[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 150 (Monday, September 10, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H7946-H8106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 5895, ENERGY AND WATER, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, 
AND MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019

  Mr. SIMPSON submitted the following conference report and statement 
on the bill (H.R. 5895) making appropriations for energy and water 
development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 
30, 2019, and for other purposes:

                  Conference Report (H. Rept. 115-929)

       The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the 
     two Houses on the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 
     5895), making appropriations for the energy and water 
     development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending 
     September 30, 2019, and for other purposes, having met, after 
     full and free conference, have agreed to recommend and do 
     recommend to their respective Houses as follows:
       That the House recede from its disagreement to the 
     amendment of the Senate and agree to the same with an 
     amendment as follows:
       In lieu of the matter proposed to be inserted by the Senate 
     amendment, insert the following:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Energy and Water, 
     Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans 
     Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019''.

     SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       The table of contents of this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. References.
Sec. 4. Statement of appropriations.

     DIVISION A--ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019

Title I--Corps of Engineers--Civil
Title II--Department of the Interior
Title III--Department of Energy
Title IV--Independent Agencies
Title V--General Provisions

        DIVISION B--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019

Title I--Legislative Branch
Title II--General Provisions

   DIVISION C--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED 
                   AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019

Title I--Department of Defense
Title II--Department of Veterans Affairs
Title III--Related Agencies
Title IV--Overseas Contingency Operations
Title V--General Provisions

     SEC. 3. REFERENCES.

       Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to 
     ``this Act'' contained in any division of this Act shall be 
     treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.

     SEC. 4. STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       The following sums in this Act are appropriated, out of any 
     money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the 
     fiscal year ending September 30, 2019.

     DIVISION A--ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019

                                TITLE I

                       CORPS OF ENGINEERS--CIVIL

                         DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

                       Corps of Engineers--Civil

       The following appropriations shall be expended under the 
     direction of the Secretary of the Army and the supervision of 
     the Chief of Engineers for authorized civil functions of the 
     Department of the Army pertaining to river and harbor, flood 
     and storm damage reduction, shore protection, aquatic 
     ecosystem restoration, and related efforts.

                             investigations

       For expenses necessary where authorized by law for the 
     collection and study of basic information pertaining to river 
     and harbor, flood and storm damage reduction, shore 
     protection, aquatic ecosystem restoration, and related needs; 
     for surveys and detailed studies, and plans and 
     specifications of proposed river and harbor, flood and storm 
     damage reduction, shore protection, and aquatic ecosystem 
     restoration projects, and related efforts prior to 
     construction; for restudy of authorized projects; and for 
     miscellaneous investigations, and, when authorized by law, 
     surveys and detailed studies, and plans and specifications of 
     projects prior to construction, $125,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended:  Provided, That the Secretary shall 
     initiate six new study starts during fiscal year 2019:  
     Provided further, That the Secretary shall not deviate from 
     the new starts proposed in the work plan, once the plan has 
     been submitted to the Committees on Appropriations of both 
     Houses of Congress.

                              construction

       For expenses necessary for the construction of river and 
     harbor, flood and storm damage reduction, shore protection, 
     aquatic ecosystem restoration, and related projects 
     authorized by law; for conducting detailed studies, and plans 
     and specifications, of such projects (including those 
     involving participation by States, local governments, or 
     private groups) authorized or made eligible for selection by 
     law (but such detailed studies, and plans and specifications, 
     shall not constitute a commitment of the Government to 
     construction); $2,183,000,000, to remain available until 
     expended; of which such sums as are necessary to cover the 
     Federal share of construction costs for facilities under the 
     Dredged Material Disposal Facilities program shall be derived 
     from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund as authorized by 
     Public Law 104-303; and of which such sums as are necessary 
     to cover one-half of the costs of construction, replacement, 
     rehabilitation, and expansion of inland waterways projects, 
     except for Chickamauga Lock, Tennessee River, Tennessee, 
     which shall be 15 percent during the fiscal year covered by 
     this Act, shall be derived from the Inland Waterways Trust 
     Fund, except as otherwise specifically provided for in law:  
     Provided, That the Secretary shall initiate five new 
     construction starts during fiscal year 2019:  Provided 
     further, That for new construction projects, project cost 
     sharing agreements shall be executed as soon as practicable 
     but no later than September 30, 2019:  Provided further, That 
     no allocation for a new start shall be considered final and 
     no work allowance shall be made until the Secretary provides 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress an out-year funding scenario demonstrating the 
     affordability of the selected new starts and the impacts on 
     other projects:  Provided further, That the Secretary may not 
     deviate from the new starts proposed in the work plan, once 
     the plan has been submitted to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

                   mississippi river and tributaries

       For expenses necessary for flood damage reduction projects 
     and related efforts in the Mississippi River alluvial valley 
     below Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as authorized by law, 
     $368,000,000, to remain available until expended, of which 
     such sums as are necessary to cover the Federal share of 
     eligible operation and maintenance costs for inland harbors 
     shall be derived from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.

                       operation and maintenance

       For expenses necessary for the operation, maintenance, and 
     care of existing river and harbor, flood and storm damage 
     reduction, aquatic ecosystem restoration, and related 
     projects authorized by law; providing security for 
     infrastructure owned or operated by the Corps, including 
     administrative buildings and laboratories; maintaining harbor 
     channels provided by a State, municipality, or other public 
     agency that serve essential navigation needs of general 
     commerce, where authorized by law; surveying and charting 
     northern and northwestern lakes and connecting waters; 
     clearing and straightening channels; and removing 
     obstructions to navigation, $3,739,500,000, to remain 
     available until expended, of which such sums as are necessary 
     to cover the Federal share of eligible operation and 
     maintenance costs for coastal harbors and channels, and for 
     inland harbors shall be derived from the Harbor Maintenance 
     Trust Fund; of which such sums as become available from the 
     special account for the Corps of Engineers established by the 
     Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 shall be derived 
     from that account for resource protection, research, 
     interpretation, and maintenance activities related to 
     resource protection in the areas at which outdoor recreation 
     is available; and of which such sums as become available from 
     fees collected under section 217 of Public Law 104-303 shall 
     be used to cover the cost of operation and maintenance of the 
     dredged material disposal facilities for which such fees have 
     been collected:  Provided, That 1 percent of the total amount 
     of funds provided for each of the programs, projects, or 
     activities funded under this heading shall not be allocated 
     to a field operating activity prior to the beginning of the 
     fourth quarter of the fiscal year and shall be available for 
     use by the Chief of Engineers to fund such emergency 
     activities as the Chief of Engineers determines to be 
     necessary and appropriate, and that the Chief of Engineers 
     shall allocate during the fourth quarter any remaining funds 
     which have not been used for emergency activities 
     proportionally in accordance with the amounts provided for 
     the programs, projects, or activities.

                           regulatory program

       For expenses necessary for administration of laws 
     pertaining to regulation of navigable

[[Page H7947]]

     waters and wetlands, $200,000,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2020.

            formerly utilized sites remedial action program

       For expenses necessary to clean up contamination from sites 
     in the United States resulting from work performed as part of 
     the Nation's early atomic energy program, $150,000,000, to 
     remain available until expended.

                 flood control and coastal emergencies

       For expenses necessary to prepare for flood, hurricane, and 
     other natural disasters and support emergency operations, 
     repairs, and other activities in response to such disasters 
     as authorized by law, $35,000,000, to remain available until 
     expended.

                                expenses

       For expenses necessary for the supervision and general 
     administration of the civil works program in the headquarters 
     of the Corps of Engineers and the offices of the Division 
     Engineers; and for costs of management and operation of the 
     Humphreys Engineer Center Support Activity, the Institute for 
     Water Resources, the United States Army Engineer Research and 
     Development Center, and the United States Army Corps of 
     Engineers Finance Center allocable to the civil works 
     program, $193,000,000, to remain available until September 
     30, 2020, of which not to exceed $5,000 may be used for 
     official reception and representation purposes and only 
     during the current fiscal year:  Provided, That no part of 
     any other appropriation provided in this title shall be 
     available to fund the civil works activities of the Office of 
     the Chief of Engineers or the civil works executive direction 
     and management activities of the division offices:  Provided 
     further, That any Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies 
     appropriation may be used to fund the supervision and general 
     administration of emergency operations, repairs, and other 
     activities in response to any flood, hurricane, or other 
     natural disaster.

     office of the assistant secretary of the army for civil works

       For the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for 
     Civil Works as authorized by 10 U.S.C. 3016(b)(3), 
     $5,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2020:  
     Provided, That not more than 25 percent of such amount may be 
     obligated or expended until the Assistant Secretary submits 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress a work plan that allocates at least 95 percent of 
     the additional funding provided under each heading in this 
     title, as designated under such heading in the joint 
     explanatory statement accompanying this Act, to specific 
     programs, projects, or activities.

             GENERAL PROVISIONS--CORPS OF ENGINEERS--CIVIL

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 101. (a) None of the funds provided in title I of this 
     Act, or provided by previous appropriations Acts to the 
     agencies or entities funded in title I of this Act that 
     remain available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 
     2019, shall be available for obligation or expenditure 
     through a reprogramming of funds that:
       (1) creates or initiates a new program, project, or 
     activity;
       (2) eliminates a program, project, or activity;
       (3) increases funds or personnel for any program, project, 
     or activity for which funds have been denied or restricted by 
     this Act, unless prior approval is received from the House 
     and Senate Committees on Appropriations;
       (4) proposes to use funds directed for a specific activity 
     for a different purpose, unless prior approval is received 
     from the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations;
       (5) augments or reduces existing programs, projects, or 
     activities in excess of the amounts contained in paragraphs 
     (6) through (10), unless prior approval is received from the 
     House and Senate Committees on Appropriations;
       (6) Investigations.--For a base level over $100,000, 
     reprogramming of 25 percent of the base amount up to a limit 
     of $150,000 per project, study or activity is allowed:  
     Provided, That for a base level less than $100,000, the 
     reprogramming limit is $25,000:  Provided further, That up to 
     $25,000 may be reprogrammed into any continuing study or 
     activity that did not receive an appropriation for existing 
     obligations and concomitant administrative expenses;
       (7) Construction.--For a base level over $2,000,000, 
     reprogramming of 15 percent of the base amount up to a limit 
     of $3,000,000 per project, study or activity is allowed:  
     Provided, That for a base level less than $2,000,000, the 
     reprogramming limit is $300,000:  Provided further, That up 
     to $3,000,000 may be reprogrammed for settled contractor 
     claims, changed conditions, or real estate deficiency 
     judgments:  Provided further, That up to $300,000 may be 
     reprogrammed into any continuing study or activity that did 
     not receive an appropriation for existing obligations and 
     concomitant administrative expenses;
       (8) Operation and maintenance.--Unlimited reprogramming 
     authority is granted for the Corps to be able to respond to 
     emergencies:  Provided, That the Chief of Engineers shall 
     notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations of 
     these emergency actions as soon thereafter as practicable:  
     Provided further, That for a base level over $1,000,000, 
     reprogramming of 15 percent of the base amount up to a limit 
     of $5,000,000 per project, study, or activity is allowed:  
     Provided further, That for a base level less than $1,000,000, 
     the reprogramming limit is $150,000:  Provided further, That 
     $150,000 may be reprogrammed into any continuing study or 
     activity that did not receive an appropriation;
       (9) Mississippi river and tributaries.--The reprogramming 
     guidelines in paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) shall apply to the 
     Investigations, Construction, and Operation and Maintenance 
     portions of the Mississippi River and Tributaries Account, 
     respectively; and
       (10) Formerly utilized sites remedial action program.--
     Reprogramming of up to 15 percent of the base of the 
     receiving project is permitted.
       (b) De Minimus Reprogrammings.--In no case should a 
     reprogramming for less than $50,000 be submitted to the House 
     and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
       (c) Continuing Authorities Program.--Subsection (a)(1) 
     shall not apply to any project or activity funded under the 
     continuing authorities program.
       (d) Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the House 
     and Senate Committees on Appropriations to establish the 
     baseline for application of reprogramming and transfer 
     authorities for the current fiscal year which shall include:
       (1) A table for each appropriation with a separate column 
     to display the President's budget request, adjustments made 
     by Congress, adjustments due to enacted rescissions, if 
     applicable, and the fiscal year enacted level; and
       (2) A delineation in the table for each appropriation both 
     by object class and program, project and activity as detailed 
     in the budget appendix for the respective appropriations; and
       (3) An identification of items of special congressional 
     interest.
       Sec. 102.  The Secretary shall allocate funds made 
     available in this Act solely in accordance with the 
     provisions of this Act and the joint explanatory statement 
     accompanying this Act, including the determination and 
     designation of new starts.
       Sec. 103.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     may be used to award or modify any contract that commits 
     funds beyond the amounts appropriated for that program, 
     project, or activity that remain unobligated, except that 
     such amounts may include any funds that have been made 
     available through reprogramming pursuant to section 101.
       Sec. 104.  The Secretary of the Army may transfer to the 
     Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Fish and Wildlife Service 
     may accept and expend, up to $5,400,000 of funds provided in 
     this title under the heading ``Operation and Maintenance'' to 
     mitigate for fisheries lost due to Corps of Engineers 
     projects.
       Sec. 105.  None of the funds in this Act shall be used for 
     an open lake placement alternative for dredged material, 
     after evaluating the least costly, environmentally acceptable 
     manner for the disposal or management of dredged material 
     originating from Lake Erie or tributaries thereto, unless it 
     is approved under a State water quality certification 
     pursuant to section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution 
     Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1341):  Provided, That until an open 
     lake placement alternative for dredged material is approved 
     under a State water quality certification, the Corps of 
     Engineers shall continue upland placement of such dredged 
     material consistent with the requirements of section 101 of 
     the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2211).
       Sec. 106.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     may be used for any acquisition of buoy chain that is not 
     consistent with 48 CFR 225.7007, subsections (a)(1) and 
     (a)(2).
       Sec. 107.  None of the funds made available by this Act may 
     be used to carry out any water supply reallocation study 
     under the Wolf Creek Dam, Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, project 
     authorized under the Act of July 24, 1946 (60 Stat. 636, ch. 
     595).
       Sec. 108.  None of the funds made available by this Act may 
     be used to require a permit for the discharge of dredged or 
     fill material under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act 
     (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) for the activities identified in 
     subparagraphs (A) and (C) of section 404(f)(1) of the Act (33 
     U.S.C. 1344(f)(1)(A), (C)).
       Sec. 109.  For fiscal year 2019, none of the funds provided 
     in this Act or available in the revolving fund established by 
     the Civil Functions Appropriations Act of 1954 (33 U.S.C. 
     576(a)) may be obligated or expended on a new hopper dredge.
       Sec. 110.  None of the funds made available by this Act or 
     any other Act may be used to reorganize or to transfer the 
     Civil Works functions or authority of the Corps of Engineers 
     or the Secretary of the Army to another department or agency.

                                TITLE II

                       DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

                          Central Utah Project

                central utah project completion account

       For carrying out activities authorized by the Central Utah 
     Project Completion Act, $15,000,000, to remain available 
     until expended, of which $898,000 shall be deposited into the 
     Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Account for use 
     by the Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation 
     Commission:  Provided, That of the amount provided under this 
     heading, $1,398,675 shall be available until September 30, 
     2020, for expenses necessary in carrying out related 
     responsibilities of the Secretary of the Interior:  Provided 
     further, That for fiscal year

[[Page H7948]]

     2019, of the amount made available to the Commission under 
     this Act or any other Act, the Commission may use an amount 
     not to exceed $1,500,000 for administrative expenses.

                         Bureau of Reclamation

       The following appropriations shall be expended to execute 
     authorized functions of the Bureau of Reclamation:

                      water and related resources

                     (including transfers of funds)

       For management, development, and restoration of water and 
     related natural resources and for related activities, 
     including the operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of 
     reclamation and other facilities, participation in fulfilling 
     related Federal responsibilities to Native Americans, and 
     related grants to, and cooperative and other agreements with, 
     State and local governments, federally recognized Indian 
     tribes, and others, $1,391,992,000, to remain available until 
     expended, of which $67,393,000 shall be available for 
     transfer to the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund and 
     $5,551,000 shall be available for transfer to the Lower 
     Colorado River Basin Development Fund; of which such amounts 
     as may be necessary may be advanced to the Colorado River Dam 
     Fund:  Provided, That such transfers may be increased or 
     decreased within the overall appropriation under this 
     heading:  Provided further, That within available funds, 
     $250,000 shall be for grants and financial assistance for 
     educational activities:  Provided further, That of the total 
     appropriated, the amount for program activities that can be 
     financed by the Reclamation Fund or the Bureau of Reclamation 
     special fee account established by 16 U.S.C. 6806 shall be 
     derived from that Fund or account:  Provided further, That 
     funds contributed under 43 U.S.C. 395 are available until 
     expended for the purposes for which the funds were 
     contributed:  Provided further, That funds advanced under 43 
     U.S.C. 397a shall be credited to this account and are 
     available until expended for the same purposes as the sums 
     appropriated under this heading:  Provided further, That of 
     the amounts provided herein, funds may be used for high-
     priority projects which shall be carried out by the Youth 
     Conservation Corps, as authorized by 16 U.S.C. 1706.

                central valley project restoration fund

       For carrying out the programs, projects, plans, habitat 
     restoration, improvement, and acquisition provisions of the 
     Central Valley Project Improvement Act, $62,008,000, to be 
     derived from such sums as may be collected in the Central 
     Valley Project Restoration Fund pursuant to sections 3407(d), 
     3404(c)(3), and 3405(f) of Public Law 102-575, to remain 
     available until expended:  Provided, That the Bureau of 
     Reclamation is directed to assess and collect the full amount 
     of the additional mitigation and restoration payments 
     authorized by section 3407(d) of Public Law 102-575:  
     Provided further, That none of the funds made available under 
     this heading may be used for the acquisition or leasing of 
     water for in-stream purposes if the water is already 
     committed to in-stream purposes by a court adopted decree or 
     order.

                    california bay-delta restoration

                     (including transfers of funds)

       For carrying out activities authorized by the Water Supply, 
     Reliability, and Environmental Improvement Act, consistent 
     with plans to be approved by the Secretary of the Interior, 
     $35,000,000, to remain available until expended, of which 
     such amounts as may be necessary to carry out such activities 
     may be transferred to appropriate accounts of other 
     participating Federal agencies to carry out authorized 
     purposes:  Provided, That funds appropriated herein may be 
     used for the Federal share of the costs of CALFED Program 
     management:  Provided further, That CALFED implementation 
     shall be carried out in a balanced manner with clear 
     performance measures demonstrating concurrent progress in 
     achieving the goals and objectives of the Program.

                       policy and administration

       For expenses necessary for policy, administration, and 
     related functions in the Office of the Commissioner, the 
     Denver office, and offices in the five regions of the Bureau 
     of Reclamation, to remain available until September 30, 2020, 
     $61,000,000, to be derived from the Reclamation Fund and be 
     nonreimbursable as provided in 43 U.S.C. 377:  Provided, That 
     no part of any other appropriation in this Act shall be 
     available for activities or functions budgeted as policy and 
     administration expenses.

                        administrative provision

       Appropriations for the Bureau of Reclamation shall be 
     available for purchase of not to exceed five passenger motor 
     vehicles, which are for replacement only.

             GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

       Sec. 201. (a) None of the funds provided in title II of 
     this Act for Water and Related Resources, or provided by 
     previous or subsequent appropriations Acts to the agencies or 
     entities funded in title II of this Act for Water and Related 
     Resources that remain available for obligation or expenditure 
     in fiscal year 2019, shall be available for obligation or 
     expenditure through a reprogramming of funds that--
       (1) initiates or creates a new program, project, or 
     activity;
       (2) eliminates a program, project, or activity;
       (3) increases funds for any program, project, or activity 
     for which funds have been denied or restricted by this Act, 
     unless prior approval is received from the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate;
       (4) restarts or resumes any program, project or activity 
     for which funds are not provided in this Act, unless prior 
     approval is received from the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate;
       (5) transfers funds in excess of the following limits, 
     unless prior approval is received from the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate:
       (A) 15 percent for any program, project or activity for 
     which $2,000,000 or more is available at the beginning of the 
     fiscal year; or
       (B) $400,000 for any program, project or activity for which 
     less than $2,000,000 is available at the beginning of the 
     fiscal year;
       (6) transfers more than $500,000 from either the Facilities 
     Operation, Maintenance, and Rehabilitation category or the 
     Resources Management and Development category to any program, 
     project, or activity in the other category, unless prior 
     approval is received from the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate; or
       (7) transfers, where necessary to discharge legal 
     obligations of the Bureau of Reclamation, more than 
     $5,000,000 to provide adequate funds for settled contractor 
     claims, increased contractor earnings due to accelerated 
     rates of operations, and real estate deficiency judgments, 
     unless prior approval is received from the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate.
       (b) Subsection (a)(5) shall not apply to any transfer of 
     funds within the Facilities Operation, Maintenance, and 
     Rehabilitation category.
       (c) For purposes of this section, the term transfer means 
     any movement of funds into or out of a program, project, or 
     activity.
       (d) The Bureau of Reclamation shall submit reports on a 
     quarterly basis to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     House of Representatives and the Senate detailing all the 
     funds reprogrammed between programs, projects, activities, or 
     categories of funding. The first quarterly report shall be 
     submitted not later than 60 days after the date of enactment 
     of this Act.
       Sec. 202. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available by this Act may be used to determine the final 
     point of discharge for the interceptor drain for the San Luis 
     Unit until development by the Secretary of the Interior and 
     the State of California of a plan, which shall conform to the 
     water quality standards of the State of California as 
     approved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
     Agency, to minimize any detrimental effect of the San Luis 
     drainage waters.
       (b) The costs of the Kesterson Reservoir Cleanup Program 
     and the costs of the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Program 
     shall be classified by the Secretary of the Interior as 
     reimbursable or nonreimbursable and collected until fully 
     repaid pursuant to the ``Cleanup Program--Alternative 
     Repayment Plan'' and the ``SJVDP--Alternative Repayment 
     Plan'' described in the report entitled ``Repayment Report, 
     Kesterson Reservoir Cleanup Program and San Joaquin Valley 
     Drainage Program, February 1995'', prepared by the Department 
     of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. Any future 
     obligations of funds by the United States relating to, or 
     providing for, drainage service or drainage studies for the 
     San Luis Unit shall be fully reimbursable by San Luis Unit 
     beneficiaries of such service or studies pursuant to Federal 
     reclamation law.
       Sec. 203.  Hereinafter, notwithstanding any other provision 
     of law, during the period from November 1 through April 30, 
     water users may use their diversion structures for the 
     purpose of recharging the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer, when 
     the Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Committee 
     and Water District 1 watermaster, determines there is water 
     available in excess of that needed to satisfy existing 
     Minidoka Project storage and hydropower rights and ensure 
     operational flexibility.
       Sec. 204.  Section 9001(d) of the Omnibus Public Land 
     Management Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1295) is 
     amended by striking ``10'' and inserting ``20''.
       Sec. 205. (a) Section 206(c)(2) of the Energy and Water 
     Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 (43 
     U.S.C. 620 note; Public Law 113-235) is amended by striking 
     ``2018.'' and inserting the following: ``2022: Provided, That 
     the Secretary shall not fund pilot projects in the Upper 
     Colorado River Basin without the participation of the Upper 
     Colorado River Division States, acting through the Upper 
     Colorado River Commission.''.
       (b) Section 9504(e) of the Secure Water Act of 2009 (42 
     U.S.C. 10364(e)) is amended by striking ``$450,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$480,000,000''.
       Sec. 206.  Section 9 of the Fort Peck Reservation Rural 
     Water System Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-382; 114 Stat. 1457, 
     123 Stat. 2856, 128 Stat. 164) is amended by striking 
     ``2020'' each place it appears in subsections (a)(1) and (b) 
     and inserting ``2026''.

                               TITLE III

                          DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

                            ENERGY PROGRAMS

                 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

       For Department of Energy expenses including the purchase, 
     construction, and acquisition of plant and capital equipment, 
     and

[[Page H7949]]

     other expenses necessary for energy efficiency and renewable 
     energy activities in carrying out the purposes of the 
     Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et 
     seq.), including the acquisition or condemnation of any real 
     property or any facility or for plant or facility 
     acquisition, construction, or expansion, $2,379,000,000, to 
     remain available until expended:  Provided, That of such 
     amount, $162,500,000 shall be available until September 30, 
     2020, for program direction.

         Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response

       For Department of Energy expenses including the purchase, 
     construction, and acquisition of plant and capital equipment, 
     and other expenses necessary for energy sector cybersecurity, 
     energy security, and emergency response activities in 
     carrying out the purposes of the Department of Energy 
     Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), including the 
     acquisition or condemnation of any real property or any 
     facility or for plant or facility acquisition, construction, 
     or expansion, $120,000,000, to remain available until 
     expended:  Provided, That of such amount, $11,500,000 shall 
     be available until September 30, 2020, for program direction.

                          Electricity Delivery

       For Department of Energy expenses including the purchase, 
     construction, and acquisition of plant and capital equipment, 
     and other expenses necessary for electricity delivery 
     activities in carrying out the purposes of the Department of 
     Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), including 
     the acquisition or condemnation of any real property or any 
     facility or for plant or facility acquisition, construction, 
     or expansion, $156,000,000, to remain available until 
     expended:  Provided, That of such amount, $17,000,000 shall 
     be available until September 30, 2020, for program direction.

                             Nuclear Energy

       For Department of Energy expenses including the purchase, 
     construction, and acquisition of plant and capital equipment, 
     and other expenses necessary for nuclear energy activities in 
     carrying out the purposes of the Department of Energy 
     Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), including the 
     acquisition or condemnation of any real property or any 
     facility or for plant or facility acquisition, construction, 
     or expansion, $1,326,090,000, to remain available until 
     expended:  Provided, That of such amount, $80,000,000 shall 
     be available until September 30, 2020, for program direction.

                 Fossil Energy Research and Development

       For Department of Energy expenses necessary in carrying out 
     fossil energy research and development activities, under the 
     authority of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 
     U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), including the acquisition of interest, 
     including defeasible and equitable interests in any real 
     property or any facility or for plant or facility acquisition 
     or expansion, and for conducting inquiries, technological 
     investigations and research concerning the extraction, 
     processing, use, and disposal of mineral substances without 
     objectionable social and environmental costs (30 U.S.C. 3, 
     1602, and 1603), $740,000,000, to remain available until 
     expended:  Provided, That of such amount $61,070,000 shall be 
     available until September 30, 2020, for program direction.

                 Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves

       For Department of Energy expenses necessary to carry out 
     naval petroleum and oil shale reserve activities, 
     $10,000,000, to remain available until expended:  Provided, 
     That notwithstanding any other provision of law, unobligated 
     funds remaining from prior years shall be available for all 
     naval petroleum and oil shale reserve activities.

                      Strategic Petroleum Reserve

       For Department of Energy expenses necessary for Strategic 
     Petroleum Reserve facility development and operations and 
     program management activities pursuant to the Energy Policy 
     and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.), $235,000,000, 
     to remain available until expended:  Provided, That, as 
     authorized by section 404 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 
     2015 (Public Law 114-74; 42 U.S.C. 6239 note), the Secretary 
     of Energy shall draw down and sell not to exceed $300,000,000 
     of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in fiscal 
     year 2019:  Provided further, That the proceeds from such 
     drawdown and sale shall be deposited into the ``Energy 
     Security and Infrastructure Modernization Fund'' during 
     fiscal year 2019:  Provided further, That such amounts shall 
     be made available and shall remain available until expended 
     for necessary expenses to carry out the Life Extension II 
     project for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

                         SPR Petroleum Account

       For the acquisition, transportation, and injection of 
     petroleum products, and for other necessary expenses pursuant 
     to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended 
     (42 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.), sections 403 and 404 of the 
     Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 6241, 6239 note), 
     and section 5010 of the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 
     114-255), $10,000,000, to remain available until expended.

                   Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve

       For Department of Energy expenses necessary for Northeast 
     Home Heating Oil Reserve storage, operation, and management 
     activities pursuant to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.), $10,000,000, to remain available 
     until expended.

                   Energy Information Administration

       For Department of Energy expenses necessary in carrying out 
     the activities of the Energy Information Administration, 
     $125,000,000, to remain available until expended.

                   Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup

       For Department of Energy expenses, including the purchase, 
     construction, and acquisition of plant and capital equipment 
     and other expenses necessary for non-defense environmental 
     cleanup activities in carrying out the purposes of the 
     Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et 
     seq.), including the acquisition or condemnation of any real 
     property or any facility or for plant or facility 
     acquisition, construction, or expansion, $310,000,000, to 
     remain available until expended.

      Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund

       For Department of Energy expenses necessary in carrying out 
     uranium enrichment facility decontamination and 
     decommissioning, remedial actions, and other activities of 
     title II of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, and title X, 
     subtitle A, of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, $841,129,000, 
     to be derived from the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and 
     Decommissioning Fund, to remain available until expended, of 
     which $11,000,000 shall be available in accordance with title 
     X, subtitle A, of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, including 
     for the purchase of not to exceed one ambulance for 
     replacement only.

                                Science

       For Department of Energy expenses including the purchase, 
     construction, and acquisition of plant and capital equipment, 
     and other expenses necessary for science activities in 
     carrying out the purposes of the Department of Energy 
     Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), including the 
     acquisition or condemnation of any real property or any 
     facility or for plant or facility acquisition, construction, 
     or expansion, and purchase of not more than 16 passenger 
     motor vehicles including one bus, and one airplane for 
     replacement only, $6,585,000,000, to remain available until 
     expended:  Provided, That of such amount, $183,000,000 shall 
     be available until September 30, 2020, for program direction.

               Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy

       For Department of Energy expenses necessary in carrying out 
     the activities authorized by section 5012 of the America 
     COMPETES Act (Public Law 110-69), $366,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended:  Provided, That of such amount, 
     $31,250,000 shall be available until September 30, 2020, for 
     program direction.

         Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program

       Such sums as are derived from amounts received from 
     borrowers pursuant to section 1702(b) of the Energy Policy 
     Act of 2005 under this heading in prior Acts, shall be 
     collected in accordance with section 502(7) of the 
     Congressional Budget Act of 1974:  Provided, That for 
     necessary administrative expenses of the Title 17 Innovative 
     Technology Loan Guarantee Program, as authorized, $33,000,000 
     is appropriated, to remain available until September 30, 
     2020:  Provided further, That up to $33,000,000 of fees 
     collected in fiscal year 2019 pursuant to section 1702(h) of 
     the Energy Policy Act of 2005 shall be credited as offsetting 
     collections under this heading and used for necessary 
     administrative expenses in this appropriation and shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2020:  Provided further, 
     That to the extent that fees collected in fiscal year 2019 
     exceed $33,000,000, those excess amounts shall be credited as 
     offsetting collections under this heading and available in 
     future fiscal years only to the extent provided in advance in 
     appropriations Acts:  Provided further, That the sum herein 
     appropriated from the general fund shall be reduced (1) as 
     such fees are received during fiscal year 2019 (estimated at 
     $15,000,000) and (2) to the extent that any remaining general 
     fund appropriations can be derived from fees collected in 
     previous fiscal years that are not otherwise appropriated, so 
     as to result in a final fiscal year 2019 appropriation from 
     the general fund estimated at $0:  Provided further, That the 
     Department of Energy shall not subordinate any loan 
     obligation to other financing in violation of section 1702 of 
     the Energy Policy Act of 2005 or subordinate any Guaranteed 
     Obligation to any loan or other debt obligations in violation 
     of section 609.10 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations.

        Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program

       For Department of Energy administrative expenses necessary 
     in carrying out the Advanced Technology Vehicles 
     Manufacturing Loan Program, $5,000,000, to remain available 
     until September 30, 2020.

                  Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program

       For Department of Energy administrative expenses necessary 
     in carrying out the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program, 
     $1,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2020.

              Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs

       For necessary expenses for Indian Energy activities in 
     carrying out the purposes of the Department of Energy 
     Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), $18,000,000, to 
     remain

[[Page H7950]]

     available until expended:  Provided, That, of the amount 
     appropriated under this heading, $4,800,000 shall be 
     available until September 30, 2020, for program direction.

                      Departmental Administration

       For salaries and expenses of the Department of Energy 
     necessary for departmental administration in carrying out the 
     purposes of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 
     U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), $261,858,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2020, including the hire of passenger motor 
     vehicles and official reception and representation expenses 
     not to exceed $30,000, plus such additional amounts as 
     necessary to cover increases in the estimated amount of cost 
     of work for others notwithstanding the provisions of the 
     Anti-Deficiency Act (31 U.S.C. 1511 et seq.):  Provided, That 
     such increases in cost of work are offset by revenue 
     increases of the same or greater amount:  Provided further, 
     That moneys received by the Department for miscellaneous 
     revenues estimated to total $96,000,000 in fiscal year 2019 
     may be retained and used for operating expenses within this 
     account, as authorized by section 201 of Public Law 95-238, 
     notwithstanding the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 3302:  Provided 
     further, That the sum herein appropriated shall be reduced as 
     collections are received during the fiscal year so as to 
     result in a final fiscal year 2019 appropriation from the 
     general fund estimated at not more than $165,858,000.

                    Office of the Inspector General

       For expenses necessary for the Office of the Inspector 
     General in carrying out the provisions of the Inspector 
     General Act of 1978, $51,330,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2020.

                    ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES

                NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

                           Weapons Activities

       For Department of Energy expenses, including the purchase, 
     construction, and acquisition of plant and capital equipment 
     and other incidental expenses necessary for atomic energy 
     defense weapons activities in carrying out the purposes of 
     the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et 
     seq.), including the acquisition or condemnation of any real 
     property or any facility or for plant or facility 
     acquisition, construction, or expansion, and the purchase of 
     not to exceed one ambulance for replacement only, 
     $11,100,000,000, to remain available until expended:  
     Provided, That of such amount, $102,022,000 shall be 
     available until September 30, 2020, for program direction.

                    Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation

                    (including rescission of funds)

       For Department of Energy expenses, including the purchase, 
     construction, and acquisition of plant and capital equipment 
     and other incidental expenses necessary for defense nuclear 
     nonproliferation activities, in carrying out the purposes of 
     the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et 
     seq.), including the acquisition or condemnation of any real 
     property or any facility or for plant or facility 
     acquisition, construction, or expansion, and the purchase of 
     not to exceed three aircraft, $1,949,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended:  Provided, That of such amount, 
     $25,000,000 shall be made available for design activities 
     supporting the dilute and dispose strategy for plutonium 
     disposition:  Provided further, That none of the funds made 
     available under this heading shall be made available for the 
     construction activities or acquisition of equipment for the 
     Surplus Plutonium Disposition Project:  Provided further, 
     That of the unobligated balances from prior year 
     appropriations available under this heading, $19,000,000 is 
     hereby rescinded:  Provided further, That no amounts may be 
     rescinded from amounts that were designated by the Congress 
     as an emergency requirement pursuant to the Concurrent 
     Resolution on the Budget or the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                             Naval Reactors

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For Department of Energy expenses necessary for naval 
     reactors activities to carry out the Department of Energy 
     Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), including the 
     acquisition (by purchase, condemnation, construction, or 
     otherwise) of real property, plant, and capital equipment, 
     facilities, and facility expansion, $1,788,618,000, to remain 
     available until expended, of which, $85,500,000 shall be 
     transferred to ``Department of Energy--Energy Programs--
     Nuclear Energy'', for the Advanced Test Reactor:  Provided, 
     That of such amount, $48,709,000 shall be available until 
     September 30, 2020, for program direction.

                     Federal Salaries and Expenses

       For expenses necessary for Federal Salaries and Expenses in 
     the National Nuclear Security Administration, $410,000,000, 
     to remain available until September 30, 2020, including 
     official reception and representation expenses not to exceed 
     $12,000.

               ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER DEFENSE ACTIVITIES

                     Defense Environmental Cleanup

                    (including rescission of funds)

       For Department of Energy expenses, including the purchase, 
     construction, and acquisition of plant and capital equipment 
     and other expenses necessary for atomic energy defense 
     environmental cleanup activities in carrying out the purposes 
     of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 
     et seq.), including the acquisition or condemnation of any 
     real property or any facility or for plant or facility 
     acquisition, construction, or expansion, and the purchase of 
     not to exceed one passenger minivan for replacement only, 
     $6,028,600,000, to remain available until expended:  
     Provided, That of such amount, $298,500,000 shall be 
     available until September 30, 2020, for program direction:  
     Provided further, That of the unobligated balances from prior 
     year appropriations available under this heading, $4,600,000 
     is hereby rescinded:  Provided further, That no amounts may 
     be rescinded from amounts that were designated by the 
     Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to the 
     Concurrent Resolution on the Budget or the Balanced Budget 
     and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                        Other Defense Activities

       For Department of Energy expenses, including the purchase, 
     construction, and acquisition of plant and capital equipment 
     and other expenses, necessary for atomic energy defense, 
     other defense activities, and classified activities, in 
     carrying out the purposes of the Department of Energy 
     Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), including the 
     acquisition or condemnation of any real property or any 
     facility or for plant or facility acquisition, construction, 
     or expansion, $860,292,000, to remain available until 
     expended:  Provided, That of such amount, $295,432,000 shall 
     be available until September 30, 2020, for program direction.

                    POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS

                  Bonneville Power Administration Fund

       Expenditures from the Bonneville Power Administration Fund, 
     established pursuant to Public Law 93-454, are approved for 
     official reception and representation expenses in an amount 
     not to exceed $5,000:  Provided, That during fiscal year 
     2019, no new direct loan obligations may be made.

      Operation and Maintenance, Southeastern Power Administration

       For expenses necessary for operation and maintenance of 
     power transmission facilities and for marketing electric 
     power and energy, including transmission wheeling and 
     ancillary services, pursuant to section 5 of the Flood 
     Control Act of 1944 (16 U.S.C. 825s), as applied to the 
     southeastern power area, $6,500,000, including official 
     reception and representation expenses in an amount not to 
     exceed $1,500, to remain available until expended:  Provided, 
     That notwithstanding 31 U.S.C. 3302 and section 5 of the 
     Flood Control Act of 1944, up to $6,500,000 collected by the 
     Southeastern Power Administration from the sale of power and 
     related services shall be credited to this account as 
     discretionary offsetting collections, to remain available 
     until expended for the sole purpose of funding the annual 
     expenses of the Southeastern Power Administration:  Provided 
     further, That the sum herein appropriated for annual expenses 
     shall be reduced as collections are received during the 
     fiscal year so as to result in a final fiscal year 2019 
     appropriation estimated at not more than $0:  Provided 
     further, That notwithstanding 31 U.S.C. 3302, up to 
     $55,000,000 collected by the Southeastern Power 
     Administration pursuant to the Flood Control Act of 1944 to 
     recover purchase power and wheeling expenses shall be 
     credited to this account as offsetting collections, to remain 
     available until expended for the sole purpose of making 
     purchase power and wheeling expenditures:  Provided further, 
     That for purposes of this appropriation, annual expenses 
     means expenditures that are generally recovered in the same 
     year that they are incurred (excluding purchase power and 
     wheeling expenses).

      Operation and Maintenance, Southwestern Power Administration

       For expenses necessary for operation and maintenance of 
     power transmission facilities and for marketing electric 
     power and energy, for construction and acquisition of 
     transmission lines, substations and appurtenant facilities, 
     and for administrative expenses, including official reception 
     and representation expenses in an amount not to exceed $1,500 
     in carrying out section 5 of the Flood Control Act of 1944 
     (16 U.S.C. 825s), as applied to the Southwestern Power 
     Administration, $45,802,000, to remain available until 
     expended:  Provided, That notwithstanding 31 U.S.C. 3302 and 
     section 5 of the Flood Control Act of 1944 (16 U.S.C. 825s), 
     up to $35,402,000 collected by the Southwestern Power 
     Administration from the sale of power and related services 
     shall be credited to this account as discretionary offsetting 
     collections, to remain available until expended, for the sole 
     purpose of funding the annual expenses of the Southwestern 
     Power Administration:  Provided further, That the sum herein 
     appropriated for annual expenses shall be reduced as 
     collections are received during the fiscal year so as to 
     result in a final fiscal year 2019 appropriation estimated at 
     not more than $10,400,000:  Provided further, That 
     notwithstanding 31 U.S.C. 3302, up to $50,000,000 collected 
     by the Southwestern Power Administration pursuant to the 
     Flood Control Act of 1944 to recover purchase power and 
     wheeling expenses shall be credited to this account as 
     offsetting collections, to remain available until expended 
     for the sole purpose of making purchase power and wheeling 
     expenditures:  Provided further, That for purposes of this 
     appropriation, annual expenses means expenditures that are 
     generally recovered in the same year that they are incurred 
     (excluding purchase power and wheeling expenses).

[[Page H7951]]

  


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

       For carrying out the functions authorized by title III, 
     section 302(a)(1)(E) of the Act of August 4, 1977 (42 U.S.C. 
     7152), and other related activities including conservation 
     and renewable resources programs as authorized, $265,142,000, 
     including official reception and representation expenses in 
     an amount not to exceed $1,500, to remain available until 
     expended, of which $265,142,000 shall be derived from the 
     Department of the Interior Reclamation Fund:  Provided, That 
     notwithstanding 31 U.S.C. 3302, section 5 of the Flood 
     Control Act of 1944 (16 U.S.C. 825s), and section 1 of the 
     Interior Department Appropriation Act, 1939 (43 U.S.C. 392a), 
     up to $175,770,000 collected by the Western Area Power 
     Administration from the sale of power and related services 
     shall be credited to this account as discretionary offsetting 
     collections, to remain available until expended, for the sole 
     purpose of funding the annual expenses of the Western Area 
     Power Administration:  Provided further, That the sum herein 
     appropriated for annual expenses shall be reduced as 
     collections are received during the fiscal year so as to 
     result in a final fiscal year 2019 appropriation estimated at 
     not more than $89,372,000, of which $89,372,000 is derived 
     from the Reclamation Fund:  Provided further, That 
     notwithstanding 31 U.S.C. 3302, up to $225,442,000 collected 
     by the Western Area Power Administration pursuant to the 
     Flood Control Act of 1944 and the Reclamation Project Act of 
     1939 to recover purchase power and wheeling expenses shall be 
     credited to this account as offsetting collections, to remain 
     available until expended for the sole purpose of making 
     purchase power and wheeling expenditures:  Provided further, 
     That for purposes of this appropriation, annual expenses 
     means expenditures that are generally recovered in the same 
     year that they are incurred (excluding purchase power and 
     wheeling expenses).

           Falcon and Amistad Operating and Maintenance Fund

       For operation, maintenance, and emergency costs for the 
     hydroelectric facilities at the Falcon and Amistad Dams, 
     $1,568,000, to remain available until expended, and to be 
     derived from the Falcon and Amistad Operating and Maintenance 
     Fund of the Western Area Power Administration, as provided in 
     section 2 of the Act of June 18, 1954 (68 Stat. 255):  
     Provided, That notwithstanding the provisions of that Act and 
     of 31 U.S.C. 3302, up to $1,340,000 collected by the Western 
     Area Power Administration from the sale of power and related 
     services from the Falcon and Amistad Dams shall be credited 
     to this account as discretionary offsetting collections, to 
     remain available until expended for the sole purpose of 
     funding the annual expenses of the hydroelectric facilities 
     of these Dams and associated Western Area Power 
     Administration activities:  Provided further, That the sum 
     herein appropriated for annual expenses shall be reduced as 
     collections are received during the fiscal year so as to 
     result in a final fiscal year 2019 appropriation estimated at 
     not more than $228,000:  Provided further, That for purposes 
     of this appropriation, annual expenses means expenditures 
     that are generally recovered in the same year that they are 
     incurred:  Provided further, That for fiscal year 2019, the 
     Administrator of the Western Area Power Administration may 
     accept up to $372,000 in funds contributed by United States 
     power customers of the Falcon and Amistad Dams for deposit 
     into the Falcon and Amistad Operating and Maintenance Fund, 
     and such funds shall be available for the purpose for which 
     contributed in like manner as if said sums had been 
     specifically appropriated for such purpose:  Provided 
     further, That any such funds shall be available without 
     further appropriation and without fiscal year limitation for 
     use by the Commissioner of the United States Section of the 
     International Boundary and Water Commission for the sole 
     purpose of operating, maintaining, repairing, rehabilitating, 
     replacing, or upgrading the hydroelectric facilities at these 
     Dams in accordance with agreements reached between the 
     Administrator, Commissioner, and the power customers.

                  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

                         salaries and expenses

       For expenses necessary for the Federal Energy Regulatory 
     Commission to carry out the provisions of the Department of 
     Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), including 
     services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, official reception 
     and representation expenses not to exceed $3,000, and the 
     hire of passenger motor vehicles, $369,900,000, to remain 
     available until expended:  Provided, That notwithstanding any 
     other provision of law, not to exceed $369,900,000 of 
     revenues from fees and annual charges, and other services and 
     collections in fiscal year 2019 shall be retained and used 
     for expenses necessary in this account, and shall remain 
     available until expended:  Provided further, That the sum 
     herein appropriated from the general fund shall be reduced as 
     revenues are received during fiscal year 2019 so as to result 
     in a final fiscal year 2019 appropriation from the general 
     fund estimated at not more than $0.

                GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

                     (including transfers of funds)

       Sec. 301. (a) No appropriation, funds, or authority made 
     available by this title for the Department of Energy shall be 
     used to initiate or resume any program, project, or activity 
     or to prepare or initiate Requests For Proposals or similar 
     arrangements (including Requests for Quotations, Requests for 
     Information, and Funding Opportunity Announcements) for a 
     program, project, or activity if the program, project, or 
     activity has not been funded by Congress.
       (b)(1) Unless the Secretary of Energy notifies the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at 
     least 3 full business days in advance, none of the funds made 
     available in this title may be used to--
       (A) make a grant allocation or discretionary grant award 
     totaling $1,000,000 or more;
       (B) make a discretionary contract award or Other 
     Transaction Agreement totaling $1,000,000 or more, including 
     a contract covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation;
       (C) issue a letter of intent to make an allocation, award, 
     or Agreement in excess of the limits in subparagraph (A) or 
     (B); or
       (D) announce publicly the intention to make an allocation, 
     award, or Agreement in excess of the limits in subparagraph 
     (A) or (B).
       (2) The Secretary of Energy shall submit to the Committees 
     on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress within 15 days 
     of the conclusion of each quarter a report detailing each 
     grant allocation or discretionary grant award totaling less 
     than $1,000,000 provided during the previous quarter.
       (3) The notification required by paragraph (1) and the 
     report required by paragraph (2) shall include the recipient 
     of the award, the amount of the award, the fiscal year for 
     which the funds for the award were appropriated, the account 
     and program, project, or activity from which the funds are 
     being drawn, the title of the award, and a brief description 
     of the activity for which the award is made.
       (c) The Department of Energy may not, with respect to any 
     program, project, or activity that uses budget authority made 
     available in this title under the heading ``Department of 
     Energy--Energy Programs'', enter into a multiyear contract, 
     award a multiyear grant, or enter into a multiyear 
     cooperative agreement unless--
       (1) the contract, grant, or cooperative agreement is funded 
     for the full period of performance as anticipated at the time 
     of award; or
       (2) the contract, grant, or cooperative agreement includes 
     a clause conditioning the Federal Government's obligation on 
     the availability of future year budget authority and the 
     Secretary notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both 
     Houses of Congress at least 3 days in advance.
       (d) Except as provided in subsections (e), (f), and (g), 
     the amounts made available by this title shall be expended as 
     authorized by law for the programs, projects, and activities 
     specified in the ``Conference'' column in the ``Department of 
     Energy'' table included under the heading ``Title III--
     Department of Energy'' in the joint explanatory statement 
     accompanying this Act.
       (e) The amounts made available by this title may be 
     reprogrammed for any program, project, or activity, and the 
     Department shall notify, and obtain the prior approval of, 
     the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress 
     at least 30 days prior to the use of any proposed 
     reprogramming that would cause any program, project, or 
     activity funding level to increase or decrease by more than 
     $5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less, during the time 
     period covered by this Act.
       (f) None of the funds provided in this title shall be 
     available for obligation or expenditure through a 
     reprogramming of funds that--
       (1) creates, initiates, or eliminates a program, project, 
     or activity;
       (2) increases funds or personnel for any program, project, 
     or activity for which funds are denied or restricted by this 
     Act; or
       (3) reduces funds that are directed to be used for a 
     specific program, project, or activity by this Act.
       (g)(1) The Secretary of Energy may waive any requirement or 
     restriction in this section that applies to the use of funds 
     made available for the Department of Energy if compliance 
     with such requirement or restriction would pose a substantial 
     risk to human health, the environment, welfare, or national 
     security.
       (2) The Secretary of Energy shall notify the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of any waiver under 
     paragraph (1) as soon as practicable, but not later than 3 
     days after the date of the activity to which a requirement or 
     restriction would otherwise have applied. Such notice shall 
     include an explanation of the substantial risk under 
     paragraph (1) that permitted such waiver.
       (h) The unexpended balances of prior appropriations 
     provided for activities in this Act may be available to the 
     same appropriation accounts for such activities established 
     pursuant to this title. Available balances may be merged with 
     funds in the applicable established accounts and thereafter 
     may be accounted for as one fund for the same time period as 
     originally enacted.
       Sec. 302.  Funds appropriated by this or any other Act, or 
     made available by the transfer of funds in this Act, for 
     intelligence activities are deemed to be specifically 
     authorized by the Congress for purposes of section 504 of the 
     National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3094) during fiscal 
     year 2019 until the enactment of the Intelligence 
     Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019.

