[House Report 109-485]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



109th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session                                                     109-485

======================================================================



 
              LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2007

                                _______
                                

      June 1, 2006.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

    Mr. Lewis of California, from the Committee on Appropriations, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                            Additional Views

                        [To accompany H.R. 5521]

    The Committee on Appropriations submits the following 
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making 
appropriations for the legislative branch for the fiscal year 
2007, and for other purposes.

                        INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT

_______________________________________________________________________


                                                            Page number

                                                            Bill Report
Summary of bill............................................
                                                                      2
Highlights of bill.........................................
                                                                      4
Structure of bill..........................................
                                                                      4
Legislative branchwide matters.............................
                                                                      4
Title I--Legislative Branch Appropriations:................
                                                                      5
        House of Representatives...........................     2
                                                                      5
        Joint Items:
                Joint Economic Committee...................    10
                                                                     10
                Joint Committee on Taxation................    11
                                                                     10
                Office of the Attending Physician..........    11
                                                                     10
                Capitol Guide Service and Special Services 
                    Office.................................    12
                                                                     10
                Statements of Appropriations...............    12
                                                                     11
                Capitol Police.............................    12
                                                                     11
        Office of Compliance...............................    14
                                                                     12
        Congressional Budget Office........................    15
                                                                     13
        Architect of the Capitol (except Senate Office 
            Buildings).....................................    15
                                                                     13
        Library of Congress................................    29
                                                                     26
        Government Printing Office.........................    35
                                                                     29
        Government Accountability Office...................    39
                                                                     30
        Payment to the Open World Leadership Center Trust 
            Fund...........................................    41
                                                                     30
        John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training 
            and Development................................    41
                                                                     31
Title II--General Provisions...............................    41
                                                                     31
        Constitutional authority...........................
                                                                     31
        Comparison with budget resolution..................
                                                                     32
        Five-year projection of outlays....................
                                                                     32
        Assistance to State and local governments..........
                                                                     32
        Transfers of funds.................................
                                                                     33
        Statement of General Performance Goals and 
            Objectives.....................................
                                                                     33
        Rescissions........................................
                                                                     33
        Changes in the application of existing law.........
                                                                     33
        Compliance with clause 3--rule XIII................
                                                                     36
        Appropriations not authorized by law...............
                                                                     40
        Full Committee Vote................................
                                                                     40

                            SUMMARY OF BILL

    The bill, as recommended by the Committee, provides 
appropriations for fiscal year 2007 legislative branch 
operations, which total $3,026,903,000.
    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 bill as reported to the House. Current 
appropriations estimates for the Senate for fiscal year 2006, 
including those under the Architect of the Capitol, total 
$987,453,000.
    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 2006          year 2007             bill        authority, fiscal  authority, fiscal
                                                                                                                        year 2006          year 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS

House of Representatives.................................     $1,089,898,000     $1,156,322,000     $1,137,806,000       +$47,908,000       -$18,516,000
Joint items..............................................         19,617,000         24,683,000         24,624,000         +5,007,000            -59,000
Capitol Police...........................................        246,961,000        295,083,000        259,100,000        +12,139,000        -35,983,000
Office of Compliance.....................................          3,081,000          3,418,000          3,149,000            +68,000           -269,000
Congressional Budget Office..............................         35,096,000         37,026,000         36,329,000         +1,233,000           -697,000
Architect of the Capitol (except Senate office buildings)        357,859,000        477,626,000        363,134,000         +5,275,000       -114,492,000
Library of Congress......................................        554,893,000        588,131,000        570,177,000        +15,284,000        -17,954,000
Government Printing Office...............................        122,193,000        151,516,000        130,520,000         +8,327,000        -20,996,000
Government Accountability Office.........................        477,571,000        502,370,000        488,234,000        +10,663,000        -14,136,000
Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund..................         13,860,000         14,400,000         13,400,000           -460,000         -1,000,000
John C. Stennis Center...................................            430,000            430,000            430,000  .................  .................
                                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Grand total, new budget, (obligational) authority       $2,921,459,000     $3,251,005,000     $3,026,903,000      +$105,444,000      -$224,102,000
       (for items considered by House)...................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           HIGHLIGHTS OF BILL


                Summary of Estimates and Recommendations

    Budget estimates.--The budget estimates considered by the 
Committee total $3,251,005,000. 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.
    Committee recommendations.--A total of $3,026,903,000 in 
new budget (obligational) authority is recommended for fiscal 
year 2007. The bill does not include Senate items.
    Comparison with fiscal year 2006 appropriations.--Compared 
with the appropriations enacted for fiscal year 2006, the 
recommendation of $3,026,903,000 in net new budget 
(obligational) authority for fiscal year 2007 is an increase of 
$105,444,000 above fiscal year 2006 and $224,102,000 below the 
budget request.

                         STRUCTURE OF THE BILL

    The bill is divided into two titles:
    Title I--Contains the appropriations for the House of 
Representatives, Joint Items, the Capitol Police, the Office of 
Compliance, the Congressional Budget Office, the Architect of 
the Capitol (except Senate office buildings), the Library of 
Congress, the Government Printing Office, the Government 
Accountability Office, the Open World Leadership Center, and 
the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and 
Development.
    Title II--Contains general provisions.

                     LEGISLATIVE BRANCHWIDE MATTERS

    Dispute Resolution Procedures.--House Report 109-139 
accompanying the Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill for FY 
2006 directed the Office of Compliance to prepare a report with 
recommendations regarding the duplication of administrative 
dispute resolution programs between the agencies of the 
Legislative Branch. The Office of Compliance, engaging in an 
interactive information gathering process with such agencies, 
has completed the report which includes recommendations to 
address the multiplicity of employment dispute resolution 
procedures within the Legislative Branch. The Committee concurs 
with the recommendation that the dispute resolution programs 
should be approached from an evolutionary perspective, rather 
than by immediate comprehensive legislation. Therefore, the 
Committee directs that the agencies of the Legislative Branch, 
exclusive of the House and Senate, establish a council to serve 
as a coordinating body to engage in collaborative efforts to 
explore and implement improvements in efficiency and 
effectiveness, reductions of redundancies, and sharing of 
functions. The Committee further directs that the agencies 
organize in a manner such as that of the Legislative Branch 
Financial Managers Council and the Administrative Officers 
Council and directs the Office of Compliance to convene and 
facilitate the establishment and operation of the Employment 
Dispute Resolution Council. The Committee expects that the 
Council will report to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
House and Senate annually as part of the budget justification 
process reflecting its efforts and the progress being made 
toward the aforementioned goals and the resulting cost savings.
    Mass transit benefits.--The Committee has included funding 
for the Federal Mass Transit Benefit Program for the agencies 
of the Legislative Branch. The Committee allowance provides a 
$105 per month allowance to the employees who participate in 
the program. The Committee encourages the agencies of the 
Legislative Branch to support employee participation in this 
very important program.
    Appropriations Language.--Each year the agencies of the 
Legislative Branch submit, as part of their annual budget 
request, requests for new legislative language and/or changes 
to existing language. The Committee reminds all agencies that 
any language submitted as part of the President's annual budget 
requires full justification and will not be considered unless 
it is included in the justification of estimates.
    Committee Requests.--The Committee is concerned and will no 
longer tolerate substandard quality and responses to requests 
for information. Managers are expected to be available for 
responses during critical phases of the appropriations process 
and offices should be covered by staff at all times during 
regular working hours. Managers are expected to respond to 
requests immediately and if delays are anticipated or deadlines 
cannot be met, agencies are responsible to keep Committee staff 
informed of the progress and expected timeline of the 
responses.
    Payroll Projections.--The Committee is concerned with the 
various approaches demonstrated by the agencies regarding 
computation and presentation of requested payroll projections. 
Therefore, the Committee directs the Financial Managers Council 
with representation from each agency to develop a methodology 
and presentation format for standard use by all agencies. The 
Council will provide to the Committee on Appropriations of the 
House and Senate the recommendations, including formats and 
supporting documentation, as appropriate, for review by 
December 31, 2006.

               TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS


                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

    The Committee bill recommends a total of $1,137,806,000 for 
the operations of the House of Representatives during fiscal 
year 2007. The allowance is $47,908,000 above the current level 
and is $18,516,000 below the request.
    The following tabulation summarizes the recommendations:

        Item                                                      Amount
Salaries and expenses:
    House leadership offices............................     $21,092,000
    Members' representational allowances................     557,796,000
    Committee salaries and expenses.....................     151,348,000
    Salaries, officers and employees....................     159,581,000
    Allowances and expenses.............................     247,989,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
        Total, Salaries and Expenses....................  $1,137,806,000
                    ========================================================
                    ____________________________________________________
        Total, House of Representatives.................  $1,137,806,000

                         Salaries and Expenses

2006 appropriation......................................  $1,089,898,000
2007 budget estimate....................................   1,156,322,000
Committee recommendation................................   1,137,806,000

    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 child care center. 
The amount provided is $1,137,806,000.

                        House Leadership Offices

2006 appropriation......................................     $19,844,000
2007 budget estimate....................................      20,766,000
Committee recommendation................................      21,092,000

    The Committee recommends a total of $21,092,000 for the 
operations of the leadership offices during fiscal year 2007.
    The allocation by office follows:

House Leadership Offices

        Item                                                      Amount
Office of the Speaker...................................      $2,930,000
Office of the Majority Floor Leader.....................       2,213,000
Office of the Minority Floor Leader.....................       3,072,000
Office of the Majority Whip.............................       1,921,000
Office of the Minority Whip.............................       1,458,000
Speaker's Office for Legislative Floor Activities.......         491,000
Republican Steering Committee...........................         924,000
Republican Conference...................................       1,699,000
Republican Policy Committee.............................         407,000
Democratic Steering and Policy Committee................       2,194,000
Democratic Caucus.......................................         836,000
Nine Minority Employees.................................       1,473,000
Training and Program Development:
    Majority............................................         290,000
    Minority............................................         290,000
Cloakroom Personnel:
    Majority............................................         447,000
    Minority............................................         447,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
        Total...........................................     $21,092,000

                  Members' Representational Allowances

2006 appropriation......................................    $534,109,000
2007 budget estimate....................................     559,628,000
Committee recommendation................................     557,796,000

    A total of $557,796,000 is recommended for the 
representational allowances of the Members of the House, the 
so-called MRA account. The Committee bill provides $399,072,000 
for clerk hire salaries, $139,383,000 for official expenses, 
and $19,341,000 for official mail. It should be noted that 
these components are fungible under regulations prescribed by 
the Committee on House Administration. Each Member has an 
overall consolidated allowance established by the Committee on 
House Administration from which staff salaries, office 
expenses, and mail costs are drawn.

