act. Within 
     180 days of enactment of this Act, the Secretary is required 
     to repay the credit risk premium (CRP) plus interest for all 
     loans in cohorts with satisfied obligations. For cohorts with 
     outstanding obligations, the Secretary is required to repay 
     the CRP plus interest within 60 days after all obligations in 
     the cohort are satisfied.


           FEDERAL-STATE PARTNERSHIP FOR STATE OF GOOD REPAIR

       The agreement provides $250,000,000, to remain available 
     until expended, for grants authorized by section 24911 of 
     title 49, United States Code, and allows the Secretary to 
     withhold up to one percent for project management and 
     oversight of these grants. In addition, the agreement 
     clarifies that an otherwise eligible project on the Northeast 
     Corridor may receive a grant if the entities at the project 
     locations have valid cost allocation agreements with Amtrak 
     pursuant to section 24905(c)(2) title 49 U.S.C.
       The Agreement does not direct FRA to give preference to 
     projects with completed environmental and design work or for 
     critical at-risk projects.


        CONSOLIDATED RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

       The agreement provides $592,547,000, to remain available 
     until expended, for consolidated rail infrastructure and 
     safety improvements grants. Of this amount, $35,500,000 is 
     for projects eligible under section 24407(c)(2) of title 49 
     U.S.C. that contribute to the initiation or restoration of 
     intercity passenger rail service; and $250,000,000 is for 
     Positive Train Control (PTC) deployment grants pursuant to 
     section 24407(c)(1). In addition, the agreement expands PTC 
     deployment grant eligibility to include commuter rail lines 
     and allows the Secretary to transfer funds, after selection, 
     to the appropriate agency. The agreement allows applications 
     for multiple phases of a project in the same application. The 
     agreement allows the Secretary to withhold up to one percent 
     for project management and oversight of these grants.


                      RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT

       The agreement provides a total of $20,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended, for restoration and enhancement 
     grants authorized by section 24408 of title 49 U.S.C. The 
     agreement allows the Secretary to withhold up to one percent 
     for project management and oversight of these grants.


     NORTHEAST CORRIDOR GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER 
                              CORPORATION

       The agreement provides $650,000,000 for the Secretary to 
     make grants for activities associated with the Northeast 
     Corridor (NEC), defined as the main line between Boston, 
     Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia, and the 
     facilities and services used to operate and maintain that 
     line. Amtrak projects a fiscal year 2018 NEC net operating 
     profit of $403,500,000, yielding a total funding level of 
     $1,053,500,000 for the NEC.
       The agreement allows the Secretary to retain up to one-half 
     of one percent of the total provided to Amtrak for project 
     management and oversight costs and requires not less than 
     $50,000,000 to bring Amtrak-served facilities and stations 
     into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The 
     agreement also allows up to $5,000,000 of the NEC grants to 
     fund the NEC Commission expenses.
       The Agreement does not include language from the Senate 
     Report 115-138 and does not include the directive from House 
     Report 115-237 requiring the FRA to first give preference to 
     eligible projects that have complete environmental impact 
     statements and final design or that address major critical 
     assets which have conditions that pose a substantial risk now 
     or in the future to the reliability of train service before 
     considering other factors.


 NATIONAL NETWORK GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION

       The agreement provides $1,291,600,000 for the Secretary to 
     make grants for activities associated with the National 
     Network. National Network Grants provide operating and 
     capital funding for expenses on Amtrak's entire network, 
     including long-distance routes that operate on the NEC. Of 
     this amount, the Secretary may retain up to an additional 
     $2,000,000 to fund expenses associated with the state-
     supported route committee, up to $5,000,000 may be used for 
     costs associated with matters Amtrak brings before the 
     Surface Transportation Board related to passenger rail 
     service, and a minimum of $50,000,000 shall be for railroad 
     safety technologies on state-supported routes that are not 
     required to install PTC.


       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION

       Section 150 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 waiver, provide quarterly reports 
     within 30 days of the quarter's end on cap waivers granted, 
     and amounts paid above the cap for each month. The agreement 
     also requires Amtrak's president to provide an annual report 
     60 days after enactment of this Act that summarizes Amtrak's 
     total overtime expenses incurred by the corporation in 2017 
     and the three prior years, and the number of employees 
     receiving overtime cap waivers and total overtime payments 
     resulting from waivers by month of the 2017 calendar year and 
     the three prior calendar years.

                     Federal Transit Administration


                        ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $113,165,000 for administrative 
     expenses.


                         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 $9,733,353,407, as 
     authorized by the FAST Act. Funds are to be distributed as 
     authorized. Further, the agreement provides $10,300,000,000 
     for the liquidation of contract authority.


                     TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS

       The agreement provides an additional $834,000,000 in 
     transit infrastructure grants to remain available until 
     expended. Of the funds provided, $400,000,000 is available 
     for buses and bus facilities grants authorized under 49 
     U.S.C. 5339, of which $209,104,000 is provided for formula 
     grants, $161,446,000 is provided for competitive grants, and 
     $29,450,000 is provided for low or no emission grants. In 
     addition, $400,000,000 is available for state of good repair 
     grants authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5337, $30,000,000 is 
     provided for high density state apportionments authorized 
     under 49 U.S.C. 5340(d), $2,000,000 is provided for the bus 
     testing facility authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5318, and 
     $2,000,000 is provided for bus testing facilities authorized 
     under 49 U.S.C. 5312(h). The agreement provides funding from 
     the general fund, and the funding is not subject to any 
     limitation on obligations.


                   TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING

       The agreement provides $5,000,000 for research activities 
     under 49 U.S.C. 5314.