[[Page H7952]]

       Sec. 303.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     shall be used for the construction of facilities classified 
     as high-hazard nuclear facilities under 10 CFR Part 830 
     unless independent oversight is conducted by the Office of 
     Enterprise Assessments to ensure the project is in compliance 
     with nuclear safety requirements.
       Sec. 304.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     may be used to approve critical decision-2 or critical 
     decision-3 under Department of Energy Order 413.3B, or any 
     successive departmental guidance, for construction projects 
     where the total project cost exceeds $100,000,000, until a 
     separate independent cost estimate has been developed for the 
     project for that critical decision.
       Sec. 305.  The Secretary of Energy may not transfer more 
     than $274,833,000 from the amounts made available under this 
     title to the working capital fund established under section 
     653 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 
     7263):  Provided, That the Secretary may transfer additional 
     amounts to the working capital fund after the Secretary 
     provides notification in advance of any such transfer to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress:  
     Provided further, That any such notification shall identify 
     the sources of funds by program, project, or activity:  
     Provided further, That the Secretary shall notify the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress 
     before adding or removing any activities from the fund.
       Sec. 306. (a) None of the funds made available in this or 
     any prior Act under the heading ``Defense Nuclear 
     Nonproliferation'' may be made available to enter into new 
     contracts with, or new agreements for Federal assistance to, 
     the Russian Federation.
       (b) The Secretary of Energy may waive the prohibition in 
     subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that such activity 
     is in the national security interests of the United States. 
     This waiver authority may not be delegated.
       (c) A waiver under subsection (b) shall not be effective 
     until 15 days after the date on which the Secretary submits 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress, in classified form if necessary, a report on the 
     justification for the waiver.
       Sec. 307. (a) New Regional Reserves.--The Secretary of 
     Energy may not establish any new regional petroleum product 
     reserve unless funding for the proposed regional petroleum 
     product reserve is explicitly requested in advance in an 
     annual budget submission and approved by the Congress in an 
     appropriations Act.
       (b) The budget request or notification shall include--
       (1) the justification for the new reserve;
       (2) a cost estimate for the establishment, operation, and 
     maintenance of the reserve, including funding sources;
       (3) a detailed plan for operation of the reserve, including 
     the conditions upon which the products may be released;
       (4) the location of the reserve; and
       (5) the estimate of the total inventory of the reserve.
       Sec. 308.  Notwithstanding section 161 of the Energy Policy 
     and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241), upon a determination 
     by the President in this fiscal year that a regional supply 
     shortage of refined petroleum product of significant scope 
     and duration exists, that a severe increase in the price of 
     refined petroleum product will likely result from such 
     shortage, and that a draw down and sale of refined petroleum 
     product would assist directly and significantly in reducing 
     the adverse impact of such shortage, the Secretary of Energy 
     may draw down and sell refined petroleum product from the 
     Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Proceeds from a sale under this 
     section shall be deposited into the SPR Petroleum Account 
     established in section 167 of the Energy Policy and 
     Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6247), and such amounts shall be 
     available for obligation, without fiscal year limitation, 
     consistent with that section.

                                TITLE IV

                          INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

                    Appalachian Regional Commission

       For expenses necessary to carry out the programs authorized 
     by the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, and for 
     expenses necessary for the Federal Co-Chairman and the 
     Alternate on the Appalachian Regional Commission, for payment 
     of the Federal share of the administrative expenses of the 
     Commission, including services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 
     3109, and hire of passenger motor vehicles, $165,000,000, to 
     remain available until expended.

                Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

                         salaries and expenses

       For expenses necessary for the Defense Nuclear Facilities 
     Safety Board in carrying out activities authorized by the 
     Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended by Public Law 100-456, 
     section 1441, $31,000,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2020:  Provided, That none of the funds made 
     available by this or any prior Act for the salaries and 
     expenses of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board shall 
     be available to implement any reform and reorganization plan 
     of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, including the 
     plan announced on August 15, 2018, unless any such reform and 
     reorganization plan is specifically authorized by law.

                        Delta Regional Authority

                         salaries and expenses

       For expenses necessary for the Delta Regional Authority and 
     to carry out its activities, as authorized by the Delta 
     Regional Authority Act of 2000, notwithstanding sections 
     382F(d), 382M, and 382N of said Act, $25,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended.

                           Denali Commission

       For expenses necessary for the Denali Commission including 
     the purchase, construction, and acquisition of plant and 
     capital equipment as necessary and other expenses, 
     $15,000,000, to remain available until expended, 
     notwithstanding the limitations contained in section 306(g) 
     of the Denali Commission Act of 1998:  Provided, That funds 
     shall be available for construction projects in an amount not 
     to exceed 80 percent of total project cost for distressed 
     communities, as defined by section 307 of the Denali 
     Commission Act of 1998 (division C, title III, Public Law 
     105-277), as amended by section 701 of appendix D, title VII, 
     Public Law 106-113 (113 Stat. 1501A-280), and an amount not 
     to exceed 50 percent for non-distressed communities:  
     Provided further, That notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law regarding payment of a non-Federal share in connection 
     with a grant-in-aid program, amounts under this heading shall 
     be available for the payment of such a non-Federal share for 
     programs undertaken to carry out the purposes of the 
     Commission.

                  Northern Border Regional Commission

       For expenses necessary for the Northern Border Regional 
     Commission in carrying out activities authorized by subtitle 
     V of title 40, United States Code, $20,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended:  Provided, That such amounts shall 
     be available for administrative expenses, notwithstanding 
     section 15751(b) of title 40, United States Code:  Provided 
     further, That during fiscal year 2019, the duties and 
     authority of the Federal Cochairperson shall be assumed by 
     the Northern Border Regional Commission Program Director if 
     the position of the Federal Cochairperson and Alternate 
     Federal Cochairperson is vacant.

                 Southeast Crescent Regional Commission

       For expenses necessary for the Southeast Crescent Regional 
     Commission in carrying out activities authorized by subtitle 
     V of title 40, United States Code, $250,000, to remain 
     available until expended.

                     Nuclear Regulatory Commission

                         salaries and expenses

       For expenses necessary for the Commission in carrying out 
     the purposes of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 and the 
     Atomic Energy Act of 1954, $898,350,000, including official 
     representation expenses not to exceed $25,000, to remain 
     available until expended:  Provided, That of the amount 
     appropriated herein, not more than $9,500,000 may be made 
     available for salaries, travel, and other support costs for 
     the Office of the Commission, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2020, of which, notwithstanding section 
     201(a)(2)(c) of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 
     U.S.C. 5841(a)(2)(c)), the use and expenditure shall only be 
     approved by a majority vote of the Commission:  Provided 
     further, That revenues from licensing fees, inspection 
     services, and other services and collections estimated at 
     $770,477,000 in fiscal year 2019 shall be retained and used 
     for necessary salaries and expenses in this account, 
     notwithstanding 31 U.S.C. 3302, and shall remain available 
     until expended:  Provided further, That of the amounts 
     appropriated under this heading, not less than $10,300,000 
     shall be for activities related to the development of 
     regulatory infrastructure for advanced nuclear technologies, 
     and $16,080,000 shall be for international activities, except 
     that the amounts provided under this proviso shall not be 
     derived from fee revenues, notwithstanding 42 U.S.C. 2214:  
     Provided further, That the sum herein appropriated shall be 
     reduced by the amount of revenues received during fiscal year 
     2019 so as to result in a final fiscal year 2019 
     appropriation estimated at not more than $127,873,000:  
     Provided further, That of the amounts appropriated under this 
     heading, $10,000,000 shall be for university research and 
     development in areas relevant to the Commission's mission, 
     and $5,000,000 shall be for a Nuclear Science and Engineering 
     Grant Program that will support multiyear projects that do 
     not align with programmatic missions but are critical to 
     maintaining the discipline of nuclear science and 
     engineering.

                      office of inspector general

       For expenses necessary for the Office of Inspector General 
     in carrying out the provisions of the Inspector General Act 
     of 1978, $12,609,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2020:  Provided, That revenues from licensing fees, 
     inspection services, and other services and collections 
     estimated at $10,355,000 in fiscal year 2019 shall be 
     retained and be available until September 30, 2020, for 
     necessary salaries and expenses in this account, 
     notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, United States Code: 
      Provided further, That the sum herein appropriated shall be 
     reduced by the amount of revenues received during fiscal year 
     2019 so as to result in a final fiscal year 2019 
     appropriation estimated at not more than $2,254,000:  
     Provided further, That of the amounts appropriated under this 
     heading, $1,103,000 shall be for Inspector General services 
     for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, which shall 
     not be available from fee revenues.

                  Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board

                         salaries and expenses

       For expenses necessary for the Nuclear Waste Technical 
     Review Board, as authorized by Public Law 100-203, section 
     5051,

[[Page H7953]]

     $3,600,000, to be derived from the Nuclear Waste Fund, to 
     remain available until September 30, 2020.

                GENERAL PROVISIONS--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

       Sec. 401.  The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall comply 
     with the July 5, 2011, version of Chapter VI of its Internal 
     Commission Procedures when responding to Congressional 
     requests for information, consistent with Department of 
     Justice guidance for all federal agencies.
       Sec. 402. (a) The amounts made available by this title for 
     the Nuclear Regulatory Commission may be reprogrammed for any 
     program, project, or activity, and the Commission shall 
     notify the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress at least 30 days prior to the use of any proposed 
     reprogramming that would cause any program funding level to 
     increase or decrease by more than $500,000 or 10 percent, 
     whichever is less, during the time period covered by this 
     Act.
       (b)(1) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission may waive the 
     notification requirement in subsection (a) if compliance with 
     such requirement would pose a substantial risk to human 
     health, the environment, welfare, or national security.
       (2) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall notify the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of 
     any waiver under paragraph (1) as soon as practicable, but 
     not later than 3 days after the date of the activity to which 
     a requirement or restriction would otherwise have applied. 
     Such notice shall include an explanation of the substantial 
     risk under paragraph (1) that permitted such waiver and shall 
     provide a detailed report to the Committees of such waiver 
     and changes to funding levels to programs, projects, or 
     activities.
       (c) Except as provided in subsections (a), (b), and (d), 
     the amounts made available by this title for ``Nuclear 
     Regulatory Commission--Salaries and Expenses'' shall be 
     expended as directed in the joint explanatory statement 
     accompanying this Act.
       (d) None of the funds provided for the Nuclear Regulatory 
     Commission shall be available for obligation or expenditure 
     through a reprogramming of funds that increases funds or 
     personnel for any program, project, or activity for which 
     funds are denied or restricted by this Act.
       (e) The Commission shall provide a monthly report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, 
     which includes the following for each program, project, or 
     activity, including any prior year appropriations--
       (1) total budget authority;
       (2) total unobligated balances; and
       (3) total unliquidated obligations.

                                TITLE V

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 501.  None of the funds appropriated by this Act may 
     be used in any way, directly or indirectly, to influence 
     congressional action on any legislation or appropriation 
     matters pending before Congress, other than to communicate to 
     Members of Congress as described in 18 U.S.C. 1913.
       Sec. 502. (a) None of the funds made available in title III 
     of this Act may be transferred to any department, agency, or 
     instrumentality of the United States Government, except 
     pursuant to a transfer made by or transfer authority provided 
     in this Act or any other appropriations Act for any fiscal 
     year, transfer authority referenced in the joint explanatory 
     statement accompanying this Act, or any authority whereby a 
     department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States 
     Government may provide goods or services to another 
     department, agency, or instrumentality.
       (b) None of the funds made available for any department, 
     agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government 
     may be transferred to accounts funded in title III of this 
     Act, except pursuant to a transfer made by or transfer 
     authority provided in this Act or any other appropriations 
     Act for any fiscal year, transfer authority referenced in the 
     joint explanatory statement accompanying this Act, or any 
     authority whereby a department, agency, or instrumentality of 
     the United States Government may provide goods or services to 
     another department, agency, or instrumentality.
       (c) The head of any relevant department or agency funded in 
     this Act utilizing any transfer authority shall submit to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a 
     semiannual report detailing the transfer authorities, except 
     for any authority whereby a department, agency, or 
     instrumentality of the United States Government may provide 
     goods or services to another department, agency, or 
     instrumentality, used in the previous 6 months and in the 
     year-to-date. This report shall include the amounts 
     transferred and the purposes for which they were transferred, 
     and shall not replace or modify existing notification 
     requirements for each authority.
       Sec. 503.  None of the funds made available by this Act may 
     be used in contravention of Executive Order No. 12898 of 
     February 11, 1994 (Federal Actions to Address Environmental 
     Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations).
       Sec. 504. (a) None of the funds made available in this Act 
     may be used to maintain or establish a computer network 
     unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and 
     exchanging of pornography.
       (b) Nothing in subsection (a) shall limit the use of funds 
     necessary for any Federal, State, tribal, or local law 
     enforcement agency or any other entity carrying out criminal 
     investigations, prosecution, or adjudication activities.
       Sec. 505.  For an additional amount for ``Department of the 
     Interior--Bureau of Reclamation--Water and Related 
     Resources'', $21,400,000, to remain available until expended, 
     for transfer to Reclamation's Upper Colorado River Basin Fund 
     to carry out environmental stewardship and endangered species 
     recovery efforts pursuant to the Grand Canyon Protection Act 
     of 1992 (Public Law 102-575), Public Law 106-392, the 
     Colorado River Basin Project Act (43 U.S.C. 1551(b)), and the 
     Act of April 11, 1956 (commonly known as the ``Colorado River 
     Storage Project Act'') (43 U.S.C. 620n).
       This division may be cited as the ``Energy and Water 
     Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019''.

        DIVISION B--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019

                                TITLE I

                           LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

                                 SENATE

      Payment to Widows and Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress

       For payment to Cindy H. McCain, widow of John Sidney McCain 
     III, late a Senator from the State of Arizona, $174,000.

                           Expense Allowances

       For expense allowances of the Vice President, $18,760; the 
     President Pro Tempore of the Senate, $37,520; Majority Leader 
     of the Senate, $39,920; Minority Leader of the Senate, 
     $39,920; Majority Whip of the Senate, $9,980; Minority Whip 
     of the Senate, $9,980; President Pro Tempore Emeritus, 
     $15,000; Chairmen of the Majority and Minority Conference 
     Committees, $4,690 for each Chairman; and Chairmen of the 
     Majority and Minority Policy Committees, $4,690 for each 
     Chairman; in all, $189,840.
       For representation allowances of the Majority and Minority 
     Leaders of the Senate, $14,070 for each such Leader; in all, 
     $28,140.

                    Salaries, Officers and Employees

       For compensation of officers, employees, and others as 
     authorized by law, including agency contributions, 
     $208,390,812, which shall be paid from this appropriation as 
     follows:

                      office of the vice president

       For the Office of the Vice President, $2,484,248.

                  office of the president pro tempore

       For the Office of the President Pro Tempore, $744,466.

              office of the president pro tempore emeritus

       For the Office of the President Pro Tempore Emeritus, 
     $319,000.

              offices of the majority and minority leaders

       For Offices of the Majority and Minority Leaders, 
     $5,399,576.

               offices of the majority and minority whips

       For Offices of the Majority and Minority Whips, $3,455,424.

                      committee on appropriations

       For salaries of the Committee on Appropriations, 
     $15,496,000.

                         conference committees

       For the Conference of the Majority and the Conference of 
     the Minority, at rates of compensation to be fixed by the 
     Chairman of each such committee, $1,704,000 for each such 
     committee; in all, $3,408,000.

 offices of the secretaries of the conference of the majority and the 
                       conference of the minority

       For Offices of the Secretaries of the Conference of the 
     Majority and the Conference of the Minority, $843,402.

                           policy committees

       For salaries of the Majority Policy Committee and the 
     Minority Policy Committee, $1,740,905 for each such 
     committee; in all, $3,481,810.

                         office of the chaplain

       For Office of the Chaplain, $474,886.

                        office of the secretary

       For Office of the Secretary, $26,315,000.

             office of the sergeant at arms and doorkeeper

       For Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, 
     $84,157,000.

        offices of the secretaries for the majority and minority

       For Offices of the Secretary for the Majority and the 
     Secretary for the Minority, $1,900,000.

               agency contributions and related expenses

       For agency contributions for employee benefits, as 
     authorized by law, and related expenses, $59,912,000.

            Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate

       For salaries and expenses of the Office of the Legislative 
     Counsel of the Senate, $6,278,000.

                     Office of Senate Legal Counsel

       For salaries and expenses of the Office of Senate Legal 
     Counsel, $1,176,000.

[[Page H7954]]

  


Expense Allowances of the Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms and 
Doorkeeper of the Senate, and Secretaries for the Majority and Minority 
                             of the Senate

       For expense allowances of the Secretary of the Senate, 
     $7,110; Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, 
     $7,110; Secretary for the Majority of the Senate, $7,110; 
     Secretary for the Minority of the Senate, $7,110; in all, 
     $28,440.

                   Contingent Expenses of the Senate

                      inquiries and investigations

       For expenses of inquiries and investigations ordered by the 
     Senate, or conducted under paragraph 1 of rule XXVI of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, section 112 of the Supplemental 
     Appropriations and Rescission Act, 1980 (Public Law 96-304), 
     and Senate Resolution 281, 96th Congress, agreed to March 11, 
     1980, $133,265,000, of which $26,650,000 shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2021.

         u.s. senate caucus on international narcotics control

       For expenses of the United States Senate Caucus on 
     International Narcotics Control, $508,000.

                        secretary of the senate

       For expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, 
     $10,036,000 of which $6,436,000 shall remain available until 
     September 30, 2023 and of which $3,600,000 shall remain 
     available until expended.

             sergeant at arms and doorkeeper of the senate

       For expenses of the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 
     Doorkeeper of the Senate, $126,595,000, which shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2023.

                          miscellaneous items

       For miscellaneous items, $18,871,410 which shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2021.

        senators' official personnel and office expense account

       For Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense 
     Account, $429,000,000 of which $20,128,950 shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2021 and of which $5,000,000 
     shall be allocated solely for the purpose of providing 
     financial compensation to Senate interns.

                          official mail costs

       For expenses necessary for official mail costs of the 
     Senate, $300,000.

                       Administrative Provisions

requiring amounts remaining in senators' official personnel and office 
   expense account to be used for deficit reduction or to reduce the 
                              federal debt

       Sec. 101.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any 
     amounts appropriated under this Act under the heading 
     ``SENATE'' under the heading ``Contingent Expenses of the 
     Senate'' under the heading ``senators' official personnel and 
     office expense account'' shall be available for obligation 
     only during the fiscal year or fiscal years for which such 
     amounts are made available. Any unexpended balances under 
     such allowances remaining after the end of the period of 
     availability shall be returned to the Treasury in accordance 
     with the undesignated paragraph under the center heading 
     ``GENERAL PROVISION'' under chapter XI of the Third 
     Supplemental Appropriation Act, 1957 (2 U.S.C. 4107) and used 
     for deficit reduction (or, if there is no Federal budget 
     deficit after all such payments have been made, for reducing 
     the Federal debt, in such manner as the Secretary of the 
     Treasury considers appropriate).

              filing by senate candidates with commission

       Sec. 102.  Section 302(g) of the Federal Election Campaign 
     Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30102(g)) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(g) Filing With the Commission.--All designations, 
     statements, and reports required to be filed under this Act 
     shall be filed with the Commission.''.

                         extension of authority

       Sec. 103.  Section 21(d) of Senate Resolution 64 of the One 
     Hundred Thirteenth Congress, 1st session (agreed to on March 
     5, 2013), as amended by section 178 of the Continuing 
     Appropriations Act, 2017 (division C of Public Law 114-223), 
     is further amended by striking ``December 31, 2018'' and 
     inserting ``December 31, 2020''.

                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                         Salaries and Expenses

       For salaries and expenses of the House of Representatives, 
     $1,232,663,035, as follows:

                        House Leadership Offices

       For salaries and expenses, as authorized by law, 
     $25,378,875, including: Office of the Speaker, $7,123,634, 
     including $25,000 for official expenses of the Speaker; 
     Office of the Majority Floor Leader, $2,642,739, including 
     $10,000 for official expenses of the Majority Leader; Office 
     of the Minority Floor Leader, $7,751,946, including $10,000 
     for official expenses of the Minority Leader; Office of the 
     Majority Whip, including the Chief Deputy Majority Whip, 
     $2,197,163, including $5,000 for official expenses of the 
     Majority Whip; Office of the Minority Whip, including the 
     Chief Deputy Minority Whip, $1,700,079, including $5,000 for 
     official expenses of the Minority Whip; Republican 
     Conference, $2,186,819; Democratic Caucus, $1,776,495:  
     Provided, That such amount for salaries and expenses shall 
     remain available from January 3, 2019 until January 2, 2020.

                  Members' Representational Allowances

   Including Members' Clerk Hire, Official Expenses of Members, and 
                             Official Mail

       For Members' representational allowances, including 
     Members' clerk hire, official expenses, and official mail, 
     $573,630,000.

                            Intern Allowance

       For payments from the allowance established under section 
     120 of this Act for the compensation of interns who serve in 
     the offices of Members of the House of Representatives, 
     $8,800,000.

                          Committee Employees

                Standing Committees, Special and Select

       For salaries and expenses of standing committees, special 
     and select, authorized by House resolutions, $127,903,173:  
     Provided, That such amount shall remain available for such 
     salaries and expenses until December 31, 2020, except that 
     $4,000,000 of such amount shall remain available until 
     expended for committee room upgrading.

                      Committee on Appropriations

       For salaries and expenses of the Committee on 
     Appropriations, $23,112,971, including studies and 
     examinations of executive agencies and temporary personal 
     services for such committee, to be expended in accordance 
     with section 202(b) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 
     1946 and to be available for reimbursement to agencies for 
     services performed:  Provided, That such amount shall remain 
     available for such salaries and expenses until December 31, 
     2020.

                    Salaries, Officers and Employees

       For compensation and expenses of officers and employees, as 
     authorized by law, $220,345,000, including: for salaries and 
     expenses of the Office of the Clerk, including the positions 
     of the Chaplain and the Historian, and including not more 
     than $25,000 for official representation and reception 
     expenses, of which not more than $20,000 is for the Family 
     Room and not more than $2,000 is for the Office of the 
     Chaplain, $28,305,000; for salaries and expenses of the 
     Office of the Sergeant at Arms, including the position of 
     Superintendent of Garages and the Office of Emergency 
     Management, and including not more than $3,000 for official 
     representation and reception expenses, $18,773,000 of which 
     $5,524,000 shall remain available until expended; for 
     salaries and expenses of the Office of the Chief 
     Administrative Officer including not more than $3,000 for 
     official representation and reception expenses, $148,058,000, 
     of which $11,631,000 shall remain available until expended; 
     for salaries and expenses of the Office of the Inspector 
     General, $5,019,000; for salaries and expenses of the Office 
     of General Counsel, $1,502,000; for salaries and expenses of 
     the Office of the Parliamentarian, including the 
     Parliamentarian, $2,000 for preparing the Digest of Rules, 
     and not more than $1,000 for official representation and 
     reception expenses, $2,026,000; for salaries and expenses of 
     the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House, 
     $3,327,000; for salaries and expenses of the Office of the 
     Legislative Counsel of the House, $11,937,000; for salaries 
     and expenses of the Office of Interparliamentary Affairs, 
     $814,000; for other authorized employees, $584,000.

                        Allowances and Expenses

       For allowances and expenses as authorized by House 
     resolution or law, $253,493,016, including: supplies, 
     materials, administrative costs and Federal tort claims, 
     $525,016; official mail for committees, leadership offices, 
     and administrative offices of the House, $190,000; Government 
     contributions for health, retirement, Social Security, and 
     other applicable employee benefits, $228,200,000, to remain 
     available until March 31, 2020; Business Continuity and 
     Disaster Recovery, $16,186,000 of which $5,000,000 shall 
     remain available until expended; transition activities for 
     new members and staff, $3,000,000, to remain available until 
     expended; Wounded Warrior Program $3,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended; Office of Congressional Ethics, 
     $1,670,000; and miscellaneous items including purchase, 
     exchange, maintenance, repair and operation of House motor 
     vehicles, interparliamentary receptions, and gratuities to 
     heirs of deceased employees of the House, $722,000.

                       Administrative Provisions

requiring amounts remaining in members' representational allowances to 
      be used for deficit reduction or to reduce the federal debt

       Sec. 110. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     any amounts appropriated under this Act for ``HOUSE OF 
     REPRESENTATIVES--Salaries and Expenses--Members' 
     Representational Allowances'' shall be available only for 
     fiscal year 2019. Any amount remaining after all payments are 
     made under such allowances for fiscal year 2019 shall be 
     deposited in the Treasury and used for deficit reduction (or, 
     if there is no Federal budget deficit after all such payments 
     have been made, for reducing the Federal debt, in such manner 
     as the Secretary of the Treasury considers appropriate).
       (b) Regulations.--The Committee on House Administration of 
     the House of Representatives shall have authority to 
     prescribe regulations to carry out this section.
       (c) Definition.--As used in this section, the term ``Member 
     of the House of Representatives'' means a Representative in, 
     or a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress.

                   delivery of bills and resolutions

       Sec. 111. (a) None of the funds made available in any 
     fiscal year may be used to deliver

[[Page H7955]]

     a printed copy of a bill, joint resolution, or resolution to 
     the office of a Member of the House of Representatives 
     (including a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to the 
     Congress) unless the Member requests a copy.
       (b) This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 
     2019 and each succeeding fiscal year.

                    delivery of congressional record

       Sec. 112. (a) None of the funds made available in any 
     fiscal year may be used to deliver a printed copy of any 
     version of the Congressional Record to the office of a Member 
     of the House of Representatives (including a Delegate or 
     Resident Commissioner to the Congress).
       (b) This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 
     2019 and each succeeding fiscal year.

            limitation on amount available to lease vehicles

       Sec. 113.  None of the funds made available in this Act may 
     be used by the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of 
     Representatives to make any payments from any Members' 
     Representational Allowance for the leasing of a vehicle, 
     excluding mobile district offices, in an aggregate amount 
     that exceeds $1,000 for the vehicle in any month.

           limitation on printed copies of u.s. code to house

       Sec. 114. (a) None of the funds made available in any 
     fiscal year may be to provide an aggregate number of more 
     than 50 printed copies of any edition of the United States 
     Code to all offices of the House of Representatives.
       (b) This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 
     2019 and each succeeding fiscal year.

                  delivery of reports of disbursements

       Sec. 115. (a) None of the funds made available in any 
     fiscal year may be used to deliver a printed copy of the 
     report of disbursements for the operations of the House of 
     Representatives under section 106 of the House of 
     Representatives Administration Reform Technical Corrections 
     Act (2 U.S.C. 5535) to the office of a Member of the House of 
     Representatives (including a Delegate or Resident 
     Commissioner to the Congress).
       (b) This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 
     2019 and each succeeding fiscal year.

                       delivery of daily calendar

       Sec. 116. (a) None of the funds made available in any 
     fiscal year may be used to deliver to the office of a Member 
     of the House of Representatives (including a Delegate or 
     Resident Commissioner to the Congress) a printed copy of the 
     Daily Calendar of the House of Representatives which is 
     prepared by the Clerk of the House of Representatives.
       (b) This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 
     2019 and each succeeding fiscal year.

             delivery of congressional pictorial directory

       Sec. 117. (a) None of the funds made available in any 
     fiscal year may be used to deliver a printed copy of the 
     Congressional Pictorial Directory to the office of a Member 
     of the House of Representatives (including a Delegate or 
     Resident Commissioner to the Congress).
       (b) This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 
     2019 and each succeeding fiscal year.

              repeal of authorizations for former speakers

       Sec. 118. (a) Repeal of Authorizations for Office Space, 
     Office Expenses, Franking and Printing Privileges, and 
     Staff.--The first section and sections 2, 4, 5, and 8 of 
     House Resolution 1238, Ninety-first Congress, agreed to 
     December 22, 1970 (as enacted into permanent law by chapter 
     VIII of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1971) (2 U.S.C. 
     5125(a), 5126, 5127, 5128, and 5129) are repealed.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (b) of the first 
     section of Public Law 93-532 (2 U.S.C. 5125(b)) is repealed.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply with respect to any individual who serves as a 
     Representative in Congress during the One Hundred Fifteenth 
     Congress or any succeeding Congress.

                           transfer authority

       Sec. 119. (a) Authority To Make Transfers Among House 
     Leadership Offices.--Section 101 of the Legislative Branch 
     Appropriations Act, 1993 (2 U.S.C. 5507) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(f) Amounts appropriated for any fiscal year for the 
     House of Representatives under the heading `House Leadership 
     Offices' may be transferred among and merged with the various 
     offices and activities under such heading, effective upon the 
     expiration of the 21-day period (or such alternative period 
     that may be imposed by the Committee on Appropriations of the 
     House of Representatives) which begins on the date such 
     Committee has been notified of the transfer.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2019 and each 
     succeeding fiscal year.

        allowance for compensation of interns in member offices

       Sec. 120. (a) Establishment of Allowance.--There is 
     established for the House of Representatives an allowance 
     which shall be available for the compensation of interns who 
     serve in the offices of Members of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (b) Cap on Amount Available Per Office.--An office of a 
     Member of the House of Representatives may not use more than 
     $20,000 of the allowance under this section during any 
     calendar year.
       (c) Benefit Exclusion.--Section 104(b) of the House of 
     Representatives Administrative Reform Technical Corrections 
     Act (2 U.S.C. 5321(b)) shall apply with respect to an intern 
     who is compensated under the allowance under this section in 
     the same manner as such section applies with respect to an 
     intern who is compensated under the Members' Representational 
     Allowance.
       (d) No Effect on Payment of Interns Under Members' 
     Representational Allowance.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed to affect the use of the Members' Representational 
     Allowance for the compensation of interns, as provided under 
     section 104 of the House of Representatives Administrative 
     Reform Technical Corrections Act (2 U.S.C. 5321).
       (e) Definitions.--In this section--
       (1) the term ``intern'' has the meaning given such term in 
     section 104(c)(2) of the House of Representatives 
     Administrative Reform Technical Corrections Act (2 U.S.C. 
     5321(c)(2)); and
       (2) the term ``Member of the House of Representatives'' 
     means a Representative in, or a Delegate or Resident 
     Commissioner to, the Congress.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $8,800,000 for 
     fiscal year 2019.

                              JOINT ITEMS

       For Joint Committees, as follows:

                        Joint Economic Committee

       For salaries and expenses of the Joint Economic Committee, 
     $4,203,000, to be disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate.

                      Joint Committee on Taxation

       For salaries and expenses of the Joint Committee on 
     Taxation, $11,169,000, to be disbursed by the Chief 
     Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives.
       For other joint items, as follows:

                   Office of the Attending Physician

       For medical supplies, equipment, and contingent expenses of 
     the emergency rooms, and for the Attending Physician and his 
     assistants, including:
       (1) an allowance of $2,175 per month to the Attending 
     Physician;
       (2) an allowance of $1,300 per month to the Senior Medical 
     Officer;
       (3) an allowance of $725 per month each to three medical 
     officers while on duty in the Office of the Attending 
     Physician;
       (4) an allowance of $725 per month to 2 assistants and $580 
     per month each not to exceed 11 assistants on the basis 
     heretofore provided for such assistants; and
       (5) $2,740,000 for reimbursement to the Department of the 
     Navy for expenses incurred for staff and equipment assigned 
     to the Office of the Attending Physician, which shall be 
     advanced and credited to the applicable appropriation or 
     appropriations from which such salaries, allowances, and 
     other expenses are payable and shall be available for all the 
     purposes thereof, $3,798,000, to be disbursed by the Chief 
     Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives.

             Office of Congressional Accessibility Services

                         Salaries and Expenses

       For salaries and expenses of the Office of Congressional 
     Accessibility Services, $1,486,000, to be disbursed by the 
     Secretary of the Senate.

                             CAPITOL POLICE

                                Salaries

       For salaries of employees of the Capitol Police, including 
     overtime, hazardous duty pay, and Government contributions 
     for health, retirement, social security, professional 
     liability insurance, and other applicable employee benefits, 
     $374,804,000 of which overtime shall not exceed $43,668,000 
     unless the Committee on Appropriations of the House and 
     Senate are notified, to be disbursed by the Chief of the 
     Capitol Police or his designee.

                            General Expenses

       For necessary expenses of the Capitol Police, including 
     motor vehicles, communications and other equipment, security 
     equipment and installation, uniforms, weapons, supplies, 
     materials, training, medical services, forensic services, 
     stenographic services, personal and professional services, 
     the employee assistance program, the awards program, postage, 
     communication services, travel advances, relocation of 
     instructor and liaison personnel for the Federal Law 
     Enforcement Training Center, and not more than $5,000 to be 
     expended on the certification of the Chief of the Capitol 
     Police in connection with official representation and 
     reception expenses, $81,504,000, to be disbursed by the Chief 
     of the Capitol Police or his designee:  Provided, That, 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law, the cost of basic 
     training for the Capitol Police at the Federal Law 
     Enforcement Training Center for fiscal year 2019 shall be 
     paid by the Secretary of Homeland Security from funds 
     available to the Department of Homeland Security.

                          OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE

                         Salaries and Expenses

       For salaries and expenses of the Office of Compliance, as 
     authorized by section 305 of the Congressional Accountability 
     Act of 1995

[[Page H7956]]

     (2 U.S.C. 1385), $6,332,670, of which $1,000,000 shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2020:  Provided, That not more 
     than $500 may be expended on the certification of the 
     Executive Director of the Office of Compliance in connection 
     with official representation and reception expenses.

                      CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE

                         Salaries and Expenses

       For salaries and expenses necessary for operation of the 
     Congressional Budget Office, including not more than $6,000 
     to be expended on the certification of the Director of the 
     Congressional Budget Office in connection with official 
     representation and reception expenses, $50,737,000:  
     Provided, that the Director shall use not less than $500,000 
     of the amount made available under this heading for (1) 
     improving technical systems, processes, and models for the 
     purpose of improving the transparency of estimates of 
     budgetary effects to Members of Congress, employees of 
     Members of Congress, and the public, and (2) to increase the 
     availability of models, economic assumptions, and data for 
     Members of Congress, employees of Members of Congress, and 
     the public.

                        ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL

                  Capital Construction and Operations

       For salaries for the Architect of the Capitol, and other 
     personal services, at rates of pay provided by law; for all 
     necessary expenses for surveys and studies, construction, 
     operation, and general and administrative support in 
     connection with facilities and activities under the care of 
     the Architect of the Capitol including the Botanic Garden; 
     electrical substations of the Capitol, Senate and House 
     office buildings, and other facilities under the jurisdiction 
     of the Architect of the Capitol; including furnishings and 
     office equipment; including not more than $5,000 for official 
     reception and representation expenses, to be expended as the 
     Architect of the Capitol may approve; for purchase or 
     exchange, maintenance, and operation of a passenger motor 
     vehicle, $103,962,000.

                            Capitol Building

       For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and 
     operation of the Capitol, $43,992,000, of which $17,344,000 
     shall remain available until September 30, 2023.

                            Capitol Grounds

       For all necessary expenses for care and improvement of 
     grounds surrounding the Capitol, the Senate and House office 
     buildings, and the Capitol Power Plant, $16,761,000, of which 
     $5,519,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2023.

                         House Office Buildings

       For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and 
     operation of the House office buildings, $187,098,000, of 
     which $65,552,000 shall remain available until September 30, 
     2023, and of which $62,000,000 shall remain available until 
     expended for the restoration and renovation of the Cannon 
     House Office Building;  Provided, That of the amount made 
     available under this heading, $7,000,000 shall be derived by 
     transfer from the House Office Building Fund established 
     under section 176(d) of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 
     2017, as added by section 101(3) of the Further Continuing 
     Appropriation Act, 2017 (Public Law 114-254; 2 U.S.C. 2001 
     note).
       In addition, for a payment to the House Historic Buildings 
     Revitalization Trust Fund, $10,000,000, to remain available 
     until expended.

                        Senate Office Buildings

       For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and 
     operation of Senate office buildings; and furniture and 
     furnishings to be expended under the control and supervision 
     of the Architect of the Capitol, $93,562,000, of which 
     $31,162,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2023.

                          Capitol Power Plant

       For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and 
     operation of the Capitol Power Plant; lighting, heating, 
     power (including the purchase of electrical energy) and water 
     and sewer services for the Capitol, Senate and House office 
     buildings, Library of Congress buildings, and the grounds 
     about the same, Botanic Garden, Senate garage, and air 
     conditioning refrigeration not supplied from plants in any of 
     such buildings; heating the Government Publishing Office and 
     Washington City Post Office, and heating and chilled water 
     for air conditioning for the Supreme Court Building, the 
     Union Station complex, the Thurgood Marshall Federal 
     Judiciary Building and the Folger Shakespeare Library, 
     expenses for which shall be advanced or reimbursed upon 
     request of the Architect of the Capitol and amounts so 
     received shall be deposited into the Treasury to the credit 
     of this appropriation, $114,050,000, of which $31,362,000 
     shall remain available until September 30, 2023:  Provided, 
     That not more than $9,000,000 of the funds credited or to be 
     reimbursed to this appropriation as herein provided shall be 
     available for obligation during fiscal year 2019.

                     Library Buildings and Grounds

       For all necessary expenses for the mechanical and 
     structural maintenance, care and operation of the Library 
     buildings and grounds, $68,525,000, of which $40,403,000 
     shall remain available until September 30, 2023.

             Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security

       For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and 
     operation of buildings, grounds and security enhancements of 
     the United States Capitol Police, wherever located, the 
     Alternate Computing Facility, and Architect of the Capitol 
     security operations, $57,714,000, of which $31,777,000 shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2023.

                             Botanic Garden

       For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and 
     operation of the Botanic Garden and the nurseries, buildings, 
     grounds, and collections; and purchase and exchange, 
     maintenance, repair, and operation of a passenger motor 
     vehicle; all under the direction of the Joint Committee on 
     the Library, $14,759,000, of which $3,559,000 shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2023:  Provided, That, of the 
     amount made available under this heading, the Architect of 
     the Capitol may obligate and expend such sums as may be 
     necessary for the maintenance, care and operation of the 
     National Garden established under section 307E of the 
     Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1989 (2 U.S.C. 2146), 
     upon vouchers approved by the Architect of the Capitol or a 
     duly authorized designee.

                         Capitol Visitor Center

       For all necessary expenses for the operation of the Capitol 
     Visitor Center, $23,322,000.

                       Administrative Provisions

       no bonuses for contractors behind schedule or over budget

       Sec. 130.  None of the funds made available in this Act for 
     the Architect of the Capitol may be used to make incentive or 
     award payments to contractors for work on contracts or 
     programs for which the contractor is behind schedule or over 
     budget, unless the Architect of the Capitol, or agency-
     employed designee, determines that any such deviations are 
     due to unforeseeable events, government-driven scope changes, 
     or are not significant within the overall scope of the 
     project and/or program.

                                 scrims

       Sec. 131. (a) None of the funds made available by this Act 
     may be used for scrims containing photographs of building 
     facades during restoration or construction projects performed 
     by the Architect of the Capitol.
       (b) This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 
     2019 and each succeeding fiscal year.

                           security programs

       Sec. 132. (a) Purpose of Programs.--Section 906(b) of the 
     2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act for Further Recovery 
     From and Response To Terrorist Attacks on the United States 
     (2 U.S.C. 1865(b)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(b) Funds in the account shall be used by the Architect 
     of the Capitol for all necessary expenses for--
       ``(1) resilience and security programs of the Architect of 
     the Capitol; and
       ``(2) the maintenance, care, and operation of buildings, 
     grounds, and security enhancements for facilities of the 
     United States Capitol Police and for other facilities 
     associated with such resilience and security programs at any 
     location.''.
       (b) Transfers of Funds.--Section 906 of such Act (2 U.S.C. 
     1865) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(c)(1) For carrying out the purposes of the account, the 
     Architect of the Capitol may receive transfers of 
     appropriations from any agency of the Legislative Branch upon 
     the approval of--
       ``(A) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives, in the case of a transfer from an office of 
     the House of Representatives;
       ``(B) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, in the 
     case of a transfer from an office of the Senate; or
       ``(C) the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate, in the case of a transfer 
     from any other office of the Government.
       ``(2) Amounts transferred under this subsection shall be 
     merged with the account and made available under this 
     section.
       ``(3) This subsection shall apply with respect to fiscal 
     year 2019 and each succeeding fiscal year.''.

     increase in threshold for small purchase contracting authority

       Sec. 133. (a) 2 U.S.C. 1821 is amended by adding before 
     ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law--'' the 
     following text: ``To promote efficiency and economy in 
     contracting and to avoid unnecessary burdens, the Architect 
     of the Capitol is granted authority to utilize special 
     simplified procedures for purchases of property and services 
     the aggregate amount of which does not exceed $250,000.''.
       (b) The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with 
     respect to fiscal year 2019 and each succeeding fiscal year.

                          interagency details

       Sec. 134. (a) Authorizing Details of Employees Under Joint 
     Agency Agreements.--In addition to any other authority 
     relating to the detail of employees, the Architect of the 
     Capitol and the head of any other department, agency, or 
     instrumentality of the United States Government may enter 
     into a joint agency agreement under which--
       (1) employees of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol 
     (including employees of the United States Botanic Garden) may 
     be detailed to such department, agency, or instrumentality on 
     a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis; and

[[Page H7957]]

       (2) employees of such department, agency, or 
     instrumentality may be detailed to the Office of the 
     Architect of the Capitol on a reimbursable or non-
     reimbursable basis.
       (b) Duration.--The detail of an employee under a joint 
     agency agreement under this section shall be for such 
     duration as may be provided in the agreement, except that in 
     the case of a detail made on a non-reimbursable basis, the 
     duration of the detail may not exceed one year unless the 
     Architect of the Capitol and the head of the department, 
     agency, or instrumentality involved each determine that an 
     extension of the detail of the employee is in the public 
     interest.
       (c) No Effect on Appropriations of Recipient of Non-
     reimbursable Detail.--For purposes of any law, rule, or 
     regulation, the detail of an employee on a non-reimbursable 
     basis under a joint agency agreement under this section for a 
     fiscal year shall not be treated as an increase or 
     modification of the appropriation for the fiscal year of the 
     office to whom the employee is detailed.
       (d) Effective Date.--This section shall apply with respect 
     to fiscal year 2019 and each succeeding fiscal year.

         acceptance of travel expenses from non-federal sources

       Sec. 135. (a) Permitting Acceptance of Expenses.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Architect of 
     the Capitol may accept payment or authorize an employee of 
     the Office of the Architect of the Capitol to accept payment 
     on the Office's behalf from non-Federal sources for travel, 
     subsistence, and related expenses with respect to attendance 
     of the employee (or the spouse of such employee) at any 
     meeting or similar function relating to the employee's 
     official duties. Any cash payment so accepted shall be 
     credited to the appropriation applicable to such expenses. In 
     the case of a payment in kind so accepted, a pro rata 
     reduction shall be made in any entitlement of the employee to 
     payment from the Government for such expenses.
       (b) Prohibiting Acceptance From Other Sources.--Except as 
     provided in this section or section 7342 of title 5, United 
     States Code, the Office or an employee of the Office may not 
     accept payment for expenses referred to in subsection (a). An 
     employee who accepts any payment in violation of the 
     preceding sentence--
       (1) may be required, in addition to any penalty provided by 
     law, to repay, for deposit in the general fund of the 
     Treasury, an amount equal to the amount of the payment so 
     accepted; and
       (2) in the case of a repayment under paragraph (1), shall 
     not be entitled to any payment from the Government for such 
     expenses.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall apply with respect 
     to fiscal year 2019 and each succeeding fiscal year.

                          LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

                         Salaries and Expenses

       For all necessary expenses of the Library of Congress not 
     otherwise provided for, including development and maintenance 
     of the Library's catalogs; custody and custodial care of the 
     Library buildings; special clothing; cleaning, laundering and 
     repair of uniforms; preservation of motion pictures in the 
     custody of the Library; operation and maintenance of the 
     American Folklife Center in the Library; preparation and 
     distribution of catalog records and other publications of the 
     Library; hire or purchase of one passenger motor vehicle; and 
     expenses of the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board not 
     properly chargeable to the income of any trust fund held by 
     the Board, $480,052,000, of which not more than $6,000,000 
     shall be derived from collections credited to this 
     appropriation during fiscal year 2019, and shall remain 
     available until expended, under the Act of June 28, 1902 
     (chapter 1301; 32 Stat. 480; 2 U.S.C. 150):  Provided, That 
     the Library of Congress may not obligate or expend any funds 
     derived from collections under the Act of June 28, 1902, in 
     excess of the amount authorized for obligation or expenditure 
     in appropriations Acts:  Provided further, That the total 
     amount available for obligation shall be reduced by the 
     amount by which collections are less than $6,000,000:  
     Provided further, That of the total amount appropriated, not 
     more than $12,000 may be expended, on the certification of 
     the Librarian of Congress, in connection with official 
     representation and reception expenses for the Overseas Field 
     Offices:  Provided further, That of the total amount 
     appropriated, $8,855,000 shall remain available until 
     expended for the digital collections and educational 
     curricula program:  Provided further, That of the total 
     amount appropriated, $1,318,000 shall remain available until 
     expended for upgrade of the Legislative Branch Financial 
     Management System:  Provided further, That of the total 
     amount appropriated, $250,000 shall remain available until 
     expended for the Surplus Books Program to promote the program 
     and facilitate a greater number of donations to eligible 
     entities across the United States:  Provided further, That of 
     the total amount appropriated, $2,383,000 shall remain 
     available until expended for the Veterans History Project to 
     continue digitization efforts of already collected materials, 
     reach a greater number of veterans to record their stories, 
     and promote public access to the Project.

                            Copyright Office

                         salaries and expenses

       For all necessary expenses of the Copyright Office, 
     $93,407,000, of which not more than $39,218,000, to remain 
     available until expended, shall be derived from collections 
     credited to this appropriation during fiscal year 2019 under 
     section 708(d) of title 17, United States Code:  Provided, 
     That the Copyright Office may not obligate or expend any 
     funds derived from collections under such section, in excess 
     of the amount authorized for obligation or expenditure in 
     appropriations Acts:  Provided further, That not more than 
     $6,272,000 shall be derived from collections during fiscal 
     year 2019 under sections 111(d)(2), 119(b)(3), 803(e), 1005, 
     and 1316 of such title:  Provided further, That the total 
     amount available for obligation shall be reduced by the 
     amount by which collections are less than $45,490,000:  
     Provided further, That $4,328,000 shall be derived from prior 
     year unobligated balances:  Provided further, That not more 
     than $100,000 of the amount appropriated is available for the 
     maintenance of an ``International Copyright Institute'' in 
     the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress for the 
     purpose of training nationals of developing countries in 
     intellectual property laws and policies:  Provided further, 
     That not more than $6,500 may be expended, on the 
     certification of the Librarian of Congress, in connection 
     with official representation and reception expenses for 
     activities of the International Copyright Institute and for 
     copyright delegations, visitors, and seminars:  Provided 
     further, That, notwithstanding any provision of chapter 8 of 
     title 17, United States Code, any amounts made available 
     under this heading which are attributable to royalty fees and 
     payments received by the Copyright Office pursuant to 
     sections 111, 119, and chapter 10 of such title may be used 
     for the costs incurred in the administration of the Copyright 
     Royalty Judges program, with the exception of the costs of 
     salaries and benefits for the Copyright Royalty Judges and 
     staff under section 802(e).

                     Congressional Research Service

                         salaries and expenses

       For all necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     section 203 of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 
     U.S.C. 166) and to revise and extend the Annotated 
     Constitution of the United States of America, $125,688,000:  
     Provided, That no part of such amount may be used to pay any 
     salary or expense in connection with any publication, or 
     preparation of material therefor (except the Digest of Public 
     General Bills), to be issued by the Library of Congress 
     unless such publication has obtained prior approval of either 
     the Committee on House Administration of the House of 
     Representatives or the Committee on Rules and Administration 
     of the Senate:  Provided further, That this prohibition does 
     not apply to publication of non-confidential Congressional 
     Research Service (CRS) products:  Provided further, That a 
     non-confidential CRS product includes any written product 
     containing research or analysis that is 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 and 
     does not include material prepared in response to 
     Congressional requests for confidential analysis or research.

             Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

                         salaries and expenses

       For all necessary expenses to carry out the Act of March 3, 
     1931 (chapter 400; 46 Stat. 1487; 2 U.S.C. 135a), 
     $52,783,000:  Provided, That of the total amount 
     appropriated, $650,000 shall be available to contract to 
     provide newspapers to blind and physically handicapped 
     residents at no cost to the individual.

                       Administrative Provisions

               reimbursable and revolving fund activities

       Sec. 140. (a) In General.--For fiscal year 2019, the 
     obligational authority of the Library of Congress for the 
     activities described in subsection (b) may not exceed 
     $194,608,000.
       (b) Activities.--The activities referred to in subsection 
     (a) are reimbursable and revolving fund activities that are 
     funded from sources other than appropriations to the Library 
     in appropriations Acts for the legislative branch.

                      GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

                        Congressional Publishing

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For authorized publishing of congressional information and 
     the distribution of congressional information in any format; 
     publishing of Government publications authorized by law to be 
     distributed to Members of Congress; and publishing, and 
     distribution of Government publications authorized by law to 
     be distributed without charge to the recipient, $79,000,000:  
     Provided, That this appropriation shall not be available for 
     paper copies of the permanent edition of the Congressional 
     Record for individual Representatives, Resident Commissioners 
     or Delegates authorized under section 906 of title 44, United 
     States Code:  Provided further, That this appropriation shall 
     be available for the payment of obligations incurred under 
     the appropriations for similar purposes for preceding fiscal 
     years:  Provided further, That notwithstanding the 2-year 
     limitation under section 718 of title 44, United States Code, 
     none of the funds appropriated or made available under this 
     Act or any other Act for printing and binding and related 
     services provided to Congress under chapter 7 of title 44, 
     United States Code, may be expended to print a document, 
     report, or publication after the 27-month period beginning on 
     the

[[Page H7958]]

     date that such document, report, or publication is authorized 
     by Congress to be printed, unless Congress reauthorizes such 
     printing in accordance with section 718 of title 44, United 
     States Code:  Provided further, That unobligated or 
     unexpended balances of expired discretionary funds made 
     available under this heading in this Act for this fiscal year 
     may be transferred to, and merged with, funds under the 
     heading ``Government Publishing Office Business Operations 
     Revolving Fund'' no later than the end of the fifth fiscal 
     year after the last fiscal year for which such funds are 
     available for the purposes for which appropriated, to be 
     available for carrying out the purposes of this heading, 
     subject to the approval of the Committee on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate:  Provided 
     further, That notwithstanding sections 901, 902, and 906 of 
     title 44, United States Code, this appropriation may be used 
     to prepare indexes to the Congressional Record on only a 
     monthly and session basis.

     Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents

                         salaries and expenses

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For expenses of the public information programs of the 
     Office of Superintendent of Documents necessary to provide 
     for the cataloging and indexing of Government publications 
     and their distribution to the public, Members of Congress, 
     other Government agencies, and designated depository and 
     international exchange libraries as authorized by law, 
     $32,000,000:  Provided, That amounts of not more than 
     $2,000,000 from current year appropriations are authorized 
     for producing and disseminating Congressional serial sets and 
     other related publications for fiscal years 2017 and 2018 to 
     depository and other designated libraries:  Provided further, 
     That unobligated or unexpended balances of expired 
     discretionary funds made available under this heading in this 
     Act for this fiscal year may be transferred to, and merged 
     with, funds under the heading ``Government Publishing Office 
     Business Operations Revolving Fund'' no later than the end of 
     the fifth fiscal year after the last fiscal year for which 
     such funds are available for the purposes for which 
     appropriated, to be available for carrying out the purposes 
     of this heading, subject to the approval of the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate.

    Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving Fund

       For payment to the Government Publishing Office Business 
     Operations Revolving Fund, $6,000,000, to remain available 
     until expended, for information technology development and 
     facilities repair:  Provided, That the Government Publishing 
     Office is hereby authorized to make such expenditures, within 
     the limits of funds available and in accordance with law, and 
     to make such contracts and commitments without regard to 
     fiscal year limitations as provided by section 9104 of title 
     31, United States Code, as may be necessary in carrying out 
     the programs and purposes set forth in the budget for the 
     current fiscal year for the Government Publishing Office 
     Business Operations Revolving Fund:  Provided further, That 
     not more than $7,500 may be expended on the certification of 
     the Director of the Government Publishing Office in 
     connection with official representation and reception 
     expenses:  Provided further, That the Business Operations 
     Revolving Fund shall be available for the hire or purchase of 
     not more than 12 passenger motor vehicles:  Provided further, 
     That expenditures in connection with travel expenses of the 
     advisory councils to the Director of the Government 
     Publishing Office shall be deemed necessary to carry out the 
     provisions of title 44, United States Code:  Provided 
     further, That the Business Operations Revolving Fund shall be 
     available for temporary or intermittent services under 
     section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at rates 
     for individuals not more than the daily equivalent of the 
     annual rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive 
     Schedule under section 5316 of such title:  Provided further, 
     That activities financed through the Business Operations 
     Revolving Fund may provide information in any format:  
     Provided further, That the Business Operations Revolving Fund 
     and the funds provided under the heading ``Public Information 
     Programs of the Superintendent of Documents'' may not be used 
     for contracted security services at Government Publishing 
     Office's passport facility in the District of Columbia.

                    GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE

                         Salaries and Expenses

       For necessary expenses of the Government Accountability 
     Office, including not more than $12,500 to be expended on the 
     certification of the Comptroller General of the United States 
     in connection with official representation and reception 
     expenses; temporary or intermittent services under section 
     3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at rates for 
     individuals not more than the daily equivalent of the annual 
     rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule 
     under section 5315 of such title; hire of one passenger motor 
     vehicle; advance payments in foreign countries in accordance 
     with section 3324 of title 31, United States Code; benefits 
     comparable to those payable under sections 901(5), (6), and 
     (8) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4081(5), 
     (6), and (8)); and under regulations prescribed by the 
     Comptroller General of the United States, rental of living 
     quarters in foreign countries, $589,749,653:  Provided, That, 
     in addition, $35,900,000 of payments received under sections 
     782, 791, 3521, and 9105 of title 31, United States Code, 
     shall be available without fiscal year limitation:  Provided 
     further, That this appropriation and appropriations for 
     administrative expenses of any other department or agency 
     which is a member of the National Intergovernmental Audit 
     Forum or a Regional Intergovernmental Audit Forum shall be 
     available to finance an appropriate share of either Forum's 
     costs as determined by the respective Forum, including 
     necessary travel expenses of non-Federal participants:  
     Provided further, That payments hereunder to the Forum may be 
     credited as reimbursements to any appropriation from which 
     costs involved are initially financed:  Provided further, 
     That this appropriation shall be available to transfer 
     amounts to the Department of the Army for the expenses of 
     constructing an Army facility at Redstone Arsenal for the 
     sole, unlimited use of the Government Accountability Office, 
     and (notwithstanding section 1502(a) of title 31, United 
     States Code) shall be available to transfer such amounts 
     without regard to the fiscal year in which such expenses are 
     incurred:  Provided further, That hereafter, amounts 
     appropriated for the salaries and expenses of the Government 
     Accountability Office shall be available to transfer to the 
     Department of the Army for the maintenance of such facility.

                OPEN WORLD LEADERSHIP CENTER TRUST FUND

       For a payment to the Open World Leadership Center Trust 
     Fund for financing activities of the Open World Leadership 
     Center under section 313 of the Legislative Branch 
     Appropriations Act, 2001 (2 U.S.C. 1151), $5,600,000:  
     Provided, That funds made available to support Russian 
     participants shall only be used for those engaging in free 
     market development, humanitarian activities, and civic 
     engagement, and shall not be used for officials of the 
     central government of Russia.

   JOHN C. STENNIS CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

       For payment to the John C. Stennis Center for Public 
     Service Development Trust Fund established under section 116 
     of the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and 
     Development Act (2 U.S.C. 1105), $430,000.

                                TITLE II

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

                maintenance and care of private vehicles

       Sec. 201.  No part of the funds appropriated in this Act 
     shall be used for the maintenance or care of private 
     vehicles, except for emergency assistance and cleaning as may 
     be provided under regulations relating to parking facilities 
     for the House of Representatives issued by the Committee on 
     House Administration and for the Senate issued by the 
     Committee on Rules and Administration.

                         fiscal year limitation

       Sec. 202.  No part of the funds appropriated in this Act 
     shall remain available for obligation beyond fiscal year 2019 
     unless expressly so provided in this Act.

                 rates of compensation and designation

       Sec. 203.  Whenever in this Act any office or position not 
     specifically established by the Legislative Pay Act of 1929 
     (46 Stat. 32 et seq.) is appropriated for or the rate of 
     compensation or designation of any office or position 
     appropriated for is different from that specifically 
     established by such Act, the rate of compensation and the 
     designation in this Act shall be the permanent law with 
     respect thereto:  Provided, That the provisions in this Act 
     for the various items of official expenses of Members, 
     officers, and committees of the Senate and House of 
     Representatives, and clerk hire for Senators and Members of 
     the House of Representatives shall be the permanent law with 
     respect thereto.

                          consulting services

       Sec. 204.  The expenditure of any appropriation under this 
     Act for any consulting service through procurement contract, 
     under section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, shall be 
     limited to those contracts where such expenditures are a 
     matter of public record and available for public inspection, 
     except where otherwise provided under existing law, or under 
     existing Executive order issued under existing law.

                             costs of lbfmc

       Sec. 205.  Amounts available for administrative expenses of 
     any legislative branch entity which participates in the 
     Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council (LBFMC) 
     established by charter on March 26, 1996, shall be available 
     to finance an appropriate share of LBFMC costs as determined 
     by the LBFMC, except that the total LBFMC costs to be shared 
     among all participating legislative branch entities (in such 
     allocations among the entities as the entities may determine) 
     may not exceed $2,000.

                        limitation on transfers

       Sec. 206.  None of the funds made available in this Act may 
     be transferred to any department, agency, or instrumentality 
     of the United States Government, except pursuant to a 
     transfer made by, or transfer authority provided in, this Act 
     or any other appropriation Act.

                      guided tours of the capitol

       Sec. 207. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), none of 
     the funds made available to the Architect of the Capitol in 
     this Act

[[Page H7959]]

     may be used to eliminate or restrict guided tours of the 
     United States Capitol which are led by employees and interns 
     of offices of Members of Congress and other offices of the 
     House of Representatives and Senate, unless through 
     regulations as authorized by section 402(b)(8) of the Capitol 
     Visitor Center Act of 2008 (2 U.S.C. 2242(b)(8)).
       (b) At the direction of the Capitol Police Board, or at the 
     direction of the Architect of the Capitol with the approval 
     of the Capitol Police Board, guided tours of the United 
     States Capitol which are led by employees and interns 
     described in subsection (a) may be suspended temporarily or 
     otherwise subject to restriction for security or related 
     reasons to the same extent as guided tours of the United 
     States Capitol which are led by the Architect of the Capitol.

         limitation on telecommunications equipment procurement

       Sec. 208. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available under this Act may be used to acquire 
     telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies 
     Company, ZTE Corporation or a high-impact or moderate-impact 
     information system, as defined for security categorization in 
     the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) 
     Federal Information Processing Standard Publication 199, 
     ``Standards for Security Categorization of Federal 
     Information and Information Systems'' unless the agency, 
     office, or other entity acquiring the equipment or system 
     has--
       (1) reviewed the supply chain risk for the information 
     systems against criteria developed by NIST to inform 
     acquisition decisions for high-impact and moderate-impact 
     information systems within the Federal Government;
       (2) reviewed the supply chain risk from the presumptive 
     awardee against available and relevant threat information 
     provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other 
     appropriate agencies; and
       (3) in consultation with the Federal Bureau of 
     Investigation or other appropriate Federal entity, conducted 
     an assessment of any risk of cyber-espionage or sabotage 
     associated with the acquisition of such system, including any 
     risk associated with such system being produced, 
     manufactured, or assembled by one or more entities identified 
     by the United States Government as posing a cyber threat, 
     including but not limited to, those that may be owned, 
     directed, or subsidized by the People's Republic of China, 
     the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's 
     Republic of Korea, or the Russian Federation.
       (b) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available under this Act may be used to acquire a high-impact 
     or moderate impact information system reviewed and assessed 
     under subsection (a) unless the head of the assessing entity 
     described in subsection (a) has--
       (1) developed, in consultation with NIST and supply chain 
     risk management experts, a mitigation strategy for any 
     identified risks;
       (2) determined, in consultation with NIST and the Federal 
     Bureau of Investigation, that the acquisition of such system 
     is in the vital national security interest of the United 
     States; and
       (3) reported that determination to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     in a manner that identifies the system intended for 
     acquisition and a detailed description of the mitigation 
     strategies identified in (1), provided that such report may 
     include a classified annex as necessary.

              prohibition on certain operational expenses

       Sec. 209. (a) None of the funds made available in this Act 
     may be used to maintain or establish a computer network 
     unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and 
     exchanging of pornography.
       (b) Nothing in subsection (a) shall limit the use of funds 
     necessary for any Federal, State, tribal, or local law 
     enforcement agency or any other entity carrying out criminal 
     investigations, prosecution, or adjudication activities or 
     other official government activities.

                        plastic waste reduction

       Sec. 210.  All agencies and offices funded by this division 
     that contract with a food service provider or providers shall 
     confer and coordinate with such food service provider or 
     providers, in consultation with disability advocacy groups, 
     to eliminate or reduce plastic waste, including waste from 
     plastic straws, explore the use of biodegradable items, and 
     increase recycling and composting opportunities.

                   agency cost of living adjustments

       Sec. 211. (a) Each agency, office, or other entity that is 
     provided appropriations under this Division shall report to 
     the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate, not 
     less than 30 days after enactment of this Act, specifying the 
     dollar amount estimated for cost-of-living adjustments that 
     was included in the fiscal year 2019 budget request for each 
     appropriations account.
       (b) In the event that Executive Branch agencies do not 
     receive a cost-of-living adjustment, such dollar amount 
     reported pursuant to subsection (a) may be obligated and 
     expended only upon written approval by the Chair and ranking 
     minority member of the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch 
     of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and by the Chair and ranking minority member 
     of the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch of the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
       (c) Pursuant to subsection (b), the agencies, offices, or 
     other entities of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
     require only the written approval of the Committee on 
     Appropriations of their respective Chamber.

                      adjustments to compensation

       Sec. 212.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no 
     adjustment shall be made under section 601(a) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 4501) 
     (relating to cost of living adjustments for Members of 
     Congress) during fiscal year 2019.
       This division may be cited as the ``Legislative Branch 
     Appropriations Act, 2019''.

   DIVISION C--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED 
                   AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019

                                TITLE I

                         DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

                      Military Construction, Army

       For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment 
     of temporary or permanent public works, military 
     installations, facilities, and real property for the Army as 
     currently authorized by law, including personnel in the Army 
     Corps of Engineers and other personal services necessary for 
     the purposes of this appropriation, and for construction and 
     operation of facilities in support of the functions of the 
     Commander in Chief, $1,021,768,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2023:  Provided, That, of this amount, not to 
     exceed $110,068,000 shall be available for study, planning, 
     design, architect and engineer services, and host nation 
     support, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of the 
     Army determines that additional obligations are necessary for 
     such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations 
     of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the 
     reasons therefor.

              Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps

       For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment 
     of temporary or permanent public works, naval installations, 
     facilities, and real property for the Navy and Marine Corps 
     as currently authorized by law, including personnel in the 
     Naval Facilities Engineering Command and other personal 
     services necessary for the purposes of this appropriation, 
     $2,118,619,000, to remain available until September 30, 2023: 
      Provided, That, of this amount, not to exceed $185,542,000 
     shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect 
     and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the 
     Secretary of the Navy determines that additional obligations 
     are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees 
     on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the 
     determination and the reasons therefor.

                    Military Construction, Air Force

       For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment 
     of temporary or permanent public works, military 
     installations, facilities, and real property for the Air 
     Force as currently authorized by law, $1,440,323,000, to 
     remain available until September 30, 2023:  Provided, That, 
     of this amount, not to exceed $206,577,000 shall be available 
     for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer 
     services, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of the 
     Air Force determines that additional obligations are 
     necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the 
     determination and the reasons therefor.

                  Military Construction, Defense-Wide

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment 
     of temporary or permanent public works, installations, 
     facilities, and real property for activities and agencies of 
     the Department of Defense (other than the military 
     departments), as currently authorized by law, $2,550,728,000, 
     to remain available until September 30, 2023:  Provided, That 
     such amounts of this appropriation as may be determined by 
     the Secretary of Defense may be transferred to such 
     appropriations of the Department of Defense available for 
     military construction or family housing as the Secretary may 
     designate, to be merged with and to be available for the same 
     purposes, and for the same time period, as the appropriation 
     or fund to which transferred:  Provided further, That, of the 
     amount, not to exceed $192,345,000 shall be available for 
     study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, 
     as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of Defense 
     determines that additional obligations are necessary for such 
     purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons 
     therefor.

               Military Construction, Army National Guard

       For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, 
     and conversion of facilities for the training and 
     administration of the Army National Guard, and contributions 
     therefor, as authorized by chapter 1803 of title 10, United 
     States Code, and Military Construction Authorization Acts, 
     $190,122,000, to remain available until September 30, 2023:  
     Provided, That, of the amount, not to exceed $16,622,000 
     shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect 
     and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the 
     Director of the Army National Guard determines that 
     additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and 
     notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor.

[[Page H7960]]

  


               Military Construction, Air National Guard

       For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, 
     and conversion of facilities for the training and 
     administration of the Air National Guard, and contributions 
     therefor, as authorized by chapter 1803 of title 10, United 
     States Code, and Military Construction Authorization Acts, 
     $129,126,000, to remain available until September 30, 2023:  
     Provided, That, of the amount, not to exceed $18,500,000 
     shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect 
     and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the 
     Director of the Air National Guard determines that additional 
     obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of 
     the determination and the reasons therefor.

                  Military Construction, Army Reserve

       For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, 
     and conversion of facilities for the training and 
     administration of the Army Reserve as authorized by chapter 
     1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military 
     Construction Authorization Acts, $64,919,000, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2023:  Provided, That, of the 
     amount, not to exceed $5,855,000 shall be available for 
     study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, 
     as authorized by law, unless the Chief of the Army Reserve 
     determines that additional obligations are necessary for such 
     purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons 
     therefor.

                  Military Construction, Navy Reserve

       For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, 
     and conversion of facilities for the training and 
     administration of the reserve components of the Navy and 
     Marine Corps as authorized by chapter 1803 of title 10, 
     United States Code, and Military Construction Authorization 
     Acts, $43,065,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2023:  Provided, That, of the amount, not to exceed 
     $4,695,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, 
     and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, 
     unless the Secretary of the Navy determines that additional 
     obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of 
     the determination and the reasons therefor.

                Military Construction, Air Force Reserve

       For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, 
     and conversion of facilities for the training and 
     administration of the Air Force Reserve as authorized by 
     chapter 1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military 
     Construction Authorization Acts, $38,063,000, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2023:  Provided, That, of the 
     amount, not to exceed $4,055,000 shall be available for 
     study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, 
     as authorized by law, unless the Chief of the Air Force 
     Reserve determines that additional obligations are necessary 
     for such purposes and notifies the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the 
     determination and the reasons therefor:  Provided further, 
     That, the Chief of the Air Force Reserve shall take immediate 
     action to address unfunded military construction requirements 
     for access control points and security issues at Air Force 
     Reserve facilities.

                   North Atlantic Treaty Organization

                      Security Investment Program

       For the United States share of the cost of the North 
     Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program for 
     the acquisition and construction of military facilities and 
     installations (including international military headquarters) 
     and for related expenses for the collective defense of the 
     North Atlantic Treaty Area as authorized by section 2806 of 
     title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction 
     Authorization Acts, $171,064,000, to remain available until 
     expended.

               Department of Defense Base Closure Account

       For deposit into the Department of Defense Base Closure 
     Account, established by section 2906(a) of the Defense Base 
     Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (10 U.S.C. 2687 note), 
     $342,000,000, to remain available until expended.

                   Family Housing Construction, Army

       For expenses of family housing for the Army for 
     construction, including acquisition, replacement, addition, 
     expansion, extension, and alteration, as authorized by law, 
     $330,660,000, to remain available until September 30, 2023.

             Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army

       For expenses of family housing for the Army for operation 
     and maintenance, including debt payment, leasing, minor 
     construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance 
     premiums, as authorized by law, $376,509,000.

           Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps

       For expenses of family housing for the Navy and Marine 
     Corps for construction, including acquisition, replacement, 
     addition, expansion, extension, and alteration, as authorized 
     by law, $104,581,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2023.

    Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps

       For expenses of family housing for the Navy and Marine 
     Corps for operation and maintenance, including debt payment, 
     leasing, minor construction, principal and interest charges, 
     and insurance premiums, as authorized by law, $314,536,000.

                 Family Housing Construction, Air Force

       For expenses of family housing for the Air Force for 
     construction, including acquisition, replacement, addition, 
     expansion, extension, and alteration, as authorized by law, 
     $78,446,000, to remain available until September 30, 2023.

          Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force

       For expenses of family housing for the Air Force for 
     operation and maintenance, including debt payment, leasing, 
     minor construction, principal and interest charges, and 
     insurance premiums, as authorized by law, $317,274,000.

         Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide

       For expenses of family housing for the activities and 
     agencies of the Department of Defense (other than the 
     military departments) for operation and maintenance, leasing, 
     and minor construction, as authorized by law, $58,373,000.

                         Department of Defense

                    Family Housing Improvement Fund

       For the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement 
     Fund, $1,653,000, to remain available until expended, for 
     family housing initiatives undertaken pursuant to section 
     2883 of title 10, United States Code, providing alternative 
     means of acquiring and improving military family housing and 
     supporting facilities.

                         Department of Defense

            Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund

       For the Department of Defense Military Unaccompanied 
     Housing Improvement Fund, $600,000, to remain available until 
     expended, for unaccompanied housing initiatives undertaken 
     pursuant to section 2883 of title 10, United States Code, 
     providing alternative means of acquiring and improving 
     military unaccompanied housing and supporting facilities.

                       Administrative Provisions

       Sec. 101.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     shall be expended for payments under a cost-plus-a-fixed-fee 
     contract for construction, where cost estimates exceed 
     $25,000, to be performed within the United States, except 
     Alaska, without the specific approval in writing of the 
     Secretary of Defense setting forth the reasons therefor.
       Sec. 102.  Funds made available in this title for 
     construction shall be available for hire of passenger motor 
     vehicles.
       Sec. 103.  Funds made available in this title for 
     construction may be used for advances to the Federal Highway 
     Administration, Department of Transportation, for the 
     construction of access roads as authorized by section 210 of 
     title 23, United States Code, when projects authorized 
     therein are certified as important to the national defense by 
     the Secretary of Defense.
       Sec. 104.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     may be used to begin construction of new bases in the United 
     States for which specific appropriations have not been made.
       Sec. 105.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     shall be used for purchase of land or land easements in 
     excess of 100 percent of the value as determined by the Army 
     Corps of Engineers or the Naval Facilities Engineering 
     Command, except: (1) where there is a determination of value 
     by a Federal court; (2) purchases negotiated by the Attorney 
     General or the designee of the Attorney General; (3) where 
     the estimated value is less than $25,000; or (4) as otherwise 
     determined by the Secretary of Defense to be in the public 
     interest.
       Sec. 106.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     shall be used to: (1) acquire land; (2) provide for site 
     preparation; or (3) install utilities for any family housing, 
     except housing for which funds have been made available in 
     annual Acts making appropriations for military construction.
       Sec. 107.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     for minor construction may be used to transfer or relocate 
     any activity from one base or installation to another, 
     without prior notification to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
       Sec. 108.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     may be used for the procurement of steel for any construction 
     project or activity for which American steel producers, 
     fabricators, and manufacturers have been denied the 
     opportunity to compete for such steel procurement.
       Sec. 109.  None of the funds available to the Department of 
     Defense for military construction or family housing during 
     the current fiscal year may be used to pay real property 
     taxes in any foreign nation.
       Sec. 110.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     may be used to initiate a new installation overseas without 
     prior notification to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress.
       Sec. 111.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     may be obligated for architect and engineer contracts 
     estimated by the Government to exceed $500,000 for projects 
     to be accomplished in Japan, in any North Atlantic Treaty 
     Organization member country, or in countries bordering the 
     Arabian Gulf, unless such contracts are awarded to United 
     States firms or United States firms in joint venture with 
     host nation firms.

[[Page H7961]]

       Sec. 112.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     for military construction in the United States territories 
     and possessions in the Pacific and on Kwajalein Atoll, or in 
     countries bordering the Arabian Gulf, may be used to award 
     any contract estimated by the Government to exceed $1,000,000 
     to a foreign contractor:  Provided, That this section shall 
     not be applicable to contract awards for which the lowest 
     responsive and responsible bid of a United States contractor 
     exceeds the lowest responsive and responsible bid of a 
     foreign contractor by greater than 20 percent:  Provided 
     further, That this section shall not apply to contract awards 
     for military construction on Kwajalein Atoll for which the 
     lowest responsive and responsible bid is submitted by a 
     Marshallese contractor.
       Sec. 113.  The Secretary of Defense shall inform the 
     appropriate committees of both Houses of Congress, including 
     the Committees on Appropriations, of plans and scope of any 
     proposed military exercise involving United States personnel 
     30 days prior to its occurring, if amounts expended for 
     construction, either temporary or permanent, are anticipated 
     to exceed $100,000.
       Sec. 114.  Funds appropriated to the Department of Defense 
     for construction in prior years shall be available for 
     construction authorized for each such military department by 
     the authorizations enacted into law during the current 
     session of Congress.
       Sec. 115.  For military construction or family housing 
     projects that are being completed with funds otherwise 
     expired or lapsed for obligation, expired or lapsed funds may 
     be used to pay the cost of associated supervision, 
     inspection, overhead, engineering and design on those 
     projects and on subsequent claims, if any.
       Sec. 116.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any 
     funds made available to a military department or defense 
     agency for the construction of military projects may be 
     obligated for a military construction project or contract, or 
     for any portion of such a project or contract, at any time 
     before the end of the fourth fiscal year after the fiscal 
     year for which funds for such project were made available, if 
     the funds obligated for such project: (1) are obligated from 
     funds available for military construction projects; and (2) 
     do not exceed the amount appropriated for such project, plus 
     any amount by which the cost of such project is increased 
     pursuant to law.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 117.  Subject to 30 days prior notification, or 14 
     days for a notification provided in an electronic medium 
     pursuant to sections 480 and 2883 of title 10, United States 
     Code, to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress, such additional amounts as may be determined by the 
     Secretary of Defense may be transferred to: (1) the 
     Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund from 
     amounts appropriated for construction in ``Family Housing'' 
     accounts, to be merged with and to be available for the same 
     purposes and for the same period of time as amounts 
     appropriated directly to the Fund; or (2) the Department of 
     Defense Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund from 
     amounts appropriated for construction of military 
     unaccompanied housing in ``Military Construction'' accounts, 
     to be merged with and to be available for the same purposes 
     and for the same period of time as amounts appropriated 
     directly to the Fund:  Provided, That appropriations made 
     available to the Funds shall be available to cover the costs, 
     as defined in section 502(5) of the Congressional Budget Act 
     of 1974, of direct loans or loan guarantees issued by the 
     Department of Defense pursuant to the provisions of 
     subchapter IV of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, 
     pertaining to alternative means of acquiring and improving 
     military family housing, military unaccompanied housing, and 
     supporting facilities.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 118.  In addition to any other transfer authority 
     available to the Department of Defense, amounts may be 
     transferred from the Department of Defense Base Closure 
     Account to the fund established by section 1013(d) of the 
     Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 
     (42 U.S.C. 3374) to pay for expenses associated with the 
     Homeowners Assistance Program incurred under 42 U.S.C. 
     3374(a)(1)(A). Any amounts transferred shall be merged with 
     and be available for the same purposes and for the same time 
     period as the fund to which transferred.
       Sec. 119.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     funds made available in this title for operation and 
     maintenance of family housing shall be the exclusive source 
     of funds for repair and maintenance of all family housing 
     units, including general or flag officer quarters:  Provided, 
     That not more than $35,000 per unit may be spent annually for 
     the maintenance and repair of any general or flag officer 
     quarters without 30 days prior notification, or 14 days for a 
     notification provided in an electronic medium pursuant to 
     sections 480 and 2883 of title 10, United States Code, to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, 
     except that an after-the-fact notification shall be submitted 
     if the limitation is exceeded solely due to costs associated 
     with environmental remediation that could not be reasonably 
     anticipated at the time of the budget submission:  Provided 
     further,  That the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) 
     is to report annually to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress all operation and maintenance 
     expenditures for each individual general or flag officer 
     quarters for the prior fiscal year.
       Sec. 120.  Amounts contained in the Ford Island Improvement 
     Account established by subsection (h) of section 2814 of 
     title 10, United States Code, are appropriated and shall be 
     available until expended for the purposes specified in 
     subsection (i)(1) of such section or until transferred 
     pursuant to subsection (i)(3) of such section.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 121.  During the 5-year period after appropriations 
     available in this Act to the Department of Defense for 
     military construction and family housing operation and 
     maintenance and construction have expired for obligation, 
     upon a determination that such appropriations will not be 
     necessary for the liquidation of obligations or for making 
     authorized adjustments to such appropriations for obligations 
     incurred during the period of availability of such 
     appropriations, unobligated balances of such appropriations 
     may be transferred into the appropriation ``Foreign Currency 
     Fluctuations, Construction, Defense'', to be merged with and 
     to be available for the same time period and for the same 
     purposes as the appropriation to which transferred.
       Sec. 122. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), none of 
     the funds made available in this Act may be used by the 
     Secretary of the Army to relocate a unit in the Army that--
       (1) performs a testing mission or function that is not 
     performed by any other unit in the Army and is specifically 
     stipulated in title 10, United States Code; and
       (2) is located at a military installation at which the 
     total number of civilian employees of the Department of the 
     Army and Army contractor personnel employed exceeds 10 
     percent of the total number of members of the regular and 
     reserve components of the Army assigned to the installation.
       (b) Exception.--Subsection (a) shall not apply if the 
     Secretary of the Army certifies to the congressional defense 
     committees that in proposing the relocation of the unit of 
     the Army, the Secretary complied with Army Regulation 5-10 
     relating to the policy, procedures, and responsibilities for 
     Army stationing actions.
       Sec. 123.  Amounts appropriated or otherwise made available 
     in an account funded under the headings in this title may be 
     transferred among projects and activities within the account 
     in accordance with the reprogramming guidelines for military 
     construction and family housing construction contained in 
     Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation 
     7000.14-R, Volume 3, Chapter 7, of March 2011, as in effect 
     on the date of enactment of this Act.
       Sec. 124.  None of the funds made available in this title 
     may be obligated or expended for planning and design and 
     construction of projects at Arlington National Cemetery.
       Sec. 125.  For an additional amount for the accounts and in 
     the amounts specified, to remain available until September 
     30, 2023:
       ``Military Construction, Army'', $94,100,000;
       ``Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps'', 
     $196,850,000;
       ``Military Construction, Air Force'', $118,450,000;
       ``Military Construction, Army National Guard'', 
     $22,000,000;
       ``Military Construction, Air National Guard'', $54,000,000;
       ``Military Construction, Army Reserve'', $23,000,000; and
       ``Military Construction, Air Force Reserve'', $84,800,000:

       Provided, That such funds may only be obligated to carry 
     out construction projects identified in the respective 
     military department's unfunded priority list for fiscal year 
     2019 submitted to Congress:  Provided further, That such 
     projects are subject to authorization prior to obligation and 
     expenditure of funds to carry out construction:  Provided 
     further, That not later than 30 days after enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of the military department concerned, or 
     his or her designee, shall submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan 
     for funds provided under this section.

                         (rescissions of funds)

       Sec. 126.  Of the unobligated balances available to the 
     Department of Defense from prior appropriation Acts, the 
     following funds are hereby rescinded from the following 
     accounts in the amounts specified:
       ``NATO Security Investment Program'', $25,000,000;
       ``Military Construction, Air Force'', $31,158,000;
       ``Military Construction, Army National Guard'', 
     $10,000,000;
       ``Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps'', 
     $2,138,000; and
       ``The fund established in section 1013(d) of the 
     Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 
     (42 U.S.C. 3374)'', $15,333,000:

       Provided, That no amounts may be rescinded from amounts 
     that were designated by the Congress for Overseas Contingency 
     Operations/Global War on Terrorism or as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget 
     or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985, as amended.
       Sec. 127.  For the purposes of this Act, the term 
     ``congressional defense committees'' means the Committees on 
     Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate,

[[Page H7962]]

     the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans 
     Affairs of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and 
     the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans 
     Affairs of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives.
       Sec. 128.  None of the funds made available by this Act may 
     be used to carry out the closure or realignment of the United 
     States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
       Sec. 129.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none 
     of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this 
     or any other Act may be used to consolidate or relocate any 
     element of a United States Air Force Rapid Engineer 
     Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer (RED 
     HORSE) outside of the United States until the Secretary of 
     the Air Force: (1) completes an analysis and comparison of 
     the cost and infrastructure investment required to 
     consolidate or relocate a RED HORSE squadron outside of the 
     United States versus within the United States; (2) provides 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress (``the Committees'') a report detailing the findings 
     of the cost analysis; and (3) certifies in writing to the 
     Committees that the preferred site for the consolidation or 
     relocation yields the greatest savings for the Air Force:  
     Provided, That the term ``United States'' in this section 
     does not include any territory or possession of the United 
     States.
       Sec. 130.  Notwithstanding section 124 of this Act, for an 
     additional amount for ``Military Construction, Army'' in this 
     title, $30,000,000, to remain available until expended, is 
     provided for completion of the Defense Access Roads project 
     and land acquisition for Arlington National Cemetery as 
     authorized by section 2101 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92) 
     and section 2829A of the National Defense Authorization Act 
     for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328):  Provided, That 
     such funds shall be in addition to any other funds made 
     available in this or prior year Acts for such purposes, 
     including funds made available by section 132 of the Military 
     Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114-113).
       Sec. 131.  All amounts appropriated to the ``Department of 
     Defense--Military Construction, Army'', ``Department of 
     Defense--Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps'', 
     ``Department of Defense--Military Construction, Air Force'', 
     and ``Department of Defense--Military Construction, Defense-
     Wide'' accounts pursuant to the authorization of 
     appropriations in a National Defense Authorization Act 
     specified for fiscal year 2019 in the funding table in 
     section 4601 of that Act shall be immediately available and 
     allotted to contract for the full scope of authorized 
     projects.
       Sec. 132.  For an additional amount for the accounts and in 
     the amounts specified, for enhancing force protection and 
     safety at military installations, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2023:
       ``Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps'', 
     $50,000,000; and
       ``Military Construction, Air Force'', $50,000,000:

       Provided, That such projects are subject to authorization 
     prior to obligation and expenditure of funds to carry out 
     construction:  Provided further, That not later than 30 days 
     after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the military 
     department concerned, or his or her designee, shall submit to 
     the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress 
     an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section:  
     Provided further, That the Secretary of the military 
     department concerned may not obligate or expend any funds 
     prior to approval by the Committees on Appropriations of both 
     Houses of Congress of the expenditure plan required by this 
     section.

                                TITLE II

                     DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

                    Veterans Benefits Administration

                       compensation and pensions

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For the payment of compensation benefits to or on behalf of 
     veterans and a pilot program for disability examinations as 
     authorized by section 107 and chapters 11, 13, 18, 51, 53, 
     55, and 61 of title 38, United States Code; pension benefits 
     to or on behalf of veterans as authorized by chapters 15, 51, 
     53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United States Code; and burial 
     benefits, the Reinstated Entitlement Program for Survivors, 
     emergency and other officers' retirement pay, adjusted-
     service credits and certificates, payment of premiums due on 
     commercial life insurance policies guaranteed under the 
     provisions of title IV of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act 
     (50 U.S.C. App. 541 et seq.) and for other benefits as 
     authorized by sections 107, 1312, 1977, and 2106, and 
     chapters 23, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United States 
     Code, $2,994,366,000, which shall be in addition to funds 
     previously appropriated under this heading that become 
     available on October 1, 2018, to remain available until 
     expended; and, in addition, $109,017,152,000 shall become 
     available on October 1, 2019:  Provided, That not to exceed 
     $18,047,000 of the amount made available for fiscal year 2020 
     under this heading shall be reimbursed to ``General Operating 
     Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration'', and 
     ``Information Technology Systems'' for necessary expenses in 
     implementing the provisions of chapters 51, 53, and 55 of 
     title 38, United States Code, the funding source for which is 
     specifically provided as the ``Compensation and Pensions'' 
     appropriation:  Provided further, That such sums as may be 
     earned on an actual qualifying patient basis, shall be 
     reimbursed to ``Medical Care Collections Fund'' to augment 
     the funding of individual medical facilities for nursing home 
     care provided to pensioners as authorized.

                         readjustment benefits

       For the payment of readjustment and rehabilitation benefits 
     to or on behalf of veterans as authorized by chapters 21, 30, 
     31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 41, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, 
     United States Code, $14,065,282,000, to remain available 
     until expended and to become available on October 1, 2019:  
     Provided, That expenses for rehabilitation program services 
     and assistance which the Secretary is authorized to provide 
     under subsection (a) of section 3104 of title 38, United 
     States Code, other than under paragraphs (1), (2), (5), and 
     (11) of that subsection, shall be charged to this account.

                   veterans insurance and indemnities

       For military and naval insurance, national service life 
     insurance, servicemen's indemnities, service-disabled 
     veterans insurance, and veterans mortgage life insurance as 
     authorized by chapters 19 and 21, title 38, United States 
     Code, $111,340,000, which shall become available on October 
     1, 2019, and shall remain available until expended.

                 veterans housing benefit program fund

       For the cost of direct and guaranteed loans, such sums as 
     may be necessary to carry out the program, as authorized by 
     subchapters I through III of chapter 37 of title 38, United 
     States Code:  Provided, That such costs, including the cost 
     of modifying such loans, shall be as defined in section 502 
     of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974:  Provided further, 
     That, during fiscal year 2019, within the resources 
     available, not to exceed $500,000 in gross obligations for 
     direct loans are authorized for specially adapted housing 
     loans.
       In addition, for administrative expenses to carry out the 
     direct and guaranteed loan programs, $200,612,000.

            vocational rehabilitation loans program account

       For the cost of direct loans, $39,000, as authorized by 
     chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code:  Provided, That 
     such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall 
     be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act 
     of 1974:  Provided further, That funds made available under 
     this heading are available to subsidize gross obligations for 
     the principal amount of direct loans not to exceed 
     $2,037,000.
       In addition, for administrative expenses necessary to carry 
     out the direct loan program, $396,000, which may be paid to 
     the appropriation for ``General Operating Expenses, Veterans 
     Benefits Administration''.

          native american veteran housing loan program account

       For administrative expenses to carry out the direct loan 
     program authorized by subchapter V of chapter 37 of title 38, 
     United States Code, $1,163,000.

      general operating expenses, veterans benefits administration

       For necessary operating expenses of the Veterans Benefits 
     Administration, not otherwise provided for, including hire of 
     passenger motor vehicles, reimbursement of the General 
     Services Administration for security guard services, and 
     reimbursement of the Department of Defense for the cost of 
     overseas employee mail, $2,956,316,000:  Provided, That 
     expenses for services and assistance authorized under 
     paragraphs (1), (2), (5), and (11) of section 3104(a) of 
     title 38, United States Code, that the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs determines are necessary to enable entitled veterans: 
     (1) to the maximum extent feasible, to become employable and 
     to obtain and maintain suitable employment; or (2) to achieve 
     maximum independence in daily living, shall be charged to 
     this account:  Provided further, That, of the funds made 
     available under this heading, not to exceed 10 percent shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2020.

                     Veterans Health Administration

                            medical services

       For necessary expenses for furnishing, as authorized by 
     law, inpatient and outpatient care and treatment to 
     beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs and 
     veterans described in section 1705(a) of title 38, United 
     States Code, including care and treatment in facilities not 
     under the jurisdiction of the Department, and including 
     medical supplies and equipment, bioengineering services, food 
     services, and salaries and expenses of healthcare employees 
     hired under title 38, United States Code, aid to State homes 
     as authorized by section 1741 of title 38, United States 
     Code, assistance and support services for caregivers as 
     authorized by section 1720G of title 38, United States Code, 
     loan repayments authorized by section 604 of the Caregivers 
     and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 
     111-163; 124 Stat. 1174; 38 U.S.C. 7681 note), monthly 
     assistance allowances authorized by section 322(d) of title 
     38, United States Code, grants authorized by section 521A of 
     title 38, United States Code, and administrative expenses 
     necessary to carry out sections 322(d) and 521A of title 38, 
     United States Code, and hospital care and medical services 
     authorized by section 1787 of title 38, United States Code; 
     $750,000,000, which shall be in addition to funds previously 
     appropriated under this heading that become available on 
     October 1, 2018; and, in

[[Page H7963]]

     addition, $51,411,165,000, plus reimbursements, shall become 
     available on October 1, 2019, and shall remain available 
     until September 30, 2020:  Provided, That, of the amount made 
     available on October 1, 2019, under this heading, 
     $1,500,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 
     2021:  Provided further, That, notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     establish a priority for the provision of medical treatment 
     for veterans who have service-connected disabilities, lower 
     income, or have special needs:  Provided further, That, 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall give priority funding for the 
     provision of basic medical benefits to veterans in enrollment 
     priority groups 1 through 6:  Provided further, That, 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs may authorize the dispensing of prescription 
     drugs from Veterans Health Administration facilities to 
     enrolled veterans with privately written prescriptions based 
     on requirements established by the Secretary:  Provided 
     further, That the implementation of the program described in 
     the previous proviso shall incur no additional cost to the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs:  Provided further, That the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that sufficient 
     amounts appropriated under this heading for medical supplies 
     and equipment are available for the acquisition of 
     prosthetics designed specifically for female veterans.

                         medical community care

       For necessary expenses for furnishing health care to 
     individuals pursuant to chapter 17 of title 38, United States 
     Code, at non-Department facilities, $1,000,000,000, which 
     shall be in addition to funds previously appropriated under 
     this heading that become available on October 1, 2018; and, 
     in addition, $10,758,399,000, plus reimbursements, shall 
     become available on October 1, 2019, and shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2020:  Provided, That, of the 
     amount made available on October 1, 2019, under this heading, 
     $2,000,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 
     2021.

                     medical support and compliance

       For necessary expenses in the administration of the 
     medical, hospital, nursing home, domiciliary, construction, 
     supply, and research activities, as authorized by law; 
     administrative expenses in support of capital policy 
     activities; and administrative and legal expenses of the 
     Department for collecting and recovering amounts owed the 
     Department as authorized under chapter 17 of title 38, United 
     States Code, and the Federal Medical Care Recovery Act (42 
     U.S.C. 2651 et seq.), $7,239,156,000, plus reimbursements, 
     shall become available on October 1, 2019, and shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2020:  Provided, That, of the 
     amount made available on October 1, 2019, under this heading, 
     $100,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2021.

                           medical facilities

       For necessary expenses for the maintenance and operation of 
     hospitals, nursing homes, domiciliary facilities, and other 
     necessary facilities of the Veterans Health Administration; 
     for administrative expenses in support of planning, design, 
     project management, real property acquisition and 
     disposition, construction, and renovation of any facility 
     under the jurisdiction or for the use of the Department; for 
     oversight, engineering, and architectural activities not 
     charged to project costs; for repairing, altering, improving, 
     or providing facilities in the several hospitals and homes 
     under the jurisdiction of the Department, not otherwise 
     provided for, either by contract or by the hire of temporary 
     employees and purchase of materials; for leases of 
     facilities; and for laundry services; $90,180,000, which 
     shall be in addition to funds previously appropriated under 
     this heading that become available on October 1, 2018; and, 
     in addition, $6,141,880,000, plus reimbursements, shall 
     become available on October 1, 2019, and shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2020:  Provided, That, of the 
     amount made available on October 1, 2019, under this heading, 
     $250,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2021.

                    medical and prosthetic research

       For necessary expenses in carrying out programs of medical 
     and prosthetic research and development as authorized by 
     chapter 73 of title 38, United States Code, $779,000,000, 
     plus reimbursements, shall remain available until September 
     30, 2020:  Provided, That of the amount made available under 
     this heading, $27,000,000 shall remain available until 
     September 30, 2023:  Provided further, That the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall ensure that sufficient amounts 
     appropriated under this heading are available for prosthetic 
     research specifically for female veterans, and for toxic 
     exposure research.

                    National Cemetery Administration

       For necessary expenses of the National Cemetery 
     Administration for operations and maintenance, not otherwise 
     provided for, including uniforms or allowances therefor; 
     cemeterial expenses as authorized by law; purchase of one 
     passenger motor vehicle for use in cemeterial operations; 
     hire of passenger motor vehicles; and repair, alteration or 
     improvement of facilities under the jurisdiction of the 
     National Cemetery Administration, $315,836,000, of which not 
     to exceed 10 percent shall remain available until September 
     30, 2020.

                      Departmental Administration

                         general administration

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For necessary operating expenses of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs, not otherwise provided for, including 
     administrative expenses in support of Department-wide capital 
     planning, management and policy activities, uniforms, or 
     allowances therefor; not to exceed $25,000 for official 
     reception and representation expenses; hire of passenger 
     motor vehicles; and reimbursement of the General Services 
     Administration for security guard services, $355,897,000, of 
     which not to exceed 10 percent shall remain available until 
     September 30, 2020:  Provided, That funds provided under this 
     heading may be transferred to ``General Operating Expenses, 
     Veterans Benefits Administration''.

                       board of veterans appeals

       For necessary operating expenses of the Board of Veterans 
     Appeals, $174,748,000, of which not to exceed 10 percent 
     shall remain available until September 30, 2020.

                     information technology systems

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For necessary expenses for information technology systems 
     and telecommunications support, including developmental 
     information systems and operational information systems; for 
     pay and associated costs; and for the capital asset 
     acquisition of information technology systems, including 
     management and related contractual costs of said 
     acquisitions, including contractual costs associated with 
     operations authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United 
     States Code, $4,103,000,000, plus reimbursements:  Provided, 
     That $1,199,220,000 shall be for pay and associated costs, of 
     which not to exceed 3 percent shall remain available until 
     September 30, 2020:  Provided further, That $2,523,209,000 
     shall be for operations and maintenance, of which not to 
     exceed 5 percent shall remain available until September 30, 
     2020:  Provided further, That $380,571,000 shall be for 
     information technology systems development, and shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2020:  Provided further, That 
     amounts made available for salaries and expenses, operations 
     and maintenance, and information technology systems 
     development may be transferred among the three subaccounts 
     after the Secretary of Veterans Affairs requests from the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the 
     authority to make the transfer and an approval is issued:  
     Provided further, That amounts made available for the 
     ``Information Technology Systems'' account for development 
     may be transferred among projects or to newly defined 
     projects:  Provided further, That no project may be increased 
     or decreased by more than $1,000,000 of cost prior to 
     submitting a request to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress to make the transfer and an approval 
     is issued, or absent a response, a period of 30 days has 
     elapsed:  Provided further, That the funds made available 
     under this heading for information technology systems 
     development shall be for the projects, and in the amounts, 
     specified under this heading in the joint explanatory 
     statement accompanying this Act.

                   veterans electronic health record

       For activities related to implementation, preparation, 
     development, interface, management, rollout, and maintenance 
     of a Veterans Electronic Health Record system, including 
     contractual costs associated with operations authorized by 
     section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, and salaries and 
     expenses of employees hired under titles 5 and 38, United 
     States Code, $1,107,000,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2021:  Provided, That the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress quarterly reports detailing 
     obligations, expenditures, and deployment implementation by 
     facility:  Provided further, That the funds provided in this 
     account shall only be available to the Office of the Deputy 
     Secretary, to be administered by that Office:  Provided 
     further, That none of the funds made available under this 
     heading may be obligated in a manner inconsistent with 
     deployment schedules provided to the Committees on 
     Appropriations unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     provides notification to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     such change and an approval is issued.

                      office of inspector general

       For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General, 
     to include information technology, in carrying out the 
     provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. 
     App.), $192,000,000, of which not to exceed 10 percent shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2020.

                      construction, major projects

       For constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of 
     the facilities, including parking projects, under the 
     jurisdiction or for the use of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs, or for any of the purposes set forth in sections 
     316, 2404, 2406 and chapter 81 of title 38, United States 
     Code, not otherwise provided for, including planning, 
     architectural and engineering services, construction 
     management services, maintenance or guarantee period services 
     costs associated with equipment guarantees provided under the 
     project, services of claims analysts, offsite utility and 
     storm drainage system construction costs, and site 
     acquisition, where the estimated cost of a project is more 
     than the amount set forth in section 8104(a)(3)(A) of title 
     38, United States Code, or where funds

[[Page H7964]]

     for a project were made available in a previous major project 
     appropriation, $1,127,486,000, of which $647,486,000 shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2023, and of which 
     $480,000,000 shall remain available until expended, of which 
     $400,000,000 shall be available for seismic improvement 
     projects and seismic program management activities, including 
     for projects that would otherwise be funded by the 
     Construction, Minor Projects, Medical Facilities or National 
     Cemetery Administration accounts:  Provided, That except for 
     advance planning activities, including needs assessments 
     which may or may not lead to capital investments, and other 
     capital asset management related activities, including 
     portfolio development and management activities, and 
     investment strategy studies funded through the advance 
     planning fund and the planning and design activities funded 
     through the design fund, including needs assessments which 
     may or may not lead to capital investments, and salaries and 
     associated costs of the resident engineers who oversee those 
     capital investments funded through this account and 
     contracting officers who manage specific major construction 
     projects, and funds provided for the purchase, security, and 
     maintenance of land for the National Cemetery Administration 
     through the land acquisition line item, none of the funds 
     made available under this heading shall be used for any 
     project that has not been notified to Congress through the 
     budgetary process or that has not been approved by the 
     Congress through statute, joint resolution, or in the 
     explanatory statement accompanying such Act and presented to 
     the President at the time of enrollment:  Provided further, 
     That funds made available under this heading for fiscal year 
     2019, for each approved project shall be obligated: (1) by 
     the awarding of a construction documents contract by 
     September 30, 2019; and (2) by the awarding of a construction 
     contract by September 30, 2020:  Provided further, That the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall promptly submit to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a 
     written report on any approved major construction project for 
     which obligations are not incurred within the time 
     limitations established above:  Provided further, That 
     notwithstanding the requirements of section 8104(a) of title 
     38, United States Code, amounts made available under this 
     heading for seismic improvement projects and seismic program 
     management activities shall be available for the completion 
     of both new and existing seismic projects of the Department.

                      construction, minor projects

       For constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of 
     the facilities, including parking projects, under the 
     jurisdiction or for the use of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs, including planning and assessments of needs which 
     may lead to capital investments, architectural and 
     engineering services, maintenance or guarantee period 
     services costs associated with equipment guarantees provided 
     under the project, services of claims analysts, offsite 
     utility and storm drainage system construction costs, and 
     site acquisition, or for any of the purposes set forth in 
     sections 316, 2404, 2406 and chapter 81 of title 38, United 
     States Code, not otherwise provided for, where the estimated 
     cost of a project is equal to or less than the amount set 
     forth in section 8104(a)(3)(A) of title 38, United States 
     Code, $649,514,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2023, along with unobligated balances of previous 
     ``Construction, Minor Projects'' appropriations which are 
     hereby made available for any project where the estimated 
     cost is equal to or less than the amount set forth in such 
     section:  Provided, That funds made available under this 
     heading shall be for: (1) repairs to any of the nonmedical 
     facilities under the jurisdiction or for the use of the 
     Department which are necessary because of loss or damage 
     caused by any natural disaster or catastrophe; and (2) 
     temporary measures necessary to prevent or to minimize 
     further loss by such causes.

                      grants for construction of 
                     state extended care facilities

       For grants to assist States to acquire or construct State 
     nursing home and domiciliary facilities and to remodel, 
     modify, or alter existing hospital, nursing home, and 
     domiciliary facilities in State homes, for furnishing care to 
     veterans as authorized by sections 8131 through 8137 of title 
     38, United States Code, $150,000,000, to remain available 
     until expended.

             grants for construction of veterans cemeteries

       For grants to assist States and tribal organizations in 
     establishing, expanding, or improving veterans cemeteries as 
     authorized by section 2408 of title 38, United States Code, 
     $45,000,000, to remain available until expended.