                          Committee Employees

2006 appropriation......................................    $142,572,000
2007 budget estimate....................................     152,733,000
Committee recommendation................................     151,348,000

    Standing Committees, special and select.--For the salaries 
and expenses of committees funded in the biennial funding 
resolution, $124,851,000 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), $26,497,000 is 
provided.
    Details of the funding resolution, H. Res. 224 (House 
Report 109-54) approved by the House for the 109th Congress, 
follow:

                                COMMITTEE FUNDING AUTHORIZATIONS, 109TH CONGRESS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Committee                               1st session     2nd session        Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agriculture.....................................................      $5,495,805      $5,761,204     $11,257,009
Armed Services..................................................       6,292,249       6,533,959      12,826,208
Budget..........................................................       6,013,239       6,013,239      12,026,478
Education and the Workforce.....................................       7,705,970       7,787,316      15,493,286
Energy and Commerce.............................................       9,812,619      10,113,068      19,925,687
Financial Services..............................................       7,427,648       7,775,452      15,203,100
Government Reform...............................................      10,121,443      10,375,642      20,497,085
Homeland Security...............................................       6,100,026       7,899,974      14,000,000
House Administration............................................       4,648,683       4,905,885       9,554,568
Intelligence....................................................       4,500,653       5,027,217       9,527,870
International Relations.........................................       7,946,084       8,352,934      16,299,018
Judiciary.......................................................       7,461,565       7,851,427      15,312,992
Resources.......................................................       7,178,224       7,342,738      14,520,962
Rules...........................................................       3,074,229       3,291,371       6,365,600
Science.........................................................       6,101,648       6,226,348      12,327,996
Small Business..................................................       2,721,600       2,865,373       5,586,973
Standards of Official Conduct...................................       1,891,890       2,398,646       4,290,536
Transportation and Infrastructure...............................       8,856,869       9,251,213      18,108,082
Veterans' Affairs...............................................       3,075,732       3,398,686       6,474,418
Ways and Means..................................................       8,674,514       9,144,980      17,819,494
Select Committee on Hurricane Katrina (H. Res. 437).............         500,000  ..............         500,000
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
      Total.....................................................    $125,600,690    $132,316,672    $257,917,362
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Since the funding resolution is done on a biennial basis 
and the resolution for the 109th Congress will expire on 
December 31, 2006. This funding will support the first session 
of the 110th Congress and is provided through December 31, 
2008.

                    Salaries, Officers and Employees

2006 appropriation......................................    $171,249,000
2007 budget estimate....................................     166,848,000
Committee recommendation................................     159,581,000

    The Committee recommendation for the salaries and expenses 
of House officers and employees of the various activities 
funded through this consolidated item is $159,581,000. This 
amount represents an overall decrease of $11,668,000 below the 
amount enacted in fiscal year 2006 and is $7,267,000 below the 
request.
    Remote Access Capability.-- The Committee is pleased with 
the efforts to date to ensure the continuity of this 
institution since the events of September 11th and the anthrax 
and ricin incidents. Considerable effort and resources have 
been undertaken to enable Members, committees and staff to 
operate from a single remote location.
    The Committee, however, is concerned that in the event 
access to a central location is compromised, especially during 
the initial days after an incident, essential communication and 
coordination among congressional leaders, Members and key staff 
may not be established.
    While the infrastructure now exists to facilitate remote 
access and enable communication from dispersed location, the 
arrangement among Members and offices is voluntary, creating a 
patchwork of compliance and present capability. The Committee 
has concerns that more should be done to improve current 
capabilities and therefore directs the Chief Administrative 
Officer to develop a proactive plan to improve compliance and 
enable more Members, committee and critical support staff that 
have redundant capacities to communicate and access their data 
and electronic resources from dispersed remote locations. Such 
a plan must include a timetable and cost estimate for meeting 
this objective and a continuity of government demonstration 
project to measure the plan's effectiveness.
    Disposal of Unwanted Telecommunications Equipment.--The 
Committee expects the Chief Administrative Officer to fully 
ensure compliance with the regulations promulgated by the 
Committee on House Administration regarding the disposal of 
unwanted telecommunications equipment, as reflected in the 
``Guide to Outfitting and Maintaining the U.S. House of 
Representatives.'' In fulfilling this requirement, the CAO is 
encouraged to reach out to Member offices to ensure awareness 
of this policy and to develop user-friendly guidelines and 
procedures.
    Archiving of Member's Official Records.--The Committee 
encourages the Clerk to expand upon the existing program to 
provide ongoing records management support for all Members of 
Congress. The Office of the Clerk is requested to actively 
contact each member at the start of each session of Congress 
and provide records management manuals and other materials to 
assist them in setting up and/or maintaining their records 
management system. It is also the Committee's desire that the 
House Archivist be available for consultations with current 
Member offices. The Clerk of the House is directed to report to 
the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on House 
Administration, no later than February 1, 2007, the need for 
additional staffing and resources in order to expand the 
records management program.
    The following table summarizes the funding allocation 
provided to each component of the account.

Salaries, Officers and Employees

        Item                                                      Amount
Office of the Clerk.....................................     $21,505,000
Office of the Sergeant at Arms..........................       6,240,000
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer..............     109,301,000
Office of the Inspector General.........................       4,204,000
Office of Emergency Planning, Preparedness and 
    Operations..........................................       3,997,000
Office of General Counsel...............................         959,000
Office of the Chaplain..................................         164,000
Office of the Parliamentarian...........................       1,762,000
Parliamentarian.........................................     (1,403,000)
Compilation of Precedents...............................       (359,000)
Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House.........       2,521,000
Office of the Legislative Counsel of the House..........       7,406,000
Office of Interparliamentary Affairs....................         737,000
Other authorized employees..............................         285,000
Office of the Historian.................................         500,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
        Total...........................................    $159,581,000

                        Allowances and Expenses

2006 appropriation......................................    $222,124,000
2007 budget estimate....................................     256,347,000
Committee recommendation................................     247,989,000

    A total of $247,989,000 is recommended for fiscal year 2007 
for allowances and expenses. This amount is $25,865,000 above 
the current level and is $8,358,000 below the request. 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; miscellaneous items; Capitol Visitor Center; and 
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery. Over 87% 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

        Detail                                          Recommended 2007
                                                                        
Supplies, materials, administrative costs and Federal 
    tort claims.........................................      $4,554,000
Official mail (committees, administrative, and 
    leadership offices).................................         410,000
Government contributions................................     217,253,000
Capitol Visitor Center..................................       3,410,000
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery...............      21,659,000
Miscellaneous items:
    House automobiles...................................         143,000
    Gratuities to beneficiaries of deceased staff.......         520,000
    Interparliamentary receptions.......................          40,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
        Subtotal, miscellaneous items...................        $703,000
                    ========================================================
                    ____________________________________________________
            Total, allowances and expenses..............    $247,989,000

                           Child Care Center

    The bill provides authority for the House child care center 
budget, as required by Sec. 312(d)(1) of Public Law 102-990, 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.

                       Administrative Provisions

    Section 101 provides for unspent amounts remaining in 
Members' Representational Allowances account to be used for 
deficit reduction. Section 102 increases lump-sum allowances 
with the approval of the Committee on House Administration. 
Section 103 provides for the continuation of the duties of the 
Chief Administrative Officer of the House in the case of the 
incumbent not being able to fulfill the duties. Section 104 
allows the CAO to contract with a public or private entity for 
the operation of the House Fitness Facility. Section 105 
permits Architect of the Capitol employees to receive 
discounted memberships in exercise facilities under contract to 
the House. Section 106 extends membership in the House Fitness 
Facility for employees other than those paid by the House 
payroll, subject to approval of the House Administration 
Committee. Section 107 provides for media support services at 
Presidential nominating conventions.

                              JOINT ITEMS

    The Committee recommends appropriations totaling 
$24,624,000 for fiscal year 2007 for the various joint 
committees and activities carried under this heading. The 
recommendation is $5,007,000 above the amount provided for 
fiscal year 2006 and is $59,000 below the request.
    The following summarizes the recommendations:

Joint Items

        Item                                                      Amount
Joint Economic Committee................................      $4,370,000
Joint Committee on Taxation.............................       9,082,000
Office of the Attending Physician.......................       2,652,000
Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office.......       8,490,000
Statements of Appropriations............................          30,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
    Total...............................................     $24,624,000

                        Joint Economic Committee

2006 appropriation......................................      $4,276,000
2007 budget estimate....................................       4,406,000
Committee recommendation................................       4,370,000

    The Committee has provided $4,370,000 for the Joint 
Economic Committee. This amount reflects an increase of $94,000 
above the enacted level and is $36,000 below the revised 
request.

                      Joint Committee on Taxation

2006 appropriation......................................      $8,693,000
2007 budget estimate....................................       9,105,000
Committee recommendation................................       9,082,000

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,082,000 for 
the Joint Committee on Taxation. This amount reflects an 
increase of $389,000 above the enacted level and is $23,000 
below the request.

                   Office of the Attending Physician

2006 appropriation......................................      $2,520,000
2007 budget estimate....................................       2,652,000
Committee recommendation................................       2,652,000

    The Committee has approved $2,652,000 for medical supplies, 
equipment, expenses, and allowances of Navy personnel detailed 
to the Office of the Attending Physician. This amount reflects 
an increase of $132,000 above the enacted level and is the same 
as the request.

           Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office

2006 appropriation......................................      $4,098,000
2007 budget estimate....................................       8,490,000
Committee recommendation................................       8,490,000

    The Committee bill provides $8,490,000 for the operation of 
the Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office during 
the next fiscal year. This amount reflects an increase of 
$4,392,000 above the enacted level and is the same as the 
amended budget request. This amount will support 143 FTE's to 
address the anticipated increased workload as a result of the 
opening of the Capitol Visitor Center.

                      Statements of Appropriations

2006 appropriation......................................         $30,000
2007 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 109th Congress. The House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations compile this publication jointly.

                             Capitol Police

2006 appropriation......................................    $246,961,000
2007 budget estimate....................................     295,083,000
Committee recommendation................................     259,100,000

    The recommendations in the bill provide a total of 
$259,100,000 for the Salaries and Expenses of the Capitol 
Police during fiscal year 2007. This amount reflects 
$220,600,000 for salaries and $38,500,000 for general expenses.
    Beginning with the submission of the fiscal year 2008 
budget the Committee directs the Capitol Police to include in 
the Appendix of the Budget of the United States Government 
complete Program and Finance schedules including Object 
Classification schedules.
    The Committee commends the Department on its plan to 
conduct a comprehensive workforce planning effort and 
encourages the following activities: a determination of core 
mission/responsibilities/expectations with stakeholders; a 
review of appropriate total FTE manning levels necessary to 
fulfill core mission requirements and responsibilities; a 
thorough review of, and compliance with, USCP policies, orders, 
directives, and operating procedures for alignment with core 
mission and organizational strategy; an assessment of 
organizational competencies and individual job category 
competencies to determine alignment with the requirements of 
core mission; a review of scheduling practices, especially in 
areas where the workforce is deployed in shifts; the leveraging 
of technology, and identification of opportunities for 
strategic outsourcing to improve workforce flexibilities and 
reduce costs.

                                Salaries

2006 appropriation......................................    $215,281,000
2007 budget estimate....................................     246,700,000
Committee recommendation................................     220,600,000

    The Committee bill provides $220,600,000 for the salaries 
and benefits authorized for police services throughout the 
Capitol Police jurisdiction during fiscal year 2007. This is an 
increase of $5,319,000 over the enacted level and is 
$26,100,000 less than the request.
    This level of funding will support the current staffing 
level of 1658 sworn, plus an additional 10 FTEs for the Library 
of Congress, for a total of 1668 sworn FTEs. Funding is also 
included to support 414 civilian FTEs.
    The Committee is encouraged by the efforts of the USCP to 
thoroughly review its original request of new personnel needed 
to staff the Capitol Visitor Center. It is noted that through 
careful application of risk-management strategies, and other 
means, the Department has managed to reduce its original 
request from 63 officers and supervisors to a total of 30. The 
Committee directs the Chief of Police to determine if 
additional savings can be achieved through further evaluation 
of posts and assignments, converting vacant civilian positions 
to sworn, civilianization of appropriate sworn positions, or 
other means. The Chief of Police is expected to report his 
findings to the Committee no later than July 7, 2006.