                       CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS

       The agreement provides $2,644,960,000 for fixed-guideway 
     projects, to remain available until September 30, 2021, and 
     directs the Secretary to administer the capital investment 
     grants program in accordance with the requirements of 49 
     U.S.C. 5309 and move projects through the program from 
     initial application to construction. The agreement directs 
     the FTA to use $5,050,000 from unobligated amounts for fixed-
     guideway projects. Of the funds provided, $1,506,910,000 is 
     available for projects authorized under 5309(d), $715,700,000 
     is available for projects authorized under 5309(e), 
     $400,900,000 is for projects authorized under 5309(h), and 
     $26,500,010 is available for oversight activities. The 
     agreement directs the Secretary to obligate $2,252,508,586 of 
     the amount provided for the capital investment grants program 
     by December 31, 2019. The agreement directs the Secretary to 
     provide updated project ratings expeditiously at the request 
     of the project sponsor.


      GRANTS TO THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY

       The agreement provides $150,000,000 to carry out section 
     601 of division B of Public

[[Page H2878]]

     Law 110-432, to remain available until expended. The 
     agreement no longer requires the Secretary to certify that 
     WMATA is making progress toward full implementation of the 
     corrective actions identified in the 2014 Financial 
     Management Oversight review as WMATA has addressed all 
     findings associated with improper financial management.


       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

       Section 160 exempts previously made transit obligations 
     from limitations on obligations.
       Section 161 allows for the transfer of appropriations made 
     prior to October 1, 2017 from older accounts to be merged 
     into new accounts with similar current activities.
       Section 162 prohibits funds in this Act from being used to 
     advance a specific transit line in Harris County, Texas 
     without the results of a local election.
       Section 163 prohibits funds to enter into an FFGA for a 
     project with a New Starts share greater than 51 percent.

             Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation


                       OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

                    (HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND)

       The agreement provides $40,000,000 for operations, 
     maintenance, and the capital asset renewal program, of which 
     not less than $19,500,000 is provided for asset renewal 
     program activities and shall remain available until September 
     30, 2020. The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation 
     (SLSDC) is directed to submit an annual report to the House 
     and Senate Committees on Appropriations on its asset renewal 
     program activities by April 30, 2018. The agreement limits 
     funding for new studies and reports for SLSDC to those 
     studies listed in the fiscal year 2018 budget estimates.

                        Maritime Administration


                       MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM

       The agreement provides the authorized level of $300,000,000 
     for the maritime security program. Funds are available until 
     expended.


                        OPERATIONS AND TRAINING

       The agreement provides a total of $513,642,000 for the 
     Maritime Administration's (MARAD) operations and training 
     account.
       For the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), the bill 
     provides a total of $121,000,000. Of the funds provided, 
     $69,000,000 is for Academy operations, including funds for an 
     attorney for sexual assault and harassment legal advice; 
     $45,000,000 is for the capital improvement program; and 
     $7,000,000 is for maintenance, repairs, and equipment. The 
     agreement directs MARAD to utilize the resources provided to 
     fully meet the staffing, support, and training needs at the 
     Academy to address the prevention of sexual assault and 
     sexual harassment.
       The agreement provides a total of $332,200,000 for the 
     state maritime academies, of which $6,000,000 is for direct 
     payments; $2,400,000 is for student incentive payments; 
     $22,000,000 is for schoolship maintenance and repair; 
     $1,800,000 is for fuel assistance; and $300,000,000 is for 
     design and construction of a new common schoolship for the 
     National Security Multi-Mission Vessel Program (NSMVP). The 
     agreement also allows prior year NSMVP design funds to be 
     available for construction purposes.
       Finally, the agreement provides a total of $60,442,000 for 
     MARAD headquarters, regional offices, and maritime program 
     expenses. Of the funds provided, up to $1,000,000 is for 
     contract support and/or additional personnel to administer, 
     manage, and oversee the NSMVP new construction contract; 
     $3,000,000 is for the maritime environmental and technical 
     assistance program, as authorized by 46 U.S.C. 50307; and 
     $7,000,000 is for the short sea transportation program, 
     authorized by 46 U.S.C 55601(b)(1) and (3).
       The agreement requires MARAD to submit the biennial survey 
     and report on sexual assault and sexual harassment at the 
     Academy, as required pursuant to section 3507 of P.L. 110-
     418, to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no 
     later than January 12, 2019.


                     ASSISTANCE TO SMALL SHIPYARDS

       The agreement provides $20,000,000 for the small shipyard 
     grant program, to remain available until expended.


                             SHIP DISPOSAL

       The agreement provides $116,000,000, to remain available 
     until expended, for the ship disposal program. Of the total, 
     $6,000,000 is for the disposal of four National Defense 
     Reserve Fleet vessels, and $110,000,000 is for the storage, 
     maintenance, and final decommissioning of the NS Savannah.


          MARITIME GUARANTEED LOAN (TITLE XI) PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides a total of $30,000,000 for the Title 
     XI program for the cost of guaranteed loans. Of the total, 
     $3,000,000 is available for administrative expenses and shall 
     be transferred to MARAD's operations and training account for 
     administrative expenses.


           ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

       Section 170 authorizes MARAD to furnish utilities and 
     services and to make necessary repairs in connection with any 
     lease, contract, or occupancy involving government property 
     under control of MARAD and allows payments received to be 
     credited to the Treasury and to 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 not pay for the vessel.

         Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration


                          OPERATIONAL EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $23,000,000 for necessary 
     operational expenses. Within this amount, the agreement 
     includes $1,500,000 for ``Pipeline Safety Information Grants 
     to Communities,'' as authorized under section 60130 of title 
     49, United States Code.