                       Administrative Provisions

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 201.  Any appropriation for fiscal year 2019 for 
     ``Compensation and Pensions'', ``Readjustment Benefits'', and 
     ``Veterans Insurance and Indemnities'' may be transferred as 
     necessary to any other of the mentioned appropriations:  
     Provided, That, before a transfer may take place, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the 
     authority to make the transfer and such Committees issue an 
     approval, or absent a response, a period of 30 days has 
     elapsed.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 202.  Amounts made available for the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2019, in this or any other 
     Act, under the ``Medical Services'', ``Medical Community 
     Care'', ``Medical Support and Compliance'', and ``Medical 
     Facilities'' accounts may be transferred among the accounts:  
     Provided, That any transfers among the ``Medical Services'', 
     ``Medical Community Care'', and ``Medical Support and 
     Compliance'' accounts of 1 percent or less of the total 
     amount appropriated to the account in this or any other Act 
     may take place subject to notification from the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs to the Committees on Appropriations of both 
     Houses of Congress of the amount and purpose of the transfer: 
      Provided further, That any transfers among the ``Medical 
     Services'', ``Medical Community Care'', and ``Medical Support 
     and Compliance'' accounts in excess of 1 percent, or 
     exceeding the cumulative 1 percent for the fiscal year, may 
     take place only after the Secretary requests from the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the 
     authority to make the transfer and an approval is issued:  
     Provided further, That any transfers to or from the ``Medical 
     Facilities'' account may take place only after the Secretary 
     requests from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses 
     of Congress the authority to make the transfer and an 
     approval is issued.
       Sec. 203.  Appropriations available in this title for 
     salaries and expenses shall be available for services 
     authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code; 
     hire of passenger motor vehicles; lease of a facility or land 
     or both; and uniforms or allowances therefore, as authorized 
     by sections 5901 through 5902 of title 5, United States Code.
       Sec. 204.  No appropriations in this title (except the 
     appropriations for ``Construction, Major Projects'', and 
     ``Construction, Minor Projects'') shall be available for the 
     purchase of any site for or toward the construction of any 
     new hospital or home.
       Sec. 205.  No appropriations in this title shall be 
     available for hospitalization or examination of any persons 
     (except beneficiaries entitled to such hospitalization or 
     examination under the laws providing such benefits to 
     veterans, and persons receiving such treatment under sections 
     7901 through 7904 of title 5, United States Code, or the 
     Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.)), unless reimbursement of the 
     cost of such hospitalization or examination is made to the 
     ``Medical Services'' account at such rates as may be fixed by 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
       Sec. 206.  Appropriations available in this title for 
     ``Compensation and Pensions'', ``Readjustment Benefits'', and 
     ``Veterans Insurance and Indemnities'' shall be available for 
     payment of prior year accrued obligations required to be 
     recorded by law against the corresponding prior year accounts 
     within the last quarter of fiscal year 2018.
       Sec. 207.  Appropriations available in this title shall be 
     available to pay prior year obligations of corresponding 
     prior year appropriations accounts resulting from sections 
     3328(a), 3334, and 3712(a) of title 31, United States Code, 
     except that if such obligations are from trust fund accounts 
     they shall be payable only from ``Compensation and 
     Pensions''.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 208.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     during fiscal year 2019, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall, from the National Service Life Insurance Fund under 
     section 1920 of title 38, United States Code, the Veterans' 
     Special Life Insurance Fund under section 1923 of title 38, 
     United States Code, and the United States Government Life 
     Insurance Fund under section 1955 of title 38, United States 
     Code, reimburse the ``General Operating Expenses, Veterans 
     Benefits Administration'' and ``Information Technology 
     Systems'' accounts for the cost of administration of the 
     insurance programs financed through those accounts:  
     Provided, That reimbursement shall be made only from the 
     surplus earnings accumulated in such an insurance program 
     during fiscal year 2019 that are available for dividends in 
     that program after claims have been paid and actuarially 
     determined reserves have been set aside:  Provided further, 
     That if the cost of administration of such an insurance 
     program exceeds the amount of surplus earnings accumulated in 
     that program, reimbursement shall be made only to the extent 
     of such surplus earnings:  Provided further, That the 
     Secretary shall determine the cost of administration for 
     fiscal year 2019 which is properly allocable to the provision 
     of each such insurance program and to the provision of any 
     total disability income insurance included in that insurance 
     program.
       Sec. 209.  Amounts deducted from enhanced-use lease 
     proceeds to reimburse an account for expenses incurred by 
     that account during a prior fiscal year for providing 
     enhanced-use lease services, may be obligated during the 
     fiscal year in which the proceeds are received.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 210.  Funds available in this title or funds for 
     salaries and other administrative expenses shall also be 
     available to reimburse 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 for all 
     services provided at rates which will recover

[[Page H7965]]

     actual costs but not to exceed $48,431,000 for the Office of 
     Resolution Management, $4,333,000 for the Office of 
     Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication, $17,700,000 
     for the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower 
     Protection, and $3,230,000 for the Office of Diversity and 
     Inclusion:  Provided, That payments may be made in advance 
     for services to be furnished based on estimated costs:  
     Provided further, That amounts received shall be credited to 
     the ``General Administration'' and ``Information Technology 
     Systems'' accounts for use by the office that provided the 
     service.
       Sec. 211.  No funds of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     shall be available for hospital care, nursing home care, or 
     medical services provided to any person under chapter 17 of 
     title 38, United States Code, for a non-service-connected 
     disability described in section 1729(a)(2) of such title, 
     unless that person has disclosed to the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs, in such form as the Secretary may require, current, 
     accurate third-party reimbursement information for purposes 
     of section 1729 of such title:  Provided, That the Secretary 
     may recover, in the same manner as any other debt due the 
     United States, the reasonable charges for such care or 
     services from any person who does not make such disclosure as 
     required:  Provided further, That any amounts so recovered 
     for care or services provided in a prior fiscal year may be 
     obligated by the Secretary during the fiscal year in which 
     amounts are received.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 212.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     proceeds or revenues derived from enhanced-use leasing 
     activities (including disposal) may be deposited into the 
     ``Construction, Major Projects'' and ``Construction, Minor 
     Projects'' accounts and be used for construction (including 
     site acquisition and disposition), alterations, and 
     improvements of any medical facility under the jurisdiction 
     or for the use of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Such 
     sums as realized are in addition to the amount provided for 
     in ``Construction, Major Projects'' and ``Construction, Minor 
     Projects''.
       Sec. 213.  Amounts made available under ``Medical 
     Services'' are available--
       (1) for furnishing recreational facilities, supplies, and 
     equipment; and
       (2) for funeral expenses, burial expenses, and other 
     expenses incidental to funerals and burials for beneficiaries 
     receiving care in the Department.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 214.  Such sums as may be deposited to the Medical 
     Care Collections Fund pursuant to section 1729A of title 38, 
     United States Code, may be transferred to the ``Medical 
     Services'' and ``Medical Community Care'' accounts to remain 
     available until expended for the purposes of these accounts.
       Sec. 215.  The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into 
     agreements with Federally Qualified Health Centers in the 
     State of Alaska and Indian tribes and tribal organizations 
     which are party to the Alaska Native Health Compact with the 
     Indian Health Service, to provide healthcare, including 
     behavioral health and dental care, to veterans in rural 
     Alaska. The Secretary shall require participating veterans 
     and facilities to comply with all appropriate rules and 
     regulations, as established by the Secretary. The term 
     ``rural Alaska'' shall mean those lands which are not within 
     the boundaries of the municipality of Anchorage or the 
     Fairbanks North Star Borough.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 216.  Such sums as may be deposited to the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Fund pursuant to section 
     8118 of title 38, United States Code, may be transferred to 
     the ``Construction, Major Projects'' and ``Construction, 
     Minor Projects'' accounts, to remain available until expended 
     for the purposes of these accounts.
       Sec. 217.  Not later than 30 days after the end of each 
     fiscal quarter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress a report on the financial status of the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs for the preceding quarter:  Provided, 
     That, at a minimum, the report shall include the direction 
     contained in the paragraph entitled ``Quarterly reporting'', 
     under the heading ``General Administration'' in the joint 
     explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 114-223.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 218.  Amounts made available under the ``Medical 
     Services'', ``Medical Community Care'', ``Medical Support and 
     Compliance'', ``Medical Facilities'', ``General Operating 
     Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration'', ``Board of 
     Veterans Appeals'', ``General Administration'', and 
     ``National Cemetery Administration'' accounts for fiscal year 
     2019 may be transferred to or from the ``Information 
     Technology Systems'' account:  Provided, That such transfers 
     may not result in a more than 10 percent aggregate increase 
     in the total amount made available by this Act for the 
     ``Information Technology Systems'' account:  Provided 
     further, That, before a transfer may take place, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the 
     authority to make the transfer and an approval is issued.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 219.  Of the amounts appropriated to the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2019 for ``Medical 
     Services'', ``Medical Community Care'', ``Medical Support and 
     Compliance'', ``Medical Facilities'', ``Construction, Minor 
     Projects'', and ``Information Technology Systems'', up to 
     $301,578,000, plus reimbursements, may be transferred to the 
     Joint Department of Defense--Department of Veterans Affairs 
     Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, established by section 
     1704 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84; 123 Stat. 3571) and may be used 
     for operation of the facilities designated as combined 
     Federal medical facilities as described by section 706 of the 
     Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122 Stat. 4500):  Provided, 
     That additional funds may be transferred from accounts 
     designated in this section to the Joint Department of 
     Defense--Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility 
     Demonstration Fund upon written notification by the Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress:  Provided further, That section 220 
     of title II of division J of Public Law 115-141 is repealed.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 220.  Of the amounts appropriated to the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs which become available on October 1, 2019, 
     for ``Medical Services'', ``Medical Community Care'', 
     ``Medical Support and Compliance'', and ``Medical 
     Facilities'', up to $307,609,000, plus reimbursements, may be 
     transferred to the Joint Department of Defense--Department of 
     Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, 
     established by section 1704 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84; 
     123 Stat. 3571) and may be used for operation of the 
     facilities designated as combined Federal medical facilities 
     as described by section 706 of the Duncan Hunter National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 
     110-417; 122 Stat. 4500):  Provided, That additional funds 
     may be transferred from accounts designated in this section 
     to the Joint Department of Defense--Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund upon written 
     notification by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 221.  Such sums as may be deposited to the Medical 
     Care Collections Fund pursuant to section 1729A of title 38, 
     United States Code, for healthcare provided at facilities 
     designated as combined Federal medical facilities as 
     described by section 706 of the Duncan Hunter National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 
     110-417; 122 Stat. 4500) shall also be available: (1) for 
     transfer to the Joint Department of Defense--Department of 
     Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, 
     established by section 1704 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84; 
     123 Stat. 3571); and (2) for operations of the facilities 
     designated as combined Federal medical facilities as 
     described by section 706 of the Duncan Hunter National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 
     110-417; 122 Stat. 4500):  Provided, That, notwithstanding 
     section 1704(b)(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act 
     for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84; 123 Stat. 2573), 
     amounts transferred to the Joint Department of Defense--
     Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration 
     Fund shall remain available until expended.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 222.  Of the amounts available in this title for 
     ``Medical Services'', ``Medical Community Care'', ``Medical 
     Support and Compliance'', and ``Medical Facilities'', a 
     minimum of $15,000,000 shall be transferred to the DOD-VA 
     Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, as authorized by section 
     8111(d) of title 38, United States Code, to remain available 
     until expended, for any purpose authorized by section 8111 of 
     title 38, United States Code.
       Sec. 223.  None of the funds available to the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs, in this or any other Act, may be used to 
     replace the current system by which the Veterans Integrated 
     Service Networks select and contract for diabetes monitoring 
     supplies and equipment.
       Sec. 224.  The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall notify 
     the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress 
     of all bid savings in a major construction project that total 
     at least $5,000,000, or 5 percent of the programmed amount of 
     the project, whichever is less:  Provided, That such 
     notification shall occur within 14 days of a contract 
     identifying the programmed amount:  Provided further, That 
     the Secretary shall notify the Committees on Appropriations 
     of both Houses of Congress 14 days prior to the obligation of 
     such bid savings and shall describe the anticipated use of 
     such savings.
       Sec. 225.  None of the funds made available for 
     ``Construction, Major Projects'' may be used for a project in 
     excess of the scope specified for that project in the 
     original justification data provided to the Congress as part 
     of the request for appropriations unless the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs receives approval from the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
       Sec. 226.  Not later than 30 days after the end of each 
     fiscal quarter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress a quarterly report containing performance measures 
     and data from each Veterans Benefits Administration Regional 
     Office:  Provided, That, at a minimum, the report shall 
     include the direction contained in

[[Page H7966]]

     the section entitled ``Disability claims backlog'', under the 
     heading ``General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits 
     Administration'' in the joint explanatory statement 
     accompanying Public Law 114-223:  Provided further, That the 
     report shall also include information on the number of 
     appeals pending at the Veterans Benefits Administration as 
     well as the Board of Veterans Appeals on a quarterly basis.
       Sec. 227.  The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide 
     written notification to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress 15 days prior to organizational 
     changes which result in the transfer of 25 or more full-time 
     equivalents from one organizational unit of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs to another.
       Sec. 228.  The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide 
     on a quarterly basis to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress notification of any single national 
     outreach and awareness marketing campaign in which 
     obligations exceed $2,000,000.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 229.  The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, upon 
     determination that such action is necessary to address needs 
     of the Veterans Health Administration, may transfer to the 
     ``Medical Services'' account any discretionary appropriations 
     made available for fiscal year 2019 in this title (except 
     appropriations made to the ``General Operating Expenses, 
     Veterans Benefits Administration'' account) or any 
     discretionary unobligated balances within the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs, including those appropriated for fiscal 
     year 2019, that were provided in advance by appropriations 
     Acts:  Provided, That transfers shall be made only with the 
     approval of the Office of Management and Budget:  Provided 
     further, That the transfer authority provided in this section 
     is in addition to any other transfer authority provided by 
     law:  Provided further, That no amounts may be transferred 
     from amounts that were designated by Congress as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget 
     or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985:  Provided further, That such authority to transfer may 
     not be used unless for higher priority items, based on 
     emergent healthcare requirements, than those for which 
     originally appropriated and in no case where the item for 
     which funds are requested has been denied by Congress:  
     Provided further, That, upon determination that all or part 
     of the funds transferred from an appropriation are not 
     necessary, such amounts may be transferred back to that 
     appropriation and shall be available for the same purposes as 
     originally appropriated:  Provided further, That before a 
     transfer may take place, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall request from the Committees on Appropriations of both 
     Houses of Congress the authority to make the transfer and 
     receive approval of that request.

                     (including transfer of funds)

       Sec. 230.  Amounts made available for the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2019, under the ``Board of 
     Veterans Appeals'' and the ``General Operating Expenses, 
     Veterans Benefits Administration'' accounts may be 
     transferred between such accounts:  Provided, That before a 
     transfer may take place, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall request from the Committees on Appropriations of both 
     Houses of Congress the authority to make the transfer and 
     receive approval of that request.
       Sec. 231.  The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not 
     reprogram funds among major construction projects or programs 
     if such instance of reprogramming will exceed $7,000,000, 
     unless such reprogramming is approved by the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
       Sec. 232. (a) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     ensure that the toll-free suicide hotline under section 
     1720F(h) of title 38, United States Code--
       (1) provides to individuals who contact the hotline 
     immediate assistance from a trained professional; and
       (2) adheres to all requirements of the American Association 
     of Suicidology.
       (b)(1) None of the funds made available by this Act may be 
     used to enforce or otherwise carry out any Executive action 
     that prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 
     appointing an individual to occupy a vacant civil service 
     position, or establishing a new civil service position, at 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to such a 
     position relating to the hotline specified in subsection (a).
       (2) In this subsection--
       (A) the term ``civil service'' has the meaning given such 
     term in section 2101(1) of title 5, United States Code; and
       (B) the term ``Executive action'' includes--
       (i) any Executive order, presidential memorandum, or other 
     action by the President; and
       (ii) any agency policy, order, or other directive.
       (c)(1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a 
     study on the effectiveness of the hotline specified in 
     subsection (a) during the five-year period beginning on 
     January 1, 2016, based on an analysis of national suicide 
     data and data collected from such hotline.
       (2) At a minimum, the study required by paragraph (1) 
     shall--
       (A) determine the number of veterans who contact the 
     hotline specified in subsection (a) and who receive follow up 
     services from the hotline or mental health services from the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs thereafter;
       (B) determine the number of veterans who contact the 
     hotline who are not referred to, or do not continue 
     receiving, mental health care who commit suicide; and
       (C) determine the number of veterans described in 
     subparagraph (A) who commit or attempt suicide.
       Sec. 233.  None of the funds in this or any other Act may 
     be used to close Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
     hospitals, domiciliaries, or clinics, conduct an 
     environmental assessment, or to diminish healthcare services 
     at existing Veterans Health Administration medical facilities 
     located in Veterans Integrated Service Network 23 as part of 
     a planned realignment of VA services until the Secretary 
     provides to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses 
     of Congress a report including the following elements:
       (1) a national realignment strategy that includes a 
     detailed description of realignment plans within each 
     Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN), including an 
     updated Long Range Capital Plan to implement realignment 
     requirements;
       (2) an explanation of the process by which those plans were 
     developed and coordinated within each VISN;
       (3) a cost versus benefit analysis of each planned 
     realignment, including the cost of replacing Veterans Health 
     Administration services with contract care or other 
     outsourced services;
       (4) an analysis of how any such planned realignment of 
     services will impact access to care for veterans living in 
     rural or highly rural areas, including travel distances and 
     transportation costs to access a VA medical facility and 
     availability of local specialty and primary care;
       (5) an inventory of VA buildings with historic designation 
     and the methodology used to determine the buildings' 
     condition and utilization;
       (6) a description of how any realignment will be consistent 
     with requirements under the National Historic Preservation 
     Act; and
       (7) consideration given for reuse of historic buildings 
     within newly identified realignment requirements:  Provided, 
     That, this provision shall not apply to capital projects in 
     VISN 23, or any other VISN, which have been authorized or 
     approved by Congress.
       Sec. 234.  Effective during the period beginning on October 
     1, 2018 and ending on January 1, 2024, none of the funds made 
     available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs by this or any 
     other Act may be obligated or expended in contravention of 
     the ``Veterans Health Administration Clinical Preventive 
     Services Guidance Statement on the Veterans Health 
     Administration's Screening for Breast Cancer Guidance'' 
     published on May 10, 2017, as issued by the Veterans Health 
     Administration National Center for Health Promotion and 
     Disease Prevention.
       Sec. 235. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs for the ``Medical Services'' 
     account may be used to provide--
       (1) fertility counseling and treatment using assisted 
     reproductive technology to a covered veteran or the spouse of 
     a covered veteran; or
       (2) adoption reimbursement to a covered veteran.
       (b) In this section:
       (1) The term ``service-connected'' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
       (2) The term ``covered veteran'' means a veteran, as such 
     term is defined in section 101 of title 38, United States 
     Code, who has a service-connected disability that results in 
     the inability of the veteran to procreate without the use of 
     fertility treatment.
       (3) The term ``assisted reproductive technology'' means 
     benefits relating to reproductive assistance provided to a 
     member of the Armed Forces who incurs a serious injury or 
     illness on active duty pursuant to section 1074(c)(4)(A) of 
     title 10, United States Code, as described in the memorandum 
     on the subject of ``Policy for Assisted Reproductive Services 
     for the Benefit of Seriously or Severely Ill/Injured 
     (Category II or III) Active Duty Service Members'' issued by 
     the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs on 
     April 3, 2012, and the guidance issued to implement such 
     policy, including any limitations on the amount of such 
     benefits available to such a member except that--
       (A) the time periods regarding embryo cryopreservation and 
     storage set forth in part III(G) and in part IV(H) of such 
     memorandum shall not apply; and
       (B) such term includes embryo cryopreservation and storage 
     without limitation on the duration of such cryopreservation 
     and storage.
       (4) The term ``adoption reimbursement'' means reimbursement 
     for the adoption-related expenses for an adoption that is 
     finalized after the date of the enactment of this Act under 
     the same terms as apply under the adoption reimbursement 
     program of the Department of Defense, as authorized in 
     Department of Defense Instruction 1341.09, including the 
     reimbursement limits and requirements set forth in such 
     instruction.
       (c) Amounts made available for the purposes specified in 
     subsection (a) of this section are subject to the 
     requirements for funds contained in section 508 of division H 
     of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-
     141).

[[Page H7967]]

  


                         (rescission of funds)

       Sec. 236.  Of the funds made available for fiscal year 2019 
     under the heading ``Department of Veterans Affairs--Veterans 
     Health Administration--Medical Support and Compliance'' in 
     title II of division J of the Consolidated Appropriations 
     Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-141), $211,000,000 is hereby 
     rescinded.
       Sec. 237.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available by this Act or any other Act for the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs may be used in a manner that is inconsistent 
     with: (1) section 842 of the Transportation, Treasury, 
     Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of 
     Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 
     (Public Law 109-115; 119 Stat. 2506); or (2) section 
     8110(a)(5) of title 38, United States Code.
       Sec. 238.  Section 842 of Public Law 109-115 shall not 
     apply to conversion of an activity or function of the 
     Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits 
     Administration, or National Cemetery Administration to 
     contractor performance by a business concern that is at least 
     51 percent owned by one or more Indian tribes as defined in 
     section 5304(e) of title 25, United States Code, or one or 
     more Native Hawaiian Organizations as defined in section 
     637(a)(15) of title 15, United States Code.
       Sec. 239. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Labor, shall 
     discontinue using Social Security account numbers to identify 
     individuals in all information systems of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs as follows:
       (1) For all veterans submitting to the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs new claims for benefits under laws 
     administered by the Secretary, not later than 5 years after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (2) For all individuals not described in paragraph (1), not 
     later than 8 years after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.
       (b) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may use a Social 
     Security account number to identify an individual in an 
     information system of the Department of Veterans Affairs if 
     and only if the use of such number is required to obtain 
     information the Secretary requires from an information system 
     that is not under the jurisdiction of the Secretary.
       Sec. 240.  For funds provided to the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs for each of fiscal year 2019 and 2020 for ``Medical 
     Services'', section 239 of Division A of Public Law 114-223 
     shall apply.
       Sec. 241.  None of the funds appropriated in this or prior 
     appropriations Acts or otherwise made available to the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs may be used to transfer any 
     amounts from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund 
     to any other account within the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs.
       Sec. 242.  Of the funds provided to the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 
     2020 for ``Medical Services'', funds may be used in each year 
     to carry out and expand the child care program authorized by 
     section 205 of Public Law 111-163, notwithstanding subsection 
     (e) of such section.
       Sec. 243.  For funds provided to the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs for each of fiscal year 2019 and 2020, section of 
     Division A of Public Law 114-223 shall apply.
       Sec. 244. (a) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may use 
     amounts appropriated or otherwise made available in this 
     title to ensure that the ratio of veterans to full-time 
     employment equivalents within any program of rehabilitation 
     conducted under chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code, 
     does not exceed 125 veterans to one full-time employment 
     equivalent.
       (b) Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
     on the programs of rehabilitation conducted under chapter 31 
     of title 38, United States Code, including--
       (1) an assessment of the veteran-to-staff ratio for each 
     such program; and
       (2) recommendations for such action as the Secretary 
     considers necessary to reduce the veteran-to-staff ratio for 
     each such program.
       Sec. 245.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available in this title may be used by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement related to 
     resolving a dispute or claim with an individual that would 
     restrict in any way the individual from speaking to members 
     of Congress or their staff on any topic not otherwise 
     prohibited from disclosure by Federal law or required by 
     Executive Order to be kept secret in the interest of national 
     defense or the conduct of foreign affairs.
       Sec. 246.  For funds provided to the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs for each of fiscal year 2019 and 2020, section 258 of 
     Division A of Public Law 114-223 shall apply.
       Sec. 247.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available by this Act may be used to conduct research using 
     canines unless: the scientific objectives of the study can 
     only be met by research with canines; the study has been 
     directly approved by the Secretary; and the study is 
     consistent with the revised Department of Veterans Affairs 
     canine research policy document released on December 18, 
     2017:  Provided, That not later than 180 days after enactment 
     of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a detailed report 
     outlining under what circumstances canine research may be 
     needed if there are no other alternatives, how often it was 
     used during that time period, and what protocols are in place 
     to determine both the safety and efficacy of the research.
       Sec. 248.  For an additional amount for the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs, $2,000,000,000 to remain available until 
     expended, for infrastructure improvements, including new 
     construction, and in addition to amounts otherwise made 
     available in this Act for such purpose, of which:
       (1) $750,000,000 shall be available for seismic improvement 
     projects and seismic program management activities, including 
     projects that would otherwise be funded by the Construction, 
     Major Projects, the Construction, Minor Projects, Medical 
     Facilities, or National Cemetery Administration accounts;
       (2) $300,000,000 shall be for ``Departmental 
     Administration--Construction, Major Projects'';
       (3) $800,000,000 shall be for ``Veterans Health 
     Administration--Medical Facilities'' to be used for non-
     recurring maintenance; and
       (4) $150,000,000 shall be for ``Departmental 
     Administration--Construction, Minor Projects'':
       Provided, That the additional amounts appropriated for the 
     purposes of non-recurring maintenance and minor construction 
     may be used to carry out critical life-safety projects 
     identified in the Department's annual facility condition 
     assessments; sustainment projects; modernization projects; 
     infrastructure repair; renovations at existing Veterans 
     Health Administration medical centers and outpatient clinics; 
     and projects included in the Strategic Capital Investment 
     Process plan:  Provided further, That funds made available 
     under this section for ``Construction, Major Projects'' shall 
     be available for previously authorized and partially funded 
     major construction projects:  Provided further,  That 
     notwithstanding the requirements of section 8104(a) of title 
     38, United States Code, amounts made available under this 
     heading for seismic improvement projects and seismic program 
     management activities shall be available for the completion 
     of both new and existing projects of the Department:  
     Provided further, That the additional amounts appropriated 
     under this section may not be obligated or expended until the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs submits to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, and such 
     Committees approve, a detailed expenditure plan, including 
     project descriptions and costs, for any non-recurring 
     maintenance, minor construction, major construction, or 
     seismic improvement project being funded with the additional 
     amounts made available in this administrative provision.
       Sec. 249. (a) Prohibition on Use of Funds.--None of the 
     funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act 
     may be used to deny an Inspector General funded under this 
     Act timely access to any records, documents, or other 
     materials available to the department or agency of the United 
     States Government over which such Inspector General has 
     responsibilities under the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 
     U.S.C. App.), or to prevent or impede the access of such 
     Inspector General to such records, documents, or other 
     materials, under any provision of law, except a provision of 
     law that expressly refers to such Inspector General and 
     expressly limits the right of access of such Inspector 
     General.
       (b) Timely Access.--A department or agency covered by this 
     section shall provide its Inspector General access to all 
     records, documents, and other materials in a timely manner.
       (c) Compliance.--Each Inspector General covered by this 
     section shall ensure compliance with statutory limitations on 
     disclosure relevant to the information provided by the 
     department or agency over which that Inspector General has 
     responsibilities under the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 
     U.S.C. App.).
       (d) Report.--Each Inspector General covered by this section 
     shall report to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate 
     and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives within 5 calendar days of any failure by any 
     department or agency covered by this section to comply with 
     this section.
       Sec. 250. (a) Plan Required.--Not later than 90 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees 
     of Congress a plan to reduce the chances that clinical 
     mistakes by employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     will result in adverse events that require institutional or 
     clinical disclosures and to prevent any unnecessary hardship 
     for patients and families impacted by such adverse events.
       (b) Elements.--The plan required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A description of a process for the timely 
     identification of individuals impacted by disclosures 
     described in subsection (a) and the process for contacting 
     those individuals or their next of kin.
       (2) A description of procedures for expediting any remedial 
     or follow-up care required for those individuals.
       (3) A detailed outline of proposed changes to the process 
     of the Department for clinical quality checks and oversight.
       (4) A communication plan to ensure all facilities of the 
     Department are made aware of any requirements updated 
     pursuant to the plan.
       (5) A timeline detailing the implementation of the plan.

[[Page H7968]]

       (6) An identification of the senior executive of the 
     Department responsible for ensuring compliance with the plan.
       (7) An identification of potential impacts of the plan on 
     timely diagnoses for patients.
       (8) An identification of the processes and procedures for 
     employees of the Department to make leadership at the 
     facility and the Department aware of adverse events that are 
     concerning and that result in disclosures and to ensure that 
     the medical impact on veterans of such disclosures is 
     minimized.
       (c) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Subcommittee 
     on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related 
     Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; 
     and
       (2) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Subcommittee 
     on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related 
     Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives.
       Sec. 251.  None of the funds made available in this Act may 
     be used in a manner that would increase wait times for 
     veterans who seek care at medical facilities of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs.
       Sec. 252.  None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available by this Act to the Veterans Health Administration 
     may be used in fiscal year 2019 to convert any program which 
     received specific purpose funds in fiscal year 2018 to a 
     general purpose funded program unless the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs submits written notification of any such 
     proposal to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses 
     of Congress at least thirty days prior to any such action and 
     an approval is issued by the Committees.

                               TITLE III

                            RELATED AGENCIES

                  American Battle Monuments Commission

                         salaries and expenses

       For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, of the 
     American Battle Monuments Commission, including the 
     acquisition of land or interest in land in foreign countries; 
     purchases and repair of uniforms for caretakers of national 
     cemeteries and monuments outside of the United States and its 
     territories and possessions; rent of office and garage space 
     in foreign countries; purchase (one-for-one replacement basis 
     only) and hire of passenger motor vehicles; not to exceed 
     $42,000 for official reception and representation expenses; 
     and insurance of official motor vehicles in foreign 
     countries, when required by law of such countries, 
     $104,000,000, to remain available until expended.

                 foreign currency fluctuations account

       For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, of the 
     American Battle Monuments Commission, such sums as may be 
     necessary, to remain available until expended, for purposes 
     authorized by section 2109 of title 36, United States Code.

           United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

                         salaries and expenses

       For necessary expenses for the operation of the United 
     States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims as authorized by 
     sections 7251 through 7298 of title 38, United States Code, 
     $34,955,000:  Provided, That $2,580,000 shall be available 
     for the purpose of providing financial assistance as 
     described and in accordance with the process and reporting 
     procedures set forth under this heading in Public Law 102-
     229.

                      Department of Defense--Civil

                       Cemeterial Expenses, Army

                         salaries and expenses

       For necessary expenses for maintenance, operation, and 
     improvement of Arlington National Cemetery and Soldiers' and 
     Airmen's Home National Cemetery, including the purchase or 
     lease of passenger motor vehicles for replacement on a one-
     for-one basis only, and not to exceed $2,000 for official 
     reception and representation expenses, $80,800,000, of which 
     not to exceed $15,000,000 shall remain available until 
     September 30, 2021. In addition, such sums as may be 
     necessary for parking maintenance, repairs and replacement, 
     to be derived from the ``Lease of Department of Defense Real 
     Property for Defense Agencies'' account.

                              construction

       For necessary expenses for planning and design and 
     construction at Arlington National Cemetery and Soldiers' and 
     Airmen's Home National Cemetery, $33,600,000, to remain 
     available until expended, for planning and design and 
     construction associated with the Southern Expansion project 
     at Arlington National Cemetery.

                      Armed Forces Retirement Home

                               trust fund

       For expenses necessary for the Armed Forces Retirement Home 
     to operate and maintain the Armed Forces Retirement Home--
     Washington, District of Columbia, and the Armed Forces 
     Retirement Home--Gulfport, Mississippi, to be paid from funds 
     available in the Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund, 
     $64,300,000, of which $1,000,000 shall remain available until 
     expended for construction and renovation of the physical 
     plants at the Armed Forces Retirement Home--Washington, 
     District of Columbia, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home--
     Gulfport, Mississippi:  Provided, That of the amounts made 
     available under this heading from funds available in the 
     Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund, $22,000,000 shall be 
     paid from the general fund of the Treasury to the Trust Fund.

                        Administrative Provision

       Sec. 301.  Amounts deposited into the special account 
     established under 10 U.S.C. 4727 are appropriated and shall 
     be available until expended to support activities at the Army 
     National Military Cemeteries.

                                TITLE IV

                    OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS

                         DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

                      Military Construction, Army

       For an additional amount for ``Military Construction, 
     Army'', $192,250,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2023, for projects outside of the United States:  Provided, 
     That such amount is designated by the Congress for Overseas 
     Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism pursuant to 
     section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985.

              Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps

       For an additional amount for ``Military Construction, Navy 
     and Marine Corps'', $227,320,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2023, for projects outside of the United 
     States:  Provided, That such amount is designated by the 
     Congress for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on 
     Terrorism pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                    Military Construction, Air Force

       For an additional amount for ``Military Construction, Air 
     Force'' $414,800,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2023, for projects outside of the United States:  Provided, 
     That such amount is designated by the Congress for Overseas 
     Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism pursuant to 
     section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                  Military Construction, Defense-Wide

       For an additional amount for ``Military Construction, 
     Defense-Wide'', $87,050,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2023, for projects outside of the United 
     States:  Provided, That such amount is designated by the 
     Congress for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on 
     Terrorism pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                       Administrative Provisions

       Sec. 401.  Each amount designated in this Act by the 
     Congress for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on 
     Terrorism pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 
     shall be available only if the President subsequently so 
     designates all such amounts and transmits such designations 
     to the Congress.
       Sec. 402.  None of the funds appropriated for military 
     construction projects outside the United States under this 
     title may be obligated or expended for planning and design of 
     any project associated with the European Deterrence 
     Initiative until the Secretary of Defense develops and 
     submits to the congressional defense committees, in a 
     classified and unclassified format, a list of all of the 
     military construction projects associated with the European 
     Deterrence Initiative which the Secretary anticipates will be 
     carried out during each of the fiscal years 2020 through 
     2024.

                                TITLE V

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

       Sec. 501.  No part of any appropriation contained in this 
     Act shall remain available for obligation beyond the current 
     fiscal year unless expressly so provided herein.
       Sec. 502.  None of the funds made available in this Act may 
     be used for any program, project, or activity, when it is 
     made known to the Federal entity or official to which the 
     funds are made available that the program, project, or 
     activity is not in compliance with any Federal law relating 
     to risk assessment, the protection of private property 
     rights, or unfunded mandates.
       Sec. 503.  All departments and agencies funded under this 
     Act are encouraged, within the limits of the existing 
     statutory authorities and funding, to expand their use of 
     ``E-Commerce'' technologies and procedures in the conduct of 
     their business practices and public service activities.
       Sec. 504.  Unless stated otherwise, all reports and 
     notifications required by this Act shall be submitted to the 
     Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, 
     and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Subcommittee on Military 
     Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies of 
     the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
       Sec. 505.  None of the funds made available in this Act may 
     be transferred to any department, agency, or instrumentality 
     of the United States Government except pursuant to a transfer 
     made by, or transfer authority provided in, this or any other 
     appropriations Act.
       Sec. 506.  None of the funds made available in this Act may 
     be used for a project or program named for an individual 
     serving as a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner of 
     the United States House of Representatives.

[[Page H7969]]

       Sec. 507. (a) Any agency receiving funds made available in 
     this Act, shall, subject to subsections (b) and (c), post on 
     the public Web site of that agency any report required to be 
     submitted by the Congress in this or any other Act, upon the 
     determination by the head of the agency that it shall serve 
     the national interest.
       (b) Subsection (a) shall not apply to a report if--
       (1) the public posting of the report compromises national 
     security; or
       (2) the report contains confidential or proprietary 
     information.
       (c) The head of the agency posting such report shall do so 
     only after such report has been made available to the 
     requesting Committee or Committees of Congress for no less 
     than 45 days.
       Sec. 508. (a) None of the funds made available in this Act 
     may be used to maintain or establish a computer network 
     unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and 
     exchanging of pornography.
       (b) Nothing in subsection (a) shall limit the use of funds 
     necessary for any Federal, State, tribal, or local law 
     enforcement agency or any other entity carrying out criminal 
     investigations, prosecution, or adjudication activities.
       Sec. 509.  None of the funds made available in this Act may 
     be used by an agency of the executive branch to pay for 
     first-class travel by an employee of the agency in 
     contravention of sections 301-10.122 through 301-10.124 of 
     title 41, Code of Federal Regulations.
       Sec. 510.  None of the funds made available in this Act may 
     be used to execute a contract for goods or services, 
     including construction services, where the contractor has not 
     complied with Executive Order No. 12989.
       Sec. 511.  None of the funds made available by this Act may 
     be used by the Department of Defense or the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs to lease or purchase new light duty vehicles 
     for any executive fleet, or for an agency's fleet inventory, 
     except in accordance with Presidential Memorandum--Federal 
     Fleet Performance, dated May 24, 2011.
       Sec. 512. (a) In General.--None of the funds appropriated 
     or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense in 
     this Act may be used to construct, renovate, or expand any 
     facility in the United States, its territories, or 
     possessions to house any individual detained at United States 
     Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the purposes of 
     detention or imprisonment in the custody or under the control 
     of the Department of Defense.
       (b) The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply to 
     any modification of facilities at United States Naval 
     Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
       (c) An individual described in this subsection is any 
     individual who, as of June 24, 2009, is located at United 
     States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and who--
       (1) is not a citizen of the United States or a member of 
     the Armed Forces of the United States; and
       (2) is--
       (A) in the custody or under the effective control of the 
     Department of Defense; or
       (B) otherwise under detention at United States Naval 
     Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
       This division may be cited as the ``Military Construction, 
     Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 
     2019''.
       And the Senate agree to the same.

      Rodney P. Frelinghuysen,
      Michael K. Simpson,
      John R. Carter,
      Ken Calvert,
      Jeff Fortenberry,
      Charles F. Fleischmann,
      Jaime Herrera Beutler,
      Scott Taylor,
                                Managers on the Part of the House.

      Richard C. Shelby,
      Lamar Alexander,
      John Boozman,
      Steve Daines,
      James Lankford,
      Patrick J. Leahy,
      Dianne Feinstein,
      Brian Schatz,
      Christopher Murphy,
                               Managers on the Part of the Senate.

       JOINT EXPLANATORY STATEMENT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE

       The managers on the part of the House and Senate at the 
     conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the 
     amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 5895) making 
     appropriations for the energy and water development and 
     related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
     2019, and for other purposes, submit the following joint 
     statement to the House and Senate in explanation of the 
     effect of the action agreed upon by the managers and 
     recommended in the accompanying conference report.
       This conference agreement includes the Energy and Water 
     Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019, 
     the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2019, and the 
     Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act, 2019. The Senate amendment included the 
     Senate versions of each of those bills (S. 2975, S. 3071, and 
     S. 3024, respectively). Similarly, the House bill included 
     the House versions of the legislation (H.R. 5895, H.R. 5894, 
     and H.R. 5786, respectively). H.R. 5895 was passed by the 
     House on June 8, 2018 and used as the vehicle for the Senate 
     amendment, which passed the Senate on June 25, 2018.
       Section 1 of the conference agreement is the short title of 
     the bill.
       Section 2 of the conference agreement displays a table of 
     contents.
       Section 3 of the conference agreement states that, unless 
     expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ``this Act'' 
     contained in any division shall be treated as referring only 
     to the provisions of that division.
       Section 4 provides a statement of appropriations.
       The conference agreement does not contain any congressional 
     earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as 
     defined by clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of 
     Representatives.

     DIVISION A--ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019

       The following statement to the House of Representatives and 
     the Senate is submitted in explanation of the agreed upon Act 
     making appropriations for energy and water development for 
     the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other 
     purposes.
       This conference report, while repeating some report 
     language for emphasis, does not intend to negate the language 
     and allocations set forth in House Report 115-697 and Senate 
     Report 115-258 and that direction shall be complied with 
     unless specifically addressed to the contrary in the 
     accompanying bill or conference report. Additionally, where 
     this conference report states that the ``agreement only 
     includes'' or ``the following is the only'' direction, any 
     direction included in the House or Senate report on that 
     matter shall be considered as replaced with the direction 
     provided within this conference report. In cases where the 
     House or the Senate has directed the submission of a report, 
     such report is to be submitted to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress. House or Senate 
     reporting requirements with deadlines prior to or within 15 
     days of the enactment of this Act shall be submitted not 
     later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act. All other 
     reporting deadlines not changed by this conference report are 
     to be met.
       Funds for the individual programs and activities within the 
     accounts in this Act are displayed in the detailed table at 
     the end of the conference report for this Act. Funding levels 
     that are not displayed in the detailed table are identified 
     in this conference report.
       In fiscal year 2019, for purposes of the Balanced Budget 
     and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-
     177), the following information provides the definition of 
     the term ``program, project, or activity'' for departments 
     and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Energy and Water 
     Development Appropriations Act. The term ``program, project, 
     or activity'' shall include the most specific level of budget 
     items identified in the Energy and Water Development 
     Appropriations Act, 2019 and the conference report 
     accompanying the Act.
       Dam Removal.--No specific funding was provided in fiscal 
     year 2018 and none was requested by any agencies funded in 
     this Act in fiscal year 2019 for the purpose of removing a 
     federally owned or operated dam without prior authorization 
     by Congress. Consequently, no specific funds for unauthorized 
     federal dam removal are included for any agency funded in 
     this Act.
       Columbia River spill.--Many conferees have grave concerns 
     about judicial interference in the operation of the 
     hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. In 2016, 
     a federal judge overturned the 2014 Federal Columbia River 
     Power System Biological Opinion, a plan that was 
     painstakingly negotiated by scientists and engineering 
     experts at federal agencies under the Bush and Obama 
     Administrations, affected states, sovereign Northwest tribes, 
     and local stakeholders. More troubling, the judge also 
     ordered additional forced spill through the system beginning 
     in early April 2018 without requiring plaintiffs to show that 
     harm or threat to species would result without that action. 
     There was no specific scientific backing cited for this 
     decision. Spilling at this increased level can threaten the 
     reliability of the federal power and transmission systems and 
     result in impacts to transportation and barging systems, 
     flood control capabilities, and irrigation systems. 
     Additionally, some scientific studies warn that increased gas 
     levels stemming from the spill ordered by the decision could 
     in fact harm the very fish species the Biological Opinion was 
     developed to protect. Estimates of the cost to the 
     transmission system and ratepayers are approximately $40 
     million for 2018 alone.

                  Civil Works Reorganization Proposal

       On July 30, 2018, the Secretary of Defense approved a 
     Secretary of the Army memorandum identifying specific actions 
     the Army will take in support of the Administration's 
     proposed reorganization of the Civil Works program of the 
     U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The proposal includes taking 
     the Civil Works program out of the Corps with navigation 
     going to the Department of Transportation for infrastructure 
     grants and the remaining accounts to the Department of the 
     Interior.
       The conferees are opposed to the proposed reorganization as 
     it could ultimately have detrimental impacts for 
     implementation of the Civil Works program and for the 
     numerous non-federal entities that rely on the Corps' 
     technical expertise, including in response to natural 
     disasters.
       The conferees are extremely concerned that an action of 
     this magnitude, which

[[Page H7970]]

     crosses multiple jurisdictional lines and has far-reaching 
     consequences, was not properly brought to Congress as a 
     proposal, allowing for oversight and hearings as to its 
     effects. Notification and discussion with Members of Congress 
     and Committee staffs was nonexistent. Further, this type of 
     proposal, as the Department of Defense and the Corps are well 
     aware, will require enactment of legislation, which has 
     neither been proposed nor requested to date. Therefore, no 
     funds provided in this Act or any previous Act to any agency 
     shall be used to implement this proposal.

                   TITLE I--CORPS OF ENGINEERS--CIVIL

                         DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

                       Corps of Engineers--Civil

       The summary tables included in this title set forth the 
     dispositions with respect to the individual appropriations, 
     projects, and activities of the Corps of Engineers. 
     Additional items of the Act are discussed below.
       Recent statutory changes regarding the Inland Waterways 
     Trust Fund (IWTF) have resulted in an increase to the size of 
     the capital improvement program that can be supported by the 
     IWTF. The agreement reflects congressional interest in 
     supporting this larger program. The Corps is directed to take 
     the preparatory steps necessary to ensure that new 
     construction projects can be initiated as soon as can be 
     supported under the larger capital program (i.e., as ongoing 
     projects approach completion).
       Concerns persist that the effort to update the Water 
     Resources Principles and Guidelines did not proceed 
     consistent with the language or intent of section 2031 of the 
     Water Resources Development Act of 2007. No funds provided to 
     the Corps of Engineers shall be used to develop or implement 
     rules or guidance to support implementation of the final 
     Principles and Requirements for Federal Investments in Water 
     Resources released in March 2013 or the final Interagency 
     Guidelines released in December 2014. The Corps shall 
     continue to use the document dated March 10, 1983, and 
     entitled ``Economic and Environmental Principles and 
     Guidelines for Water and Related Land Resources 
     Implementation Studies'' during the fiscal year period 
     covered by the Energy and Water Development Appropriations 
     Act for 2019.
       Asian Carp.--In lieu of House and Senate direction, the 
     Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, 
     shall make every effort to submit to Congress the Report of 
     the Chief of Engineers for the Brandon Road feasibility study 
     according to the original published schedule of February 
     2019. The conferees understand that the money allocated to 
     the study in the fiscal year 2018 work plan and the fiscal 
     year 2019 budget request is sufficient to complete the 
     feasibility phase. The Corps is encouraged to move 
     expeditiously to the preconstruction engineering and design 
     (PED) phase once feasibility is complete, including 
     requesting sufficient funding in future budget submissions. 
     The Corps is directed to provide quarterly updates to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on 
     the progress and status of efforts to prevent the further 
     spread of Asian carp as well as the location and density of 
     carp populations, including the use of emergency procedures.
       The Corps shall continue to collaborate with the U.S. Coast 
     Guard, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of 
     Illinois, and members of the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating 
     Committee to identify and evaluate whether navigation 
     protocols would be beneficial or effective in reducing the 
     risk of vessels inadvertently carrying aquatic invasive 
     species, including Asian carp, through the Brandon Road Lock 
     and Dam in Joliet, Illinois. Any findings of such an 
     evaluation shall be included in the quarterly briefings to 
     the Committees. The Corps is further directed to implement 
     navigation protocols shown to be effective at reducing the 
     risk of entrainment without jeopardizing the safety of 
     vessels and crews. The Corps and other federal and state 
     agencies are conducting ongoing research on potential 
     solutions. The Corps shall brief the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on such navigation 
     protocols and potential solutions within 30 days of enactment 
     of this Act.
       Budget Structure Changes.--The agreement includes House and 
     Senate language regarding budget structure changes.
       Apportionment Under a Continuing Resolution.--The conferees 
     are concerned about recent changes in the way funds are 
     apportioned under a continuing resolution. Artificially 
     limiting the Corps' flexibility to fund the highest priority 
     projects during the time of a continuing resolution by 
     creating demarcations between funds from the Harbor 
     Maintenance Trust Fund, the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and 
     the general fund impedes efficient and effective 
     implementation of the Civil Works program. The conferees 
     believe the previous policy on apportionment under a 
     continuing resolution, which provides maximum flexibility, 
     should be restored.
       Report on Flood and Storm Damage Reduction Business Line.--
     Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Corps shall provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a report that 
     provides a definition for the terms ``coastal project'' and 
     ``inland project'' within the flood and coastal storm damage 
     reduction business line. For each of the last ten fiscal 
     years, the report shall include the total amount of funding 
     allocated to coastal projects and the total amount of funding 
     allocated to inland projects within this business line. The 
     report shall name each project and include an analysis 
     comparing the level of funding in proportion to the amount of 
     work needed in coastal areas.
       Report on Certain Cost-Shared Projects.--The Corps shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
     that includes a list of all cost-shared Corps projects that 
     as of the date of enactment of this Act are physically and 
     fiscally complete and for which excess non-federal funds have 
     not been returned to the non-federal project sponsor. With 
     respect to each project on the list, the report shall 
     describe the status of returning the excess funds to the non-
     federal project sponsor and providing the non-federal project 
     sponsor a final accounting of the project.
       Everglades Restoration and Lake Okeechobee.--The 
     restoration of the Everglades, as described in the 
     Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) authorized 
     by Public Law 106-541 is the most ambitious environmental 
     restoration program in our nation's history. The objectives 
     of CERP are the restoration, preservation, and protection of 
     the South Florida ecosystem, while providing for other water 
     related needs, including water supply and flood protection.
       The Corps shall continue to implement CERP, as authorized, 
     to ensure the protection of water quality, to reduce the loss 
     of fresh water, and to improve the environment of the South 
     Florida ecosystem, while achieving and maintaining the 
     benefits to the natural system and human environment 
     described in the Plan. The equal partnership between the 
     federal government and the State of Florida remains essential 
     to accomplishing the objectives of the Plan. The conferees 
     note that the Plan authorizes a 50/50 federal-state cost 
     share for all aspects of congressionally authorized 
     restoration projects, including, where applicable, water 
     quality project features or components.
       The discharge of excess water from Lake Okeechobee to the 
     Caloosahatchee Estuary and the Indian River Lagoon represents 
     a significant loss of fresh water from the South Florida 
     ecosystem. The diversion of those discharges to CERP projects 
     or features, such as the Everglades Agricultural Area Storage 
     Reservoir, designed to store and treat water prior to release 
     into the Central Everglades, is an essential source of fresh 
     water for meeting the objectives of the Plan. To minimize 
     downstream impacts from reduced water quality and harmful 
     algal blooms to local communities and wildlife habitat, the 
     Corps is encouraged, when appropriate, to only conduct 
     releases of water from Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee 
     Estuary or the Indian River Lagoon in pulses, unless a 
     release is necessary to protect the integrity of the Herbert 
     Hoover Dike and minimize threats to lives and human health.

