[House Report 105-595]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



105th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 2d Session                                                     105-595
_______________________________________________________________________


 
              LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 1999

                                _______
                                

 June 23, 1998.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

_______________________________________________________________________


    Mr.  Walsh, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the 
                               following

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                            ADDITIONAL VIEWS

                        [To accompany H.R. 4112]

    The Committee on Appropriations submits the following 
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making 
appropriations for the legislative branch for the fiscal year 
1999, and for other purposes.

                        INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT

                                                            Page number

                                                            Bill Report
Summary of bill............................................
                                                                      2
Highlights of bill.........................................
                                                                      4
Structure of bill..........................................
                                                                      7
Legislative branch wide matters............................
                                                                      7
Art in the Capitol.........................................
                                                                      7
Title I--Congressional operations:
        House of Representatives...........................     2
                                                                      8
        Joint Items:
                Joint Economic Committee...................    10
                                                                     14
                Joint Committee on Printing................    11
                                                                     14
                Joint Committee on Taxation................    11
                                                                     14
                Office of the Attending Physician..........    11
                                                                     14
                Capitol Police Board.......................    12
                                                                     14
                Capitol Guide Service and Special Services 
                    Office.................................    14
                                                                     15
        Office of Compliance...............................    15
                                                                     16
        Congressional Budget Office........................    16
                                                                     16
        Architect of the Capitol (except Senate and Title 
            II items)......................................    16
                                                                     17
        Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress    18
                                                                     22
        Congressional printing and binding, Government 
            Printing Office................................    19
                                                                     23
Title II--Other agencies:..................................
                                                                     24
        Botanic Garden.....................................    20
                                                                     24
        Library of Congress (except Congressional Research 
            Service).......................................    21
                                                                     25
        Architect of the Capitol: Congressional Cemetery...    27
                                                                     28
        Architect of the Capitol: Library buildings and 
            grounds........................................    27
                                                                     28
        Government Printing Office (except Congressional 
            printing and binding)..........................    30
                                                                     30
        General Accounting Office..........................    32
                                                                     30
Title III--General provisions..............................    34
                                                                     31
Constitutional authority...................................
                                                                     31
Comparison with budget resolution..........................
                                                                     31
Five-year projection of outlays............................
                                                                     32
Assistance to State and local governments..................
                                                                     32
Transfers of funds.........................................
                                                                     32
Rescissions................................................
                                                                     32
Changes in the application of existing law.................
                                                                     32
Compliance with clause 3--rule XIII........................
                                                                     35
Additional views...........................................
                                                                     50

                            SUMMARY OF BILL

    The bill, as recommended by the Committee, provides 
appropriations for fiscal year 1999 legislative branch 
operations which total $1,804,689,700. Of that amount, 
$1,113,521,700 is for congressional operations and $691,168,000 
is for other agencies.
    A summary of the recommendations follows:

                                                                        
                     Fiscal year 1999                        Amount     
                                                                        
Congressional operations..............................  \1\ $1,113,521,7
                                                                      00
Other agencies........................................       691,168,000
                                                       -----------------
      Total...........................................    1,804,689,700 
                                                                        
\1\ Excludes Senate items, including those Senate items under the       
  Architect of the Capitol.                                             

    Conforming with long practice under which each body of 
Congress determines its own housekeeping requirements and the 
other concurs without intervention, funds for the Senate are 
not included in the billas reported to the House. Current 
appropriations estimates for the Senate for fiscal year 1999, including 
those under the Architect of the Capitol, total $537,748,000.
    A comparative summary of the bill by title and agency 
follows:

                                                                   SUMMARY OF THE BILL                                                                  
                               [Note.--Excludes Senate items including those Senate items under Architect of the Capitol]                               
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                           Bill compared with--         
                                                                           Budget estimates       New budget     ---------------------------------------
                                                          New budget            of new          (obligational)                         Budget estimates 
                       Agency                           (obligational)      (obligational)         authority          New budget            of new      
                                                       authority, fiscal   authority, fiscal    recommended in      (obligational)      (obligational)  
                                                           year 1998           year 1999             bill          authority, fiscal   authority, fiscal
                                                                                                                       year 1998           year 1999    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          TITLE I--CONGRESSIONAL OPERATIONS                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                                        
House of Representatives............................        $709,008,300        $765,587,600        $734,107,700         $25,009,400        -$31,479,900
Joint items.........................................          86,710,500          97,695,000          89,070,000           2,359,500          -8,625,000
Office of Compliance................................           2,479,000           2,286,000           2,086,000            -393,000            -200,000
Congressional Budget Office.........................          24,797,000          25,938,000          25,671,000             874,000            -267,000
Architect of the Capitol (except Senate and Title II                                                                                                    
 items).............................................         140,135,000         166,142,000         121,434,000         -18,701,000         -44,708,000
Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.          64,603,000          68,461,000          66,688,000           2,085,000          -1,773,000
Congressional printing and binding, Government                                                                                                          
 Printing Office....................................          81,669,000          84,000,000          74,465,000          -7,204,000          -9,535,000
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, title I--Congressional operations......       1,109,401,800       1,210,109,600       1,113,521,700           4,119,900         -96,587,900
                                                     ===================================================================================================
              TITLE II--OTHER AGENCIES                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                        
Botanic Garden......................................          $3,016,000          $3,235,000          $3,032,000             $16,000           -$203,000
Library of Congress (except Congressional                                                                                                               
 Operations)........................................         282,309,000         300,871,000         291,701,000           9,392,000          -9,170,000
Architect of the Capitol (Congressional Cemetery)...  ..................  ..................           1,000,000           1,000,000           1,000,000
Architect of the Capitol (Library buildings and                                                                                                         
 grounds)...........................................          11,573,000          16,139,000          11,933,000             360,000          -4,206,000
Government Printing Office (except Congressional                                                                                                        
 printing and binding)..............................          29,077,000          36,200,000          29,264,000             185,000          -6,936,000
General Accounting Office...........................         339,499,000         367,728,000         354,238,000          14,739,000         -13,490,000
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, title II--Other agencies...............         665,474,000         724,173,000         691,168,000          25,694,000         -33,005,000
                                                     ===================================================================================================
      Grand total, new budget, including transfers                                                                                                      
       (obligational) authority (for items                                                                                                              
       considered by House).........................       1,774,875,800       1,934,282,600       1,804,689,700          29,813,900        -129,592,900
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           HIGHLIGHTS OF BILL

                Summary of Estimates and Recommendations

    Budget estimates.--The budget estimates considered by the 
Committee total $1,934,282,600. By law, budget requests for the 
legislative branch are transmitted to the Congress by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the President without 
change in the amounts submitted by the originating agency. The 
1999 proposals appear on pages 391 through 396 of the 
``Analytical Perspectives'' volume, and pages 15 through 42 of 
the ``Appendix'' volume of the 1999 Federal Budget (H. Doc. 
105-177).
    Committee recommendations.--A total of $1,804,689,700 in 
new budget (obligational) authority is recommended for fiscal 
year 1999. The recommendation is $129,592,900 less than was 
transmitted to the Congress, a decrease of 6.7 percent under 
the budget request. The bill, as reported, is $555.3 million 
below the 302(b) allocation established by the Committee on 
Appropriations. The bill does not include Senate items. If the 
Senate items were included at the level specified in the 
Committee's 302(b) limits, the bill would be $17.3 million 
below the amount allocated to the Subcommittee on Legislative.
    The recommendations in this bill continue the effort to 
insure the Legislative Branch is a full participant as the 
Federal budget is brought into balance. With the enactment of 
this bill, the four-year savings under the spending level 
adopted in the 103rd Congress (Senate items excluded) will 
total $575 million. That is the amount of accumulated savings 
that has resulted from downsizing and reducing legislative 
branch expenditures compared to the Legislative budget if it 
had remained at the level appropriated in fiscal year 1995.
    Staffing.--For the past several years, the Committee has 
eliminated legislative branch jobs through the annual funding 
process, has generally denied funding for net staffing 
increases, or provided only those positions with very high 
priority. In this bill, funding or employment ceilings for 438 
full time equivalent positions (FTE's) are being eliminated 
from legislative agency rolls. Since 1994, the agencies of the 
legislative branch have eliminated 4,354 FTE positions. That is 
about 15.7% of this branch of government that has been 
downsized through efficiencies or program eliminations.
    Comparison with fiscal year 1998 appropriations.--Compared 
with the appropriations enacted for fiscal year 1998, 
$1,774,875,800, the recommendation of $1,804,689,700 in new 
budget (obligational) authority for fiscal year 1999 is an 
increase of $29,813,900, or 1.68%.
    Areas of major change.--The recommended amount for fiscal 
year 1999 is a net increase of $29,813,900 above the level 
appropriated for fiscal year 1998. This increase has several 
components. The sum of $45,126,500 has been added over fiscal 
year 1998 in order to pay for mandatory pay and related costs. 
To meet the costs of inflation necessary to maintain the 
current level of services requires $4,089,000. These costs 
primarily reflect year-to-year price changes for the same 
amount of services consumed. There will be a decrease of 
$19,401,600 for programs, including an increase of $711,400 due 
to legislation, a reduction of $10,434,000 in workload, and a 
decrease of $9,679,000 for equipment, alterations and repairs.
    A summary of the areas of major changes recommended by 
general category follows:

                                     AREAS OF MAJOR CHANGE: COMMITTEE BILL VERSUS FISCAL YEAR 1998 BUDGET AUTHORITY                                     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Program type changes                               
                                                                                     ---------------------------------------------------                
                                                     Mandatory pay     Price level                                         Equipment,                   
                       Item                           and related        changes                                          alterations,    Total changes 
                                                         costs                          Legislation        Workload       maintenance,                  
                                                                                                                         repairs, etc.                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TITLE I--CONGRESSIONAL OPERATIONS                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                        
House of Representatives..........................      $22,134,000         $693,000        -$288,600      -$7,079,000       $9,640,000      $25,099,400
Joint items.......................................        2,208,500          118,000  ...............          -56,000           89,000        2,359,500
Office of Compliance..............................          -86,000          -28,000  ...............         -279,000  ...............         -393,000
Congressional Budget Office.......................        1,137,000           62,000  ...............          -20,000         -305,000          874,000
Architect of the Capitol (except Senate and Title                                                                                                       
 II items)........................................        2,864,000           81,000  ...............        1,444,000      -23,090,000      -18,701,000
Congressional Research Service, Library of                                                                                                              
 Congress.........................................        1,759,000          326,000  ...............  ...............  ...............        2,085,000
Congressional printing and binding, Government                                                                                                          
 Printing Office..................................  ...............  ...............  ...............       -7,204,000  ...............       -7,204,000
                                                                                                                                                        
             TITLE II--OTHER AGENCIES                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                        
Botanic Garden....................................           16,000  ...............  ...............  ...............  ...............           16,000
Library of Congress (except Congressional Research                                                                                                      
 Service).........................................        6,370,000        1,769,000  ...............       -2,777,000        4,030,000        9,392,000
Architect of the Captiol (Congressional Cemetery).  ...............  ...............        1,000,000  ...............  ...............        1,000,000
Architect of the Capitol (Library buildings and                                                                                                         
 grounds).........................................          260,000           10,000  ...............          133,000          -43,000          360,000
Government Printing Office (except Congressional                                                                                                        
 printing and binding)............................  ...............          187,000  ...............  ...............  ...............          187,000
General Accounting Office.........................        8,464,000          871,000  ...............        5,404,000  ...............       14,739,000
                                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total.......................................       45,126,500        4,089,000          711,400      -10,434,000       -9,679,000       29,813,900
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         STRUCTURE OF THE BILL

    The bill is divided into three titles:

                   Title I--Congressional Operations

    Title I--Congressional Operations contains the 
appropriations for the actual operation of the Congress. 
Traditionally, Congressional Operations has included the House 
of Representatives (Senate items will be added by that body), 
joint items, the Office of Compliance, the Congressional Budget 
Office, the Architect of the Capitol (except Senate office 
buildings and Library of Congress buildings and grounds), the 
Congressional Research Service, and the Congressional printing 
and binding portion of the Government Printing Office.

