[House Report 109-495]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
109th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 109-495
======================================================================
DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT
AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2007
_______
June 9, 2006.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Knollenberg, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 5576]
The Committee on Appropriations submits the following
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making
appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, Treasury,
and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of
Columbia, and independent agencies for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2007.
INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT
_______________________________________________________________________
Page number
Bill Report
Operating plan and reprogramming procedures................
2
Relationship with budget offices...........................
3
The effect of guaranteed spending..........................
3
Tabular summary............................................
4
Committee hearings.........................................
4
Program, project, and activity.............................
5
Title I--Department of Transportation...................... 2
5
Title II--Department of the Treasury....................... 63
90
Title III--Department of Housing and Urban Development..... 80
109
Title IV--The Judiciary.................................... 134
163
Title V--District of Columbia.............................. 142
168
Title VI--Executive Office of the President and Funds
Appropriated to the President...................... 176
177
Title VII--Independent Agencies:
Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board............................... 189
185
Consumer Product Safety Commission................. 189
186
Election Assistance Commission..................... 190
186
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.............. 190
187
Federal Election Commission........................ 190
187
Federal Labor Relations Authority.................. 191
188
Federal Maritime Commission........................ 192
188
General Services Administration.................... 192
189
Merit Systems Protection Board..................... 203
198
Morris K. Udall Foundation......................... 204
198
National Archives and Records Administration....... 205
199
National Credit Union Administration............... 206
201
National Transportation Safety Board............... 207
202
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation.............. 208
203
Office of Government Ethics........................ 208
203
Office of Personnel Management..................... 208
204
Office of Special Counsel.......................... 212
207
Selective Service System........................... 212
207
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.. 213
208
United States Postal Service....................... 213
208
United States Tax Court............................ 214
209
Title VIII--General Provisions--This Act................... 215
209
Title IX--General Provisions: Departments, Agencies, and
Corporations........................................... 222
210
House of Representatives Report Requirements:
Constitutional authority...........................
213
Statement of general performance goals and
objectives.....................................
214
Appropriations not authorized by law...............
214
Transfers of funds.................................
216
Compliance with rule XIII, clause 3(e) (Ramseyer
rule)..........................................
219
Comparison with the budget resolution..............
266
Five-year outlay projections.......................
267
Financial assistance to state and local governments
267
Rescissions........................................
233
Changes in the application of existing law.........
233
Full Committee votes...............................
Tabular summary of the bill........................
Operating Plan and Reprogramming Procedures
The Committee continues to have a particular interest in
being informed of reprogrammings which, although they may not
change either the total amount available in an account or any
of the purposes for which the appropriation is legally
available, represent a significant departure from budget plans
presented to the Committee in an agency's budget justifications
and supporting documents, the basis of this appropriations Act.
Consequently, the Committee directs the departments,
agencies, boards, commissions, corporations and offices funded
at or in excess of $100,000,000 in this bill, to consult with
the Committee prior to each change from the approved budget
levels in excess of $500,000 between programs, activities,
object classifications or elements unless otherwise provided
for in the Committee report accompanying this bill. For
agencies, boards, commissions, corporations and offices funded
at less than $100,000,000 in this bill, the reprogramming
threshold shall be $250,000 between programs, activities,
initiatives object classifications or elements unless otherwise
provided for in the Committee report accompanying this bill.
Additionally, the Committee expects to be promptly notified of
all reprogramming actions which involve less than the above-
mentioned amounts. If such actions would have the effect of
significantly changing an agency's funding requirements in
future years, or if programs or projects specifically cited in
the Committee's reports are affected by the reprogramming, the
reprogramming must be approved by the Committee regardless of
the amount proposed to be moved. Furthermore, the Committee
wishes to be consulted regarding reorganizations of offices,
programs, and activities prior to the planned implementation of
such reorganizations.
The Committee also directs that the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury and Housing and Urban Development, as
well as the Judiciary, the General Services Administration, and
the Office of Personnel Management, shall submit operating
plans, signed by the respective secretary, administrator, or
agency head, for the Committee's review within 60 days of the
bill's enactment.
Relationship With Budget Offices
Through the years, the Committee has channeled most of its
inquiries and requests for information and assistance through
the budget offices of the various departments, agencies, and
commissions. The Committee has often pointed to the natural
affinity and relationship between these organizations and the
Committee which makes such a relationship workable. The
Committee reiterates its longstanding position that while the
Committee reserves the right to call upon all offices in the
departments, agencies, and commissions, the primary conjunction
between the Committee and these entities must normally be
through the budget offices. The Committee appreciates all the
assistance received from each of the departments, agencies, and
commissions during the past year. The workload generated by the
budget process is large and growing, and therefore, a positive,
responsive relationship between the Committee and the budget
offices is absolutely essential to the appropriations process.
The Effect of Guaranteed Spending
Over the objections of the Appropriations and Budget
Committee, in 1998 the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st
Century (TEA-21) amended the Budget Enforcement Act to provide
two new additional spending categories or ``firewalls'', the
highway category and the mass transit category. The Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A
Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) extended the highway and mass
transit firewalls through fiscal year 2009. The Wendell H. Ford
Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-
21) provided a similar treatment for certain aviation programs,
which were later extended in the Vision-100 Century of Aviation
Reauthorization Act. These Acts have produced the same results:
they significantly raised spending, and they have had the
effect of prohibiting the Appropriations Committee from
reducing those spending levels in the annual appropriations
process. As the Committee noted during deliberations on these
bills, the Acts essentially created mandatory spending programs
within the discretionary caps. This undermines Congressional
flexibility to fund other equally important programs not
protected by funding guarantees and to address emerging
priorities, such as homeland security and overseas military
requirements, within projected budget totals. In addition, the
reorganization of the Committee in the 109th Congress posed
additional challenges in this regard, because funding
guarantees for selected transportation programs compete in the
budget process against funding for non-transportation agencies
such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office
of National Drug Control Policy, enforcement of anti-terrorism
and money laundering activities in the Treasury Department, the
Internal Revenue Service, the General Services Administration,
and the Judiciary. In addition, funding guarantees skew
transportation priorities inappropriately, by providing
increases to highway, transit, and airport spending while
leaving safety-related operations in the FAA, FRA and Amtrak to
scramble for the remaining resources. As in past years, the
Committee has done all in its power, considering this
environment, to produce a balanced bill providing adequately
for all modes of transportation as well as all non-
transportation programs under the jurisdiction of this bill.
Quality of Budget Documents
For years, the Committee has directed departments and
agencies to improve the budget justification document quality
and presentation by including relevant and specific budget
information. While the Committee has seen some improvement in a
few submissions, most justifications continue to be filled with
references to the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART),
drowning in pleonasm, and yet still devoid of useful
information. The Committee strongly encourages the
administration to use a meaningful system of evaluation to
justify proposed program funding levels, as long as the basis
for the evaluations will also be shared with the Committee. The
Committee finds little use for a budget justification which
does not reveal specific details of the measurable indicators
and standards used to evaluate a program's performance,
relevance, or adherence to underlying authorization statute.
Further, the Committee has little patience for secretaries and
administrators who cannot explain the rationale behind a
program's funding level other than ``the PART score,''
``getting to green,'' or ``this is what OMB provided.'' The
Committee welcomes the input from the agencies, and is very
interested in the methodologies used by the administration to
fund various program priorities.
Tabular Summary
A table summarizing the amounts provided for fiscal year
2006 and the amounts recommended in the bill for fiscal year
2007 compared with the budget estimates is included at the end
of this report.
Committee Hearings
The Committee has conducted extensive hearings on the
programs and projects provided for in this bill. Pursuant to
House rules, each of these hearings was open to the public. The
Committee received testimony from cabinet officers, agency
heads, inspectors general, and other officials of the executive
branch in areas under the bill's jurisdiction. In addition, the
Committee has considered written material submitted for the
hearing record by Members of Congress, private citizens, local
government entities, and private organizations. The bill
recommendations for fiscal year 2007 have been developed after
careful consideration of all the information available to the
Committee.
Program, Project, and Activity
During fiscal year 2007, for the purposes of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law
99-177), as amended, with respect to appropriations contained
in the accompanying bill, the terms ``program, project, and
activity'' shall mean any item for which a dollar amount is
contained in an appropriations Act (including joint resolutions
providing continuing appropriations) or accompanying reports of
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, or
accompanying conference reports and joint explanatory
statements of the committee of conference. This definition
shall apply to all programs for which new budget (obligational)
authority is provided, as well as to capital investment grants,
Federal Transit Administration. In addition, the percentage
reductions made pursuant to a sequestration order to funds
appropriated for facilities and equipment, Federal Aviation
Administration shall be applied equally to each ``budget item''
that is listed under said accounts in the budget justifications
submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
as modified by subsequent appropriations Acts and accompanying
committee reports, conference reports, or joint explanatory
statements of the committee of conference.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Office of the Secretary
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $84,051,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 92,742,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 92,558,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +8,507,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -184,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The bill provides $92,558,000 for the salaries and expenses
of the various offices comprising the office of the secretary.
The Committee's recommendation includes individual funding for
all of the offices within the office of the secretary, as has
been done in past years, rather than consolidating them as
proposed in the budget request. The following table compares
the fiscal year 2006 enacted level to the fiscal year 2007
budget estimate and the Committee's recommendation by office:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2006 Fiscal year 2007
enacted estimate House recommended
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Immediate office of the secretary............. $2,176,000 $2,255,000 $2,255,000
Office of the deputy secretary................ 691,000 717,000 717,000
Office of the executive secretariat........... 1,428,000 1,478,000 1,478,000
Office of the under secretary of 11,534,000 11,934,000 11,684,000
transportation for policy....................
Board of contract appeals..................... 690,000 707,000 707,000
Official of small and disadvantaged business 1,252,000 1,286,000 1,286,000
utilization..................................
Office of the chief information officer....... 11,776,000 12,281,000 12,281,000
Office of the assistant secretary for 2,270,000 2,319,000 2,319,000
governmental affairs.........................
Office of the general counsel................. 15,031,000 15,681,000 15,681,000
Office of the assistant secretary for budget 8,400,000 10,002,000 10,002,000
and programs.................................
Office of the assistant secretary for 21,811,000 25,108,000 25,108,000
administration...............................
Office of public affairs...................... 1,891,000 1,932,000 1,932,000
Office of intelligence and security........... 2,013,000 2,655,000 2,722,000
Office of emergency transportation............ 3,089,000 4,386,000 4,386,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total................................. $84,051,000 $92,742,000 $92,558,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the under secretary of transportation for
policy.--The Committee provides a total of $11,684,000 for the
office of the under secretary of transportation for policy, a
reduction of $250,000 below the requested level. The adjustment
to the request is shown below.
Deny transfer of two full-time equivalent positions (FTE)..... -$250,000
The Committee denies the request to create a new office,
the security policy office, within the office of the under
secretary of transportation for policy. In addition, the
Committee denies the transfer of two FTEs from the office of
intelligence and security (OIS) to this office. The Committee
does not understand the need for the new office or how creation
of a new office will enhance security or operations. Further,
the Committee is concerned that the dissection of OIS security
functions and the creation of a new bureaucratic layer between
the secretary and some of those functions will create
inefficiencies and duplication of effort. The Committee is
concerned that this proposal will result only in the dilution
of security.
Office of intelligence and security.--The Committee
provides $2,722,000 for the office of intelligence and
security, an increase of $67,000 above the requested level.
Adjustments to the request are detailed below.
Deny transfer of two FTEs..................................... +$250,000
Deny funding for one FTE...................................... -187,000
Deny transfer of two FTEs.--As mentioned above, the
Committee denies the transfer of two existing FTEs from OIS to
the office of the under secretary of transportation for policy.
OIS has served as the Department of Transportation's (DOT)
primary point of contact with the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS), the Homeland Security Council, and various
security-related working groups since the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) was transferred to DHS. OIS
advises DOT executives on policy issues related to
intelligence, information sharing, and national security
strategies coordinated in the Homeland Security Council.
Further, OIS coordinates across all elements of DOT. Rapidly
emerging threats against the transportation system may require
quick decisions and immediate implementation of protective
measures. The Committee believes that a robust security
function should include all elements of security in a single
office with a direct line of communication to the Secretary of
Transportation, and therefore, denies that budget request to
add needless layers of bureaucracy to this vital function.
Deny funding for one FTE.--In addition, the Committee
denies $183,000 in funding that was not addressed, justified,
or reflected in the fiscal year 2007 budget appendix or the
Office of the Secretary of Transportation's (OST) congressional
justification for a ``senior management position associated
with reorganization.'' The Committee is confused as OST's own
congressional budget justification stated that no additional
FTEs were required or necessary for this office. In addition,
OST requested that this Committee include a provision in the
fiscal year 2006 supplemental allowing OST to obtain detailees
from modal agencies, free of charge, to help staff OIS. It is
inconsistent that an office that requests funding for an
additional FTE and detailees from the modes would also seek to
transfer two existing FTEs to another office.
Disadvantaged business enterprise.--The Committee is aware
that the Department of Transportation recently promulgated a
new rule revising and updating its regulations concerning the
participation of disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) in
concessions activities of airports receiving federal financial
assistance from the airport improvement program. One of the
issues addressed in the new rule is a personal net worth
standard for program eligibility purposes. The Committee is
also aware that certain industry groups and others have raised
concerns regarding the standard and its implementation and have
petitioned the department to initiate additional rulemaking on
this matter. The Committee urges the department to carefully
review these concerns and the basis for the standard.
Congressional budget justifications.--The Committee urges
the department to improve the quality of the budget submissions
and to include the same level of detail that was provided in
the congressional justifications presented in fiscal year 2003.
Some of the budget documents submitted for fiscal year 2007 did
not adhere to that standard. Therefore, the Committee again
directs the department to submit its congressional
justification materials at the same level of detail provided in
the congressional justifications presented in fiscal year 2003.
Further, the department is directed to include in the budget
justification funding levels for the prior year, current year,
and budget year for all programs, activities, initiatives, and
program elements. Each budget submitted by the department must
also include detailed justification for the incremental funding
increases and additional FTEs being requested above the enacted
level, by program, activity, or program element.
In addition, the Committee notes that many general
provisions included in the President's budget request are not
justified, addressed, nor presented in any DOT justification.
Therefore, the Committee directs DOT to justify each general
provision proposed either in its relevant modal congressional
justification, or in the OST congressional justification.
OST currently includes a helpful discussion in its
justification of changes from the current year to the request.
To ensure that each adjustment is identified, the Committee
directs OST in future congressional justifications to include
detailed information in tabular format which identifies
specific changes in funding from the current year to the budget
year for each office, including each office within the office
of the secretary.
Operating plan.--The Committee directs the department to
submit an operating plan for fiscal year 2007, signed by the
secretary for review by the Committees on Appropriations of
both the House and Senate within 60 days of the bill's
enactment. The operating plan should include funding levels for
the various offices, programs and initiatives detailed down to
the object class or program element covered in the budget
justification and supporting documents or referenced in the
House and Senate appropriations reports, and the statement of
the managers.
Bill language.--The bill continues language that permits up
to $2,500,000 of fees to be credited to the office of the
secretary for salaries and expenses.
OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $8,465,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 8,821,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 8,821,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +356,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The office of civil rights is responsible for advising the
secretary on civil rights and equal opportunity matters and
ensuring full implementation of civil rights opportunity
precepts in all of the department's official actions and
programs. This office is responsible for enforcing laws and
regulations that prohibit discrimination in federally operated
and federally assisted transportation programs. This office
also handles all civil rights cases related to Department of
Transportation employees.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee provides $8,821,000 for the office of civil
rights, the same as the budget request.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $14,850,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 8,910,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 13,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -1,850,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +4,090,000
This appropriation finances those research activities and
studies concerned with the planning, analysis, and information
development needed to support the secretary's responsibilities
in the formulation of national transportation policies. It also
finances the staff necessary to conduct these efforts. The
overall program is carried out primarily through contracts with
other federal agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit
research organizations, and private firms.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,000,000
for transportation planning, research and development, a
decrease of $1,850,000 below the fiscal year 2006 enacted level
and $4,090,000 above the budget request.
WORKING CAPITAL FUND
Limitation, fiscal year 2006.......................... ($116,834,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 \1\.................. - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... (120,000,000)
Bill compared with:
Limitation, fiscal year 2006...................... (+3,166,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. (+120,000,000)
\1\ Proposed without limitation.
The working capital fund (WCF) was created to provide
common administrative services to the various modes and outside
entities that desire those services for economy and efficiency.
The fund is financed through negotiated agreements with the
department's operating administrations and other governmental
elements requiring the center's capabilities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $120,000,000 on
the working capital fund. The budget request proposed a
limitless program level for the fund in fiscal year 2007. The
Committee's recommendation is appropriate considering the
funding levels of the operations and administrative accounts.
Modal usage of WCF.--Consistent with past practice, the
Committee directs the department, in its fiscal year 2007
congressional justifications for each of the modal
administrations, to account for increases or decreases in WCF
billings based on planned usage requested or anticipated by the
modes rather than anticipated by WCF managers.
MINORITY BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAM
Limitation on
Appropriation guaranteed loans
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $891,000 ($18,367,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 891,000 (18,367,000)
2007..........................
Recommended in the bill........ 891,000 (18,367,000)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year - - - (- - -)
2006......................
Budget request, fiscal year - - - (- - -)
2007......................
The minority business resource center of the office of
small and disadvantaged business utilization provides
assistance in obtaining short-term working capital and bonding
for disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses. The
program enables qualified businesses to obtain loans at prime
interest rates for transportation-related projects.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The recommendation fully funds the budget request of
$495,000 to cover the subsidy costs for the loans, not to
exceed $18,367,000, and $396,000 for administrative expenses to
carry out the guaranteed loan program.
MINORITY BUSINESS OUTREACH
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $2,970,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 2,970,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 2,970,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
This appropriation provides contractual support to assist
minority business firms, entrepreneurs, and venture groups in
securing contracts and subcontracts arising out of projects
that involve federal spending. It also provides grants and
contract assistance that serves DOT-wide goals.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee provides $2,970,000 for this program, equal
to both the fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget
request.
NEW HEADQUARTERS BUILDING
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 \1\................... $49,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 59,400,000
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -49,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -59,400,000
\1\ Does not include $4,000,000 in unobligated balances in salaries and
expenses reprogrammed to this account in fiscal year 2006, consistent
with section 511 of public law 108-447.
The President's budget included funds for the new
Department of Transportation headquarters building, which would
consolidate all of the department's headquarters operating
administration functions (except for the Federal Aviation
Administration) from various locations around the Washington,
DC metropolitan area into a leased building within the central
employment area of the District of Columbia.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Without prejudice, the Committee does not provide funding
in fiscal year 2007 for the new headquarters building due to
budget constraints.
PAYMENTS TO AIR CARRIERS
(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $59,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... 67,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +7,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +67,000,000
The Essential Air Service (EAS) program was originally
created by the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 as a temporary
measure to continue air service to communities that had
received federally mandated air service prior to deregulation.
The program currently provides subsidies to air carriers
serving small communities that meet certain criteria.
The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of
1996 (Public Law 104-264) authorized the collection of user
fees for services provided by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) to aircraft that neither take off from,
nor land in the United States, commonly known as overflight
fees. In addition, the Act permanently appropriated these fees
for authorized expenses of the FAA and stipulated that the
first $50,000,000 of annual fee collections must be used to
finance the EAS program. In the event of a shortfall in fees,
the law requires FAA to make up the difference from other funds
available to the agency.
The fiscal year 2007 budget proposes to fund the EAS
program at a total of $50,000,000, solely from new overflight
fee collections credited to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund
and changes the program to require communities share in the
cost of air service. The Committee finds the budget proposal
unrealistic considering that in fiscal year 2006 the department
came to the Committee seeking additional funding for the EAS
program as several communities were in jeopardy of losing air
service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total program level of EAS in
fiscal year 2007 of $117,000,000, a $7,600,000 increase above
the level provided in fiscal year 2006. This funding consists
of an appropriation of $67,000,000 and $50,000,000 to be
derived from overflight fee collections. In addition, bill
language is included that allows the secretary to transfer up
to $10,000,000 to the EAS program from the small community air
service development program, if needed.
The Committee notes that workload has increased
significantly as the number of EAS subsidized communities has
increased by more than 50 percent since 1996, from 97 to 151.
The changing structure of the industry is also having dramatic
effects on services at small communities and creates
challenges. In addition, VISION 100 resulted in new
responsibilities for the department and established six new
pilot programs. To help meet these responsibilities, the
Committee provides this office with two new FTE, representing
half of the request.
The Committee includes language (sec. 101) to ensure prompt
availability of funds for obligation to air carriers providing
service under the EAS program. The language removes an
unintended penalty whereby if $50,000,000 is made immediately
available by the FAA to the EAS program at the beginning of
each fiscal year, the FAA must take that amount from its
appropriations, without the ability to credit back amounts
transferred from the FAA once sufficient overflight fees are
available. Without this language, the result would be a
permanent reduction in the appropriations to the FAA. The
Committee has also included language that allows the secretary
to take into consideration the subsidy requirements of carriers
when selecting between carriers competing to provide service to
a community.
The bill includes a provision (sec. 104) prohibiting the
use of funds to implement an essential air service program that
requires local participation.
Compensation for Air Carriers
(RESCISSION)
Rescission, fiscal year 2006.......................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... -$50,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... -50,000,000
Bill compared with:
Rescission, fiscal year 2006...................... -50,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act
(Public Law 107-42) provided $5,000,000,000 to compensate air
carriers for direct losses incurred during the federal ground
stop of civil aviation after the September 11, 2001 terrorist
attacks, and for incremental losses incurred between September
11 and December 31, 2001. To date, of the $5,000,000,000
appropriated, $4,603,452,933 of direct compensation payments
have been made (net of repayments from carriers including a
$29,000,000 repayment from Federal Express). Also to date, a
total of $325,000,000 has been rescinded by Congress as surplus
to need leaving a current balance of approximately $71,000,000
in the fund.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee includes language that rescinds $50,000,000
from the compensation for air carriers, consistent with the
budget request. The Department of Transportation has
recalibrated its litigation risk in outstanding administrative
and court cases. The rescission leaves a balance of
approximately $21,000,000, which DOT states will cover any
potential liabilities from unresolved claims or contingent
liabilities.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
Section 101. The Committee continues a provision allowing
reimbursement for fees collected and credited under 49 U.S.C.
45303.
Section 102. The Committee continues a provision allowing
the Secretary of Transportation to transfer unexpended sums
from ``office of the secretary, salaries and expenses'' to
``minority business outreach''.
Section 103. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the Office of the Secretary of Transportation from
approving assessments or reimbursable agreements pertaining to
funds appropriated to the modal administrations in this Act,
unless such assessments or agreements have completed the normal
reprogramming process for Congressional notification.
Section 104. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds to implement an essential air
service local cost share participation program.
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible
for the safety and development of civil aviation and the
evolution of a national system of airports. The Federal
Government's regulatory role in civil aviation began with the
creation of an Aeronautics Branch within the Department of
Commerce pursuant to the Air Commerce Act of 1926. This Act
instructed the Secretary of Commerce to foster air commerce;
designate and establish airways; establish, operate, and
maintain aids to navigation; arrange for research and
development to improve such aids; issue airworthiness
certificates for aircraft and major aircraft components; and
investigate civil aviation accidents. In the Civil Aeronautics
Act of 1938, these activities were subsumed into a new,
independent agency named the Civil Aeronautics Authority.
After further administrative reorganizations, Congress
streamlined regulatory oversight in 1957 with the creation of
two separate agencies, the Federal Aviation Agency and the
Civil Aeronautics Board. When the Department of Transportation
began its operations on April 1, 1967, the Federal Aviation
Agency was renamed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
and became one of several modal administrations within the
department. The Civil Aeronautics Board was later phased out
with enactment of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, and
ceased to exist at the end of 1984. FAA's mission expanded in
1995 with the transfer of the Office of Commercial Space
Transportation from the Office of the Secretary, and decreased
in December 2001 with the transfer of civil aviation security
activities to the new Transportation Security Administration.
OPERATIONS
(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $8,104,140,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 8,366,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 8,360,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +255,860,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -6,000,000
This appropriation provides funds for the operation,
maintenance, communications, and logistical support of the air
traffic control and air navigation systems. It also covers
administrative and managerial costs for the FAA's regulatory,
international, medical, engineering and development programs as
well as policy oversight and overall management functions.
The operations appropriation includes the following major
activities: (1) operation on a 24-hour daily basis of a
national air traffic system; (2) establishment and maintenance
of a national system of aids to navigation; (3) establishment
and surveillance of civil air regulations to assure safety in
aviation; (4) development of standards, rules and regulations
governing the physical fitness of airmen as well as the
administration of an aviation medical research program; (5)
administration of the acquisition, research and development
programs; (6) headquarters, administration and other staff
offices; and (7) development, printing, and distribution of
aeronautical charts used by the flying public.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $8,360,000,000 for FAA operations,
an increase of $255,860,000 above the level provided in fiscal
year 2006, and $6,000,000 below the budget request.
A comparison of the fiscal year 2007 budget request to the
Committee recommendation by budget activity is as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2007 Fiscal year 2007
Budget activity request recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air traffic organization.......... $6,704,223,000 $6,698,728,000
Aviation safety................... 981,668,000 997,718,000
Commercial space transportation... 11,985,000 11,985,000
Financial services \1\............ ................ 92,227,000
Human resources \1\............... ................ 87,850,000
Region and center operations \1\.. ................ 272,821,000
Staff offices \1\................. 668,125,000 175,392,000
Information services.............. ................ 36,779,000
Adjustments....................... ................ -14,000,000
-------------------------------------
Total....................... $8,366,000,000 $8,360,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Estimate includes such funds under ``Staff offices'', as follows:
Financial services, $94,704,000; Human resources, $87,850,000; Region
and center operations coordination, $272,821,000; Office of
information services, $36,770,000.
TRUST FUND SHARE OF FAA BUDGET
The bill derives $11,787,000,000 of the total appropriation
from the airport and airway trust fund. The balance of the
appropriation ($3,516,000,000) will be drawn from the general
fund of the Treasury. Under these provisions, 77 percent of the
FAA's costs will be borne by air travelers and industries using
those services. The remaining 23 percent will be borne by the
general taxpayer, regardless of whether they directly utilize
FAA services.
STATE OF THE AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND
According to Administration estimates, fiscal year 2007
will continue the recent trend where necessary outlays for FAA
programs outstrip the revenues from aviation users deposited
into the airport and airway trust fund. The following table
compares trust fund revenue to trust fund outlays for the past
three fiscal years. As the table indicates, under current
estimates the Federal Government is not only spending all the
revenues coming into the trust fund, it is going beyond that,
and spending down the cash balance. The Administration
estimates that, at the end of fiscal year 2007, the uncommitted
cash balance in the trust fund will be approximately
$2,706,000,000.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2005 Fiscal year 2006 Fiscal year 2007
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust fund revenue \1\................................. $10,830,000,000 $11,241,000,000 $11,997,000,000
Trust fund outlays..................................... 11,209,000,000 12,332,000,000 12,167,000,000
Difference............................................. -379,000,000 -1,091,000,000 -170,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Includes excise taxes, offsetting collections, and interest on trust fund cash balance.
It is imperative for the agency to lower its operating
costs and find ways to be more efficient in all its operations.
For several years, the Committee has indicated that improvement
was needed in the area of personnel costs. The average full-
time equivalent (FTE) workyear cost for fiscal year 2006 was
$142,587 and expected to increase to $145,450 for fiscal year
2007. FAA's workyear costs have historically been and remain
among the highest of all federal agencies. Average sick leave
costs historically have been 20 percent higher than the
government average, raising the agency's staffing costs.
Although FAA has made progress in this area, the current
average yearly sick leave consumed is 10.80 days per FAA
employee. In addition, special pays will cost the agency
$349,740,000 in fiscal year 2007.
Given the severe budget constraints facing the nation, the
Committee directs FAA to continue focusing on ways to reduce
sick leave, to improve productivity and lessen the need for
additional staffing resources in future years.
AIR TRAFFIC ORGANIZATION
The bill provides $6,698,728,000 for air traffic services,
a reduction of $5,495,000 from the budget request. These
resources would be managed by FAA's air traffic organization.
Recommended adjustments to the budget estimate are listed and
described below:
Amount
Contract tower base program............................. +$3,242,000
Contract tower cost-sharing program..................... +263,000
BTS aviation statistics................................. -2,000,000
NAS handoff............................................. -7,000,000
Contract tower program.--The bill includes $97,500,000, an
increase of $3,242,000 above the budget estimate of
$94,258,000, to continue the contract tower base program. The
President's budget does not reflect estimates for operations at
12 new towers entering the program during fiscal year 2007.
In addition, the bill provides $8,000,000, an increase of
$263,000 above the budget estimate, to continue the contract
tower cost-sharing program. The Committee continues to believe
this is a valuable program that provides safety benefits to
small communities. Communities in this program as of January 1,
2006 are shown below:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airport name State
------------------------------------------------------------------------
King Salmon.................................. AK
Fayetteville................................. AR
Rogers Municipal-Carter Field................ AR
Springdale................................... AR
Laughlin/Bullhead City....................... AZ
Hawthorne.................................... CA
Waterbury/Oxford............................. CT
Bloomington.................................. IN
Columbus Municipal........................... IN
Gary Regional................................ IN
Muncie/Delaware County....................... IN
Garden City.................................. KS
Barkley regional (Paducah)................... KY
Sawyer....................................... MI
Jefferson City............................... MO
Joplin Regional.............................. MO
Smith Reynolds (Winston-Salem)............... NC
Lebanon Municipal............................ NH
Lea County/Hobbs............................. NM
Elko......................................... NV
Latrobe...................................... PA
Williamsport/Lycoming County................. PA
Greenville Donaldson Center.................. SC
Grand Strand/Myrtle Beach.................... SC
Walla Walla Regional......................... WA
Morgantown................................... WV
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee recognizes that the number of airports
participating in the cost sharing program fluctuates regularly
because of changes in air traffic activity. In order to prevent
program disruptions and provide more certainty, the Committee
allows FAA to use unsubscribed funds from the contract tower
base line program to avoid elimination of communities from the
cost share towers program. However, FAA should only employ this
flexibility with surplus funds in the base line contract tower
program, after all baseline contract tower obligations have
been fulfilled.
Controller staffing.--According to FAA, the agency expects
that over the next 10 years, 72 percent of its 15,000
controllers will become eligible to retire. The FAA is
currently updating its staffing plan submitted in December
2004. This update will be based on a refined methodology and
will incorporate new estimates of future traffic and retirement
projections, and recent productivity gains. Consistent with the
plan and with FAA's request, the bill provides $18,220,000 for
salaries, benefits, training, and ancillary support costs
associated with 1,136 new hires, for a net increase of at least
132 in controller work force in fiscal year 2007.
The Committee agrees with FAA that a one for one
replacement of retiring controllers is not prudent, as it would
not assume productivity improvements from procedural changes,
facility consolidation, or even new technology. The business-
like mindset of the air traffic organization has begun to make
productivity improvements a reality, and further productivity
will continue to lessen the need for additional personnel.
Currently, FAA is taking steps to achieve savings of 10 percent
by 2010 in controller staff costs through productivity
improvements, and realized the first three percent of this goal
in 2005. In addition, the Committee believes that the ability
to waive the mandatory retirement age is a good hedge against
the retirement surge in future years.
Bureau of transportation statistics studies.--The Committee
provides $2,000,000, half of the requested amount for the
aviation statistical studies to be conducted by the bureau of
transportation statistics (BTS), under the Research and
Innovative Technology Administration. The Committee directs BTS
to perform only those functions and studies that are relevant
to FAA's mission. Further, the Committee directs DOT to provide
to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations an
accounting of how the funds were spent and how FAA uses that
data to fulfill its mission.
National airspace system handoff.--The Committee recommends
a reduction of $7,000,000 below the budget estimate, for a
total of $87,400,000 in NAS handoff funding.
New York/New Jersey airspace redesign.--The Committee notes
that the executive summary of the FAA's Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (DEIS) for the redesign of the New York/New
Jersey/Philadelphia regional airspace states, ``Mitigation
measures to avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, eliminate, or
compensate for these (noise) impacts will be considered in the
Final EIS.'' The Committee directs the FAA to provide a letter
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by
January 7, 2007 on the specific mitigation measures that will
be considered to address noise impacts of the redesign.
AVIATION SAFETY
The bill provides $997,718,000 for aviation safety, an
increase of $16,050,000 above the budget request. Recommended
adjustments to the budget are described below.
Additional safety inspectors and engineers.............. +$16,000,000
Professional aerial application support system.......... +50,000
Aviation safety inspectors and aircraft certification
staff.--The Committee provides $48,711,612 for aviation safety,
an increase of $16,000,000 over the budget request to increase
safety critical staff in the office of aviation flight
standards (AFS) and the office of aircraft certification (AIR).
The fiscal year 2006 Act provided an additional $12,000,000
above the fiscal year 2006 budget request for 238 new safety
personnel, of which $8,000,000 was for AFS inspectors, and
$4,000,000 for AIR safety inspectors, engineers, pilots, and
scientists. The FAA states that after accounting for the fiscal
year 2006 across the board cut and mandatory pay raise, only 87
new safety staff, 55 for AFS and 32 for AIR, could be hired.
The additional $16,000,000 provided in this bill, together with
a $4,000,000 reprogramming request, will enable the FAA to
increase safety personnel to the full 238, as intended.
Although the Committee did not specify the number of staff
for each office, it did provide clear direction regarding the
distribution of funding. The carefully negotiated agreement
stated that $4,000,000, or one-third of the total increase
provided in fiscal year 2006 was for AIR and $8,000,000, or
two-thirds of the increase was for AFS. Based on these figures,
FAA states that the total new hires would have been 182 for AFS
and 56 for AIR. The Committee directs the FAA to hire AFS and
AIR staff consistent with the direction in the fiscal year 2006
Act to ensure that the funding increases provided in fiscal
years 2006 and 2007 appropriations, plus the 2006 reprogramming
result in the same proportional increase, for a total increase
of 182 new staff in AFS safety staff and 56 new AIR staff. This
funding should not affect FAA's plans for filling existing
vacant positions in either AIR or AFS.
Further, funds provided for the offices of aircraft
certification and flight standards are designated congressional
items of interest. The Committee prohibits the reprogramming of
funds between the two offices, or for any other purpose within
or outside of the aviation safety office, including the hiring
of other types of personnel within aviation safety. The
Committee directs the Secretary to provide a summary by March
1, 2007 regarding the use of the funds provided, including, but
not limited to the total full-time equivalent staff years in
the offices of aircraft certification and flight standards,
total employees, vacancies, positions under active recruitment
to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
The Committee notes that loss of certification staff has
negatively impacted the domestic aviation industry's ability to
bring new products to the marketplace, which directly affects
the aviation industry's global leadership and competitiveness.
Professional Aerial Application Support System.--The
recommendation includes $50,000 to continue the National
agricultural aviation research and education foundation's
professional aerial application support system.
COMMERCIAL SPACE TRANSPORTATION
The Committee recommends $12,000,000 for the office of
commercial space transportation, consistent with the budget
request.
BASE TRANSFERS
Total funding for staff offices increased significantly
from the fiscal year 2006 funding level. However, a significant
portion of the increase results from a number of proposed
activity and personnel transfers from other offices within the
air traffic organization. The budget also proposed transfers
among the staff offices. The Committee agrees that these
transfers will properly align functions and positions among the
offices.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
The Committee recommends $92,227,000 for the office of
financial services, a reduction of $2,482,000 from the budget
request. The President's budget proposed $16,200,000 for
unanticipated increases in Delphi maintenance and operation
costs. The Committee is concerned that DOT did not foresee an
increase of this magnitude for the complex department-wide
financial management system. Therefore, the Committee provides
a total funding level of $13,800,000 for Delphi, and urges DOT
to explore ways to maintain and operate the system more
efficiently. In addition, the Committee provides a total of
$482,000 to support 5 new positions at half-year funding for
expanded contract oversight.
HUMAN RESOURCES
The Committee recommends $87,850,000, consistent with the
budget request. The increase from fiscal year 2006 is due to
base transfers for labor relations positions, payroll services,
and human resources positions from other FAA offices. The
Committee notes that FAA is expanding a successful pilot
program began in fiscal year 2003 to better contain workers'
compensation costs for the agency. FAA's target goal is to
increase the total one-year workers compensation cost avoidance
by two percent in fiscal year 2007.
REGION AND CENTER OPERATION
The Committee recommends $272,821,000 for the region and
center operations, as requested.
STAFF OFFICES
Office of General Counsel.--The Committee recommends
$38,186,000 for this office. The funding level provides a total
of $229,890 for four new positions for expanded contract
oversight at half year funding, representing a reduction of
$575,000 below the budget request.
ACCOUNT-WIDE ADJUSTMENTS
Personnel compensation and benefits.--The recommendation
includes a reduction of $8,000,000 in agency-wide personnel
compensation and benefits costs due to budget constraints.
Unfilled executive positions.--The Committee recommends a
reduction of $5,000,000, reflecting the unfilled roster of 18
executive positions in the agency, including 7 which were not
under active recruitment. Past hearing records indicate that,
at any given time, the agency is likely to have between 10 and
20 unfilled executive positions. For an agency with 159
executive positions, this level of openings may not be
problematic. However, it does indicate excess costs are being
budgeted for positions that are not likely to be filled in the
entirety of the fiscal year.
Working capital fund costs.--The recommendation allows
$23,913,000 for working capital fund costs, a reduction of
$1,000,000 below the budget estimate.
BILL LANGUAGE
Manned auxiliary flight service stations.--The bill
includes the limitation prohibiting funds from being used to
operate a manned auxiliary flight service station in the
contiguous United States. The FAA budget includes no funding to
operate such stations during fiscal year 2007.
Second career training program.--Once again this year, the
bill includes a prohibition on the use of funds for the second
career training program. This prohibition has been in annual
appropriations Acts for many years, and is included in the
President's budget request.
Sunday premium pay.--The bill retains a provision begun in
fiscal year 1995 which prohibits the FAA from paying Sunday
premium pay except in those cases where the individual actually
worked on a Sunday. The statute governing Sunday premium pay (5
U.S.C. 5546(a)) is very clear: ``An employee who performs work
during a regularly scheduled 8-hour period of service which is
not overtime work as defined by section 5542(a) of this title a
part of which is performed on Sunday is entitled to . . .
premium pay at a rate equal to 25 percent of his rate of basic
pay.'' Disregarding the plain meaning of the statute and
previous Comptroller General decisions, however, in Armitage v.
United States, the Federal Circuit Court held in 1993 that
employees need not actually perform work on a Sunday to receive
premium pay. The FAA was required immediately to provide back
pay totaling $37,000,000 for time scheduled but not actually
worked between November 1986 and July 1993. Without this
provision, the FAA would be liable for significant unfunded
liabilities, to be financed by the agency's annual operating
budget. This provision is identical to that in effect for
fiscal years 1995 through 2006.
Aviation User Fees.--The bill includes a limitation carried
for several years prohibiting funds from being used to finalize
or implement any new unauthorized user fees.
Nonprofit safety standard setting organization.--The
Committee retains a provision that allows the use of funds to
enter into an agreement with a nonprofit standard setting
organization to develop safety standards.
Aeronautical charting and cartography.--The bill maintains
the provision which prohibits funds in this Act from being used
to conduct aeronautical charting and cartography (AC&C)
activities through the working capital fund (WCF). Public Law
106-181 authorized the transfer of these activities from the
Department of Commerce to the FAA, a move which the Committee
supported. The Committee believes this work should continue to
be conducted by the FAA, and not administratively delegated to
the WCF.
Store gift cards and gift certificates.--The bill maintains
the limitation in effect since fiscal year 2004 prohibiting FAA
from using funds to purchase store gift cards or gift
certificates through a government-issued credit card. This
provision responds to abuses documented by the U.S. Government
Accountability Office.