                           Additional Funding

       The agreement includes funding in addition to the budget 
     request to ensure continued improvements to our national 
     economy, public safety, and environmental health that result 
     from water resources projects. This funding is for additional 
     work that either was not included in the budget request or 
     was inadequately budgeted. The bill contains a provision 
     requiring the Corps to allocate funds in accordance with only 
     the direction in this agreement. In lieu of all House and 
     Senate report direction--under any heading--regarding 
     additional funding, new starts, and the fiscal year 2019 work 
     plan, the Corps shall follow the direction included in this 
     conference report.
       The executive branch retains complete discretion over 
     project-specific allocation decisions within the additional 
     funds provided, subject to only the direction here and under 
     the heading ``Additional Funding'' or ``Additional Funding 
     for Ongoing Work'' within each of the Investigations, 
     Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries, and 
     Operation and Maintenance accounts. A study or project may 
     not be excluded from evaluation for being ``inconsistent with 
     Administration policy.'' Voluntary funding in excess of 
     legally required cost shares for studies and projects is 
     acceptable, but shall not be used as a criterion for 
     allocating the additional funding provided or for the 
     selection of new starts.
       The Administration is reminded that these funds are in 
     addition to the budget request, and Administration budget 
     metrics shall not be a reason to disqualify a study or 
     project from being funded. It is expected that all of the 
     additional funding provided will be allocated to specific 
     programs, projects, or activities. The focus of the 
     allocation process shall favor the obligation, rather than 
     expenditure, of funds.
       The Corps shall evaluate all studies and projects only 
     within accounts and categories consistent with previous 
     congressional funding. When allocating the additional funding 
     provided in this Act, the Corps shall consider eligibility 
     and implementation decisions under Public Law 115-123 so as 
     to maximize the reduction of risk to public safety and 
     infrastructure and the reduction of future damages from 
     floods and storms nationwide.
       A project or study shall be eligible for additional funding 
     within the Investigations, Construction, and Mississippi 
     River and Tributaries accounts if: (1) it has received 
     funding, other than through a reprogramming, in at least one 
     of the previous three fiscal years; (2) it was previously 
     funded and could reach a significant milestone, complete a 
     discrete element of work, or produce significant outputs in 
     calendar year 2019; or (3) as appropriate, it is selected as 
     one of the

[[Page H7971]]

     new starts allowed in accordance with this Act and the 
     additional direction provided below. Projects with executed 
     Advanced Project Partnership Agreements, or similar 
     agreements, shall be eligible for additional funding provided 
     in this bill. None of the additional funding in any account 
     may be used for any item where funding was specifically 
     denied or for projects in the Continuing Authorities Program. 
     Funds shall be allocated consistent with statutory cost share 
     requirements.
       Work Plan.--Not later than 60 days after the enactment of 
     this Act, the Corps shall provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a work plan 
     including the following information: (1) a detailed 
     description of the process and criteria used to evaluate 
     studies and projects; (2) delineation of how these funds are 
     to be allocated; (3) a summary of the work to be accomplished 
     with each allocation, including phase of work and the study 
     or project's remaining cost to complete (excluding Operation 
     and Maintenance); and (4) a list of all studies and projects 
     that were considered eligible for funding but did not receive 
     funding, including an explanation of whether the study or 
     project could have used funds in calendar year 2019 and the 
     specific reasons each study or project was considered as 
     being less competitive for an allocation of funds.
       New Starts.--The agreement includes six new starts in the 
     Investigations account and five new starts in the 
     Construction account to be distributed across the authorized 
     mission areas of the Corps.
       Of the new starts in Investigations, one shall be for a 
     navigation study; one shall be for a flood and storm damage 
     reduction study; one shall be for an environmental 
     restoration study; and three shall be for navigation, flood 
     and storm damage reduction, environmental restoration, water 
     supply, or multi-purpose studies. In the appropriate 
     categories, the Corps shall consider selection of a small, 
     remote, or subsistence navigation study and a multi-purpose 
     watershed study to address coastal resiliency. Of the new 
     construction starts, one shall be for a navigation project; 
     one shall be for a flood and storm damage reduction project; 
     one shall be for an environmental restoration project; and 
     two shall be for navigation, flood and storm damage 
     reduction, environmental restoration, or multi-purpose 
     projects. In the appropriate categories, the Corps shall 
     consider selection of a coastal storm damage reduction 
     project. No funding shall be used to initiate new programs, 
     projects, or activities in the Mississippi River and 
     Tributaries or Operation and Maintenance accounts.
       The Corps is directed to propose a single group of new 
     starts as a part of the work plan. None of the funds may be 
     used for any item for which the agreement has specifically 
     denied funding. The Corps may not change or substitute the 
     new starts selected once the work plan has been provided to 
     the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress. 
     Each new start shall be funded from the appropriate 
     additional funding line item. Any project for which the new 
     start requirements are not met by the end of fiscal year 2019 
     shall be treated as if the project had not been selected as a 
     new start; such a project shall be required to compete again 
     for new start funding in future years. As all new starts are 
     to be chosen by the Corps, all shall be considered of equal 
     importance, and the expectation is that future budget 
     submissions will include appropriate funding for all new 
     starts selected.
       There continues to be confusion regarding the executive 
     branch's policies and guidelines regarding which studies and 
     projects require new start designations. Therefore, the Corps 
     is directed to notify the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress at least 7 days prior to execution of 
     an agreement for construction of any project except 
     environmental infrastructure projects and projects under the 
     Continuing Authorities Program. Additionally, the agreement 
     reiterates and clarifies previous congressional direction as 
     follows. Neither study nor construction activities related to 
     individual projects authorized under section 1037 of the 
     Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014 
     shall require a new start or new investment decision; these 
     activities shall be considered ongoing work. No new start or 
     new investment decision shall be required when moving from 
     feasibility to PED. A new start designation shall be required 
     to initiate construction of individually-authorized projects 
     funded within programmatic line items. No new start or new 
     investment decision shall be required to initiate work on a 
     separable element of a project when construction of one or 
     more separable elements of that project was initiated 
     previously; it shall be considered ongoing work. A new 
     construction start shall not be required for work undertaken 
     to correct a design deficiency on an existing federal 
     project; it shall be considered ongoing work. The Corps is 
     reminded that resumptions are just that--resumption of 
     previously-initiated studies or projects and, as such, do not 
     require new start designations.
       In addition to the priority factors used to allocate all 
     additional funding provided in the Investigations account, 
     the Corps should give careful consideration to the out-year 
     budget impacts of the studies selected and to whether there 
     appears to be an identifiable local sponsor that will be 
     ready and able to provide, in a timely manner, the necessary 
     cost share for the feasibility and PED phases. The Corps is 
     reminded that the flood and storm damage reduction mission 
     area can include instances where non-federal sponsors are 
     seeking assistance with flood control and unauthorized 
     discharges from permitted wastewater treatment facilities and 
     that the navigation mission area includes work in remote and 
     subsistence harbor areas. Within the flood and storm damage 
     reduction mission, the Corps is urged to strive for an 
     appropriate balance between inland and coastal projects.
       In addition to the priority factors used to allocate all 
     additional funding provided in the Construction account, the 
     Corps also shall consider the out-year budget impacts of the 
     selected new starts; and the cost sharing sponsor's ability 
     and willingness to promptly provide the cash contribution (if 
     any), as well as required lands, easements, rights-of-way, 
     relocations, and disposal areas. When considering new 
     construction starts, only those that can execute a project 
     cost sharing agreement not later than September 30, 2019, 
     shall be chosen.
       To ensure that the new construction starts are affordable 
     and will not unduly delay completion of any ongoing projects, 
     the Secretary is required to submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a realistic out-
     year budget scenario prior to issuing a work allowance for a 
     new start. It is understood that specific budget decisions 
     are made on an annual basis and that this scenario is neither 
     a request for nor a guarantee of future funding for any 
     project. Nonetheless, this scenario shall include an estimate 
     of annual funding for each new start utilizing a realistic 
     funding scenario through completion of the project, as well 
     as the specific impacts of that estimated funding on the 
     ability of the Corps to make continued progress on each 
     previously funded construction project (including impacts to 
     the optimum timeline and funding requirements of the ongoing 
     projects) and on the ability to consider initiating new 
     projects in the future. The scenario shall assume a 
     Construction account funding level at the average of the past 
     three budget requests.

                       Execution of Corps Funding

       The conferees are concerned with delays in executing funds 
     that have been appropriated in regular and supplemental 
     appropriations bills. While the Office of Management and 
     Budget (OMB) has a responsibility to oversee execution of the 
     funds, the conferees are concerned that OMB is adding 
     additional burdens to the Corps' processes that may result in 
     unnecessary delays and potentially overriding technical and 
     expert judgments by the Corps. The conferees expect funds 
     appropriated in this Act to be quickly and efficiently 
     executed, consistent with the terms and conditions in this 
     conference report.


                             investigations

       The agreement includes $125,000,000 for Investigations. The 
     agreement includes legislative language regarding parameters 
     for new study starts.
       The allocation for projects and activities within the 
     Investigations account is shown in the following table:

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       Passaic River Basin Mainstem, New Jersey.--Flooding has 
     long been a problem in the Passaic River Basin. The Corps is 
     encouraged to continue to work in coordination with the non-
     federal sponsor on plans to reduce flooding in the basin, 
     including the reevaluation of the Passaic River Basin 
     Mainstem project. The Corps is directed to brief the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress not 
     later than 30 days after the enactment of this Act on the 
     current status of this project.
       Peckman River, New Jersey.--There have been repeated delays 
     with the Peckman River Feasibility Study. The Corps is 
     directed to provide to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress quarterly briefings on the current 
     schedule to bring this study to completion, with the first 
     briefing to occur not later than 30 days after the enactment 
     of this Act.
       Rahway River Basin (Upper Basin), New Jersey.--There have 
     been extended delays with the Rahway River Basin Flood Risk 
     Management Feasibility Study where flooding is of acute 
     concern to the affected communities. The Corps is encouraged 
     to continue to work with the non-federal sponsor on plans to 
     reduce flooding caused by the Rahway River in affected areas. 
     The Corps is directed to provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress quarterly briefings 
     on the current schedule to bring this study to completion, 
     with the first briefing to occur not later than 30 days after 
     the enactment of this Act. The Corps is encouraged to include 
     funding for this study in future budget submissions.
       Additional Funding.--The Corps is expected to allocate the 
     additional funding provided in this account primarily to 
     specific feasibility and PED phases, rather than to Remaining 
     Items line items as has been the case in previous work plans. 
     Of the additional funding provided in this account for 
     navigation and coastal and deep draft navigation, the Corps 
     shall allocate not less than $2,500,000 for navigation PED. 
     Of the additional funding provided in this account for flood 
     and storm damage reduction and shore protection, the Corps 
     shall allocate not less than $400,000 for shore protection 
     PED. When allocating the additional funding provided in this 
     account, the Corps shall consider giving priority to 
     completing or accelerating ongoing studies or to initiating 
     new studies that will enhance the nation's economic 
     development, job growth, and international competitiveness; 
     are for projects located in areas that have suffered recent 
     natural disasters; are for projects that protect life and 
     property; are for projects to restore floodplain and aquatic 
     habitat through cost-effective and tested means; or are for 
     projects to address legal requirements. The Corps shall use 
     these funds for additional work in both the feasibility and 
     PED phases. The agreement includes sufficient additional 
     funding to undertake a significant amount of feasibility and 
     PED work. The Administration is reminded that a project study 
     is not complete until the PED phase is complete. The Corps is 
     reminded that environmental restoration can include projects 
     that address degraded conditions due to prior flood 
     protection work. The Corps is reminded that the updating of 
     economic analyses and economic impact studies are eligible to 
     receive additional funding.
       Water Resources Priorities Study.--No funding shall be used 
     for this study.
       Disposition of Completed Projects.--The agreement includes 
     Senate direction. Additionally, the agreement supports the 
     budget request for the disposition study pursuant to 
     facilities that closed as a result of Public Law 113-121. The 
     Corps is directed to provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress copies of this 
     study upon completion. For Corps facilities that are deemed 
     as excess in such study, the Committee supports the disposal 
     of those facilities through the appropriate General Services 
     Administration process.
       Research and Development.--Within available funds, the 
     Corps shall advance work on activities included in the House 
     and Senate reports.
       Puget Sound.--The conferees encourage the Corps to proceed 
     with the tiered implementation strategy using all existing 
     authorities as outlined in the Puget Sound Nearshore 
     Ecosystem Restoration Project Feasibility Study, Completion 
     Strategy Guidance dated June 2015. The Corps is further 
     directed to recognize the Puget Sound Nearshore Study as the 
     feasibility component for the purposes of Section 544 of the 
     Water Resources Development Act of 2000. The Corps is 
     commended for initiating PED on the Duckabush River Estuary 
     component of this project. The Corps is urged to include 
     funding in future budget submissions to continue PED, as 
     completing this project is critical to restoring the natural 
     processes in the nearshore zone that sustain biological and 
     economic resources.
       Upper Mississippi River-Illinois Waterway System.--The 
     fiscal year 2018 work plan allocated $1,000,000 to initiate 
     and complete an economic update of the Navigation Ecosystem 
     Sustainability Program. Not later than 60 days after the 
     enactment of this Act, the Corps shall provide to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a 
     report on the scope of the economic update and any expected 
     future costs for completing the study phase. The Corps is 
     encouraged to complete the economic update expeditiously, so 
     that PED can resume in a timely fashion.


                              construction

       The agreement includes $2,183,000,000 for Construction. The 
     agreement includes legislative language regarding Chickamauga 
     Lock, Tennessee River, Tennessee. The agreement includes 
     legislative language regarding parameters for new 
     construction starts.
       The allocation for projects and activities within the 
     Construction account is shown in the following table:

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[[Page H7979]]

  

       Updated Capability.--The agreement adjusts some project-
     specific allocations downward from the budget request based 
     on updated information regarding the amount of work that 
     could be accomplished in fiscal year 2019.
       Additional Funding.--The agreement includes additional 
     funds for projects and activities to enhance the nation's 
     economic growth and international competitiveness. Of the 
     additional funds provided in this account, the Corps shall 
     allocate not less than $4,445,000 to projects with riverfront 
     development components. Of the additional funding provided in 
     this account for flood and storm damage reduction and flood 
     control, the Corps shall allocate not less than $9,800,000 to 
     additional nonstructural flood control projects. Of the 
     additional funds provided in this account for flood and storm 
     damage reduction, navigation, and other authorized project 
     purposes, the Corps shall allocate not less than $25,000,000 
     to authorized reimbursements for projects with executed 
     project cooperation agreements and that have completed 
     construction or where non-federal sponsors intend to use the 
     funds for additional water resources development activities. 
     Of the additional funding provided in this account for flood 
     and storm damage reduction and flood control, the Corps shall 
     allocate not less than $20,000,000 to continue construction 
     of projects that principally address drainage in urban areas, 
     of which not less than $4,500,000 shall be for projects that 
     principally include improvements to rainfall drainage systems 
     that address flood damages. Of the additional funding 
     provided in this account, the Corps shall allocate not less 
     than $1,800,000 to complete a plan for a purpose outside the 
     Corps' traditional mission.
       The Corps is reminded that dam safety projects authorized 
     under section 5003 of the Water Resources Development Act of 
     2007 are eligible to compete for the additional funding 
     provided in this account.
       Public Law 115-123 included funding within the Flood 
     Control and Coastal Emergencies account to restore authorized 
     shore protection projects to full project profile. That 
     funding is expected to address most of the current year 
     capability. Therefore, to ensure funding is not directed to 
     where it cannot be used, the agreement includes $55,000,000 
     for construction of shore protection projects. The Corps is 
     reminded that if additional work can be done, these projects 
     are also eligible to compete for additional funding for flood 
     and storm damage reduction.
       When allocating the additional funding provided in this 
     account, the Corps is encouraged to evaluate authorized 
     reimbursements in the same manner as if the projects were 
     being evaluated for new or ongoing construction. When 
     allocating the additional funding provided in this account, 
     the Corps shall consider giving priority to the following:
       1. benefits of the funded work to the national economy;
       2. extent to which the work will enhance national, 
     regional, or local economic development;
       3. number of jobs created directly and supported in the 
     supply chain by the funded activity;
       4. significance to national security, including the 
     strategic significance of commodities;
       5. ability to obligate the funds allocated within the 
     fiscal year, including consideration of the ability of the 
     non-federal sponsor to provide any required cost share;
       6. ability to complete the project, separable element, or 
     project phase with the funds allocated;
       7. legal requirements, including responsibilities to 
     Tribes;
       8. for flood and storm damage reduction projects (including 
     authorized nonstructural measures and periodic beach 
     renourishments),
       a. population, economic activity, or public infrastructure 
     at risk, as appropriate; and
       b. the severity of risk of flooding or the frequency with 
     which an area has experienced flooding;
       9. for shore protection projects, projects in areas that 
     have suffered severe beach erosion requiring additional sand 
     placement outside of the normal beach renourishment cycle or 
     in which the normal beach renourishment cycle has been 
     delayed;
       10. for navigation projects, the number of jobs or level of 
     economic activity to be supported by completion of the 
     project, separable element, or project phase;
       11. for projects cost shared with the IWTF, the economic 
     impact on the local, regional, and national economy if the 
     project is not funded, as well as discrete elements of work 
     that can be completed within the funding provided in this 
     line item;
       12. for other authorized project purposes and environmental 
     restoration or compliance projects, to include the beneficial 
     use of dredged material; and
       13. for environmental infrastructure, projects with the 
     greater economic impact, projects in rural communities, 
     projects in communities with significant shoreline and 
     instances of runoff, projects in or that benefit counties or 
     parishes with high poverty rates, projects in financially 
     distressed municipalities, projects that improve stormwater 
     capture capabilities, and projects that will provide 
     substantial benefits to water quality improvements.
       The following is the only direction with regard to the 
     availability of additional funds for IWTF projects. The 
     agreement provides funds making use of all estimated annual 
     revenues and some additional prior-year revenues in the IWTF. 
     The Corps shall allocate all funds provided in the IWTF 
     Revenues line item along with the statutory cost share from 
     funds provided in the Navigation line item prior to 
     allocating the remainder of funds in the Navigation line 
     item.
       Aquatic Plant Control Program.--Of the funding provided for 
     the Aquatic Plant Control Program, $1,000,000 shall be for 
     activities for the control of the flowering rush. Of the 
     funding provided for the Aquatic Plant Control Program, 
     $5,000,000 shall be for nationwide research and development 
     to address invasive aquatic plants; within this funding, the 
     Corps is encouraged to support cost shared aquatic plant 
     management programs. Of the funding provided for the Aquatic 
     Plant Control Program, $5,000,000 shall be for watercraft 
     inspection stations, as authorized by section 1039 of the 
     WRRDA of 2014, and $1,000,000 shall be for related 
     monitoring.
       Continuing Authorities Program (CAP).--The agreement 
     continues to support all sections of the Continuing 
     Authorities Program. Funding is provided for eight CAP 
     sections at a total of $66,000,000, an increase of 
     $62,500,000 above the budget request, which proposed funding 
     for only four sections. This program provides a useful tool 
     for the Corps to undertake small localized projects without 
     the lengthy study and authorization process typical of larger 
     Corps projects. Within the Continuing Authorities Program and 
     to the extent already authorized by law, the Corps is 
     encouraged to consider projects that enhance coastal and 
     ocean ecosystem resiliency and projects that restore degraded 
     wetland habitat and stream habitat impacted by construction 
     of Corps levees. The management of the Continuing Authorities 
     Program shall continue consistent with direction provided in 
     previous fiscal years.
       Dam Safety and Seepage/Stability Correction Program.--The 
     conferees reject the budget request proposal regarding 
     Herbert Hoover Dike, which would make funds provided in this 
     program available only if the State of Florida commits 
     certain funds. Consistent with long-standing congressional 
     direction, the Corps may not require funding in excess of 
     legally required cost shares for studies and projects as a 
     criterion for funding decisions. The Corps shall apply these 
     funds to the highest priority projects.
       Beneficial Use of Dredged Material Pilot Program.--The 
     agreement includes House direction on this program.
       Public-Private Partnerships.--The agreement only includes 
     direction in the Expenses account.
       Oyster Restoration.--The conferees support Gulf Coast 
     oyster restoration efforts and the Chesapeake Bay Oyster 
     Restoration program. The Corps is encouraged to include 
     funding in future budget submissions for these efforts.
       Metro East Levees.--The conferees urge the Corps to include 
     funding for the Metro East levee system in future budget 
     submissions.
       Rehabilitation of Corps Constructed Dams.--Implementation 
     guidance for section 1177 of the WIIN Act is awaiting 
     approval. The Corps is directed to submit this implementation 
     guidance to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses 
     of Congress as expeditiously as possible.
       Natural Infrastructure Options.--The agreement includes 
     Senate direction with the clarification that it applies 
     during the project formulation phase.
       Camp Ellis Beach, Saco, Maine.--The conferees are concerned 
     by the continued delay in implementing a solution at Camp 
     Ellis Beach in Saco, Maine. To address continued erosion, 
     which has destroyed 37 homes to date, the Corps' initial 
     study recommended a shore damage mitigation project 
     consisting of a 750-foot-long spur jetty, and placement of 
     about 360,000 cubic yards of beach fill along the beach. The 
     project's design and costs are under review and being updated 
     in preparation for a new report to Congress detailing a path 
     ahead on the project. Accordingly, the conferees direct the 
     Secretary to expeditiously submit this report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress. This 
     report shall include any additional legislative authorities 
     necessary for the project to be approved and constructed.
       Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa County, Michigan.--
     The conferees are aware that the Corps has released a new Soo 
     Lock Economic Validation Study and Post Authorization Change 
     Report with a strong benefit to cost ratio and a 
     recommendation to move forward on construction of a new lock. 
     The Corps is urged to include funding for the new lock in 
     future budget submissions.


                   MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES

       The agreement includes $368,000,000 for Mississippi River 
     and Tributaries.
       The allocation for projects and activities within the 
     Mississippi River and Tributaries account is shown in the 
     following table:

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       Additional Funding for Ongoing Work.--When allocating the 
     additional funding provided in this account, the Corps shall 
     consider giving priority to completing or accelerating 
     ongoing work that will enhance the nation's economic 
     development, job growth, and international competitiveness, 
     or are for studies or projects located in areas that have 
     suffered recent natural disasters. While this funding is 
     shown under remaining items, the Corps shall use these funds 
     in investigations, construction, and operation and 
     maintenance, as applicable. Of the additional funds provided 
     in this account for flood control, the Corps shall allocate 
     not less than $14,420,000 for additional flood control 
     construction projects. Of the additional funds provided in 
     this account for other authorized project purposes, the Corps 
     shall allocate not less than $975,000 for operation and 
     maintenance of facilities that are educational or to continue 
     land management of mitigation features.
       Mississippi River Commission.--No funding is provided for 
     this new line item. The Corps is directed to continue funding 
     the costs of the commission from within the funds provided 
     for activities within the Mississippi River and Tributaries 
     project.


                       OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

       The agreement includes $3,739,500,000 for Operation and 
     Maintenance.
       The allocation for projects and activities within the 
     Operation and Maintenance account is shown in the following 
     table:

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       Updated Capability.--The agreement adjusts some project-
     specific allocations downward from the budget request based 
     on updated information regarding the amount of work that 
     could be accomplished in fiscal year 2019.
       Additional Funding for Ongoing Work.--When allocating the 
     additional funding provided in this account, the Corps shall 
     consider giving priority to the following:
       1. ability to complete ongoing work maintaining authorized 
     depths and widths of harbors and shipping channels, including 
     where contaminated sediments are present;
       2. ability to address critical maintenance backlog;
       3. presence of the U.S. Coast Guard;
       4. extent to which the work will enhance national, 
     regional, or local economic development, including domestic 
     manufacturing capacity;
       5. extent to which the work will promote job growth or 
     international competitiveness;
       6. number of jobs created directly by the funded activity;
       7. ability to obligate the funds allocated within the 
     fiscal year;
       8. ability to complete the project, separable element, 
     project phase, or useful increment of work within the funds 
     allocated;
       9. addressing hazardous barriers to navigation due to 
     shallow channels;
       10. risk of imminent failure or closure of the facility; 
     and
       11. for harbor maintenance activities,
       a. total tonnage handled;
       b. total exports;
       c. total imports;
       d. dollar value of cargo handled;
       e. energy infrastructure and national security needs 
     served;
       f. designation as strategic seaports;
       g. lack of alternative means of freight movement; and
       h. savings over alternative means of freight movement.
       Additional funding provided for donor and energy transfer 
     ports shall be allocated in accordance with 33 U.S.C. 2238c. 
     The Corps is encouraged to include funding for this program 
     in future budget submissions. The Corps is directed to 
     execute fully subsection (c) of 33 U.S.C. 2238c not later 
     than 90 days after enactment of this Act.
       The Corps is reminded that debris removal activities 
     pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 603a, including in urban waterways, and 
     activities necessary to carry out soil moisture and snowpack 
     monitoring are eligible to compete for additional funding in 
     this account.
       Concerns persist that the Administration's criteria for 
     navigation maintenance do not allow small, remote, or 
     subsistence harbors and waterways to properly compete for 
     scarce navigation maintenance funds. The Corps is urged to 
     revise the criteria used for determining which navigation 
     projects are funded in order to develop a reasonable and 
     equitable allocation under this account. The criteria should 
     include the economic impact that these projects provide to 
     local and regional economies.
       Aquatic Nuisance Research Program.--Within available funds, 
     the Corps is encouraged to support research that will 
     identify and develop improved strategies for early detection, 
     prevention, and management techniques and procedures to 
     reduce the occurrence and impacts of harmful algal blooms in 
     our nation's water resources.
       Coastal Inlet Research Program.--The conferees understand 
     that communities, infrastructure, commerce, and resources 
     that are tied to the coastal nearshore region are all 
     vulnerable to damage from extreme coastal events and long-
     term coastal change. Funding in addition to the budget 
     request is included for the Corps to establish and lead a 
     multi-university effort to identify engineering frameworks to 
     address coastal resilience needs, to develop adaptive 
     pathways that lead to coastal resilience, measure the coastal 
     forces that lead to infrastructure damage and erosion during 
     extreme storm events, and to improve coupling of terrestrial 
     and coastal models. Funding in addition to the budget request 
     is also included for the Corps to continue work with the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National 
     Water Center on protecting the nation's water resources.
       Facility Protection.--The agreement provides funding for 
     completion and deployment of tools to address hydrologic 
     extremes.
       Monitoring of Completed Navigation Projects.--Of the 
     funding provided, $4,000,000 shall be to support the 
     structural health monitoring program to facilitate research 
     to maximize operations, enhance efficiency, and protect asset 
     life through catastrophic failure mitigation; $2,000,000 
     shall be for research related to the impacts of reduced 
     navigational lock operations as described in the Senate 
     report; and $600,000 shall be available for additional work 
     on advanced non-destructive testing methods of inspection and 
     the validation of technologies such as protective coatings. 
     The Corps is directed to brief the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress not later than 90 
     days after the enactment of this Act on its planned 
     activities in each area, future funding requirements of 
     ongoing efforts, and the scope and effectiveness of programs 
     at various annual funding levels. The Corps is encouraged to 
     also consider the need for additional work on the evaluation 
     of grouted trunnion rods.
       National Dam Safety Program.--The Corps, in cooperation 
     with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Bureau 
     of Reclamation, shall contract with an independent peer 
     review organization to conduct a comprehensive Independent 
     External Peer Review (IEPR) of risk-informed dam safety 
     practices in these three federal agencies with the intent to 
     inform improvements broadly in national dam safety practices. 
     The Corps is directed to contract with an independent peer 
     review organization in accordance with its current review 
     policy and the National Academy of Science IEPR process. The 
     IEPR shall also consider how dam safety practices are 
     affected by human factors, as well as how risk informed 
     analysis in other industries may be applicable to dam safety 
     practices.
       National (Multiple Project) Natural Resources Management 
     Activities.--Any costs to cover administrative fees or any 
     other efforts necessary to resolve encroachments that were 
     the result of past land surveying errors made by the Corps 
     are eligible for funding provided above the budget request.
       Water Operations Technical Support.--Funding in addition to 
     the budget request is included for research into atmospheric 
     rivers first funded in fiscal year 2015, of which $5,000,000 
     is included to continue ongoing efforts, and an additional 
     $2,500,000 is provided to expand this research effort to 
     other locations as appropriate. Prior to obligating these 
     funds for this expanded effort, however, the Corps shall 
     brief the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress on the details of an expanded effort, including 
     activities to be undertaken, the total and annual cost 
     estimate, expected transferability of tools developed of 
     other results of the research, as well as the likelihood of 
     additional investment being necessary. The Corps shall scope 
     the expanded effort to fit within recent annual funding 
     levels.
       Great Lakes Navigation System.--The agreement includes 
     funding for individual projects within this System that 
     exceeds the funding level envisioned in section 
     210(d)(1)(B)(ii) of the Water Resources Development Act of 
     1986.
       Kennebec River Long-Term Maintenance Dredging.--The 
     agreement includes Senate direction.
       WIFIA Planning and Development.--The agreement only 
     includes direction in the Expenses account.


                           REGULATORY PROGRAM

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


            FORMERLY UTILIZED SITES REMEDIAL ACTION PROGRAM

       The agreement includes $150,000,000 for the Formerly 
     Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program.

                 FLOOD CONTROL AND COASTAL EMERGENCIES

       The agreement includes $35,000,000 for Flood Control and 
     Coastal Emergencies.


                                EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $193,000,000 for Expenses.
       Alternative financing.--The agreement includes House 
     direction and Senate direction under the heading ``Public-
     Private Partnerships'' in the Construction account. 
     Additionally, funds above the budget request in this account 
     are available, if needed, to implement House or Senate 
     direction or to further efforts to develop a programmatic 
     proposal on the WIFIA program for inclusion in a future 
     budget submission.
       Inventory of Corps projects.--The agreement includes Senate 
     direction with the clarification that the inventory is of 
     existing and ongoing studies and projects.


     OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE ARMY FOR CIVIL WORKS

       The agreement includes $5,000,000 for the Office of the 
     Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. The 
     agreement includes legislative language that restricts the 
     availability of funding until the Secretary submits a work 
     plan that allocates at least 95 percent of the additional 
     funding provided in each account (i.e., 95 percent of 
     additional funding provided in Investigations, 95 percent of 
     additional funding provided in Construction, etc.). This 
     restriction shall not affect the roles and responsibilities 
     established in previous fiscal years of the Office of the 
     Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, the Corps 
     headquarters, the Corps field operating agencies, or any 
     other executive branch agency.


              GENERAL PROVISIONS-CORPS OF ENGINEERS-CIVIL

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The agreement includes a provision relating to 
     reprogramming.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding the allocation 
     of funds.
       The agreement includes a provision prohibiting the use of 
     funds to carry out any contract that commits funds beyond the 
     amounts appropriated for that program, project, or activity.
       The agreement includes a provision concerning funding 
     transfers related to fish hatcheries.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding certain 
     dredged material disposal activities.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding acquisitions.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding reallocations 
     at a project.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding section 404 of 
     the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
       The agreement includes a provision prohibiting the 
     obligation or expenditure of funds on a new hopper dredge.

[[Page H8005]]

       The agreement includes a provision prohibiting funds for 
     reorganization of the Civil Works program.

                  TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

                          Central Utah Project


                CENTRAL UTAH PROJECT COMPLETION ACCOUNT

       The agreement includes a total of $15,000,000 for the 
     Central Utah Project Completion Account, which includes 
     $12,703,325 for Central Utah Project construction, $898,000 
     for transfer to the Utah Reclamation Mitigation and 
     Conservation Account for use by the Utah Reclamation 
     Mitigation and Conservation Commission, and $1,398,675 for 
     necessary expenses of the Secretary of the Interior.

                         Bureau of Reclamation

       In lieu of all House and Senate report direction regarding 
     additional funding and the fiscal year 2019 work plan, the 
     agreement includes direction under the heading ``Additional 
     Funding for Water and Related Resources Work'' in the Water 
     and Related Resources account.
       Reconsultation.--The agreement includes House language.


                      WATER AND RELATED RESOURCES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The conferees provide $1,391,992,000 for Water and Related 
     Resources.
       The agreement for Water and Related Resources is shown in 
     the following table:

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       Additional Funding for Water and Related Resources Work.--
     The agreement includes funds in addition to the budget 
     request for Water and Related Resources studies, projects, 
     and activities. Priority in allocating these funds should be 
     given to advance and complete ongoing work, including 
     preconstruction activities and where environmental compliance 
     has been completed; improve water supply reliability; improve 
     water deliveries; enhance national, regional, or local 
     economic development; promote job growth; advance tribal and 
     nontribal water settlement studies and activities; or address 
     critical backlog maintenance and rehabilitation activities. 
     Of the additional funding provided under the heading ``Water 
     Conservation and Delivery'', $134,000,000 shall be for water 
     storage projects as authorized in section 4007 of Public Law 
     114-322. Of the additional funding provided under the heading 
     ``Water Conservation and Delivery'', $15,000,000 shall be for 
     water conservation activities in areas experiencing extreme, 
     exceptional, or extended drought conditions. Of the 
     additional funding provided under the heading ``Environmental 
     Restoration or Compliance'', not less than $30,000,000 shall 
     be for activities authorized under sections 4001 and 4010 of 
     Public Law 114-322 or as set forth in federal-state plans for 
     restoring threatened and endangered fish species affected by 
     the operation of the Bureau of Reclamation's water projects. 
     Funding associated with each category may be allocated to any 
     eligible study or project, as appropriate, within that 
     category; funding associated with each subcategory may be 
     allocated only to eligible studies or projects, as 
     appropriate, within that subcategory.
       Not later than 45 days after the enactment of this Act, 
     Reclamation shall provide to the Committees on Appropriations 
     of both Houses of Congress a report delineating how these 
     funds are to be distributed, in which phase the work is to be 
     accomplished, and an explanation of the criteria and rankings 
     used to justify each allocation.
       Reclamation is reminded that the following activities are 
     eligible to compete for funding under the appropriate 
     heading: activities authorized under Indian Water Rights 
     Settlements; all authorized rural water projects, including 
     those with tribal components, those with non-tribal 
     components, and those with both; aquifer recharging efforts 
     to address the ongoing backlog of related projects; 
     conjunctive use projects and other projects to maximize 
     groundwater storage and beneficial use; and activities 
     authorized under section 206 of Public Law 113-235.
       Research and Development: Desalination and Water 
     Purification Program.--Of the funding provided for this 
     program, $12,000,000 shall be for desalination projects as 
     authorized in section 4009(a) of Public Law 114-322.
       WaterSMART Program: Title XVI Water Reclamation & Reuse 
     Program.--Of the funding provided for this program, 
     $20,000,000 shall be for water recycling and reuse projects 
     as authorized in section 4009(c) of Public Law 114-322.
       Aquifer Recharge.--Many states have implemented new methods 
     of recharging aquifers for increased water storage and 
     drought mitigation. Reclamation is directed to work closely 
     with project beneficiaries to identify and resolve any 
     barriers to aquifer recharge projects when appropriate.
       CALFED Water Storage Feasibility Studies.--The agreement 
     includes Senate language.
       Rural Water.--Voluntary funding in excess of legally 
     required cost shares for rural water projects is acceptable, 
     but shall not be used by Reclamation as a criterion for 
     allocating additional funding provided in this agreement or 
     for budgeting in future years.
       Buried Metallic Water Pipe.--Reclamation shall continue 
     following its temporary design guidance.


                CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT RESTORATION FUND

       The agreement provides $62,008,000 for the Central Valley 
     Project Restoration Fund.
       The agreement includes House direction regarding the 
     Anadromous Fish Screen Program.


                    CALIFORNIA BAY-DELTA RESTORATION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The agreement provides $35,000,000 for the California Bay-
     Delta Restoration Program.


                       POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

       The agreement provides $61,000,000 for Policy and 
     Administration.
       The conferees recommend that Reclamation work with all 
     Reclamation states to ensure that counties and municipalities 
     are aware of relevant programs and funding opportunities.
       Reclamation Project Reimbursability Decisions.--In 
     September 2017, the Department of the Interior's Office of 
     Inspector General released a report calling into question the 
     transparency of Reclamation's financial participation in the 
     State of California's Bay-Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP). 
     Although Reclamation disputed several findings and 
     recommendations in the report, Reclamation has taken steps to 
     update its current practices and internal guidelines to 
     better align with report recommendations. Reclamation is 
     directed to provide to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress 1) not later than 10 days after the 
     enactment of this Act or after finalizing these updates, 
     written copies of the relevant documents; and 2) not later 
     than December 1, 2018, a list of instances of redirecting 
     appropriated funds from the intended purpose outlined in the 
     previous year's budget request.
       The conferees have heard concerns of administrative delays 
     and excessive review times in the award and implementation of 
     financial assistance agreement funding. Reclamation is urged 
     to address factors related to these issues, including lags in 
     completing contracts, in a timely and efficient manner.


                        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

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

             GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

       The agreement includes a provision outlining the 
     circumstances under which the Bureau of Reclamation may 
     reprogram funds.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding the San Luis 
     Unit and Kesterson Reservoir in California.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding aquifer 
     recharge at a project.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding a feasibility 
     study.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding a pilot 
     program in the Colorado River Basin and authorization of 
     appropriations under the Secure Water Act.
       The agreement includes a provision regarding a rural water 
     project.

                    TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

       The conferees provide $35,685,317,000 for the Department of 
     Energy to fund programs in its primary mission areas of 
     science, energy, environment, and national security.
       Not later than 120 days after the enactment of this Act, 
     the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary 
     of Defense, shall submit to the congressional energy and 
     defense committees a report evaluating military installations 
     at which it would be cost-effective to establish partnerships 
     with community colleges, institutions of higher education, 
     and the private sector to train veterans and members of the 
     armed forces transitioning to civilian life to enter the 
     cybersecurity, energy, and artificial intelligence 
     workforces.
       Research and Development Policy.--The Department is 
     directed throughout all of its programs to maintain a diverse 
     portfolio of early-, mid-, and late-stage research, 
     development, and market transformation activities. The 
     Department is further directed to fully execute the funds 
     appropriated in a timely manner and to keep the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress apprised of 
     progress in implementing funded programs, projects, and 
     activities.

                       Reprogramming Requirements

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

                            ENERGY PROGRAMS

                 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

       The conferees provide $2,379,000,000 for Energy Efficiency 
     and Renewable Energy (EERE).
       The Department is directed to maintain a diverse portfolio 
     of early-, mid-, and late-stage research, development, and 
     market transformation activities. The Department is further 
     directed to fully execute the funds appropriated in a timely 
     manner and to keep the Committees on Appropriations of both 
     Houses of Congress apprised of progress in implementing 
     funded programs, projects, and activities. Priority shall be 
     given to stewarding the assets and optimizing the operations 
     of EERE designated user facilities across the Department's 
     complex. In future budget submissions, the Department is 
     directed to demonstrate a commitment to operations and 
     maintenance of facilities that support the Department's 
     critical missions within EERE.
       The Department is directed to provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress not later than 180 
     days after the enactment of this Act a report on research and 
     development activities that support the utilization and 
     advancement of high-efficiency linear generator power plant 
     technologies and how these technologies can be incorporated 
     into other EERE programs.
       Within available funds for EERE, the conferees include not 
     less than $20,000,000 to bring cybersecurity into early-stage 
     technology R&D so that it is built into new technology for 
     this effort to encompass all EERE programs. Within 180 days 
     of enactment of this Act, the Department shall submit to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a 
     multi-year program plan for this effort to encompass all EERE 
     programs.


                       SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION

       Vehicle Technologies.--Within available funds, the 
     conferees include $7,000,000 for operations and maintenance 
     of the National Transportation Research Center; not less than 
     $163,200,000 for Battery and Electrification Technologies; 
     not less than $38,100,000

[[Page H8016]]

     for electric drive research and development, of which 
     $7,000,000 is to enable extreme fast charging and advanced 
     battery analytics; not less than $30,000,000 for Materials 
     Technology; not less than $12,500,000 for the Co-Optimization 
     of Engine and Fuels Multi-Laboratory Consortium; $25,000,000 
     for early-stage research on multi-material joining and 
     propulsion materials at the national laboratories, and carbon 
     fiber-reinforced composites at the Carbon Fiber Technology 
     Facility; and $10,000,000 for continued funding of Section 
     131 of the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act for 
     transportation electrification. The agreement provides 
     $20,000,000 for the five awards under the SuperTruck II 
     program to further improve the efficiency of heavy-duty class 
     8 long- and regional-haul vehicles. The Department is 
     directed to continue to support the Clean Cities program, 
     including competitive grants to support alternative fuel, 
     infrastructure, and vehicle deployment activities. The 
     agreement provides $46,300,000 for Outreach, Deployment, and 
     Analysis. Within this amount, $37,800,000 is provided for 
     Deployment through the Clean Cities Program and $2,500,000 is 
     for a new 4-year collegiate engineering competition, EcoCAR4. 
     Within available funds, the agreement provides $15,000,000 
     for medium- and heavy-duty on-road natural gas engine 
     research and development to address technical barriers to the 
     increased use of natural gas vehicles.
       Bioenergy Technologies.--Within available funds, the 
     conferees include $30,000,000 for feedstock supply and 
     logistics, of which $14,000,000 is for the national lab 
     consortium and $5,000,000 is for upgrades at the Biomass 
     Feedstock National User Facility to extend its capabilities 
     and maximize benefits; $32,000,000 for algal biofuels, of 
     which $2,000,000 is for further research and development 
     activities to support carbon capture from the atmosphere 
     (ambient air) using algae-to-energy technologies; $57,500,000 
     for Demonstration and Market Transformation, of which not 
     less than $12,500,000 is for the Co-Optimization of Engine 
     and Fuels Multi-Laboratory Consortium; and $95,000,000 for 
     Conversion Technologies. Within available funds, $5,000,000 
     is to continue the biopower program, $5,000,000 is to improve 
     the efficiency of community and smaller digesters that accept 
     both farm and food wastes, and $5,000,000 is to support 
     development and testing of new domestic manufactured low-
     emission, high-efficiency, residential wood heaters. Within 
     available funds, the agreement includes not less than 
     $10,000,000 to establish a multi-university partnership to 
     conduct research and enhance educational programs that 
     improve alternative energy production derived from urban and 
     suburban wastes. The Department is directed to collaborate 
     with institutions in Canada and Mexico to leverage capacity 
     and capitalize on North American resources.
       Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies.--Within available 
     funds, the agreement provides $21,000,000 for Technology 
     Acceleration activities, including $3,000,000 for 
     manufacturing research and development and $7,000,000 for 
     industry-led efforts to demonstrate a hydrogen-focused 
     integrated renewable energy production, storage, and 
     transportation fuel distribution/retailing system. Within 
     available funds, the agreement provides $4,000,000 for the 
     EERE share of the integrated energy systems work with the 
     Office of Nuclear Energy and $7,000,000 to enable integrated 
     energy systems using high and low temperature electrolyzers 
     with the intent of advancing the H2@Scale concept. The 
     conferees include $39,000,000 for Hydrogen Fuel Research and 
     Development and $7,000,000 for Safety, Codes, and Standards.


                            RENEWABLE ENERGY

       Solar Energy.--Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides $72,000,000 for Photovoltaic Research and 
     Development; $45,000,000 for Systems Integration; $35,000,000 
     for Balance of Systems Soft Cost Reduction, of which 
     $1,000,000 is for the Solar Ready Vets program and $5,000,000 
     is to re-invigorate the National Community Solar Partnership 
     program; and $30,000,000 for Innovations in Manufacturing 
     Competitiveness. Within available funds, $4,050,000 is 
     provided for the five photovoltaic Regional Test Centers 
     (RTCs). Further, not later than 90 days after the enactment 
     of this Act, the Department shall submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a plan for 
     transitioning the RTCs to a self-sustaining business model as 
     originally envisioned. Within available funds for 
     concentrating solar power research, development, and 
     demonstration, $5,000,000 is provided for competitively 
     selected projects focused on advanced thermal desalination 
     techniques. Within available funds, the conferees include 
     $10,000,000 for research and development to support 
     inherently scalable production methods such as solution 
     processing, roll-to-roll manufacturing, the science of 
     inherent material stability, and ultrahigh efficiency through 
     tandem manufacturing.
       Wind Energy.--Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides $10,000,000 for distributed wind and not less than 
     $10,000,000 for existing national-level offshore wind test 
     facilities. The agreement provides not less than $30,000,000 
     for the National Wind Technology Center, which shall include 
     the development of a large-scale research platform to support 
     next-generation wind energy science and manufacturing and 
     systems integration of multiple energy generation, 
     consumption, and storage technologies with the grid. The 
     Department is directed to support the advancement of 
     innovative technologies for offshore wind development, 
     including freshwater, deep water, shallow water, and 
     transitional depth installations. Further, the Department is 
     directed to support innovative offshore wind demonstration 
     projects, including efforts to optimize development, design, 
     construction methods, testing plans, and economic value 
     proposition. The agreement provides $10,000,000 for a 
     competitively awarded solicitation for additional project 
     development for offshore wind demonstration projects. The 
     Department is also directed to support the deployment and 
     testing of scale floating wind turbines designed to reduce 
     energy costs. Within available funds, the agreement provides 
     not less than $30,000,000 for the Department to prioritize 
     early-stage research on materials and manufacturing methods 
     and advanced components that will enable accessing high-
     quality wind resources, on development that will enable these 
     technologies to compete in the marketplace without the need 
     for subsidies, and on activities that will accelerate 
     fundamental offshore-specific research and development, such 
     as those that target technology and deployment challenges 
     unique to U.S. waters.
       Water Power.--Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides $70,000,000 for marine and hydrokinetic technology 
     research, development, and deployment activities, including 
     research into mitigation of marine ecosystem impacts of these 
     technologies. The Department is directed to continue 
     development of the open-water wave energy test facility with 
     previously provided funds. Within available funds, the 
     agreement provides $30,000,000 for a balanced portfolio of 
     competitive solicitations to support industry- and 
     university-led research, development, and deployment of 
     marine and hydrokinetic technologies; and support wave, ocean 
     current, tidal and in-river energy conversion components and 
     systems across the high- and low-technology readiness 
     spectrum to increase energy capture, reliability, 
     survivability, and integration into local or regional grids 
     for lower costs and to assess and monitor environmental 
     effects. Within this amount, the agreement provides not less 
     than $8,000,000 to support collaborations between 
     universities, Marine Renewable Energy Centers, and the 
     national laboratories and not less than $5,000,000 to 
     prioritize infrastructure needs at the marine and 
     hydrokinetic technology testing sites operated by the Marine 
     Renewable Energy Centers. In addition, the Department is 
     directed to continue its coordination with the U.S. Navy on 
     marine energy technology development for national security 
     applications at the Wave Energy Test Site and other 
     locations.
       Within available funds, $35,000,000 is provided for 
     conventional hydropower and pumped storage activities, 
     including $6,600,000 for the purposes of section 242 of the 
     Energy Policy Act of 2005. The agreement provides $5,000,000 
     for a competitive funding opportunity for industry-led 
     research, development, and deployment of cross-cutting energy 
     converter technologies for run-of-river and tailrace 
     applications to better utilize underdeveloped low-head and 
     other hydropower resources.
       Geothermal Technologies.--Within available funds, the 
     agreement provides $6,000,000 for Systems Analysis. The 
     Department is directed to continue its efforts to identify 
     prospective geothermal resources in areas with no obvious 
     surface expressions.


                           ENERGY EFFICIENCY

       Advanced Manufacturing.--The agreement provides not less 
     than $4,205,000 for improvements in the steel industry; 
     $20,000,000 for process-informed science, design, and 
     engineering of materials and devices operating in harsh 
     environments; $5,000,000 for research into the materials and 
     manufacturing process development of high-strength, light-
     weight nano-crystalline metal alloys; and $5,000,000 for 
     process-informed catalyst science to direct chemical 
     reactions in full-scale industrial manufacturing processes 
     and to develop new industrial product applications. Within 
     available funds, $132,000,000 is for Advanced Manufacturing 
     Research and Development Facilities, of which $42,000,000 is 
     for three Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation (CEMI) 
     Institutes, $25,000,000 is for the Manufacturing 
     Demonstration Facility (MDF) and Carbon Fiber Technology 
     Facility, $20,000,000 is for the Energy-Water Desalination 
     Hub, and $25,000,000 is for the Critical Materials Hub. 
     Within funds for the MDF, $5,000,000 is for the development 
     of additive systems and automation technologies that have the 
     potential to deposit multiple materials allowing for hybrid 
     material solutions that enhance performance in extreme 
     environments and enable precise property profiles. The 
     Department is directed to further foster the partnership 
     between the national laboratories, universities, and industry 
     to use bio-based thermoplastics composites, such as micro- 
     and nano-cellulosic materials, and large-area 3-D printing to 
     overcome challenges to the cost and deployment of building, 
     transportation, and energy technologies.
       Within available funds, the agreement includes $20,000,000 
     to support the development of additive manufacturing 
     involving nanocellulosic feedstock materials made from forest 
     products to overcome challenges to the cost and deployment of 
     building, transportation, and energy technologies. The 
     agreement also includes $20,000,000 for a competitive 
     solicitation to accelerate development of manufacturing 
     processes needed for clean energy

[[Page H8017]]

     materials to go from discovery to scale-up with the goal of 
     lowering battery energy storage costs and spurring job 
     creation. The conferees include $10,000,000 for district 
     heating and directs the Department to collaborate with 
     industry on the potential energy efficiency and energy 
     security gains to be realized with district energy systems. 
     The conferees also include $10,000,000 to support research 
     and development efforts to improve the efficiency of drying 
     processes.
       Building Technologies.--The agreement provides $28,000,000 
     for Residential Buildings Integration, $39,000,000 for 
     Commercial Buildings Integration, $95,000,000 for Emerging 
     Technologies, and $50,000,000 for Equipment and Buildings 
     Standards. Within available funds, $7,000,000 is for the 
     Building Energy Codes program to provide assistance to States 
     and to organizations that develop model codes and standards 
     to improve building resilience as well as efficiency.
       Within funds for Emerging Technologies, not less than 
     $18,000,000 is for HVAC & Refrigeration R&D $14,000,000 is 
     for Building Envelope; and $30,000,000 is for building-grid 
     integration R&D consistent with a transactive energy system, 
     including development of advanced transactive control 
     methodologies, field validation and testing in existing 
     buildings, continuation of the Building-to-Grid Integration 
     Demonstration, and coordination with Electricity Delivery 
     transactive energy system activities. Within available funds 
     for transactive controls, $5,000,000 is to continue promoting 
     regional demonstrations of new, utility-led, residential 
     Connected Communities advancing smart grid systems. The 
     agreement also provides $20,000,000, within available funds, 
     for research, development, and market transformation programs 
     on energy efficiency efforts related to the direct use of 
     natural gas in residential applications, including gas heat 
     pump heating and water heating, on-site combined heat and 
     power, and natural gas appliance venting. In addition, the 
     conferees include $5,000,000 for novel earlier-stage 
     research, development, and demonstration of technologies to 
     advance energy efficient, high-rise Cross-Laminated Timber 
     building systems. The Department is directed to support 
     university research, in partnership with the national 
     laboratories, for developing, building, and evaluating Cross-
     Laminated Timber wall systems for embodied energy content, 
     operating energy efficiency, wall moisture profiles, 
     structural connector durability, and health monitoring 
     sensors. The agreement provides $2,500,000 for the Solar 
     Decathlon.
       Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs.--The 
     Department is directed to make $500,000 available to current 
     Weatherization Assistance Program grant recipients via the 
     Weatherization Innovation Pilot Program to develop and 
     implement strategies to treat harmful substances, including 
     vermiculite. The Department is directed to provide a briefing 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress on the kinds of information that is collected from 
     grantees and the potential for collecting additional 
     information that discusses the kinds of structural 
     deficiencies that make homes ineligible for the program. The 
     Department is also directed to begin tracking the occurrence 
     of window replacements, which supports the reduction of lead-
     based paint hazards in homes.
       Strategic Programs.--Within available funds, $2,500,000 is 
     for the Energy Transition Initiative to support ongoing 
     initiatives to address high energy costs, reliability, and 
     inadequate infrastructure challenges faced by island and 
     remote communities. The Department is directed to support 
     initiatives for building cost-effective, resilient energy 
     infrastructure on island and remote communities, including in 
     Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii, New England, and elsewhere.

         Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response

       The conferees provide $120,000,000 for Cybersecurity, 
     Energy Security, and Emergency Response.
       Within available funds, $10,000,000 is for research and 
     development on concepts to simplify and isolate automated 
     systems and remove vulnerabilities that could allow 
     unauthorized access to the grid through digital software 
     systems and $10,000,000 is for the DarkNet project to explore 
     opportunities for getting the nation's critical 
     infrastructure off the Internet and shielding the nation's 
     electricity infrastructure from disruptive cyber penetration.

                          Electricity Delivery

       The conferees provide $156,000,000 for Electricity 
     Delivery.
       Within Resilient Distribution Systems, the agreement 
     provides $7,000,000 for university-based research and 
     development of sensing, intelligent machines in the Internet 
     of Things and their integration in the utility grid and 
     $5,000,000 to develop high fidelity sensors and use data 
     analytics to improve operations in steady-state and under 
     extreme conditions, and to continue early-stage research to 
     develop low-cost, printable sensors that can predict the 
     health of critical equipment in the electric delivery system.
       Within Energy Storage, the Department is directed to 
     continue to support development of an operational energy 
     storage test facility capable of performance-driven data in a 
     utility environment. The Department's storage research, 
     development, and deployment efforts shall support nationwide 
     efforts to improve grid resiliency, reliability, and 
     security, empower consumers, and increase integration of a 
     broad range of generation sources.
       Within Transformer Resilience and Advanced Components, the 
     Department is directed to continue to support research and 
     development for advanced components and grid materials for 
     low-cost, power flow control devices, including both solid 
     state and hybrid concepts that use power electronics to 
     control electromagnetic devices and enable improved 
     controllability, flexibility, and resiliency.
       The Department is directed to provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress not later than 90 
     days after the enactment of this Act a report describing the 
     activities and costs necessary to achieve a North American 
     grid model. Within available funds, the Department may build 
     upon existing tools and modeling work done at the Department 
     to explore a shared modeling platform across the national 
     laboratories. The Department is directed to provide to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress not 
     later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act a report 
     on the potential of dynamic line rating systems to address 
     transmission congestion management and improve grid 
     reliability and resiliency.

                             Nuclear Energy

       The conferees provide $1,326,090,000 for Nuclear Energy.
       Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies.--Within available 
     funds for Crosscutting Technology Development, $10,000,000 is 
     for work on advanced sensors and instrumentation and 
     $10,000,000 is for hybrid energy systems. The agreement 
     provides $44,000,000 for the Nuclear Science User Facilities, 
     of which $8,000,000 is for nuclear energy computation system 
     and support; $31,000,000 for Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling 
     and Simulation, of which $3,000,000 is for MW-scale reactor 
     modeling and simulation; and $27,585,000 for the Energy 
     Innovation Hub for Modeling and Simulation.
       Reactor Concepts Research and Development.--Within 
     available funds, $100,000,000 is for Advanced Small Modular 
     Reactor Research and Development to support technical, first-
     of-its-kind engineering and design and regulatory development 
     of next generation light water and non-light water small 
     modular reactors, including $10,000,000 for seismic 
     analysis; $111,500,000 is for Advanced Reactor 
     Technologies, of which $34,000,000 is for fuel and 
     graphite qualification; $22,000,000 is to complete the 
     federal share of the two performance-based advanced 
     reactor concepts; and $20,000,000 is for MW-scale reactor 
     research and development. Within available funds, the 
     agreement provides $30,000,000 for the Transformational 
     Challenge Reactor to apply existing program capabilities 
     to shape a new approach to reactor design, manufacturing, 
     licensing, and operation. Not later than 90 days after the 
     enactment of this Act, the Department shall provide to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a 
     report that describes the cost and schedule profile for 
     achieving demonstration, key technical challenges, and 
     planned coordination with industry and the national 
     laboratories. The agreement provides $65,000,000 for 
     research and development to support efforts to develop a 
     versatile fast test reactor. The conferees include 
     $47,000,000 for the Light Water Reactor Sustainability 
     program. Funding above the budget request is provided for 
     this activity as a priority.
       Fuel Cycle Research and Development.--The agreement 
     provides $125,000,000 for the Advanced Fuels program and 
     $38,000,000 for Material Recovery and Waste Form Development, 
     of which $7,000,000 is for joint fuel cycle studies and up to 
     $20,000,000 is for highly enriched uranium recovery 
     preparation and testing to support needs for high assay low 
     enriched uranium. The Department is directed to provide to 
     the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress 
     not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act a 
     report describing a plan and cost profile for developing high 
     assay low enriched uranium.
       The agreement provides $63,915,000 for Used Nuclear Fuel 
     Disposition R&D. In lieu of Senate report direction, the 
     agreement includes $22,500,000 for Integrated Waste 
     Management System activities and no further direction.
       Radiological Facilities Management.--The agreement includes 
     $20,000,000 for continued safe operation and maintenance of 
     Oak Ridge National Laboratory hot cells.
       Idaho Facilities Management.--The agreement provides 
     $288,000,000 for INL Operations and Infrastructure to support 
     the MFC and ATR Five Year Plan to increase reliability and 
     sustainability.
       Idaho Sitewide Safeguards and Security.--Within available 
     funds, the agreement includes $10,000,000 to construct a 
     protective forces building at the ATR complex that will meet 
     the needs for expanded protective force and security 
     operations under the Department's new Design Basis Threat but 
     that will not exceed a total project cost of $10,000,000.

                 Fossil Energy Research and Development

       The conferees provide $740,000,000 for Fossil Energy 
     Research and Development.
       The agreement does not support the closure of any National 
     Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) sites and provides no 
     funds to plan, develop, implement, or pursue the 
     consolidation or closure of any of the

[[Page H8018]]

     NETL sites. The agreement includes funding for the 
     Department's National Carbon Capture Center consistent with 
     the cooperative agreement and fiscal year 2018.
       Coal Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Power Systems.--
     The Department is directed to use funds from Coal CCS and 
     Power Systems for both coal and natural gas research and 
     development as it determines to be merited, as long as such 
     research does not occur at the expense of coal research and 
     development. The agreement includes $25,000,000 to continue 
     to support the solicitation for two large-scale pilots that 
     focus on transformational coal technologies that represent a 
     new way to convert energy to enable a step change in 
     performance, efficiency, and the cost of electricity compared 
     to today's technologies. Such technologies include 
     thermodynamic improvements in energy conversion and heat 
     transfer, such as pressurized oxygen combustion and chemical 
     looping, and improvements in carbon capture systems 
     technology. In making the awards for large-scale pilots, the 
     Department should prioritize entities that have previously 
     received funding for these technologies at the lab and bench 
     scale. The agreement provides $2,000,000 for Hybrid Carbon 
     Conversion activities. Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides not less than $30,000,000 for a new solicitation for 
     Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) studies of two 
     commercial-scale carbon capture power projects for retrofit 
     at an existing coal plant and for a coal or natural gas plant 
     that generates carbon dioxide suitable for utilization or 
     storage. A FEED study shall incorporate work from feasibility 
     studies and testing to provide specific project definition, 
     detailed design, scopes of work, material purchasing and 
     construction schedules, cost for project execution, and 
     subsurface, structural, and environmental permitting 
     requirements.
       The Department is directed to continue to carry out 
     external activities for advanced coal processing research and 
     development, including advancing early-stage research for 
     converting coal pitch and coal to carbon fiber and other 
     value-added products for alternative uses of coal.
       Within Carbon Storage, the agreement provides $12,000,000 
     for Carbon Use and Reuse to continue research and development 
     activities to support valuable and innovative uses for carbon 
     and $55,000,000 for Storage Infrastructure. The Department is 
     directed to fulfill prior commitments to the Regional Carbon 
     Sequestration Partnerships (RCSPs). In lieu of Senate report 
     direction, the agreement provides not less than $20,000,000 
     for a competitive solicitation to fulfill the goals of the 
     RCSPs and not less than $30,000,000 to continue the four-
     phase CarbonSAFE initiative. The Department is directed to 
     work collaboratively with the RCSPs and other stakeholders to 
     develop a storage roadmap through 2025 to identify the 
     knowledge gaps and technology and policy developments that 
     are needed to close those gaps.
       Within Advanced Energy Systems, the agreement provides 
     $30,000,000 for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Within available 
     funds for Advanced Energy Systems, the agreement provides 
     $37,000,000 for transformative power generation to improve 
     the efficiency, reliability, and flexible operations of both 
     new and existing plants. The Department is directed to focus 
     on advanced coal technologies that are applicable to retrofit 
     technologies and modular coal technologies that are capable 
     of distributed generation, represent maximum efficiency 
     improvements over the current average fleet, incorporate 
     advanced emissions control systems, and are economically 
     competitive.
       Within Cross Cutting Research, the agreement provides 
     $20,000,000 for the Advanced Ultrasupercritical Program.
       Within NETL Coal Research and Development, the agreement 
     provides $18,000,000 for the Department to continue its 
     external agency activities to develop and test advanced 
     separation technologies and accelerate the advancement of 
     commercially viable technologies for the recovery of rare 
     earth elements and minerals from U.S. coal and coal byproduct 
     sources. The Department is expected to support pilot-scale 
     and experimental activities for near-term applications.
       Within Supercritical Transformational Electric Power (STEP) 
     Generation, the agreement provides $16,700,000 to complete 
     the necessary design and construction of the 10-MW pilot 
     facility, and conduct the necessary testing, including long-
     duration testing for the facility. The agreement also 
     includes an additional $5,730,000 for competitively-awarded 
     research and development activities, coordinated with EERE 
     and NE, to advance the use of supercritical power cycles.
       Natural Gas Technologies.--The agreement provides 
     $5,200,000 to continue the Risk Based Data Management System 
     (RBDMS) to support a cloud-based application and necessary 
     cybersecurity initiatives. Funding shall support the 
     continued integration of FracFocus and RBDMS for improved 
     public access to State oil and gas related data, as well as 
     for State regulatory agencies to support electronic 
     permitting for operators, eForms for improved processing time 
     for new permits, operator training from the improved 
     FracFocus 3.2 after enhancements are implemented, and 
     miscellaneous reports such as ``Produced Water Report: 
     Current and Future Beneficial Uses Report''.
       The agreement provides $20,000,000 for Methane Hydrate 
     Activities, $10,000,000 for Environmentally Prudent 
     Development, $10,000,000 for Emissions Mitigation from 
     Midstream Infrastructure, and $5,000,000 for Emissions 
     Quantification from Natural Gas Infrastructure.
       Within available funds, the Department shall deliver to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a 
     study on the potential for natural gas demand response across 
     energy sectors and geographic regions no later than 18 months 
     after the date of enactment of this Act. This study shall 
     include a description and quantification of potential natural 
     gas and energy savings and load shifting; the costs and 
     benefits associated with those savings, including avoided 
     energy costs, reduced market price volatility, improved 
     electric and gas system reliability, deferred or avoided 
     pipeline or utility capital investment, and air emissions 
     reductions; an identification of geographic areas that would 
     benefit most from implementing demand response measures for 
     natural gas infrastructure; and a description of existing and 
     emerging technologies that can be used for demand response in 
     the natural gas sector, as well as best practices for 
     developing a strategy for deployment of those technologies in 
     the natural gas sector.
       Unconventional Technologies.--Within available funds, the 
     agreement provides $13,500,000 for research to better 
     understand reservoirs and to improve low recovery factors 
     from unconventional natural gas and oil wells and $13,500,000 
     for continued research toward enhanced recovery technologies 
     in shale oil, low permeability reservoirs, residual oil zone 
     reservoirs, fractured reservoirs, and conventional oil 
     reservoirs. The Department shall solicit, award and manage 
     these research projects on a nationwide basis directly with 
     researchers from universities and not-for-profit research 
     organizations. The projects may include research projects to 
     improve environmental mitigation, water quality and 
     treatment, infrastructure technology, as well as the societal 
     impacts of unconventional shale plays. These awards shall 
     identify ways to improve existing technologies, encourage 
     prudent development, provide cost-effective solutions, and 
     develop a better understanding of these reservoirs' resource 
     potential. The agreement includes not less than $15,000,000 
     for the Unconventional Field Test Sites. When issuing funding 
     for research into the exploration for and development of 
     emerging unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, the 
     Department shall direct future allocations to projects in 
     locations geologically representative of the unconventional 
     reservoir of interest. The agreement provides not less than 
     $2,500,000 for further research on multipronged approaches 
     for characterizing the constituents of and managing the 
     cleaning of water produced during the extraction of oil and 
     natural gas. Within available funds, the Department is 
     directed to partner with research universities engaged in the 
     study of characterizing, cleaning, treating, and managing 
     produced water and who are willing to engage through public-
     private partnerships with the energy industry to develop and 
     assess commercially viable technology to achieve the same.
       The Department is directed to identify the federal agencies 
     with jurisdictional oversight of establishing an ethane 
     storage and distribution hub in central Appalachia and to 
     coordinate with the liaisons of those agencies to streamline 
     the permitting application and approval process. The 
     Department is directed to brief the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on its findings and 
     recommendations once complete.
       The Department is directed to continue its research 
     partnership with the Department of Transportation on the 
     crude oil characterization study to improve the safety of 
     crude oil transported by rail. The agreement provides 
     $1,500,000 to continue this study.

                 Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves

       The agreement provides $10,000,000 for the operation of the 
     Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves.

                      Strategic Petroleum Reserve

       The agreement provides $235,000,000 for the Strategic 
     Petroleum Reserve. Funding above the budget request is to 
     address facilities development and operations, including 
     physical security and cavern integrity, and to maintain 
     1,000,000 barrels of gasoline blendstock in the Northeast 
     Gasoline Supply Reserve. The agreement includes legislative 
     language regarding a drawdown and sale of oil and use of 
     proceeds in fiscal year 2019.

                         SPR Petroleum Account

       The agreement provides $10,000,000 for the SPR Petroleum 
     Account to pay for the costs of certain statutorily-mandated 
     crude oil sales.

                   Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve

       The agreement provides $10,000,000 for the Northeast Home 
     Heating Oil Reserve.

                   Energy Information Administration

       The conferees provide $125,000,000 for the Energy 
     Information Administration.

                   Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup

       The conferees provide $310,000,000 for Non-Defense 
     Environmental Cleanup.
       Small Sites.--Within amounts for Small Sites cleanup, 
     $35,000,000 shall be for Lawrence Berkeley National 
     Laboratory, $10,000,000 shall be for Oak Ridge activities, 
     $45,000,000 shall be for Moab, $20,456,000 shall be for 
     Brookhaven National Laboratory to continue removal of the 
     High Flux Beam Reactor stack, and no further direction. If 
     any of the funding for Brookhaven is in excess of needs such 
     sums shall be applied to other Small Site cleanup activities.

[[Page H8019]]

  


      Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund

       The conferees provide $841,129,000 for activities funded 
     from the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and 
     Decommissioning Fund.
       Portsmouth.--The conferees includes $60,000,000 above the 
     budget request for Portsmouth cleanup, which is equivalent to 
     the amount of proceeds that the Department planned to 
     generate through bartering arrangements in order to fund 
     additional cleanup in fiscal year 2019. The Department shall 
     not barter, transfer, or sell uranium in order to generate 
     additional funding for Portsmouth cleanup that is in excess 
     of the amount of funding provided in this Act.

                                Science

       The conferees provide $6,585,000,000 for the Office of 
     Science.
       The agreement provides $4,000,000, to be funded from across 
     all Office of Science programs, to support the Distinguished 
     Scientist Program, as authorized in section 5011 of Public 
     Law 110-69. The Department is directed to provide to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress not 
     later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act a plan 
     that responds to the recommendations of the National 
     Academies study ``Opportunities in Intense Ultrafast Lasers, 
     Towards the Brightest Light''.
       Advanced Scientific Computing Research.--Within available 
     funds, the agreement provides $140,000,000 for the Argonne 
     Leadership Computing Facility, $200,000,000 for the Oak Ridge 
     Leadership Computing Facility, $105,000,000 for the National 
     Energy Research Scientific Computing Center at Lawrence 
     Berkeley National Laboratory, $10,000,000 for the 
     Computational Sciences Graduate Fellowship program, and 
     $85,000,000 for ESnet. The agreement provides $75,667,000 for 
     Computational Partnerships (SciDAC). Within funds for SciDAC, 
     up to $13,000,000 is to support work on artificial 
     intelligence and big data focused on the development of 
     algorithms and methods to identify new ways of extracting 
     information from data generated at the Office of Science's 
     large user facilities or validating use of machine learning 
     in the Office of Science's program's scientific simulations. 
     This is the only funding recommended within the Office of 
     Science that shall be available for this work. Further, none 
     of the funding is available for clinical trials or 
     therapeutics. The Department is directed to provide to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress not 
     later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act a briefing 
     on its plan for implementing this artificial intelligence and 
     big data initiative.
       Basic Energy Sciences (BES).--The agreement provides not 
     less than $135,000,000 for the Nanoscale Science Research 
     Centers. The agreement includes not less than $505,000,000 
     for facilities operations at the five BES light sources to 
     adequately invest in the recapitalization of key instruments 
     and infrastructure, and in staff and other resources 
     necessary to deliver critical scientific capabilities to 
     users, and no further direction. The Department is directed 
     to submit as part of its fiscal year 2020 budget submission a 
     plan for the buildout of additional beamlines to fully 
     leverage the capabilities of the NSLS-II. The Department is 
     directed to resume annual or at minimum, biennial, 
     Implementation Grant solicitations for EPSCoR. In addition, 
     the Department is directed to submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress not later than 90 
     days after the enactment of this Act a report that provides a 
     plan for future EPSCoR solicitations. The agreement provides 
     $282,000,000 for the high-flux neutron sources which will 
     allow for both Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux 
     Isotope Reactor to proceed with the most critical deferred 
     repairs, replace outdated instruments, and make essential 
     machine improvements. The agreement provides not less than 
     $19,100,000 for Other Project Costs, of which $6,000,000 is 
     for the High Energy Upgrade at LCLS-II, $6,100,000 is for 
     LCLS-II, $2,000,000 is for the Advanced Light Source Upgrade, 
     and $5,000,000 is for the Second Target Station. The 
     Department is directed to proceed with the upgrade of 
     existing user facilities and major construction projects for 
     new user facilities in a manner consistent with the June 2016 
     BESAC recommendations and subsequent Departmental reviews and 
     findings related to these projects. Further, the Department 
     is directed to follow the Department of Energy Order 413.3B 
     project management reporting requirements for these projects 
     and provide project data sheets for those projects in the 
     budget submission. Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides $26,000,000 for exascale systems. The Department is 
     directed to continue its partnership with qualified 
     institutions of higher education in support of energy 
     research activities related to enhanced efficiency in energy 
     conversion and utilization, including emergent polymer 
     optoelectronic technologies.
       Biological and Environmental Research (BER).--The following 
     is the only direction provided for BER. The Department is 
     directed to give priority to optimizing the operation of BER 
     user facilities. In addition, the Department is directed to 
     maintain Genomic Science as a top priority. Within available 
     funds, the agreement provides $100,000,000 for the four 
     Bioenergy Research Centers, $90,000,000 for Foundational 
     Genomics Research, $34,908,000 for Biomolecular 
     Characterization and Imaging Science, and $70,000,000 for the 
     Joint Genome Institute. Within available funds, $10,000,000 
     is to begin the establishment of a national microbiome 
     database.
       Within available funds, not less than $40,000,000 is for 
     Terrestrial Ecosystem Science, of which not less than 
     $10,000,000 is for NGEE-Arctic, $5,800,000 is for NGEE-
     Tropics, $8,300,000 is for the SPRUCE field site, $6,800,000 
     is for the Watershed Function Science Focus Area, and 
     $5,700,000 is for Ameriflux Long-Term Earth Systems 
     Observations. Within available funds, not less than 
     $22,143,000 is for Subsurface Biogeochemical Research, 
     including not less than $3,000,000 to support ongoing 
     research and discovery related to mercury biogeochemical 
     transformations in the environment. Within available funds, 
     the agreement provides $97,000,000 for Earth and 
     Environmental Systems Modeling. The Department is directed to 
     expend funds for earth system modeling, and regional and 
     global analysis. Further, the Department is directed to make 
     land-energy interactions, land biogeochemistry, uncertainty 
     quantification, and model evaluation a priority within the 
     regional and global modeling activities and continue to 
     support performance optimization of coupled systems for 
     execution on high performance and exascale systems. The 
     agreement provides $15,000,000 for exascale computing. The 
     agreement provides $45,000,000 for the Environmental 
     Molecular Sciences Laboratory, $68,000,000 for the 
     Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility, and 
     $17,500,000 to replace the ARM mobile unit.
       Fusion Energy Sciences (FES).--The following is the only 
     direction for FES. The agreement provides $286,704,000 for 
     burning plasma science foundations, $61,246,000 for burning 
     plasma science long pulse, and $84,050,000 for discovery 
     plasma science. Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides $18,000,000 for High Energy Density Laboratory 
     Plasmas and $25,000,000 for Scientific Discovery through 
     Advanced Computing. Within available funds, the agreement 
     includes $5,000,000 to provide upgrades to the Safety and 
     Tritium Applied Research Facility and not less than 
     $7,000,000 for the Materials Plasma Exposure eXperiment. The 
     agreement provides $132,000,000 for the U.S. contribution to 
     the ITER project and no further direction. The Fusion Energy 
     Sciences Advisory Committee is directed to work with the 
     Office of Nuclear Energy to review establishing a reactor 
     concepts research, development, and deployment activity. The 
     Department is directed to provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress not later than 180 
     days after the enactment of this Act a briefing on a 
     recommendation, which if supported, will include a technical 
     plan, program and eligibility requirements, and funding 
     profile for future fiscal years.
       High Energy Physics.--Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides $15,000,000 for PIP-II; $6,250,000 for ongoing 
     efforts for commissioning and initial operation of the camera 
     for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope Camera; $10,000,000 
     to continue the upgrade of FACET II; $105,000,000 for the HL-
     LHC Upgrade Projects; and $22,450,000 to complete the dark 
     energy and dark matter experiments, of which $5,450,000 is 
     for DESI and $14,450,000 is for LUX ZEPLIN.
       Nuclear Physics.--Within available funds, the agreement 
     provides $11,500,000 for the Stable Isotope Production 
     Facility, $6,600,000 for the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking Array, 
     and $5,660,000 for the Super Pioneering High Energy Nuclear 
     Interaction Experiment. The Department is directed to give 
     priority to optimizing the operations for the Relativistic 
     Heavy Ion Collider, the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator 
     Facility, the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System, and 
     the Brookhaven Linac Isotope Producer Facility.
       Workforce Development.--Within available funds, the 
     agreement provides $10,300,000 for the Science Undergraduate 
     Laboratory Internship and $3,500,000 for the Graduate Student 
     Research Program.
       Science Laboratories Infrastructure.--The Office of Science 
     is directed to work with the Office of Nuclear Energy to 
     demonstrate a commitment to operations and maintenance of 
     nuclear facilities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory that 
     support multiple critical missions.

               Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy

       The conferees provide $366,000,000 for the Advanced 
     Research Projects Agency--Energy.
       The Department is directed to continue to spend funds 
     provided on research and development and program direction. 
     The Department shall not use any appropriated funds to plan 
     or execute the termination of ARPA-E. In addition, the 
     Department is directed to disburse funds appropriated for 
     ARPA-E on eligible projects within a reasonable time period, 
     consistent with past practices.

         Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program

       The conferees provide $33,000,000 for administrative 
     expenses for the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan 
     Guarantee Program. This amount is offset by estimated 
     revenues of $15,000,000, resulting in a net appropriation of 
     $18,000,000. The Department shall not use funds to plan, 
     develop, implement, or pursue the elimination of the Title 17 
     Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program.

        Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program

       The conferees provide $5,000,000 for the Advanced 
     Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program.

[[Page H8020]]

  


                  Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program

       The conferees provide $1,000,000 for the Tribal Energy Loan 
     Guarantee Program.

              Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs

       The conferees provide $18,000,000 for the Office of Indian 
     Energy Policy and Programs.

                      Departmental Administration

       The agreement provides $165,858,000 for Departmental 
     Administration.
       Control Points.--In lieu of House and Senate direction on 
     control points, the agreement includes six reprogramming 
     control points in this account to provide flexibility in the 
     management of support functions. The Other Departmental 
     Administration activity includes Management, Project 
     Management Oversight and Assessments, Chief Human Capital 
     Officer, Office of Technology Transitions, Office of Small 
     and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, General Counsel, 
     Office of Policy, International Affairs, and Public Affairs. 
     The Department is directed to continue to submit a budget 
     request that proposes a separate funding level for each of 
     these activities. The agreement does not adopt the proposal 
     to transfer staff from the applied energy offices to 
     International Affairs. Within International Affairs, the 
     agreement includes $2,000,000 for the Israel Binational 
     Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation and 
     $4,000,000 for the U.S.-Israel Center of Excellence in 
     Energy, Engineering and Water Technology, which were 
     previously funded in the Energy Efficiency and Renewable 
     Energy account.
       Chief Information Officer.--To enhance the accountability 
     for management of cyber resources, the agreement consolidates 
     cybersecurity funding under the Office of the Chief 
     Information Officer. The recommendation includes 
     $131,624,000, including $96,793,000 as requested within 
     Departmental Administration and $34,831,000 as requested for 
     CyberOne activities within the DOE working capital fund. 
     Within this amount, not less than $71,501,000 shall be for 
     cybersecurity and secure information.
       Nuclear Power Plant Closings.--Prior to the opening of a 
     permanent repository or monitored retrievable storage for 
     spent nuclear fuel, power plant sites serve as de facto 
     storage facilities for this nuclear waste. When a plant 
     closes, onsite storage of spent nuclear fuel can be a factor 
     affecting redevelopment of the location. The Department is 
     directed to submit to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress not later than 180 days after the 
     enactment of this Act a study on existing public and private 
     resources and funding for which municipalities where a 
     nuclear power plant is decommissioned, in the process of 
     decommissioning, or plans to shut down within 3 years of 
     enactment of this Act and contains nuclear waste within its 
     boundaries may be eligible.
       Radium Contamination.--The Department shall review the 
     details of any facility of the Nevada System of Higher 
     Education, as defined by the State of Nevada, that is 
     contaminated with radium to determine whether the Department 
     has a legal liability or authorization for remediation of 
     such facility.
       Energy Technology Commercialization Fund.--In making awards 
     from the Energy Technology Commercialization Fund established 
     under section 1001(e) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 
     U.S.C. 16391(e)), the requirements for matching funds shall 
     be determined by the Secretary of Energy in accordance with 
     section 988 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 16352).

                    Office of the Inspector General

       The agreement provides $51,330,000 for the Office of the 
     Inspector General.

                    ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES

                NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

       The conferees provide $15,228,618,000 for the National 
     Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The conferees include 
     funding for the NNSA's institutional plant projects in the 
     agreement and direct the NNSA to expedite reports that 
     account for site indirect overhead and administrative costs 
     as directed by the Congress.
       The NNSA Act clearly lays out the functions of the NNSA and 
     gives the Administrator authority over, and responsibility 
     for, those functions. While the NNSA may expend funds to 
     study its organizational structure, no funds shall be used to 
     reorganize or reclassify any of those functions specified in 
     the NNSA Act.

                           Weapons Activities

       The conferees provide $11,100,000,000 for Weapons 
     Activities. The agreement directs the use of $13,080,000 in 
     unexpended prior-year balances to offset fiscal year 2019 
     needs.
       When proposing new or modified nuclear weapons activities, 
     the Department shall ensure adherence to the requirements of 
     50 U.S.C. 2529, including requesting a single dedicated line 
     item for such activities. The NNSA is directed to comply with 
     the direction in the House report regarding the W76-2 
     Modification Program.
       IW/W78 Life Extension Program.--In lieu of language in the 
     House report on the W78 Life Extension Program (LEP), the 
     NNSA is directed to provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, not later than 60 
     days after the of enactment of this Act and prior to 
     commencement of phase 6.2, a report that provides the 
     rationale for an insensitive-high explosive (IHE)-based 
     system, an updated estimate of the cost and schedule for 
     warhead development and production, and a rough order of 
     magnitude cost and schedule comparison of the differences 
     between the requested IW and a W76 LEP-like refurbishment of 
     the W78. Further, the NNSA shall initiate an independent 
     review by the Office of Cost Estimating and Program 
     Evaluation (CEPE) of the analysis of alternatives process 
     conducted as part of the life extension study of the W78 to 
     assess objectivity, thoroughness, and adherence to the 
     Government Accountability Office recommended best practices, 
     in accordance with current NNSA policy.
       Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, 
     the NNSA shall provide to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress a report that includes the following: 
     (1) the results of the CEPE review; (2) a cost and schedule 
     estimate to refurbish the W78 warhead in a manner similar to 
     the W76 LEP; (3) a cost estimate for any needed upgrades to 
     Department of Defense facilities to fully satisfy safety 
     requirements for handling conventional high explosives; (4) 
     impacts to the IW/W78 LEP if pit production targets are not 
     met; and (5) the certification strategy for the IW/W78 LEP 
     that addresses issues raised by the JASONs group in its 
     review of certification risks for an IW with IHE and 
     remanufactured pits.
       Domestic Uranium Enrichment.--In lieu of House or Senate 
     language, the conferees direct the NNSA to ensure that there 
     is a credible plan to complete adequate research, 
     development, and demonstration prior to making a decision on 
     domestic uranium enrichment for national security purposes 
     and to focus efforts on work that will provide information to 
     support that decision. No funds are provided for downblending 
     highly enriched uranium. Funds at the requested level for 
     downblending are included in the Tritium Sustainment account.
       Plutonium Pit Production Project.--The conferees include 
     $75,000,000 to commence a new project to meet the NNSA's 
     plutonium pit production targets, of which $11,000,000 shall 
     be for the subproject to re-categorize the Radiological 
     Laboratory Utility Office Building (RLUOB) to a hazard 
     category-3 facility and $6,177,000 shall be for the 
     subproject for the second phase of work to reconfigure the 
     PF-4 facility. The NNSA is directed to budget for capital 
     improvements and equipment installations to meet plutonium 
     pit production targets, including the RLUOB re-categorization 
     and the PF-4 phase 2 subprojects, as subprojects within the 
     Plutonium Pit Production Project and to budget for 
     operational expenses to meet plutonium pit production targets 
     within Plutonium Sustainment Operations in future budget 
     requests. Not later than 60 days after the enactment of this 
     Act, the NNSA shall provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a report on the 
     current scope, costs, and schedule required to meet its 
     plutonium mission targets and shall submit a project data 
     sheet for the Plutonium Pit Production Project in its fiscal 
     year 2020 budget submission.
       Science.--Within amounts for Academic Alliances and 
     Partnerships, $20,000,000 shall be for the Minority Serving 
     Institution Partnerships Program, within which $2,000,000 
     shall be for Tribal Colleges and Universities. The conferees 
     include $50,000,000 for the Advanced Sources and Detectors 
     Major Item of Equipment (MIE) and supporting research 
     activities. The NNSA is directed to submit a project data 
     sheet for the Advanced Sources and Detectors MIE in its 
     fiscal year 2020 budget request. Funds for high energy 
     density grants are included within the Inertial Confinement 
     Fusion (ICF) and High Yield program.
       Inertial Confinement Fusion and High Yield.--Within amounts 
     for ICF, $344,000,000 shall be for the National Ignition 
     Facility, $80,000,000 shall be for OMEGA, $63,100,000 shall 
     be for the Z Facility, and $7,000,000 shall be for the Naval 
     Research Laboratory. Within available amounts, funds are 
     provided for target research, development, and production. 
     Not later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act, the 
     NNSA shall provide to the Committees on Appropriations of 
     both Houses of Congress a report on the impacts to the ICF 
     program of shifting to a full-cost recovery model for the 
     National Ignition Facility. No further direction is provided.
       Advanced Simulation and Computing.--Within amounts for 
     Advanced Simulation and Computing, $163,000,000 shall be for 
     the exascale initiative, $20,000,000 shall be for advanced 
     memory technology research, and $13,000,000 shall be for work 
     on integrating artificial intelligence approaches into 
     mechanistic modeling and prediction.
       Advanced Manufacturing Development.--Within amounts 
     provided for Process Technology Development, the agreement 
     includes $5,000,000 to modernize and upgrade legacy 
     applications at weapons production facilities.
       Infrastructure and Operations.--The conferees include 
     funding above the budget request within Maintenance and 
     Repair and Recapitalization to address the significant 
     backlog of deferred maintenance at the NNSA's sites. Within 
     amounts for Recapitalization, $22,500,000 shall be for 
     recapitalization of the MESA silicon fab facility as 
     requested and $10,000,000 shall be to advance plans for the 
     Tritium Production Capability Project.
       Chemistry and Metallurgy Research (CMR) Building 
     Replacement Project.--The conferees include the subproject 
     funding requested to re-categorize the RLUOB to a hazard 
     category-3 facility and for the second phase of work to 
     reconfigure the PF-4 facility within

[[Page H8021]]

     the Plutonium Pit Production Project and direct the NNSA to 
     request funds by these subprojects within the Plutonium Pit 
     Production Project in future budget submissions.

                    Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation


                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The conferees provide $1,949,000,000 for Defense Nuclear 
     Nonproliferation. The agreement rescinds $19,000,000 from 
     unexpended prior-year balances and directs the use of 
     $25,000,000 in prior-year balances from nonproliferation 
     construction to offset fiscal year 2019 needs. The agreement 
     includes a provision that directs the use of $25,000,000 for 
     design activities for the dilute and dispose strategy for 
     plutonium disposition and a provision that prohibits the use 
     of funds for construction and procurement activities for the 
     Surplus Plutonium Disposition project.
       Global Material Security.--Within amounts for Domestic 
     Radiological Security, the conferees provide $12,000,000 to 
     improve capabilities to train first responders and other 
     experts in nuclear operations, safeguards, cyber, and 
     emergency response.
       Material Management and Minimization.--The NNSA shall 
     discontinue requesting funds in this account for HEU Reactor 
     Conversion in its fiscal year 2020 budget request and is 
     directed to request funds for these activities within 
     Laboratory and Partnership Support and Nonproliferation Fuel 
     Development as provided in the conference agreement. Within 
     amounts for Laboratory and Partnership Support, $15,000,000 
     shall be for technical support of global and industry 
     partners that are seeking to minimize the use of highly-
     enriched uranium in the production of Mo-99 and $20,000,000 
     shall be to support the competitively-awarded funding 
     opportunity to expedite the establishment of a stable 
     domestic source of Mo-99 that was directed in the fiscal year 
     2018 Act.
       In lieu of language in the House report, the conferees 
     include funding within Material Disposition for design, 
     planning, and other supporting activities for the dilute and 
     dispose strategy for plutonium disposition.
       Nonproliferation and Arms Control.--In lieu of language in 
     the Senate report, the NNSA shall provide to the Committees 
     on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, not later than 
     45 days after the enactment of this Act, a briefing on 
     international efforts to monitor global technology supply 
     chains and implement robust export controls to prevent 
     nuclear proliferation.
       MOX Fuel Fabrication Facility, SRS.--In lieu of language in 
     the House and Senate reports, the conferees include funds for 
     the project consistent with the amounts and uses authorized 
     by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2019.
       Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development 
     (DNN R&D).--Within amounts for Nonproliferation Fuels 
     Development, $10,000,000 shall be for the national 
     laboratories to develop high-density low-enriched fuels that 
     could replace highly enriched uranium for naval applications.
       In lieu of the prohibition on the use of funds to convert 
     the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) and the High Flux Isotope 
     Research Reactor (HFIR) in the House report, the NNSA shall 
     provide to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress not later than 90 days after the enactment of this 
     Act a report on the total estimated costs to convert ATR, 
     HFIR, TREAT, and any other reactor currently planned for 
     conversion through the U.S. High Performance Research Reactor 
     Program. The report shall include a multi-year funding plan 
     and schedule through completion for each separate reactor 
     conversion and the estimates shall include sufficient 
     contingency to account for any remaining programmatic and 
     technical risks associated with the fuel development 
     activities.

                             Naval Reactors


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The conferees provide $1,788,618,000 for Naval Reactors. 
     The agreement includes a provision to transfer $85,500,000 to 
     Nuclear Energy for operations and maintenance of the Advanced 
     Test Reactor. Within funds for Naval Reactors Research and 
     Development, $2,000,000 is for planning, preparation, and 
     shipments of nuclear materials to support a pilot project on 
     ZIRCEX.

                     Federal Salaries and Expenses

       The conferees provide $410,000,000 for the federal salaries 
     and expenses of the Office of the NNSA Administrator.

               ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER DEFENSE ACTIVITIES

                     Defense Environmental Cleanup


                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

       The conferees provide $6,028,600,000 for Defense 
     Environmental Cleanup. The conferees include a rescission of 
     $4,600,000 in unexpended prior-year balances from the 
     Hexavalent Chromium Pump and Treatment Facility project and 
     direct the use of $7,577,000 in prior-year balances from the 
     Savannah River Site to offset fiscal year 2019 needs. The 
     Department is directed to submit its fiscal year 2020 budget 
     request consistent with the budget structure for the Waste 
     Treatment Plant in this Act.
       In lieu of the direction in the House and Senate reports, 
     no funds are provided within the Richland or Office of River 
     Protection control points for the Test Bed Initiative, 
     consistent with the budget request. Not later than 60 days 
     after the enactment of this Act, the Department shall submit 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress a report on the Test Bed Initiative that includes 
     expected costs and implementation schedule, impacts on the 
     2016 Consent Decree and Tri-Party Agreement, any necessary 
     regulatory or permit changes, any necessary National 
     Environmental Policy Act analysis, any necessary changes on 
     site infrastructure, and plans for storage and disposal of 
     waste generated through this initiative. If the Department 
     requests funds for the Initiative in future budget 
     submissions, such funds shall be requested within the Office 
     of River Protection in a new, separate control point.
       Richland.--Within amounts for Richland, the conferees 
     include $2,000,000 above the budget request for maintenance 
     and repair of B Reactor and additional amounts above the 
     budget request for cleanup of the 324 Building, Plutonium 
     Finishing Plant, and K-West facility; interim stabilization 
     of PUREX Tunnel #2; and site-wide infrastructure. Also within 
     amounts for Richland, no funding shall be available to carry 
     out activities relating to single-shell tank stabilization or 
     tank farm activities outside of site-wide infrastructure 
     activities. Within amounts for Central Plateau Remediation, 
     $8,500,000 shall be for the Hazardous Materials Management 
     and Emergency Response facilities.
       Technology Development and Deployment.--Within the amounts 
     provided for Technology Development and Deployment, not less 
     than $5,000,000 shall be for work on qualification, testing, 
     and research to advance the state of the art of containment 
     ventilation systems and the Department shall take the 
     necessary steps to implement and competitively award a 
     cooperative university affiliated research center for that 
     purpose; $5,000,000 shall be for the National Spent Fuel 
     Program at Idaho National Laboratory to address activities 
     recommended by the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board as 
     directed in the House report; $5,000,000 shall be for 
     independent review, analysis, and applied research to support 
     cost-effective, risk-informed cleanup decision-making; and no 
     further direction.

                        Other Defense Activities

       The conferees provide $860,292,000 for Other Defense 
     Activities and include the use of $2,000,000 in unexpended 
     prior-year balances to offset fiscal year 2019 needs. The 
     agreement includes $12,000,000 above the budget request for 
     targeted investments to defend the U.S. energy sector against 
     the evolving threat of cyber and other attacks in support of 
     the resiliency of the nation's electric grid and energy 
     infrastructure.
       The conferees are concerned with the recently issued Order 
     140.1, Interface with the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety 
     Board (DNFSB), and the potential impacts on the ability of 
     the DNFSB to carry out its Congressionally-mandated 
     responsibilities. Not later than 30 days after the enactment 
     of this Act, the Department shall provide to the Committees 
     on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a briefing on 
     how the Order differs from the previous Manual, how the 
     Department plans to incorporate concerns from the DNFSB and 
     the public, and the Department's plans to implement the Order 
     across the organization.

                    POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS

       No funds are recommended to divest transmission assets of 
     the Power Marketing Administrations (PMA). The conferees 
     remind the Department of the prohibition on studying transfer 
     of PMA assets in Public Law 99-349.
       Organizational Reporting.--The Department recently 
     announced a change in organizational structure moving the 
     point of reporting for the PMAs to the Assistant Secretary 
     for Electricity from the Deputy Secretary. The Committee has 
     heard concerns that the realignment may indicate an intention 
     to change the substantive relationship between the Department 
     and each PMA, including actions related to PMA leadership 
     decisions, use of the PMAs and their resources, and 
     ratemaking; the Committee does not support such a change. The 
     PMAs have unique statutory requirements, and the Committee 
     expects the Department to adhere to and not expand upon those 
     requirements.

                  Bonneville Power Administration Fund

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

      Operation and Maintenance, Southeastern Power Administration

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

      Operation and Maintenance, Southwestern Power Administration

       The agreement provides a net appropriation of $10,400,000 
     for the Southwestern Power Administration. To ensure 
     sufficient authority to meet purchase power and wheeling 
     needs, the agreement includes $40,000,000 above the level 
     credited as offsetting collections by the Congressional 
     Budget Office. The Department is directed to continue working 
     with the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress to provide necessary information to address this 
     scoring issue for future fiscal years.

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

       The agreement provides a net appropriation of $89,372,000 
     for the Western Area Power

[[Page H8022]]

     Administration. To ensure sufficient authority to meet 
     purchase power and wheeling needs, the agreement includes 
     $45,442,000 above the level credited as offsetting 
     collections by the Congressional Budget Office. The 
     Department is directed to continue working with the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress to 
     provide necessary information to address this scoring issue 
     for future fiscal years.

           Falcon and Amistad Operating and Maintenance Fund

       The agreement provides a net appropriation of $228,000 for 
     the Falcon and Amistad Operating and Maintenance Fund. The 
     agreement includes the use of $2,500,000 in prior-year 
     balances. The agreement includes legislative language 
     authorizing the acceptance and use of contributed funds in 
     fiscal year 2019 for operating, maintaining, repairing, 
     rehabilitating, replacing, or upgrading the hydroelectric 
     facilities at the Falcon and Amistad Dams.
       Concerns persist that additional infrastructure investments 
     are necessary at the Falcon and Amistad dams. Western is 
     directed to coordinate with the International Boundary and 
     Water Commission to determine a plan for addressing any 
     needed improvements and brief the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress not later than 90 
     days after the enactment of this Act on progress towards 
     finalizing a plan.

                  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement provides $369,900,000 for the Federal Energy 
     Regulatory Commission (FERC). Revenues for FERC are set to an 
     amount equal to the budget authority, resulting in a net 
     appropriation of $0.
       FERC shall require the licensee of Oroville Dam to request 
     the United States Society on Dams to nominate independent 
     consultants to prepare a level 2 risk analysis, consistent 
     with the Commission's guidelines, for use in conducting the 
     next Part 12 safety review of Oroville Dam, currently 
     scheduled for 2019. FERC shall ensure the independence of the 
     nominated consultants from the licensee.

                GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

       The conferees include a modified provision prohibiting the 
     use of funds provided in this title to initiate requests for 
     proposals, other solicitations, or arrangements for new 
     programs or activities that have not yet been approved and 
     funded by the Congress; requires notification or a report for 
     certain funding actions; prohibits funds to be used for 
     certain multi-year ``Energy Programs'' activities without 
     notification; and prohibits the obligation or expenditure of 
     funds provided in this title through a reprogramming of funds 
     except in certain circumstances.
       The conferees include a provision authorizing intelligence 
     activities of the Department of Energy for purposes of 
     section 504 of the National Security Act of 1947.
       The conferees include a provision prohibiting the use of 
     funds in this title for capital construction of high hazard 
     nuclear facilities, unless certain independent oversight is 
     conducted.
       The conferees include a provision prohibiting the use of 
     funds in this title to approve critical decision-2 or 
     critical decision-3 for certain construction projects, unless 
     a separate independent cost estimate has been developed for 
     that critical decision.
       The conferees include a provision on the Department of 
     Energy's Working Capital Fund.
       The conferees include a provision prohibiting funds in the 
     Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation account for certain 
     activities and assistance in the Russian Federation.
       The conferees include a provision regarding management of 
     the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
       The conferees include a provision regarding authority to 
     release refined petroleum product from the Strategic 
     Petroleum Reserve.

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                     TITLE IV--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

       The budget request proposes to eliminate the Delta Regional 
     Authority, Denali Commission, and Northern Border Regional 
     Commission. The budget requests funding to conduct closeout 
     of the agencies in fiscal year 2019. Because Congress 
     strongly opposes the termination of these agencies, the 
     agreement includes funding to continue their activities. The 
     Administration shall continue all activities funded by this 
     Act as well as follow directive language included in this 
     report. No funds shall be used for the planning of or 
     implementation of termination of these agencies.

                    Appalachian Regional Commission

       The conferees provide $165,000,000 for the Appalachian 
     Regional Commission (ARC).
       The agreement includes the following direction in lieu of 
     all direction included in the House and Senate reports.
       To diversify and enhance regional business development, 
     $10,000,000 is provided to continue the program of high-speed 
     broadband deployment in distressed counties within the 
     Central Appalachian region that have been most negatively 
     impacted by the downturn in the coal industry. This funding 
     shall be in addition to the 30 percent directed to distressed 
     counties.
       Within available funds, $73,000,000 is provided for base 
     funds and $50,000,000 is for the POWER Initiative to support 
     communities, primarily in Appalachia, that have been 
     adversely impacted by the closure of coal-powered generating 
     plants and a declining coal industry by providing resources 
     for economic diversification, job creation, job training, and 
     other employment services.
       Within available funds, not less than $16,000,000 is 
     provided for a program of industrial site and workforce 
     development in Southern and South Central Appalachia, focused 
     primarily on the automotive supplier sector and the aviation 
     sector. Up to $13,500,000 of that amount is provided for 
     activities in Southern Appalachia. The funds shall be 
     distributed to States that have distressed counties in 
     Southern and South Central Appalachia using the ARC Area 
     Development Formula.
       Within available funds, the agreement provides $16,000,000 
     for a program of basic infrastructure improvements in 
     distressed counties in Central Appalachia. Funds shall be 
     distributed according to ARC's distressed counties formula 
     and shall be in addition to the regular allocation to 
     distressed counties.
       In addition, the ARC is directed to engage in a partnership 
     with a rural consortium that includes academic entities, 
     rural health care providers, and economic development 
     entities in order to develop information and data on overall 
     agricultural and human health issues, how economic distress 
     can be overcome through addressing these issues, and 
     strategies for implementing solutions. The ARC is directed to 
     provide to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress not later than one year after the enactment of this 
     Act a report describing activities in support of this effort.

                Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The conferees provide $31,000,000 for the Defense Nuclear 
     Facilities Safety Board. The conferees include a provision 
     that prohibits implementation of any reform or reorganization 
     plan, including the plan announced on August 15, 2018, unless 
     that plan is specifically authorized in law.

                        Delta Regional Authority


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The conferees provide $25,000,000 for the Delta Regional 
     Authority (DRA).
       Within available funds, the agreement provides not less 
     than $10,000,000 for flood control, basic public 
     infrastructure development, and transportation improvements, 
     which shall be allocated separate from the State formula 
     funding method. The agreement does not include a statutory 
     waiver with regard to DRA's priority of funding. The DRA is 
     further directed to focus on activities relating to basic 
     public infrastructure and transportation infrastructure 
     before allocating funding toward other priority areas.

                           Denali Commission

       The conferees provide $15,000,000 for the Denali 
     Commission.

                  Northern Border Regional Commission

       The conferees provide $20,000,000 for the Northern Border 
     Regional Commission.
       Within available funds, not less than $4,000,000 is 
     provided for initiatives that seek to address the decline in 
     forest-based economies throughout the region. The agreement 
     includes legislative language regarding the management of the 
     Northern Border Regional Commission in fiscal year 2019.

                 Southeast Crescent Regional Commission

       The conferees provide $250,000 for the Southeast Crescent 
     Regional Commission.