                        Title II--Other Agencies

    Title II--Other Agencies contains the budget for several 
activities that do not provide primary support to the Congress. 
For instance, the activities of the Library of Congress, except 
the Congressional Research Service, are carried in this title. 
This includes such Library activities as the program to provide 
books for the blind and physically handicapped, the operation 
of the Copyright Office (including copyright royalty 
regulation) and Library services to the public and to the 
government of the United States. The non-Congressional 
operations of the Government Printing Office are contained in 
title II, such as the depository library program, which 
acquires or prints federal publications for distribution to the 
libraries, and sales of government publications to the general 
public. Also, although much of the workload of the General 
Accounting Office is in direct support of the Congress, 
including work mandated by statute orrequested by committees 
and Members of Congress, the balance of that agency's workload involves 
its more general legislative requirements. The nature of that work is 
directed toward the improvement of the operation of the Federal 
government through review and evaluation of programs and the prevention 
of fraud and waste, as well as accounting and financial management 
improvements. The GAO budget, therefore, is carried in title II of the 
bill. The Botanic Garden and other Architect of the Capitol programs 
round out the items included in title II.

                     Title III--General Provisions

    Title III contains general provisions.

                    LEGISLATIVE BRANCH WIDE MATTERS

    The agencies, offices, and joint items included within the 
bill are reminded that budget justifications are due to the 
Committee by mid-December.

                           ART IN THE CAPITOL

    Art in the United States Capitol is an important way to 
honor individuals who have made significant contributions to 
the history of the United States. At this time, the artwork 
(including paintings, sculptures, and artifacts) in the Capitol 
severely underrepresents the accomplishments of women in our 
society. The Committee supports the ongoing work of the House 
Fine Arts Board, the Joint Committee on the Library, and the 
Architect of the Capitol and commends the current cooperation 
between these entities for their efforts to prepare a plan for 
the Capitol and the House office buildings that is more fully 
representative of women's contributions to American society.

                   TITLE I--CONGRESSIONAL OPERATIONS

    The Committee bill recommends a total of $1,113,521,700 for 
fiscal year 1999 for those activities in direct support of the 
operations of the Congress (exclusive of the Senate), an 
increase of $4,119,900 above the fiscal year 1998 level, which 
is less than 4/10 of 1%. Budget estimates considered by the 
Committee total $1,210,109,600, which have been reduced by 
$96,587,900.
    A summary of the recommendations follows:

                    Title I--Congressional Operations                   
                                                                        
                           Item                              Amount     
                                                                        
House of Representatives..............................      $734,107,700
Joint items...........................................        89,070,000
Office of Compliance..................................         2,086,000
Congressional Budget Office...........................        25,671,000
Architect of the Capitol (except Senate and Title II                    
 items)...............................................       121,434,000
Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress...        66,688,000
Congressional printing and binding, Government                          
 Printing Office......................................        74,465,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total.............................................     1,113,521,700
                                                                        

                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

    The Committee recommends a total of $734,107,700 for the 
operations of the House of Representatives during fiscal year 
1999. The allowance is $31,479,900 below the appropriations 
requested, and $25,099,400 above the amount appropriated for 
the current fiscal year.
    The following tabulation summarizes the recommendations:

                        House of Representatives                        
                                                                        
                           Item                              Amount     
                                                                        
Payments to Widows and Heirs..........................          $136,700
Salaries and expenses:                                                  
    House leadership offices..........................        13,117,000
    Members' representational allowances..............       385,279,000
    Committee salaries and expenses...................       109,116,000
    Salaries, officers and employees..................        89,991,000
    Allowances and expenses...........................       136,468,000
                                                       -----------------
      Total, Salaries and Expenses....................       733,971,000
                                                       =================
      Total, House of Representatives.................       734,107,700
                                                                        

      Payments to Widows and Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................          $270,300
1999 budget estimate..................................           133,600
Committee Recommendation..............................           136,700
                                                                        

    The normal death gratuity is provided to the widow of 
Steven H. Schiff, late a Representative of the State of New 
Mexico.

                         Salaries and Expenses

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................      $708,738,000
1999 budget estimate..................................       765,454,000
Committee recommendation..............................       733,971,000
                                                                        

    The appropriation for the operations of the House of 
Representatives is the salaries and expenses appropriation. The 
account includes the following House activities: House 
leadership offices; Members' representational allowances; 
committee salaries and expenses; salaries, officers and 
employees; allowances and expenses; and the day care center. 
The amount provided is $733,971,000, and includes a prospective 
cost-of-living adjustment for staff salaries (estimated at 3.1% 
for all Federal employees in the President's budget), increased 
resources for committee oversight activities, and a 
continuation of the investments being made in computing 
resources and telecommunications, i.e., the CyberCongress 
initiative.

                        House Leadership Offices

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................       $12,293,000
1999 budget estimate..................................        12,689,000
Committee recommendation..............................        13,117,000
                                                                        

    The Committee recommends a total of $13,117,000 for the 
operations of the leadership offices during fiscal year 1999.
    The allocation by office follows:

                        House leadership offices                        
                                                                        
                           Item                              Amount     
                                                                        
Office of the Speaker.................................        $1,686,000
Office of the Majority Floor Leader...................         1,652,000
Office of the Minority Floor Leader...................         1,675,000
Office of the Majority Whip...........................         1,043,000
Office of the Minority Whip...........................         1,020,000
Speaker's Office for Legislative Floor Activities.....           397,000
Republican Steering Committee.........................           738,000
House Republican Conference...........................         1,199,000
House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee........         1,295,000
House Democratic Caucus...............................           642,000
Nine Minority Employees...............................         1,190,000
Training and Development Program:                                       
    Majority..........................................           290,000
    Minority..........................................           290,000
                                                       -----------------
      Total...........................................        13,117,000
                                                                        

    The increase above the budget request is required to fund a 
training and program development program to be conducted by the 
majority and minority for the purpose of providing Members and 
staff with information useful for the conduct of official 
duties.

                  Members' Representational Allowances

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................      $379,789,000
1999 budget estimate..................................       412,964,000
Committee recommendation..............................       385,279,000
                                                                        

    A total of $385,279,000 is recommended for the 
representational allowances of the Members of the House. In 
recommending this amount, the Committee was provided with 
estimates of $274,600,000 for clerk hire salaries, $90,764,000 
for official expenses, and $19,915,000 for official mail. It 
should be pointed out that these components are fungible under 
regulations prescribed by the Committee on House Oversight. 
Each Member has an overall consolidated allowance established 
by the Committee on House Oversight from which staff salaries, 
office expenses, and mail costs are drawn.
    Many Members do not expend their full allowance. That is 
why the Committee bill does not fully fund this account. The 
frugality of those Members is already projected in the bill 
presented by the Committee. Since these prospective savings are 
already taken in the bill, they reduce the need for 
appropriated funds and, therefore, contribute directly to the 
reduction in federal spending and consequently lower the 
projected deficit. If the Committee bill were to fully fund the 
currently authorized Members' Representational Allowance, the 
amount appropriated would have to be increased by $19.5 
million.

                          Committee Employees

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................      $104,544,000
1999 budget estimate..................................       110,339,000
Committee recommendation..............................       109,116,000
                                                                        

    Funding for the salaries and expenses of the 19 standing 
committees and one permanent select committee of the House is 
provided, as follows:
    Standing Committees, special and select--For the salaries 
and expenses of committees funded in the biennial funding 
resolution, $89,743,000 is provided.
    Committee on Appropriations--For the salaries and expenses 
of the Committee on Appropriations (including the studies and 
investigation activities authorized by section 202(b) of the 
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946), $19,373,000 is 
provided.
    Details of the funding resolutions approved by the House 
for the 105th Congress, follow:

                                COMMITTEE FUNDING AUTHORIZATIONS, 105TH CONGRESS                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Committee                              1st session      2nd session         Total     
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agriculture..................................................       $3,791,039       $3,865,123       $7,656,162
Banking and Financial Services...............................        4,363,817        4,537,800        8,901,617
Budget.......................................................        4,970,000        4,970,000        9,940,000
Commerce.....................................................        7,122,959        7,412,447       14,535,406
Education and the Workforce..................................        5,002,127        5,122,986       10,125,113
Government Reform and Oversight..............................       11,702,573        8,317,999       20,020,572
House Oversight..............................................        3,042,603        3,007,746        6,050,349
Intelligence.................................................        2,358,040        2,457,486        4,815,526
International Relations......................................        5,145,358        5,223,000       10,368,358
Judiciary....................................................        5,054,800        5,549,241       10,604,041
National Security............................................        4,719,454        5,002,291        9,721,745
Resources....................................................        4,800,014        5,076,536        9,876,550
Rules........................................................        2,306,407        2,342,695        4,649,102
Science......................................................        4,263,672        4,414,158        8,677,830
Small Business...............................................        1,936,471        1,970,470        3,906,941
Standards of Official Conduct................................        1,276,300        1,180,000        2,456,300
Transportation and Infrastructure............................        5,992,229        6,192,230       12,184,459
Veterans' Affairs............................................        2,084,368        2,259,792        4,344,160
Ways and Means...............................................        5,366,700        5,670,207       11,036,907
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal...............................................       85,298,931       84,572,207      169,871,138
      Reserve Fund...........................................  ...............  ...............        7,900,000
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total..................................................  ...............  ...............      177,771,138
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Since the funding resolution is done on a biennial basis 
and the resolution for the 106th Congress will expire on 
December 31, 2000, FY 1999 committee funding is provided to 
remain available until December 31, 2000.

                    Salaries, Officers and Employees

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................       $84,356,000
1999 budget estimate..................................        92,656,000
Committee recommendation..............................        89,991,000
                                                                        

    The Committee recommendation for the salaries and expenses 
of House officers and employees of the various activities 
funded through this consolidated item is $89,991,000. This 
amount represents an overall decrease of $2,665,000 below the 
budget request and $5,635,000 above the amount enacted in 
fiscal year 1998. Staff cost-of-living increases are provided, 
as are projected overtime costs.
    Minor reductions are taken in the Clerk's operation to 
reflect reduced needs for stenographic recording contract funds 
and savings in the closed captioning contract. The Clerk is 
directed to the discussion later in this report regarding 
Congressional printing and binding.
    The Sergeant at Arms has been funded at $3,501,000.
    The Chief Administrative Officer's (CAO) budget has been 
set at $57,211,000, including $23,074,000 for the net operating 
costs of House Information Resources (HIR). For the net 
expenses of telecommunications for the House, $7,130,000 has 
been designated within the direct appropriation to HIR. For HIR 
personnel, funds for 221 FTE's are provided, a reduction of 25 
under the current level. It should be noted that the $6.5 
million increase in the CAO budget is comprised of additional 
equipment necessitated by newly elected incoming Members of 
Congress ($5.2 million) and a reduction of $3 million in 
estimated revenues from HIR computer user customers, offset by 
personnel and other reductions. Additional telephones are being 
purchased with savings in FY1998 funds. If additional savings 
can be located, other deferred computer application and 
telecommunication upgrades will be funded as well other high 
priority needs that cannot be funded in the FY1999 bill. The 
CAO is directed to consult with the Legislative Branch 
Financial Manager's Council (LBFMC) regarding plans to replace 
existing payroll and financial management systems. A report 
from the CAO, in consultation with the LBFMC, should be 
submitted to the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee 
on House Oversight regarding the compatibility of such plans 
and the overall objective of standardization of Legislative 
Branch financial management systems.
    For the Office of the Inspector General, funds for the 
annual House financial audit have not been provided since it is 
the intent of the Committee to use FY 1998 funds for those 
purposes.
    Funds for the General Counsel, Chaplain, Parliamentarian, 
Law Revision Counsel (except for an additional FTE), 
Legislative Counsel, Corrections Calendar Office, and Technical 
Assistants in the Office of the Attending Physician are 
provided as requested.
    The administrative staff officers of the House (the Clerk 
of the House, Sergeant at Arms, Chief Administrative Officer, 
and the Inspector General) are reminded that funding levels are 
provided on the basis of a certain number of full time 
equivalent positions which have been justified and approved in 
the appropriations request. If additional FTE's are authorized 
during the fiscal year, or if reallocations of FTE's are 
contemplated, the officers should determine the source of the 
additional personnel funding, including the need for a 
reprogramming of funds, and advise the Committee accordingly. 
This is the current procedure and is designed to inform the 
Committee on Appropriations of the potential impact on future 
year funding needs.