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $2,514,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 2,503,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,110,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +595,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +607,000,000
The Facilities and Equipment (F&E) account is the principal
means for modernizing and improving air traffic control and
airway facilities. The appropriation also finances major
capital investments required by other agency programs,
experimental research and development facilities, and other
improvements to enhance the safety and capacity of the airspace
system.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,110,000,000
for this program, an increase of $595,400,000 above the level
provided for fiscal year 2006 and $607,000,000 above the budget
estimate. The bill provides that of the total amount
recommended, $2,662,100,000 is available for obligation until
September 30, 2008, and $447,900,000 (the amount for personnel
and related expenses) is available until September 30, 2007.
These obligation availabilities are consistent with past
appropriations Acts.
ENGINEERING, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).--The
Committee acknowledges that FAA has established the ADS-B
technology as the basis of a future surveillance system.
However, the Committee is concerned that under the newly
established program office, too much focus is being placed on
interim ground-based solutions instead of further accelerating
the implementation of ADS-B technology. The Committee
recommends $100,000,000 for the funding of the ADS-B, of which
$20,000,000 shall be directed to the Safe Flight 21 office for
continuing research and development of air-to-air applications.
The remaining amount is directed to the ADS-B program office.
Provisions should be made for ensuring that this air-to-air
research is translated into implementation across the national
airspace system (NAS).
Chicago O'Hare.--The Committee is concerned that the FAA
has not acted on its recommendations to improve the overall
efficiency of operations at Chicago's O'Hare International
Airport that impacts the NAS. While long-term solutions to
airport congestion at O'Hare continue to be developed,
immediate operational improvements can be implemented to ease
flight departures, arrivals and ground movement of aircraft
particularly in times of inclement weather. Therefore, the FAA
shall make the following improvements to operations at O'Hare
International Airport: 1) expeditiously deploy ASDE-X radar
system to improve ground handling of aircraft; and 2) design
procedures that allow for RNAV departures and arrivals.
ENROUTE PROGRAMS
Airport Surface Detection System--Model X (ASDE-X).--The
Committee provides funding and provides $73,600,000 for ASDE-X,
for an increase of $10,000,000 over the budget request. The
additional funds will enable FAA to expedite site
implementation and commission ASDE-X systems earlier than
currently planned. Deploying ASDE-X earlier at these sites will
make it possible to realize safety and efficiency benefits
sooner, including better controller situational awareness in
all weather conditions and reduced risk of Category A and B
runway incursions.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Michigan.--The FAA is
currently implementing multilateration technology to improve
capacity in inclement weather conditions at Detroit
Metropolitan Airport. The Committee provides $8,000,000 to
complete implementation at this airport.
Integrated control and monitoring system.--The Committee
recommends $3,000,000 for continued procurement and
installation, including site preparation, of the integrated
control and monitoring system (ICMS). FAA is currently using
ICMS in Denver, Seattle, Newark, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City,
and Phoenix, and is installing the system in six additional
locations shortly. This system would offer significant benefits
to other operational evolution plan (OEP) airports as well as
others with substantial landing aids and lighting systems. The
Committee expects the agency to obligate these funds within six
months of enactment, and to install such systems at airports
with the highest need.
TERMINAL PROGRAMS
Terminal air traffic control facilities replacement.--The
Committee provides a total of $127,250,000 for this program, an
increase of $3,250,000 over the budget request. Funds shall be
distributed as follows:
Kalamazoo, Michigan..................................... $1,800,000
West Palm Beach, Florida................................ 10,000,000
Reno, Nevada............................................ 2,500,000
Cleveland, Ohio......................................... 3,700,000
Memphis, Tennessee...................................... 22,400,000
Jeffco, Colorado........................................ 4,200,000
Houston, Texas.......................................... 2,000,000
Gulfport, Mississippi................................... 5,200,000
Las Vegas, Nevada....................................... 55,000,000
Pensacola, Florida...................................... 1,100,000
Dayton, Ohio............................................ 2,200,000
Saint Louis, Missouri................................... 1,250,000
Palm Springs, California................................ 2,000,000
FLIGHT SERVICE PROGRAMS
Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and GPS approaches.--
The Committee notes that the fiscal year 2007 budget request of
$122,400,000 for the wide area augmentation system includes
$17,000,000 for the development of additional approaches and
flight procedures at the nation's non-part 139 certified
airports. The Committee supports this effort, and has provided
$132,400,000 for WAAS, an increase of $10,000,000 above the
budget request. Additional funds are provided to publish WAAS
approaches at airports at non-Part 139 airports without an
existing ILS approach.
Loran-C.--The Coast Guard has proposed terminating the
LORAN C program in the President's budget request because this
system is no longer necessary for a secondary means of
navigation. The Committee understands that a decision to
terminate LORAN C is dependent upon agreement by the Department
of Transportation, which has not yet occurred. The Committee
assumes the continuation of LORAN C since this decision has not
been fully coordinated within the Executive Branch.
Terminal air modernization replacement (TAMR phase II).--
The Committee provides a total of $36,450,000 for TAMR phase
II. The $6,000,000 increase over the budget request will ensure
full funding and accelerate the upgrade of nine high-risk
sites, including the four Full Digital ARTS Display (FDAD)
sites identified as critical to the NAS by the inspector
general. These four sites are located in Chicago, Saint Louis,
Denver, and Minneapolis.
LANDING AND NAVIGATION AIDS
Instrument landing system establishment.--The Committee
provides $4,900,000 for this program, an increase of $900,000
over the budget request. Funds shall be distributed as follows:
Nationwide.............................................. $4,000,000
Completion of ILS at Northeastern Regional Airport,
Edenton, North Carolina............................. 500,000
Nationwide surveys...................................... 400,000
The Committee directs the FAA to complete surveys to
determine if the Hazard Airport, Kentucky; Boise Airport,
Idaho; Orlando International Airport, Florida; and the March
Air Force Base, California (consistent with the existing
cooperative agreement) meet the FAA criteria for establishment
or upgrade of an ILS in terms of cost and feasibility.
Approach lighting system improvement program.--The
Committee provides $14,000,000 for this program, an increase of
$2,000,000 over the budget request. Funds shall be distributed
as follows:
Nationwide.............................................. $12,000,000
Continuation of ALS at Lehigh Valley International
Airport, Pennsylvania............................... 1,000,000
Continuation of MALSR at Arlington Municipal Airport.... 1,000,000
MISSION SUPPORT
NAS information systems.--The Committee provides
$14,000,000 to enable the agency to implement FAA requirements
for logical access control to align with the common
identification standards. This funding will allow the agency to
meets its flight plan goal to defend the FAA NAS systems and
networks against intrusion by unauthorized personnel. The
Committee directs the FAA to provide the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations a summary of how the FAA plans to
use the funds.
Center for advanced systems development.--The Committee
provides $86,000,000 for the center for advanced systems
development, an increase of $16,000,000 above the budget
estimate, and equal to the fiscal year 2007 level.
Frequency and spectrum engineering.--The Committee
recommendation includes $7,000,000 for frequency and spectrum
engineering, an increase of $2,500,000 over the budget request.
The additional funds are for the continued implementation of
the NAS interference, detection, location, and mitigation for
the purpose of monitoring, detecting and locating radio and
digital signals affecting the NAS, including such signals as
Ultra Wide Band and GPS.
PERSONNEL AND RELATED EXPENSES
The Committee recommends $447,900,000 for personnel and
related expenses. This appropriation finances the installation
and commissioning of new equipment and modernization of FAA
facilities.
BILL LANGUAGE
Capital investment plan.--The bill continues to require the
submission of a five year capital investment plan.
RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT
(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $136,620,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 130,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 134,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -2,620,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +4,000,000
This appropriation provides funding for long-term research,
engineering and development programs to improve the air traffic
control system and to raise the level of aviation safety, as
authorized by the Airport and Airway Improvement Act and the
Federal Aviation Act. The appropriation also finances the
research, engineering and development needed to establish or
modify federal air regulations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $134,000,000, and a decrease of
$2,620,000 below the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and
$4,000,000 above the President's budget request.
A table showing the fiscal year 2006 enacted level, the
fiscal year 2007 budget estimate, and the Committee
recommendation follows:
RESEARCH, ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year Fiscal year Committee
Program 2006 enacted 2007 estimate recommended
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Improve Commercial Aviation Safety:............................. $96,040,000 $88,162,000 $88,162,000
Fire research and safety.................................... 6,182,000 6,638,000 6,638,000
Propulsion and fuel systems................................. 5,741,000 4,048,000 4,048,000
Advanced materials/structural safety........................ 5,881,000 2,843,000 5,843,000
Atmospheric hazards/digital system safety................... 3,407,000 3,848,000 3,848,000
Aging aircraft.............................................. 19,807,000 18,621,000 18,621,000
Aircraft catastrophic failure prevention.................... 3,306,000 1,512,000 1,512,000
Flightdeck safety/systems integration....................... 8,099,000 7,999,000 7,999,000
Aviation safety risk analysis............................... 4,883,000 5,292,000 5,292,000
ATC/AF human factors........................................ 9,558,000 9,654,000 9,654,000
Aeromedical research........................................ 8,800,000 6,962,000 6,962,000
Weather research............................................ 20,376,000 19,545,000 19,545,000
Unmanned aircraft system.................................... 1,200,000
Improve Efficiency of the ATC System:........................... 20,192,000 21,166,000 21,166,000
Joint program and development office........................ 17,919,000 18,100,000 18,100,000
Wake turbulence............................................. 2,273,000 3,066,000 3,066,000
Reduce Environmental Impacts:................................... 15,840,000 16,008,000 16,008,000
Environment and energy...................................... 15,840,000 16,008,000 16,008,000
Mission Support:................................................ 4,548,000 4,664,000 4,664,000
System planning and resource mgmt........................... 1,189,000 1,234,000 1,234,000
Technical laboratory facilities............................. 3,359,000 3,430,000 3,430,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced Materials/Structural Safety.--Within the funds
provided for advanced material/structural safety, $3,000,000 is
for the National Institute for Aviation Research to continue
critical aviation research.
Joint Planning and Development Office.--The bill includes
$18,100,000, as requested, for FAA's contribution to the multi-
agency Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO). This
office involves the Departments of Defense, Commerce, and
Homeland Security, FAA, and the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration in developing a national plan for the
transformation of air transportation. This plan is expected to
establish a vision for the future air transportation system,
set national aerospace goals, and provide a forum to engage
industry and customer input. It is an advisory committee as
defined in the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
GRANTS-IN-AID FOR AIRPORTS
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(RESCISSION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidation of
contract Limitation on
authorization obligations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006. $3,399,000,000 ($3,514,500,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 4,000,000,000 (2,750,000,000)
Recommended in the bill......... 4,171,000,000 (3,700,000,000)
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year +772,000,000 (+185,500,000)
2006.......................
Budget request, fiscal year +171,000,000 (+950,000,000)
2007.......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bill includes a liquidating cash appropriation of
$4,171,000,000 for grants-in-aid for airports, authorized by
the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, as amended.
This funding provides for liquidation of obligations incurred
pursuant to contract authority and annual limitations on
obligations for grants-in-aid for airport planning and
development, noise compatibility and planning, the military
airport program, reliever airports, airport program
administration, and other authorized activities. This is
$171,000,000 above the amount requested in the President's
budget and $772,000,000 above the level enacted for fiscal year
2006.
LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS
The bill includes a limitation on obligations of
$3,700,000,000 for fiscal year 2007. This is $950,000,000 above
the President's budget request and $185,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2006 level.
DISCRETIONARY GRANTS
Within the overall obligation limitation in this bill,
funding of about $965,000,000 is available for discretionary
grants to airports.
ADMINISTRATION AND RESEARCH PROGRAMS
The bill provides that, within the overall obligation
limitation, $74,971,000 is available for administration of the
airports program by the FAA. In addition, $10,000,000 is for
the airport cooperative research pilot program, and up to
$17,870,000 for the airport technology research. These levels
are consistent with the request level. Of the funds provided
for airport technology research, $1,000,000 is for alkali
silica research.
HIGH PRIORITY PROJECTS
Of the funds covered by the obligation limitation in this
bill, the Committee directs FAA to provide not less than the
following funding levels, out of available resources, for the
following projects in the corresponding amounts. The Committee
agrees that state apportionment funds may be construed as
discretionary funds for the purposes of implementing this
provision. To the maximum extent possible, the administrator
should work to ensure that airport sponsors for these projects
first use available entitlement funds to finance the projects.
However, the FAA should not require sponsors to apply carryover
entitlement to discretionary projects funded in the coming
year, but only those entitlements applicable to the fiscal year
2007 obligation limitation. The Committee further directs that
the specific funding allocated above shall not diminish or
prejudice the application of a specific airport or geographic
region to receive other AIP discretionary grants or mulityear
letters of intent.
Access Control System, Chattanooga Airport, TN.......... $500,000
Airport Expansion Master Plan, Council Bluffs, IA....... 1,000,000
Airport, Taxiway Alpha, Albany, GA...................... 750,000
Airside Improvements, Jacksonville Airport, FL.......... 1,000,000
Alamance County Regional Airport Runway Extension, NC... 1,000,000
Albert Whitted Airport Ramp Design/Construction, FL..... 200,000
Alliance Airport Runway Extension Project, TX........... 500,000
Alliance Airport Runway Extension, Fort Worth, TX....... 2,000,000
Altus/Quartz Mountain Regional Airport Runway
Rehabilitation, OK.................................. 150,000
Anson County Airport Improvements, NC................... 1,000,000
Atlantic City International Airport Terminal Apron, NJ.. 1,000,000
Aurora Airport, IL, Various Improvements................ 2,000,000
Bemidji Regional Airport Development, MN................ 500,000
Bishop Airport, Cargo Apron Expansion, MI............... 1,500,000
Chattanooga Airport Runway Project, Feasibility Study,
TN.................................................. 1,000,000
Cherokee County Airport Authority Improvements, GA...... 1,500,000
Cherokee County North Carolina Airport Improvement...... 2,000,000
City of Detroit Airport Gateway Plan, MI................ 1,500,000
Concord Regional Airport Improvements and Land
Acquisition, NC..................................... 1,500,000
Cuyahoga County Airport Pavement Maintenance and
Rehabilitation, OH.................................. 800,000
Devils Lake Airport, ND................................. 800,000
DuPage Airport, Various Improvements, IL................ 1,500,000
Gary/Chicago Airport, Gary, IN.......................... 1,000,000
Greenwood County Airport Runway Extension Study, SC..... 100,000
Halifax Northampton Regional Airport, NC Runway......... 500,000
Houma-Terrebonne Airport Taxiway and Runway, LA......... 750,000
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport Noise
Project, TX......................................... 750,000
Huron County Regional Airport Taxiway Construction, MI.. 150,000
Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport Study, IN............. 750,000
Jackson International Airport Improvements, MS.......... 500,000
Kalamazoo Battle Creek Airport Terminal, MI............. 750,000
L.O. Simentstad Municipal Airport, Osceola, WI.......... 1,500,000
Lafayette Airport, Upgrades, LA......................... 1,000,000
Lawrence-Vincennes Municipal Airport Terminal
Development, IL..................................... 750,000
Lewis Airport Improvements and Land Acquisition,
Romeoville, IL...................................... 1,000,000
Lincoln Regional Airport Arrival/Departure Building, CA. 350,000
Louisville Airport Authority Capacity Enhancements, KY.. 2,000,000
Mangham Regional Airport Expansion, Nacogdoches, TX..... 200,000
Manitowoc County Airport Improvements, Manitowoc, WI.... 750,000
McAllen-Miller Airport Mission Pilot Channel Reroute, TX 700,000
Middle Georgia Regional Airport, GA..................... 800,000
Midfield Replacement Terminal, Springfield, MO.......... 2,500,000
Mobile Downtown Airport Apron Rehabilitation, Mobile, AL 500,000
Monroe Regional Airport, New Terminal, LA............... 2,000,000
New Bedford, MA Airport Safety Upgrades................. 100,000
New River Valley Airport, Runway Rehabilitation, VA..... 600,000
NFIA Circulatory Road and Apron, Niagara County, NY..... 1,000,000
Parallel Runway, Kellogg Airport, Battle Creek, MI...... 750,000
Parallel Runway, St. Lucie International Airport, FL.... 1,000,000
Parallel Taxiway Construction Ogden-Hinckley Airport, UT 750,000
Pellston Regional Airport Expansion, Pellston, MI....... 350,000
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Noise Reduction, AZ.......... 1,700,000
Reconstruct West Apron, Harlingen Airport, TX........... 600,000
Rehabilitate Runway, CVG, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky
Airport, Boone, KY.................................. 2,000,000
Resurface Runway, Philadelphia International Airport,
Philadelphia, PA.................................... 1,500,000
Rochester Airport Ramp and Safety Improvements, NC...... 1,000,000
Rockingham County Airport Improvements, NC.............. 500,000
Runway 13-31E Reconstruction at BNA, TN................. 500,000
Runway 7-25 Rehabilitation, NNWIA, VA................... 1,000,000
Runway Upgrade Phase I, Garfield County Regional
Airport, CO......................................... 1,500,000
Sacramento County Airport System Master Plan, CA........ 300,000
Saline County Airport, AR............................... 700,000
San Jose International Airport Guard Lights, CA......... 400,000
Sawyer County Airport, WI............................... 1,500,000
Sheboygan County Memorial Airport Improvements,
Sheboygan, WI....................................... 500,000
Somerset Airport Land Acquisition for Obstruction
Removal, KY......................................... 1,000,000
St. Cloud Airport Improvements, MN...................... 150,000
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport Terminal
Renovation, FL...................................... 500,000
Stanly County Airport Improvements, NC.................. 1,000,000
Statesville Airport Improvement Project, NC............. 750,000
Subsurface Wetland Glycol Treatment, Buffalo, NY........ 1,250,000
Taylor County Airport, Medford, WI...................... 2,000,000
Terminal Improvements Roberts Field--Redmond, OR........ 950,000
Terminal Improvements, Augusta Regional Airport, GA..... 2,000,000
Texarkana Regional Airport Passenger Terminal, TX....... 750,000
Toledo Express Airport, Air Cargo Operations, OH........ 750,000
Turner County Airport Revitalization, GA................ 250,000
Tuscaloosa Regional Airport Master Plan Update, AL...... 200,000
Twin County Airport, Airport Safety Area, Carroll
County, VA.......................................... 200,000
Williams Gateway Airport Taxiway Improvements, AZ....... 2,000,000
BILL LANGUAGE
Runway incursion prevention systems and devices.--
Consistent with the provisions of Public Law 106-181 and the
fiscal year 2004 through 2006 Appropriations Acts, the bill
allows funds under this limitation to be used for airports to
procure and install runway incursion prevention systems and
devices.
Small community air service development program.--The bill
specifies that $20,000,000 of the total amount limited is
available to continue the small community air service
development program.
Administration and research programs.--The bill provides
that, within the overall obligation limitation, $74,971,000 is
available for administration of the airports program by the
FAA. The Committee also provides $10,000,000 is for the airport
cooperative research pilot program, and up to $17,870,000 for
the airport technology research.
(RESCISSION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
Rescission, fiscal year 2006................... -$1,032,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007............... -1,582,000,000
Recommended in the bill........................ -25,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006............ -1,007,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007........... -1,557,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes a rescission of
contract authorization of $25,000,000 from contract authority
in fiscal year 2006 that ``popped-up'' above the obligation
limitation available for that fiscal year due to the 1 percent
across the board cut. Therefore, this rescission has no effect
on any grants-in-aid program. The proposed rescission is a
result of section 107 of AIR-21 (P.L. 106-181). This section
specified that, in the event appropriations for the facilities
and equipment program were less than authorized in a given
fiscal year, additional contract authorization would
automatically be made available for the grants-in-aid for
airports program. The Committee understands that the
legislative committees intended to provide flexibility in
meeting the funding guarantees, by allowing the Appropriations
Committees to meet the guarantee by providing a single,
combined total of funding for the F&E and grants-in-aid
programs rather than hitting the precise authorized amounts for
each as specified in the authorization Act. Because the
Appropriations Committees are not provided an allocation of
budget authority for the grants-in-aid program, section 107
provided automatic budget authority for this purpose. The
Committee continues to disagree with the Congressional Budget
Offices' scoring of this provision.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Section 110. The Committee retains a provision requiring
FAA to accept landing systems, lighting systems, and associated
equipment procured by airports, subject to certain criteria.
Section 111. The Committee retains, with modification, a
provision limiting the number of technical workyears at the
Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development. The
modification raises the limitation from 375 in fiscal year 2006
to 380 in fiscal year 2007.
Section 112. The Committee retains a provision prohibiting
FAA from requiring airport sponsors to provide the agency
``without cost'' building construction, maintenance, utilities
and expenses, or space in sponsor-owned buildings, except in
the case of certain specified exceptions.
Section 113. The Committee retains a provision allowing
reimbursement of funds for providing technical assistance to
foreign aviation authorities to be credited to the operations
account.
Section 114. The Committee retains a provision prohibiting
funds to change weight restrictions or prior permission rules
at Teterboro Airport, Teterboro, New Jersey.
Section 115. The Committee continues a provision extending
the current terms and conditions of FAA's aviation insurance
program, commonly known as the ``war risk insurance'' program,
for one additional year, from December 31, 2006 to December 31,
2007. Although the underlying program is authorized until March
2008, certain provisions including premium price caps were set
to expire at the end of this calendar year. The Committee
recommendation preserves the status quo under this program, a
savings of $125,000,000 from the budget estimate. Savings
accrue because the bill's provisions result in additional
revenue from insurance premiums, which were assumed to be zero
in the budget estimate for fiscal year 2007.
Section 116. The Committee retains a provision that
prohibits funds for engineering work related to an additional
runway at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans,
Louisiana.
Federal Highway Administration
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides
financial assistance to the states to construct and improve
roads and highways, and provides technical assistance to other
agencies and organizations involved in road building
activities. Title 23 of the United States Code and other
supporting legislation provide authority for the various
activities of the FHWA. Funding is provided by contract
authority, with program levels established by annual
limitations on obligations set in Appropriations Acts.
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation
Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), enacted August 10,
2005, provides for increased transportation infrastructure
investment, strengthens transportation safety and environmental
programs, and continues core research activities. SAFETEA-LU
also amended the Budget Enforcement Act to continue two
discretionary spending categories, one of which is the highway
category. This category is comprised of all federal-aid
highways funding, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration's motor carrier safety funding, National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) highway safety grants
funding and NHTSA highway safety research and development
funding. If appropriations action forces highway obligations to
exceed this level, the resulting difference in outlays is
charged to the discretionary spending category. In addition,
beginning in fiscal year 2007 if receipts into the highway
account of the highway trust fund exceed levels specified in
SAFETEA-LU, automatic adjustments are made to increase or
decrease obligations and outlays for the highway category
accordingly. Additional resources provided by this automatic
spending mechanism are called revenue-aligned budget authority
(RABA).
SUMMARY OF FISCAL YEAR 2007 PROGRAM
SAFETEA-LU caps the highway category obligations at
$39,460,710,516 in fiscal year 2007 and federal-aid highway
obligations at $38,244,210,516. In addition, the provisions of
SAFETEA-LU require an increase of $842,254,167 in fiscal year
2007 in federal-aid highway funding due to RABA. This combined
total highway funding level of $39,086,464,683 represents
almost a 10% increase over the fiscal year 2006 enacted level
of $35,550,788,034.
The Committee's recommendation is consistent with the
levels guaranteed by SAFETEA-LU, as adjusted for RABA. The
following table summarizes the program levels within the FHWA
for fiscal year 2006 enacted, the fiscal year 2007 budget
request and the Committee's recommendation:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2006 Fiscal year 2007 Recomended in the
Program enacted request bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal-aid highways................................... $35,550,788,034 \ $38,244,210,516 $38,244,210,516
1\
Revenue aligned budget authority (RABA)................ - - - 842,254,167 842,254,167
--------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal......................................... 35,550,788,034 39,086,464,683 39,086,464,683
Exempt contract authority.............................. 739,000,000 739,000,000 739,000,000
--------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal......................................... 36,289,778,034 39,825,464,683 39,825,464,683
Emergency relief program--P.L. 109-148 (GF)............ 2,750,000,000 - - - - - -
Appalachian development highway system (GF)............ 19,800,000 - - - - - -
Rescission of contract authority....................... -3,142,999,000 - - - -2,164,453,027
--------------------------------------------------------
Total............................................ 35,916,589,034 39,825,464,683 37,661,011,656
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Reflects transfer of funds to NHTSA.
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... ($360,991,620)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... (372,504,000)
Recommended in the bill............................... (372,504,000)
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006..................... (+11,512,380)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................... (- - -)
This limitation controls spending for the salaries and
expenses of the FHWA required to conduct and administer the
federal-aid highway program, highway-related research, and most
other federal highway programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $372,504,000,
consistent with the budget request and $11,512,380 above the
fiscal year 2006 level. This funding level is sufficient to
fund 2,430 full time equivalent staff years (FTE).
Congressional budget justifications.--The Committee is
disappointed by the poor quality of the FHWA's budget
submission for fiscal year 2007, particularly with the lack of
information provided for the agency's research and technology
programs. For example, the budget submission fails to include
basic descriptive budgetary data, such as tables showing
funding amounts for each research program, as well as
justifications and descriptions for these programs. The budget
submission also fails to identify changes in legislative
language being requested by the agency. The Committee cannot
evaluate the merit of bill language if the language is not
included; a short description with little to no information is
unacceptable. The Committee understands that the FHWA recently
hired a new budget officer and is optimistic that this new hire
will bring about positive changes. The Committee expects to see
improved budget justifications next year and, to this end,
directs the FHWA to submit its fiscal year 2008 Congressional
justification materials at the same level of detail provided in
the fiscal year 2003 Congressional justifications. Furthermore,
the Committee directs the FHWA to include funding levels for
the prior year, current year, and budget year for all programs,
activities, initiatives, and program elements. The budget
submission must also include detailed justification for
requested FTE and funding increases, by program, activity, and
program element, as well as legislative language for all
proposed programs and provisions.
Unobligated balances in miscellaneous accounts.--The
Committee is concerned that the FHWA is doing little to
identify unneeded balances of unobligated highway project
funds. These no-year funds, which have been designated for
specific purposes and geographic locations, cannot be used for
another project without legislative action. As a result, these
funds remain unobligated indefinitely. In a 2004 report, the
Government Accountability Office (GAO) noted that the FHWA was
not routinely reviewing these unobligated project funds and
identified $16,407,909 that could be rescinded. In a subsequent
May 2006 report, GAO identified an additional $12,177,194 for
rescission. The Committee is concerned that the FHWA is not
routinely reviewing projects with unneeded balances and is
instead waiting for outside parties to initiate reviews.
Therefore, the Committee directs the FHWA to submit a report to
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by February
1, 2007, detailing how the agency is addressing GAO's
recommendations. The report should describe the process for
reviewing unobligated project funds, as well as notifying
Congress of those projects where legislative action is needed.
In addition, the Committee understands that section 1603 of
SAFETEA-LU addresses the use of excess funds and funds for
inactive projects that were allocated before fiscal year 1991.
The Committee directs the FHWA to include with the fiscal year
2008 budget submission a description of any action taken under
that section in fiscal year 2006.
George Washington Memorial Parkway feasibility study.--The
Committee directs the FHWA to work with the National Park
Service to determine the feasibility of extending a third
southbound lane of the George Washington Memorial Parkway from
the Key Bridge to the Roosevelt Memorial Bridge in Arlington,
Virginia. The FHWA shall assist the National Park Service in
the preparation of a report which must be submitted to the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, not later than
six months after the date of enactment of this Act, on the
feasibility of such an extension.
LIMITATION ON TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... ($425,502,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... (429,800,000)
Recommended in the bill............................... (429,800,000)
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006..................... (+4,298,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................... (- - -)
This limitation controls spending for the transportation
research and technology contract programs of the FHWA. It
includes a number of contract programs including surface
transportation research, training and education, university
transportation research, and intelligent transportation systems
research. Funding for the Bureau of Transportation Statistics
(BTS) is also included within this limitation even though BTS
is organizationally placed within the Research and Innovative
Technology Administration (RITA). Additional information
regarding BTS is included in the RITA section of this report.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The recommendation includes an obligation limitation for
transportation research of $429,800,000 in fiscal year 2007 for
the following transportation research programs:
Surface transportation research....................... $196,400,000
Training and education................................ 26,700,000
Bureau of transportation statistics................... 27,000,000
University transportation research.................... 69,700,000
Intelligent transportation systems research........... 110,000,000
Total............................................. 429,800,000
FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
Liquidation of
contract Limitation on
authorization obligations
Appropriation, fiscal year $36,032,343,903 ($35,550,788,034) \1
2006....................... \
Budget request, fiscal year 39,086,000,000 (39,086,464,683)
2007.......................
Recommended in the bill..... 39,086,464,683 (39,086,464,683)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal +3,054,120,780 (+3,535,676,649)
year 2006..............
Budget request, fiscal +464,683 (- - -)
year 2007..............
\1\ Reflects transfer of funds to NHTSA.
The federal-aid highways (FAH) program is designed to aid
in the development, operations and management of an intermodal
transportation system that is economically efficient,
environmentally sound, provides the foundation for the nation
to compete in the global economy, and moves people and goods
safely.
All programs included within FAH are financed from the
highway trust fund and most are distributed via apportionments
and allocations to states. The FAH program is funded by
contract authority in SAFETEA-LU and liquidating cash
appropriations are subsequently provided to fund outlays
resulting from obligations incurred under contract authority.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a liquidating cash appropriation
of $39,086,464,683. This is the amount required to pay the
outstanding obligations of the highway program at levels
provided in this Act and prior appropriations Acts.
LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS
The bill includes language limiting fiscal year 2007
federal-aid highways obligations to $39,086,464,683, consistent
with the SAFETEA-LU highway funding guarantees as adjusted for
RABA. Of the amount provided under RABA, an amount to be
calculated is available to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA) for the motor carrier safety grant
program and bill language is included to transfer this funding
to FMCSA.
The Committee has also included bill language, as was
enacted last year, that allows the secretary to charge and
collect fees from the applicant for a direct loan, guaranteed
loan, or line of credit to cover the cost of the financial and
legal analyses performed on behalf of the department. These
fees are not subject to any obligation limitation or the
limitation on administrative expenses set for the
transportation infrastructure finance and innovation program
under section 608 of title 23, United States Code.
Although the following table reflects an estimated
distribution of obligations by program category, the bill
includes a limitation applicable only to the total of certain
federal-aid spending. The following table indicates estimated
obligations by program within the $39,086,464,683 provided by
this Act and additional resources made available by permanent
law:
FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS ESTIMATED OBLIGATION LIMITATION BY PROGRAM
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 est.
Programs limitation limitation limitation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject to limitation:
Surface Transportation Program..................... $5,475,931 $5,139,465 6,143,138
National Highway System............................ 4,678,055 4,879,210 4,853,549
Interstate Maintenance............................. 3,829,247 3,994,609 4,776,773
Bridge Program..................................... 3,271,421 3,412,935 4,081,561
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement.. 1,336,163 1,393,288 1,665,247
Highway Safety Improvement Program................. - - - 866,641 1,014,618
Equity Bonus....................................... 6,828,645 5,858,197 7,359,857
Surface Transportation Research Program............ 152,453 169,159 188,811
University Transportation Research, Training and 52,086 83,029 92,675
Education.........................................
ITS Standards, Research and Development............ 85,386 94,743 105,750
ITS Deployment..................................... 94,701 - - - - - -
Bureau of Transportation Statistics................ 26,263 26,730 27,280
Federal Lands Highways............................. 630,538 701,440 854,650
High Priority Projects............................. 2,536,272 2,554,960 2,851,782
Projects of National and Regional Significance..... 152,105 306,451 427,565
National Corridor Infrastructure Improvement 166,554 335,562 468,183
Program...........................................
Transportation Improvements........................ 218,473 440,165 614,126
Appalachian Development Highway System............. 385,374 395,296 446,970
Transportation, Community, and System Preservation 21,375 52,755 358,883
Program...........................................
Other Programs..................................... 4,032,584 4,380,083 2,265,255
Transportation Infrastructure Finance and 104,310 105,079 117,286
Innovation (TIFIA)................................
Administration..................................... 341,485 360,992 372,504
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Subject to Obligation Limitation......... 34,419,420 35,550,788 39,086,465
========================================================
Emergency Relief Program............................... 100,000 100,000 100,000
Equity Bonus........................................... 639,000 639,000 639,000
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Exempt Programs.............................. 739,000 739,000 739,000
========================================================
Emergency Relief Supplemental.......................... 1,937,072 2,750,000 \1\ - - -
========================================================
Grand Total, Federal-Aid Highways (Direct). 37,095,492 39,039,788 39,825,465
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ General Fund Appropriation (P.L. 109-148).
The following table reflects the estimated distribution of
the federal-aid limitation by state:
ESTIMATED FY 2007 OBLIGATION LIMITATION
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Formula Formula Appalachian
State Obligation Obligation Equity Development Total
Limitation Limitation RABA Bonus Highways
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama...................... $548,200 $6,932 $49,514 $27,803 $632,448
Alaska....................... 234,629 4,058 44,953 0 283,640
Arizona...................... 531,148 9,833 54,387 0 595,368
Arkansas..................... 368,026 4,539 28,040 0 400,605
California................... 2,778,209 50,276 145,364 0 2,973,850
Colorado..................... 386,101 7,192 18,226 0 411,519
Connecticut.................. 390,861 4,716 34,746 0 430,324
Delaware..................... 122,165 1,507 3,464 0 127,136
District of Columbia......... 129,766 1,442 0 0 131,208
Florida...................... 1,345,091 26,230 171,589 0 1,542,910
Georgia...................... 971,216 18,912 113,040 17,040 1,120,208
Hawaii....................... 130,372 1,608 4,694 0 136,674
Idaho........................ 210,115 2,636 21,033 0 233,784
Illinois..................... 1,013,190 19,098 65,256 0 1,097,544
Indiana...................... 703,075 13,379 76,653 0 793,106
Iowa......................... 339,393 6,186 3,012 0 348,591
Kansas....................... 326,808 3,639 1,201 0 331,648
Kentucky..................... 445,166 6,027 29,265 65,207 545,665
Louisiana.................... 474,012 5,526 18,002 0 497,540
Maine........................ 147,155 1,820 0 0 148,975
Maryland..................... 464,625 8,769 24,454 6,099 503,947
Massachusetts................ 514,054 5,834 15,592 0 535,479
Michigan..................... 910,643 16,515 59,244 0 986,401
Minnesota.................... 494,480 9,441 32,938 0 536,858
Mississippi.................. 351,018 5,157 17,376 5,042 378,593
Missouri..................... 699,480 8,215 39,809 0 747,505
Montana...................... 270,304 3,383 28,177 0 301,863
Nebraska..................... 229,456 2,647 3,000 0 235,103
Nevada....................... 195,480 3,948 10,750 0 210,178
New Hampshire................ 139,154 1,607 6,610 0 147,371
New Jersy.................... 767,970 14,227 52,968 0 835,165
New Mexico................... 282,590 3,365 18,444 0 304,399
New York..................... 1,366,034 16,028 58,046 21,467 1,461,574
North Carolina............... 779,871 15,308 75,757 36,363 907,299
North Dakota................. 192,539 2,233 4,198 0 198,970
Ohio......................... 1,047,877 19,884 81,721 19,517 1,169,000
Oklahoma..................... 465,604 8,380 19,266 0 493,250
Oregon....................... 354,111 4,219 6,124 0 364,454
Pennsylvania................. 1,263,460 15,672 75,171 98,347 1,452,651
Rhode Island................. 155,474 1,883 0 0 157,356
South Carolina............... 456,633 8,686 39,627 2,762 507,707
South Dakota................. 200,028 2,483 10,343 0 212,854
Tennessee.................... 605,013 12,060 47,765 33,257 698,095
Texas........................ 2,330,764 43,408 228,337 0 2,602,509
Utah......................... 214,770 2,682 9,396 0 226,848
Vermont...................... 134,835 1,617 0 0 136,452
Virginia..................... 743,028 14,357 64,750 31,796 853,930
Washington................... 530,117 9,319 5,358 0 544,794
West Virginia................ 241,452 3,848 15,979 82,269 343,548
Wisconsin.................... 550,530 6,782 57,813 0 615,125
Wyoming...................... 206,506 2,378 8,552 0 217,436
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................. 28,752,597 469,890 2,000,000 446,970 31,669,457
High Priority Projects....... 2,821,046 30,736 0 0 2,851,782
Allocated Programs........... 4,223,597 341,629 0 0 4,565,226
==================================================================================
Total Limitation..... 35,797,241 842,254 2,000,000 446,970 39,086,465
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal-aid highways and bridges are managed through a
federal-state partnership. States and localities maintain
ownership and responsibility for maintenance, repair and new
construction of roads. State highway departments have the
authority to initiate federal-aid projects subject to FHWA
approval of plans, specifications, and cost estimates. The
federal government provides financial support for construction
and repair through matching grants, the terms of which vary
with the type of road.
There are almost four million miles of public roads in the
United States and approximately 594,000 bridges. The federal
government provides grants to states to assist in financing the
construction and preservation of about 971,000 miles (24
percent) of these roads, which represents the National Highway
System plus key feeder and collector routes. Highways eligible
for federal aid carry about 85 percent of total U.S. highway
traffic.
Under SAFETEA-LU, federal-aid highways funds are made
available through the following major programs:
Surface transportation program (STP).--STP is a flexible
program that may be used by states and localities for projects
on any federal-aid highway, bridge projects on any public road,
transit capital projects, and intracity and intercity bus
terminals and facilities. A portion of STP funds are set aside
for transportation enhancements and state sub-allocations are
provided. The federal share for STP is generally 80 percent,
subject to the sliding scale adjustment, with a four-year
availability period.
National highway system (NHS).--The NHS program provides
funding for a designated National Highway System consisting of
roads that are of primary federal interest. The NHS consists of
the current Interstate, other rural principal arterials, urban
freeways and connecting urban principal arterials, and
facilities on the Defense Department's designated Strategic
Highway Network, and roads connecting the NHS to intermodal
facilities. Legislation designating the 161,000 mile system was
enacted in 1995 and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st
Century (TEA-21) added to the system the highways and
connections to transportation facilities identified in the May
24, 1996 report to Congress. The federal share for the NHS
program is generally 80 percent, subject to the sliding scale
adjustment, with an availability period of four-years.
Interstate maintenance (IM) program.--The IM program
finances projects to rehabilitate, restore, resurface and
reconstruct the Interstate system. Reconstruction that
increases capacity, other than HOV lanes, is not eligible for
IM funds. The federal share for the IM program is 90 percent,
subject to the sliding scale adjustment, and funds are
available for four years.