                            General Expenses

2006 appropriation......................................     $31,680,000
2007 budget estimate....................................      48,383,000
Committee recommendation................................      38,500,000

    The amount of $38,500,000 is recommended for all general 
expenses of the Capitol Police for fiscal year 2007. This is an 
increase of $6,820,000 above the enacted level and is 
$9,883,000 less than the request. In addition, $4,600,000 is 
available from prior year unobligated balances and fiscal year 
2006 projected salary surpluses upon the approval of the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate.

                       Administrative Provisions

    Section 1001 authorizes transfers between the various 
accounts of the Capitol Police. Section 1002 increases the 
authorization for tuition reimbursement. Section 1003 provides 
advance payment authority for subscription services. In regard 
to any advance payment for subscription services, a discount 
offered to the Capitol Police must exceed the cost of the funds 
per the rate published by the United States Treasury (I TFM 6-
8040.40).

                          OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE


                         Salaries and Expenses

2006 appropriation......................................      $3,081,000
2007 budget estimate....................................       3,418,000
Committee recommendation................................       3,149,000

    The bill provides $3,149,000 for the Office of Compliance. 
This amount is $68,000 above the current level and is $269,000 
below the budget request. This amount provides for 20 FTEs.
    The Committee has not included the language requested by 
the Office of Compliance to have its employees defined as 
``Congressional employees'' for the purpose of retirement 
benefits. The Committee suggests that the Office work with its 
authorizing committees to address this issue.

                        Administrative Provision

    Section 1101 authorizes lump-sum payments to reward 
exceptional performance.

                      CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE


                         Salaries and Expenses

2006 appropriation......................................     $35,096,000
2007 budget estimate....................................      37,026,000
Committee recommendation................................      36,329,000

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $36,329,000 
for the Congressional Budget Office. This is $1,233,000 above 
the current year and is $697,000 below the budget request.

                        ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL

2006 appropriation......................................    $357,859,000
2007 budget estimate....................................     477,626,000
Committee recommendation................................     363,134,000

    The Committee recommends a total of $363,134,000 for fiscal 
year 2007 for the various operational and maintenance 
activities under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the 
Capitol (AOC). Excluded is the Senate office building account, 
which will be considered by the Senate. This amount is 
$5,275,000, or 1.5% above the amount provided for fiscal year 
2006 and is $114,492,000, or 24% below the request.
    A summary of the appropriations recommended follows:

Architect of the Capitol (Excluding Senate)

        Item                                                      Amount
Architect of the Capitol:
    General Administration..............................     $89,413,000
    Capitol building....................................      22,396,000
    Capitol grounds.....................................       7,806,000
    House office buildings..............................      61,383,000
    Capitol Power Plant.................................      79,327,000
    Library buildings and grounds.......................      36,401,000
    Capitol Police buildings and grounds................      11,621,000
    Botanic Garden......................................       8,612,000
    Capitol Visitor Center..............................      46,175,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
        Total...........................................    $363,134,000

    Project Overhead Costs. The Committee is pleased that the 
Architect is taking proactive measures to review and improve 
the operations and management of the Construction Branch and 
looks forward to continued updates on the progress of this 
effort. However, the Committee is concerned that the Architect 
does not have a systematic relationship between direct project 
management costs and indirect costs for general or 
administrative overhead support attributable to the work 
performed for a project. To provide more transparency and 
accountability, the Committee directs the Architect to 
accumulate its direct project management and indirect overhead 
costs over the last three years, evaluate the rates used to 
allocate indirect overhead costs to determine whether the 
allocation was accurate and done in the most cost-effective 
manner, and report the results to the Committees on 
Appropriations of the House and Senate by December 31, 2006. 
The Committee also directs the Architect to use the results of 
the evaluation to establish a procedure that sets and allocates 
indirect overhead costs in a more consistent, effective and 
efficient manner. The Architect shall reevaluate the assessment 
of its indirect costs every three years and provide for an 
independent analysis of its assessment. Further, the Committee 
is concerned that certain charges to projects are not always 
charged to the project to which the work directly relates. 
Therefore, the Architect is directed to include in its review 
the process by which charges are made to projects to ensure 
that all charges are in compliance with appropriations law in 
terms of time and purpose, and also report the results to the 
Committees by December 31, 2006. The Government Accountability 
Office is requested to include these concerns in its ongoing 
review of AOC management functions and to provide advice and 
assistance to the AOC as required.
    Outsourcing. The Committee is concerned that little has 
been accomplished by the Architect in determining whether any 
outsourcing opportunities exist for the management and 
operation of its facilities, the study of those opportunities, 
and where warranted, the execution of contracts with private 
companies. The Committee directs the Architect, with the 
assistance of the Government Accountability Office, to develop 
a plan using criteria agreed to with the Committee that 
analyzes the costs, cost effectiveness, benefits, and 
feasibility of the Architect entering into contracts with 
private entities for managing and operating its facilities, 
including operations inside the buildings and the grounds about 
the same. The Architect shall submit the plan to the Committee 
by November 30, 2006, and include the appropriate requests with 
the fiscal year 2008 budget submission.
    FTE Management. The Committee is pleased with the progress 
made by the AOC Workforce Management team in the development 
and implementation of an automated system that tracks, 
monitors, projects, and reports full-time equivalent employment 
for both regular and overtime employment. While there are still 
certain goals to be met, the team has made great advances in 
this endeavor including quality checks against payroll data and 
the monthly report on civilian FTEs (SF-113G); biweekly reports 
to AOC managers; an enhanced FTE calculator; and the addition 
into the database of historical data for both regular and 
overtime FTEs.
    The AOC has been cooperative in working with this Committee 
to set reasonable FTE caps to abate the uncontrolled growth in 
permanent and temporary positions through the use of additional 
project FTEs.
    The table on full-time equivalent positions follows:

                      ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYMENT CAPS FY 2007
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Permanent    New Permanent   Temporary &       Total       Construction
        Appropriation             Cap      Recommended \1\    Projects    Jurisdiction     Branch \2\     Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Administration......          356              8              6             370               0      370
Capitol Building............          150  ...............           20             170               8      178
Capitol Grounds.............           64  ...............            0              64               7       71
Senate Office Buildings \3\.          437  ...............           48             485              77      562
House Office Buildings......          481              1             29             511              62      573
Capitol Power Plant.........           77  ...............            2              79              16       95
Library Buildings and                 120  ...............           16             136              51      187
 Grounds....................
Capitol Police Buildings and            3  ...............  ...........               3               9       12
 Grounds....................
Botanic Garden..............           62  ...............            2              64               2       66
Capitol Visitor Center......          105  ...............           10             115  ..............      115
                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total.................        1,855              9            133           1,997             232    2,229
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 2 Nurses, 1 Senior accountant, 1 Financial Analyst, 1 PE Assistant, 1 Statutory Inspector General, 1 Deputy
  Inspector General, 1 Management Analyst, 1 Secretary.
\2\ Construction Branch (CB) FTEs reflect estimates only. CB FTEs are charged to appropriations as required by
  project work and are interchangeable between appropriations.
\3\ Senate Office Buildings, for reference only, reflects FY 2005 and FY 2006 actuals for permanent, temporary,
  and project FTEs and the total cap of 562.

    Emergency Preparedness.--While the Committee supports the 
program for emergency preparedness and has included funding as 
requested in each appropriation, there is concern that the 
program needs further development and central management. 
Therefore, by November 1, 2006, and prior to the obligation of 
any funds for this purpose, the Committee directs the Safety 
Officer to submit a detailed plan to the Committees on 
Appropriations of the House and Senate, subject to approval, 
further describing the intended use of these funds. This plan 
will describe comprehensively, on an agency-wide basis, the 
goals, schedule, staffing and cost requirements of this program 
for fiscal year 2007 and the subsequent years for which funding 
will be required. The plan will also detail the coordination of 
this program with similar programs in other Legislative Branch 
agencies. This effort should be coordinated by an existing 
safety position.
    Statutory Inspector General.--Due to longstanding lapses in 
management practices in the Office of the Architect, the 
Committee is forced to take action to address this situation.
    The Committee is continually dismayed with the ongoing 
difficulties in the Architect's office such as the delays and 
escalating costs of the Capitol Visitor Center; cost overruns 
and lack of planning for transition and employee training for 
the new West Refrigeration Plant; and a complete management 
breakdown in the handling of safety requirements in the utility 
tunnels. Therefore, the Committee includes in the bill the 
establishment of a statutory Inspector General (IG) position to 
audit and report semi-annually on management and operations 
issues, and other issues as required. The IG will ensure that 
the AOC is using appropriate management practices and 
accounting standards within the limitations of the law. The 
bill language includes authority for the IG to establish a 
staff, but for initial staffing purposes the fiscal year 2007 
bill includes a total of 5 FTEs and funding for the IG; a 
Deputy IG, utilizing existing authority for a senior level 
position; a GS-12 Management Analyst; a GS-7 Administrative 
Secretary, and the current GS-15 position. This action is not 
intended to displace the sole GS-15 non-statutory position that 
is currently assigned similar duties, but rather to enhance and 
augment these much needed services.
    The Committee directs the Architect of the Capitol to enter 
into a contract with an executive employment search 
organization to perform a nation-wide recruitment of the 
Inspector General. The Committee further directs the formation 
of a panel comprised of the Inspectors General of the House of 
Representatives and the Library of Congress, and a 
representative selected by the Senate, to review the 
applications, interview the top applicants, and forward a 
recommendation, including not less than three candidates to the 
Architect of the Capitol for final consultation on selection 
with the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on 
Senate Rules and Administration. The final selection will take 
place not less than 180 days after the enactment of this Act.
    Continuance of GAO Management Review.--The Committee wishes 
to express its appreciation for the professional assistance 
provided by the GAO over the past 3 years in the review of 
management practices and systems in the office of the Architect 
and for the resulting recommendations set forth in the GAO 
report of February 2006. While much progress has been made in 
the identification of management deficiencies, the Committee 
requests a continuation of GAO efforts in providing assistance 
and oversight in the implementation of the recommendations. 
While the GAO has cited 61 recommendations, none have been 
fully addressed by the Architect and only 21 have been 
partially addressed. The Committee believes that the critical 
nature of the situation requires more fervent intervention. The 
GAO will intensify and expedite this process by providing full-
time, on-site staff to this effort. The Architect is directed 
to provide work space and equipment to the GAO staff. It is 
expected that this endeavor will require a long-term commitment 
and will be reviewed for continuation before the markup of the 
fiscal year 2008 bill.
    Newly Hired AOC Leaders.--The addition of the IG and the 
continuation of the GAO staff are in no way a reflection of the 
abilities of the recently hired leaders in the office of the 
Architect, but instead are provided to ensure that current 
management practices are improved on a swift and efficient 
basis. The Committee is pleased, thus far, with the performance 
exhibited by the Architect's new team and looks forward to a 
cooperative effort in addressing the management deficiencies.
    While the Committee is pleased that the Architect has made 
recent selections to fill vacant leadership positions, it is 
clear that the culture of the organization must change. The 
Committee believes these actions are necessary and warranted to 
ensure that new managers do not fall into unfavorable 
situations that may have been created by their predecessors.
    Organizational Realignment.--The Architect is directed to 
place the Office of Equal Employment under the purview of the 
Inspector General, so that the chance of a conflict in the 
chain of command is removed. This action will provide that the 
EEO office can function in an independent and unimpeded manner. 
Likewise, the Chief Financial Officer will report directly to 
the Architect to avoid any possibility of conflict through 
reporting channels. These actions are to take place immediately 
through this report directive.
    Overtime Reform.--The Committee understands that there are 
definite needs for overtime work to meet emergency requirements 
and certain Congressional events, but strongly encourages the 
Architect to avoid the current practice of ``scheduled 
overtime'' on a regular basis. Instead, the work schedules 
should be revised to cover such periods as part of the general 
work week. The Committee directs the Architect to take 
immediate action to review overtime usage on an individual and 
organizational basis to determine potential cost savings and 
work place efficiencies and to detect any potential abuses or 
misuses of overtime. Based on the findings, it is directed that 
policy be drafted on these issues and submitted to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate no later 
than November 1, 2006. The estimated reductions in overtime 
payroll funding resulting from this directive should be 
submitted with the justification of estimates for the fiscal 
year 2008 budget.
    E-85 Ethanol Fuel.--The Committee believes that the federal 
government should lead by example with regard to compliance 
with federal energy laws and the use of alternative fuels in 
flex-fueled vehicles. An increasing number of vehicles leased 
and operated for Legislative Branch purposes are capable of 
operating on E-85 Ethanol Fuel, yet there are few commercial or 
government fueling stations within a close proximity with such 
fuel. Accordingly, the Committee directs the Architect of the 
Capitol to complete a study on the feasibility of installing an 
E-85 tank, pump and related infrastructure for the use of 
official House of Representative vehicles, within six months of 
enactment of this Act. It is the Committee's intent that the 
installation of such equipment should commence within nine 
months of enactment of this Act.