                    Salaries, officers and employees                    
                                                                        
                           Item                              Amount     
                                                                        
Office of the Clerk..................................       $15,365,000 
Office of the Sergeant at Arms.......................         3,501,000 
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer...........        57,211,000 
Office of Inspector General..........................         3,953,000 
Office of General Counsel............................           840,000 
Office of the Chaplain...............................           133,000 
Office of the Parliamentarian........................         1,106,000 
    Parliamentarian..................................          (904,000)
    Compilation of Precedents........................          (202,000)
Office of the Law Revision Counsel...................         1,912,000 
Office of the Legislative Counsel....................         4,980,000 
Corrections Calendar Office..........................           799,000 
Other authorized employees...........................           191,000 
                                                      ------------------
      Total..........................................        89,991,000 
                                                                        

    House of Representatives Child Care Center.--The bill 
provides authority for the House child care center budget, as 
required by Sec. 312(d)(1) of Public Law 102-90, as presented 
to the Committee by the Chief Administrative Officer. It should 
be noted that tuition and other center-generated revenues fund 
child care center operations.

                        Allowances and Expenses

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................      $127,756,000
1999 budget estimate..................................       136,806,000
Committee recommendation..............................       136,468,000
                                                                        

    A total of $136,468,000 is recommended for fiscal year 1999 
for allowances and expenses. This amount is $338,000 below the 
budget request and $8,712,000 above the current level. These 
funds include supplies, materials, administrative costs, and 
Federal tort claims; the costs of official mail for the 
Committees, leadership, and administrative offices; employee 
benefits; and miscellaneous items. Over 97.3% of these funds 
provide the employer share of retirement, health care, and 
unemployment compensation payments for House employees.
    The following table sets forth the various expense 
categories within this appropriation:

                         Allowances and Expenses                        
                                                                        
                                                        Recommended 1999
                          Detail                                        
                                                                        
Supplies, materials, administrative costs and Federal                   
 tort claims..........................................        $2,575,000
Official mail.........................................           410,000
Government contributions..............................       132,832,000
Miscellaneous items:                                                    
    House automobiles.................................            96,000
    Gratuities to beneficiaries of deceased staff.....           500,000
    Interparliamentary receptions.....................            55,000
                                                       -----------------
      Subtotal miscellaneous items....................           651,000
      Total, allowances and expenses..................       136,468,000
                                                                        

                       Administrative Provisions

    Section 101 removes the Architect of the Capitol from the 
House of Representatives Page Board. Section 102 increases the 
authorization for interparliamentary receptions from $55,000, 
established twenty years ago, to $80,000. Section 103 
authorizes appropriations to the Majority and Minority 
Leadership for training and program development. Section 104 
makes a technical correction to 2 U.S.C. 59(e)(2) regarding 
Members' Representational Allowances. Section 105 authorizes an 
exception to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct 
regarding the publication of certain information in the 
Statement of Disbursements of the House. Section 106 authorizes 
incidental non-official use of supplies and equipment under 
regulations issued by the Committee on House Oversight. Section 
107 authorizes the Speaker and two Leaders to expend funds 
within their lump sum allowances for consultant services. 
Section 108 authorizes a transit pass program for House 
employees. Section 109 continues the requirement that any 
amount remaining in the Members Representational Allowances 
account shall be deposited in the Treasury, to be used for 
deficit reduction.

                              JOINT ITEMS

    The Committee recommends appropriations totaling 
$89,070,000 for fiscal year 1999 for the various joint 
committees and activities carried under this heading. The 
recommendation is $8,625,000 under the amounts requested for 
fiscal 1999 and an increase of $2,359,500 above the amounts 
appropriated in FY1998.
    The following summarizes the recommendations:

                               Joint Items                              
                                                                        
                           Item                              Amount     
                                                                        
Joint Economic Committee..............................        $2,796,000
Joint Committee on Printing...........................           352,000
Joint Committee on Taxation...........................         6,018,000
Office of the Attending Physician.....................         1,383,000
Capitol Police Board..................................        76,381,000
Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office.....         2,110,000
Statements of appropriations..........................            30,000
                                                       -----------------
      Total...........................................        89,070,000
                                                                        

                        Joint Economic Committee

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................        $2,750,000
1999 budget estimate..................................         2,796,000
Committee recommendation..............................         2,796,000
                                                                        

    The Committee has provided $2,796,000 for the Joint 
Economic Committee, the amount requested.

                      Joint Committee on Printing

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................          $804,000
1999 budget estimate..................................           804,000
Committee recommendation..............................           352,000
                                                                        

    As requested by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Joint 
Committee on Printing, the bill provides $202,000 for the 
operations of the joint committee. In addition, $150,000 is 
provided to the Committee on House Oversight to carry out 
additional responsibilities, subject to the enactment of 
authorizing legislation which devolves the jurisdiction of the 
Joint Committee to the authorizing committees and other 
entities.

                      Joint Committee on Taxation

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................        $5,815,500
1999 budget estimate..................................         6,018,000
Committee recommendation..............................         6,018,000
                                                                        

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,018,000 for 
the Joint Committee on Taxation, the amount requested.

                   Office of the Attending Physician

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................        $1,266,000
1999 budget estimate..................................         1,383,000
Committee recommendation..............................         1,383,000
                                                                        

    The Committee has approved $1,383,000 for medical supplies, 
equipment, expenses, and allowances of Navy personnel detailed 
to the Office of the Attending Physician.

                          Capitol Police Board

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................       $74,054,000
1999 budget estimate..................................        84,469,000
Committee recommendation..............................        76,381,000
                                                                        

    The recommendations in the bill provide a total of 
$76,381,000 for the expenses and personnel authorized for 
police services throughout the Capitol buildings and grounds 
during fiscal year 1999.
    The following tabulates the number of FTE's and the funding 
provided:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Authorized                   
                 Items                       FTE's            Amount    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salaries, Capitol Police on House                                       
 Payroll..............................          \1\ 596      $35,022,000
Salaries, Capitol Police on Senate                                      
 Payroll..............................          \2\ 651       37,593,000
                                       ---------------------------------
      Subtotal........................            1,247   \3\ 72,615,000
General expenses......................  ...............        3,766,000
                                       ---------------------------------
      Grand total, all police services  ...............      76,381,000 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Includes 123 civilian positions.                                    
\2\ Includes 83 civilian positions.                                     
\3\ Includes overtime funds of $4,000,000.                              

                             Capitol Police

                                Salaries

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................       $70,955,000
1999 budget estimate..................................        76,108,000
Committee recommendation..............................        72,615,000
                                                                        

    The Committee recommends $72,615,000 for 1,247 full time 
equivalent positions for the Capitol Police, of which 
$35,022,000 and 596 FTE's are for the House rolls and 
$37,593,000 and 651 FTE's are for the Senate rolls. These 
amounts include $4,000,000 for overtime, equally divided 
between House and Senate details. In addition, $315,000 is 
provided for annualization of the FY98 pay raise; $1.2 million, 
which is fenced pending approval by the appropriate 
authorities, is provided for a prospective COLA in FY 1999; 
$269,000 is provided for longevity increases; and $457,000 is 
provided for a net increase in personnel benefits. Savings of 
$422,000 are taken due to the salary lapse resulting from the 
pay differential between departing members of the force and 
recruits.

                             Capitol Police

                            General expenses

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................        $3,099,000
1999 budget estimate..................................         8,361,000
Committee recommendation..............................         3,766,000
                                                                        

    The sum of $3,766,000 is recommended for supplies, 
materials, equipment, training and other expenses of the 
Capitol Police force during the next fiscal year. The budgeted 
amounts for transportation of things and rent, communications 
and utilities are provided. For travel, half of the requested 
increaseassociated with training has been provided. For other 
services, the Committee has provided a 2% increase in the costs of 
goods and services plus an additional $260,000 for a hazardous 
materials program.

           Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................        $1,991,000
1999 budget estimate..................................         2,195,000
Committee recommendation..............................         2,110,000
                                                                        

    The Committee bill provides $2,110,000 for the operation of 
the Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office during 
the next fiscal year.

                      Statements of Appropriations

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................           $30,000
1999 budget estimate..................................            30,000
Committee recommendation..............................            30,000
                                                                        

    The sum of $30,000 is included for the preparation of the 
usual compilation of the statements of appropriations for the 
2nd session of the 105th Congress. This publication is compiled 
jointly by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.

                          OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE

                         Salaries and Expenses

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................        $2,479,000
1999 budget estimate..................................         2,286,000
Committee recommendation..............................         2,086,000
                                                                        

    The bill provides $2,086,000 for the Office of Compliance. 
The budget reduction reflects a diminution in the workload of 
the Office of Compliance because much of the intensive startup 
activity required since the enactment of the Congressional 
Accountability Act has been accomplished. The current level of 
activity does not require the same level of resources. The 
funding provided supports the current staffing level, which is 
two below the 19 FTE's funded for fiscal 1998. The Committee 
will expect further reductions next year in the budget 
formulated for FY2000. The Office of Compliance should 
undertake a careful evaluation of their needs and submit a 
budget plan commensurate with their current reduced program. 
The normal provision for awards and settlements has been 
included.

                      CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE

                         Salaries and Expenses

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................       $24,797,000
1999 budget estimate..................................        25,938,000
Committee recommendation..............................        25,671,000
                                                                        

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $25,671,000 
for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The Committee is 
mindful that CBO requires computing and telecommunications 
support for their scorekeeping responsibilities, particularly 
since the House Information Resources (HIR) is planning to 
replace the mainframe computers now used by CBO. The Committee 
and others have directed both HIR and the Library of Congress 
to work out an acceptable solution to CBO's needs.
    Effective October 1, 1998, CBO is directed to post on the 
Internet all papers and publications produced by the Office 
which can be made available to the public (without regard to 
whether such papers and publications are first available to the 
public before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this 
Act), and an index to such papers and publications.
    Not later than August 30, 1998, or the date the FY1999 
Legislative Appropriations Bill Committee of Conference 
convenes, whichever is earlier, the Director of CBO shall 
submit to the Speaker, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader of 
the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader and Minority 
Leader of the Senate, the chairs and ranking minority members 
of the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on 
Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the chairs 
and ranking minority members of the Committee on Finance and 
the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the following 
information:
    1. The estimates made by the Office of the revenue 
generated by changes in Federal tax law enacted in 1978, 1981, 
1986, and 1997 (including separate estimates for revenues 
generated by changes in the rate of tax on capital gains), the 
detailed assumptions underlying such estimates, a detailed 
explanation for any discrepancies between such estimates and 
the revenues actually received, and a description of the steps 
taken by CBO to prevent such discrepancies in the future.
    2. For each of the most recent 5 fiscal years, a detailed 
explanation of the reasons for each deviation of more than 
$25,000,000,000 between the estimated Federal budget deficit or 
surplus and the actual budget deficit or surplus, together with 
an explanation of the steps taken by the Office to prevent such 
discrepancies in the future.
    3. For the five most recently completed fiscal years for 
which first year outlay data are available, (a) a comparison of 
the first year discretionary outlay estimates for each 
appropriations account enacted into law categorized under the 
national defense (function 050), international affairs 
(function 150), and non-defense budget classifications versus 
the actual first year expenditures charged against that account 
and the percentage difference between CBO estimates and actual 
expenditures; (b) a listing of all accounts showing deviations 
of plus or minus three percent in two or more consecutive years 
or plus or minus three percent for any account greater than 
$500,000,000; and (c) a case by case explanation for each 
deviation exceeding $25,000,000.
    4. A detailed explanation of any economic models used by 
CBO in preparing estimates.
    5. A detailed description of any rules, guidelines, or 
protocols for the creation, dissemination, and peer review of 
CBO's research and analyses (including self-initiated research 
and analyses).
    The Committee unequivocally supports having an impartial, 
independent Congressional Budget Office staff protected from 
political pressure. The Committee will utterly reject any 
attempt now or in the future to use the appropriations process 
to pressure the CBO to make revenue forecasts or budget policy 
forecasts on any basis other than the best professional 
judgment of the CBO Director and staff.