Funds provided for the Interstate maintenance discretionary
program in fiscal year 2007 shall be available for the
following activities in the corresponding amounts:
Alameda County I-580 HOV Lane, CA....................... $1,000,000
Cactus Avenue, NV....................................... 500,000
Depression of Belt Line Road Below Grade at I-35, TX.... 750,000
I-10--Grove Avenue, Ontario, CA......................... 750,000
I-10 Improvement Project, Western Maricopa County, AZ... 750,000
I-10 Ramon Road/Bob Hope Interchange, CA................ 500,000
I-15 Bluff Interchange, St. George, UT.................. 1,000,000
I-15, Mile Post 4 Interchange, Bloomington, UT.......... 500,000
I-15/Base Line Road Interchange, Rancho Cucamonga, CA... 750,000
I-20 in Ouachita Parish, LA............................. 500,000
I-20 Transportation Corridor Program, Lincoln Parish, LA 1,000,000
I-205 and MacArthur Interchange Improvement, Tracy, CA.. 1,250,000
I-225 at Colfax (US40) and 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO...... 500,000
I-235 Reconstruction in Des Moines, IA.................. 1,250,000
I-235 Stormwater Management, Des Moines, IA............. 500,000
I-25 and Lincoln Avenue Interchange, Douglas County CO.. 250,000
I-25, through Northeastern Colorado, from Highway 52 to
Highway 14, CO...................................... 500,000
I-25/SH 16 Interchange, Colorado Springs, CO............ 500,000
I-265 Rehl Road Interchange Planning and Development, KY 400,000
I-29/52nd Avenue South Interchange Reconstruction, ND... 500,000
I-35 Bridge Repair at Midway Road, MN................... 500,000
I-35 Snake River Bridge, MN............................. 500,000
I-40 and Coors Interchange, NM.......................... 1,750,000
I-40 Reconstruction from I-240 East to Choctaw Road,
Oklahoma City, OK................................... 1,100,000
I-40 Rehabilitation and Improvements, NC................ 500,000
I-430/630 Interchange Improvements, Little, Rock, AR.... 300,000
I-471 Interchange KY8, Campbell, KY..................... 1,600,000
I-5 and Ortega Highway (SR-74) Interchange
Reconstruction, San Juan Capistrano, CA............. 750,000
I-5 Trade Corridor, OR.................................. 500,000
I-5/Cosumnes River Boulevard Extension, CA.............. 1,000,000
I-5/Louise Avenue Interchange Improvements, CA.......... 400,000
I-5/North Macadam Freeway Ramp Improvements OR.......... 1,000,000
I-540 Interchange Improvements, Northwest AR............ 500,000
I-540 Western Wake Freeway, NC.......................... 600,000
I-55 at Weber Road, St. Louis County, MO................ 400,000
I-65/222 Interchange in Cullman County, AL.............. 1,500,000
I-66 Northern Bypass of Somerset, KY.................... 1,000,000
I-66 Pike County, KY.................................... 500,000
I-66 Somerset to London, KY............................. 1,500,000
I-69, TN................................................ 750,000
I-70 at SH 340, CO...................................... 500,000
I-70 West at Empire Junction in Clear Creek County, CO.. 500,000
I-73 Construction, NC Border to I-95, SC................ 600,000
I-75 Corridor between Exits 38 and 41, KY............... 500,000
I-75/Griffin Road Interchange, FL....................... 500,000
I-76 Corridor from Fort Morgan to the Nebraska State
Line, CO............................................ 500,000
I-77 Interchange, Cornelius, NC......................... 500,000
I-84, US-93 Interchange, State 2, ID.................... 500,000
I-85 New Interchange, Troup County, GA.................. 250,000
I-93 P&D Construction, Andover, Tewksbury, and
Wilmington, MA...................................... 500,000
I-95 and SC-327 Interchange Improvement Project, SC..... 2,000,000
I-95/I-495 New Greenbelt Metro Station Access
Interchange, MD..................................... 1,200,000
I-95/Lewistown road, Hanover, VA........................ 1,650,000
Improvements to I-35 Access and Local roads, from the
Red River North 7 miles, Love County, OK............ 500,000
Intersection of US50 and I-275, Dearborn County, IN..... 1,500,000
Intersection, I-49 and Highway 190, St. Landry Parish,
LA.................................................. 500,000
Latson Road and I-96 Interchange, Brighton, MI.......... 500,000
Lee County I-20 Frontage road, US-15 to SC-341, SC...... 1,000,000
Mesa del Sol I-25 Interchange, NM....................... 1,000,000
Noise Wall between I-285 and Lantern Ridge, GA.......... 500,000
North Ontario Interchange, OR........................... 500,000
Southern Nevada Beltway Interchanges, NV................ 500,000
Stapleton I-70 Interchange, Denver, CO.................. 500,000
TH 169 and I-494 Interchange, MN........................ 500,000
Widen I-66 Westbound Inside the Capital Beltway, VA..... 2,000,000
Bridge replacement and rehabilitation program.--The bridge
program enables states to improve the condition of their
bridges through replacement, rehabilitation, and systematic
preventive maintenance. The funds are available for use on all
bridges, including those on roads functionally classified as
rural minor collectors and as local. Bridge program funds have
a four-year period of availability with a federal share for all
projects, except those on the Interstate System, of 80 percent,
subject to the sliding scale adjustment. For those bridges on
the Interstate System, the federal share is 90 percent, subject
to the sliding scale adjustment.
There is a set-aside of $100,000,000 from the fiscal year
2007 funding for the bridge program that is designated for
specific projects listed in SAFETEA-LU.
Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program
(CMAQ).--The CMAQ program directs funds toward transportation
projects and programs to help meet and maintain national
ambient air quality standards for ozone, carbon monoxide, and
particulate matter. A minimum 1/2 percent of the apportionment
is guaranteed to each state.
Highway safety improvement program (HSIP).--The new HSIP
(previously funded by a set-aside from STP) was established as
a core program beginning in 2006. The program, which features
strategic safety planning and performance, devotes additional
resources and supports innovative approaches to reducing
highway fatalities and injuries on all public roads.
Appalachian development highway system.--This program makes
funds available to construct highways and access roads under
section 201 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of
1965. Under SAFETEA-LU, funding is authorized at $470,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009; is available until
expended; and is distributed among the 13 eligible states based
on the latest available cost-to-complete estimate prepared by
the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Equity bonus program.--The equity bonus (replaces TEA-21's
minimum guarantee) provides additional funds to states to
ensure that each state's total funding from apportioned
programs and for High Priority Projects meets certain equity
considerations. Each state is guaranteed a minimum rate of
return on its share of contributions to the highway account of
the highway trust fund, and a minimum increase relative to the
average dollar amount of apportionments under TEA-21. Certain
states will maintain the share of total apportionments they
each received during TEA-21. An open-ended authorization is
provided, ensuring that there will be sufficient funds to meet
the objectives of the equity bonus.
Emergency relief (ER).--The ER program provides funds for
the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways and
bridges and federally-owned roads and bridges that have
suffered serious damage as the result of natural disasters or
catastrophic failures. The ER program supplements the
commitment of resources by states, their political
subdivisions, or federal agencies to help pay for unusually
heavy expenses resulting from extraordinary conditions.
Federal lands.--This category funds improvement for forest
highways; park roads and parkways; Indian reservation roads;
and refuge roads. The federal lands highways program provides
for transportation planning, research, engineering, and
construction of highways, roads, parkways, and transit
facilities that provide access to or within public lands,
national parks, and Indian reservations.
Funds provided for the federal lands program in fiscal year
2007 shall be available for the following activities in the
corresponding amounts:
14th Street Bridge/GW Parkway Improvements, VA.......... $2,000,000
Baltimore/Washington Parkway Gateway, Baltimore, MD..... 700,000
Bear River Access Road, Brigham City, UT................ 1,250,000
Boulder City Bypass, NV................................. 1,000,000
Chassahowitzka Refuge Access Road Improvement, FL....... 400,000
Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Recreation Trail, DE...... 1,700,000
City of Rocks Back Country Byway, ID.................... 2,000,000
Doyle Drive Replacement, Golden Gate Bridge Access, CA.. 4,000,000
FH-24, Banks to Lowman, ID.............................. 1,700,000
Forest Service Highway #2 in Winston County, AL......... 1,200,000
Fort Baker Park Access and Transportation Improvements,
CA.................................................. 300,000
Fort George Island Access Road, FL...................... 2,000,000
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, MT........ 3,000,000
Golden Gate NRA Park Access and Trails, CA.............. 1,000,000
Hatch Trading Post Road, San Juan County, UT............ 590,000
Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, AZ............................ 2,130,000
Lake Mead Highway Improvements, NV...................... 1,000,000
Lowell Riverwalk Phase II Construction, Lowell, MA...... 750,000
MD 4 Suitland Parkway Interchange, MD................... 4,500,000
Natchez Trails Project, Natchez, MS..................... 650,000
National Park Service, Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path, NJ.... 450,000
Navajo Route 35, San Juan County, UT.................... 1,000,000
Needles Highway, San Bernardino County, CA.............. 1,000,000
Paving of US 212 East of Eagle Butte, SD................ 500,000
Paving of Young Road (FS 512), AZ....................... 1,250,000
Pyramid Highway Corridor in Sparks and Reno, NV......... 500,000
Recreational Park Road, KY.............................. 180,000
Route 1 and 619 Traffic Circle, Prince William County,
VA.................................................. 1,700,000
SH 14 between Ault and Sterling, Weld County, CO........ 500,000
Sharpes Ferry Bridge Replacement in Marion County, FL... 1,900,000
State Route 160 Expansion and Safety, NV................ 500,000
Stones River National Battlefield Tour Route, TN........ 2,000,000
Three Affiliated Tribes Wells Road, ND.................. 500,000
Trail Ridge Road, US 34 Resurfacing, CO................. 1,000,000
US 34, Big Thompson Canyon between Loveland and Estes
Park, Larimer County, CO............................ 500,000
US 491 in Montezuma County, CO.......................... 750,000
US 50-A, Fernley to Fallon, NV.......................... 500,000
US 93 Interim Improvements, NV.......................... 500,000
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge Roads, NE............ 500,000
The Committee directs that the funds allocated above are to
be derived from the FHWA's public lands highways discretionary
program and not from funds allocated to the National Park
Service's regions.
Ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities.--SAFETEA-LU
reauthorized funding for the construction of ferry boats and
ferry terminal facilities and requires that $20,000,000 from
each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009 be set aside for marine
highway systems that are part of the National Highway System
for use by the states of Alaska, New Jersey and Washington. In
fiscal year 2007, SAFETEA-LU provides $60,000,000 for the ferry
boat program.
Funds provided for the ferry boats and ferry terminal
facilities program in fiscal year 2007 shall be available for
the following activities in the corresponding amounts:
Camden Town Center Ferry Terminal Building, NJ.......... $750,000
Ferry Boat Service, Berkeley/Albany, CA................. 750,000
Ferry Infrastructure Improvement, Hokes Bluff, AL....... 600,000
Ferry System Dock Repairs, Sapelo Island, GA............ 600,000
Fort Gates and Drayton Terminals, Putnam County, FL..... 1,080,000
Glen Cove Ferry Terminal, NY............................ 2,000,000
Landing Craft for Mackinac Island State Park, MI........ 250,000
Mayport Ferry, Jacksonville, FL......................... 1,144,000
Mukilteo Multimodal Terminal Redevelopment, WA.......... 650,000
Oak Harbor Municipal Pier Project, WA................... 1,000,000
Port Aransas Ferryboat Expansion, TX.................... 750,000
Provincetown Intermodal Center/Marine Gateway, MA....... 850,000
Staten Island Barberi Class Ferry Replacement, NY....... 1,100,000
Staten Island Fast Ferry Purchase, NY................... 800,000
Staten Island Ferry Rack Reconstruction, NY............. 1,100,000
Vallejo Baylink Ferry Intermodal Facility, CA........... 1,750,000
Vashon Island Passenger Only Ferry, WA.................. 500,000
Voyae Data Recorders for Staten Island Ferry, NY........ 1,000,000
Water-Based Transport, Medord, MA....................... 750,000
National scenic byways program.--This program provides
funding for roads that are designated by the Secretary of
Transportation as All American Roads (AAR) or National Scenic
Byways (NSB). These roads have outstanding scenic, historic,
cultural, natural, recreational, and archaeological qualities.
In fiscal year 2007, SAFETEA-LU provides $35,000,000 for this
program.
Transportation, community, and system preservation (TCSP)
program.--SAFETEA-LU continues the TCSP program to provide
grants to states and local governments for planning,
developing, and implementing strategies to integrate
transportation, community and system preservation plans and
practices. These grants may be used to improve the efficiency
of the transportation system; reduce the impacts of
transportation on the environment; reduce the need for costly
future investments in public infrastructure; and provide
efficient access to jobs, services, and centers of trade.
Funds provided for the TCSP program in fiscal year 2007
shall be available for the following activities in the
corresponding amounts:
1 Toll Road Project, LA................................. $1,500,000
12th and 14th Avenue Road Reconstruction, Madawaska, ME. 150,000
19th Street SW Grade Separation, Mason City, IA......... 1,000,000
315 Research Corridor Transportation Improvements, OH... 500,000
36th Street Extension Project, San Antonio, TX.......... 200,000
40th Street Revitalization Project, FL.................. 500,000
45th Street Improvements in Munster, IN................. 1,200,000
4-County Transportation Needs Study, Kane County, IL.... 1,000,000
4th Street Underpass, Monroe, LA........................ 500,000
63rd Street Downtown Bridge Replacement, Raytown, MO.... 500,00
Agoura Road Widening, CA................................ 400,000
Agri-Center Interchange, Tulare, CA..................... 250,000
Airport Boulevard Highway 101 Interchange, Monterery, CA 250,000
Airport Industrial Drive in Gadsden, AL................. 400,000
Alabama Avenue Safety Improvments, Stark County, OH..... 1,000,000
Alameda Corridor-East, San Gabriel Valley, CA........... 1,500,000
Almaden Expressway Pedestrian Improvement Project, CA... 300,000
Alpine Traffic Relief Route Study, TX................... 250,000
Ambassador Bridge/Port of Detroit Multimodal
Transportation Initiative, MI....................... 500,000
Antelope Valley Transportation Improvements, NE......... 1,000,000
Atlantic Boulevard Bridge Replacement, Pompano Beach, FL 2,000,000
Avenue P Rancho Vista Boulevard Improvements, Palmdale,
CA.................................................. 500,000
Battlefield Parkway Loudon County, VA................... 900,000
Bay Ridge Trail Bike and Pedestrian Path, CA............ 300,000
Bay Road Stormwater Improvements East Palo Alto, CA..... 200,000
Beaver Street Reconstruction Project, CT................ 100,000
Belleview Bypass and Baseline Road Project, FL.......... 250,000
Belleville Road and Ecorse Road Intersection, MI........ 500,000
Bensalem Township Delaware Valley Regional Plan, PA..... 1,000,000
Big 4 Bridge Access Project, Jeffersonville, IN......... 500,000
Blossom Hill/Monterey Grade Crossing, CA................ 200,000
Boot Road Extension, Dowingtown, PA..................... 3,500,000
Bosque Bike Trails, NM.................................. 300,000
Boston Street Traffic Improvement Study, Baltimore, MD.. 400,000
Bouldercrest Road Widening, Dekalb County, GA........... 300,000
Bowery Street Streetscape and Repair, Akron, OH......... 300,000
Brannon Stand Road Bridge Replacement, AL............... 500,000
Brays Bayou Hike and Bike Trail, Houston, TX............ 150,000
Brazos Valley Transportation Management Center, TX...... 600,000
Bremerton Pedestrian-BTC Tunnel Project, WA............. 5,000,000
Bridge to Dennings Point in Beacon, NY.................. 500,000
Bridgeview Bridge Bike Path, MI......................... 500,000
Briggs-DeLaine-Pearson Connector, SC.................... 1,500,000
Bristol Street Widening, Orange County, CA.............. 350,000
BRPC-Western Scenic Byway Tourism Program, MA........... 500,000
Brush College Road and William Street, Decatur, IL...... 100,000
Bruton Smith Parkway, Henry County, GA.................. 250,000
Buffalo Bolt Office Park Access Road, NY................ 930,000
Buffalo Road, Town of Orangeville, Wyoming County, NY... 350,000
Butterfield Road Grade Separation, Lake County, IL...... 200,000
Campus Drive West, City of Hancock, MI.................. 200,000
Campus Parkway, Merced, CA.............................. 400,000
CARTA Intelligent Transportation System, Chattanooga, TN 2,000,000
Cascade Deck Northbound Connection, Akron, OH........... 500,000
C-B-S Corridor, Toledo, OH.............................. 500,000
Cedar Bluff, AL......................................... 200,000
Center Street Bridge and Riverwalk, Des Moines, IA...... 500,000
Central Avenue/49th Street Bridge, Columbia Heights, MN. 1,200,000
Central City, Trinity River Vision, Fort Worth, TX...... 2,000,000
Central Expressway Auxiliary Lanes, Santa Clara County,
CA.................................................. 300,000
Central Ohio Innovation Center, OH...................... 1,000,000
Chambers County, AL..................................... 125,000
Chattahoochee Hill Country and Greenway Trails, GA...... 200,000
Chicago Park District, DuSable Park, IL................. 500,000
Chicago Transit Authority Purple Line Viaducts, IL...... 300,000
Chicora Bridge Safety Improvements, PA.................. 500,000
Chinatown Streetscape Los Angeles, CA................... 200,000
Cidra-Cayey Connector, Puerto Rico...................... 500,000
City of Lafayette, AL................................... 50,000
City of Rio Vista Highway 12 Safety Project, CA......... 250,000
City of Tarrant Downtown Revitalization, AL............. 300,000
City of Woodland, AL.................................... 39,000
City-Wide Integrated Transportation Planning, Detroit,
MI.................................................. 250,000
Cleveland Road Improvements, St. Joseph County, IN...... 750,000
Clifton Corridor Transit Study, Atlanta, GA............. 500,000
Coal Creek Parkway Completion, Newcastle, WA............ 1,000,000
Coconut Creek Education Corridor, FL.................... 1,000,000
Community Transportation Association of America
Nationwide Joblinks, MA............................. 2,300,000
Commack Road Bypass Study, NY........................... 400,000
Construct Park Row Bypass in Houston, TX................ 1,500,000
Construction of Eldamain Road, IL....................... 3,000,000
Construction of Four Lane US 20 Sac County, IA.......... 500,000
Construction/Enhancement of Motts Lane, Penfield, NY.... 100,000
County Road 17 Project, IN.............................. 500,000
County Road 357 South Repaving, Dixie County, FL........ 750,000
County Route 113, Washington County, NY................. 759,600
CR 78 from Lee/Hendry Line to SR29 Hendry County, FL.... 1,500,000
Crooks Road, from 14 Mile Road to Elmwood Road/Meijer
Drive, Clawson, MI.................................. 1,600,000
Crossroads Initiative, Boston, MA....................... 300,000
CSAH 21, Scott County, MN............................... 250,000
Cumberland Avenue Improvements, TN...................... 500,000
Dallas Woodall Rodgers Deck Plaza, TX................... 250,000
Delaware County Route 7, NY............................. 500,000
Dentville-Jack Road Project, Copiah County, MS.......... 600,000
Denver Streetcar Feasibility Study, Denver, CO.......... 500,000
Design and Reconstruct of Beacham Street, Everett, MA... 400,000
Dexter Road Connector East Providence, RI............... 350,000
Diley Road Improvements, Pickerington, OH............... 1,000,000
Dobbs Ferry Parking Expansion, NY....................... 250,000
Dominion Boulevard Bridge Replacement, Chesapeake, VA... 500,000
Dorsey Drive Interchange in Grass Valley, CA............ 500,000
Downtown Redevelopment Plan, Joplin, MO................. 500,000
Downtown Revitalization Project, Somerset, KY........... 500,000
Downtown Traffic Movement Plan, Lexington, KY........... 400,000
Drury Lane Extension Project, NY........................ 1,500,000
Dundee Road (IL Route 68)/New Road Intersection, IL..... 1,300,000
East 14th Street Streetscape Improvements, San Leandro,
CA.................................................. 200,000
East Burnside Corridor Street Improvements, OR.......... 500,000
East Lake Sammamish Parkway, Sammamish, WA.............. 500,000
East Point Roadway Improvement Project, GA.............. 250,000
East Washington Connector, Greenville, SC............... 750,000
Echo Park Streetscape and Safety Improvements, Los
Angeles, CA......................................... 250,000
Edinger Corridor Improvements, Huntington Beach, CA..... 250,000
El Paso River Trail, TX................................. 200,000
Elliot/Spring Street Improvement Springfield, MA........ 500,000
Ellis Preserve at Newtown Square, PA.................... 250,000
Enhancement of the Fruit Belt Corridor, Buffalo, NY..... 900,000
Evacuation Route Widening, FL........................... 1,000,000
Expansion of Ashburton Avenue, NY....................... 500,000
Expansion of Southfield Road, Southfield, MI............ 450,000
Exposition Line Crenshaw Crossing Station District, CA.. 400,000
Fairfax Parkway at Fair Lakes Boulevard and Monument
Drive, VA........................................... 1,500,000
Fairmont Gateway Connector System, WV................... 1,700,000
Fall Mountain Water Project, CT......................... 100,000
FAST Corridor Grade Separations, Auburn, Kent, and
Puyallup, WA........................................ 1,000,000
Figueroa Boulevard Streetscape, Highland Park, CA....... 200,000
Flats East Bank Project, Cleveland, OH.................. 400,000
FM3071 from SH107 to FM1925, Hidalgo County, TX......... 200,000
Four Mile Run Improvements, VA.......................... 250,000
Franklin Streetscape, WV................................ 200,000
Fraser Street, State College, PA........................ 1,000,000
Fredrick Douglas Bridge/Property Acquisition, DC........ 300,000
Friends of Cheat Rails-To-Trails program, WV............ 300,000
Fulton Drive and Wales Avenue Intersection Improvement,
OH.................................................. 500,000
Gallipolis Farm Road Phase II Project, OH............... 300,000
Galveston Causeway Railroad Bridge, TX.................. 1,000,000
Georgetown Southwest Bypass between SH29 and FF2243, TX. 500,000
Gessner Road Grade Separation at US90A, TX.............. 200,000
Glennwillow Multi-Use Trail, OH......................... 300,000
Global Reach Interchange, El Paso, TX................... 300,000
Grade Separations in Riverside, CA...................... 500,000
Grand Avenue Improvements, Poughkeepsie, MI............. 500,000
Grand Rapids Passenger Rail and Station Relocation, MI.. 500,000
Grant County Economic Corridor, IN...................... 250,000
Great Barrington Streetscape, Great Barrington, MA...... 1,000,000
Greater Jamaica Development Corporation Atlantic Avenue
Improvement, NY..................................... 500,000
Green Circle Project, Winchester, VA.................... 100,000
Gwynedd-Mercy College Street Improvements, PA........... 200,000
Hametown Bridge Replacement, Wooster Township, OH....... 400,000
Harlem Hospital Garage and Access Improvements, New
York, NY............................................ 500,000
Harrisburg Grade Separation, Houston, TX................ 300,000
Hayward County Road S/Dombeck Road Improvements, WI..... 600,000
Hiawatha/46th Pedestrian Bridge, Minneapolis, MN........ 300,000
Highway 10 Marshfield-Stevens Point, WI................. 1,800,000
Highway 15 State Route 609 Connector, MS................ 500,000
Highway 17-A from US 176, Moncks Corner, SC............. 250,000
Highway 217 Improvement Project OR...................... 300,000
Highway 29 Conversion to Full Access Freeway, NJ........ 400,000
Highway 37 On/Off Ramp, Vallejo, CA..................... 200,000
Highway 45 Columbus Bypass, Columbus, MS................ 2,000,000
Highway 51/Highway 29, Wausau, WI....................... 1,900,000
Highway 53 Safety Improvements Haugen and Spooner, WI... 1,000,000
Highway C, Bayfield County, WI.......................... 2,000,000
Highway/Bridge Improvement Route 116, Penobscot, ME..... 250,000
Highway-Rail Grade Cross Bypass, Silver Springs, NY..... 720,000
Hollywood Boulevard Roadway Improvements, FL............ 200,000
Holy Cross Road Safety Project, Worcester, MA........... 500,000
Hot Springs, East-West Arterial, AR..................... 500,000
Houghton Road Corridor, Pima County, AZ................. 1,000,000
Houston Computerized Traffic Signal System, TX.......... 500,000
Houston Freeway Landscaping and Maintenance, TX......... 500,000
I-210 Soundwall, La Canada Flintridge, CA............... 500,000
I-215/University Interchange, San Bernardino, CA........ 500,000
I-285/Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, GA................ 200,000
I-35 Southwest Connector Interchange, Warren County, IA. 275,000
I-44 Widening Yale to the Arkansas River, Tulsa, OK..... 250,000
I-5 Consortium Cities Joint Powers Authority, CA........ 750,000
I-565 West Extension in Decatur, AL..................... 1,000,000
I-70 Frederick County, MD............................... 250,000
I-710 Corridor/Gerald Desmond Bridge Gateway Program, CA 750,000
I-74 and Northern Beltway, Eastern Extension, NC........ 500,000
I-75, Collier Boulevard, and SR 84 Interchange, FL...... 500,000
I-95 Slip Ramp/Dedham Street, Town of Westwood, MA,..... 750,000
Illinois Route 120 Corridor Initiative, IL.............. 2,000,000
Imperial Avenue Corridor Master Plan, CA................ 300,000
Improvements to US Highway 199 at Gasquet in Del Norte
County, CA.......................................... 80,000
Improvements to NH 12 through Charleston, NH............ 1,000,000
Improvements to Route 266 and Interchange with I-44,
Springfield, MO..................................... 1,750,000
Improvements to SR 101 in South Bend, WA................ 400,000
Improvements to Streetscape in Enfield, CT.............. 295,000
Indian Bend Road Improvements Scottsdale, AZ............ 1,500,000
Interchange and Mainlanes on SH121, TX.................. 750,000
Interchange at SR120/McKinley Avenue, CA................ 750,000
Interstate 70 Viaduct Realignment, KS................... 500,000
Isanti Bike Trail, Cambridge, MN........................ 600,000
Jack Dame Road Extension, City of Rochelle, IL.......... 500,000
Jimmy Davis Bridge (LA 511), LA......................... 500,000
Kaycee Main Street Project, WY.......................... 250,000
Keystone Trail Extension, Omaha, NE..................... 250,000
Knowlton Township, Warren County, NJ.................... 500,000
LA 406 Widening, Plaquemines Parish, LA................. 200,000
LA 63, Livingston Parish, LA............................ 500,000
Lac Qui Parle Lakes Association, Montevideo, MN......... 450,000
Lea County Roads, MN.................................... 500,000
Lemon Street Project, Tarpon Springs, FL................ 250,000
Library Lane-Coles Lane Improvements, Bronx, NY......... 700,000
Lincoln Bypass on SR 65 in Placer County, CA............ 1,000,000
Lincoln Center Streetscape, New York, NY................ 200,000
Lincoln/Belmont Ashland Streetscape, Chicago, IL........ 3,000,000
Little Neck Parkway Railroad Crossing Safety Upgrade, NY 250,000
Lockport Flight of Five, Niagara County, NY............. 500,000
Long Island Expressway Sound Barrier, NY................ 500,000
Luther Forest Road Improvements, Saratoga County, NY.... 1,610,400
Madison County Highway 21, TX........................... 1,000,000
Mahoning Avenue Safety/Capacity Improvement, Youngstown,
OH.................................................. 200,000
Main Street Bridge, Buffalo, NY......................... 500,000
Mallard Fox West Industrial Complex-Crossover, AL....... 400,000
Mannington Rails-to-Trails program, WV.................. 200,000
Marin-Sonoma Narrows Highway 101, CA.................... 300,000
Market Street Gateway Project in Upper Darby, PA........ 250,000
Martin Luther King Jr. Streetscape, St. Louis, MO....... 100,000
Mass Commute Traffic Congestion Initiative, MA.......... 100,000
Mattern Avenue Drainage Project, Dormont Borough, PA.... 230,000
McClintock Bridge, Venango County, PA................... 400,000
McClurg Road Extension Project, OH...................... 200,000
MD 246, MD 235 to Saratoga Drive, MD.................... 1,200,000
Merrill Bypass, Highway 51 Repaving, WI................. 1,800,000
Miami Beach Atlantic Corridor, Greenway, FL............. 500,000
Midtown Greenway, Minneapolis, MN....................... 400,000
Miller Road Widening in McHenry County, IL.............. 300,000
Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Improvement, Niles, IL........ 200,000
Moline River Tech Boulevard, IL......................... 300,000
Mon/Fayette Expressway, Uniontown to Brownsville, PA.... 2,000,000
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail, Monterey, CA....... 500,000
Muscle Shoals-Peach Tree Street Extension to Industrial
Park, AL............................................ 300,000
Nash Road/Route AB, Cape Girardeau County, MO........... 1,000,000
NC 211 Interchange at US 74, NC......................... 200,000
NC 3 Widening in Kannapolis, NC......................... 1,000,000
NE 120th Street Roadway Extension, Kirkland, WA......... 400,000
Nebraska Highway 35, NE................................. 1,000,000
New Germany-Trebein Road Improvements, OH............... 1,000,000
New Glarus Crossing at State Highway 69, WI............. 200,000
New York Hall of Science Pedestrian Walkway and Safety
Improvements, NY.................................... 150,000
Newberg-Dundee Transportation Improvement Project, OR... 200,000
Newport Seawall and Road Construction, RI............... 500,000
NH 16 Improvement Project, Ossippe, NH.................. 1,000,000
NH 1A Bridge Replacement, Hampton, NH................... 750,000
North Hollywood Streetscape Enhancements, CA............ 300,000
North I Road, Hildago County, TX........................ 500,000
Northern Grimes County CR 172 Asphalt Paving, TX........ 400,000
Northfield Streetscape, MA.............................. 600,000
Northwestern Highway Extension Roundabout, Oakland
County, MI.......................................... 2,000,000
Norwalk Center-West Avenue Redevelopment Area, CT....... 1,000,000
NW Butler Transportation Improvement, Millville, OH..... 3,220,000
NW Intermodal Terminal with Ports of Indiana............ 1,250,000
NY State Route 9 Bridges, Central and Hudson Peekskill,
NY.................................................. 1,000,000
Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, IL..................... 1,000,000
Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, Macon, GA...................... 300,000
OKI Council of Government Technology Planning
Initiative, OH...................................... 280,000
Otay Mesa Port of Entry, CA............................. 150,000
PA 706, Susquehanna County, PA.......................... 750,000
PA Route 19 from Pine Creek to Wallace Road, PA......... 500,000
Pali Puamana Parkway and Honoapi'ilani Highway
Realignment, HI..................................... 400,000
Palm Bay Parkway, Palm Bay, FL.......................... 3,000,000
Park Avenue Relocation Project, Kokomo, IN.............. 1,000,000
Park Place Extension and Railroad Grade Separation, Los
Angeles County, CA.................................. 500,000
Park Street Streetscape Improvement, Alameda, CA........ 300,000
Parking Lot Repairs at Asnuntuck CC in Enfield, CT...... 700,000
Paving of SD 34 East from Madison, SD................... 250,000
PD&E for widening Florida SR 46 from SR 415 to US
Highway 1, FL....................................... 726,000
Pearl Street Road Enhancements, FL...................... 200,000
Pedestrian Bridge at Honey Creek, Appanoose County, IA.. 500,000
Pedestrian Bridge at Pullman Square, WV................. 500,000
Pedestrian Overpass US 441, Habersham, GA............... 410,000
Pedestrian Trail Extension, Hammond, IN................. 400,000
Pedestrian Walkway/Streetscaping, Ellenville, NY........ 300,000
Pennsylvania Route 93 Expansion in Columbia County, PA.. 250,000
Peters Road Extension, Plaquemines Parish, LA........... 300,000
Pico Rivera SR 19/Slauson Avenue Intersection, CA....... 400,000
Pindell School Road Bridge in Howard County, MD......... 500,000
Pinellas Bicycle Trail Extension, FL.................... 1,500,000
Pittsfield Downtown Streetscape, Pittsfield, MA......... 1,820,000
Plantation Multi-Use Recreational Trail (MURT), FL...... 500,000
Plymouth Transportation Park Gateway/Harbor Walk MA..... 500,000
Port of Albany Security/Operational Improvements, NY.... 100,000
Port of Gold Beach Dock Renovation, OR.................. 500,000
Port of Orange Intermodal Project, Orange, TX........... 500,000
Quadral Drive Extension, City of Wadsworth, OH.......... 1,100,000
Quakertown Interection Alignments, PA................... 500,000
Rail Grade Separation Highway 77, Marion, AR............ 500,000
Rail Traffic Mitigation Planning for Brookings, SD...... 500,000
Railroad Crossing on S Curve in Pierre, SD.............. 1,000,000
Railroad Quiet Zone, Hamburg, NY........................ 80,000
Railroad Relocation, Terre Haute, IN.................... 500,000
Raleigh Street Extension, WV............................ 1,000,000
Ranchero Road Underpass/Corridor Project, CA............ 1,250,000
Reconstruct Depot Street Bridge, Beacon Fall, CT........ 1,000,000
Reconstruction of Alexander Street, Chippewa Falls, WI.. 700,000
Reconstruction of Long Point Road in Houston, TX........ 1,000,000
Reconstruction of New Highway Road, NY.................. 500,000
Reconstruction of Pearl Street in Enfield, CT........... 980,000
Reconstruction of US-169, Montgomery County, KS......... 1,500,000
Reconstruction US-50, Harvey County, KS................. 1,000,000
Rehabilitate Kapiolani Boulevard and Atkinson Drive, HI. 500,000
Relocation of Boston College Transit Stop, MA........... 200,000
Relocation of SR 794 in Springfield, OH................. 1,250,000
Repaving of Rocky Point Landing Road, NY................ 250,000
Replace the KY7 Bridge at Beechy Creek, Boyd, KY........ 550,000
Rickenbacker Intermodal Rail Spur, OH................... 750,000
Rio Bravo and El Cenizo Streetscape Project, TX......... 300,000
River Walk and Resurfacing Project, Hudson, WI.......... 100,000
RM 1431 Improvements, Cedar Park, TX.................... 400,000
Roger Sneden Drive Grade Separation Boone, IA........... 725,000
Ronald Reagon Parkway, Hendricks County, IN............. 750,000
Rose Crossing Connection, Kingston, TN.................. 500,000
Route 1 and SR 452 Redevelopment, Middletown Township,
PA.................................................. 250,000
Route 1 Bridge Rehabilitation, Portsmouth, NH........... 750,000
Route 10/202 Southwick, MA.............................. 1,560,000
Route 116, Amherst, MA.................................. 2,000,000
Route 12 and Vicinity of Murray Center, Elmira, NY...... 500,000
Route 22 Sustainable Corridor, NJ....................... 500,000
Route 22 Sustainable Corridor, Somerset County, NJ...... 2,000,000
Route 23 Realignment, Sussex, NJ........................ 1,500,000
Route 24 Additional Lanes, Raynham and Taunton, MA...... 750,000
Route 267, St. Louis County, MO......................... 400,000
Route 287 and Route 17 Intersection Improvements, NJ.... 500,000
Route 30 and Mount Pleasant Road Interchange
Improvement, PA..................................... 400,000
Route 309 Intelligent Transportation Systems, PA........ 2,000,000
Route 31 (Ashby State Road), Fitchburg, MA.............. 750,000
Route 356 Buffalo Signals, PA........................... 500,000
Route 495 Southbound Ramp, Mansfield and Norton, MA..... 500,000
Route 5 and Route 10, Bernardston, MA................... 2,530,000
Route 50 East Widening-Poland Road to Route 28, VA...... 500,000
Route 60/422 Interchange in Union Township, PA.......... 500,000
Route 63 in Howell and Oregon Counties, MO.............. 500,000
Route 67, Butler County, MO............................. 500,000
Route 88/Route 837 Intersection Improvement New Eagle,
PA.................................................. 1,000,000
Route Y, Stoddard County, MO............................ 500,000
Safety and Traffic Improvements, Ardsley, NY............ 150,000
Safety Improvements to Highway 69, AZ................... 1,000,000
Safety Upgrades for I-376 Designation, PA............... 1,000,000
San Fernando Valley Streetlight Enhancements, CA........ 500,000
San Gabriel Valley Gold Line Foothill Extension, CA..... 500,000
Sandoval County Northwest Loop Access Road, NM.......... 500,000
Santa Anita and Fern-Elliot Signal Improvements, South
El Monte, CA........................................ 160,000
Santa Clara County Montague Expressway, CA.............. 200,000
Santa Clarita Cross Valley Connector, CA................ 500,000
Santa Rosa Intelligent Transportation System, CA........ 200,000
Sarasota-Manatee Intelligent Transportation System, FL.. 500,000
Scott Ranch Road Extension, AZ.......................... 750,000
SE Connector Project, Des Moines, IA.................... 500,000
Seaview Avenue Corridor Project, Bridgeport, CT......... 1,000,000
Second Bridge to Oak Island, NC......................... 300,000
SEPTA Villanova Station Intermodal Project, PA.......... 250,000
SFgo Market Street Improvements, CA..................... 300,000
SH 9, Tecumseh to Seminole, OK.......................... 900,000
Shaw Road Extension, Puyallup, WA....................... 400,000
Sheffer Bridge Replacement, Columbia County, NY......... 630,000
Sierra College Boulevard Interchange in Rocklin, CA..... 500,000
Signal Improvements, Huntington Park, CA................ 200,000
Signal System Upgrade on Lahser Road in Southfield, MI.. 300,000
Signal/Intersection Improvement, Pittsburgh, PA......... 400,000
Skidaway Narrows Bridge Replacement, GA................. 1,500,000
Somerset Street Traffic Mitigation, Portland, ME........ 250,000
Soundwall Improvements, Rosemead, CA.................... 100,000
South Airport Road, Boone County, KY.................... 1,170,000
South Bronx Greenway, Randall's Island Connector, NY.... 520,000
South La Brea Avenue and Imperial Highway Roadway, CA... 300,000
South Orient Railroad Rehabilitation, TX................ 1,000,000
Southwest 11th Way, Deerfield Beach, FL................. 300,000
Spring Hill College Campus Access Project, AL........... 500,000
Spruce Street Bridge Replacement, City of Wooster, OH... 500,000
SR 100 and Kernsville Road, Lowhill Township, Lehigh
County, PA.......................................... 500,000
SR 109 Division Street to S of SR-24, Wilson County, TN. 200,000
SR 113 and Old Alabama Road Relocation, GA.............. 500,000
SR 417 at Boggy Creek Road Interchange Orlando, FL...... 1,000,000
SR 688 and Ulmerton Road, FL............................ 2,500,000
SR 982/Talbotton Road to Hilton Avenue, Columbus, GA.... 500,000
St. Croix River Bridge and Approaches, WI............... 500,000
St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad at Danville, ME...... 200,000
St. Mary's College Route 5 Overpass, River Center, MD... 500,000
Stage Road, Tate County, MS............................. 475,000
Stamford Rail Underpass Access Project, CT.............. 1,500,000
State Highway 25, Barron County, WI..................... 1,800,000
State Highway 6 Barron Rd Interchange, TX............... 500,000
State Highway 77, Ashland County, WI.................... 1,000,000
State Line Road Reconstruction Dearborn County, IN...... 1,000,000
State Road 37 to Sare Road, Monroe County, IN........... 500,000
State Road 87 Expansion, Santa Rosa County, FL.......... 250,000
State Route 180 Improvements, CA........................ 500,000
State Route 21 Improvements and Upgrades, PA............ 1,000,000
State Route 21, Intersection at Junction Deli, PA....... 1,000,000
State Route 397 (Mack Hatcher Parkway East) Extension,
State Route 96 East of Franklin to State Route 6,
North of Franklin, Williamson County, TN............ 750,000
State Route 4 Widening (Brentwood Boulevard), CA........ 500,000
State Route 52 East/West Improvements, San Diego, CA.... 500,000
State Route 60/Potrero Road Interchange, Beaumont, CA... 500,000
State Route 76 San Diego, CA............................ 500,000
State Street Improvements, Madison, WI.................. 1,000,000
Stonestreet Avenue Corridor-Park Road, Rockville, MD.... 500,000
Stony Run Township Road in Yellow Medicine County, MN... 100,000
Street Improvements, Glenwood, IL....................... 150,000
Street Reconstruction, Wyandotte, MI.................... 750,000
Streetscape Development, Prairie du Chien, WI........... 500,000
Streetscape Lighting in Floosmoor, IL................... 150,000
Stuttgart, Arkansas Overpass at Highway 165, AR......... 1,000,000
Suitland Parkway/Martin Luther King Avenue Interchange,
MD.................................................. 500,000
Suitland Road Gateway, MD............................... 1,200,000
Sunport Boulevard Extension, NM......................... 400,000
Suspension Bridge, Warsaw, MO........................... 500,000
Syracuse Connective Corridor, Syracuse, NY.............. 2,000,000
Theodore Berry Way, Cincinnati, OH...................... 500,000
Thorn Run Road Interchange, Moon Township, PA........... 1,200,000
To Add Lanes on I-55 from Weber to I-80, IL............. 500,000
To Widen Walton Bridge over I-75, Oakland County, MI.... 400,000
Tolt Bridge Replacement, King County, WA................ 1,000,000
Torrington Gateway Initiative, CT....................... 100,000
Towamencin Township Street Improvements, PA............. 300,000
Town Center Streetscape Improvements, Eastchester, NY... 250,000
Town of Casey Engineering and Road Improvements, WI..... 1,100,000
Town of LaPointe Bike Trail, WI......................... 450,000
Town of Turtle Lake Resurfacing of 1/2 Street, WI....... 250,000
Town Street Bridge Repairs, Columbus, OH................ 1,500,000
Townline Road, Wheatfield and Pendleton, Niagara County,
NY.................................................. 500,000
Traffic Calming Measures in Windermere, FL.............. 500,000
Traffic Signal Modernization, Lakewood, CA.............. 250,000
Trailways Station Revitalization in Macon, GA........... 400,000
Tremont Avenue Bridge Replacement, City of Massillon, OH 500,000
Trunk Highway 36, North St. Paul, Ramsey County, MN..... 250,000
Tucson Railroad Safety and Access, Tucson, AZ........... 1,500,000
Turnaround at Hester's Crossing, Round Rock, TX......... 700,000
Twin Bridge Road, Decatur, IL........................... 1,000,000
Twin Peaks Corridor Project, Marana, AZ................. 1,500,000
Twin Peaks Corridor, Marana, AZ......................... 1,500,000
University of Southern Indiana Campus Perimeter Project,
IN.................................................. 1,000,000
University of Virginia South Lawn Project, VA........... 2,000,000
University Parkway Project, Vanderburgh County, IN...... 2,000,000
Upgrade of NH 16 in the Towns of Milan and Dummer, NH... 1,500,000
Upgrade Route 94, from East of Harvestor Road to West of
Mid-Rivers Drive, St. Charles County, MO............ 750,000
Upgrade Signals and Install SCATS/FAST-TRAC Technology
on Maple Road from Orchard Lake to Cranbrook,
Oakland County, MI.................................. 1,000,000
Upgrade U.S. 70 in Conover, NC.......................... 500,000
US 15 Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway, PA............ 1,250,000
US 17 and 92-US 192 (Vine) to Portege, Osceola County,
FL.................................................. 1,000,000
US 190 and Collins Boulevard Widening, LA............... 500,000
US 2 Safety and Mobility Enhancements, WA............... 500,000
US 271 Relief Route from US 67 to FM 3417, TX........... 500,000
US 278 Corridor, SC..................................... 750,000
US 287 Bypass Expansion, Ennis, TX...................... 500,000
US 290 and SH 36 Improvements, Brenham, TX.............. 500,000
US 31 at Lincoln Highway, Marshall County, IN........... 500,000
US 36 Connection to South Shelby High School, MO........ 500,000
US 377 Expansion from SH 144 to Acton Highway, TX....... 500,000
US 385 Expansion South of Crane to McCamey, TX.......... 750,000
US 401 in Cumberland, Harnett and Wake Counties, NC..... 250,000
US 422 Interim Improvement Project, PA.................. 250,000
US 441 Highway Improvements, FL......................... 300,000
US 441/SR 7 Interchange, City of Lauderhill, FL......... 300,000
US 63 in Waterloo, IA................................... 500,000
US 69 Ramp Access, Durant, OK........................... 450,000
US 9W and NY 81 Intersection, NY........................ 750,000
US Highway 14 Expansion from West of Waseca to I-3, MN.. 750,000
US Highway 301 and I-95 Interchange, SC................. 2,500,000
US Highway 90 East Widening, FL......................... 250,000
US Hwy 190, Reliever Route, Copperas Cove, TX........... 400,000
US Route 1 and Route 123 Interchange, Prince William
County, VA.......................................... 500,000
US Route 35, WV......................................... 1,300,000
US-34 Corridor Missouri River Bridges Pair, NE.......... 1,000,000
US-395 North Spokane Corridor, WA....................... 500,000
US-50, Gray County, KS.................................. 500,000
Ventura County Farm Crossings, CA....................... 500,000
Village of Hempstead, Revitalization, NY................ 100,000
Waco 574 Loop, TX....................................... 250,000
Wadsworth Interchange/State Highway 128, CO............. 500,000
Walden Rail Trail Connection, Orange County, NY......... 200,000
Walerga Road Bridge Project in Roseville, CA............ 500,000
Walker Street Grade Separation Project, Cary, NC........ 500,000
Warwick Intermodal Station Improvements, RI............. 400,000
Wausau Bridge Street Interchange, WI.................... 2,600,000
Wayne County Bridge Project in Roseville, CA............ 500,000
Webber Canyon Road Realignment, Benton County, WA....... 750,000
Wells Highway Extension/Sheep Farm Road, SC............. 500,000
Westbury Avenue Streetscape and Small Business
Revitalization, NY.................................. 400,000
Westside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA........................ 500,000
White Bluff Intersection Widening Project, TX........... 200,000
Whittier and Sycamore Street Bridge, Columbus, OH....... 500,000
Widen Route 82 in Norwich, CT........................... 1,525,000
Widen US 60 between Bartlesville and Pawhuska, OK....... 500,000
Widening and Improvements, I-405, CA.................... 250,000
Widening of Loop 281, Longview, TX...................... 250,000
Winter Haven Dundee Road, FL............................ 500,000
Xerox Area Road Improvements, Monroe County, NY......... 1,000,000
Yucca Loma Bridge/I-15 Congestion Relief Project, CA.... 750,000
Transportation infrastructure finance and innovation
(TIFIA) program.--The TIFIA credit program provides funds to
assist in the development of surface transportation projects of
regional and national significance. The goal is to develop
major infrastructure facilities through greater non-federal and
private sector participation, building on public willingness to
dedicate future revenues or user fees in order to receive
transportation benefits earlier than would be possible under
traditional funding techniques. The TIFIA program provides
secured loans, loan guarantees, and standby lines of credit
that may be drawn upon to supplement project revenues, if
needed, during the first 10 years of project operations. As
required by the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, this account
records, for this program, the subsidy costs associated with
the direct loans, loan guarantees, and lines of credit
obligated in 1992 and beyond (including modifications of direct
loans or loan guarantees that resulted from obligations or
commitments in any year), as well as administrative expenses of
this program. The subsidy amounts are estimated on a present
value basis; the administrative expenses are estimated on a
cash basis.