                         General Administration

2006 appropriation......................................     $76,044,000
2007 budget estimate....................................     103,474,000
Committee recommendation................................      89,413,000

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $89,413,000, 
for fiscal year 2007. This amount is $13,369,000 above the 
amount provided in fiscal year 2006 and is $14,061,000 below 
the budget request. This account provides funds for personal 
services, equipment, communications, and other central support 
activities of the Architect of the Capitol. This recommendation 
provides for the addition of eight FTEs including two nurses 
for the CVC; two positions to support the new cost accounting 
system, a senior accountant and a financial analyst; and four 
for the office of the Inspector General bringing the total FTE 
complement of the IG office to five.
    Cost Accounting. The Committee is encouraged by the 
progress in the development of a cost accounting system within 
the AOC. During this critical development and implementation 
period, the Architect is directed to provide the Committee with 
a bimonthly progress report beginning on the first of the month 
following the issuance of this report. The status report will 
include the schedule, cost estimates, and critical milestones. 
Ultimately, the Committee looks forward to reports that capture 
the total cost of a program or project, including all overhead 
costs, a major goal of this effort.
    A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating 
budget and the project budget follows:

                         GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
                     [Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Amount         Committee
                  Item                       requested    recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fiscal Year 2007 Operating Budget
Personal Services.......................     $48,008,000     $46,744,000
Operations..............................      41,201,000      36,864,000
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Operating Budget..........     $89,209,000     $83,608,000
                                         ===============================

     Fiscal Year 2007 Project Budget

Conversion of Electronic OPF's..........        $850,000        $400,000
Office Services Van.....................          27,000          27,000
BASNet Back Upgrades....................          45,000          45,000
Maintenance Van-High Voltage Shop.......          27,000          27,000
Load Bank (13.2 kv, 1,500kw)............         125,000         125,000
CMD Eyewash Station Installation at DC            16,000          16,000
 Village................................
ACF HVAC Controls Replacement...........         560,000  ..............
ACF Lightning Protection System                  165,000         165,000
 Installation...........................
Energy Survey of Congressional Buildings       2,100,000  ..............
ACF Emergency Vehicle Storage Facility..       5,350,000  ..............
ACF Land Purchase.......................       5,000,000       5,000,000
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Project Budget............     $14,265,000      $5,805,000
                                         ===============================
      Total, General Administration.....    $103,474,000     $89,413,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Capitol Building

2006 appropriation......................................     $23,118,000
2007 budget estimate....................................      31,207,000
Committee recommendation................................      22,396,000

    A total of $22,396,000 is recommended for the operation and 
maintenance of the Capitol building during fiscal year 2007. 
This amount is $722,000 below the amount provided in fiscal 
year 2006 and is $8,811,000 below the budget request.
    A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating 
budget and the project budget follows:

                            CAPITOL BUILDING
                     [Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Amount         Committee
                  Item                       requested    recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fiscal Year 2007 Operating Budget

Personal Services.......................     $12,063,000     $12,006,000
Operations..............................       2,601,000       2,577,000
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Operating Budget..........     $14,664,000     $14,583,000
                                         -------------------------------

     Fiscal Year 2007 Project Budget

Replacement of Minton Tile..............        $400,000        $400,000
Computer, Telecom, & Electrical Support.         298,000         298,000
Exterior Painting U.S. Capital Building.       1,000,000       1,000,000
Legislative Call System Upgrade, USC....         150,000         150,000
Design, House Chamber Renovations.......       4,500,000  ..............
Design, Electrical Distribution System           700,000  ..............
 Replacement............................
Design, Air Handling Unit and Fan                400,000         400,000
 Replacements...........................
Design, Kitchen Renovations, House and           200,000  ..............
 Senate.................................
Design, Dome Rehabilitation, Phase II...         200,000  ..............
Design, HAVAC Controls Replacement......         175,000         175,000
Minor Construction......................       3,000,000       3,000,000
Conservation of Wall Paintings..........         500,000         500,000
Rosa Parks Sculpture....................  ..............         370,000
Egress Door Upgrade, West Brumidi                480,000         480,000
 Corridor, USC..........................
Redundant Fire Pump Installation, Senate       1,040,000       1,040,000
 Side, USC..............................
Security Improvements, House Chambers,         3,500,000  ..............
 USC....................................
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Project Budget............     $16,543,000      $7,813,000
                                         ===============================
      Total, Capitol Building...........     $31,207,000     $22,396,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Capitol Grounds

2006 appropriation......................................      $7,436,000
2007 budget estimate....................................       9,400,000
Committee recommendation................................       7,806,000

    The appropriation of $7,806,000 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 is a increase of $370,000 above the fiscal year 
2006 level and is $1,594,000 below the request.
    In addition to the projects listed below, the Committee 
recommends an additional $200,000 to provide for an increase in 
the trash removal contract. The Committee recommends that in 
lieu of additional funds to provide for a contractual safety 
officer that the existing AOC safety office provide these 
services for the grounds. The Committee recommends that the 
Architect of the Capitol meet with the appropriate officials 
within the District of Columbia to ensure that the city 
provides the services for which they are responsible, such as 
storm drainage adjacent to the parking areas. The Architect is 
reminded that the funding provided for landscape beautification 
is provided for a specific purpose as outlined in section 207 
and that other uses of this funding require reprogramming 
approval.
    A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating 
budget and the project budget follows:

                             CAPITOL GROUNDS
                     [Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Amount         Committee
                  Item                       requested    recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fiscal Year 2007 Operating Budget

Personal Services.......................      $5,405,000      $5,342,000
Operations..............................       2,135,000       2,174,000
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Operating Budget..........      $7,540,000      $7,516,000
                                         ===============================

     Fiscal Year 2007 Project Budget

Study/Design Parking Lot Storm Drain....         $20,000  ..............
Pave Independence Avenue................       1,200,000  ..............
East Front Plantings....................         290,000        $290,000
Purchase 60 Ton Snow Melt Unit..........         310,000  ..............
Replace Parking Lot Fencing.............          40,000  ..............
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Project Budget............      $1,860,000        $290,000
                                         ===============================
      Total, Capitol Grounds............      $9,400,000      $7,806,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         House Office Buildings

2006 appropriation......................................     $59,020,000
2007 budget estimate....................................      78,941,000
Committee recommendation................................      61,383,000

    For House office buildings $61,383,000 has been provided. 
This amount is a decrease of $17,558,000 below the budget 
request and is $2,363,000 above the amount provided for fiscal 
year 2006.
    The Committee recommends that the Architect perform minor 
projects such as fixture relamping and air handler cooling coil 
replacements within funding provided for Minor Construction. 
The Committee directs the Architect to refrain from requesting 
additional funds for projects that can be executed through 
existing funds.
    The Committee recommends one additional FTE in the Women's 
gymnasium to be absorbed from existing personnel funds.
    A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating 
budget and the project budget follows:

                         HOUSE OFFICE BUILDINGS
                     [Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Amount         Committee
                  Item                       requested    recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fiscal Year 2007 Operating Budget

Personal Services.......................     $35,080,000     $34,611,000
Operations..............................       7,146,000       6,967,000
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Operating Budget..........     $42,226,000     $41,578,000
                                         ===============================

     Fiscal Year 2007 Project Budget

Air Handler Cooling Coil Replacement,           $150,000  ..............
 FHOB...................................
Install Backflow Prevention Devices, HOB         100,000  ..............
Design, Roof Replacement, RHOB..........         400,000        $400,000
Design, Electrical Riser 2-5 Upgrade....          90,000          90,000
Design, Main Entry Reconfiguration, RHOB         530,000  ..............
Design, Fire Alarm System Upgrade, LHOB.         750,000  ..............
Design, Egress Improvements, CHOB.......         250,000  ..............
Design, Egress Improvements, RHOB.......         300,000  ..............
Design, Cable TV System Upgrade, FHOB...         490,000  ..............
Design, FDA Fit-Out Design..............       3,000,000  ..............
Minor Construction......................       4,910,000       4,910,000
CAO Project Support.....................       5,385,000       5,385,000
480v Switchgear and Transformer Rpl. Ph.       4,060,000       4,060,000
 1, RHOB................................
Kitchen Exhaust System Upgrade, LHOB....       8,340,000  ..............
Public Restroom Upgrade, Ph. 1 RHOB.....       3,000,000  ..............
Emergency Lighting Upgrade, Ph. 1, RHOB.       4,960,000       4,960,000
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Project Budget............     $36,715,000     $19,805,000
                                         ===============================
      Total, House Office Buildings.....     $78,941,000     $61,383,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          Capitol Power Plant

2006 appropriation......................................     $64,632,000
2007 budget estimate....................................      89,710,000
Committee recommendation net............................      79,327,000
Offsetting collections..................................       8,000,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
        Total available.................................     $87,327,000