                        ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL

                   (Congressional Support Items Only)

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................      $140,135,000
1999 budget estimate..................................       166,142,000
Committee recommendation..............................       121,434,000
                                                                        

    The Committee recommends a total of $121,434,000 for fiscal 
year 1999 for the various operational and maintenance 
activities under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the 
Capitol (AOC) that are directly related to the operation of the 
Congress. Excluded are Senate housekeeping items which are 
traditionally left for consideration by that body, as well as 
the appropriations for the Botanic Garden and the structural 
and mechanical care of the Library of Congress buildings and 
grounds that are contained in title II of the bill. This amount 
is $44,708,000 below the amount requested, and $18,701,000 
below the fiscal year 1998 appropriation.
    A summary of the appropriations recommended follows:

     Architect of the Capitol (Excluding Senate and Title II Items)     
                                                                        
                           Item                              Amount     
                                                                        
Architect of the Capitol:                                               
Capitol buildings and grounds:                                          
    Capitol buildings salaries and expenses...........       $40,347,000
    Capitol grounds...................................         5,803,000
    House office buildings............................        42,139,000
    Capitol Power Plant...............................        33,145,000
                                                       -----------------
      Total...........................................       121,434,000
                                                                        

                     Capitol Buildings and Grounds

    Capitol Buildings, Salaries and expenses.--A total of 
$40,347,000 is recommended for the operation and maintenance of 
the Capitol building and the electrical substations of the 
Senate and House office buildings during fiscal year 1999. An 
increase of $1,801,000 for staff pay costs is provided.
    The Committee is aware of the significant maintenance 
backlog that is increasingly difficult to address within 
current budget constraints. The Architect is directed to 
develop and submit to the Committee with the FY2000 budget 
justification a plan that would capture the savings from 
realized energy efficiencies, and proceeds in excess of costs 
from the recycling program, within the entire Capitol physical 
plant to be devoted exclusively to any backlog of maintenance 
items.
    A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating 
budget and the capital budgets follows:

                            CAPITOL BUILDINGS                           
                     [Request versus recommendation]                    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Amount         Committee   
                 Item                      requested      recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Fiscal Year 1999 Operating Budget                   
                                                                        
Personnel compensation and benefits...      $24,637,000      $24,491,000
Travel, rent, and communications......          840,600          810,600
Annual maintenance, repairs, and                                        
 alterations..........................        6,936,000        6,862,000
Supplies, materials, and equipment....          751,400          628,400
                                       ---------------------------------
      Subtotal, Operating Budget......      $33,165,000      $32,792,000
                                       =================================
                     Fiscal Year 1999 Capital Budget                    
                                                                        
Replace House chamber sound                                             
 reinforcement system.................         $270,000         $270,000
Conservation of wall paintings........          200,000          160,000
Rehabilitate dome.....................    \1\ 7,500,000  ...............
Replace Minton tile...................          200,000          200,000
Elevator/escalator modernization                                        
 program..............................          400,000          400,000
Plumbing renovations..................          400,000          400,000
Upgrade building systems, Capitol.....          500,000          500,000
Repairs to east front bronze doors....           25,000  ...............
Analysis & renovation of outside air                                    
 intake tunnels.......................           50,000  ...............
Replace six west front lower terrace                                    
 windows..............................          150,000  ...............
Records Management & Photography                                        
 Branch equipment.....................           57,000  ...............
Roofing repair, around House & Senate                                   
 chambers.............................          160,000          160,000
Replace windows, restore shutters &                                     
 upgrade lighting.....................          400,000  ...............
Replace electrical wiring in S215, &                                    
 stairwell by S344....................           25,000  ...............
Provide steam humidification..........          210,000          210,000
Replace dimming systems serving east                                    
 front offices........................           50,000  ...............
Cleaning of historical architectural                                    
 surfaces.............................          115,000          115,000
Repair/upgrade building birdproofing..           50,000  ...............
Install cable tray & replace corridor                                   
 ceiling, east front basement.........          150,000  ...............
Replace sheet metal equipment.........          115,000  ...............
Replace sound systems, committee &                                      
 hearing rooms........................          120,000          120,000
Renovation of K-9 Facility, DC village          200,000           50,000
Senate chamber improvements...........        1,500,000          300,000
Install snow melt system on roof......          250,000          250,000
Conduit, pathways & telecom closets                                     
 upgrade for computer.................          900,000          900,000
House chamber improvements............          300,000  ...............
Upgrade the cable television system...        1,000,000  ...............
Installation of smoke detectors/fire                                    
 alarms...............................          400,000          400,000
Fire alarm system upgrade for ADA                                       
 compliance...........................          150,000          150,000
Compliance issues, South Capitol                                        
 Street warehouse.....................           50,000           50,000
Complex-wide fire & emergency                                           
 management system....................          425,000          425,000
ADA requirements......................          300,000          300,000
Install emergency signs & lighting....           80,000  ...............
Emergency exit directional signs......           25,000           25,000
Roof fall protection/Window Washer                                      
 Anchors..............................           55,000  ...............
Provide infrastructure for security                                     
 installations........................        1,000,000          750,000
USCP command center...................          350,000  ...............
USCP communications improvements......        1,000,000  ...............
Capitol complex integrated security                                     
 program..............................          475,000  ...............
Modifications to South Capitol Street                                   
 warehouse............................          150,000          150,000
Chemical & explosive storage facility,                                  
 D.C. Village.........................          250,000  ...............
Install new door locks................          155,000  ...............
Emergency operations for HVAC systems,                                  
 Capitol..............................          100,000          100,000
Implementation of AOCNET..............          400,000          400,000
Integrated Management System (IMS)....          650,000          650,000
Computer-Aided Facility Management                                      
 (CAFM)...............................          650,000  ...............
Update electrical system drawings on                                    
 CAD..................................           60,000           60,000
CAD mechanical database...............           60,000           60,000
Scanning equipment for drawings and                                     
 photographs..........................           95,000  ...............
                                       ---------------------------------
      Subtotal, Capital Budget........      $22,177,000       $7,555,000
                                       =================================
      Total, Capitol Buildings........      $55,342,000      $40,347,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Provided in Public Law 105-174, 1998 Supplemental Appropriations and
  Rescissions Act.                                                      

    Capitol grounds.--The appropriation of $5,803,000 is 
recommended for the care and improvement of the grounds 
surrounding the Capitol, the Senate and House office buildings, 
and the Capitol power plant. This amount includes $242,000 for 
salary cost increases. A tabulation follows:

                             CAPITOL GROUNDS                            
                     [Request versus recommendation]                    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Amount         Committee   
                 Item                      requested      recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Fiscal Year 1999 Operating Budget                   
                                                                        
Personnel compensation and benefits...       $3,920,000       $3,857,000
Annual maintenance, repairs, and                                        
 alterations..........................        1,215,000        1,211,000
Supplies, materials, and equipment....          178,000          145,000
                                       ---------------------------------
      Subtotal, operating budget......       $5,313,000       $5,213,000
                                       =================================
                     Fiscal Year 1999 Capital Budget                    
                                                                        
Parking lot improvements..............         $350,000  ...............
Refurbish Taft Memorial carillon......          130,000  ...............
Maintenance of outdoor sculpture:                                       
 Peace and Garfield...................           25,000          $25,000
Install new irrigation and plantings,                                   
 RHOB west courtyard..................           50,000           50,000
Renovate & restore RSOB courtyard.....           40,000  ...............
Wayfinding signage....................          130,000          130,000
ADA Requirements......................           25,000           25,000
ADA handicapped ramps, House & Senate                                   
 terraces.............................          500,000          300,000
Capitol square & Senate grounds                                         
 security.............................   \1\ 20,000,000  ...............
CAD database development--site                                          
 utilities & grounds..................           60,000           60,000
                                       ---------------------------------
      Subtotal, capital budget........      $21,310,000         $590,000
                                       =================================
      Total, Capitol grounds..........      $26,623,000       $5,803,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Provided in Public Law 105-174, 1998 Supplemental Appropriations and
  Rescissions Act.                                                      

    House office buildings.--For House office buildings, 
$42,139,000 is provided, including $572,000 for salary cost 
increases.
    The Committee is concerned about the condition of fire-
protection systems in House office buildings. During April and 
May 1998, three fires in the Longworth and O'Neill Buildings 
caused injury to Capitol Police Officers and raised serious 
questions about the effectiveness of fire-protection systems 
and fire alarms. The Committee believes these incidents may 
demonstrate that, despite the expenditure of considerable sums 
to improve fire safety in House office buildings, substantial 
problems remain, threatening Members, employees and visitors.
    The Committee directs the House Inspector General to 
conduct an audit of fire-protection systems in House office 
buildings and the House wing of the Capitol. The Inspector 
General should utilize the services of an independent fire-
protection engineering firm, and should at a minimum, test and 
evaluate the House fire-protection systems, review existing 
specifications, and inspect House buildings in consultation 
with the House Sergeant at Arms. The Inspector General shall 
report his findings to the Committees on Appropriations and 
House Oversight no later than October 8, 1998.
    A tabulation follows:

                         HOUSE OFFICE BUILDINGS                         
                     [Request versus recommendation]                    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Amount         Committee   
                 Item                      requested      recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Fiscal Year 1999 Operating Budget                   
                                                                        
Personnel compensation and benefits...      $26,698,000      $26,062,000
Annual maintenance, repairs, and                                        
 alterations..........................        2,826,000        2,799,000
Supplies, materials, and equipment....        1,518,000        1,254,000
                                       ---------------------------------
      Subtotal, Operating Budget......      $31,042,000      $30,115,000
                                       =================================
                     Fiscal Year 1999 Capital Budget                    
                                                                        
Install Sprinklers & Telecom Cable                                      
 Tray System, RHOB....................       $2,564,000       $2,564,000
Fire alarm system upgrade for ADA,                                      
 HOB's................................          150,000          150,000
ADA requirements, HOB's...............          400,000          400,000
Roof fall protection..................          140,000  ...............
Firing Range Ventilation & Egress,                                      
 RHOB.................................           50,000           50,000
Replace Fire Pump, CHOB...............           85,000           85,000
Install Emergency Fire Communication                                    
 System, LHOB.........................          120,000          120,000
Emergency exit directional signs......          120,000          120,000
Elevator Modernization Program........          700,000          700,000
Escalator Modernization Program, RHOB                                   
 & CHOB...............................          300,000          300,000
Garage Floor Repairs, CHOB............        1,000,000        1,000,000
Refurbish/Replace Windows, CHOB.......          200,000          200,000
Major Elevator Equipment Improvements.          120,000          120,000
Repair Domestic Hot & Cold Water, RHOB           50,000  ...............
Repair House East & West Garages......           50,000  ...............
Repair of Rain Leaders, CHOB..........           85,000  ...............
Replacement of Roof, LHOB 6th & 7th                                     
 Floors...............................        3,200,000        3,200,000
Replace Existing Secondary                                              
 Distribution System, LHOB............          130,000          130,000
Replace Windows, FHOB.................           75,000  ...............
Repair Steam Condensate Return, LHOB..           50,000  ...............
Upgrade HVAC System, CHOB.............           80,000  ...............
Upgrade Controls for Air Handling                                       
 Units, FHOB..........................           60,000           60,000
Upgrade RHOB--Capitol Subway..........          100,000  ...............
Garage Floor Repairs, RHOB............          100,000          100,000
Electrical & telecom systems                                            
 renovations, CHOB....................        1,200,000        1,200,000
Sound Improvements, Committee Hearing                                   
 Rooms................................          450,000          450,000
Lightning Protection System, HOB's....           75,000           75,000
Humidification for Air Handling Units,                                  
 FHOB.................................          100,000          100,000
Conduits & Pathways for Cat 5 & Event                                   
 Room Cabling.........................          900,000          900,000
Kiosk at Delaware Ave & C St. SW for                                    
 USCP.................................           52,000  ...............
Renovations to B-43, CHOB (Finance                                      
 Office)..............................           50,000  ...............
                                       ---------------------------------
      Subtotal, Capital Budget........      $12,756,000      $12,024,000
                                       =================================
      Total, House Office Buildings...      $43,798,000      $42,139,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Capitol Power Plant.--The Committee recommends the 
appropriation of $33,145,000 for the Capitol power plant for 
fiscal year 1999, plus offsetting collections of $4,000,000. An 
increase of $249,000 is included for staff COLA's and other 
mandatory increases. A tabulation follows:

                           CAPITOL POWER PLANT                          
                     [Request versus recommendation]                    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Amount          Committee   
                 Item                     requested      Recommendation 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Fiscal Year 1999 Operating Budget                   
                                                                        