Federal highway research, technology and education.--
Research, technology, and education programs develop new
transportation technology that can be applied nationwide.
Activities include surface transportation research, including
intelligent transportation systems; development and deployment,
training and education; university transportation research.
High priority projects.--Funds are provided for specific
projects identified in SAFETEA-LU. A total of 5,091 projects
are identified, each with a specified amount of funding over
the five years of SAFETEA-LU.
Projects of national and regional significance.--Provides
funding for specific projects of national or regional
importance. All the funds authorized for this program from the
highway trust fund are designated for projects listed in
SAFETEA-LU.
(RESCISSION)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
The bill includes a rescission of $2,000,000,000 of the
unobligated balances of funds apportioned to the states under
chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, excluding safety
programs and funds set aside within the state for population
areas. The Committee directs the FHWA to administer the
rescission by allowing each state maximum flexibility in making
adjustments among the apportioned highway programs.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
Section 120. The Committee includes a provision that
distributes obligation authority among federal-aid highways
programs.
Section 121. The Committee continues a provision that
credits funds received by the Bureau of Transportation
Statistics to the federal-aid highways account.
Section 122. The Committee includes a provision that
provides additional funding to the transportation, community,
and system preservation program.
Section 123. The Committee includes a new provision that
clarifies funding for a Monterey, California, highway bypass
included in Public Law 102-143.
Section 124. The Committee includes a provision that
rescinds unobligated balances associated with completed
demonstration or high priority projects from previous laws. The
specific authorizations and amounts to be rescinded were
identified in information provided to GAO and referenced in a
GAO report dated May 11, 2006.
Section 125. The Committee includes a provision that
rescinds unobligated funds authorized for the TIFIA program.
Section 126. The Committee includes a provision that
rescinds unobligated contract authority authorized for
administrative expenses of the FHWA that will not be available
for obligation because of the limitation on administrative
expenses imposed in this Act and prior Acts.
Section 127. The Committee includes a provision that
rescinds unobligated contract authority authorized for fiscal
year 2005, under title 5 of Public Law 109-59, for
transportation research that will not be available for
obligation because of the limitation on obligation imposed on
those funds under title 5 of such law for fiscal year 2005.
Section 128. The Committee includes a new provision that
clarifies funding for a Marlboro Township, New Jersey, highway
project included in section 378 of Public Law 106-346.
Section 129. The Committee includes a new provision that
prohibits any of the funds provided in or limited by this Act
from being used by the State of Alaska to develop, plan,
design, or construct a bridge connecting the Island of Gravina
and the community of Ketchikan or the Knik Arm Bridge. The
provision also prohibits the FHWA from reimbursing the State of
Alaska for these expenses.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The primary mission of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA) is to improve the safety of commercial
vehicle operations on our nation's highways. To accomplish this
mission, the FMCSA is focused on reducing the number and
severity of large truck accidents. Agency resources and
activities contribute to ensuring safety in commercial vehicle
operations through enforcement, including the use of stronger
enforcement measures against safety violators; expedited safety
regulation; technology innovation; improvements in information
systems; training; and improvements to commercial driver's
license testing, record keeping, and sanctions. To accomplish
these activities, the FMCSA works closely with federal, state,
and local enforcement agencies, the motor carrier industry,
highway safety organizations, and individual citizens. In
addition, the FMCSA has the responsibility to ensure that
Mexican commercial vehicles, entering the U.S. in accordance
with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), meet all
U.S. hazardous material and safety regulations.
The FMCSA's scope was expanded in fiscal year 2003 by the
U.S.A. Patriot Act (Public Law 107-56), which called for new
security measures. In addition, beginning in fiscal year 2002,
Appropriations Acts (Public Law 107-87, Public Law 108-7,
Public Law 108-199, and Public Law 108-447) have funded border
enforcement and safety related activities associated with
implementation of NAFTA, and activities associated with
permitting of hazardous materials.
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation
Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), enacted August 10,
2005, reauthorizes the motor carrier safety activities of FMCSA
through fiscal year 2009 and provides increased funding for
many of the agency's programs. Funding for the FMCSA is also
included within a highway discretionary spending category in
the Budget Enforcement Act that is adjusted annually beginning
in fiscal year 2007 based on receipts into the highway account
of the highway trust fund. Additional resources provided by
this automatic spending mechanism are called revenue-aligned
budget authority (RABA) and a portion of this adjustment is
added to FMCSA's motor carrier safety grants.
MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANTS
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
Liquidation of
contract Limitation on
authorization obligations
Appropriation, fiscal year $282,000,000 ($279,180,000)
2006.......................
Budget request, fiscal year 294,000,000 (294,000,000)
2007.......................
Recommended in the bill..... 294,000,000 (294,000,000)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal +12,000,000 (+14,820,000)
year 2006..............
Budget request, fiscal - - - (- - -)
year 2007..............
The FMCSA's motor carrier safety grants program was
authorized by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st
Century, amended by the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of
1999, and continued through fiscal year 2009 by SAFETEA-LU.
This account provides the necessary resources to the motor
carrier safety assistance program (MCSAP) state grants. Grants
are used to support compliance reviews in the states; identify
and apprehend traffic violators; conduct roadside inspections;
and support safety audits on new entrant carriers. Grants are
also provided to states for enforcement efforts at both the
southern and northern borders to ensure that all points of
entry into the U.S. are fortified with comprehensive safety
measures; for improvement of state commercial driver's license
(CDL) oversight activities to prevent unqualified drivers from
being issued CDLs; and for improving the linkage between state
motor vehicle registration systems and carrier safety data in
order to identify unsafe commercial motor carriers.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $294,000,000 in liquidating cash
for this program.
LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS
The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations of
$294,000,000 for the grant programs of FMCSA. This level is
consistent with SAFETEA-LU and is $14,820,000 above the fiscal
year 2006 level. In addition, consistent with SAFETEA-LU, the
highway funding guarantees are adjusted for RABA in fiscal year
2007. Of the amount provided under RABA, an amount to be
calculated is available to FMCSA for the motor carrier safety
grant program and bill language is included under the Federal
Highway Administration to transfer this funding to FMCSA.
The bill also provides separate obligation limitations for
the following funding allocations:
Motor carrier safety assistance program................. ($197,000,000)
Commercial driver's license improvements program........ (25,000,000)
Border enforcement grants............................... (32,000,000)
Performance and registration information system
management program.................................. (5,000,000)
Commercial vehicle information systems and networks
deployment program.................................. (25,000,000)
Safety data improvement program......................... (3,000,000)
Commercial driver's license information system
modernization program............................... (7,000,000)
New entrant audits.--Section 31104(f)(5) of title 49,
United States Code, as amended by SAFETEA-LU, provides the
secretary the discretion to deduct up to $29,000,000 of the
funds made available for motor carrier safety grants for audits
of new entrant motor carriers. The interim final rule for the
new entrant safety assurance process was published on May 13,
2002, with an effective date of January 2003. This rule
requires all new entrants to pass a safety audit within the
first 18 months of operations in order to receive permanent DOT
registration. Therefore, the Committee strongly urges the
department to use this authority to fund the new entrant
program to the full extent allowable.
MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
Liquidation of
contract Limitation on
authorization obligations
Appropriation, fiscal year $213,000,000 ($210,870,000)
2006.......................
Budget request, fiscal year 223,000,000 (223,000,000)
2007.......................
Recommended in the bill..... 223,000,000 (223,000,000)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal +10,000,000 (+12,130,000)
year 2006..............
Budget request, fiscal - - - (- - -)
year 2007..............
This limitation controls spending for salaries and
operating expenses and for motor carrier research by the FMCSA.
It provides the necessary resources to support motor carrier
safety program activities and maintain the agency's
administrative infrastructure. Funding supports nationwide
motor carrier safety and consumer enforcement efforts,
including federal safety enforcement activities at the U.S./
Mexico border to ensure that Mexican carriers entering the U.S.
are in compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations. Resources are also provided to fund motor carrier
regulatory development and implementation, information
management, research and technology, safety education and
outreach, and the safety and consumer telephone hotline.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $223,000,000 in liquidating cash
for the operations and research activities of the FMCSA,
consistent with the amount of contract authority provided under
SAFETEA-LU.
LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS
The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations of
$223,000,000 for the implementation, execution, and
administration of the motor carrier safety program, motor
carrier safety research, and motor carrier outreach and
education programs by the FMCSA. This funding level is
consistent with SAFETEA-LU and represents a $12,130,000
increase over fiscal year 2006.
Bill language is included that makes the $10,296,000
provided for research and technology programs available until
September 30, 2009.
The Committee also continues bill language that prohibits
any funds relating to outreach and education from being
transferred to another agency.
Safety compliance reviews.--The Committee continues to be
concerned that only a very small percentage of registered motor
carriers undergo a safety compliance review each year. FMCSA's
own fiscal year 2007 budget submission estimates that only
10,000 compliance reviews will be conducted by the agency in
fiscal year 2006 out of approximately 685,000 registered
interstate motor carriers--less than 1.5 percent of registered
motor carriers. In addition, the National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB) has included truck safety on its current list of
``Most Wanted Transportation Safety Improvements'' because
FMCSA's entire safety fitness regime operates too leniently
with criteria that do not result frequently enough in
dangerous, unsafe motor carriers being shut down or drivers
having their licenses revoked, and that FMCSA's compliance
review standards actually allow unsafe motor carriers to
continue to operate. The Committee directs FMCSA to submit a
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no
later than March 1, 2007, on how it will revise the compliance
review process to improve detection of motor carriers with poor
safety practices and cease their operations.
Entry level truck driver training.--The Committee notes
that earlier this year, a U.S. Court of Appeals rendered a
unanimous decision remanding the FMCSA's final rule on entry
level truck driver training. The Court found that FMCSA did not
adequately address the recommendations of a DOT contracted
adequacy report and independent model curriculum on driver
training. According to the Court, FMCSA ``entirely failed to
consider important aspects of the CMV training problems before
it; it largely ignored the evidence in the adequacy report and
abandoned the recommendations of the model curriculum without
reasonable explanation; and it adopted a final rule whose terms
have almost nothing to do with an ``adequate'' CMV training
program.'' The Committee is concerned that 15 years has elapsed
without the issuance of a comprehensive entry-level driver
training standard. The Committee believes that FMCSA should
expedite its revisions to the driver training rule and
carefully consider the obvious benefits of a comprehensive
training requirement that includes on-street, behind-the-wheel
skills training for entry-level truck drivers.
Motor coach accessibility.--The Committee is concerned
about reports that a number of curbside motor coach operators
are not in compliance with the department's regulations
requiring accessibility to over-the-road buses for people with
disabilities (49 CFR part 37, Subpart H). The Committee
understands that the Department of Justice has general
enforcement authority for violations of the Americans with
Disabilities Act. However, it is the DOT that is responsible
for ensuring that only bus companies that are willing and able
to comply with DOT regulations receive, and retain, interstate
registration. The Committee urges the secretary to give serious
consideration to withholding interstate registration from a
motor coach operator that is not willing and able to comply
with the department's regulations on providing access for the
disabled. The Committee directs the Secretary of Transportation
to provide a letter report on what specific actions DOT will
take to improve accessibility for the disabled to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations by February 15, 2007.
The Committee includes bill language that rescinds
unobligated contract authority authorized for the old ``Motor
Carrier Safety'' and ``National Motor Carrier Safety Program''
accounts that will not be available for obligation because of
limitations on obligations imposed on those funds in previous
acts.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Section 130. The Committee continues a provision subjecting
funds appropriated in this Act to the terms and conditions of
section 350 of Public Law 107-87, including a requirement that
the secretary submit a report on Mexico-domiciled motor
carriers.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
was established as a separate organizational entity in the
Department of Transportation in March of 1970. It succeeded the
National Highway Safety Bureau, which previously had
administered traffic and highway safety functions as an
organizational unit of the Federal Highway Administration.
NHTSA's current programs are authorized in five major laws:
(1) the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (chapter
301 of title 49, United States Code (U.S.C.)); (2) the Highway
Safety Act (chapter 4 of title 23, U.S.C.); (3) the Motor
Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (MVICSA) (Part C of
subtitle VI of title 49, U.S.C.); (4) the Transportation Recall
Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act; and
(5) the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation
Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides
for the establishment and enforcement of safety standards for
vehicles and associated equipment and the conduct of supporting
research, including the acquisition of required testing
facilities and the operation of the national driver register,
which was reauthorized by the National Driver Register Act of
1982.
The Highway Safety Act provides for coordinated national
highway safety programs (section 402 of title 23, U.S.C.) to be
carried out by the states and for highway safety research,
development, and demonstration programs (section 403 of title
23, U.S.C.). The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-
690) authorized a new drunk driving prevention program (section
410 of title 23, U.S.C.) to make grants to states to implement
and enforce drunk driving prevention programs.
MVICSA provides for the establishment of low-speed
collision bumper standards, consumer information activities and
odometer regulations. Amendments to this law established the
responsibility for the administration of mandatory automotive
fuel economy standards, theft prevention standards for high
theft lines of passenger motor vehicles, and automobile content
labeling requirements.
In 2000, the TREAD Act amended the National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Changes included numerous new motor
vehicle safety and information provisions, including a
requirement that manufacturers give NHTSA notice of safety
recalls or safety campaigns in foreign countries involving
motor vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment that are
identical or substantially similar to vehicles or equipment in
the United States; higher civil penalties for violations of the
law; a criminal penalty for violations of reporting
requirements; and a number of rulemaking directions that
include developing a dynamic rollover test for light duty
vehicles, updating the tire safety and labeling standards,
improving the safety of child restraints, and establishing a
child restraint safety rating consumer information program.
SAFETEA-LU, which was enacted on August 10, 2005, either
reauthorized or added new authorizations for the full range of
NHTSA programs for fiscal years 2005 through 2009. These
include highway safety programs (section 402 of title 23,
U.S.C.), highway safety research and development (section 403
of title 23, U.S.C.), occupant protection incentive grants
(section 405 of title 23, U.S.C.), alcohol-impaired driving
countermeasures incentive grants (section 410 of title 23,
U.S.C.), and the national driver register (chapter 303 of title
49, U.S.C.). SAFETEA-LU also enacted new initiatives, such as
the high visibility enforcement program (section 2009 of
SAFETEA-LU), motorcyclist safety grants (section 2010 of
SAFETEA-LU), and child safety and child booster seat safety
incentive grants (section 2011 of SAFETEA-LU). Finally,
SAFETEA-LU adopted a number of new motor vehicle safety and
information provisions, including rulemaking directions to
reduce vehicle rollover crashes, reduce complete and partial
ejections of vehicle occupants, and enhance passenger motor
vehicle occupant protection in side impact crashes.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee provides $821,500,000 for NHTSA to maintain
current programs and continue its mission to save lives,
prevent injuries, and reduce vehicle-related crashes.
The following table summarizes the Committee's
recommendations:
Committee
2006 enacted 2007 request recommendation
Operations and research................................ $230,132,430 $227,250,000 $229,750,000
National driver register............................... 3,960,000 4,000,000 4,000,000
Highway traffic safety grants.......................... 572,394,240 583,750,000 587,750,000
Total.............................................. 806,486,670 815,000,000 821,500,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $6,500,000 over the
budget request.
Operations and Research
(Highway trust
(General fund) fund) Total
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 \1\.............. - - - $234,092,430 $234,092,430
Budget request, fiscal year 2007................. - - - 231,250,000 231,250,000
Recommended in the bill.......................... 122,000,000 111,750,000 233,750,000
Bill compared to:................................
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006.............. +122,000,000 -122,342,430 -342,430
Budget request, fiscal year 2007............. +122,000,000 -119,500,000 +2,500,000
\1\ Includes transfer of funds from FHWA.
The operations and research appropriations support
research, demonstrations, technical assistance, and national
leadership for highway safety programs conducted by state and
local government, the private sector, universities, research
units, and various safety associations and organizations. These
programs emphasize alcohol and drug countermeasures, vehicle
occupant protection, traffic law enforcement, emergency medical
and trauma care systems, traffic records and licensing, state
and community traffic safety evaluations, motorcycle riders,
pedestrian and bicycle safety, pupil transportation, distracted
and drowsy driving, young and older driver safety programs, and
development of improved accident investigation procedures.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
For fiscal year 2007, NHTSA requested a total of
$231,250,000 for operations and research activities to be
funded entirely using contract authority from the highway trust
fund. This is contrary to current law. Under NHTSA's proposal,
SAFETEA-LU would be modified to provide additional contract
authority in place of the current general fund authorization.
This funding would then be allocated from two different
accounts. First, NHTSA requested $227,250,000 of contract
authority from the highway trust fund to finance operations and
research activities under section 403 of title 23, U.S.C., as
well as to carry out the provisions of section 301 of title 49,
U.S.C. and part C of subtitle VI of title 49, U.S.C. Under
SAFETEA-LU, only section 403 of title 23, U.S.C. is authorized
with contract authority out of the highway trust fund. This
funding is also included within the budgetary firewall
guarantee for highway spending. Second, the budget included
$4,000,000 for the national driver register, which is
authorized by SAFETEA-LU with contract authority from the
highway trust fund and is included within the highway
guarantee.
The Committee recommends new budget authority and
obligation limitations for a total program level of
$233,750,000, less than a one percent decrease below fiscal
year 2006. Of this total, $122,000,000 is for operations and
research from the general fund; $107,750,000 is for section 403
of title 23, U.S.C., activities from the highway trust fund;
and $4,000,000 is for the national driver register from the
highway trust fund. The funding shall be distributed as
follows:
Salaries and benefits................................. $75,813,000
Travel................................................ 1,364,000
Operating expenses.................................... 22,355,000
Contract programs:
Safety performance (rulemaking)................... 14,155,000
Safety assurance (enforcement).................... 18,277,000
Highway traffic safety programs................... 52,390,000
Research and analysis............................. 66,473,000
General administration............................ 673,000
Grant administration reimbursements................... -17,750,000
Total............................................. 233,750,000
Highlights of and adjustments made to the budget request by
the Committee's recommendation are described in the following
paragraphs.
ADMINSTRATIVE EXPENSES
The Committee recommends $99,532,000 for salaries and
benefits, travel, rent, and other operating expenses of NHTSA.
Additional full time equivalent staff years (FTE).--
Included within these funds, the Committee approves an increase
of $224,000 to fund two additional FTE--one for the emergency
medical services program to perform the work required in
Section 10202 of SAFETEA-LU and one for the E9-1-1 initiative.
The Committee denies the additional FTE and associated increase
in funding for the behavioral international activities program
until such time as the agency can adequately explain the need
for this increase.
SAFETY PERFORMANCE (RULEMAKING)
NHTSA's safety performance standards (rulemaking) programs
support the promulgation of federal motor vehicle safety
standards for motor vehicles and safety-related equipment;
automotive fuel economy standards required by the Energy Policy
and Conservation Act; international harmonization of vehicle
standards; and consumer information on motor vehicle safety,
including the new car assessment program. Consistent with the
budget request, the Committee provides $14,155,000 for these
activities.
New car assessment program (NCAP).--Within the funds
provided, the Committee recommends $10,500,000 for NCAP.
SAFETY ASSURANCE (ENFORCEMENT)
The Committee recommends $18,277,000, as requested, for
safety assurance (enforcement) programs to provide support to
ensure compliance with motor vehicle safety and automotive fuel
economy standards, investigate safety-related motor vehicle
defects, enforce federal odometer law, encourage enforcement of
state odometer law, and conduct safety recalls when warranted.
The Committee expects NHTSA to use these funds as reflected in
its budget justification.
HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS
NHTSA provides research, demonstrations, technical
assistance, and national leadership for highway safety programs
conducted by state and local governments, the private sector,
universities, research units, and various safety associations
and organizations. These programs emphasizes alcohol and drug
countermeasures, vehicle occupant protection, traffic law
enforcement, emergency medical and trauma care systems, traffic
records and licensing, state and community evaluation,
motorcycle riders, pedestrian and bicycle safety, pupil
transportation, young and older driver safety programs, and
development of improved accident investigation procedures. The
Committee recommends $52,390,000 for these programs.
Mitigating human trauma in vehicle collisions.--Within the
funds provided, the Committee directs $350,000 to the Worcester
Polytechnic Institute's Center for Impact Protection Systems to
continue research focused on mitigating human trauma in vehicle
collisions through the use of advanced impact attenuation
design.
Impaired driving mobilization.--The Committee is greatly
concerned that the preliminary assessment of the 2005 motor
vehicle fatality data projects that overall fatalities
increased by 1.3-percent over 2004. Even more alarming is that
the early assessment for alcohol-related fatalities increased
by 278 fatalities, or 1.7 percent, after two consecutive years
of declining fatalities. The Committee directs NHTSA to
redouble its efforts to reduce the number of fatalities and, in
particular, to reduce the number of impaired driving
fatalities. In that regard, the Committee is aware that NHTSA
is in the process of developing a new theme for the impaired
driving high visibility enforcement mobilization which will
occur in the weeks surrounding the Labor Day holiday. The
Committee understands that NHTSA has conducted outreach and
focus groups to identify and select a new theme which should
emphasize both the danger and consequences of impaired driving.
Once a new theme is selected, the Committee directs NHTSA to
develop and implement a comprehensive plan to introduce this
new theme to the general public. The Committee expects NHTSA's
inauguration of the new impaired driving theme to receive at
least an equal level of attention and effort as the agency
provides to the annual launch of the seat belt enforcement
mobilization.
RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
The Committee recommends $66,473,000 for research and
analysis activities to provide motor vehicle safety research
and development in support of all NHTSA programs, including the
collection and analysis of crash data to identify safety
problems, develop alternative solutions, and assess costs,
benefits, and effectiveness. Research will continue to
concentrate on improving vehicle crash worthiness and crash
avoidance, with emphasis on increasing safety belt use,
decreasing alcohol involvement in crashes, decreasing the
number of rollover crashes, improving vehicle-to-vehicle crash
compatibility, and improved data systems.
Fatality analysis reporting system (FARS).--The Committee
includes $7,813,000 for FARS, an increase of $750,000 above the
budget request in order to improve the quality of the data
collected by FARS. NHTSA is directed to utilize this increase
to conduct quality control workshops and to establish quality
control procedures to improve the reporting of restraint usage,
blood alcohol concentration levels, fires, rollovers and other
important data.
National automotive sampling system (NASS).--The NASS
general estimates system data identifies trends of vehicle
crashes and the NASS crashworthiness data system provides more
in-depth and descriptive data in order to quantify the
relationships between the occupants and vehicles in the real-
world crash environment. The Committee is concerned that the
number of crashes in which data is collected has dropped to
about 4,500 cases and therefore provides $12,980,000, an
increase of $750,000 above the budget request, in order to
increase the number of cases where data is collected.
Counterfeit automobile parts.--The Committee is concerned
about the safety risks posed by the influx of counterfeit
automobile parts into the U.S. marketplace. The Committee
provides $1,000,000 for a demonstration project to research
promising technologies to combat counterfeit auto parts that
are non-compliant with federal regulations and pose safety
risks. This project should include measures to track the
importation of counterfeit and non-compliant auto parts and an
analysis of supply chains to identify entry points for these
parts. The Committee encourages NHTSA to work with other
federal agencies as appropriate, including the U.S. Customs and
Border Protection.
National motor vehicle crash causation survey (NMVCCS).--
The Committee provides $7,000,000 for the NMVCCS, which is
equal to the fiscal year 2005 funding level as requested.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
The Committee recommends $673,000, as requested, for the
general administration account to provide program evaluation,
strategic planning, and economic analysis for agency programs.
Objective quantitative information about NHTSA's regulatory and
highway safety programs is gathered to measure their
effectiveness in achieving objectives. This activity also funds
development of methods to estimate economic consequences of
motor vehicle injuries in forms suitable for agency use in
problem identification, regulatory analysis, priority setting,
and policy analysis.
OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... $122,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +122,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +122,000,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total of $122,000,000 for
operations and research funding as an appropriation from the
general fund.
OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
Liquidation of
contract Limitation on
authorization obligations
Appropriation, fiscal year $232,457,000 ($230,132,430) \1\
2006.........................
Budget request, fiscal year 227,250,000 (227,250,000)
2007.........................
Recommended in the bill....... 107,750,000 (107,750,000)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year -124,707,000 (-122,382,430)
2006.....................
Budget request, fiscal -119,500,000 (-119,500,000)
year 2007................
\1\ Includes transfer of funds from FHWA.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation for liquidation
of contract authorization of $107,750,000 for payment on
obligations incurred in carrying out the provisions of the
operations and research program. The Committee's recommendation
is consistent with the amount of contract authority provided
under SAFETEA-LU.
The Committee recommends limiting obligations from the
highway trust fund to $107,750,000 for authorized activities
associated with operations and research.
The Committee includes bill language that rescinds
unobligated contract authority authorized from the highway
trust fund for NHTSA's operation and research activities that
will not be available for obligation because of limitations on
obligations imposed on those funds in previous acts.
NATIONAL DRIVER REGISTER
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
Liquidation of
contract Limitation on
authorization obligations
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006... $4,000,000 ($3,960,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.. 4,000,000 (4,000,000)
Recommended in the bill........... 4,000,000 (4,000,000)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year - - - (+40,000)
2006.........................
Budget request, fiscal year - - - (- - -)
2007.........................
This account provides funding to implement and operate the
national driver register's problem driver pointer system and
improve traffic safety by assisting state motor vehicle
administrators in communicating effectively and efficiently
with other states to identify drivers whose licenses have been
suspended or revoked for serious traffic offenses such as
driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a liquidation cash appropriation
of $4,000,000 from the highway trust fund to pay obligations
incurred in carrying out the national driver register program.
The Committee's recommendation is consistent with the amount of
contract authority provided under SAFETEA-LU.
The Committee also recommends limiting obligations from the
highway trust fund to $4,000,000 for operations and research
activities associated with the national driver register, of
which $3,075,000 is for program activities and $925,000 is for
salaries and benefits.
The Committee includes bill language that rescinds
unobligated contract authority authorized for the national
driver register that will not be available for obligation
because of limitations on obligations imposed on those funds in
previous acts.
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
Liquidation of
contract Limitation on
authorization obligations
Appropriation, fiscal year $578,176,000 ($572,394,240)
2006.........................
Budget request, fiscal year 583,750,000 (583,750,000)
2007.........................
Recommended in the bill....... 587,750,000 (587,750,000)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year +9,574,000 (+15,355,760)
2006.....................
Budget request, fiscal +4,000,000 (+4,000,000)
year 2007................
SAFETEA-LU reauthorizes three state grant programs: highway
safety programs, occupant protection incentive grants, and
alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures incentive grants; and
authorizes for the first time an additional five state grant
programs: safety belt performance grants, state traffic safety
information systems improvement grants, high visibility
enforcement program, child safety and child booster seat safety
incentive grants, and motorcyclist safety grants.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $587,750,000 in liquidating cash
from the highway trust fund to pay the outstanding obligations
of the various highway safety grant programs at the levels
provided in this Act and prior appropriations Acts. The
Committee's recommendation is consistent with the amount of
contract authority provided for highway traffic safety grant
programs under SAFETEA-LU.
The Committee continues language limiting the obligations
to be incurred under the various highway traffic safety grants
programs. For fiscal year 2007, the Committee has provided
limitations on obligations at the level prescribed in SAFETEA-
LU, with separate obligation limitations for the following
funding allocations:
Highway safety programs................................. ($220,000,000)
Occupant protection incentive grants.................... (25,000,000)
Safety belt performance grants.......................... (124,500,000)
State traffic safety information systems improvements... (34,500,000)
Alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures incentive
grants.............................................. (125,000,000)
High visibility enforcement program..................... (29,000,000)
Motorcyclist safety..................................... (6,000,000)
Child safety and child booster seat safety incentive
grants.............................................. (6,000,000)
Bill language.--The bill maintains language that prohibits
the use of funds for construction, rehabilitation, and
remodeling costs or for office furnishings or fixtures for
state, local, or private buildings or structures. Language is
also continued that limits the amount available for technical
assistance to $500,000 under section 410 of title 23, U.S.C.
The Committee continues bill language limiting the amount that
can be used to conduct the evaluation of the high visibility
enforcement program to $750,000 in fiscal year 2007.
Highway safety grants.--SAFETEA-LU reauthorized the state
and community highway safety formula grant program under
section 402 of title 23, U.S.C., to support state highway
safety programs designed to reduce traffic crashes and
resulting deaths, injuries, and property damage. A state may
use these grants only for highway safety purposes and at least
40 percent of these funds are to be expended by political
subdivisions of the state.
Occupant protection incentive grants.--SAFETEA-LU amended
section 405(a) of chapter 4 of title 23, U.S.C., to encourage
states to adopt and implement effective programs to reduce
deaths and injuries from riding unrestrained or improperly
restrained in motor vehicles. A state may use these grant funds
only to implement and enforce occupant protection programs.
Safety belt performance grants.--SAFETEA-LU established a
new program of incentive grants under section 406 of title 23,
U.S.C., to encourage the enactment and enforcement of laws
requiring the use of safety belts in passenger motor vehicles.
A state may use these grant funds for any safety purpose under
title 23, U.S.C., or for any project that corrects or improves
a hazardous roadway location or feature or proactively
addresses highway safety problems. However, at least $1,000,000
of amounts received by states must be obligated for behavioral
highway safety activities.
State traffic safety information systems improvements.--
SAFETEA-LU established a new program of incentive grants under
section 408 of title 23, U.S.C., to encourage states to adopt
and implement effective programs to improve the timeliness,
accuracy, completeness, uniformity, integration, and
accessibility of state data that is needed to identify
priorities for national, state, and local highway and traffic
safety programs; to evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to
make such improvements; to link these state data systems,
including traffic records, with other data systems within the
state; and to improve the compatibility of the state data
system with national data systems and data systems of other
states to enhance the ability to observe and analyze national
trends in crash occurrences, rates, outcomes, and
circumstances. A state may use these grant funds only to
implement such data improvement programs.
Alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures incentive
grants.--SAFETEA-LU amended the alcohol-impaired driving
countermeasures incentive grant program authorized by section
410 of title 23, U.S.C., to encourage states to adopt and
implement effective programs to reduce traffic safety problems
resulting from individuals driving while under the influence of
alcohol. A state may use these grant funds to implement the
impaired driving activities described in the programmatic
criteria, as well as costs for high visibility enforcement; the
costs of training and equipment for law enforcement; the costs
of advertising and educational campaigns that publicize
checkpoints, increase law enforcement efforts and target
impaired drivers under 34 years of age; the costs of a state
impaired operator information system, and the costs of vehicle
or license plate impoundment.
High visibility enforcement program.--Section 2009 of
SAFETEA-LU establishes a new program to administer at least two
high-visibility traffic safety law enforcement campaigns each
year to achieve one or both of the following objectives: (1)
reduce alcohol-impaired or drug-impaired operation of motor
vehicles; and/or (2) increase the use of safety belts by
occupants of motor vehicles. These funds may be used to pay for
the development, production, and use of broadcast and print
media in carrying out traffic safety law enforcement campaigns.
Motorcyclist safety.--Section 2010 of SAFETEA-LU
established a new program of incentive grants to encourage
states to adopt and implement effective programs to reduce the
number of single and multi-vehicle crashes involving
motorcyclists. A state may use these grants funds only for
motorcyclist safety training and motorcyclist awareness
programs, including improvement of training curricula, delivery
of training, recruitment or retention of motorcyclist safety
instructors, and public awareness and outreach programs.
Child safety and child booster seat safety incentive
grants.--Section 2011 of SAFETEA-LU established a new incentive
grant program to make grants available to states that are
enforcing a law requiring any child riding in a passenger
vehicle who is too large to be secured in a child safety seat
to be secured in a child restraint that meets the requirements
prescribed under section 3 of Anton's Law (49 U.S.C. 30127
note; 116 Stat. 2772). These grants may be used only for child
safety seat and child restraint programs.
Safe transport of Head Start children.--The Committee
understands that NHTSA provided input into the regulations
developed by the Department of Health and Human Services
regarding the safe transportation of Head Start children. Since
the issuance of the final regulations, some Head Start grantees
have reported that their transportation costs have consumed as
much as 20 percent of the Head Start budget. The Committee
believes that the safe transport of these children is
paramount. The Committee directs the Secretary of
Transportation to work with the Secretary of Health and Human
Services to identify strategies to ensure the safe transport of
children participating in a Head Start program. In addition,
the Committee encourages NHTSA to explore the use of the child
safety and child booster seat safety incentive grants as a
means of assistance for the transportation of Head Start
children.
Grant administrative expenses.--Section 2001(a)(11) of
SAFETEA-LU provides funding for salaries and operating expenses
related to the administration of the grants programs and
supports the national occupant protection user survey and
highway safety research programs.
The Committee includes bill language that rescinds
unobligated contract authority authorized from the highway
trust fund for NHTSA's highway safety grant programs that will
not be available for obligation because of limitations on
obligations imposed on those funds in previous acts.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION--NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY
ADMINISTRATION
Section 140. The Committee continues a provision that
provides funding for travel and related expenses for state
management reviews and highway safety core competency
development training.
Federal Railroad Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is responsible
for planning, developing, and administering programs to achieve
safe operating and mechanical practices in the railroad
industry, as well as managing the high-speed ground
transportation program. Grants to the National Railroad
Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and other financial assistance
programs serving to rehabilitate and improve the railroad
industry's physical plant are also administered by FRA.
SAFETY AND OPERATIONS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $144,490,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 150,578,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 150,083,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +5,593,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -495,000
The safety and operations account provides support for
FRA's rail safety and passenger and freight program activities.