    The Committee recommends the appropriation of $79,327,000 
for the Capitol power plant for fiscal year 2007, plus 
offsetting collections of $8,000,000. This is an increase of 
$21,229,000 above the amount provided in fiscal year 2006 and 
$2,383,000 below the budget request.
    Collections for Steam and Chilled Water Services.--The 
Committee directs the Architect of the Capitol, with the 
guidance of the Government Accountability Office, to reevaluate 
the rates charged to clients for steam and chilled water 
services. The rates should be established in time to notify 
clients of any increases that would be included in the fiscal 
year 2008 budget request.
    West Refrigeration Plant.--In 2005, the Government 
Accountability Office (GAO) recommended that the Architect 
develop and implement an updated workload-based staffing plan 
to address previous GAO and consultant reports related to 
staffing at the Capitol Power Plant. The recommendation was 
made in response to potential overstaffing at the Capitol Power 
Plant. The Committee is disappointed that the Architect has 
failed to complete an updated staffing plan with its budget 
request, which shows no reductions in Capitol Power Plant 
staff. Further, because the West Refrigeration Plant project is 
nearly complete and the Capitol Power Plant will soon be fully 
operational, the Architect should be able to complete its 
updated staffing plan, as well as study the costs, cost 
effectiveness, benefits, and feasibility of contracting for the 
management and operation of the Capitol Power Plant. Therefore, 
the Committee expects the Architect to promptly complete its 
workload-based staffing plan and provide the Committee with a 
detailed implementation plan, outlining the new Capitol Power 
Plant organizational structure and its schedule for achieving 
the reorganization, within 90 days from the issuance of this 
report. In addition, the Committee directs that the Architect 
also provide the Committee with a report within 180 days on its 
study on contracting for management and operation of the power 
plant. The Committee requests the GAO to continue to monitor 
the progress of the Architect in meeting these goals.
    Utility Steam Tunnels.--The Committee is very concerned 
about the Architect's failure to plan, budget for, and address 
the continuous maintenance and stewardship of the steam tunnels 
in a timely manner and its development of a catch-up budget 
request that cannot be prudently addressed in one year. 
Therefore, the Committee directs that by August 31, 2006, the 
Architect provide a plan and budget to the Committee that 
strategically address long term repairs to the steam tunnels 
over the next five years. The plan should include, at a 
minimum, an assessment of the tunnel problems that need to be 
corrected, the priorities from safety and operational 
standpoints, options for addressing the problems along with the 
costs and benefits and advantages and disadvantages of each 
option, the recommended options and schedule for 
implementation, and the identification of officials who will be 
accountable. In addition, the Committee directs that by July 
31, 2006, the Architect provide a report to the Committee 
identifying the management breakdowns within the Architect's 
organization that allowed the lack of an aggressive response to 
fix problems associated with the tunnels and steps taken and 
planned by the Architect to prevent such a situation from 
reoccurring. The Committee also directs the Architect to 
provide quarterly reports to the Committee on progress it makes 
in (1) implementing its strategic plan for making tunnel 
repairs, (2) fixing management problems that allowed the tunnel 
problems to go unaddressed for such a long time, and (3) steps 
being taken-and their effectiveness--to enhance the safety of 
workers who must go into the tunnels. The Committee requests 
the GAO to continue to monitor the Architect's progress in 
meeting these goals.
    Electrical Power Co-Generation.--The Committee is aware 
that there is a real potential for the Capitol Power Plant to 
co-generate electricity and that several private companies have 
at one time expressed an interest in operating such a facility. 
If there is merit in co-generation, the Committee believes the 
Architect should consider soliciting proposals that could bring 
private capital to upgrade the plant to co-generate electricity 
and lower future electric utility expenses and enable the 
Capitol and the Legislative Branch agencies to meet power 
reliability and continuity of government needs. The Committee 
encourages the Architect of the Capitol to complete its 
feasibility study and proceed in discussions and possible 
solicitations from the electric power industry. The shutdown 
last fall of one of the local power plants made it all too 
clear that the Federal Government and the metropolitan 
Washington, D.C. region's electric reliability concerns, 
heightened by ever present threat of terrorists, have not been 
adequately addressed.
    A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating 
budget and the project budget follows:

                           CAPITOL POWER PLANT
                     [Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Amount         Committee
                  Item                       requested    recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fiscal Year 2007 Operating Budget

Personal Services.......................      $8,234,000      $8,170,000
Utilities...............................      62,008,000      62,008,000
Operations..............................      12,941,000      12,941,000
Reimbursement...........................     (8,000,000)     (8,000,000)
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Operating Budget..........     $75,183,000     $75,119,000
                                         ===============================

     Fiscal Year 2007 Project Budget

Major Repair to Baghouse Duct Work and          $200,000        $200,000
 Re-insulation..........................
Boilers #1 and #2 Grate/Drive                    442,000         442,000
 Replacement............................
Tunnel Asbestos Abatement, Emergency           1,750,000       1,750,000
 Egress & Structural Repair.............
Main Dozer..............................         230,000  ..............
Backflow Preventer Installations........         382,000         382,000
Replace Air Compressors, Boiler Plant...         250,000  ..............
Upgrade Baghouse Controls...............         125,000  ..............
Demolish East Refrigeration Plant                100,000  ..............
 Cooling Towers.........................
Design, CPP Beautification..............       1,700,000       1,000,000
Design, Relocate ERP Chillers to WRPE...         150,000  ..............
Design, Raise North Coal Bunker Wall....         200,000  ..............
Design, Fire Alarm Upgrade..............         160,000         160,000
Design, Replace Boiler #1 Tube..........         119,000  ..............
Design, #1 and #2 Burner Replacement             221,000  ..............
 Study..................................
Design, Boilers #1-#3/Economizer                 224,000  ..............
 Modification Study.....................
Study, Life Safety Analysis.............         219,000         219,000
Study, Hazmat Survey....................          55,000          55,000
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Project Budget............      $6,527,000      $4,208,000
                                         ===============================
      Total, Capitol Power Plant........     $81,710,000     $79,327,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     Library Buildings and Grounds

2006 appropriation......................................     $68,075,000
2007 budget estimate....................................     102,237,000
Committee recommendation................................      36,401,000

    For Library buildings and grounds $36,401,000 has been 
provided. This amount is a decrease of $31,674,000 below the 
current fiscal year and is $65,836,000 below the request.
    A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating 
budget and the project budget follows:

                      LIBRARY BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
                     [Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Amount         Committee
                  Item                       requested    recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fiscal Year 2007 Operating Budget

Personal Services.......................     $12,031,000     $11,750,000
Operations..............................       9,908,000       9,732,000
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Operating Budget..........     $21,939,000     $21,482,000
                                         ===============================

     Fiscal Year 2007 Project Budget

Fire Safety Project Management..........        $250,000        $250,000
Repair Life Safety Deficiencies.........         386,000         386,000
Backflow Preventer Installation.........         250,000         250,000
Painting of Interior Arches, TJB........         237,000         237,000
Photo-Duplication Asbestos Abatement....         725,000         725,000
Preservation Environmental Monitoring...          80,000  ..............
Replace Partition Supports..............         250,000  ..............
Replace Sidewalks, JAB & TJB............         100,000         100,000
Electrical Vault Repairs................         200,000  ..............
Facility Condition Assessment...........       1,000,000       1,000,000
Study, Stained Glass Window Repairs, TJB         200,000  ..............
Design, Backflow Prevention.............          75,000  ..............
Design, Egress Improvements.............       1,500,000  ..............
Design, Fire Damper & Smoke Control            1,000,000  ..............
 System Modifications...................
Design, Cable TV System Upgrade.........         510,000  ..............
Study, Tunnel Architecture..............         200,000  ..............
Design, Fire Alarm System Upgrades, JAB.         680,000  ..............
Design, Drinking Water System                    350,000  ..............
 Replacement, JAB.......................
Design, Emergency HVAC Shutdown.........         200,000  ..............
Design, NW & SW Courtyard Renovation,             75,000  ..............
 TJB....................................
Minor Construction......................         990,000       1,100,000
High Voltage Switchgear Replacement, TJB       1,420,000       1,353,000
Sprinkler System Replacement, West Main        4,370,000       4,162,000
 Pavilion, TJB..........................
Smoke Detector Upgrades, JMMB...........       4,260,000       4,058,000
Firefighter Telephones, TJB.............         910,000         868,000
Logistics Warehouse, Ft. Meade, LOC.....      54,200,000  ..............
Air Handling Unit Replacement, Decks           2,890,000  ..............
 A&B, JMMB..............................
Elevator Modernization, TJB-1&2, JMMB D-       2,560,000  ..............
 1,2,3,4 & Escalator 1&2................
Egress Improvements, Phase II, JAB......         430,000         430,000
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Project Budget............     $80,298,000     $14,919,000
                                         ===============================
      Total, Library Buildings and          $102,237,000     $36,401,000
       Grounds..........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  Capitol Police Buildings and Grounds

2006 appropriation......................................     $14,753,000
2007 budget estimate....................................      20,218,000
Committee recommendation................................      11,621,000

    For Capitol Police buildings and grounds $11,621,000 has 
been provided. This amount is a decrease of $8,597,000 below 
the budget request and $3,132,000 below the current level.
    The Committee recommends the use of existing funds for 
security barrier gate arms for existing barriers ($850,000) and 
for the replacement of the kiosks on the north and south ends 
of Capitol square ($1,227,000). An amount of $650,000 is 
provided for 4 kiosks at vehicular barriers; and $300,000 is 
provided for a minor construction account from which 
requirements for special events shall be funded. Included in 
the budget base is $215,000 for the purchase of furniture and 
$1,000,000 for the purchase of property for the vehicle 
maintenance facility.
    A tabulation of the increases in the annual operating 
budget and the project budget follows:

                  CAPITOL POLICE BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
                     [Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Amount         Committee
                  Item                       requested    recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fiscal Year 2007 Operating Budget

Personal Services.......................        $651,000        $441,000
Operations..............................       8,835,000       8,835,000
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Operating Budget..........      $9,486,000      $9,276,000
                                         ===============================

     Fiscal Year 2007 Project Budget

Furniture Replacement, USCP.............        $370,000        $215,000
Basement Code Compliance, USCP 67K                45,000          45,000
 Street.................................
Stairwell Handrail Retrofit.............          29,000          29,000
Structural Fireproofing Repairs.........          56,000          56,000
Design Cable TV System Upgrade..........         100,000          50,000
Facilities Condition Assessment.........          20,000  ..............
Design, Facilities Security/
 Communication:
    Room Emergency Power & AC...........         500,000  ..............
    Study, Blast Window Assessments.....         620,000  ..............
    Design, Security Interface System...          40,000  ..............
Minor Construction......................       3,000,000         300,000
Vehicle Maintenance Facility Purchase...       1,000,000       1,000,000
Security Barrier Gate Arms for Existing          850,000  ..............
 Barriers, USCP.........................
Police Kiosks on Independence, USCP.....       2,225,000  ..............
Kiosk Replacement, North & South,              1,227,000  ..............
 Capitol Square, USCP...................
Kiosk at Vehicular Barriers, (4)                 650,000         650,000
 locations, USCP........................
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Project Budget............     $10,732,000      $2,345,000
                                         ===============================
      Total, Capitol Police Buildings        $20,218,000     $11,621,000
       and Grounds......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             Botanic Garden

2006 appropriation......................................      $7,557,000
2007 budget estimate....................................       9,264,000
Committee recommendation................................       8,612,000

    The amount recommended for the Botanic Garden is 
$8,612,000. This amount is $652,000 below the budget request 
and $1,055,000 above the current level.
    The Committee recommends $750,000 for the first phase of 
the restoration of the Bartholdi Fountain.
    The following tabulation summarizes the recommendations:

                             BOTANIC GARDEN
                     [Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Amount         Committee
                  Item                       requested    recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fiscal Year 2007 Operating Budget

Personal Services.......................      $5,167,000      $5,100,000
Operations..............................       2,458,000       2,333,000
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Operating Budget..........      $7,625,000      $7,433,000
                                         ===============================