                       HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY

       The agreement provides $59,000,000 for the agency's 
     hazardous materials safety functions. Of this amount, 
     $7,570,000 is available until September 30, 2020, 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, 2020, are for long-term 
     research and development contracts.


                            PIPELINE SAFETY

                         (PIPELINE SAFETY FUND)

                    (OIL SPILL LIABILITY TRUST FUND)

       The agreement provides $162,000,000 for pipeline safety. Of 
     that amount, $23,000,000 is derived from the oil spill 
     liability trust fund, to remain available until September 30, 
     2020; $131,000,000 is derived from the pipeline safety fund, 
     of which $64,736,000 is available until September 30, 2020; 
     and $8,000,000 is derived from the underground natural gas 
     storage facility safety account of the pipeline safety fund, 
     to remain available until September 30, 2020. Of the total 
     amount, not less than $1,058,000 shall be for the one-call 
     state grant program.


                     EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANTS

                     (EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUND)

       The agreement provides an obligation limitation of 
     $28,318,000 for emergency preparedness grants. 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 provides $92,152,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Office of Inspector General.

            General Provisions--Department of Transportation

       Section 180 provides authorization for DOT to maintain and 
     operate aircraft, hire passenger motor vehicles and aircraft, 
     purchase liability insurance, buy uniforms, or allowances 
     therefor.
       Section 181 limits appropriations for services authorized 
     by 5 U.S.C. 3109 to the rate permitted for an Executive Level 
     IV.
       Section 182 prohibits recipients of funds from 
     disseminating personal information obtained by state DMVs in 
     connection to motor vehicle records, with an exception.
       Section 183 prohibits the use of funds for salaries and 
     expenses of more than 110 political and Presidential 
     appointees in the Department of Transportation.
       Section 184 stipulates that revenue collected by FHWA and 
     FRA from States, counties, municipalities, other public 
     authorities, and private sources for training be transferred 
     into specific accounts within the agency, with an exception.
       Section 185 prohibits DOT from using funds to make a grant, 
     loan, loan guarantee, or cooperative agreement, unless DOT 
     gives a 3 day advance notice to the House and Senate 
     Committees on Appropriations. The provision also requires 
     notice of any ``quick release'' of funds from FHWA's 
     emergency relief program and prohibits notifications from 
     involving funds not available for obligation. The provision 
     requires DOT to provide a comprehensive list of all loans, 
     loan guarantees, lines of credit, cooperative agreements, and 
     discretionary grants that will be announced with a 3 day 
     advance notice to the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations.
       Section 186 allows funds received from rebates, refunds, 
     and similar sources to be credited to appropriations of DOT.
       Section 187 allows amounts from improper payments to a 
     third party contractor that are lawfully recovered by DOT to 
     be made available until expended to cover expenses incurred 
     in recovery of such payments.
       Section 188 requires that reprogramming actions have to be 
     approved or denied by the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations, and reprogramming notifications shall be 
     transmitted solely to the Appropriations Committees.
       Section 189 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 190 authorizes the Secretary to carry out a program 
     that establishes uniform standards for developing and 
     supporting agency transit pass and transit benefits, 
     including distribution of transit benefits.
       Section 191 allows the use of funds to assist a contract 
     utilizing geographic, economic, or other hiring preference 
     not otherwise authorized by law, only if certain requirements 
     are met related to availability of local labor, displacement 
     of existing employees, and delays in transportation plans.

[[Page H2879]]

  


         TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

                     Management and Administration

       The agreement directs the Department of Housing and Urban 
     Development (HUD) to refer all appropriations law issues to 
     the Office of Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) appropriations 
     attorneys. The agreement also directs the Department to allow 
     other offices to participate in technical assistance between 
     the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations and the 
     OCFO appropriations attorneys only at the invitation of those 
     Committees.


                           executive offices

       The agreement includes $14,708,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses for Executive Offices, which shall be comprised of 
     seven offices including the Offices of the Secretary, Deputy 
     Secretary, Adjudicatory Services, Congressional and 
     Intergovernmental Relations, Public Affairs, and Small and 
     Disadvantaged Business Utilization, as well as the Center for 
     Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The agreement 
     includes a provision limiting official reception and 
     representation expenses to no more than $19,876.


                     administrative support offices

       The agreement provides $518,303,000 for Administrative 
     Support Offices. Funds are provided as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Chief Financial Officer................        $52,200,000
Office of the General Counsel........................         95,400,000
Office of Administration.............................        204,253,000
Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer............         39,300,000
Office of Field Policy and Management................         53,500,000
Office of the Chief Procurement Officer..............         19,500,000
Office of Departmental Equal Employment Opportunity..          3,800,000
Office of Strategic Planning and Management..........          4,950,000
Office of the Chief Information Officer..............         45,400,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................       $518,303,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement no longer caps the staffing level of the OCFO 
     Office of the Budget to the level of staff on board on 
     September 30, 2017. The agreement amends Senate Report 115-
     138 by directing the Department to prioritize the hiring of 
     additional staff for the OCFO Office of Accounting. The 
     agreement neither authorizes the creation of an Office of 
     Chief Operations Officer, nor allows for the Secretary to 
     transfer any funds from the proposed office into the 
     ``Information Technology Fund.'' The agreement requires the 
     Secretary to submit organizational charts within 30 days of 
     enactment of this Act that reflect the Department's and each 
     office's structure (to the branch level) on October 1, 2017 
     and on the date of enactment of this Act. The agreement notes 
     that the Department received a failing grade on the most 
     recent Biannual FITARA Scorecard for software licensing and 
     directs the Department to prioritize improving its management 
     of software licenses, including inventory and usage analysis.