Personnel compensation and benefits..       $5,260,000       $5,162,000 
Travel, rent, utilities and                                             
 communications......................       25,613,000       25,613,000 
Annual maintenance, supplies and                                        
 materials...........................        5,754,000        5,725,000 
                                      ----------------------------------
      Subtotal, Operating Budget.....      $36,627,000      $36,500,000 
                                      ==================================
                     Fiscal Year 1999 Capital Budget                    
Replace dealkalizer resin............          $85,000  ................
Replace bladder in sump, West                                           
 Refrigeration Plant.................           75,000          $75,000 
Replace valves in steam & chilled                                       
 water distribution system...........          100,000          100,000 
Replace coal yard belts..............          160,000          160,000 
Optimization of operations, CPP......          100,000          100,000 
Optimization of chilled water                                           
 distribution system.................          150,000          150,000 
Cogeneration facility................        2,000,000  ................
East Plant replacement...............        5,000,000  ................
Roof Fall Protection.................           22,000  ................
Update CAD Drawings for CPP..........           60,000           60,000 
                                      ----------------------------------
      Subtotal, Capital Budget.......       $7,752,000         $645,000 
                                      ==================================
Less: Estimated Reimbursements.......      (4,000,000)       (4,000,000)
                                      ----------------------------------
      Total, Capitol Power Plant.....      $40,379,000      $33,145,000 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

                     Congressional Research Service

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................       $64,603,000
1999 budget estimate..................................        68,461,000
Committee recommendation..............................        66,688,000
                                                                        

    Salaries and expenses.--The Committee recommends 
$66,688,000, including an increase of $2,588,000 for mandatory 
items and $325,600 for price level increases, for fiscal year 
1999 for the salaries and expenses of the Congressional 
Research Service. The funding is premised on a personnel 
replacement policy that will provide entry level funding for 
the vacancies that will result from impending departures of 
senior level personnel in the coming years.
    CRS management should take immediate steps to preclude a 
large retirement contingent from depleting the institutional 
capabilities required of the agency. A forward looking policy 
that recruits new personnel at lower entry level grades will 
allow more evenly proportioned staffing grade distributions 
which should alleviate the anxiety caused by the grade creep 
that CRS management has allowed to develop. This policy will 
also provide opportunities to current non-professional staff 
throughout the Library of Congress who may aspire to and more 
easily qualify for CRS professional positions. Such employees 
will benefit from in-service training and on-the-job experience 
and will provide a professional workforce that will help 
insulate CRS from the prospects they now envision due to the 
impending retirement of senior staff. Furthermore, although 
both the Librarian of Congress and the Director of CRS 
testified that their highest priority need is to assign staff 
to areas where attrition may cause subject matter deficiencies, 
CRS has been singularly unwilling to consider using current 
vacancies to reallocate the number needed to these high 
priority areas. The Committee will consider any reasonable 
reprogramming request to mitigate these needs, but Library and 
CRS management must show initiative and flexibility to solve 
these problems within the resources provided.

                       GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

                   Congressional Printing and Binding

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................       $81,669,000
1999 budget estimate..................................        84,000,000
Committee recommendation..............................        74,465,000
                                                                        

    The Committee has included an appropriation of $74,465,000 
for printing and binding of congressional documents at the 
Government Printing Office for use by Congress and by-law 
programs. This level of funding is predicated upon the savings 
that will be generated from the installation of the direct-to-
plate technology and the FTE level at the plant. Current GPO 
FTE utilization is about 100 below the current ceiling.
    There has been a suggestion that the Committee provide this 
funding directly to the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of 
the Senate, instead of making the traditional Congressional 
printing and binding appropriation to the Government Printing 
Office. The Committee has not done that because, without taking 
a position on the capabilities of the Senate, the House 
currently does not possess the printing expertise or staffing 
to undertake this important additional responsibility. There 
are also major questions regarding the statutory requirements 
of Title 44, which governs Congressional printing as well as 
the printing regulations for the entire Federal government. It 
is doubtful that the House and Senate can significantly improve 
the cost-effectiveness or control of the printing program 
without change to current statutes and practice. A change in 
the appropriation structure, therefore, would be a major 
undertaking and create unknown risk in the execution of 
Congressional printing needs. So the Committee has deferred 
this suggestion until its ramifications and plans for 
implementation can be better understood.
    It is clear, however, that an evaluation should be 
undertaken of the future needs for Congressional printing. 
Improvements in technology, telecommunications, and the 
emergence of the Cyber-Congress have created many opportunities 
for the future conduct of acquiring documents or other media to 
support the operations of the House and Senate. The Committee, 
therefore, directs the Clerk of the House, in consultation with 
the Secretary of the Senate and the Public Printer, to evaluate 
the needs of the House and Senate for document preparation and 
management and other printing needs, including bills, reports, 
hearings, journals, the Congressional Record, and all other 
Congressional documents. The Clerk of the House and Secretary 
of the Senate, in consultation with the Public Printer and 
other interested parties, should ascertain the most cost-
effective program for providing printed or other media-based 
publications for House and Senate uses. It may be necessary to 
conduct some studies or pilot tests in making this evaluation 
and the Clerk should utilize existing funds for such purposes. 
Such an evaluation may recommend changes in Title 44 that would 
be considered by the authorizing committees of jurisdiction. 
The Clerk is directed to provide a comprehensive report to the 
Committee on the progress made with this evaluation during the 
FY2000 appropriation hearings. This report should also be 
transmitted to the Committee on House Oversight.
    A comparative summary of the recommendation by category of 
work follows:

                                       CONGRESSIONAL PRINTING AND BINDING                                       
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Appropriation                      Recommended  
                                                                     1998        Requested 1999        1999     
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Congressional Record program.................................      $19,725,000      $18,820,000  ...............
Miscellaneous publications...................................        4,290,000        5,220,000  ...............
Miscellaneous printing and binding...........................       13,720,000       15,450,000  ...............
Details to Congress..........................................        1,886,000        1,763,000  ...............
Document envelopes and document franks.......................        1,485,000        1,450,000  ...............
Business and committee calendars.............................        2,992,000        2,024,000  ...............
Bills, resolutions, and amendments...........................       12,064,000       12,810,000  ...............
Committee reports............................................        2,924,000        3,150,000  ...............
Documents....................................................        2,046,000        2,015,000  ...............
Hearings.....................................................       18,941,000       19,698,000  ...............
Committee prints.............................................        1,596,000        1,600,000  ...............
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total..................................................       81,669,000       84,000,000       74,465,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        TITLE II--OTHER AGENCIES

    A total of $691,168,000 is recommended for the five 
programs carried in this title of the bill. This allowance is 
$33,005,000 less than requested and $25,694,000 above the 
amount appropriated in fiscal year 1998.
    A summary of the amounts recommended by agency follows:

                        Title II--Other Agencies                        
                                                                        
                           Item                              Amount     
                                                                        
Botanic Garden........................................        $3,032,000
Library of Congress (except Congressional Research                      
 Service).............................................       291,701,000
Architect of the Capitol: Congressional Cemetery......         1,000,000
Architect of the Capitol: Library buildings and                         
 grounds..............................................        11,933,000
Government Printing Office (except Congressional                        
 Printing and Binding)................................        29,264,000
General Accounting Office (net appropriation).........       354,238,000
                                                       -----------------
      Total...........................................       691,168,000
                                                                        

                             BOTANIC GARDEN

                         Salaries and Expenses

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................        $3,016,000
1999 budget estimate..................................         3,235,000
Committee recommendation..............................         3,032,000
                                                                        

    The amount recommended for the Botanic Garden is 
$3,032,000, including $16,000 for mandatory salary items. A 
tabulation follows:

                             BOTANIC GARDEN                             
                     [Request versus recommendation]                    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Amount         Committee   
                 Item                      requested      recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Fiscal Year 1999 Operating Budget                   
                                                                        
Personnel compensation and benefits...       $2,937,000       $2,820,000
Travel, rent, and communications......            6,000            6,000
Annual maintenance, repairs, and                                        
 alterations..........................           69,000           69,000
Supplies, materials, and equipment....          157,000          137,000
                                       ---------------------------------
      Subtotal, Operating Budget......       $3,169,000       $3,032,000
                                       =================================
                     Fiscal Year 1999 Capital Budget                    
                                                                        
Roof fall protection..................          $16,000  ...............
Administrative building renovations &                                   
 ADA..................................           50,000  ...............
                                       ---------------------------------
      Subtotal, Capital Budget........          $66,000  ...............
                                       =================================
      Total, Botanic Garden...........       $3,235,000       $3,032,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

                (Except Congressional Research Service)

    The Committee recommends appropriations totaling 
$291,701,000 for the operations of the Library of Congress 
(except the Congressional Research Service, which is carried in 
title I of the bill) for fiscal year 1999. The following table 
summarizes the allocation of funds by appropriation account:


                           Library of Congress                          
                                                                        
                           Item                              Amount     
                                                                        
Fiscal year 1999:                                                       
    Salaries and expenses.............................      $227,972,000
    Copyright Office..................................        12,727,000
    Books for the blind and physically handicapped....        46,824,000
    Furniture and furnishings.........................         4,178,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total.............................................       291,701,000
                                                                        

                            Total Resources

    The Library also receives funds from other appropriations 
and sources estimated to total $223,465,000 for fiscal year 
1999 including $66,688,000 for the Congressional Research 
Service in title I of the bill, and $11,933,000 appropriated to 
the Architect of the Capitol for the structural and mechanical 
care of the Library buildings. The remainder consists of 
receipts from copyright fees, the sale of catalog records and 
publications, sponsors of an international database, income 
from gift and trust funds, and reimbursements for services 
performed for other Government agencies. Thus, a total of 
$515,166,000 from all sources will be available to the Library 
during the next fiscal year. Of that amount, $137,983,000 
(26.8%) is for support of Congress. The balance is general 
government or public service in nature, such as the Copyright 
Office, the National Library Service, the Federal Research 
Division, and the many services conducted for the Nation's 
libraries.
    The appropriations in the bill for all Library programs 
will finance the level of full time equivalent positions 
currently projected for fiscal year 1999, now estimated by the 
Library of Congress at 4,076. In addition, there are several 
hundred other positions financed through reimbursable and gift 
and trust fund programs. The bill does provide an increase of 
$10,241,000 in mandatory costs for the current FTE base, with 
the assumption that normal salary lapse will include filling 
vacancies at entry level grade levels. Thus, the Library of 
Congress has received full funding for their current staffing 
level.
    A breakdown by source and amount of funding follows:


               Total resources, Library of Congress, 1999               
                                                                        
                           Item                              Amount     
                                                                        
Annual appropriations:                                                  
    Title I--Congressional Research Service...........       $66,688,000
    Title II--Library (direct)........................       291,701,000
    Architect of the Capitol, Library buildings and                     
 grounds..............................................        11,933,000
                                                       -----------------
      Total annual appropriations (in bill)...........       370,322,000
    Receipts from copyright fees, sale of catalog                       
 records and publications, and sponsors of                              
 international legal database.........................        28,020,000
    Gift, trust and revolving funds...................        29,847,000
    Reimbursement for services performed..............        86,977,000
                                                       -----------------
      Total...........................................       515,166,000
                                                                        

                         Salaries and Expenses

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation...................................      $219,635,000 
1999 budget estimate.................................       232,915,000 
Committee recommendation.............................       227,972,000 
(Plus: Authority to spend receipts)..................        (6,850,000)
                                                      ------------------
      Total available................................       234,822,000 
                                                                        

    The sum of $234,822,000, including $6,850,000 in offsetting 
receipts, is recommended for salaries and expenses, which is 
the basic appropriation for the operation of Library programs, 
a reduction of $4,943,000 under the budget request and an 
increase of $8,337,000 above 1998. This level of funding 
provides for 2,692 FTE's, including all necessary mandatory 
costs, which is the number of FTE's projected for the current 
year in the salaries and expenses program. For the American 
Folklife Center, funding is provided for operation and 
maintenance which is in addition to normal administrative 
assistance and customary support of its core activities 
provided by other Library organizations.
    No new positions are provided. To the extent additional 
positions are required, the Library is encouraged to fund them 
through attrition or reprogramming requests. Price level 
requests have been limited to 2%, subject to reallocation by 
the Library for higher priorities. For the purchase of books, 
$9,869,000 is provided, in addition to the collections acquired 
through the copyright program, gifts, and exchange programs.
    Funding to begin occupying the remote storage facility at 
Fort Meade is provided, $550,700. The Library is reminded that 
the Committee believes, based on comparable experience at 
Harvard University and the University of Texas, that part time 
student assistance will work very nicely at the new facility. 
Even with a contractor operated facility, such a staffing plan 
would yield a low cost operation.
    The Library has submitted a document describing a spending 
program for collections security. The program lacks any notion 
of measurable objectives of the program, or any measures of 
effectiveness that can be applied to a decision on the merits 
of the program. A ``spending'' plan is not a plan that the 
Committee will seriously consider. The Library must develop 
measurements of the extent of the problem they are attempting 
to solve and evaluate alternatives to achieving reasonable 
management objectives. The Library needs to develop a serious 
approach to planning in general. Investments in security, 
storage buildings, space utilization, and all other perceived 
needs require analysis beyond a plan to spend additional 
resources. For example, the Library wants to expand the use of 
storage building usage at Fort Meade. But when asked to 
document exactly how much is stored in existing buildings and 
future storage needs, the Library was unable to provide even 
basic answers. The cost estimates that were provided regarding 
future investments at the Culpeper facility were largely 
discounted because they were based on incomplete analysis due 
to a last minute rush to obtain the necessary authorization to 
proceed with the acquisition of the property. Until the Library 
acquires the necessary internal planning and analysis 
capability, one not dependent solely on outside consultants 
(although outside consultants can make important 
contributions), management will only find reasons to justify 
more resources instead of finding cost-effective methods and 
alternatives to decrease costs in order to achieve or to 
finance expansion of capabilities. The Integrated Library 
System may become a very good example of cost-effective 
planning at the Library of Congress, if the savings used to 
justify the project do materialize and are actually taken.