     Fiscal Year 2007 Project Budget

Partnership Support.....................        $297,000        $297,000
Bartholdi Fountain Statue Restoration,           750,000         750,000
 Phase 1................................
Bartholdi Fountain Basin and Lighting,           460,000  ..............
 Phase 2................................
Backflow Prevention Upgrades............         132,000         132,000
                                         -------------------------------
    Subtotal, Project Budget............      $1,639,000      $1,179,000
                                         ===============================
      Total, Botanic Garden.............      $9,264,000      $8,612,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         Capitol Visitor Center

2006 appropriation......................................     $43,758,000
2007 budget estimate....................................      41,175,000
Committee recommendation................................      46,175,000

    Capitol Visitor Center Issues.--The Committee recommends 
funding in the amount of $46,175,000 for the cost to complete, 
project fit-out, and operations. This amount is $2,417,000 
above the amount provided in the current fiscal year and is 
$5,000,000 above the request. The amount above the request 
reflects the Government Accountability Office's estimate of the 
cost to complete which is higher than the Architect's most 
current estimate.
    The Committee is becoming increasingly concerned about the 
project's continuing schedule slippages and increasing costs 
being reported by the Government Accountability Office, the 
Architect of the Capitol's inability to fix water leaks, and 
the late discovery of major security and life safety issues 
affecting the project, including the recent disclosure that the 
new utility tunnel being constructed may not meet applicable 
life safety requirements. Accordingly, the Committee directs 
that by July 31, 2006, the Architect provide a report to the 
Committee on the major schedule, cost, quality, and 
coordination issues affecting the CVC project and the steps 
being taken and planned to address these issues. At a minimum, 
the Architect's report should include (1) an assessment of the 
effects of recent schedule slippages on the Architect's 
proposed opening dates for the Capitol Visitor Center and the 
House and Senate expansion spaces and the steps being taken to 
prevent further schedule slippages, including the effectiveness 
of efforts being taken to address trade stacking, late 
completion of shop drawings, design and scope changes late in 
the project, and missed milestones; (2) an updated estimate by 
the Architect's construction management contractor of the cost 
to complete the project, reasons for cost increases to date, 
and steps being taken to prevent further cost increases and 
assure that adequate information is available on the causes of 
delays; and (3) steps being taken to coordinate with 
appropriate authorities to ensure that security and life safety 
issues that can affect the project's schedule, cost, 
functionality, security, and safety are identified and 
addressed expeditiously. In addition, the Architect's report 
should address the steps being taken regarding water leaks in 
the facility and life safety issues associated with the new 
utility tunnel being constructed to serve the Capitol Visitor 
Center. The Committee requests the GAO to continue to monitor 
these issues.

                         CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER
                     [Request versus recommendation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Amount         Committee
                  Item                       requested    recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fiscal Year 2007 Operating Budget

Personal Services.......................     $10,639,000     $10,639,000
Operations..............................       5,402,000       5,402,000
                                         -------------------------------
      Subtotal, Operating Budget........     $16,041,000     $16,041,000
                                         ===============================

 Fiscal Year 2007 Project Fit-Out Budget

CVC Project Fit-Out.....................      $4,534,000      $4,534,000
                                         -------------------------------
      Subtotal, Project fit-Out.........      $4,534,000      $4,534,000
                                         ===============================

  Fiscal Year 2007 Construction Budget

Project Cost-to-Complete................     $20,600,000     $25,600,000
                                         -------------------------------
      Subtotal, Construction............     $20,600,000     $25,600,000
                                         ===============================
        Total, Capitol Vistor Center....     $41,175,000     $46,175,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       Administrative Provisions

    Section 1201 authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to 
enter into agreements for the Rosa Parks statue. Section 1202 
adjusts certain positions. Section 1203 makes adjustment for 
travel and transportation. Section 1204 adjusts the approval 
process for leasing authority. Section 1205 provides advance 
payment authority for subscription services. In regard to any 
advance payment for subscription services, a discount offered 
to the Architect of the Capitol must exceed the cost of the 
funds per the rate published by the United States Treasury (I 
TFM 6-8040.40). Section 1206 establishes an Office of the 
Inspector General.

                          LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

    The Committee recommends appropriations totaling 
$570,177,000 for the operations of the Library of Congress for 
fiscal year 2007. The funding provided will support 4,200 FTE's 
for fiscal year 2007 a reduction of 102 FTE's from the current 
authorized level.
    The Committee has included a new administrative provision 
(Section 1305) that allows for the transfer of funds between 
appropriations with the approval of the Committees on 
Appropriations of the House and Senate. This new provision will 
provide Library management flexibility to address funding 
requirements for such programs as, but not limited to, Library-
wide training, space management, information technology, and 
infrastructure requirements that all appropriations under the 
heading ``LIBRARY OF CONGRESS'' can address as agency 
priorities.
    The following table summarizes the allocation of funds by 
appropriation account:

Library of Congress

        Item                                                      Amount
Fiscal year 2007:
    Salaries and expenses...............................    $389,672,000
    Copyright Office....................................      24,069,000
    Congressional Research Service......................     102,462,000
    Books for the blind and physically handicapped......      53,974,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
        Total...........................................    $570,177,000

                         Salaries and Expenses

2006 appropriation......................................    $385,510,000
2007 budget estimate....................................     402,944,000
Committee recommendation................................     389,672,000
(Plus: Authority to spend receipts).....................     (6,350,000)
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
        Total available.................................    $396,022,000

    The sum of $389,672,000, plus $6,350,000 in offsetting 
receipts, is recommended for salaries and expenses, which is 
the basic appropriation for the operation of Library programs, 
an increase of $4,226,000 above the current level and a 
decrease of $13,272,000 below the request. The funding provided 
will support 2,849 FTE's a reduction of 66 FTE's from the 
current level.
    The amount provided provides $7,808,000 of the requested 
$10,937,000 for mandatory pay and related costs. The reduction 
of $3,129,000 below the request reflects a reduction of 
$910,000 for the recalculation of the FY 2007 cost-of-living 
increase and a reduction of $2,219,000 for within-grade 
increases. The Committee believes the Library can manage the 
decreased funding for within grade increases by managing the 
hiring rate on current vacant positions.
    The funding includes $2,399,000 of the requested $4,451,000 
for price level changes. Reductions have been taken in general 
inflation of $1,670,000 and $382,000 for adjustment in the GSA 
space rental.
    The Committee fully understands the constraints that this 
funding may place on the Library. However, with the new 
provision allowing for the transfer of funds between 
appropriations and appropriate reprogramming, there should be 
no reason that Library management cannot fulfill the mission of 
the Library within the funding provided.
    The Committee has not included language requested by the 
Library to provide ``Competitive Status'' and ``Selection 
Priority for Displaced Library of Congress Employees''. The 
Committee understands that the Library has started a 
comprehensive review of human resources issues and believes 
that the Library should continue this effort. The Committee 
suggests that when the review of the human resources issues is 
complete the Library should work with its authorizing 
committees to address competitive status, selection priority 
and other issues.
    Franklin Collection.--The Committee is very interested in 
the development of the World Digital Library pilot projects, 
particularly the pilot with Egypt that will cover multiple eras 
and contain multi-cultural materials and documents pertinent to 
Ancient Pharaonic Egypt, the Ptolemaic era that brought the 
Greeks and Romans to Egypt, early Coptic Christianity from the 
second century AD, and Islamic civilization starting in the 
seventh century. The Committee looks forward to periodic 
updates on the World Digital Library as materials are digitized 
and posted on the Library's website.
    The Committee continues to be interested in the 
availability of multi-language materials for middle and high 
school teaching as they relate to improved understanding of 
U.S. history and culture and the ability of Arabic language 
materials to be made available for language teaching. 
Acknowledging that the Library possesses copies of 3,000 
translated texts from English into Arabic, Farsi, Pashtu, 
Indonesian and other languages in the Franklin collection, 
covering a broad range of subjects, the Committee asks that the 
Library explore a pilot project, within the limitations of 
copyright law, to digitize and place on its web site translated 
materials in both English and Arabic. Arabic translated 
materials would be of interest to large portions of the world's 
Arabic-speaking and/or reading populations not only in the Near 
East and North Africa, but also in Sub-Sahara Africa, South and 
South-East Asia and Central Asia.

                            Copyright Office

2006 appropriation......................................     $22,429,000
2007 budget request.....................................      25,205,000
Committee recommendation................................      24,069,000
(Plus: Authority to spend receipts).....................    (34,975,000)
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
    Total available.....................................     $59,044,000

    Salaries and expenses.--The Committee recommends an 
appropriation of $24,069,000, plus authority to spend 
$34,975,000 in receipts, for the Copyright Office. The total 
available in this recommendation is $1,640,000 above the amount 
provided in the current fiscal year and is $1,136,000 below the 
request. The funding provided will support 523 FTE's a 
reduction of 7 FTE's from the current level. The Committee 
recommendation includes $1,000,000 for the Records Preservation 
Project that is funded with offsetting collections.

                     Congressional Research Service

2006 appropriation......................................     $99,907,000
2007 budget estimate....................................     104,279,000
Committee recommendation................................     102,462,000

    Salaries and expenses.--The Committee recommends 
$102,462,000 for fiscal year 2007. This amount is $2,555,000 
above the current year and is $1,817,000 below the request. The 
funding provided will support 700 FTE's, a reduction of 29 
FTE's from the current level. Funding within this 
recommendation provides $2,443,000 for mandatory pay and 
related costs and $511,000 for price level changes.

             Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

2006 appropriation......................................     $53,905,000
2007 budget estimate....................................      55,703,000
Committee recommendation................................      53,974,000

    Salaries and expenses.--A total of $53,974,000 is 
recommended for the National Library Service for the Blind and 
Physically Handicapped, an increase of $69,000 over the amount 
provided in fiscal year 2006 and $1,729,000 below the request. 
This funding will continue to support 128 FTE's.
    Newsline Program.--The Committee supports the Library of 
Congress providing electronic newspapers and magazines to blind 
and physically handicapped individuals consistent with proposed 
legislation being considered to provide for a permanent 
authorization for this ongoing program.

                       Administrative Provisions

    The Committee has included five administrative provisions. 
Section 1301 provides for expenses related to official 
representation for the incentive awards program. Section 1302 
provides obligation authority for various Library programs. 
Section 1303 limits the amount of reimbursement to the 
Department of State for maintenance, upgrade, and construction. 
Section 1304 changes the audit requirements for the Cooperative 
Acquisitions Program Revolving Fund. Section 1305 provides 
authority to transfer funds between Library accounts.

                       GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE


                   Congressional Printing and Binding

2006 appropriation......................................     $87,209,000
2007 budget estimate....................................     100,285,000
Committee recommendation................................      95,233,000

    The Committee has included an appropriation of $95,233,000 
for printing and binding of congressional documents at the 
Government Printing Office for use by Congress. This amount is 
an increase of $8,024,000 above the current level and is 
$5,052,000 below the request. The recommendation provides 
$1,919,000 for price level increases, $4,705,000 for the 2006 
edition of the U.S. Code, and $1,400,000 to cover the 
anticipated shortfall in the current budget that will carry 
forward into FY 2007.
    A comparative summary of the recommendation by category of 
work follows:

                                       CONGRESSIONAL PRINTING AND BINDING
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Appropriation                      Recommended
                                                                     2006        Requested 2007        2007
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Congressional Record program.................................      $23,108,000      $22,993,000
Miscellaneous publications...................................        3,382,000        3,866,000
U.S. Code and Supplements....................................  ...............        4,705,000
Miscellaneous printing and binding...........................       19,560,000       21,654,000
Details to Congress..........................................        2,881,000        2,881,000
IT Projects..................................................  ...............        2,380,000
Document envelopes and document franks.......................          918,000          957,000
Business and committee calendars.............................        4,746,000        4,785,000
Bills, resolutions, and amendments...........................        8,396,000        9,269,000
Committee reports............................................        3,464,000        3,461,000
Documents....................................................        2,037,000        2,572,000
Hearings.....................................................       17,869,000       18,857,000
Committee prints.............................................          848,000        1,905,000
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total..................................................      $87,209,000     $100,285,000      $95,233,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 Office of Superintendent of Documents

2006 appropriation......................................     $33,004,000
2007 budget estimate....................................      43,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      35,287,000

    The Committee recommends the appropriation of $35,287,000 
for the salaries and expenses of the Superintendent of 
Documents, a part of the Government Printing Office. This 
amount is $2,283,000 above the fiscal year 2006 level and is 
$7,713,000 below the budget request. The recommendation 
provides $2,000,000 for the 2006 edition of the U.S. Code and 
$283,000 for mandatory pay increases.