                  Program Office Salaries and Expenses


                       public and indian housing

       The agreement provides $216,633,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses for the Office of Public and Indian Housing.


                   community planning and development

       The agreement provides $107,554,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses for the Office of Community Planning and 
     Development. The agreement amends the hiring directive 
     contained in Senate Report 115-138 to clarify that regional 
     and field office hiring should be prioritized to support the 
     closeout of open audits and backlog of open grants, 
     particularly as it relates to disaster recovery grants, 
     before hiring personnel in other areas, unless such staff are 
     identified as backfilling mission-critical positions.


                                housing

       The agreement provides $383,000,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses for the Office of Housing. The agreement no longer 
     directs the Department to perform the activities carried out 
     in prior years by the performance-based contract 
     administrators within the Office.


                    policy development and research

       The agreement provides $24,065,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses for the Office of Policy Development and Research.


                   fair housing and equal opportunity

       The agreement provides $69,808,000 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 $7,600,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses for the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy 
     Homes.


                          working capital fund

                     (including transfer of funds)

       The agreement provides the Secretary with the authority to 
     transfer amounts provided in this title for salaries and 
     expenses, except those for the Office of Inspector General, 
     to this account for the purpose of funding certain 
     centralized activities.

                       Public and Indian Housing


                     tenant-based rental assistance

       The agreement provides $22,015,000,000 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.....................................    $19,600,000,000
Tenant Protection Vouchers...........................         85,000,000
Administrative Fees..................................      1,760,000,000
Section 811 Vouchers.................................        505,000,000
Tribal HUD-VASH Renewals.............................          5,000,000
HUD-VASH Incremental Vouchers........................         40,000,000
Family Unification Program Vouchers..................         20,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The agreement includes a provision requiring the 
     notification of obligations to Public Housing Authorities 
     (PHAs), including the tenant protection voucher notice, 
     within 60 days of enactment of this Act.
       The agreement includes language that allows the Secretary 
     to consider PHAs' net restricted assets balances when 
     determining allocations.
       The agreement does not include funding for public housing 
     information technology modernization projects or the 
     authority to transfer amounts to the Public Housing Capital 
     Fund for this purpose.


                        housing certificate fund

                        (including rescissions)

       The agreement includes language allowing unobligated 
     balances in the Housing Certificate Fund to be used for the 
     renewal of or amendments to section 8 project-based contracts 
     and for performance-based contract administrators.


                      public housing capital fund

       The agreement provides $2,750,000,000, of which up to 
     $8,300,000 is for public housing financial and physical 
     assessment activities; up to $1,000,000 is for administrative 
     and judicial receiverships; not to exceed $21,500,000 for 
     emergency capital needs, of which not less than $5,000,000 is 
     for safety and security measures; up to $35,000,000 for the 
     Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency program; and 
     $15,000,000 for the Jobs-Plus Pilot Initiative.
       Public Housing Mortgage Program.--The agreement excludes 
     the directive contained in House Report 115-237 for HUD to 
     create a research advisory committee on the public housing 
     mortgage program and to provide quarterly reports to the 
     House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the same 
     subject. Instead, the Department is directed to provide a 
     single report within 180 days of enactment of this Act on 
     policy and regulatory changes that would allow for increased 
     use of the public housing mortgage program.


                     public housing operating fund

       The agreement provides $4,550,000,000 for the Public 
     Housing Operating Fund.


                    choice neighborhoods initiative

       The agreement provides $150,000,000 for the Choice 
     Neighborhoods Initiative. The agreement includes language 
     requiring that at least $75,000,000 be made available to PHAs 
     and provides up to $5,000,000 for grants to fund 
     comprehensive local implementation plans with community 
     notice and input. The agreement requires the Department to 
     issue the notice of funding availability (NOFA) within 60 
     days of enactment and to issue awards within 270 days of 
     enactment of this Act.


                        family self-sufficiency

       The agreement provides $75,000,000 for the Family Self-
     Sufficiency program to support service coordinators who serve 
     residents in both the public housing and Section 8 voucher 
     programs.


                  native american housing block grants

                     (including transfer of funds)

       The agreement provides $755,000,000 for the Native American 
     Housing Block Grant program. Of the total amount, 
     $100,000,000 is provided for competitive grants to remain 
     available until September 30, 2022. The remaining 
     $655,000,000 is for the formula funding program and shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2022. Of this amount, 
     $7,000,000 is set aside for inspections, contracting 
     expertise, training, and technical assistance related to 
     funding provided for the needs of Native Americans, including 
     no less than $2,000,000 to be awarded to a national 
     organization as authorized by section 703 of Native American 
     Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996 
     (NAHASDA), and $2,000,000 is for the cost of guaranteed loans 
     as authorized by title VI of NAHASDA provided that the 
     principal amount is no greater than $17,391,304.
       The agreement does not include a provision limiting the 
     amount of funding a tribe can receive, and therefore the 
     Department is not directed to collect data on the impact of 
     such provision.


           indian housing loan guarantee fund program account

       The agreement provides $1,000,000, to remain available 
     until expended, to subsidize a total loan level of up to 
     $270,270,270.


                  native hawaiian housing block grant

       The agreement provides $2,000,000 for the Native Hawaiian 
     Housing Block Grant program, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2022.