Funding also supports salaries and expenses and other operating
costs related to FRA staff and programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
A total of $150,083,000 is recommended for safety and
operations, which is a $5,593,000 increase above the fiscal
year 2006 enacted level. Of this total, $13,870,890 is
available until expended. The following adjustments have been
made to the budget request:
Reduce funding for rail integrity program staff....... -$397,000
Delete funding for an additional emergency management -98,000
coordinator..........................................
New Positions.--The Committee provides funding for nine new
rail integrity program staff, as requested. However, the
Committee reduces funding to reflect quarter-year instead of
half-year funding. The Committee notes that it has taken longer
for FRA to hire staff with this type of specialized expertise.
The Committee provides the requested level for two track safety
specialists and one operations research analyst, and provides
half-year funding consistent with the budget request. The
Committee does not provide the position for emergency
management coordinator due to budget constraints.
RAILROAD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $54,524,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 34,650,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 34,650,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -19,874,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The railroad research and development appropriation
provides science and technology support for FRA's rail safety
rulemaking and enforcement efforts. The objective of this
program is to reduce the frequency and severity of railroad
accidents and to provide technical support for rail safety
rulemaking and enforcement activities. It also stimulates
technological advances in conventional and high speed
railroads.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $34,650,000,
for railroad research and development. Within the funds
provided $6,435,000 is for positive train control, consistent
with the budget request.
Highway crossing hazard elimination on designated high
speed rail corridors.--The Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users
(SAFETEA-LU) reauthorized the railway-highway crossing hazard
elimination in high speed rail corridors program under section
104(d) of title 23, United States Code. In fiscal year 2007,
SAFETEA-LU authorizes $10,000,000 for this program, $1,750,000
of which it earmarked. A limited number of corridors are
eligible for these funds.
RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Public Law 105-178 established the Railroad Rehabilitation
and Improvement Financing loan and loan guarantee program. The
aggregate unpaid principal amounts of the obligations may not
exceed $3,500,000,000 at any one time. Not less than
$1,000,000,000 is reserved for projects primarily benefiting
freight railroads other than class I carriers. The funding may
be used: (1) to acquire, improve, or rehabilitate intermodal or
rail equipment or facilities, including track, components of
track, bridges, yards, buildings, or shops; (2) to refinance
existing debt; or (3) to develop and establish new intermodal
or railroad facilities. No Federal appropriation is required,
since a non-Federal infrastructure partner may contribute the
subsidy amount required by the Credit Reform Act of 1990 in the
form of a credit risk premium. Once received, statutorily
established investigation charges are immediately available for
appraisals and necessary determinations and findings. The
budget recommends rescinding the program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee does not repeal the railroad rehabilitation
and improvement program, as proposed by the President's budget.
The Committee continues bill language specifying that no new
direct loans or loan guarantee commitments may be made using
federal funds for the payment of any credit premium amount
during fiscal year 2007.
Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation
(Amtrak)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $1,293,550,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 900,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 900,000,000
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -393,550,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) was
created by the Rail Passenger Service Act (RSPA) in 1970 and
incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia.
Operations began on May 1, 1971. Amtrak's purpose was to
operate a national rail passenger system to relieve the freight
railroads of the burden of money-losing passenger operations
and to preserve rail passenger service over a national system.
It was created as a for-profit government corporation that was
granted the right for access to the tracks owned by the freight
railroads at incremental cost and with operating priority over
freight trains. Amtrak was also granted jurisdiction to provide
intercity rail transportation over its route system. The
framers of RSPA believed that after a few transitional years,
Amtrak would make a profit and free itself from government
assistance.
STATUS OF AMTRAK
After years of increasing subsidizes with little reform,
Congress passed the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act in
1997 (ARAA). The ARAA sought to impose change on the
Corporation by providing the Corporation the flexibility to
decide which routes and services it provided and by setting a
specific time-frame for Amtrak to become operationally self-
sufficient. The Act required Amtrak to eliminate its operating
budget shortfall and become self sufficient by the end of 2002.
Although Amtrak insisted it would meet this mandate, it did
not. In fact, in its February 2002 report, the Amtrak Reform
Council found that Amtrak's financial performance since
enactment of the ARAA deteriorated to such a degree that the
railroad was weaker by the end of 2001 than it was prior to the
enactment in 1997. Instead of exploring ways to run the
business more efficiently through controlling expenses, Amtrak
embarked on a series of high cost investments, including
implementing high-speed rail service on the Boston, New York
City, and Washington Northeast Corridor expecting that such
service would generate significant new net revenues after all
expenses had been covered. However, Amtrak's high-speed service
took too long, was extremely costly to implement, and continues
to suffer from technical problems.
While Amtrak was representing to Congress that it was on
the ``glidepath'' to self-sufficiency, it was deferring
essential capital investments on the Northeast Corridor and
financing increasing amounts of its operating expenses through
a strategy of desperation by borrowing against its assets to
pay for day-to-day operations. Amtrak's outstanding debt soared
and today, the Corporation is shackled by the legacy of its
failures with annual debt service that approximates
$300,000,000 per year. By 2001, Amtrak was forced to mortgage
its right to use Pennsylvania Station in New York City--the
most intensely used passenger facility of any kind in the
United States, through which 40 percent of Amtrak's passengers
pass--just to pay its employees and buy fuel to get through
another year. Again in 2002, Amtrak was forced to borrow
another $100,000,000, this time from the Department of
Transportation, and seek a $205,000,000 supplemental
appropriation, just to meet operating expenses. By this time,
the deferred maintenance on Amtrak-owned capital assets was
driving operating expenses up as more day-to-day maintenance
was required. Reliability, as measured by on-time performance
was dropping. Amtrak was in a downward spiral that, absent
significantly greater infusions of Federal funds, would
inevitably end up with the corporation bankrupt.
Every informed observer of the intercity passenger rail
service situation in the U.S.--from the Administration and the
Department of Transportation, to the Government Accountability
Office, to Amtrak's Board of Directors themselves--all agree
that the current model for providing intercity passenger
service is in need of significant reform. The status quo
continues to produce financial instability and poor service
quality. Despite multiple efforts over the years to reform
Amtrak, the system continues to limp along, is never in a
state-of-good-repair, awash in debt, and perpetually on the
edge of collapse. In the end, Amtrak has been tasked to be all
things to all people, but the model under which it operates
leaves many unsatisfied.
The authorization for Amtrak contained in the ARAA expired
in 2002. Amtrak's request for funding in fiscal year 2007 is
triple the level of appropriations provided for the benefit of
the Corporation as recently as fiscal year 2001, a rate of
growth almost unparalleled for domestic programs in these
difficult budget times. Not only has no reauthorization been
enacted, no reauthorization with meaningful reform that could
address the insatiable demand of Amtrak for more Federal
dollars has passed either body of Congress. The Appropriations
Committee has been forced to single-handedly impose reforms on
Amtrak. Amtrak has lacked the initiative or inspiration to
reform itself, and in the past, has appeared only to implement
reluctantly required Congressional reforms.
However, it appears that Amtrak now understands the need to
reform. Although Amtrak continues to operate with substantial
losses on each line, the railroad is approaching a place of
financial accountability. According to the DOT Inspector
General, the Amtrak Board of Directors and current management
seem committed to reform, efficiency improvements are beginning
to be implemented and some reductions in required operating
subsidies are being realized. Because reforms require sustained
commitment, and Amtrak has had problems maintaining such
commitment, this Committee and the American taxpayer cannot
afford to loosen the reins. Therefore, the Committee continues
to build on the reforms contained in prior appropriations Acts.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $900,000,000 for grants to Amtrak
in fiscal year 2007, consistent with the budget request. The
Committee amends the fiscal year 2006 account structure, and
provides these funds in two accounts--capital and debt service
grants and efficiency incentive grants. The Committee continues
many reporting and grant making provisions contained in prior
appropriations Acts and includes a number of reforms that build
on the initiatives of prior years.
EFFICIENCY INCENTIVE GRANTS
The Committee provides $400,000,000 to the Secretary of
Transportation to make operating subsidy grants to Amtrak.
Similar to the fiscal year 2006 Act, Amtrak must first submit
grant requests to the Secretary and include a detailed
financial analysis with revenue and capital expenditures
justifying federal support for each train route. The Secretary
may condition the award of grant funds on reform requirements
and progress toward such reforms. Before any grants containing
new routes are released, the DOT Inspector General must perform
a review to determine the financial and operational short and
long-term implications and report that information to the
Secretary. The bill does not allow funds to be used for
operating expenses, including advance purchase orders that are
not approved by the Secretary and in the corporation's fiscal
year 2007 business plan.
The bill sets aside $60,000,000 to carry out directed
service for commuter rail operations in the event that Amtrak
is forced to cease operations.
The bill mandates that Amtrak achieve operational
efficiencies in food and beverage, first class service, and
overhead expenses and continues to require the DOT IG to submit
quarterly reports tracking Amtrak's progress in this area.
Consistent with the fiscal year 2006 Act, the Secretary is
prohibited from subsidizing losses in food and beverage or
sleeper car service if the IG cannot certify by July 1, 2007
that Amtrak has achieved savings.
The Committee notes that Amtrak has taken steps to reduce
its losses on food and beverage service and has begun
discussing strategies to reduce losses on its first class
service. The Committee directs Amtrak to transmit to the House
and Senate Committees on Appropriation within 120 days of
enactment detailed plans to improve food and beverage service
and first class service (including sleeper car service) so that
these programs are revenue neutral on a fully allocated basis
by September 30, 2008. The Committee requires quarterly
progress reports thereafter.
The Committee notes that in Amtrak's fiscal year 2007 grant
request package, a total of $293,700,000 remains unallocated to
any route or line of business. The bill thus requires Amtrak to
provide an accounting of its overhead expenses as of October 1,
2006 and detail allocated and unallocated amounts. This report
must also include a plan to reduce system overhead expenses by
10 percent annually.
The Committee notes that outsourcing reservation services
and the use of electronic ticketing is commonplace in other
transportation sectors. Therefore, the Committee directs this
report to include information on expenses associated with
intercity passenger rail reservations and ticketing, and a
comparison of expenses to those associated with domestic
airlines and intercity bus service. Amtrak shall explore
technology enhancements including electronic ticketing to
determine the operational and financial ramifications. The bill
includes a provision that Amtrak shall reduce its overhead
expenses by 10 percent annually.
If the IG deems the funding necessary, the bill allows up
to $5,000,000 for the continued development of the managerial
cost accounting system. Within 30 days of development, the IG
is directed to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the
system and how it can be implemented to improve Amtrak decision
making.
The bill also includes a provision directing Amtrak to
submit within 120 days of enactment to the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations, a detailed plan for accounting
system improvements including the integration with other
processes. This will allow for more informed decisions-making
associated with the financial ramification of proposed changes
to routes and services. The plan shall also ensure that
Amtrak's Route Profitability System (RPS) provides more current
and accurate information on revenues and expenses on all routes
and services, including unallocated expenses.
The bill continues a provision directing Amtrak to transmit
its Board approved business plan to the Secretary, the House
and Senate Committees on Appropriations, the House Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science and Transportation under 49 USC 24104(a), and
monthly reports in electronic format regarding the pending
business plan and justification for any sole source contract
awards. In addition, the Committee expects that Amtrak will
submit its annual operations report as required by 49 USC
24315.
The bill continues to require Amtrak to repay its loan to
the Department of Transportation, and continues a provision
that prohibits funding on routes where Amtrak is offering 50
percent or more off the normal, peak fare.
CAPITAL AND DEBT SERVICE GRANTS
The Committee provides $500,000,000 for capital grants to
Amtrak, of which no more than $280,000,000 is for debt service
payments. Amtrak must first submit grant requests to the
Secretary justifying federal support for each capital project.
The bill does not allow funds to be used to subsidize operating
losses or for capital projects that are not approved by the
Secretary and in the corporation's fiscal year 2007 business
plan.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
Section 150. The Committee continues a provision that
allows FRA to purchase promotional items for Operation
Lifesaver.
Federal Transit Administration
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was established as
a component of the Department of Transportation on July 1,
1968, when most of the functions and programs under the Federal
Transit Act (78 Stat. 302; 49 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) were
transferred from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development. Known as the Urban Mass Transportation
Administration until enactment of the Intermodal Surface
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, the Federal Transit
Administration administers federal financial assistance
programs for planning, developing, and improving comprehensive
mass transportation systems in both urban and non-urban areas.
Authorization for programs under the Federal Transit
Administration is contained in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users
(SAFETEA-LU) (P.L. 109-59). Annual appropriations acts provide
funding by annual limitations on obligations for the formula
and bus grants only. Direct appropriations of budget authority
from the General Fund of the Treasury is provided for
administrative expenses, research programs, and capital
investment grants.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $79,200,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 85,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 85,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +5,800,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $85,000,000 for FTA's salaries and
expenses, an increase of $5,800,000 over the fiscal year 2006
funding level and the same as the budget request as directed by
SAFETEA-LU.
Should the Committee have had the authority to determine
basic salaries and expenses of the FTA, the Committee's
recommendation would have assumed reductions totaling
$2,000,000 from the budget request, and directed the reductions
in three areas First, while the Committee commends FTA on the
ability ``to make program decisions based on information beyond
anecdotes and prior-year funding levels,'' the goal of getting
to or maintaining ``green'' is not an acceptable or thorough
justification for $1,535,000 as proposed for budget performance
and integration. The Committee did not determine what
activities or performance goals would constitute ``green,'' or
what factors would be measured in accountability agreements
with the DOT leadership, and therefore sees little reason to
fund such activities.
Second, the Committee would not have provided funds for FTA
to centralize Federal grant making as described under Research
and University Research Centers. FTA has already created a
grant program, and the Committee has chosen to continue funds
for that already successful investment. The Committee sees
little reason to fund duplicative programs and directs FTA to
refrain from transferring or utilizing funds (up to $494,000)
for this purpose.
Third, the Committee would not have provided $279,000 as
requested for continued competitive sourcing activities. In the
opinion of the Committee, the greatest savings will come from
not providing the funds.
The Committee recommends funding for offices at the
following levels:
Office of the Administrator............................. $1,063,000
Office of Administration................................ 7,654,000
Office of Chief Counsel................................. 4,273,000
Office of Communications and Congressional Affairs...... 1,394,000
Office of Program Management............................ 8,403,000
Office of Budget and Policy............................. 9,259,000
Office of Research, Demonstration and Innovation........ 4,876,000
Office of Civil Rights.................................. 3,272,000
Office of Planning and Environment...................... 4,718,000
Regional Total.......................................... 22,420,000
Central Account......................................... 17,668,000
The administrator is authorized to transfer funding between
offices. Any transfers totaling more than five percent of the
initial appropriation from this account must be approved by the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
The Committee continues the direction to FTA to submit
future budget justifications in a similar format to the fiscal
year 2007 budget materials, consistent with the instruction
provided in House Report 109-153. With the companion new starts
report, FTA has significantly improved the documents and
information submitted to the Committees on Appropriations. The
Committee has again included language requiring FTA to submit
the annual new starts report with the initial submission of the
budget request due in February, 2007.
Transit security.--The Committee reiterates its direction
as stated in House Report 108-671 regarding transit security.
The Committee's position remains that the Department of
Homeland Security is the lead agency on transportation
security. As stated on the TSA website: ``All new improvements
will be coordinated with the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) which has overall responsibility for
transportation security among all modes of transportation,
including rail and transit lines.'' As such, the Committee
recommends the same number of FTE for the security office as
provided in fiscal year 2005.
Project management oversight activities.--The Committee
directs FTA to continue reporting monthly to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations on the status of each
project with a full funding grant agreement or is within two
years of a full funding grant agreement. The Committee finds
the monthly updates informative and a useful oversight tool.
To further support oversight activities, the bill continues
a provision requiring FTA to reimburse the Department of
Transportation Office of Inspector General $2,000,000 from
funds available for contract execution for costs associated
with audits and investigations of transit-related issues,
including reviews of new fixed guideway systems. The Committee
directs the Inspector General to continue such oversight
activities in fiscal year 2007.
Full funding grant agreements (FFGAs).--TEA-21, as amended,
requires that the FTA notify the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations as well as the House Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Banking sixty
days before executing a full funding grant agreement. In its
notification to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations, the Committee directs the FTA to include the
following: (1) a copy of the proposed full funding grant
agreement; (2) the total and annual federal appropriations
required for that project; (3) yearly and total federal
appropriations that can be reasonably planned or anticipated
for future FFGAs for each fiscal year through 2007; (4) a
detailed analysis of annual commitments for current and
anticipated FFGAs against the program authorization; (5) an
evaluation of whether the alternatives analysis made by the
applicant fully assessed all viable alternatives; (6) a
financial analysis of the project's cost and sponsor's ability
to finance the project, which shall be conducted by an
independent examiner and which shall include an assessment of
the capital cost estimate and the finance plan; (7) the source
and security of all public- and private-sector financial
instruments; (8) the project's operating plan, which enumerates
the project's future revenue and ridership forecasts; and (9) a
listing of all planned contingencies and possible risks
associated with the project.
The Committee continues the direction to FTA to inform the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations in writing thirty
days before approving schedule, scope, or budget changes to any
full funding grant agreement. Correspondence relating to
changes shall include any budget revisions or program changes
that materially alter the project as originally stipulated in
the full funding grant agreement, including any proposed change
in rail car procurements.
FORMULA AND BUS GRANTS
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORITY)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(INCLUDING RESCISSION)
Obligation limitation, fiscal year 2006............... $6,910,132,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 7,262,775,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 7,262,775,000
Bill compared with:
Obligation limitation, fiscal year 2006........... +352,643,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
Formula grants to states and local agencies funded under
the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) fall into the
following categories: Alaska Railroad, clean fuels grant
program, over-the-road bus accessibility program, urbanized
area formula grants, bus and bus facility grants, fixed
guideway modernization, planning programs (both metropolitan
and statewide), formula grants for special needs for elderly
individuals and individuals with disabilities, formula grants
for other than urbanized areas, job access and reverse commute
formula program, new freedom program, growing states and high
density states formula, National Transit Database, alternatives
analysis, and alternative transportation in parks and public
lands. Contract authority from the Mass Transit Account of the
Highway Trust Fund was provided under SAFETEA-LU. This
appropriations Act provides the obligation limitation for such
authority. This account is the only FTA account funded from the
Highway Trust Fund.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The accompanying bill provides $7,262,775,000 in obligation
limitations for transit formula and bus grants as authorized in
SAFETEA-LU and is consistent with the budget request and rules
of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Committee's
recommendation does include a cancellation of $28,661,000 in
unobligated prior year balances of grant funds as proposed in
the budget request. This rescission will not affect any on-
going project or grant.
Under the obligation limitation provided, SAFETEA-LU
mandates funding levels for the various programs under this
account. The Committee makes no changes to the set-asides
contained in SAFETEA-LU.
The Committee has included a new administrative provision,
as proposed in the budget request. Section 163 allows FTA to
provide grants for 100 percent of the net capital cost of a
factory-installed or retrofitted hybrid electric bus system.
This new authority, plus the $45,000,000 provided under
SAFETEA-LU for the clean fuels grant program, is a good
response to the direction in House Report 109-307 encouraging
FTA to provide more incentives for hybrid electric bus systems.
The Committee has heard from a number of communities and
transit agencies adversely affected by the SAFETEA-LU change to
the Jobs Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) program. Prior to
SAFETEA-LU, JARC was funded as a separate account to meet
specific transit needs of low income populations and those
needing transit to underserved areas. With SAFETEA-LU, JARC was
merged into the larger Formula and Bus Grants account, and
funds may be spread too thinly. The Committee directs the
administrator to report by May 4, 2007 on the effects of this
change on the ability of former recipients of JARC funds to
meet the goals of the program.
Of the funds provided for alternatives analysis, the
Committee directs funds for the following priorities, as
eligible under existing law:
Jupiter Corridor, FL.................................... $250,000
Atlanta MARTA North Line Corridor, Georgia.............. 250,000
Belt Line/C-Loop Project, Atlanta, GA................... 250,000
Honolulu High Capacity Transit Project, HI.............. 250,000
Illinois Valley Commuter Rail, IL....................... 250,000
North Shore Corridor and Blue Line Extension, MA........ 250,000
ITP/Rapid Travel, MI.................................... 250,000
North Shore Passenger Rail, Staten Island, NY........... 250,000
Lane Transit District, Pioneer Parkway EmX Corridor, OR. 250,000
Allengheny County--East-West Corridor Rapid Transit, PA. 250,000
Denton County Transportation Authority Fixed Guideway,
TX.................................................. 250,000
Of the funds provided for bus and bus facilities, the
Committee directs funds for the following priorities, as
eligible under existing law:
AL Multimodal Downtown Parking System/Dallas Branch.... $600,000
AR State of Arkansas, Bus and Bus Facilities Sec 5309.. 4,000,000
AZ East Valley Bus Maintenace Facility Tempe........... 1,500,000
AZ Main Street Bus Rapid Transit, Mesa................. 1,000,000
AZ Phoenix 27th Avenue/Baseline Park-and-Ride.......... 1,000,000
AZ Phoenix/Glendale Express Expansion Buses............ 1,000,000
AZ Phoenix/Glendale West Valley Operation Facility..... 1,000,000
AZ Tucson Alternate Fuel Replacement Buses............. 1,000,000
CA Anaheim Regional Trans. Intermodal Center, Orange
County.............................................. 400,000
CA Beach Cities Transit Coastal Shuttle Capital
Equipment........................................... 500,000
CA City of Modesto Bus Maintenace Facility............. 1,200,000
CA City of Santa Maria Intermodal Transit Center....... 300,000
CA Clean-Air Buses for Cerritos........................ 300,000
CA San Joaquin Regional Transit District County
Facility Construction Project....................... 500,000
CA East County Bus Maintenance Facility, El Cajon...... 1,500,000
CA East Los Angeles College Busway, Monterey Park...... 150,000
CA Eastern Contra Costa County Park and Ride Lots...... 400,000
CA Ed Roberts Campus, Berkeley......................... 550,000
CA Expand and Improve Yolobus Operations, Yolo County.. 200,000
CA Fairfield/Vacaville Intermodal Station.............. 850,000
CA Foothill Transit, San Gabriel Valley................ 2,000,000
CA Humboldt Transit Authority Maintenance Facility..... 400,000
CA LACMTA La Cienega Intermodal Transfer Facility...... 400,000
CA LAMTA Paratransit Services.......................... 250,000
CA Los Angeles Southwest College Bus Shelter........... 450,000
CA Monrovia Transit Village............................ 1,000,000
CA Monterey Salinas Transit, Monterey.................. 500,000
CA MTOC Bus and Bus Facility Project................... 2,700,000
CA Northridge Transit Center, Northridge, Los Angeles
County.............................................. 100,000
CA Orange Line Safety Improvements Los Angeles, Los
Angeles County...................................... 500,000
CA Pacific Station Multimodal Center, Santa Cruz....... 500,000
CA Placerville Station II.............................. 350,000
CA Regional Bus Replacement, San Diego County.......... 450,000
CA Rio Hondo College Public Transit Pilot Program...... 200,000
CA Riverside and Corona Transit Centers................ 1,250,000
CA Riverside Transit Agency Bus Stop Upgrades.......... 250,000
CA Sam Trans Revenue Collection System................. 500,000
CA San Francisco MTA Bus and Bus Facility Upgrades..... 3,000,000
CA San Luis Rey Transit Center......................... 500,000
CA Senior Transit Bus, South El Monte.................. 80,000
CA South Coast Area Transit Bus Facility Construction.. 200,000
CA South Coast Area Transit Bus Replacement............ 200,000
CA Street Shuttle Buses for Artesia.................... 200,000
CA Sunline Transit Agency Bus Replacement.............. 500,000
CA Transit Center Parking Structure, Baldwin Park...... 150,000
CA Union City Intermodal Station, Union City........... 400,000
CA Yosemite Regional Area Transportation System........ 300,000
CO Colorado Transit Coalition-Statewide Bus and Bus
Facilities.......................................... 2,000,000
CT Bridgeport Intermodal Transportation Center......... 1,250,000
CT Hartford Downtown Circulator........................ 500,000
CT New Britain-Hartford Busway......................... 1,000,000
CT SEAT Transit Project for Norwich.................... 750,000
CT South Norwalk Intermodal Facility Phase 2........... 1,000,000
CT West Haven Intermodal Station....................... 1,200,000
DC Union Station (ITC)................................. 1,500,000
FL 7th Avenue Transit Hub, Miami....................... 600,000
FL Additional 40-Foot Buses, Palm Beach County......... 200,000
FL AVL and UAFC Palm Tran, Palm Beach County........... 250,000
FL Broward County Alternative Fuel Buses............... 300,000
FL Broward County Southwest Transit Facility........... 1,000,000
FL Bus and Bus Facilities, St. Johns COA............... 750,000
FL Bus and Bus Facilities, St. Lucie County............ 1,500,000
FL City of Gainesville RTS, Buses...................... 200,000
FL City of Orlando LYNX, Buses......................... 200,000
FL CTCP, Jacksonville Transportation Authority......... 500,000
FL HART Operations Facility, Tampa..................... 1,000,000
FL Hydrogen Fuel Cell Initiative, Tallahassee.......... 500,000
FL Lakeland Area Citrus Connection Transit............. 400,000
FL LYNX Buses, Orland.................................. 500,000
FL Miami Lakes Transit Program......................... 500,000
FL Miramar Eastern Transit Hub and Community Center.... 200,000
FL Palm Beach Gardens Public Transportation Program.... 750,000
FL Replacement of Six Mini-Buses for WHAT.............. 400,000
FL SFRTA Smart Card.................................... 800,000
FL SFRTA Station Improvements.......................... 500,000
FL StarMetro Intelligent Transportation System......... 500,000
FL Trolley System for Boynton Beach.................... 400,000
FL Winter Haven Transit Authority...................... 150,000
GA Augusta Public Transit, Bus and Bus Facilities...... 200,000
GA Buses for Macon Transit Authority................... 200,000
GA Chatham Area Transit, Bus and Bus Facilities........ 1,000,000
GA City of Moultrie Intermodal Facility................ 300,000
GA MARTA Bus Acquisition Program, Atlanta.............. 500,000
GA Moultrie Intermodal Facility........................ 150,000
IA 10 Heavy-Duty Buses, Cedar Rapids................... 250,000
IA Johnson County Para-transit Facility................ 250,000
ID Idaho Transit Coalition Buses and Bus Facilities.... 4,000,000
IL Berwyn Intermodal Transit Facility.................. 550,000
IL Chicago Transit Authority, Bus and Bus Facilities... 500,000
IL Grand Avenue Transit Signal Priority, Lake County... 320,000
IL Interfaith House, Chicago, Wheel Chair Accessible
Van................................................. 75,000
IL Normal Multimodal Transportation Center............. 500,000
IL PACE Lincoln Highway TSP, Joliet.................... 480,000
IL Pace Suburban Bus for Interactive Voice System...... 250,000
IL Pace Suburban Bus Roosevelt Road TSP................ 300,000
IL Pace Suburban Bus, Arlington Heights................ 800,000
IL Pace, MDTs for Chicago Paratrait Vehicles........... 400,000
IL River Valley Metro, Kankakee........................ 2,000,000
IL Statewide Bus Request............................... 3,000,000
IN Bloomington Transit replacement buses............... 750,000
IN Downtown Transit Center, Indianapolis............... 300,000
IN Fort Wayne Citilink................................. 400,000
IN INDOT Electric Hybrid Bus Initiative................ 200,000
IN Transit Acquisition and Intermodal Facility Project. 500,000
KS City of Lawrence Bus Maintenance Facility........... 250,000
KS Johnson County Transit Bus Replacement.............. 500,000
KS Kansas City Area Transit Authority Bus Replacement.. 250,000
KS Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority............... 750,000
KY Unified Government of Wyandotte Co/KCK Transit...... 750,000
KY Fulton Transit Authority............................ 250,000
KY Pennyrile Allied Community Services................. 94,000
KY TANK Bus Replacement................................ 750,000
KY Transportation Cabinet.............................. 400,000
LA Historic Streetcar Restoration, New Orleans......... 320,000
MA Attleboro Intermodal Center, Attleboro.............. 100,000
MA BRTA/TANB Vehicles.................................. 160,000
MA Bus Fleet Replacement Project, WRTA, Worcester...... 300,000
MA Community Transit Service Dial-A-Ride Athol......... 600,000
MA Community Transit Service, Athol Station............ 400,000
MA Construciton of Amesbury Bus Facility............... 300,000
MA Council on Aging, LRTA Buses........................ 75,000
MA Fitchburg Intermodal Parking Garage................. 500,000
MA FRTA Bus Replacement................................ 720,000
MA Malden Massachusetts Shuttle Bus Service............ 300,000
MA MART Gardner Storage/Maintenance Facility........... 1,000,000
MA MART Leominster Commuter Parking.................... 4,500,000
MA MART Storage, Leominster............................ 1,600,000
MA MART Vehicle Replacement............................ 1,200,000
MA Merrimack Valley RTA Buses.......................... 225,000
MA Newton Rapid Transit Handicap Access Improvements... 500,000
MA Rockport Station Improvements....................... 200,000
MA Salem and Saugus Senior Buses and Vans.............. 150,000
MD APG Multi-Modal Trans. Center, Aberdeen............. 500,000
MD Bi-County Transit Center, Langley Park.............. 300,000
MD Maryland Transit Administration Bus Replacement..... 1,500,000
ME Statewide Buses and Bus Facilities.................. 500,000
MI Ann Arbor Transportation Authority Transit Center... 1,800,000
MI Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority.................. 1,000,000
MI CATA Bus Purchase, Lansing.......................... 500,000
MI City of Detroit, Bus Replacement.................... 3,225,000
MI County Connection, LLC, Midland..................... 500,000
MI Eaton County Public Transportation Authority........ 250,000
MI Greater Lapeer Transportation Authority............. 300,000
MI Ionia Dial-A-Ride Vehicle Acquisition............... 148,000
MI Isabella County Transportation Commission........... 500,000
MI ITP/The Rapid Hybrid-Electric Bus Acquisition....... 500,000
MI Jackson County Large Bus Replacement................ 500,000
MI Kalamazoo Metropolitan Transit...................... 1,500,000
MI Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority, Big Rapids....... 300,000
MI Sanilac Transportation Authority.................... 300,000
MI SMART Capital Budget................................ 1,000,000
MI The City of Alma, Gratiot County.................... 628,000
MI Twin Cities Dial-A-Ride............................. 100,000
MN Union Depot, St. Paul, Ramsey County................ 550,000
MO City of Springfield, Intermodal Parking Facility.... 3,500,000
MO Columbia Transit.................................... 250,000
MO Franklin County Transit............................. 176,800
MO Serve Inc........................................... 36,800
MO St. Louis, MO Metro Bus and Paratransit Rolling
Stock............................................... 500,000
MS Coast Transit Authority, Bus Fleet.................. 300,000
NC City of Raleigh Replacement and Expansion Buses..... 400,000
NC Intermodal Transportaiton Facility, Winston-Salem... 500,000
NC North Carolina PART Park and Ride Facilities........ 500,000
NC Statewide Bus and Bus Facilities.................... 1,800,000
ND North Dakota State Wide Transit..................... 500,000
NJ BurLink Service, Mt. Holly, Burlington County....... 990,000
NJ Morris County Intermodal Park and Ride.............. 1,000,000
NJ Morristown Historic Station Park and Ride........... 200,000
NJ Newark Penn Station, Newark......................... 750,000
NJ Northern New Jersey Intermodal Stations and Park
N'Rides............................................. 3,000,000
NJ Ocean Ride, Vehicle Replacement, Ocean County....... 250,000
NJ Passaic/Bergen Intermodal Facilities and Rolling
Stock............................................... 700,000
NJ South Amboy NJ Regional Intermodal Transportation... 300,000
NJ Trenton Intermodal Transportation System............ 200,000
NJ Upper Montclair Intermodal Facility................. 200,000
NV Central City Intermodal Transportation Terminal..... 350,000
NV Reno/Sparks Intermodal Transportation Terminals..... 500,000
NY Central NY Regional Transportation Authority........ 1,000,000
NY Clean Fuel Bus Enhancements, Brookhaven, Suffolk
County.............................................. 250,000
NY GJDCorp. Jamaica Intermodal Facilities.............. 200,000
NY Nassau County HUB................................... 250,000
NY Port Chester New York Intermodal Transit Center Bus
Bays................................................ 750,000
NY West 65th St Lincoln Center Area Bus Shelter
Improvements........................................ 1,000,000
OH Central OH Transit Authority, Paratransit Facility.. 300,000
OH KSU Multimodal Transportation Facility, Kent........ 300,000
OH Lucas County Bio-Diesel Bus/Public Vehicle Fleet.... 500,000
OH Portage Area Regional Transit Authority, Kent....... 500,000
OH Senior Transportation Connection Cuyahoga........... 250,000
OH Uptown Crossings Parking/Intermodal Bus Facility.... 750,000
OH West Price Hill Park and Ride....................... 400,000
OK Metro Transit Oklahoma City, COTPA Bus Replacement.. 1,000,000
OK Tulsa Transit Section 5309 Capital Appropriations... 500,000
OR Bus Facilities and Property Acquisition, Yamhill
County.............................................. 150,000
OR Salem-Keizer Transit................................ 200,000
PA BARTA Franklin Street Station, Reading.............. 1,000,000
PA Capital Area Transit................................ 500,000
PA Centre Area Transportation Authority................ 1,200,000
PA Church Street Transportation Intermodal............. 750,000
PA County of Lebanon Transit Authority................. 200,000
PA Cranberry Area Transit Initiative................... 250,000
PA DuFAST Transit Authority Bus Replacement............ 600,000
PA Expansion of the Scranton Electric Trolley System... 250,000
PA Fayette County Area Coordinated Transportation...... 500,000
PA Queen Street Station, Phase II, Lancaster........... 500,000
PA RRTA Bus Replacement Program, Lancaster............. 250,000
PA Schuykill Transportation System..................... 300,000
PA York County Pennsylvania Transit Transfer Center.... 500,000
PA York County Transit Authority, York County.......... 256,000
TN Memphis Airport Intermodal Facility................. 400,000
TN Tennessee Statewide Buses........................... 3,000,000
TX Brazos Transit District, The Woodlands Express...... 250,000
TX Cap Metro S IH35 Park and Ride Facility, Austin..... 1,000,000
TX Cap Metro-Oak Hill Park and Ride Facility, Austin... 1,000,000
TX Capital Metro, Rapid Bus Project, Austin............ 250,000
TX City of Abilene CitiLink............................ 500,000
TX City of Lubbock Citibus Improvement................. 500,000
TX Corpus Christi RTA Bus and Bus Facilities........... 250,000
TX Denton County Transportation Authority, Buses....... 250,000
TX East Texas Service Area Bus Replacement............. 250,000
TX El Paso Bus Replacement............................. 200,000
TX VIA San Antonio Bus and Facility Modernization...... 400,000
UT West Valley City, Utah, Intermodal Terminal Project. 1,000,000
VA Fairfax County, REX Public Transit Initiative....... 250,000
VA Greater Lynchburg Transit Bus Replacement........... 500,000
VA Greater Richmond Transit Company.................... 500,000
VA Hampton Roads Southwide Bus Facility................ 2,000,000
VA I-66/Vienna Metro Accessibility Improvements........ 2,000,000
VI VITRAN.............................................. 200,000
VT Statewide Fleet Replacement and Capital Assistance.. 150,000
VT Multi-Modal Transportation Facility Bennington..... 250,000
WA SW King County-Highline CC Intermodal Transit
Facility and Parking Garage......................... 200,000
WA Intercity Transit Multimodal Facility............... 350,000
WA Mercer Island Park and Ride, Mercer Island.......... 500,000
WI Wisconsin 7th District Bus and Bus Facilities....... 1,500,000
WI Wisconsin Bus Capital............................... 4,000,000
WI Wisconsin Statewide Bus and Bus Facilities.......... 3,000,000
RESEARCH AND UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CENTERS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $74,448,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 61,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 65,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -9,448,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +4,000,000
Grants for transit research are authorized by the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A
Legacy for Users (Public Law 109-59) (SAFETEA-LU). Starting in
fiscal year 2006, activities formerly under the ``Transit
Planning and Research'' account are now under the ``Formula and
Bus Grants'' account. The National Research program, the
Transit Cooperative Research Program, and the National
Institute are funded under this new heading.
Funding for the National Research programs will be used to
cover costs for FTA's essential safety and security activities
and transit safety data collection. Under the national
component of the program, FTA is a catalyst in the research,
development and deployment of transportation methods and
technologies which address issues such as accessibility for the
disabled, air quality, traffic congestion, and transit services
and operational improvements. The University Research Centers
program will provide continued support for research education
and technology transfer activities aimed at addressing regional
and national transportation problems.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $65,000,000 for research
activities of FTA, $9,448,000 below the fiscal year 2006
funding level and $4,000,000 above the budget request. Of the
funds provided, consistent with SAFETEA-LU, the Committee's
recommendation includes $9,300,000 for transit cooperative
research, $4,300,000 for the National Transit Institute, and
$7,000,000 for the university centers program.
Consistent with the responsibility for oversight of
Treasury funds, the Committee directs FTA to report by May 18,
2007 on all FTA-sponsored research projects from fiscal year
2006 and 2007. For each project, the report should include
information on the National relevance of the research,
relevance to the transit industry and community, expected final
product and delivery date, sources of non-FTA funding committed
to the project or research institute, and FTA funding history.
In addition, the Committee directs funds for the following
priorities as eligible under existing law:
Center for Transportation and the Environment: Hydrogen
and fuel cell research.............................. $500,000
Transportation Research Center, Atlanta, GA............. 500,000
Crash Protection and Safety, Wichita State University... 500,000
Next Generation Hybrid Electric Transit Bus, Broome
County, NY.......................................... 500,000
SUNY Mill Woody Biomass Extraction Project, NY.......... 450,000
American Cities Transportation Institute, Philadelphia,
PA.................................................. 500,000
East Tennessee Hydrogen Initiative, Chattanooga, TN..... 1,000,000
CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS
(INCLUDING RESCISSION)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $1,440,682,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 1,466,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,566,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -125,682,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +100,000,000
Grants for capital investment to rail or other fixed
guideway transit systems are awarded to public bodies and
agencies (transit authorities and other state and local public
bodies and agencies thereof) including states, municipalities,
other political subdivisions of states; public agencies and
instrumentalities of one or more states; and certain public
corporations, boards and commissions under state law. The Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A
Legacy for Users (Public Law 109-59) (SAFETEA-LU) made two
significant changes to the major capital investment grant
program. First, the program is now funded entirely from the
General Fund of the Treasury. Second, grants for bus and bus
facilities and fixed guideway modernization projects, plus
alternative analysis funds are now eligible under the ``Formula
and Bus Grants'' account, which is funded by the Mass Transit
Account of the Highway Trust Fund. Grants to the Denali
Commission and the Hawaii and Alaska ferries are dictated by
SAFETEA-LU. Other projects and investments are authorized by
SAFETEA-LU and are subject to regulation and oversight by FTA.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,566,000,000 for capital
investment grants, $100,000,000 above the budget request and
$125,318,000 over the fiscal year 2006 funding level.
The Committee's recommendation provides $5,000,000 for the
Denali Commission and $15,000,000 for ferry capital projects in
Alaska and Hawaii; set-asides as required by SAFETEA-LU. In
addition, the Committee recommends a total of $14,660,000, or
approximately one percent, for oversight activities of the
investments in this account.