                     Nuclear Regulatory Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The Commission's mission is to ensure the safety and 
     security of the nation's use of nuclear power and nuclear 
     materials and protect the workers and public who use and 
     benefit from these materials and facilities. The agreement 
     provides $898,350,000 for Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
     (Commission) salaries and expenses. This amount is offset by 
     estimated revenues of $770,477,000, resulting in a net 
     appropriation of $127,873,000. The agreement includes 
     $10,300,000 for activities related to the development of 
     regulatory infrastructure for advanced nuclear reactor 
     technologies and $16,080,000 for international activities, 
     which are not subject to the Commission's general fee 
     recovery collection requirements. The agreement directs the 
     use of $20,000,000 in prior-year unobligated balances.
       The agreement includes the following direction in lieu of 
     all direction included in the House and Senate reports:
       Nuclear Reactor Safety.--The agreement includes 
     $469,767,000 for Nuclear Reactor Safety. This control point 
     includes the Commission's Operating Reactors and New Reactors 
     business lines.
       Integrated University Program.--The agreement includes 
     $15,000,000 for the Integrated University Program. Of this 
     amount, $5,000,000 is to be used for grants to support 
     projects that do not align with programmatic missions but are 
     critical to maintaining the discipline of nuclear science and 
     engineering.
       Nuclear Materials and Waste Safety.--The agreement includes 
     $108,609,000 for Nuclear Materials and Waste Safety. Included 
     within this control point are the Fuel Facilities, Nuclear 
     Material Users, and Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation 
     business lines.
       Decommissioning and Low-Level Waste.--The agreement 
     includes $25,393,000 for Decommissioning and Low-Level Waste.
       Corporate Support.--The agreement includes $299,581,000 for 
     Corporate Support. The agreement provides, within available 
     funds, not more than $9,500,000 for the salaries, travel, and 
     other support costs for the Office of the Commission. These 
     salaries and expenses shall include only salaries and benefit 
     and travel costs, and are not to include general, 
     administrative, or infrastructure costs. The use and 
     expenditure of these funds shall be jointly managed through 
     majority vote of the Commission. The Commission shall 
     continue to include a breakout and explanation of the 
     Commission salaries and expenses in its annual budget 
     requests. If the Commission wishes to change the composition 
     of the funds in future years, it must do so in an annual 
     budget request or through a reprogramming.
       Budget Execution Plan.--The Commission shall provide a 
     specific budget execution plan to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress not later than 30 
     days after the enactment of this Act. The plan shall include 
     details at the product line level within each of the control 
     points.
       Unobligated Balances from Prior Appropriations.--The 
     Commission carries unobligated balances from appropriations 
     received prior to fiscal year 2018. The agreement requires 
     the use of $20,000,000 of these balances, derived from fee-
     based activities. The Commission is directed to apply these 
     savings in a manner that continues to ensure the protection 
     of public health and safety and maintains the effectiveness 
     of the current inspection program. Because the Commission has 
     already collected fees corresponding to these activities in 
     prior years, the agreement does not include these funds 
     within the fee base calculation for determining authorized 
     revenues and does not provide authority to collect additional 
     offsetting receipts for their use. Any remaining unobligated 
     balances carried forward from prior years are subject to 
     the reprogramming guidelines in section 402 of the Act, 
     and shall only be used to supplement appropriations 
     consistent with those guidelines.
       Rulemaking.--The Commission shall submit to the Committees 
     on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a list of all 
     rulemaking activities planned, to include their priority, 
     schedule, and actions taken to adhere to the backfit rule, in 
     the annual budget request and the semi-annual report to 
     Congress on licensing and regulatory activities.
       Transformation Initiative.--The Transformation Initiative 
     is intended to enhance the Commission's ability to evaluate 
     and regulate new and novel technologies--such as accident 
     tolerant fuels, new materials and new manufacturing 
     approaches, big data, digital instrumentation and controls, 
     and small modular and advanced reactor designs--that will 
     challenge the Commission's current regulatory framework. In 
     future budget requests, the Commission is directed to include 
     concrete proposals developed under the Initiative and to 
     reflect savings achieved from their implementation.
       Accident Tolerant Fuels.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to 
     the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a 
     plan describing the Commission's activities with respect to 
     the testing of materials, the development of consensus 
     standards, and the validation of computer codes and how these 
     activities will be integrated with the work of external 
     organizations. The plan shall describe how the Advanced Test 
     Reactor, the Transient Reactor Test Facility, and the Halden 
     Reactor support these efforts.
       Digital Instrumentation and Control.--Not later than 90 
     days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission 
     shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both 
     Houses of Congress a report describing approaches to 
     permitting the use of digital instrumentation and control in 
     safety applications outside of the nuclear industry. The 
     report shall discuss whether the permitting approaches used 
     in non-nuclear applications would be acceptable in nuclear 
     applications, and if not, explain why not.
       Reporting Requirements.--The agreement directs the 
     Commission to continue to provide

[[Page H8039]]

     to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress a quarterly report on licensing goals and right-
     sizing commitments, as described in the explanatory statement 
     for Public Law 114-113.

                         (dollars in thousands)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Conference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nuclear Reactor Safety...............................            469,767
Integrated University Program........................             15,000
Nuclear Materials And Waste Safety...................            108,609
Decommissioning And Low-Level Waste..................             25,393
Corporate Support....................................            299,581
Use Of Prior-Year Balances...........................            -20,000
    Total, Nuclear Regulatory Commission.............            898,350
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The agreement includes $12,609,000 for the Office of 
     Inspector General in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This 
     amount is graphic by revenues of $10,355,000, for a net 
     appropriation of $2,254,000.
       The agreement includes $1,103,000 to provide inspector 
     general services for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety 
     Board.

                  Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The conferees provide $3,600,000 for the Nuclear Waste 
     Technical Review Board.

                GENERAL PROVISIONS--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

       The conferees include a provision instructing the Nuclear 
     Regulatory Commission on responding to congressional requests 
     for information.
       The conferees include a provision relating to 
     reprogramming.

                      TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

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

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        DIVISION B--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019

       The following is an explanation of the effects of Division 
     B, which makes appropriations for the Legislative Branch for 
     fiscal year 2019. Unless otherwise noted, reference to the 
     House and Senate reports are to House Report 115-696 and 
     Senate Report 115-274. 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.
       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 full time 
     equivalents (FTE) 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 Committees' 
     reports are affected.
       Inspector General Budgets: The conferees believe it is 
     important to ensure independence between Legislative Branch 
     Inspectors General (IG) and their respective reporting 
     agencies and expect to see a separate section in each 
     agency's fiscal year 2020 budget justification reflecting a 
     detailed budget request for the agency's IG Office. 
     Additionally, the conferees direct each IG to keep the 
     Committees fully apprised of its funding needs, and the 
     conferees direct each agency not to interfere with or require 
     approval for such communications.

                                TITLE I

                                 SENATE

       The agreement includes $934,666,642 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.
       Senate Employees' Child Care Center (SECCC): In lieu of 
     language included in Senate Report 115-274, the agreement 
     directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review 
     the current operations of the SECCC. GAO must receive input 
     from related constituencies including SECCC Board Members and 
     the Executive Director. GAO shall conduct a study and provide 
     its findings to the Committee on Appropriations and the 
     Committee on Rules and Administration no later than 180 days 
     after enactment of this act. The study shall: examine the 
     current statutory impediments to and feasibility of 
     incorporating the SECCC into either the office of the 
     Sergeant at Arms or the office of the Secretary of the 
     Senate; the current costs to operate the facility, including 
     capital, operating, salaries, benefits and other expenses and 
     how those might convey to one of the Senate entities named; 
     investigate the creation and operation of a revolving fund by 
     which tuition and other payments may be received; detail the 
     best method of dissolving the 501(c)(3) that currently runs 
     the SECCC; and recommend a personnel process to govern hires, 
     transfers, promotions, and approvals for training. The study 
     should also include an accounting of the SECCC's requirements 
     to maintain certification and licensing as a certified and/or 
     accredited child care and child development facility in the 
     District of Columbia. That accounting should also include any 
     requirements for insurance or other liability protections for 
     the staff or the facility. The study should disclose all 
     costs associated with the operation of the center that are 
     currently incurred by the SECCC, the Architect of the 
     Capitol, the Senate Sergeant at Arms, and the Secretary of 
     the Senate. When developing its findings, the Committee 
     strongly encourages GAO to consider the structure and 
     capacity of child care facilities that serve employees of 
     other Legislative Branch agencies, the House of 
     Representatives, and Executive Branch agencies. The conferees 
     further direct the Comptroller General to brief the Committee 
     on Rules and Administration not later than 90 days after 
     enactment on preliminary findings of the Comptroller 
     General's evaluation, with the report to follow at a date to 
     be determined at the time of the briefing.
       In lieu of language included in Senate Report 115-274, the 
     agreement includes the following:
       Senate Staff Compensation Review: Ensuring Senate staff 
     compensation is competitive and fair is critical to 
     attracting and retaining highly-qualified staff. The 
     Secretary of the Senate is directed to conduct a review, or 
     contract with an independent external entity to conduct a 
     review, of the salaries and benefits of staff employed by 
     Senators' offices and Senate Committees to evaluate the 
     extent to which Senate staff receive similar pay for similar 
     work, both internally and externally to the Senate. The 
     review must consider job responsibilities, experience, and 
     outside qualifications, including education, for such 
     comparisons. Providing such compensation data is strictly 
     voluntary for any Senator's office or Senate Committee, and 
     any such office may direct that its data be excluded from any 
     data provided for the review. The review should note how many 
     offices, in the aggregate, chose not to participate. The 
     Secretary, or contracting entity, must also take all 
     reasonable and necessary steps to ensure that the data 
     gathered is securely protected and kept confidential. The 
     Committee directs that such a review be started, or 
     contracted out, within 12 months of enactment and that a 
     report summarizing such review be submitted, within 18 months 
     of enactment, to the Committee on Appropriations and upon 
     request to any Senator. Such report must provide summaries of 
     such comparisons and exclude any information that could be 
     used to identify any individual, any Senators' office, any 
     Committee, or any other entity of the Senate, similar to 
     reports published in 2001 and 2006.
       Senate Intern Compensation: The agreement reiterates 
     directives included in Senate Report 115-274 related to 
     Senate Intern Compensation and notes that $5,000,000 is 
     provided for such purpose.
       Death Gratuity: Consistent with tradition, the agreement 
     provides $174,000 to the widow of Senator John Sidney McCain 
     III.

                       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; amends the Federal 
     Election Campaign Act relating to electronic filings; and 
     extends the authority as provided for in section 21(d) of 
     Senate Resolution 64 of the 113th Congress, as amended by 
     section 178 of Public Law 114-223.

                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

       The agreement includes $1,232,663,035 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.

                      Chief Administrative Office

       House Campus Food Service: The conferees commend the Chief 
     Administrative Officer (CAO) for the addition of several 
     branded options to the House campus and encourage the CAO to 
     continue exploring opportunities to add more.
       Members Dining Room (MDR): Dating back to 1858, the MDR has 
     provided a social space where Members meet with one another 
     and with their constituents. This is a unique and special 
     experience for visitors of all ages. There have been ongoing 
     concerns over the years regarding improvements to food 
     service and quality in the MDR. The conferees direct the 
     Chief Administrative Officer to explore applying the branded 
     option concept to the dining room in an effort to provide 
     consistent service, better food selection, and quality food 
     to Members and their guests.
       The CAO is to report back to the appropriate stakeholders 
     regarding options and timelines within 90 days.

             Office of the Legislative Counsel of the House

       Funding: The House Office of Legislative Counsel (HOLC) 
     staffing has not increased proportionally to meet Member 
     expectations for drafting assistance. The HOLC has recently 
     experienced a loss of key personnel, including to the 
     executive branch. While the current Legislative Counsel is to 
     be commended for his strategic management approach and 
     successful recruitment of talented personnel, the HOLC needs 
     additional resources to hire and retain additional attorneys, 
     paralegals, and administrative staff. An additional 
     $2,000,000 is provided so that HOLC will be better positioned 
     over the long-term to meet its statutory responsibility and 
     support Members and staff throughout the legislative process. 
     The conferees specifically expect HOLC to ensure the 
     availability of drafting assistance to Members, committees 
     and leadership offices when legislative activity is expected 
     or legislative deadlines are approaching.
       Paid Internships: The conferees believe that House 
     internships should be available to the broadest possible pool 
     of candidates who have the ability and interest to serve. 
     Unpaid internships can be an impediment to otherwise 
     qualified candidates who cannot independently afford to work 
     without pay. One important step to expanding the opportunity 
     for public service within the House is to provide interns 
     financial compensation via a salary.
       The underlying bill provides up to $20,000 per Member 
     office for the sole purpose of paid internships. The paid 
     internship positions shall not count against the number of 
     employees who may be employed by a Member of the House under 
     2 U.S.C. 5321. The Committee on House Administration will 
     promulgate rules and regulations on the implementation of 
     this new authority.

                       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

[[Page H8050]]

     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; repeal of authorizations for former 
     Speakers; and transfer authority.

                              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 $3,798,000.

             Office of Congressional Accessibility Services


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $1,486,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.

                             Capitol Police


                                SALARIES

       The agreement includes $374,804,000 for salaries of the 
     Capitol Police (USCP). The increase includes necessary half 
     year funds to provide full year funding for those sworn hired 
     from fiscal year 2018 funding to staff the House Garage 
     Security initiative and limited prescreening; half year 
     funding to fully fund 48 civilian positions hired from fiscal 
     year 2018 funding that will replace positions currently 
     staffed by sworn officers, who will be redeployed to meet 
     critical mission requirements and provide immediate personnel 
     utility; and additional half year funds in fiscal year 2019 
     for the hiring of 72 sworn and 21 civilian positions for 
     additional sworn prescreeners at office buildings and the 
     implementation of enhanced screening at the Capitol Visitor 
     Center, as well as one position for the USCP Office of 
     Inspector General. No more than $43,668,000 is recommended 
     for overtime in fiscal year 2019. This provides for 
     approximately 665,000 hours of additional duty.
       Risk-Based Protections for Members of Congress: As 
     highlighted by the 2017 shooting in Alexandria, Virginia, 
     evolving threats to Congress include the physical targeting 
     of Members of Congress. In addition to securing the Capitol 
     campus, the conferees find that ensuring the continuity of 
     government must include protecting the physical security of 
     Members. This bill includes $1,000,000 to enhance Member 
     security outside of the Capitol campus in the National 
     Capital Region, as warranted by risk-based analyses. Such 
     funds may be used to reimburse local law enforcement and/or 
     support additional dignitary protection teams to be assigned 
     on a flexible and dynamic basis. The conferees further expect 
     the USCP to adopt Inspector General recommendations on 
     improving the effectiveness of USCP units, including those 
     other than the Uniformed Services Bureau, to better position 
     the USCP to expand off-campus security for Members. The USCP 
     is directed to report to the Committees within 90 days of 
     enactment on plans for utilizing the increased funding for 
     off-campus Member security in the National Capital Region, 
     including cost estimates for expanding such efforts. The USCP 
     is also directed to include in such report a recommendation 
     to the Committees on specific features of such events that 
     may warrant a threat assessment. Such recommendation should 
     be made in a format that could better inform Members and 
     staff of events that may need to be alerted to the USCP.
       Use of Grounds: The conferees understand the need to 
     maintain safety and order on the Capitol grounds and the USCP 
     is commended for their efforts. Given the family-style 
     neighborhood that the Capitol shares with the surrounding 
     community the conferees continue 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.
       Horse Mounted Unit: For a period of time prior to fiscal 
     year 2006 the USCP operated a six-person Horse Mounted Unit 
     (HMU). The non-personnel start-up costs and annual operating 
     budget required to have a dedicated USCP HMU at this time 
     would take resources away from USCP priorities. However, some 
     believe that having a HMU occasionally patrol the Capitol 
     campus could be beneficial both from an aesthetic and 
     security perspective. The USCP is directed to provide a 
     report to the Committees within 90 days of enactment that 
     explores the possibility of entering into a memorandum of 
     understanding with the United States Park Police (USPP) and 
     the Metropolitan Police Department to provide HMU support 
     around the Capitol campus. The report must address all 
     aspects of such MOU, including any anticipated direct costs 
     and any reimbursement payments. The report must also provide 
     a detailed analysis of the security improvements that could 
     be made under such an MOU, including accounting for the 
     potential frequency of USPP and MPD HMU presence on the 
     campus.
       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 $81,504,000 for general expenses of 
     the Capitol Police.

                          Office of Compliance


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $6,332,670 for salaries and 
     expenses.
       Compliance and Training Additional Resources: The conferees 
     recognize the continued work on reforming the Congressional 
     Accountability Act (CAA) and the process by which harassment 
     and discrimination are reported in the workplace. In support 
     of the ongoing CAA reform efforts and the increasing role and 
     expectations of the Office of Compliance (OOC) including 
     training of Legislative Branch offices and agencies, which 
     includes the addition of the Library of Congress earlier this 
     year, the agreement provides an additional $1,373,670 above 
     the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.

                      Congressional Budget Office


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The agreement includes $50,737,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.
       Responsiveness to Congress: The Congressional Budget Office 
     (CBO) provides Congress with estimates and analyses which can 
     play an influential role in the legislative process. The 
     conferees support the CBO's initiatives to improve 
     responsiveness to Congress. To better understand the needs of 
     the agency with respect to these initiatives, the conferees 
     request additional details and plans for current and future 
     efforts. Specifically, the conferees request information 
     pertaining to the allocation of time and resources spent on 
     formal cost estimates versus informal cost estimates and an 
     update on the agency's plans to enhance the tracking of this 
     information.

                        Architect of the Capitol

       The agreement includes $733,745,000 for the activities of 
     the Architect of the Capitol (AOC).
       Office of Inspector General (OIG): Within funds provided 
     the conferees direct the AOC OIG to employ not fewer than 14 
     full-time equivalent positions during fiscal year 2019.

                  Capital Construction and Operations

       The agreement includes $103,962,000 for Capital 
     Construction and Operations.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

Operating Budget........................................    $103,962,000
Total, Capital Construction and Operations..............    $103,962,000
 

                            Capitol Building

       The agreement includes $43,992,000, for maintenance, care, 
     and operation of the Capitol, of which $17,344,000 shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2023.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

Operating Budget......................................       $26,648,000
Project Budget:
    Security Improvements, House Chamber, USC.........         4,857,000
    Senate Reception Room Restoration and                      4,363,000
     Conservation, USC................................
    Fire Alarm System Upgrade, USC....................         2,525,000
    Conservation of Fine and Architectural Art........           599,000
    Minor Construction................................         5,000,000
                                                       -----------------
                                                              17,344,000
Total, Capitol Building...............................       $43,992,000
 

                            Capitol Grounds

       The agreement includes $16,761,000 for the care and 
     improvements of the grounds surrounding the Capitol, House 
     and Senate office buildings, and the Capitol Power Plant, of 
     which $5,519,000 shall remain available until September 30, 
     2023.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

Operating Budget......................................       $11,242,000
Project Budget:
    Light Pole Structural Repairs and Improvements,            2,519,000
     Phase III-VI.....................................

[[Page H8051]]

 
    Minor Construction................................         3,000,000
                                                       -----------------
                                                               5,519,000
Total, Capitol Grounds................................       $16,761,000
 

                         House Office Buildings

       The agreement includes $197,098,000 for the care and 
     maintenance of the House Office Buildings, of which 
     $65,552,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2023 
     and $62,000,000 shall remain available until expended.

Operating Budget......................................       $59,546,000
Project Budget:
    Garage Interior Rehabilitation, Phase IV, RHOB....        32,721,000
    Security Enhancements, Phase IV and V, HOB........        22,171,000
    CAO Project Support...............................         3,660,000
    Restoration & Renovation, CHOB....................        62,000,000
    Minor Construction................................         7,000,000
                                                       -----------------
                                                             127,552,000
House Office Buildings (base program).................      $187,098,000
    House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund        10,000,000
Total, House Office Buildings.........................      $197,098,000
 

       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.
       Cannon Tunnel Improvements: The tunnel connecting the 
     Cannon House Office Building and the Capitol Building is the 
     path many visitors travel in route to visiting the Capitol. 
     The current condition of the Cannon tunnel is that of a 
     basement ambience. Furthermore the tunnel is subject to leaks 
     which have recently caused the tunnel to be closed. The 
     Architect of the Capitol, in consultation with the Clerk of 
     the House, is directed to develop a comprehensive plan to 
     enhance the tunnel. The plan should include cost estimates, 
     timeline, and renderings to improve the welcoming experience 
     as visitors make their way to the Capitol.
       Capitol South Metro Station Arrival Area: The conferees 
     recognize the symbolism of the Capitol complex to our nation 
     and around the world. A desire exists to make improvements to 
     the welcoming experience as visitors arrive at the campus. 
     The Architect of the Capitol is directed to further study, 
     evaluate, and develop designs for the transformation of First 
     Street, SE into a more welcoming environment with specific 
     improvements targeted to creating a safe and secure 
     arrival area at the Capitol South Metro station.

                        Senate Office Buildings

       The agreement includes $93,562,000 for the maintenance, 
     care and operation of the Senate Office Buildings, of which 
     $31,162,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2023.

Operating Budget......................................       $62,400,000
Project Budget:
    Emergency Generator Replacement, HSOB.............           850,000
    Fire Alarm Upgrade, DSOB..........................           606,000
    Exterior Envelope Repair & Restoration, Phases IV         24,706,000
     and V, RSOB......................................
                                                       -----------------
    Minor Construction................................         5,000,000
                                                       -----------------
                                                              31,162,000
        Total, Senate Office Buildings................       $93,562,000
 

       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.

                          Capitol Power Plant

       In addition to the $9,000,000 made available from receipts 
     credited as reimbursements to this appropriation, the 
     agreement includes $114,050,000 for maintenance, care and 
     operation of the Capitol Power Plant, of which $31,362,000 
     shall remain available until September 30, 2023.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

Operating Budget......................................       $91,688,000
Project Budget:
    Cooling Tower Renovation and Electrical Upgrades,         21,215,000
     Phase IV.........................................
    Tunnel Waterproofing, Y Tunnel....................         4,709,000
    Switchgear B & Pump Replacement, RPR, Phase VI....           724,000
    Condenser Water Pump and HVAC Replacement, RPR,              714,000
     Phase VII........................................
    Minor Construction................................         4,000,000
                                                       -----------------
                                                              31,362,000
        Subtotal, Capitol Power Plant.................      $123,050,000
            Offsetting Collections....................       (9,000,000)
                                                       -----------------
        Total, Capitol Power Plant....................      $114,050,000
 

                     Library Buildings and Grounds

       The agreement includes $68,525,000 for Library of Congress 
     Buildings and Grounds, of which $40,403,000 shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2023.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

Operating Budget......................................       $28,122,000
Project Budget:
    North Exit Stair B, Phase II, TJB.................        18,090,000
    Emergency Lighting System Upgrade, TJB............         7,490,000
    Book Conveyor System Removal and In-Fill, JMMB....         4,762,000
    Exterior Masonry and Envelope Repairs, TJB........         2,149,000
    Fire Alarm and Audibility Upgrade, JMMB...........         1,622,000
    ESPC Management Program, LBG......................         1,790,000
    National Library Service Relocation Design........         2,000,000
    Minor Construction................................         2,500,000
                                                       -----------------
                                                              40,403,000
        Total, Library Buildings and Grounds..........       $68,525,000
 


[[Page H8052]]

  

       Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security
       The agreement includes $57,714,000 for Capitol Police 
     Buildings, Grounds, and Security, of which $31,777,000 shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2023.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

Operating Budget......................................       $25,937,000
Project Budget:
Chiller Replacement and Chilled Water System                  15,477,000
 Expansion, Phase I, ACF..............................
Barrier Lifecycle and Perimeter Security Kiosk                 8,300,000
 Replacement, Phase III...............................
South Door Screening Center Design and Initial                 3,000,000
 Construction, USC....................................
Minor Construction....................................         5,000,000
                                                       -----------------
                                                              31,777,000
        Total, Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and        $57,714,000
         Security.....................................
 

       Alternate Computing Facility (ACF): The conferees direct 
     the AOC to develop and present a multi-year strategic plan 
     for the use of the ACF and associated costs estimates to meet 
     the plan. The conferees direct the AOC to work with their 
     stakeholders and Committees of jurisdiction when developing 
     the plan. Additionally, as part of the analysis for 
     developing the strategic plan the AOC is directed to work 
     with the Uptime Institute or equivalent certifying authority 
     to have a third-party assessment of the data center at the 
     ACF.

                             Botanic Garden

       The agreement includes $14,759,000 for salaries and 
     expenses for the Botanic Garden, of which $3,559,000 shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2023.
       With respect to operations and projects, the following is 
     agreed to:

Operating Budget........................................     $11,200,000
Project Budget:
    Security Upgrade, BGC...............................         959,000
    Minor Construction..................................       2,600,000
                                                         ---------------
                                                               3,559,000
        Total, Botanic Garden...........................     $14,759,000
 

                         Capitol Visitor Center

       The agreement includes $23,322,000 for the Capitol Visitor 
     Center.


                       administrative provisions

       The agreement prohibits payments of bonuses to contractors 
     behind schedule or over budget; prohibits expenditure of 
     funds for scrims for projects performed by the Architect of 
     the Capitol; allows interagency transfers of funds to support 
     the security needs of Congress; amends the small purchase 
     threshold; authorizes details of employees; and authorizes 
     employees to accept reimbursement of expenses for attending 
     meetings and other functions in an official capacity.
       Acceptance of Travel Expenses from Non-Federal Sources: The 
     Architect of the Capitol is directed to update its Ethics 
     Order to incorporate this new authority as well as including 
     the requirement applicable to executive branch agencies that 
     the Architect of the Capitol submit semi-annual reports on 
     all expenses paid in amounts greater than $250.

                          LIBRARY OF CONGRESS


                         salaries and expenses

       The agreement includes $474,052,000 in direct 
     appropriations and authority to spend receipts of $6,000,000, 
     for a total of $480,052,000.
       This amount includes $2,383,000 for the Veterans History 
     Project and $8,653,000 for the Teaching with Primary Sources 
     program.
       Visitor Experience: The vision for the Visitor Experience 
     enhancements at the Library of Congress' Thomas Jefferson 
     Building has strong support in Congress. By expanding, 
     revitalizing, and better showcasing the Library's available 
     programs and historical artifacts, the Visitor Experience 
     will capitalize on investments in the Library while also 
     opening up the Library's treasures to more visitors from 
     across the United States and the world. To date, $10,000,000 
     of taxpayer money has been appropriated and a commitment of 
     $10,000,000 in private donations for this public/private 
     partnership initiative has been secured. The preliminary cost 
     estimate provided by the Library of Congress for this project 
     is $60,000,000.
       The conferees believe a substantial down payment for this 
     initiative has been invested which demonstrates the robust 
     support and commitment of Congress. While one third of the 
     funding for this initiative has been secured, routine budget 
     justification materials, such as a detailed cost estimate, 
     design, and timeline are still under development at the 
     Library. As directed in Public Law 115-141 and its 
     accompanying explanatory statement, the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the House and Senate look forward to 
     receiving and reviewing a comprehensive Visitor Experience 
     plan, which will provide the basis for appropriation of 
     further project funding and ensure taxpayer dollars are being 
     spent wisely.
       Ultimately this project has the potential to transform the 
     way in which the collection and story of the world's largest 
     library is shared with millions of people for decades to 
     come. The conferees applaud the forward thinking vision of 
     the Visitor Experience concept and look forward to continuing 
     Congress' partnership with the Library of Congress to make 
     this concept a reality.
       Preservation: The Library utilizes multiple preservation 
     strategies to extend the life of its vast collections for 
     future generations to enjoy, including building and operating 
     climate-controlled storage facilities, preparing new 
     acquisitions for commercial binding and shelving, 
     deacidification, and digital reformatting. The conferees 
     support the Library's preservation efforts and direct the 
     Library to continue funding for ongoing preservation 
     activities at not less than the current level for each 
     ongoing preservation strategy.
       National Film and Sound Recording Preservation Programs: As 
     noted in the Senate Report 115-274, the conferees expect that 
     the Library will provide support to these programs.

                            COPYRIGHT OFFICE


                         salaries and expenses

       The agreement includes $43,589,000 in direct appropriations 
     to the Copyright Office which fully funds the agency's 
     amended request. An additional $45,490,000 is made available 
     from receipts for salaries and expenses and $4,328,000 is 
     available from prior year unobligated balances, for a total 
     of $93,407,000.

                     CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE


                         salaries and expenses

       The agreement includes $125,688,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.
       Technology Assessment Study: The Committees have heard 
     testimony on, and received dozens of requests advocating for 
     restoring funding to the Office of Technology Assessment, and 
     more generally on how Congress equips itself with the deep 
     technical advice necessary to understand and tackle the 
     growing number of science and technology policy challenges 
     facing our country. The conferees direct the Congressional 
     Research Service (CRS) to engage with the National Academy of 
     Public Administration or a similar external entity to produce 
     a report detailing the current resources available to Members 
     of Congress within the Legislative Branch regarding science 
     and technology policy, including the GAO. This study should 
     also assess the potential need within the Legislative Branch 
     to create a separate entity charged with the mission of 
     providing nonpartisan advice on issues of science and 
     technology. Furthermore, the study should also address if the 
     creation of such entity duplicates services already available 
     to Members of Congress. CRS should work with the Committees 
     in developing the parameters of the study and once complete, 
     the study should be made available to relevant oversight 
     Committees.

             BOOKS FOR THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED


                         salaries and expenses

       The agreement includes $52,783,000 for salaries and 
     expenses.


                        administrative provision

       The agreement includes a provision regarding reimbursable 
     and revolving funds.

                      Government Publishing Office


                        congressional publishing

                     (including transfer of funds)

       The agreement includes $79,000,000 for authorized 
     publishing, printing and binding for the Congress.
       National Library Services: The conferees are encouraged 
     with the progress to-date on the relocation of the Library of 
     Congress's (LOC) National Library Services division to a 
     location within Government Publishing Office (GPO) owned 
     office space. The conferees have provided the Architect of 
     the Capitol $2,000,000 for design and initial construction. 
     GPO is directed to help facilitate this move which the 
     conferees believe is beneficial for both GPO and LOC.
       Budget Justifications: GPO routinely utilizes carryover 
     balances from previous fiscal years to complete major 
     initiatives and

[[Page H8053]]

     other services required by Congress. While the conferees 
     support this efficient use of funds for these efforts, the 
     conferees direct GPO to include such planned spending for 
     future fiscal years in its agency budget justifications. This 
     will ensure that all future project and other spending 
     planning by GPO will be transparent and justified to the 
     Congress.


     public information programs of the superintendent of documents

                         salaries and expenses

                     (including transfer of funds)

       The agreement includes $32,000,000.


                      government publishing office

                   business operations revolving fund

       The agreement includes $6,000,000.

                    GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE


                         salaries and expenses

       The agreement includes $589,749,653 in direct 
     appropriations for salaries and expenses of the Government 
     Accountability Office (GAO). In addition, $35,900,000 is 
     available from offsetting collections, for a total of 
     $625,649,653.
       This level of funding will enable GAO to hire an additional 
     50 FTE compared to both the fiscal year 2018 funding level 
     and the request level. Added to GAO's ongoing hiring plan, 
     total staffing levels will increase by 130 FTE compared to 
     the fiscal year 2018 level.
       Technology Assessment: There is general support in Congress 
     to bolster capacity of and enhance access to quality, 
     independent science and technological expertise. Since 2002, 
     GAO has provided direct support to Congress in the area of 
     technology assessment through objective, rigorous, and timely 
     assessments of emerging science and technologies. The Center 
     for Science, Technology, and Engineering (CSTE) within GAO 
     has developed such a capacity, providing wide-ranging 
     technical expertise across all of GAO's areas of work. 
     However, because the scope of technological complexities 
     continues to grow significantly, the conferees seek 
     opportunities to expand technology assessment capacity within 
     the Legislative Branch.
       The conferees encourage GAO to reorganize its technology 
     and science function by creating a new more prominent office 
     within GAO. GAO is directed to provide the Committees a 
     detailed plan and timeline describing how this new office can 
     expand and enhance GAO's capabilities in scientific and 
     technological assessments. This plan should be developed in 
     consultation with internal stakeholders of the Legislative 
     Branch such as congressional staff and Members of Congress in 
     addition to external stakeholders, including nonprofit 
     organizations and subject matter experts knowledgeable in the 
     field of emerging and current technologies. Further, such a 
     plan should include a description of the revised 
     organizational structure within GAO, provide potential cost 
     estimates as necessary, and analyze the following issues: the 
     appropriate scope of work and depth of analysis; the optimum 
     size and staff skillset needed to fulfill its mission; the 
     opportunity and utility of shared efficiencies within GAO; 
     and the opportunities to increase GAO's engagement and 
     support with Congress. GAO is directed to submit this report 
     to the Committees within 180 days of enactment.
       USCP Mandatory Retirement Age: The conferees direct the 
     Government Accountability Office to provide a written report 
     to the Committees within one year of enactment on the 
     feasibility and impact of permanently raising the USCP sworn 
     employee mandatory retirement age from 57 years of age to 60 
     years of age. The report should address the young and 
     vigorous law enforcement standard; the potential impact to 
     benefits afforded to USCP sworn employees under the Capitol 
     Police Retirement Act, the Social Security benefit, the 
     Federal Employees Retirement System benefit, and the Thrift 
     Savings Plan annuity; the long-term financial impact on the 
     USCP if enacted; and provide benchmark data against other 
     Federal law enforcement agencies to ensure Federal law 
     enforcement parity for the USCP will not be impacted should 
     the mandatory retirement age be raised to 60 years of age. In 
     addition, in consultation with the Office of Personnel 
     Management, the Government Accountability Office should 
     provide amendment language to the Capitol Police Retirement 
     Act for such a change to be made and validate that the 
     ``young and vigorous'' basis of CPRA mandatory age retirement 
     requirements is acceptable for the entire federal workforce 
     given present-day health and wellness standards.

                Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund

       The agreement includes $5,600,000.
       Mission: The conferees applaud the Open World Leadership 
     Center (OWLC) as it enters its twentieth year of operation. 
     The highlight of OWLC's accomplishments has been the 
     engagement of program participants with United States 
     Government officials, including Members of Congress, which 
     helps to improve the image of the United States in countries 
     where leaders have limited direct interface with Americans 
     and our values.
       The political landscape around the world is constantly 
     shifting, and Congress's needs for dialogue with leaders 
     around the world who shape America's image in their own 
     countries is increasing. The conferees look forward to the 
     OWLC being a continued and potentially growing resource for 
     the initiation and ongoing means of dialogue with emerging 
     legislatures and/or countries undergoing governmental 
     transition. The conferees direct OWLC to collaborate with its 
     current Board of Directors as well as Congressional 
     stakeholders to present a report outlining potential ways in 
     which OWLC can meet its mission in an evolving world.

   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; guided tours of the 
     Capitol; and includes provisions related to limitation on 
     telecommunications equipment procurement; prohibition on 
     certain operational expenses; plastic waste reduction; agency 
     cost of living adjustments; and adjustments to compensation.

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   DIVISION C--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED 
                   AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019

       The following is an explanation of the effects of Division 
     C, which makes appropriations for Military Construction, 
     Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies for fiscal year 2019. 
     Unless otherwise noted, reference to the House and Senate 
     reports are to House Report 115-673 and Senate Report 115-
     269. The language set forth in House Report 115-673 and 
     Senate Report 115-269 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 (DOD) 
     continues to have bid savings on previously appropriated 
     military construction projects. Therefore, the conference 
     agreement includes rescissions to the Air Force, Army 
     National Guard, Homeowners Assistance Program, the NATO 
     Security Investment Program and Navy and Marine Corps Family 
     Housing 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.
       Incremental Funding.--In general, the conferees support 
     full funding for military construction projects if they are 
     executable. However, it continues to be the practice of the 
     Committees to provide incremental funding for certain large 
     projects to enable the services to more efficiently allocate 
     military construction dollars among projects that can be 
     executed in the year of appropriation. Therefore, the 
     conference agreement includes 9 projects that have been 
     incrementally funded, however the full authorization of the 
     projects will be provided in the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.
       Facilities Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization 
     (FSRM).--The Department of Defense is directed to continue 
     describing on form 1390 the backlog of FSRM requirements at 
     installations with future construction projects. For troop 
     housing requests, form 1391 should describe any FSRM 
     conducted in the past two years. Likewise, future 
     requirements for unaccompanied housing at the corresponding 
     installation should be included. Additionally, the forms 
     should include English equivalent measurements for projects 
     presented in metric measurement. Rules for funding repairs of 
     facilities under the Operation and Maintenance accounts are 
     described below:
       (1) components of the facility may be repaired by 
     replacement. Such replacement can be up to current standards 
     or codes;
       (2) interior arrangements and restorations may be included 
     as repair;
       (3) additions, new facilities, and functional conversions 
     must be performed as military construction projects. Such 
     projects may be done concurrently with repair projects as 
     long as the final conjunctively funded project is a complete 
     and usable facility; and
       (4) the appropriate service secretary shall notify the 
     appropriate committees 21 days prior to carrying out any 
     repair project with an estimated cost in excess of 
     $7,500,000. The Committees strongly encourage the services 
     and defense agencies to indicate the plant replacement value 
     of the facility to be repaired on each such notification.
       Enhancing force protection and security on military 
     installations.--In collaboration with the House Armed 
     Services Committee, the conference agreement includes section 
     132 which provides $50,000,000 to each of the military 
     construction accounts for Navy and Marine Corps and the Air 
     Force to help alleviate deficiencies in access control 
     points, air traffic control towers, fire stations, and AT/FP 
     deficiencies across the enterprise. There has been much 
     concern on both sides of the aisle that these types of 
     military construction projects continually fall short of 
     securing funding in a fiscal year due to higher priorities 
     within the Services. Each Service Secretary is directed to 
     submit a spend plan for the additional funds no later than 30 
     days after enactment of this Act to the congressional defense 
     committees.
       Cell Site Simulators.--The conferees are concerned with the 
     potential threat of cell site simulators located near DOD 
     facilities. Therefore, the conferees direct the Secretary of 
     Defense to submit to the congressional defense committees 
     within 180 days of enactment of this Act a full accounting of 
     cell site simulators detected near DOD facilities during the 
     three year period ending on the date of enactment of this 
     Act. The report should also include the actions taken by the 
     Secretary to protect personnel of the Department, their 
     families, and facilities of the Department from foreign 
     powers using such technology to conduct surveillance.
       US Army Corps of Engineers restructuring (USACE).--On July 
     30, 2018, the Secretary of Defense approved a Secretary of 
     the Army memorandum identifying specific actions the Army 
     will take in support of the Administration's proposed 
     reorganization of USACE's Civil Works Program. The 
     reorganization includes taking the Civil Works program out of 
     the Army Corps of Engineers with navigation going to the 
     Department of Transportation for infrastructure grants and 
     the remaining accounts to the Department of Interior.
       The conferees are perplexed as to why there was no 
     notification or discussion with Members of Congress and 
     Committees staffs on an action of this magnitude that crosses 
     multiple subcommittees' jurisdiction. This type of proposal, 
     as the Department is well aware, will require legislative 
     language which has not been proposed or requested to date. 
     The conferees are opposed to the reorganization as it could 
     ultimately have impacts for implementation of the Military 
     Construction, BRAC and Family Housing programs.

                      Military Construction, Army

       The conference agreement provides $1,021,768,000 for 
     Military Construction, Army. Within this amount, the 
     agreement provides $110,068,000 for study, planning, design, 
     architect and engineer services, and host nation support. The 
     agreement also provides an additional $10,000,000 above the 
     request to supplement unspecified minor military 
     construction.
       Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant.--Consistent with the 
     direction in the Senate Report 115-269, the conferees direct 
     the Army to continue its remediation and evaluations at the 
     former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant, comply with 
     applicable regulations and permit requirements, and work with 
     regulatory agencies to ensure all response sites are 
     remediated to applicable and approved standards. The Army 
     should continue to communicate with Sunflower Redevelopment, 
     LLC and conduct regular stakeholder meetings and monthly 
     conference calls to address questions or issues related to 
     cleanup and redevelopment.
       Badger Army Ammunition Plant.--Consistent with the 
     direction in the Senate Report 115-269, the conferees direct 
     the Army to continue to test, using both aggregate and 
     chemical-specific methods, for emerging contaminants subject 
     to an EPA Health Advisory Level at the former Badger Army 
     Ammunition Plant, in nearby surface waters, and in drinking 
     water in affected surrounding communities. The Army is 
     directed to provide to local stakeholders the results of that 
     testing and, if testing results show threats to human health, 
     a plan to remediate the contamination, including dedicated 
     funding resources, schedule, and specific actions.
       Conveyance of property.--The conferees note that 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 conferees urge 
     the Department of the Army 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 conference agreement provides $2,118,619,000 for 
     Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps. Within this 
     amount, the conference agreement provides $185,542,000 for 
     study, planning, design, architect and engineer services.

                    Military Construction, Air Force

       The conference agreement provides $1,440,323,000 for 
     Military Construction, Air Force. Within this amount, the 
     conference agreement provides $206,577,000 for study, 
     planning, design, architect and engineer services.
       Little Rock Air Force Base.--As described in the Senate 
     report 115-269, the conferees direct the Secretary of the Air 
     Force to submit a report coordinated with the Army Corps of 
     Engineers no later than 90 days after enactment of this Act 
     providing the status on the cancelled runway project at 
     Little Rock AFB and the replacement project, including what 
     happened to the funding used for the original contract, a 
     justification for the increase in cost for the new project, 
     if any of the completed work from the cancelled project is 
     salvageable, how the Air Force is resolving the issues that 
     led to contract termination and ensuring, to the extent 
     possible, that they are not repeated in follow-on contracts, 
     and how and when a future project will be funded. 
     Additionally, the conferees direct the Air Force to appoint a 
     senior official who shall be responsible for the project and 
     will provide quarterly project updates to the congressional 
     defense committees.
       Air Force Weapons Storage Facility Reprogramming.--On July 
     9, 2018, the Department of Defense sent the Committees a 
     reprogramming request that included source funds from a 
     cancelled prior year project, which the conferees had each 
     rescinded in

[[Page H8068]]

     their respective bills. The conferees recognize the 
     importance of the Weapons Storage Facility (WSF) 
     modernization program, but are concerned that the Department 
     has potentially developed improper and unnecessary 
     requirements that are leading to execution delays and cost 
     overruns against an already strained military construction 
     budget. This has resulted in schedule delays to follow on 
     projects, which also may experience similar challenges unless 
     corrective action is taken. The conferees encourage the 
     Department to sufficiently solicit and incorporate input from 
     all stakeholders in developing requirements, to include the 
     Air Force Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration 
     directorate, and further encourage the Air Force to 
     incorporate lessons learned from prior Navy WSF modernization 
     efforts. The conferees direct the Department to provide 
     quarterly briefings to update the Committees on status, 
     requirements changes, and timeline updates for current and 
     future projects associated with the WSF modernization 
     program. The conferees urge the Department to expeditiously 
     seek alternative funding sources for the current 
     reprogramming from unobligated balances or bid savings to 
     avoid further execution delays.

                  Military Construction, Defense-Wide


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The conference agreement provides $2,550,728,000 for 
     Military Construction, Defense-Wide. Within this amount, the 
     conference agreement provides $192,345,000 for study, 
     planning, design, architect and engineer services.
       Parking issues at DOD facilities.--The conferees are 
     concerned that Military Construction budget constraints are 
     negatively affecting the ability of the Department of Defense 
     to address urgent parking requirements at certain U.S. 
     military installations. The lack of parking is a safety issue 
     and a detriment to the well-being of employees, both civilian 
     and military. The conferees are concerned that the Department 
     does not have a coherent strategy to address the growing 
     parking requirements at installations that have seen 
     significant growth. For example, Fort Meade, which already 
     was home to the National Security Agency, became the 
     headquarters of the newly formed U.S. Cyber Command in 2010. 
     By 2011, the Defense Information Systems Agency, which 
     handles the Pentagon's IT and communications needs, had moved 
     onto the base. In 2005, the base had just over 33,500 
     employees. Today, it has about 57,000, more than double the 
     number of workers at the Pentagon. As a result of this 
     growth, parking at Fort Meade has become a serious issue. 
     Therefore, the conferees direct the Secretary of Defense to 
     submit to the Committees with the fiscal year 2020 military 
     construction budget request: an updated list of unfunded 
     requirements for parking facilities, access control points, 
     and road construction at DOD facilities that have serious 
     parking, access, and road congestion issues. Finally, the 
     Secretary is further directed to submit, with the fiscal year 
     2020 military construction budget request, a list of how 
     those requirements will be incorporated into their 
     construction requests for fiscal years 2021 through 2025.
       MIT/Lincoln Labs.--The conferees have incrementally funded 
     the Air Force MIT/Lincoln Lab project commensurate with the 
     outlay rate of funds for fiscal year 2019 as reflected in 
     budget documents. While the conference agreement does not 
     provide full funding for this project, the conferees strongly 
     support MIT/Lincoln Labs mission and its completion. The 
     conferees fully expect the Air Force to continue to 
     prioritize funding for this project in executable increments.
       Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program 
     (ERCIP).--The conference agreement provides $193,390,000 for 
     ERCIP, an increase of $43,390,000 over the budget request to 
     fund the top six unfunded requirements of the program for 
     energy resilience. Also, an additional $5,000,000 is provided 
     under the Defense-Wide planning and design account 
     specifically for ERCIP. The Secretary of Defense is directed 
     to submit to the congressional defense committees a spend 
     plan for the additional ERCIP funds, to include the planning 
     and design funds, no later than 30 days after enactment of 
     this Act.

               Military Construction, Army National Guard

       The conference agreement provides $190,122,000 for Military 
     Construction, Army National Guard. Within this amount, the 
     conference agreement provides $16,622,000 for study, 
     planning, design, architect and engineer services. The 
     conference agreement also provides an additional $10,000,000 
     above the budget request to supplement unspecified minor 
     military construction.

               Military Construction, Air National Guard

       The conference agreement provides $129,126,000 for Military 
     Construction, Air National Guard. Within this amount, the 
     conference agreement provides $18,500,000 for study, 
     planning, design, architect and engineer services.

                  Military Construction, Army Reserve

       The conference agreement provides $64,919,000 for Military 
     Construction, Army Reserve. Within this amount, the 
     conference agreement provides $5,855,000 for study, planning, 
     design, architect and engineer services.

                  Military Construction, Navy Reserve

       The conference agreement provides $43,065,000 for Military 
     Construction, Navy Reserve. Within this amount, the 
     conference agreement provides $4,695,000 for study, planning, 
     design, architect and engineer services.

                Military Construction, Air Force Reserve

       The conference agreement provides $38,063,000 for Military 
     Construction, Air Force Reserve. Within this amount, the 
     conference agreement provides $4,055,000 for study, planning, 
     design, architect and engineer services.

     North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program

       The conference agreement provides $171,064,000 for the 
     North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment 
     Program.

               Department of Defense Base Closure Account

       The conference agreement provides $342,000,000 for the 
     Department of Defense Base Closure Account, an increase of 
     $74,462,000 above the request. The additional funding is for 
     the Department to accelerate environmental remediation at 
     installations closed under previous Base Realignment and 
     Closure rounds.
       Navy Clean Up Cost.--The conference report provides an 
     additional $60,462,000 for the Navy to accelerate 
     environmental remediation at installations closed under 
     previous Base Closure and Realignment rounds. Furthermore, 
     the Navy shall provide to the Committees a spend plan for 
     these additional funds no later than 30 days after enactment 
     of this Act.
       Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid 
     (PFOA).--The conference report provides $14,000,000 in 
     additional funds for identification, mitigation, and clean-up 
     costs across the Department of Defense for PFOS and PFOA. DOD 
     is directed to submit a spend plan for these additional funds 
     to the Committees no later than 30 days after enactment of 
     this Act.
       Demolition of Previous BRAC Facilities.--The conferees are 
     concerned that the Department of Defense does not have an 
     adequate plan for demolishing previous BRAC sites. For 
     example, the Ontario International Airport was the Ontario 
     Air National Guard Station that was established in 1949. This 
     facility remained in operation for decades, assisting 
     training and support for the Korean, Vietnam, and countless 
     other wars and conflicts. In 1997, the facility was closed, 
     yet the old site has sat largely unchanged for 20 years due 
     to the environmental hazards of demolition. The conferees 
     urge the Department to dedicate funds to demolish BRAC 
     facilities and turn the land over to the local community as 
     quickly as possible.

                         DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

                             Family Housing


                            Item of Interest

       Military family housing units.--The conferees are concerned 
     for the well-being of servicemembers and their families 
     residing in on-post military housing with regard to their 
     exposure to toxic levels of lead based paint. It has been 
     reported that installations around the country possess 
     housing units that contain lead based paint levels exceeding 
     the federal threshold for acceptable levels and could have 
     grave implications on servicemembers and their families' 
     health. In addition, the conferees are interested in what 
     steps the Department is taking for oversight of DOD 
     privatized family housing. Therefore, the conferees direct 
     the DOD Inspector General to conduct an investigation and 
     submit a report to the congressional defense committees on 
     toxic lead levels at military housing on all installations no 
     later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act.

                   Family Housing Construction, Army

       The conference agreement provides $330,660,000 for Family 
     Housing Construction, Army.

             Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army

       The conference agreement provides $376,509,000 for Family 
     Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army.

           Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps

       The conference agreement provides $104,581,000 for Family 
     Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps.

    Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps

       The conference agreement provides $314,536,000 for Family 
     Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps.

                 Family Housing Construction, Air Force

       The conference agreement provides $78,446,000 for Family 
     Housing Construction, Air Force.

          Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force

       The conference agreement provides $317,274,000 for Family 
     Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force.

         Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide

       The conference agreement provides $58,373,000 for Family 
     Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide.

                         DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

                    Family Housing Improvement Fund

       The conference agreement provides $1,653,000 for the 
     Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund.

                         DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

            Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund

       The conference agreement provides $600,000 for the 
     Department of Defense Military Unaccompanied Housing 
     Improvement Fund.

[[Page H8069]]

  



                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

             (Including Transfers and Rescissions of Funds)

       The conference agreement includes section 101 limiting the 
     use of funds under a cost-plus-a-fixed-fee contract.
       The conference agreement includes section 102 allowing the 
     use of construction funds in this title for hire of passenger 
     motor vehicles.
       The conference 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 conference agreement includes section 104 prohibiting 
     construction of new bases in the United States without a 
     specific appropriation.
       The conference 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 conference agreement includes section 106 prohibiting 
     the use of funds, except funds appropriated in this title for 
     that purpose, for family housing.
       The conference agreement includes section 107 limiting the 
     use of minor construction funds to transfer or relocate 
     activities.
       The conference agreement includes section 108 prohibiting 
     the procurement of steel unless American producers, 
     fabricators, and manufacturers have been allowed to compete.
       The conference agreement includes section 109 prohibiting 
     the use of construction or family housing funds to pay real 
     property taxes in any foreign nation.
       The conference agreement includes section 110 prohibiting 
     the use of funds to initiate a new installation overseas 
     without prior notification.
       The conference agreement includes section 111 establishing 
     a preference for American architectural and engineering 
     services for overseas projects.
       The conference 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 conference agreement includes section 113 requiring 
     congressional notification of military exercises when 
     construction costs exceed $100,000.
       The conference agreement includes section 114 allowing 
     funds appropriated in prior years for new projects authorized 
     during the current session of Congress.
       The conference 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 conference agreement includes section 116 allowing 
     military construction funds to be available for five years.
       The conference agreement includes section 117 allowing the 
     transfer of funds from Family Housing Construction accounts 
     to the Family Housing Improvement Program.
       The conference agreement includes section 118 allowing 
     transfers to the Homeowners Assistance Fund.
       The conference 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 conference agreement includes section 120 extending the 
     availability of funds in the Ford Island Improvement Account.
       The conference agreement includes section 121 allowing the 
     transfer of expired funds to the Foreign Currency 
     Fluctuations, Construction, Defense account.
       The conference agreement includes section 122 restricting 
     the obligation of funds for relocating an Army unit that 
     performs a testing mission.
       The conference agreement includes section 123 allowing for 
     the reprogramming of construction funds among projects and 
     activities subject to certain criteria.
       The conference 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 conference agreement includes section 125 providing 
     additional construction funds for various Military 
     Construction accounts.
       The conference agreement includes section 126 rescinding 
     funds from prior Appropriation Acts from various accounts.
       The conference agreement includes section 127 defining the 
     congressional defense committees.
       The conference 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 conference 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 conference agreement includes section 130 providing 
     additional funds for land acquisition and Defense Access 
     Roads for Arlington Cemetery.
       The conference agreement includes section 131 directing all 
     amounts appropriated to ``Military Construction, Army'', 
     ``Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps'', ``Military 
     Construction, Air Force'', and ``Military Construction, 
     Defense-Wide'' accounts be immediately available and allotted 
     for the full scope of authorized projects.
       The conference agreement includes section 132 providing 
     additional funds for anti-terrorism and force protection at 
     military installations.

