[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 51 (Friday, March 22, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H1501-H2116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[[Page H1501]]
House of Representatives
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT SUBMITTED BY MS. GRANGER, CHAIR OF THE HOUSE
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, REGARDING H.R. 2882, FURTHER CONSOLIDATED
APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
The following is an explanation of the Further Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2024.
This Act includes 6 regular appropriations bills for fiscal
year 2024. The divisions contained in the Act are as follows:
Division A--Department of Defense Appropriations
Act, 2024
Division B--Financial Services and General
Government Appropriations Act, 2024
Division C--Department of Homeland Security
Appropriations Act, 2024
Division D--Departments of Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2024
Division E--Legislative Branch Appropriations Act,
2024
Division F--Department of State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024
Division G--Other Matters
Section 1 of the Act is the short title of the bill.
Section 2 of the Act displays a table of contents.
Section 3 of the Act states that, unless expressly provided
otherwise, any reference to ``this Act'' contained in any
division shall be treated as referring only to the provisions
of that division.
Section 4 of the Act states that this explanatory statement
shall have the same effect with respect to the allocation of
funds and implementation of this legislation as if it were a
joint explanatory statement of a committee of conference.
Section 5 of the Act provides a statement of
appropriations.
Section 6 of the Act states that each amount designated by
Congress as being for an emergency requirement is contingent
on the President so designating all such emergency amounts
and transmitting such designations to Congress.
Section 7 of the Act relates to the cost of living
adjustments for Members of Congress.
DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
The following is an explanation of the effects of this Act,
which makes appropriations for the Department of Defense for
fiscal year 2024. The joint explanatory statement
accompanying this division is approved and indicates
congressional intent. Unless otherwise noted, the language
set forth in House Report 118-121 and Senate Report 118-81
carry the same weight as language included in this joint
explanatory statement and should be complied with unless
specifically addressed to the contrary in this joint
explanatory statement. While some language is repeated for
emphasis, it is not intended to negate the language referred
to above unless expressly provided herein.
DEFINITION OF PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY
For the purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-177), as amended
by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control
Reaffirmation Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-119), and by the
Budget Enforcement Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-508), the
terms ``program, project, and activity'' for appropriations
contained in this Act shall be defined as the most specific
level of budget items identified in the Department of Defense
Appropriations Act, 2024, the related classified annexes and
Committee reports, and the P-1 and R-1 budget justification
documents as subsequently modified by congressional action.
The following exception to the above definition shall
apply: the military personnel and the operation and
maintenance accounts, for which the term ``program, project,
and activity'' is defined as the appropriations accounts
contained in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act.
The agreement notes the transmission of the budget
justification documents known as the M-1 and O-1 to the
congressional defense committees, which identify, at the
budget activity, activity group, and subactivity group level,
the amounts requested by the President to be appropriated to
the Department of Defense for military personnel and
operation and maintenance for fiscal year 2025. The Secretary
of Defense is directed to provide such budget justification
for any subsequent budget request or amended request.
REPROGRAMMING GUIDANCE
The Secretary of Defense is directed to continue to follow
the reprogramming guidance for acquisition accounts as
specified in the report accompanying the House version of the
Department of Defense Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year
2008 (House Report 110-279). The dollar threshold for
reprogramming funds shall be $15,000,000 for military
personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; and
research, development, test and evaluation.
Additionally, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)
is directed to continue to provide the congressional defense
committees annual DD Form 1416 reports for titles I and II
and quarterly, spreadsheet-based DD Form 1416 reports for
Service and defense-wide accounts in titles III and IV of
this Act. Reports for titles III and IV shall comply with
guidance specified in the explanatory statement accompanying
the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006. The
Department shall continue to follow the limitation that prior
approval reprogramming actions are set at either the
specified dollar threshold or 20 percent of the procurement
or research, development, test and evaluation line, whichever
is less. These thresholds are cumulative from the base for
reprogramming value as modified by any adjustments.
Therefore, if the combined value of transfers into or out of
a military personnel (M-1); an operation and maintenance (O-
1); a procurement (P-1); or a research, development, test and
evaluation (R-1) line exceeds the identified threshold, the
Secretary of Defense must submit a prior approval
reprogramming to the congressional defense committees. In
addition, guidelines on the application of prior approval
reprogramming procedures for congressional special interest
items are established elsewhere in this statement.
FUNDING INCREASES
The funding increases outlined in the tables for each
appropriation account shall be provided only for the specific
purposes indicated in the tables. It is directed that funding
increases shall be competitively awarded, or provided to
programs that have received competitive awards in the past.
CONGRESSIONAL SPECIAL INTEREST ITEMS
Items for which additional funds have been provided or
items for which funding is specifically reduced as shown in
the project level tables or in paragraphs using the phrase
``only for'' or ``only to'' in this report are congressional
special interest items for the purpose of the Base for
Reprogramming (DD Form 1414). Each of these items must be
carried on the DD Form 1414 at the stated amount, as
specifically addressed in the Committee report.
[[Page H1502]]
CLASSIFIED ANNEX
Adjustments to the classified programs are addressed in the
classified annex accompanying this statement.
MULTI-YEAR PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS FOR CRITICAL MUNITIONS
The agreement supports greater use of multi-year
procurement contracts for critical munitions to increase the
Department of Defense's stocks of such munitions, improve
warfighting readiness, stabilize the defense supply base with
predictable production opportunities, and increase defense
industrial capacity. As a result, the agreement provides
multi-year procurement authority for six munitions programs
requested in the fiscal year 2024 President's budget request:
Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, Naval Strike
Missile, Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, PATRIOT
Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement, Long Range
Anti-Ship Missile, and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile.
This authority, and any associated funding, will provide the
Department with the ability to procure more munitions at a
lower cost through fiscal year 2028 as compared to single
year procurements. The agreement directs the Secretary of
Defense to negotiate multi-year procurement contracts which
yield unit cost savings and industry commitments in
facilitization with a particular focus on subcontractors in
line with best practices including the ongoing approach to
the VIRGINIA- and COLUMBIA-class, and other shipbuilding
programs.
The agreement further directs the Secretary of Defense to
provide reports on each munitions multi-year procurement
award on a semi-annual basis until all such munitions have
been delivered, to include projected and realized cost
savings; impact of government and industry investment on
capacity and associated supply chain, identification of
potential risks and weaknesses; and analysis of the extent to
which such multi-year procurement has created stability in
the supply chain.
INNOVATION
The Department of Defense continues to identify innovation
and expediting capability development as top priorities. The
agreement supports these priorities and takes steps to better
enable innovation efforts to expeditiously translate into
fielded capabilities.
The ultimate objective of the capability development
process must remain to field relevant and advanced systems at
scale. The pursuit of innovation should enhance, not
undermine, sound financial, acquisition, technical, and
management best practices essential to delivering
capabilities to warfighters on time and on budget.
To meet this challenge, the Department must harmonize
innovation activities across various organizations within the
Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Services. This
requires efficient collaboration between requirements owners,
acquisition officials, comptroller organizations, and other
stakeholders. Moreover, vertical delegation of capability
development decision-making down to these principals and
their designees ensures that innovation efforts can fully
leverage the existing capability development processes,
authorities, and connection to the end users in the Services.
The agreement notes several changes within the Department's
innovation ecosystem, including the organizational
realignment of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and creation
of the Defense Innovation Steering Group, which introduce
opportunities for optimizing innovation activities in the
Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Services. However,
the relative success of these organizational changes will be
predicated on the Department's ability to ensure that
innovation activities are rooted in clear statutory
authorities, adequately resourced, and conducted with a unity
of purpose.
To that end, the agreement directs the Service Secretaries
to separately submit reports to the congressional defense
committees, not later than 60 days after the enactment of
this Act, that:
(1) identify a lead innovation fielding organization with
proven competence in partnering with commercial entities;
(2) provide a plan to ensure proper leadership, multi-
disciplinary and high performing staff, funding, reporting,
and consolidated structures are available to advance
innovation initiatives; and
(3) detail processes and authorities used to ``pull''
innovation from the various defense-wide innovation entities
as well as those within their respective military
departments, to include an analysis of procedural or
budgetary obstacles that inhibit the fielding of relevant and
advanced systems at scale.
Furthermore, the agreement directs the DIU Director to
submit a report to the congressional defense committees, not
later than 120 days after the enactment of this Act, that:
(1) details the support for DIU, to include staffing,
hiring speed, physical and digital infrastructure, functional
support, authorities, security, and budgeting processes;
(2) identifies new start projects in fiscal year 2024
including project descriptions; milestones; risks;
obligations and expenditures; planned acquisition and
transition strategy; Services, Joint Staff, combatant
command, and interagency involvement; program estimated
annual and total cost; current and future cost sharing
options with other government organizations, investors, or
industry; opportunities for building international partner
capacity; and intended impact to United States and adversary
operations plans with supporting operations analysis; and
(3) evaluates the efficacy of Service participation in
Defense Innovation Working Group activities, to include
formal comment on reports submitted by the Service
Secretaries pursuant to the above direction.
Finally, the agreement directs the Deputy Secretary of
Defense, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and DIU
Director, not later than 30 days after the enactment of this
Act, to provide a briefing to the House and Senate Defense
Appropriations Subcommittees that:
(1) incorporates interim findings and progress on the
reporting requirements herein; and
(2) details how the Department intends to ensure continued
advocacy for innovation fielding organizations and support
for commercial entities.
Noting the importance of these changes, the agreement
provides an additional $841,774,000 in the DIU accounts
including an additional $131,874,000 for DIU prototyping and
an additional $589,400,000 for DIU fielding.
This language replaces the language under this heading in
Senate Report 118-81 as well as the language under the
headings ``People: the Non-Traditional Innovation Fielding
Enterprise'', ``Portfolio: Defining and Resourcing a Hedge'',
``Processes: Speed, Nexus, and Agile Requirements'', and
``Practices: Flexibility and Accountability'' in House Report
118-121.
REPLICATOR
The agreement includes more than $200,000,000 in support of
the Department of Defense's Replicator initiative, which aims
to field thousands of autonomous, attritable systems over the
next two years. Inclusion of funding in this Act demonstrates
that existing authorities, when used purposefully and
judiciously, are responsive to emerging needs. To facilitate
continued oversight, the agreement directs the Deputy
Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing to the House and
Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees not later than 60
days after the enactment of this Act. The briefing shall
include:
(1) updated spending profiles and requirements for
sustaining each system identified to receive Replicator
funding, by fiscal year and by Service through fiscal year
2029;
(2) security classification guidance; and
(3) the concept of operations for the employment of each
such system and relevant threat assessments.
Additionally, it is understood that there is a growing
ecosystem of technologies from commercial entities capable of
contributing to Replicator's identified objectives.
Therefore, the agreement directs the Deputy Secretary of
Defense to provide a report to the congressional defense
committees, not later than 90 days after the enactment of
this Act, which identifies:
(1) the total amount of Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR) funds that have been obligated against projects with
technologies consistent with the Replicator initiative (such
as autonomous, attritable systems);
(2) to the extent available, no less than five examples
from each Service of commercial entities that have
demonstrated autonomous, attritable systems; and
(3) instances of commercial entities demonstrating
autonomous, attritable systems that transitioned from SBIR
projects to programs of record.
The reports required herein shall be submitted in
unclassified form and may include a classified annex. The
Department shall review additional direction on funding in
this Act in the classified annex.
JUNIOR ENLISTED PAY
The Military Services are in the midst of one of the
greatest recruiting crises since the creation of the all-
volunteer force. For fiscal year 2023, the Department of
Defense missed its recruiting goal by 41,000 recruits, with
the Army, Navy, and Air Force each missing their recruiting
goals. Since retention of enlisted servicemembers remains
strong, those who continue to serve will promote to more
senior grades, leaving a distressing shortfall in junior
enlisted servicemembers, who account for 40 percent of the
total active U.S. military force. The Nation needs America's
youth to strongly consider uniformed service. Exquisite
weaponry and strategic concepts are of limited value unless
they are operated by a fully manned, ready, and motivated
force.
While there is no apparent single cause for this recruiting
crisis, the combination of a diminishing pool of qualified
applicants and persistently low propensity to serve in our
Armed Forces are leading contributors. To address the former,
the Army and Navy are using preparatory courses to assist
motivated recruits to meet enlistment standards, which have
shown notable success to date. To address the latter, the
agreement strongly believes that the Department of Defense
must work with Congress, during fiscal year 2025, to provide
legislative options for addressing this crisis to include,
but not limited to, increases to junior enlisted basic
military pay, as well as other ways to incentivize new
recruits and prepare them for duty. Therefore, the agreement
includes an additional $43,000,000 to resource authorities
provided in section 614 and section 621 of
[[Page H1503]]
Public Law 118-131, which allows for monthly incentive
bonuses for junior enlisted personnel through calendar year
2024 and expanded eligibility for the basic needs allowance.
Further, the agreement includes an additional $80,000,000 for
enlistment bonuses to address identified unfunded
requirements from the military services to help address the
recruiting crisis. The agreement notes that section 532 of
Public Law 117-263 provides authority for non-standard
recruitment incentives and expects the Secretary to consider
non-standard incentives along with cash compensation.
Finally, it is noted that the Department is currently
conducting the 14th Quadrennial Review of Military
Compensation (QRMC) to assess and offer recommendations to
adjust military pay and benefits. The final QRMC report is
expected by December 31, 2024. However, to more rapidly
review and consider any proposed changes to compensation, the
Secretary of Defense is directed to provide an interim
briefing to the congressional defense committees, not later
than 30 days after enactment of this Act, on proposals to
increase junior enlisted basic pay as early as fiscal year
2025 (including associated cost estimates); how the
Department of Defense will comply with sections 614 and 621
of Public Law 118-31; and the reporting requirements on the
review of rates of military basic pay included in House
Report 118-301. Further, the Secretary of Defense shall
provide a comprehensive briefing on these topics to the
congressional defense committees by July 1, 2024.
CIVILIAN WORKFORCE
The agreement retains the language under the heading
``Civilian Workforce Optimization'' in House Report 118-121
with the exception of the fence of the Department of Defense
Civilian Workforce Incentive Fund related to the deliverables
directed in the reporting requirements.
Further, the Senate carried a provision stipulating that
Department of Defense civilian personnel may not be managed
on the basis of any constraint or limitation in terms of man
years, end strength, full-time equivalent positions, or
maximum number of employees. The agreement does not include
this provision since this matter is addressed in the total
force management policies and procedures established under
section 129 and 129a of title 10, United States Code.
PLANNING, PROGRAMMING, BUDGETING AND EXECUTION REFORM
The House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees
have no higher priority than providing needed resources to
the warfighter. A return to near-peer competition, coupled
with an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment,
necessitate robust investments in our national defense and an
appropriations process that meets the moment.
The agreement notes proposals that seek to modify the
Department of Defense's Planning, Programming, Budgeting and
Execution (PPBE) process that include relaxing financial
controls and oversight mechanisms that were put in place as
the result of previous instances of financial mismanagement,
unacceptable cost growth, or the expenditure of resources
that, if applied more prudently, would have likely fielded
capabilities sooner than the unrealistic timeframes set for
many of these programs. At a time when the Department's
financial statement audits continue to largely result in
disclaimers of opinion, caution is paramount when considering
the relaxation of financial controls put in place to address
past systemic failures. This includes the process governing
the realignment of appropriated funds in accordance with
section 8005 of this Act.
Section 8005 of this Act allows the Secretary of Defense to
transfer enacted appropriations in the year of execution for
higher priority items, based on unforeseen military
requirements, than those for which originally appropriated.
In addition to submitting prior approval reprogramming
actions for congressional review on a near-monthly basis
pursuant to this section, the Department submits a large,
mid-year omnibus reprogramming action each year that proposes
to realign billions of dollars across dozens of programs.
Typically, the initial congressional adjudication by the
Committees on Appropriations of that mid-year omnibus
reprogramming action does not exceed 35 days, which allows
the Department to move forward well in advance of the end of
the fiscal year. With respect to end-of-fiscal year
reprogramming requests that the Department of Defense
routinely submits in the last month of the fiscal year, there
were 13 such reprogramming actions submitted to the Congress
between fiscal year 2020 and 2023. 12 of those 13
reprogramming actions were adjudicated within two weeks, and
all responses were adjudicated prior to the end of the fiscal
year. In fiscal year 2023, the congressional defense
committees received a reprogramming for urgent military
personnel requirements on the 28th of September and all
approved the request within one day. Factors that impact
approval times of reprogramming actions include the
timeliness and quality of amplifying information provided by
the Department, either in advance or in response to
congressional requests for information, as well as internal
processing timelines at the Office of Management and Budget
and the Department of Defense.
The agreement notes the desire of senior Department leaders
to establish new starts in the middle of a fiscal year
through reprogramming actions, and notes that typically, most
new starts requested by the Department in the middle of the
budget cycle are approved by the congressional defense
committees. In fiscal years 2020 through 2023, the Department
requested 61 new start programs via reprogramming during the
ongoing fiscal year. Of those, 43 were approved in full by
all four congressional defense committees. Only 10 were not
explicitly approved by the House and Senate Defense
Appropriations Subcommittees. Granting the Department blanket
authority to establish new starts outside of the traditional
budget review cycle would undermine the constitutional
authority of the Congress regarding the expenditure of
taxpayer funds. Congress' track record with respect to these
requests demonstrates that the congressional defense
committees have used this authority judiciously and, when
used effectively, reprogramming actions serve as both a
necessary part of congressional oversight and a budgetary
tool for innovation and flexible employment by the
Department. In recent years, several major changes and new
start programs have been approved via reprogramming actions,
including the establishment of the Army Futures Command and
several of its cornerstone programs, and the initiation of
the Air Force's E-7 Wedgetail program. This year, the
agreement continues its track record of supporting emergent
and priority new starts outside of the PPBE cycle by
accelerating the Department's Replicator effort through
targeted increases.
Further, it is noted that the Department has not fully
exercised the reprogramming authority available to it. The
Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law
116-260) directed a report from the Comptroller General on
the use of general transfer authority (GTA) and special
transfer authority provided annually in the appropriations
bills. The report indicates that from fiscal year 2011
through 2021, in only one year--fiscal year 2012--did the
Department utilize 100 percent of the allotted GTA, at a
total of $3,750,000,000. Over a four-year period from fiscal
year 2014 through fiscal year 2017, the Department utilized
no more than 52 percent of its GTA. As of May 2023, the
Department had used $2,028,000,000 in fiscal year 2022 GTA or
34 percent of the $6,000,000,000 allotment.
However, recognizing that long-established reprogramming
thresholds have not kept pace with the growing cost of doing
business, and to further address concerns about funding
flexibility, the agreement increases the prior approval
reprogramming thresholds for military personnel, operation
and maintenance activities and the acquisition accounts, as
detailed elsewhere in this explanatory statement.
In addition to processing reprogramming actions in an
expeditious manner, the House and Senate Defense
Appropriations Subcommittees have also demonstrated a
willingness to work with the Department to improve the
executability of appropriations, address out of cycle fact-
of-life changes, or enact changes to budget structures in
response to specific problems. This includes, the
establishment of a pilot program for a portion of ship
maintenance, repair, and modernization, which has shifted
more than $1,000,000,000 annually in funding from 1-year
Operation and Maintenance, Navy funding to 3-year Other
Procurement, Navy funding. The pilot program is a proven
success, providing the Department of the Navy with a solution
to the challenges associated with dynamic timing of ship
maintenance availabilities by extending the fiscal period of
availability to address a specific problem. Further, in
support of the Department of the Army's Modernization
Strategy, the enactment accelerated several budget line item
consolidations. This consolidation supported or fully funded
31 modernization programs, eliminated 93 programs, and
truncated 93 programs. As addressed elsewhere in this
statement, the agreement directs the Secretary of the Army to
study proposals for further budget line consolidation within
the Other Procurement, Army account. Finally, in the last two
budget cycles alone, the Air Force has requested 64 zero-sum
budget changes following submission of the budget request,
affecting 144 budget lines across multiple appropriations
totaling over $6,000,000,000. Many of these requested
realignments have been addressed, allowing the Air Force to
properly phase funding for critical programs.
Ongoing, consistent, out-of-cycle dialogue between the
Department of Defense and the House and Senate Defense
Appropriations Subcommittees also addresses the most urgent
needs of the Department throughout the fiscal year. For
example, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2023
(Public Law 117-328), accelerated the Navy's Goalkeeper
program with an additional $140,000,000 following close
collaboration with the Navy on out-of-cycle program
objectives and funding needs, provided additional resources
to address recruiting shortfalls, and addressed inflationary
impacts on the Department. This year, the agreement
recommends additional resources to implement the
recommendations of the suicide prevention commission, address
continued recruiting shortfalls, and shore up the acquisition
workforce. The agreement also includes multiple realignments
to extend development programs, source program shortfalls,
and repurpose procurement funding for immature systems. This
includes, but is not limited to, the Army and Navy hypersonic
programs, LRASM C-3 development, Sensor Fusion Weapon,
Sentinel, C-130J Diminishing Manufacturing Sources,
Integrated
[[Page H1504]]
Visual Augmentation System, Maneuver Support Vessel, Abrams,
and other programs. The agreement notes that none of these
items were included in the budget request, or on unfunded
priority lists submitted to the Congress, but are based on
needs identified through consistent interaction between the
House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees and the
Services.
The agreement notes that the Department's PPBE process was
reviewed by an independent Commission established by Congress
and that the Commission's final report was released in March
2024. Additionally, it is noted that after the Commission
released its interim report in August 2023 with 23
recommendations in total, the Deputy Secretary of Defense
issued guidance to implement the 13 near-term recommendations
across the Department. The House and Senate Defense
Appropriations Subcommittees look forward to reviewing the
recommendations of the Commission backed by clear, measurable
outcomes or quantitative data, and continuing partnership
with the Department of Defense, the defense industrial base,
and other stakeholders to strike the proper balance of
flexibility, accountability, and oversight in resourcing our
National defense. The agreement directs that, unless
specified elsewhere in this statement, no changes shall be
made to the appropriations structure without prior
consultation of the House and Senate Defense Appropriations
Subcommittees.
air force reoptimization for great power competition
On February 12, 2024, the Secretary of the Air Force
announced an effort to reoptimize the Department of the Air
Force to meet the challenges of Great Power Competition. The
agreement notes that, to date, the Department of the Air
Force has not provided thorough justification for this
reorganization, a comprehensive implementation plan, or
detailed budgetary information necessary for the
Subcommittees to assess this plan.
Therefore, any fiscal year 2024 funding that is utilized
for this reorganization is designated a congressional special
interest item for the purpose of the Base for Reprogramming
(DD Form 1414). The Secretary of the Air Force is directed to
provide to the congressional defense committees, 30 days
prior to executing any organizational changes related to this
reorganization, a notification describing how the current
organizational construct differs from the proposed construct;
a proposed phasing of this reorganization along with cost
estimates to implement each phase; a proposed laydown of new
offices, commands, or centers and whether the strategic
basing process is required for their establishment; a
description of impacts to military and civilians positions by
location; and the programmatic impacts of such decisions.
The Comptroller General is directed to submit a report to
the House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees on
the proposed reorganization of the Air and Space Forces, not
later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, on the
factors that were considered in the proposed reorganization;
feedback from the geographic and functional combatant
commanders; a description of the analysis conducted to
determine the key decision areas; validation that a business
case analysis was conducted to determine return on
investment; estimated costs involved; estimated time to
implement the plan; criteria to define success, including
interim operational capability and full operational
capability; how the Commission on Planning, Programming,
Budgeting, and Execution Reform recommendations were
considered and taken into account; and the potential impact
of this reoptimization on joint and coalition forces.
artificial intelligence
Not later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act, the
Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer shall
provide a report to the congressional defense committees
identifying collaborative objectives for fiscal year 2024 for
each Service, combatant command, and defense agency
participating in Alpha-1. Further, the report shall include
each implementing partner's funding profile, by project, for
initiatives associated with Alpha-1 in fiscal year 2024. This
language replaces the directives under this heading in Senate
Report 118-81.
joint all domain command and control
The agreement notes the Department of Defense's progress in
identifying a single acquisition executive accountable for
the development and implementation of Joint All Domain
Command and Control (JADC2). Not later than 45 days after the
enactment of this Act, the Undersecretary of Defense for
Acquisition and Sustainment shall provide a spend plan for
JADC2 resources in the defense-wide accounts, as well as a
resourcing and programming strategy for investment in JADC2
fires and common enterprise-level capabilities, by fiscal
year, across the fiscal year 2025 future years defense
program. This language replaces the directives under this
heading in Senate Report 118-81.
foreign ownership of land near installations of the department of
defense
in the united states
The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to, not
later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, submit a
report to the congressional defense committees that contains
a review of ownership or leasing by foreign persons or
governments of land near Department of Defense installations
in the United States, particularly involving countries of
concern; an assessment of the threat that such ownership
poses to United States national security; and a description
of steps taken or planned to mitigate these threats and
prevent them in the future. The agreement directs the
Secretary of Defense to coordinate with the heads of other
federal agencies, to include the Secretary of Agriculture and
the Secretary of the Treasury as Chair of the Committee on
Foreign Investment in the United States on the findings of
this report. This directive replaces the directives under
this heading in Senate Report 118-81 and under the heading
``Report on National Security Risks from Certain Land
Purchases'' in House Report 118-121.
defense of guam
The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to provide
an update not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act,
and quarterly updates thereafter, to the congressional
defense committees on the status of the mission to support
the defense of Guam, to include the status of environmental
impact statements and site surveys required to support
placement of weapon systems supporting the defense of Guam;
the upgrades to Guam's infrastructure required to support the
mission; development and acquisition schedules of anticipated
weapons systems and corresponding deployment schedules of
such systems; manning requirements for the defense of Guam
mission; and obligation and expenditure data on all funding
related to the defense of Guam. These updates shall be
provided at an unclassified and classified level, as
required. This language replaces the similar reporting
requirement under this heading in Senate Report 118-81, and
the similar reporting requirement under this heading in the
joint explanatory statement accompanying the Department of
Defense Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328).
confucius institutes
The agreement notes that existing law limits Department of
Defense funding, other than direct student aid, to institutes
of higher education that host Confucius Institutes. The
agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a
report to the congressional defense committees, not later
than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, identifying all
institutions of higher education that host a Confucius
Institute, as defined by section 1044 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31),
and are recipients of funding from the Department as of the
date of enactment of this Act. The report shall identify the
criteria by which waivers pursuant to section 1062 of the
William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283) are granted,
the number of waiver applications submitted, if any, and the
number of waiver applications approved, if any.
hypersonic weapons
The agreement supports the nation's hypersonic weapon
programs and provides a total of $2,131,975,000 for the
Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon and the Navy's
Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic weapon system. In light
of additional required testing and development efforts
following the most recent Joint Flight Campaign 2 test event,
the agreement shifts funds from procurement accounts to
development accounts, as requested by the services, in order
to mitigate risk, expand testing, and further design
maturity. This includes a transfer of $200,000,000 to the
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy account from
the Weapons Procurement, Navy account and a transfer of
$23,713,000 to the Research, Development, Test and
Evaluation, Army account (RDT&E,A) from the Missile
Procurement, Army account. The agreement also includes an
additional transfer of $130,630,000 between RDT&E,A program
elements to properly align hypersonic resources within the
account.
prohibition of obligations against rescissions
The agreement notes that the Department obligated
appropriated funding within the Procurement, Defense-Wide for
Special Operations Command, and Missile Procurement, Army
accounts after rescissions were proposed for the same funding
in Committee-passed appropriations bills for fiscal year
2024.
The Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller) is directed, in
coordination with the Assistant Secretaries for Financial
Management and Comptroller of the Army, Navy, and Air Force,
to address this concern.
space force mission area budget report
The agreement directs the Secretary of the Air Force to
prepare a report for Space Force programs that compiles and
traces all existing budget lines for programs, projects, and
activities into mission areas, such as missile warning,
satellite communications, and position, navigation, and
timing. The report shall also include separate mission areas
for enterprise management, enterprise information technology,
and facilities and logistics. Each mission area shall include
a clear statement of the mission goals and plans, a detailed
and compelling justification for the requested budget,
personnel requirements, and identification of all the
relevant funding by individual budget line items across
appropriations. The Secretary of the Air Force is directed to
submit the fully completed report with the submission of the
fiscal year 2025 President's budget request.
[[Page H1505]]
memorial for servicemembers killed in attack on hamid karzai
international airport
The agreement encourages the Secretary of Defense to
establish a commemorative work to honor the 13 servicemembers
who died in the bombing attack on Hamid Karzai International
Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, as directed
in section 1084 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263).
joint safety council
The agreement supports changes made by section 363 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
(Public Law 118-31) that improve the Joint Safety Council's
ability to analyze and address nonconformities found during
aircraft mishap investigations. Each of the Service
Secretaries is directed, in the instances of a mishap leading
to a fatality, and upon completion of the mishap
investigation, to share all relevant and releasable
information with the next of kin in accordance with section
1072 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 1993 (Public Law 102-484).
field operating agencies
Consistent with prior years, the agreement retains a
general provision restricting the establishment of new Field
Operating Agencies (FOA) in section 8044 of title VIII of
this Act. In recent years, the Space Force has sought to
establish three new FOAs, including the Space Warfighting
Analysis Center, National Space Intelligence Center, and the
Enterprise Talent Management Office. The agreement notes that
the FOA provision carries an exception for activities funded
within the National Intelligence Program. The National Space
Intelligence Center meets the criteria for establishment as a
FOA under this exception. In addition, the general provision
provides a waiver process through the Secretary of Defense
that allows the establishment of FOAs. It should be noted
that other Services have similar organizations that already
operate as FOAs.
Further, the Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination
with the Chief of Space Operations, is directed to submit a
report to the congressional defense committees, not later
than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, that details
any organizational inefficiencies that may exist under the
Space Force's current organizational structure, and the
impacts that this general provision has on the Space Force's
organizational structure.
red cross support
The agreement includes a $25,000,000 grant to the Red Cross
to continue its longstanding support of servicemembers and
their families. The Secretary of Defense, in coordination
with the Red Cross, is directed to submit a detailed spend
plan to the House and Senate Defense Appropriations
Subcommittees not less than 60 days prior to the obligation
of these funds. Additionally, the report shall detail the use
of grant funding provided to the Red Cross for fiscal years
2020 through 2023.
telework and remote work
The agreement notes the recent update to the Department of
Defense (DOD) Instruction 1035.01 Telework and Remote Work
which establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and
prescribes procedures for telework and remote work in the
DOD.
The Comptroller General is directed to submit a report to
the congressional defense committees, not later than 180 days
after enactment of this Act, that assesses the Department's
adherence to internal telework and remote work instructions
and policies; the scope of regular and recurring telework and
remote work, to include the number of Department employees,
by grade and occupational series; the cost and efficacy of
regular and recurring telework and remote work when compared
to traditional in-person arrangements; the impact of regular
and recurring telework and remote work on the training and
development of new and existing employees; the access and
effectiveness of personnel supporting classified programs via
regular and recurring telework and remote work; and impact of
regular and recurring telework and remote work on
organizational cohesion.
report on restrictions with taiwan
The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to, not
later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, submit a
report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on
the impacts of current restrictions on interacting with
Taiwan, including the restrictions in the Department of
State's June 29, 2021, Memorandum for All Department and
Agency Executive Secretaries entitled ``Revised Guidelines on
Interacting with Taiwan.''
TITLE I--MILITARY PERSONNEL
The agreement provides $176,244,339,000 in Title I,
Military Personnel.
[[Page H1506]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.001
[[Page H1507]]
SUMMARY OF MILITARY PERSONNEL END STRENGTH
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year Change from
2023 Budget Final bill Change from fiscal year
authorized request request 2023
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Forces (End Strength):
Army.......................... 452,000 452,000 445,000 -7,000 -7,000
Navy.......................... 354,000 347,000 337,800 -9,200 -16,200
Marine Corps.................. 177,000 172,300 172,300 .............. -4,700
Air Force..................... 325,344 324,700 320,000 -4,700 -5,344
Space Force................... 8,600 9,400 9,400 .............. 800
Total, Active Forces........ 1,316,944 1,305,400 1,284,500 -20,900 -32,444
Guard and Reserve Forces (End
Strength):
Army Reserve.................. 177,000 174,800 174,800 .............. -2,200
Navy Reserve.................. 57,000 57,200 57,200 .............. 200
Marine Corps Reserve.......... 33,000 33,600 32,000 -1,600 -1,000
Air Force Reserve............. 70,000 69,600 69,600 .............. -400
Army National Guard........... 325,000 325,000 325,000 .............. 0
Air National Guard............ 108,400 108,400 105,000 -3,400 -3,400
Total, Selected Reserve..... 770,400 768,600 763,600 -5,000 -6,800
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Military Personnel... 2,087,344 2,074,000 2,048,100 -25,900 -39,244
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
military personnel overview
The agreement provides the resources required for 1,284,500
active forces and 763,600 selected reserve forces in order to
meet operational needs for fiscal year 2024. The agreement
also provides the funding necessary to support a 5.2 percent
pay raise for all military personnel, effective January 1,
2024.
reprogramming guidance for military personnel accounts
The Secretary of Defense is directed to submit the Base for
Reprogramming (DD Form 1414) for each of the fiscal year 2024
appropriations accounts not later than 60 days after the
enactment of this Act. The Secretary of Defense is prohibited
from executing any reprogramming or transfer of funds for any
purpose other than originally appropriated until the
aforementioned report is submitted to the House and Senate
Defense Appropriations Subcommittees.
The Secretary of Defense is directed to use the normal
prior approval reprogramming procedures to transfer funds in
the Services' military personnel accounts between budget
activities in excess of $15,000,000.
military personnel special interest items
Items for which additional funds have been provided or have
been specifically reduced as shown in the project level
tables or in paragraphs using the phrase ``only for'' or
``only to'' in the joint explanatory statement are
congressional special interest items for the purpose of the
Base for Reprogramming (DD Form 1414). This includes the
program increases for basic allowance for subsistence, basic
allowance for housing, dislocation allowance, basic needs
allowance and temporary lodging expense. Each of these items
must be carried on the DD Form 1414 at the stated amount as
specifically addressed in the joint explanatory statement.
Below threshold reprogrammings may not be used to either
restore or reduce funding from congressional special interest
items as identified on the DD Form 1414.
improper release of personally identifiable information
The Air Force has acknowledged the improper release of
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) between January
2021 and January 2023. Therefore, the agreement directs the
Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the congressional
defense committees on the steps being taken across the
Services to prevent a future breach of PII not later than 90
days after the enactment of this Act. Further, the agreement
directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit to the
congressional defense committees an update on the
investigation into the release of this information. This
update shall be provided not later than 30 days after the
enactment of this Act, and quarterly thereafter, until the
conclusion of the investigation.
enhanced privacy protections for servicemembers
The agreement directs the Assistant to the Secretary of
Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency to
conduct a review of the Department of Defense privacy policy
contained in paragraph C4.2.2.5.2 of regulation DoD 5400.11-R
to ensure appropriate consideration of the privacy interests
of current and former servicemembers, and to provide a report
to the congressional defense committees not later than 180
days after the enactment of this Act.
space force personnel management
The agreement directs the Secretary of the Air Force to
keep the congressional defense committees apprised of plans
to implement title 17 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31). Further, should
a realignment of funds be required to implement these
authorities, the agreement directs the Under Secretary of
Defense (Comptroller) to use normal prior approval
reprogramming procedures in accordance with section 8005.
overseas cost-of-living allowance adjustments
The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a
briefing to the House and Senate Defense Appropriations
Subcommittees, not later than 45 days after enactment of this
Act, on the process for determining Overseas Cost-of-Living
Allowances (OCOLA) for members of the uniformed services at
locations in which the annual OCOLA adjustment will result in
a reduction of ten index points or more. The briefing shall
also include a holistic assessment of how this process
accounts for any unique living requirements and other
challenges faced by members in those locations.
Additionally, the agreement directs the Secretary of
Defense to submit a report to the House and Senate Defense
Appropriations Subcommittees regarding reductions and
increases to OCOLA during the previous calendar year
consistent with the requirement established under section 627
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2024 (Public Law 118-31).
air national guard full-time manpower initiatives
The Air National Guard (ANG) plans to implement force
structure changes to full-time positions, beginning in fiscal
year 2025, in an effort to standardize personnel levels among
units performing similar missions. However, it is unclear how
this proposal accounts for unique missions performed by
individual Guard units in support of other military commands
or whether the National Guard Bureau's (NGB) proposed plan
does account for such missions, including certain search and
rescue missions and tanker airlift planning and support.
Therefore, the agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to
provide to the congressional defense committees, not later
than 60 days after enactment of this act, a report that
includes the following elements: (1) a description of the
coordination and consultation with any global combatant
command or Air Force major command that has missions affected
by the ANG's plan that took place prior to and subsequent to
the ANG's notification of its force structure realignments,
and (2) a description from each of the relevant combatant
commands or Air Force major commands, including at a minimum
U.S. Northern Command and Air Mobility Command, as to whether
the implementation of this NGB proposal would have an adverse
effect on the ability of ANG units to continue to conduct
missions in support of other military commands, including
those necessary to support homeland defense, the protection
of life, and national security.
MILITARY PERSONNEL, ARMY
The agreement provides $50,041,206,000 for Military
Personnel, Army, as follows:
[[Page H1508]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.002
[[Page H1509]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.003
[[Page H1510]]
MILITARY PERSONNEL, NAVY
The agreement provides $36,707,388,000 for Military
Personnel, Navy, as follows:
[[Page H1511]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.004
[[Page H1512]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.005
[[Page H1513]]
MILITARY PERSONNEL, MARINE CORPS
The agreement provides $15,268,629,000 for Military
Personnel, Marine Corps, as follows:
[[Page H1514]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.006
[[Page H1515]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.007
[[Page H1516]]
MILITARY PERSONNEL, AIR FORCE
The agreement provides $36,204,130,000 for Military
Personnel, Air Force, as follows:
[[Page H1517]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.008
[[Page H1518]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.009
[[Page H1519]]
MILITARY PERSONNEL, SPACE FORCE
The agreement provides $1,256,973,000 for Military
Personnel, Space Force, as follows:
[[Page H1520]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.010
[[Page H1521]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.011
[[Page H1522]]
RESERVE PERSONNEL, ARMY
The agreement provides $5,367,436,000 for Reserve
Personnel, Army, as follows:
[[Page H1523]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.012
[[Page H1524]]
RESERVE PERSONNEL, NAVY
The agreement provides $2,472,718,000 for Reserve
Personnel, Navy, as follows:
[[Page H1525]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.013
[[Page H1526]]
RESERVE PERSONNEL, MARINE CORPS
The agreement provides $878,928,000 for Reserve Personnel,
Marine Corps, as follows:
[[Page H1527]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.014
[[Page H1528]]
RESERVE PERSONNEL, AIR FORCE
The agreement provides $2,428,553,000 for Reserve
Personnel, Air Force, as follows:
[[Page H1529]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.015
[[Page H1530]]
NATIONAL GUARD PERSONNEL, ARMY
The agreement provides $9,791,213,000 for National Guard
Personnel, Army, as follows:
[[Page H1531]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.016
[[Page H1532]]
NATIONAL GUARD PERSONNEL, AIR FORCE
The agreement provides $5,272,165,000 for National Guard
Personnel, Air Force, as follows:
[[Page H1533]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.017
[[Page H1534]]
TITLE II--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
The agreement provides $287,190,915,000 in Title II,
Operation and Maintenance.
[[Page H1535]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.018
[[Page H1536]]
REPROGRAMMING GUIDANCE FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ACCOUNTS
The Secretary of Defense is directed to submit the Base for
Reprogramming (DD Form 1414) for each of the fiscal year 2024
appropriations accounts not later than 60 days after the
enactment of this Act. The Secretary of Defense is prohibited
from executing any reprogramming or transfer of funds for any
purpose other than originally appropriated until the
aforementioned report is submitted to the House and Senate
Defense Appropriations Subcommittees.
The Secretary of Defense is directed to use the normal
prior approval reprogramming procedures to transfer funds in
the Services' operation and maintenance accounts between
budget activities, or between subactivity groups in the case
of Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, in excess of
$15,000,000. In addition, the Secretary of Defense shall
follow prior approval reprogramming procedures for transfers
in excess of $15,000,000 out of the following readiness
activity groups or sub-activity groups listed below.
The agreement updates the prior approval reprogramming
procedures for the operation and maintenance accounts
established in Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2023
(Public Law 117-328) by redefining readiness groups and
subactivity groups starting in fiscal year 2024. Since these
updates involve budget line item guidance, the agreement
directs that unless specified elsewhere in this report, no
changes shall be made to the appropriations structure without
prior consultation of the House and Senate Defense
Appropriations Subcommittees.
Readiness Activity Groups and Subactivity Groups:
Army:
Activity Group 11 Land Forces
Activity Group 12 Land Forces Readiness
Activity Group 13 Land Forces Readiness Support
Activity Group 32 Basic Skill and Advanced Training
Navy:
Activity Group 1A Air Operations
Activity Group 1B Ship Operations
Activity Group 1C Combat Operations/Support
Activity Group BS Base Support
Marine Corps:
Activity Group 1A Expeditionary Forces
Activity Group BS Base Support
Air Force:
Activity Group Air Operations'', which includes subactivity
groups 011A Primary Combat Force and 011C Combat Enhancement
Forces
Activity Group Weapons Systems Sustainment'', which
includes subactivity groups 011M Depot Purchase Equipment
Maintenance, 011V Cyberspace Sustainment, and 011W Contractor
Logistics Support and System Support
Activity Group Installations'', which includes subactivity
groups 011R Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and
Modernization, and 011Z Base Support
Activity Group Flying Hours'', which is only subactivity
group 011Y Flying Hour Program
Space Force:
Subactivity Group 012A Global C3I & Early Warning
Subactivity Group 013C Space Operations
Subactivity Group 013W Contractor Logistics Support and
System Support Subactivity Group 042A Administration
Air Force Reserve:
Subactivity Group 011A Primary Combat Forces
Air National Guard:
Subactivity Group 011F Aircraft Operations
Additionally, the Secretary of Defense is directed to use
normal prior approval reprogramming procedures when
implementing transfers in excess of $15,000,000 into the
following budget subactivity groups:
Army National Guard:
Subactivity Group 131 Base Operations Support
Subactivity Group 132 Facilities Sustainment, Restoration,
and Modernization
Subactivity Group 133 Management and Operational
Headquarters
Air National Guard:
Subactivity Group 011W Contractor Logistics Support and
System Support
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL INTEREST ITEMS
Items for which additional funds have been provided or have
been specifically reduced as shown in the project level
tables or in paragraphs using the phrase ``only for'' or
``only to'' in the explanatory statement are congressional
special interest items for the purpose of the Base for
Reprogramming (DD Form 1414). Each of these items must be
carried on the DD Form 1414 at the stated amount as
specifically addressed in the explanatory statement. Below
threshold reprogrammings may not be used to either restore or
reduce funding from congressional special interest items as
identified on the DD Form 1414.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE BUDGET EXECUTION DATA
The Secretary of Defense and Service Secretaries are
directed to provide the congressional defense committees with
quarterly budget execution data. Such data should be provided
not later than 45 days after the close of each quarter of the
fiscal year and should be provided for each O-l budget
activity, activity group, and subactivity group for each of
the active, defense-wide, reserve, and National Guard
components. For each O-l budget activity, activity group, and
subactivity group, these reports should include the budget
request and actual obligations amount, the distribution of
unallocated congressional adjustments to the budget request,
all adjustments made by the Department in establishing the
Base for Reprogramming (DD Form 1414) report, all adjustments
resulting from below threshold reprogrammings, and all
adjustments resulting from prior approval reprogramming
requests.
REPROGRAMMING GUIDANCE FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a
baseline report that shows the Special Operations Command's
operation and maintenance funding by subactivity group for
the fiscal year 2024 appropriation not later than 60 days
after the enactment of this Act. The Secretary of Defense is
further directed to submit quarterly execution reports to the
congressional defense committees not later than 45 days after
the end of each fiscal quarter that addresses the rationale
for the realignment of any funds within and between budget
subactivities. Finally, the Secretary of Defense is directed
to notify the congressional defense committees 30 days prior
to the realignment of funds in excess of $15,000,000 between
subactivity groups.
QUARTERLY OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE UPDATES
The agreement notes the successful quarterly meetings with
each of the Services and directs the Director of each of the
Services' Operations Divisions (Financial Management and
Budget) to continue to provide quarterly briefings to the
House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees on
their respective operation and maintenance execution data in
fiscal year 2024. These meetings shall take place the third
full week of the month following the end of each fiscal
quarter to the greatest extent possible.
Additionally, the agreement directs the following: (1) the
quarterly updates shall include civilian personnel funding
and United States Direct Hire Full Time Equivalent (USDH FTE)
actual data by month; (2) the Director of each of the
Service's Operations Divisions (Financial Management and
Budget) shall collaborate with the House and Senate Defense
Appropriations Subcommittees to develop a display showing
transfers between subactivity groups to be discussed at each
quarterly update; and (3) the Under Secretary of Defense
(Comptroller) shall provide civilian personnel funding and
USDH FTE actual data by defense agency, by month, to the
House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees within
30 days of the end of the fiscal quarter. This language
enhances the directive requirements included under the
heading ``Department of Defense Workforce'' in Senate Report
118-81.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
The agreement is encouraged by the information included in
the December 2022 ``Department of Defense Records Strategy''
which directs the methodologies used to maintain records
within the Department. The agreement expects the Secretary of
Defense to consider assessing existing commercially available
enterprise records management software solutions to conform
with the recommendations included in the strategy. In the
spirit of these goals to make data linked, trustworthy,
interoperable, and secure, and recognizing the reality of
persistent data leaks, the agreement further encourages the
Secretary to prioritize software that complies with M-22-09
Federal zero trust architecture, includes an open application
programming interface, and meets the document generation and
retention requirements. Consideration should be given to the
widest range of suitable commercially viable solutions
practical, to include software solutions emerging from the
SBIR/STTR programs. The agreement directs the Secretary of
Defense to provide a briefing to the congressional defense
committees on recommendations for implementation of its
record strategy not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act.
ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY AND MILITARY FAMILIES
The agreement notes with concern the enduring issue of food
insecurity that affects certain servicemembers and their
families. The agreement includes additional funds to
implement modifications to the calculation of the basic needs
allowance as directed by section 621 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31).
In addition, the agreement provides an additional $10,000,000
for a pilot program to address food insecurity of military
families through collaboration with community partners to
improve access to food and enhance family readiness.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY
The agreement provides $58,604,854,000 for Operation and
Maintenance, Army, as follows:
[[Page H1537]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.019
[[Page H1538]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.020
[[Page H1539]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.021
[[Page H1540]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.022
[[Page H1541]]
ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT CAMOUFLAGE NET SYSTEMS
There is concern about the Army's pace of divestiture of
legacy Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Net Systems (ULCANS).
Next generation ULCANS offer unparalleled protection for the
warfighter and greatly enhance survivability against the
latest sensor threats. Aside from concerns about degradation
of readiness, the slow pace of divestiture sends negative
demand signals to a fragile industrial base. Therefore, the
agreement strongly encourages the Secretary of the Army to
divest all legacy ULCANS by the end of fiscal year 2024 and
directs the Secretary to provide a plan for ULCANS system
replacement to the House and Senate Defense Appropriations
Subcommittees not later than 120 days after the enactment of
this Act.
RQ-7 SHADOW
The agreement designates funds appropriated under Operation
and Maintenance, Army for the RQ-7 as a congressional special
interest item for the purposes of the Base for Reprogramming
(DD Form 1414). Further, the Secretary of the Army is
directed to provide a briefing to the House and Senate
Defense Appropriations Subcommittees on any plan to divest
the RQ-7, to include mitigation of capability gaps and
transition to future unmanned capabilities such as the Future
Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY
The agreement provides $71,972,007,000 for Operation and
Maintenance, Navy, as follows:
[[Page H1542]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.023
[[Page H1543]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.024
[[Page H1544]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.025
[[Page H1545]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.026
[[Page H1546]]
SHIP DEPOT MAINTENANCE EXECUTION
The agreement recognizes the challenge in accurately
programming and budgeting for ship depot maintenance
availabilities. Unforeseen maintenance requirements and a
lack of critical materials negatively impact cost and
schedule. Dynamic operational tempo and a finite number of
dry docks further complicate execution of availabilities as
requested in the President's budget request. The agreement
supports the Navy's efforts to reduce cost and schedule
overruns through the purchase of VIRGINIA-class sustainment
materials, delegation of authority to the program manager to
accept new work, and the continued practice of awarding
private availabilities 120 days in advance. The agreement
expects the Secretary of the Navy to maximize the execution
of availabilities within the funds requested and to improve
budget estimates for availabilities in future requests.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, MARINE CORPS
The agreement provides $10,184,529,000 for Operation and
Maintenance, Marine Corps, as follows:
[[Page H1547]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.027
[[Page H1548]]
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE
The agreement provides $61,471,101,000 for Operation and
Maintenance, Air Force, as follows:
[[Page H1549]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.028
[[Page H1550]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.029
[[Page H1551]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.030
[[Page H1552]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.031
[[Page H1553]]
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, SPACE FORCE
The agreement provides $4,895,818,000 for Operation and
Maintenance, Space Force, as follows:
[[Page H1554]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.032
[[Page H1555]]
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, DEFENSE-WIDE
The agreement provides $52,599,068,000 for Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-Wide, as follows:
[[Page H1556]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.033
[[Page H1557]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.034
[[Page H1558]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.035
[[Page H1559]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.036
[[Page H1560]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.037
[[Page H1561]]
COMMUNITY NOISE MITIGATION PROGRAM
The agreement acknowledges the challenges faced by
residential communities bordering aviation units and notes
that Congress appropriated funding to make grants to
communities impacted by military aviation noise in the
Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law
117-103). The Secretary of Defense is directed to move as
expeditiously as possible to execute these previously
appropriated funds during the 2024 calendar year.
GOLDEN SENTRY END-USE MONITORING
The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to, not
later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, provide a
report to the House and Senate Defense Appropriations
Subcommittees on the activities of the Golden Sentry End-Use
Monitoring program, including a review of program processes
before, during, and after arms transfers, an accounting of
program costs and personnel, and data on inspections and
inspection findings for defense article transfers under the
program. The report should also describe all alleged
incidents of misuse of U.S.-government provided equipment in
the preceding year as well as actions taken to investigate
and mitigate against misuse incidents.
INTEGRATED SECURITY COOPERATION STRATEGY
The agreement does not include the directive in House
report 118-121 regarding an integrated security cooperation
strategy for certain partner countries.
REGIONAL CENTERS
The agreement directs the Director of the Defense Security
Cooperation Agency to, not later than 60 days after the
enactment of this Act, provide the congressional defense
committees with a briefing on the status of the programs,
objectives, milestones, execution plans, an assessment of
current reimbursement waiver authority, any legislative
proposals under consideration, and other quantitative and
qualitative data for each of the six current regional
centers.
COALITION SUPPORT FUNDS
The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to
prioritize Coalition Support Funds for Jordan for support for
operations to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
OFFICE OF SECURITY COOPERATION--IRAQ
The agreement is concerned with the lack of progress in
transitioning the Office of Security Cooperation--Iraq and
associated funding to a standard security cooperation office
model. The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense, in
coordination with the Secretary of State, to complete such
transition and brief the House and Senate Defense
Appropriations Subcommittees not later than 90 days after the
enactment of this Act.
AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM REMOVAL DESTRUCTION PILOT
The agreement provides $20,000,000 for the Department of
Defense to execute an Aqueous Film Forming Foam destruction
pilot rather than the Defense Logistics Agency as directed in
House Report 118-121 and Senate Report 118-81.
COUNTER-ISIS TRAIN AND EQUIP FUND
The agreement provides $397,950,000 for Counter-ISIS Train
and Equip Fund, as follows:
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget Final
Request Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IRAQ TRAIN AND EQUIP.............................. 241,950 241,950
SYRIA TRAIN AND EQUIP............................. 156,000 156,000
---------------------
TOTAL, COUNTER-ISIS TRAIN AND EQUIP FUND...... 397,950 397,950
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The agreement continues authorities related to equipment
procured using funds from prior Acts under the
Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund and Iraq Train and Equip
Fund headings. The Secretary of Defense is directed to, not
later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act, submit a
report to the House and Senate Defense Appropriations
Subcommittees on any such equipment that has not yet been
transferred, the reasons therefor, and a plan to either treat
this equipment as stocks or transfer this equipment during
fiscal year 2024, consistent with congressional notification
requirements. In addition, the agreement directs the
Secretary of Defense to complete any remaining transfers
using this authority by the end of fiscal year 2024.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY RESERVE
The agreement provides $3,562,714,000 for Operation and
Maintenance, Army Reserve, as follows:
[[Page H1562]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.038
[[Page H1563]]
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY RESERVE
The agreement provides $1,370,710,000 for Operation and
Maintenance, Navy Reserve, as follows:
[[Page H1564]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.039
[[Page H1565]]
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, MARINE CORPS RESERVE
The agreement provides $325,395,000 for Operation and
Maintenance, Marine Corps Reserve, as follows:
[[Page H1566]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.040
[[Page H1567]]
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE RESERVE
The agreement provides $4,005,756,000 for Operation and
Maintenance, Air Force Reserve, as follows:
[[Page H1568]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.041
[[Page H1569]]
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
The agreement provides $8,611,897,000 for Operation and
Maintenance, Army National Guard, as follows:
[[Page H1570]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.042
[[Page H1571]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.043
[[Page H1572]]
MQ-1C GRAY EAGLE TRAINING SITE
The agreement includes additional funding for the Chief of
the National Guard Bureau to support expedited efforts to
plan and prepare for the establishment of an Army National
Guard-operated MQ-1C training site at a new location that
enables the maximum use of pre-existing infrastructure and
UAS range capabilities in order to minimize cost, increase
efficiency, and accelerate the start of training activities
at the site.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR NATIONAL GUARD
The agreement provides $7,335,405,000 for Operation and
Maintenance, Air National Guard, as follows:
[[Page H1573]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.044
[[Page H1574]]
TACTICAL AIR CONTROL PARTY DIVESTITURE
Concerns remain about the Air Force's plan to reduce
Tactical Air Control Party units in the Air National Guard.
The agreement directs the Secretary of the Air Force to
provide the House and Senate Defense Appropriations
Subcommittees with the briefing related to this issue
directed in the joint explanatory statement accompanying the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
(Public Law 118-31). The briefing shall also include the
proposed investments in next-generation capabilities for the
Air National Guard referenced in the August 2023 report on
this subject.
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ARMED FORCES
The agreement provides $16,620,000 for the United States
Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, ARMY
The agreement provides $241,860,000 for Environmental
Restoration, Army.
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
(In thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Request Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, ARMY............... 198,760 241,860
Program increase--Installation Restoration ........... 25,000
Program....................................
Program increase--Military Munitions ........... 17,100
Response Program...........................
Program increase--prioritize remediating ........... 1,000
unexploded ordnance on tribal lands........
-------------------------
TOTAL, ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, ARMY.... 198,760 241,860
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, NAVY
The agreement provides $410,240,000 for Environmental
Restoration, Navy.
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
(In thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Request Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, NAVY............... 335,240 410,240
Program increase............................ ........... 5,000
Program increase--PFAS remediation.......... ........... 60,000
Program increase--Military Munitions ........... 10,000
Response Program...........................
-------------------------
TOTAL, ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, NAVY.... 335,240 410,240
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, AIR FORCE
The agreement provides $384,744,000 for Environmental
Restoration, Air Force.
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
(In thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Request Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, AIR FORCE.......... 349,744 384,744
Program increase............................ ........... 2,000
Program increase--PFAS remediation.......... ........... 5,000
Program increase--Installation Restoration ........... 25,000
Program....................................
Program increase--Military Munitions ........... 2,000
Response Program...........................
Program increase--prioritize remediating ........... 1,000
unexploded ordnance on tribal lands........
-------------------------
TOTAL, ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, AIR 349,744 384,744
FORCE....................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, DEFENSE-WIDE
The agreement provides $8,965,000 for Environmental
Restoration, Defense-Wide.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, FORMERLY USED DEFENSE SITES
The agreement provides $232,806,000 for Environmental
Restoration, Formerly Used Defense Sites.
OVERSEAS HUMANITARIAN, DISASTER, AND CIVIC AID
The agreement provides $142,500,000 for Overseas
Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid, as follows:
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
(In thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Request Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREIGN DISASTER RELIEF....................... 20,000 22,500
Program increase............................ ........... 2,500
HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE....................... 79,900 100,000
Program increase............................ ........... 20,100
HUMANITARIAN MINE ACTION PROGRAM.............. 15,000 20,000
Program increase............................ ........... 5,000
-------------------------
TOTAL, OVERSEAS HUMANITARIAN, DISASTER, 114,900 142,500
AND CIVIC AID............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION ACCOUNT
The agreement provides $350,999,000 for the Cooperative
Threat Reduction Account, as follows:
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
(In thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Request Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRATEGIC OFFENSIVE ARMS ELIMINATION.......... 6,815 6,815
CHEMICAL WEAPONS DESTRUCTION.................. 16,400 16,400
GLOBAL NUCLEAR SECURITY....................... 19,406 19,406
BIOLOGICAL THREAT REDUCTION PROGRAM........... 228,030 228,030
PROLIFERATION PREVENTION PROGRAM.............. 46,324 46,324
OTHER ASSESSMENTS/ADMIN COSTS................. 34,024 34,024
-------------------------
TOTAL, COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION 350,999 350,999
ACCOUNT..................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ACQUISITION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT
The agreement provides $64,977,000 for the Department of
Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account.
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
(In thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Request Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECRUITING AND HIRING......................... 3,000 8,000
Program increase--recruiting a diverse ........... 5,000
classified workforce.......................
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT...................... 50,577 50,577
RECOGNITION AND RETENTION..................... 1,400 1,400
Program increase--Defense Civilian Training ........... 5,000
Corps......................................
-------------------------
TOTAL, DOD ACQUISITION WORKFORCE 54,977 64,977
DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE III--PROCUREMENT
The agreement provides $172,029,494,000 in Title III,
Procurement, as follows:
[[Page H1575]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.045
[[Page H1576]]
REPROGRAMMING GUIDANCE FOR ACQUISITION ACCOUNTS
The Secretary of Defense is directed to continue to follow
the reprogramming guidance as specified in the report
accompanying the House version of the Department of Defense
Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2008 (House Report 110-
279). Specifically, the dollar threshold for reprogramming
funds shall be $15,000,000 for procurement and research,
development, test and evaluation.
Also, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) is
directed to continue to provide the congressional defense
committees quarterly, spreadsheet-based DD Form 1416 reports
for Service and defense-wide accounts in titles III and IV of
this Act. Reports for titles III and IV shall comply with the
guidance specified in the explanatory statement accompanying
the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006. The
Department shall continue to follow the limitation that prior
approval reprogrammings are set at either the specified
dollar threshold or 20 percent of the procurement or
research, development, test and evaluation line, whichever is
less. These thresholds are cumulative from the base for
reprogramming value as modified by any adjustments.
Therefore, if the combined value of transfers into or out of
a procurement (P-1) or research, development, test and
evaluation (R-1) line exceeds the identified threshold, the
Secretary of Defense must submit a prior approval
reprogramming to the congressional defense committees. In
addition, guidelines on the application of prior approval
reprogramming procedures for congressional special interest
items are established elsewhere in this report.
FUNDING INCREASES
The funding increases outlined in these tables shall be
provided only for the specific purposes indicated in the
tables. Additional guidance is provided in the overview of
this explanatory statement.
PROCUREMENT SPECIAL INTEREST ITEMS
Items for which additional funds have been recommended or
items for which funding is specifically reduced as shown in
the project level tables detailing recommended adjustments or
in paragraphs using the phrase ``only for'' or ``only to'' in
the joint explanatory statement are congressional special
interest items for the purpose of the Base for Reprogramming
(DD Form 1414). Each of these items must be carried on the DD
Form 1414 at the stated amount, as specifically addressed
elsewhere in the joint explanatory statement.
CRYSTALS FOR OPTICAL COMPONENTS
The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a
review of the amount of silicon and germanium optical
components in U.S. defense systems that are being sourced
from China and submit a report to the congressional defense
committees not later than 180 days after the enactment of
this Act. The Secretary is encouraged to develop specific
plans to phase out the procurement of such components and
support domestic growth and component manufacturing including
through the use of defense production authorities in chapter
55 of title 50, United States Code, as appropriate. This
language replaces the directives under this heading in House
Report 118-121 as well as directives under the heading
``Silicon and Germanium Crystals for Optical Components'' in
Senate Report 118-81.