The Committee's recommendation provides $571,878,399 to
meet the Federal cost share mandated by full funding grant
agreements already in existence, and authorized by SAFETEA-LU,
for the following projects:
AZ........................................... Central Phoenix/East Valley Light Rail........ $90,000,000
CA........................................... Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension............ 100,000,000
CA........................................... Mission Valley East LRT Extension............. 806,654
CA........................................... Oceanside-Escondido Rail Corridor............. 684,040
CA........................................... BART Extension to San Francisco Airport....... 2,424,694
CO........................................... Southeast Corridor LRT........................ 80,000,000
IL Douglas Branch Reconstruction................. 1,573,675
IL Ravenswood Line Extension..................... 40,000,000
IL Union-Pacific West Line Extension............. 1,255,978
MD........................................... Central LRT Double-Track...................... 482,822
NC........................................... South Corridor LRT............................ 70,744,065
NJ........................................... Hudson-Bergen MOS-2........................... 100,000,000
OH........................................... Euclid Corridor Transportation Project........ 693,013
OR........................................... Interstate MAX LRT Extension.................. 542,940
PR........................................... Tren Urbano................................... 2,670,518
WA........................................... Central Link Initial Segment.................. 80,000,000
The Tren Urbano project in Puerto Rico has been fraught
with mismanagement, delays and safety issues and the Committee
is aware of current difficulties in closing out the project.
The Committee strongly urges the Commonwealth and the builder
to resolve the outstanding issues expeditiously, and directs
FTA to retain the final full funding grant payment until both
sides reach a close out agreement.
The Committee's recommendation provides $657,600,000 to
meet the Federal cost share for the following pending and
proposed full funding grant agreements, authorized by SAFETEA-
LU, as proposed in the budget request. Based on information
from FTA, these projects are in final design and will be ready
for a full funding grant agreement during the 2007 fiscal year.
CO........................................... West Corridor LRT............................. $35,000,000
NY........................................... Long Island Rail Road East Side Access........ 300,000,000
OR........................................... South Corridor I-205/Portland Mall LRT........ 80,000,000
OR........................................... Wilsonville to Beaverton Commuter Rail........ 27,600,000
PA........................................... North Shore LRT Connector..................... 55,000,000
TX........................................... Northwest/Southeast LRT/MOS................... 80,000,000
UT........................................... Weber County to Salt Lake City Commuter Rail.. 80,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $300,000,000 for
projects authorized by SAFETEA-LU which will be in preliminary
engineering or final design during the 2007 fiscal year. The
Committee recommends funds for the following specific
authorized projects:
CA........................................... San Francisco MTA Third Street Light Rail $5,000,000
Project.
DC........................................... WMATA Largo--rail cars......................... 61,500,000
DC........................................... WMATA Navy Yard--Station Upgrades.............. 20,000,000
FL........................................... Miami Dade County Metrorail Orange Line 1,000,000
Expansion.
IL........................................... Metra Commuter Rail--STAR Line, Chicago........ 5,000,000
IL........................................... Metra Commuter Rail--UP West Line Extension, 1,250,000
Chicago.
IL........................................... Metra Commuter Rail--UP West Line Upgrades, 2,000,000
Chicago.
IN........................................... N. Indiana Commuter Transit District 1,000,000
Recapitalization.
MA........................................... Fitchburg-Boston Rail Corridor................. 1,000,000
MN........................................... Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit, Dakota County.. 1,000,000
MN........................................... Northstar Corridor Rail Project................ 2,000,000
NJ........................................... Northern Branch, Bergen County................. 2,000,000
NJ/PA........................................ Northwest NJ-Northeast PA Passenger Rail 2,000,000
Project.
NY........................................... Second Avenue Subway, New York City............ 4,000,000
TX........................................... METRO Solutions Phase 2, Implementation Plan... 2,500,000
VA........................................... Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.............. 5,000,000
VA........................................... Norfolk Light Rail Project..................... 2,000,000
The Committee's recommendation includes a rescission of
$17,760,000 from this account. Funds for the rescission are to
be derived from any project which still has not obligated
appropriated funds after three years.
The Committee does not provide funds for the new small
starts program as authorized. First and foremost, the FTA will
not complete the program regulations until June 2007, at the
earliest. With only two or three months of the fiscal year, the
Committee places a greater priority on providing adequate funds
for capital improvement projects that will move into
preliminary engineering or final design, rather than an
untested, new program. Second, the Committee places a greater
priority on projects already in the pipeline which will have a
greater impact on congestion mitigation, environmental quality,
and travel time, rather than small, economic development type
projects. Should the SAFETEA-LU guarantees not have been in
place, the Committee would have provided the $200,000,000 in
other priorities of the bill also funded by the General Fund of
the Treasury. Since the Committee must meet certain funding
levels, the $200,000,000 remains under this heading.
The Committee is cautiously optimistic about the improved
management of the new starts process, and encourages FTA to
continue with revisions to the process regarding timing and
criteria required for entry to the preliminary engineering and
final design phases. The Committee appreciates greatly the
monthly updates on advanced projects and directs FTA to
continue communicating with the Committee on such matters.
The Committee has reservations on using land use and
economic development as measures in the new starts rating
methodology, and reiterates the concern expressed in House
Report 108-671 regarding the weight these two measures may
carry in determining the merits of a project proposal. The
Committee encourages the use of transit, especially in light of
rising fuel costs. In the past, most recently in House Report
108-671, the Committee raised concerns that locally developed
ridership forecasts were optimistic, at best. The Committee
places priority on ridership and congestion mitigation--
especially for under this budget climate. The Committee
provides $4,200,000,000 under HUD Community Development Block
Grants for economic development. Should the highest rating of a
new start, or especially a small start, come from the economic
development or land use rating, the Committee would strongly
urge that community to instead use local community and economic
development funds rather than transit funds which could be used
more appropriately for congestion mitigation.
The Committee directs FTA not to reallocate funds provided
in prior year appropriations Acts for the Department of
Transportation as follows:
Bus and Bus Facilities:
Attleboro Intermodal Center, MA
(FY 2004)
Eastern Contra Cost Park and Ride Lots, CA
(FY 2004)
Leesburg Train Depot Renovation and Restoration, GA
(FY 2004)
Regional Transit Demonstration Project for Quitman,
Clay, Randolph, and Stewart Counties, GA
(FY 2004)
Burbank Empire Area Transit Center, CA
(FY 2004)
UNI Multimodal Project, IA
(FY 2004)
Indianapolis Downtown Transit Center, IN
(FY 2002, 2003, 2004)
Callowhill Bus Garage Replacement, PA
(FY 2002)
New Starts:
Northstar Corridor, MN
(FY 2003, 2004)
Dulles Corridor Project, VA
(FY 2002)
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
Section 160. The Committee continues the provision that
exempts previously made transit obligations from limitations on
obligations.
Section 161. The Committee continues the provision that
allows unobligated funds for projects under ``Capital
Investment Grants'' and bus and bus facilities under ``Formula
and Bus Grants'' in prior year appropriations Acts to be used
in this fiscal year.
Section 162. The Committee continues the provision that
allows for the transfer of prior year appropriations from older
accounts to be merged into new accounts with similar, current
activities.
Section 163. The Committee recommends a new provision as
proposed in the budget request that allows FTA to provide
grants for 100 percent of the net capital cost of a factory-
installed or retrofitted hybrid electric system in a bus.
Section 164. The Committee modifies a provision that allows
unobligated funds for projects under ``Capital Investment
Grants'' and bus and bus facilities under ``Formula and Bus
Grants'' to be used in this fiscal year for activities eligible
in the year the funds were appropriated.
Section 165. The Committee recommends a new provision which
clarifies the calculations for determining the net costs of the
San Gabriel Valley Metro Gold Line transit project.
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
(HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $16,121,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 8,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 17,425,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +1,304,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +9,425,000
The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (the
Corporation) is a wholly owned Government corporation
established by the St. Lawrence Seaway Act of May 13, 1954. The
corporation is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and
development of the United States portion of the St. Lawrence
Seaway between Montreal and Lake Erie, including the two Seaway
locks located in Massena, New York and vessel traffic control
in areas of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. The
mission of the corporation is to serve the United States
intermodal and international transportation system by improving
the operation and maintenance of a safe, secure, reliable,
efficient, and environmentally responsible deep-draft waterway.
The corporation's major priorities include: safety,
reliability, trade development, management accountability, and
bi-national collaboration with its Canadian counterpart.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total appropriation of
$17,425,000 to fund the operations and maintenance of the
corporation, $9,425,000 above the budget request and $1,304,000
above the fiscal year 2006 enacted level. Appropriations from
the harbor maintenance trust fund and revenues from non-federal
sources finance the operation and maintenance of the Seaway for
which the corporation is responsible. Similar to the decision
made for fiscal year 2006, the Committee denies the request to
re-establish tolls on the U.S. portion of the Saint Lawrence
Seaway in fiscal year 2007. Although legislative language was
submitted in a timely fashion, the language would only impose
tolls for one year and does not sufficiently address the
Committee's questions regarding double taxations.
Maritime Administration
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is responsible for
programs that strengthen the U.S. maritime industry in support
of the Nation's security and economic needs, as authorized by
the Merchant Marine Act, 1936. MARAD's mission is to promote
the development and maintenance of an adequate, well-balanced
United States merchant marine, sufficient to carry the Nation's
domestic waterborne commerce and a substantial portion of its
waterborne foreign commerce, and capable of serving as a naval
and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency.
MARAD, working with the Department of Defense (DOD), helps
provide a seamless, time-phased transition from peacetime to
wartime operations, while balancing the defense and commercial
elements of the maritime transportation system. MARAD also
manages the maritime security program, the voluntary intermodal
sealift agreement program and the ready reserve force, which
assures DOD access to commercial and strategic sealift and
associated intermodal capability. Further, MARAD's education
and training programs through the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
and six state maritime schools help provide skilled U.S.
merchant marine officers.
MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $154,440,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 154,440,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 154,440,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $154,440,000 for the Maritime
Security Program (MSP), the same as the budget request and the
amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. This recommendation
provides funding directly to MARAD and assumes that MARAD will
continue to administer the program with support and
consultation of the Department of Defense. The purpose of the
MSP is to maintain and preserve a U.S. flag merchant fleet to
serve the national security needs of the United States. The MSP
provides direct payments to U.S. flag ship operators engaged in
U.S.-foreign trade. Participating operators are required to
keep the vessels in active commercial service and are required
to provide intermodal sealift support to the Department of
Defense in times of war or national emergency. The Committee's
recommendation provides funding for 60 ships, at a payment per
ship of $2,574,000, consistent with the budget request and the
fiscal year 2006 enacted level. The recommendation will provide
the necessary resources for the operation of the MSP through
fiscal year 2007. Funds are available until expended.
OPERATIONS AND TRAINING
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $128,527,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 115,830,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 116,442,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -12,085,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +612,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $116,442,000 for operations and
training, $612,000 above the budget request and $12,085,000
below the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. Funds provided
for this account are to be distributed as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
House
Activity (all figures in $000's) FY07 Request recommended
------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy:
Salary and Benefits........... $24,009 $24,009
Midshipmen Program............ 6,977 6,977
Instructional Program......... 5,689 5,689
Program Direction and 2,916 2,916
Administration...............
Maintenance, Repair, & 7,307 7,307
Operating Requirements.......
Capital Improvements.......... 14,850 14,850
-------------------------------------
Subtotal, USMMA........... 61,747 61,747
=====================================
State Maritime Schools:
Student Incentive Payments.... 792 792
Direct Payments............... 1,188 1,800
Schoolship Maintenance and 7,920 7,920
Repair.......................
-------------------------------------
Subtotal, State Maritime 9,900 10,512
Academies................
=====================================
MARAD Operations:
Base Operations............... 40,300 40,300
Information technology, 3,200 3,200
electronic government........
GSA Space Increase............ 683 683
-------------------------------------
Subtotal, MARAD Operations 44,183 44,183
=====================================
Subtotal, Operations and 115,830 116,442
Training.................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee recommends $61,747,000 for the operation and
maintenance of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), the
same as the budget request and $511,000 above the amounts
provided in fiscal year 2006. Of the funds provided, the
Committee recommends $24,009,000 for salaries and benefits,
which is available until September 30, 2007, and $14,850,000
for capital improvements to the USMMA, which is available until
expended.
The Committee recommends $10,512,000 for the six State
Maritime Schools (SMS), $612,000 above the budget request and
$587,000 below the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. These
increased funds are provided for cadet training, facilities,
and fuel costs to result in $300,000 per school in direct
payments. Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends
$7,920,000 for SMS Schoolship Maintenance and Repair, which is
available until expended.
The Committee recommends $44,183,000 for MARAD operations,
the same as the budget request and $4,509,000 below the amounts
provided in fiscal year 2006. Within this total, the Committee
provides $3,200,000 for IT related activities and electronic
government.
SHIP DISPOSAL
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $20,790,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 25,740,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 25,740,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +4,950,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
MARAD serves as the federal government's disposal agent for
government-owned merchant vessels weighing 1,500 gross tons or
more. The ship disposal program provides resources to dispose
of obsolete merchant-type vessels in the National Defense
Reserve Fleet (NDRF). The Maritime Administration is required
by law to dispose of its obsolete inventory by the end of 2006;
however, MARAD has acknowledged that it will not meet this
statutory deadline. There are currently 124 vessels located in
three fleet sites in the NDRF awaiting disposal. In fiscal year
2004, MARAD removed 15 ships for disposal and projects that it
will remove another 15 in 2005 and 13 in 2006. These vessels
pose a significant environmental threat due to the presence of
hazardous substances such as asbestos and solid and liquid
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The list includes a nuclear
ship, the SAVANNAH, which contains remnants of a nuclear
reactor.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $25,740,000 for ship disposal, the
same as the budget request and $4,950,000 above the amounts
provided in fiscal year 2006. Within the funds provided, the
Committee recommends $9,970,000 to decommission the SAVANNAH.
Funds are available until expended.
MARITIME GUARANTEED LOAN (TITLE XI) PROGRAM
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS AND RESCISSION)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $4,085,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 3,317,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,317,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -768,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The maritime guaranteed loan account as provided for by
title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, provides for
guaranteed loans for purchasers of ships from the U.S.
shipbuilding industry and for modernization of U.S. shipyards.
Funds for administrative expenses for the Title XI program are
appropriated to this account, and then transferred by
reimbursement to operations and training to be obligated and
outlayed.
As required by the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, this
account includes the subsidy costs associated with the loan
guarantee commitments made in 1992 and beyond (including
modifications of direct loans or loan guarantees that resulted
from obligations or commitments in any year), as well as
administrative expenses of this program. The subsidy amounts
are estimated on a net present value basis; the administrative
expenses are estimated on a cash basis.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $3,317,000, the same as the budget
request and $768,000 below the amounts provided in fiscal year
2006. In addition, the Committee recommends a rescission of
$2,000,000 from unobligated balances.
NATIONAL DEFENSE TANK VESSEL CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... -$74,400,000
Recommended in the bill............................... -74,400,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -74,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The fiscal year 2004 Defense Authorization Act (Public Law
108-136) authorized the National Defense Tank Vessel
Construction Program to provide financial assistance for the
construction of five privately owned product tank vessels to be
available for national defense purposes in time of war or
national emergency. The purpose of the program is to revitalize
commercial tank ship construction in the U.S. The Department of
Defense has stated that a critical deficiency exists for U.S.
flag tankers capable of carrying multiple petroleum cargoes.
Vessels constructed under this program will operate as part of
the Maritime security fleet.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends rescinding $74,400,000 from
unobligated balances, as proposed in the budget request. The
Committee does not repeal Subtitle D, National Defense Tank
Vessel Construction Assistance, of Title XXXV of the Maritime
Security Act of 2003, Public Law 108-136, as proposed in the
budget request.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--MARITIME ADMINISTRATION
Section 170. The Committee continues a provision that
allows the Maritime Administration to furnish utilities and
services and make repairs to any lease, contract, or occupancy
involving government property under the control of MARAD and
rental payments shall be covered into the Treasury as
miscellaneous receipts.
Section 171. The Committee continues a provision that
prohibits obligations incurred during the current year from
construction funds in excess of the appropriations contained in
this Act or in any prior appropriations Act.
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
(PHMSA), which was established as an administration within the
Department of Transportation effective November 30, 2004,
pursuant to the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs
Improvement Act (Public Law 108-246), is responsible for the
department's pipeline safety program and oversight of hazardous
materials transportation safety operations. As part of its
mission, the agency is dedicated to safety by working toward
the elimination of transportation-related deaths and injuries
in hazardous materials and pipeline transportation, and by
promoting transportation solutions that enhance communities and
protect the natural environment.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $16,708,230
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 17,721,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 17,721,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +1,012,770
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
This appropriation finances the program support costs for
the PHMSA. This includes policy development, counsel, budget,
financial management, civil rights, management, administration
and agency-wide expenses.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee provides $17,721,000 for these costs, of
which $639,000 is to be provided from the Pipeline Safety Fund.
The Committee expects PHMSA to use these funds as reflected in
its budget justification.
The recommended level includes a reduction of $320,000 from
the fiscal year 2006 enacted level to account for the transfer
of two additional positions to the Research and Innovative
Technology Administration.
Administrative costs for new positions.--Consistent with
the new positions that have been provided in the Hazardous
Materials Safety appropriation, $111,000 is provided for
associated administrative costs.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $25,876,620
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 27,225,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 27,225,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +1,348,380
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The PHMSA oversees the safety of the more than 800,000
daily shipments of hazardous materials in the United States and
uses risk management principles and security threat assessments
to understand, communicate, and reduce dangers inherent in
hazardous materials transportation. The agency formulates,
issues and revises hazardous materials regulations which cover
hazardous materials definitions and classifications, hazard
communications, shipper and carrier operations, training and
security requirements, and packaging and container
specifications.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The bill includes $27,225,000 to continue the agency's
hazardous materials safety functions.
Field Enforcement Inspectors.--The Committee approves four
new inspectors, as requested, to achieve a more effective level
of inspections, address the need to investigate undeclared
shipments, and improve cross-modal data sharing. This will
expand the number of enforcement inspectors in the field from
30 to 34.
Package Testing.--The Committee approves $225,000 in
contract funding, as requested, to increase the agency's
capacity to perform package testing by 50 percent, ensuring the
safety of packages and their conformity to performance
standards mandated in regulations.
PIPELINE SAFETY
(PIPELINE SAFETY FUND)
(OIL SPILL LIABILITY TRUST FUND)
(Oil spill
(Pipeline safety liability trust Total
fund) fund)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006........................ $57,429,900 $14,850,000 $72,279,900
Budget request, fiscal year 2007....................... 56,925,000 18,810,000 75,735,000
Recommended in the bill................................ 56,925,000 18,810,000 75,735,000
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006.................... -504,900 +3,960,000 +3,455,100
Budget request, fiscal year 2007................... - - - - - - - - -
PHMSA oversees the safety, security, and environmental
protection of pipelines through analysis of data, damage
prevention, education and training, enforcement of regulations
and standards, research and development, grants for states
pipeline safety programs, and emergency planning and response
to accidents. The pipeline safety program is responsible for a
national regulatory program to protect the public against the
risks to life and property in the transportation of natural
gas, petroleum and other hazardous materials by pipeline. The
enactment of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 also expanded the
role of the pipeline safety program in environmental protection
and resulted in a new emphasis on spill prevention and
containment of oil and hazardous substances from pipelines.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The bill includes $75,735,000 to continue pipeline safety
operations, research and development, and state grants-in-aid
in fiscal year 2007. The bill specifies that of the total
appropriation, $18,810,000 shall be derived from the oil spill
liability trust fund and $56,925,000 shall be from the pipeline
safety fund.
State one-call grants.--The Committee directs that no less
than $1,000,000 of the funds provided is for the one-call
grants program, as was directed in fiscal year 2006.
State pipeline safety grants.--The Committee approves
additional funding, $500,000 above fiscal year 2006, to assist
state pipeline agencies to increase inspection and enforcement
activities required by the Pipeline Safety Integrity Act.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANTS
(EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUND)
(Emergency (Emergency
preparedness preparedness Total
fund) grant program)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006........................ $198,000 ($14,157,000) $14,355,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007....................... 198,000 (28,328,000) 28,526,000
Recommended in the bill................................ 198,000 (28,328,000) 28,526,000
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006.................... - - - (+14,171,000) +14,171,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007................... - - - (- - -) - - -
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act
of 1990 (HMTUSA) requires the PHMSA to: (1) develop and
implement a reimbursable emergency preparedness grant program;
(2) monitor public sector emergency response training and
planning and provide technical assistance to states, political
subdivisions and Indian tribes; and (3) develop and update
periodically a mandatory training curriculum for emergency
responders.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $198,000, the same amount as
requested, for activities related to emergency response
training curriculum development and updates, as authorized by
section 117(A)(i)(3)(B) of HMTUSA. The Committee has provided
an obligation limitation of $28,328,000 for the emergency
preparedness grant program.
Research and Innovative Technology Administration
The Research and Innovative Technology Administration
(RITA) was established as an administration within the
Department of Transportation (DOT) effective November 30, 2004,
pursuant to the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs
Improvement Act, Public Law 108-426. The mission of RITA is to
provide strategic clarity to DOT's multi-modal and intermodal
research efforts, while coordinating the multifaceted research
agenda of the department.
RITA coordinates, facilitates, and reviews the following
research and development programs and activities: advancement
and research and development of innovative technologies,
including intelligent transportation systems; education and
training in transportation and transportation-related fields,
including the University Transportation Centers and the
Transportation Safety Institute; and activities of the Volpe
National Transportation Center.
Also included within RITA is the Bureau of Transportation
Statistics (BTS), which is funded from the Federal Highway
Administration's federal-aid highway account. BTS compiles,
analyzes, and makes accessible information on the nation's
transportation systems; collects information on intermodal
transportation and other areas as needed; and enhances the
quality and effectiveness of the statistical programs of the
DOT through research, the development of guidelines, and the
promotion of improvements in data acquisition and use.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $5,716,260
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 8,217,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 6,367,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +650,740
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -1,850,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The bill includes $6,367,000 to continue research and
development activities in fiscal year 2007. This funding level
is sufficient to fund 33 full time equivalent staff years
(FTE), an increase of 5 FTE over the fiscal year 2006 level.
Transportation futures program.--The Committee denies
RITA's request of $2,228,000 for the transportation futures and
applied technology program. The Committee believes that RITA
should develop a more robust level of in-house research,
development and technology expertise before it relies on
outside contractors for multi-modal research coordination and
analysis.
Research Programs.--Within the fiscal year 2007 recommended
funding level, the Committee provides $1,120,000 for RITA's
research, development, and technology (RD&T) programs as
follows:
Hazardous materials research and development (R&D)...... $80,000
Hydrogen fuels safety R&D............................... 500,000
RD&T coordination....................................... 540,000
The Committee recommends that the $1,120,000 provided for
these RD&T programs is available until September 30, 2009.
The bill also includes language that allows funds received
from states, counties, municipalities, other public
authorities, and private sources for expenses incurred for
training to be credited to this appropriation.
BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... ($26,730,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... (27,000,000)
Recommended in the bill............................... (27,000,000)
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... (+270,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Under the appropriation of the Federal Highway
Administration, the bill provides $27,000,000 for BTS. In
addition, BTS will receive a portion of the revenue aligned
budget authority (RABA) increase to the federal-aid highway
program in fiscal year 2007.
The Committee limits BTS staff to 122 FTE in fiscal year
2007 in order to curtail the significant growth in staffing
that occurred previously within this agency.
Office of Inspector General
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Inspector General's office was established in 1978 to
provide an objective and independent organization that would be
more effective in: (1) preventing and detecting fraud, waste,
and abuse in departmental programs and operations; and (2)
providing a means of keeping the Secretary of Transportation
and the Congress fully and currently informed of problems and
deficiencies in the administration of such programs and
operations. According to the authorizing legislation, the
Inspector General (IG) is to report dually to the Secretary of
Transportation and to the Congress.
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $61,874,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 64,143,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 64,143,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,269,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommendation provides $64,143,000 for
activities of the Office of Inspector General, consistent with
the budget request. The Committee continues to value highly the
work of the Office of Inspector General in oversight of
departmental programs and activities.
In addition, the OIG will receive $7,324,000 from other
agencies in this bill, as noted below:
Federal Highway Administration................................$3,524,000
Federal Transit Administration................................ 2,000,000
Federal Aviation Administration............................... 1,050,000
National Transportation Safety Board.......................... 500,000
Office of the Secretary of Transportation..................... 125,000
Research and Innovative Technology Administration............. 125,000
Funding is sufficient to finance 420 full-time equivalent
(FTE) staff years in fiscal year 2007, for a decrease of 10 FTE
from the fiscal year 2006 level.
Unfair business practices.--The bill maintains language
first enacted in fiscal year 2000 which authorizes the OIG to
investigate allegations of fraud and unfair or deceptive
practices and unfair methods of competition by air carriers and
ticket agents.
Audit reports.--The Committee requests the Inspector
General to continue forwarding copies of all audit reports to
the Committee immediately after they are issued, and to
continue to make the Committee aware immediately of any review
that recommends cancellation or modifications to any major
acquisition project or grant, or which recommends significant
budgetary savings. The OIG is also directed to withhold from
public distribution for a period of 15 days any final audit or
investigative report which was requested by the House or Senate
Committees on Appropriations.
Surface Transportation Board
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) was created on
January 1, 1996, by Public Law 104-88, the Interstate Commerce
Commission (ICC) Termination Act of 1995 (ICCTA). The ICCTA
abolished the ICC; eliminated certain functions that had
previously been implemented by the ICC; transferred core rail
and certain other provisions to the STB; and transferred
certain motor carrier functions to the Federal Highway
Administration (now under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration).
The STB is a three-member, bipartisan, independent
adjudicatory body organizationally housed within DOT that is
specifically responsible for regulation of the rail and
pipeline industries and certain non-licensing regulation of
motor carriers and water carriers. The STB's regulatory
oversight of rail carriers encompasses the regulation of rates,
mergers and acquisitions, construction, and abandonment of
railroad lines, as well as the planning, analysis and policy
development associated with these activities. The STB's
jurisdiction also includes certain regulation of the intercity
bus industry and surface pipeline carriers as well as the rate
regulation of water transportation in the non-contiguous
domestic trade, household-good carriers, and collectively
determined motor rates.
The law empowers the STB through its exemption authority to
promote deregulation administratively on a case-by-case basis
and continues intact the important rail reforms made by the
Staggers Rail Act of 1980.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $26,185,500
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 \1\.................. 22,925,000
Recommended in the bill \1\........................... 25,618,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -567,500
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +2,693,000
\1\ Assumes collection of $1,250,000 in user fees, to offset the
appropriation as the fees are collected throughout the fiscal year.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total appropriation of
$25,618,000, an increase of $2,693,000 above the budget
request. Included in the recommendation is $1,250,000 in fees,
which will offset the appropriated funding. At this funding
level, the Board will be able to accommodate 150 full-time
equivalent staff years.
The Committee's recommendation funds the following
increases above the fiscal year 2006 enacted level:
Annualization of fiscal year 2006 pay raise................... +$113,000
Fiscal year 2007 pay raise.................................... +340,000
GSA rent and security increases...............................+1,849,000
Inflation..................................................... +51,000
Annualized salary increase for fiscal year 2006 hires and
employee benefits increases............................... +882,000
Working capital fund and telephone/utilities increases........ +21,000
Fiscal year 2007 relocation expenses (one-time)............... +375,000
Post move costs............................................... +274,000
Environmental travel increase................................. +15,000
These increases are offset by a reduction of $4,500,000 for
the one-time relocation expenses funded in fiscal year 2006. As
noted above, the Committee has provided one-time funding of
$375,000 to accommodate the final stages of STB's office
relocation.
User fees.--Current statutory authority, under 31 U.S.C.
9701, grants the Board the authority to collect user fees. The
Committee believes that $1,250,000 in user fees is reasonable.
Language is included in the bill allowing the fees to be
credited to the appropriation as offsetting collections, and
reducing the general fund appropriation on a dollar-for-dollar
basis as the fees are received and credited. The Committee
continues this language to simplify the tracking of the
collections and provide the Board with more flexibility in
spending its appropriated funds.
STB case report.--The Committee is aware of frustration
over rail service and freight rail charges among rail
customers, including electric utilities, rural electric
cooperatives, paper companies, agricultural industries and
local units of government. The Committee recognizes that the
four major railroads now control more than 94% of the
industry's revenues and 90% of the rail track and that there
are fewer options for shippers that rely on the nation's major
railroads for service. The Committee directs the STB to issue a
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by
February 1, 2007, that shows the number of complaints that have
been filed related to high rail charges and poor service since
January 2005, the STB's determinations in these cases, and the
status and timing of decisions in any pending cases.
Union Pacific/Southern Pacific merger.--On December 12,
1997, the Board granted a joint request of Union Pacific
Railroad Company and the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County,
KS (Wichita/Sedgwick) to toll the 18-month mitigation study
pending in Finance Docket No. 32760. The decision indicated
that at such time as the parties reach agreement or discontinue
negotiations, the Board would take appropriate action.
By petition filed June 26, 1998, Wichita/Sedgwick and UP/SP
indicated that they had entered into an agreement, and jointly
petitioned the Board to impose the agreement as a condition of
the Board's approval of the UP/SP merger. By decision dated
July 8, 1998, the Board agreed and imposed the agreement as a
condition to the UP/SP merger. The terms of the negotiated
agreement remain in effect. If UP/SP or any of its divisions or
subsidiaries materially changes or is unable to achieve the
assumptions on which the Board based its final environmental
mitigation measures, then the Board should reopen Finance
Docket 32760 if requested by interested parties, and prescribe
additional mitigation properly reflecting these changes if
shown to be appropriate.
Waste transfer and sorting facilities.--The Committee
recognizes that a growing number of certain waste haulers and
rail companies have sought to exploit a potential loophole in
the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act in order to
construct and operate unregulated waste transfer and sorting
facilities on railroad properties. The developers of these
types of facilities are claiming that ICCTA grants federal
preemption from local, state and certain federal regulations
that protect the public interest with respect to solid waste.
The Committee disagrees with this interpretation of ICCTA
preemption since the operation of solid waste facilities is not
integral to transportation by rail. The Committee encourages
the STB to clarify that these types of facilities are indeed
subject to the same local, state, and federal laws and
regulations as other solid waste facilities.
General Provisions--Department of Transportation
Section 180. The Committee continues the provision allowing
the Department of Transportation to use funds for aircraft;
motor vehicles; liability insurance; uniforms; or allowances,
as authorized by law.
Section 181. The Committee continues the provision limiting
appropriations for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 to the
rate for an Executive Level IV.
Section 182. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds in this Act for salaries and expenses of more
than 110 political and Presidential appointees in the
Department of Transportation, and prohibits political and
Presidential personnel assigned on temporary detail outside the
Department of Transportation.
Section 183. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds for the implementation of section 404 of
title 23, United State Code.
Section 184. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting recipients of funds made available in this Act from
releasing personal information, including social security
number, medical or disability information, and photographs from
a driver's license or motor vehicle record, without express
consent of the person to whom such information pertains; and
prohibits the withholding of funds provided in this Act for any
grantee if a state is in noncompliance with this provision.
Section 185. The Committee continues the provision allowing
funds received by the Federal Highway Administration, Federal
Transit Administration, and the Federal Railroad Administration
from states, counties, municipalities, other public
authorities, and private sources for expenses incurred for
training may be credited to each agency's respective accounts.
Section 186. The Committee continues the provision
authorizing the Secretary of Transportation to allow issuers of
any preferred stock to redeem or repurchase preferred stock
sold to the Department of Transportation.
Section 187. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds in Title I of this Act from being issued for
any grant unless the Secretary of Transportation notifies the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not less than
three full business days before any discretionary grant award,
letter of intent, or full funding grant agreement totaling
$1,000,000 or more is announced by the department or its modal
administrations.
Section 188. The Committee continues a provision for the
Department of Transportation allowing funds received from
rebates, refunds, and similar sources to be credited to
appropriations.
Section 189. The Committee amends slightly a provision
continued for years allowing amounts from improper payments to
a third party contractor or contractor support that are
lawfully recovered by the Department of Transportation to be
available to cover expenses incurred in the recovery of such
payments.
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Departmental Offices
salaries and expenses
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $194,626,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 223,874,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 223,786,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +29,160,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -88,000
The Departmental Offices' function in the Treasury
Department is to provide basic support to the Secretary of the
Treasury, the chief operating executive of the Department. The
Secretary also has a primary role in formulating and managing
the domestic and international tax and financial policies of
the Federal Government. The Secretary's responsibilities funded
by the Salaries and Expenses appropriation include:
recommending and implementing United States domestic and
international economic and tax policy; fiscal policy; governing
the fiscal operations of the Government; maintaining foreign
assets control; managing the public debt; managing development
of financial policy; representing the United States on
international monetary, trade and investment issues; overseeing
Treasury Department overseas operations; directing the
administrative operations of the Treasury Department; and
providing executive oversight of the bureaus within the
Treasury Department. This account also includes funding for the
office of professional responsibility.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $223,786,000 for Departmental
Offices, Salaries and Expenses, $88,000 below the budget
request and $29,160,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal
year 2006. The funding recommendations are made based on
information included in the budget justification. Therefore,
the transfer authority provided to the Department under this
heading is set at 3 percent. Funds are to be allocated as
follows:
Executive Direction................................... $8,760,000
General Counsel....................................... 8,741,000
Economic Polices and Programs......................... 41,947,000
Financial Policies and Programs....................... 27,086,000
Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.................. 45,401,000
Treasury-Wide Management Policies and Programs........ 18,534,000
Administration Programs............................... 73,317,000
The Committee includes in its recommendation $258,000 for
unforeseen emergencies; $5,114,000 for the Treasury-wide
Financial Statement Audit and Internal Control program, which
is available until September 30, 2008; $3,000,000 for
information technology modernization requirements, which is
available until September 30, 2008; and $100,000 for official
reception and representation expenses. Of the funds provided
for Financial Policies and Programs, the Committee recommends
$1,000,000 for the e-Cavern partnership and $750,000 for two-
factor authentication technology. The Committee does not
approve the request of $1,838,000 for Treasury-wide performance
management training due to poor justification.
THE OFFICE OF TERRORISM AND FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE
The Committee recommends $45,401,000 for the Office of
Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. Of the amount provided,
$1,759,000 is for the Office of the Undersecretary, $4,404,000
is for the Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes,
$24,263,000 is for the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and
$14,975,000 is for the Office of Intelligence Analysis.
OVERSEAS PRESENCE
Of the funds provided for Economic Policies and Programs,
the Committee recommends $11,232,689 for the overseas attache
program, the same as the budget request and $9,352,000 above
the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. The increase in
funding will allow the Department to expand its overseas
presence in critical posts to 19 attaches.
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS
Of the funds provided for Financial Policies and Programs,
the Committee recommends $513,000 for the Office of Dynamic
Analysis, the same as the budget request. This is the first
year the Department has requested funding for this activity.
The Committee is pleased that the Department is seeking to
better understand the full range of behavioral responses to
changes in the tax code, and has fully funded this office,
providing half-year funding for six full time equivalents
(FTEs).
REPAIR AND IMPROVEMENTS
Of the funds provided for Administration Programs, the
Committee recommends $1,000,000 to re-establish a recurring
baseline for major repairs and improvements for the main
Treasury and Annex buildings. This funding is moved from the
Treasury Building and Annex Repair and Restoration (T-BARR)
project, which will be completed by the end of fiscal year
2006. No funding is requested for T-BARR in fiscal year 2007.
SECURITY DETAIL
Of the funds provided for Administration Programs, the
Committee recommends $4,200,000 to reimburse the United States
Secret Service for the costs associated with the security
detail provided to the Secretary. The Committee understands
that this amount is sufficient to cover all Secret Service
charges related to this protection for fiscal year 2007.
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES
The Committee is concerned by the recent events surrounding
the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States
(CFIUS). As chair of the CFIUS, the Treasury Department
maintains an active leadership role in the approval of foreign
direct investment in the U.S. In the case of the acquisition of
operations at terminals in several U.S. ports by Dubai Ports
World, a United Arab Emirates owned company, the Committee
finds it disconcerting that there was no communication between
CFIUS and the Congress, especially considering the security of
the Nation's critical infrastructure. The Committee understands
that the Department has initiated several reforms, such as
notifying Congress of every review upon its completion,
formalizing the role of the Director of National Intelligence
in the investigative process, and offering quarterly
Congressional briefings. The Committee commends the Department
on these initiatives and directs the Department to continue to
work to improve the communication between the CFIUS and the
Congress.
CURRENCY MANIPULATION
The Committee remains concerned about the manipulation of
the value of foreign currency. This practice can have a
devastating effect on U.S. companies who are forced to compete
with lower priced imports and unfair tariffs when exporting to
the countries in question. This action is also leading to the
record trade deficit this nation has experienced, which topped
$800 billion in 2005. The Committee understands the tools the
Department uses to deal with these countries, both those that
knowingly support and practice currency manipulation and those
who find their currency undervalued through no nefarious action
of their own. Those tools include pressure from the
International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization, as
well as bilateral negotiations authorized under title 22 of the
United States Code. These tools, however, are slow processes
which take time while Americans continue to lose jobs. Those
situations in which countries intentionally devalue their
currency to gain a trade advantage or do not do enough to
correct an undervalued currency should be addressed immediately
and swiftly by the Department. The Committee is encouraged by
the recent inclusion of the appendix in the semi-annual Report
to Congress on International Economic and Exchange Rate
Policies, to better clarify the indicators that the Department
uses to define currency manipulation. However, much work
remains to be done. Therefore, the Committee directs the
Department to provide quarterly updates on the status of
negotiations with countries with undervalued currency and the
impacts of the country's currency valuation on the U.S. The
Committee understands that change will not be immediate;
however, the Committee expects to see notable progress in these
quarterly updates.
OPERATING PLAN
The Committee directs the Department, upon enactment of the
fiscal year 2007 appropriations Act, to submit an operating
plan for the fiscal year 2007 resources provided to the
Department, including all offices and bureaus, not more than 60
days after enactment. The operating plan must include funding
and FTE levels for all offices and objectives by fiscal year
2006 actual, fiscal year 2007 request, and fiscal year 2007
enacted. In addition, the plan must include information on any
initiative, major procurement, and program at the Department.
The operating plan should incorporate input from all senior
level managers of the Department, and once submitted, the final
plan should be made available to those managers.
TRAVEL CAP
The Committee has not included a travel limitation, which
was $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2006. The Committee remains
concerned about the amount of politically motivated travel, but
understands that continuing to restrict the travel of all
Treasury offices and bureaus may negatively impact mission
operations. The Committee will continue to monitor travel and
re-evaluate this position at the next appropriate time.
Therefore, the Committee restates the travel report directives
contained in House Report 108-792 and directs the Department to
include the purpose of the reported travel in the quarterly
report. The Committee also continues the direction that the
Secretary shall ensure that a portion of travel funds are made
available to General Schedule employees to support the training
and development of all Departmental Office employees.
MONTHLY OBLIGATION REPORTING
The Committee directs the Department to submit a monthly
budget execution report that includes: the total appropriated
obligation authority (new budget authority plus unobligated
carryover), current year obligations, unobligated balance,
beginning obligated balance, current year outlays, and ending
obligated balance. This budget execution information is to be
provided for all the unexpired accounts of the Department's
appropriations that are shown in the tables displayed at the
end of this report as well as the Working Capital Fund. This
report must be submitted to the Committee no later than 45 days
after the close of each month.
CONGRESSIONAL JUSTIFICATIONS
The Committee has noticed a significant improvement in the
fiscal year 2007 Congressional Justification and Budget-in-
Brief, and appreciates the effort to reduce redundant
information and provide clearer, more concise documentation in
the budget request. Notwithstanding these improvements, the
Department is encouraged to continue efforts in the substance
of the request. The Committee would like to see efforts to
identify low priority programs for reduction or elimination in
order to fund higher priority critical needs. The Committee
also recognizes the Department on its efforts to revise its
annual Performance and Accountability Report (PAR). As with the
previous year's revision of the Budget-in-Brief, the PAR is now
a clear, concise, and usable document. This was evident in a
recent independent evaluation of agency PARs where the
Department moved from 16th place last year to fifth place this
year. The Department should continue to show transparency in
its operations to the public by including baseline and trend
data, effectively listing program goals in terms of desired
outcomes and providing explanations for missed goals. Finally,
the Committee encourages the Department to continue its efforts
to revise its strategic plan. A retooled strategic plan should
link funding directly to outcomes.