                   Community Planning And Development


              housing opportunities for persons with aids

       The agreement provides $375,000,000 for the housing 
     opportunities for persons with AIDS program, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2019, except for amounts 
     allocated pursuant to 854(c)(5) of the AIDS Housing 
     Opportunity Act, which shall remain available until September 
     30, 2020.


                       community development fund

       The agreement provides $3,365,000,000 for the community 
     development fund, to remain available until September 30, 
     2020. Of the total, the agreement provides $3,300,000,000 in 
     formula funding and $65,000,000 for Indian

[[Page H2880]]

     tribes, of which up to $4,000,000 is available for imminent 
     health and safety emergencies.


                 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 on 
     commitments of no more than $300,000,000 for loan guarantees 
     under section 108.


                  home investment partnerships program

       The agreement provides $1,362,000,000, to remain available 
     until September 30, 2021, for the home investment 
     partnerships program.


        self-help and assisted homeownership opportunity program

       The agreement provides a total of $54,000,000 for this 
     account, of which $50,000,000 shall remain available until 
     September 30, 2020, in the following amounts and for the 
     following purposes: $10,000,000 for the self-help 
     homeownership opportunity program; $35,000,000 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 for capacity 
     building activities by national organizations with expertise 
     in rural housing development. The remaining $4,000,000 shall 
     remain available until expended for a program to rehabilitate 
     and modify homes of disabled or low-income veterans as 
     authorized under section 1079 of Public Law 113-291. The 
     agreement directs HUD to publish a NOFA for the Home 
     Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot Program for Disabled or 
     Low-Income Veterans within 30 days of enactment of this Act 
     and to award funds provided for this program in fiscal years 
     2016, 2017, and 2018 within 180 days of enactment of this 
     Act.


                       homeless assistance grants

       The agreement provides $2,513,000,000, to remain available 
     until September 30, 2020, for homeless assistance grants. Of 
     the amount provided, not less than $270,000,000 shall be for 
     the emergency solutions grants program; not less than 
     $2,106,000,000 shall be for the continuum of care and rural 
     housing stability assistance programs; up to $50,000,000 
     shall be for rapid re-housing projects and supportive service 
     projects providing coordinated entry and for eligible 
     activities that are critical in order to assist survivors of 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking; up to 
     $7,000,000 shall be for the national homeless data analysis 
     project; and up to $80,000,000 shall be for projects in up to 
     25 communities, including up to 8 rural communities, to 
     demonstrate how a comprehensive approach to serving homeless 
     youth can reduce youth homelessness, of which up to 
     $5,000,000 shall be for technical assistance on youth 
     homelessness, and the collection, analysis, and reporting of 
     data and performance measures under the comprehensive 
     approaches to serve homeless youth.

                            Housing Programs


                    project-based rental assistance

       The agreement provides $11,115,000,000 for project-based 
     rental assistance activities, of which not to exceed 
     $285,000,000 is for performance-based contract administrators 
     (PBCA). The agreement also provides an additional advance 
     appropriation of $400,000,000, to be made available on 
     October 1, 2018. The agreement allows for the Secretary to 
     use project funds held in residual receipt accounts, 
     unobligated balances, including recaptures, and carryover for 
     program activities.
       Troubled properties report.--The agreement directs the 
     Department to provide quarterly reports to the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations on projects with 
     deficient and or unsatisfactory scores within the past 36 
     months and the Department's plans to remedy those 
     deficiencies. The agreement does not impose any monetary 
     penalties on the Department for failing to meet reporting 
     deadlines; however, the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations expect the Department to comply with the 
     reporting deadlines herein.
       Performance-based contract administrators (PBCAs).--The 
     agreement notes that PBCA services are integral to the 
     Department's efforts to provide effective and efficient 
     oversight and monitoring of this program, reduce improper 
     payments, protect tenants, and ensure that properties are 
     well maintained. In December 2017, the Department issued two 
     solicitations, numbered 86546A18R00001 and 86546A18R00002, to 
     procure PBCA services on a competitive basis. Due to the 
     overwhelming critical responses from industry and 
     stakeholders, the Department chose to cancel these 
     solicitations, and the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations find such action appropriate. In keeping with 
     the Administration's direction, the agreement supports the 
     cancellation of these solicitations for the remainder of the 
     fiscal year. In addition, the agreement directs the 
     Department to report to the House and Senate Committees on 
     Appropriations within 90 days of enactment of this Act on the 
     staffing and funding requirements in the Office of 
     Multifamily Housing Programs and the Office of the Chief 
     Procurement Officer that would be necessary to undertake and 
     oversee a state-by-state contracting methodology, as compared 
     to the cancelled proposals.


                        housing for the elderly

       The agreement provides $678,000,000 for the Section 202 
     program, to remain available until September 30, 2021, of 
     which $105,000,000 shall be for new capital advances and 
     project-based rental assistance contracts, and up to 
     $90,000,000 shall be for service coordinators and the 
     continuation of existing congregate service grants. The 
     appropriation, plus carryover balances and residual receipts, 
     fully funds all renewals, amendments, and property 
     inspections related to project-based rental assistance 
     contracts, senior preservation rental assistance contracts, 
     service coordinators, and existing congregate service grants.


                 housing for persons with disabilities

       The agreement provides $229,600,000 for the Section 811 
     program to remain available until September 30, 2021. The 
     appropriation, plus carryover balances and residual receipts, 
     fully funds all project-based rental assistance contract 
     amendments and renewals. The agreement includes $82,600,000 
     for new capital advance and project rental assistance awards 
     and directs HUD to prioritize the creation of new unit 
     configurations that help localities comply with the 
     obligations of Olmstead v. LC, 527 U.S. 581 (1999).


                     housing counseling assistance

       The agreement provides $55,000,000 for housing counseling 
     assistance, including up to $4,500,000 for administrative 
     contract services, to remain available until September 30, 
     2019. The agreement requires the Secretary to award grants 
     within 180 days of enactment of this Act and allows for the 
     Secretary to enter into multiyear grant agreements, subject 
     to the availability of annual appropriations.