AEROSPACE BEARING REPAIR AND REFURBISHMENT
The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a
report to the congressional defense committees, not later
than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, that examines
the participation rates of domestic independent service
providers for aerospace bearing repair and refurbishment
solicitations. The report shall identify any potential cost,
schedule, and performance benefits and include comparative
data from previous awards relative to past performance. This
includes cost overruns or schedule delays, the ability and
capacity to provide ongoing life cycle product support, and
the ability to meet technical requirements of the request for
proposal for such services. Further, the report shall detail
actions that the Department of Defense has taken to support
domestic independent bearing repair service providers. This
language replaces the directives under this heading in Senate
Report 118-81 as well as directives under the heading
``Repaired and Refurbished Aerospace Bearings'' in House
Report 118-121.
MUNITIONS STOCK
The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense and Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to jointly submit a report to
the congressional defense committees, not later than 120 days
after the enactment of this Act, that identifies current and
future munitions shortfalls. The report shall include the
following: areas of greatest operational risk in the most
pressing theaters; novel munitions employment approaches to
create platform optionality and reduce integration cost;
munitions that are currently being produced by non-
traditional suppliers; potential sources of low-cost
components through non-traditional suppliers; viable paths
for system integration through non-traditional suppliers or
relationships with traditional suppliers; a strategy for
leveraging a broader industrial base for expanding munitions
capability and capacity; and an assessment of the extent to
which the fiscal year 2025 President's budget request will
meet munitions requirements, including total munition
requirements and global floor requirements, with estimated
procurement costs, quantities, and projected inventory for
such munitions identified for each year of the future years
defense program. The report shall be submitted in an
unclassified form and may include a classified annex.
COUNTER-SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
Defeating small, unmanned aircraft systems, which pose
significant risks to U.S. military personnel, is a national
imperative that deserves concerted focus from the Department
of Defense. Therefore, the agreement includes $100,000,000
for the purpose of accelerating procurement of Counter-Small
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) to address emergent sUAS
threats within the Service and Special Operations Command
procurement appropriation accounts rather than within the
Office of the Secretary of Defense as proposed in the budget
request. The agreement directs the Undersecretary of Defense
for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the
service acquisition executives for each respective Service
and Special Operations Command, to provide quarterly reports
to the congressional defense committees beginning on the
first day of the fiscal quarter after the date of enactment
of this Act until the first day of the fiscal quarter after
all such funds have been obligated. Each report shall include
current spend plans, current obligation actuals, and an
assessment of how this funding is being used to address
operational capability gaps. The agreement retains the
directive under the heading ``Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft
Systems'' in Senate Report 118-81.
AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT, ARMY
The agreement provides $3,287,997,000 for Aircraft
Procurement, Army, as follows:
[[Page H1577]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.046
[[Page H1578]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.047
[[Page H1579]]
MISSILE PROCUREMENT, ARMY
The agreement provides $4,622,213,000 for Missile
Procurement, Army, as follows:
[[Page H1580]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.048
[[Page H1581]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.049
[[Page H1582]]
PROCUREMENT OF WEAPONS AND TRACKED COMBAT VEHICLES, ARMY
The agreement provides $4,244,226,000 for Procurement of
Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles, Army, as follows:
[[Page H1583]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.050
[[Page H1584]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.051
[[Page H1585]]
PROCUREMENT OF AMMUNITION, ARMY
The agreement provides $2,943,574,000 for Procurement of
Ammunition, Army, as follows:
[[Page H1586]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.052
[[Page H1587]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.053
[[Page H1588]]
OTHER PROCUREMENT, ARMY
The agreement provides $8,626,297,000 for Other
Procurement, Army, as follows:
[[Page H1589]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.054
[[Page H1590]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.055
[[Page H1591]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.056
[[Page H1592]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.057
[[Page H1593]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.058
[[Page H1594]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.059
[[Page H1595]]
AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT, NAVY
The agreement provides $19,826,909,000 for Aircraft
Procurement, Navy, as follows:
[[Page H1596]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.060
[[Page H1597]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.061
[[Page H1598]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.062
[[Page H1599]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.063
[[Page H1600]]
WEAPONS PROCUREMENT, NAVY
The agreement provides $5,876,828,000 for Weapons
Procurement, Navy, as follows:
[[Page H1601]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.064
[[Page H1602]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.065
[[Page H1603]]
PROCUREMENT OF AMMUNITION, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS
The agreement provides $1,161,205,000 for Procurement of
Ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps, as follows:
[[Page H1604]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.066
[[Page H1605]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.067
[[Page H1606]]
SHIPBUILDING AND CONVERSION, NAVY
The agreement provides $33,665,493,000 for Shipbuilding and
Conversion, Navy, as follows:
[[Page H1607]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.068
[[Page H1608]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.069
[[Page H1609]]
SUBMARINE CONSTRUCTION PERFORMANCE
Concerns remain about the VIRGINIA Class Submarine (VCS)
construction cost and schedule performance, which impact not
only the construction and delivery to the fleet of VCS, but
also affect the COLUMBIA Class Submarine (COL) construction
schedule. It is noted that the fiscal year 2024 President's
budget request includes funds for cost overruns of VCSs
procured in fiscal years 2015, 2016, and 2017, and that cost
overruns on additional ongoing new VCS construction programs
are expected to exceed $3,000,000,000 in future years. The
Secretary of the Navy is directed to submit to the
congressional defense committees the most current cost and
schedule estimates, by VCS and COL, with the submission of
each annual President's budget request until delivery of the
twelfth and final COLUMBIA hull. The report shall identify
changes from the previous year, and include detailed
explanations for all submarines not fully resourced to the
Navy's cost estimate, as well as all projected cost-to-
complete requirements for previously appropriated submarines.
Additionally, it is noted that in directing a comprehensive
Navy shipbuilding review in January, the Secretary of the
Navy stated, ``I remain concerned with the lingering effects
of post-pandemic conditions on our shipbuilders and their
suppliers that continue to affect our shipbuilding programs,
particularly our COLUMBIA Class Ballistic Missile Submarines.
. . .'' The Secretary is directed to brief the congressional
defense committees on the findings of this review within 30
days of completion. As part of this briefing, the Secretary
is directed to identify the Department of the Navy's proposed
near-term actions to prevent further SSBN-826 schedule
delays, mid-term actions to stabilize production and enable
on-time delivery of SSBN-827, and long-term actions to enable
the on-time and on-budget delivery of SSBN-828 through SSBN-
837.
Further, concerns remain with the technology maturity of
certain COL subsystems, which could affect the construction
and delivery timelines. Accordingly, the Senior Technical
Authority for COL, as designated under section 8669b of title
10, United States Code, is directed to provide directly to
the congressional defense committees quarterly updates on the
technology readiness of key COL subsystems and components
until SSBN-826 completes its first strategic deterrent
patrol. These updates shall include, at a minimum, technology
maturation metrics and identification of technical, schedule,
or other significant issues for the following subsystems:
stern area system, advanced carbon dioxide removal unit,
integrated power system (including turbine generators),
torpedo tubes, strategic weapons system, and such other
subsystems or components as the Senior Technical Authority
may designate.
Finally, the Comptroller General is directed to conduct a
comprehensive review of the VCS program, including: (1) the
current status of Block V construction relative to cost,
schedule, quality and performance expectations as well as
risks to successfully constructing future submarines; (2) the
Navy's approach to contracting and funding for Block VI,
including expected savings from a multiyear procurement
strategy; (3) the Navy's ability to efficiently manage VCS
construction during concurrent COL construction; (4) the
Navy's strategy for providing VCS to Australia; and (5) the
Navy's plans for SSN(X) development. The Comptroller General
is directed to provide an update briefing on this
comprehensive review to the congressional defense committees
not later than October 1, 2024, to be followed with quarterly
updates and the final report.
OTHER PROCUREMENT, NAVY
The agreement provides $14,385,665,000 for Other
Procurement, Navy, as follows:
[[Page H1610]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.070
[[Page H1611]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.071
[[Page H1612]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.072
[[Page H1613]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.073
[[Page H1614]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.074
[[Page H1615]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.075
[[Page H1616]]
PROCUREMENT, MARINE CORPS
The agreement provides $3,904,532,000 for Procurement,
Marine Corps, as follows:
[[Page H1617]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.076
[[Page H1618]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.077
[[Page H1619]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.078
[[Page H1620]]
AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE
The agreement provides $20,828,306,000 for Aircraft
Procurement, Air Force, as follows:
[[Page H1621]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.079
[[Page H1622]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.080
[[Page H1623]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.081
[[Page H1624]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.082
[[Page H1625]]
air force divestments
It is understood that the Air Force intends to replace
fighter air wings selected for legacy divestitures with a
flying mission when possible. However, it is further
understood that in some instances, a non-flying replacement
mission has been identified to replace legacy divestitures,
and that resources must be budgeted effectively to ensure the
success of such follow-on missions.
Therefore, the Secretary of the Air Force is directed to
submit a report to the congressional defense committees, not
later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act,
identifying the resources requested in the fiscal year 2025
President's budget request and the associated future years
defense program that support the stand-up of new capabilities
at air wings slated for divestiture of legacy platforms.
c-130j recapitalization
The agreement includes an increase of $840,000,000 for
eight additional C-130J aircraft for the Air National Guard,
to replace existing C-130H aircraft. There is concern that if
air wings are directed to operate a mixed fleet of C-130Hs
and C-130Js, that could increase local maintenance burdens
and decrease the overall readiness of the force. Therefore,
the Secretary of the Air Force is directed to, through the
existing Strategic Basing Process, prioritize upgrading
existing C-130H squadrons with C-130J aircraft at a one-to-
one ratio.
MISSILE PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE
The agreement provides $4,693,647,000 for Missile
Procurement, Air Force, as follows:
[[Page H1626]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.083
[[Page H1627]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.084
[[Page H1628]]
PROCUREMENT OF AMMUNITION, AIR FORCE
The agreement provides $589,943,000 for Procurement of
Ammunition, Air Force, as follows:
[[Page H1629]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.085
[[Page H1630]]
OTHER PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE
The agreement provides $31,327,131,000 for Other
Procurement, Air Force, as follows:
[[Page H1631]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.086
[[Page H1632]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.087
[[Page H1633]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.088
[[Page H1634]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.089
[[Page H1635]]
PROCUREMENT, SPACE FORCE
The agreement provides $4,064,948,000 for Procurement,
Space Force, as follows:
[[Page H1636]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.090
[[Page H1637]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.091
[[Page H1638]]
NATIONAL SECURITY SPACE LAUNCH
The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense and the
Director of National Intelligence to utilize the Space Force
launch enterprise phase 2 contract or phase 3 contract upon
award for all National Security Space Launch class missions
unless they certify to the congressional defense and
intelligence committees that commercial launch or delivery on
orbit procurement for a designated mission is in the national
security interest of the United States government and outline
the rationale for such a determination.
PROCUREMENT, DEFENSE-WIDE
The agreement provides $6,392,675,000 for Procurement,
Defense-Wide, as follows:
[[Page H1639]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.092
[[Page H1640]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.093
[[Page H1641]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.094
[[Page H1642]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.095
[[Page H1643]]
DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT PURCHASES
The agreement provides $587,905,000 for Defense Production
Act Purchases, as follows:
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Request Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT PURCHASES.............. 968,605 578,905
Program increase--aluminum-scandium master ........... 10,000
alloy production...........................
Program increase--domestic aluminum casting. ........... 23,000
Program increase--heavy forging capacity ........... 8,000
improvement program........................
Program increase--manufacturing of ........... 5,000
hypersonic components......................
Program increase--new domestic source of ........... 14,300
solid rocket motor production and
modernization at scale.....................
Program increase--secure composite shipping ........... 9,000
containers.................................
Execution risk.............................. ........... -450,000
-------------------------
TOTAL, DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT PURCHASES... 968,605 587,905
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT EXECUTABILITY AND OVERSIGHT
The agreement notes that unobligated balances for the
Defense Production Act have significantly increased in the
past four fiscal years, which results in delayed industrial
capacity expansion and uncertainty to the defense industrial
base regarding the Department's plans. It is expected that
funding appropriated to the Defense Production Act Purchases
account continue to conform to the purposes communicated to
the House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees
during review of the fiscal year 2024 President's budget
request, and that any changes to the Department's plans be
communicated to the same Subcommittees not less than 30 days
prior to execution of funds.
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS
It is noted that printed circuit boards are key components
of advanced defense technologies and that a strong domestic
defense industrial base includes the ability to fabricate
printed circuit boards. It is understood that the Department
of Defense intends to use the Defense Production Act
Purchases account to address domestic industrial base
shortfalls for printed circuit boards in fiscal year 2024.
The Secretary of Defense is encouraged to prioritize Defense
Production Act investments in support of domestic printed
circuit board fabrication.
NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE EQUIPMENT
The agreement provides $1,000,000,000 for National Guard
and Reserve Equipment, as follows:
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
(In thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Request Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD........................... 0 310,000
Program increase--miscellaneous equipment... ........... 310,000
AIR NATIONAL GUARD............................ 0 300,000
Program increase--miscellaneous equipment... ........... 300,000
ARMY RESERVE.................................. 0 155,000
Program increase--miscellaneous equipment... ........... 155,000
NAVY RESERVE.................................. 0 57,000
Program increase--miscellaneous equipment... ........... 57,000
MARINE CORPS RESERVE.......................... 0 23,000
Program increase--miscellaneous equipment... ........... 23,000
AIR FORCE RESERVE............................. 0 155,000
Program increase--miscellaneous equipment... ........... 155,000
-------------------------
TOTAL, NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE 0 1,000,000
EQUIPMENT................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE EQUIPMENT
The agreement includes an appropriation of $1,000,000,000
for the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account. Of that
amount, $310,000,000 is for the Army National Guard;
$300,000,000 is for the Air National Guard; $155,000,000 is
for the Army Reserve; $57,000,000 is for the Navy Reserve;
$23,000,000 is for the Marine Corps Reserve; and $155,000,000
is for the Air Force Reserve to meet urgent equipment needs
in the coming fiscal year. The agreement includes direction
for the component commanders of the Army Reserve, Navy
Reserve, Marine Forces Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Army
National Guard, and Air National Guard to submit to the
congressional defense committees a detailed assessment of
their component's modernization priorities, not later than 30
days after the enactment of this Act.
The Secretary of Defense is directed to ensure that the
National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account is executed by
the Chiefs of the National Guard and reserve components with
priority consideration given to the following items: acoustic
hailing devices; aircraft survivability equipment and weapons
training aids; aircraft wash systems; aviation fleet
management dashboard software; crash-worthy, ballistically
tolerant auxiliary fuel systems for UH-60 helicopters;
degraded visual environment systems; F-16 simulators; high
mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle modernization; KC-135
aircraft emergency response refuel equipment kits; KC-135
aircrew ground cooling units; land surveying systems; laser
chemical threat detection systems; lightweight, rapidly
deployable, computer-based artillery call for fire training
and simulation; litter stabilization systems; M917A3 heavy
dump trucks; modern acoustic and thermal aviation blankets;
modular small arms ranges and small arms training simulators
and tools; secure enterprise, emergency, and social
communication; software defined radios; UH72A/B mission
equipment modernization; upgraded commercial-off-the-shelf
ground mapping for C-130 aircraft; and vehicle-mounted, man-
portable radiological nuclear detection systems.
AIRCRAFT TRAINING SIMULATORS
Not later than 30 days after the submission of the fiscal
year 2025 President's budget request, the Chief of Staff of
the Air Force, in coordination with the Chief of the National
Guard Bureau, shall provide documentation to the
congressional defense committees, illustrating how they have
programmed appropriately for the sufficient resourcing of
aircraft training simulators, to include simulators for F-
16s, for the Air National Guard in accordance with current
Department of the Air Force policy regarding concurrent and
proportional modernization to ensure total force readiness.
TITLE IV--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION
The agreement provides $148,320,479,000 in Title IV,
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, as follows:
[[Page H1644]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.096
[[Page H1645]]
reprogramming guidance for acquisition accounts
The Secretary of Defense is directed to continue to follow
the reprogramming guidance as specified in the report
accompanying the House version of the Department of Defense
Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2008 (House Report 110-
279). Specifically, the dollar threshold for reprogramming
funds shall be $15,000,000 for procurement and research,
development, test and evaluation.
Also, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) is
directed to continue to provide the congressional defense
committees quarterly, spreadsheet-based DD Form 1416 reports
for Service and defense-wide accounts in titles III and IV of
this Act. Reports for titles III and IV shall comply with the
guidance specified in the explanatory statement accompanying
the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006. The
Department shall continue to follow the limitation that prior
approval reprogrammings are set at either the specified
dollar threshold or 20 percent of the procurement or
research, development, test and evaluation line, whichever is
less. These thresholds are cumulative from the base for
reprogramming value as modified by any adjustments.
Therefore, if the combined value of transfers into or out of
a procurement (P-1) or research, development, test and
evaluation (R-1) line exceeds the identified threshold, the
Secretary of Defense must submit a prior approval
reprogramming to the congressional defense committees. In
addition, guidelines on the application of prior approval
reprogramming procedures for congressional special interest
items are established elsewhere in this statement.
funding increases
The funding increases outlined in these tables shall be
provided only for the specific purposes indicated in the
tables. Additional guidance is provided in the overview of
this explanatory statement.
research, development, test and evaluation special interest items
Items for which additional funds have been recommended or
items for which funding is specifically reduced as shown in
the project level tables detailing recommended adjustments or
in paragraphs using the phrase ``only for'' or ``only to'' in
the joint explanatory statement are congressional special
interest items for the purpose of the Base for Reprogramming
(DD Form 1414). Each of these items must be carried on the DD
Form 1414 at the stated amount, as specifically addressed
elsewhere in the joint explanatory statement.
rapid acquisition authority
Section 229 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31) provided new rapid
acquisition authorities to the Secretaries of the military
departments. Section 8139 of this Act restates the applicable
funding limitations from section 3601 of title 10, United
States Code. The agreement notes that, over the past fiscal
year, Rapid Acquisition Authority notifications required by
law have not been timely or comprehensive. The Secretary of
Defense is directed to provide a briefing to the House and
Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees, not later than
30 days after the enactment of this Act, that describes how
the utilization of Rapid Acquisition Authority will be
communicated in a more complete and timely fashion in fiscal
year 2024 and thereafter.
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION, ARMY
The agreement provides $17,115,037,000 for Research,
Development, Test and Evaluation, Army, as follows:
[[Page H1646]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.097
[[Page H1647]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.098
[[Page H1648]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.099
[[Page H1649]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.100
[[Page H1650]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.101
[[Page H1651]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.102
[[Page H1652]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.103
[[Page H1653]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.104
[[Page H1654]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.105
[[Page H1655]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.106
[[Page H1656]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.107
[[Page H1657]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.108
[[Page H1658]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.109
[[Page H1659]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.110
[[Page H1660]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.111
[[Page H1661]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.112
[[Page H1662]]
soldier enhancement program
The agreement supports the Army's Soldier Enhancement
Program (SEP) and understands the SEP provides soldiers with
modernized individual equipment using a rapid acquisition
approach that has resulted in proven cost savings and
accelerated fielding of needed capability. Additionally, the
agreement encourages the Secretary of the Army to resource
the SEP across the future years defense program and notes
with concern that prior year President's budget requests did
not fully support SEP requirements. Further, the agreement
directs the Secretary of the Army to provide a briefing to
the House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees,
not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, on the
plan to address SEP funding requirements in future
President's budget requests.
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION, NAVY
The agreement provides $27,964,807,000 for Research,
Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy, as follows:
[[Page H1663]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.113
[[Page H1664]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.114
[[Page H1665]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.115
[[Page H1666]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.116
[[Page H1667]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.117
[[Page H1668]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.118
[[Page H1669]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.119
[[Page H1670]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.120
[[Page H1671]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.121
[[Page H1672]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.122
[[Page H1673]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.123
[[Page H1674]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.124
[[Page H1675]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.125
[[Page H1676]]
open autonomous underwater vehicle software architecture
The agreement directs the Secretary of the Navy to assess
the feasibility and advisability of: (1) establishing one or
more government-reference open-system architecture standards,
such as the OpenAUV and PCX architectures, and/or commercial
open-system architecture standards as the Navy standard or
standards for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and
Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs); (2) accelerating such
standard or standards on Razorback and Snakehead UUVs; (3)
maximizing full-and-open competition on UUV and USV
solicitations with such standard or standards prescribed; and
(4) requiring USV and UUV program managers to review Navy's
OpenAUV lessons learned, incorporate best practices, and
engage in technical exchanges with the performers. The
Secretary is directed to submit this assessment to the
congressional defense committees not later than 120 days
after the enactment of this Act.
automated test and re-test
The agreement provides $120,000,000 to accelerate
implementation of the Navy's Automated Test and Re-Test
(ATRT) Commercialization Plan submitted in October 2022. This
activity shall support all Navy Program Executive Offices,
System Commands, and Warfare Centers including Navy rapid
capability offices. Funding provided under the newly created
ATRT Enterprise Rapid Capability line shall be executed by
Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Support to
perfect and scale virtualized systems of systems, automated
test and analysis, automated certification, rapid
integration, deployment of integrated warfare systems with
edge analytics, and data collection as described in Navy's
ATRT Commercialization Plan. The Secretary of the Navy is
directed to submit to the House and Senate Defense
Appropriations Subcommittees, not later than 60 days after
the enactment of this Act, a detailed plan for implementation
and resourcing of this capability consistent with the ATRT
Commercialization Plan and in adherence to Small Business
Innovation Research program regulations and requirements.
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION, AIR FORCE
The agreement provides $47,340,416,000 for Research,
Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force, as follows:
[[Page H1677]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.126
[[Page H1678]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.127
[[Page H1679]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.128
[[Page H1680]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.129
[[Page H1681]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.130
[[Page H1682]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.131
[[Page H1683]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.132
[[Page H1684]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.133
[[Page H1685]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.134
[[Page H1686]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.135
[[Page H1687]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.136
[[Page H1688]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.137
[[Page H1689]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.138
[[Page H1690]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.139
[[Page H1691]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.140
[[Page H1692]]
SENTINEL MANPOWER
The agreement recognizes that the Sentinel program has
experienced delays and that the Air Force is updating program
cost estimates and schedule information. The agreement
includes the directive under this heading in Senate Report
118-81 and further directs the Secretary of the Air Force to
update the congressional defense committees on the current
status of cost and schedule of the program on a quarterly
basis and any changes that impact Interim Operational
Capability and Full Operational Capability whenever such
change occurs.
SENTINEL INDUSTRIAL BASE
The agreement provides $100,000,000 for prototyping to
reduce schedule and cost risk, and stabilize the supply base.
This funding may also be used for commissioning industrial
base studies, developing radiation-hardened components for
strategic applications, and certifying metal-oxide-
semiconductor field-effect transistors. The agreement also
provides $100,000,000 to strengthen Sentinel program key
suppliers, particularly in areas with identified gaps, and to
improve supplier efficiency. This funding may also be used
for workforce development and collaboration with trade
schools. The agreement retains the directives under the
heading ``Sentinel Industrial Base'' in Senate Report 118-81.
ADVANCED ENGINE DEVELOPMENT--ENGINE TECHNOLOGIES
The agreement recognizes the importance of engine
development for fighter aircraft, and investments in the
skilled engineering and manufacturing workforce to support
the domestic fighter aircraft engine industrial base.
Therefore, the agreement includes $280,000,000 only to
develop advanced engine technologies for integration into
future engine development programs. This can include
investments in adaptive cycle engine technologies, improved
manufacturing techniques for engine components, development
of novel materials, and the integration of enhanced digital
design capabilities into the engine development process.
The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition,
Technology and Logistics is directed to provide to the
congressional defense committees, not later than 90 days
after enactment of this Act, a spend plan for the additional
resources provided by this agreement. The Assistant Secretary
of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics is
also directed to provide to the congressional defense
committees, not later than 90 days after enactment of this
Act, a briefing describing how the Air Force intends to
ensure there is a sufficient level of engine design work in
order to maintain a robust domestic aircraft engine
industrial base.
The agreement does not support the integration of an
alternative engine on the F-35, and includes a new general
provision that prohibits the use of funds to integrate an
alternative engine on any F-35 aircraft.
This language replaces the language under the heading
``Fighter Aircraft Engine Development'' in House Report 118-
121 and the language under the heading ``Future Engine
Technologies'' in Senate Report 118-81.
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION, SPACE FORCE
The agreement provides $18,669,844,000 for Research,
Development, Test and Evaluation, Space Force, as follows:
[[Page H1693]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.141
[[Page H1694]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.142
[[Page H1695]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.143
[[Page H1696]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.144
[[Page H1697]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.145
[[Page H1698]]
TACTICALLY RESPONSIVE SPACE AND THE INDUSTRIAL BASE
The agreement directs the Assistant Secretary of the Air
Force for Space Acquisition and Integration to provide a
report to the congressional defense committees, not later
than 120 days after enactment of this Act, that defines the
mission sets to be pursued under the tactically responsive
space umbrella within the future years defense program and
longer term prospective mission sets, along with a market
analysis of the resident and emerging capabilities within the
space industrial base to perform these missions. The report
shall include an assessment of the relative technical
maturity of each capability and an assessment of the
industrial base capacity to support these mission sets,
including but not limited to, responsive launch, on-orbit
servicing, on-orbit pre-positioning, and on-orbit refueling.
CISLUNAR SPACE
Developing capabilities and operating within cislunar space
is imperative for the Nation to obtain national security,
science and technology, and economic advantages.
Congressionally directed increases accounted for 80 percent
of all resources invested in cislunar activities over the
last two fiscal years. The agreement again encourages the
Secretary of the Air Force to increase its investments in
cislunar propulsion technologies, space domain awareness, and
other related activities.
IN-SPACE ASSEMBLY AND MANUFACTURING
The agreement notes the promise of in-space assembly and
manufacturing (ISAM) to support a range of civil and national
security missions and is aware that the Space Force is
exploring a mission to resurrect the NASA Spitzer Space
Telescope using such capabilities. The agreement encourages
the Secretary of the Air Force to increase investment for
ISAM and pursue avenues to collaborate with the civil space
sector and industry on a near-term mission.
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION, DEFENSE-WIDE
The agreement provides $36,892,886,000 for Research,
Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide, as follows:
[[Page H1699]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.146
[[Page H1700]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.147
[[Page H1701]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.148
[[Page H1702]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.149
[[Page H1703]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.150
[[Page H1704]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.151
[[Page H1705]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.152
[[Page H1706]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.153
[[Page H1707]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.154
[[Page H1708]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.155
[[Page H1709]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.156
[[Page H1710]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.157
[[Page H1711]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.158
[[Page H1712]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.159
[[Page H1713]]
TACTICALLY MOBILE MICRO-REACTOR DEVELOPMENT
The agreement directs the Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs to
provide expeditious oversight of physical security and
nuclear material handling, interagency coordination, and
technical review and assistance for the design, development,
and test of tactically mobile micro-reactors. This language
replaces the language under this heading in Senate Report
118-81.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
The agreement directs the Chief Digital and Artificial
Intelligence Officer (CDAO), in coordination with the
Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller) and the Director of
the Defense Innovation Unit, to submit a report to the
congressional defense committees, not later than 60 days
after the enactment of this Act, on a development, data, and
deployment strategy of an appropriately secure web interface
that can provide access to budget and acquisition data
reporting to the congressional defense committees. The report
shall include an analysis of any budgetary policy barriers to
implementing this secure web interface. This language
replaces the directives under this heading in House Report
118-121.
OFFICE OF STRATEGIC CAPITAL OVERSIGHT AND EXECUTABILITY
The agreement recognizes the objectives and promise of the
Office of Strategic Capital (OSC). Given the congressional
interest in the success of this office, a continued active
dialogue between the OSC and the House and Senate Defense
Appropriations Subcommittees is encouraged to ensure that the
necessary authorities and funding mechanisms are available
and proper oversight and execution of the same. Noting the
importance of the Office of Strategic Capital, the agreement
provides $84,000,000, of which $49,200,000 is for the loan
program office as appropriated in section 8140 for the
Department of Defense Credit Program Account. The loan
program office shall only make direct loans, and such direct
loans shall be limited to companies developing critical
technologies.
BIOTECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING INSTITUTES
The agreement includes the reporting requirement under this
heading in House Report 118-121. However, the spend plan
directed under this heading in House Report 118-121 is no
longer required.
alternative battery chemistry
The agreement directs the Deputy Secretary of Defense to
provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees,
not later than 120 days after the enactment of this Act, on
potential alternatives or advanced battery chemistries to
address strategic vulnerabilities and an assessment of the
security risk associated with the sourcing of raw and
processed materials from outside the United States. The brief
shall also include the Department's plan to address these
vulnerabilities, including the Department's projected
timelines to increase domestic procurement of rechargeable
batteries and battery cells, as well as an analysis of key
factors limiting domestic procurement of rechargeable
batteries and battery cells. This language replaces the
directives under this heading in House Report 118-121.
OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION, DEFENSE
The agreement provides $337,489,000 for Operational Test
and Evaluation, Defense, as follows:
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
(In thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Request Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION............... 169,544 140,044
Program increase--browser plug-in security ........... 6,000
research...................................
Transfer to line 3 per DOT&E request........ ........... -35,500
LIVE FIRE TESTING............................. 103,252 103,252
OPERATIONAL TEST ACTIVITIES AND ANALYSIS...... 58,693 94,193
Transfer from line 1 per DOT&E request...... ........... 35,500
-------------------------
TOTAL, OPERATIONAL TEST & EVALUATION, 331,489 337,489
DEFENSE..................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE V--REVOLVING AND MANAGEMENT FUNDS
The agreement provides $1,786,779,000 in Title V, Revolving
and Management Funds.
DEFENSE WORKING CAPITAL FUNDS
The agreement provides $1,786,779,000 for Defense Working
Capital Funds, as follows:
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
(In thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Request Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORKING CAPITAL FUND, ARMY.................... 29,213 149,213
Program increase--Arsenal Sustainment ........... 120,000
Initiative.................................
WORKING CAPITAL FUND, AIR FORCE............... 83,587 83,587
DEFENSE AUTOMATION & PRODUCTION SERVICES...... 4 4
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY, ENERGY MANAGEMENT... 114,663 106,363
Unjustified request......................... ........... -8,300
WORKING CAPITAL FUND, DECA.................... 1,447,612 1,447,612
NATIONAL DEFENSE STOCKPILE TRANSACTION FUND... 7,629 0
Transfer--National Defense Stockpile ........... -7,629
Transaction Fund funded in section 8034....
-------------------------
TOTAL, DEFENSE WORKING CAPITAL FUNDS...... 1,682,708 1,786,779
------------------------------------------------------------------------
national defense stockpile transaction fund
The fiscal year 2024 President's budget request includes
funding for the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund,
which is intended to decrease or preclude U.S. dependence on
foreign sources for supplies of strategic and critical
materials. The agreement provides funds with a tenure of
three years for this purpose in section 8034. In prior fiscal
years, the execution of funding for this purpose has lagged
benchmarks, delaying the Department of Defense's ability to
expeditiously address this challenge. The Secretary of
Defense is directed to submit a report, not later than 90
days after the enactment of this Act, that includes a plan to
expedite the execution of funds provided for this purpose; an
assessment of how providing funds directly to the Transaction
Fund would impact executability; and projections for future
sales of excess commodities in fiscal year 2025.
TITLE VI--OTHER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROGRAMS
The agreement provides $42,696,094,000 in Title VI, Other
Department of Defense Programs, as follows:
[[Page H1714]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.160
[[Page H1715]]
DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAM
The agreement provides $39,898,624,000 for the Defense
Health Program, as follows:
[[Page H1716]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.161
[[Page H1717]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.162
[[Page H1718]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.163
[[Page H1719]]
reprogramming guidance for the defense health program
The agreement directs the Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Health Affairs to provide quarterly briefings to the
congressional defense committees on budget execution data for
all of the Defense Health Program budget activities not later
than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, and to
adequately reflect changes to the budget activities requested
by the Services in future budget submissions. These reports
shall also be provided to the Government Accountability
Office.
The agreement directs that the In-House Care and Private
Sector Care budget sub-activities remain designated as
congressional special interest items for the purpose of the
Base for Reprogramming (DD Form 1414). Any transfer of funds
in excess of $10,000,000 into or out of these sub-activities
requires the Secretary of Defense to follow prior approval
reprogramming procedures. The Secretary of Defense is further
directed to provide a report to the congressional defense
committees not later than 30 days after the enactment of this
Act that delineates transfers of funds, and the dates any
transfers occurred, from the Private Sector Care budget sub-
activity to any other budget sub-activity in fiscal year
2023.
In addition, the agreement directs the Secretary of Defense
to provide written notification to the congressional defense
committees of cumulative transfers in excess of $10,000,000
out of the Base Operations and Communications budget sub-
activity not later than 15 days after such a transfer.
carryover
The agreement provides one percent carryover authority for
the Operation and Maintenance account of the Defense Health
Program. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health
Affairs is directed to submit a detailed spend plan for any
fiscal year 2023 designated carryover funds to the
congressional defense committees not less than 30 days prior
to executing the carryover funds.
peer-reviewed cancer research program
The agreement provides $130,000,000 for the peer-reviewed
cancer research program to research cancers not addressed in
the breast, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, kidney, lung,
melanoma, rare cancer, and glioblastoma research programs.
The funds provided in the peer-reviewed cancer research
program are directed to be used to conduct research in the
following areas: bladder cancer; blood cancers; brain cancer
(excluding glioblastoma); colorectal cancer; endometrial
cancer; esophageal cancer; germ cell cancers; liver cancer;
lymphoma; mesothelioma; metastatic cancers; myeloma;
neuroblastoma; pediatric brain tumors; pediatric, adolescent,
and young adult cancers; sarcoma; stomach cancer; and thyroid
cancer.
The peer-reviewed cancer research program shall be used
only for the purposes listed above. The inclusion of the
individual rare cancer research program shall not prohibit
the peer-reviewed cancer research program from funding the
above-mentioned cancers or cancer subtypes that may be rare
by definition. The report directed under this heading in
House Report 118-121 and Senate Report 118-81 is still
required to be provided not later than 12 months after the
enactment of this Act.
peer-reviewed medical research program
The agreement provides $370,000,000 for a peer-reviewed
medical research program. The Secretary of Defense, in
conjunction with the Service Surgeons General, is directed to
select medical research projects of clear scientific merit
and direct relevance to military health. Research areas
considered under this funding are restricted to: accelerated
aging processes associated with military service; celiac
disease; computational biology for precision health;
congenital cytomegalovirus; congenital heart disease;
dystonia; eating disorders; Ehlers-Danlos syndrome;
epidermolysis bullosa; far-UVC germicidal light; fibrous
dysplasia/McCune-Albright syndrome; focal segmental
glomerulosclerosis; food allergies; Fragile X; frontotemporal
degeneration; Guillain-Barre syndrome; hepatitis B;
hereditary ataxia; hydrocephalus; inflammatory bowel disease;
interstitial cystitis; lymphedema; malaria; maternal mental
health; mitochondrial disease; musculoskeletal disorders
related to acute and chronic bone conditions and injuries;
myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome; myotonic
dystrophy; nephrotic syndrome; neuroactive steroids;
pancreatitis; peripheral neuropathy; polycystic kidney
disease; proteomics; pulmonary fibrosis; respiratory health;
Rett syndrome; scleroderma; sickle-cell disease; suicide
prevention; vascular malformations; and Von Hippel-Lindau
syndrome. The additional funding provided under the peer-
reviewed medical research program shall be devoted only to
the purposes listed above.
electronic health records
The agreement directs the Program Executive Officer of
Defense Healthcare Management Systems (PEO DHMS) to provide
monthly reports not later than 15 days after the end of each
month to the congressional defense committees on the status
of all open incident reports, as well as the 46 high priority
incident reports, in order to better track the progress of
the Department in resolving the issues identified in the
continuous deployment of MHS GENESIS. The PEO DHMS, in
conjunction with the Director of the Federal Electronic
Health Record Modernization (FEHRM) program office and the
Director of the Defense Health Agency, is directed to submit
quarterly reports not later than 30 days after the end of
each fiscal quarter to the congressional defense committees
and the Government Accountability Office on the cost of the
program, including any indirect costs funded outside of the
DHMS Modernization Electronic Health Record program and the
schedule of the program, to include milestones, knowledge
points, and acquisition timelines, as well as quarterly
obligation reports.
The agreement directs the Director of the FEHRM program
office to continue to submit quarterly reports on the
progress of interoperability between the Department of
Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to the House
and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees and the House
and Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittees.
In addition, the agreement directs the Comptroller General
to continue quarterly performance reviews of the deployment
of MHS GENESIS with a focus on whether the program is meeting
expected cost, schedule, scope, quality, and risk mitigation
expectations, to include system enhancements, and expects the
PEO DHMS will provide the Comptroller General regular and in-
depth access to the program to facilitate these reviews.
non-opioid drug research
The agreement directs the Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Health Affairs to provide a report to the congressional
defense committees on the Department's plans to conduct
collaborative research on development of non-opioid drugs for
acute pain control on the battlefield not later than 60 days
after the enactment of this Act.
service dogs
Service dogs provide a vital support to our wounded
warriors. The agreement supports programs that help to
increase the capacity to train and place these dogs with
eligible servicemembers and veterans.
CHEMICAL AGENTS AND MUNITIONS DESTRUCTION, DEFENSE
The agreement provides $1,091,844,000 for Chemical Agents
and Munitions Destruction, Defense, as follows:
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
(In thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Request Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE..................... 89,284 89,284
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION.... 1,002,560 1,002,560
-------------------------
TOTAL, CHEMICAL AGENTS AND MUNITIONS 1,091,844 1,091,844
DESTRUCTION, DEFENSE.....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DRUG INTERDICTION AND COUNTER-DRUG ACTIVITIES, DEFENSE
The agreement provides $1,177,061,000 for Drug Interdiction
and Counter-Drug Activities, Defense, as follows:
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
(In thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Request Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COUNTER-NARCOTICS SUPPORT..................... 643,848 702,962
Program increase--enterprise-wide ........... 25,000
intelligence programs......................
Program increase--Project 5111--NORTHCOM ........... 15,000
Counternarcotics Mission Support...........
Program increase--Project 3309--Joint ........... 10,000
Interagency Task Force--West...............
Program increase--SOUTHCOM airborne long- ........... 14,900
wave infra-red hyperspectral imagery
sensors....................................
NGB headquarters realignment................ ........... -5,786
DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION PROGRAM................. 134,313 138,313
Program Increase--Young Marines............. ........... 4,000
NATIONAL GUARD COUNTER-DRUG PROGRAM........... 102,272 305,786
Program increase............................ ........... 167,728
Program increase--equipment................. ........... 30,000
NGB headquarters realignment................ ........... 5,786
NATIONAL GUARD COUNTER-DRUG SCHOOLS........... 5,993 30,000
Program increase............................ ........... 24,007
-------------------------
TOTAL, DRUG INTERDICTION AND COUNTER-DRUG 886,426 1,177,061
ACTIVITIES, DEFENSE......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The agreement includes $702,962,000 for Counter-Narcotics
Support, including an additional $50,000,000 for programs to
counter illicit fentanyl and synthetic opioids. The Secretary
of Defense is directed to submit a spend plan for these
additional funds to the House and Senate Defense
Appropriations Subcommittees not later than 60 days after the
enactment of this Act.
The agreement supports the Department of Defense's
intelligence programs in support of law enforcement partner
efforts to deter, disrupt, and defeat global drug-
trafficking, illicit finance, and transnational
organizations. Increased funding shall be for programs to
counter illicit fentanyl and synthetic opioids, and related
transnational criminal organizations including programs that
go after the finances of these organizations. The Secretary
of Defense should prioritize this funding on procuring
technologies to enhance the capabilities of these programs.
Increases in personnel in the future years defense program
should be considered only following the completion of a
workforce assessment.
The agreement includes an additional $15,000,000 to support
Joint Task Force--North's support for United States
government efforts to undermine transnational criminal
organizations responsible for the flow of illicit fentanyl
and synthetic opioids into the United States. Funds should be
used to establish a dedicated cell to provide intelligence
analysis, counter threat finance
[[Page H1720]]
analysis, and other support to interagency operations to
crack down on illicit fentanyl and synthetic opioid
precursors, pill presses, clandestine labs, and money
laundering that facilitate cartel operations. The Secretary
of Defense, in coordination with the heads of other federal
agencies, as appropriate, shall submit an implementation plan
to the congressional defense committees not later than 90
days after the enactment of this Act.
The agreement notes the model of the Joint Interagency Task
Force--South which has conducted detection and monitoring
operations to support law enforcement disruptions of drug
trafficking in the Caribbean for decades. The agreement
directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the
heads of other federal agencies, as appropriate, to submit a
report to the congressional defense committees, not later
than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, on efforts of
the Department to increase interagency coordination to
counter illicit fentanyl and synthetic opioids production and
trafficking to the United States, as it pertains to the
Department's existing roles and responsibilities under
current authorities, to support national counter-drug
operations. The report shall include an analysis of the
Department's current mechanisms for coordinating interagency
efforts and the feasibility of establishing a Department of
Defense joint interagency task force for this purpose.
The agreement includes an additional $10,000,000 for Joint
Interagency Task Force--West's support of United States
government efforts to counter the smuggling of chemical
precursors from Asia to the Western Hemisphere. The agreement
includes $305,786,000 for the National Guard Counter-Drug
Program, of which $30,000,000 is provided for equipment,
including equipment to enhance the National Guard's digital
forensics and imaging capabilities. The recommendation also
includes $30,000,000 for the National Guard Counterdrug
Schools Program.
The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a
report to the House and Senate Defense Appropriations
Subcommittees not later than 90 days after the enactment of
this Act on the performance, capacity, and throughput of each
of the five counterdrug schools and an analysis of whether
the current number of schools is meeting training demands.
The agreement directs the Comptroller General to review
Department of Defense Instruction 3000.14, Counterdrug and
Counter-Transnational Organized Crime Policy, and Instruction
3100.01B National Guard Counterdrug Support Program, and
examine whether such documents limit the effectiveness of the
Department of Defense and National Guard Bureau support for
counterdrug efforts under the law. The Comptroller General
shall submit a report to the congressional defense committees
not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act.
The agreement directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure
that international programs requested and supported by this
account do not duplicate programs funded by the Defense
Security Cooperation Agency in the Operation and Maintenance,
Defense-Wide account. Any congressional notification
submitted pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 284 shall identify any
resources within the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide
account that are allocated for similar or related purposes.
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
The agreement provides $528,565,000 for the Office of the
Inspector General, as follows:
EXPLANATION OF PROJECT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
(In thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Request Final Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE..................... 520,867 522,119
Special Inspector General for Operation ........... 4,600
Atlantic Resolve...........................
Projected overestimation of civilian ........... -1,400
compensation...............................
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE, CYBER................ 1,948 1,948
PROCUREMENT................................... 1,098 1,098
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION.... 3,400 3,400
-------------------------
TOTAL, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.... 525,365 528,565
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE VII--RELATED AGENCIES
The agreement provides $1,139,419,000 in Title VII, Related
Agencies, as follows:
[[Page H1721]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.164
[[Page H1722]]
CLASSIFIED ANNEX
Adjustments to classified programs are addressed in a
separate, detailed, and comprehensive classified annex. The
Intelligence Community, the Department of Defense, and other
organizations are expected to fully comply with the
recommendations and directions in the classified annex
accompanying the Department of Defense Appropriations Act,
2024.
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY SYSTEM FUND
The agreement provides $514,000,000 for the Central
Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund.
INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT
The agreement provides $625,419,000 for the Intelligence
Community Management Account.
TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Title VIII of the accompanying bill includes 150 general
provisions. A brief description of each provision follows.
Section 8001 provides that no funds made available in this
Act may be used for publicity or propaganda purposes not
authorized by Congress.
Section 8002 provides for conditions and limitations on the
payment of compensation to, or employment of, foreign
nationals.
Section 8003 provides that no funds made available in this
Act may be obligated beyond the end of the fiscal year unless
expressly provided for a greater period of availability
elsewhere in the Act.
Section 8004 limits the obligation of certain funds
provided in this Act during the last two months of the fiscal
year.
Section 8005 provides for the general transfer authority of
funds to other military functions.
Section 8006 provides that the tables titled Explanation of
Project Level Adjustments in the Committee report and
classified annex shall be carried out in the manner provided
by the tables to the same extent as if the tables were
included in the text of this Act.
Section 8007 provides for the establishment of a baseline
for application of reprogramming and transfer authorities for
the current fiscal year.
Section 8008 provides for limitations on the use of
transfer authority of working capital fund cash balances.
Section 8009 provides that none of the funds appropriated
in this Act may be used to initiate a special access program
without prior notification to the congressional defense
committees.
Section 8010 provides limitations and conditions on the use
of funds made available in this Act to initiate multiyear
procurement contracts.
Section 8011 provides for the use and obligation of funds
for humanitarian and civic assistance costs.
Section 8012 provides that the Secretary of Defense shall
provide a report on excessive contractor payments.
Section 8013 prohibits funding from being used to influence
congressional action on any matters pending before the
Congress.
Section 8014 restricts the use of funds to reduce or
prepare to reduce the number of deployed and non-deployed
strategic delivery vehicles and launchers.
Section 8015 provides for the transfer of funds
appropriated in title III of this Act for the Department of
Defense Pilot Mentor-Prot Program.
Section 8016 provides for the Department of Defense to
purchase anchor and mooring chains manufactured only in the
United States.
Section 8017 prohibits funds made available in this Act for
the support of any non-appropriated activity of the
Department of Defense that procures malt beverages and wine
except under certain conditions.
Section 8018 prohibits funds made available to the
Department of Defense from being used to demilitarize or
dispose of certain surplus firearms and small arms ammunition
or ammunition components.
Section 8019 provides a limitation on funds being used for
the relocation of any Department of Defense entity into or
within the National Capital Region.
Section 8020 provides for incentive payments authorized by
section 504 of the Indian Financing Act of 1974 (25 U.S.C.
1544).
Section 8021 provides for the conveyance, without
consideration, of relocatable housing units that are excess
to the needs of the Air Force.
Section 8022 provides for the availability of funds for the
mitigation of environmental impacts on Indian lands resulting
from Department of Defense activities.
Section 8023 provides that no funding for the Defense Media
Activity may be used for national or international political
or psychological activities.
Section 8024 provides funding in the Army's Working Capital
Fund to maintain competitive rates at the arsenals.
Section 8025 provides funding for the Civil Air Patrol
Corporation.
Section 8026 prohibits funding from being used to establish
new Department of Defense Federally Funded Research and
Development Centers (FFRDCs), with certain limitations.
Section 8027 defines the congressional defense committees
as the Armed Services Committees of the House and Senate and
the Subcommittees on Defense of the House and Senate
Appropriations Committees.
Section 8028 defines the congressional intelligence
committees as being the Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence of the House, the Select Committee on
Intelligence of the Senate, and the Subcommittees on Defense
of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.
Section 8029 provides for competitions between private
firms and Department of Defense depot maintenance activities.
Section 8030 requires the Department of Defense to comply
with the Buy American Act, chapter 83 of title 41, United
States Code.
Section 8031 provides for the Department of Defense to
procure carbon, alloy, or armor steel plates melted and
rolled only in the United States and Canada.
Section 8032 provides for the revocation of blanket waivers
of the Buy American Act.
Section 8033 prohibits funding from being used for the
procurement of ball and roller bearings other than those
produced by a domestic source and of domestic origin.
Section 8034 appropriates funding for the National Defense
Stockpile Transaction Fund.
Section 8035 prohibits funding from being used to purchase
supercomputers which are not manufactured in the United
States.
Section 8036 provides for a waiver of ``Buy American''
provisions for certain cooperative programs.
Section 8037 prohibits the use of funds for the purchase or
manufacture of a United States flag unless such flags are
treated as covered items under section 4862(b) of title 10,
United States Code.
Section 8038 provides for the availability of funds
contained in the Department of Defense Overseas Military
Facility Investment Recovery Account.
Section 8039 provides authority to use operation and
maintenance appropriations to purchase items having an
investment item unit cost of not more than $350,000.
Section 8040 provides authority to use operation and
maintenance appropriations for the Asia Pacific Regional
Initiative Program.
Section 8041 prohibits the sale of tobacco products in
military resale outlets below the most competitive price in
the local community.
Section 8042 prohibits the use of Working Capital Funds to
purchase specified investment items.
Section 8043 provides that none of the funds appropriated
for the Central Intelligence Agency shall remain available
for obligation beyond the current fiscal year except for
funds appropriated for the Reserve for Contingencies, the
Working Capital Fund, or other programs as specified.
Section 8044 places certain limitations on the use of funds
made available in this Act to establish field operating
agencies.
Section 8045 places restrictions on converting to
contractor performance an activity or function of the
Department of Defense unless it meets certain guidelines
provided.
(RESCISSIONS)
Section 8046 rescinds $2,595,522,000 from the following
programs:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022 Appropriations:
Cooperative Threat Reduction Account:
Cooperative Threat Reduction Account............... 75,000,000
Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles,
Army:
Assault Bridge (MOD)............................... 1,900,000
Other Procurement, Army:
Information Systems................................ 10,000,000
Disaster Incident Response Communications Terminal. 1,600,000
Husky Standoff Minefield Detection System.......... 2,372,000
Render Safe Sets, Kits, and Outfits................ 1,074,000
Accessions Information Environment................. 39,635,000
Aircraft Procurement, Navy:
Common Ground Equipment............................ 1,428,000
Procurement of Ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps:
Infantry Weapons Ammunition........................ 1,012,000
Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy:
T-AGOS: Construction............................... 158,300,000
Procurement, Marine Corps:
Radio Systems...................................... 7,100,000
Aircraft Procurement, Air Force:
F-22............................................... 83,261,000
Procurement, Defense-Wide:
PCMV............................................... 204,000
2023 Appropriations:
Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide:
DSCA Security Cooperation.......................... 85,000,000
Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund:
Counter-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria Train and 50,000,000
Equip.............................................
Aircraft Procurement, Army:
AH-64 Mods......................................... 3,372,000
Missile Procurement, Army:
TOW 2 System Summary............................... 2,713,000
Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles,
Army:
Improved Recovery Vehicle (M88A2 Hercules)......... 7,799,000
Location & Azimuth Determination System............ 2,573,000
Other Procurement, Army:
COTS Communication Equipment....................... 25,000,000
Information Systems................................ 23,962,000
Automated Data Processing Equipment................ 10,000,000
Disaster Incident Response Communications Terminal. 4,066,000
Procurement of Ammunition, Army:
Mines & Clearing Charges, All Types................ 2,176,000
Demolition Munitions, All Types.................... 1,047,000
Aircraft Procurement, Navy:
MQ-25.............................................. 220,650,000
Next Generation Jammer............................. 4,673,000
Infrared Search and Track (IRST)................... 20,000,000
F-18 Series........................................ 44,422,000
C-130 Series....................................... 10,000,000
T-45 Series........................................ 5,000,000
Common ECM Equipment............................... 15,000,000
Weapons Procurement, Navy:
Tomahawk........................................... 40,000,000
Torpedo Support Equipment.......................... 10,000,000
Procurement of Ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps:
Air Expendable Countermeasures..................... 2,262,000
Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy:
DDG-51 Advance Procurement......................... 77,300,000
LPD Flight II Advance Procurement.................. 250,000,000
Other Procurement, Navy:
Ship Missile Support Equipment..................... 1,101,000
[[Page H1723]]
Surface Combatant HM&E............................. 2,000,000
Other Navigation Equipment......................... 3,000,000
Strategic Platform Support Equipment............... 1,500,000
Items Less Than $5 Million......................... 3,000,000
AN/SQQ-89 Surf ASW Combat System................... 4,000,000
Surface Ship Torpedo Defense (SSTD)................ 1,000,000
Shipboard IW Exploit............................... 10,000,000
CANES.............................................. 15,000,000
Ship Communications Automation..................... 5,000,000
Info Systems Security Program...................... 10,000,000
Anti-Ship Missile Decoy System..................... 10,000,000
Submarine Training Device Mods..................... 3,500,000
Surface Training Equipment......................... 20,000,000
Procurement, Marine Corps:
Radio Systems...................................... 128,750,000
Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN)............. 12,200,000
Joint Light Tactical Vehicle....................... 17,600,000
Aircraft Procurement, Air Force:
A-10............................................... 51,720,000
F-15............................................... 17,300,000
F-22............................................... 213,742,000
Other Procurement, Air Force:
General Information Technology--TDNE............... 37,100,000
Procurement, Space Force:
National Security Space Launch..................... 44,200,000
Special Space Activities........................... 36,287,000
Procurement, Defense Wide:
PCMV............................................... 211,000
Armed Overwatch/Targeting.......................... 17,608,000
Ground Based Midcourse............................. 7,000,000
Defense of Guam Procurement........................ 430,000
Aegis Ashore Phase III............................. 1,000,000
Aegis BMD Hardware and Software.................... 8,077,000
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army:
Army Tactical Command & Control Hardware and 1,154,000
Software..........................................
Project Convergence FY23........................... 24,653,000
Radar Development.................................. 1,082,000
Combat Vehicle Improvement Programs................ 1,500,000
Improved Turbine Engine Program.................... 1,461,000
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy:
Littoral Airborne MCM.............................. 7,000,000
Standard Missile Improvements...................... 26,912,000
CHALK CORAL........................................ 80,300,000
RETRACT MAPLE...................................... 6,500,000
EA-18.............................................. 5,693,000
Advanced Above Water Sensors....................... 2,500,000
Anti-Radiation Missile Improvement................. 5,000,000
Marine Corps Communication Systems................. 2,800,000
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air
Force:
Joint Transportation Management Systems............ 17,500,000
KC-46A Tanker Squadrons............................ 19,400,000
F-15 EPAWSS........................................ 5,000,000
A-10 Squadrons..................................... 30,524,000
Classified Programs................................ 10,600,000
AC/HC/MC-130J...................................... 29,300,000
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Space
Force:
Polar MILSATCOM (Space)............................ 16,878,000
National Security Space Launch--EMD................ 80,000,000
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-
Wide:
Central Test and Evaluation Investment Development. 75,986,000
Advanced Electronics Technologies.................. 150,000,000
Safety Program Management.......................... 90,000
Ballistic Missile Defense Midcourse Defense Segment 2,550,000
Missile Defense Integration & Operations Center 163,000
(MDIOC)...........................................
Ballistic Missile Defense Test..................... 1,700,000
Improved Homeland Defense Interceptors............. 749,000
Ballistic Missile Defense Sensor Test.............. 1,300,000
Ballistic Missile Defense Midcourse Segment Test... 3,000,000
Coalition Warfare.................................. 500,000
DoD Enterprise Energy Information Management (EEIM) 1,500,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 8047 prohibits funds made available in this Act
from being used to reduce authorized positions for military
technicians (dual status) of the Army National Guard, Air
National Guard, Army Reserve, and Air Force Reserve unless
such reductions are a direct result of a reduction in
military force structure.
Section 8048 prohibits funding from being obligated or
expended for assistance to the Democratic People's Republic
of Korea unless specifically appropriated for that purpose.
Section 8049 provides for reimbursement to the National
Guard and Reserve when members of the National Guard and
Reserve provide intelligence or counterintelligence support
to the combatant commands, defense agencies, and joint
intelligence activities.
Section 8050 prohibits the transfer of Department of
Defense and Central Intelligence Agency drug interdiction and
counter-drug activities funds to other agencies.
Section 8051 provides funding for Red Cross and United
Services Organization grants.
Section 8052 provides funds for the Small Business
Innovation Research program and the Small Business Technology
Transfer program.
Section 8053 prohibits funding from being used for
contractor bonuses being paid due to business restructuring.
Section 8054 provides transfer authority for the pay of
military personnel in connection with support and services
for eligible organizations and activities outside the
Department of Defense.
Section 8055 provides conditions for the use of equipment
of the National Guard Distance Leaming Project on a space-
available, reimbursable basis.
Section 8056 limits funds for the retirement of C-40
aircraft.
Section 8057 provides for the limitation on the use of
funds appropriated in title IV to procure end-items for
delivery to military forces for operational training,
operational use, or inventory requirements.
Section 8058 prohibits funding in this Act from being used
for repairs or maintenance to military family housing units.
Section 8059 provides obligation authority for new starts
for advanced concept technology demonstration projects only
after notification to the congressional defense committees.
Section 8060 provides that the Secretary of Defense shall
provide a classified quarterly report on certain matters as
directed in the classified annex accompanying this Act.
Section 8061 provides for the use of National Guard
personnel to support ground-based elements of the National
Ballistic Missile Defense System.
Section 8062 prohibits the use of funds made available in
this Act to transfer to any nongovernmental entity ammunition
held by the Department of Defense that has a center-fire
cartridge and is designated as ``armor piercing'' except for
demilitarization purposes.
Section 8063 provides for a waiver by the Chief of the
National Guard Bureau or his designee for all or part of
consideration in cases of personal property leases of less
than one year.
Section 8064 provides for the transfer of funds made
available in this Act under Operation and Maintenance, Army
to other activities of the federal government for classified
purposes.
Section 8065 prohibits funding to separate, or to
consolidate from within, the National Intelligence Program
budget from the Department of Defense budget.
Section 8066 provides funding to expand cooperation or
improve the capabilities of allies and partners in the United
States Africa Command and the United States Southern Command
areas of responsibilities.
Section 8067 provides the authority to transfer funding
from operation and maintenance accounts for the Army, Navy,
and Air Force to the central fund for Fisher Houses and
Suites.
Section 8068 provides grant authority for the construction
and furnishing of additional Fisher Houses to meet the needs
of military family members when confronted with the illness
or hospitalization of an eligible military beneficiary.
Section 8069 provides for the transfer of funds made
available in this Act under Operation and Maintenance, Navy
to the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Development
Trust Fund.
Section 8070 prohibits the modification of command and
control relationships to give Fleet Forces Command
operational and administrative control of United States Navy
forces assigned to the Pacific fleet.
Section 8071 requires notification for the rapid
acquisition and deployment of supplies and associated support
services.
Section 8072 provides funding and transfer authority for
the Israeli Cooperative Programs.
Section 8073 provides funding for prior year shipbuilding
cost increases.
Section 8074 provides that funds made available in this Act
for intelligence and intelligence-related activities not
otherwise authorized in the Intelligence Authorization Act
for the current fiscal year are deemed to be specifically
authorized by Congress for purposes of section 504 of the
National Security Act of 1947.
Section 8075 prohibits funding from being used to initiate
a new start program without prior written notification.
Section 8076 prohibits funding from being used for the
research, development, test, evaluation, procurement, or
deployment of nuclear armed interceptors of a missile defense
system.
Section 8077 prohibits funds for the decommissioning of
certain ships.
Section 8078 provides for special transfer authority for
ship construction programs.
Section 8079 prohibits funding from being used to reduce or
disestablish the operation of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance
Squadron of the Air Force Reserve.
Section 8080 prohibits funding from being used for the
integration of foreign intelligence information unless the
information has been lawfully collected and processed during
conduct of authorized foreign intelligence activities.
Section 8081 limits the availability of funding provided
for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence
beyond the current fiscal year, except for funds appropriated
for research and technology, which shall remain available for
the current and the following fiscal years.
Section 8082 provides limitations on the Shipbuilding and
Conversion, Navy appropriation.
Section 8083 provides for the establishment of a baseline
for application of reprogramming and transfer authorities for
the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for the
current fiscal year.
Section 8084 places limitations on the reprogramming of
funds from the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce
Development Account.
Section 8085 provides for limitations on funding provided
for the National Intelligence Program to be available for
obligation or expenditure through a reprogramming or transfer
of funds in accordance with section 102A(d) of the National
Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3024(d)).
Section 8086 provides that any agency receiving funds made
available in this Act shall post on a public website any
report required to be submitted to Congress with certain
exceptions.
Section 8087 prohibits the use of funds for federal
contracts in excess of $1,000,000 unless the contractor meets
certain conditions.
Section 8088 provides funds for transfer to the Joint
Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Facility Demonstration Fund.
Section 8089 prohibits the use of funds providing certain
missile defense information to certain entities.
Section 8090 provides for the purchase of heavy and light
armored vehicles for the physical security of personnel or
for force protection purposes up to a limit of $450,000 per
vehicle, and for the purchase of passenger motor vehicles for
use by military
[[Page H1724]]
and civilian employees of the Department of Defense in the
United States Central Command area of responsibility up to a
limit of $75,000 per vehicle.
Section 8091 provides the Director of National Intelligence
with general transfer authority with certain limitations.
Section 8092 authorizes the use of funds in the
Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy account to purchase two
used auxiliary vessels for the National Defense Reserve
Fleet.
Section 8093 directs the Secretary of Defense to post grant
awards on a public website in a searchable format.
Section 8094 prohibits the use of funds by the National
Security Agency targeting United States persons under
authorities granted in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance
Act.
Section 8095 places restrictions on transfer amounts
available to pay salaries for non-Department of Defense
personnel.
Section 8096 provides that operation and maintenance funds
may be used for any purposes related to the National Defense
Reserve Fleet.