Department-Wide Systems and Capital Investments Programs
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $24,168,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 34,032,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 34,032,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +9,864,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Department-wide Systems and Capital Investments
Programs appropriation funds the modernization of Treasury
business processes and increases in Department-wide systems
efficiency through technology investments for systems that
involve more than one Treasury bureau or Treasury's interface
with other governmental agencies.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $34,032,000 for Department-wide
Systems and Capital Investment Programs, the same as the budget
request and $9,864,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal
year 2006. Funds are available until September 30, 2009. Of the
amount recommended, the Committee has provided $3,000,000 for
various Terrorism and Financial Intelligence information
technology (IT) investments. Should the additional resources
for this initiative be required, the Committee directs the
Department to utilize up to $3,000,000 from the Treasury
Forfeiture Fund.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The Committee is concerned about the Department's track
record in executing major IT projects. While there are a few
notable successes, such as those at the Bureau of the Public
Debt and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, too
often major projects are hampered by poor performance and cost
and schedule overruns. For example, HR Connect, TCE, BSA
Direct, and BSM all experienced major setbacks during their
development. The Committee is encouraged by the steps taken by
the Department's Chief Information Officer (CIO) to rectify
these problems, but is concerned that the CIO lacks sufficient
authority to properly manage IT projects across the Department.
For instance, the Department has taken almost two years just to
put in place clear policies and procedures for bureaus CIOs to
follow when managing a major IT project. Therefore, the
Committee directs the Secretary to provide a report no later
than March 1, 2007, detailing the plans to provide the CIO
proper authority and resources to adequately manage the entire
Department's IT infrastructure, including Treasury-wide capital
planning and information management, cyber security, E-
Government initiatives, HR Connect, and telecommunications
management.
In addition, last year the Committee directed in House
Report 109-153 that the Department provide more detailed
information regarding all IT initiatives and investments,
development and implementation timelines, and costs and savings
in the Department's operating plan. This information, however,
was not included in the fiscal year 2006 operating plan.
Therefore, the Committee, again, directs the Department to
include this information in their next operating plan.
TREASURY FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE NETWORK
Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $21,200,000
for the Treasury Foreign Intelligence Network (TFIN), the same
as the budget request and $15,260,000 above the amounts
provided in fiscal year 2006. The Committee understands that
this amount will fully fund the modernization of TFIN, an
intelligence system critical in the fight against terrorist
financing. However, fully funding TFIN has left little funding
for other critical IT projects. Therefore, the Committee
expects the Department to better allocate its IT funding among
critical systems in the future.
ENTERPRISE CONTENT MANAGEMENT
Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $627,000
for the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Enterprise
Content Management (ECM), the same as the budget request. The
Committee finds it unacceptable that OFAC must manually process
more than 40,000 requests each year. An automated document and
records management system would allow OFAC to more effectively
manage and search its records when responding to and processing
licenses, undoubtedly saving time and resources. The Committee,
therefore, directs the Department to provide a report, no later
than March 1, 2007, on the benefits of, and plans for, a fully
operational ECM system.
Office of Inspector General
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $16,830,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 17,352,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 17,352,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +522,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Office of Inspector General provides agency-wide audit
and investigative functions to identify and correct operational
and administrative deficiencies which create conditions for
existing or potential instances of fraud, waste, and
mismanagement. The audit function provides program, contract,
and financial statement audit services. Contract audits provide
professional advice to agency contracting officials on
accounting and financial matters relative to negotiation,
award, administration, repricing, and settlement of contracts.
Program audits review and evaluate all facets of agency
operations. Financial statement audits assess whether financial
statements fairly present the agency's financial condition and
results of operations, the adequacy of accounting controls, and
compliance with laws and regulations. The investigative
function provides for the detection and investigation of
improper and illegal activities involving programs, personnel,
and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $17,352,000 for the Office of
Inspector General, the same as the budget request and $522,000
above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. The bill
includes $2,000,000 for official travel expenses, $2,500 for
official reception and representation expenses, and up to
$100,000 for unforeseen emergencies.
Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $131,953,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 136,469,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 136,469,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +4,516,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Restructuring and Reform
Act of 1998 established the Office of Treasury Inspector
General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and abolished the IRS
Office of the Chief Inspector. TIGTA conducts audits,
investigations, and evaluations to assess the operations and
programs of the IRS and its related entities, the IRS Oversight
Board, and the Office of Chief Counsel. The purpose of those
audits and investigations is as follows: (1) promote the
economic, efficient, and effective administration of the
nation's tax laws and to detect and deter fraud and abuse in
IRS programs and operations; and (2) recommend actions to
resolve fraud and other serious problems, abuses, and
deficiencies in these programs and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $136,469,000 for the Treasury
Inspector General for Tax Administration, the same as the
budget request and $4,516,000 above the amounts provided in
fiscal year 2006.
Air Transportation Stabilization Program
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $2,723,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -2,723,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Air Transportation Stabilization Board (ATSB) was
authorized in the Air Transportation Safety and Stabilization
Act to issue $10,000,000,000 of federal credit instruments to
air carriers. The statute requires the compensation of air
carriers ``for losses incurred by the air carriers as a result
of the terrorist attacks on the United States that occurred on
September 11, 2001,'' and provides among other criteria, that
``such agreement is a necessary part of maintaining a safe,
efficient, and viable commercial aviation system in the United
States.''
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends no appropriation for the Air
Transportation Stabilization Program. The Committee understands
that the ATSB will be able to negotiate payment or remarketing
of its remaining loans by the end of fiscal year 2006, thereby
meeting the requirements established under the Air
Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (Public Law
107-42). Consequently, the ATSB will terminate its activities
in fiscal year 2007. The Committee includes language that
permits the ATSB to charge fees to a borrower for the costs
associated with bankruptcy proceedings of the borrower, should
any loans remain with the Department and the borrower enter
bankruptcy.
Treasury Building and Annex Repair and Restoration
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $9,900,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -9,900,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Treasury Building and Annex Repair and Restoration
appropriation funds the repairs, selected improvements, and
construction necessary to renovate and maintain the main
Treasury Building, the Treasury annex, and other Treasury
buildings.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends no appropriation for Treasury
Building and Annex Repair and Restoration (T-BARR). The
Committee understands that the funds appropriated in fiscal
year 2006 are sufficient to complete the restoration.
Furthermore, the Committee agrees to transfer $1,000,000 of the
T-BARR base amount to Departmental Operations, Salaries and
Expenses, to re-establish a recurring baseline for other major
repairs and improvements.
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $72,894,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 89,794,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 84,066,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +11,172,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -5,728,000
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is
responsible for implementing Treasury's anti-money laundering
regulations through administration of the Bank Secrecy Act, 31
U.S.C. section 5311, et seq. (BSA). It also serves as a U.S.
Government source for the systematic collection and analysis of
information to assist in the investigation of money laundering
and other financial crimes. FinCEN supports law enforcement
investigative efforts by Federal, state, local and
international agencies, and fosters interagency and global
cooperation against domestic and international financial
crimes. It also provides U.S. policymakers with strategic
analyses of domestic and worldwide trends and patterns. It
prevents money laundering through its regulatory and outreach
programs, including setting policy for and overseeing BSA
compliance by financial institutions, and by providing BSA
training for law enforcement, bankers, and bank regulators.
Pursuant to the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, FinCEN was made a
Treasury Bureau in recognition of its key role in supporting
investigations and other Government efforts to identify and
stop the financing of terrorist organizations and activity. The
USA PATRIOT Act also gave FinCEN substantial new
responsibilities for collecting, sharing, and managing
financial and other information as part of its counter-
terrorism mission.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $84,066,000 for the Financial
Crimes Enforcement Network, $5,728,000 below the budget request
and $11,172,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006.
Of the amounts provided, $8,651,000 is available until
September 30, 2008, for regulatory support programs, and
$14,012,000 is available until September 30, 2009, for
information technology and special analytical initiatives.
BSA DIRECT
Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $13,365,490
for BSA Direct, $5,728,000 below the budget request and
$6,745,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. The
Committee is concerned about the future of BSA Direct, a system
designed to improve the sharing of information reported under
the Bank Secrecy Act. A recent stop work order on BSA Direct's
retrieval and sharing component contract has highlighted
multiple cost, schedule, and performance problems during
development. This break in development has left many unanswered
questions as to the future of the system, especially the
retrieval and sharing component. Because of this delay, the
assumptions used when compiling the fiscal year 2007 budget
request, which included $12,473,000 above the fiscal year 2006
base amount, may no longer be valid. Therefore, the Committee
recommends a reduction of $5,728,000 to the budget request,
$728,000 for the retrieval and sharing component of the
$2,473,000 requested base increase, and $5,000,000 for the
cross-border wire transfer system initiative.
Financial Management Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $233,881,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 233,654,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 233,654,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -227,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Financial Management Service (FMS) is responsible for
the management of Federal finances and the collection of
Federal debt. As the Federal Government's central financial
agent, FMS receives and disburses public monies, maintains
Government accounts, and reports on the status of the
Government's finances. FMS is also accountable for developing
and implementing the most reliable and efficient financial
methods and systems to operate the Government's cash
management, credit management, and debt collection programs.
Pursuant to the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, FMS
became the primary agency for collecting Federal non-tax debt
that is due and owed to the Government and coordinating efforts
to collect debt from those who have defaulted on agreements
with the Federal Government.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $233,654,000 for the Financial
Management Service, the same as the budget request and $227,000
below the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. Of the funds
provided, the Committee recommends $9,220,000 for information
systems modernization initiatives, which is available until
September 30, 2009, and $2,500 for official reception and
representation expenses.
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $90,215,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 63,964,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 92,604,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,389,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +28,640,000
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is
responsible for the enforcement of laws designed to eliminate
certain illicit activities and to regulate lawful activities
relating to distilled spirits, beer, wine and nonbeverage
alcohol products, and tobacco. TTB focuses on collecting
revenue; reducing taxpayer burden and improving service while
preventing diversion; and protecting the public and preventing
consumer deception in certain regulated commodities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $92,604,000 for the Alcohol and
Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, $28,640,000 above the budget
request and $2,389,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal
year 2006. The budget request assumed $28,640,000 in revenue
from new user fees. However, the fees have not been authorized
by the Congress and therefore cannot be used to offset
appropriations. In addition, the bill includes up to $6,000 for
official reception and representation expenses and up to
$50,000 for cooperative research and development programs.
United States Mint
UNITED STATES MINT PUBLIC ENTERPRISE FUND
The United States Mint manufactures coins, receives
deposits of gold and silver bullion, and safeguards the Federal
Government's holdings of monetary metals. In 1997, Congress
established the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund
(Public Law 104-52), which authorized the Mint to use proceeds
from the sale of coins to finance the costs of its operations
and consolidated all existing Mint accounts into a single fund.
Public Law 104-52 also provided that, in certain situations,
the levels of capital investments for circulating coins and
protective services shall factor into the decisions of the
Congress such that those levels compete with other requirements
for funding.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a spending level for capital
investments by the Mint for circulating coinage and protective
services of $30,200,000, the same as the budget request and
$3,432,000 above the fiscal year 2006 spending level. The
following table provides basic information on the revenues,
costs, and products of the Mint for fiscal years 2005 through
2007:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commemorative
Circulating coins quarters Numismatic coins Protection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2005 (actual):
Number of coins................ 11.4 billion 2.7 billion 20 million
Cost of operations............. $164 million $322 million $493 million $35 million
Revenue........................ $481 million $664 million $626 million
2006 (est.):
Number of coins................ 12.5 billion 3.0 billion 24 million
Cost of operations............. $181 million $386 million $1,282 million $37 million
Revenue........................ $530 million $757 million $1,381 million
2007 (est.):
Number of coins................ 12.6 billion 3.1 billion 24 million
Cost of operations............. $182 million $390 million $1,321 million $36 million
Revenue........................ $536 million $779 million $1,431 million
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRODUCTION COSTS
The Committee is concerned with the rising costs of
producing all varieties of circulating coins. While the Mint
continues to use their existing metal inventory, costs to
produce the cent and five-cent coins remain relatively low.
Currently, the year-to-date cost of producing a cent is
slightly above face value, while a nickel is slightly below
face value. A recent report, however, estimates that producing
cents and nickels using metal purchased at today's prevailing
prices would cost 1.4 cents and 6.4 cents, respectively.
Inevitably metal inventories will have to be replenished at
current prices. Therefore, the Committee directs the Government
Accountability Office to report, no later than March 1, 2007,
on any studies the Mint has made of alternative metals or
alloys to be used for the production of circulating coins to
keep production costs down. This report shall be delivered no
later than March 1, 2007, to the Committees on Appropriations
and Financial Services.
Bureau of the Public Debt
ADMINISTERING THE PUBLIC DEBT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $178,154,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 180,789,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 180,789,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,635,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Bureau of the Public Debt is responsible for the
conduct of all public debt operations and the promotion of the
sale of U.S. securities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $180,789,000 for Administering the
Public Debt, the same as the budget request and $2,635,000
above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. Of this amount,
the Committee recommends $2,500 for official reception and
representation expenses, and $2,000,000 for systems
modernization, which is available until September 30, 2009.
Language is included that reduces the total amount by no more
than $3,000,000 as definitive security issue fees and Treasury
Direct Investor Account Maintenance fees are collected.
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $54,450,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 7,821,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 40,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -14,450,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +32,179,000
The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI)
Fund provides grants, loans, and technical assistance to new
and existing community development financial institutions such
as community development banks, community development credit
unions, revolving loan funds, and micro-loan funds. Recipients
must use the funds to support mortgage, small business and
economic development lending in underserved and distressed
neighborhoods. The Fund is also responsible for implementation
of the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $40,000,000 for the CDFI program,
$32,179,000 above the budget request and $14,450,000 below the
amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. The Committee does not
agree to move the CDFI grant programs to the Department of
Commerce as a part of the ``Strengthening America's
Communities'' program, leaving only the administration of the
New Markets Tax Credit program and the outstanding award
portfolio under the jurisdiction of the Treasury Department.
The Committee recommends the entire program remain at the
Treasury. Of the funds provided, $12,800,000 is for
administrative costs of the program.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) designs,
manufactures, and supplies Federal Reserve notes, various
public debt instruments, as well as most evidences of a
financial character issued by the U.S., such as postage and
internal revenue stamps. The BEP also executes certain
printings for various territories administered by the U.S.,
particularly postage and revenue stamps.
The operations of the BEP are financed by a revolving fund
established in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 81-
656, August 4, 1950 (31 U.S.C. 181), which requires the BEP to
be reimbursed by customer agencies for the costs of all
manufacturing products and services performed. The BEP is also
authorized to assess amounts to acquire capital equipment and
provide for working capital needs. The anticipated work volume
is based on estimates of requirements submitted by agencies
served. The following table summarizes BEP revenue and expense
data for fiscal years 2005 through 2007:
[All figures in $000's]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
--------------------------------------
2005 2006 2007
(actual) (estimate) (estimate)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenue.................... $512,000 $506,000 $556,000
Revenue from currency........ 476,800 500,000 550,000
Revenue from stamps.......... 17,300 0 0
Other revenue................ 17,900 6,000 6,000
Cost of operations............... 531,000 506,000 556,000
Net revenue \1\ (to Treasury).... (19,000) 0 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Capital investments will be less than depreciation, a non-cash
expense, in each of these years. In order to avoid accumulating
working capital in excess of Bureau needs, currency prices are set at
a level that will result in an annual loss (on paper). This loss will
not exceed the depreciation expense, ensuring the solvency of the
Bureau's revolving fund.
Internal Revenue Service
PROCESSING, ASSISTANCE, AND MANAGEMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $4,095,212,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 4,045,122,000
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -4,095,212,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -4,045,122,000
The Processing, Assistance, and Management appropriation
provides for processing tax returns and related documents;
processing data for compiling statistics of income; assisting
taxpayers in correct filing of their returns and in paying
taxes that are due; overall planning and direction of the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS); and management of financial
resources and procurement.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee's recommendation does not follow the previous
IRS account structure. Instead, the Committee recommends a new
appropriation structure that more closely aligns with taxpayer
services, enforcement, and operations support. The Committee
expects the IRS to use this new structure as the basis for the
fiscal year 2008 budget request.
TAXPAYER SERVICES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... $2,059,151,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,059,151,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +2,059,151,000
The Taxpayer Services appropriation provides for taxpayer
services, including forms and publications; processing tax
returns and related documents; filing and account services;
taxpayer advocacy services; and assisting taxpayers to
understand their tax obligations, correctly file their returns,
and pay taxes due in a timely manner.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $2,059,151,000 for Taxpayer
Services. Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends
$8,000,000 for low-income taxpayer clinic grants and $4,100,000
for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program.
NEW AND INCREASED USER FEES
The Committee is concerned about the budget request
assumption of $135,000,000 in new and increased user fees. The
budget request assumes the funds collected from these fees will
supplement the Taxpayer Services ($117,398,000) and Operations
Support ($17,602,000) appropriations. The budget request also
assumes timely changes to IRS legacy systems, which are
necessary for the collection of these fees. The Committee is
concerned that the necessary changes to IRS legacy systems will
not happen in a timely fashion and also questions the
willingness of taxpayers to pay increased fees for voluntary
services. Therefore, the Committee directs the IRS to report
quarterly on the collection of user fees, including an update
of the status of the legacy system changes needed to collect
these fees.
TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE CENTERS
In fiscal year 2006, the Committee included a provision
requiring the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
(TIGTA) to study the impact on taxpayer compliance and service
before the IRS could proceed with a reduction in the number of
Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs). TIGTA's report (Reference
Number 2006-40-061) stated that although the methodology used
by the IRS to determine which TACs to close was appropriate,
not all of the data used were current or accurate. TIGTA found
that these data discrepancies made it impossible to determine
if the IRS selected the correct TACs for closure, or if the IRS
overselected or underselected the number of TACs that needed to
be closed to reach their targeted savings. The Committee
understands that the IRS agreed with the TIGTA findings and
will ensure that the data used to determine future TAC closures
are accurate and verified. Therefore, the Committee does not
continue the provision requiring TIGTA to review any reductions
to taxpayer services, but does direct the IRS to provide the
Committee 30 days advance notice to the selection or
announcement of any TAC closure decisions.
DISABILITY CLAIMS
The Committee is disappointed that the IRS has not yet
issued the report, as directed in House Report 109-153, on the
number of disabled veterans who have been denied back taxes due
to the three year IRS statute of limitations. The Committee
continues to be concerned that disabled military retirees whose
successful Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims take more
than three years to be resolved are unable to receive the back
tax they are owed for more than three years due to the IRS
statute of limitations. The Committee directs the Department to
work with the VA to identify, within 30 days of the publication
of this report, what is needed in order to share information
between the agencies to determine the number of veterans
affected by this problem.
TAX LAW ENFORCEMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $4,678,498,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 4,762,327,000
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -4,678,498,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -4,762,327,000
The Tax Law Enforcement appropriation provides for the
examination of tax returns, both domestic and international;
the administrative and judicial settlement of taxpayer appeals
of examination findings; technical rulings; monitoring employee
pension plans; determining qualifications of organizations
seeking tax-exempt status; examining tax returns of exempt
organizations; enforcing statutes relating to detection and
investigation of criminal violations of the internal revenue
laws; collecting unpaid accounts; compiling statistics of
income and compliance research; securing unfiled tax returns
and payments; and expanding efforts to reduce overclaims and
erroneous filings associated with the earned income tax credit.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee's recommendation does not follow the previous
IRS account structure. Instead, the Committee recommends a new
appropriation structure that more closely aligns with taxpayer
services, enforcement, and operations support. The Committee
expects the IRS to use this new structure as the basis for the
fiscal year 2008 budget request.
ENFORCEMENT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... $4,757,126,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +4,757,126,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +4,757,126,000
The Enforcement appropriation provides for the examination
of tax returns, both domestic and international; the
administrative and judicial settlement of taxpayer appeals of
examination findings; technical rulings; monitoring employee
pension plans; determining qualifications of organizations
seeking tax-exempt status; examining tax returns of exempt
organizations; enforcing statutes relating to detection and
investigation of criminal violations of the internal revenue
laws; identifying under reporting of tax obligations; securing
unfiled tax returns; and collecting unpaid accounts.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $4,757,126,000 for Enforcement. Of
the funds provided, the Committee recommends $55,112,000 to
support IRS activities under the Interagency Crime and Drug
Enforcement program and allows up to $10,447,000 to be
transferred to Operations Support for the purposes of the
Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement program.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $1,582,977,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 1,602,232,000
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -1,582,977,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -1,602,232,000
The Information Systems appropriation provides for service-
wide data processing support, including the evaluation,
development, and implementation of computer systems (including
software and hardware) requirements.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee's recommendation does not follow the previous
IRS account structure. Instead, the Committee recommends a new
appropriation structure that more closely aligns with taxpayer
services, enforcement, and operations support. The Committee
expects the IRS to use this new structure as the basis for the
fiscal year 2008 budget request.
OPERATIONS SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... $3,438,404,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +3,438,404,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +3,438,404,000
The Operations Support appropriation provides for overall
planning and direction of the IRS, including shared service
support related to facilities services, rent payments,
printing, postage, and security; other support functions that
are considered overhead but essential to the successful
operation of IRS programs including resources for headquarters
management activities, including IRS-wide support for strategic
planning, communications and liaison, finance, human resources,
EEO and diversity; research and statistics of income; and
necessary expenses for information systems and
telecommunication support, including developmental information
systems and operational information systems.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $3,438,404,000 for Operations
Support. Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends
$1,112,818,000 for Shared Services and Support, of which not to
exceed $1,500,000 is for the IRS Oversight Board, $25,000 is
for official reception and representation expenses, and
$1,000,000 is available until September 30, 2009, for research;
$878,135,000 for Physical Infrastructure; and $1,447,451,000
for Information Services and Improvement Programs, of which
$75,000,000 is available until September 30, 2008, to
facilitate information technology purchases as requested by
IRS.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The Committee remains concerned with the management of
information technology (IT) projects. While progress has been
made with the Business Systems Modernization (BSM) program, the
IRS must not neglect the non-BSM projects. Mid-filing season
failure of critical non-BSM systems should not and must not
happen. Therefore, the Committee directs the IRS to review all
critical systems and report to the Committee by October 31,
2006, on any system troubles that could impact the upcoming
2007 filing season, including corrective actions.
BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $197,010,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 167,310,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 212,310,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +15,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +45,000,000
The Business Systems Modernization appropriation provides
funding for IT contractors to modernize key business systems of
the Internal Revenue Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $212,310,000 for Business Systems
Modernization (BSM), $45,000,000 above the budget request and
$15,300,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. The
budget request included $45,000,000 for management and
development of the BSM program requested in the Information
Services appropriation. The Committee recommendation moves the
funds for these salaries and expenses to the BSM appropriation
for total cost visibility of the BSM program. Of the funds
provided, the Committee recommends no less than $167,310,000 to
remain available until September 30, 2009, for capital asset
acquisition of information technology systems. Consistent with
previous years, the release of the capital asset acquisition
funding is subject to the approval of a GAO reviewed
expenditure plan. The Department is directed to notify the
Committee, within seven days, if BSM management funds are
reallocated to the capital asset acquisition program.
REQUIREMENTS DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
BSM has made significant progress in its seven year
history. Early on the program experienced multiple cost
overruns and schedule delays. As the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) reports in GAO-06-310, this was due in part to
inadequate development and management of requirements.
Recognizing this, the IRS created the Requirements Management
Office (RMO) in October 2004. However, the Committee is
concerned that a year and a half later there remains no
finalized policies and procedures for requirements development
and management. The Committee agrees with the GAO
recommendations contained in GAO-06-310, including immediately
implementing the current draft policies while the final
policies and procedures are developed; standardizing the
process for eliciting and documenting requirements;
establishing a process for formal peer reviews; establishing
guidance on tracking cost and schedule impacts of changes to
requirements; and establishing guidance on full bidirectional
requirements traceability. The Committee, therefore, directs
the IRS to address these recommendations immediately.
HEALTH INSURANCE TAX CREDIT ADMINISTRATION
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $20,008,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 14,846,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 14,846,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -5,162,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Health Insurance Tax Credit Administration
appropriation provides contractor support to develop and
administer the advance payment option for the health insurance
tax credit included in Public Law 107-210, the Trade Act of
2002.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $14,846,000 for Health Insurance
Tax Credit Administration, the same as the budget request and
$5,162,000 below the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006.
Administrative Provisions--Internal Revenue Service
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Section 201. The Committee modifies a provision that allows
for the transfer of five percent (three percent in the case of
Enforcement) of any appropriation made available to the IRS to
any other IRS appropriation.
Section 202. The Committee continues a provision that
requires the IRS to maintain a training program in taxpayer
rights, dealing courteously with taxpayers, and cross-cultural
relations.
Section 203. The Committee continues a provision that
requires the IRS to institute policies and procedures that will
safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayer information.
Section 204. The Committee continues a provision that makes
funds available for improved facilities and increased manpower
to provide efficient and effective 800 number help line service
for taxpayers.
Section 205. The Committee modifies a provision that
directs $166,249,000 to be available for the Taxpayer Advocate
Service; $166,101,000 from Taxpayer Services and $148,000 from
Operations Support.
Section 206. The Committee includes a provision that
prohibits the use of funds to develop or provide free
individual tax electronic preparation and filing products or
services, other than the Free File program and the IRS's
Taxpayer Assistance Centers, Tax Counseling for the Elderly,
and volunteer income tax assistance programs. This provision
also prohibits the use of funds to develop or implement direct
interactive electronic individual income tax preparation or
filing services or products, or a return-free system as
described in section 2004 of the Internal Revenue Service
Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. The Committee understands
this will not impact any current IRS taxpayer programs or
services.
Section 207. The Committee includes a provision that
designates taxpayer service and tax law enforcement programs
for fiscal year 2007 and thereafter as made up of Taxpayer
Services, Enforcement, and Operations Support appropriations.
Section 208. The Committee includes a provision that allows
for the transfer of up to 20 percent between the Taxpayer
Services, Enforcement, and Operations Support accounts to
implement the restructuring of the IRS accounts, following a 30
day notification of the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations.
Section 209. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting funds, made available in this Act to be used to
enter into, renew, extend, administer, implement, enforce, or
provide oversight of any qualified tax collection contract.
General Provisions--Department of the Treasury
Section 210. The Committee continues a provision that
allows the Department of the Treasury to purchase uniforms,
insurance, and motor vehicles without regard to the general
purchase price limitations, and enter into contracts with the
State Department for health and medical services for Treasury
employees in overseas locations.
Section 211. The Committee continues a provision that
authorizes transfers, up to two percent, between ``Departmental
Offices--Salaries and Expenses'', ``Office of the Inspector
General'', ``Financial Management Service'', ``Alcohol and
Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau'', ``Financial Crimes Enforcement
Network'', and the ``Bureau of the Public Debt'' appropriations
under certain circumstances.
Section 212. The Committee continues a provision that
authorizes transfer, up to two percent, between the Internal
Revenue Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax
Administration under certain circumstances.
Section 213. The Committee continues a provision limiting
funds for the purchase of law enforcement vehicles unless the
purchase is consistent with vehicle management principles.
Section 214. The Committee continues a provision that
prohibits the Department of the Treasury from undertaking a
redesign of the one dollar Federal Reserve note.
Section 215. The Committee continues a provision that
provides for transfers from and reimbursements to ``Financial
management service, salaries and expenses'' for the purposes of
debt collection.
Section 216. The Committee continues a provision extending
the pay demonstration program.
Section 217. The Committee continues a provision that
requires Congressional approval for the construction and
operation of a museum by the Mint.
Section 218. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds in this Act from being used to merge the Mint
and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing without the approval
of the House and Senate committees of jurisdiction.
Section 219. The Committee includes a new provision
providing a technical correction to 31 U.S.C. 3333(a)(3),
clarifying that the Check Forgery Insurance Fund is the
appropriate funding source for disbursing errors for which
relief has been granted under 31 U.S.C. 3527.
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Public and Indian Housing
TENANT BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $15,808,219,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 15,920,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 15,776,400,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -31,819,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -143,600,000
In fiscal year 2005, the Housing Certificate Fund was
separated into two new accounts: Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
and Project-Based Rental Assistance. This account administers
the tenant-based Section 8 rental assistance program otherwise
known as the Housing Choice Voucher program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $15,776,400,000 for tenant-based
rental assistance, a decrease of $31,819,000 below the fiscal
year 2006 enacted level and $487,342,000 above the amount
enacted in the prior year for the renewal of tenant-based
Section 8 vouchers. The Committee notes that this comparison
includes the one-time emergency supplemental appropriation of
$390,300,000 in response to the 2005 hurricanes in the Gulf
Coast region. Absent these emergency funds, the Committee's
recommended funding level is $358,781,000 above the fiscal year
2006 appropriation. Consistent with the budget request, the
Committee continues the advance of $4,200,000,000 of the funds
appropriated under this heading for Section 8 programs to
October 1, 2007. The entire advance is limited to this account.
Voucher Renewals.--The Committee is providing
$14,436,200,000, the same as requested and a 3.5 percent
increase in funds compared to fiscal year 2006 for the renewal
of tenant-based vouchers. This increase is more than rents have
increased and will allow for continued funding stability in the
program for fiscal year 2007. There is continued evidence to
suggest that, nation-wide, subsidies for rental assistance have
begun to level off and in some cases decline relative to their
2004 levels. The Department is instructed to monitor and report
to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations each
quarter on the trends in Section 8 subsidy and to report on the
extent to which changes in subsidy are due to changes in rent
or changes in tenant income.
The transition back to a ``budget based'' system of
funding was completed in fiscal year 2006. However, the
Committee recognizes that a fully ``budget based'' system
leaves the Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) with a single
fixed amount for the calendar year and with the difficult task
of maximizing the renewal of vouchers while operating under a
complex regime of rules and requirements that do nothing to
facilitate the process. Absent real reforms to the program to
reduce costs and dramatic changes to the program's
implementation guidelines to reduce the administrative burden,
the Committee directs the Department to take whatever
regulatory and administrative actions it can to increase
flexibility, reduce administrative burden and streamline
program implementation. By January 1, 2007, the Committee
directs the Department to provide a full report on the
regulatory and administrative available to the Department and
those it has implemented. However, absent real programmatic and
statutory reform these actions at best only function as stop
gap measures.
The Committee continues the direction to the Department to
communicate to each PHA, within 45 days of enactment, the fixed
amount that will be made available to each PHA for calendar
year 2007. The amount being provided in this account is the
only source of Federal funds that may be used to renew tenant-
based vouchers. The amounts appropriated here may not be
augmented from any other source.
The Committee agrees to the budget request that a portion
of the contract renewal funds may be used for additional rental
subsidy due to exigencies as determined by the Secretary and
for the one-time funding of housing assistance payments
resulting from the portability provisions of the housing choice
voucher program. The Committee directs that housing assistance
payments resulting from the portability provisions be the first
priority in the use of these funds.
Tenant protection.--The Committee provides $149,300,000 for
tenant protection vouchers, $28,900,000 less than enacted for
2006 and the same as the budget request. As a result of the
variable nature of this activity from year to year, language is
included allowing the Department to use carryover and
recaptures of unexpended Section 8 balances to fund additional
rental assistance costs in addition to funds appropriated for
fiscal year 2007. These additional rental assistance costs are
limited to housing assistance payments and administrative fees
not to exceed the rate of administrative fees provided for
contract renewals.
Administrative Fees.--The Committee recommends
$1,137,500,000 for allocation to the PHAs to conduct activities
associated with placing and maintaining individuals under
Section 8 assistance. This amount is $100,000,000 below the
enacted level for 2006 and $143,600,000 below the levels
proposed in the budget request.
Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinators (FSS).--The Committee
includes $47,500,000 for FSS coordinators, the same amount as
requested by the Administration and $20,000 less than the level
enacted for 2006. Coordinators help residents link up with
important services in the community to speed the achievement of
self-sufficiency.
Working Capital Fund.--The Committee provides the requested
amount of $5,900,000 for transfer to the Working Capital Fund
(WCF).
The Committee directs the Department to continue to collect
and use Form HUD-52681 for PHAs administering the Housing
Choice Voucher program.
HOUSING CERTIFICATE FUND
(RESCISSION)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -$2,050,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -2,000,000,000
Recommended in the bill........................... -2,000,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006............... +50,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.............. - - -
The Housing Certificate Fund, until fiscal year 2005,
provided funding for both the project-based and tenant-based
components of the Section 8 program. Project-based Rental
Assistance and Tenant-based Rental Assistance are now
separately funded accounts. The Housing Certificate Fund
retains balances from previous years' appropriations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a rescission of $2,000,000,000
from unobligated balances and carryover remaining in the
Housing Certificate Fund from the Section 8 tenant-based and
project-based rental assistance programs as proposed in the
budget request.
Public Housing Capital Fund
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $2,438,964,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 2,178,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 2,178,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -260,964,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Public Housing Capital Fund provides funding for public
housing capital programs, including public housing development
and modernization. Examples of capital modernization projects
include replacing roofs and windows, improving common spaces,
upgrading electrical and plumbing systems, and renovating the
interior of an apartment.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total funding level of
$2,178,000,000, a decrease of $260,964,000 below the fiscal
year 2006 enacted level and the same as the budget request.
Within the amounts provided the committee directs that:
--$19,800,000 is made available for Emergency Capital
needs; the Committee continues last year's language to
ensure that funds are used only for repairs needed due
to an unforeseen and unanticipated emergency event or
natural disaster that occurs during fiscal year 2007
and 2008;
--$23,760,000 is directed to the Resident Opportunity
and Supportive Services, as proposed in the request;
--No more than $15,345,000 is directed to support the
ongoing Public Housing Financial and Physical
Assessment activities of the Real Estate Assessment
Center;
--$10,890,000 is for Technical Assistance. The
Department is expected to cover the costs of the fair
market rents (FMR) surveys from funds remaining
available in this account;
--$7,920,000 is directed to the support of
administrative and judicial receiverships, as
requested; and
--Up to $14,850,000 for transfer to the Working
Capital Fund to support the development of and
modifications to, information technology systems which
support Public and Indian Housing (PIH) programs. This
reflects the Committee's continued concern that
investments must be made to correct deficiencies in PIH
information technology systems to improve PIH's ability
to conduct appropriate financial and management
oversight of its programs.
As requested, the recommendation does not designate a
separate set-aside for the Neighborhood Networks grants because
such activities are already an eligible use of capital funds.
The Department is directed to continue to provide the
quarterly detailed reports on those Public Housing Authorities
with obligation rates of less than 90 percent.
Public Housing Operating Fund
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $3,564,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 3,564,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,564,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Public Housing Operating Fund subsidizes the costs
associated with operating and maintaining public housing. This
subsidy supplements funding received by public housing
authorities (PHA) from tenant rent contributions and other
income. In accordance with section 9 of the United States
Housing Act of 1937, as amended, funds are allocated by formula
to public housing authorities for the following purposes:
utility costs; anticrime and anti-drug activities, including
the costs of providing adequate security; routine maintenance
cost; administrative costs; and general operating expenses.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $3,564,000,000 for the Federal
share of PHA operating expenses. This amount is the same as
both the amount enacted for fiscal year 2006 and the budget
request. As requested, $9,900,000 may be used for the ``Housing
Self-Sufficiency Award'' and $5,940,000 is for the Asset-Based
Management Transition Fund. This fund will provide technical
assistance to PHAs as they complete the transition to asset-
based management.
In 2001, Congress funded and mandated that the Department
establish the costs of operating a well run Public Housing
Authority. This report to the Congress, which became known as
the Harvard Study, made several important recommendations to
reform the current allocation formula to better align the
allocation with the actual costs. Congress, in fiscal year 2005
mandated that HUD and the public housing industry negotiate a
new regulation to implement the Harvard Study. This lengthy
process was finally completed with the publishing of the final
rule on September 19, 2005 and the subsequent final rule
correction published in the Federal Register on October 24,
2005.
Language is included that requires funds be allocated to
the PHAs in accordance with the corrected final rule as set
forth in the ``Revisions to the Public Housing Operating Fund
Program; Correction to Formula Implementation Date'' as
published in the Federal Register.
The committee also continues a provision, carried in prior
years, prohibiting funds from being used for section 9(k)
activities.
Revitalization of Severely Distressed Public Housing (Hope VI)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $99,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... -99,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -99,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +99,000,000
The Revitalization of Severely Distressed Public Housing
program, also known as HOPE VI, provides competitive grants to
public housing authorities to revitalize entire neighborhoods
adversely impacted by the presence of badly deteriorated public
housing projects. In addition to developing and constructing
new affordable housing, the program provides PHAs with the
authority to demolish obsolete projects and to provide self-
sufficiency services for families who reside in and around the
facility.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee does not provide funds for the HOPE VI
program in fiscal year 2007. The budget did not request funds
for this program. Language proposed by the Administration to
rescind funds appropriated for fiscal year 2006 is not
included.
The Committee recognizes that this program has had a varied
and controversial history. On the one hand, the projects that
have been completed have been successful and demonstrate what
the program could accomplish. On the other hand, the funding
history overwhelmingly demonstrates that far too many projects
have not been completed in a timely way. Many projects funded
years ago have yet to start. Currently over $2 billion in
undispersed obligations from prior years remain in a backlog
and have been unused for years. Furthermore, resistance to the
program from tenants remains strong, further delaying many
projects.
Most importantly, the Committee is convinced that, although
10 years have been an important demonstration period, the per-
unit cost of the program is too high, relative to alternatives,
to be sustained over the long-run.
Therefore, the Committee believes that the best course of
action is to reject the proposal to rescind the fiscal year
2006 funding making those funds available in fiscal year 2007
for grant awards, but until a new authorization is enacted by
Congress to revise and reform the program, no further funding
is merited. The Committee directs the Department to submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations reviewing the status
of the backlog of projects and funds to include an analysis of
which projects should remain in the pipeline and which projects
should be cancelled.
Native American Housing Block Grants
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $623,700,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 625,680,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 625,680,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +1,980,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Native American Housing Block Grants program provides
funds to Indian tribes and their Tribally Designated Housing
Entities (TDHE) to address housing needs within their
communities. The block grant is designed to fund TDHE operating
requirements and capital needs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $625,680,000 for the Native
American Block Grant and the Indian Community Development Block
Grant Fund. This is the same as the budget request and
$1,980,000 more than the enacted amount in fiscal year 2006.
In 2003 when HUD began using the new 2000 Census data HUD
shifted the basis for the needs portion of the formula
distribution of funds from single-race to multi-race. The
Committee continues language from last year instructing HUD to
distribute funds on the basis of single race or multi race data
which ever is the higher amount for each recipient.
Of the amounts made available under this heading:
--$1,980,000 is included for Section 601 loan
guarantees to guarantee $14,938,825 in new loans.
However, the Department is advised that loan level
activity must be monitored to ensure that sufficient
grant funds are available as collateral for new loans;
--$3,465,000 is for Technical Assistance training and
associated travel;
--$148,500 is transferred to the Department Salary
and Expenses account; and
--$990,000 for the National American Indian Housing
Council to conduct training and technical assistance.
Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $8,727,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 5,940,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 8,815,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +88,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +2,875,000
The Hawaiian Homelands Homeownership Act of 2000 created
the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program to provide
grants to the State of Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
for housing and housing related assistance to develop, maintain
and operate affordable housing for eligible low income Native
Hawaiian families.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $8,815,000 for this program,
$88,150 more than the amount provided in fiscal year 2006, and
$2,875,000 above the budget request. Of the amounts provided,
$299,211 is for technical assistance.
Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund Program Account
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Program account:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006..................... $3,960,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................... 5,940,000
Recommended in the bill............................. 3,960,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -1,980,000
Limitation on direct Loans:...........................