                       rental housing assistance

       The agreement provides $14,000,000 for the rental housing 
     assistance program and allows for the Department to use 
     funds, including unobligated balances and recaptured amounts, 
     for one-year contract extensions.


            payment to manufactured housing fees trust fund

       The agreement provides $11,000,000 for the manufactured 
     housing standards programs, of which $11,000,000 is to be 
     derived from fees collected and deposited in the Manufactured 
     Housing Fees Trust Fund. The agreement directs that not less 
     than $3,600,000 is for payments to State Administrative 
     Agency partners and not less than $4,000,000 is for the 
     monitoring of manufacturers' compliance with construction and 
     safety standards by third party inspection agencies. The 
     Department has issued a final rule, interpretive bulletin, 
     and memorandum regarding the on-site completion of 
     construction of manufactured homes cited in section 424 of 
     H.R. 3354 that has caused concern among various stakeholders. 
     The agreement directs the Department to review such rule, 
     interpretive bulletin, and memorandum, and develop a solution 
     that ensures the safety of consumers and minimizes costs and 
     burdensome requirements on manufacturers and consumers. The 
     agreement also directs the Department to explore if state and 
     local planning and permitting agencies should have 
     jurisdiction over on-site completion and to provide a report 
     to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 
     120 days of enactment of this Act.

                     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 2018, and provides that such commitment authority shall 
     be available until September 30, 2019. The agreement also 
     provides $130,000,000 for administrative contract expenses 
     and provides an additional $1,400 for administrative contract 
     expenses, 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, 2018. 
     The agreement requires that insurance for new mortgage 
     commitments in fiscal year 2018 under Section 255 of the 
     National Housing Act have a net credit subsidy cost that does 
     not exceed zero. The agreement prohibits FHA from taking 
     adverse actions against lenders in disaster affected areas 
     based solely on compare ratios and negates the reporting 
     requirement included in Senate Report 115-138 related to 24 
     C.F.R. 203.


                GENERAL AND SPECIAL RISK PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The agreement establishes a $30,000,000,000 limitation on 
     multifamily and specialized loan guarantees during fiscal 
     year 2018 and provides that such commitment authority shall 
     be available until September 30, 2019.

                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 2018, 
     which shall be available until September 30, 2019. The 
     agreement also provides $27,000,000 for salaries and expenses 
     for the Government National Mortgage Association during 
     fiscal year 2018. The agreement increases salaries and 
     expenses by $100 for each $1,000,000 in additional guaranteed 
     loan commitments, up to a maximum of $3,000,000, if 
     guaranteed loan commitments exceed $155,000,000,000 by April 
     1, 2018.

                    Policy Development and Research


                        RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

       The agreement provides $89,000,000 for research and 
     technology activities and technical assistance, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2019.

[[Page H2881]]

       The agreement provides up to $14,000,000 for critical 
     research, demonstrations, and evaluations, including:
        Moving to Work Expansion Demonstration evaluation;
        Choice Neighborhood Implementation study (final 
     phase);
        Family Unification Program and Family Self-
     Sufficiency evaluation;
        Rental Assistance Demonstration and Choice 
     Mobility evaluation;
        Effectiveness Evaluation of HUD's Resiliency 
     Funding in Response to Natural Disasters;
        Family Self-Sufficiency National evaluation;
        First-Time Homebuyer Education and Counseling; and
        Process and Outcome Evaluation of the Rental 
     Assistance Demonstration's Impact on Tenants, Related 
     Protections, and Long-Term Preservation of Housing 
     Affordability.
       The agreement provides not less than $25,000,000 under this 
     heading for technical assistance, of which $3,000,000 is for 
     non-profit or private sector organizations to provide 
     technical assistance to distressed cities or regions.
       Further, up to $50,000,000 is provided for core research 
     and technology including: market surveys, research support 
     and dissemination, data acquisition, housing finance studies, 
     research partnerships, and housing technology.
       The agreement provides no funding under this heading for 
     the EnVision Center Demonstration.
       The agreement encourages the Department to continue using 
     ZIP Code-level data when calculating the most impacted and 
     distressed areas in the community development block grant--
     disaster recovery program.

                   Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity


                        FAIR HOUSING ACTIVITIES

       The agreement provides $65,300,000 for fair housing 
     activities, of which $39,600,000 is for the Fair Housing 
     Initiatives Program (FHIP), $23,900,000 is for the Fair 
     Housing Assistance Program, $1,500,000 is for the National 
     Fair Housing Training Academy, and $300,000 is for translated 
     materials. Of the funds available for FHIP, not less than 
     $7,450,000 is available for education and outreach programs.

            Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes


                         LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION

       The agreement provides $230,000,000 for lead hazard control 
     and healthy homes programs. Of the amount provided, 
     $45,000,000 is available for the healthy homes initiative.
       The agreement consolidates HUD's two lead hazard reduction 
     funding programs into a single grant program and directs HUD 
     to award not less than $95,000,000 to those jurisdictions 
     with the highest lead-based paint abatement needs. This 
     consolidation will establish a single source of funding for 
     lead hazard reduction grants with a single set of application 
     criteria, which will ease administrative burdens on both the 
     applicants and the Department.

                      Information Technology Fund

       The agreement provides $267,000,000 for the Information 
     Technology Fund, of which $250,000,000 is available until 
     September 30, 2019, and $17,000,000 is available until 
     September 30, 2020. The agreement does not include additional 
     funding for the development, modernization, and enhancement 
     of the next generation management system. Instead, the 
     agreement includes $7,000,000 for cyber security improvements 
     and $10,000,000 for disaster grant management.