Section 8097 prohibits the use of funds to award a new TAO
Fleet Oiler or FFG Frigate program contract for the
acquisition of certain components unless those components are
manufactured in the United States.
Section 8098 prohibits funds for the development and design
of certain future naval ships unless any contract specifies
that all hull, mechanical, and electrical components are
manufactured in the United States.
Section 8099 prohibits certain transfers from the
Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development
Account.
Section 8100 prohibits the use of funds for gaming or
entertainment that involves nude entertainers.
Section 8101 prohibits the use of funding for information
technology systems that do not have pornographic content
filters.
Section 8102 places restrictions on the use of funding for
military parades.
Section 8103 prohibits funds in the Act from being used to
enter into a contract or provide a loan to any corporation
that has any unpaid Federal tax liability.
Section 8104 provides funds for agile development, test and
evaluation, procurement, production and modification, and the
operation and maintenance for certain software pilot
programs.
Section 8105 prohibits funds from being used to transfer
the National Reconnaissance Office to the Space Force.
Section 8106 prohibits the use of funding in contravention
of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other
Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Section 8107 prohibits the use of funds to provide arms,
training, or other assistance to the Azov Battalion.
Section 8108 provides for the obligation of funds in
anticipation of receipt of contributions from the Government
of Kuwait.
Section 8109 provides funding for International Security
Cooperation Programs.
Section 8110 provides funding to reimburse certain
countries for border security.
Section 8111 prohibits funding from being used in
contravention of the War Powers Resolution.
Section 8112 prohibits funding from being used in violation
of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008.
Section 8113 prohibits funds for any member of the Taliban.
Section 8114 provides that certain support to friendly
foreign countries be made in accordance with section 8005 of
this Act.
Section 8115 prohibits funds from being used to enter into
a contract with Rosoboronexport.
Section 8116 allows for the transfer of equipment to those
authorized to receive assistance under the Counter-ISIS Train
and Equip Fund.
Section 8117 provides funding to reimburse key cooperating
nations for logistical, military, and other support.
Section 8118 requires notification of the receipt of
contributions from foreign governments.
Section 8119 requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff to report on any unplanned activity or exercise.
Section 8120 directs the Secretary of Defense to allocate
amounts made available from the Creating Helpful Incentives
to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Defense Fund
for fiscal year 2024 as follows:
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS: CHIPS AND SCIENCE ACT FISCAL
YEAR 2024
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-
Wide Budget Activity 02, Applied Research:
Microelectronics Commons............................. 65,062,000
Budget Activity 03, Advanced Technology Development:
Microelectronics Commons............................. 269,256,000
Budget Activity 04, Advanced Component Development and
Prototypes:
Microelectronics Commons............................. 65,682,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 8121 requires notification if a foreign base is
opened or closed.
Section 8122 prohibits the use of funds with respect to
Iraq in contravention of the War Powers Resolution.
Section 8123 prohibits the use of funds with respect to
Syria in contravention of the War Powers Resolution.
Section 8124 prohibits the use of funds to establish
permanent bases in Iraq, or United States control over Iraq
or Syria oil resources.
Section 8125 prohibits the use of funding to procure or
transfer man-portable air defense systems under the Counter-
ISIS Train and Equip Fund Account.
Section 8126 provides security assistance to the Government
of Jordan.
Section 8127 limits excessive growth in the procurement of
advisory and assistance programs.
Section 8128 reflects savings attributable to efficiencies
and management improvements in the military departments.
Section 8129 reduces amounts appropriated in title II of
this act to reflect excess cash balances in Department of
Defense Working Capital Funds.
Section 8130 reflects savings due to favorable foreign
exchange rates.
Section 8131 appropriates funding for the Sexual Assault
Special Victims' Counsel Program.
Section 8132 provides guidance on the implementation of the
Policy for Assisted Reproductive Services for the Benefit of
Seriously or Severely Ill/Injured Active Duty Service
Members.
Section 8133 requires the Secretary of the Navy to provide
pay and allowances to Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis.
Section 8134 expands eligibility of previously appropriated
funds for military noise mitigation grants.
Section 8135 appropriates funding for contract closeout
costs.
Section 8136 provides the authority for the Secretary of
Defense to obligate funds to modify up to six F-35 aircraft
to a test configuration.
Section 8137 prohibits the use of funds to integrate an
alternative engine on any F-35 aircraft.
Section 8138 provides the authority for funds appropriated
in title III of this Act to be used to enter into a contract
for the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter program.
Section 8139 provides for the use of funds for the rapid
acquisition and deployment of supplies and associated support
services.
Section 8140 appropriates funds for the ``Department of
Defense Credit Program Account'' for the cost of loans and
loan guarantees to support critical defense industrial base
investment.
Section 8141 provides the authority for Defense Innovation
Unit Fielding funds for expenses related to agile research,
development, test and evaluation, procurement, production
modification, and operation and maintenance requirements,
including initial acquisition of end-items for operational
use.
Section 8142 prohibits the use of funds to be used to
support any activity associated with the Wuhan Institute of
Virology.
Section 8143 prohibits funds for any work to be performed
by EcoHealth Alliance, Inc. in China on research supported by
the Government of the People's Republic of China.
Section 8144 prohibits the use of funds to transfer,
release, or assist in the transfer or release to or within
the United States of certain detainees.
Section 8145 prohibits the use of funds to transfer any
individual detained at United States Naval Station Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba, to the custody or control of the individual's
country of origin or any other foreign country.
Section 8146 prohibits the use of funds to construct,
acquire, or modify any facility in the United States to house
any individual detained at United States Naval Station
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Section 8147 prohibits the use of funds to carry out the
closure of the United States Naval Station Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba.
Section 8148 provides funding for the Ukraine Security
Assistance Initiative.
Section 8149 prohibits the use of funds to remove a Chinese
military company from the list required by section 1260H of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021
with certain exceptions.
Section 8150 prohibits funding in contravention of section
525 of Public Law 117-263, which rescinded the Department of
Defense COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
disclosure of earmarks and congressionally directed spending items
Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House
of Representatives and rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the
Senate, neither the bill nor the explanatory statement
contains any congressional earmarks or congressionally
directed spending items, limited tax benefits or limited
tariff benefits as defined in the applicable House and Senate
rules.
[[Page H1725]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.165
[[Page H1726]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.166
[[Page H1727]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.167
[[Page H1728]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.168
[[Page H1729]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.169
[[Page H1730]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.170
[[Page H1731]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.171
[[Page H1732]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.172
[[Page H1733]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.173
[[Page H1734]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.174
[[Page H1735]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.175
[[Page H1736]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.176
[[Page H1737]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.177
[[Page H1738]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.178
[[Page H1739]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.179
[[Page H1740]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060A.180
[[Page H1741]]
DIVISION B--FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
ACT, 2024
The joint explanatory statement accompanying this division
is approved and indicates Congressional intent. Unless
otherwise noted, the language set forth in House Report 118-
145 and Senate Report 118-61 carries the same weight as
language included in this joint explanatory statement and
should be complied with unless specifically addressed to the
contrary in this joint explanatory statement. While some
language is repeated for emphasis, it is not intended to
negate the language referred to above unless expressly
provided herein.
References in the joint explanatory statement to ``the
Committees'' or ``the Committee'' refer to the Committees on
Appropriations of the House and Senate.
Quarterly Obligation Reports.--Section 634 of this Act
directs that no later than 45 days after the last day of each
quarter, each agency funded in this Act shall submit a report
to the Committees that includes total obligations of the
agency for that quarter for each appropriation. In addition
to annual discretionary appropriations, the report should
include obligation data for funds that remain available
under:
Fiscal Year 2020 Coronavirus Preparedness and
Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 116-123)
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (P.L. 116-
127)
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
(P.L. 116-136)
Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care
Enhancement Act (P.L. 116-139)
Fiscal Year 2021 Omnibus and COVID Relief and
Response Act (P.L. 116-260)
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2)
Fiscal Year 2021 Emergency Security Supplemental
Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-31)
Fiscal Year 2022 Extending Funding and Emergency
Assistance Act (P.L. 117-43)
Further Extending Government Funding Act (P.L.
117-70)
Fiscal Year Consolidated Appropriations and
Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-103)
Fiscal Year 2022 Additional Ukraine Supplemental
Appropriations (P.L. 117-128)
Fiscal Year 2022 Supreme Court Security Funding
Act (P.L. 117-167)
Fiscal Year 2023 Continuing Appropriations and
Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-180)
Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act
Additional Ukraine Supp. (P.L. 117-328)
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-
58)
Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169)
The report should include total budget authority for each
appropriation, the period of availability, the Budget
Enforcement Act category, unobligated balances at the
beginning of the fiscal year, quarterly obligations, the
resulting unobligated balances at the end of the quarter,
fiscal year cumulative outlays to date, and the number of
full-time equivalents at the end of the quarter.
Reports.--Each agency funded in this Act shall submit with
the baseline report required by Section 608 a list of the
reporting and briefing requirements contained in this Act and
in the House and Senate reports, including due dates and the
office responsible for preparing the report or providing the
briefing. The summary should include Inspector General and
Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports.
Agencies may request to brief the Committees in lieu of a
requested report subject to the approval of the Committees.
If both the House and Senate requested a report or briefing
on a similar subject, the report or briefing may be
consolidated into one report or briefing subject to the
approval of the Committees.
Agencies funded by this Act should review the reprogramming
guidelines included in Section 608 of this agreement and are
reminded that baseline reports are due to the Committees no
later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act and that
Section 608 requires accurate and complete organizational
charts that reflect the hierarchical and reporting structure
of their bureaus, divisions, services, and offices.
Agencies funded by this Act are directed to provide the
Committees with direct, unobstructed, and timely access to
the budget offices and to provide the Committees with prompt
and complete responses to requests for information, in
particular, requests for technical information.
Antideficiency Act Violations.--The agreement directs any
agency funded by this Act to concurrently transmit to the
Committees a copy of any Antideficiency Act violation report
submitted pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1351 or 31 U.S.C. 1517(b).
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Departmental Offices
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $287,576,000 for departmental
offices salaries and expenses.
COVID-19 Expenditure Report.--In lieu of House report
language, the Department is directed to provide a briefing to
the Committees no later than 90 days after the enactment of
this Act on the status of its consultations with the
Secretary of the Health and Human Services to produce a
COVID-19 expenditure report.
U.S. Currency Redesign.--In lieu of Senate report language,
the Department is directed to provide a briefing to the
Committees no later than 90 days after the enactment of this
Act on any redesign plans for U.S. currency.
Information Technology Working Capital Fund (IT WCF).--
Prior to establishing an IT WCF, the Department shall submit
copies of the Fund's governance structure, membership, and
business rules to the Committees. After being established,
the Department shall submit quarterly reports to the
Committees on the IT WCF financial status and management,
including all planned transfers and reprogrammings for the
upcoming quarter by account and project; justifications for
these transfers and reprogrammings; and the actual
obligations, expenditures, and unused IT WCF and non-IT WCF
balances for the prior quarter by project.
committee on foreign investment in the united states fund
(including transfer of funds)
The agreement provides $21,000,000 for the Committee on
Foreign Investment in the United States Fund (CFIUS).
office of terrorism and financial intelligence
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $226,862,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Office of Terrorism and Financial
Intelligence (TFI).
cybersecurity enhancement account
The agreement provides $36,500,000 for the Cybersecurity
Enhancement Account and makes an additional $62,500,000
available from a transfer of prior-year funds for a total of
$99,000,000 for the account.
department-wide systems and capital investments programs
(including transfer of funds)
The agreement provides $11,007,000 for the Department-Wide
Systems and Capital Investments Programs.
office of inspector general
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $48,389,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Office of Inspector General.
treasury inspector general for tax administration
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $172,508,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax
Administration (TIGTA).
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $190,193,000 for salaries and
expenses for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
(FinCEN).
The agreement recommends up to $5,000,000 to improve
FinCEN's ability for oversight and Title 31 investigations
involving child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse
material.
Bureau of the Fiscal Service
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $391,109,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Bureau of the Fiscal Service.
Savings Bonds.--The agreement recommends up to an
additional $7,000,000 to continue the Matured Unredeemed Debt
(MUD) initiative, an initiative to digitize savings bond
records and conduct outreach to assist persons with locating
their MUD bonds, and implement the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022.
Transparency in Federal Spending.--In lieu of House report
language, the agreement directs the Fiscal Service to
continue to coordinate with the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) to publish all unclassified vendor contracts and
grant awards agreements for all Federal agencies, as well as
to begin publishing the relevant Notice of Funding
Opportunity (NOFO) identifiers related to the issuance of the
NOFO for each grant, online at USAspending.gov. The agreement
directs the Fiscal Service to brief the Committees no later
than 90 days after the enactment of this Act on the expected
timing for including NOFO information on USAspending.gov. The
agreement also directs the Fiscal Service to continue to
coordinate with OMB to maintain existing requirements for all
financial and award spending information to be reported
reporting on at least a monthly basis, rather than a
quarterly basis.
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $157,795,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
(TTB).
United States Mint
united states mint public enterprise fund
The agreement specifies that not more than $50,000,000 in
new liabilities and obligations may be incurred during fiscal
year 2024 for circulating coinage and protective service
capital investments of the U.S. Mint.
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account
The agreement provides $324,000,000 for the Community
Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund program. The
agreement limits the total loan principal for the Bond
Guarantee program to $500,000,000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program ($000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial/Technical Assistance Grants........................ $188,000
[[Page H1742]]
Disability Fund.......................................... (10,000)
Economic Mobility Corps.................................. (2,000)
Native Initiatives........................................... 28,000
Bank Enterprise Award Program................................ 40,000
Healthy Food Financing Initiative............................ 24,000
Small Dollar Loan Program.................................... 9,000
Administrative Expenses...................................... 35,000
----------
Total, CDFI Fund Program Account......................... 324,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Updated CDFI Application.--In lieu of House report
language, the agreement directs the CDFI Fund to provide a
briefing no later than 60 days after the enactment of this
Act on the rollout of the CDFI application for the fiscal
year 2024 application period and feedback received from
stakeholders.
Persistent Poverty.--In lieu of the last Senate paragraph
on persistent poverty, the agreement further directs the CDFI
Fund to place a priority on making additional funds available
to CDFIs that have provided no less than 15 percent of their
total lending to recipients in persistent poverty counties,
as measured by a 3-year average of their activity in the
three most recently completed fiscal years for which the CDFI
Fund obtains data.
Internal Revenue Service
User Fees.--The IRS is reminded to specify the programs,
investments, and initiatives funded through each
appropriations account in its user fee spend plan. In
addition, the IRS is directed to include the total fees
collected; total unobligated amount of fees; the office with
responsibility for the program, investment, or initiative;
and whether the program, investment, or initiative was funded
with user fees in the prior year.
taxpayer services
The agreement provides $2,780,606,000 for Taxpayer
Services. Within the overall amount, not less than
$12,000,000 is for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly
Program; not less than $28,000,000 is for Low-Income Taxpayer
Clinic Grants; and not less than $271,200,000 is for
operating expenses of the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service, of
which not less than $7,000,000 is for identity theft
casework.
In addition, within the overall amount provided, not less
than $41,000,000 is for the Community Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance Matching Grants Program.
enforcement
The agreement provides $5,437,622,000 for Enforcement, of
which up to $25,000,000 is for investigative technology for
the Criminal Investigation Division, to support their
critical law enforcement mission, and not less than
$60,257,000 is for the Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement
program.
operations support
The agreement provides $4,100,826,000 for Operations
Support.
administrative provisions--internal revenue service
(including transfer of funds)
The agreement includes the following provisions:
Section 101 provides transfer authority.
Section 102 requires the IRS to maintain an employee
training program on topics such as taxpayers' rights.
Section 103 requires the IRS to safeguard taxpayer
information and to protect taxpayers against identity theft.
Section 104 permits funding for 1-800 help line services
for taxpayers and directs the Commissioner to make improving
phone service a priority and to enhance response times.
Section 105 requires the IRS to issue notices to employers
of any address change request and to give special
consideration to offers in compromise for taxpayers who have
been victims of payroll tax preparer fraud.
Section 106 prohibits the use of funds by the IRS to target
United States citizens for exercising any right guaranteed
under the First Amendment to the Constitution.
Section 107 prohibits the use of funds by the IRS to target
groups for regulatory scrutiny based on their ideological
beliefs.
Section 108 requires the IRS to comply with procedures and
policies on conference spending in accordance with IRS
policies issued as a result of TIGTA recommendations.
Section 109 prohibits funds for giving bonuses to employees
or hiring former employees without considering conduct and
compliance with Federal tax law.
Section 110 prohibits the IRS from using funds made
available by this Act to contravene a provision of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 related to the confidentiality
and disclosure of returns and return information.
Section 111 provides the IRS with direct hiring authorities
for positions to process backlogged tax returns and return
information.
Section 112 provides passenger carrier transportation and
protection between the Commissioner of the IRS's residence
and place of employment.
Administrative Provisions--Department of the Treasury
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Section 113 allows Treasury to use funds for certain
specified expenses.
Section 114 allows for the transfer of up to 2 percent of
funds among various Treasury bureaus and offices.
Section 115 allows for the transfer of up to 2 percent from
the IRS accounts to TIGTA.
Section 116 prohibits funding to redesign the $1 note.
Section 117 allows for the transfer of funds from the
Bureau of the Fiscal Service--Salaries and Expenses to the
Debt Collection Fund conditional on future reimbursement.
Section 118 prohibits funds to build a United States Mint
museum without the approval of the Committees and the
authorizing committees of jurisdiction.
Section 119 prohibits funding for consolidating the
functions of the United States Mint and the Bureau of
Engraving and Printing without the approval of the Committees
and the authorizing committees of jurisdiction.
Section 120 specifies that funds for Treasury intelligence
activities are deemed to be specifically authorized until
enactment of the fiscal year 2024 Intelligence Authorization
Act.
Section 121 permits the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to
use up to $5,000 from the Industrial Revolving Fund for
reception and representation expenses.
Section 122 requires the Secretary to submit a Capital
Investment Plan.
Section 123 prohibits the Department from finalizing any
regulation related to the standards used to determine the
tax-exempt status of a 501(c)(4) organization.
Section 124 requires a Franchise Fund report.
Section 125 requires the Office of Financial Research to
submit quarterly reports.
Section 126 provides funding for the Special Inspector
General for Pandemic Recovery.
Section 127 establishes an Information Technology Working
Capital Fund.
Section 128 transfers funds to the Cybersecurity
Enhancement Account.
TITLE II
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE
PRESIDENT
The White House
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $78,904,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the White House.
Office of Pandemic Preparedness.--Funds are included for
the establishment of the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and
Response Policy as authorized by section 2104 of the fiscal
year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act.
The agreement does not adopt the House report language
concerning transparency in the White House.
Executive Residence at the White House
OPERATING EXPENSES
The agreement provides $15,453,000 for the Executive
Residence at the White House.
White House Repair and Restoration
The agreement provides $2,475,000 for repair, alteration,
and improvement of the Executive Residence at the White
House.
Council of Economic Advisers
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $4,854,000 for salaries and expenses
of the Council of Economic Advisers.
National Security Council and Homeland Security Council
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $19,000,000 for salaries and
expenses of the National Security Council and Homeland
Security Council, of which not to exceed $10,000 is available
for official reception and representation expenses.
Office of Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $114,308,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Office of Administration, of which not more
than $12,800,000 is for information technology modernization.
Of the amount provided under this heading, up to $7,000,000
shall be available to provide payments (such as stipends,
subsistence allowances, cost reimbursements, or awards) to
students, recent graduates, and veterans recently discharged
from active duty.
Office of Management and Budget
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The bill provides $129,000,000 for salaries and expenses of
OMB.
In lieu of the Senate language on Accountability in Federal
Acquisitions and Contracting, the agreement includes the
House language in the General Services Administration (GSA)
on Chinese Technology and Equipment in Federal Government
Buildings and Leases.
COVID-19 Expenditure Report.--The President terminated the
COVID-19 national emergency on May 11, 2023. The expenditure
report required under section 401 of the National Emergencies
Act is more than six months overdue. The agreement requests
an update no later than 30 days after the enactment of this
Act on the anticipated submission date of such report.
Government-Wide Telework.--The agreement directs OMB to
consult with all Federal agencies and submit to the
Committees on Appropriations, no later than 90 days after the
enactment of this Act, a report that includes: (1) agency
action plans for return to work that were submitted to OMB in
January 2024; (2) by agency, the average number and percent
of employees present in the office on a given day during any
two-week pay period after enactment of this Act; (3) each
agency's most recent policy on telework, including any
agreement with employee
[[Page H1743]]
unions; (4) metrics for measuring employee productivity
levels when teleworking; (5) a description of each agency's
effort to reduce its office footprint if their average office
space utilization rate is less than 60 percent, based on a
benchmark of 150 usable square feet per person; and (6) cost
of total office space, average office space utilization rate,
and estimated cost of underutilized space.
Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator
The agreement provides $1,883,000 for the Intellectual
Property Enforcement Coordinator.
Office of the National Cyber Director
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $21,707,000 for the Office of the
National Cyber Director.
Office of National Drug Control Policy
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $21,785,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Office of National Drug Control Policy
(ONDCP).
FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS
HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS PROGRAM
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
The agreement provides $298,579,000 for the High Intensity
Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA).
HIDTA Discretionary Funds.--The agreement directs ONDCP to
provide a detailed briefing to the Committees on projects
using fiscal year 2024 HIDTA discretionary funds no later
than 7 days after the allocation plan has been finalized. The
briefing should include information on how the specific
projects address demonstrated threats and advance priorities
in the National Drug Control Strategy.
OTHER FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
The agreement provides $136,150,000 for Other Federal Drug
Control Programs. The agreement allocates funds among
specific programs as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drug-Free Communities Program........................... $109,000,000
(Training).......................................... (2,500,000)
Drug court training and technical assistance............ 3,000,000
Anti-Doping activities.................................. 14,000,000
World Anti-Doping Agency (U.S. membership dues)......... 3,700,000
Model Acts Program...................................... 1,250,000
Community-based coalition enhancement grants (CARA 5,200,000
Grants)................................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unanticipated Needs
The agreement provides $990,000 for unanticipated needs of
the President.
Information Technology Oversight and Reform
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The agreement provides $8,000,000 for information
technology oversight and reform activities.
Special Assistance to the President
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $6,015,000 for salaries and expenses
to enable the Vice President to provide special assistance to
the President.
Official Residence of the Vice President
OPERATING EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The agreement provides $318,000 for operating expenses for
the official residence of the Vice President.
Administrative Provisions--Executive Office of the President and Funds
Appropriated to the President
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The agreement includes the following administrative
provisions:
Section 201 provides transfer authority among various
Executive Office of the President accounts.
Section 202 requires the Director of the OMB, during fiscal
year 2024, to include a statement of budgetary impact with
any Executive order issued or revoked and for Presidential
memoranda estimated to have a regulatory cost in excess of
$100,000,000.
Section 203 requires the Director of the OMB to issue a
memorandum to all Federal departments, agencies, and
corporations directing compliance with title VII of this Act.
Section 204 provides funds for initiatives related to drug
prevention, to be awarded as follows:
[[Page H1744]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.001
[[Page H1745]]
TITLE III
THE JUDICIARY
Supreme Court of the United States
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $129,323,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Supreme Court. In addition, the agreement
provides mandatory costs as authorized by current law for the
salaries of the chief justice and associate justices of the
court.
CARE OF THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS
The agreement provides $20,688,000 for the care of the
Supreme Court building and grounds.
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $36,735,000 for salaries and
expenses of the United States Court of Appeals for the
Federal Circuit. In addition, the agreement provides
mandatory costs as authorized by current law for the salaries
of the chief judge and judges of the court.
United States Court of International Trade
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $21,260,000 for salaries and
expenses of the United States Court of International Trade.
In addition, the agreement provides mandatory costs as
authorized by current law for the salaries of the chief judge
and judges of the court.
Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $5,995,055,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other
Judicial Services, of which $55,000,000 in new and existing
funding can be for cybersecurity and IT modernization
priorities. In addition, the agreement provides mandatory
costs as authorized by current law for the salaries of
circuit and district judges (including judges of the
territorial courts of the United States), bankruptcy judges,
and justices and judges retired from office or from regular
active service. The agreement also provides $9,975,000 from
the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund.
DEFENDER SERVICES
The agreement provides $1,450,680,000 for Defender
Services.
FEES OF JURORS AND COMMISSIONERS
The agreement provides $58,239,000 for Fees of Jurors and
Commissioners.
COURT SECURITY
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The agreement provides $750,163,000 for Court Security.
Administrative Office of the United States Courts
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $102,673,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Administrative Office (AO) of the United
States Courts.
Federal Judicial Center
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $34,261,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Federal Judicial Center.
United States Sentencing Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $21,641,000 for salaries and
expenses of the United States Sentencing Commission.
Administrative Provisions--The Judiciary
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The agreement includes the following administrative
provisions:
Section 301 makes funds appropriated for salaries and
expenses available for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.
Section 302 provides transfer authority among Judiciary
appropriations.
Section 303 permits not more than $11,000 to be used for
official reception and representation expenses of the
Judicial Conference.
Section 304 extends through fiscal year 2024 the delegation
of authority to the Judiciary for contracts for repairs of
less than $100,000.
Section 305 continues a pilot program where the United
States Marshals Service provides perimeter security services
at selected courthouses.
Section 306 extends temporary judgeships in the eastern
district of Missouri, Kansas, Arizona, the central district
of California, the northern district of Alabama, the southern
district of Florida, New Mexico, the western district of
North Carolina, the eastern district of Texas, and Hawaii.
Section 307 is a new provision that reduces the
administrative burdens associated with private panel attorney
payments.
TITLE IV
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Federal Funds
Death with Dignity.--Congress has expressly forbidden the
use of Federal funding for purposes related to assisted
suicide under the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of
1997 (Public Law 105-12). There are concerns that the Death
with Dignity Act of 2016 (D.C. Law 21-182) puts our Nation's
most vulnerable people who are elderly, disabled, or fighting
mental illness at risk. As such, the Chief Financial Officer
for the District of Columbia shall submit a report to the
Committees to certify that no Federal funds are used to
implement D.C. Law 21-182 in the District of Columbia in
contravention of existing law. The District shall also report
to the Committees on the number of lethal prescriptions
prescribed during the fiscal year, the number of patients
that actually consumed the medication and the cause of death
that was listed on the death certificate.
DC Maternity Care Access Report.--The agreement directs the
District of Columbia to submit a report to the Committees no
later than 30 days after the enactment of this Act, regarding
maternity care access for D.C. residents. The report should
be organized by ward, birth rate, pregnancy-related death
rate, and maternal death rate. The report should also
include, organized by ward, the number of facilities
providing prenatal care, the number of facilities with
maternity units, the number of facilities with neonatal
intensive care units, and the number of facilities of each
type that accept Medicaid.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR RESIDENT TUITION SUPPORT
The agreement provides $40,000,000 for District of Columbia
resident tuition support.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR EMERGENCY PLANNING AND SECURITY COSTS IN THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The agreement provides $30,000,000 for emergency planning
and security costs in the District of Columbia to remain
available until expended.
FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS
The agreement provides $292,068,000 for the District of
Columbia courts, of which $15,055,000 is for the D.C. Court
of Appeals, $141,973,000 is for the Superior Court,
$88,290,000 is for the D.C. Court System, and $46,750,000 is
for capital improvements to courthouse facilities.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR DEFENDER SERVICES IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS
(INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)
The agreement provides $46,005,000 for defender services in
the District of Columbia.
FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE COURT SERVICES AND OFFENDER SUPERVISION AGENCY
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The agreement provides $286,016,000 for court services and
offender supervision in the District of Columbia.
FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE
The agreement provides $53,629,000 for public defender
services in the District of Columbia.
FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL
The agreement provides $2,450,000 for the Criminal Justice
Coordinating Council.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR JUDICIAL COMMISSIONS
The agreement provides $630,000 for Judicial Commissions.
Within the amount provided, $330,000 is for the Commission on
Judicial Disabilities and Tenure and $300,000 is for the
Judicial Nomination Commission.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
The agreement provides $52,500,000 for school improvement
in the District of Columbia to be distributed in accordance
with the provisions of the Scholarships for Opportunity and
Results Act (SOAR Act). The funds are to be allocated evenly
between District of Columbia public schools, charter schools,
and opportunity scholarships as authorized by law.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL GUARD
The agreement provides $600,000 for the Major General David
F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention
and College Access Program.
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR TESTING AND TREATMENT OF HIV/AIDS
The agreement provides $4,000,000 for HIV/AIDS testing and
treatment.
FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
The agreement provides $8,000,000 for the District of
Columbia Water and Sewer Authority.
District of Columbia Funds
The agreement provides authority for the District of
Columbia to spend its local funds in accordance with the
Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request Act of 2023.
TITLE V
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
Administrative Conference of the United States
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $3,430,000 for the Administrative
Conference of the United States.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $150,975,000 for the Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Within the amount provided,
$2,000,000 is available until expended for the pool and spa
safety grants program established by the Virginia Graeme
Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and $2,000,000 is available
until expended to carry out the program, including
administrative costs, authorized by section 204 of the
Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Prevention Act of 2022.
administrative provisions--consumer product safety commission
Section 501 prohibits the use of Federal funds in fiscal
year 2024 for the adoption or implementation of the proposed
rule on ROVs until a study by the National Academy of
Sciences is completed.
Section 502 prohibits the CPSC from promulgating,
implementing, administering, or
[[Page H1746]]
enforcing any regulation to ban gas stoves as a class of
products.
Election Assistance Commision
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $27,720,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), of
which $1,250,000 shall be made available to the National
Institute of Standards and Technology for election reform
activities.
election security grants
The agreement provides $55,000,000 to the Election
Assistance Commission to make payments to states for
activities to improve the administration of elections for
Federal office, including to enhance election technology and
make election security improvements, as authorized under
sections 101, 103, and 104 of the Help America Vote Act of
2002 (P.L. 107-252).
Federal Communications Commission
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $390,192,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The
agreement provides that $390,192,000 be derived from
offsetting collections, resulting in no net appropriation.
5G Fund.--In lieu of the House language, the agreement
encourages the FCC to consider mobile 5G connectivity
nationwide as well as changes in technology and service
within the 5G framework when allocating resources in the
Universal Service Fund (USF).
Service Outage.--A recent wireless service outage has
highlighted confusion related to using wireless devices to
make 911 voice calls and send 911 texts during service
outages. The agreement encourages the FCC, in coordination
with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and
the First Responder Network Authority, to partner with state
and local first responders to increase community awareness of
accessibility to 911 during outages, especially regarding
texts to 911 as an alternative to voice calling. No later
than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, the Commission
is directed to brief the Committees on these efforts.
administrative provisions--federal communications commission
Section 510 extends an exemption from the Antideficiency
Act for the USF.
Section 511 prohibits the FCC from changing rules governing
the USF regarding single connection or primary line
restrictions.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
office of the inspector general
The agreement provides a transfer of $47,500,000 to fund
the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation. The OIG's appropriations are derived
from the Deposit Insurance Fund and the Federal Savings and
Loan Insurance Corporation Resolution Fund.
Federal Election Commission
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $80,857,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Federal Election Commission.
Federal Labor Relations Authority
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $29,500,000 for the Federal Labor
Relations Authority.
Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council
environmental review improvement fund
The agreement does not provide funding for the Federal
Permitting Improvement Steering Council's (FPISC)
Environmental Review Improvement Fund. The agreement notes
that P.L. 117-169 provided the FPISC Environmental Review
Improvement Fund with $350,000,000 to remain available
through September 30, 2031.
Tribal Engagement.--In lieu of House language on the
transfer of funds to Federally recognized tribes, the
agreement directs the FPISC to begin making funds available
to tribes no later than 90 days after the enactment of this
Act, if it has not done so already, in order to facilitate
Tribal engagement in timely, transparent, efficient, and
thorough environmental reviews for FAST-41 covered projects.
Federal Trade Commission
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $425,700,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This
appropriation is partially offset by premerger filing and
Telemarketing Sales Rule fees estimated at $278,000,000 and
$14,000,000, respectively.
Adoption.--In lieu of the House language on adoption, the
Senate language on adoption is retained.
Unfair Practices Enforcement Cases.--In lieu of House
language directing the FTC to provide specific information
within its budget, the agreement directs the FTC to brief the
Committees on the matter no later than 120 days after the
enactment of this Act.
General Services Administration
System for Award Management.--In lieu of the reporting
requirement timeframe contained in the House and Senate
reports, the agreement directs GSA to provide the report no
later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act.
real property activities
federal buildings fund
limitations on availability of revenue
(including transfers of funds)
The agreement provides resources from the GSA Federal
Buildings Fund totaling $9,470,022,000.
construction and acquisition
The agreement provides $259,692,000 for construction and
acquisition:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Description Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MD.................... Baltimore, Edward A. Garmatz $1,500,000
U.S. Courthouse.
NCR................... Federal Bureau of Investigation 200,000,000
Headquarters.
PR.................... Clemente Ruiz-Nazario, U.S. 28,290,000
Courthouse.
TN.................... Chattanooga, U.S. Courthouse.... 20,902,000
WA.................... Seattle, Design of Replacement 9,000,000
Facility.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unused Material.--In lieu of House report language, GSA is
directed to consult with the Department of Homeland Security
and the Department of Defense on their reporting requirements
regarding the status of unused materials.
Cost Methodology.--In lieu of Senate report language
regarding the use of opportunity costs, GSA is directed to
brief the Committees, no later than 60 days after the
enactment of this Act, on how GSA can use opportunity costs
in cost calculations.
repairs and alterations
The agreement provides $599,848,000 for repairs and
alterations:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Repairs and Alterations........................... $211,515,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Description Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KY.................... Paducah Federal Building and $40,479,000
U.S. Courthouse.
OK.................... Holloway U.S. Courthouse and 65,926,000
U.S. Post Office.
VA.................... Walter E. Hoffman U.S. 2,756,000
Courthouse.
WA.................... Tacoma Union Station............ 79,256,000
WV.................... IRS Enterprise Computing Center. 23,098,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington, DC Regional Office Building.--In lieu of House
report language on the renovation of the Regional Office
Building in Washington, DC to house employees of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's headquarters and the Department
of Homeland Security's Management Directorate, GSA is
directed to provide bi-annual reports including updated,
detailed cost estimates for any remaining scope-of-work, as
well as detailed, projected cost-savings as a result of the
planned co-location since additional funding is required in
future fiscal years for Phase II of the project.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic Repairs and Alterations........................... $376,333,000
Special Emphasis Programs............................... 12,000,000
Fire Protection and Life Safety..................... 5,000,000
Consolidation Activities............................ 4,000,000
Judicial Capital Security........................... 3,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
rental of space
The agreement provides $5,659,298,000 for rental of space.
U.S. Space Command Headquarters Leases.--The agreement does
not adopt House report language on the U.S. Space Command
Headquarters.
building operations
The agreement provides $2,951,184,000 for building
operations.
GENERAL ACTIVITIES
GOVERNMENT-WIDE POLICY
The agreement provides $70,474,000 for GSA government-wide
policy activities.
OPERATING EXPENSES
The agreement provides $53,933,000 for operating expenses.
Within the amount provided, $28,547,000 is for Real and
Personal Property Management and Disposal and $25,386,000 is
for the Office of the Administrator.
CIVILIAN BOARD OF CONTRACT APPEALS
The agreement provides $10,248,000 for the Civilian Board
of Contract Appeals.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The agreement provides $73,837,000 for the Office of
Inspector General.
ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS
The agreement provides $5,200,000 for allowances and office
staff for former Presidents.
FEDERAL CITIZEN SERVICES FUND
(including transfer of funds)
The agreement provides $75,000,000 for deposit into the
Federal Citizen Services Fund and authorizes use of
appropriations, revenues, and collections in the Fund in an
aggregate amount not to exceed $250,000,000.
PRE-ELECTION PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION
The agreement provides $10,413,000 for activities
authorized by the Pre-Election Presidential Transition Act of
2010 (P.L. 111-283).
WORKING CAPITAL FUND
The agreement provides $4,000,000 for the Working Capital
Fund for necessary costs to modernize e-rulemaking systems.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS-GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
(including transfer of funds)
Section 520 specifies that funds are available for hire of
motor vehicles.
Section 521 authorizes transfers within the Federal
Buildings Fund, with advance approval of the Committees.
Section 522 requires transmittal of a fiscal year 2025
request for courthouse construction that meets design guide
standards, reflects the priorities in the Judicial
Conference's 5-year construction plan, and includes a
standardized courtroom utilization study.
[[Page H1747]]
Section 523 specifies that funds in this Act may not be
used to increase the amount of occupiable space or provide
services such as cleaning or security for any agency that
does not pay the rental charges assessed by GSA.
Section 524 permits GSA to pay certain construction-related
claims against the Federal Government from savings achieved
in other projects.
Section 525 requires that the delineated area of
procurement for leased space match the approved prospectus,
unless the Administrator provides an explanatory statement to
the appropriate Congressional committees.
Section 526 requires a spending plan for the Federal
Citizen Services Fund.
Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $2,970,000 for payment to the Harry
S Truman Scholarship Foundation Trust Fund.
Merit Systems Protection Board
salaries and expenses
(including transfer of funds)
The agreement provides $51,480,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Within the
amount provided, $49,135,000 is a direct appropriation and
$2,345,000 is a transfer from the Civil Service Retirement
and Disability Fund to adjudicate retirement appeals.
Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation
MORRIS K. UDALL AND STEWART L. UDALL TRUST FUND
(including transfer of funds)
The agreement provides $1,782,000 for payment to the Morris
K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Trust Fund.
ENVIRONMENTAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION FUND
The agreement provides $3,904,000 for payment to the
Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund.
National Archives and Records Administration
operating expenses
The agreement provides $427,250,000 for the operating
expenses of the National Archives and Records Administration,
of which $2,000,000 is available until expended to make
publicly available the records of missing Armed Forces and
civilian personnel.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The agreement provides $5,920,000 for the Office of
Inspector General.
REPAIRS AND RESTORATION
The agreement provides $25,500,000 for the repair,
alteration, and improvement of archives facilities and museum
exhibits, related equipment for public spaces, and to provide
adequate storage for holdings to remain available until
expended.
No less than $17,500,000 is included for modernization of
the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas.
NATIONAL HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS AND RECORDS COMMISSION
GRANTS PROGRAM
The agreement provides $10,000,000 for the National
Historical Publications and Records Commission grants
program.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION--NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
Section 530 is a provision providing funds for initiatives
related to the preserving and publishing of historical
records, including the construction of exhibits, to be
awarded as follows:
[[Page H1748]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.002
[[Page H1749]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.003
[[Page H1750]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.004
[[Page H1751]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.005
[[Page H1752]]
National Credit Union Administration
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND
The agreement provides $3,465,000 for the Community
Development Revolving Loan Fund.
Office of Government Ethics
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $23,037,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Office of Government Ethics.
Office of Personnel Management
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(including transfers of trust funds)
The agreement provides $412,051,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Within
the amount provided, $219,076,000 is a direct appropriation
and $192,975,000 is a transfer from OPM trust funds.
Low Staffing at Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Facilities.--In
lieu of House report language, OPM is directed to work with
the BOP to analyze how the General Schedule levels for BOP
employees can be modified or reformed to address concerns
about pay-related matters, and to brief the Committees on
these efforts no later than 90 days after the enactment of
this Act.
Direct Hire Authority at BOP Facilities.--In lieu of House
report language, OPM is directed to work with the BOP to
develop procedures to grant direct hiring authority to all
BOP facilities to address the Bureau-wide staffing crisis,
and to brief the Committees on these efforts no later than 90
days after the enactment of this Act.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(including transfer of trust funds)
The agreement provides $36,031,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Office of Inspector General. Within the
amount provided, $6,839,000 is a direct appropriation and
$29,192,000 is a transfer from OPM trust funds.
Office of Special Counsel
salaries and expenses
The agreement includes $31,585,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Office of Special Counsel.
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $13,700,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.
Public Buildings Reform Board
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $3,960,000 for salaries and expenses
of the Public Buildings Reform Board.
Securities and Exchange Commission
salaries and expenses
The agreement provides $2,149,000,000 for the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC). In addition, another
$39,658,000 is provided for move, replication, and related
costs associated with replacement leases for the Commission's
office facilities. All funds are derived from offsetting
collections, resulting in no net appropriation.
Private Fund Advisers Rule Analysis.--In lieu of the House
report language, the agreement directs the SEC to brief the
Committees on the impact of the Private Fund Advisers Rule on
underserved businesses and communities no later than 180 days
after the enactment of this Act.
Mandatory Arbitration Clauses.--The word ``longstanding''
is deleted in both instances from the report language under
this heading.
The agreement does not adopt the House report language on
economic analysis.
Selective Service System
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $31,300,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Selective Service System.
Small Business Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $361,235,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Small Business Administration (SBA). The
agreement includes at least $12,000,000 for SBA's Office of
Credit Risk Management (OCRM) for lender oversight and risk-
based reviews. Funding for the Office of General Counsel is
provided separately from this amount. OCRM must play a key
role in eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in SBA lending
programs and protecting taxpayer losses on loans by ensuring
lenders comply with procedures that mitigate the risk of loss
under SBA's loan programs.
Oversight Report.--In lieu of House report language, SBA is
directed to provide a comprehensive report no later than 120
days after the enactment of this Act on the oversight
capabilities of the SBA in light of new non-traditional
lenders entering the SBA's programs.
COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans.--In lieu of House
report language, the agreement expresses concern that when
the Coronavirus Economic Injury Disaster Loan (COVID EIDL)
program closed on May 6, 2022, there were a significant
number of funding applications hindered by processing delays
at the Internal Revenue Service. In an effort to improve
future program operations, the GAO is directed to provide a
report examining how effectively the SBA and the IRS shared
necessary data during the execution of the COVID EIDL program
and the impact those operations had on program applicants.
This report should include any relevant recommendations to
improve future cross-agency coordination. The GAO is directed
to provide a preliminary briefing of its assessment to the
Committees no later than 270 days after the enactment of this
Act with a report to follow by a mutually agreed upon date.
ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
The agreement provides $316,800,000 for SBA Entrepreneurial
Development Programs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program ($000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
7(j) Technical Assistance Program (Contracting Assistance).... 3,800
Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program................ 3,000
Entrepreneurship Education.................................... 2,000
Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program....... 9,000
Growth Accelerators........................................... 9,000
HUBZone Program............................................... 4,000
Microloan Technical Assistance................................ 41,000
National Women's Business Council............................. 1,500
Native American Outreach...................................... 5,000
PRIME Technical Assistance.................................... 7,000
Regional Innovation Clusters.................................. 9,000
SCORE......................................................... 17,000
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)..................... 140,000
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).......................... 20,000
Veterans Outreach............................................. 18,500
Women's Business Centers (WBC)................................ 27,000
---------
Total, Entrepreneurial Development Programs............... 316,800
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expanding Opportunities for Small Business Owners with
Disabilities.--In lieu of House report language requiring a
twice-yearly reporting requirement, the SBA is directed to
submit a report no later than 120 days after the enactment of
this Act that outlines the steps the SBA is taking to ensure
the SBDCs, WBCs, and SCORE chapters are thoroughly prepared
and serving entrepreneurs and innovators with disabilities.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The agreement provides $37,020,000 for the Office of
Inspector General (OIG).
The OIG is encouraged to continue routine analysis and
reporting on SBA's oversight of the 7(a) loan program,
effective management of counseling and training services
offered by partner organizations, and SBA's management of the
Disaster Assistance Program.
COVID-19 Fraud.--In lieu of House report language, the SBA
OIG is directed to provide a report no later than 90 days
after the enactment of this Act, which updates progress made
by SBA on the remaining 39 open recommendations referenced in
SBA OIG Report 23-09. Additionally, no later than 120 days
after the enactment of this Act, the SBA is directed to
provide a briefing on the agency's comprehensive response to
oversight efforts and changes to the fraud risk management
systems as a result of the total 77 pandemic-related
recommendations made by SBA OIG.
OFFICE OF ADVOCACY
The agreement provides $10,109,000 for the Office of
Advocacy.
Regulations Impact on Small Businesses.--In lieu of House
report language, the SBA Office of Advocacy is directed to
brief the Committees no later than 90 days after the
enactment of this Act on the economic impact on small
business concerns of all rules issued by the SBA over the
last two fiscal years.
BUSINESS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The agreement provides $168,000,000 for the Business Loans
Program Account, of which $6,000,000 is for the Microloan
Program and $162,000,000 is for the authorized expenses of
administering the business loans programs.
DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
The agreement provides $175,000,000 for the administrative
costs of the Disaster Loans Program, of which $143,000,000 is
designated as being for disaster relief for major disasters
and $32,000,000 is provided for the authorized expenses of
administering SBA-declared disasters.
Duplication of Benefits Report.--In order to improve the
SBA's Disaster Assistance resources, the agreement directs
the GAO to submit a report to the Committees no later than
270 days after the enactment of this Act examining the
Duplication of Benefits issue. The report should include, but
is not limited to: the number of recipients, categorized by
income, that have been identified as receiving duplicative
disaster assistance per year over the last five fiscal years
as well as a detailed list of the non-SBA assistance that was
duplicative; the status of identified cases; the process and
options for resolving those duplications of benefits; and for
resolved cases, the timeline and cost to close out the
duplication from the recipient's perspective and the Federal
agency's perspective, and the number of recipients required
to repay a duplication of benefits and any penalties
assessed. Additionally, the report should outline existing
plans or memorandums of understanding (MOUs) between the SBA
and other Federal agencies to reduce the issues associated
with duplicative benefits.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Section 540 provides transfer authority and availability of
funds.
Section 541 authorizes the transfer of funding available
under the SBA ``Salaries and Expenses'' and ``Business Loans
Program Account'' appropriations into the SBA Information
Technology System Modernization and Working Capital Fund.
[[Page H1753]]
Section 542 provides funds for initiatives related to small
business development and entrepreneurship, including
programmatic, construction, and acquisition activities, to be
awarded as follows:
[[Page H1754]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.006
[[Page H1755]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.007
[[Page H1756]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.008
[[Page H1757]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.009
[[Page H1758]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.010
[[Page H1759]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.011
[[Page H1760]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.012
[[Page H1761]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.013
[[Page H1762]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.014
[[Page H1763]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.015
[[Page H1764]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.016
[[Page H1765]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.017
[[Page H1766]]
United States Postal Service
PAYMENT TO THE POSTAL SERVICE FUND
The agreement provides $49,750,000 for a payment to the
Postal Service Fund.
Location of Cluster Box Units.--In lieu of House report
language, the agreement expresses concern about mail theft at
external, residential Cluster Box Units (CBUs) and the
vandalizing of these units. The USPS is encouraged to update
its handbooks and guidance to ensure external CBUs in all
newly developed residential neighborhoods are located within
the residential area they serve in a manner that reduces mail
theft and vandalism while ensuring CBUs remain visible and
accessible to the residents. The USPS is directed to brief
the Committees on implementation of this directive no later
than 90 days after the enactment of this Act.
Mail Theft.--In lieu of House report language, the
agreement expresses concern about mail theft in the United
States and the adverse impact it is having on postal
customers, including extended disruptions of regular service
and theft of personally identifiable information. The
agreement also recognizes that the current process for
victims of mail theft in some localities places an undue
burden on customers. The USPS is directed to brief the
Committees no later than 60 days after the enactment of this
Act, detailing actions it has taken to combat this rise in
mail theft from fiscal years 2020 through 2023. The briefing
should include the USPS' plan to prevent mail theft.
Postal Service Processing Facilities.--As part of the
Postal Service's Delivering for America plan, the USPS will
be investing $40 billion to upgrade and improve its
processing, transportation, and delivery networks. As the
USPS makes these investments, it should consider the needs of
its employees and customers, as well as its commitment to
provide prompt and reliable postal services to the nation.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The agreement provides $268,290,000 for the Office of
Inspector General.
United States Tax Court
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement provides $56,727,000 for salaries and
expenses of the United States Tax Court, of which not to
exceed $3,000 is available for official reception and
representation expenses.
TITLE VI
GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT
(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS OF FUNDS)
Section 601 prohibits pay and other expenses of non-Federal
parties intervening in regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings
funded in this Act.
Section 602 prohibits obligations beyond the current fiscal
year and prohibits transfers of funds unless expressly
provided except for transfers made pursuant to the authority
in Section 3173(d) of title 40, United States Code.
Section 603 limits expenditures for any consulting service
through procurement contracts to those contracts where such
expenditures are a matter of public record and available for
public inspection.
Section 604 prohibits funds in this Act from being
transferred without express authority.
Section 605 prohibits the use of funds to engage in
activities that would prohibit the enforcement of Section 307
of the Tariff Act of 1930 (46 Stat. 590).
Section 606 prohibits the use of funds unless the recipient
agrees to comply with the Buy American Act.
Section 607 prohibits funding for any person or entity
convicted of violating the Buy American Act.
Section 608 authorizes the reprogramming of funds,
specifies the reprogramming procedures for agencies funded by
this Act, and penalizes late reporting.
Section 609 ensures that 50 percent of unobligated balances
may remain available for certain purposes.
Section 610 restricts the use of funds for the Executive
Office of the President to request official background
reports from the Federal Bureau of Investigation without the
written consent of the individual who is the subject of the
report.
Section 611 ensures that the cost accounting standards
shall not apply with respect to a contract under the Federal
Employees Health Benefits Program.
Section 612 allows the use of certain funds relating to
nonforeign area cost-of-living allowances.
Section 613 prohibits the expenditure of funds for
abortions under the Federal Employees Health Benefits
Program.
Section 614 provides an exemption from Section 613 if the
life of the mother is in danger, or the pregnancy is a result
of an act of rape or incest.
Section 615 waives restrictions on the purchase of
nondomestic articles, materials, and supplies in the case of
acquisition by the Federal Government of information
technology.
Section 616 prohibits the acceptance by agencies or
commissions funded by this Act, or by their officers or
employees, of payment or reimbursement for travel,
subsistence, or related expenses from any person or entity
(or their representative) that engages in activities
regulated by such agencies or commissions.
Section 617 requires agencies covered by this Act with
independent leasing authority to consult with the General
Services Administration before seeking new office space or
making alterations to existing office space.
Section 618 provides for several appropriated mandatory
accounts, where authorizing language requires the payment of
funds for Compensation of the President, the Judicial
Retirement Funds (Judicial Officers' Retirement Fund,
Judicial Survivors' Annuities Fund, and the United States
Court of Federal Claims Judges' Retirement Fund), the
Government Payment for Annuitants for Employee Health
Benefits and Employee Life Insurance, and the Payment to the
Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. In addition,
language is included for certain retirement, healthcare, and
survivor benefits required by 3 U.S.C. 102 note.
Section 619 prohibits funds for the Federal Trade
Commission to complete the draft report on food marketed to
children.
Section 620 provides authority for Chief Information
Officers over information technology spending.
Section 621 prohibits funds from being used in
contravention of the Federal Records Act.
Section 622 relates to electronic communications.
Section 623 prohibits funds to be used to deny Inspectors
General access to records.
Section 624 relates to Universal Service Fund payments for
wireless providers.
Section 625 relates to pornography and computer networks.
Section 626 prohibits funds to pay for award or incentive
fees for contractors with below satisfactory performance.
Section 627 relates to conference expenditures.
Section 628 prohibits funds made available under this Act
from being used to fund first-class or business-class travel
in contravention of Federal regulations.
Section 629 provides $2,850,000 for the Inspectors General
Council Fund for expenses related to www.oversight.gov and
data analytics capabilities of the Pandemic Response
Accountability Committee.
Section 630 relates to contracts for public relations
services.
Section 631 relates to advertising and educational
programming.
Section 632 relates to statements by grantees regarding
projects or programs funded by this agreement.
Section 633 prohibits funds for the SEC to finalize, issue,
or implement any rule, regulation, or order requiring the
disclosure of political contributions, contributions to tax-
exempt organizations, or dues paid to trade associations in
SEC filings.
Section 634 requires agencies funded in this Act to submit
to the Committees quarterly budget reports on obligations.
Section 635 rescinds $387,500,000 from the Treasury
Forfeiture Fund.
Section 636 rescinds $10,000,000 from the American Rescue
Plan from the Information Technology Oversight and Reform
Fund.
Section 637 rescinds $100,000,000 from the American Rescue
Plan from the Technology Modernization Fund.
Section 638 rescinds $283,000,000 from the American Rescue
Plan from the State Small Business Credit Initiative.
Section 639 rescinds $1,768,000,000 from the American Resce
Plan from the Emergency Connectivity Fund.
Section 640 rescinds $10,200,000,000 from the Inflation
Reduction Act from IRS Enforcement.
TITLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS--GOVERNMENT-WIDE
Departments, Agencies, and Corporations
(Including Transfers of Funds)
Section 701 requires agencies to administer a policy
designed to ensure that its workplaces are free from the
illegal use of controlled substances.
Section 702 sets specific limits on the cost of passenger
vehicles purchased by the Federal Government with exceptions
for police, heavy duty, electric hybrid, and clean fuels
vehicles and with an exception for commercial vehicles that
operate on emerging motor vehicle technology.
Section 703 allows funds made available to agencies for
travel to also be used for quarters allowances and cost-of-
living allowances.
Section 704 prohibits the Government from employing non-
U.S. citizens whose posts of duty would be in the continental
United States.
Section 705 ensures that agencies will have authority to
pay GSA for space renovation and other services.
Section 706 allows agencies to use receipts from the sale
of materials for acquisition, waste reduction and prevention,
environmental management programs, and other Federal employee
programs.
Section 707 provides that funds for administrative expenses
may be used to pay rent and other service costs in the
District of Columbia.
Section 708 precludes interagency financing of groups
absent prior statutory approval.
Section 709 prohibits the use of appropriated funds for
enforcing regulations disapproved in accordance with the
applicable law of the United States.
Section 710 limits the amount that can be used for
redecoration of offices under certain circumstances.
Section 711 permits interagency funding of national
security and emergency preparedness telecommunications
initiatives that
[[Page H1767]]
benefit multiple Federal departments, agencies, and entities.
Section 712 requires agencies to certify that a schedule C
appointment was not created solely or primarily to detail the
employee to the White House.
Section 713 prohibits the use of funds to prevent Federal
employees from communicating with Congress or to take
disciplinary or personnel actions against employees for such
communication.
Section 714 prohibits Federal training not directly related
to the performance of official duties.
Section 715 prohibits the use of appropriated funds for
publicity or propaganda designed to support or defeat
legislation pending before Congress.
Section 716 prohibits the use of appropriated funds by an
agency to provide home addresses of Federal employees to
labor organizations, absent employee authorization or court
order.
Section 717 prohibits the use of appropriated funds to
provide nonpublic information such as mailing or telephone
lists to any person or organization outside of the Government
without approval of the Committees.
Section 718 prohibits the use of appropriated funds for
publicity or propaganda purposes within the United States not
authorized by Congress.
Section 719 directs agencies' employees to use official
time in an honest effort to perform official duties.
Section 720 authorizes the use of current fiscal year funds
to finance an appropriate share of the Federal Accounting
Standards Advisory Board administrative costs.
Section 721 authorizes the transfer of funds to GSA to
finance an appropriate share of various Government-wide
boards and councils under certain conditions.
Section 722 authorizes breastfeeding at any location in a
Federal building or on Federal property.
Section 723 permits interagency funding of the National
Science and Technology Council and requires OMB to report on
the budget and resources of the Council.
Section 724 requires identification of the Federal agencies
providing Federal funds and the amount provided for all
proposals, solicitations, grant applications, forms,
notifications, press releases, or other publications related
to the distribution of funding to a State.
Section 725 prohibits the use of funds to monitor personal
information relating to the use of Federal Internet sites.
Section 726 regards contraceptive coverage under the
Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.
Section 727 recognizes that the United States is committed
to ensuring the health of Olympic, Pan American, and
Paralympic athletes, and supports strict adherence to anti-
doping in sport activities.
Section 728 allows departments and agencies to use official
travel funds to participate in the fractional aircraft
ownership pilot programs.
Section 729 prohibits funds for implementation of OPM
regulations limiting detailees to the legislative branch and
placing certain limitations on the Coast Guard Congressional
Fellowship program.
Section 730 restricts the use of funds for Federal law
enforcement training facilities with an exception for the
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers.
Section 731 prohibits executive branch agencies from
creating or funding prepackaged news stories that are
broadcast or distributed in the United States unless specific
notification conditions are met.
Section 732 prohibits funds used in contravention of the
Privacy Act, section 552a of title 5, United States Code, or
section 522.224 of title 48 of the Code of Federal
Regulations.
Section 733 prohibits funds in this or any other Act from
being used for Federal contracts with inverted domestic
corporations or other corporations using similar inverted
structures, unless the contract preceded this Act or the
Secretary grants a waiver in the interest of national
security.
Section 734 requires agencies to remit to the Civil Service
Retirement and Disability Fund an amount equal to the OPM
average unit cost of processing a retirement claim for the
preceding fiscal year, to be available to OPM for the cost of
processing retirements of employees who separate under
Voluntary Early Retirement Authority or who receive Voluntary
Separation Incentive Payments.
Section 735 prohibits funds to require any entity
submitting an offer for a Federal contract to disclose
political contributions.
Section 736 prohibits funds for the painting of a portrait
of an employee of the Federal Government, including the
President, the Vice President, a Member of Congress, the head
of an executive branch agency, or the head of an office of
the legislative branch.
Section 737 limits the pay increases of certain prevailing
rate employees.
Section 738 requires reports to Inspectors General
concerning expenditures for agency conferences.
Section 739 prohibits the use of funds to increase,
eliminate, or reduce a program or project unless such change
is made pursuant to reprogramming or transfer provisions.
Section 740 prohibits OPM or any other agency from using
funds to implement regulations changing the competitive areas
under reductions-in-force for Federal employees.
Section 741 prohibits the use of funds to begin or announce
a study or a public-private competition regarding the
conversion to contractor performance of any function
performed by civilian Federal employees pursuant to OMB
Circular A-76 or any other administrative regulation,
directive, or policy.
Section 742 ensures that contractors are not prevented from
reporting waste, fraud, or abuse by signing confidentiality
agreements that would prohibit such disclosure.
Section 743 prohibits the expenditure of funds for the
implementation of agreements in certain nondisclosure
policies unless certain provisions are included in the
policies.
Section 744 prohibits funds to any corporation with certain
unpaid Federal tax liabilities unless an agency has
considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and
made a determination that this further action is not
necessary to protect the interests of the Government.
Section 745 prohibits funds to any corporation that was
convicted of a felony criminal violation within the preceding
24 months unless an agency has considered suspension or
debarment of the corporation and has made a determination
that this further action is not necessary to protect the
interests of the Government.
Section 746 relates to the Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau (CFPB). Given the need for transparency and
accountability in the Federal budgeting process, the CFPB is
directed to provide an informal, nonpublic full briefing at
least annually before the relevant Appropriations
subcommittee on the CFPB's finances and expenditures.
Section 747 eliminates automatic statutory pay increases
for the Vice President, political appointees paid under the
executive schedule, ambassadors who are not career members of
the Foreign Service, political appointed (noncareer) Senior
Executive Service employees, and any other senior political
appointee paid at or above level IV of the executive
schedule.
Section 748 requires reporting Impoundment Control Act
violations to Congress.
Section 749 requires that any executive branch agency
notify the Committees if an apportionment of an appropriation
for such agency is not approved in a timely and appropriate
manner.
Section 750 requires the retention of certain records
pertaining to certain GAO audits.
Section 751 addresses interagency funding for the United
States Army Medical Research and Development Command, the
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs and the
National Institutes of Health research programs.
Section 752 authorizes the transfer of funds to GSA to
finance an appropriate share of various information
technology projects among Government-wide boards and councils
under certain conditions.
Section 753 addresses the possible technical scorekeeping
difference between the Office of Management and Budget and
the Congressional Budget Office for fiscal year 2024.
Section 754 allows agencies receiving funds in Public Law
117-58 to transfer funds to the Fish and Wildlife Service and
National Marine Fisheries Service for the costs of carrying
out the responsibilities related to 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Section 755 declares the inapplicability of these general
provisions to title IV and title VIII.
TITLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
(Including Transfers of Funds)
Section 801 allows the use of local funds for making
refunds or paying judgments against the District of Columbia
government.
Section 802 prohibits the use of Federal funds for
publicity or propaganda designed to support or defeat
legislation before Congress or any State legislature.
Section 803 establishes reprogramming procedures for
Federal funds.
Section 804 prohibits the use of Federal funds for the
salaries and expenses of a shadow U.S. Senator or U.S.
Representative.
Section 805 places restrictions on the use of District of
Columbia government vehicles.
Section 806 prohibits the use of Federal funds for a
petition or civil action that seeks to require voting rights
for the District of Columbia in Congress.