               Government Printing Office Revolving Fund





2006 appropriation....................................        $1,980,000
2007 budget estimate..................................         8,231,000
Committee recommendation..............................  ................


    The Committee recommendation does not provide any funding 
for the Government Printing Office Revolving Fund. The bill 
includes the usual language authorizing the operation of the 
revolving fund, authority to hire or purchase automobiles, 
advisory councils, and consultants, and authorization for 
expenditure of funds for the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary 
Commission. The limit on full-time equivalent employment has 
been set at 2,621.

                    GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE


                         Salaries and Expenses

2006 appropriation......................................    $477,571,000
2007 budget estimate....................................     502,370,000
Committee recommendation................................     488,234,000
Offsetting collections..................................     (6,985,000)
    Total available.....................................     495,219,000

    The Committee has provided $488,234,000 in direct 
appropriations for the Government Accountability Office, plus 
$6,985,000 in offsetting collections derived from 
reimbursements for conducting financial audits of government 
corporations and rental of space in the GAO building. This 
amount is an increase of $10,663,000 above the current fiscal 
year and is $14,136,000 less than the budget request. This 
funding provides for 3,267 FTEs, an increase of 50 FTE's above 
the current base. The increase in FTE's will be utilized to 
address such areas as health care, the Gulf Coast 
reconstruction, and the war in Iraq.

         Payment to the Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund

2006 appropriation......................................     $13,860,000
2007 budget estimate....................................      14,400,000
Committee recommendation................................      13,400,000

    The Committee recommends $13,400,000 for payment to the 
Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund. This amount is 
$460,000 below the fiscal year 2006 level and is $1,000,000 
below the budget request. This reduction below the budget 
request should have no adverse impact on the program since on 
average over the past 3 years the Center has under executed its 
obligation authority in excess of $1.1 million dollars per 
year.
    In 2003, Congress extended the reach of the Open World 
Program beyond Russia. The Board of Trustees selected the 
Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Lithuania as the first expansion 
countries. The Committee notes that with increasing emerging 
democracies in the Middle East and other parts of the world the 
Board of Trustees of the Open World Leadership Center might 
once again consider the possibility of expanding its outreach. 
With the formulation of new constitutions and new governments 
now seems an appropriate time for the Open World Program to 
further its outreach and begin an exchange program for the new 
generation of emerging political and civic leaders in other 
parts of the world. The Committee expects the Board to 
accomplish this program expansion within existing resources.

   John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development





2006 appropriation....................................          $430,000
2007 budget estimate..................................           430,000
Committee recommendation..............................           430,000


    The Committee has provided $430,000 for the John C. Stennis 
Center for Public Service Training and Development. This amount 
is the same as the fiscal year 2006 level and the fiscal year 
2007 budget request.

                      TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    The customary language regarding emergency assistance for 
vehicles, fiscal year limitation, positions and allowances, 
consulting services, awards and settlements, the Legislative 
Branch Financial Managers Council, the Architect to maintain 
and landscape areas on Washington Avenue SW and a limitation on 
transfers of funds is included in this bill (Sec. 201-208). The 
Committee has included two new provisions. Section 209 
prohibits the use of funds for the establishment or operation 
of a smoking area in the cafeteria of the Rayburn House Office 
Building, Section 210 places the Office of the Architect of the 
Capitol under receivership of the Comptroller General of the 
United States.

                        CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY

    Clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII 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

    Clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires an explanation of compliance with 
section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget and 
Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-09344), as amended, 
which 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 
of the Act for the most recently agreed to concurrent 
resolution on the budget for the fiscal year from the 
Committee's section 302(b) allocation.
    This information follows:

                    COMPARISON WITH BUDGET RESOLUTION
                        [In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Sec. 302(b)          This bill--
                               -----------------------------------------
                                  Budget               Budget
                                authority   Outlays  authority   Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary.................     $4,030    $4,013     $3,027  \1\ $3,2
                                                                      14
Mandatory.....................        122       122        122       122
                               -----------------------------------------
      Total...................     $4,152    $4,135     $3,149   $3,336
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Includes outlays from House and Senate prior-year budget authority.
Note.--Bill amounts excludes discretionary Senate-related items.

                    FIVE-YEAR PROJECTION OF OUTLAYS

    In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the 
Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (P.L. 
93-09344), as amended, the following table contains five-year 
projections associated with the budget authority provided in 
the accompanying bill:

Five-Year Projection of Outlays

                                                                Millions
Outlays:
    2007................................................           2,592
    2008................................................             310
    2009................................................              69
    2010................................................              70
    2011................................................              12

               ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

    In accordance with section 308(a)(1)(C) of the 
Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (P.L. 
93-09344), as amended, the financial assistance to State and 
local governments is as follows:
    The accompanying bill contains no funding for State and 
local assistance programs.

                           TRANSFERS OF FUNDS

    Indefinite transfer authority is authorized in Library of 
Congress, Congressional printing and binding, the 
Superintendent of Documents, and the Capitol Police programs.

         STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following is a statement of 
general performance goals and objectives for which this measure 
authorizes funding:
    The Committee on Appropriations considers program 
performance, including a program's success in developing and 
attaining outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing 
funding recommendations.

                              RESCISSIONS

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following table is submitted 
describing the rescissions recommended in the accompanying 
bill:
    The accompanying bill contains no rescissions.

               CHANGES IN THE APPLICATION OF EXISTING LAW

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1), of rule XIII 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. The bill authorizes salaries and expenses of the House 
Child Care Center.
    7. The bill requires unspent funds remaining in Members 
Representational Allowances to be used for deficit or debt 
reduction.
    8. The bill authorizes increases lump-sum allowances for 
certain accounts within the House subject to the approval of 
the authorizing committee.
    9. There is bill language that provides for the 
continuation of the duties of the Chief Administrative Officer 
of the House in the case of the incumbent not being able to 
fulfill the duties.
    10. There is language authorizing the Chief Administrative 
Officer of the House to contract with a public or private 
entity for the operation of the House Fitness Facility.
    11. There is language that authorizes allowances for 
employees of the Office of the Attending Physician.
    12. There is language under ``Capitol Police, 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 and for the costs of basic 
training of police personnel.
    13. The bill authorizes the transfer of funds within 
``Capitol Police, Salaries'' and ``Capitol Police, General 
Expenses'', subject to approval.
    14. The bill authorizes an increase in student loan 
reimbursements for the Capitol Police.
    15. The bill authorizes the Capitol Police to make advance 
payments for subscription services.
    16. There is language under the Office of Compliance 
providing for the disposal of personal property.
    17. There is language under the Office of Compliance 
authorizing lump-sum payments to reward exceptional 
performance.
    18. 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.
    19. There is language under the Architect of the Capitol, 
Botanic Garden that authorizes expenditures for the National 
Garden.
    20. There is language under the Architect of the Capitol, 
Capitol Visitor Center, restricting the obligation of funds 
without prior approval.
    21. There is language that transfers the authority of 
certain positions in the Architect of the Capitol.
    22. There is language that authorizes travel and 
transportation expenses for applicants for certain positions 
with the Architect of the Capitol.
    23. There is language under the Architect of the Capitol 
regarding leasing authority approval.
    24. There is language authorizing advance payments for 
subscriptions for the Architect of the Capitol.
    25. There is language under the Architect of the Capitol 
establishing an office of Inspector General.
    26. There is authority to expend funds collected under the 
authority of 2 U.S.C. 150 and for international legal 
information, the balance to remain available until expended.
    27. There is language authorizing the expenditure of funds 
for the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.
    28. There is language authorizing expenditure of receipts 
for the Copyright Royalty Judges.
    29. There is language under ``Congressional Research 
Service'' which prohibits the publication of material unless 
approved by the appropriate committees.
    30. There is language authorizing the temporary transfer of 
funds under the heading ``Library of Congress, Salaries and 
Expenses''.
    31. There is language regarding the audit requirements of 
certain Library of Congress funds.
    32. There is language authorizing the transfer of funds 
between the account under the heading ``Library of Congress'', 
subject to approval.
    33. 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 and 
Senators, 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, limiting the printing of certain documents to a time 
certain, and authorizing the transfer of unobligated balances.
    34. Authorization of appropriations for Congressional 
printing and binding is included.
    35. There is language under ``Salaries and Expenses'', 
Office of Superintendent of Documents, which authorizes the use 
of current appropriations to pay for printing certain 
publications in prior years for the depository library program. 
There is language authorizing the transfer of unexpended 
balances.
    36. There is language authorizing the operation of the 
Government Printing Office revolving fund, and which authorizes 
travel expenses for advisory councils.
    37. There is language authorizing the expenditure of funds 
from the Government Printing Office revolving fund for the 
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission.
    38. The bill includes a limitation on GPO employment of not 
more than 2,621 full-time equivalent work years.
    39. There is language relating to the Government 
Accountability 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 National 
Intergovernmental Audit Forum or a Regional Intergovernmental 
Audit Forum.
    40. In Section 201, 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 Administration and 
for the Senate by the Committee on Rules and Administration.
    41. Section 203 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.
    42. Section 204 requires that certain information regarding 
consulting services shall be a matter of public record.
    43. Section 206 authorizes legislative branch entities to 
share the costs of the Legislative Branch Financial Managers 
Council.
    44. Section 207 authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to 
maintain certain property.
    45. Section 208 limits the transfer of funds in this Act.
    46. Section 209 prohibits the use of funds in this Act to 
be used to establish or operate a smoking area in the Rayburn 
House Office Building cafeteria.
    47. Section 210 places the office of the Architect of the 
Capitol into receivership.