                      Office of Inspector General

       The agreement provides $128,082,000 for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Office of Inspector General. The agreement 
     does not limit funding for the hiring of any additional 
     personnel.

    General Provisions--Department of Housing and Urban Development


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

                         (INCLUDING RESCISSION)

       Section 201 splits overpayments evenly between the Treasury 
     and State Housing Finance Agencies.
       Section 202 prohibits funds from being used to investigate 
     or prosecute lawful activities under the Fair Housing Act.
       Section 203 requires any grant or cooperative agreement to 
     be made on a competitive basis, unless otherwise provided, in 
     accordance with Section 102 of the Department of Housing and 
     Urban Development Reform Act of 1989.
       Section 204 relates to the availability of funds for 
     services and facilities for GSEs and others subject to the 
     Government Corporation Control Act and the Housing Act of 
     1950.
       Section 205 prohibits the use of funds in excess of the 
     budget estimates, unless provided otherwise.
       Section 206 relates to the expenditure of funds for 
     corporations and agencies subject to the Government 
     Corporation Control Act.
       Section 207 requires the Secretary to provide quarterly 
     reports on uncommitted, unobligated, recaptured, and excess 
     funds in each departmental program and activity.
       Section 208 requires the Administration's budget and HUD's 
     budget justifications for fiscal year 2019 to be submitted in 
     the identical account and sub-account structure provided in 
     this Act.
       Section 209 exempts GNMA from certain requirements of the 
     Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990.
       Section 210 authorizes HUD to transfer debt and use 
     agreements from an obsolete project to a viable project, 
     provided that no additional costs are incurred and other 
     conditions are met.
       Section 211 sets forth requirements for Section 8 voucher 
     assistance eligibility and includes consideration for persons 
     with disabilities.
       Section 212 distributes Native American Housing Block 
     Grants to the same Native Alaskan recipients as in fiscal 
     year 2005.
       Section 213 authorizes the Secretary to insure mortgages 
     under Section 255 of the National Housing Act.
       Section 214 instructs HUD on managing and disposing of any 
     multifamily property that is owned or held by HUD.
       Section 215 allows the Section 108 loan guarantee program 
     to guarantee notes or other obligations issued by any State 
     on behalf of non-entitlement communities in the State.
       Section 216 allows PHAs that own and operate 400 or fewer 
     units of public housing to be exempt from asset management 
     requirements.
       Section 217 restricts the Secretary from imposing any 
     requirements or guidelines relating to asset management that 
     restrict or limit the use of capital funds for central office 
     costs, up to the limit established in QHWRA.
       Section 218 requires that no employee of the Department 
     shall be designated as an allotment holder unless the CFO 
     determines that such employee has received certain training.
       Section 219 requires the Secretary to publish all notices 
     of funding availability that are competitively awarded on the 
     internet for fiscal year 2018.
       Section 220 requires attorney fees for programmatic 
     litigation to be paid from the individual program office and 
     Office of General Counsel salaries and expenses 
     appropriations, and requires the Department to submit a spend 
     plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
       Section 221 allows the Secretary to transfer up to 10 
     percent of funds or $5,000,000, whichever is less, 
     appropriated under the headings ``Administrative Support 
     Offices'' or ``Program Office Salaries and Expenses'' to any 
     other office funded under such headings.
       Section 222 requires HUD to take certain actions against 
     owners receiving rental subsidies that do not maintain safe 
     properties.
       Section 223 places a salary and bonus limit on public 
     housing agency officials and employees.
       Section 224 authorizes HUD to obligate balances previously 
     made available under the heading ``Choice Neighborhoods 
     Initiative'' until September 30, 2018.
       Section 225 requires the Secretary to notify the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations at least 3 full business 
     days before grant awards are announced.
       Section 226 prohibits funds to be used to require or 
     enforce the Physical Needs Assessment (PNA).
       Section 227 prohibits funds for HUD financing of mortgages 
     for properties that have been subject to eminent domain.
       Section 228 prohibits the use of funds to terminate the 
     status of a unit of general local government as a 
     metropolitan city with respect to grants under section 106 of 
     the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
       Section 229 allows funding for research, evaluation, and 
     statistical purposes that is unexpended at the time of 
     completion of the contract, grant, or cooperative agreement 
     to be reobligated for additional research.
       Section 230 prohibits funds to be used for financial awards 
     for employees subject to administrative discipline in fiscal 
     years 2017 or 2018.
       Section 231 authorizes the Secretary on a limited basis to 
     use funds available under the ``Homeless Assistance Grants'' 
     heading to participate in the multiagency Performance 
     Partnership Pilots program.
       Section 232 allows program income as an eligible match for 
     2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Continuum of Care funds.
       Section 233 permits HUD to provide one year transition 
     grants under the continuum of care program with no more than 
     50 percent of the grant provided for costs of eligible 
     activities of the program component originally funded.
       Section 234 prohibits the use of funds to direct a grantee 
     to undertake specific changes to existing zoning laws as part 
     of carrying out the final rule entitled, ``Affirmatively 
     Furthering Fair Housing'' or the notice entitled, 
     ``Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Assessment Tool''.
       Section 235 prohibits section 218(g) of the Cranston-
     Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act from applying with 
     respect to the right of a jurisdiction to draw funds from its 
     HOME Investment Trust Fund that otherwise expired or would 
     expire in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, or 2020.
       Section 236 extends the mark to market program to October 
     1, 2022.
       Section 237 modifies the Rental Assistance Demonstration 
     included in Public Law 112-55.
       Section 238 prohibits funds from being used to interfere 
     with State and local inspections of public housing units.
       Section 239 maintains current Promise Zone designations and 
     agreements.
       Section 240 repeals a duplicative provision providing 
     Section 8 voucher flexibility.