Section 807 prohibits the use of Federal funds in this Act
to distribute, for the purpose of preventing the spread of
bloodborne pathogens, sterile needles or syringes in any
location that has been determined by local public health
officials or local law enforcement authorities to be
inappropriate for such distribution.
Section 808 concerns a ``conscience clause'' on legislation
that pertains to contraceptive coverage by health insurance
plans.
Section 809 prohibits Federal funds to enact or carry out
any law, rule, or regulation to legalize or reduce penalties
associated with the possession, use, or distribution of any
schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act or
any tetrahydrocannabinols derivative. In addition, section
809 prohibits Federal and local funds to enact any law, rule,
or regulation to legalize or reduce penalties associated with
the possession, use, or distribution of any schedule I
substance under the Controlled Substances Act or any
tetrahydrocannabinols derivative for recreational purposes.
Section 810 prohibits the use of funds for abortion except
in the cases of rape or incest or if necessary, to save the
life of the mother.
Section 811 requires the CFO to submit a revised operating
budget no later than 30 calendar days after the enactment of
this Act
[[Page H1768]]
for agencies the CFO certifies as requiring a reallocation to
address unanticipated program needs.
Section 812 requires the CFO to submit a revised operating
budget for the District of Columbia Public Schools, no later
than 30 calendar days after the enactment of this Act, which
aligns schools' budgets to actual enrollment.
Section 813 allows for transfers of local funds between
operating funds and capital and enterprise funds.
Section 814 prohibits the obligation of Federal funds
beyond the current fiscal year and transfers of funds unless
expressly provided herein.
Section 815 provides that not to exceed 50 percent of
unobligated balances from Federal appropriations for salaries
and expenses may remain available for certain purposes. This
provision applies to the District of Columbia Courts, the
Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, and the
District of Columbia Public Defender Service.
Section 816 appropriates local funds during fiscal year
2025 if there is an absence of a continuing resolution or
regular appropriation for the District of Columbia. Funds are
provided under the same authorities and conditions and in the
same manner and extent as provided for in fiscal year 2024.
Section 817 provides the District of Columbia authority to
transfer, receive, and acquire lands and funding it deems
necessary for the construction and operation of interstate
bridges over navigable waters, including related
infrastructure, for a project to expand commuter and regional
passenger rail service and provide bike and pedestrian access
crossings.
Section 818 requires each Federal and District government
agency appropriated Federal funding in this Act to submit to
the Committees quarterly budget reports on obligations.
Section 819 specifies that references to ``this Act'' in
this title or title IV are treated as referring only to the
provisions of this title and title IV.
This division may be cited as ``Financial Services and
General Government Appropriations Act, 2024.''
DISCLOSURE OF EARMARKS AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS
Following is a list of congressional earmarks and
congressionally directed spending items (as defined in clause
9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives
and rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate,
respectively) included in the bill or this explanatory
statement, along with the name of each House Member, Senator,
Delegate, or Resident Commissioner who submitted a request to
the Committee of jurisdiction for each item so identified.
For each item, a Member is required to provide a
certification that neither the Member nor the Member's
immediate family has a financial interest, and each Senator
is required to provide a certification that neither the
Senator nor the Senator's immediate family has a pecuniary
interest in such congressionally directed spending item.
Neither the bill nor the explanatory statement contains any
limited tax benefits or limited tariff benefits as defined in
the applicable House and Senate rules.
[[Page H1769]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.018
[[Page H1770]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.019
[[Page H1771]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.020
[[Page H1772]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.021
[[Page H1773]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.022
[[Page H1774]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.023
[[Page H1775]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.024
[[Page H1776]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.025
[[Page H1777]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.026
[[Page H1778]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.027
[[Page H1779]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.028
[[Page H1780]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.029
[[Page H1781]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.030
[[Page H1782]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.031
[[Page H1783]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.032
[[Page H1784]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.033
[[Page H1785]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.034
[[Page H1786]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.035
[[Page H1787]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.036
[[Page H1788]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.037
[[Page H1789]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.038
[[Page H1790]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.039
[[Page H1791]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.040
[[Page H1792]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.041
[[Page H1793]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.042
[[Page H1794]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.043
[[Page H1795]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.044
[[Page H1796]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.045
[[Page H1797]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.046
[[Page H1798]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.047
[[Page H1799]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.048
[[Page H1800]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.049
[[Page H1801]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.050
[[Page H1802]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.051
[[Page H1803]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.052
[[Page H1804]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.053
[[Page H1805]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.054
[[Page H1806]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060B.055
[[Page H1807]]
DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
The following is an explanation of Division C, which makes
appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
for fiscal year 2024. Funding provided in this agreement
supports existing programs that protect the nation from all
manner of threats and ensures DHS's ability to improve
preparedness at the federal, state, local, tribal, and
territorial levels; prevent and respond to terrorist attacks;
and hire, train, and equip DHS frontline personnel protecting
the country.
The joint explanatory statement accompanying this division
is approved and indicates congressional intent. Unless
otherwise noted, the language set forth in House Report 118-
123 and Senate Report 118-85 carries the same weight as
language included in this joint explanatory statement and
should be complied with unless specifically addressed to the
contrary in this joint explanatory statement. While some
language is repeated for emphasis, it is not intended to
negate the language referred to above unless expressly
provided herein.
References in the joint explanatory statement to ``the
Committees'' or ``the Committees on Appropriations'' should
be interpreted as both the House Appropriations Subcommittee
on Homeland Security and the Senate Appropriations
Subcommittee on Homeland Security.
This joint explanatory statement refers to certain
entities, persons, funds, and documents as follows: the
Department of Homeland Security is referenced as DHS or the
Department; the Government Accountability Office is
referenced as GAO; and the Office of Inspector General of the
Department of Homeland Security is referenced as OIG. In
addition, ``full-time equivalents'' are referred to as FTE;
``full-time positions'' are referenced as FTP; ``Information
Technology'' is referred to as IT; ``program, project, and
activity'' is referred to as PPA; any reference to ``the
Secretary'' should be interpreted to mean the Secretary of
Homeland Security; ``component'' should be interpreted to
mean an agency, administration, or directorate within DHS;
any reference to SLTT should be interpreted to mean state,
local, tribal, and territorial governments; any reference to
``the House report'' and ``the Senate report'' should be
interpreted to mean House Report 118-123 and Senate Report
118-85, respectively; and ``budget request'' or ``the
request'' should be interpreted to mean the budget of the
U.S. Government for fiscal year 2024 that was submitted to
Congress on March 9, 2023.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT, INTELLIGENCE, SITUATIONAL AWARENESS,
AND OVERSIGHT
Office of the Secretary and Executive Management
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The agreement includes an increase of $70,527,000 above the
request, including program increases above the request of
$33,728,000 for the Office of the Secretary; $9,582,000 for
the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans; and $24,227,000
for the Office of Health Security.
Reductions to the request include: $3,379,000 for the 2024
pay raise; $1,288,000 for an Office of Public Affairs
staffing increase; $985,000 for an Office of Legislative
Affairs staffing enhancement; $2,100,000 for an Office of
General Counsel staffing enhancement; $1,664,000 for
annualizations of equity programs; and $1,580,000 for the
expansion of engagement efforts.
Within the total amount provided, $22,050,000 is made
available for two fiscal years, including $18,050,000 for the
Office of Health Security and $4,000,000 for Office of the
Immigration Detention Ombudsman.
Management and Oversight
Biometric Exit and Visa Overstay.--The Department shall
follow the direction provided under this heading in the
Senate report in lieu of the direction provided under the
heading ``Biometric Exit'' in the House report.
Border and Immigration Related Data and Transparency.--In
lieu of direction under this heading in the House report and
under the heading, ``Data on `Got Aways' '' in the Senate
report, within 30 days of the date of enactment of this Act
and quarterly thereafter, the Secretary, in consultation with
other appropriate Federal officials, shall submit to the
Committees a report that details the situational awareness of
the southwest border that includes data related to the number
of ``turn backs,'' ``got aways,'' and monthly apprehension
rate data by sector. For the purposes of this reporting
requirement, the Department shall use the definitions
provided in 6 U.S.C. 223. U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) is also directed to ensure a review by third party
statistical experts on the current process, assumptions, and
formulas used to derive the ``got away'' estimates and any
proposed changes to improve such estimates, including
proposed changes to statutory definitions, if applicable.
Additionally, the Department shall provide to the
Committees and shall post on a publicly accessible website by
the 15th of each month the following, delineating requests
received and granted by entity, including U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS):
(1) DHS's total detention capacity as well as usage rate
during the previous month;
(2) the total monthly number of ``applicants for
admission'' under 8 U.S.C 1225, paroled into the United
States the previous month;
(3) the total monthly number of ``applicants for
admission'' under 8 U.S.C 1225 released into the United
States, paroled or otherwise, the previous month;
(4) the total number of individuals paroled into the United
States the previous month; of those paroled, the rationale
for each grant and its duration; and
(5) and the total number of referrals for prosecution made
to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for illegal entry or
illegal reentry.
ICE Detention Facilities Inspections.--In lieu of the
direction found in House Report 118-123 under the headings
``Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO) and
``Office of Detention Oversight (ODO),'' GAO is directed to
review the practices and policies of DHS entities responsible
for inspections at ICE detention facilities, including an
assessment of:
(1) a listing of each such oversight entity that performs
inspections at ICE detention facilities;
(2) the scope of oversight performed by each entity and
methodologies used;
(3) the extent to which ICE detention facilities are
inspected against applicable ICE and any other standards,
such as state and local requirements;
(4) how such standards compare to the standards employed
for criminal detention by other Federal partners including,
but not limited to, the Bureau of Prisons and the U.S.
Marshals Service; and
(5) the effectiveness of such oversight inspections.
GAO shall confer with the Committees prior to initiating
the assessment. GAO shall provide a briefing to the
Committees on its interim results not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act and shall provide a
final report to the Committees not later than one year after
the date of enactment of this Act.
Joint Requirements Council (JRC).--By not later than
September 30, 2024, the Department shall dissolve the JRC.
Within 30 days of the date of the enactment of this Act, DHS
shall provide the Committees a wind down plan for this
organization, including a transition plan for existing JRC-
funded staff, and further, shall provide a briefing to the
Committees within 60 days of the date of the enactment of
this Act on alternative methods to identify opportunities to
improve the management and resourcing of joint DHS
requirements, to include changes to pertinent policies, such
as Management Directive 107, to ensure DHS components possess
necessary flexibility to address mission critical challenges.
Official Reception and Representation Expenses.--DHS shall
continue to submit quarterly obligation reports for official
reception and representation expenses, as in prior years.
Prior to the obligation of any funds for reception and
representation expenses to purchase collectibles or
memorabilia, the Department shall provide the Committees no
less than 14 days advance written notification describing the
purpose of such purchases and the projected costs.
Terrorism Watch List.--In lieu of direction under this
heading in the Senate report, the Department shall notify the
Committees within seven days if an individual on the Federal
Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Terrorist Screening Dataset
(TSDS) is encountered by the Department at or between a port
of entry.
TSDS Encounters.--Individuals on the FBI TSDS encountered
at or between ports of entry may include family members or
associates of a known or suspected terrorist, or individuals
incorrectly identified as TSDS matches, who the Department
determines, after evaluation in coordination with the FBI, do
not pose a homeland security threat. Within 90 days of the
date of enactment of this Act, and quarterly thereafter, the
Department shall provide a report to the Committees detailing
what actions, if any, the Department has taken or plans to
take to determine whether each individual on the TSDS
encountered at or between ports of entry poses a homeland
security threat that needs to be mitigated and the total
number of individuals determined to pose such a threat. This
report shall also include the location of each encounter, the
individual's nationality, the individual's post-apprehension
outcome, and any other available information. This report
shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a
classified annex.
Volunteer Force.--Prior to approving a DHS volunteer
deployment, the Department shall ensure that the operational
impacts of the volunteer's support outweigh any impacts to
the volunteer's employing organization and core mission
duties. To meet this requirement, not later than 120 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, or a
designee, shall implement a review process, which should
include the number of volunteers being deployed from an
organization; the funding implications; the length of
deployment; the ability to maintain core mission functions;
any contributions to a processing backlog the deployment
would produce; and any other operational impacts. The process
should be simple, streamlined, standardized, and once
established, is required in advance of approval of
volunteers. Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Department shall brief the
Committees on the initial results of this assessment.
[[Page H1808]]
Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans
Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3).--
Within 180 days of the date of enactment of this Act, and
annually thereafter, CP3 shall submit to the Committees and
make publicly available online a report containing the
following:
(1) for each risk factor or behavioral indicator used in
CP3 trainings and programs, the evidence base supporting its
inclusion, including peer-reviewed research validating its
inclusion and whether the Federal Government has funded or
supported the cited evidence;
(2) a description of all procedural and substantive
privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties protections
applicable to CP3 programs, whether administered directly by
the Department, through grant recipients, or by other third
parties and a detailed description of how CP3 monitors grant
recipient compliance with Federal civil rights laws pursuant
to 44 C.F.R. Part 7 and any other applicable statutory or
regulatory provisions; and
(3) beginning with the fiscal year 2020 grant cycle,
detailed descriptions of:
(a) the operative policies for award decisions for each
cycle, including the specific criteria for awarding grants
and how they were applied;
(b) the performance metrics and evaluation criteria for
grant recipients for each cycle;
(c) a summary of all ongoing evaluations of grantees,
including evaluation criteria and performance metrics, as
well as a list of all completed or published evaluations;
(d) the number of federal, state, and local criminal
inquiries opened as a result of referrals from CP3-supported
threat assessment and management teams;
(e) data on Federal inquiries, which shall be disaggregated
by investigating agency, type of inquiry, Federal
investigative classification, and further enforcement action
to include arrest and prosecution;
(f) form of terrorism, or targeted violence to be
addressed, disaggregated by fiscal year; and
(g) a full list of grant applications and the methodology
used to assess grant applications.
Additionally, the Department is directed to coordinate with
the DOJ, FBI, and key public safety officials across the
nation to promote information sharing and ensure an
effective, responsive, and organized joint effort to combat
domestic terrorism. The Department shall report to the
Committees within 90 days of the date of enactment of this
Act on the Department's assessment of the domestic terrorism
threat, including extremists' activities targeting
infiltration of Federal and SLTT law enforcement agencies.
Such report shall also include an analysis of incidents or
attempted incidents of domestic terrorism that occurred in
the United States during the preceding fiscal year. The
Department also is directed to review the anti-terrorism
training and resource programs that the Department provides
to Federal and SLTT law enforcement agencies and ensure that
such programs include training and resources to assist SLTT
law enforcement agencies in understanding, detecting,
deterring, and investigating acts of domestic terrorism and
extremists' activities targeting infiltration of law
enforcement agencies.
Countering South American Theft Groups (SATG).--Within 90
days of the date of enactment of this Act and quarterly
thereafter until such time that the Secretary verifies that
the Department vets Chilean nationals traveling to the United
States against information from Chile's identity management
and criminal databases, DHS is directed to brief the
Committees on the Chilean Government's progress to counter
SATG travelers.
Detention Space Report.--Not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, and semi-annually thereafter,
consistent with the requirements found in 8 U.S.C. 1368, the
Office of Homeland Security Statistics (OHSS), in
coordination with ICE, shall submit the required report to
the Committees.
Migration Analysis Center (MAC).--The agreement includes an
increase of $6,499,000 above the request for the MAC to
restore and annualize the cost of funding provided in fiscal
year 2023.
Office of Immigration Statistics (OIS).--The agreement
includes $3,900,000 above the request for OIS to restore and
annualize the cost of funding provided in fiscal year 2023
for the OHSS.
Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
287(g) Agreements.--The Office for Civil Rights and Civil
Liberties shall conduct an assessment of every jurisdiction
delegated law enforcement authority under section 287(g) of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C 1357(g)). The
office is directed to issue and publish online, with
redactions only as required by the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA), an annual report for each participating jurisdiction
including: (1) assessment of whether the terms of the
delegation of authority are being followed, including whether
participating jurisdictions are engaged in immigration
enforcement activities outside the terms or scope of the
agreement; (2) assessment of compliance with steering
committee requirements including frequency of steering
committee meetings, number of participants, and record of
attendance at such meetings by ICE; (3) data and information
related to individuals placed into removal proceedings by
287(g)-designated officers including nationality, race,
gender, and criminal charges or convictions; (4)
documentation of any alleged civil rights and liberty
violations committed by the participating jurisdiction; (5)
any plans for future expansion of or changes to the program
in that participating jurisdiction; and, (6) any reports to
the OIG or Secretary as to whether the terms of the agreement
governing the delegation of authority have been materially
violated and/or whether the participating jurisdiction has
any alleged, reported pattern, or practice of civil rights
violations.
Women, Peace, and Security.--The agreement includes
$580,000 above the request to restore the proposed reduction
in the request for this initiative and directs the Department
to continue to implement the requirements in the Women,
Peace, and Security Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-68).
Office of Health Security
Child Well-Being Professionals.--Not later than 60 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, DHS shall provide a
report to the Committees, and post a report on its website,
identifying:
(1) how many licensed child well-being professionals the
Office of Health Security
(OHS) has hired;
(2) how many additional licensed child well-being
professionals OHS intends to hire and on what timetable;
(3) in which locations OHS-hired licensed child well-being
professionals have been assigned or will be assigned;
(4) how DHS is using and will use OHS-hired child well-
being professionals; and
(5) any standards guiding the work of OHS-hired licensed
child well-being professionals.
Workforce Wellness and Suicide Prevention.--The agreement
includes $1,400,000 above the request for Department-wide
workforce wellness and suicide prevention efforts. Not later
than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, OHS
shall provide an update on its plans for this funding.
Telemental Health and Employee Assistance Pilot.--The
agreement includes an increase of $1,500,000 above the
request, as described in the House report.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The agreement provides an increase of $8,113,000 above the
request for the Office of Health Security for the Medical
Information Exchange.
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The agreement provides a decrease of $2,000,000 below the
request for the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention
Grant Program and the requested level for the Alternatives to
Detention--Case Management Pilot Program.
Management Directorate
operations and support
The agreement provides $1,722,204,000 for Operations and
Support. Decreases below the request include: $30,000,000 for
electric vehicle procurement; $7,914,000 for the 2024 pay
raise; $4,702,000 for the Chief Diversity and Inclusion
Officer; $3,000,000 for the Office of the Chief Information
Officer Customer Experience initiative; and $1,394,000 for
the Acquisition Data Analytics Platform Tool.
The agreement does not include the proposed realignment of
the Joint Requirements Council from the Office of the
Secretary and Executive Management to the Management
Directorate.
Biometric Identity Capability Development.--In 2018,
Congress authorized the transfer of the Office of Biometric
Identity Management (OBIM) from what was then the National
Protection and Programs Directorate to the Management
Directorate to provide biometric identity capabilities across
the DHS enterprise. Despite finalizing a contract award six
years ago to replace the Automated Biometric Identification
System (IDENT), the Department has been unable to deliver
initial operating capability for the follow-on capability
called Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology System
(HART). GAO report GAO-24-106573 found that ``since approval
of HART's initial acquisition program baseline in April 2016,
the program has primarily been in breech status.'' Further,
GAO reported that ``delays in delivering planned capabilities
and continued reliance on IDENT represent a significant
challenge to meeting user needs for DHS and its partner
agencies, which include other Federal agencies, state and
local law enforcement agencies, and the international
community.'' And that ``continued reliance on an overextended
IDENT system represents an ongoing risk as the legacy system
risks failure and additional investments are necessary to
keep the system operational.'' This program continued to
suffer several program breaches and cost and schedule
overruns. To date, Congress has provided over $218,000,000 in
development funding. The Department's current cost estimates
to complete the development of this system now exceed
$454,000,000. In GAO's latest review, these cost estimates
are still considered unreliable.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this
Act and monthly thereafter, until full operational capability
of HART is achieved, the Department shall brief the
Committees on system development progress, associated costs,
and schedule. Such briefings shall also provide the
Committees with similar updates regarding IDENT.
Within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, GAO
shall initiate a review on HART, addressing how relevant
stakeholders have implemented previous GAO recommendations,
are ensuring compliance
[[Page H1809]]
with privacy standards, and are ensuring coordination amongst
all user groups.
Enterprise-Wide Maritime Domain Platform.--The agreement
provides $6,000,000 above the request to provide an
enterprise-wide applied artificial intelligence maritime
domain capability to identify, enable, and target maritime
activities, utilizing dark activity and other deceptive
shipping practices, to counter fentanyl and precursor
chemicals, enforce sanction violations, and enhance law
enforcement missions across the Department.
IDENT Sustainment Operations.--The agreement includes an
increase of $33,500,000 for the continued operation of IDENT.
Obligation Plans.--The Department shall continue to submit
obligation plans on a quarterly basis consistent with
direction provided in the explanatory statement accompanying
Public Law 114-113. Additionally, the Office of the Chief
Financial Officer (OCFO) shall require the use of a uniform
obligation plan template connected to activity-level details
in the budget justification materials to ensure consistency
across components, which shall include quarterly spending
targets for each account and PPA. OCFO shall be responsible
for ensuring that components with major acquisition programs
include the breakout of these programs within their quarterly
plans and provide additional context to describe and justify
any changes from the prior submission.
procurement, construction, and improvements
The agreement provides $260,433,000 for Procurement,
Construction, and Improvements, a decrease of $449,799,000
below the request. Reductions include: $165,000,000 for a
third Joint Processing Center; $96,088,000 for financial
systems modernization; $93,493,000 for building 2 and
$46,085,000 for building 3 on the St. Elizabeths campus; and
$48,641,000 for facilities transformation and lease
efficiencies.
Intelligence, Analysis, and Situational Awareness
operations and support
The agreement provides $345,410,000, a reduction of
$4,014,000 below the request, of which $105,701,000 is
available until September 30, 2025. The agreement includes
reductions from the request, including: $3,326,000 for
civilian pay raise and $688,000 for Intelligence Data
Environment for Analytics (IDEA).
Intelligence Expenditure Plan.--The Department's Chief
Intelligence Officer is directed to brief the Committees on
the fiscal year 2024 expenditure plan for the Office of
Intelligence and Analysis within 30 days of the date of
enactment of this Act.
procurement, construction, and improvements
The agreement does not provide funding for the IDEA
acquisition.
Office of Inspector General
operations and support
The agreement provides $220,127,000 for OIG, a decrease of
$8,244,000 below the request including reductions of
$2,814,000 to the 2024 pay raise and $5,430,000 to Zero Trust
Architecture.
Custody Operations Reporting.--OIG shall continue its
program of unannounced inspections of immigration detention
facilities and publish the results of the inspections and
other reports and notifications related to custody operations
activities on a publicly available website. OIG shall
regularly consult with congressional oversight committees
when developing and updating its strategy for conducting
these inspections.
Denial of OIG Access to Records and Information.--OIG shall
provide a quarterly report to the Committees concerning any
component efforts to prevent or impede OIG access to records,
documents, or other materials. The report shall include, at a
minimum, a summary of the OIG request including the
justification and legal rationale for the request, a
description of the component response to the request, the
status of previously reported requests if not yet completed,
and any other information OIG determines appropriate. OIG is
urged to ensure the timeliness of such reports.
Operation Fouled Anchor.--In lieu of the reporting
requirements under this heading in the Coast Guard section of
the Senate report, OIG is directed to review, in accordance
with the provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5
U.S.C. App.), the timeline of all approval correspondence
regarding the ``Operation Fouled Anchor'' report. Within 90
days of the completion of the review, the Inspector General
shall provide a report to the Committees on the results of
the review, including a detailed accounting of if, when, and
why the decision was made to withhold information regarding
the investigation from Congress, the Coast Guard personnel
involved in any such decision, and their respective roles in
any such decision. Further, OIG shall, where appropriate and
in accordance with the provisions of the Inspector General
Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.), investigate uninvestigated
allegations of sexual assault and sexual violence within the
Coast Guard from 1992 to the date of enactment of this Act,
and review the results of previous investigations of sexual
assault and sexual violence over the same time period to
determine whether they were appropriately handled. The
Inspector General shall provide quarterly briefings to the
Committees on any such completed investigations of previously
uninvestigated allegations and completed reviews of previous
investigations.
In preparing the information required to be released to
Congress under this heading, the Inspector General shall not
disclose personally identifiable information if disclosure is
not otherwise lawful. In addition, the Inspector General
shall protect the privacy of individuals with respect to the
information required in the quarterly briefings, to include
redacting all Personal Identifiable Information. Nothing
under this heading shall require OIG to investigate a
restricted sexual assault report.
Quarterly Budget and Staffing Briefings.--OIG shall provide
the Committees quarterly budget and staffing briefings which
shall include all available funding sources, contracts, and
contract staffing. The briefings shall reflect budget and
staffing profiles by the types of audits, investigations, and
inspections planned and executed. The briefings shall also
include a spend plan and strategy to hire to enacted staffing
levels.
TITLE I--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Section 101. The agreement continues a provision requiring
the Inspector General to review grants and contracts awarded
by means other than full and open competition and report the
results to the Committees.
Section 102. The agreement continues a provision requiring
the Chief Financial Officer to submit monthly budget
execution and staffing reports within 30 days after the close
of each month.
Section 103. The agreement continues a provision requiring
the Secretary, in conjunction with the Secretary of the
Treasury, to notify the Committees of any proposed transfers
from the Department of Treasury Forfeiture Fund to any agency
at DHS. No funds may be obligated prior to such notification.
Section 104. The agreement continues a provision related to
official travel costs of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary.
Section 105. The agreement continues a provision requiring
the Under Secretary for Management to provide quarterly
briefings on acquisition information to the Committees.
Section 106. The agreement continues and modifies a
provision restricting the use of funding for certain pilot
programs unless the Secretary submits specified information
to the Committees related to the program's goals, metrics,
and implementation plan.
TITLE II--SECURITY, ENFORCEMENT, AND INVESTIGATIONS
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
operations and support
(including transfers of funds)
The agreement includes $3,041,949,000 above the request,
including the following: $372,983,000 for Border Patrol Agent
overtime and other pay adjustments; $494,804,000 to hire
22,000 Border Patrol Agents; $11,500,000 for workforce care,
to include employee on-site clinicians and child back-up
care, for a total of $43,900,000; $1,715,634,000 for Border
Patrol border management requirements; $650,000,000 for the
shelter and services grant program; $19,968,000 for an
additional 150 CBP Officers; $19,988,000 over the fiscal year
2023 enacted level for forced labor for a total of
$114,515,000; $20,000,000 for innovative technology;
$2,500,000 for tribal roads; $45,200,000 for technology at
ports of entry which includes $8,200,000 for the Border
Security Deployment Program; $3,000,000 for a Northern Border
Coordination Center; $3,000,000 for Port Runner technology;
$2,250,000 for the Center for Air and Marine Drone
Exploitation; $20,000,000 for Air and Marine maintenance
costs; $1,634,000 to sustain prior year investments in the
Procurement Directorate within the Office of Acquisition; and
$103,522,000 for border security technology operations
including the following: $4,000,000 for linear ground
detection system sustainment; $10,400,000 for cross border
tunnel threats; $7,100,000 for counter unmanned aerial
systems (UAS); $7,702,000 for team awareness kits; and
$38,200,000 for Autonomous Surveillance Towers.
The agreement includes $346,498,000 below the request,
including the following: $182,772,000 for the 2024 pay raise;
$21,195,000 related to hiring additional Border Patrol
Processing Coordinators; $61,135,000 for mission and
operational support personnel hiring; $8,330,000 for the
Emergent Incident Management Assistance Team; $941,000 for
Acquisition Program Staff; $14,629,000 for the Incident
Driven Video Recording System; $23,329,000 for replacement
vehicles; and $34,167,000 for applicant suitability and
retention efforts. Within the total amount provided, the bill
makes $500,000,000 available until September 30, 2025, to
provide limited flexibility for certain activities.
Oversight of CBP Efforts to Improve Integrity and
Accountability.--The Committees recognize both the progress
and the efforts made by CBP in areas of integrity,
accountability, and transparency through the implementation
of the revised CBP Integrity and Accountability Strategy,
appointment of the Chief Integrity Officer, and support for
the expansion of the Office of Professional Responsibility
(OPR) to provide independent investigative oversight.
Therefore, in order for the Committees to gain greater
insight on how these efforts serve to improve CBP's overall
investigative and adjudicative efforts of criminal activity,
misconduct, and serious mismanagement from allegations
through the disciplinary process, CBP's OPR and Office of
Human Resources Management will provide the Committees a
biannual retrospective briefing.
Video Monitoring.--In lieu of direction under this heading
in the House report and
[[Page H1810]]
under the heading, ``Operating Video Monitoring'' in the
Senate report, the Commissioner shall ensure continuous video
monitoring and recording in CBP facilities that house and
process migrants. Any non-working video or recording systems
and associated recording or storage equipment in such
facilities must be identified and prioritized for repair or
replacement within 24 hours. Equipment that remains non-
working after 24 hours shall be reported as a Serious
Incident to the CBP Watch and a weekly outage and repair
status report shall be provided to agency leadership and the
Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). CBP shall also
provide the Committees with a monthly update on the
operational status of all such video capabilities. CBP is
further directed to pilot rapidly deployable interim
solutions to provide comparable coverage and recording
capability until such time as the permanent system can be
repaired or replaced. Further, prior to the next employee
performance cycle, CBP shall provide a briefing to the
Committees with a plan to leverage employee performance goals
and evaluations to establish proper oversight of video
monitoring systems as a performance metric.
Border Security Operations
Border Management Requirements.--In lieu of the
$4,700,000,000 request for a southwest border contingency
fund, the agreement provides $1,715,634,000 for border
management requirements, to include operations at Border
Patrol processing facilities, migrant medical support, and
lateral transportation along the southwest border.
Border Patrol Agent Hiring.--The agreement provides funding
for 22,000 Border Patrol Agents, an increase of 1,795 above
the request. CBP is directed to provide, within 90 days of
the date of enactment of this Act, the following: (1) a plan
with a timeframe for bringing on board the additional agents
and reaching the funded level of agents; (2) how additional
agents hired will impact the total number of agents on the
northern border as an increasing number of agents have been
re-deployed from the northern border to the southwest border;
and (3) how CBP is responding to and altering policies to
ensure appropriate oversight and execution of recommendations
in response to investigations of Border Patrol activities.
Carrizo Cane.--The agreement includes $4,000,000 above the
request for efforts to control the growth of Carrizo cane
along the Rio Grande River in Texas. CBP shall continue to
provide quarterly updates on the performance of this program
related to improved visibility, biomass reduction, and miles
of river treated.
Shelter and Services Program (SSP).--The agreement provides
$650,000,000 for SSP to provide temporary shelter and other
services to individuals released from DHS custody, helping to
facilitate the safe, orderly, and humane release of asylum
seekers and families. These funds shall be transferred to
FEMA for administration. Not less than quarterly, CBP shall
provide operational data to FEMA to help inform decisions on
where funding should be provided to shelters along the
southwest border and in the interior of the U.S. to support
CBP's border security mission. At a minimum, this data shall
include historical data and future projections of encounters
of families and single adults, by ports of entry (POE) and
Border Patrol sector.
Trade and Travel Operations--Office of Field Operations
Border Security Deployment Program (BSDP).--The agreement
includes $20,000,000, an increase of $8,200,000 above the
request, to maintain and modernize the BSDP system
infrastructure. The agreement directs CBP to provide a
briefing within 120 days of the date of enactment of this Act
on CBP efforts to modernize and expand this system.
National Targeting Center.--The bill provides $279,875,000
for targeting operations. Within these funds, CBP is
encouraged to review commercial, off-the-shelf artificial
intelligence capabilities, visual analytics, and search
platforms that might help improve the National Targeting
Center's operations.
Northern Border Coordination Center (NBCC).--The agreement
includes $3,000,000 above the request for the Secretary to
establish and operate a Northern Border Coordination Center
to serve as the Department's centralized coordination center
for operations, domain awareness, information sharing,
intelligence, training, and stakeholder engagement with
Federal, SLTT, and international government partners along
the northern border of the United States. The NBCC shall be
placed along the northern border at a location that is
collocated with an existing U.S. Border Patrol sector
headquarters, the U.S. Border Patrol Northern Border
Coordination Center, an Air and Marine Operations branch, and
a United States Coast Guard air station, and other existing
Department activities. The NBCC shall serve as a coordination
mechanism for the implementation, evaluation, and updating of
the Northern Border Strategy and any successor strategy,
serve as a training location, serve as a testing ground for
border security technology, and support counter-unmanned
aircraft systems operations along the northern border.
Fentanyl and Other Illicit Imports.--The Committees
recognize the urgent need to combat the illegal smuggling of
fentanyl, its precursor chemicals, and other illicit drugs
into the United States through all channels, including
through the use of low-value packages entering under Section
321 (de minimis) programs. Accordingly, the agreement directs
CBP to designate smuggling of fentanyl and other illicit
drugs in low value packages under Section 321 programs as an
additional priority trade issue under section 117 of the
Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (Public
Law 114-125).
Port Runners.--The agreement provides $3,000,000 to pilot
energy-absorbing vehicle barrier systems and mobile
technology designed to deter, safely stop, and contain ``port
runner'' vehicles at CBP POEs that have a history of issues
with port running to determine the scalability of the
technology. Within 180 days of the date of enactment of this
Act, CBP shall brief the Committees on the progress of the
pilot.
Trade and Travel Operations--Office of Trade
Office of Trade.--The agreement provides $423,587,000, an
increase of $10,534,000 over the request, to restore proposed
cuts to CBP's combating forced labor activities.
Integrated Operations
Tactical Maritime Surveillance System.--The agreement
provides $7,245,000, as requested. Within 60 days of the date
of enactment of this Act, Air and Marine Operations (AMO)
shall brief the Committees on its plan for the use of these
funds.
Enterprise Services
Workforce Care.--The agreement provides a total of
$43,988,000, $11,150,000 above the request, for on-site
clinicians, sustainment of all family support care, CBP
support networks, expansion of employee well-being centers,
and deployment of Field Resilience teams consisting of
Operational Psychologists and Field Resilience Specialists.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, CBP, in coordination with the Office of Health Security,
shall brief the Committees on an obligation plan for this
funding. Of the amount provided, $2,000,000 is provided to
evaluate or expand technology platforms to aid CBP employees
and their family members in seeking support, and $3,000,000
is provided to expand employee well-being centers. Not later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, CBP
shall provide a briefing to the Committees on the relevant
technology platforms, including their application and
effectiveness, and plans for this funding to include an
update on the existing wellbeing pilot program. The briefing
shall also describe how CBP is addressing concerns related to
stigma, privacy, and family-related needs.
procurement, construction, and improvements
The bill includes the following increases above the
request: $283,500,000, including $7,500,000 for Seamless
Integrated Communications and $20,000,000 for Innovative
Technology; $75,500,000 for countering fentanyl technology;
$21,100,000 for the Light Enforcement Platform; $4,000,000
for National Air Security Operations Center construction and
$15,000,000 for Checkpoint 29 construction.
The bill reduces the request by the following amounts:
$136,000,000 for Department of Defense Drawdown, Integrated
Surveillance Towers; $66,415,000 for Department of Defense
Drawdown, Common Operating Picture; $14,849,000 for UH-60
Medium Lift Helicopters; $13,000,000 for Aircraft Sensor
Upgrades; $3,654,000 for Tucson Air Branch construction; and
$7,000,000 for OPR facilities.
Autonomous Surveillance Towers (AST).--For fiscal year
2024, the U.S. Border Patrol is directed to continue to
modernize surveillance capabilities and meet or exceed new
AST program procurements executed in fiscal year 2023, to
include the procurement of standard, maritime, cold weather,
and long-range AST variants.
Border Security Technology.--The recommendation includes
$283,500,000, or $53,932,000 above the request, for border
security technology. The Commissioner is directed to
prioritize procurement of the most cost-effective
technologies based on lifecycle costs, system availability,
reduced requirements for personnel, and input from sector
leadership. The agreement directs CBP to ensure that the
appropriate amount of technology is piloted, tested, and
deployed along the northern border, in addition to the
southern border. Of this amount:
(1) $163,547,000 is for integrated surveillance towers and
autonomous surveillance towers, defined as integrated
software and/or hardware systems that utilize sensors,
onboard computing, and artificial intelligence to identify
items of interest that would otherwise be manually identified
by personnel to reduce reliance on Border Patrol Agents to
manually operate equipment;
(2) $35,000,000 is for subterranean detection investments
to include cross-border tunnel detection capabilities and
linear ground detection system capabilities;
(3) $30,000,000 is for mobile surveillance capabilities to
include mobile video surveillance systems, replacing obsolete
mobile surveillance equipment, counter-UAS, and small UAS.
The agreement recommends re-using components of the existing
Mobile Surveillance Capability systems where practical to
reduce procurement costs;
(4) $27,153,000, as requested, is for the Border
Enforcement Coordination Network;
(5) $20,000,000 is for CBP's INVNT Program, of which not
more than $5,000,000 shall be available for each specific
technology project; and
(6) $7,500,000 is for seamless integrated communications to
extend connectivity for agents where commercial cellular
service is present and not present.
[[Page H1811]]
Construction and Facility Improvements.--The agreement
provides $92,114,000 for Border Patrol and AMO facility
improvements. Of this amount, $66,000,000, as requested, is
for the Houlton, Maine Border Patrol station, and $15,000,000
to provide immediate relief for passenger vehicle inspections
while completing preparatory work for the larger effort to
expand Checkpoint 29 in Laredo, Texas.
Fentanyl Initiative.--The agreement provides $75,500,000
for non-intrusive inspection for in-bound and out-bound
operations at POEs, of which $24,300,000 is to expand
existing capabilities at sixteen labs and for new labs at
eight POEs. Of the funds provided, $8,100,000 is for a new
Joint Fentanyl Signature Lab in El Paso with the Drug
Enforcement Agency and the Food and Drug Administration.
Within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act, CBP
shall provide the Committees a spend plan with timeframes for
the execution of these funds and projected performance
impacts to operational capabilities as a result of these
funds. CBP shall update the Committees on a monthly basis on
the use of these funds and provide actual performance impacts
against projections.
Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Infrastructure Capital Plan.--Not
later than 30 days after the submission of the President's
budget request for fiscal year 2025, the Commissioner shall
submit a report that details its prioritization of LPOE
infrastructure capital investment projects, the methods and
models used to determine prioritization, and an overview of
Public-Private Partnership agreements. CBP shall work with
GSA and the Office of Management and Budget on the annual 5-
year LPOEs modernization plan, which is based on CBP's
operational priorities and should include plans to complete
the modernization of pre-9/11 POEs along the northern border.
Specific attention should be paid to the health, safety, and
welfare needs of CBP Officers. Special consideration shall
also be considered for facilities where reconfiguration or
upgrades will improve the flow of local traffic and allow
local residents to move freely in their own communities.
Additionally, CBP shall provide a detailed report and
timeline within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act
outlining completion of the Blue Water Bridge Plaza expansion
project and any steps taken in the last fiscal year toward
project completion. The report shall align with the annual
LPOE priority list, outline projected CBP costs, and explain
how CBP will engage with State and local entities and the
specific milestones and timeline for the project's
completion.
Light Enforcement Platform.--The agreement provides
$29,100,000, $21,000,000 above the request, for the Light
Enforcement Platform to replace light rotary-wing
helicopters.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).--In lieu of
direction under this heading in the House and Senate reports,
not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Department and GSA shall provide a detailed briefing
on plans to execute the funds provided in the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-58);
obligations and expenditures incurred thus far; capacity
increases, such as operational throughput increases; and
whether there are any significant changes involving the 26
LPOE projects supported by that Act. As part of this
briefing, CBP shall also provide the Committees with an
update on steps to ``rebuild'' the annual 5-year LPOE plan.
Additionally, not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Department shall provide a
briefing to the Committees on projected outyear costs
associated with the funding, including increased staffing and
technology requirements. Such briefing shall also detail
changes to current POE protocols and alterations to
agreements with Mexico as a result of these funds.
Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA).--The agreement
provides $30,000,000, as requested, for one MEA to expand
CBP's ability to conduct maritime, air, and land surveillance
at our Nation's borders.
National Air Security Operations Center.--The agreement
provides $4,000,000 to begin planning and design work for AMO
facilities in Sierra Vista, Arizona.
Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII).--The agreement provides
$305,400,000 for NII technology at land and sea POEs, as
requested. CBP shall execute these funds only as follows:
$201,000,000 for civil works; $65,300,000 to procure and
deploy new non-intrusive detection devices; $14,400,000 to
procure advanced Computed Tomography scanners for deployment
to mail and express consignment courier facilities and
automation/machine learning to support targeting efforts;
$12,600,000 for artificial intelligence and machine learning
capabilities; and $12,100,000 for system integration and meta
data.
Tactical Maritime Surveillance System (TMSS).--The
agreement provides $9,783,000, as requested. Not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, AMO shall
brief the Committees on its long-term plans to expand this
program, including future years resource requirements.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
operations and support
The agreement provides $9,501,542,000 for Operations and
Support, including a decrease below the request of
$74,153,000 for the 2024 pay raise.
Within the total amount provided, the agreement makes
$46,696,000 available until September 30, 2025, including
$32,996,000 for authorized Title III activities and
$13,700,000 for the Visa Security Program.
Annual ERO and HSI Reports.--U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) shall continue issuing annual Fiscal Year
ERO and HSI reports, as directed in the joint explanatory
statement accompanying Public Law 117-328.
Appropriations Liaison Position.--In order to ensure the
Committees receive information pertinent to its oversight
responsibilities following the transition of the
appropriations liaison function from the Office of
Congressional Relations (OCR) to the Office of Chief
Financial Officer (OCFO), within 30 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, OCFO and OCR shall brief the
Committees on the development and implementation of
communication standards between the two offices. OCFO shall
also include in the briefing recommendations for additional
resources necessary to ensure robust, proactive engagement
with the Committees, and highlight any ongoing challenges.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO).--As ICE continues to strive
for greater resource management amid a dynamic operational
environment, the CFO must be empowered to participate in any
and all decisions that will impact ICE's ability to
effectively fund and execute new mission initiatives and
address policy changes that are bequeathed from the
Administration or the Department.
Contract Notifications.--ICE shall inform the Committees
five days prior to any substantive change to any contract
that is greater than $1,000,000. Substantive changes include
but are not limited to modifications, renegotiations,
recompetes, extensions, and terminations.
Monthly Reporting Requirements.--In an effort to facilitate
transparency and accountability of ICE's resource and
financial management, a new provision is included requiring
the submission of an initial obligation plan to the
Committees not later than 45 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, delineated by month and level II PPA. Such plan
shall incorporate all funding sources available to ICE,
including unobligated carryover balances and fees, and shall
contain data-driven assumptions for major contract costs,
projected personnel levels, and operational and policy
considerations. The initial obligation plan shall be
unchanged and displayed in every subsequent monthly report
and briefing to the Committees as further described below.
The monthly execution report and briefing shall occur not
later than 15 days after the beginning of the month and shall
include the following, delineated by level II program PPA:
(1) prior year actual obligations and expenditures;
(2) prior year unobligated balances carryover;
(3) updates to projected obligations for the remaining
months of the fiscal year to better account for future and
full year requirements;
(4) payroll projections for the fiscal year that are based
on forecasted gains and losses;
(5) rate of operations for Custody Operations, Alternatives
to Detention, and Transportation and Removal Operations PPAs;
(6) identification of any contracts with a period of
performance extending beyond the current fiscal year; and
(7) resources for specific domestic and international
investigative mission areas, such as countering fentanyl and
child exploitation.
Homeland Security Investigations
The agreement provides $2,459,105,000 for Homeland Security
Investigations (HSI), a decrease of $29,758,000 below the
request, including decreases of $50,596,000 for pay
restoration and $9,097,000 for internal realignments within
the ICE enterprise. Increases above the request include:
(1) $15,000,000 for additional criminal investigators and
support staff;
(2) $13,278,000 for wildlife trafficking investigations and
other activities within the Intellectual Property Rights
Center;
(3) $11,371,000 for combatting transnational crime
overseas;
(4) $10,196,000 for investigations resulting from increased
deployment of non-intrusive inspection capabilities at CBP
POEs, of which $1,000,000 is for supporting such activities
at the Gordie Howe International Bridge;
(5) $10,000,000 for task forces dedicated to countering
fentanyl, including for Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression
Teams;
(6) $5,000,000 for activities at the National Academy for
Advanced Training and Leadership;
(7) $2,200,000 for certified undercover operations; and
(8) $1,500,000 for additional Transnational Criminal
Investigative Units.
ICE is directed to update the Committees with details about
the implementation of these additional funds as part of its
monthly execution report and briefing.
Blue Campaign.--The agreement provides $2,900,000 to
support the transfer of the Blue Campaign to the Center for
Countering Human Trafficking from OSEM.
Child Exploitation Investigations.--The agreement includes
$17,000,000 to support increased investigations of child
exploitation, focusing on new and emerging threats.
Coordination and Notifications.--The agreement directs
continued coordination between HSI and the Office of Refugee
Resettlement (ORR) within the Department of
[[Page H1812]]
Health and Human Services, in line with existing policy, to
facilitate notifications when ORR personnel suspect or
receive verbal or written confirmation that an unaccompanied
child in its custody may be considered especially vulnerable
to exploitation after release from ORR custody. HSI and ORR
are directed to brief the Committees not later than one year
after the date of the enactment of this Act of the
notification system, coordination challenges, and any
resulting investigations. Additionally, after providing the
aforementioned briefing, HSI shall submit a quarterly report
on the number of referrals from ORR related to possible
instances of forced child labor and human trafficking.
Forced Labor.--HSI, in coordination with the Department of
Labor (DOL), shall brief the Committees within 90 days of the
date of enactment of this Act on forced labor and labor
exploitation investigations, including investigations of
child forced labor. The briefing shall include performance
metrics associated with such investigations and ways to
improve coordination between HSI and DOL.
Illegal Grow Operations.--Within 60 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, HSI shall provide a briefing to the
Committees on ongoing investigative efforts regarding illicit
grow operations of marijuana in States with legal production
and sales frameworks that are run by transnational criminal
organizations, including but not limited to those based in
the People's Republic of China. The briefing shall include
HSI's coordination with the DOJ and details of investigations
of ancillary crimes, such as human trafficking and forced
labor, that are potentially tied to illegal grow operations.
Rail Theft.--In addition to the direction provided under
this heading in the House report, HSI shall also incorporate
theft from commercial motor vehicles into the required
briefing.
Repository for Analytics in a Virtualized Environment
(RAVEn).--Within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act
and quarterly thereafter, HSI shall brief the Committees on
projected maintenance costs associated with RAVEn; intended
integration of artificial intelligence capabilities; and
proposed guardrails to ensure privacy-related concerns are
addressed.
Enforcement and Removal Operations
The agreement provides $5,082,218,000 for Enforcement and
Removal Operations (ERO), an increase of $1,241,202,000 above
the request, including: $555,176,000 to restore proposed
reductions to detention facility operations; $355,700,000 for
41,500 beds for the full fiscal year and inflationary
adjustments to support current detention facility operations;
$292,000,000 for increased transportation and removal
operations, commensurate with the increase found in detention
operations; $97,000,000 to restore proposed reductions to the
Alternatives to Detention (ATD) Intensive Supervision
Appearance Program (ISAP); $64,356,000 for general expenses
related to sustaining increased detention facility
operations; $17,500,000 for additional personnel and
resources to manage the non-detained and detained dockets;
and $16,055,000 for third party medical care expenses for
individuals in CBP and ICE custody. Decreases below the
request include $40,930,000 for pay restoration; $21,058,000
for internal realignments within the ICE enterprise; and
$2,610,000 for adjustments-to-base efficiencies.
287(g) Program.--In lieu of the direction found under this
heading in the House report to produce quarterly reports,
within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act and on a
quarterly basis thereafter, ICE shall brief the Committees on
law enforcement agencies that express interest in joining the
287(g) program and the costs associated with executing such
agreements. Further, in lieu of the direction under the
heading ``287(g) Agreements'' in the Senate report, ICE shall
provide the Committees with a cost-benefit analysis of the
287(g) program to-date not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act.
Access to Legal Counsel.--In lieu of direction found under
this heading in the Senate report, ICE shall provide a
briefing to the Committees not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act on plans to continue to improve
communications and access to counsel for those in its
custody.
ATD Program.--The agreement includes $470,190,000 for the
ATD PPA. The agreement continues prior year reporting
requirements for the ATD program regarding technology types,
participation levels, and escalation and de-escalation
metrics. Additionally, within 30 days of the date of
enactment of this Act and monthly thereafter, ICE shall
submit to the Committees data concerning: the number of ATD
program violations in the prior month, delineated by area of
responsibility, type of violation, and enforcement
consequences for violations; and the number of recent border
entrants enrolled in ATD and their compliance rate,
delineated by technology type.
ATD Noncompliance.--ICE is directed to continue to employ
ATD in a manner that includes enforcement mechanisms to be
conducted by appropriate law enforcement personnel for
noncompliance.
Coordination with Third Parties.--Within 90 days of the
date of enactment of this Act, ICE shall brief the Committees
on the feasibility of developing a policy concerning the
coordination of ICE releases to non-governmental
organizations, detailing communications regarding the total
number of arriving persons while providing for protections of
any personal identifiable information.
Custody Operations.--The agreement supports a detention bed
level of 41,500.
Detention Partnerships.--In lieu of the direction found
under the heading ``Partnerships for Additional Detention
Capacity'' in the House report, not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, ICE shall provide a
briefing to the Committees on the number of detention
facilities that opted to end their contracts with ICE, the
reasons for such terminations, and the number of facilities
that have renewed or entered into new agreements for the
provision of detention services.
Enforcement and Removal Assistants (ERAs).--The agreement
provides $3,950,000 for additional ERAs within the Custody
Operations PPA.
Removal Orders Reporting.--In lieu of the direction found
under this heading in the House report to provide quarterly
reports, ICE shall instead provide quarterly briefings and
ensure all personal identifiable information is appropriately
protected when fulfilling the requirement.
Third Party Medical Care.--The agreement does not support
the creation of a new PPA for third party medical care.
Transportation and Removal Operations.--The agreement
includes $721,417,000 for transportation and removal
operations, an increase of $291,648,000 above the request.
Wrongful Removals.--In lieu of the recommendation and
direction found under this heading in the Senate report,
within 180 days of the date of enactment of this Act, ICE
shall brief the Committees on the feasibility and resource
requirements associated with creating an office dedicated
toward reviewing removal orders for those seeking to return
to the United States.
Mission Support
The agreement provides an increase of $6,898,000 above the
request for Mission Support to support internal realignments
within the ICE enterprise. Decreases below the request
include $10,421,000 for Management and Administration
infrastructure support costs and $250,000 for the Office of
Immigration Program Evaluation within the Executive
Leadership and Oversight PPA.
Hiring Plans.--Within 90 days of the date of enactment of
this Act and quarterly thereafter, the Office of Human
Capital shall brief the Committees on hiring plans for each
level II PPA.
Detention Contractors.--Within 60 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, ICE shall provide a strategic plan to
eliminate the backlog of background investigations for
contract detention staff, including considerations of using
contractors to conduct background investigations.
Additionally, ICE shall incorporate recommendations to
address challenges for detention facility contract applicants
in the hiring pipeline, including steps to reduce the average
length of time to hire Federal employees.
Office of the Principal Legal Advisor
The agreement provides $2,181,000 above the request for the
Office of the Principal Legal Advisor to support internal
realignments within the ICE enterprise.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The agreement provides $55,520,000 for Procurement,
Construction, and Improvements (PC&I), an increase of
$5,000,000 above the request for the HSI National Academy of
Advanced Training and Leadership.
Monthly Reporting Requirements.--ICE is directed to
incorporate into the monthly execution report and briefing
requirement all funds available within PC&I, including any
unobligated carryover balances. ICE shall also detail cost
estimates for current and future major construction or
facility refurbishment activities.
RAVEn.--Within 90 days of the date of enactment of this
Act, ICE shall provide an update to the Committees on
implementation of funds for RAVEn and detail additional
capabilities and resources needed in future fiscal years to
enhance RAVEn.
Transportation Security Administration
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The agreement provides $166,784,000 below the request,
including the following reductions: $115,157,000 for the 2024
pay raise; $15,181,000 for requested hiring of Transportation
Security Officers (TSOs) to address projected travel volume;
$10,000,000 for the National Deployment Office; $3,000,000
for visible intermodal prevention and response teams to
reflect current operational requirements; $2,700,000 for the
customer experience program; and $1,546,000 for the REAL ID
program. The agreement includes adjustments to pay based on
technical assistance from TSA, including a reduction of
$57,033,000 for the annualization of pay equity and a
reduction of $60,690,000 for the Federal Air Marshal Service
(FAMS). The agreement includes an increase of $98,523,000
above the request for exit lane staffing.
FAMS.--TSA shall provide semiannual briefings at the
appropriate level of classification on FAMS mission coverage,
staffing levels, and hiring rates.
Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) Program.--TSA is
directed to brief the Committees on the FFDO Program
described in the House and Senate reports within 90 days of
the date of enactment of this Act.
TSO Staffing.--TSA shall continue to provide monthly
briefings on TSO staffing as directed in the joint
explanatory statement accompanying Public 117-328 under this
heading.
[[Page H1813]]
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The agreement provides $40,679,000 below the request,
including reductions of $35,181,000 for Checkpoint Property
Screening Systems and $5,498,000 for Credential
Authentication Technology.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The agreement provides $14,641,000 below the request.
Coast Guard
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The agreement provides $169,217,000 below the request.
Reductions below the request include: $96,735,000 to reflect
updated military pay projections, $24,124,000 for civilian
pay, $24,000,000 for Commercially Available Polar Icebreaker
crewing and follow-on costs, $14,989,000 for Data for
Decision Advantage, $6,607,000 for HC-27J follow-on costs,
$3,364,000 for acquisition support personnel, $2,500,000 for
medical readiness, $1,148,000 for Waterways Commerce Cutter
follow-on costs, and $500,000 from field operations for an
unallocated amount in the request. Increases above the
request, include: $3,000,000 for fishing safety grants,
$1,500,000 for an independent review of the Coast Guard's
efforts to reduce and respond to sexual assault and sexual
harassment, and $250,000 for a cetacean desk.
Ending Sexual Assault and Harassment.--Within 60 days of
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
charter an independent and impartial review of the Coast
Guard's efforts to reduce and respond to sexual assault and
sexual harassment. The review shall be conducted by a non-
Department of Homeland Security entity and shall evaluate
past and present climate and culture, preventative measures,
accountability, transparency, victim support, and awareness;
identify and evaluate completed and ongoing efforts and
reforms undertaken to improve these areas; and make
recommendations for additional efforts and reforms that
should be undertaken to close remaining gaps. The
recommendations shall identify if and how they differ from
those in the November 2023 Accountability and Transparency
Review Team Report, as well as cost estimates and any
statutory or administrative changes necessary for
implementation. A report on the review and its
recommendations shall be provided to the Committees within
210 days of the date of the charter. The Committees provide
$1,500,000 above the request for the completion of the review
and report.
International Port Security Enforcement.--In lieu of
direction provided under this heading in the Senate report,
the Coast Guard shall provide a briefing to the Committees,
not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, on past joint antiterrorism activities with the Republic
of Cuba. The brief shall provide recommendations for
effective antiterrorism measures for the purposes of 46
U.S.C. 70108 and 70109, and the actions described in 46
U.S.C. 70110(a).
Operation Fouled Anchor.--The Commandant shall fully
cooperate with the Inspector General's ongoing review of
Operation Fouled Anchor cases and promptly provide victims
their own Coast Guard Academy records when requested.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The agreement provides $136,050,000 below the request. The
agreement includes increases of $200,000,000 for no less than
two Fast Response Cutters and the economic price adjustment
for Fast Response Cutters funded in prior years; $100,000,000
for the Homeport Seattle project; $28,500,000 for one new MH-
60T helicopter hull; $11,000,000 for modernizing the mariner
credentialing program; and $2,500,000 for early site work for
the Barracks II at Cape May. The agreement includes decreases
of $97,000,000 for the Waterways Commerce Cutter,
$170,000,000 for the Polar Security Cutter, $35,000,000 for
the Great Lakes Icebreaker, $74,300,000 for the HC-27
Conversion and Sustainment, $27,700,000 for the Coast Guard
Logistics Information Management System, $14,800,000 for the
Cyber and Enterprise Mission Platform, $12,000,000 for a
Waterways Commerce Cutter homeport, $17,000,000 for a Fast
Response Cutter homeport, and $30,000,000 for a National
Security Cutter homeport.
Vessels
Commercially Available Polar Icebreaker.--The agreement
provides $125,000,000, as requested, for procurement of a
Commercially Available Polar Icebreaker.
Polar Security Cutter (PSC).--The Coast Guard is directed
to keep the Committees fully informed of the PSC program's
progress both with regular quarterly updates and, in the case
of emergent or time sensitive issues, as soon as possible.
In addition, within 120 days of the date of enactment of
this Act, the Coast Guard is directed to provide a report
that assesses the viability of reactivating Coast Guard
Cutter Polar Sea. The report shall include an analysis of the
material condition of the hull and cost and timeline
estimates for a full overhaul of the vessel, including the
renewal of the cutter's propulsion, mechanical, electrical,
communication, and support systems.
Special Purpose Craft-Heavy Weather (SPC HWX).--The
direction provided under this heading in the House report is
not adopted.
Aircraft
HC-27J Fleet.--Within 90 days of the date of enactment of
this Act, the Coast Guard shall provide a briefing to the
Committees on the Service's recommendations regarding the HC-
27J fleet. The brief shall include the feasibility and cost
effectiveness of continued missionization and operations of
the airframe and plans to replace the HC-27J fleet if it is
deemed no longer capable of reliably conducting Coast Guard
missions.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The agreement provides $7,476,000, as requested.
United States Secret Service
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The agreement provides $63,519,000 above the request,
including $22,000,000 for increased protective travel
expenses; $33,958,000 for increased National Special Security
Event (NSSE) support; $5,000,000 for the National Threat
Assessment Center; $26,688,000 to continue training and
accreditation in computer forensics by the National Computer
Forensics Institute; $20,100,000 for permanent change of
station requirements; and $450,000 for the stand-up of an
Incident Driven Video Retention System, including body-worn
cameras. The agreement includes a reduction of $6,000,000
below the request for overtime above the pay cap for calendar
year 2023 based on year-end data from the Secret Service.
Additionally, the agreement includes net-zero technical
readjustments within the Operations and Support (O&S)
appropriation and a realignment of $6,500,000 from O&S to
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements, based on
technical assistance from the Secret Service.
Within the total amount provided, the bill makes
$138,383,000 available until September 30, 2025, including
$1,675,000 for international operations; $12,880,000 for the
James J. Rowley Training Center; $6,962,000 for Operational
Mission Support; $23,784,000 for facilities infrastructure
projects; $18,000,000 for protective travel; and $75,082,000
for NSSEs and the 2024 Presidential campaign.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The agreement provides $8,000,000 above the request for
continued development of the Next Generation Presidential
Limousine. Additionally, the agreement includes a realignment
of $6,500,000 from O&S for minor construction at the Rowley
Training Center.
White House Training Facility.--In lieu of the requirement
under this heading in the Senate report, USSS shall brief the
Committees semi-annually on the status of the White House
Defense Training Facility design to include cost comparisons
and operational requirements of private sector reproductions
as market research for projected costs and schedule by phase.
The briefing shall also include details on Rowley Training
Center program management staffing needs, including contract
staff, for this project.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The agreement provides $4,217,000, as requested.
TITLE II--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Section 201. The agreement continues a provision regarding
overtime compensation.
Section 202. The agreement continues a provision allowing
CBP to sustain or increase operations in Puerto Rico and the
U.S. Virgin Islands with appropriated funds.
Section 203. The agreement continues a provision regarding
the availability of passenger fees collected from certain
countries.
Section 204. The agreement continues a provision allowing
CBP access to certain reimbursements for preclearance
activities.
Section 205. The agreement continues a provision regarding
the importation of prescription drugs from Canada.
Section 206. The agreement continues a provision regarding
the waiver of certain navigation and vessel-inspection laws.
Section 207. The agreement continues a provision preventing
the establishment of new border crossing fees at LPOEs.
Section 208. The agreement continues a provision requiring
the Commissioner of CBP to submit an expenditure plan for
funds made available under the heading, ``U.S. Customs and
Border Protection--Procurement, Construction, and
Improvements''.
Section 209. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting the construction of border security barriers in
specified areas.
Section 210. The agreement continues a provision on vetting
operations at existing locations.
Section 211. The agreement continues and modifies a
provision that describes the use of funds provided under the
heading ``U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Procurement,
Construction, and Improvements''.
Section 212. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds provided under the heading,
``U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Operations and
Support'' to continue a delegation of authority under the
287(g) program if the terms of an agreement governing such
delegation have been materially violated.