          COMPLIANCE WITH RULE XIII, CL. 3(e) (RAMSEYER RULE)

    In compliance with clause 3(e) 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):

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

    In compliance with clause 3(e) 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 italics, existing law in which no change 
is proposed is shown in roman):

      SECTION 7 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1943

    [Sec. 7. That hereafter in case of the death, resignation, 
separation from office, or disability of the Chief 
Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, the 
accounts of the Chief Administrative Officer may be continued 
and payments made in his name by the disbursing clerk of the 
House of Representatives for a period extending not beyond the 
quarterly period during which a new Chief Administrative 
Officer shall have been appointed. Such accounts and payments 
shall be allowed and settled in the General Accounting Office, 
and the checks signed in the name of the former Chief 
Administrative Officer shall be honored by the Treasurer of the 
United States, in the same manner as if the former Chief 
Administrative Officer had continued in office. The former 
Chief Administrative Office or his estate shall not be subject 
to any legal liability or penalty for the official acts and 
defaults of such disbursing clerk acting in the name or in the 
place of the former Chief Administrative Officer under this 
section, bush such disbursing clerk shall be responsible 
therefor. The bond for the disbursing clerk of the House of 
Representatives shall be in the same amount as the bond 
required of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. The 
Secretary of the Treasury may, from time to time, require such 
disbursing clerk to renew his bond to the United States. The 
accounts and payments referred to in the second sentence shall 
be audited by the Inspector General of the House of 
Representatives.]
                              ----------                              


       SECTION 208 OF THE LEGISLATIVE REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1946

    Sec. 208 (a) * * *
    (b) Any person appointed pursuant to this section shall 
exercise all the duties, shall have all the powers, and shall 
be subject to all the requirements and limitations applicable 
with respect to one chosen by the House of Representatives to 
fill the office [involved; but nothing in this section shall be 
held to amend, repeal, or otherwise affect section 7 of the 
Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1943 (2 U. S. C., sec. 
75a).] involved.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


              LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005

                               DIVISION G

              LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005

TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Administrative Provisions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


    Sec. 103. Contract For Exercise Facility. (a) In General.--
The Chief Administrative Officer of the House of 
Representatives shall enter into a contract on a competitive 
basis with a [private entity] public or private entity for the 
management, operation, and maintenance of the exercise facility 
established for the use of employees of the House of 
Representatives which is constructed with funds made available 
under this Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


          SECTION 908 OF THE EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL ACT, 2002

              EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR EMPLOYEES

    Sec. 908. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (c) Limit on Amount of Payments.--The total amount paid by 
the Capitol Police with respect to any individual under the 
program under this section may not exceed [$40,000] $60,000.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                        ACT OF DECEMBER 1, 2005

                          (Public Law 109-116)

AN ACT to direct the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain a statue 
 of Rosa Parks and to place the statue in the United States Capitol in 
            National Statuary Hall, and for other purposes.

SECTION 1. PLACEMENT OF STATUE OF ROSA PARKS IN NATIONAL STATUARY HALL.

    (a) Obtaining Statue.--Not later than 2 years after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Joint Committee on the 
Library shall enter into an agreement to obtain a statue of 
Rosa Parks, under such terms and conditions as the Joint 
Committee considers appropriate consistent with applicable law. 
The Joint Committee may authorize the Architect of the Capitol 
to enter into the agreement required under this subsection on 
its behalf, under such terms and conditions as the Joint 
Committee may require.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


    SECTION 1203 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2003

    Sec. 1203. Deputy Architect of the Capitol/Chief Operating 
Officer. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (e) Action Plan.--
            (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

            [(3) Additional senior positions.--Notwithstanding 
        section 108(a) of the Legislative Branch Appropriations 
        Act, 1991 (2 U.S.C. 1839), as amended by section 129(c) 
        of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2002, the 
        Architect of the Capitol may fix the rate of basic pay 
        for not more than 3 additional positions at a rate not 
        to exceed the highest total rate of pay for the Senior 
        Executive Service under subchapter VIII of chapter 53 
        of title 5, United States Code, for the locality 
        involved.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


     SECTION 108 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1991

                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

  Sec. 108. (a) The Architect of the Capitol may fix the rate 
of basic pay for not more than [12] 15 positions at a rate not 
to exceed the highest total rate of pay for the Senior 
Executive Service under subchapter VIII of chapter 53 of title 
5, United States Code, for the locality involved.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


              SECTION 5721 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE

Sec. 5721. Definitions

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

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                    (G) the Architect of the Capitol;
                    [(G)] (H) the Government Printing Office; 
                and
                    [(H)] (I) the government of the District of 
                Columbia;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


       SECTION 521 OF THE NATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION POLICY ACT

SEC. 521. DEFINITIONS.

    As used in the part--
            (1) The term ``Federal agency'' means--
                    (A) * * *
                    (B) each entity specified in paragraphs (B) 
                through [(H)] (I) of subsection (1) of section 
                5721 of title 5, United States Code.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


    SECTION 1102 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2004

    Sec. 1102. Leasing of Space. (a) * * *
    (b) Conditions to Lease Space.--The Architect of the 
Capitol may lease space under subsection (a) upon submission of 
written notice of intent to lease such space to, and approved 
by--
            (1) the [Committee on Rules and Administration] 
        Committees on Appropriations and Rules and 
        Administration of the Senate for space to be leased for 
        the Senate;
            (2) [the House Office Building Commission] the 
        Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
        Representatives and the House Office Building 
        Commission for space to be leased for the House of 
        Representatives; and
            (3) the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate 
        and House of Representatives, for space to be leased 
        for any other entity under subsection (a).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


     SECTION 207 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1998

    Sec. 207. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    [(e) Annual Report.--Not later than March 31 of each year, 
the Librarian of Congress shall prepare and submit to Congress 
an audited financial statement for the revolving fund for the 
preceding fiscal year. The audit shall be conducted in 
accordance with Government Auditing Standards for financial 
audits issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.]
    (e) Audit.--The revolving fund shall be subject to audit by 
the Comptroller General at the Comptroller General's 
discretion.

                  APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW

    Clause 3(f)(1), rule XIII requires a table of all 
appropriations in the bill that are not authorized by law. 
Appropriations included in this bill have been previously 
authorized by law.

                          FULL COMMITTEE VOTES

    Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(b) of rule XIII of 
the House of Representatives, the results of each rollcall vote 
on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with the 
names of those voting for and those voting against, are 
required to be included in the Committee report. No rollcall 
votes were ordered on an amendment to, or the motion to report, 
this bill.


                ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF THE HON. DAVID OBEY

    The $3,026 million provided in this bill to operate the 
legislative branch agencies under the jurisdiction of the House 
seems straight forward and fiscally responsible. Excluding the 
16 percent increase requested by the Senate, the 3.6 percent 
increase in the bill reported by the Committee is $225 million 
below the requests and only marginally above the rate of 
inflation.
    Of the reductions recommended by the Committee, $114 
million comes from the Architect of the Capitol's request by 
eliminating most new construction starts based on the view, 
which I share, that the Office of the Architect is not able to 
manage new projects at this time. Beyond the Architect, most 
initiatives proposed to the Committee by other legislative 
agencies, which are not absolutely required, have been rejected 
or scaled back. This includes funds for increased staffing for 
the Government Printing Office, the Capitol Police and the 
Government Accountability Office, and funding for technology 
upgrades at a number of agencies. While many of these increases 
are justified on their merits, the funding is just not 
available.
    I am worried, however, that in approving a 3.6 percent 
increase in this Legislative Branch bill that the Congress is 
taking better care of itself financially than the Majority's 
budget allows for almost every other part of the domestic 
budget. The 6.5 percent increase anticipated in the Committee's 
302(b) allocation for the Legislative bill (including the 
funding for the Senate) is larger than the increase for the 
Defense and Homeland Security bills. It is double the rate of 
increase for any other domestic bill with the exception of the 
bill funding aid to our veterans. The problem is not that the 
amounts in this bill to run the Congress are unjustified; it is 
that the amounts for programs which serve the needs of typical 
American families are too low under the budget policies which 
the Republican Leadership has imposed on this Committee.
    I am, however, very uncomfortable providing $363 million of 
the public's money to the Architect of the Capitol, an 
organization which has proven itself to be incompetent to the 
task. I have discussed previously, both in Committee and on the 
House floor, my concerns regarding the management fiasco which 
we call the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). At the Committee's 
hearings in March we confirmed further delays and cost 
overruns. The CVC will almost certainly not open until late 
summer or fall of 2007, a full two years behind schedule and 
the latest GAO cost estimate of $555 to $584 million is more 
than double the estimate submitted in the Spring of 2002. The 
history of increasing cost for the CVC has been one of constant 
escalation beginning with a price tag of $100 million in June 
of 1995, increasing to $265 million in June of 2001, $347 
million in May 2003, $421 million in May of 2004, $517 million 
in May 2005 and now to the current estimate by GAO of nearly 
$600 million. Further delays and cost increases are still 
likely and I personally don't expect the CVC to be fully open 
until 2008. Now we hear that the new Visitor Center leaks.
    The failures in managing the Visitor Center project do not 
fall solely on the Architect and his staff. Insufficient 
attention has been given to these issues by those within the 
Majority responsible for oversight of the Architect's 
operations. This lack of oversight is also evident in their 
management of the federal budget, including the resulting 
escalation in the federal deficit.
    But the Architect's problems do not stop with the Visitor 
Center. The recent reports of the mismanagement of worker 
safety issues in the utility tunnels is for me the straw that 
broke the camel's back. As Members will recall, Congress found 
out for the first time in February that there were serious 
worker safety issues in the tunnels involving both structural 
hazards and asbestos. We did not hear about this from the 
Architect. We heard about it from the press because of a formal 
worker safety complaint filed by the Office of Compliance--the 
first formal complaint ever filed by that Office.
    Even after the filing of a formal complaint by the 
Compliance Office, the Architect did not seem to take these 
concerns seriously. He testified before our Committee on March 
14th that his office was on top of the issue and made no 
further request for funds. On March 30th, he sent a formal memo 
to the Committee again reviewing everything that had been done 
and they were planning to do to address the utility tunnel 
problems. Again, there was not hint of the need for significant 
additional funding. The message to the Committee was, 
basically, ``We have a handle on this.'' Then on April 12th, 
without any notification to the Committee in advance, the 
Architect submitted a stunning $118 million proposal for 
emergency repairs and upgrades to the tunnels with indications 
that the total cost of repairs could exceed $200 million.
    I am committed to do everything necessary to protect the 
workers in these tunnels. This includes supporting the $28 
million for repairs added by the Senate in the fiscal year 2006 
Supplemental. But, I have no confidence of what to do about 
tunnel repairs long term because I have no confidence in the 
Architect's ability to evaluate the tunnel safety problems, 
estimate the cost of the repairs or manage the construction.
    I think the scope, if not every detail, of the Architect's 
performance problems are obvious to most Members of the Houses 
and I commend the Chairman for the language in the Committee 
report which lays out these issues very accurately. 
Unfortunately, I am concerned that this is not an institutional 
problem which can be solved with an institutional change alone. 
I believe it is a personnel problem related to the current 
management of the Office of the Architect, which is just not up 
to the job. For this reason I offered, and the Committee 
accepted by voice vote, an amendment which essentially places 
the Office of the Architect in receivership under the 
supervision of the Comptroller General. It will immediately 
transfer all authorities currently exercised by the Architect 
to the Comptroller or his designee. This includes all authority 
related to execution and supervision of contracts and all 
authorities related to the hiring, firing and supervising of 
staff.
    I recognize that Congressionally mandated receivership is 
an imperfect solution to this problem. The Comptroller General 
is not an architect or a construction manager, though he and 
his staff are already overseeing both the Visitor Center and 
the utility tunnels projects at the request of the Committee. I 
also recognize that this is a radical solution, but I see no 
alternative. This receivership is a temporary solution which 
deals with the immediate problem of assigning responsibility 
for managing the 2007 funding in a manner which protects the 
taxpayer and will manage existing projects more effectively 
until a new Architect is confirmed. Despite its imperfections, 
inclusion and debate on this proposal is the only way in which 
the Full House can express itself on the mismanagement by the 
Office of the Architect. I urge that the language be protected 
from points of order by the Rules Committee so the House can 
express its will on this matter.

                                  
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