                            Copyright Office

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation...................................       $11,935,000 
1999 budget request..................................        14,099,000 
Committee recommendation.............................        12,727,000 
(Plus: Authority to spend receipts)..................       (21,170,000)
                                                      ------------------
      Total available................................        33,897,000 
                                                                        

    Salaries and expenses.--A direct appropriation of 
$12,727,000 is provided for the Copyright Office during fiscal 
year 1999, and authority has been provided to spend up to 
$21,170,000 in receipts from copyright fees and assessments to 
the copyright owners fund for the costs of administering the 
copyright royalty program. This funding provides all mandatory 
increases and an additional six (6) FTE's, financed from 
receipts.

             Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................       $46,561,000
1999 budget estimate..................................        48,145,000
Committee recommendation..............................        46,824,000
                                                                        

    Salaries and expenses.--A total of $46,824,000 is 
recommended for the National Library Service for the Blind and 
Physically Handicapped, an increase of $263,000 over the amount 
provided in fiscal year 1998. This funding provides for 
mandatory increases and $800,000 to increase the number of 
talking book machines in the field by 3,766. Including funding 
allowed in last year's bill, over 9,300 playback machines have 
been added to this program, an increase of over 18%.

                       Furniture and Furnishings

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................        $4,178,000
1999 budget estimate..................................         5,712,000
Committee recommendation..............................         4,178,000
                                                                        

    The bill provides a total of $4,178,000 for Library 
furniture and furnishings for fiscal year 1999.

                       Administrative Provisions

    The routine administrative provisions have been approved by 
the Committee as well as a new provision authorizing the 
Library to receive funds from participants in, and sponsors of, 
the global legal information network (GLIN) project at the Law 
Library.

                        ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL

                         Congressional Cemetery

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation...................................  .................
1999 budget estimate.................................  .................
Committee Recommendation.............................        $1,000,000 
                                                                        

    The bill provides funding, to be matched by privately 
donated funds, to preserve and maintain historic Congressional 
Cemetery. The National Trust for Historic Preservation (Trust) 
cited the Cemetery in 1997 as one of America's eleven most 
endangered historic places due to neglect, vandalism, theft and 
deterioration from pollution. The recommended funds provide for 
a grant to be made by the Architect of the Capitol to the 
Trust, to be used for routine annual care and maintenance of 
the cemetery; and it will be matched by donated contributions 
raised by the Congressional Cemetery Association. There are 
currently 78 Representatives and 14 Senators buried at the 
Congressional Cemetery, as well as many other notable persons. 
Pursuant to an agreement with the Architect of the Capitol and 
the Cemetery Association, the Trust will invest the grant and 
matching donated funds in a restricted endowment and make 
distributions from the fund to the Association for routine 
annual care and maintenance. The restricted endowment, as well 
as the transactions made by the Association, will be subject to 
audit by the General Accounting Office to assure proper use of 
these funds. In fiscal year 1983, a one-time appropriation and 
grant was made available to the Congressional Cemetery. It is 
the Committee's intent that this fund will provide a permanent 
source of funds to fully support annual, routine care and 
maintenance. The Committee has presumed that the current level 
of maintenance by the Department of Veterans Affairs will not 
be reduced.

                     Library Buildings and Grounds

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................       $11,573,000
1999 budget estimate..................................        16,139,000
Committee recommendation..............................        11,933,000
                                                                        

    The Committee bill provides $11,933,000 for the care and 
maintenance of the Library of Congress buildings and grounds, 
which is administered by the Architect of the Capitol. 
Increases for staff pay costs total $260,000. A tabulation of 
annual operating cost increases and the capital budget follows:

                      LIBRARY BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS                     
                     [Request versus recommendation]                    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Amount         Committee   
                                           requested      recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Fiscal Year 1999 Operating Budget                   
                                                                        
Personnel compensation and benefits...       $7,456,000       $7,417,000
Annual maintenance, repairs, and                                        
 alterations..........................        1,505,000        1,418,000
Supplies, materials, equipment and                                      
 grounds..............................          704,000          631,000
                                       ---------------------------------
      Subtotal, Operating Budget......       $9,665,000       $9,466,000
                                       =================================
                     Fiscal Year 1999 Capital Budget                    
Elevator/escalator modernization......         $360,000         $360,000
Replace sprinkler heads, TJB & JMMB...          100,000          100,000
Repair roof under east parking lot,                                     
 TJB..................................          200,000          200,000
Replace deteriorated piping, TJB......          100,000          100,000
Replace sidewalks, TJB & JAB..........          100,000  ...............
Replace electrical snow melting                                         
 equipment, JMMB......................          100,000          100,000
Restoration of decorative painting,                                     
 TJB & JAB............................          100,000          100,000
Replace variable speed drives, TJB &                                    
 JAB..................................          100,000          100,000
Conservation of Blashfield & other                                      
 murals, TJB..........................           45,000           45,000
Replace convector controls, JMMB......          100,000          100,000
Book stack lighting controls, TJB &                                     
 JAB..................................          200,000          200,000
Lightning protection, JMMB............           40,000  ...............
Screening/holding facility............          500,000  ...............
HVAC improvements NW curtain, TJB.....          600,000  ...............
Preservations environment monitoring..          100,000          100,000
Visitors center, TJB..................          200,000  ...............
Copyright Deposit Facility, Ft. Meade.          500,000  ...............
ADA requirements......................          200,000          200,000
Replace smoke detectors, JMMB.........          100,000          100,000
Fire alarm system upgrade for ADA                                       
 compliance...........................          150,000          150,000
Modify exit doors for compliance......          100,000          100,000
Replace HVAC eliminator plates, TJB &                                   
 JAB..................................          150,000          150,000
Emergency exit directional door signs.           62,000           62,000
Roof fall protection..................          165,000  ...............
Compact bookstack safety review, JMMB.          200,000  ...............
Indoor security improvements--cages &                                   
 vaults...............................           50,000  ...............
Exterior security improvements........          600,000          200,000
Install additional readers............          652,000  ...............
Book conveyor system security.........          400,000  ...............
Upgrade building security systems.....          200,000  ...............
                                       ---------------------------------
      Subtotal, Capital Budget........       $6,474,000       $2,467,000
                                       =================================
      Total, Library Buildings and                                      
       Grounds........................      $16,139,000      $11,933,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       Administrative Provisions

    A provision has been included that provides authority for 
the Architect to make a grant to the National Trust for 
Historic Preservation for the care and maintenance of 
Congressional Cemetery. Another provision limits the portion of 
appropriated funds that may be expended for improvements to the 
National Audio Visual Conservation Center to one-third of the 
amount raised for such purposes through donations.

                       GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

              (Except Congressional Printing and Binding)

                 Office of Superintendent of Documents

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation....................................       $29,077,000
1999 budget estimate..................................        30,200,000
Committee recommendation..............................        29,264,000
                                                                        

    The Committee recommends the appropriation of $29,264,000, 
an increase of $187,000, for the salaries and expenses of the 
Superintendent of Documents, a part of the Government Printing 
Office. The principal component of this activity is the Federal 
Depository Library Program (FDLP), which is responsible for 
supplying about 1,400 designated libraries throughout the 
country with federal documents.

               Government Printing Office Revolving Fund

    Revolving fund.--The bill includes the usual language 
authorizing the operation of the revolving fund, authority to 
hire or purchase automobiles, advisory councils, consultants, 
and flextime. The limit on full-time equivalent employment has 
been set at 3,416.
    The Government Printing Office has purchased a commercial 
off-the-shelf (COTS) financial software product to support its 
standard general ledger accounting requirements. The Committee 
directs GPO to coordinate the implementation of this COTS 
product with the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council 
(LBFMC) to ensure that the new system supports the vision and 
goals statement adopted by the LBFMC. In addition, the 
Committee directs that the Public Printer implement the 
recommendations of the recent management audit conducted by 
Booz-Allen and Hamilton Inc., as appropriate. A report should 
be prepared annually, coincident with the submission of the 
annual budget; such report to be transmitted to the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations, the Committee on House 
Oversight, and the Senate Committee on Rules and 
Administration.
    The request for $6,000,000 for building equipment has not 
been allowed. One of the purposes of the GPO revolving fund is 
to supply the capital for such improvements, which should be 
supported by revenues from GPO customers.

                       GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE

                         Salaries and Expenses

                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
1998 appropriation...................................      $339,499,000 
1999 budget estimate.................................       367,728,000 
Committee recommendation.............................       354,238,000 
Offsetting collections...............................        (2,000,000)
                                                      ------------------
    Total available..................................       356,238,000 
                                                                        

    The Committee has provided $356,238,000 in direct 
appropriations for the General Accounting Office, of which 
$2,000,000 is in offsetting collections derived from 
reimbursements for conducting financial audits of government 
corporations. This level of funding will support 3,225 FTE's, a 
small increase above the number currently expected to be 
utilized in fiscal 1998. The Committee continues to believe 
that GAO can maximize effectiveness by using consulting firms 
and other experts in lieu of internal staff. Several recent 
examples have demonstrated the utility of this approach, which 
gives maximum flexibility to the agency and assures the 
requisite expertise for Congressional customers. GAO management 
has allocated only token funds to contract program evaluation 
or audit work, instead giving higher priority to hiring more 
internal staff. That approach loses the advantage of the 
significant success of the recent downsizing effort and may 
lead to another staff buildup that will create agency 
inflexibility and added bureaucracy. GAO should be 
concentrating on providing the professional staff with contract 
management skills in addition to the highly developed 
professional expertise they already possess.

                     TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    The customary language regarding emergency assistance for 
vehicles, positions and allowances, consulting services, buy 
American and the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council 
is included. There is a provision that authorizes the Architect 
to enter into energy savings performance contracts with energy 
service companies (ESCO's) and provisions that provide 
authority to the Architect of the Capitol and the Public 
Printer to establish retirement incentive programs.

                        CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY

    Clause 2(l)(4) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives states that:
    Each report of a committee on a bill or joint resolution of 
a public character shall include a statement citing the 
specific powers granted to the Congress in the Constitution to 
enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution.
    The Committee on Appropriations bases its authority to 
report this legislation on Clause 7 of Section 9 of Article I 
of the Constitution of the United States of America, which 
states:
    No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in 
consequence of Appropriations made by law. * * *
    Appropriations contained in this Act are made pursuant to 
this specific power granted by the Constitution.