Section 213. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds provided under the heading
``U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Operations and
Support'' to contract for detention services if the facility
receives less than ``adequate'' ratings in two consecutive
performance evaluations and requires that such evaluations be
conducted by the ICE OPR.
Section 214. The agreement continues a provision allowing
the Secretary to reprogram funds within and transfer funds to
``U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement--Operations and
Support'' to ensure the detention of noncitizens prioritized
for removal.
[[Page H1814]]
Section 215. The agreement continues a provision that
requires ICE to provide statistics about its detention
population.
Section 216. The agreement continues a provision related to
reporting on 287
(g) agreements.
Section 217. The agreement includes a new provision
requiring ICE to submit an initial obligation plan within 45
days of the date of enactment of this Act.
Section 218. The agreement continues and modifies a
provision clarifying that certain elected and appointed
officials are not exempt from Federal passenger and baggage
screening.
Section 219. The agreement continues a provision
authorizing TSA to use funds from the Aviation Security
Capital Fund for the procurement and installation of
explosive detection systems or for other purposes authorized
by law.
Section 220. The agreement continues a provision requiring
TSA to provide a report that includes the Capital Investment
Plan, the five-year technology investment plan, and
information on Advanced Integrated Passenger Screening
Technologies.
Section 221. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting funds made available by this Act under the
heading ``Coast Guard--Operations and Support'' for
recreational vessel expenses, except to the extent fees are
collected from owners of yachts and credited to this
appropriation.
Section 222. The agreement continues a provision requiring
the Commandant of the Coast Guard to submit a future-years
capital investment plan.
Section 223. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting funds to reduce the staff or mission at the Coast
Guard's legacy Operations System Center.
Section 224. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting funds to conduct a competition for activities
related to the Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation
Center.
Section 225. The agreement continues a provision allowing
the use of funds to alter, but not reduce, operations within
the Civil Engineering program of the Coast Guard.
Section 226. The agreement continues a provision allowing
for use of the Coast Guard Housing Fund.
Section 227. The agreement continues a provision related to
towing vessel fees.
Section 228. The agreement continues a provision allowing
the Secret Service to obligate funds in anticipation of
reimbursement for personnel receiving training.
Section 229. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting funds made available to the Secret Service from
being used for the protection of the head of a Federal agency
other than the Secretary of Homeland Security, except when
the Director has entered into a reimbursable agreement for
such protection services.
Section 230. The agreement continues a provision allowing
the reprogramming of funds within ``United States Secret
Service--Operations and Support''.
Section 231. The agreement continues a provision allowing
funds provided under the heading ``United States Secret
Service--Operations and Support'' to be available for travel
of employees on protective missions without regard to the
limitations on such expenditures.
TITLE III--PROTECTION, PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The agreement includes a net decrease of $83,545,000 below
the budget request, as described in further detail below. The
agreement includes $73,904,000 to implement requirements of
the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act
of 2022 (CIRCIA) (Division Y of Public Law 117-103), a
$23,805,000 decrease from the request; $51,877,000 for the
reinstatement of the fiscal year 2023 one-time reduction for
projected payroll under-execution, a $1,800,000 decrease from
the request within the Infrastructure Security Division due
to technical assistance provided by the Department; and
$13,949,000 for the 2024 pay raise, an $11,854,000 decrease
from the request. The agreement also provides net-zero
technical adjustments requested by the Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in technical drafting
assistance related to CIRCIA, Security Advisors, External
Affairs, Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, Industrial
Control Systems, Infrastructure Security, Office of the
Technical Director, and Cyber Defense Education and Training.
Of the total amount provided for this account, $24,424,000
is available until September 30, 2025, for the National
Infrastructure Simulation Analysis Center (NISAC).
The agreement accepted the Enterprise-Wide Shared Services
(EWSS) consolidation into Mission Support, and therefore any
future transfers shall be in compliance with the limitations
and requirements of section 503 of this Act.
CIRCIA Requirements.--As part of the required quarterly
budget and staffing briefings, CISA shall brief the
Committees on a spend plan for all CIRCIA-dedicated funding
and the statutory requirements supported.
Force Multiplying Analytic Capability.--The CISA Offices of
the Chief Information Officer and Chief Financial Officer
shall brief the Committees within 90 days of the date of
enactment of this Act on the transition of CISA IT systems
into an enterprise-wide solution, including contract
information, cost savings analysis of combining the
capabilities, an accounting of all CISA systems being
integrated into the new enterprise-wide solution including
the Modeling Capability Transition Environment and CISA
Gateway, data integration timelines, impacts and changes to
budget requirements due to the transition of CISA IT systems,
and progress made toward ensuring access to such solution for
personnel in all divisions and in the field.
Social Media Policy.--Within 90 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, CISA shall transmit to the Committees
an official policy concerning content-related engagement with
social media companies and content platforms, including rules
of engagement and subject matter parameters of such
engagements. CISA shall include plans to educate personnel on
such policy. After consultation with the Committees, CISA
shall make the policy available on a publicly accessible
website. CISA shall notify Congress before any substantive
changes are made to the policy and publish the new text on
the publicly accessible website within 14 days of any changes
being made.
Cybersecurity
The agreement includes a net decrease of $52,183,000 below
the budget request, including reductions of $5,900,000 for
the protective email system; $10,000,000 for the Critical
Infrastructure Cybersecurity Shared Services Pilot Program;
and $16,600,000 in cost savings due to the decommissioning of
the Intrusion Prevention (``E3A'') capability. The agreement
includes net increases above the request of $4,971,000 to
Attack Surface Management, $300,000 for Joint Cyber Defense
Collaborative Assistance to the Health Information Sharing
and Analysis Center (H-ISAC); and others described in more
detail below.
Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Shared Services Pilot
Program.--The recommendation includes $5,000,000, a
$10,000,000 decrease from the request, for the continuation
of the Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Shared Services
pilot program to make available scalable commercial
cybersecurity shared services that critical infrastructure
entities can utilize to detect and prevent threats and
vulnerabilities. Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, CISA shall brief the Committees on the
implementation of the pilot program, to include services
offered through the pilot to address specific cybersecurity
risks and how the pilot aligns with the current approved
National Cyber Strategy.
Cyber Workforce and Training.--The agreement includes
$2,000,000 above the request to support training and
workforce development within the Cyber Defense Education and
Training (CDET) program. Within 90 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, CISA shall provide a briefing to the
Committees on a funding strategy for CDET.
Additionally, CISA shall develop a new process to evaluate
the effectiveness of the CDET programs, to include
maintaining data on employment changes of participants who
complete the Cyber Skilling Academy. CISA shall update the
Committees on this new process as part of the funding
strategy for CDET briefing. The process should include a
delineation by fiscal year of the funding dedicated to the
Cyber Skilling Academy, the number of cohorts trained, the
number of cohort participants that started training, the
number of cohort participants that finished training, the
number of cohort participants that received commercial
certifications, the number of cohort participants eventually
placed in a cyber-defense position within DHS or elsewhere
within the Federal Government, and the average time a cohort
participant placed in a Federal cyber-defense position
remained in such a position.
CISA is directed to work with the Office of the National
Cyber Director to brief the Committees within 270 days of the
date of enactment of this Act, on the National Cybersecurity
Workforce Strategy implementation and the steps taken to
address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the
Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) and the progress
made.
Federal Network Security Reporting.--In lieu of the report
required under this heading in the Senate report, CISA shall
provide the requested information in a briefing to the
Committees within 180 days of the date of enactment of this
Act.
Post-Quantum Cryptography.--To continue efforts to close
cybersecurity gaps, CISA shall provide a report to the
Committees not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, on the policies, programs, and
investments necessary to examine cryptographic
vulnerabilities as part of its endpoint detection and
response efforts to include the following:
(1) identifying and understanding the cryptographic
libraries that are installed on existing and future
endpoints, including keys, keystores, certificates,
libraries, and algorithms;
(2) enumerating cryptographic vulnerabilities via a
dashboard or other continuous reporting mechanism; and
(3) promoting greater transparency and security across the
software supply-chain by incorporating comprehensive software
and cryptographic bill of material inventories.
The report shall include a baseline estimate of existing
resources dedicated to this effort and recommendations on
solutions to help address any gaps in existing capabilities
to ensure better visibility of cryptographic vulnerabilities.
Infrastructure Security
The agreement includes a net decrease of $10,462,000 below
the budget request. The
[[Page H1815]]
agreement includes $7,826,000 to restore most proposed cuts
to Bombing Prevention including $5,700,000 above the request
for the office, $126,000 above the request for the Bomb-
Making Materials Awareness Program (BMAP), and $2,000,000
above the request for Bomb Disposal Technician Training and
Technology Training Events (TTEs). The agreement includes
$15,077,000 below the request for Chemical Facility Anti-
Terrorism Standards (CFATS) due to cost savings within the
program.
Emergency Communications
The agreement includes a net increase of $3,542,000 above
the budget request, including $4,000,000 to partially restore
the proposed cut to the First Responder Emergency Medical
Communications Project (REMCDP).
Integrated Operations
The agreement includes a net decrease of $16,149,000 below
the budget request.
Risk Management Operations
The agreement includes a net decrease of $7,913,000 below
the budget request, including a $6,078,000 reduction to the
Infrastructure Analysis base.
Stakeholder Engagement and Requirements
The agreement includes a net increase of $14,204,000 above
the budget request mostly due to technical realignments.
Mission Support
The agreement includes a net decrease of $14,584,000 below
the budget request, including reductions of $1,075,000 for
Program Evaluation and Evidence--CFO and $2,165,000 for
Security and Threat Management--CSO. The agreement includes
$18,824,000 for Zero Trust Architecture--CIO, a $2,092,000
decrease from the request, and $7,800,000 for St.
Elizabeth's--OCOSO, a $6,198,000 decrease from the request.
Cyber Pay, Hiring, and Retention.--CISA shall complete an
analysis of hiring and retention challenges for CISA
Cybersecurity roles, including the impact of cyber pay and
within 120 days of the date of enactment of this Act, brief
the Committees on the results of such analysis including data
from exit interviews and on a strategy to address identified
challenges. The briefing shall include the number of
employees receiving cyber pay broken out by functional
category as outlined in the National Institute of Standards
and Technology framework, job series, and CISA Division and
organizational unit within Mission Support.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The agreement includes a net decrease of $96,595,000 below
the budget request, including reductions of $60,300,000 to
Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation; $21,494,000 to Cyber
Analytics Data System; $8,000,000 to Threat Hunting; and
$6,801,000 to CISA Gateway due to consolidation of certain
CISA IT systems.
Cybersecurity
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).--Not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act, CISA shall
provide a briefing to the Committees on its plans for the
full deployment and coverage of threat detection solutions
across the FCEB, including EDR solutions, and how CISA plans
to provide protection of endpoints such as cloud and mobile
devices. The briefing shall include an accounting of the
capabilities of each FCEB agency's EDR solutions and shall
provide details regarding CISA's contracting strategies for
providing EDR solutions to FCEB agencies.
Threat Hunting.--The recommendation includes $20,000,000
for Cyber Defense Operations, including CyberSentry, a
$5,000,000 decrease from the request. CISA is directed to
brief the Committees within 90 days of the date of enactment
of this Act on the additional CyberSentry capacity it will
achieve in fiscal year 2024.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The agreement includes a net decrease of $3,138,000 below
the budget request, including reductions of $2,140,000 for
the Technology, Development and Deployment Program; $575,000
for the Strategic Defense Initiative; and $423,000 for
Infrastructure Development and Recovery.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The agreement provides $35,431,000 below the request,
including the following reductions below the request:
$16,356,000 for Grants Management Modernization; $13,257,000
for the 2024 pay raise; $11,263,000 for cloud initiatives;
and additional reductions totaling $11,361,000. The agreement
includes the following increases above the request:
$3,750,000 for post-disaster technical assistance for insular
areas; $3,200,000 for administration of community project
funding/congressionally directed spending; $3,000,000 for the
National Urban Search and Rescue Response System; $1,013,000
for the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System;
$1,500,000 for the FEMA operations center; and additional
increases totaling $4,343,000. Additionally, the agreement
includes realignments based on technical assistance from
FEMA.
Emergency Management Assistance Compact.--FEMA is directed
to allocate not less than $2,250,000 in the Response and
Recovery PPA for the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The agreement provides $19,609,000 below the request.
Reductions to the request include $1,250,000 for IT
infrastructure modernization at the National Emergency
Training Center; $14,859,000 for Enterprise Data and
Analytics Modernization Initiative; and $3,500,000 for IT
acquisition programs.
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
(Including Transfer of Funds)
The agreement includes a reduction of $67,338,000 below the
request, not including funding transferred from the Office of
the Secretary and Executive Management for targeted violence
and terrorism prevention grants and the Alternatives to
Detention case management pilot program, or funds transferred
from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the Shelter and
Services Program. A comparison of the budget request to the
amounts provided by budget activity is included in the table
at the end of this explanatory statement.
Community Project Funding and Congressionally Directed
Spending.--The agreement provides $293,757,369 for Community
Project Funding (CPF) and Congressionally Directed Spending
(CDS) Grants, as specified in the table ``Community Project
Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending'' at the end of
this explanatory statement.
Continuing Training Grants.--The agreement includes
$14,400,000 for Continuing Training Grants, including not
less than $2,700,000 to be competitively awarded for FEMA-
certified rural and tribal training; $1,800,000 for FEMA to
partner with the Federal Aviation Administration Unmanned
Aircraft Center of Excellence to conduct a regional training
program for SLTT responders in using UAS for disaster
preparedness and response; and $7,200,000 for activities of
the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium.
Grants Reporting.--FEMA is directed to continue the
quarterly report on grant awards under the Emergency Food and
Shelter, Emergency Food and Shelter--Humanitarian, and
Shelter and Services Program (SSP) from fiscal year 2019
through fiscal year 2024 year-to-date as directed last year.
Each report shall include the information and data described
in both the second paragraph under ``Emergency Food and
Shelter Program'' in the House report, and the second
paragraph under ``Shelter and Services Program'' under the
heading ``Federal Emergency Management Agency'' in the Senate
report. In addition, each report shall include data, for each
SSP recipient, on the amount and percentage of funds budgeted
and reimbursed for onward destination transportation, service
provider to service provider transportation, and hotel/motel
services. The quarterly report shall include any previously
requested SSP performance measures, in addition to the data
points above.
Nonprofit Security Grant Program.--FEMA shall submit a
report to the Committees on the Nonprofit Security Grant
Program for fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023, consistent
with the direction under this heading in the House and Senate
reports. Within 180 days of the date of enactment of this Act
and pursuant to guidance in the House report, FEMA is
directed to brief the Committees on its efforts to increase
awareness of these grants and technical assistance provided
to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including
efforts made to date and future plans.
DISASTER RELIEF FUND
The agreement provides $20,261,000,000 for the Disaster
Relief Fund (DRF). The total amount is appropriated under the
budget cap adjustment for major disaster response and
recovery activities. No funds are provided for base DRF
activities due to a significant carryover balance in the base
account.
Maui Wildfires.--FEMA is directed to brief the Committees
within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act on the
need for temporary housing on Maui following the August 2023
wildfires. The briefing shall include FEMA's plans for
meeting eligible survivors' direct housing needs, the
relative impact of different direct housing options on the
local economy and rental housing market, how different direct
housing options will meet the needs of eligible survivors
over the expected duration of rebuilding in the Lahaina area,
and the cost of different direct housing options over the
expected timeframe of recovery.
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE FUND
The agreement includes $239,983,000 for the National Flood
Insurance Fund, consistent with the budget request.
TITLE III--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
(Including Transfers of Funds)
Section 301. The agreement continues a provision making
``Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency--
Operations and Support'' funding available for procuring and
providing cybersecurity threat feeds to CISA stakeholders and
partners.
Section 302. The agreement continues a provision limiting
expenses for administration of grants.
Section 303. The agreement continues a provision specifying
timeframes for information on certain grant awards.
Section 304. The agreement continues a provision requiring
a five-day advance notification for certain grant awards
under ``Federal Emergency Management Agency--Federal
Assistance''.
Section 305. The agreement continues a provision that
addresses the availability of certain grant funds for the
installation of communications towers.
[[Page H1816]]
Section 306. The agreement continues a provision requiring
a report on the expenditures of the DRF.
Section 307. The agreement continues a provision permitting
waivers to certain SAFER grant program requirements.
Section 308. The agreement continues a provision providing
for the receipt and expenditure of fees collected for the
Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program, as authorized by
Public Law 105-276.
Section 309. The agreement continues a provision permitting
waivers to certain Assistance to Firefighter Grants program
requirements.
Section 310. The agreement includes a new provision
regarding the transfer of unobligated balances under the
National Predisaster Mitigation Fund.
Section 311. The agreement includes a new provision
regarding the transfer of unobligated balances under the
Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk Analysis Program.
TITLE IV--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, AND SERVICES
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The agreement provides $271,140,000 for operations and
support, a net decrease of $584,054,000 from the request
including a reduction of $2,383,000 for the 2024 pay raise.
The agreement includes $111,085,000 for the E-Verify program
and $160,055,000 for Application Processing including
$91,308,000 for refugee processing, a $46,060,000 decrease
from the request. The agreement includes increases above the
request of $34,374,000 for employment authorization document
backlog and $34,373,000 for affirmative asylum backlog within
Application Processing, but does not provide funding for the
implementation of the Asylum Processing Rule.
Affirmative Asylum.--Within 60 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, and quarterly thereafter, USCIS is
directed to brief the Committees on the plan for the
affirmative asylum funding and to include demonstrable
evidence that it is being used to reduce the processing
times.
Application Processing.--For any proposed regulatory action
that would impact fee levels, U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS) shall include in the Federal
Register a detailed plan to reduce the aggregate median
processing time by at least 25 percent for all applications
within one year of the date of the Federal Register notice
and each year thereafter until median processing times are
fewer than six months. USCIS is directed to make available,
on a publicly accessible website, an interactive dashboard
detailing the number of forms received, processed, approved,
denied, and pending by month, along with the average
processing time and the number of forms pending for more than
six months for all USCIS forms. The dashboard shall be
updated monthly by not later than the tenth business day
following the end of each month and permit the downloading of
the underlying data in a searchable and sortable spreadsheet
format. Within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act,
the Committees direct USCIS to report on progress toward
reducing immigration application processing times.
Asylum Operations.--USCIS is directed to continue to make
available, on a publicly accessible website in a
downloadable, searchable, and sortable format, the
information required under this heading in the joint
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-328. USCIS
shall also publicly report the number of individuals referred
to immigration proceedings as part of the Asylum Processing
Rule. Within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act,
and as part of the quarterly budget and productivity
briefings thereafter, USCIS is directed to brief the
Committees on the implementation of the Asylum Processing
Rule. The brief shall include data on the number of Asylum
Officers, the number of Asylum Merits Interviews conducted,
outcomes of such interviews, including, but not limited to,
the number approved, referred to the Executive Office for
Immigration Review, administratively closed, and pending, and
the field office location of such interviews.
Backlog Reduction and Reporting.--In lieu of the direction
provided under this heading in the House report and ``USCIS
Backlog and Frontlog Reporting'' in the Senate report, USCIS
shall provide the Committees a plan not later than 60 days
after the date of enactment of this Act to establish a
quarterly, public report on all backlogs, frontlogs and
pending forms, for all form types. Such reporting shall
include, at a minimum, the number of applicants or
petitioners in each USCIS backlog, frontlog, or pending
status, including beneficiaries, where applicable and be
identified by form type. The reporting shall present the data
to the public in such a way as to indicate length of time in
such status, as defined by USCIS. Additionally, not later
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, USCIS
shall develop and brief the Committees on a comprehensive
Backlog Elimination Plan, along with any associated staffing
models to support such plan. USCIS shall also provide the
Committees with monthly backlog statistics. In addition to
the spend plan concerning the affirmative asylum backlog
funds, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, USCIS shall submit a report to the Committees
detailing the total number of affirmative asylum applications
filed in the prior fiscal year; the total number of
affirmative asylum applications filed to date, and the total
number of affirmative asylum cases adjudicated to final
disposition.
Civil Surgeon Access and Cost.--In lieu of direction under
this heading in the Senate report, within 60 days of the date
of enactment of this Act, USCIS shall provide a report to the
Committees examining whether any fees to access or to become
a Civil Surgeon can be adjusted to ensure that vulnerable
populations can access a Civil Surgeon and to increase the
number of available Civil Surgeons. The report shall also
include an analysis of whether minimum professional
experience requirements under 8 CFR 232.2 are a hindrance to
additional Civil Surgeons.
Cost of Employment-Based Visas.--In lieu of direction under
this heading in the Senate report, within 90 days of the date
of enactment of this Act, USCIS shall brief the Committees on
a comprehensive plan to improve accessibility and
affordability for certain applications and petitions,
including mitigation efforts that may be taken. Within this
plan, USCIS is expected to take into consideration any cost-
prohibitive barriers current applicants are facing and
provide recommendations for both the family and employment-
based system.
Electronic Processing.--The Committees continue the
requirement for USCIS to provide a quarterly brief on its
electronic processing efforts. Within this brief, USCIS shall
also include the current technological challenges facing the
agency's completion and implementation of such a system, any
challenges to ensure all digitized forms are able to be
worked electronically, and the steps and timeline the agency
will be using to complete an electronic filing and processing
system for all immigration benefits.
Fee Waivers and Application Deadlines.--In lieu of
direction provided in the House and Senate reports on fee
waivers and replacement certificates, USCIS is directed to
brief the Committees on the impact of changes to fee waivers
and replacement certificates and provide a budgetary
assessment of the requirements proposed in the respective
reports.
Prevention of Abuses in the H-2A Program.--In lieu of the
Senate report directive to establish a process for
beneficiaries of H-2A petitions to receive information on
their immigration status, USCIS shall conduct an assessment
on the feasibility and impact of the proposed Senate
directive, costs associated, and any required dedicated
staff, and provide a briefing to the Committees on such
assessment not later than 60 days after the date of enactment
of this Act.
Refugee Admissions and Processing.--In lieu of direction
under this heading in the Senate report, USCIS shall evaluate
opportunities to streamline operations and to prevent further
delays, including policies regarding the reuse of biometrics,
waiving interviews, and aging into biometric collection
requirements. Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, USCIS shall provide a briefing to the
Committees on the results of this evaluation, including the
options considered and the estimated impacts.
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
The agreement provides $10,000,000 to support the
Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. USCIS continues to
have the authority to accept private donations to support
this program. The Committees direct USCIS to provide an
update on its planned use of this authority not later than 30
days after the date of enactment of this Act, to include any
efforts undertaken to solicit private donations.
Grant Reporting.--.USCIS is directed, on an annual basis,
to make available on a publicly accessible website in a
downloadable, searchable, and sortable format, an accounting
of all grant funding provided by or in coordination with
USCIS for at least the previous three fiscal years. At a
minimum, the report shall include by fiscal year: the name of
the grant, recipient of the grant, grant amount, fiscal year
period of availability, purpose of awarded grant, the number
of people impacted by the grant, and metrics used to measure
success or impact of such grant. USCIS shall publish the
first version of such document not later than 120 days after
the date of enactment of this Act.
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The agreement provides $1,998,000 below the request for the
2024 pay raise.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The agreement provides the request, including an increase
of $6,000,000 for roof repairs and decreases of $2,000,000
for combined heat and power and $4,000,000 for electric
boilers at the Glynco facilities.
Science and Technology Directorate
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The agreement provides $2,234,000 below the request for
operations and support for the 2024 pay raise. Of the total
amount provided for this account, $206,093,000 is available
until September 30, 2025, for Laboratory Facilities and
Acquisition and Operations Analysis.
Future Migration Across the Southwest Border.--The Science
and Technology Directorate (S&T) shall combine the report
requirements under the heading ``Future Migration Across the
Southwest Border'' in the House report and ``Projecting and
Planning For Future Flow to the U.S. Southwest Border'' in
the Senate report and provide the report not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act.
[[Page H1817]]
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The agreement provides a decrease below the request of
$17,579,000, including a decrease of $32,579,000 for Plum
Island Closure and Support and $5,000,000 for Critical
Repair/Replacement Requirement. The agreement provides an
increase of $20,000,000 for the Detection Sciences Testing
and Applied Research Center.
Plum Island Closure and Support (PICS) Program.--The
agreement provides $1,000,000 to continue the transition,
closure, and conveyance of all Plum Island real property and
all related personal property to facilitate the transfer of
the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) mission to the
National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). S&T is
directed to continue providing semi-annual briefings on the
progress of these activities, as specified in the joint
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 116-260.
Further, S&T is reminded of the requirement in the report
accompanying Public Law 117-328 to brief the Committees, in
consultation with the Department of Agriculture, on the full
transition scheduled and projected milestones, including any
risk factors that may impact timelines and corresponding
budget estimates, as well as any issues with the continuation
at NBAF of any DHS essential mission activities that were
performed by the Department at PIADC, along with steps that
the agencies are taking to avoid interruption.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The agreement provides $125,722,000 below the request.
Research, Development, and Innovation
The agreement provides $125,722,000 below the request.
Within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act, S&T
shall provide a spend plan for Research and Development.
Binational Industrial Research and Development Homeland
Security Program.--S&T is encouraged to continue supporting
the BIRD HLS program, which allows S&T to work with Israeli
partners to develop innovative technology solutions for
homeland security needs.
Detection Canine.--With the funds provided, S&T is
encouraged to continue supporting the Detection Canine
Program and the sustained, large-scale, comprehensive
government and academic effort to advance innovation,
technology, and education in detection canine sciences, as
described under this heading in the Senate report.
Maritime Safety and Security.--With the funds provided, S&T
is encouraged to continue supporting the maritime port
resiliency and security research testbed to support the
design and development of tactics, techniques, and procedures
for effective threat response to critical maritime
infrastructure, as described under this heading in the Senate
report.
U.S-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Program.--
S&T is encouraged to continue supporting the U.S.-Israel
Cybersecurity Cooperation enhancement program, as authorized
by section 1551 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022, to support cybersecurity research and
development and demonstration and commercialization of
cybersecurity technology.
University Programs
The agreement provides the requested level for University
Programs.
Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The agreement provides $163,280,000 for Operations and
Support, a decrease of $1,035,000 below the request for the
2024 pay raise.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The agreement provides the requested level of $42,338,000
for Procurement, Construction, and Improvements.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The agreement provides the requested level of $60,938,000
for Research and Development.
Within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act and
quarterly thereafter, CWMD shall brief the Committees on
innovative, threat-based approaches to address the capability
gaps of the current BioWatch and biosurveillance
infrastructure detailed in the budget request. Such
approaches shall include evaluations of networked biological
detection and presumptive identification equipment and
assessments of procurement options of currently-available
technologies that increase the detection of bio-agents and
reduce the time-to-respond inadequacy.
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
The agreement provides $142,885,000 for Federal Assistance,
$17,585,000 below the request for proposed enhancements to
the antiquated BioWatch infrastructure and program.
TITLE IV--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Section 401. The agreement continues a provision allowing
USCIS to acquire, operate, equip, and dispose of up to five
vehicles under certain scenarios.
Section 402. The agreement continues a provision limiting
the use of A-76 competitions by USCIS.
Section 403. The agreement continues a provision related to
the collection and use of biometrics.
Section 404. The agreement continues a provision
authorizing the Director of FLETC to distribute funds for
expenses incurred in training accreditation.
Section 405. The agreement continues a provision directing
the FLETC Accreditation Board to lead the Federal law
enforcement training accreditation process to measure and
assess Federal law enforcement training programs, facilities,
and instructors.
Section 406. The agreement continues a provision allowing
the acceptance of transfers from government agencies into
``Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers--Procurement,
Construction, and Improvements''.
Section 407. The agreement continues a provision
classifying FLETC instructor staff as inherently governmental
for certain considerations.
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS AND RESCISSIONS OF FUNDS)
Section 501. The agreement continues a provision directing
that no part of any appropriation shall remain available for
obligation beyond the current year unless expressly provided.
Section 502. The agreement continues a provision providing
authority to merge unexpended balances of prior
appropriations with new appropriation accounts, to be used
for the same purpose, subject to reprogramming guidelines.
Section 503. The agreement continues and modifies a
provision related to reprogramming limitations and transfer
authority.
The Department must notify the Committees on Appropriations
at least 30 days in advance of each reprogramming of funds
that would: (1) reduce programs, projects, and activities, or
personnel, by ten percent or more; or (2) increase a program,
project, or activity by more than $5,000,000 or ten percent,
whichever is less.
The term ``program, project, and activity'' (PPA) is
defined as each functional category listed under an account
heading in the funding table at the back of this explanatory
statement, along with each funding amount designated for a
particular purpose within the statement narrative, exclusive
of simple references to increases or reductions below the
budget request. Funding for each PPA should not be used for
the purposes of any other PPA. Within 30 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, the Department shall submit to the
Committees a table delineating PPAs subject to section 503
notification requirements.
For purposes of reprogramming notifications, the creation
of a new program, project, or activity is defined as any
significant new activity that has not been explicitly
justified to the Congress in budget justification material
and for which funds have not been appropriated by the
Congress.
Limited transfer authority is provided to give the
Department flexibility in responding to emerging requirements
and significant changes in circumstances, but is not intended
to facilitate the implementation of new programs, projects,
or activities that were not proposed in a formal budget
submission. Transfers may not reduce accounts by more than
five percent or augment appropriations by more than ten
percent. The Department must notify the Committees on
Appropriations not fewer than 30 days in advance of any
transfer.
To avoid violations of the Anti-Deficiency Act, the
Secretary shall ensure that any transfer of funds is carried
out in compliance with the limitations and requirements of
section 503(c). In particular, the Secretary should ensure
that any such transfers adhere to the opinion of the
Comptroller General's decision in the Matter of: John D.
Webster, Director, Financial Services, Library of Congress,
dated November 7, 1997, with regard to the definition of an
appropriation subject to transfer limitations.
Notifications should provide complete explanations of
proposed funding reallocations, including detailed
justifications for increases and offsets; any specific impact
the proposed changes are expected to have on future-year
appropriations requirements; a table showing the proposed
revisions to funding and full-time equivalents (FTE)--at the
account and PPA levels--for the current fiscal year; and any
expected funding and FTE impacts during the budget year.
The Department shall manage its PPAs within the levels
appropriated and should only submit reprogramming or transfer
notifications in cases of unforeseeable and compelling
circumstances that could not have been predicted when
formulating the budget request for the current fiscal year.
When the Department becomes aware of an emerging requirement
after the President's budget has been submitted to Congress
but prior to the enactment of a full-year funding Act for the
budget year, it is incumbent on the Office of the Chief
Financial Officer to timely notify the Committees. When the
Department submits a reprogramming or transfer notification
and does not receive identical responses from the House and
Senate Committees, it is expected to work with the Committees
to reconcile the differences before proceeding.
Section 504. The agreement continues a provision, by
reference, prohibiting funds appropriated or otherwise made
available to the Department to make payment to the Working
Capital Fund (WCF), except for activities and amounts allowed
in the President's fiscal year 2024 budget request.
Section 505. The agreement continues a provision providing
that not to exceed 50 percent of unobligated balances from
prior-year appropriations for each Operations and Support
appropriation shall remain available
[[Page H1818]]
through fiscal year 2025, subject to section 503
reprogramming requirements.
Section 506. The agreement continues a provision that deems
intelligence activities to be specifically authorized during
fiscal year 2024 until the enactment of an Act authorizing
intelligence activities for fiscal year 2024. When such an
authorization is enacted after the enactment of this Act,
amounts appropriated for ``Intelligence, Analysis, and
Situational Awareness--Operations and Support'' in excess of
the authorized amounts shall be transferred to ``Management
Directorate--Operations and Support''.
Section 507. The agreement continues and modifies a
provision requiring notification to the Committees at least
three days before DHS executes or announces grant allocations
or grant awards totaling $1,000,000 or more; an award or
contract, other transaction agreement, or task order on a
multiple award agreement, or to issue a letter of intent of
greater than $4,000,000; task or delivery orders greater than
$10,000,000 from DHS multi-year funds; or sole-source grant
awards. Notifications shall include a description of the
projects or activities to be funded and the location,
including city, county, and state.
Section 508. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting all agencies from purchasing, constructing, or
leasing additional facilities for Federal law enforcement
training without advance notification to the Committees.
Section 509. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds for any construction, repair,
alteration, or acquisition project for which a prospectus, if
required under chapter 33 of title 40, United States Code,
has not been approved.
Section 510. The agreement continues a provision that
includes and consolidates by reference prior-year statutory
provisions related to sensitive security information and the
use of funds in conformance with section 303 of the Energy
Policy Act of 1992.
Section 511. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds in contravention of the Buy
American Act.
Section 512. The agreement continues a provision regarding
the oath of allegiance required by section 337 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act.
Section 513. The agreement continues a provision that
precludes DHS from using funds in this Act to use
reorganization authority. This prohibition is not intended to
prevent the Department from carrying out routine or small
reallocations of personnel or functions within components,
subject to section 503 of this Act. This section prevents
large-scale reorganization of the Department, which should be
acted on legislatively by the relevant congressional
committees of jurisdiction. Any DHS proposal to reorganize
components that is included as part of a budget request will
be considered by the Committees.
Section 514. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting funds for planning, testing, piloting, or
developing a national identification card.
Section 515. The agreement continues a provision directing
that any official required by this Act to report or certify
to the Committees on Appropriations may not delegate such
authority unless expressly authorized to do so in this Act.
Section 516. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting funds in this Act to be used for first-class
travel.
Section 517. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds to employ illegal workers as
described in section 274A(h)(3) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act.
Section 518. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting funds appropriated or otherwise made available by
this Act to pay for award or incentive fees for contractors
with below satisfactory performance or performance that fails
to meet the basic requirements of the contract.
Section 519. The agreement continues a provision requiring
DHS computer systems to block electronic access to
pornography, except for law enforcement purposes.
Section 520. The agreement continues a provision regarding
the transfer of firearms by Federal law enforcement
personnel.
Section 521. The agreement continues a provision regarding
funding restrictions and reporting requirements related to
conferences occurring outside of the United States.
Section 522. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting funds to reimburse any Federal department or
agency for its participation in a National Special Security
Event.
Section 523. The agreement continues a provision requiring
a notification, including justification materials, prior to
implementing any structural pay reform or instituting a new
position classification that affects more than 100 full-time
positions or costs more than $5,000,000.
Section 524. The agreement continues a provision directing
the Department to post on a public website reports required
by the Committees on Appropriations unless public posting
compromises homeland or national security or contains
proprietary information.
Section 525. The agreement continues a provision
authorizing minor procurement, construction, and improvements
under ``Operations and Support'' appropriations, as
specified.
Section 526. The agreement continues by reference a
provision authorizing DHS to use discretionary appropriations
for the primary and secondary schooling of eligible
dependents of DHS personnel stationed in areas of U.S.
territories that meet certain criteria.
Section 527. The agreement continues a provision regarding
access to detention facilities by members of Congress or
their designated staff.
Section 528. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds to use restraints on pregnant
detainees in DHS custody, except in certain circumstances.
Section 529. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds for the destruction of records
related to detainees in custody.
Section 530. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting funds for a Principal Federal Official during a
declared disaster or emergency under the Stafford Act, with
certain exceptions.
Section 531. The agreement continues a provision requiring
the Under Secretary for Management to submit a component-
level report on unfunded priorities classified as budget
function 050.
Section 532. The agreement continues a provision requiring
notifications when the President designates a former or
retired Federal official or employee for protection and
reporting regarding the costs of such protection.
Section 533. The agreement continues a provision requiring
notifications and reporting on DHS submissions of proposals
to the Technology Modernization Fund.
Section 534. The agreement continues a provision requiring
the identification of discretionary offsets when fee increase
proposals to support current activities assume the enactment
of such proposals prior to the beginning of the budget year.
Section 535. The agreement continues a provision related to
the Arms Trade Treaty.
Section 536. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds related to certain entities
identified under section 1260H of the William M. (Mac)
Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2021.
Section 537. The agreement continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds for the transfer or release of
individuals detained at United States Naval Station,
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba into or within the United States.
Section 538. The agreement continues and modifies a
provision directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to
develop, use, and share estimates of arrivals of individuals
at the southwest border.
Section 539. The agreement includes a new provision that
clarifies that balances from the DHS Nonrecurring Expenses
Fund may not be apportioned or allotted before a full-year
appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security has
been enacted.
Section 540. The agreement includes a new provision that
requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct
alternatives and cost-benefit analysis prior to requesting
assistance from the Department of Defense.
Section 541. The agreement includes a new provision
allowing the use of funds provided by the bill for Emergency
Backup Care.
Section 542. The agreement includes a new provision
providing DHS the ability to transfer funds throughout the
Department into ICE to support Blue Campaign.
Section 543. The agreement continues and modifies a
provision rescinding unobligated balances from specified
sources.
Section 544. The agreement continues and modifies a
provision rescinding unobligated balances pursuant to section
505.
Section 545. The agreement includes a new provision
rescinding unobligated balances from the DHS Nonrecurring
Expenses Fund.
Section 546. The agreement includes a new provision
rescinding unobligated balances from various sources.
Section 547. The agreement includes a new provision
rescinding unobligated balances from the Department of
Education.
Section 548. The agreement includes a technical correction
to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.
Section 549. The agreement includes a technical correction
to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.
Section 550. The agreement includes a technical correction
to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.
Section 551. The agreement includes a technical correction
to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.
DISCLOSURE OF EARMARKS AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS
Following is a list of congressional earmarks and
congressionally directed spending items (as defined in clause
9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives
and rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate,
respectively) included in the bill or this explanatory
statement, along with the name of each House Member, Senator,
Delegate, or Resident Commissioner who submitted a request to
the Committee of jurisdiction for each item so identified.
For each item, a Member is required to provide a
certification that neither the Member nor the Member's
immediate family has a financial interest, and each Senator
is required to provide a certification that neither the
Senator nor the Senator's immediate family has a pecuniary
interest in such congressionally directed spending item.
Neither the bill nor the explanatory statement contains any
limited tax benefits or limited tariff benefits as defined in
the applicable House and Senate rules.
[[Page H1819]]
homeland security
[community project funding / congressionally directed spending]
[[Page H1820]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.001
[[Page H1821]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.002
[[Page H1822]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.003
[[Page H1823]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.004
[[Page H1824]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.005
[[Page H1825]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.006
[[Page H1826]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.007
[[Page H1827]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.008
[[Page H1828]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.009
[[Page H1829]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.010
[[Page H1830]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.011
[[Page H1831]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.012
[[Page H1832]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.013
[[Page H1833]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.014
[[Page H1834]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.015
[[Page H1835]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.016
[[Page H1836]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.017
[[Page H1837]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.018
[[Page H1838]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.019
[[Page H1839]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.020
[[Page H1840]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.021
[[Page H1841]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.022
[[Page H1842]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.023
[[Page H1843]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.024
[[Page H1844]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.025
[[Page H1845]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.026
[[Page H1846]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.027
[[Page H1847]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.028
[[Page H1848]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.029
[[Page H1849]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.030
[[Page H1850]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.031
[[Page H1851]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.032
[[Page H1852]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.033
[[Page H1853]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.034
[[Page H1854]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.035
[[Page H1855]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.036
[[Page H1856]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.037
[[Page H1857]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.038
[[Page H1858]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.039
[[Page H1859]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.040
[[Page H1860]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.041
[[Page H1861]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.042
[[Page H1862]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.043
[[Page H1863]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.044
[[Page H1864]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.045
[[Page H1865]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.046
[[Page H1866]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.047
[[Page H1867]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.048
[[Page H1868]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.049
[[Page H1869]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.050
[[Page H1870]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.051
[[Page H1871]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.052
[[Page H1872]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.053
[[Page H1873]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.054
[[Page H1874]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.055
[[Page H1875]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.056
[[Page H1876]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.057
[[Page H1877]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.058
[[Page H1878]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.059
[[Page H1879]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.060
[[Page H1880]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.061
[[Page H1881]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.062
[[Page H1882]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.063
[[Page H1883]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.064
[[Page H1884]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.065
[[Page H1885]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060C.066
[[Page H1886]]
DIVISION D--DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND
EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS, ACT, 2024
The explanatory statement accompanying this division is
approved and indicates Congressional intent. Unless otherwise
noted, the language set forth in Senate Report 118-84 carries
the same weight as language included in this explanatory
statement and should be complied with unless specifically
addressed to the contrary in this explanatory statement.
While some language is repeated for emphasis, it is not
intended to negate the language referred to above unless
expressly provided herein.
In providing the operating plan required by section 516 of
this Act, the departments and agencies funded in this Act are
directed to include all programs, projects, and activities,
including those in Senate Report 118-84 and this explanatory
statement accompanying this Act. All such programs, projects,
and activities are subject to the provisions of this Act.
In cases where Senate Report 118-84 or this explanatory
statement directs the submission of a report, that report is
to be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives and the Senate. Where this
explanatory statement refers to the Committees or the
Committees on Appropriations, unless otherwise noted, this
reference is to the House of Representatives Subcommittee on
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related
Agencies and the Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Health and
Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.
Each department and agency funded in this Act shall follow
the directives set forth in this Act and the accompanying
explanatory statement and shall not reallocate resources or
reorganize activities except as provided herein. Funds for
individual programs and activities are displayed in the
detailed table at the end of the explanatory statement
accompanying this Act. Funding levels that are not displayed
in the detailed table are identified within this explanatory
statement. Any action to eliminate or consolidate programs,
projects, and activities should be pursued through a proposal
in the President's Budget so it can be considered by the
Committees.
Budget Submission.--As part of the President's Budget
Request, each Department is directed to provide the
Committees in electronic format a table that corresponds with
every program line found in the detailed table at the end of
this explanatory statement. Such a table shall include a
column for the most recently enacted appropriation, the
current year, and the budget year, assuming current law.
Congressional Reports.--Each department or agency is
directed to provide the Committees, within 30 days from the
date of enactment of this Act and quarterly thereafter, a
summary describing each requested report to the Committees
along with related actions completed in the current and prior
quarters and planned actions to be completed in future
quarters. Such a summary shall be cumulative for all fiscal
years for which any report remains outstanding.
Questions for the Record.--The agreement notes the
inclusion of section 527 of this Act, which requires each
Department and agency to provide answers to questions
submitted for the record within 45 business days after
receipt. The agreement expects each Department and agency to
notify the Committees at least 7 days in advance if they do
not anticipate meeting this statutory requirement.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
training and employment services
Anonymous Workforce Development Talent Portals.--The
agreement encourages the Employment and Training
Administration (ETA) to collaborate with State and local
workforce development boards to ensure that candidate
matching algorithms are used to lower barriers to employment
in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and
regulations.
Within the total provided for the Dislocated Worker
National Reserve, the agreement includes the following
amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities............. $50,000,000
Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants........ 65,000,000
Cybersecurity Grant..................................... 10,000,000
Career Pathways for Youth Grants........................ 20,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dislocated Worker National Reserve Grantmaking.--The
agreement directs ETA to fully fund the Workforce Opportunity
for Rural Communities Grants, Strengthening Community
Colleges Training Grants, and Career Pathways for Youth
Grants from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L.
117-328) and all Dislocated Worker Grant applications that
were received or under review as of January 25, 2024, with
funds provided in P.L. 117-328.
Dislocated Worker National Reserve Grantee Performance
Reporting.--Consistent with the requirements of section
116(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3141), the agreement directs the Department to
require that all grantees receiving awards funded through the
Dislocated Worker National Reserve report on the employment,
earnings, and credential attainment outcomes of program
participants. The agreement directs the Department to include
program participant outcomes disaggregated by grantee on its
website.
Cybersecurity and Software Development Employment
Opportunities.--The agreement provides $10,000,000 for
competitive grants to institutions of higher education, as
defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C.
1001), State Workforce Agencies, local workforce development
boards, and employer associations for the purpose of targeted
high-skill job training in cybersecurity and cybersecurity
software development. The Department is directed to provide
the Committees a briefing on this initiative within 120 days
of the enactment of this Act.
Apprenticeship Grant Program
The agreement provides $285,000,000 to support registered
apprenticeships.
Briefing.--The Department is directed to provide the
Committees with a briefing not less than 30 days before
issuing a funding opportunity announcement for the
apprenticeship program.
Parents of Dependent Children.--The agreement encourages
the Department to provide grantees guidance related to
coordinating with community-based providers of wrap around
services to support parents of dependent children enrolled in
registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.
Pay for Success.--The agreement directs the Department to
assess the feasibility of supporting a pay-for-success
initiative to increase and expand registered apprenticeship
programs funded through the Apprenticeship Program and to
share its findings with the Committees within 180 days of
enactment of this Act.
Water and Wastewater System Operators.--The agreement is
concerned about the nationwide shortage of water and
wastewater operators, particularly in rural areas, and urges
the Secretary to make funding available through workforce
development and registered apprenticeship activities funded
under this agreement for registered apprenticeship programs
consistent with National Guideline Standards of
Apprenticeship for Water and Wastewater System Operations
Specialists and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
The Department is directed to highlight the availability of
funding opportunities that may support such activities, and
to provide technical assistance and outreach to potential
grantees with an emphasis on sectors underrepresented in the
apprenticeship program with demonstrated shortages.
Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending
The agreement includes $107,834,000 for the projects, and
in the amounts, specified in the table titled ``Community
Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending'' included
in this explanatory statement accompanying this division.
state unemployment insurance and employment service operations
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Benefit Payment Control
Activities.--The agreement directs the Department to publicly
release a report within 270 days of enactment of this Act
estimating the return on investment and cost effectiveness of
existing State-level benefit payment control operations.
Unemployment Insurance Compensation.--The agreement directs
the Department, in the event additional funds are provided to
States under the Average Weekly Insured Unemployment
contingency authority, to notify the Committees how much
funding was provided to each State within 15 days of funding
being provided.
program administration
Technical Assistance.--The agreement encourages the
Department to prioritize technical assistance and support to
Hispanic Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges
and Universities (HBCU), Tribal Colleges and Universities
(TCU), and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSI),
especially those that disproportionately serve low-income
students and have strong partnerships with workforce
development partners, when issuing new funding opportunity
announcements.
Employee Benefits Security Administration
Implementation of Employee Ownership Initiative.--The
agreement reiterates the expectation and request described
under this heading in Senate Report 118-84.
Office of Workers' Compensation Programs
Black Lung Disability Trust Fund
Black Lung Benefits Claim Processing.--The agreement notes
that existing processes and resource constraints contribute
to lengthy delays in processing black lung claims, impeding
access to medical care while claims are pending. The
agreement directs the Department to provide a report to the
Committees on the Department's efforts to improve the speed
and quality of black lung claims processing, within 90 days
of enactment of this Act.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Coordination.--The agreement supports efforts by OSHA to
coordinate with the Environmental Protection Agency and
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health on
implementing their respective responsibilities on cross-
cutting occupational exposure issues, particularly in ways
that improve efforts of the agencies to achieve protections
for workers, increase transparency,
[[Page H1887]]
and maximize coordination of work. The agreement requests an
update on such efforts within 180 days of enactment of this
Act.
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
salaries and expenses
Inspector Training.--The agreement expects MSHA to continue
required training for inspectors, including those who are
transitioning from inspecting coal mines to metal/non-metal
operations and newly hired inspectors, to support consistent
enforcement and miner safety.
Departmental Management
Investments in Impoverished Areas.--The agreement directs
the Department to update the report provided to the
Committees in response to the House Report 117-403 directive
to include persistent poverty percentages for competitions in
fiscal year 2024 once those data are available.
Waste, Fraud, and Abuse.--The agreement directs the
Department to brief the Committees, within 180 days of
enactment of this Act, on the steps being taken to recover
money that was lost due to fraudulent payments and the steps
being taken to strengthen program integrity, including by
implementing the Government Accountability Office's (GAO)
recommendations and supporting recommendations needed to
strengthen program integrity in the Unemployment Insurance
program, which has longstanding problems with payment
accuracy and program integrity.
General Provisions
The agreement updates a provision related to ETA technical
assistance and program integrity.
The agreement updates a provision related to an evaluation
reservation.
The agreement modifies a provision related to Job Corps
centers real property.
The agreement modifies a provision related to H-1B fees.
The agreement includes a new provision related to
Dislocated Worker National Reserve funding.
The agreement includes a new provision making a technical
correction to Public Law 117-328.
The agreement includes a new provision related to Atlanta
Job Corps Center construction.
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
primary health care
Health Centers
Within the total provided for the Health Centers program,
the agreement includes the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Addressing Intimate Partner Violence and Project $2,000,000
Catalyst...............................................
Alcee L. Hastings Program for Advanced Cancer Screening. 10,000,000
Early Childhood Development............................. 30,000,000
Ending the HIV Epidemic................................. 157,250,000
Native Hawaiian Health Care............................. 27,000,000
Papa Ola Lokahi (non-add)........................... 10,000,000
School Based Health Centers............................. 55,000,000
Technical Assistance.................................... 2,500,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
health workforce
National Health Service Corps (Corps)
The agreement notes the importance of the Corps scholarship
and loan-repayment programs in all 50 States and encourages
HHS to examine ways to incentivize individuals to work in
their home State or the State in which they received their
education.
Maternity Care Target Areas.--The agreement includes
$8,000,000, an increase of $3,000,000, within the total for
the Corps to support loan repayment and scholarships for
maternity care services in health professional shortage
areas.
Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
Midwife Training.--The agreement continues $5,000,000 to
support grants to educate midwives to address the national
shortage of maternity care providers.
Primary Care Training and Enhancement
Administrative Academic Units.--The agreement supports
inclusion of administrative academic units within medical
schools, however, the directive in Senate Report 118-84 is
not included.
Eating Disorders Screening and Referrals.--The agreement
includes $1,000,000 as described in Senate Report 118-84.
Oral Health Training
The agreement includes not less than $15,000,000 for State
Oral Health Workforce grants, not less than $13,000,000 for
General Dentistry programs, and not less than $13,000,000 for
Pediatric Dentistry programs. The agreement reiterates the
directives found under this program in Senate Report 118-84.
Area Health Education Centers (AHECs)
Within the total, the agreement includes no less than
$3,000,000 to continue competitive grants for AHEC recipients
to expand experiential learning opportunities through
simulation labs designed to educate and train health care
professionals serving rural, medically underserved
communities. HRSA shall include as an allowable use the
purchase of simulation training equipment.
Mental and Behavioral Health
Graduate Psychology Education.--The agreement includes
$25,000,000 for this activity.
Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training
The agreement continues $153,000,000 for Behavioral Health
Workforce Education and Training, including $40,000,000 for
the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan
Repayment program.
Mental and Substance Use Disorder Workforce Training
Demonstration.--The agreement includes $34,700,000 for this
activity. Within the total, the agreement includes
$25,000,000 for the Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program as
described in Senate Report 118-84.
Peer Support.--The agreement includes no less than
$14,000,000 for this activity, as described in Senate Report
118-84.
Nursing Workforce Development Programs
Community Colleges in the Nursing Workforce Programs.--The
agreement directs HRSA to make information available online,
within 180 days of enactment of this Act, on the
participation of community colleges in programs for
increasing the supply of the nursing workforce.
Advanced Nursing Education
Certified Nurse Midwives.--The agreement continues
$8,000,000 for this activity as described in Senate Report
118-84.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Program.--The agreement
continues $15,000,000 for this activity as described in
Senate Report 118-84.
Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention
Experiential Learning Opportunities/Simulation Training.--
Within this total, the agreement provides $10,750,000 for the
continuation of grants to enhance nurse education through the
expansion of experiential learning opportunities. The grants
shall include as an allowable use the purchase of simulation
training equipment.
Registered Nurse (RN) Shortages.--The agreement includes an
increase of $5,000,000 for grants to increase the supply of
registered nurses. The agreement directs HRSA to give
priority in new funding announcements to public entities for
training additional RNs, specifically for long term and acute
care settings. In addition, the agreement directs HRSA to
give priority to applicants in States listed by HRSA as
having the greatest shortages.
Medical Student Education
The agreement directs HRSA to give priority to applications
from academic institutions located in States with the
greatest number of Federally recognized Tribes. The agreement
also directs HRSA to give priority to applications from
public universities with a demonstrated public-private
partnership.
Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program
The agreement directs HRSA to work with stakeholders with
expertise in pediatric specialty care to ensure that the
program and application process reflects the unique nature of
pediatric specialty care, including ensuring that any
clinical and service hour requirements and service site
eligibility criteria are consistent with pediatric specialty
practice and reflect the regionalization of pediatric
specialty care.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH
Maternal and Child Health Block Grant
Birth Center Expansion.--The agreement requests a plan
within 180 days of enactment of this Act on steps that HRSA
can take to assist birth center expansion in rural and urban
maternity care deserts.
Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Special Projects of
Regional and National Significance (SPRANS)
Within the total provided for SPRANS, the agreement
includes the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Early Childhood Development Expert Grants............... $10,000,000
Epilepsy................................................ 3,642,000
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.................................. 1,000,000
Fetal Infant and Child Death Review..................... 5,000,000
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia................... 2,000,000
Infant-Toddler Court Teams.............................. 18,000,000
Minority-Serving Institutions........................... 10,000,000
Oral Health............................................. 5,250,000
Regional Pediatric Pandemic Network..................... 25,000,000
Sickle Cell Disease..................................... 7,000,000
State Maternal Health Innovation Grants................. 55,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Infant-Toddler Court Teams.--The agreement directs HRSA to
allocate funding to ensure continuation of existing grantees,
technical assistance, and other activities.
Oral Health.--The agreement continues demonstration
projects to increase the implementation of integrating oral
health and primary care practice. The Chief Dental Officer is
directed to lead in the design, monitoring, oversight, and
implementation of such projects.
Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program
The agreement encourages HRSA, in collaboration with the
Sickle Cell Data Collection program at the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, to support surveillance
activities and data collection through this program, as well
as existing programs that provide transition support,
training, technical assistance, educational opportunities,
and improved access to care and treatment decision-making
processes.
Autism and Other Developmental Disorders
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related
Disabilities Program.--The agreement continues not less than
$38,245,000 for this activity.
Heritable Disorders
Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID).--The agreement
continues $4,000,000
[[Page H1888]]
to support newborn screening and follow-up for SCID and other
newborn screening disorders.
RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS PROGRAM
Ending the HIV Epidemic.--The agreement continues
$165,000,000 for this initiative.
HEALTH SYSTEMS
Organ Transplantation
Modernization Initiative.--The agreement includes an
increase of $23,000,000 to support this initiative as
described in the fiscal year 2024 budget request and in
accordance with P.L. 118-14.
RURAL HEALTH
Rural Outreach Grants
Delta States Rural Development Network Grant Program.--The
agreement includes not less than $29,000,000, an increase of
$2,000,000, for the Delta States Rural Development Network
Grant Program and the Delta Region Community Health Systems
Development Program. In addition, of the funds provided, the
agreement provides not less than $15,000,000 to support
HRSA's collaboration with the Delta Regional Authority to
continue the Delta Region Community Health Systems
Development Program to help underserved rural communities
better address their health care needs.
Rural Northern Border Region Healthcare Support Program.--
The agreement provides no less than $4,000,000, an increase
of $1,000,000, for HRSA's collaboration with the Northern
Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to provide direct support
to member States to help underserved rural communities with
planning and implementing health care service improvements.
Appalachian Region Healthcare Support Program.--The
agreement provides no less than $1,500,000 for HRSA to
collaborate with the Appalachian Regional Commission to
provide direct support to member States to help underserved
rural communities with planning and implementing health care
service improvements.
Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies
(RMOMS).--The agreement includes not less than $12,000,000
for RMOMS.
Rural Residency Planning and Development
Within the amount for this program, the agreement continues
$2,000,000 for family medicine/obstetrics training programs
in States with high infant morbidity and mortality rates.
Rural Communities Opioid Response Program
The agreement continues $145,000,000 for this program.
Within the funding provided, the agreement includes
$10,000,000 to continue the three Rural Centers of Excellence
(Centers), as established by P.L. 115-245 and continued
through P.L. 116-260 and 117-103. The agreement recognizes
the work of the Centers in addressing substance use disorder
within rural communities through various evidence-based
treatment and recovery models and encourages outreach into
other underserved communities. Within the total, the
agreement also continues $4,000,000 to support career and
workforce training services for the NBRC.
Rural Hospital Stabilization Pilot Program
The agreement includes $4,000,000 as proposed in the fiscal
year 2024 budget request for this program.
HRSA-WIDE ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAM SUPPORT
Data Collection.--The agreement expects HRSA to clearly
communicate with grantees involved in any data collection,
whether the information being collected is optional for
reporting or required information as part of a grant.
Oral Health Literacy.--The agreement includes $300,000 to
continue an oral health awareness and education campaign
across HRSA divisions. The agreement directs HRSA to identify
oral health literacy strategies that are evidence based and
focused on oral health care prevention and education,
including prevention of oral disease such as early childhood
and other caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer.
Community Projects/Congressionally Directed Spending
The agreement includes $890,788,000 for the projects, and
in the amounts, specified in the table titled ``Community
Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending'' included
in this explanatory statement accompanying this division.
Telehealth
Telehealth Centers of Excellence.--The agreement continues
$8,500,000 for the currently awarded sites.
Telehealth Technology-Enabled Learning.--The agreement
includes an increase of $4,000,000 for HRSA to integrate and
implement a robust telementoring initiative at an academic
medical center with existing Federal support and expertise in
the field. This should include technology enabled delivery of
evidence-based curricula, offering of practice based,
culturally responsive care, and advancing the skill set of
health care workers.
COVERED COUNTERMEASURES PROCESS FUND
Within 180 days of the date of enactment of this Act, the
Department is directed to provide the committees of
jurisdiction a report on its progress for COVID
countermeasure claims that have been filed within the
Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program but have not yet
been resolved or compensated and options to address the
backlog of cases awaiting review.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The agreement provides $9,222,090,000 in total program
level funding for the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), which includes $7,937,588,000 in budget
authority and $1,186,200,000 in transfers from the Prevention
and Public Health (PPH) Fund.
IMMUNIZATION AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES
Within the total provided for the National Center for
Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, the agreement includes
the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 317 Immunization Program........................ $681,933,000
Acute Flaccid Myelitis.................................. 6,000,000
Influenza Planning and Response......................... 231,358,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Immunization Program.--The agreement directs CDC to support
the existing immunization infrastructure, including the
implementation of strategies for hard-to-reach populations.
HIV/AIDS, VIRAL HEPATITIS, SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND
TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION
Within the total provided for the National Center for HIV,
Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, the agreement
includes the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget Activity FY 2024 Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic HIV/AIDS Prevention and Research. $1,013,712,000
HIV Initiative........................ 220,000,000
School Health-HIV..................... 38,081,000
Viral Hepatitis........................... 43,000,000
Sexually Transmitted Infections........... 174,310,000
Tuberculosis.............................. 137,034,000
Infectious Diseases and the Opioid 23,000,000
Epidemic.................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sexually Transmitted Infections.--The agreement directs CDC
to continue to move the grant year forward to provide for a
more efficient expenditure of funds and improve grantee
activities, with the intention that the grant year will be
moved forward by at least one month each year for the next
two years.
Tuberculosis (TB) Testing.--The agreement notes grave
concerns regarding the recurrence of TB cases associated with
biologic products contaminated with Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. The agreement notes CDC's work to investigate
the outbreak and directs the agency to continue to work with
FDA to prevent TB transmission from contaminated biologic
products. The agreement requests a briefing on these
activities within 180 days of enactment of this Act.
Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
Within the total provided for the National Center for
Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, the agreement
includes the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antibiotic Resistance Initiative........................ $197,000,000
Vector-Borne Diseases................................... 63,603,000
Lyme Disease............................................ 27,000,000
Prion Disease........................................... 8,000,000
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome................................ 5,400,000
Emerging Infectious Diseases............................ 213,997,000
Harmful Algal Blooms.................................... 3,500,000
Food Safety............................................. 72,000,000
National Healthcare Safety Network...................... 24,000,000
Quarantine.............................................. 53,772,000
Advanced Molecular Detection............................ 40,000,000
Epidemiology and Lab Capacity........................... 40,000,000
Healthcare-Associated Infections........................ 12,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerging Infectious Diseases.--The agreement supports CDC's
efforts relating to mycotic diseases, including its
collaboration with the Valley Fever Institute and the Cocci
Study Group and provides an increase of $8,000,000 for these
efforts. The agreement provides $3,000,000 to integrate
sepsis data from hospitals into the National Healthcare
Safety Network as directed by Senate Report 118-84.
CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION
Within the total provided for the National Center for
Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, the
agreement includes the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tobacco................................................. $246,500,000
Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity............... 58,420,000
High Obesity Rate Counties.......................... 16,500,000
School Health........................................... 19,400,000
Vision and Eye Health................................... 6,500,000
Alzheimer's Disease..................................... 39,500,000
Inflammatory Bowel Disease.............................. 2,000,000
Interstitial Cystitis................................... 1,100,000
Excessive Alcohol Use................................... 6,000,000
Chronic Kidney Disease.................................. 4,500,000
Chronic Disease Education and Awareness................. 4,500,000
Prevention Research Centers............................. 28,961,000
Heart Disease and Stroke................................ 155,105,000
Diabetes................................................ 156,129,000
National Diabetes Prevention Program.................... 37,300,000
Breast and Cervical Cancer.............................. 235,500,000
WISEWOMAN........................................... 34,620,000
Breast Cancer Awareness for Young Women................. 6,960,000
Cancer Registries....................................... 53,440,000
Colorectal Cancer....................................... 44,294,000
Comprehensive Cancer.................................... 22,425,000
Johanna's Law........................................... 11,500,000
Ovarian Cancer.......................................... 15,000,000
Prostate Cancer......................................... 15,205,000
Skin Cancer............................................. 5,000,000
Cancer Survivorship Resource Center..................... 725,000
Oral Health............................................. 20,250,000
Safe Motherhood/Infant Health........................... 110,500,000
Arthritis............................................... 11,000,000
Epilepsy................................................ 11,500,000
National Lupus Registry................................. 10,000,000
Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) 68,950,000
Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country.......... 24,000,000
Social Determinants of Health........................... 6,000,000
Million Hearts.......................................... 5,000,000
National Early Child Care Collaboratives................ 5,000,000
Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding....................... 9,750,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alzheimer's Disease.--The agreement provides an increase to
support these activities.
[[Page H1889]]
Breast and Cervical Cancer.--The agreement directs CDC to
provide a briefing on the specific steps being taken across
the agency to eliminate cervical cancer, any barriers that
have been encountered, and assistance needed to overcome them
within 120 days of enactment of this Act.
Eating Disorders.--The agreement urges CDC to assist States
in collecting data by including one standard question on
unhealthy weight control practices for eating disorders in
the Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System.
Epilepsy.--The agreement requests CDC to report to the
Committees within 120 days of enactment of this Act on the
current gaps in surveillance data of people living with
epilepsy and on the feasibility, cost, and timing of
potentially adding epilepsy to the National Neurological
Conditions Surveillance System.
Farm-to-School.--The agreement includes $2,000,000 for the
activity described in Senate Report 118-84.
Food Allergies.--The agreement includes $2,000,000 for the
activity described in Senate Report 118-84.
Heart Disease and Stroke.--The agreement continues funding
to support implementation of the Cardiovascular Advances in
Research and Opportunities Legacy Act (P.L. 117-244).
High Obesity Rate Counties.--The agreement continues
$16,500,000 to support land grant universities in partnership
with their cooperative extensions for counties with an
obesity prevalence over 40 percent. CDC grantees are directed
to work with State and local public health departments and
other partners to support measurable outcomes through
community and population-level evidenced-based obesity
intervention and prevention programs. Funded projects should
integrate evidence-based policy, systems, and environmental
approaches to better understand and address the environmental
and societal implications of obesity.
Safe Motherhood.--The agreement includes an increase for
this portfolio of programs to improve health outcomes during
and after pregnancy, including reducing disparities in
maternal and infant health outcomes.
Tobacco.--The agreement provides funding to support
efforts, including continuing the Tips from Former Smokers
media campaign.
Vision and Eye Health.--The agreement provides $6,500,000
for vision and eye health and glaucoma detection. The
agreement directs CDC to fund these activities at not less
than the fiscal year 2023 enacted levels.
Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Within the total provided for the National Center on Birth
Defects and Developmental Disabilities, the agreement
includes the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Birth Defects........................................... $19,000,000
Fetal Death............................................. 900,000
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.................................. 11,500,000
Folic Acid.............................................. 3,150,000
Infant Health........................................... 8,650,000
Autism.................................................. 28,100,000
Disability & Health..................................... 45,500,000
Tourette Syndrome....................................... 2,500,000
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention................ 10,760,000
Muscular Dystrophy...................................... 8,000,000
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder................ 1,900,000
Fragile X............................................... 2,000,000
Spina Bifida............................................ 7,500,000
Congenital Heart........................................ 8,250,000
Public Health Approach to Blood Disorders............... 10,400,000
Hemophilia Activities................................... 3,500,000
Hemophilia Treatment Centers............................ 5,100,000
Thalassemia............................................. 2,100,000
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome............................ 4,250,000
Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies. 23,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Congenital Heart Disease.--The agreement includes funding
to continue efforts.
Muscular Dystrophy.--The agreement provides an increase to
support Muscular Dystrophy research and disease surveillance
initiatives.
Physical Activity for People with Disabilities.--The
agreement continues funding for existing programs that
address healthy athletes.
Public Health Scientific Services
Within the total provided for Public Health Scientific
Services, the agreement includes the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Statistics....................................... $187,397,000
Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Informatics............. 298,100,000
Advancing Laboratory Science............................ 23,000,000
Public Health Data Modernization........................ 175,000,000
Public Health Workforce................................. 71,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care.--The
agreement directs CDC to provide a briefing within 180 days
of enactment of this Act on the Maternity Practices in Infant
Nutrition and Care and Levels of Care Assessment Tool
surveys.
Primary Immunodeficiencies.--The agreement provides
$3,500,000 for education, awareness, and surveillance of
primary immunodeficiencies.
Public Health Data Modernization.--The agreement urges CDC
to work with representatives from State, tribal, local, and
territorial (STLT) health departments through a regular
convening mechanism to establish a public health data sharing
process to ensure that notifiable case data are reported to
CDC during an emergency response event in a timely and
efficient manner that is the least burdensome for STLT public
health departments. This process should include the use of an
established minimal data set and transmission via existing
and automated reporting mechanisms to the extent possible.
Environmental Health
Within the total provided for the National Center for
Environmental Health, the agreement includes the following
amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Environmental Health Laboratory......................... $70,750,000
Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program......... 21,000,000
Newborn Screening/Severe Combined Immunodeficiency 1,250,000
Diseases...........................................
Safe Water.............................................. 8,600,000
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry.................. 10,000,000
Trevor's Law............................................ 3,000,000
Climate and Health...................................... 10,000,000
Environmental Health Activities......................... 17,000,000
Environmental and Health Outcome Tracking Network....... 34,000,000
Asthma.................................................. 33,500,000
Childhood Lead Poisoning................................ 51,000,000
Lead Exposure Registry.................................. 5,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term Health Monitoring.--The agreement is concerned
about the long-term health impacts of the train derailment in
East Palestine, Ohio on February 3, 2023. CDC is encouraged
to continue to work with State and local health departments
to develop a long-term follow-up study of the public health
impacts.
Vessel Sanitation.--The agreement does not continue funding
for this program that now fully operates through user fees
collected from voluntary inspections.
Injury Prevention and Control
Within the total provided for the National Center for
Injury Prevention and Control, the agreement includes the
following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence................... $38,200,000
Child Maltreatment.................................... 7,250,000
Child Sexual Abuse Prevention......................... 3,000,000
Youth Violence Prevention............................... 18,100,000
Domestic Violence Community Projects.................... 7,500,000
Rape Prevention......................................... 61,750,000
Suicide Prevention...................................... 30,000,000
Adverse Childhood Experiences........................... 9,000,000
National Violent Death Reporting System................. 24,500,000
Traumatic Brain Injury.................................. 8,250,000
Elderly Falls........................................... 3,050,000
Drowning................................................ 2,000,000
Injury Prevention Activities............................ 29,950,000
Opioid Overdose Prevention and Surveillance............. 505,579,000
Injury Control Research Centers......................... 11,000,000
Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention Research........ 12,500,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Opioid or Other Drug Use and Overdose Prevention.--CDC is
encouraged to continue its efforts to monitor case-level
syndromic surveillance data, and work to improve
interventions that monitor prescribing and dispensing
practices, better timeliness and quality of morbidity and
mortality data, as well as the enhancement of efforts with
medical examiners and coroner offices.
Public Safety Officer Suicide Reporting.--The agreement
encourages CDC to maintain its reporting module to collect
data on the suicide incidence among public safety officers.
Rape Prevention.--The agreement includes funding to support
rape prevention and education programs as authorized by P.L.
117-103.
Suicide Prevention.--The agreement provides funding to
continue suicide prevention efforts.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (NIOSH)
Within the total provided for the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, the agreement includes the
following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Occupational Research Agenda................... $119,500,000
Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing.................. 29,000,000
Education and Research Centers.......................... 32,000,000
Personal Protective Technology.......................... 23,000,000
Mining Research......................................... 66,500,000
National Mesothelioma Registry and Tissue Bank.......... 1,200,000
Firefighter Cancer Registry............................. 5,500,000
Other Occupational Safety and Health Research........... 115,100,000
Total Worker Health................................. 11,800,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Education and Research Centers.--The agreement supports
efforts to improve workplace safety and health.
Farmworker Health.--The agreement requests a report within
180 days of enactment of this Act regarding the work of the
National Occupational Research Agenda Agriculture, Forestry,
and Fishing Sector Council to improve reporting and
surveillance of injury and illness in the agriculture sub-
sector as it relates to skin cancer for farmworkers.
GLOBAL HEALTH
Within the total provided for the Global Health Center, the
agreement includes the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global AIDS Program..................................... $128,921,000
Global Tuberculosis..................................... 11,722,000
Polio Eradication....................................... 180,000,000
Measles and Other Vaccine Preventable Diseases.......... 50,000,000
Parasitic Diseases and Malaria.......................... 29,000,000
Global Public Health Protection......................... 293,200,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Population-based Surveillance Platforms.--The agreement
includes $7,000,000 to continue efforts.
Soil Transmitted Helminth and Related Diseases of
Poverty.--The agreement includes $1,500,000 to support
current projects.
PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
Within the total provided for public health preparedness
and response, the agreement includes the following amounts:
[[Page H1890]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative $735,000,000
Agreement..............................................
Academic Centers for Public Health Preparedness......... 9,200,000
Ready Response Enterprise Data Integration Platform/ 55,000,000
Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics.....................
CDC Preparedness and Response........................... 139,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ready Response Enterprise Data Integration Platform and
Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics.--The agreement
provides funding for both of these efforts.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Buildings and Facilities.--The agreement includes
$40,000,000 in funding to make progress on CDC's backlog of
maintenance and repairs, including at its Atlanta campuses.
CDC-WIDE ACTIVITIES
Within the total provided for CDC-wide activities, the
agreement includes the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant....... $160,000,000
Public Health Leadership and Support & Office of the 128,570,000
Director...............................................
Office of Rural Health.............................. 5,000,000
Infectious Diseases Rapid Response Reserve Fund......... 25,000,000
Public Health Infrastructure and Capacity............... 350,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Infectious Diseases Rapid Response Reserve Fund (Reserve
Fund).--The agreement provides funding for the Reserve Fund
to ensure that CDC is positioned to respond quickly to an
imminent public health emergency. The agreement includes new
general provisions to clarify Reserve Fund reporting
requirements. Additionally, CDC is directed to provide a
table to the Committees on a monthly basis on all amounts
available in the Reserve Fund for the current fiscal year and
the preceding two fiscal years, including (1) each individual
obligation above $5,000,000; (2) with respect to each such
obligation, the notification to which it relates; and (3) the
total amount unobligated in the Reserve Fund.
Local Health Departments.--The agreement notes that Federal
funding intended for both State and local health departments
does not consistently reach local health departments beyond
those directly funded. The agreement encourages CDC to
require States to fund local health departments when
programmatically appropriate.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The agreement provides a total program level of
$48,581,000,000 for NIH, which includes $1,500,000,000 for
the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).
Excluding ARPA-H, the agreement provides $47,081,000,000 for
the Institutes and Centers of NIH, which includes an increase
of $300,000,000 in budget authority over the fiscal year 2023
enacted level. This includes $407,000,000 from the 21st
Century Cures Act (P.L. 114-255, Cures Act). Pursuant to the
Cures Act, the bill includes $172,000,000 for the BRAIN
Initiative and $235,000,000 for the All of Us precision
medicine initiative.
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI)
Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI).--The agreement
includes no less than $50,000,000 for the CCDI, including no
less than $750,000 to continue to support enhancement of the
CCDI Molecular Characterization Initiative.
Childhood Cancer STAR Act.--The agreement includes no less
than $30,000,000 for continued implementation of sections of
the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and
Research (STAR) Act (P.L. 115-180). This amount also includes
$2,000,000 provided for the CDC's ongoing efforts to enhance
cancer registry case capture efforts for childhood and
adolescent cancers.
Native American Cancer Outcomes.--The agreement directs NCI
to coordinate with National Institute on Minority Health and
Health Disparities (NIMHD) as NIMHD establishes the
Initiative for Improving Native American Cancer outcomes.
Paylines.--The agreement provides an increase of
$120,000,000 for NCI to prioritize competing grants and to
sustain commitments to continuing grants.
NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE (NHLBI)
Community Engagement Alliance Against COVID-19 Disparities
(CEAL) Initiative.--The agreement continues $30,000,000 for
the CEAL initiative.
Valvular Heart Disease Research.--The agreement continues
$20,000,000 for research into the causation of and risk
factors for valvular heart disease. Such research should
focus on the use of advanced technological imaging and other
relevant methods to generate data related to valvular heart
disease and assessing potential risk factors for sudden
cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death from valvular heart
disease.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES
(NIDDK)
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).--The agreement applauds
recent changes to clinical practice in the diagnosis of
kidney disease and concurs with recommendations for new
markers for estimating kidney function. NIDDK should
prioritize research into endogenous filtration markers,
activities that spur the adoption of new equations for
estimating glomerular filtration rate. The agreement
encourages NIDDK to expand investment in research that
bridges existing deficits in CKD management and treatments to
reduce incidence and progression, increases the number of CKD
clinical trials, improves the delivery of evidenced-base care
in under-represented populations, and improves patients'
quality of life. The agreement requests an update on these
priorities in the next submission of a budget justification.
Diabetes.--The agreement includes an increase of
$10,000,000 for diabetes research as described in Senate
Report 118-84.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE (NINDS)
Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related
Dementias (AD/ADRD).--The agreement includes an increase of
$100,000,000 across NIH for AD/ADRD research, including an
increase of $10,000,000 in NINDS and an increase of
$90,000,000 in the National Institute on Aging (NIA).
Opioids, Stimulants, and Pain Management.--The agreement
includes an increase of $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2023
enacted level for the Helping to End Addiction Long-term
(HEAL) Initiative.
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) Molecules and Neurological
Disorders.--The agreement notes recent findings implicating
RNA molecules in neurological disorders including
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer's disease, and
it further notes that many of these RNAs depend on personal
attributes, making them potential candidates for developing
personalized diagnostics, prognostics, and new therapies. The
agreement urges NINDS to support analytical and experimental
research on the roles of RNA molecules in neurological
disorders.
Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN).--The agreement
continues $18,000,000 for this activity and directs the
continuation of the coordinating center, all clinical sites,
DNA sequencing core, central biorepository, model organisms
screening center, and other necessary testing in the pursuit
of diagnoses.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES (NIAID)
Consortium of Food Allergy Research (CoFAR).--The agreement
continues $12,100,000 for CoFAR.
Enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens.--The agreement
reiterates the directives and requirements related to
enhanced potential pandemic pathogens as described under the
heading ``Research on Enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens''
in Senate Report 118-84. In addition, HHS shall conduct a
review of all NIH-funded research involving an enhanced
potential pandemic pathogen referred to an institutional
biosafety committee and/or a dual use research of concern
committee. Such review shall be conducted by the HHS
Potential Pandemic Pathogen Care and Oversight review
committee. Within one year of enactment of this Act, a report
should be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations of
the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Committee on
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate and made available online summarizing the findings of
the panel. In addition, the NIH shall list on the agency's
website by year each grant that is funded subsequent to
further review pursuant to the HHS Framework for Guiding
Funding Decisions about Proposed Research Involving Enhanced
Potential Pandemic Pathogens.
Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Research.--The agreement
includes not less than $100,000,000 for research into Lyme
and other Tick-Borne diseases.
Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBLs).--The agreement
provides $52,000,000 for the 12 RBLs to support resources for
biosafety level 3 lab containment. This funding supports
research facilities and personnel to address any national or
regional need related to research on an emerging biodefense
or infectious disease. Of this amount, the agreement directs
that no less than $3,000,000 shall be provided to each of the
12 RBLs for any of the following activities: (1) investments
in the research workforce, (2) maintenance or improvement of
facilities, or (3) to purchase, service, or maintain
equipment, or (4) developing and contributing to an
organizational structure to ensure the RBL network is
prepared to respond effectively to national needs. The
agreement directs that the remaining funding shall be
available for competitive awards for the RBLs for meritorious
research using criteria specified by NIH.
Universal Flu Vaccine.--The agreement continues
$270,000,000, the same as the fiscal year 2023 amount for
this activity.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES (NIGMS)
Institutional Development Awards.--The agreement provides
not less than $430,956,000, an increase of $5,000,000 above
the fiscal year 2023 enacted level.
EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT (NICHD)
Implementing a Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes
Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE) Initiative.--From amounts under
this heading, the agreement includes no less than $53,400,000
for this activity, an increase of $10,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING (NIA)
Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related
Dementias.--The agreement includes an increase of
$100,000,000 across NIH for AD/ADRD research, including an
increase of $10,000,000 in NINDS and an increase of
$90,000,000 in NIA.
The agreement encourages NIA to increase support for
research focused on mitigating immune dysfunction with
precision inspired therapeutics for AD/ADRD and directs NIA
and NINDS to provide a joint report to the Committees within
120 days of enactment of
[[Page H1891]]
this Act on its progress in advancing these efforts; such
report shall also be made available on the agency's website.
In addition, the agreement continues to strongly urge NIA
to prioritize resources toward new promising scientific
research and notes with concern NIA's plan to establish a
Real World Data Platform (RWDP) multi-year project that is
expected to cost significantly more than $300,000,000. GAO
has raised areas of concern with the RWDP including the
reliability of the cost estimate and lack of coordination
with other large-scale health data efforts. The agreement
urges NIA to pause funding any awards for the RWDP until the
GAO report is published and directs NIA to report to the
Committees every 30 days after the date of enactment of this
Act on any effort related to the RWDP.
Palliative Care Research.--The agreement includes
$12,500,000 for NIA to implement a trans-Institute, multi-
disease strategy to focus, expand, and intensify national
research programs in palliative care as described in Senate
Report 118-84.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE (NIDA)
HEALing Communities Study.--The agreement strongly supports
the goals of the HEALing Communities Study to test the
integration of prevention, overdose treatment, and
medication-based treatment to combat the opioid crisis and
urges NIH to continue funding the study to completion.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH)
Mental Health Research.--In recognition of the country's
unprecedented mental health crisis, the agreement includes an
increase of $75,000,000 for mental health research as
described in Senate Report 118-84.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL IMAGING AND BIOENGINEERING (NIBIB)
Alzheimer's Disease Early Detection Technologies.--In
recognition that early detection of Alzheimer's disease is
critical for effective interventions to stop its progression,
the agreement encourages NIBIB, in collaboration with NIA and
NINDS, to support the development of novel technologies to
discover the earliest biological events leading to
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON MINORITY HEALTH AND HEALTH DISPARITIES (NIMHD)
Improving Native American Cancer Outcomes.--The agreement
notes that Native Americans experience overall cancer
incidence and mortality rates that are strikingly higher than
non-Native populations. The agreement includes $6,000,000 for
the creation of an Initiative for Improving Native American
Cancer Outcomes to support efforts including research,
education, outreach, and clinical access related to cancer in
Native American populations. The agreement further directs
NIMHD to work with NCI to locate this Initiative at an NCI-
designated cancer center demonstrating partnerships with
Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian
organizations to improve the screening, diagnosis, and
treatment of cancers among Native Americans, particularly
those living in rural communities.
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Health Research Office.--
The agreement includes $4,000,000 for a Native Hawaiian/
Pacific Islander Health Research Office. This office should
focus on both addressing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
(NHPI) health disparities as well as supporting the pathway
and research of NHPI investigators. The office should develop
partnerships with academic institutions with a proven track
record of working closely with NHPI communities and NHPI-
serving organizations and located in States with significant
NHPI populations to support the development of future
researchers from these same communities.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR ADVANCING TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCES (NCATS)
Cures Acceleration Network (CAN).--The agreement includes
$75,000,000 for the CAN to reduce barriers between research
discovery and clinical trials.
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR (OD)
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act (P.L.
117-79).--The agreement reiterates the requirements relating
to ACT for ALS under the heading ``ALS Research, Treatments,
and Expanded Access'' in Senate Report 118-84.
Biomedical Research Facilities.--The agreement provides
$80,000,000 for grants to public and nonprofit entities to
expand, remodel, renovate, or alter existing research
facilities or construct new research facilities as authorized
under section 404I of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 283k).
Brain Research through Advancing Innovative
Neurotechnologies (BRAIN).--The agreement directs NIH to
provide a report within 90 days of enactment of this Act on
the progress and achievements of the key projects and studies
it is supporting with these funds. Such a report should
include the objectives and anticipated/actual outcomes for
each activity and be made available on NIH's website.
Common Fund.--The agreement requests a detailed spend plan
for anticipated resources within 120 days of enactment of
this Act, as well as the process by which projects were
selected.
Cybersecurity.--The agreement continues $265,000,000.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Staff
Report.--NIH shall brief the committees of jurisdiction on
the agency's Fiscal Years 2023-2027 NIH Wide Strategic Plan
for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.
Geroscience.--The agreement notes that a recent NIH report
on geroscience, submitted to the Committees in 2023, was
unable to provide information on funding levels because NIH
does not currently track geroscience as a category.
Therefore, the agreement directs NIH to establish a Research,
Condition and Disease Categorization category for research
related to geroscience.
Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention Research.--The
agreement includes $12,500,000, the same level as fiscal year
2023, to conduct research on firearm injury and mortality
prevention. Given violence and suicide have a number of
causes, the agreement recommends NIH take a comprehensive
approach to studying these underlying causes and evidence-
based methods of prevention of injury, including crime
prevention. All grantees under this section will be required
to fulfill requirements around open data, open code, pre-
registration of research projects, and open access to
research articles consistent with the National Science
Foundation's open science principles. The Director is to
report to the Committees within 30 days of enactment of this
Act on implementation schedules and procedures for grant
awards, which strive to ensure that such awards support
ideologically and politically unbiased research projects.
Harassment Policies.--The agreement remains concerned about
reports of sexual harassment carried out by NIH grantees and
reiterates the directives outlined in Senate Report 118-84.
Internal Audits.--NIH shall conduct an audit of all
research involving enhanced potential pandemic pathogens. As
part of this audit, NIH shall continue to work with prime
award recipients to evaluate subrecipient compliance with
policies and procedures for any grant involving the
aforementioned activities including grants outside the United
States. In addition, the NIH shall review all research
conducted intramurally or extramurally at a Biosafety Level 3
or 4 laboratory related to an enhanced potential pandemic
pathogen. The NIH shall complete these audits within one year
of enactment of this Act and brief the committees of
jurisdiction on audit findings.
INCLUDE Initiative.--The agreement continues not less than
$90,000,000 for this activity and reiterates the requirements
under this heading in Senate Report 118-84.
Office of Inspector General.--The OIG shall consult with
the Committees before submitting an audit plan for the fiscal
year.
Office of Nutrition Research.--The agreement continues to
fund the Office of Nutrition at the fiscal year 2023 level.
Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH).--The agreement
continues $76,480,000 for ORWH. Within the total for ORWH,
the agreement provides $7,000,000, an increase of $2,000,000
above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level, for the Building
Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health (BIRCWH)
program to fund additional BIRCWH fellows at existing sites.
Pediatric Research Assessment.--The agreement includes
$1,500,000 for this assessment, as described under the
heading ``NIH Support for Pediatric Research'' in Senate
Report 118-84.
Replication Experiments and/or Fraud Detection.--The
agreement does not specify an amount for this activity.
ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY FOR HEALTH (ARPA-H)
Rare Cancers.--The agreement notes that investment in
therapeutic interventions is vital to drive the development
of novel treatments and personalized approaches for
difficult-to-treat cancers such as glioblastoma. Accordingly,
the agreement strongly urges ARPA-H to consider funding
research on rare cancers that have low survival rates and for
which there have been little advancement in therapeutics,
including the evaluation of immune-based therapies, targeted
therapies, and combination treatments.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Eligible Grantees.--Where permitted in the authorizing
statute, the agreement directs SAMHSA when issuing new
funding opportunity announcements to include faith-based
organizations as an eligible applicant.
Homelessness.--The agreement directs SAMHSA to provide a
report within 180 days of enactment of this Act on how SAMHSA
currently prioritizes substance use and mental health
programs specifically related to populations that are at high
risk of becoming homeless, evaluates the efficacy of current
policies, and considers new policies that lead toward better
outcomes.
Minority Fellowship Program.--The agreement requests a
report within 180 days of enactment of this Act outlining the
number and type of healthcare providers, disaggregated by
occupation, participating in the program.
Opioid Use Disorder Relapse.--The agreement recognizes
SAMHSA's efforts to address opioid use disorder relapse
within Federal grant programs by emphasizing that opioid
detoxification should be followed by medication to prevent
relapse to opioid dependence. The agreement encourages SAMHSA
to continue these efforts.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Health Block Grant.--The agreement continues to
include a five percent set-aside of the total for evidence-
based crisis care programs that address the needs of
individuals with serious mental illnesses, children
[[Page H1892]]
with serious emotional disturbances, or individuals
experiencing a mental health crisis.
Outreach in Underserved Communities.--The agreement directs
SAMHSA to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance
to underserved States and communities applying for
competitive grants. The agreement requests a report, not
later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, on best
practices and strategies to attract mental healthcare
practitioners to these underserved communities.
Within the total provided for Mental Health Programs of
Regional and National Significance (PRNS), the agreement
includes the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity:
Seclusion and Restraint............................. $1,147,000
Project AWARE....................................... 140,001,000
Healthy Transitions................................. 28,451,000
Mental Health Awareness Training.................... 27,963,000
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health............ 15,000,000
Children and Family Programs........................ 7,229,000
Consumer and Family Network Grants.................. 4,954,000
Project LAUNCH...................................... 23,605,000
Mental Health System Transformation................. 3,779,000
Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration...... 55,877,000
Mental Health Crisis Response Grants................ 20,000,000
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline....................... 519,618,000
National Strategy for Suicide Prevention............ 28,200,000
Zero Suicide.................................... 26,200,000
American Indian and Alaska Native (non-add). 3,400,000
Garrett Lee Smith--Youth Suicide Prevention
State Grant..................................... 43,806,000
Campus Grants................................... 8,488,000
American Indian and Alaska Native Suicide Prevention 3,931,000
Initiative.........................................
Tribal Behavioral Grants............................ 22,750,000
Homelessness Prevention Programs.................... 33,696,000
Minority AIDS....................................... 9,224,000
Criminal and Juvenile Justice Programs.............. 11,269,000
Assisted Outpatient Treatment....................... 21,420,000
Assertive Community Treatment for Individuals with 9,000,000
Serious Mental Illness.............................
Interagency Task Force on Trauma Informed Care...... 2,000,000
Science and Service:
Garrett Lee Smith--Suicide Prevention Resource 11,000,000
Center.............................................
Practice Improvement and Training................... 7,828,000
Primary and Behavioral Health Integration Technical 2,991,000
Assistance.........................................
Consumer & Consumer Support Technical Assistance 1,918,000
Centers............................................
Minority Fellowship Program......................... 11,059,000
Disaster Response................................... 1,953,000
Homelessness........................................ 2,296,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.--The agreement provides an
increase of $18,000,000 and instructs SAMHSA to follow the
directives included in Senate Report 118-84.
Adolescent Mental Health.--The agreement directs the
Secretary of HHS, through SAMHSA, to work across HHS, and in
consultation with other Departments as appropriate, to
develop a comprehensive interagency coordinating plan to
improve adolescent mental health. The agreement requests a
briefing outlining these efforts within 180 days of enactment
of this Act.
Eating Disorders.--The agreement directs SAMHSA to create a
pediatric training model for pediatric providers in
coordination with HRSA for prevention, early intervention,
treatment, and ongoing support protocols for youth with or
at-risk of developing an eating disorder.
Healthy Transitions.--SAMHSA is directed to prioritize
awards to Tribes and tribal organizations.
Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration Technical
Assistance.--The agreement includes a $1,000,000 increase for
Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration Technical
Assistance.
Project AWARE.--The agreement includes funding as directed
by Senate Report 118-84.
Rural Mental and Behavioral Health.--The agreement notes
that the fiscal year 2023 agreement directed SAMHSA to
provide a report on strategies to respond to the challenges
of rural individuals and providers in accessing and
delivering behavioral health services. The agreement notes
that the Committees have yet to receive the required report
and looks forward to its prompt delivery.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT
Within the total provided for Substance Abuse Treatment
Programs of Regional and National Significance, the agreement
includes the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity:
Opioid Treatment Programs and Regulatory Activities. $10,724,000
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to 33,840,000
Treatment..........................................
PHS Evaluation Funds............................ 2,000,000
Targeted Capacity Expansion--General................ 122,416,000
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Prescription 111,000,000
Drug and Opioid Addiction......................
Grants to Prevent Prescription Drug/Opioid Overdose. 16,000,000
First Responder Training............................ 57,000,000
Rural Focus..................................... 32,000,000
Pregnant and Postpartum Women....................... 38,931,000
Recovery Community Services Program................. 4,434,000
Children and Families............................... 30,197,000
Treatment Systems for Homeless...................... 37,114,000
Minority AIDS....................................... 66,881,000
Criminal Justice Activities......................... 94,000,000
Drug Courts..................................... 74,000,000
Improving Access to Overdose Treatment.............. 1,500,000
Building Communities of Recovery.................... 17,000,000
Peer Support Technical Assistance Center............ 2,000,000
Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers............... 6,000,000
Emergency Department Alternatives to Opioids........ 8,000,000
Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support.......... 12,000,000
Youth Prevention and Recovery Initiative............ 2,000,000
Science and Service:
Addiction Technology Transfer Centers............... 9,046,000
Minority Fellowship Program......................... 7,136,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Responder Training.--The agreement provides
$11,500,000 to make awards to rural public and nonprofit fire
and EMS agencies as authorized in the Supporting and
Improving Rural Emergency Medical Service's Needs (SIREN) Act
(P.L. 115-334) and instructs SAMHSA to follow the directives
included in Senate Report 118-84.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Prescription Drug and
Opioid Addiction.--Within the amount provided, the agreement
includes $14,500,000 for grants to Indian Tribes and Tribal
Organizations.
State Opioid Response Grants.--The agreement provides
$1,575,000,000 and notes that large swings in funding between
grant cycles can pose a significant challenge for States
seeking to maintain programs that were instrumental in
reducing drug overdose fatalities. The agreement continues to
direct SAMHSA to conduct an annual evaluation of the program
to be transmitted to the Committees no later than 180 days
after enactment of this Act and make such an evaluation
publicly available on SAMHSA's website. The agreement also
directs SAMHSA to continue funding technical assistance as
described in Senate Report 118-84.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
The agreement instructs SAMHSA to ensure that all funding
provided to the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, as
well as the 20 percent prevention set aside in the Substance
Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant,
be used only for evidence-based substance use primary
prevention activities. Funds provided under this heading and
through the block grant prevention set-aside are not intended
for other purposes.
Within the total provided for Substance Abuse Prevention
Programs of Regional and National Significance, the agreement
includes the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity:
Strategic Prevention Framework...................... $135,484,000
Strategic Prevention Framework Rx............... 10,000,000
Federal Drug-Free Workplace......................... 5,139,000
Minority AIDS....................................... 43,205,000
Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking......... 14,500,000
National Adult-Oriented Media Public Service 2,500,000
Campaign.......................................
Community-based Coalition Enhancement Grants.... 11,000,000
Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee on the 1,000,000
Prevention of Underage Drinking................
Tribal Behavioral Health Grants..................... 23,665,000
Science and Service:
Center for the Application of Prevention 9,493,000
Technologies.......................................
Science and Service Program Coordination............ 4,072,000
Minority Fellowship Program......................... 1,321,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH SURVEILLANCE AND PROGRAM SUPPORT
Within the total provided for health surveillance and
program support, the agreement includes the following
amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Surveillance..................................... $50,623,000
PHS Evaluation Funds................................ 30,428,000
Program Support......................................... 84,500,000
Public Awareness and Support............................ 13,260,000
Performance and Quality Information Systems............. 10,200,000
Drug Abuse Warning Network.............................. 10,000,000
Behavioral Health Workforce Data........................ 1,000,000
PHS Evaluation Funds................................ 1,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed
Spending.--The agreement includes $72,090,000 for the
projects, and in the amounts, specified in the table titled
``Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed
Spending'' included in this explanatory statement
accompanying this division.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
healthcare research and quality
Long COVID Research.--The agreement includes not less than
$13,500,000 for Long COVID research. Within this amount, the
agreement includes $3,500,000 for the Centers of Excellence
program and activities described under the heading titled
``Long COVID Centers of Excellence'' under the Health
Resources and Services Administration in Senate Report 118-
84.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
program management
Alzheimer's Disease.--The agreement notes disappointment
with CMS' decision to limit coverage of FDA-approved
monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer's
disease. The agreement urges CMS to reconsider the National
Coverage Determination policy to provide full access for
Medicare beneficiaries to these FDA-approved Alzheimer's
treatments.
Area Wage Index.--The agreement urges CMS to extend the Low
Wage Index Hospital Policy to allow hospitals and the agency
more time to understand the impact of such a policy change.
The agreement requests an update on this topic in the next
submission of a congressional justification.
Health Insurance Exchange Transparency.--The agreement
continues bill language requiring CMS to continue to provide
cost information for the health insurance exchange, including
all categories described under this heading in the
explanatory statement accompanying division B of P.L. 115-
245, as well as estimated costs for fiscal year 2025.
Sole Community Hospitals.--The agreement urges CMS to
support hospitals that may have fallen out of compliance with
Sole Community Hospital requirements for either distance or
market share requirements during the public health emergency
and to provide these hospitals a reasonable transition
period.
health care fraud and abuse control
Senior Medicare Patrol.--The agreement continues
$35,000,000 for this program.
Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
low income home energy assistance
The agreement includes $4,025,000,000 for the Low Income
Home Energy Assistance
[[Page H1893]]
Program (LIHEAP), an increase of $25,000,000 over the fiscal
year 2023 enacted level. The agreement also continues bill
language to reduce volatility in State allocations of LIHEAP
funding to prevent States from experiencing significant
reductions in funding between fiscal years.
refugee and entrant assistance
Refugee Support Services
The agreement directs the Office of Refugee Resettlement
(ORR) to include the amount provided by State for each
activity within Refugee Support Services formula grants,
including school impact grants in the budget justification.
Unaccompanied Children (UC)
Referrals Related to Trafficking.--The agreement directs
ORR to submit a report that includes the number of referrals
that ORR has made to the Office of Trafficking in Persons and
the Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security
Investigations Division. The report shall include a
description of processes in place to combat trafficking, and
any additional resources needed to address current gaps.
Report.--The agreement directs ORR to continue to submit
biannual reports to the Committees that include the number of
UCs that remain in HHS care for longer than one year and the
number of UCs that HHS has released to sponsors. The report
should also include an explanation of the methods ORR uses to
follow-up with unaccompanied children after releasing them to
a sponsor, including the follow-up method used and number of
attempts made. The Department shall make such a report
available on its website.
Safe Repatriation of Unaccompanied Children.--Within 180
days of enactment of this Act, ORR is directed to submit to
the committees of jurisdiction the report required under 8
U.S.C. 1232(a)(5)(C).
Trusted Adult Relatives.--The agreement reiterates the
language included in Senate Report 118-84 and directs ORR to
report to the Committees not later than 90 days after
enactment of this Act, the number of UCs released under this
initiative, the category of the sponsor for each UC released,
and the cost of the program.
children and families services programs
Head Start
The agreement encourages the Department to consider local
community needs, longterm impacts on the social and
emotional development of children, and the beliefs of
culturally sensitive groups before issuing program
requirements.
Child Welfare Research, Training, and Demonstration
Strengthening State Indian Child Welfare Act Compliance.--
The agreement provides $3,000,000 for State-Tribal
partnership grants as directed in Senate Report 118-84.
Adoption Opportunities
The agreement continues $2,000,000 for the National
Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative.
The agreement includes $1,000,000 to extend the current
grant by 12 months for the National Training and Development
Curriculum (NTDC) to continue to develop and expand the
curriculum for use by State and tribal child welfare agencies
and provide training to ensure that private domestic adoption
and inter-country adoption agencies can access and utilize
the developed NTDC resources for the children and families
they serve.
The agreement also provides $1,000,000 for a competitive
grant program to improve access to adoption-sensitive care
training for hospital staff. Eligible grantees should be
health care-based, nonprofit education organizations focused
on adoption that partner with healthcare professionals,
hospitals, and community organizations. The agreement also
directs ACF to maintain a public website with the training
materials and other adoption resources for healthcare
workers. The agreement directs ACF to brief the Committees no
later than 90 days after enactment of this Act on its plans
for carrying out this competition. In addition, ACF shall
provide notice to the Committees at least seven days before
awards are announced.
The agreement also directs not less than $2,000,000 for the
evaluation of programs to support adoption arrangements at
risk of a disruption or dissolution, as directed by Senate
Report 118-84.
Social Services Research and Demonstration
The agreement includes $3,000,000 for a demonstration
program to prevent youth homelessness as directed in Senate
Report 118-84. Funds shall be made available to entities
described in such report and community-based organizations to
include public and nonprofit private entities.
The agreement continues funding for demonstration programs
included under this heading in House Report 117-403 at the
levels funded in division H of P.L. 117-328.
Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending
The agreement includes $40,011,000 for the projects, and in
the amounts, specified in the table titled ``Community
Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending'' included
in this explanatory statement accompanying this division.
Family Violence Prevention and Services
The agreement continues funding for family violence
prevention and services programs at the levels directed under
this heading in the explanatory statement accompanying
division H of P.L. 117-328.
Program Direction
The agreement includes an increase in funding for and
directs ACF to report to the Committees, within a year of
enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of linking putative
father registries among the States. The report should include
a cost estimate for forming a national registry and identify
technical resources as well as legal hurdles for
implementation of a national registry.
Administration for Community Living (ACL)
aging and disability services programs
Protection of Vulnerable Older Americans
Within the total, the agreement continues $21,885,000 for
the long-term care ombudsman program.
Family Caregivers
Within the total, the agreement includes $2,000,000 to
support demonstration grants that develop, test, and scale
models that implement commitments and recommended actions
from the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.
Aging Network Support Activities
Within the total, the agreement includes $8,500,000 for the
Holocaust Survivor's Assistance Program and continues the
programs specified under this heading in the amounts
specified in the explanatory statement that accompanied
division H of P.L. 117-328.
Alzheimer's Disease Program
Within the total, the agreement includes no less than
$2,000,000 for the National Alzheimer's Call Center.
Paralysis Resource Center
Within the total, the agreement directs not less than
$10,000,000 to the National Paralysis Resource Center.
Developmental Disabilities State Councils
Within the total, the agreement includes not less than
$800,000 for technical assistance and training for the State
Councils on Developmental Disabilities.
Developmental Disabilities Protection and Advocacy
The agreement directs ACL to brief the Committees within 90
days of enactment of this Act on its efforts to promote and
advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and
Rehabilitation Research
The agreement continues funding to support the Traumatic
Brain Injury Model Systems National Data and Statistical
Center.
Assistive Technology
Alternative Financing Programs.--The agreement directs ACL
to give priority to nonprofit community-based disability
organizations with demonstrated experience with alternative
financing.
Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending
The agreement includes $29,268,000 for the projects, and in
the amounts, specified in the table titled ``Community
Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending'' included
in this explanatory statement accompanying this division.
Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)
research, development, and procurement
Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority
(BARDA)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients.--The agreement directs
ASPR to provide the report requested in Senate Report 118-84.
Antifungal Product Development.--The agreement supports the
development of products that target fungal pathogens, as
listed on CDC's 2019 Antibiotic Resistance Threats Report.
The agreement urges BARDA to expand efforts related to
diagnostics, vaccines, and other antifungal medical
countermeasures. The agreement directs ASPR, within 180 days
of enactment of this Act, to provide the Committees with a
briefing on the plan for this effort.
Antimicrobial Resistance.--The agreement requests a
briefing within 180 days of enactment of this Act related to
the transfer of antibacterial initiatives from CARB-X and/or
NIAID into BARDA's advanced development portfolio and the
Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) review of antimicrobial
resistance tests.
Infectious Disease Outbreaks with Pandemic Potential.--The
agreement includes funding to support a Rapid Response
Capability Medical Countermeasure Program that would support
Disease X (also known as viral pathogens with a significant
potential to cause a pandemic) medical countermeasure (MCM)
activities and the expeditious development of MCMs against
priority viral families, including those effective against
novel pathogens with pandemic potential.
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
The agreement provides $335,000,000 for the Pandemic
Influenza Preparedness Program, which includes $20,000,000 in
unobligated balances from pandemic influenza supplemental
appropriations for BARDA pandemic influenza activities. Of
the total, $7,009,000 is directed to the Office of Global
Affairs.
operations, preparedness, and emergency response
Operations
Domestic Capabilities.--The agreement supports efforts by
ASPR to strengthen the domestic industrial base.
[[Page H1894]]
Medical Innovation for Disaster Response.--The agreement
directs ASPR to provide a report within 90 days of enactment
of this Act describing the potential role of a Federally
Funded Research and Development Center, as described in the
fiscal year 2023 explanatory statement, with an academic
partner that has strengths in telehealth and far forward
medical response, as well as strong partnerships that can be
leveraged to meet the full scope of required work.
Public Health Emergency Countermeasure Enterprise
(PHEMCE).--The agreement notes that 42 U.S.C. 300-10 requires
annual updates to the PHEMCE multiyear budget, and the
agreement directs ASPR to notify the Committees 14 days in
advance of any anticipated delay.
Shared Services.--The agreement commends ASPR for its
efforts to implement accounting practices that will provide
program offices increased transparency related to the
assessment of costs associated with shared services. The
agreement directs ASPR to implement processes and procedures
to effectively minimize the use of programmatic funding for
shared support services. The agreement directs ASPR to
provide a briefing within 90 days of enactment of this Act on
ASPR's methodology for levying financial assessments on
program offices for purposes of funding shared services,
including the total annual amounts of such levies,
disaggregated by program.
National Disaster Medical System
Mission Zero.--The agreement includes $4,000,000 for
civilian trauma centers to train and incorporate military
trauma care providers and teams into care centers.
Pediatric Disaster Care.--The agreement includes $7,000,000
for the Pediatric Disaster Care Centers of Excellence.
Public Health Preparedness Equipment.--The agreement
includes $2,000,000 for ASPR to maintain next generation air
mobility solutions that will ensure more cost-effective
health delivery systems.
Health Care Readiness and Recovery
Hospital Preparedness Program Cooperative Agreements.--The
agreement includes $240,000,000 for critical support to
State, local, and regional partners to advance health care
system preparedness and response.
National Special Pathogen System.--The agreement includes
$7,500,000 for the National Emerging Special Pathogens
Training and Education Center and $21,000,000 to continue
support for the Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment
Centers Program and Special Pathogen Treatment Centers.
Regional Disaster Health Response System.--The agreement
includes $7,000,000 for these cooperative agreements.
Office of the Secretary
general departmental management
Dietary Guidelines.--In addition to requirements included
in Senate Report 118-84, the agreement directs HHS and SAMHSA
to provide a briefing to the Committees within 60 days of
enactment of this Act related to SAMHSA's efforts to examine
the effects of alcohol consumption among adults including the
specific topics and questions under consideration and the
Department's methodology for ensuring the effort operates in
a manner that is unbiased and free from conflict of interest.
Joint Funding Arrangement.--The agreement directs the
agency to include all amounts assessed from any operating or
staff division and the methodology used to determine such
amounts for each project.
Office of Climate Change and Health Equity.--The Department
is directed to brief the Committees within 90 days of
enactment of this Act on the activities of this office.
Staffing Reports.--The agreement includes a general
provision requiring the Department to submit a biannual
staffing report to the Committees. The Excel table shall
include: the names, titles, grades, agencies, and divisions
of all of the political appointees, special government
employees, and detailees that were employed by or assigned to
the Department during the previous 180 days.
Stillbirth Working Group.--The agreement directs the
Secretary to prioritize the Department-wide implementation of
the Stillbirth Working Group's recommendations and engage in
efforts to promote evidence-based stillbirth awareness and
prevention activities; the Department shall report to the
Committees on progress within 180 days of enactment of this
Act and make such report available online on the agency's
website.
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Evidence Review.--The
agreement includes $900,000 for the Assistant Secretary for
Planning and Evaluation to conduct an independent,
systematic, rigorous review of evaluation studies on such
programs.
Tribal Set-aside.--The agreement continues a $5,000,000
Tribal set-aside within the Minority HIV/AIDS Prevention and
Treatment program.
Vaccine and Mask Mandates.--The agreement encourages the
Department to consider local community needs, long-term
impacts on the social and emotional development of children,
and the beliefs of culturally sensitive groups before issuing
program requirements in these matters.
Within the total provided under this heading, the agreement
includes the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Children's Interagency Coordinating Council............. $3,000,000
Embryo Adoption Awareness Campaign...................... 1,000,000
KidneyX................................................. 5,000,000
LymeX................................................... 5,000,000
U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission.................... 2,500,000
Office of Minority Health:
Achieving Equitable Maternal Health Outcomes........ 7,000,000
Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity.. 4,000,000
National Lupus Training, Outreach, and Clinical 2,000,000
Trial Education....................................
Promoting Language Access Services.................. 4,000,000
Office on Women's Health:
Combatting Violence Against Women................... 10,100,000
Eating Disorders Research........................... 750,000
Pregnant and Lactating Women Advisory Committee..... 200,000
Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Promotion of 2,000,000
Optimal Birth Outcomes.................................
Stillbirth Working Group................................ 1,750,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.--The agreement directs HHS to
provide quarterly reports for all ongoing projects. The
report shall include the following for each project: agency
project is funded under; a description for each project; the
date the project was notified to the Committees; total
obligations to date; obligations for the prior fiscal year;
anticipated obligations for the current fiscal year; and any
expected future obligations. For any project ongoing for more
than 3 years, the report should include a narrative
describing the cause of the delay and steps being taken by
the agency to ensure prompt completion. In addition, the
agreement requests such a quarterly report include transfers
by agency into such fund by fiscal year for all prior years
and the total unobligated balances in the fund.
office of the national coordinator for health information technology
(onc)
Patient Matching.--The agreement notes the general
provision limiting funds for actions related to promulgation
or adoption of a standard providing for the assignment of a
unique health identifier does not prohibit the Department
from examining the issues around patient matching and
includes an increase of $3,000,000 for ONC to work with
industry to develop matching standards that prioritize
interoperability, patient safety, and patient privacy.
Standards for Interoperability.--The agreement continues to
include not less than $5,000,000 to support interoperability
and information sharing efforts related to the implementation
of Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources standards or
associated implementation standards. Additionally, within 180
days of enactment of this Act, the agreement directs ONC to
provide a report to the Committees that provides an update on
progress implementing the interoperability provisions of the
Cures Act and gaps that remain for full implementation,
including patient and clinician access to data, including
images, as well as on efforts to ensure standardized
capabilities for real-time benefit checks and electronic
prior authorization for drugs and services and the enablement
of decentralized clinical trials via technology. Such report
shall be made publicly available on ONC's website.
General Provisions
The agreement updates a provision related to section 338E
of the Public Health Service Act.
The agreement updates a provision related to international
health activities.
The agreement updates a provision related to information to
include as part of a budget justification.
The agreement updates a provision related to information
reporting.
The agreement includes the following allocation of amounts
from the Prevention and Public Health Fund.
PREVENTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH FUND
PREVENTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH FUND
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Agency Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACL............................... Alzheimer's Disease $14,700,000
Program.
ACL............................... Chronic Disease Self- 8,000,000
Management.
ACL............................... Falls Prevention.... 5,000,000
CDC............................... Hospitals Promoting 9,750,000
Breastfeeding.
CDC............................... Diabetes............ 66,412,000
CDC............................... Epidemiology and 40,000,000
Laboratory Capacity
Grants.
CDC............................... Healthcare 12,000,000
Associated
Infections.
CDC............................... Heart Disease & 29,255,000
Stroke Prevention
Program.
CDC............................... Million Hearts 5,000,000
Program..
CDC............................... Office of Smoking 125,850,000
and Health.
CDC............................... Preventative Health 160,000,000
and Health Services
Block Grants.
CDC............................... Section 317 681,933,000
Immunization Grants.
CDC............................... Lead Poisoning 51,000,000
Prevention.
CDC............................... Early Care 5,000,000
Collaboratives.
SAMHSA............................ Garrett Lee Smith- 12,000,000
Youth Suicide
Prevention.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The agreement updates a provision related to mammography.
The agreement includes new provisions related to Reserve
Fund reporting.
The agreement includes a new provision related to
eligibility criteria for American Indian and Alaska Native
Head Start enrollees.
The agreement includes a new provision related to
eligibility criteria for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start
enrollees.
The agreement modifies a provision to rescind unobligated
balances.
The agreement includes a new provision to rescind
unobligated balances.
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Education for the Disadvantaged
Chronic Absenteeism.--The agreement notes the Department's
intention to conduct additional monitoring of States'
implementation of school improvement requirements in the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), including in
States that have adopted chronic absenteeism as the statewide
school quality and student success indicator. However, in
response to the alarming 31 percent nationwide rate of
chronic absenteeism
[[Page H1895]]
in the 2021-2022 school year and recent GAO reports on
implementation of school improvement requirements of ESEA,
the agreement believes the Department must also improve the
quality and rigor of such monitoring.
Within 60 days of enactment of this Act, the agreement
directs the Department to submit a plan and brief the
Committees on how its additional monitoring will assess
applicable States' effectiveness in using chronic absenteeism
as an indicator in identifying schools in need of support and
improvement. Further, the plan and a second briefing provided
not later than 90 days after enactment must also explain how
the Department will monitor and support, through coordinated
technical assistance and available program funding, States'
and districts' effectiveness in monitoring and supporting
implementation of evidence-based interventions intended to
improve student attendance and engagement in identified
schools. In addition, the Department must consider steps it
can take to support State and local efforts to raise public
awareness about the need to lower student absenteeism.
School Improvement.--The Department is directed to conduct
performance reviews to assess compliance with Title I-A of
the ESEA for at least 5 State Educational Agency (SEAs) in
2024 and report how it will conduct and complete this
monitoring and its plans for increased future monitoring to
the committees of jurisdiction. Further, the Department is
directed to produce a report that summarizes the Department's
process, findings, and actions it is requiring or
recommending SEAs to take in response to all monitoring and
performance reviews of State implementation of Title I-A of
the ESEA, particularly the identification of Comprehensive
Support and Improvement, Targeted Support and Improvement and
Additional Targeted Support and Improvement schools, school
improvement plan requirements in sections 1111(d)(1)-(2), and
Local Educational Agency (LEA) resource allocation reviews in
section 1111(d)(3). This report must be provided to the
committees of jurisdiction and made publicly available on the
Department's website no later than September 1.
The GAO is directed to initiate additional reviews of
school improvement activities being undertaken with funding
available in Title I-A of the ESEA. GAO shall consult with
the Committees on the scope of the work and project
objectives and initiate the report not later than 180 days
after enactment of this Act.
School Improvement Programs
Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants
The agreement requests a report within one year of
enactment of this Act on how States use this funding to
support activities designed to increase educational
opportunity and student achievement by improving the
effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school
leaders. Such report shall be made available on the agency's
website.
Supplemental Education Grants
The agreement notes the Compact of Free Association
Amendments Act of 2024 does not continue to authorize the
Supplemental Education Grants (SEG) program and instead makes
changes intended to support related activities. Therefore, no
funds are included in this agreement for the SEG program,
consistent with the President's Budget.
Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers
ESEA requires States to award grants for the 21st Century
Community Learning Centers program to eligible entities that
target services to students who primarily attend high-poverty
schools and prioritize applications from eligible entities
proposing to target services to students who primarily attend
schools implementing comprehensive support and improvement
activities or targeted support and improvement activities and
applicants addressing other statutory priorities. The
agreement directs the Department to work with SEAs on how to
identify eligible entities for this program, as defined and
required in ESEA, which can carry out activities that advance
student academic achievement and support student success as
required by ESEA that may be less likely to meet subgrant
priorities and subsequently receive awards. The Department
shall submit a report to the Committees on implemented and
planned State subgrant priorities as soon as practicable and
make the report available on the agency's website.
Comprehensive Centers
The agreement directs the Department to consult with the
Committees not later than one month prior to issuing the
notice inviting applications for new awards for the
Comprehensive Centers program and further directs the
Department to brief the Committees not later than seven days
prior to issuing such notice. The consultation and briefing
shall include planned priorities and requirements for such
notice, planned amounts and methodology for allocating
resources to Regional Centers, the National Center, and each
Content Center, and the Department's monitoring and
evaluation plan.
Further, the Department must be prepared to discuss how the
notice and Department's monitoring and evaluation activities
of the Comprehensive Centers program will strengthen SEA and
LEA technical assistance and support for and SEA, LEA, and
school implementation of all the school improvement
requirements of ESEA. Particularly, technical assistance
should focus on how to consistently and effectively meet
requirements for SEAs and LEAs to ensure schools identified
for comprehensive and additional targeted support and
improvement identify school resource inequities to be
addressed through implementation of their improvement plans
and for SEAs to periodically review resource allocation
within LEAs with significant numbers of identified schools
and how the education resources of those LEAs compare to
education resources of other LEAs in the State.
Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants
The agreement directs the Department to submit a spend plan
to the Committees for the capacity building and technical
assistance funds within 120 days of enactment of this Act.
Indian Education
National Activities
The agreement includes $12,365,000 for National Activities.
These funds shall support new and continuation awards under
the Native American Language Immersion program following
policy direction in Senate Report 118-84 and new and
continuation awards for the State-Tribal Education
Partnership program.
Innovation and Improvement
Education Innovation and Research (EIR)
Within the total for EIR, the agreement includes
$87,000,000 to provide grants for social and emotional
learning and $87,000,000 for Science, Technology, Education,
and Math and computer science education activities.
No later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, the
Department is directed to have an initial consultation
briefing with the Committees on the fiscal year 2024
competitions for EIR. Not less than two weeks before the
publication of a notice of proposed priorities or a notice
inviting applications, the Department is directed to brief
the Committees on plans for carrying out an EIR competition.
In addition, the Department shall provide a briefing and
notice of grant awards to the Committees at least seven days
before grantees are announced.
Charter School Program (CSP)
The agreement acknowledges and reiterates the need for
rigorous planning, high-quality professional development,
strong community engagement, quality authorizing, and
effective oversight in the creation of new charter schools
designed to meet the needs of all students, including
students with disabilities and English Learners. The
agreement encourages recipients of CSP State Entities grants
to ensure that their subgrantees have access to high-quality
support in carrying out those activities, which may include
requiring that subgrantees devote a specific percentage of
their subgrant funds to acquiring such technical assistance.
The agreement further notes that this type of technical
assistance could be, but is not required to be, provided by
the State entity or by a contractor working for the State
entity, with subgrantees acting individually or in consortia
with other subgrantees.
The agreement also directs the Department to provide
technical assistance to States with biennial legislative
sessions wishing to apply for State Facilities Incentive
Grants on how they can be eligible to apply and meet the
match requirements under 4304(k)(2)(C) and (D) of the ESEA.
Not less than two weeks before the publication of a notice
of proposed priorities or a notice inviting applications, the
Department is directed to brief the Committees on plans for
carrying out a CSP competition.
Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending
The agreement includes $88,084,000 for the projects, and in
the amounts, specified in the table ``Community Project
Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending'' included in this
explanatory statement accompanying this division.
Safe Schools and Citizenship Education
School Safety National Activities
The agreement notes funds made available through the
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (P.L. 117-159) Stronger
Connections Grant program may be used for information
technology to improve the safety of the school environment in
high-need LEAs. Guidance documentation published by the
Department also includes information regarding other related
eligible uses of funds including equipment and minor
remodeling.
The agreement includes $216,000,000 for school safety
national activities. The Department shall use any excess
funds not needed for non-competitive continuation awards and
Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV)
awards for new awards for Mental Health Service Professional
Demonstration grants and School-Based Mental Health Services
grants as proposed in the President's budget request.The
Department's estimate of approximately $141,000,000 for
continuation awards will leave more than $74,000,000 for
important new investments in both of these school-based
mental health grant programs.
The agreement acknowledges the briefing provided to the
Committees prior to the February release of notices inviting
applications for these mental health programs. While no
further notices are expected, the Department is directed to
consult with the Committees not later than three weeks prior
to issuing a notice of proposed priorities, or a notice
inviting applications, or funding availability.
[[Page H1896]]
The Department will also provide a briefing and notice of
grant awards to the Committees at least seven days before
grantees are announced.
Special Education
National Activities
Educational Technology, Media, and Materials.--The
agreement encourages the Department to expand this program's
reach to students with disabilities in higher education to
provide a seamless pathway for students with disabilities to
improve their completion of postsecondary education.
Personnel Preparation.--The agreement strongly urges the
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to prioritize
additional investments in doctoral level personnel
preparation in special education. OSEP is directed to brief
the Committees not later than three weeks prior to issuing
any notice inviting applications for such funds.
Rehabilitation Services
Randolph-Sheppard Program.--The agreement directs the
Department to provide participants in the Randolph-Sheppard
program with technical assistance and support in applying for
funding opportunities available under the Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services.
Special Institutions for Persons with Disabilities
American Printing House for the Blind
Within the total, the agreement includes up to $5,000,000
to support additional field testing and initial production
and distribution of an innovative braille and tactile display
product developed by the Printing House and its partners.
The agreement also includes up to $6,000,000 to continue
the current Center for Assistive Technology Training regional
partnership.
National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)
The agreement includes up to $9,500,000 to continue NTID's
current Regional STEM Center partnership.
Gallaudet University
The agreement includes $8,500,000 to continue the current
regional partnership through the Early Learning Acquisition
Project with its current partner as the lead agent for
program expansion.
Capital Improvements.--The agreement directs the Department
to provide the Committees with a plan no later than 180 days
after the enactment of this Act detailing how Gallaudet
University has used funds for construction provided in fiscal
year 2023 and plans to use such funds in fiscal years 2024
and 2025. Such a plan should include information on all
additional funding sources for applicable projects, specific
timelines, project goals, and total estimated costs.
Student Financial Assistance
Pell Grants
The agreement preserves the maximum discretionary Pell
grant award at $6,335. When combined with mandatory funding,
the agreement continues to support a total maximum Pell award
of $7,395 for the 2024-2025 award year.
Federal Work Study
Within the total for Federal Work Study, the agreement
continues $11,053,000 for the Work Colleges program
authorized under section448 of the Higher Education Act
(HEA).
Student Aid Administration
Change Requests.--The agreement directs the Department to
notify the Committees of awarded contract Change Requests
from the preceding month by the 10th day of the next calendar
month regarding changes to student loan servicing.
Enforcement Activities.--The agreement directs the
Department to provide the Committees with a briefing update
on the investigative activities of the Federal Student Aid
Office of Enforcement, within 90 days of enactment of this
Act. Such briefing should include information on resources
used for investigations, investigative work across sectors of
higher education, and the prioritization of investigations.
FAFSA Simplification Act Implementation.--The agreement
notes the Department's updates to the Committees and public
communications on its implementation of the new Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2024-2025 and
strongly urges the Department to provide timely updates to
the Committees as implementation continues. Such updates
should include how the Department is working with
institutions of higher education (IHEs) and States to
mitigate the impacts of the 2024-2025 FAFSA delay on students
and families, including through timely updates to IHEs,
scholarship providers, and States. The agreement also notes
the Department's 2024-2025 FAFSA completion data it has made
publicly available on its website and urges the Department to
continue to regularly update this data and to make it
publicly available.
Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act.--Within 60 days of
enactment of this Act, the agreement directs the Department
to provide a briefing to the Committees with a status update
on implementation of the Joint Consolidation Loan Separation
Act (P.L. 117-200).
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Report.--Within 90 days of
enactment of this Act, the agreement directs the Department
to provide a report to the Committees on its implementation
of provisions described by the Department in the Federal
Register on November 1, 2022 (87 FR 65904) that allow
California and Texas physicians to utilize the Public Service
Loan Forgiveness Program.
Return to Repayment.--The agreement reiterates the
expectations described under this heading in Senate Report
118-84.
Spend Plan.--The agreement reiterates the directives and
requirements in the third paragraph under the heading
``Student Aid Administration'' in Senate Report 118-84. In
addition, the agreement continues to direct the Department to
provide quarterly briefings on Federal student loan servicing
contracts, including the transition to the Unified Servicing
and Data Solution.