                      TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES

                              Access Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $8,190,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.

[[Page H2882]]

  


                      Federal Maritime Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $27,490,000 for salaries and 
     expenses, of which not more than $2,000 is available for 
     official reception and representation expenses. Of the funds 
     provided, not less than $480,931 is available for the Office 
     of Inspector General.

                National Railroad Passenger Corporation

                    Office of the Inspector General


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $23,274,000.

                  National Transportation Safety Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $110,400,000.

                 Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation


          PAYMENT TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD REINVESTMENT CORPORATION

       The agreement provides $140,000,000, of which $5,000,000 
     shall be for a multi-family rental housing program. The 
     Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation is directed to provide 
     at least 3-day advance notice to the House and Senate 
     Committees on Appropriations prior to the announcement of any 
     grant exceeding $50,000 that is awarded to a Neighborhood 
     Reinvestment Corporation network organization.

                      Surface Transportation Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $37,100,000 for salaries and 
     expenses. The agreement permits the collection of up to 
     $1,250,000 in user fees to be credited to that appropriation 
     and 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 $35,850,000.

           United States Interagency Council on Homelessness


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $3,600,000 and extends the 
     authorization of the agency until October 1, 2020.
       The agreement does not direct USICH to comply with certain 
     performance requirements included in Senate Report 115-138 
     for its fiscal year 2019 budget submission. However, the 
     agreement does not discourage USICH from developing such 
     performance goals and metrics in order to measure its 
     progress in accomplishing its mission.

                                TITLE IV

                      GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT


                        (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

       Section 401 prohibits the use of funds for the planning or 
     execution of any program to pay the expenses of, or otherwise 
     compensate, non-Federal parties intervening in regulatory or 
     adjudicatory proceedings.
       Section 402 prohibits the obligation of funds beyond the 
     current fiscal year and the transfer of funds to other 
     appropriations, unless expressly provided.
       Section 403 limits consulting service expenditures through 
     procurement contracts to those contracts contained in the 
     public record, except where otherwise provided under existing 
     law.
       Section 404 prohibits funds from being used for certain 
     types of employee training.
       Section 405 specifies requirements for the reprogramming of 
     funds and requires agencies to submit a report in order to 
     establish the baseline for the application of reprogramming 
     and transfer authorities.
       Section 406 provides that not to exceed fifty percent of 
     unobligated balances for salaries and expenses may remain 
     available until September 30, 2019, for each account for the 
     purposes authorized, subject to the approval of the House and 
     Senate Committees on Appropriations.
       Section 407 prohibits the use of funds for any project that 
     seeks to use the power of eminent domain, unless eminent 
     domain is employed only for a public use.
       Section 408 prohibits funds from being transferred to any 
     department, agency, or instrumentality of the U.S. 
     Government, except where transfer authority is provided in 
     this or any other appropriations Act.
       Section 409 prohibits funds from being used to permanently 
     replace an employee intent on returning to his or her past 
     occupation following completion of military service.
       Section 410 prohibits funds from being used by an entity 
     unless the expenditure is in compliance with the Buy American 
     Act.
       Section 411 prohibits funds from being made available to 
     any person or entity that has been convicted of violating the 
     Buy American Act.
       Section 412 prohibits funds from being used for first-class 
     airline accommodations in contravention of sections 301-
     10.122 and 301-10.123 of title 41 CFR.
       Section 413 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.
       Section 414 restricts the number of employees that agencies 
     may send to international conferences unless such attendance 
     is important to the national interest.
       Section 415 caps the amount of fees the Surface 
     Transportation Board can charge or collect for rate or 
     practice complaints filed at the amount authorized for 
     district court civil suit filing fees.
       Section 416 prohibits the use of funds to purchase or lease 
     new light-duty vehicles for any executive fleet or fleet 
     inventory, except in accordance with Presidential Memorandum-
     Federal Fleet Performance, dated May 24, 2011.
       Section 417 rescinds all unobligated balances, including 
     recaptures and carryover, from various salaries and expenses 
     accounts.
       Section 418 prohibits funds from being used to maintain or 
     establish computer networks unless such networks block the 
     viewing, downloading, or exchange of pornography.
       Section 419 prohibits funds from being used to deny an 
     Inspector General timely access to any records, documents, or 
     other materials available to the department or agency over 
     which that Inspector General has responsibilities, or to 
     prevent or impede that Inspector General's access to such 
     records, documents, or other materials.
       Section 420 requires the FAA to permit intermittent large 
     cargo air carriers to land in remote areas using a mix of 
     available meteorological weather reports, in place of 
     National Weather Service forecast reports where they do not 
     provide weather coverage.
       Section 421 allows states to utilize CMAQ funds for 
     operating assistance on certain State-supported Amtrak routes 
     without a time limitation.

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                               DIVISION S

                                TITLE I

                         EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

       It is the intent of Congress that any rule promulgated by 
     the Attorney General for purposes of establishing the 
     criteria for use by designated entities in making a 
     determination of fitness described in subsection (b)(4) 
     comply with title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 
     U.S.C. 2000e et seq), including special consideration of the 
     U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) 
     Enforcement Guidance (April 25, 2012) on the Use of Criminal 
     Background Checks.
       This language shall have no effect on or direction implied 
     to any other Division of this Act or on any part of the Joint 
     Explanatory Statement. Any effect of this language shall be 
     limited strictly to the Division and title noted in the 
     header.