                   COMPARISON WITH BUDGET RESOLUTION

    Section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget and 
Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-344), as amended, 
requires that the report accompanying a bill providing new 
budget authority contain a statement detailing how that 
authority compares with the reports submitted under section 
302(b) of the Act for the most recently agreed to concurrent 
resolution on the budget for the fiscal year.
    This information follows:

                                            [In millions of dollars]                                            
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Sec. 302(b)                This Bill       
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Budget                    Budget               
                                                               authority     Outlays     authority     Outlays  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary...............................................       $2,360       $2,340       $1,806       $1,798
Mandatory...................................................           94           94           77           77
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
      Total.................................................       $2,454       $2,434       $1,883       $1,875
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The bill provides no new spending authority as described in 
section 401(c)(2) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment 
Control Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-344), as amended.

                    FIVE-YEAR PROJECTION OF OUTLAYS

    In accordance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-344), as amended, the 
following table contains five-year projections of the outlays 
associated with the budget authority provided in the 
accompanying bill:

                     Five-year projection of outlays                    
                                                                        
                                                            Millions    
                                                                        
                                                                        
Budget authority......................................            $1,883
Outlays:                                                                
    1999..............................................             1,561
    2000..............................................               167
    2001..............................................                35
    2002..............................................                 9
    2003..............................................                 3
                                                                        

               ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

    In accordance with section 308(a)(1)(C) of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-344), as amended, the 
Committee is required to report new budget authority and 
outlays providing financial assistance to State and local 
governments. The accompanying bill contains no funding for 
State and local assistance programs.

                           TRANSFERS OF FUNDS

    Pursuant to clause 1(b) of rule X of the House of 
Representatives, the following is submitted describing the 
transfers of funds recommended in the accompanying bill:
    No transfers of funds are included.

                              RESCISSIONS

    Pursuant to clause 1(b) of rule X of the House of 
Representatives, the following is submitted describing the 
rescissions recommended in the accompanying bill:
    There are no rescissions recommended in the bill.

               CHANGES IN THE APPLICATION OF EXISTING LAW

    Pursuant to clause 3, rule XXI of the House of 
Representatives, the following statements are submitted 
describing the effect of provisions in the accompanying bill 
which directly or indirectly change the application of existing 
law:
    1. The bill provides that certain appropriation items 
remain available for more than one year where programs or 
projects are continuing in nature under the provisions of 
authorizing legislation but for which that legislation does not 
specifically authorize such extended availability. Most of 
these items have been carried in previous appropriation bills. 
This authority tends to result in savings by removing the 
incentive to commit funds at the end of the fiscal year.
    2. The bill includes a number of provisions which place 
limitations on, or which authorize or reauthorize, the use of 
funds in the bill, or change or extend existing limitations, 
appropriations, or authorizations, and which under some 
circumstances might be construed as changing the application of 
existing law.
    3. There is language that allows reimbursement for service 
to be used by the servicing entity.
    4. The bill continues the practice of providing official 
reception and representation allowances for officers and 
offices of the legislative branch.
    5. The bill authorizes expenses for employee awards, such 
as certificates or plaques and related ceremonial 
presentations, by certain agencies.
    6. There is language removing the Architect of the Capitol 
from the House Page Board.
    7. There is language authorizing a training and development 
program, the use of consultants, the incidental use of supplies 
and equipment, and a technical correction to the use of Members 
Representational Allowances.
    8. There is language authorizing a delay until after the 
end of a Congress for publishing certain information in the 
Report on Disbursements; and another provision which authorizes 
a transit pass program.
    9. There is language which provides that amounts remaining 
after payments are made from the account for Members 
Representational Allowances shall be used for deficit 
reduction.
    10. There is language under ``Capitol Police Board, General 
Expenses'' authorizing advance payments for travel by Capitol 
Police personnel for training or other purposes, expenses 
associated with the relocation of liaison or instructor 
personnel from the Capitol Police force to and from the Federal 
Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, and for the 
costs of basic training of police personnel.
    11. The bill authorizes the transfer of funds within 
``Capitol Police, Salaries'', and between ``Capitol Police, 
Salaries'', and ``General Expenses'', subject to approval.
    12. There is language under ``Capitol Power Plant'', 
Architect of the Capitol, allowing reimbursements for chilled 
water and steam provided to the Government Printing Office, the 
Washington City Post Office, the Supreme Court, the Thurgood 
Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, Union Station Complex and 
the Folger Shakespeare Library to be credited to this 
appropriation and made available for obligation.
    13. There is language under ``Congressional Research 
Service'' which prohibits the publication of material unless 
approved by the appropriate committees, and language is 
extended regarding the compensation of the Director.
    14. There is language under ``Congressional printing and 
binding'' restricting the use of funds appropriated to the 
Government Printing Office for the permanent edition of the 
Congressional Record for individual Representatives, Resident 
Commissioners, or Delegates, and language providing that 
appropriations recommended shall be available for the payment 
of obligations incurred under appropriations for similar 
purposes for preceding fiscal years, primarily due to the 
unpredictability of the volume of work generated by the 
Congress. Also, the FY98 bill has been amended to clarify that 
a funds transfer is a limitation, and that unused funds remain 
with the revolving fund.
    15. There is authority to expend funds collected under the 
authority of 2 U.S.C. 150, the balance to remain available 
until expended.
    16. There is a limitation on funding for attendance at 
meetings for the Library of Congress; a limitation on top-level 
management participation in compressed work schedules; and 
authority to accept funds from users of an international legal 
information data base.
    17. There is a limitation on the number of indirect 
employees that are paid from appropriated funds received by the 
Library of Congress from other agencies. These funds are 
generated by performing reimbursable work for these other 
agencies and are used to cover general and administrative 
overhead work generated by these reimbursable programs.
    18. A grant, with appropriate terms and conditions, for the 
care and maintenance of Congressional Cemetery, is authorized.
    19. There is language establishing a 3:1 ratio for private 
to public funding for an audio visual center.
    20. There is language under ``Salaries and Expenses'', 
Office of Superintendent of Documents, which limits travel 
expenses and which authorizes the use of current appropriations 
for printing certain publications for the depository library 
program.
    21. There is language authorizing the operation of the GPO 
revolving fund, and which authorizes travel expenses for 
advisory councils.
    22. Under the GPO revolving fund, there is language that 
provides expenses not to exceed $75,000 for attendance at 
meetings.
    23. The bill includes a limitation on GPO employment of not 
more than 3,416 full-time equivalent work years.
    24. There is a limitation on the participation of top-level 
GPO management in flexible or compressed work schedules.
    25. There is language relating to the General Accounting 
Office authorizing the direct procurement of expert and 
consultant services under 5 U.S.C. 3109, at certain rates; 
authorizing the hire of one passenger motor vehicle, as 
required by 31 U.S.C. 1343; authorizing the General Accounting 
Office to make advance payments in foreign countries in 
accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3324; and to provide certain 
benefits, including rental of living quarters in foreign 
countries; appropriations are authorized for administrative 
expenses of any other member department or agency to finance an 
appropriate share of the costs of the Joint Financial 
Management Improvement Program (JFMIP); the American Consortium 
on International Public Administration (ACIPA), and the 
National Intergovernmental Audit Forum or a Regional 
Intergovernmental Audit Forum. The ACIPA language satisfies the 
requirements of P.L. 100-202.
    26. In Section 301, there is language prohibiting the use 
of funds in the Act for the maintenance or care of private 
vehicles except for emergency assistance and cleaning as may be 
provided under regulations relating to parking facilities for 
the House issued by the Committee on House Oversight and for 
the Senate by the Committee on Rules and Administration.
    27. Section 303 provides that whenever any office or 
position not specifically established by the Legislative Pay 
Act of 1929 is appropriated for herein or whenever the rate of 
compensation or designation of any position appropriated for 
herein is different from that specifically established for such 
position by such Act, the rate of compensation and the 
designation of the position, or either, appropriated for or 
provided herein, shall be the permanent law with respect 
thereto: Provided that the provisions herein for the various 
items of official expenses of Members, officers, and committees 
of the Senate and House, and clerk hire for Senators and 
Members shall be the permanent law with respect thereto.
    28. Section 304 requires that certain information regarding 
consulting services shall be a matter of public record.
    29. Section 305 is a sense of Congress provision regarding 
American-made products.
    30. There is a provision which authorizes legislative 
branch entities to share the costs of the Legislative Branch 
Financial Managers Council.
    31. There is a provision that authorizes the Architect of 
the Capitol to enter into energy savings performance contracts.
    32. The Architect of the Capitol and the Public Printer are 
authorized to conduct a retirement incentive program.

            Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3 (Ramseyer Rule)

    In compliance with clause 3 of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman):

     SECTION 311 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1991

  Sec. 311. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e)(1) * * *
  (2) The Official Mail Allowance--
          (A) shall be available for postage for franked mail 
        sent at a first class, third class, or fourth class 
        rate;
          (B) with respect to a Member of the House of 
        Representatives, shall be available, in a session of 
        Congress, in a total amount, as determined under 
        paragraph (1)(A), of not more than the product of (i) 3 
        times the single-piece rate applicable to first class 
        mail, and (ii) the number (as determined by the 
        Postmaster General) of addresses (other than business 
        possible delivery stops) in the congressional district, 
        as such addresses are described in section 
        3210(d)(7)(B) of title 39, United States Code; and
          (C) with respect to any other person entitled to use 
        the congressional frank in the House of Representatives 
        (including any Member of the House of Representatives 
        who receives an allocation under subsection (a)(2) with 
        respect to duties as an elected officer of, or holder 
        of another position in, the House of Representatives), 
        shall be available, in a session of Congress, in a 
        total amount determined under paragraph (1)(A)[; and].
          [(D) shall not be available for payment of any 
        nonpostage fee or charge, including any fee or charge 
        for express mail, express mail drop shipment, certified 
        mail, registered mail, return receipt, address 
        correction, or postal insurance.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(4) The Members' Representational Allowance shall be 
available to a Member of the House of Representatives for the 
payment of nonpostage fees and charges referred to in paragraph 
(2)(D) and for postage for mail for official business sent 
outside the United States.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


              HOUSE RESOLUTION 1047, NINETY-FIFTH CONGRESS

That (a) * * *
  (b) For payment of expenses incurred in carrying out 
subsection (a) of this section, there shall be paid out of the 
contingent fund of the House, until otherwise provided by law, 
such sums as may be necessary but not to exceed [$55,000] 
$80,000 in any calendar year. Such payments shall be made on 
vouchers signed by the chairman of the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs and approved by the Committee on House Administration.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


       SECTION 2 OF HOUSE RESOLUTION 611, NINETY-SEVENTH CONGRESS

  Sec. 2. (a) The Page Board shall consist of--
          (1) two Members of the House appointed by the Speaker 
        and one Member of the House appointed by the minority 
        leader; and
          (2) the Clerk and the Sergeant at Arms of the House[; 
        and].
          [(3) the Architect of the Capitol.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1998

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE I--CONGRESSIONAL OPERATIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                       GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

                   Congressional Printing and Binding

                     (including transfer of funds)

    For authorized printing and binding for the Congress and 
the distribution of Congressional information in any format, 
printing and binding for the Architect of the Capitol; expenses 
necessary for preparing the semimonthly and session index to 
the Congressional Record, as authorized by law (44 U.S.C. 902); 
printing and binding of Government publications authorized by 
law to be distributed to Members of Congress; and printing, 
binding, and distribution of Government publications authorized 
by law to be distributed without charge to the recipient, 
[$81,669,000, of which $11,017,000 shall be derived by transfer 
from the Government Printing Office revolving fund under 
section 309 of title 44, United States Code: Provided,] 
$70,652,000: Provided, That an additional amount of not more 
than $11,017,000 may be derived by transfer from the Government 
Printing Office revolving fund under section 309 of title 44, 
United States Code: Provided further, That this appropriation 
shall not be available for paper copies of the permanent 
edition of the Congressional Record for individual 
Representatives, Resident Commissioners or Delegates authorized 
under 44 U.S.C. 906: Provided further, That this appropriation 
shall be available for the payment of obligations incurred 
under the appropriations for similar purposes for preceding 
fiscal years.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                      TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE

CHAPTER 55--PAY ADMINISTRATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBCHAPTER IX--SEVERANCE PAY AND BACK PAY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 5595. Severance pay