Higher Education
Innovative Solutions.--The agreement is supportive of the
Department exploring innovative ways to help low-income
students pay for college, such as matched savings programs
for Pell-eligible students.
Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities
The agreement includes $3,000,000 for supplemental grants
to eligible junior or community colleges.
Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)
Within the total provided for FIPSE, the agreement includes
the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic Needs Grants...................................... $10,000,000
Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success 9,000,000
Program................................................
HBCU, TCU, and MSI Research and Development 50,000,000
Infrastructure Grants..................................
Open Textbook Pilot..................................... 7,000,000
Postsecondary Student Success Grants.................... 45,000,000
Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant 45,000,000
Program................................................
Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education... 5,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic Needs Grants.--The Department shall follow the
directions under this heading in House Report 117-403.
Open Textbook Pilot.--The agreement includes funding to
continue the Open Textbook Pilot as described in Senate
Report 118-84.
Postsecondary Student Success Grants.--The agreement
continues to direct the Department to carry out this program
in the same manner specified in the explanatory statement
accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023,
including the directive to brief the Committees.
Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending
The agreement includes $202,344,000 for the projects, and
in the amounts, specified in the table ``Community Project
Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending'' included in this
explanatory statement accompanying this division.
Howard University
The agreement includes $304,018,000 for Howard University.
Within the total, the agreement includes $50,000,000 to
support the continued construction of a new hospital. To
date, $257,000,000 out of a request of $300,000,000 has been
provided for this activity.
Institute of Education Sciences
Statistics
National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS).--The
mission of the NCES includes the reporting of education
information and statistics in a timely manner and collection,
analysis, and reporting of education information and
statistics in a manner that is relevant and useful to
practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and the public.
While NCES has taken important steps to develop a strategic
plan and conduct outreach to stakeholders, there is concern
about its decision to propose a revision to the NPSAS data
collection schedule without sufficient stakeholder engagement
and consideration of the important information NPSAS provides
to researchers, policymakers, and the public. In recognition
of the vital role of NPSAS in postsecondary empirical
research and analysis, the agreement directs NCES to restore
the study's traditional data collection schedule to every two
years, for NPSAS 2024 and NPSAS 2026, with a student
interview included every four years, for NPSAS 2024 and NPSAS
2028. Going forward, NCES should maintain strong engagement
with the postsecondary empirical research community and the
Committees as it continues strategic planning and stakeholder
engagement activities and only consider future changes to the
NPSAS collection schedule, after first soliciting feedback
from the postsecondary empirical research community and the
Committees.
Assessment
Civics.--The agreement directs the National Center for
Education Statistics (NCES) and the National Assessment
Governing Board to provide an update on the plans, budgetary
requirements, and timeline for the National Assessment of
Educational Progress Civics Assessment to the Committees no
later than 90 days after enactment of this Act.
Departmental Management
program administration
Consultation and Briefing Requirement.--The Department is
directed to consult with the Committees on any Department
action expected to significantly increase or decrease current
or future costs of programs it administers. In addition, the
Department is directed to consult with the Committees on any
execution action related to any program
[[Page H1897]]
or activity for which a directive is included in Senate
Report 118-84 or this explanatory statement not later than 4
weeks prior to a public announcement related to such action.
Further, the Department is directed to brief the Committees
on any action covered by this consultation requirement,
including consideration and incorporation of feedback during
such initial consultation, not later than 1 week prior to a
public announcement related to such action. This paragraph
does not replace a more specific directive to a program or
activity included in this explanatory statement.
Discretionary Grant Program Management.--There is concern
that the Department's late publication of notices inviting
applications and awarding of discretionary grant program
funds late in the fiscal year limits the use of Federal funds
toward timely and maximal achievement of grantee performance
and program objectives. The agreement directs the Department
to develop and implement a plan to execute its discretionary
grant programs in a timely way, through publication of
notices inviting applications and obligation of grant funds
earlier in the fiscal year. The agreement further directs the
Department to provide the Committees with an update on
accelerated execution timelines for its discretionary grant
programs within 120 days of enactment of this Act, as well as
in the Forecast of Funding Opportunities under the Department
of Education Grant Programs for fiscal year 2025.
Implementation of ESEA Provisions Regarding English
Learners.--Within 90days of the enactment of this Act, the
Department is directed to brief the Committees on the overall
state of State educational agency and local educational
agency English Learners (EL) data collection at the
Department and any barriers that persist in collecting
systematized EL subgroup data.
Investments in Impoverished Areas.--The agreement directs
the Department to update the report provided to the
Committees in response to the directive under this heading in
House Report 117-403, within 90 days of fiscal year 2023 data
being available.
Office of Communications and Outreach.--The Department is
directed to provide a letter to the Committees on
Appropriations within 30 days after enactment of this Act
detailing how it complies with statutory requirements
regarding influencing legislation and what training employees
receive on such statutory requirements.
Program Administration.--The agreement notes new bill
language prohibiting funds from being used on or after August
15, 2024, to support a number of non-career employees that is
above the number of non-career employees as of December 31,
2022. The Department failed to comply with the direction to
achieve this level in last year's explanatory statement and
should take immediate action necessary to comply with this
directive and new bill language requirement as soon as
practicable. The agreement further notes monthly staffing
reports directed by Senate Report 118-84 will be closely
scrutinized and should demonstrate the Department's progress
in coming into compliance with this directive and new bill
requirement.
office for civil rights
Section 8546 Prohibition on Aiding and Abetting Sexual
Abuse.--The Department is directed to brief the Committees on
key actions completed and plans to ensure State and local
compliance with the requirements of section 8546 of the ESEA
not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act. Such
briefing shall include a discussion of actions taken on
recommendations from the Department-funded ``Study of State
Policies to Prohibit Aiding and Abetting Sexual Misconduct in
Schools'', and other technical assistance and support,
enforcement and accountability actions, implementation
challenges, and the metrics the agency is using to measure
improved State and local compliance with this section of the
law. Not later than 240 days after enactment, the Department
is directed to publicly post a status report on State and
local compliance and its plans to ensure State and local
compliance with such section.
General Provisions
The agreement updates authority for pooled evaluation under
the ESEA.
The agreement updates a provision allowing certain
institutions to continue to use endowment income for student
scholarships.
The agreement updates a provision extending the
authorization of the National Advisory Committee on
Institutional Quality and Integrity.
The agreement updates a provision extending the authority
to provide account maintenance fees to guaranty agencies.
The agreement updates a provision regarding evaluation of
HEA programs.
The agreement continues a provision providing an amount
within the Innovation and Improvement account for the
projects, and in the amounts, as specified in the table
titled Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed
Spending in the explanatory statement accompanying this
division.
The agreement modifies a provision regarding centralized
support services for the Institute of Education Sciences.
The agreement includes a new provision to rescind
unobligated balances.
TITLE IV--RELATED AGENCIES
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)
operating expenses
Innovation, Demonstration, and Assistance Activities.--The
agreement includes $6,148,000 for National Days of Service
including the September 11th National Day of Service and
Remembrance and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of
Service.
Institute of Museum and Library Services
The agreement includes funds for the following activities:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2024
Budget Activity Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Library Services Technology Act:
Grants to States.................................... $180,000,000
Native American Library Services.................... 5,763,000
National Leadership: Libraries...................... 15,287,000
Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian................... 10,000,000
Museum Services Act:
Museums for America................................. 30,330,000
Native American/Hawaiian Museum Services............ 3,772,000
National Leadership: Museums........................ 9,348,000
African American History and Culture Act:
Museum Grants for African American History & Culture 6,000,000
National Museum of the American Latino Act:
Museum Grants for American Latino History & Culture. 6,000,000
Research, Analysis, and Data Collection................. 5,650,000
Program Administration.................................. 22,650,000
---------------
TOTAL............................................... 294,800,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Library and Museum Infrastructure.--The agreement
notes that the Public Library Services for Strong Communities
Report: Results from the 2022 Public Library Association
Annual Survey found that just more than 40 percent of public
library buildings and nearly half of those in towns and rural
areas have not undergone a major renovation since 2000 or
earlier. The agreement reiterates the GAO report required in
Senate Report 118-84 on the physical condition of library and
museum facilities in the United States.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
limitation on administrative expenses
Hiring and Retention.--The agreement directs SSA, within 90
days of enactment of this Act and quarterly thereafter, to
provide a staffing report to the Committees detailing full-
time equivalents and new hires by component and retention
rates of new hires by component.
Occupational Information System.--The agreement directs SSA
to include information in its congressional justifications
detailing efforts to fully implement the Occupational
Information System (OIS) project, including the status of
implementation and timeline for transitioning entirely to
OIS, an action plan to accomplish said timeline, and the
costs associated with the project.
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) and
Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security
(PABSS).--The agreement includes $23,000,000 for WIPA grants
and $10,000,000 for PABSS.
office of inspector general
Administrative Law Judges.--The agreement encourages the
Office of the Inspector General to update its 2017 report on
Administrative Law Judge allowance rates, Administrative Law
Judges from Our February 2012 Report Who Had the Highest and
Lowest Allowance Rates'' (A-12-17-50220).
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
The agreement updates a provision related to notification
of certain reprogramming of funds.
The agreement updates a provision related to submission of
an operating plan.
The agreement updates a provision related to submission of
a report.
The agreement updates a provision related to Performance
Partnerships.
The agreement updates a provision related to submission of
a report on the status of balances.
The agreement modifies a provision to rescind unobligated
balances.
The agreement includes two new provisions to rescind
unobligated balances.
The agreement updates a provision related to research and
evaluation.
DISCLOSURE OF EARMARKS AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS
Following is a list of congressional earmarks and
congressionally directed spending items (as defined in clause
9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives
and rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate,
respectively) included in the bill or this explanatory
statement, along with the name of each House Member, Senator,
Delegate, or Resident Commissioner who submitted a request to
the Committee of jurisdiction for each item so identified.
For each item, a Member is required to provide a
certification that neither the Member nor the Member's
immediate family has a financial interest, and each Senator
is required to provide a certification that neither the
Senator nor the Senator's immediate family has a pecuniary
interest in such congressionally directed spending item.
Neither the bill nor the explanatory statement contains any
limited tax benefits or limited tariff benefits as defined in
the applicable House and Senate rules.
[[Page H1898]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.001
[[Page H1899]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.002
[[Page H1900]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.003
[[Page H1901]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.004
[[Page H1902]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.005
[[Page H1903]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.006
[[Page H1904]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.007
[[Page H1905]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.008
[[Page H1906]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.009
[[Page H1907]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.010
[[Page H1908]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.011
[[Page H1909]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.012
[[Page H1910]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.013
[[Page H1911]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.014
[[Page H1912]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.015
[[Page H1913]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.016
[[Page H1914]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.017
[[Page H1915]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.018
[[Page H1916]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.019
[[Page H1917]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.020
[[Page H1918]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.021
[[Page H1919]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.022
[[Page H1920]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.023
[[Page H1921]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.024
[[Page H1922]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.025
[[Page H1923]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.026
[[Page H1924]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.027
[[Page H1925]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.028
[[Page H1926]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.029
[[Page H1927]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.030
[[Page H1928]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.031
[[Page H1929]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.032
[[Page H1930]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.033
[[Page H1931]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.034
[[Page H1932]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.035
[[Page H1933]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.036
[[Page H1934]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.037
[[Page H1935]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.038
[[Page H1936]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.039
[[Page H1937]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.040
[[Page H1938]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.041
[[Page H1939]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.042
[[Page H1940]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.043
[[Page H1941]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.044
[[Page H1942]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.045
[[Page H1943]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.046
[[Page H1944]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.047
[[Page H1945]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.048
[[Page H1946]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.049
[[Page H1947]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.050
[[Page H1948]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.051
[[Page H1949]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.052
[[Page H1950]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.053
[[Page H1951]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.054
[[Page H1952]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.055
[[Page H1953]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.056
[[Page H1954]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.057
[[Page H1955]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.058
[[Page H1956]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.059
[[Page H1957]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.060
[[Page H1958]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.061
[[Page H1959]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.062
[[Page H1960]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.063
[[Page H1961]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.064
[[Page H1962]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.065
[[Page H1963]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.066
[[Page H1964]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.067
[[Page H1965]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.068
[[Page H1966]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.069
[[Page H1967]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.070
[[Page H1968]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.071
[[Page H1969]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.072
[[Page H1970]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.073
[[Page H1971]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.074
[[Page H1972]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.075
[[Page H1973]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.076
[[Page H1974]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.077
[[Page H1975]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.078
[[Page H1976]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.079
[[Page H1977]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.080
[[Page H1978]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.081
[[Page H1979]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.082
[[Page H1980]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.083
[[Page H1981]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.084
[[Page H1982]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.085
[[Page H1983]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.086
[[Page H1984]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.087
[[Page H1985]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.088
[[Page H1986]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.089
[[Page H1987]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.090
[[Page H1988]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.091
[[Page H1989]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.092
[[Page H1990]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.093
[[Page H1991]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.094
[[Page H1992]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.095
[[Page H1993]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.096
[[Page H1994]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.097
[[Page H1995]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.098
[[Page H1996]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.099
[[Page H1997]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.100
[[Page H1998]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.101
[[Page H1999]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.102
[[Page H2000]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.103
[[Page H2001]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.104
[[Page H2002]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.105
[[Page H2003]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.106
[[Page H2004]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.107
[[Page H2005]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.108
[[Page H2006]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.109
[[Page H2007]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.110
[[Page H2008]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.111
[[Page H2009]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.112
[[Page H2010]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.113
[[Page H2011]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.114
[[Page H2012]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.115
[[Page H2013]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.116
[[Page H2014]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.117
[[Page H2015]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.118
[[Page H2016]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.119
[[Page H2017]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.120
[[Page H2018]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.121
[[Page H2019]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.122
[[Page H2020]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.123
[[Page H2021]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.124
[[Page H2022]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.125
[[Page H2023]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.126
[[Page H2024]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.127
[[Page H2025]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.128
[[Page H2026]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.129
[[Page H2027]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.130
[[Page H2028]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.131
[[Page H2029]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.132
[[Page H2030]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.133
[[Page H2031]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.134
[[Page H2032]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.135
[[Page H2033]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.136
[[Page H2034]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.137
[[Page H2035]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.138
[[Page H2036]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.139
[[Page H2037]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.140
[[Page H2038]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.141
[[Page H2039]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.142
[[Page H2040]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.143
[[Page H2041]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.144
[[Page H2042]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.145
[[Page H2043]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.146
[[Page H2044]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.147
[[Page H2045]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.148
[[Page H2046]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.149
[[Page H2047]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.150
[[Page H2048]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.151
[[Page H2049]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.152
[[Page H2050]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.153
[[Page H2051]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.154
[[Page H2052]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.155
[[Page H2053]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.156
[[Page H2054]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.157
[[Page H2055]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.158
[[Page H2056]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.159
[[Page H2057]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.160
[[Page H2058]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.161
[[Page H2059]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.162
[[Page H2060]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.163
[[Page H2061]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.164
[[Page H2062]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.165
[[Page H2063]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.166
[[Page H2064]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.167
[[Page H2065]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.168
[[Page H2066]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.169
[[Page H2067]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.170
[[Page H2068]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.171
[[Page H2069]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.172
[[Page H2070]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060D.173
[[Page H2071]]
DIVISION E--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
The following is an explanation of the effects of Division
E, which makes appropriations for the legislative branch for
fiscal year 2024. The joint explanatory statement
accompanying this division is approved and indicates
congressional intent. Unless otherwise noted, the language
set forth in House Report 118-120 and Senate Report 118-60
carries the same weight as language included in this joint
explanatory statement and shall be complied with unless
specifically addressed to the contrary in this joint
explanatory statement. While some language is repeated for
emphasis, it is not intended to negate the language referred
to above unless expressly provided herein.
All legislative branch departments and agencies are
directed to follow prior year directives adopted in Public
Law 117-328 and Division I--Legislative Branch Appropriations
Act, 2023 on ``Reprogramming Guidelines'', ``Full-time
equivalent (FTE)'', ``Science and Technology Assistance for
Congress'', ``Implementation of Recommendations Issued by
Oversight Entities'', ``Use of Government Vehicles'', and
``Zero-based Budgeting''.
Offices of Inspectors General (OIG) Budgets.--Ensuring
independence between legislative branch OIGs and their
respective reporting agencies is important. Agencies are
expected to include a separate section reflecting a detailed
budget request for their OIGs within their fiscal year 2025
budget justifications. Each OIG is directed to keep the
Committees fully apprised of its funding needs. In addition,
each agency is directed to avoid interference with or require
approval for such communications between the OIG and the
Committees.
Good Accounting Obligation in Government Act.--The Good
Accounting Obligation in Government Act, or GAO-IG Act
(Public Law 115-414) requires that each Federal agency,
including the agencies of the legislative branch, include an
accounting of any public recommendations by the GAO or the
agency's OIG that have not yet been implemented, and the
timeframe for implementation. It is expected that each agency
in this bill include such a report in its fiscal year 2025
congressional budget justification.
All reports are required to be completed in the timeframe
noted in each respective directive. Moreover, the agreement
expects that the conditions associated with funding
appropriated by this Act shall be accomplished in the manner
as directed in the report, consistent with congressional
intent.
Each legislative branch agency shall provide within 30 days
of enactment of this Act a detailed spend plan for the
execution of funds appropriated this fiscal year for its
programs and quarterly execution reports thereafter that
provide execution data against the spend plan.
All legislative branch agencies shall provide quarterly
briefings to the Committees on Appropriations on the status
of its cybersecurity program, to include milestones,
significant activities, challenges, and the status of the
execution of funding provided for this purpose.
Extension of Personnel Benefits.--Childcare benefits are
often a recruiting, retention, and workforce satisfaction
tool that employers offer employees as a way to help manage
the demands of primary caregivers. Each legislative branch
agency is instructed to provide, within 120 days of enactment
of this Act, a report detailing the ways in which the agency
would conduct such a program, assuming authority similar to
that provided in Section 590(g) of title 40, United States
Code. The report must address the nature and structure of the
benefit, including tax implications; size and scope of the
benefit; recommendations regarding eligibility requirements
for employees; and costs associated with such a program for
one, five, and ten years after implementation. Further, the
agreement notes each legislative branch agency may request
such authority in its fiscal year 2025 budget request.
TITLE I
SENATE
The agreement includes $1,254,543,000 for Senate
operations. This relates solely to the Senate and is in
accordance with long practice under which each body
determines its own housekeeping requirements and the other
concurs without intervention. The language included in Senate
Report 118-60 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. Any change from the allocation of
funds in the subaccounts within this appropriation is subject
to the approval of the Senate Committee.
Enhanced Member Protection.--The agreement provides funding
for the residential security system program, which shall be
made available to Senators based on the risks and
vulnerabilities determined by a residential security
assessment.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
The agreement provides for unspent amounts remaining in the
Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account to be
used for deficit or debt reduction; amends the guidance on
the number of consultants utilized within the Senate; extends
executive branch authority to the Senate to utilize
appropriated funds for childcare; and addresses security of
office space rented by Senators.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The agreement includes $1,850,998,000 for House operations.
This item relates solely to the House and is in accordance
with long practice under which each body determines its own
housekeeping requirements and the other concurs without
intervention. The language included in House Report 118-120
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. Any change from the allocation of funds in the
subaccounts within this appropriation is subject to the
approval of the House Committee.
Chief Administrative Office Reorganization.--The Committee
encourages, to the extent possible and on the merits, that
the CAO leverage existing FTEs and avoid undue involuntary
terminations when staffing the Office of Talent and
Development consistent with the CAO's reorganization plan.
Congressional Staff Directory.--The agreement encourages
all agencies across the Legislative Branch to collaborate
with the CAO's Legislative-Branch-Wide Staff Directory
project, including sharing staff data in as modern a format
and as real-time as feasible. Agencies should share as many
fields and sources as would be useful to include in an online
staff directory.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
The agreement provides for unspent amounts remaining in the
Members' Representational Allowances (MRA) account to be used
for deficit or debt reduction; places a limitation on the
amount available to lease vehicles; and limits the sharing of
House information by Federal entities.
JOINT ITEMS
Joint Economic Committee
The agreement includes $4,283,000 for salaries and
expenses.
Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies of 2025
The agreement includes $3,675,000 for salaries and expenses
associated with conducting the inaugural ceremonies of the
President and Vice President of the United States on January
20, 2025, in accordance with such program as may be adopted
by the joint congressional committee authorized to conduct
the inaugural ceremonies of 2025.
Joint Committee on Taxation
The agreement includes $13,554,000 for salaries and
expenses.
Office of the Attending Physician
The agreement includes $4,764,000.
Office of Congressional Accessibility Services
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement includes $1,766,000 for salaries and
expenses.
Capitol Police
salaries
The agreement includes $588,627,000 for salaries of the
United States Capitol Police (USCP or the Department) of
which overtime shall not exceed $74,976,000 unless the
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate are
notified. Within the amounts provided, $3,167,000 shall be
available for overtime to support mission requirements
associated with the national political conventions and pre-
inauguration preparedness.
Resources for Recruitment and Retention.--The agreement
includes no less than $15,000,000 for tuition reimbursement,
student loan repayment, recruitment and retention bonuses,
and other retention focused salary related items to support
the Department's recruitment and retention of sworn officers
and civilian personnel.
USCP Overtime and Maximum Annual Pay Rate.--The Department
has repeatedly requested a waiver of the maximum annual pay
rate for officers due to the excessive amount of overtime
being worked, indicating potential impacts on officer
effectiveness, morale, and work life balance. To ensure the
Department's efforts to better track, manage, and keep
overtime costs to a minimum, the USCP is directed to provide
a detailed report to the Committees on the Department's
efforts to manage the use of overtime on a quarterly basis.
The agreement does not include funds for USCP overtime for
requirements associated with major construction projects
undertaken by the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), as those
funds are provided to the AOC as part of the overall project
costs and are paid to the USCP on a reimbursable basis. The
USCP is expected to operate within the designated funding
level for requirements associated with each project or the
USCP is directed to provide for any additional requirement
costs beyond that allocation.
Concept of Operations.--The USCP is encouraged to continue
to focus on the Department's critical mission requirements
and associated resource levels to accomplish the USCP's
mission. To best inform the Committees' future resource
decisions within a limited fiscal allocation, the USCP shall
provide a report to the Committees on the Department's multi-
fiscal year implementation plan for the recently developed
Concept of Operations within 90 days of enactment of this
Act. Further, the plan should incorporate the Department's
continued use of mutual aid with state and local law
enforcement, the use of contracted security officers, and the
efforts to maximize the use of its field offices and joint
task force operations into its implementation report.
Pay Classification.--Additionally, the Department is
directed to carefully evaluate
[[Page H2072]]
the operational and resource allocation impacts of
alternative asset utilization, position classification
changes, alternate personnel management practices, and
enhanced staffing strategies to ensure that these comport
with and are integrated into the Concept of Operations. The
evaluation should include a cost-benefit analysis for the
increased onboarding of full-time staff to meet mission
requirements versus the use of overtime, contractors, or
technology.
Because this report will contain security related
information, it should be treated as law enforcement
sensitive information when transmitted to the Committees on
Appropriations.
Risk-Based Protections for Members of Congress.--The
agreement provides $2,000,000 in Salaries for the Department
to provide Member security outside of the Capitol campus in
the National Capital Region (NCR), as warranted by risk-based
analyses. The USCP is expected to continue working closely
with the House and Senate Sergeant at Arms and law
enforcement partners in the NCR, as well as educating Member
offices, on USCP's strategy for Members' protection within
the NCR while off the Capitol Grounds, per the December 2018
report detailing the Department's plans to enhance off-campus
Member security in the NCR.
Oversight Activities.--The agreement expects the Department
to work with the United State Capitol Police Board (CPB) and
provide appropriate information for all CPB oversight
purposes.
Contract Security Officers (CSO).--The agreement continues
the directive contained in Senate Report 118-60. Further, the
Department is directed to include in the report the number of
posts and shifts that were previously covered by sworn
officers and are now assigned to CSOs, the number of annual
labor hours covered by CSOs that were previously covered by
sworn officers, and the total covered hours since program
inception.
USCP Office of Inspector General.--The agreement includes
no less than $474,000 to support no fewer than 12 FTE within
the USCP OIG.
general expenses
The agreement includes $202,846,000 for general expenses of
the Capitol Police, of which $3,200,000 shall be available to
support mission requirements associated with the national
political conventions and pre-inauguration preparedness.
Drone Technologies.--The agreement includes a provision
prohibiting USCP from purchasing a drone manufactured in the
People's Republic of China or by a business affiliated with
the People's Republic of China. The USCP is required to
regularly report to the Committees on its use of drone
technologies.
Wellness Programs for Law Enforcement.--The Department is
directed to survey the force to help shape updates to the
wellness program and its accessibility to the USCP workforce
and submit a report to the Committees not later than 180 days
after enactment of this Act that includes the results of the
survey, a prioritization of updates to be considered, and
their associated cost projections.
Office of Congressional Workplace Rights
salaries and expenses
The agreement includes $8,150,000 for salaries and
expenses, of which $2,500,000 shall remain available until
September 30, 2025.
Congressional Budget Office
salaries and expenses
The agreement includes $70,000,000 for salaries and
expenses.
Agency Requests.--To the greatest extent practicable under
existing legal requirements, Executive Branch agencies should
prioritize requests from the Congressional Budget Office
(CBO) for data and other information and ensure agency
procedures and permissions are in place to expedite responses
to CBO requests.
Architect of the Capitol
The agreement includes $947,313,000 for the activities of
the Architect of the Capitol.
Minor Construction.--The agreement directs the AOC to
provide detailed quarterly reports on Minor Construction
projects, including a description and cost of each project,
the status of total funding set aside for each purpose, the
total amount of remaining funds for the fiscal year in each
area, and a description of all deviations from fiscal year
projected Minor Construction projects including any
reprogramming needs.
Physical Accessibility Barriers.--In lieu of the
accessibility reports requested in House Report 118-120 and
Senate Report 118-60, the AOC is directed to provide a
briefing to the Committees on Appropriations within 60 days
of enactment of this Act on the status and associated costs
of addressing the remaining potential physical accessibility
barriers on the Capitol Complex.
Visitor Experience Master Plan.--The Committees are
displeased with the escalation in cost requirements
associated with the design and construction of the Visitor
Experience Master Plan (VEMP). The VEMP is intended to
transform how visitors engage with the Library of Congress
(the Library or LOC). The master plan presented to Congress
was framed as a $60,000,000 Public-Private Partnership.
Accordingly, Congress provided $40 million of public funding
and the Library successfully raised the required private
donations.
The VEMP consists of multiple sub-projects, which are
planned to include AOC design and construction support. In
the fall of 2022, the centerpiece of the VEMP project, an
oculus visually connecting a new ground floor orientation
area with the grand reading room above, was removed from the
project scope because the associated costs were prohibitive.
Even with this significant descoping, further cost overruns
were anticipated due to design delays, significant
construction contingencies, and deteriorating economic
conditions. In fiscal year 2023, the LOC and AOC were
directed to provide the Committees with a bi-weekly report
detailing the designs, cost estimates, and anticipated
timelines for construction and installation. This
collaboration identified considerable disconnects between
design expectations and construction realities and,
regrettably, the necessity for additional funding for the
plan to proceed.
In order to successfully realize the original vision of a
transformed physical experience, including an Orientation
Gallery, Treasures Exhibition, and Youth Center, along with
associated egress requirements, the agreement includes
funding for the VEMP. The AOC is directed to use any
available balances associated with the project toward the
furtherance of the VEMP. The Committees strongly believe the
additional descoping of this project to these three core
features and necessary life safety requirements provides
ample resources for completion of these elements consistent
with the agreed upon timeline. Further, the AOC and LOC are
directed to continue the bi-weekly reports to ensure the
project is moving forward in a timely and cost-effective
manner. The Committees fully expect completion of the above
referenced elements being funded on time and within budget.
AOC Office of Inspector General.--The agreement includes no
less than $6,110,000 to support no fewer than 25 FTE within
the AOC OIG.
Capital Construction and Operations
The agreement includes $152,507,000 for Capital
Construction and Operations, of such amount, $3,100,000 shall
remain available until September 30, 2028. Within these
amounts, the agreement provides $1,000,000 to retrofit
certain nursing mothers' locations across the Capitol
complex.
Succession Planning.--In lieu of the briefing requested in
House Report 118-120, the agreement acknowledges the passage
of H.R. 2670, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2024, which included the Architect of the Capitol
Appointment Act of 2023. The legislation defined the
appointment and term of service of the Architect of the
Capitol and the appointment of the Deputy Architect of the
Capitol.
With respect to operations and projects, the agreement
includes the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:.................................... $149,407,000
Project Budget:
BASnet Cyber Security Hardware and Network......... 2,100,000
Nursing Mothers' Locations......................... 1,000,000
------------------
3,100,000
Total, Capitol Building.......................... $152,507,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Building
The agreement includes $95,688,000 for maintenance, care,
and operation of the Capitol Building of which $46,599,000
shall remain available until September 30, 2028, and
$10,000,000 for the Senate Restaurant Renovation Program and
$7,000,000 for the Presidential Inaugural Stands
Construction, Capitol shall remain available until expended.
With respect to operations and projects, the agreement
includes the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:.................................... $32,089,000
Project Budget:
Building Envelope Repairs, Capitol--Phase IV....... 25,000,000
Conservation of Fine and Architectural Art......... 599,000
Minor Construction................................. 6,000,000
Presidential Inaugural Stands Construction, Capitol 22,000,000
Senate Restaurant Renovation Program............... 10,000,000
------------------
63,599,000
Total, Capitol Building.......................... $95,688,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Grounds
The agreement includes $16,600,000 for the care and
improvements of the grounds surrounding the Capitol, House
and Senate Office Buildings, and the Capitol Power Plant, of
which $2,000,000 shall remain available until September 30,
2028.
With respect to operations and projects, the agreement
includes the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:.................................... $14,600,000
Project Budget:
Minor Construction................................. 2,000,000
------------------
2,000,000
Total, Capitol Grounds........................... $16,600,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Office Buildings
The agreement includes $138,751,000 of which $52,825,000
shall remain available until September 30, 2028, and
$1,000,000 shall remain available until expended.
With respect to operations and projects, the agreement
includes the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:.................................... $84,926,000
Project Budget:
Daniel Webster Renovation--Phase I................. 10,000,000
Senate Elevator Refurbishment Program.............. 2,300,000
Senate Underground Garage.......................... 4,000,000
Senate Restaurant Operations....................... 1,000,000
Air Handling Unit Refurbishments & Replacements, 20,125,000
Phase II, Hart....................................
Committee Room Modernization....................... 8,000,000
Minor Construction................................. 8,400,000
------------------
$53,825,000
Total, Senate Office Buildings................... $138,751,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page H2073]]
House Office Buildings
The agreement includes $166,426,000 for the care and
maintenance of the House Office Buildings, of which
$50,562,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2028,
and of which $41,800,000 shall remain available until
expended for the restoration and renovation of the Cannon
House Office Building.
With respect to operations and projects, the agreement
includes the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:.................................... $74,064,000
Project Budget:
Steam Pipe Replacement, Longworth.................. 11,300,000
Steam Distribution Replacement, Rayburn............ 9,300,000
Fire Alarm Panel Replacement, Rayburn.............. 7,700,000
CAO Project Support................................ 12,312,000
ADA Drop Off Zone.................................. 450,000
Minor Construction................................. 9,500,000
Cannon Building Restoration........................ 41,800,000
------------------
$92,362,000
Total, House Office Buildings.................... $166,426,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Power Plant
The agreement includes $148,650,000 for maintenance, care,
and operation of the Capitol Power Plant, of which
$43,400,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2028.
In addition, $10,000,000 in offsetting collections is
available from reimbursements for steam and chilled water.
With respect to operations and projects, the agreement
includes the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:.................................... $105,250,000
Project Budget:
Pipe Expansion Joint Repairs, G Tunnel............. 7,600,000
Mechanical System Replacement, Refrigeration Plant-- 30,800,000
Phase VII.........................................
Minor Construction................................. 5,000,000
------------------
43,400,000
Total, Capitol Power Plant....................... $148,650,000
Offsetting Collections....................... (10,000,000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Library Buildings and Grounds
The agreement includes $94,978,000 for Library of Congress
Buildings and Grounds, of which $27,800,000 shall remain
available until September 30, 2028, and $30,000,000 until
expended.
With respect to operations and projects, the agreement
includes the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:.................................... $37,178,000
Project Budget:
Visitor Experience Master Plan..................... 30,000,000
Roof Replacement, Adams--Phase II.................. 23,800,000
Minor Construction................................. 4,000,000
------------------
57,800,000
Total, Library Buildings and Grounds............. $94,978,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security
The agreement includes $85,207,000 for Capitol Police
Buildings, Grounds and Security, of which $26,169,000 shall
remain available until September 30, 2028, and $250,000 shall
be for construction contingencies related to Project 116-DS.
Capitol Complex Security.--As directed in Senate Report
118-60, the AOC, in coordination with the USCP, is to submit
a detailed status report for all security related projects
within 60 days of the issuance of this agreement and every 30
days thereafter.
With respect to operations and projects, the agreement
includes the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:.................................... $59,038,000
Project Budget:
Additional Building Lease.......................... 519,000
Generator Addition and New Utility Service......... 5,800,000
Barrier and Security Kiosks Replacement............ 9,100,000
Lease Space Buildout for USCP...................... 2,000,000
USCP Security Assessment Support................... 500,000
Project 116-DS..................................... 250,000
Minor Construction................................. 8,000,000
------------------
$26,169,000
Total, Capitol Police Buildings, Ground and $85,207,000
Security........................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Botanic Garden
The agreement includes $20,506,000 for the U.S. Botanic
Garden, of this amount $4,900,000 shall remain available
until September 30, 2028.
With respect to operations and projects, the agreement
includes the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Budget:.................................... $15,606,000
Project Budget:
Minor Construction................................. 4,900,000
------------------
4,900,000
Total, Botanic Garden............................ $20,506,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Visitor Center
The agreement includes $28,000,000 for the Capitol Visitor
Center.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION
The agreement prohibits bonuses to contractors behind
schedule or over budget.
Library of Congress
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement includes $592,411,000 in direct
appropriations for the Library of Congress salaries and
expenses. In addition, collections that may be credited to
this appropriation shall remain available until expended. The
agreement includes the following to remain available until
expended: no less than $10,360,000 for the Teaching with
Primary Sources program, $1,509,000 for the Legislative
Branch Financial Management System, no less than $150,000 for
the Surplus Books Program, $4,205,000 for the Veteran History
Project, $1,500,000 for the COVID-19 American History
Project, $2,379,000 for the Lewis Houghton Civics and
Democracy Initiative, and $5,000,000 for the development and
implementation of a pilot data storage and migration method
initiative.
LOC Office of Inspector General.--The agreement includes no
less than $4,500,000 to support no fewer than 14 FTE within
the LOC OIG.
Preservation of the Collection.--The agreement encourages
the LOC to evaluate the need for the deacidification program.
The LOC may utilize up to $1,000,000 in available funds for
this purpose in fiscal year 2024.
Visitor Experience Master Plan.--The Library is directed to
continue its active partnership with the AOC to achieve the
agreed upon scope of the VEMP.
Copyright Office
salaries and expenses
The agreement includes $57,537,000 in direct appropriations
to the Copyright Office. An additional $44,591,000 is made
available from receipts for salaries and expenses and
$1,000,000 is available from prior year unobligated balances,
for a total of $103,128,000.
Congressional Research Service
salaries and expenses
The agreement includes $136,080,000 for salaries and
expenses for the Congressional Research Service (CRS).
Congressional Legal Education Forum.--The agreement directs
$1,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 to continue to grow the
program for the availability of all congressional staff.
Employee Survey.--In lieu of House language regarding
``Employee Survey'' and Senate language on ``Employee
Viewpoint Survey'', the agreement directs the LOC to
formulate and include questions specific to the CRS in its
annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) to gauge CRS
employee satisfaction and to use employee responses to guide
CRS leadership objectives and performance measurement.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
salaries and expenses
The agreement includes $66,130,000 for salaries and
expenses for the National Library Service for the Blind and
Print Disabled (NLS).
administrative provision
The agreement includes a provision related to reimbursable
and revolving funds.
Government Publishing Office
congressional publishing
(including transfer of funds)
The agreement includes $83,000,000 for authorized
publishing, printing and binding for the Congress.
Government Publishing Office (GPO) Office of Inspector
General.--The agreement includes no less than $6,899,000 to
support no fewer than 25 FTE within the GPO OIG.
Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents
salaries and expenses
(including transfer of funds)
The agreement includes $37,388,000.
Government Publishing Office
business operations revolving fund
The agreement includes $11,611,000 to remain available
until extended.
Government Accountability Office
salaries and expenses
The agreement includes $811,894,000 in direct
appropriations for salaries and expenses of the Government
Accountability Office (GAO), of which $5,000,000 shall remain
available until expended. In addition, $73,976,000 is
available from offsetting collections, for a total of
$885,870,000.
GAO Office of Inspector General.--The agreement includes no
less than $2,451,000 to support no fewer than 14 FTE within
the GAO OIG.
Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed
Spending.--The agreement reiterates House and Senate language
regarding Congressionally Directed Spending and Community
Project Funding and directs the GAO to undertake an audit of
Community Project Funding and Congressionally Directed
Spending contained in fiscal year 2024 appropriations
legislation.
CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP FUND
The agreement includes $6,000,000.
JOHN C. STENNIS CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
The agreement includes $430,000.
TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS
The agreement continues provisions related to maintenance
and care of private vehicles; fiscal year limitations; rates
of compensation and designation; consulting services; costs
of the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council;
limitation on transfers; guided tours of the Capitol;
limitation on telecommunications equipment procurement;
prohibition on certain operational expenses; and plastic
waste reduction.
DISCLOSURE OF EARMARKS AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS
Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House
of Representatives and rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the
Senate, neither the bill nor the explanatory statement
contains any congressional earmarks or congressionally
directed spending items, limited tax benefits or limited
tariff benefits as defined in the applicable House and Senate
rules.
[[Page H2074]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060E.001
[[Page H2075]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060E.002
[[Page H2076]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060E.003
[[Page H2077]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060E.004
[[Page H2078]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060E.005
[[Page H2079]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060E.006
[[Page H2080]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060E.007
[[Page H2081]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060E.008
[[Page H2082]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060E.009
[[Page H2083]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060E.010
[[Page H2084]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060E.011
[[Page H2085]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060E.012
[[Page H2086]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060E.013
[[Page H2087]]
DIVISION F--DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND
RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
In implementing this agreement, Federal agencies,
commissions, and other entities are directed to comply with
the directives, reporting requirements, and instructions
contained in H. Rept. 118-146 (House report) accompanying
H.R. 4665 (House bill) and S. Rept. 118-71 (Senate report)
accompanying S. 2438 (Senate bill) as though stated in this
explanatory statement, unless specifically directed to the
contrary.
This explanatory statement, while repeating some House
report and Senate report language for emphasis or
clarification, does not negate language in such reports
unless expressly provided in. Language expressing an opinion
or making an observation in the House report or Senate report
represents the view of the respective Committee unless
specifically endorsed in this explanatory statement.
Reports required to be submitted pursuant to the Act,
including reports required by this explanatory statement, the
House report, or the Senate report, may not be consolidated
to include responses to multiple requirements in a single
report, except following consultation with the Committees on
Appropriations.
For purposes of this explanatory statement, the term ``the
Act'' means the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, and the term
``prior Acts'' means prior Acts making appropriations for the
Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs. In addition, ``division K of Public Law 117-328''
means the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023 and ``division K of
Public Law 116-260'' means the Department of State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2021.
For purposes of the Act, the term ``regular notification
procedures of the Committees on Appropriations'' shall mean
such Committees must be notified not less than 15 days in
advance of the initial obligation of funds, and the term
``reporting procedures of the Committees on Appropriations''
shall mean a report must be provided to such Committees not
more than 90 days after the conclusion of fiscal year 2024.
For purposes of the Act and this explanatory statement, the
term ``prior consultation'' means a pre-decisional engagement
between a relevant Federal agency and the Committees on
Appropriations during which such Committees are given a
meaningful opportunity to provide facts and opinions, in
advance of any public announcement, to inform: (1) the use of
funds; (2) the development, content, or conduct of a program
or activity; or (3) a decision to be taken.
Federal agencies funded by the Act shall notify the
Committees on Appropriations of any reprogramming, as
required by section 7015 of the Act, at the most detailed
level of the Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ), the
Act, or this explanatory statement.
Section 7015(c) of the Act requires that any notification
submitted pursuant to subsection (f) of such section include
information on the use of notwithstanding authority, if known
on the date of transmittal of such notification. The
Secretary of State and Administrator of the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID), as appropriate,
shall include in such notifications detailed information on
the provisions of law being notwithstood and a justification
for the use of such authority.
Congressional notifications submitted by the heads of the
Federal agencies funded in the Act for funds that are being
reallocated prior to initial obligation or reprogrammed
shall, to the maximum extent practicable, contain detailed
information about the sources of the funds and why such funds
are no longer needed or intended to be used as previously
justified.
The Secretary of State and USAID Administrator are directed
to submit notifications for the obligation of funds made
available by the Act and prior Acts not later than 60 days
prior to the expiration of such funds.
Section 7019 of the Act requires that amounts designated in
the respective tables included in this explanatory statement
for funds appropriated in titles III through V, including
tables in title VII, shall be made available in the amounts
designated, unless otherwise provided for in the Act, and
shall be the basis of the report required by section 653(a)
of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA) (653(a) report),
w applicable. In lieu of the funding tables and allocations
of funding contained in the House and Senate reports, the
tables and allocations contained in this explanatory
statement shall guide agencies, commissions, and other
entities when allocating funds. The Act provides that the
amounts designated in the tables shall be made available
notwithstanding the date of the transmission of the 653(a)
report. The authority of section 7019(b) to deviate by more
than 10 percent shall not be used to deviate to zero unless
such funds cannot be legally obligated or conditions are such
that such deviation is directly related to the national
security interest of the United States.
Proposed deviations from tables in titles I and II in this
explanatory statement are subject to the regular notification
procedures of the Committees on Appropriations unless an
exception or deviation authority is specifically provided in
the Act or this explanatory statement.
The Secretary of State and USAID Administrator shall
continue to provide the Committees on Appropriations
electronic copies of all reports, notifications, spend plans,
and any other documents required by the Act, prior Acts, this
and prior explanatory statements and statements of managers,
the House report, the Senate report, and prior House and
Senate reports.
Notwithstanding authority included in any provision of the
Act shall not be construed to exclude the requirements of
such provision.
Pursuant to section 7016(b) of the Act, any Federal agency
receiving funds made available by the Act shall post on its
publicly available website, in a central location and in a
readily accessible manner, any report required by the Act not
later than 45 days following the receipt of such report by
Congress. This requirement does not apply if the head of the
applicable agency determines and reports to the Committees on
Appropriations in a transmittal letter accompanying such
report that: (1) the public posting of the report would
compromise national security, including the conduct of
diplomacy; (2) the report contains proprietary or other
privileged information; or (3) the public posting of the
report is specifically exempted in the House report, Senate
report, or this explanatory statement.
For purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit
Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-177), with respect to
appropriations contained in the Act, the term ``program,
project, and activity'' (PPA) means any item for which a
dollar amount is specified in the Act or this explanatory
statement. In addition, the definition of PPA in section 7023
of the Act shall apply to the accounts listed in that
section. In carrying out any Presidential sequestration,
Federal agencies funded by the Act shall conform to the
definition of PPA described in this paragraph.
In submitting annual CBJs, each Federal agency funded by
the Act shall include detailed information on all available
resources, including estimated prior fiscal year unobligated
balances and recoveries, reimbursable agreements, funds
transferred pursuant to section 632(a) and (b) of the FAA and
significant uses of the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535).
Agencies that use a Working Capital Fund (WCF) shall include
in CBJs the total budgetary resources for each office that
receives funds from a WCF, and include a table on WCF
resources that will serve as a baseline for reprogramming and
transfer purposes. CBJs shall also include estimated savings
from any proposed office or mission closure or
reorganization, elimination of special envoys and other
senior-level special representatives, and actual prior fiscal
year representation and entertainment expenses for each
agency w such expenses are authorized.
Spend plans submitted pursuant to section 7062(b) of the
Act shall: (1) include all intended sources of funds made
available by the Act and any other resources, as applicable,
for such program; and (2) conform to the definition of such
plan under section 7034(s)(5) of the Act.
Consistent with prior fiscal years, none of the funds made
available by the Act may be used to send or otherwise pay for
the attendance of more than 50 employees of Federal agencies
who are stationed in the United States at any single
international conference occurring outside the United States,
unless the Secretary of State reports to the appropriate
congressional committees at least 5 days in advance that such
attendance is important to the national interest. For
purposes of this restriction, the term ``international
conference'' means a conference attended by representatives
of the United States Government and of foreign governments,
international organizations, or nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs).
The agreement does not endorse the directive under Senate
report heading Non-Discrimination Policies (under Operating
Expenses).
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Administration of Foreign Affairs
The agreement includes $12,465,196,000 for Administration
of Foreign Affairs. Of the total, $5,771,528,000 is for
embassy security, which are allocated according to the
following table:
EMBASSY SECURITY
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Account/Program Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Security Protection.............................. 3,813,707
Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance............ 1,957,821
Total.................................................... 5,771,528
------------------------------------------------------------------------
diplomatic programs
The agreement includes $9,413,107,000 for Diplomatic
Programs. Funds appropriated by the Act for activities,
bureaus, and offices under this heading are allocated
according to the following table and subject to section 7015
and 7062 of the Act:
DIPLOMATIC PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Category Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Human Resources......................................... 3,336,128
Worldwide Security Protection......................... 684,767
Overseas Programs....................................... 1,828,155
[[Page H2088]]
Diplomatic Policy and Support........................... 1,091,879
Security Programs....................................... 3,156,945
Worldwide Security Protection......................... 3,128,940
Total............................................... 9,413,107
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Bureau/Office (Includes salary and bureau-managed funds) Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau of Counterterrorism
Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage 7,734
Affairs..............................................
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
Atrocities prevention training........................ 500
Democracy fellowship program.......................... 800
Human rights vetting.................................. 20,000
Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism............ 1,750
Special Advisor on International Disability Rights.... 1,000
Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Office of China Coordination.......................... 9,200
Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs
Office of Terrorism Financing and Economic Sanctions 10,691
Policy...............................................
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues...... 1,500
Office of International Religious Freedom............... 10,070
Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons..... 23,092
Office of the Secretary
Office of Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues...... 1,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arctic.--The agreement provides $2,000,000 to support the
Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region, $50,000 for the
Indigenous Peoples Secretariat to support the work of United
States-based Permanent Party Participants to the Arctic
Council, and funding for the next Conference of
Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region.
Bureau of Legislative Affairs.--The agreement includes
funds under this heading to increase the number of staff
assigned to the Bureau of Legislative Affairs responsible for
liaising with the Committees on Appropriations.
Conventional Arms Transfer Policy Oversight.--The agreement
includes funds for staffing and resources for the Bureaus of
Political-Military Affairs and Democracy, Human Rights, and
Labor (DRL) to enable efficient management and robust
oversight of United States security assistance programs and
related statutory requirements, and implementation of the
Conventional Arms Transfer Policy.
Cybersecurity.--The agreement endorses language under this
heading in the Senate report and directs the Secretary of
State to include information on the prioritization of funding
in the Act to address critical cybersecurity requirements.
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the
Act, the Secretary shall provide the Committees on
Appropriations an update on steps taken, and resources to be
allocated from funds made available by the Act, to address
the recommendations made by the Office of Inspector General
(OIG) in audit report number AUD-IT-13-38.
Foreign Service Institute.--The agreement endorses efforts
to expand current course offerings at the Foreign Service
Institute for mid-career staff.
International Fisheries Management Coordination.--The
agreement endorses the language regarding conflicting
American and Canadian fisheries management measures in the
Gulf of Maine and the report required under this heading in
the Senate report.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Parliamentary
Assembly.--The agreement includes $2,000,000 under this
heading to support the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO) Parliamentary Assembly.
Office of Canadian Affairs.--The agreement provides
$500,000 for the Office of Canadian Affairs to continue
leading the United States interagency working group to
identify gaps and limitations within the Memoranda of
Understanding between British Columbia and Alaska,
Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
Office of the Chief Economist.--The agreement provides
$600,000 under this heading for the Office of the Chief
Economist, Department of State, including to support
implementation of the strategy required in section 7030(d) of
the Act.
Permit Reform Consultation.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State
shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees
on ways to improve the process for permitting of facilities
and land transportation crossings at the U.S. borders with
Canada and Mexico.
Public Diplomacy Programs.--The Secretary of State shall
ensure funding for public diplomacy programs is consistent
with the prior fiscal year level.
Section 302 Assistance.--The agreement includes $6,200,000
to carry out section 302(d) of the Robert Levinson Hostage
Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act (Title III of
division FF of Public Law 116-260) for United States
nationals unlawfully detained abroad and their family
members. The submission of the report to the Committees on
Appropriations required by section 302(d)(6) of such Act
shall satisfy the related report directive under this heading
in the Senate report.
Training.--Consistent with section 7060(f) of the Act, the
agreement includes not less than $1,000,000 under this
heading for training for personnel under Chief of Mission
authority on recognizing signs of human trafficking, and on
the protocols for reporting such cases.
Unexplained Health Incidents.--The agreement endorses the
report and funding directive under the heading Unexplained
Health Incidents in the Senate report.
consular and border security programs
The agreement includes $50,000,000 for Consular and Border
Security Programs.
Passport and Visa Operations.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State
shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on
the plan to minimize the occurrence of passport and visa
backlogs, including internal and external recommendations
made to streamline and improve consular processes, the use of
technology solutions, and implementation of the Online
Passport Renewal tool. This report is in lieu of report
directives under the heading Passport and visa wait times in
the House report and under the headings Consular Operations
and Technology Modernization in the Senate report.
The Comptroller General of the United States shall
recommend additional steps that the Bureau of Consular
Affairs should take to improve the overall efficiency of
consular operations, processing time, and customer experience
for applicants, including the temporary assignment of non-
consular Department of State personnel during periods of high
demand for such services.
capital investment fund
The agreement includes $389,000,000 for Capital Investment
Fund.
office of inspector general
The agreement includes $131,670,000 for Office of Inspector
General, of which $24,835,000 is for the Special Inspector
General for Afghanistan Reconstruction.
educational and cultural exchange programs
The agreement includes $741,000,000 for Educational and
Cultural Exchange Programs. Funds under this heading are
allocated according to the following table:
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGES
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Academic Programs.................................... 385,765
Fulbright Program.................................. 287,800
Madeleine K. Albright Young Women Leaders Program 1,500
McCain Fellowships............................... 900
Special Academic Exchanges......................... 22,133
Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Program 17,000
of which, McCain Scholars........................ [700]
Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 2000......... 2,500
Professional and Cultural Exchanges.................. 204,674
Special Professional and Cultural Exchanges........ 7,500
Special Initiatives.................................. 47,500
Young Leaders Initiatives.......................... 37,500
Community Engagement Exchange Program
Pawel Adamowicz Exchange Program................. 1,000
Program and Performance.............................. 14,000
Exchanges Support.................................... 89,061
------------------
Total.............................................. 741,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consultation.--Not less than 30 days prior to the
submission of the operating plan required by section 7062(a)
of the Act for funds appropriated or otherwise made available
under this heading, the Assistant Secretary of State for the
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) shall
consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the
allocation of funding, program and country prioritization,
use of independent and external evaluations, and coordination
with the Office of Policy Planning and Resources for Public
Diplomacy and Public Affairs on ECA's evaluation agenda in
fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
The operating plan shall include a table with funding by
program consistent with prior fiscal year operating plans,
including the allocation of any unobligated balances and
recoveries, as well as any planned transfers to this account
during fiscal year 2024. The operating plan shall also
include amounts allocated for each of the programs and
activities detailed in the House and Senate reports.
Substantive Modifications.--For the purposes of the funds
appropriated under this heading in the Act, the term
``substantive modifications'' means program closures and
changes to geographic scope and eligibility criteria.
representation expenses
The agreement includes $7,415,000 for Representation
Expenses, subject to section 7010(e) of the Act.
protection of foreign missions and officials
The agreement includes $30,890,000 for Protection of
Foreign Missions and Officials.
embassy security, construction, and maintenance
The agreement includes $1,957,821,000 for Embassy Security,
Construction, and Maintenance. Funds appropriated under this
heading are allocated according to the following table:
EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Account/Program Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair, Construction, and Operations.................... 902,615
Worldwide Security Upgrades............................. 1,055,206
Capital Security Cost Sharing and Maintenance Cost 940,206
Sharing Programs.....................................
Compound Security Program............................. 115,000
---------------
Total, Embassy Security, Construction, and 1,957,821
Maintenance........................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accessibility.--The Secretary of State shall increase
funding allocated for global accessibility projects in fiscal
year 2024.
Capital Security Cost Sharing and Maintenance Cost Sharing
Programs.--The agreement
[[Page H2089]]
includes $940,206,000 under this heading, as well as an
additional $162,285,000 in consular fees, for the Department
of State contribution to the Capital Security Cost Sharing
and Maintenance Cost Sharing programs. An additional
$1,101,726,000 is available from other agency contributions.
Laos and Thailand American Centers.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of
State shall consult with the appropriate congressional
committees concerning the directives under this heading in
the Senate report regarding the construction of an American
Center in Vientiane, Laos and the retention of the historical
Consulate Compound property in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Quarterly Reports.--The agreement endorses the quarterly
reports directive under this heading in the House report
except that such reports shall be submitted semi-annually.
emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service
The agreement includes $8,885,000 for Emergencies in the
Diplomatic and Consular Service.
repatriation loans program account
The agreement includes $1,800,000 for Repatriation Loans
Program Account and $1,000,000 transfer authority under
Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service to support
the subsidy cost and a total loan level of $5,167,004.
payment to the american institute in taiwan
The agreement includes $35,964,000 for Payment to the
American Institute in Taiwan.
international center, washington, district of columbia
The agreement includes $744,000 for International Center,
Washington, District of Columbia.
payment to the foreign service retirement and disability fund
The agreement includes $158,900,000 for Payment to the
Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund.
International Organizations
contributions to international organizations
The agreement includes $1,543,452,000 for Contributions to
International Organizations, of which $96,240,000 may remain
available until September 30, 2025.
contributions for international peacekeeping activities
The agreement includes $1,367,407,000 for Contributions for
International Peacekeeping Activities, of which $683,704,000
may remain available until September 30, 2025.
Peacekeeping Missions.--The agreement directs that the
notification requirement under this heading regarding new or
expanded United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions shall
apply to all peacekeeping operations authorized to receive UN
assessed funding by the United Nations Security Council.
Peacekeeping Prioritization.--The Secretary of State shall
work with the UN and members of the UN Security Council to
evaluate and prioritize peacekeeping missions, and to
consider a drawdown when mission goals have been
substantially achieved.
International Commissions
international boundary and water commission, united states and mexico
salaries and expenses
The agreement includes $64,800,000 for Salaries and
Expenses, of which $9,720,000 may remain available until
September 30, 2025.
construction
The agreement includes $156,050,000 for Construction.
Funds appropriated by the Act and prior Acts are made
available to address urgent water management and water
quality improvement programs of the United States Section of
the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC),
including the rehabilitation and expansion of the South Bay
International Wastewater Treatment Plant. Not later than 30
days prior to the submission of the operating plan required
by section 7062(a) of the Act for the funds appropriated or
otherwise made available under this heading, the Commissioner
of the USIBWC shall brief the Committees on Appropriations on
the scope, timeline, and cost of such programs and projects.
Water Deliveries.--The agreement notes the drought
conditions in the Rio Grande basin and urges the Commissioner
of the USIBWC to engage with their Mexican counterparts and
relevant stakeholders to improve the predictability and
reliability of water deliveries in accordance with the
Mexican Water Treaty of 1944, specifically Article 4, Section
B., subparagraph (c).
american sections, international commissions
The agreement includes $16,204,000 for American Sections,
International Commissions, of which $10,881,000 is for the
International Joint Commission (IJC), $2,323,000 is for the
International Boundary Commission, and $3,000,000 is for the
North American Development Bank.
Transboundary Watershed Management.--The agreement includes
funds at not less than the prior fiscal year level for the
IJC, in collaboration with the United States interagency
working group led by the Office of Canadian Affairs, to
address gaps and limitations in transboundary governance
between British Columbia and Alaska, Washington, Idaho, and
Montana.
INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
The agreement includes $65,719,000 for International
Fisheries Commissions. Funds appropriated under this heading
are allocated according to the following table:
INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Commission/Activity Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great Lakes Fishery Commission.......................... 50,000
Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog Basins........... 10,000
Grass Carp............................................ 1,000
Lake Memphremagog Fishery............................. 500
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission................. 1,750
Pacific Salmon Commission............................... 5,868
International Pacific Halibut Commission................ 4,582
Other Marine Conservation Organizations................. 3,519
---------------
Total............................................... 65,719
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RELATED AGENCY
United States Agency for Global Media
INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS
The agreement includes $857,214,000 for International
Broadcasting Operations, of which $42,861,000 may remain
available until September 30, 2025. Funds appropriated under
this heading are allocated according to the following table:
INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Entities/Grantees Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Entities
Mission Support....................................... 225,640
Office of Technology, Services, and Innovation...... 174,440
Office of Cuba Broadcasting........................... 25,000
Voice of America...................................... 260,032
Subtotal.............................................. 510,672
---------------
Independent Grantee Organizations
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty....................... 142,212
Radio Free Asia....................................... 60,830
Middle East Broadcasting Networks..................... 100,000
Open Technology Fund.................................. 43,500
---------------
Subtotal.............................................. 346,542
---------------
Total............................................... 857,214
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consultation.--Not less than 30 days prior to the
submission of the operating plan required by section 7062(a)
of the Act for funds appropriated or otherwise made available
under this heading, the United States Agency for Global Media
(USAGM) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) shall consult with the
Committees on Appropriations on the allocation of funding by
entity and the use of the 2023 Language Service Review (LSR)
and other information to inform agency operations. The
operating plan shall also clearly identify resources
allocated in fiscal year 2024 for the new headquarters
building.
Language Service Review.--Not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of the Act, the USAGM CEO shall submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations detailing the
process and outcome of the 2023 LSR and the status of
implementation of strategies for language services following
the 2022 LSR.
Mission Support.--The agreement updates the name of
``International Broadcasting Bureau'' in the above table to
``Mission Support'', consistent with the December 2023
congressional notification to the Committees on
Appropriations.
Networks.--The USAGM CEO is directed to use the expertise
of Office of Cuba Broadcasting to inform programming about
Cuba by other USAGM networks.
New Headquarters Building.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of the Act, the USAGM CEO shall submit
a report to the Committees on Appropriations detailing
updated plans for the new headquarters relocation, including
timelines and estimated costs.
Open Technology Fund.--Funds made available for the Open
Technology Fund should be made available for grants for
innovative methods to reach audiences inside of Cuba. Not
later than 45 days after the date of enactment of the Act,
the USAGM CEO shall consult with the Committees on
Appropriations on such grants.
BROADCASTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
The agreement includes $9,700,000 for Broadcasting Capital
Improvements.
RELATED PROGRAMS
The Asia Foundation
The agreement includes $22,000,000 for The Asia Foundation.
United States Institute of Peace
The agreement includes $55,000,000 for United States
Institute of Peace.
Center For Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund
The agreement provides $203,000 from interest and earnings
from the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust
Fund.
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program
The agreement includes $180,000 from interest and earnings
from the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program Trust Fund.
Israeli Arab Scholarship Program
The agreement includes $117,000 from interest and earnings
from the Israeli Arab Scholarship Endowment Fund.
East-West Center
The agreement includes $22,000,000 for East-West Center.
National Endowment for Democracy
The agreement includes $315,000,000 for National Endowment
for Democracy, of which
[[Page H2090]]
$210,316,000 shall be allocated in the traditional and
customary manner, including for the core institutes, and
$104,684,000 for democracy programs.
OTHER COMMISSIONS
Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement includes $770,000 for the Commission for the
Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad, of which $116,000
may remain available until September 30, 2025.
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement includes $4,000,000 for United States
Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement includes $2,908,000 for Commission on
Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement includes $2,300,000 for Congressional-
Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China.
United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement includes $4,000,000 for United States-China
Economic and Security Review Commission.
Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The agreement includes $2,000,000 for Commission on Reform
and Modernization of the Department of State. Pursuant to
section 9803(k)(1) of the Department of State Authorization
Act of 2022 (division I of Public Law 117-263), the
Commission will terminate 60 days following the date of
submission of the final report.