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                                TITLE II

                     DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

                    Veterans Benefits Administration


                       COMPENSATION AND PENSIONS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The conference agreement provides $109,017,152,000 for 
     Compensation and Pensions in advance for fiscal year 2020. Of 
     the amount provided, not more than $18,047,000 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. The conference agreement also 
     provides $2,994,366,000 for fiscal year 2019 in addition to 
     the advance appropriation provided last year.


                         READJUSTMENT BENEFITS

       The conference agreement provides $14,065,282,000 for 
     Readjustment Benefits in advance for fiscal year 2020.


                   VETERANS INSURANCE AND INDEMNITIES

       The conference agreement provides $111,340,000 for Veterans 
     Insurance and Indemnities in advance for fiscal year 2020.


                 VETERANS HOUSING BENEFIT PROGRAM FUND

       The conference agreement provides such sums as may be 
     necessary for costs associated with direct and guaranteed 
     loans for the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund. The 
     conference agreement limits obligations for direct loans to 
     not more than $500,000 and provides that $200,612,000 shall 
     be available for administrative expenses.


            VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

       The conference agreement provides $39,000 for the cost of 
     direct loans from the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program 
     Account, plus $396,000 to be paid to the appropriation for 
     General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration. 
     The conference agreement provides for a direct loan 
     limitation of $2,037,000.


          NATIVE AMERICAN VETERAN HOUSING LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT

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


      GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES, VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

       The conference agreement provides $2,956,316,000 for 
     General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration 
     and, of the amount provided, not to exceed 10 percent is 
     available for obligation until September 30, 2020. The 
     conference agreement provides $87,407,000 above the request 
     to manage disability claims and appeals backlogs and the 
     intent of the conference agreement is that these additional 
     funds 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.
       Claims prioritization.--As indicated in the House report, 
     VA is urged to prioritize the most vulnerable veterans, such 
     as those who are elderly or in poor health, for initial 
     claims processing and claims appeals.
       Medical disability exams.--As described in the Senate 
     report, VA is directed to ensure that any non-VA physician 
     contracted to conduct medical disability examinations have a 
     current unrestricted license to practice as a physician, and 
     is not barred from practicing in any State, the District of 
     Columbia, or a Commonwealth, Territory, or possession of the 
     United States.
       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.

                     VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

                            Medical Services

       The conference agreement provides $51,411,165,000 in 
     advance for fiscal year 2020 for Medical Services and makes 
     $1,500,000,000 of the advance available through fiscal year 
     2021. The conference agreement also provides $750,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2019 in addition to the advance appropriation 
     provided last year and includes bill language requiring the 
     Secretary to ensure that sufficient amounts are available for 
     the acquisition of prosthetics designed specifically for 
     female veterans.
       Opioid abuse.--The conference agreement provides 
     $348,000,000 for opioid treatment and prevention programs and 
     $52,025,000 to continue to implement opioid safety 
     initiatives outlined as part of the Comprehensive Addiction 
     and Recovery Act, as well as to develop programs aimed at 
     ensuring that non-VA providers treating veterans through 
     community care programs are informed and in compliance with 
     all VA standards for opioid safety and prescription 
     guidelines. The conference 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; and $54,337,000 for 
     the Justice Outreach Homeless Prevention program within the 
     VA's Veterans Homelessness Programs which among other things 
     ensures that veterans encountered by police, in jails or 
     courts, have timely access to substance abuse treatment or 
     prevention programs and services.
       The conferees direct VA to ensure that all clinicians, 
     including pharmacists, receive guidance on assessing the 
     risks and benefits of critical drug interactions with opioids 
     when a pharmacist overrides such interaction under section 
     913 of Public Law 114-98. The conferees urge VA to ensure 
     that all VA providers who prescribe opioids consistently use 
     the Opioid Therapy Risk Report tool under the Opioid Safety 
     Initiative, including prior to initiating opioid therapy, to 
     ensure safe prescribing, and to help prevent diversion, 
     abuse, and double-prescribing. Moreover, VA should further 
     improve the timeliness of data available in the tool to allow 
     real-time access to data on a patient who was prescribed 
     opioid therapy by another facility, in another State, or by 
     mail order to prevent overprescribing and abuse potential. As 
     noted in the House report, VA is urged to assist the two 
     States that have not installed the technology to exchange 
     data from their State prescription drug monitoring boards 
     with VA. The conferees urge robust implementation of VA's 
     plan to expand the scope of research, education, delivery, 
     and integration of Complementary and Integrative Health into 
     the health care services. In addition, the conferees urge VA 
     to prioritize continued implementation of the reforms made to 
     the patient advocacy program as required by the Jason 
     Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act (Title IX, Public Law 
     114-98). Furthermore, VA is urged to implement recent GAO 
     recommendations to improve oversight of the controlled 
     substance inspection program and to document its progress; as 
     well as Office of the Inspector General recommendations, 
     including ensuring that community care providers review the 
     safe opioid prescribing guidelines and Opioid Safety 
     Initiative protocols and implementing a process to provide 
     community care providers a complete up-to-date list of 
     medications and medical history of the veteran during non-VA 
     care consults. The conferees also direct the Department to 
     create an opioid abuse healthcare kit for community 
     healthcare providers and ensure completion of a continuing 
     medication course in pain management by providers at VA 
     health facilities. Lastly, all directives contained in House 
     Report 115-673 and Senate Report 115-269 not specifically 
     addressed above shall be complied with.
       Mental health.--The conference agreement provides 
     $8,618,628,000 for mental health programs and includes 
     $206,128,000 for suicide prevention outreach, an increase of 
     $16,128,000 above the request. To best meet the needs of 
     veterans seeking assistance, the conferees instruct the 
     Secretary to make any necessary improvements to Veterans 
     Crisis Line (VCL) operations including, but not limited to, 
     ensuring appropriate staffing for call centers and back-up 
     centers, providing necessary training for VCL staff, and 
     ensuring that staff are able to appropriately and effectively 
     respond to the needs of veterans needing assistance. The 
     conferees also direct the Secretary to provide the Committees 
     on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a report, no 
     later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, which 
     contains an update detailing findings on the outcomes and 
     efficacy of the VCL from the Veterans Crisis Line Study Act 
     of 2017. In addition, the conferees urge VA to increase 
     support for primary care-mental health integration and 
     recovery models, expand telemental health services, build on 
     success of evidence-based psychotherapy initiatives, and 
     guide treatment decisions by measuring the outcomes of 
     interventions.
       National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.--The 
     conference agreement provides $40,000,000 for the National 
     Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (NCPTSD). The 
     conferees direct the Department to submit to the Committees 
     on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, no later than 
     90 days after enactment of this Act, an assessment of the 
     additional full time staff needed to carry out the priorities 
     of the NCPTSD, as described in the congressional budget 
     justification, as well as a hiring plan, and a plan for 
     ensuring that all community care mental health providers 
     receive information about NCPTSD and its consultation 
     program.
       Inpatient substance abuse.--As indicated in the House 
     report, VA is urged to focus on reducing the burdensome wait 
     times for veterans seeking inpatient substance abuse 
     treatment.
       Non-citizen veteran outreach.--As stated in the House 
     report, VA is urged to conduct more aggressive outreach to 
     at-risk, non-citizen veterans to offer mental health 
     counseling and other early intervention drug and alcohol 
     services.
       Licensed professional mental health counselors and marriage 
     and family therapists.--As stated in the Senate report, VA is 
     directed to work with the Office of Personnel Management to 
     create an Occupational Series for Licensed Professional 
     Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists 
     and to create a staffing plan to fill such open positions and 
     assess shortages.
       Homeless assistance programs.--The conference agreement 
     provides $1,818,534,000 for homeless assistance programs, 
     which includes $380,000,000 for the homeless supportive 
     services for low income veterans and families, a level which 
     is $60,000,000 above the request. Additionally, the agreement 
     includes $54,337,000 for Justice Outreach Homeless Prevention 
     Program, $5,000,000 above the request. The conferees expect 
     the Department to dedicate funding for VA's Homeless 
     Assistance Programs consistent with the increases described 
     in this agreement and with Congressional Justifications which 
     were

[[Page H8083]]

     transmitted with the fiscal year 2019 budget request and not 
     to divert the resources to other areas. The conferees direct 
     that notification should be provided to the Committees of any 
     reprogramming of funding provided for Homeless Assistance 
     Programs. Lastly, all directives contained in House Report 
     115-673 and Senate Report 115-269 not specifically addressed 
     above shall be complied with.
       Veteran Homelessness in the Greater Los Angeles Region.--As 
     indicated in the Senate report, VA is directed to provide a 
     report outlining the cost and feasibility of contracting with 
     local community-based agencies and non-profit organizations 
     to provide additional case management services in regions 
     where the Department does not meet the recommended 25:1 case 
     management staffing ratio.
       Construction assistance for nonprofit organizations.--As 
     described in the House report, VA is urged to assess the 
     possibility of assisting nonprofit organizations with capital 
     costs related to the construction of new housing units for 
     homeless veterans on non-VA property, particularly those 
     utilizing Department of Housing and Urban Development-
     Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers.
       Rural healthcare.--The conference 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, and VA is encouraged to use some of 
     these additional funds to increase the number of Rural Health 
     Resource Centers as a means of increasing access to care for 
     veterans in rural areas. In addition, VA is encouraged to 
     expand evidence-based home-based primary care programs to 
     additional American Indian reservations and other rural 
     areas. Increased access also requires a sufficient number of 
     healthcare providers and the conferees are concerned about 
     the ability of VA to adequately recruit and retain sufficient 
     numbers of these providers in rural areas. As such, VA is 
     urged to adopt the recommendations in GAO report GAO-18-124 
     and encouraged to consider the expanded use of doctors of 
     osteopathic medicine, physician assistants, and nurse 
     practitioners to help address any rural health provider gap. 
     Any such gap may be further mitigated through the use of 
     telehealth for medical services. As indicated in the Senate 
     report, the Secretary is directed to sustain continuity of 
     care for rural veterans through provider agreements, based on 
     previous models such as the Access Received Closer to Home 
     program, to ensure veterans do not experience a lapse in 
     existing healthcare access during the transition to the new 
     community care program and any resulting integrated networks. 
     Also, as indicated in the Senate report, the conference 
     agreement directs no less than $4,000,000 to continue 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. To further 
     support veterans in rural areas, the conferees urge the VA to 
     increase accessibility in rural communities to the Community 
     Clergy Training to Support Rural Veterans Mental Health 
     Initiative. The Department is also encouraged to improve 
     partnerships with local faith-based organizations, as well as 
     the Department of Defense, in conjunction with the ``Strong 
     Bonds'' program.
       Telemedicine.--The conference agreement includes 
     $30,000,000 above the budget request for telehealth 
     capabilities and this additional funding should be used to 
     further expand telehealth capacity and services in rural and 
     remote areas. To better assess VA's efforts regarding the use 
     of telehealth capabilities, the conferees direct VA to 
     provide a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both 
     Houses of Congress, no later than January 31, 2019, 
     specifying measures the Department is taking to expand 
     telehealth and telemental health capabilities in rural areas, 
     particularly regions with limited broadband access. The 
     report should also include information on any ongoing 
     collaboration between VA and other Federal agencies to target 
     remote and rural areas to maximize coverage.
       Readjustment counseling service.--In Public Law 115-141, 
     the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, the Department 
     was provided $2,500,000 and directed 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. The conferees direct the Department to 
     provide an update on the status of this program to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no 
     later than 30 days after enactment of this Act.
       Utilization of healthcare services by veterans in the 
     Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, 
     Guam, and the Freely Associated States.--As described in the 
     Senate report, VA is directed to provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a strategic plan to 
     implement and improve the utilization of healthcare services 
     for veterans in outlying areas through piloting the expansion 
     of health services via telehealth or other community care 
     providers.
       Women's health.--The conferees note that the number of 
     female veterans continues to increase. In response to this 
     growth the conference agreement provides $521,352,000, 
     $10,000,000 above the request, for gender-specific care and 
     for the continuing redesign of VA's women's healthcare 
     delivery system and facilities to ensure women receive 
     equitable, timely, and high-quality care. This includes 
     privacy and environment of care issues for female veterans as 
     highlighted in a 2016 GAO report. As described in the Senate 
     report, VA is directed to submit a report on retrofitting 
     facilities to eliminate barriers to care for women veterans 
     to the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on 
     Veterans' Affairs of both Houses of Congress within 180 days 
     of enactment of this Act. The conferees also continue to urge 
     VA to ensure the gender-specific health needs of female 
     veterans are met and continue its efforts to expand access to 
     care for female veterans in areas such as obstetrics and 
     gynecological care, treatment for gender-specific conditions 
     and diseases, and female veteran suicide. The conferees 
     strongly believe that in order to ensure that female veterans 
     needs are met VA must make the hiring of more female 
     healthcare professionals a top priority. Therefore, the 
     conferees reiterate the guidance provided in House Report 
     115-673 directing VA to provide statistics on female 
     healthcare professionals at the Department.
       Intimate partner violence program.--As described in the 
     Senate report, VA is directed to fully resource the VA 
     Intimate Partner Violence Program at $17,000,000 in fiscal 
     year 2019 and include it as a program of interest with budget 
     detail in the justifications accompanying the fiscal year 
     2020 budget submission.
       Breast cancer screening guidelines.--The conferees support 
     the Department's effort to ensure that the breast cancer 
     screening guidelines are consistent with the private sector, 
     and the Committees will continue to monitor the Department's 
     implementation of its policy to offer mammograms to female 
     veterans starting at age 40. The Department should closely 
     follow ongoing debate as the scientific community reaches a 
     consensus on breast cancer screening and mammography coverage 
     to provide veterans the best care possible. The bill language 
     that was included in the House bill stands to ensure VA 
     maintains this policy through fiscal year 2024.
       Rare cancers.--The conferees direct VA to assess options 
     for modifying the December 2017 collaboration agreement 
     between VA, the Department of Defense, and the National 
     Cancer Institute to include collaboration on rare cancers. 
     The conferees also encourage VA to fund research in 
     delivering treatments for rare cancers that take a platform-
     agnostic approach to developing new therapeutics.
       Colorectal cancer screening.--The conferees are dismayed by 
     VA's failure to comply with the direction in the fiscal year 
     2018 Joint Explanatory Statement to offer all seven 
     colorectal cancer screening strategies recommended as A-rated 
     modalities by the United States Preventive Services Task 
     Force (USPTF) and adopted by the National Committee for 
     Quality Assurance Healthcare Effectiveness Data and 
     Information Set measures. While VA endorsed six screening 
     strategies, it declined to endorse stool DNA screening, a 
     widely used screening strategy. This makes VA an outlier 
     within the medical community and the growth in community care 
     will widen the gap between the screening tools used by VA and 
     non-VA providers. To ensure the inclusion of this critical 
     tool in the fight against cancer in veterans, the conferees 
     direct VA to endorse all seven modalities for colorectal 
     cancer screening.
       Home dialysis.--Approximately 20,000 veterans with End 
     Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) receive their dialysis care from a 
     VA Center, either directly or via contract with a dialysis 
     provider. The Committee directs that the VA provide a report 
     on how many patients receive home dialysis via peritoneal 
     dialysis and home hemodialysis, if the number of patients has 
     increased over the past 5 years, and if the VA has set any 
     use increase targets for home dialysis use among its ESRD 
     patients.
       National Intrepid Center of Excellence Satellite Strategic 
     Basing.--As described in the Senate report, VA is directed to 
     study the value and merit to establishing a joint Department 
     of Defense/Department of Veteran Affairs National Intrepid 
     Center of Excellence Intrepid Spirit Center that serves both 
     the active duty and veteran populations for the mutual 
     benefit and growth in treatment and care for traumatic brain 
     injury. The study will be reported to the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no later than 180 
     days after enactment of this Act.
       Long-term care.--The conference agreement provides 
     $9,024,330,000 as requested for long-term care, of which 
     $6,168,524,000 is for institutional care and $2,855,806,000 
     is for non-institutional care.
       Caregivers program.--The conferees believe that VA will 
     incur obligations for the caregivers program totaling at 
     least $865,000,000 in fiscal year 2019. Costs could be higher 
     than this level depending on the implementation of new 
     requirements in recently passed legislation. VA is directed 
     to provide quarterly projections and monthly expenditure 
     reports for the caregivers program to the Committees. If VA 
     does not obligate this amount of funding for caregivers based 
     on quarterly projections, the Department is directed to 
     report the rationale for the discrepancy to the Committees. 
     No later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Department is instructed to provide a report on the 
     number of coordinators of caregiver support services at each 
     VA medical center, the number of staff assigned to appeals 
     for the program at each medical center, and a determination 
     by the Secretary of the appropriate staff-to-participant 
     ratio for the program.
       Hospice care for veterans.--As noted in the House and 
     Senate reports, the conferees view

[[Page H8084]]

     the implementation of hospice care protocols tailored to the 
     unique end-of-life care needs of combat veterans as 
     potentially beneficial for Vietnam-era veterans, as well as 
     for Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria veterans in the future. 
     Therefore, the conference agreement includes $1,000,000 for 
     the implementation of a pilot program to develop the 
     techniques, best practices and support mechanisms to serve 
     these veterans. As part of this pilot program, VA is 
     encouraged to engage non-profit hospice and palliative care 
     providers with Vietnam veteran-centric programs. The 
     conferees also direct VA to provide the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a report, not later 
     than 180 days after enactment of this Act, on the status of 
     the pilot program.
       Nursing home quality ratings.--To ensure transparency and 
     accountability for veterans and their families in regard to 
     nursing home care, the conferees direct VA to publish 
     annually the quality of care rating assigned by the 
     Department to each of its nursing homes and contracted 
     community nursing homes.
       Call routing.--The conferees are concerned by reports that 
     veterans calling their community-based outpatient clinics 
     (CBOC) to make an appointment are sometimes automatically 
     routed to central call centers at VA medical centers with no 
     follow-up by the CBOCs after the initial call. As a result, 
     veterans may feel the need to physically visit the CBOC just 
     to make an appointment. This is an unreasonable burden and 
     may result in veterans not pursuing the care that they need. 
     The conferees believe that our veterans deserve timely access 
     to healthcare services and should be able to make their 
     medical appointments via telephone. Therefore, the conferees 
     urge the VA to ensure that VA phone systems allow veterans to 
     call their local CBOC directly for appointments at those 
     facilities rather than having their calls routed to a call 
     center. The conferees further direct VA to provide to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a 
     report, not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, 
     which explains the Department's guidance on call routing of 
     the scheduling of appointments.
       Advanced practice registered nurses.--As stated in the 
     House report, the Secretary is urged to work with facilities 
     that have not yet implemented VA's final rule granting full 
     practice authority to advanced practice registered nurses to 
     ensure quick implementation.
       Physician assistants.--As stated in the Senate report, VA 
     is directed to accelerate the rollout of competitive pay for 
     physician assistants and develop a plan on how to better 
     utilize the Health Professional Scholarship Program and 
     Education Debt Reduction Program.
       Proposed prosthetics services regulation.--The conferees 
     support a veteran's right to obtain prosthetic and 
     rehabilitative items as medical services from the best 
     possible source and look forward to a rule that will not 
     limit a veteran's choice.
       Historically Black Colleges and Universities medical 
     research programs.--As indicated in the House report, VA is 
     directed to take concrete steps to improve its ongoing 
     commitment to, and partnership with, minority health 
     professions schools.
       Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) affiliations with VA 
     healthcare facilities.--As noted in the House report, the 
     Secretary is urged to develop a plan to expand local VA 
     medical facilities' participation with HSI medical schools. 
     The conferees direct the Department to provide a report on 
     its efforts not later than 30 days after enactment of this 
     Act.
       National Veterans Sports Program.--The conference agreement 
     provides $23,825,000 for the National Veterans Sports 
     Program, with $2,000,000 designated for veterans monthly 
     assistance allowances; $15,000,000 for the Adaptive Sports 
     Grants Program (ASGP); and $6,825,000 for the support of 
     national veterans sports and special events programs like the 
     Paralympics. The funding for the ASGP is an increase of 
     $6,000,000 over the fiscal year 2018 level and $7,000,000 
     over the request. Given the promising results reported using 
     equine therapy for veterans with posttraumatic stress 
     disorder, $1,500,000 within the ASGP total is provided for 
     equine therapy, an increase of $500,000 over the fiscal year 
     2018 level. As stated in Senate Report 115-269 the conferees 
     request that the Department provide a feasibility assessment 
     for the cost of expanding the grant program to include 
     recreational and lifelong sports, such as open ocean 
     swimming, surfing, outrigger canoeing, hunting, and fishing, 
     as well as any legal barriers to expansion.
       Burn pits.--The conference agreement provides $5,000,000 
     for Veterans Health Administration clinical proposals, 
     developed in conjunction with research, focusing on post-
     deployment health for veterans exposed to airborne hazards 
     and open burn pits. In addition, the Secretary is directed to 
     provide an assessment of the process for informing veterans 
     through VA and community care providers about the Airborne 
     Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry and their eligibility for 
     registering.
       Burn Pits Center of Excellence.--The conferees are aware 
     that VA currently runs an Airborne Hazards Center of 
     Excellence (AHCE) at the War Related Illness and Injury Study 
     Center. The AHCE was established in 2013 to provide an 
     objective and comprehensive assessment of veterans' 
     cardiopulmonary function, military and non-military 
     exposures, and health-related symptoms for those with 
     airborne hazard concerns. In addition, the AHCE conducts 
     clinical and translational research and actively develops and 
     delivers new educational content to healthcare providers, 
     veterans and other stakeholders. In order to better prevent, 
     diagnose, mitigate, and treat conditions related to exposure 
     to burn pits, as well as to leverage expertise in airborne 
     hazards, the conferees have provided an additional $5,000,000 
     for the Center to develop a concentration in burn pit study 
     and research. Furthermore, to fully recognize the importance 
     of this new mission and incorporate the expansion into the 
     Center's overarching expertise in Airborne Hazards, the 
     Department is directed to rename the Center to the Airborne 
     Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence. To the maximum 
     extent practicable, the Department should collaborate with 
     the Department of Defense, institutions of higher education, 
     and other appropriate public and private entities (including 
     international entities) to carry out responsibilities and 
     activities of this Center of Excellence. Additionally, the 
     conferees direct the Department to report back to the 
     Committees on Appropriations no later than 120 days after 
     enactment of this Act progress made in establishing this 
     enhanced center of excellence.
       Headache Centers of Excellence.--In fiscal year 2018, VA 
     was provided $10,000,000 in Public Law 115-141, the 
     Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, for the 
     establishment of Headache Centers of Excellence. The 
     conferees direct the Department to provide an update on the 
     status of these Centers to the Committees on Appropriations 
     of both Houses of Congress no later than 30 days after 
     enactment of this Act.


                         MEDICAL COMMUNITY CARE

       The conference agreement provides $10,758,399,000 in 
     advance fiscal year 2020 funding for Medical Community Care, 
     with $2,000,000,000 available until September 30, 2021.
       The conference agreement provides an additional 
     $1,000,000,000 above the fiscal year 2019 advance 
     appropriation for the Medical Community Care account. This 
     level is $500,000,000 more than was requested by the 
     Administration and these funds are available for 
     unanticipated costs in VA's traditional community care 
     programs, as well as for requirements resulting from the 
     passage of the MISSION Act. As a result of the MISSION Act, 
     the conferees note that as early as May 2019 the Choice 
     program, currently funded with direct spending, will be 
     streamlined and consolidated with VA's traditional 
     discretionary community care programs. Although the 
     administration indicated a significant portion of the costs 
     were assumed in the President's Budget request, it has not 
     provided a funding estimate for the consolidated program. 
     Ultimately, the timing of consolidation and any change in 
     cost is dependent on the issuance of regulations that will 
     outline the new program structure. As a result, the conferees 
     direct the Department to provide monthly reports to the 
     Committees identifying obligations for the Medical Community 
     Care program against available appropriations, as well as 
     anticipated funding needs based on the developing program 
     structure.


                     MEDICAL SUPPORT AND COMPLIANCE

       The conference agreement provides $7,239,156,000 in advance 
     for fiscal year 2020 for Medical Support and Compliance and 
     makes $100,000,000 of the advance funding available through 
     fiscal year 2021. The bill also includes Sec. 236, which 
     rescinds $211,000,000 of fiscal year 2019 funds previously 
     appropriated for this account.


                           MEDICAL FACILITIES

       The conference agreement provides $6,141,880,000 in advance 
     for fiscal year 2020 for Medical Facilities, as well as 
     $90,180,000 in fiscal year 2019 funding, which is in addition 
     to the advance funding provided last year. Of the advance 
     funding, $250,000,000 is made available through fiscal year 
     2021.
       Facility expansion.--Given the current co-location of VA 
     clinics on some military installations, such as at Tripler 
     Army Medical Center in Hawaii and Joint Base Elmendorf in 
     Alaska, and the likely benefits to VA of expanding this model 
     to other military installations, VA is directed, as described 
     in the House report, to complete a study on the potential 
     benefits of placing VA clinics on military installations 
     located in areas with high veteran populations and where 
     nearby VA infrastructure is overburdened.


                    MEDICAL AND PROSTHETIC RESEARCH

       The conference agreement provides $779,000,000 for Medical 
     and Prosthetic Research, available until September 30, 2020 
     and includes a proviso making $27,000,000 of these funds 
     available through fiscal year 2023. Bill language is included 
     to ensure that the Secretary allocates adequate funding for 
     prosthetic research specifically for female veterans and for 
     toxic exposures.
       VA/Department of Energy computing collaboration.--Of the 
     amount provided for Medical and Prosthetics Research, 
     $27,000,000 is for VA's collaboration with the Department of 
     Energy (DOE) via a long-term inter-agency agreement to 
     leverage DOE's next generation artificial intelligence, big 
     data, and high-performance computing technologies, as well as 
     multi-modal diagnostics and data integration, in order to 
     develop specific precision medicine applications.
       VA cancer moonshot contribution.--As indicated in the 
     Senate report, the Department is directed to include skin 
     cancer as a subject of its efforts to provide targeted cancer

[[Page H8085]]

     treatments to veterans through genomic science.
       Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War 
     Veterans.--The House report directed VA to provide a report 
     based on initial concerns regarding the potential impact that 
     moving the Posttraumatic-stress Residential Rehabilitation 
     Program might have on the Waco Center of Excellence for 
     Research on Returning War Veterans. Those concerns have been 
     adequately addressed by information provided subsequently in 
     an independent assessment, and a report from VA on this issue 
     is no longer required.
       Public-private partnerships.--The conferees urge VA to 
     expedite consideration of proposals for public-private 
     partnerships to leverage co-location of VA and university 
     biomedical scientists engaged in multidisciplinary research.


                    NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION

       The conference agreement provides $315,836,000 for the 
     National Cemetery Administration (NCA). Of the amount 
     provided, not to exceed 10 percent is available until 
     September 30, 2020.


                      DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION

                         GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The conference agreement provides $355,897,000 for General 
     Administration. Of the amount provided, not to exceed 10 
     percent is available for obligation until September 30, 2020. 
     The conference agreement continues to include bill language 
     permitting the transfer of funds from this account to General 
     Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration.
       The conference agreement provides funding for General 
     Administration in the amounts specified below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        (in thousands of
                        Office                              dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary..............................             15,079
Office of General Counsel............................             99,675
Office of Management.................................             63,402
Office of Human Resources............................             62,172
Office of Enterprise Integration.....................             27,967
Office of Ops, Security and Preparedness.............             22,547
Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.......             12,663
Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs......              5,900
Office of Acquisition Logistics and Construction.....             46,492
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The Secretary may alter these allocations if the Committees 
     have been notified and written approval is provided.
       Additional budgetary information.--As described in the 
     House report, VA is directed to include in its budget 
     justification materials a table for each account that shows a 
     five-year funding history, for requested and enacted levels.
       Financial management system.--The conference agreement 
     includes $10,800,000 in this account, in addition to amounts 
     provided in the Information Technology Systems account, for 
     the development of a new financial management system. While 
     the conferees do not question the need for a new financial 
     management system, VA's record of previous failures in 
     developing such a system support the need for rigorous 
     oversight of this program. As part of this oversight, VA is 
     directed to provide quarterly reports that include 
     obligations, broken down by appropriated, franchise, and 
     other accounts. These reports should also include the 
     development of an integrated master schedule and dashboard, 
     life cycle costs, staffing, and schedule. In addition, VA is 
     directed to conduct end-user surveys in a timeframe and with 
     a content identified by the conferees.
       Contractor accountability.--For contracts over $500,000,000 
     whenever the Secretary provides a Show Cause Notice to a 
     contracted service provider that establishes that the 
     contractor did not cure the conditions endangering 
     performance under the subject contract within the time frame 
     prescribed in the Cure Notice, which necessitates a 
     termination for default, VA must submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations and the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and the House of Representatives notification of 
     issuance of each Show Cause Notice. At a minimum, the 
     notification should include: (1) an explanation of the 
     reasons for providing such notice; (2) a description of the 
     effect of the contractor failure, including with respect to 
     cost, schedule, and requirements; (3) a description of the 
     actions taken by the Secretary to mitigate such failure 
     (other than issuance of the cure notice); and, (4) a 
     description of the actions taken by the contractor to address 
     such failure.
       Prompt payments.--The conferees are concerned that VA is 
     not paying small businesses in a timely manner. Small 
     business vendors depend on timely payments to pay for their 
     services, pay their employees, and conduct business that they 
     have agreed to perform for VA. Therefore, the conferees urge 
     the Department to ensure that payments are made to small 
     businesses promptly.
       Medical Care Collections Fund.--The conferees are aware 
     that the Department continues to struggle with collections of 
     third-party billings, which has impacted revenue in the 
     Medical Care Collections Fund. The Department has indicated 
     that it will take action by the end of fiscal year 2018 to 
     address this long-standing problem. The conferees direct VA 
     to report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses 
     of Congress no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act 
     on how the Department is complying with directives regarding 
     third-party billing contained in Public Laws 114-113 and 115-
     141.
       Debts incurred by individuals.--The Department is directed, 
     within 180 days of enactment of this Act, to develop a means 
     to track and monitor information on the age and amount of 
     debts owed by individuals to the United States as a result of 
     those individuals' participation in a VA-administered 
     benefits program; whether such debts are the result of delays 
     in VA processing of changes to beneficiary status or other VA 
     actions; and whether such debts are disputed by those 
     individuals. Further, VA is directed to submit a report 
     describing the plan no later than 90 days after it is 
     developed.
       Inconsistencies in contracting policy after the Kingdomware 
     decision.--In Public Law 115-96 VA was 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 
     consistently across the VISNs, in alignment with the GAO's 
     recommendations, especially about option years. The conferees 
     have learned that VA has still not issued guidance and again 
     urge VA to provide additional guidance.


                       BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS

       The conference agreement provides $174,748,000 for the 
     Board of Veterans Appeals, of which not to exceed 10 percent 
     shall remain available until September 30, 2020.
       Appeals reform.--As VA has made progress in reducing the 
     backlog of initial disability claims, there has been an 
     increase in the number of appeals. Reforming the appeals 
     process is critical in addressing this increase and requires 
     the commitment of sufficient resources. As such, the Board of 
     Veterans Appeals is urged, as described in the House report, 
     to commit the necessary resources to reduce the backlog of 
     appeals.


                     INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

       The conference agreement provides $4,103,000,000 for 
     Information Technology (IT) Systems. The conference agreement 
     identifies separately in bill language the funding available 
     for pay and associated costs ($1,199,220,000); operations and 
     maintenance ($2,523,209,000); and systems development 
     ($380,571,000). The conference agreement makes not to exceed 
     3 percent of pay and associated costs funding available until 
     the end of fiscal year 2020; not to exceed 5 percent of 
     operations and maintenance funding available until the end of 
     fiscal year 2020; and all IT systems development funding 
     available until the end of fiscal year 2020.
       The conference agreement includes $32,013,000 in 
     information technology funding for the Veterans Benefits 
     Management System that processes disability claims; 
     $9,505,000 for the Board of Veterans Appeals claims appeals 
     modernization effort; $72,821,000 for development of a new VA 
     financial management system; and $22,081,000 for replacement 
     of the NCA burial operations support system.
       The conference agreement continues language permitting 
     funding to be transferred among the three IT subaccounts, 
     subject to approval from the Committees.
       The conference agreement continues language providing that 
     funding may be transferred among development projects or to 
     new projects subject to the Committees' approval.
       The conference 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 conference 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)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              1                  Clinical Applications        Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     A.......................   Access and Billing......           5,891
     B.......................   My HealtheVet...........          10,300
     C.......................   Health Data                       13,000
                                Interoperability.
     D.......................   Registries..............           3,288

[[Page H8086]]

 
                                Subtotal Clinical                 32,479
                                Applications.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               2                   Health Management
                                        Platform
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     A.......................   Digital Health Platform.          15,682
     B.......................   Community Care..........          25,303
     C.......................   Patient Record System...          14,300
     D.......................   Purchased Care..........           9,076
     E.......................   Telehealth..............           6,030
                                Subtotal Health                   70,391
                                Management Platform.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               3                    Benefits Systems
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     A.......................   Benefits Appeals........           2,500
     B.......................   Education Benefits......          37,830
     C.......................   Veterans Customer                 47,564
                                Experience.
     D.......................   Veterans Benefits                 10,000
                                Management.
     E.......................   Benefits Systems........          31,721
                                Subtotal Benefits                129,615
                                Systems.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               4                    Memorial Affairs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     A.......................   Memorials Automation....          18,800
                                Subtotal Memorial                 18,800
                                Affairs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               5                    Other IT Systems
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     A.......................   Human Resources.........          12,600
     B.......................   Financial and                     65,971
                                Acquisition Management
                                Modernization.
                                Subtotal Other IT                 78,571
                                Systems.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               6                     Cyber Security               17,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              7                       Information/
                                     Infrastructure
                                       Management
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     A.......................   Data Integration and              33,715
                                Management.
                                Subtotal Information/             33,715
                                Infrastructure
                                Management.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               8                  Total IT Development           380,571
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       This table is intended to serve as the Department's 
     approved list of development projects; any requested changes 
     are subject to reprogramming requirements.
       Cybersecurity implementation.--As stated in the House 
     report, VA is urged to ensure that patient records being 
     transferred from DOD to VA have the same level of security 
     and data-level protections as provided by the Department of 
     Defense.
       Appointment scheduling.--The conferees understand that the 
     new electronic health record (EHR) contract includes an 
     appointment scheduling system component that will be rolled 
     out across the VA network in conjunction with the EHR system 
     over a ten-year time period. While supportive of the 
     implementation of a single EHR that includes all elements, 
     including appointment scheduling, the conferees are disturbed 
     that some regions of the country will not benefit from the 
     scheduling system for a decade. An improved scheduling system 
     must be one of VA's top priorities to address the continuing 
     problem of delayed appointments. The conferees urge VA to 
     consider alternatives that would permit all regions of the 
     country to receive the benefits of a modern scheduling system 
     in advance of the nationwide EHR system roll-out. The 
     conferees understand that VA may consider decoupling the 
     scheduling system from the rest of the EHR implementation, 
     permitting its nationwide implementation far sooner. If that 
     alternative is not adopted, VA is encouraged to consider 
     implementing the commercial off-the-shelf scheduling 
     solutions it is currently piloting. If evaluations of these 
     pilots indicate that they provide significant interim or 
     long-term benefits, the conferees urge their expansion to 
     additional geographic areas. The conferees direct VA to 
     report within 90 days of enactment of this Act whether it has 
     decided to separate the scheduling component within the EHR 
     contract and implement it separately on a faster track. If 
     the Department declines to take this action, the conferees 
     direct the agency to notify the Committees within 150 days 
     of enactment of this Act of its alternative plans to 
     accelerate nationwide implementation of an improved 
     scheduling system.


                   VETERANS ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD

       The conference agreement provides $1,107,000,000 for 
     activities related to the development and rollout of a new VA 
     EHR, the associated contractual costs, and the salaries and 
     expenses of employees hired under titles 5 and 38, United 
     States Code. The funding amount is $100,000,000 below the 
     request based on the Department's assertion that it could 
     accommodate such a decrement with no adverse impact to 
     program cost, schedule, or performance. Also, because this is 
     a very substantial new effort and the timing of obligation of 
     funding is uncertain, the conference agreement makes these 
     funds available for three years. Of the amount provided, not 
     less than $412,000,000 is for improvement or establishment of 
     infrastructure associated with the program. Additionally, the 
     conference agreement includes bill language requiring the 
     approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses 
     of Congress before any funds may be used to deviate from the 
     deployment schedules provided to those committees by VA.
       Given the potential resistance from some users in adopting 
     a new electronic health record system, the conferees direct 
     VA to focus sufficient resources and attention on the 
     challenge of change management during deployment. The 
     conferees further direct VA to: maintain clear and agreed-
     upon metrics and goals with the DOD in regard to electronic 
     health record interoperability and establish clear timeframes 
     for meeting those goals; update the VA/DOD Interagency 
     Program Office guidance to reflect agreed-upon metrics and 
     goals; and ensure clinician feedback is sought and considered 
     as the EHR system is modernized.
       Quarterly reporting.--The conferees continue to direct GAO 
     to perform quarterly performance reviews of the VA electronic 
     health record deployment to keep the Committees on 
     Appropriations of both Houses of Congress apprised of VA's 
     progress. The conferees also continue to include bill 
     language directing VA to provide quarterly updates on the 
     status of the electronic health record program. VA is 
     directed to provide obligations, expenditures, and deployment 
     implementation by facility. The conferees also continue to 
     include bill language directing that these funds are 
     available only to the Office of the Deputy Secretary.


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

       The conference agreement provides $192,000,000 for the 
     Office of Inspector General. Of the amount provided, not to 
     exceed 10 percent is available for obligation until September 
     30, 2020.
       Community Living Centers (CLC).--The conferees direct the 
     VA Office of Inspector General to conduct an inspection of VA 
     CLCs and report on best practices from VA and/or private 
     sector that would improve the performance of VA CLCs that 
     perform poorly on VA's ranking system.
       Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center.--The 
     conferees urge the Inspector General to dedicate all 
     necessary resources to provide rigorous oversight of the 
     Washington, DC, Veterans Affairs Medical Center,

[[Page H8087]]

     a facility that has been plagued with management problems.


                      CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS

       The conference agreement provides $1,127,486,000 for 
     Construction, Major Projects. The conference agreement makes 
     this funding available for five years, except that 
     $480,000,000 is made available until expended of which 
     $400,000,000 shall be available for seismic improvement 
     projects and seismic program management activities, including 
     for projects that would otherwise be funded by other VA 
     accounts. The bill includes language that, notwithstanding 
     title 38, seismic funding shall be available for the 
     completion of both new and existing seismic projects.
       The conference agreement funds the following items as 
     requested in the budget submission:

                      CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         ($ in thousands
               Location and Description                    of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Veterans Health Administration (VHA):
     St. Louis, MO: medical facility improvements and             34,400
     cemetery expansion...............................
     Canandaigua, NY: construction and renovation.....           190,000
     Dallas, TX: spinal cord injury facility..........           135,686
    North Chicago, IL: renovate building #4...........             6,000
     Oklahoma City, OK: new surgical intensive care               10,800
     unit.............................................
     Advance Planning and Design Fund: various                    95,000
     locations........................................
     Asbestos: various locations......................            15,000
     Major Construction Staff: various locations......            27,500
     Hazardous Waste: various locations...............            26,200
     Judgment Fund: various locations.................            25,000
     Non-Dept. Fed. Entity Project Management Support.            38,700
     Seismic Corrections: various locations...........           400,000
         Total, VHA...................................         1,004,286
National Cemetery Administration (NCA):
     Ohio Western Reserve, OH: gravesite expansion....            29,000
     Great Lakes, MI: gravesite expansion.............            35,200
     Cape Canaveral, FL: gravesite expansion..........            38,000
     Advance Planning and Design Fund.................            10,000
     NCA Land Acquisition Fund........................             5,000
         Total, NCA...................................           117,200
 General Admin.:
     Staff Offices Advance Planning Fund..............             6,000
         Total, Construction Major Projects...........         1,127,486
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      CONSTRUCTION, MINOR PROJECTS

       The conference agreement provides $649,514,000 for 
     Construction, Minor Projects. The conference agreement makes 
     this funding available for five years.


       GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STATE EXTENDED CARE FACILITIES

       The conference agreement provides $150,000,000 for Grants 
     for Construction of State Extended Care Facilities, to remain 
     available until expended.


             GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF VETERANS CEMETERIES

       The conference 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 conference agreement includes section 201 allowing for 
     the transfer of funds among the three mandatory accounts.
       The conference agreement includes section 202 allowing for 
     the transfer of funds among the four medical accounts.
       The conference agreement includes section 203 allowing 
     salaries and expenses funds to be used for related authorized 
     purposes.
       The conference 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 conference 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 conference agreement includes section 206 allowing for 
     the use of certain mandatory appropriations accounts for 
     payment of prior year accrued obligations for those accounts.
       The conference agreement includes section 207 allowing the 
     use of appropriations available in this title to pay prior 
     year obligations.
       The conference 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 conference 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 conference 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 conference agreement includes section 211 requiring the 
     Department to collect third-party payer information for 
     persons treated for a non-service-connected disability.
       The conference agreement includes section 212 allowing for 
     the use of enhanced-use leasing revenues for Construction, 
     Major Projects and Construction, Minor Projects.
       The conference agreement includes section 213 outlining 
     authorized uses for Medical Services funds.
       The conference 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 conference agreement includes section 215 which allows 
     Alaskan veterans to use medical facilities of the Indian 
     Health Service or tribal organizations.
       The conference 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 conference 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 2017 conference report.
       The conference 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 conference agreement includes section 219 providing up 
     to $301,578,000 of fiscal year 2019 funds for transfer to the 
     Joint DOD-VA Medical Facility Demonstration Fund. Additional 
     funding may be transferred from these accounts upon written 
     notification to the Committees. A proviso with similar 
     authority in Public Law 115-141 is repealed by this section.
       The conference agreement includes section 220 which permits 
     $307,609,000 of fiscal year 2020 medical care funding 
     provided in advance to be transferred to the Joint DOD-VA 
     Medical Facility Demonstration Fund.
       The conference agreement includes section 221 which 
     authorizes transfers from the Medical Care Collections Fund 
     to the Joint DOD-VA Medical Facility Demonstration Fund.
       The conference 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 conference 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 conference 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 describe their anticipated use.

[[Page H8088]]

       The conference 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 conference 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 conference agreement includes section 227 requiring VA 
     to notify the Committees 15 days prior to any staff office 
     relocations within VA of 25 or more full-time-equivalent 
     staff.
       The conference 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 conference agreement includes section 229 permitting 
     the transfer to the Medical Services account of fiscal year 
     discretionary 2019 funds appropriated in this Act or 
     available from advance fiscal year 2019 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 conference 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 conference 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 conference agreement includes section 232 mandating 
     certain professional standards for the veterans crisis 
     hotline and requiring a study to assess its effectiveness.
       The conference agreement includes section 233 restricting 
     funds from being used to close certain medical facilities in 
     the absence of a national realignment strategy.
       The conference agreement includes section 234 prohibiting 
     the use of funds, from the period October 1, 2018 through 
     January 1, 2024, in contravention of VHA's May 10, 2017 
     guidelines on breast cancer screening.
       The conference agreement includes section 235 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 conference agreement includes section 236, which 
     rescinds $211,000,000 of previously appropriated advance 
     fiscal year 2019 funds from the Medical Support and 
     Compliance account.
       The conference agreement includes section 237 prohibiting 
     any funds from being used in a manner that is inconsistent 
     with statutory limitations on outsourcing.
       The conference agreement includes section 238 pertaining to 
     exceptions for Indian- or Native Hawaiian-owned businesses 
     contracting with VA.
       The conference agreement includes section 239 directing the 
     elimination over a series of years of the use of social 
     security numbers in VA programs.
       The conference agreement includes section 240 referencing 
     the provision in the 2017 Appropriations Act pertaining to 
     certification of marriage and family therapists.
       The conference agreement includes section 241, which 
     prohibits funds from being used to transfer funding from the 
     Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund to any other VA 
     account.
       The conference agreement includes section 242 permitting 
     funding to be used in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 to carry out 
     and expand the child care pilot program authorized by section 
     205 of Public Law 111-163.
       The conference agreement includes section 243 which 
     includes a reference to a provision in the 2017 
     Appropriations Act identifying information 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 conference agreement includes section 244 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 conference agreement includes section 245 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 conference agreement includes section 246 referencing 
     language in the 2017 Appropriations Act requiring certain 
     data to be included in budget justifications for major 
     construction projects.
       The conference agreement includes section 247 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 conference agreement includes section 248 providing 
     $2,000,000,000 to be available until expended for VA 
     infrastructure needs, of which $800,000,000 is for Medical 
     Facilities for non-recurring maintenance; $300,000,000 is for 
     Major Construction; $150,000,000 is for Minor Construction; 
     and $750,000,000 is for seismic improvement projects and 
     seismic project management activities. This funding is not 
     made available until VA provides and the Committees approve a 
     detailed expenditure plan.
       The conference agreement includes section 249 prohibiting 
     the use of funds to deny the Inspector General timely access 
     to information, unless a provision of law expressly refers to 
     the Inspector General and expressly limits such access.
       The conference agreement includes section 250 directing VA 
     to submit a plan to reduce the chances that clinical mistakes 
     by VA employees will result in adverse events that require 
     institutional or clinical disclosures.
       The conference agreement includes section 251 prohibiting 
     funding from being used in a manner that would increase wait 
     times for veterans at medical facilities.
       The conference agreement includes section 252 prohibiting 
     the use of funds in fiscal year 2019 to convert any program 
     which received specific purpose funds in fiscal year 2018 to 
     a general purpose-funded program without the approval of the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at 
     least 30 days prior to any such action.

                               TITLE III

                            RELATED AGENCIES

                  American Battle Monuments Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The conference agreement includes $104,000,000 for Salaries 
     and Expenses of the American Battle Monuments Commission 
     (ABMC), an increase of $28,900,000 above the budget request 
     to support the Commission's unfunded requirements for high 
     priority projects. Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a 
     spend plan detailing the use of these funds.


                 FOREIGN CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS ACCOUNT

       The conference 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 2019.

           United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The conference agreement includes $34,955,000 for Salaries 
     and Expenses for the United States Court of Appeals for 
     Veterans Claims. Public Law 114-113 provided planning and 
     design funds for a feasibility study that has yet to be 
     completed. In addition, the Committees received a letter that 
     GSA is moving to another direction for a courthouse and 
     therefore the conference agreement does not include funding 
     for a new courthouse, as requested at this time.

                      Department of Defense--Civil


                       CEMETERIAL EXPENSES, ARMY

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

       The conference 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, 2021.


                              CONSTRUCTION

       The conference agreement provides $33,600,000 for planning 
     and design and construction of Southern Expansion to remain 
     available until expended.
       Arlington National Cemetery Southern Expansion.--The 
     conference agreement provides $33,600,000 for all activities, 
     including construction of the Southern Expansion. The 
     conferees note that the project is expected to cost upwards 
     of $350,000,000 has an estimated completion date of 2025, 
     adds 37 acres of land, and will extend the cemetery's life 
     into the 2050s. While the conferees strongly support 
     extending the life of the cemetery, there are concerns that 
     the proposed expansion lacks proper planning. For example the 
     Committees were initially told that the Southern Expansion 
     would cost $274,000,000 however, now it appears that estimate 
     was vastly underestimated. Therefore, no later than 180 days 
     after enactment of this Act the conferees direct the Army to 
     provide a comprehensive plan that includes cost estimate and 
     construction schedule. Furthermore, after this reporting 
     requirement is met the Army shall provide quarterly updates 
     until this project is completed.

                      Armed Forces Retirement Home


                               TRUST FUND

       The conference 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.

[[Page H8089]]

       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 PROVISION

       The conference agreement includes section 301 allowing 
     Arlington National Cemetery to deposit and use funds derived 
     from concessions.

                                TITLE IV

                    OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS

                         Department of Defense

       The conference 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 conference agreement includes $192,250,000 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 conference agreement includes $227,320,000 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 conference agreement includes $414,800,000 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 conference agreement includes $87,050,000 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 conference agreement includes section 401 which 
     provides the contingent emergency designation for the 
     Overseas Contingency Operations accounts.
       The conference 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.

[[Page H8090]]

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[[Page H8092]]

  


                                TITLE V

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

       The conference agreement includes section 501 prohibiting 
     the obligation of funds in this Act beyond the current fiscal 
     year unless expressly so provided.
       The conference 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 conference agreement includes section 503 encouraging 
     all Departments to expand their use of ``E-Commerce.''
       The conference agreement includes section 504 specifying 
     the congressional committees that are to receive all reports 
     and notifications.
       The conference agreement includes section 505 prohibiting 
     the transfer of funds to any instrumentality of the United 
     States Government without authority from an appropriations 
     Act.
       The conference 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 conference agreement includes section 507 requiring all 
     reports submitted to Congress to be posted on official web 
     sites of the submitting agency.
       The conference 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 conference 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 conference 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 conference 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 conference 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 H8106]]

  

      Rodney P. Frelinghuysen,
      Michael K. Simpson,
      John R. Carter,
      Ken Calvert,
      Jeff Fortenberry,
      Charles F. Fleischmann,
      Jaime Herrera Beutler,
      Scott Taylor,
                                Managers on the Part of the House.

      Richard C. Shelby,
      Lamar Alexander,
      John Boozman,
      Steve Daines,
      James Lankford,
      Patrick J. Leahy,
      Dianne Feinstein,
      Brian Schatz,
      Christopher Murphy,
      Managers on the Part of the Senate

                          ____________________