  (a) For the purpose of this section--
          (1) ``agency'' means--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (F) the Office of the Architect of the 
                Capitol[, but only with respect to the United 
                States Senate Restaurants]; and
          (2) ``employee'' means--
                  (A) an individual employed in or under an 
                agency; and
                  (B) an individual employed by a county 
                committee established under section 590h(b) of 
                title 16;
          but does not include--
                  (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (viii) an employee [of the United 
                        States Senate Restaurants] of the 
                        Office of the Architect of the Capitol, 
                        who is employed on a temporary when 
                        actually employed basis; or

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


     SECTION 310 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1998

  Sec. 310. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (b) Early Retirement.--(1) This subsection applies to an 
employee [of the United States Senate Restaurants] of the 
Office of the Architect of the Capitol who--
          (A) voluntarily separates from service on or after 
        the date of enactment of this Act and before October 1, 
        [1999;] 1999 (or, in the case of an individual who is 
        not an employee of the United States Senate 
        Restaurants, on or after the date of the enactment of 
        the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1999 and 
        before October 1, 2001); and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments.--(1) In this 
subsection, the term ``employee'' means an employee [of the 
United States Senate Restaurants] of the Office of the 
Architect of the Capitol, serving without limitation, who has 
been currently employed for a continuous period of at least 12 
months, except that such term shall not include--
          (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in order to 
avoid or minimize the need for involuntary separations due to a 
reduction in force, reorganization, transfer of function, or 
other similar action affecting the agency, the Architect of the 
Capitol shall establish a program under which voluntary 
separation incentive payments may be offered to encourage [not 
more than 50] eligible employees to separate from service 
voluntarily (whether by retirement or resignation) during the 
period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act 
through September 30, [1999] 1999 (or, in the case of an 
individual who is not an employee of the United States Senate 
Restaurants, on or after the date of the enactment of the 
Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1999 and before October 
1, 2001). The number of employees of the United States Senate 
Restaurants to whom voluntary separation incentive payments may 
be offered under the program established under the previous 
sentence may not exceed 50.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Retraining, Job Placement, and Counseling Services.--(1) 
In this subsection, the term ``employee''--
          (A) means an employee [of the United States Senate 
        Restaurants] of the Office of the Architect of the 
        Capitol; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (3) A former employee may not participate in a program 
established under this subsection, if--
          (A) the former employee was separated from service 
        with [the United States Senate Restaurants of] the 
        Office of the Architect of the Capitol for more than 1 
        year; or

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


              SECTION 5595 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE

Sec. 5595. Severance pay

  (a) For the purpose of this section--
          (1) * * *
          (2) ``employee'' means--
                  (A) an individual employed in or under an 
                agency; and
                  (B) an individual employed by a county 
                committee established under section 590h(b) of 
                title 16;
          but does not include--
                  (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (viii) an employee of the United 
                        States Senate Restaurants of the Office 
                        of the Architect of the Capitol, who is 
                        employed on a temporary when actually 
                        employed basis; [or]
                          (ix) an employee of the Government 
                        Printing Office, who is employed on a 
                        temporary when actually employed basis; 
                        or
                  [(ix)] (x) such other employee as may be 
                excluded by regulations of the President or 
                such other officer or agency as he may 
                designate.
  (b) Under regulations prescribed by the President or such 
officer or agency as he may designate, an employee who--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

is entitled to be paid severance pay in regular pay periods by 
the agency from which separated. However, the Director of the 
Administrative Office of the United States may prescribe 
regulations to affect the application and operation of this 
section to the agencies specified in subsection (a)(1)(E) of 
this section. The Architect of the Capitol may prescribe 
regulations to effect the application and operation of this 
section to the agency specified in subsection (a)(1)(F) of this 
section. The Public Printer may prescribe regulations to effect 
the application and operation of this section to the agency 
specified in subsection (a)(1)(G) of this section.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR 1998 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR 1999 PERMANENT 
                                NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY--TRUST FUNDS                                
 [Becomes available automatically under earlier, or ``permanent'' law without further, or annual, action by the 
     Congress. Thus, these amounts are not included in the accompanying bill. All amounts are in the form of    
                                 ``appropriations'' unless otherwise indicated]                                 
                                            [In millions of dollars]                                            
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Budget estimate                    
                                                             New budget           of new        Increase (+) or 
                    Agency and item                        (obligational)     (obligational)      decrease (-)  
                                                         authority, 1998 1  authority, 1999 1                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Library of Congress                                                                           
                                                                                                                
Gift and trust fund accounts, non-revolving............                $23                $23  .................
Cooperative Acquisitions Revolving Fund................                  3                  3  .................
                                                                                                                
          U.S. Capitol Preservation Commission                                                                  
                                                                                                                
Trust funds............................................                  1                  1  .................
                                                                                                                
        Architect of the Capitol, Botanic Garden                                                                
                                                                                                                
Gifts and donations....................................                  1                  8                 +7
                                                                                                                
     Library Buildings and Grounds, Structural and                                                              
                    Mechanical Care                                                                             
                                                                                                                
Gifts and donations....................................  .................                  2                 +2
                                                                                                                
 John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and                                                         
                      Development                                                                               
                                                                                                                
Trust funds............................................                  1                  1  .................
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Trust funds...............................                 29                 38                +9 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Amounts as estimated and shown in the February 1998 budget document. Some items are indefinite in amount, and 
  thus are subject to later reestimation.                                                                       


                          PERMANENT NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY--FEDERAL FUNDS                          
 [Becomes available automatically under earlier, or ``permanent'' law without further, or annual, action by the 
     Congress. Thus, these amounts are not included in the accompanying bill. All amounts are in the form of    
                                 ``appropriations'' unless otherwise indicated]                                 
                                            [In millions of dollars]                                            
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Budget estimate                    
                                                             New budget           of new        Increase (+) or 
                    Agency and item                        (obligational)     (obligational)      decrease (-)  
                                                          authority, 19981   authority, 19991                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                House of Representatives                                                                        
                                                                                                                
Congressional use of foreign currency..................                 $2                 $2  .................
International conferences and contingencies: House and                                                          
 Senate expenses.......................................                  1                  1  .................
Compensation of Members and related administrative                                                              
 expenses..............................................                 74                 75                 +1
                                                                                                                
                  Library of Congress                                                                           
                                                                                                                
Payments to copyright owners (indefinite, special fund)                238                268                +30
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Federal funds.............................                315                346               +31 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Amounts as estimated and shown in the February 1998 budget document. Some items are indefinite in amount, and 
  thus are subject to later reestimation.                                                                       





                   ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF HON. DAVE OBEY

                            CBO Independence

    I am deeply troubled by misguided attempts of the House 
Republican leadership to use the appropriations process as a 
club to pressure the Congressional Budget Office to make more 
politically advantageous forecasts.
    The report accompanying this bill requires the 
Congressional Budget Office to assess its track record in 
making key revenue, deficit, surplus, and outlay projections 
used in the legislative process. This is useful information and 
I support such assessments.
    Regrettably, it has become obvious to all that the House 
Republican leadership's intent in mandating this review is not 
to exercise high-minded oversight. It is instead to be used to 
wage a campaign of intimidation to ultimately force the CBO to 
cook the books when estimating the cost of their election year 
tax cuts.
    This was made crystal clear in a June 9, 1998 letter on 
this subject to the Legislative Branch Appropriations 
Subcommittee chairman from the Speaker and four other members 
of the House Republican leadership. This letter says in part:

          We are deeply concerned about the increasing evidence 
        that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is utterly 
        unable to predict consistent and accurate future 
        revenues or even the fiscal implications of changes in 
        budget policy. Because of these failures, I (sic) urge 
        you to direct the CBO to address these shortcomings 
        immediately.
          . . . The CBO must address this problem. If it does 
        not, I (sic) believe we must review the structure and 
        funding for the CBO in the appropriations cycle. 
        [Emphasis added]

    The reasons behind this desperate act stem from the failure 
of the House leadership to craft a coherent Budget Resolution 
this year. In short, the House Republican leadership has 
crafted a Budget Resolution promising a huge election year tax 
cut with no way to pay for it. The plan that it originally put 
forward, which called for paying for this tax cut with 
additional cuts in Medicare, Medicaid, federal employee health 
benefits, education, and highway construction among other 
things, fell on deaf ears with the American People and had to 
be withdrawn. This left the Republican leadership with a hollow 
budget plan--numbers with no policy to back it up other than 
the desire to have a large election year tax cut.
    Since they can't find the program reductions to pay for 
their tax cut, we now see the Republican leadership turning its 
attention on the relatively defenseless CBO to bail them out. 
They want the CBO to reverse its professional judgment and 
decree that the Republican tax cut plan costs less than it 
really does. If the CBO doesn't give in, they have threatened 
their jobs by taking retribution in the appropriations process.
    We have seen this sort of bullying tactic used by the House 
Republican leadership before. Two-and-a-half years ago they 
tried to bully this President into a bad budget deal by 
shutting down the government. Ironically, at that time, 
Republicans were insisting that the President use CBO revenue 
and spending estimates because they were ``honest'' (Speaker 
Gingrich), ``very real'' (Majority Whip DeLay), and had ``no 
smoke and mirrors'' (Rules Committee Chairman Solomon).
    Now, we learn that the House Republican leadership really 
thinks the CBO ``is utterly unable to predict consistent and 
accurate future revenues'' and that ``the CBO's low estimates 
have been consistently wrong--and wrong by a country mile.'' 
(Letter to Congressman Walsh from Congressman Gingrich, Armey, 
DeLay, Boehner, and Cox, June 9, 1998).
    It should be highly objectionable to Members on both sides 
of the aisle for the Congressional leadership to threaten CBO's 
administrative budget, and therefore the jobs of its career 
staff members, in order to push through a tax cut that can't be 
paid for in the light of day.
    If the Republican leadership succeeds in this endeavor, the 
credibility and the integrity of the entire congressional 
budget process is called into question.
    That is why I was gratified that my proposal in full 
committee to add report language expressly rejecting these 
tactics was accepted on a bipartisan basis. This language 
states:

          The Committee unequivocally supports having an 
        impartial, independent Congressional Budget Office 
        staff protected from political pressure. The Committee 
        will utterly reject any attempt now or in the future to 
        use the appropriations process to pressure the CBO to 
        make revenue forecasts or budget policy forecasts on 
        any basis other than the best professional judgment of 
        the CBO Director and staff.

    The Committee's considered opinion is that it will require 
$25.671 million to continue the operations of the CBO unabated.
  ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF HON. STENY H. HOYER, HON. JOSE E. SERRANO, HON. 
 ZACH WAMP, HON. VIC FAZIO, HON. FRANK WOLF, HON. JAMES P. MORAN, HON. 
ROGER WICKER, HON. DAVID OBEY, HON. CHET EDWARDS, HON. JULIAN C. DIXON, 
  HON. NANCY PELOSI, HON. ROSA DeLAURO, HON. W.G. (BILL) HEFNER, HON. 
NITA LOWEY, HON. MARCY KAPTUR, HON. DAVID PRICE, HON. JOHN MURTHA, HON. 
MARTIN O. SABO, HON. ED PASTOR, HON. ALAN MOLLOHAN, AND HON. JOHN OLVER

    There are many good provisions in this bill. Among the best 
is Section 108, to provide Members and other employing entities 
discretionary authority to offer eligible House employees 
transit passes to encourage use of public transportation. This 
program, permanently authorized five years ago, is used 
successfully by over 31,000 employees in 139 federal agencies, 
and by thousands of employees in the private sector. Here in 
the Legislative Branch, the Senate, Architect of the Capitol, 
and Congressional Budget Office offer this benefit, which is 
paid for entirely out of existing funds and requires no 
additional appropriation.
    A bipartisan majority of the House has co-sponsored an 
identical measure by Representative Earl Blumenauer. We believe 
the House should finally implement this program so we can do 
our part to ease congestion, reduce dependence on foreign oil, 
and clean the air.

                                   Steny Hoyer.
                                   Jose E. Serrano.
                                   Vic Fazio.
                                   Jim Moran.
                                   Chet Edwards.
                                   Julian C. Dixon.
                                   Nancy Pelosi.
                                   Rosa L. DeLauro.
                                   Bill Hefner.
                                   Nita Lowey.
                                   Allan Mollohan.
                                   Roger F. Wicker.
                                   Frank R. Wolf.
                                   Marcy Kaptur.
                                   David Price.
                                   John Murtha.
                                   Martin O. Sabo.
                                   Ed Pastor.
                                   John W. Olver.
                                   David Obey.
                                   Zach Wamp.

                                