TITLE II
UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Funds Appropriated to the President
OPERATING EXPENSES
The agreement includes $1,695,000,000 for Operating
Expenses, of which $254,250,000 may remain available until
September 30, 2025. Funds under this heading in the Act are
allocated according to the following table and subject to
section 7015 and 7062 of the Act:
OPERATING EXPENSES
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Program/Activity Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overseas Operations..................................... 817,747
Washington Operations................................... 577,716
Central Support......................................... 420,703
Total, Operating Expenses............................. 1,816,166
of which, fiscal year 2024 appropriations........... 1,695,000
of which, carryover and other sources............... 121,166
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND
The agreement includes $259,100,000 for Capital Investment
Fund.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The agreement includes $85,500,000 for Office of Inspector
General, of which $12,825,000 may remain available until
September 30, 2025.
TITLE III
BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
Funds Appropriated to the President
GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
The agreement includes $10,030,450,000 for Global Health
Programs. Funds under this heading are allocated according to
the following table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:
GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Program/Activity Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maternal and Child Health............................... 915,000
Polio................................................. 85,000
The GAVI Alliance..................................... 300,000
Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus......................... 2,000
Nutrition (USAID)....................................... 165,000
Iodine Deficiency Disorder............................ 3,000
Micronutrients........................................ 33,000
of which, Vitamin A................................... [22,500]
Vulnerable Children (USAID)............................. 31,500
Blind Children........................................ 4,500
HIV/AIDS (USAID)........................................ 330,000
Microbicides.......................................... 45,000
HIV/AIDS (Department of State).......................... 6,045,000
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and 1,650,000
Malaria..............................................
UNAIDS................................................ 50,000
Family Planning/Reproductive Health (USAID)............. 523,950
Global Health Security.................................. 700,000
Malaria................................................. 795,000
Tuberculosis............................................ 394,500
Global TB Drug Facility............................... 15,000
Other Public Health Threats............................. 130,500
Neglected Tropical Diseases........................... 114,500
---------------
Total............................................... 10,030,450
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative Expenses.--Funds included for the
administrative expenses of the United States Global AIDS
Coordinator shall only be made available to support the
prevention, treatment, and control of HIV/AIDS, consistent
with prior years.
Childhood Cancer.--Funds made available by the Act may be
used to support public-private partnerships to build the
capacity of developing countries to diagnose, treat, and
improve the prognosis for children with cancer, including in
coordination with relevant multilateral organizations and
research entities. Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State and USAID
Administrator shall jointly submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees on the feasibility of
supporting such partnerships. Such report shall include a
description of: (1) prior year funds made available to
address childhood cancer, including bilateral and
multilateral efforts; (2) the feasibility of expanding such
efforts and of supporting relevant public-private
partnerships; (3) challenges to providing such support; and
(4) details on the capacity of countries in sub-Saharan
Africa to diagnose and treat children with cancer. The
Secretary and Administrator shall consult with the
appropriate congressional committees on uses of funds for
such partnerships prior to the initial obligation of funds
and submission of such report.
Epidemic Preparedness.--The agreement includes up to
$100,000,000 for a contribution to the Coalition for Epidemic
Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), as authorized by section
6501 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81), to address emerging infectious
diseases, deadly viruses, and other pathogenic threats. Not
later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act,
the USAID Administrator shall consult with the Committees on
Appropriations on such contribution and on United States
assistance provided to CEPI in fiscal years 2022 and 2023,
including providing detail on the specific CEPI objectives
such assistance has supported, or will support, and the
results of such efforts to date.
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.--The
agreement includes $1,650,000,000 for the second installment
of the seventh replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight
AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, which is a reduction
compared to the prior fiscal year as a result of other donor
contributions. Other donors are urged to increase their
contributions, which the United States matches at a rate of
$1 for every $2 received from others, in order to allow the
United States to honor the $6,000,000,000 United States
pledge for the seventh replenishment.
Global Health Workforce.--Of the funds made available for
``Other Public Health Threats'' in the table under this
heading, the agreement includes not less than $10,000,000 to
support the global health workforce, which are in addition to
funds made available from other program lines in the table
for such purpose.
Health Reserve Fund.--Of the funds made available for
``Other Public Health Threats'' in the table under this
heading, the agreement includes up to $6,000,000 for the
Health Reserve Fund, and any such use of funds shall be
subject to prior consultation with the Committees on
Appropriations.
Maternal and Newborn Care.--The agreement provides funds to
support clinical maternal and newborn services to reduce
mother-to-child HIV transmission and maternal mortality,
including through the Safe Births, Healthy Babies initiative.
Nutrition.--The agreement includes increased funding for
nutrition programming, which shall be made available to scale
up the procurement of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF),
prioritizing the procurement of American-made products.
Additional funds are available under International Disaster
Assistance to support such efforts, as appropriate.
Oversight of Implementing Partners.--The report required
under this heading in the House report shall be submitted to
the Committees on Appropriations following consultation with
such Committees.
Pandemic Preparedness.--The agreement includes funding for
a contribution to the Pandemic Fund, as authorized by section
5563(i) of the Global Health Security and International
Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response Act of 2022
(subtitle D of title LV of division E of Public Law 117-263).
Prior to the initial obligation of funds for such
contribution, but not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall consult
with the Committees on Appropriations on such contribution.
development assistance
The agreement includes $3,931,000,000 for Development
Assistance. Funds for certain countries and programs under
this heading are allocated according to the following table
and subject to section 7019 of the Act:
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Country/Program Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Africa
Counter-Lord's Resistance Army/Illicit Armed Groups 10,000
Program................................................
Democratic Republic of the Congo........................ 95,000
Ghana................................................... 64,100
Liberia................................................. 71,500
Malawi.................................................. 65,000
Higher education programs............................. 10,000
Somalia................................................. 55,000
The Gambia democracy programs........................... 2,000
Power Africa............................................ 100,000
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)................. 20,000
East Asia and the Pacific
Cambodia countering PRC programs........................ 10,000
Greater Mekong rule of law and environment.............. 7,000
Mongolia................................................ 7,000
Philippines............................................. 68,100
Thailand................................................ 7,750
[[Page H2091]]
Timor-Leste............................................. 16,000
Middle East and North Africa
USAID Middle East Regional..............................
Refugee scholarships program in Lebanon............... 10,000
Morocco................................................. 10,000
South and Central Asia
Bangladesh labor programs............................... 3,000
Maldives................................................ 6,000
Western Hemisp
Caribbean Energy Initiative............................. 8,000
Caribbean Economic Growth............................... 12,000
Colombia................................................ 77,000
Biodiversity.......................................... 15,000
Dominican Republic...................................... 19,000
Haiti reforestation..................................... 8,500
Resilient Critical Infrastructure....................... 5,000
Global Programs
Assistive technology.................................... 10,000
Combating child marriage................................ 20,000
Development Innovation Ventures......................... 40,000
Disability programs..................................... 20,000
Food security research and development.................. 175,000
Feed the Future Innovation Labs....................... 72,000
Global Crop Diversity Trust........................... 5,500
Leahy War Victims Fund.................................. 15,000
Mobility program........................................ 3,000
Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program..................... 2,500
Trade capacity building................................. 20,000
USAID Advisor for Indigenous Peoples' Issues............ 6,200
Victims of torture...................................... 12,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advisor for Indigenous Peoples' Issues.--The agreement
includes funds made available under this heading for program
costs, personnel, and other administrative expenses for
USAID's Advisor for Indigenous Peoples' Issues.
Assistive Technology.--The agreement includes funding under
this heading for programs to improve access to assistive
technology consistent with prior years, which shall be in
addition to funds otherwise made available for such purpose.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the
Act, the USAID Administrator shall consult with the
Committees on Appropriations on the use of such funds.
international disaster assistance
The agreement includes $4,779,000,000 for International
Disaster Assistance, of which $750,000,000 is designated as
an emergency requirement.
transition initiatives
The agreement includes $75,000,000 for Transition
Initiatives.
Use of Funds.--Funds made available under this heading may
not be used for programs for which the sole purpose is to
transport individuals.
complex crises fund
The agreement includes $55,000,000 for Complex Crises Fund.
economic support fund
The agreement includes $3,890,400,000 for Economic Support
Fund, of which $300,000,000 is designated as an emergency
requirement. Funds for certain countries and programs under
this heading are allocated according to the following table
and subject to section 7019 of the Act:
ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Country/Program Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Africa
Equatorial Guinea democracy programs.................... 2,000
West Africa anti-slavery programs....................... 2,000
East Asia and the Pacific
Burma...................................................
Accountability and justice for Rohingya............... 1,000
Atrocity prevention and accountability, including the 7,000
documentation and preservation of evidence, and
transitional justice programs........................
Support for deserters................................. 1,500
Technical support and non-lethal assistance........... 25,000
Thailand................................................ 3,000
Middle East and North Africa
Assistance subject to section 7041(k)(1)................ 175,000
Iraq.................................................... 150,000
Democracy............................................. 25,000
Justice sector assistance............................. 2,500
Scholarships.......................................... 12,000
Lebanon................................................. 112,500
Lebanon scholarships.................................. 14,000
Middle East Partnership Initiative...................... 27,200
Scholarship program................................... 20,000
Middle East Regional Cooperation........................ 8,500
Near East Regional Democracy............................ 55,000
Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act..... 50,000
South and Central Asia
Maldives................................................ 3,000
Western Hemisp
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative..................... 37,000
Colombia................................................ 129,000
Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities............. 25,000
Human rights.......................................... 15,000
Cuba democracy programs................................. 25,000
Organization of American States human rights............ 6,500
Global Programs
Arctic Council.......................................... 1,000
Atrocities prevention................................... 3,000
Conflict and Stabilization Operations................... 5,000
Peace accord/peace process monitoring................. 3,500
Family Planning/Reproductive Health (USAID)............. 51,050
Global Surface Water Inventory.......................... 5,000
House Democracy Partnership............................. 2,300
Implementation of Public Law 99-415..................... 4,000
Information communications technology training.......... 1,000
International religious freedom (section 7033).......... 15,000
Marla Ruzicka Fund for Innocent Victims of Conflict..... 10,000
Small Island Developing States.......................... 50,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enterprises for Development, Growth, and Empowerment (EDGE)
Fund.--The agreement includes funding for the EDGE Fund at
not less than the prior fiscal year level.
Middle East Partnership Initiative Availability and
Consultation Requirement.--The agreement includes funds
appropriated under title III of the Act, which shall be made
available for assistance for the Western Sahara. Not later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act and prior
to the obligation of such funds, the Secretary of State, in
consultation with the USAID Administrator, shall consult with
the Committees on Appropriations on the proposed uses of such
funds.
Peace Process Monitoring.--The agreement endorses the
directive under the heading Peace accord/peace process
monitoring in the House report to continue to support peace
accord implementation and peace process monitoring. The
Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on
Appropriations on the uses of such funds.
USAID-Israel Development Cooperation.--The agreement
includes $3,000,000 under this heading for USAID-Israel
Development Cooperation.
democracy fund
The agreement includes $345,200,000 for Democracy Fund, of
which $205,200,000 is for the Department of State's Bureau of
Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, and $140,000,000 is for
USAID's Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance.
assistance for europe, eurasia and central asia
The agreement includes $770,334,000 for Assistance for
Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia, of which $310,000,000 is
designated as an emergency requirement.
Department of State
migration and refugee assistance
The agreement includes $3,928,000,000 for Migration and
Refugee Assistance, of which $750,000,000 is designated as an
emergency requirement.
united states emergency refugee and migration assistance fund
The agreement includes $100,000 for United States Emergency
Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund.
Independent Agencies
peace corps
(including transfer of funds)
The agreement includes $430,500,000 for Peace Corps, of
which $7,800,000 is for the Office of Inspector General.
millennium challenge corporation
The agreement includes $930,000,000 for Millennium
Challenge Corporation, including up to $143,000,000 for
administrative expenses.
Oversight.--Concurrent with the annual release of country
scorecards, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) CEO
shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional
committees on MCC partner countries that did not receive
scorecards due to such countries' income status. Such report
shall include detail on each MCC scorecard policy indicator
for each such country. The MCC CEO shall consult with such
committees on the format of such report.
inter-american foundation
The agreement includes $47,000,000 for Inter-American
Foundation.
united states african development foundation
The agreement includes $45,000,000 for United States
African Development Foundation.
Department of the Treasury
international affairs technical assistance
The agreement includes $38,000,000 for International
Affairs Technical Assistance.
debt restructuring
The agreement includes $26,000,000 for Debt Restructuring.
tropical forest and coral reef conservation
The agreement includes $15,000,000 for Tropical Forest and
Coral Reef Conservation.
TITLE IV
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE
Department of State
international narcotics control and law enforcement
The agreement includes $1,400,000,000 for International
Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, of which $115,000,000
is designated as an emergency requirement. Funds for certain
countries, programs, and activities under this heading are
allocated according to the following table and subject to
section 7019 of the Act:
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Country/Program/Activity Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atrocities prevention................................... 3,000
Central America Regional Security Initiative
Costa Rica............................................ 37,500
Colombia................................................ 134,500
Combating wildlife trafficking.......................... 47,500
Cybercrime and intellectual property rights............. 20,000
Demand reduction........................................ 20,000
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Virunga National Park security........................ 2,000
Ecuador................................................. 17,500
Fighting corruption..................................... 25,000
International Law Enforcement Academy................... 40,000
Inter-Regional Aviation Support......................... 58,325
Mongolia................................................ 3,000
Pakistan................................................ 11,000
State Western Hemisp Regional........................... 42,000
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative................... 40,000
Thailand................................................ 3,500
Trafficking in persons.................................. 89,500
Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons... 76,000
[[Page H2092]]
of which, child protection compacts................... [12,500]
of which, modern slavery.............................. [25,000]
Vietnam................................................. 6,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combating Human Trafficking in Latin America and the
Caribbean.--The agreement includes $2,500,000 under this
heading for partnerships to combat human trafficking in Latin
America and the Caribbean, as described under this heading in
the House report.
Combating Ritualized Murder.--The agreement includes
$2,500,000 under this heading to combat ritualized murder of
children in West Africa.
Fentanyl.--Pursuant to section 7036 of the Act, the
agreement includes not less than $125,000,000 to counter the
flow of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, including not
less than the prior fiscal year level from funds under this
heading.
Inter-Regional Aviation Support.--The agreement includes
funds for facility upgrades and enhanced aviation support for
Costa Rica as described in the House report.
Mongolia.--The Secretary of State shall consult with the
Committees on Appropriations not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of the Act and prior to the initial
obligation of funds made available under this heading for
assistance for Mongolia, including $1,000,000 for the law
enforcement technical assistance activities described in the
Senate report.
Pakistan.--Assistance for Pakistan under this heading shall
be made available for border security, law enforcement, and
rule of law programs.
nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining and related programs
The agreement includes $870,000,000 for Nonproliferation,
Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs. Funds for
certain programs and activities under this heading are
allocated according to the following table and subject to
section 7019 of the Act:
NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Program/Activity Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund................... 20,000
International Atomic Energy Agency...................... 95,000
Conventional Weapons Destruction........................ 258,000
Humanitarian demining................................. 218,000
of which, Southeast Asia.............................. [73,000]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict.--The agreement provides
$2,000,000 for humanitarian demining and unexploded ordnance
(UXO) clearance activities in areas affected by the Nagorno-
Karabakh conflict, subject to prior consultation with the
Committees on Appropriations.
PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
The agreement includes $410,458,000 for Peacekeeping
Operations, of which $291,425,000 may remain available until
September 30, 2025. Funds for certain countries, programs,
and activities under this heading are allocated according to
the following table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:
PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Country/Program/Activity Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Africa
Somalia............................................... 208,100
Political-Military Affairs
Global Peace Operations Initiative.................... 71,000
Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership............. 33,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Infrastructure.--In lieu of the language under the heading
Global Peace Operations Initiative in the House report, the
agreement provides $10,000,000 for infrastructure projects
from the Global Peace Operations Initiative and Somalia
programs under this heading.
Funds Appropriated to the President
INTERNATIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING
The agreement includes $119,152,000 for International
Military Education and Training.
FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM
The agreement includes $6,133,397,000 for Foreign Military
Financing Program, of which $275,000,000 is designated as an
emergency requirement. Funds under this heading for certain
countries and programs are allocated according to the
following table and subject to section 7019 of the Act:
FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Country/Program Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative..................... 11,000
Colombia................................................ 37,025
Costa Rica.............................................. 8,500
Estonia................................................. 10,000
Georgia................................................. 35,000
Iraq.................................................... 175,000
Latvia.................................................. 10,000
Lithuania............................................... 10,000
Mongolia................................................ 3,000
Thailand................................................ 10,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE V
MULTILATERAL ASSISTANCE
Funds Appropriated to the President
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS
The agreement includes $436,920,000 for International
Organizations and Programs. Funds under this heading are
allocated according to the following table and subject to
section 7019 of the Act:
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Organization/Program Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Conservation Programs........................ 8,550
Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund........................ 49,305
Organization of American States funds for strengthening 6,000
democracy.................................................
UN Children's Fund......................................... 142,000
Joint Programme on Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation. 5,000
UN Development Program..................................... 83,050
UN Environmental Programs.................................. 9,690
UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change/ UN Framework 14,250
Convention on Climate Change..............................
UN Special Coordinator for UN Response to Sexual 1,500
Exploitation and Abuse....................................
UN Special Representative to the Secretary-General on 1,750
Sexual Violence in Conflict...............................
UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women................ 1,500
UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture................... 9,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consultation.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall submit the
notification for funds under this heading required by section
7015 of the Act. Not less than 30 days prior to the
submission of such notification, the Secretary shall consult
with the Committees on Appropriations on the proposed
allocation of funds appropriated under this heading for
international organizations and programs and identify funding
that is intended to support core contributions.
International Financial Institutions
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY
The agreement includes $150,200,000 for Global Environment
Facility.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE CLEAN TECHNOLOGY FUND
The agreement includes $125,000,000 for Contribution to the
Clean Technology Fund.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND
DEVELOPMENT
The agreement includes $206,500,000 for Contribution to the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
LIMITATION ON CALLABLE CAPITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
The agreement includes $1,421,275,728.70 for Limitation on
Callable Capital Subscriptions.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
The agreement includes $1,380,256,000 for Contribution to
the International Development Association.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND
The agreement includes $87,220,000 for Contribution to the
Asian Development Fund.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
The agreement includes $54,648,752 for Contribution to the
African Development Bank.
LIMITATION ON CALLABLE CAPITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
The agreement includes $856,174,624 for Limitation on
Callable Capital Subscriptions.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND
The agreement includes $197,000,000 for Contribution to the
African Development Fund.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
The agreement includes $43,000,000 for Contribution to the
International Fund for Agricultural Development.
GLOBAL AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM
The agreement includes $10,000,000 for Global Agriculture
and Food Security Program.
TREASURY INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
The agreement includes $50,000,000 for Treasury
International Assistance Programs.
Consultation.--Prior to the submission of the spend plan
required by section 7062(b) of the Act, the Secretary of the
Treasury shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations
on the allocation of funds appropriated under this heading.
TITLE VI
EXPORT AND INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE
Export-Import Bank of the United States
INSPECTOR GENERAL
The agreement includes $8,860,000 for Inspector General for
the Export-Import Bank of the United States, of which
$1,329,000 may remain available until September 30, 2025.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
The agreement includes $125,000,000 for Administrative
Expenses for the Export-Import Bank of the United States, of
which up to $18,750,000 may remain available until September
30, 2025.
PROGRAM BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS
The agreement includes $15,000,000 for Program Budget
Appropriations.
[[Page H2093]]
United States International Development Finance Corporation
INSPECTOR GENERAL
The agreement includes $7,200,000 for Inspector General for
the United States International Development Finance
Corporation.
CORPORATE CAPITAL ACCOUNT
The agreement includes $983,250,000 for Corporate Capital
Account, including $243,000,000 for administrative expenses,
which may be paid to the United States International
Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Program Account.
Accountability.--The agreement includes funds to support no
less than two full-time equivalent (FTE) staff for DFC's
Office of Accountability (OA). Not later than 45 days after
the date of enactment of the Act, the OA Director shall
submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees
detailing: (1) the staffing posture of the OA, including the
timeline for onboarding a second FTE; (2) the timeline for
public consultation on, and DFC's Board of Director's review
of, the OA's operational guidelines and procedures, which
shall occur not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of the Act; (3) an outreach strategy to ensure
project-affected communities and stakeholders are adequately
informed of the OA's existence, services, and methods of
contact; and (4) any challenges to, and plans to ensure, the
OA's independence, including with regards to staffing,
budgetary needs, and direct reporting to DFC's Board of
Directors. The OA Director shall consult with the Committees
on Appropriations prior to the submission of such report.
PROGRAM ACCOUNT
The agreement includes up to $740,250,000 for Program
Account transferred from Corporate Capital Account.
Trade and Development Agency
The agreement includes $87,000,000 for Trade and
Development Agency, including not more than $24,500,000 for
administrative expenses.
TITLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 7001. Allowances and Differentials (unchanged)
Section 7002. Unobligated Balances Report (unchanged)
Section 7003. Consulting Services (unchanged)
Section 7004. Diplomatic Facilities (modified)
Notification and Information Requirements.--Congressional
notifications made pursuant to subsection (b) shall include
the following information: (1) the location, size, and
appraised value of the property to be acquired, including the
proximity to existing United States diplomatic facilities and
host government ministries; (2) the justification for the
site acquisition; (3) a detailed breakdown of the total
project costs, including: (a) site acquisition, (b) project
development, (c) design contract, (d) construction, (e) non-
contract construction; and (f) other construction costs,
including: (i) art, (ii) furniture, (iii) project
supervision, (iv) construction security, (v) contingency, and
(vi) value added tax; (4) estimated or actual revenues
derived from real property sales and gifts associated with
the project, if applicable; (5) any unique requirements that
may increase the cost or timeline of the project, including
consular workload, legal, political, security, environmental,
seismic, religious or cultural; (6) the number of waivers
required pursuant to section 606 of the Admiral James W.
Nance and Meg Donovan Foreign Relations Authorization Act,
fiscal years 2000 and 2001 (appendix G of Public Law 106-
113), if applicable; (7) the current and projected number of
desks, agency presence, and the projected number of United
States direct hire staff, locally employed staff and third
country nationals; (8) the current and projected number of
beds, if applicable; (9) the most recent overseas presence
review; (10) completion of value engineering studies and
adjudication of recommendations; and (11) the project's
scheduled start and completion dates, actual start and
current estimated completion dates, and an explanation of any
changes.
Section 7005. Personnel Actions (unchanged)
Section 7006. Prohibition on Publicity or Propaganda
(unchanged)
Section 7007. Prohibition Against Direct Funding for Certain
Countries (unchanged)
Consultation.--The Secretary of State and USAID
Administrator shall consult with the Committees on
Appropriations prior to providing humanitarian assistance to
a country listed in section 7007 of the Act, except such
requirement shall not apply to humanitarian assistance for
Syria.
Section 7008. Coups de' Etat (unchanged)
Section 7009. Transfer of Funds Authority (modified)
Section 7010. Prohibition and Limitation on Certain Expenses
(unchanged)
Section 7011. Availability of Funds (modified)
Notification Requirements.--Notifications submitted
pursuant to the requirement in this section shall, to the
maximum extent practicable, include the source year of funds
and the initial purpose of the funding proposed for re-
obligation.
Section 7012. Limitation on Assistance to Countries in
Default (unchanged)
Section 7013. Prohibition on Taxation of United States
Assistance (unchanged)
Section 7014. Reservations of Funds (unchanged)
Section 7015. Notification Requirements (modified)
Application.--Subsection (j) shall not apply to instances
of a de minimis nature.
Guantanamo Bay.--The agreement endorses the notification
requirement concerning individuals detained at United States
Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba included under this
section in the House report.
Notifications.--Any notification submitted pursuant to this
section with respect to assistance for Burma or South Sudan
shall indicate whether the proposed obligation of funds
includes any new program, project, or activity.
Trust Funds.--Notifications submitted pursuant to
subsection (g) shall include the information described under
this section in the Senate report, including the requirement
for administrative agreements to the extent practicable.
Section 7016. Documents, Report Posting, Records Management,
and Related Cybersecurity Protections (modified)
Section 7017. Use of Funds in Contravention of this Act
(unchanged)
Section 7018. Prohibition on Funding for Abortions and
Involuntary Sterilization (unchanged)
Section 7019. Allocations and Reports (modified)
Section 7020. Multi-Year Pledges (unchanged)
Section 7021. Prohibition on Assistance to Governments
Supporting International Terrorism (unchanged)
Section 7022. Authorization Requirements (unchanged)
Section 7023. Definition of Program, Project, and Activity
(unchanged)
Section 7024. Authorities for the Peace Corps, Inter-American
Foundation, and United States African Development
Foundation (unchanged)
Section 7025. Commerce, Trade and Surplus Commodities
(unchanged)
Section 7026. Separate Accounts (unchanged)
Section 7027. Eligibility for Assistance (unchanged)
Section 7028. Promotion of United States Economic Interests
(new)
Commercial Initiatives.--The agreement endorses the
directives under Diplomatic Programs in the House and Senate
reports under the headings Commercial diplomacy and
Commercial Initiatives.
Section 7029. International Financial Institutions (modified)
Financial Intermediary Funds.--The Secretary of the
Treasury should ensure that no United States contribution to
a financial intermediary fund that Treasury oversees is used
to provide any loan, extension of financial assistance, or
technical assistance to the PRC or to any country or region
subject to comprehensive sanctions by the United States.
Multilateral Development Banks Financing.--Not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary
of the Treasury shall submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations on efforts to increase the availability and
competitiveness of financing from multilateral development
banks for diversified energy and infrastructure projects.
Opposition to Lending to the PRC.--The Secretary of the
Treasury shall instruct the United States executive director
of each international financial institution to use the voice
and vote of the United States to oppose any loan, extension
of financial assistance, or technical assistance by such bank
to the PRC, in accordance with requirements in section 5701
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2023 (Public Law 117-263).
Section 7030. Economic Resilience Initiative (new)
Economic Resilience Initiative.--The agreement includes not
less than $365,000,000 for the Economic Resilience Initiative
(ERI) to enhance the economic security and stability of the
United States and partner countries, including through
efforts to counter economic coercion by the PRC, by investing
in strategic infrastructure, secure critical mineral supply
chains, macroeconomic growth, and related efforts. Funds for
the ERI include funds made available by the Act pursuant to
this section, funds made available under Treasury
International Assistance Programs in title V of the Act, and
$100,000,000 allocated pursuant to the CHIPS Act of 2022
(division A of Public Law 117-167) for the Creating Helpful
Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America
International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund.
[[Page H2094]]
Funds made available for the ITSI Fund are allocated
according to the following table for fiscal year 2024:
CHIPS FOR AMERICA INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SECURITY AND INNOVATION FUND
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Account Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diplomatic Programs..................................... 15,800
Office of Inspector General............................. 500
Economic Support Fund................................... 66,700
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related 17,000
Programs...............................................
Total 100,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 7031. Financial Management, Budget Transparency, and
Anti-Corruption (modified)
Foreign Assistance Transparency.--Pursuant to subsection
(e) and the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act
of 2016 (Public Law 114-191), the USAID Administrator and DFC
CEO shall ensure timely, accurate, and complete reporting of
DFC investments on the ``ForeignAssistance.gov'' website. Not
later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the Act,
the Administrator and CEO shall jointly submit a report to
the appropriate congressional committees on any challenges to
such reporting and a timeline for addressing such challenges.
Requirement.--Prior to the initial obligation of funds
appropriated by the Act under title III and made available
for technical assistance for the purposes of critical mineral
extraction, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the
Secretary of the Interior, shall submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees regarding steps that
have been taken or are intended to be taken to maximize
available domestic mining resources for the purposes of
extracting critical minerals and components necessary for
United States national security. The Secretary of State shall
prioritize partnerships with the United States private sector
in the provision of such assistance overseas.
Section 7032. Democracy Programs (modified)
Funds for certain programs and activities under this
heading are allocated according to the following table and
subject to section 7019 of the Act:
BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR, DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Account/Program Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund
Afghanistan........................................... 5,000
Burma................................................. 4,000
Maldives.............................................. 500
Near East Regional Democracy.......................... 15,000
North Korea........................................... 5,000
People's Republic of China human rights............... 12,000
South Sudan........................................... 1,000
Sri Lanka............................................. 2,000
Sudan................................................. 1,000
Syria................................................. 11,000
Venezuela............................................. 10,000
Yemen................................................. 2,000
Countering transnational repression................... 1,440
Human Rights Defenders Fund........................... 19,600
Warsaw Declaration.................................... 2,500
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia
Europe and Eurasia.................................... 22,000
Uzbekistan............................................ 3,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Definition of Democracy Programs.--For the purposes of
subsection (c), the term ``good governance'' shall include
citizen-centered and democratic governance that enhances
meaningful participation of citizens in government planning
and decision-making and the responsiveness of government
officials at all levels to such efforts in a transparent and
accountable manner. Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State and USAID
Administrator shall submit to the Committees on
Appropriations the definition of ``good governance'' used in
designing democracy programs funded by prior Acts.
Democracy programs shall reflect the importance of strong
multi-party political systems to democracy and governance.
Democracy Protection Programs.--The agreement includes
funding for democracy protection programs pursuant to
subsections (g) and (h) at not less than the prior year
levels, including for protection of civil society activists
and journalists and for support for international freedom of
expression and independent media.
Information Sharing.--Information sharing between the
Department of State, USAID, and the National Endowment for
Democracy (NED) shall occur as in prior fiscal years, but the
independence of the NED shall be maintained per section
502(a) of the National Endowment for Democracy Act (Public
Law 98-164).
Requests for Information.--Information requested about
democracy programs from the appropriate congressional
committees should be expeditiously provided, with appropriate
consideration given to the protection of information, while
not applying unnecessary controls which otherwise delay
responses to Congress. The Secretary of State and USAID
Administrator shall periodically consult with such committees
on best practices for sharing such information.
Strategy.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of the Act, and following consultation with the
Committees on Appropriations, the President shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive,
multi-year strategy for the promotion of democracy abroad, to
include recommendations for funding levels for such programs
on a fiscal year-by-fiscal year basis. The strategy should
also include a description of specific programs, including to
protect civil society activists and journalists, strengthen
independent media, counter propaganda and disinformation
overseas by malign foreign actors, and address challenges to
democracy associated with artificial intelligence.
Section 7033. International Religious Freedom (unchanged)
Religious Freedom.--The agreement includes $30,000,000 for
international religious freedom programs, including
$15,000,000 under Economic Support Fund and $15,000,000 under
Democracy Fund for the Department of State and USAID.
Consistent with the requirements in subsection (b), the
Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom shall
consult with relevant United States Government officials,
including the Assistant Secretary of State for DRL for funds
made available for such purposes under Democracy Fund for the
Department of State.
Section 7034. Special Provisions (modified)
Afghan Allies.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State, in consultation
with the heads of relevant Federal agencies, shall submit a
report to the appropriate congressional committees and the
Committees on the Judiciary on a plan to wind down the
program authorized by the Afghan Allies Protection Act of
2009 (8 U.S.C. 1101 note), including the estimated number of
Afghans that remain eligible for the program, alternative
pathways available for such persons, and the timeline and
associated costs of closeout procedures.
Emergency Back-Up Care.--The agreement includes funds to
provide emergency back-up care for Department of State and
USAID employees as authorized by section 6223 of the
Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 (division F of
Public Law 118-31).
Section 7035. Law Enforcement and Security (modified)
Casualty Rehabilitation.--Pursuant to subsection (a)(3),
funds shall be made available for a program to provide
medical and casualty rehabilitation services to current and
former Ukrainian security personnel with severe disabilities
caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which shall be
administered by USAID. Such program may include the costs of
travel for such individuals and their family members to the
United States and third countries for such services, and
should include a capacity building component for Ukrainian
organizations providing such services. Such funds shall be
prioritized for assistance for NGOs that have experience
working with veterans and shall be awarded on an open and
competitive basis.
Reprogramming.--The Secretary of State is directed to
ensure that equipment procured with funds appropriated in
prior Acts under Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund
and not provided to Pakistan is transferred, as appropriate,
to Ukraine and Taiwan on an urgent basis.
Section 7036. Countering the Flow of Fentanyl and Other
Synthetic Drugs (new)
Comprehensive Programming.--In addition to funds made
available pursuant to subsection (a), the agreement provides
additional funding to support broader counternarcotics, law
enforcement, justice sector, and other programming that
advances a comprehensive approach to combating synthetic
drugs.
Reporting Requirements.--The report required pursuant to
subsection (d)(1) shall also include the information required
under the heading Fentanyl under title IV of the House
report.
Task Force.--The agreement supports the establishment of a
Task Force at the United States Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand
to address fentanyl trafficking and other criminal activities
in PRC economic zones and includes funds to support the
activities of such Task Force.
Section 7037. Palestinian Statehood (unchanged)
Section 7038. Prohibition on Assistance to the Palestinian
Broadcasting Corporation (unchanged)
Section 7039. Assistance for the West Bank and Gaza
(modified)
Section 7040. Limitation on Assistance for the Palestinian
Authority (unchanged)
Section 7041. Middle East and North Africa (modified)
Egypt.--In addition to amounts made available pursuant to
subsection (a) for assistance for Egypt, the agreement
includes not less than $3,500,000 under Nonproliferation,
Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs and not less
than $1,800,000 under International Military Education and
Training for such assistance.
Pursuant to subsection (a)(3), the Secretary of State shall
certify and report on whether the Government of Egypt is
taking sustained and effective steps to: (1) strengthen the
rule of law, democratic institutions, and human rights in
Egypt, including to protect religious minorities and the
rights of women, which are in addition to steps taken during
the previous calendar year for such purposes; (2) implement
reforms that protect freedoms of expression, association, and
peaceful assembly, including the ability of civil society
organizations, human rights defenders, and the media to
function without interference; (3) hold Egyptian security
forces accountable, including officers credibly alleged to
have violated human rights; (4) investigate and prosecute
cases of extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances;
(5) provide American citizens with fair
[[Page H2095]]
and commensurate compensation for injuries and losses caused
by the Egyptian military; and (6) reduce the number of
political prisoners, provide detainees with due process of
law, and prevent the intimidation or harassment of American
citizens.
Iraq.--Of the funds made available for democracy programs
for Iraq under Economic Support Fund, not less than
$1,500,000 shall be made available for new programs that
strengthen elections processes and democratic political
parties.
The agreement includes funds to support American-style
higher education student scholarships and institutions in
Iraq, including in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), on an
open and competitive basis, following consultation with the
Committees on Appropriations. Such funds should include
support for programs that equip diverse Iraqi university and
institute graduates with the knowledge and skills required to
obtain gainful employment in the private sector and seek to
build long-term capacity and sustainability of current and
prior-year grantees.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the
Act, the Secretary of State shall brief the Committees on
Appropriations on the plan of action concerning options for
enhancing air defense capabilities in the KRI against missile
and drone attacks from Iran, as required by section 1266 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
(Public Law 118-31), and specific efforts the Department of
State will undertake to encourage the Government of Iraq to
meet its KRI budget obligations for 2024.
Jordan.--Within the total amounts designated in the Act for
assistance for Jordan, the agreement includes not less than
$10,400,000 under Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining
and Related Programs and $3,800,000 under International
Military Education and Training.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of the
Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the
appropriate congressional committees on humanitarian
assistance for Jordan.
Lebanon.--The agreement endorses Senate report language
under the heading Energy Independence for American Hospitals
in Lebanon.
Libya.--The agreement includes not less than $32,000,000
under titles III and IV of the Act for stabilization
assistance for Libya, including support for a UN-facilitated
political process and border security.
Morocco.--The agreement includes not less than $10,000,000
under Economic Support Fund, not less than $10,000,000 under
Development Assistance, and not less than $10,000,000 under
Foreign Military Financing Program for assistance for
Morocco.
The agreement endorses the directive under this heading in
the Senate report.
Public Diplomacy.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of the Act and every 90 days tafter until funds
have been expended, the Secretary of State shall submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations on funds
administered by the Office of Palestinian Affairs and made
available for public diplomacy programs. The report shall
detail uses of funds, including a description of activities
and implementing partners.
Tunisia.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations on the extent to
which: (1) the Government of Tunisia is implementing economic
reforms, countering corruption, and taking credible steps to
restore constitutional order and democratic governance,
including respecting freedoms of expression, association, and
the press, and the rights of members of political parties,
that are in addition to steps taken in the preceding fiscal
year; (2) the Government of Tunisia is maintaining the
independence of the judiciary, not inappropriately utilizing
military courts, and holding security forces who commit human
rights abuses accountable; and (3) the Tunisian military has
remained an apolitical and professional institution.
UN Political Process on Western Sahara.--The Secretary of
State shall continue to support a UN-led political process
that achieves a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable
political solution in accordance with relevant UN Security
Council resolutions.
Section 7042. Africa (modified)
Mozambique.--The agreement includes funds under Development
Assistance for assistance for Mozambique at not less than the
prior fiscal year level.
Power Africa.--Pursuant to subsection (g), the USAID
Administrator shall submit the report required under this
heading in the House report regarding sources of energy
included in paragraph (8) of section (3) of the Electrify
Africa Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-121). Such report shall
also include detail on support from USAID in fiscal years
2020 through 2023, and planned support in fiscal year 2024,
provided through the Power Africa program, disaggregated by
source of energy, and detail on program outcomes that are
required in order to double access to electricity in sub-
Saharan Africa pursuant to the goals of the Power Africa
program.
Sudan.--The USAID Administrator shall prioritize delivery
of humanitarian assistance for Sudan through local partners
to the maximum extent practicable.
Section 7043. East Asia and the Pacific (modified)
Burma.--In addition to the funds designated in the table
under Economic Support Fund, the agreement includes the
following amounts for Burma: (1) $75,000,000 for assistance
and cross-border programs, including in Thailand and India;
(2) $10,000,000 for governance/federalism programs, including
at the state and local levels; and (3) $1,500,000 for support
for current and former political prisoners.
Funds made available by the Act for accountability and
justice for crimes against humanity and acts of genocide
against the Rohingya are in addition to funds otherwise made
available to investigate and document violations of human
rights committed by the Burmese military against ethnic
groups in Burma and shall be the responsibility of the
Assistant Secretary of State for DRL.
The agreement includes sufficient funds for additional
psychosocial programs in Burma and neighboring countries
necessitated by the civil war.
Cambodia.-- Funds made available by the Act under
Development Assistance for countering PRC programs in
Cambodia shall include the Khmer Rouge genocide survivor
program.
The Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on
Appropriations prior to initiating the assessment required
under subsection (b).
The Secretary of State and USAID Administrator shall
consider support for the establishment of a joint genocide
museum and research institute in Phnom Penh.
Section 7031(c) of the Act shall be applied to officials of
the Government of Cambodia about whom the Secretary of State
has credible information have been involved in the unlawful
and wrongful detention of United States citizen Theary Seng.
Countering PRC Influence Fund.--The Secretary of State and
USAID Administrator shall jointly manage the Countering PRC
Influence Fund in a manner consistent with the prior fiscal
year. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
the Act, the Secretary and Administrator shall brief the
appropriate congressional committees on program evaluation
processes for the Fund, including the feasibility of
developing a strategic impact measurement system to help
prioritize the uses of the Fund. Funds are allocated
according to the following table and subject to section 7019
of the Act:
COUNTERING PRC INFLUENCE FUND
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Account Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Development Assistance.................................. 90,000
Economic Support Fund................................... 155,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement..... 80,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related 25,000
Programs...............................................
Foreign Military Financing Program...................... 50,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freely Associated States.--The agreement endorses language
in the Senate report regarding assistance in the Act for the
Freely Associated States, particularly to counter PRC
influence in such States, which should be made available from
the Countering PRC Influence Fund.
Hong Kong.--The agreement includes sufficient funds for
support of Fulbright programs in Hong Kong and Macau, subject
to the following: (1) modification of existing restrictions
on such programs by the President or any other provision of
law; (2) implementation of the safeguards described in the
Senate report; and (3) prior consultation with the
appropriate congressional committees.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the
Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees, in classified form if
necessary, detailing the cost and feasibility of establishing
an American Center in Hong Kong, including in existing leased
space. The report shall include an assessment of the
obstacles posed by the Government of Hong Kong and the PRC to
establishing such a Center, and the benefits such a facility
may offer toward strengthening the relationship between the
United States and the people of Hong Kong.
The agreement endorses language under this heading in the
Senate report requiring an update to the report required by
section 7043(f)(3)(C) of division K of Public Law 116-260.
Indo-Pacific Strategy.--The agreement includes sufficient
funds to support the operations of the Department of State
and USAID in implementing the Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Pacific Islands Countries.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State, in
consultation with the USAID Administrator, shall provide the
Committees on Appropriations a detailed operating plan to
open, expand, and sustain United States diplomatic presence
and foreign assistance programs in Pacific Islands countries
(PICs) during fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Such plan shall
include the following information by post: (1) planned and
on-board staffing levels, an organizational chart, and a
timeline for recruitment of personnel; (2) the operating
costs and regional support for each post; (3) an assessment
of gaps at post, including staffing, logistics, facilities,
housing, or other requirements needed to support a United
States presence; and (4) options and cost for operating and
maintaining dedicated transportation assets for personnel and
cargo movement and emergency medical evacuation services.
The agreement includes funds to continue to facilitate the
participation of PICs at the International Law Enforcement
Academy of Bangkok and to remove World War II-era UXO in
PICs, including in the Solomon Islands. In addition, the
agreement includes
[[Page H2096]]
funds to expand Pacific Islands Regional Scholarships, as
described under such heading in the Senate report.
Funds made available under subsection (f)(2) for trilateral
programs in PICs should include cooperation and partnerships
with, including on a multilateral basis: Australia, Japan,
New Zealand, Canada, the European Union (EU) and EU Member
States, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and
Taiwan.
People's Republic of China.--None of the funds made
available by the Act shall be used to implement, administer,
carry out, modify, revise, or enforce any action that
directly supports or facilitates forced labor and other
violations of human rights, crimes against humanity, and
genocide in the PRC.
Consistent with the terms of the Science and Technology
Agreement Enhanced Congressional Notification Act of 2023 (S.
2894, as introduced in the Senate on September 21, 2023, and
H.R. 5245, as introduced in the House of Representatives on
August 22, 2023), the Secretary of State shall notify the
appropriate congressional committees prior to entering into,
renewing, or extending any science and technology agreement
with the PRC.
Taiwan.--The Secretary of State is directed to ensure that
officials from Taiwan seeking discussions in the United
States with Federal or State government officials are
admitted for entry in accordance with section 221 of Public
Law 103-416.
The agreement endorses language under this heading in the
House report concerning Taiwan guidelines.
Thailand.--The agreement includes funds under Economic
Support Fund for additional educational exchanges and other
programs for Thailand, which should include programs with
Laos and other countries in the region, the uses of which
shall be the responsibility of the Chief of Mission in
Thailand.
Tibet.--Funds made available by the Act shall not be used
to produce or disseminate documents, reports, maps, or other
materials that recognize, identify, or otherwise refer to
Tibet, including the Tibet Autonomous Region and other
Tibetan autonomous counties and prefectures, as part of the
PRC, until the Secretary of State reports to the appropriate
congressional committees that the Government of the PRC has
reached a final negotiated agreement on Tibet with the Dalai
Lama or his representatives or with democratically-elected
leaders of the Tibetan people.
USAID should consider support for projects to address
housing needs and related services for displaced Tibetan
refugee families in India and Nepal.
Trilateral Programs.--Of the funds made available under
title III of the Act, not less than $5,000,000 shall be made
available for trilateral programs with Japan and the Republic
of Korea. The Secretary of State should seek to establish a
trilateral secretariat between the three nations to
institutionalize and sustain commitments related to such
cooperation.
Vietnam.--The agreement includes $2,500,000 under
Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs and $7,500,000
under title III for the Vietnam Education Foundation Act of
2000.
Section 7044. South and Central Asia (modified)
Afghanistan.--The Secretary of State shall prioritize the
security and welfare of women and girls in Afghanistan, and
submit the reports required in the Senate report under
Women's Empowerment in Afghanistan and in the House report
under Afghanistan women and girls, in the manner described.
The agreement includes funding to continue online education
programs for women and girls in Afghanistan, including
through the American University of Afghanistan, and supports
the reprogramming of prior fiscal year funds for such
purposes. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of the Act, the Secretary of State, USAID Administrator, and
USAGM CEO shall jointly consult with the Committees on
Appropriations on ways to expand access to education for
Afghan women and girls who remain in Afghanistan and those
based in other countries or regions, including Qatar, Iraq,
and Central Asia.
Pursuant to subsection (a)(1), no assistance for
Afghanistan may be made available for assistance to the
Taliban. The application of such limitation shall not be
construed to prohibit the Secretary of State and USAID
Administrator from continuing assistance that supports the
people of Afghanistan.
The agreement includes $5,000,000 under title III of the
Act for the program established by paragraph (3)(B),
following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.
Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of the
Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees
on Appropriations on any proposed use of funds for a multi-
donor trust fund for Afghanistan.
Nepal.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of the Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the
Committees on Appropriations on assistance for Nepal under
Foreign Military Financing Program.
Pakistan.--The agreement continues funding for programs
under sections 7032 and 7059 of the Act for Pakistan.
Regional Programs.--The agreement provides funding for
regional programs in South and Central Asia to increase the
recruitment, training, and retention of women in the
judiciary, police, and other security forces and to train
such forces to prevent and better address gender-based
violence and human trafficking.
Section 7045. Latin America and the Caribbean (modified)
Assistance Prioritization.--Pursuant to subsection (a),
funds made available by the Act for countries in Latin
America and the Caribbean, including countries in Central
America, shall be prioritized for programs that: (1) address
the violence, poverty, corruption, and other factors that
contribute to irregular migration to the United States,
including for countries that demonstrate a commitment to
offsetting large-scale migration; (2) counter fentanyl and
other narcotics trafficking, including to dismantle illegal
armed groups and drug trafficking organizations; (3) protect
the rights of Indigenous people and support civil society and
other independent institutions; and (4) advance democracy,
constitutional order, and human rights, including for
countries that demonstrate commitments to such norms,
including by cooperating to counter regional and global
authoritarian threats. Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall consult
with the appropriate congressional committees on the use of
funds made available by the Act and prior Acts to further
such priorities. Such consultation shall include detail on
baseline data and metrics used to measure progress on such
efforts.
Colombia.--Pursuant to subsection (c)(1), the Secretary of
State, in consultation with the USAID Administrator, shall
submit the report required under this heading in the Senate
report in the manner described, and concurrently submit a
report to the appropriate congressional committees on the
status of United States bilateral relations with the
Government of Colombia, including analysis of how such
Government's current policies align with United States
national interests such as the commitment to rule of law and
countering narcotics.
Pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(A), funds shall be made
available for programs and activities that: (1) support
counternarcotics efforts; (2) strengthen and expand
governance, the rule of law, access to justice, and respect
for human rights; (3) strengthen law enforcement, including
enhancing rights-respecting security and stability in
Colombia; (4) counter organized crime, money laundering, and
environmental crime; (5) improve governance and state
presence in underserved regions of Colombia, with
prioritization on regions with large Afro-Colombian and
Indigenous populations, as well as large populations of
victims of Colombia's civil conflict; (6) assist communities
impacted by significant refugee, internally displaced, or
migrant populations; (7) support programs to reintegrate
demobilized combatants into civilian pursuits, consistent
with United States and Colombian law, including demining and
UXO clearance activities; (8) support transitional justice
and reconciliation initiatives; and (9) otherwise support
Colombia's effort to implement the 2016 peace agreement.
Funds made available for alternative development programs
in Colombia are intended to promote and expand economic
alternatives for farmers on properties w substances deemed
illegal under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (title II
of Public Law 91-513) are not grown, produced, imported, or
distributed.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the
Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees on: (1) the extent to
which crop eradication and drug interdiction efforts in
Colombia have reduced coca cultivation, production, and
trafficking during the previous 12 month period; (2) the
tonnage of seizures of illicit narcotics and precursors in
Colombia during the previous 12 month period; (3) the extent
to which the Government of Colombia has maintained
extradition cooperation with the United States; and (4)
efforts by the Government of Colombia to counter criminal
activities near the Darien Gap.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the
Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations on the extent to which: (1) the
Government of Colombia is bringing to justice the police
personnel who ordered, directed, and used excessive force and
engaged in other illegal acts against protesters in 2020 and
2021; and (2) the Colombian National Police is cooperating
with such efforts.
Haiti.--Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment
of the Act, the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator,
as appropriate, shall consult with the Committees on
Appropriations on Haitian and regional efforts, including
through the Multinational Security Support mission, to
restore law and order, establish an interim government, and
schedule elections in Haiti.
The agreement includes not less than $5,000,000 to support
efforts to meet the basic needs of Haitian prisoners, should
circumstances permit, following consultation with the
Committees on Appropriations.
The agreement includes $7,500,000 under Development
Assistance and $7,500,000 under Economic Support Fund for
maternal and neonatal care as described in the House and
Senate reports. Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of the Act, the USAID Administrator shall consult
with the Committees on Appropriations on the uses of such
funds.
Facilitating Irresponsible Migration.--For the purposes of
subsection (f), humanitarian assistance for migrants shall
not include: (1)
[[Page H2097]]
cash cards that are usable in countries other than w they are
provided; (2) legal counselling on the United States asylum
process; or (3) referrals to legal representation in the
United States.
Organization of American States.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of
State shall report to the Committees on Appropriations on
arrears or payments in deferred status in excess of 100
percent of 2023 assessed quotas owed by Member States of the
Organization of American States (OAS), including the United
States, as of the date of enactment of the Act. Such report
shall include detail on the impacts of such arrears and
deferred payments on the operations and programs of the OAS.
The Caribbean.--Funds made available for Caribbean Basin
Security Initiative shall be prioritized for countries within
the transit zones of illicit drug shipments toward the United
States that have increased interdiction of illicit drugs and
are most directly impacted by the crisis in Haiti.
Venezuela.--For purposes of the Act, the term
``unobstructed international observation'' is defined as
observation without host-government accompaniment,
notification requirements on observers to divulge deployment
plans, or host-government-imposed restrictions on movement.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the
Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees on the extent to which
the state-sponsored extraction and sale of gold from
Venezuela's Orinoco Mining Arc, and from national reserves in
Venezuela such as Canaima National Park, are linked to human
rights abuses and crimes against humanity against Venezuela's
Indigenous peoples. The report shall also include analysis of
the harmful environmental effects of state-sponsored gold
extraction, as well as how sanction relief to Venezuela's
Minerven national mining company, beginning in October 2023,
affected human rights.
Section 7046. Europe and Eurasia (modified)
Belarus.--The agreement includes funds at not less than the
prior fiscal year level for democracy programs in Belarus.
Georgia.--The agreement includes funds at not less than the
prior fiscal year level for assistance to Georgia.
Slovenia.--Not later than 45 days after the date of
enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall consult
with the Committees on Appropriations on the feasibility of
providing flood recovery assistance for Slovenia.
Ukraine.--Funds made available under titles III and IV of
the Act for assistance for Ukraine shall be prioritized to
enhance the ability of the Government of Ukraine to defend
its sovereignty against Russian aggression, combat
corruption, promote transparency and democracy, and advance
self-sufficiency to reduce Ukraine's reliance on
international assistance, consistent with the strategy
required by subsection (d)(1).
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the
Act, the Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, and
USAID Administrator shall jointly submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees on a plan to reduce
Ukraine's reliance on direct budget support and wind down
such support from the United States.
Pursuant to the strategy required by subsection (d)(1), the
Secretary of State shall consult with the appropriate
congressional committees on the consolidation of the
requirements of such subsection in the event additional
strategy requirements are enacted into law after the date of
enactment of the Act.
The agreement includes $2,000,000 under Assistance for
Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia for the scholarship program
under such heading in the Senate report, to be awarded on an
open and competitive basis and following consultation with
the Committees on Appropriations.
The Secretary of State and USAID Administrator shall
consult with Ukrainian politicians, civil society, and other
relevant actors in preparing the report required under the
heading Ukraine elections in the House report.
Section 7047. Countering Russian Influence and Aggression
(modified)
Cybersecurity in Eastern Europe.--The agreement includes
funds under Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia
at not less than the prior fiscal year level for
international cybersecurity capacity building efforts to
strengthen collective commitments to security in cyberspace,
improve incident response and remediation capabilities, and
train appropriate personnel on the applicability of
international law in cyberspace and the policy and technical
aspects of attribution of cyber incidents.
Economics and Trade.--The Secretary of State and USAID
Administrator, as appropriate, shall follow the directive in
the House report under this section regarding economics and
trade.
Seized Assets.--The Secretary of State, in coordination
with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, should
work to advance ongoing efforts to seize, confiscate,
transfer, or vest immobilized Russian sovereign assets for
the benefit of Ukraine, including Russian sovereign assets
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
Section 7048. United Nations and Other International
Organizations (modified)
Accountability Report.--In carrying out the requirement of
subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall also consider
and report on efforts to combat antisemitism, as defined by
the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, as
appropriate.
Accountability Requirements.--Not later than 120 days after
the date of enactment of the Act, the Department of State OIG
and the Comptroller General of the United States shall
consult with the Committees on Appropriations on their
collaboration with the investigative bodies at international
organizations and any challenges with information-sharing
that has impacted OIG or Government Accountability Office
oversight of United States contributions pursuant to the
requirements of this section.
Procurement Restrictions.--Funds appropriated by the Act
may not be obligated by the UN for the procurement of goods
or services from a vendor with ties to the Russian Federation
except when required for health and safety-related
activities. Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall brief the
Committees on Appropriations on the plan within the UN to
eliminate reliance on such goods and services.
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of
State shall update the report required under this subsection
in division K of Public Law 117-328.
Strengthening American Presence at International
Organizations.--In addition to funds made available pursuant
to subsection (i), the agreement provides $3,000,000 under
Diplomatic Programs to protect and advance United States
interests within international organizations, including to
counter increasing influence by the PRC at such organizations
and to support the temporary surge of relevant United States
personnel. Such funds to support the temporary surge of
United States personnel are in addition to other funds made
available for such purposes. Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall
consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the
coordinating mechanisms between the Bureaus of Budget and
Planning, International Organization Affairs, and East Asian
and Pacific Affairs to be used in managing and overseeing
such funds.
World Health Organization.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State
shall brief the Committees on Appropriations on efforts to
promote reforms at the World Health Organization, including
steps taken to regain observer status for Taiwan, and the
impact of such efforts on strengthening the effectiveness of
the organization.
Section 7049. War Crimes Tribunal (unchanged)
Section 7050. Global Internet Freedom (modified)
The agreement includes not less than $94,000,000 for
programs to promote Internet freedom globally consistent with
section 9707 of the National Defense Authorization Act of
2022 (Public Law 117-263). Funds for such activities are
allocated according to the following table and subject to
section 7019 of the Act:
GLOBAL INTERNET FREEDOM
(Budget authority in thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Account/Program Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund................................... 27,000
Near East Regional Democracy.......................... 16,750
Democracy Fund (Department of State).................... 14,000
Democracy Fund (USAID).................................. 3,500
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia......... 6,000
International Broadcasting Operations, Open Technology 43,500
Fund...................................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coordination.--Funds in the Act for Internet freedom
programs under Economic Support Fund and Assistance for
Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia should be made available
with the concurrence of the Assistant Secretary of State for
DRL.
Section 7051. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment (modified)
Section 7052. Aircraft Transfer, Coordination, and Use
(unchanged)
Section 7053. Parking Fines and Real Property Taxes Owed by
Foreign Governments (unchanged)
Section 7054. International Monetary Fund (unchanged)
Section 7055. Extradition (unchanged)
Section 7056. Enterprise Funds (unchanged)
Section 7057. United Nations Population Fund (unchanged)
Section 7058. Global Health Activities (modified)
Section 7059. Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment
(modified)
Transparency and Accountability.--The Secretary of State
and USAID Administrator shall submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations on funds made available by the
Act for the Gender Equity and Equality Action Fund, which
shall include program descriptions, geographic scope, funding
levels, sources of funds, and prime and sub-partners. The
sub-partner information shall indicate the prime partner for
each activity.
Section 7060. Sector Allocations (modified)
Conferences.--Funds appropriated by the Act that are made
available to organize or host international conferences
should not be made available for such conferences in Tier 3
countries, as defined by section 104 of the Victims of
Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (Public Law
106-386), unless the purpose of such conference is to combat
human trafficking or it is in the national interest of the
United States, and any such use of funds shall be subject to
prior consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.
[[Page H2098]]
Deviation Authority.--The deviation authority provided in
subsection (j) should be exercised only to address unforeseen
or exigent circumstances, including opportunities to advance
United States foreign policy and development interests that
are not aligned with allocated funding sources.
Food Security.--The agreement supports increased funding
for agricultural research and development and directs the
Secretary of State to ensure that the Vision for Adapted
Crops and Seeds program is closely coordinated with Feed the
Future's ongoing efforts and research strategy.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the
Act, the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator, in
consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal
agencies, shall jointly submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees detailing steps that will be taken
to improve the sustainability of Feed the Future outcomes,
including graduation metrics for target countries.
Higher Education in Countries Impacted by Conflict.--The
USAID Administrator shall follow the directives in the House
and Senate reports, including prioritization of the use of
funds, for higher education in countries impacted by
conflict.
Multilateral Education Programs.--The agreement includes
$121,600,000 for the Global Partnership for Education and
$30,400,000 for Education Cannot Wait.
Section 7061. Environment Programs (modified)
Funds for certain bilateral environment programs are
allocated according to the following table and subject to
section 7019 of the Act:
ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMS
(Budget authority in thousands of dollars)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Account/Program Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andean Amazon........................................... 23,750
Brazilian Amazon........................................ 23,750
Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment..... 42,750
Endangered species...................................... 42,893
Guatemala/Belize/Mexico................................. 7,125
Lacey Act............................................... 3,800
Plastic impacted marine species......................... 950
Toxic chemicals......................................... 8,550
Lead exposure......................................... 2,850
United States Fish and Wildlife Service................. 6,175
Migratory bird conservation........................... 1,425
United States Forest Service............................ 8,075
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Endangered Species.--Funds designated for endangered
species shall be allocated consistent with prior fiscal
years.
Maya Biosp Reserve.--The agreement includes funding for
tropical forest conservation in the Maya Biosp Reserve, of
which not less than $2,500,000 shall be directly transferred
to the Department of the Interior's International Technical
Assistance Program.
Section 7062. Budget Documents (modified)
Spend Plans.--The spend plans required pursuant to
subsection (b) shall apply to funds appropriated by the Act,
and not subsequent Acts making appropriations for the
Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs
for fiscal year 2024.
Section 7063. Reorganization (unchanged)
Section 7064. Department of State Matters (modified)
Report on Sole Source Awards.--The report on sole source
awards required under this section in the House and Senate
reports shall be submitted not later than 45 days after the
date of enactment of the Act.
Section 7065. United States Agency for International
Development Management (modified)
Section 7066. Stabilization and Development in Regions
Impacted by Extremism and Conflict (modified)
Prevention and Stabilization Fund.--Funds made available
for the Prevention and Stabilization Fund may be made
available for the Multi-Donor Global Fragility Fund if
established.
Section 7067. Debt-for-Development (unchanged)
Section 7068. Extension of Consular Fees and Related
Authorities (modified)
Section 7069. Management and Oversight (new)
The agreement establishes two new accounts to address
currency fluctuations for USAID operations and to increase
oversight and accountability of funds appropriated or
otherwise made available to the Department of State for
Enduring Welcome program expenses.
Section 7070. Multilateral Development Banks (new)
The agreement provides funds and language in the Act to
enable a United States contribution to the sixteenth
replenishment of the African Development Fund.
Section 7071. Prohibitions on Certain Transactions Involving
Special Drawing Rights (new)
Section 7072. Extension of Certain Requirements of the
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (new)
Section 7073. Gaza Oversight (new)
Section 7074. Other Matters (new)
Requirements.--The agreement includes requirements on
efforts to combat misinformation of foreign adversaries and
authoritarian regimes. Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall submit
a report to the appropriate congressional committees on how
such programs may affect United States entities and consult
with such committees on justifications for such programs.
Section 7075. Rescissions (modified)
DISCLOSURE OF EARMARKS AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS
Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House
of Representatives and rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the
Senate, neither the bill nor the explanatory statement
contains any congressional earmarks or congressionally
directed spending items, limited tax benefits or limited
tariff benefits as defined in the applicable House and Senate
rules.
[[Page H2099]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.001
[[Page H2100]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.002
[[Page H2101]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.003
[[Page H2102]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.004
[[Page H2103]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.005
[[Page H2104]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.006
[[Page H2105]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.007
[[Page H2106]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.008
[[Page H2107]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.009
[[Page H2108]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.010
[[Page H2109]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.011
[[Page H2110]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.012
[[Page H2111]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.013
[[Page H2112]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.014
[[Page H2113]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.015
[[Page H2114]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.016
[[Page H2115]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.017
[[Page H2116]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T9060F.018