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006..................... $116,276,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................... 251,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................. 116,276,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -134,724,000
Section 184 of the Housing and Community Development Act of
1992 establishes a loan guarantee program for Native Americans
to build or purchase homes on trust land. This program provides
access to sources of private financing for Indian families and
Indian housing authorities that otherwise cannot acquire
financing because of the unique legal status of Indian trust
land. This financing vehicle enables families to construct new
homes or to purchase existing properties on reservations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $3,960,000 in new credit subsidy
for the Section 184 loan guarantee program, $1,980,000 below
the budget request and the same as the fiscal year 2006 enacted
level. This will be sufficient to guarantee $116,276,000 in new
loans. The Committee strongly supports the program of loan
guarantees for the purchase, construction or rehabilitation of
single-family homes on trust or restricted lands. However, the
Department has indicated that $5,962,000 in previously provided
credit subsidy will carry over into fiscal year 2007. Hence in
total, more resources will be available in fiscal year 2007
than in fiscal year 2006. Of the amounts made available,
$247,500 is transferred to Salary and Expenses.
Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund Program Account
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Program account:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006..................... $891,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................... 1,010,000
Recommended in the bill............................. 1,010,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +119,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
Limitation on direct Loans:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006..................... $35,714,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................... 43,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................. 43,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +7,286,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Hawaiian Homelands Homeownership Act of 2000 created
the Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund program to
provide loan guarantees for native Hawaiian individuals and
their families, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the
Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and private nonprofit organizations
experienced in the planning and in the development of
affordable housing for Native Hawaiians for the purchase,
construction, and/or rehabilitation of single-family homes on
Hawaiian Home Lands. This program provides access to private
sources of financing that would otherwise not be available
because of the unique legal status of Hawaiian Home Lands.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,010,000 for this program the
same as requested to guarantee a total loan volume of
$43,000,000, the full amount requested. Language is included
transferring $35,000 to Salaries and Expenses for
administrative expenses.
Community Planning and Development
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $286,110,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 300,100,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 300,100,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +13,990,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
program is authorized by the Housing Opportunities for Persons
with AIDS Act. This program provides States and localities with
resources and incentives to devise long-term comprehensive
strategies to meet the housing needs of persons with HIV/AIDS
and their families. Ninety percent of funding is distributed by
formula to qualifying States and metropolitan areas on the
basis of the cumulative number and incidences of AIDS reported
to the Centers for Disease Control. The remaining 10 percent of
funding is distributed through a national competition.
Government recipients are required to have a HUD-approved
Comprehensive Plan or Comprehensive Housing Affordability
Strategy (CHAS).
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
For fiscal year 2007, the Committee recommends
$300,100,000, an increase of $13,990,000 over the enacted
levels for fiscal year 2006, and the same as the budget
request. Within the total amount provided, $1,485,000 is for
technical assistance, training and oversight as requested and
$1,485,000 is transferred to the Working Capital Fund. With the
funds provided, the Department should continue to give priority
to creating new housing opportunities for persons with AIDS.
The Committee continues language which requires the
Secretary to renew expiring permanent supportive housing
contracts previously funded under the national competition,
which meet all program requirements, before awarding new
competitive grants.
Rural Housing and Economic Development
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $16,830,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -16,830,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
This account provides funding to rural non-profit
organizations, community development corporations, Indian
tribes, State housing finance agencies, State economic
development and Federally recognized community development
agencies.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee agrees with the budget proposal to provide no
new funds for this program. The majority of initiatives in
rural economic transformation are and should be funded through
the Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has the expertise
in rural economic development, rural housing and community
stabilization. In addition, the activities of this program are
eligible activities under the HOME and Community Development
Block Grant programs.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006...................... $15,677,800,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007..................... 3,032,000,000
Recommended in the bill.............................. 4,200,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006.................. -11,477,800,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007................. +1,168,000,000
The Community Development Fund provides funding to State
and local governments, and to other entities that carry out
community and economic development activities under various
programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total of $4,200,000,000 for the
Community Development Fund account, a decrease of
$11,477,800,000 from the amount provided in fiscal year 2006
and an increase of $1,168,000,000 to the fiscal year 2007
budget request.
Of the amounts made available:
--$3,872,580,000 is for the formula grants and the
state share. HUD is instructed to use the same
methodology as used in fiscal year 2006 to distribute
these funds;
--$57,420,000 is for the Native American Housing and
Economic Development Block Grant;
--$250,000,000 is for economic development initiative
activities and $20,000,000 is for neighborhood
initiative activities.
Beginning in fiscal year 2007, Economic Development
Initiative and Neighborhood Initiative funds awarded to
grantees are to be matched by 40 percent in funding by each
grantee.
The Committee directs HUD to implement the Economic
Development Initiative program as follows:
1. $250,000 to the Salvation Army Family Enrichment Center
in Anchorage, Alaska for construction of a facility.
2. $500,000 to the City of Gadsden, Alabama for development
and construction of Noccalula Park.
3. $440,000 to the University of Montevallo in Montevallo,
Alabama for renovation and restoration of buildings.
4. $250,000 to the City of Robertsdale, Alabama for
renovations to the PZK Civic Center.
5. $250,000 to the City of Phenix City, Alabama for
redevelopment of the downtown riverfront.
6. $150,000 to the Huntsville Museum of Art in Huntsville,
Alabama for facility construction, expansion, renovation, and
build out, as part of the redevelopment of downtown Huntsville.
7. $150,000 to the Helen Keller Birthplace Foundation in
Tuscumbia, Alabama for facility renovation and build out.
8. $100,000 to the City of Birmingham, Alabama for
industrial park development.
9. $60,000 to Homeplace in Marshall County, Alabama for the
renovation of transitional housing.
10. $50,000 to the City of Lineville, Alabama for the
renovation of a theater for community purposes.
11. $50,000 to Calhoun County, Alabama for the construction
of the White Plains Youth Sports Complex.
12. $250,000 to the Clarke County Commission in Clarke
County, Alabama for the development of an industrial park.
13. $250,000 to Troy University in Troy, Alabama for the
establishment of a Center for International Business and
Economic Development.
14. $350,000 to Jefferson County, Alabama for land
acquisition and construction of the Red Mountain Greenway and
Recreation Area.
15. $250,000 to the City of Graysville, Alabama for the
Downtown Revitalization Project.
16. $150,000 to the City of Northport, Alabama for
streetscape improvements.
17. $300,000 to Arkansas State University, in Mountain
Home, Arkansas for construction, renovation, and build out of a
multipurpose facility.
18. $250,000 to the Peace at Home Family Shelter in
Fayetteville, Arkansas for the construction of transitional
housing.
19. $100,000 to the City of Malvern, Arkansas for planning
and design and construction of recreational facilities, and
park improvements.
20. $100,000 to the Conway County Economic Development
Corporation, Arkansas for renovation and build out of a
historic building.
21. $775,000 to Chicanos Por La Causa in Phoenix, Arizona
for land and facility acquisition, planning and design,
construction, renovation and build out of facilities.
22. $400,000 to the Catholic Community Services of Southern
Arizona in Sierra Vista, Arizona for the build out and
expansion of a domestic violence center.
23. $250,000 to the City of Scottsdale, Arizona for
renovations to the Vista del Camino Community Center.
24. $250,000 to the City of Globe, Arizona for streetscape
improvements.
25. $250,000 to the City of Miami, Arizona for acquisition
and renovation to affordable housing units.
26. $100,000 to The Dunbar Coalition in Tucson, Arizona for
planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of
a youth cultural center.
27. $500,000 to the Tri-Valley Housing Opportunity Center
in Livermore, California for capitalization of a loan fund.
28. $300,000 to the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County,
Inc., California for capitalization of loan funds for a
homebuyer assistance program.
29. $100,000 to the City of Livermore, California for
capitalization of a housing loan fund.
30. $150,000 to San Diego County, California for planning
and design, construction, renovation and build out of
facilities at Camp Lockett.
31. $80,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino,
California for renovation and build out of the Delman Heights
Community Center.
32. $1,000,000 to the City and County of San Francisco,
California for demolition of structures, planning and design,
and construction of new housing.
33. $550,000 to City College of San Francisco, California
for planning and design, construction and build out of a
multipurpose facility.
34. $500,000 to the City of Banning, California for
renovations to the city-owned pool.
35. $500,000 to the City of Desert Hot Springs, California
for infrastructure improvements to a new community center.
36. $500,000 to the City of Yucaupa, California for the
design and construction of a multipurpose athletic facility at
Crafton Hills College.
37. $500,000 to the Japanese Community Youth Council, San
Francisco, California for construction, renovation and build
out of a community center.
38. $400,000 to the City of Oroville, California for the
construction and development of Memorial Park.
39. $400,000 to El Dorado County, California for
infrastructure improvements to the Rubicon Trail.
40. $350,000 to the City of Highland, California for the
restoration of the First Bank of Highland building for use as a
museum.
41. $300,000 to the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center,
California for construction, expansion, renovation, and build
out of a multipurpose facility.
42. $250,000 to the California Lutheran University in
Ventura, California for the renovation and build out of the
biomedical institute.
43. $250,000 to the East County Family YMCA in San Diego,
California for the construction of the McGrath Family YMCA in
East County San Diego.
44. $250,000 to San Mateo County Human Services Agency,
California for acquisition, renovation and build out of
affordable housing.
45. $250,000 to the Diamond Bar High School in Diamond Bar,
California for renovations to the Diamond Bar High School
Community Sports Field.
46. $250,000 to the County of Fresno, California for the
construction of a vocational training facility in Mendota,
California.
47. $250,000 to the City of Huntington Beach, California
for the planning and construction of a senior center.
48. $200,000 to the Sacramento Food Bank and Family
Services, California for construction and build out of a
multipurpose facility.
49. $150,000 to the City of Santa Maria, California for
construction, renovation, and build out of a library.
50. $150,000 to the San Diego Housing Commission, San
Diego, California for construction, renovation, and build out
of affordable housing units.
51. $150,000 to the Wattstar Theatre and Education Center,
in the Los Angeles Federal Empowerment Zone, California for
planning and design and construction of a multipurpose
facility.
52. $150,000 to the City of La Puente, California for
planning and design and construction of a nature education
center for children.
53. $150,000 to the Jewish Home for the Aging in Reseda,
California for renovation and build out of a multipurpose
facility.
54. $150,000 to the City of Woodland, California for
planning and design and construction of a multipurpose
facility.
55. $150,000 to US Vets, in Inglewood, California for
renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
56. $150,000 to the Western States Black Research and
Educational Center, California for renovation and build out of
a multipurpose facility.
57. $100,000 to the City of Los Angeles, California for
improvements to MacArthur Park.
58. $100,000 to the Stanislaus Ag Center Foundation, in
Modesto, California for planning and design and construction of
a science center.
59. $100,000 to the Grand Vision Foundation in San Pedro,
California for renovation and build out of a historic building.
60. $100,000 to the Allen Temple Housing & Economic
Development Corp. in Oakland, California for renovation and
build out of transitional housing.
61. $100,000 to the Children's Discovery Museum of San
Jose, California for facility construction, renovation, and
build out.
62. $100,000 to The Brewery Site, in Watts, California for
planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of
housing, and industrial park development.
63. $100,000 to the Fashion District Business Improvement
District, in Los Angeles, California for signage and
streetscape improvements.
64. $100,000 to the City of Artesia, California for
planning and design and construction of a multipurpose
facility.
65. $100,000 to the Community Action Partnership of Orange
County, California for planning and design and construction of
a multipurpose facility.
66. $100,000 to East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community
Center, California for renovation and build out of a
multipurpose facility.
67. $100,000 to Marin County, California for planning and
design and construction of a community center.
68. $100,000 to the Sonoma County Council on Aging
Services, California for construction, renovation, and build
out of multipurpose facilities.
69. $75,000 to the Asian Youth Center of San Gabriel,
California for construction, expansion, renovation, and build
out of a multipurpose facility.
70. $50,000 to the Southeast Rio Vista YMCA, in Los Angeles
County, California for renovation and build out of facilities.
71. $650,000 to the City of Redding, California for the
development of the Stillwater Business Park.
72. $250,000 to the City of Los Angeles, California for
Valley Plaza area revitalization and streetscape improvements.
73. $100,000 to the City of Agoura Hills, California for
land acquisition and park improvements.
74. $300,000 to the Santa Cruz, California Redevelopment
Agency for building renovation and build out, and streetscape
improvements.
75. $150,000 to the Baldwin Hills Regional Conservation
Authority, California for park improvements.
76. $100,000 to the City of Alameda, California for
streetscape improvements.
77. $400,000 to the Denver Rescue Mission Harvest Farm in
Wellington, Colorado for facility construction and build out.
78. $350,000 to North Range Behavioral Health in Greeley,
Colorado for facility construction.
79. $200,000 to the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy
District, Colorado for planning and design, construction,
renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
80. $100,000 to the Denver Rescue Mission, in Denver,
Colorado for construction, renovation, and build out of a
transitional shelter.
81. $100,000 to the Archuleta Housing Corporation, Colorado
for construction, renovation, and build out of housing units.
82. $100,000 to the City of Pueblo, Colorado for
construction, renovation, and build out of recreational
facilities, park improvements, and streetscape improvements.
83. $100,000 to the National Sports Center of the Disabled
(NSCD), Colorado for planning and design, construction,
renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
84. $50,000 to the San Luis Valley Development Resources
Group, Colorado for renovation and build out of multipurpose
facilities.
85. $500,000 to the Town of Willington, Connecticut for the
expansion of low income senior housing.
86. $500,000 to the YMCA of Vernon, Connecticut for the
construction of a new facility.
87. $300,000 to the Central Connecticut Coast Young Men's
Christian Association in New Haven, Connecticut for planning
and design and construction of a community recreational
facility on the Central Connecticut Shoreline.
88. $300,000 to the University of Hartford, Connecticut for
renovation and build out of a historic building.
89. $300,000 to the Charles D. Smith Foundation in
Bridgeport, Connecticut for the construction of mixed-income
housing in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
90. $100,000 to the City of Ansonia, Connecticut for the
demolition of blighted housing.
91. $100,000 to Farnum Neighborhood House in New Haven,
Connecticut for renovation and build out of facilities serving
low-income children.
92. $100,000 to the Chamberlain Heights Public Housing
Development in Meriden, Connecticut for the construction of
Head Start and Community Resource Centers in the Chamberlain
Heights public housing development.
93. $100,000 to the Town of Plymouth, Connecticut for the
Waterwheel Park Project.
94. $100,000 to Interlude, Inc. in Danbury, Connecticut for
renovation of a current facility in Danbury.
95. $100,000 to the City of Waterbury, Connecticut for an
environmental assessment planning study.
96. $100,000 to the Factory H Demolition and Remediation
Project in Meriden, Connecticut for the demolition and
remediation of Factory H.
97. $100,000 to the Simsbury Public Library in Simsbury,
Connecticut for the renovation and build out of facilities.
98. $100,000 to the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
in Hartford, Connecticut for renovation and build out of a
nonprofit community arts center, and streetscape improvements.
99. $100,000 to the Environmental Learning Centers of
Connecticut in Bristol, Connecticut for planning and design and
construction of an educational facility.
100. $100,000 to the City of Waterbury, Connecticut for the
removal of blighted structures.
101. $100,000 to the Capitol Area Food Bank in Washington,
District of Columbia for planning and design and construction
of a new facility.
102. $100,000 to the City of Bartow Community Redevelopment
Agency in Bartow, Florida for the planning of a parking
facility.
103. $500,000 to Santa Rosa County, Florida for the
construction of a YMCA in Navarre, Florida.
104. $400,000 to the City of St. Petersburg, Florida for
renovations to the historic Jordan School.
105. $250,000 to Miami-Dade College in Miami-Dade County,
Florida for the construction of a library.
106. $250,000 to Collier County, Florida for the design and
construction of a community center.
107. $250,000 to Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort
Myers, Florida for the historic preservation of the Edison and
Ford Winter Estates.
108. $250,000 to Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach,
Florida for facility renovations for the School of Nursing.
109. $250,000 to the City of Bartow Community Redevelopment
Agency in Bartow, Florida for the construction of a parking
facility.
110. $250,000 to the City of Marathon, Florida for
construction of a facility.
111. $250,000 to the Central Florida Community College in
Ocala, Florida for renovations to the Fine Arts Auditorium.
112. $250,000 to the City of Madeira Beach, Florida for the
replacement of John's Pass Boardwalk.
113. $200,000 to Florida A & M, Miami Dade College, Florida
for renovation and build out of facilities.
114. $200,000 to the Holocaust Documentation and Education
Center in Hollywood, Florida for facility renovation and build
out.
115. $150,000 to the Community Resource Center, in
Jacksonville, Florida for renovation, build out, and
redevelopment of an abandoned strip mall into a multipurpose
facility.
116. $100,000 to the City of St. Petersburg, Florida for
renovation and build out of a historic school building.
117. $100,000 to the Centro Mater Foundation in Hialeah,
Florida for the construction of a facility.
118. $100,000 to the City of Tamarac, Florida for
construction, expansion, renovation, and build out of a
multipurpose facility.
119. $100,000 to the City of Treasure Island, Florida for
the renovation of the Treasure Island Beach Trail.
120. $200,000 to the City of West Palm Beach, Florida for
planning and design, and construction of the West Palm Beach
Black Heritage Trail.
121. $100,000 to the Oglethorpe County Commission in
Oglethorpe County, Georgia for planning a reservoir.
122. $400,000 to the Berrien County Development Authority
in Berrien County, Georgia for the design and construction of a
multi-purpose community building in downtown Nashville,
Georgia.
123. $400,000 to the Tubman Museum in Macon, Georgia for
construction and build out of a new building.
124. $300,000 to the Augusta, Georgia Brownfield Commission
for industrial park development.
125. $150,000 to the Coastal Heritage Society in Savannah,
Georgia for revitalization and repair of facilities.
126. $150,000 to the City of Riverdale, Georgia for
planning and design and construction of a multipurpose
facility.
127. $100,000 to the City of Cuthbert, Georgia for
acquisition, construction, renovation and build out of
recreational facilities.
128. $100,000 to the City of Plains, Georgia for planning
and design and construction of a visitors center.
129. $100,000 to the SOWEGA Council on Aging, Georgia for
planning and design and construction of a senior center.
130. $100,000 to Georgia State University for construction
and build out of a university science park.
131. $100,000 to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Georgia for
facility construction, renovation and build out of educational
facilities.
132. $100,000 to DeKalb County, Georgia for planning and
design and construction of recreation centers.
133. $250,000 to the Berrien County Development Authority
in Enigma, Georgia for the expansion of a sewer system that
will serve an industrial park.
134. $250,000 to America's 2nd Harvest of Coastal, Georgia
for the purchase of two warehouse facilities.
135. $350,000 to the City of Valdosta, Georgia for
streetscape improvements and the development of off-street
parking.
136. $150,000 to Gwinnett County, Georgia for streetscape
improvements in the Hill Area of Duluth, Georgia.
137. $150,000 to the Government of Guam for planning and
design and construction of restroom area facilities and
visitors centers.
138. $100,000 to the Waipahu Community Association, in
Waipahu, Hawaii for land acquisition, construction, and
renovation for the Waipahu Festival Marketplace.
139. $100,000 to the Young Women's Christian Association in
Laniakea, Hawaii for facility renovation and build out.
140. $1,000,000 to the City of Humboldt, Iowa for the
demolition of four former fertilizer plants.
141. $450,000 to the City of Fort Dodge, Iowa for the
demolition of a structure.
142. $300,000 to the City of Des Moines, Iowa for land
acquisition, demolition, remediation and site preparation,
relating to the Riverpoint West Project.
143. $300,000 to the City of Des Moines, Iowa for land
acquisition, demolition, site preparation, and industrial park
development.
144. $250,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Magic Valley
in Twin Falls, Idaho for the construction of a facility in
Buhl, Idaho.
145. $400,000 to the City of Rexburg, Idaho for streetscape
improvements, pedestrian and wheelchair access along the river,
and construction of recreational facilities.
146. $1,500,000 to the City of Chicago, Illinois for
renovation and build out of a historic building in the Chicago
Park District.
147. $500,000 to the Central Illinois Regional Museum in
Peoria, Illinois for the planning, design, and construction of
the Central Illinois Regional Museum.
148. $500,000 to the Glen Oak Zoo in Peoria, Illinois for
the construction of the Africa Exhibit.
149. $400,000 to Wings Program, Inc., in Cook County,
Illinois for facility construction, renovation, and build out.
150. $400,000 to the Village of Atkinson, Illinois for the
Downtown Reconstruction Project.
151. $400,000 to the City of North Chicago, Illinois for
the Sheridan Crossing Project.
152. $300,000 to the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet,
Illinois for building renovations.
153. $250,000 to Home Sweet Home Ministries in Bloomington,
Illinois for facility expansion and renovation.
154. $250,000 to Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois
for the renovation of Whipple Hall.
155. $250,000 to the PeoriaNEXT Innovation Center in
Peoria, Illinois for the construction of a bioscience and small
business incubator.
156. $250,000 to the St. Elmo, Illinois Historical Society
in St. Elmo, Illinois for converting a theater into a community
center.
157. $250,000 to the Lawrenceville Mid American Airport in
Lawrenceville, Illinois for the construction and rehabilitation
of a community center at the Lawrenceville Mid American
Airport.
158. $250,000 to the City of Greenville, Illinois for the
construction of a business incubator.
159. $150,000 to the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and
Culture, in Chicago, Illinois for construction, renovation and
build out of a facility.
160. $150,000 to the Village of Riverdale, Illinois for
construction, renovation and build out of affordable housing.
161. $150,000 to the Village of East Hazel Crest, Illinois
for planning and design and construction of a new community
center.
162. $150,000 to ETA Creative Arts Foundation, Inc. in
Chicago, Illinois for planning and design, construction,
renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
163. $100,000 to the Quinn Chapel in Chicago, Illinois for
renovation and build out of a historic building.
164. $100,000 to Saint Richard Parish, Illinois for
construction, renovation and build out of a multipurpose
facility.
165. $100,000 to the Black Ensemble Theater in Chicago,
Illinois for planning and design and construction of a new
multipurpose facility.
166. $300,000 to the Village of Sauget, Illinois for
industrial park development.
167. $250,000 to the Stephenson County Board in Freeport,
Illinois for development of the Mill Race Crossing Industrial
Park.
168. $250,000 to the Northfield Park District in the
Village of Northfield, Illinois for infrastructure improvements
at Willow Park.
169. $500,000 to the City of South Bend, Indiana for the
construction of an advanced research and business creation
complex.
170. $500,000 to the City of Terre Haute, Indiana for the
construction and development of a business incubator.
171. $250,000 to Memorial Coliseum Redevelopment in Marion,
Indiana for renovations to Memorial Coliseum.
172. $250,000 to the City of Portland, Indiana for the
construction of a park.
173. $250,000 to the Town of Highland, Indiana for trail
improvements and streetscape improvements.
174. $100,000 to Madison Center in South Bend, Indiana for
the planning of a new patient education center.
175. $100,000 to the Cass County Council on Aging in
Logansport, Indiana for facility renovation and build out of a
building in Logansport, Indiana.
176. $100,000 to the YMCA in Kokomo, Indiana for building
repair and rehabilitation.
177. $500,000 to the Columbus Enterprise Development Center
in Columbus, Indiana for the planning and construction of the
Columbus Enterprise Development Center.
178. $250,000 to the City of Valparaiso, Indiana for
streetscape improvements.
179. $100,000 to the City of Indianapolis, Indiana for
revitalization and streetscape improvements.
180. $440,000 to World Class Technical Education and
Training Center in Sedgwick County, Kansas for construction of
a technical education and training center.
181. $250,000 to Youthville in Dodge City, Kansas for the
construction of a facility on the Dodge City campus.
182. $150,000 to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County
and Kansas City, Kansas for streetscape improvements and
construction, renovation, and build out of multipurpose
facilities in downtown Kansas City.
183. $1,000,000 to Whitley County, Kentucky for the
expansion of the City of Williamsburg water and sewer line
infrastructure.
184. $600,000 to the New Zion Community Foundation in
Louisville, Kentucky for the construction and renovation of a
multi-purpose facility.
185. $600,000 to Gilda's Club in Louisville, Kentucky for
building renovations.
186. $500,000 to Wayside Christian Mission in Louisville,
Kentucky for renovation of a facility.
187. $500,000 to Catholic Charities of Louisville, Kentucky
for facility renovations.
188. $400,000 to Henry County Fiscal Court in Henry County,
Kentucky for the construction and development of an industrial
park.
189. $300,000 to Jewish Hospital and St. Mary's Foundation
in Louisville, Kentucky for construction of facilities.
190. $250,000 to LaRue County Fiscal Court in Hodgenville,
Kentucky for infrastructure renovations and build out of a
museum.
191. $250,000 to WKU Small Business Accelerator in Bowling
Green, Kentucky for the construction and build out of a small
business accelerator.
192. $250,000 to the Heartland Commerce and Technology Park
in Campbellsville, Kentucky for construction and build out of
the Heartland Commerce and Technology Park.
193. $250,000 to Central Kentucky Agriculture and
Exposition Center in Casey County, Kentucky for renovation and
build out of the Central Kentucky Agriculture and Exposition
Center.
194. $100,000 to Metcalfe County and the City of Edmonton,
Kentucky for construction and renovation of a multi-county
facility located on the Cumberland Parkway in Metcalfe County.
195. $50,000 to the City of Edmonton, Kentucky for the
construction of facility at Edmonton Memorial Park.
196. $100,000 to the Mercer County, Kentucky Industrial
Development Authority for industrial park development.
197. $300,000 to the Port of South Louisiana for
construction and build out of a multipurpose facility.
198. $250,000 to Ascension Parish, Louisiana for the
purchase of the Lamar Dixon Expo Center.
199. $250,000 to the City of Bogalusa, Louisiana for the
construction of a facility.
200. $250,000 to the National Center for Community Renewal
in Shreveport, Louisiana for facility renovations.
201. $200,000 to St. Bernard Port, Harbor, and Terminal
District, Louisiana for renovation and build out of a
multipurpose facility.
202. $150,000 to the City of Donaldsonville, Louisiana for
planning and design and construction of a multipurpose
facility, and streetscape improvements.
203. $70,000 to the Village of Loreauville, Louisiana for
streetscape improvements.
204. $100,000 to Massachusetts' Cultural Coast for
renovation and build out of facilities, in support of a tourism
initiative.
205. $75,000 to the Town of Watertown, Massachusetts for an
economic development planning study.
206. $400,000 to the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts for
building demolition and clean-up at an abandoned industrial
site.
207. $325,000 to CHC Family Center in Gardner,
Massachusetts for renovation and build out of a multipurpose
facility.
208. $325,000 to the Treehouse Foundation in Easthampton,
Massachusetts for planning and design and construction of a
multipurpose facility to serve children in foster care.
209. $325,000 to the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield,
Massachusetts for construction, expansion, renovation and build
out of multipurpose facilities.
210. $275,000 to Mount Wachusett Community College in
Fitchburg, Massachusetts for planning and design and
construction of multipurpose facilities.
211. $275,000 to the Amherst Center for Stage and Screen,
Inc. in Massachusetts for acquisition, renovation and build out
of a multipurpose facility, as part of area redevelopment.
212. $250,000 to the Town of Boylston, Massachusetts for
renovation and build out of a historic building.
213. $250,000 to Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield,
Massachusetts for renovation and build out of multipurpose
facilities, as part of area redevelopment.
214. $200,000 to the Tri-City Community Action Program,
Inc., in Malden, Massachusetts for renovation and build out of
facilities.
215. $175,000 to Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts
for facility construction, renovation, and build out.
216. $175,000 to the Town of Holbrook, Massachusetts for
construction, renovation and build out of a public library.
217. $175,000 to the City of Lynn, Massachusetts for
planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of
a recreational facility.
218. $150,000 to the Forsyth Institute in Boston,
Massachusetts for construction and build out of a multipurpose
facility.
219. $150,000 to the Methuen Arlington Neighborhood Center
in Methuen, Massachusetts for planning and design and
construction of a multipurpose facility.
220. $150,000 to the Urban League of Springfield,
Massachusetts, Inc. for construction, renovation, and build out
activities at a residential summer camp.
221. $100,000 to Year Up in Boston, Massachusetts for
construction, renovation, and build out of multipurpose
facilities.
222. $100,000 to the United Teen Equality Center (UTEC) in
Lowell, Massachusetts for renovation and build out of a youth
center.
223. $100,000 to the City of Northampton, Massachusetts for
demolition, planning and design, and construction of affordable
housing units.
224. $75,000 to the City of Boston, Massachusetts for
renovation and build out of a historic building.
225. $75,000 to the Young Men's Christian Association of
Barnstable, Massachusetts for construction, renovation, and
build out of a multipurpose facility.
226. $75,000 to the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen's
Association, in Chatham, Massachusetts for construction,
renovation, and build out of an ocean science policy and
education center.
227. $75,000 to the Town of Easton, Massachusetts for
construction, renovation and build out of recreational
facilities.
228. $75,000 to the City of Salem, Massachusetts for pier
and seawall renovation, and streetscape improvements.
229. $500,000 to Historic St. Mary's City Commission, St.
Mary's City, Maryland for construction, renovation, and build
out of a historic facility.
230. $450,000 to the Catoctine Aqueduct Restoration Fund,
Inc. in Point of Rocks, Maryland for the preservation and
restoration of the Catoctine Aqueduct.
231. $150,000 to New Song Urban Ministries, Inc., in
Baltimore, Maryland for facility construction, renovation and
build out of a pre-school and community center.
232. $150,000 to the Town of Colmar Manor, Maryland for
planning and design and construction of a multipurpose
facility.
233. $100,000 to the Irvine Nature Center, Baltimore
County, Maryland for relocation, planning and design,
construction, and renovation of an environmental education
facility.
234. $50,000 to the Westernport Heritage Society Museum in
Westernport, Maryland for renovations to a facility.
235. $600,000 to the City of College Park, Maryland for
land acquisition, planning and design, and construction of a
parking facility.
236. $100,000 to Montgomery County, Maryland for sidewalk
and streetscape improvements.
237. $150,000 to the City of Bangor, Maine for planning and
design and construction of affordable housing for veterans and
their dependents.
238. $100,000 to the Preble Street Resource Center, in
Portland, Maine for planning and design, and construction of
the Florence House Center for Homeless Women.
239. $500,000 to the City of Detroit, Michigan for the
demolition of dangerous structures.
240. $500,000 to the Jewish Association for Residential
Care of Farmington Hills, Michigan for the design and
construction of energy efficient homes.
241. $300,000 to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy in
Detroit, Michigan for East Riverfront Development streetscape
improvements.
242. $250,000 to Grand Valley State University in Muskegon,
Michigan for improvements and renovations to the Field Station
at the Annis Water Resources Institute.
243. $250,000 to the Crystal Lake Art Center in Frankfort,
Michigan for facility renovations.
244. $250,000 to Presbyterian Villages of Michigan in
Redford, Michigan for building renovations.
245. $250,000 to the Michigan Aerospace Foundation in Ann
Arbor, Michigan for the construction of an Aviation Heritage
Museum and Education Center at Willow Run Airport.
246. $200,000 to the Samaritan Center in Detroit, Michigan
for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
247. $190,000 to the Orion Veterans Memorial Fund in Orion,
Michigan for the construction of the main monument.
248. $150,000 to The Wakefield Memorial Building Foundation
in Wakefield, Michigan for renovation and build out of a
historic building.
249. $150,000 to Focus: HOPE in Detroit, Michigan for
building demolition, and facility renovation and build out.
250. $150,000 to Monroe County, Michigan for interior
demolition, renovation, and build out of the Monroe Labor
History Museum.
251. $150,000 to Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti,
Michigan for renovation and build out of a multipurpose
building, and revitalization of downtown Ypsilanti.
252. $150,000 to the Southfield, Michigan Youth Center
Committee for construction, renovation and build out of a youth
center.
253. $150,000 to the Detroit Zoological Society in Michigan
for renovation and build out of science and education
facilities.
254. $50,000 to the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority for
a feasibility study for the renovation of the Cobo Center in
Detroit, Michigan.
255. $150,000 to the Charter Township of Clinton, Michigan
Downtown Development Authority for streetscape improvements.
256. $100,000 to the City of Trenton, Michigan for
revitalization and streetscape improvements.
257. $100,000 to the Genesee County, Michigan Metropolitan
Planning Commission for streetscape improvements.
258. $400,000 to the Mesabi Academy of KidsPeace in Buhl,
Minnesota for construction, expansion, renovation and build out
of a multipurpose youth services facility.
259. $250,000 to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians in
Red Lake, Minnesota for construction, renovation, and build out
of a multipurpose complex.
260. $150,000 to the Cedar Riverside People's Center
Medical Clinic in Minneapolis, Minnesota for renovation and
build out of a neighborhood clinic.
261. $100,000 to the Center for Asians and Pacific
Islanders (CAPI) in Minneapolis, Minnesota for renovation and
build out of a social services facility.
262. $100,000 to the Boonville Economic Development Agency
in Boonville, Missouri for the completion of a redevelopment
plan.
263. $1,500,000 to Southeast Missouri State University in
Cape Girardeau, Missouri for renovation and construction of the
new River Campus.
264. $500,000 to the City of Springfield, Missouri for the
construction of a community multi-purpose facility.
265. $400,000 to the Atchison County Memorial Building
Foundation in Atchison County, Missouri for renovation of a
historic building.
266. $200,000 to Brookfield Industrial Development in
Brookfield, Missouri for construction and development of an
industrial park.
267. $150,000 to the Black World History Museum in St.
Louis, Missouri for facility upgrades, renovation, and build
out.
268. $150,000 to the City of Raytown, Missouri for the
demolition of an abandoned church.
269. $100,000 to the City of Lee's Summit, Missouri for
construction of a senior center.
270. $100,000 to the City of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri for
downtown revitalization and streetscape improvements.
271. $1,500,000 to the University of Mississippi in Oxford,
Mississippi for the construction of the William Faulkner
Museum.
272. $250,000 to the City of Port Gibson, Mississippi for
construction, renovation, and build out of community centers.
273. $100,000 to Clarke County, Mississippi for industrial
park development.
274. $250,000 to Montana State University in Billings,
Montana for planning and construction of the West End library
and information center.
275. $200,000 to the Harvest Community Foundation in
Billings, Montana for the construction of a community center.
276. $50,000 to the Powell County Economic Development
Corporation in Powell County, Montana for the rehabilitation of
a building to reuse as a business incubator.
277. $500,000 to the TechRanch Technology Venture Center
Incubator program in Bozeman, Montana for the expansion of the
Technology Venture Center.
278. $200,000 to the Community Reinvestment Association of
North Carolina for capitalization of a housing loan fund.
279. $750,000 to the University of North Carolina at
Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina for construction of a
science and multimedia building.
280. $500,000 to Eblen Charities of Asheville, North
Carolina for construction of a multiuse facility in western
North Carolina.
281. $500,000 to the Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind
in Asheville, North Carolina for the construction and build out
of a facility.
282. $300,000 to the City of Monroe, North Carolina for the
conversion of the historic Old Armory Building into a community
center.
283. $250,000 to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in
Hatteras, North Carolina for facility construction.
284. $250,000 to Western Piedmont Community College, in
Morganton, North Carolina for construction of a building.
285. $200,000 to the City of Raeford, North Carolina for
streetscape improvements.
286. $200,000 to Child Care Services Association in Durham,
North Carolina for planning and design and construction of a
child care resource center.
287. $200,000 to Family House at UNC Hospitals, in Chapel
Hill, North Carolina for planning and design and construction
of a multipurpose facility.
288. $150,000 to Bennett College for Women in North
Carolina for renovation and build out of historic buildings.
289. $100,000 to the Wilson Community Improvement
Association, in Wilson, North Carolina for planning and design,
construction, renovation, and build out of a senior center.
290. $100,000 to the City of Raleigh, North Carolina for
streetscape improvements and construction of multipurpose
facilities.
291. $100,000 to Wake County, North Carolina for planning
and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
292. $100,000 to the John Avery Boys and Girls Club, Inc.
in Durham, North Carolina for construction, expansion,
renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
293. $75,000 to the African American Cultural Center in
Wilmington, North Carolina for renovation and build out of the
facility.
294. $250,000 to Gaston County, North Carolina for the
expansion of the Gaston County Technology Park.
295. $100,000 to the University of North Dakota for
planning and design and construction of a multipurpose
facility.
296. $500,000 for Girls and Boys Town USA of Boys Town,
Nebraska for construction and renovation of facilities.
297. $400,000 to the City of Lincoln, Nebraska for the
Antelope Valley Project.
298. $300,000 to the City of Nashua, New Hampshire for
streetscape improvements.
299. $300,000 to the Crotched Mountain Foundation in
Greenfield, New Hampshire for construction of the TRUST Center.
300. $500,000 to Family Services of Morris County in
Morristown, New Jersey for construction of a new program
center.
301. $350,000 to the College of Saint Elizabeth in Madison,
New Jersey for the renovation of Henderson Hall.
302. $250,000 to Essex County, New Jersey for planning and
design, construction, renovation and build out of multipurpose
facilities.
303. $250,000 to the City of Newark, New Jersey for
downtown revitalization, park improvements, and streetscape
improvements.
304. $250,000 to The School for Children with Hidden
Intelligence in Lakewood, New Jersey for the construction of a
new school building.
305. $250,000 to Isles, Inc. of Trenton, New Jersey for the
redevelopment of a historic textile mill located on the border
of Trenton and Hamilton.
306. $170,000 to the Borough of High Bridge, New Jersey for
facility renovations.
307. $150,000 to Rutgers University-Camden, in Camden, New
Jersey for planning and design and construction of a new
multipurpose facility.
308. $150,000 to William Paterson University in Wayne, New
Jersey for planning and design and construction of a
multipurpose facility.
309. $150,000 to the Visiting Nurses Association of Central
New Jersey in Red Bank, New Jersey for building renovation and
build out of a facility in Manasquan, New Jersey.
310. $100,000 to the Village of Ridgewood, New Jersey for
restoration of the historic Ridgewood Village train station.
311. $100,000 to the Township of Delaware, New Jersey for
planning and design and construction of a new community center.
312. $100,000 to Essex County, New Jersey for construction,
renovation and build out of recreational and tourist
facilities.
313. $100,000 to Broadway House for Continuing Care, in
Newark, New Jersey for construction, expansion, renovation and
build out of a multipurpose facility.
314. $250,000 to Altantic County, New Jersey for design and
development of an industrial park.
315. $200,000 to Union County, New Jersey for industrial
park development activities.
316. $300,000 to the City of West Milford, New Jersey for
streetscape improvements.
317. $150,000 to Rutgers University for planning and
design, construction, renovation and build out of facilities.
318. $150,000 to Cliffside Park, New Jersey for streetscape
improvements.
319. $500,000 to the Village of Tijeras, New Mexico for the
construction of a senior center.
320. $400,000 to South Valley Community Dental in
Albuquerque, New Mexico for construction of a new facility.
321. $300,000 to Enlace Comunitario in Albuquerque, New
Mexico for construction of a facility.
322. $100,000 to the Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico for
planning and design and construction of a multipurpose
facility.
323. $250,000 to the Anthony-Berino Economic Development
Corp. in Anthony, New Mexico for land acquisition and
development of an industrial park.
324. $500,000 to Opportunity Village in Las Vegas, Nevada
for construction of an Employment & Training Center and an Arts
& Enrichment Center.
325. $100,000 to the City of North Las Vegas, Nevada for
planning and design and construction of a multipurpose
facility.
326. $100,000 to the City of Rochester, New York for
planning and expansion of the High Falls Film Festival, in
support of the economic redevelopment of downtown Rochester.
327. $500,000 to the Town of Fort Edward, New York for
construction of the Rogers Island Museum and educational
facility.
328. $500,000 to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential
Library in Hyde Park, New York for facility renovations.
329. $450,000 to the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty
in New York, New York for planning and design, construction,
renovation, and build out of affordable housing.
330. $400,000 to the Rome Community Brownfield Restoration
Corporation in Rome, New York for the redevelopment of the
former Rome Cable facility.
331. $400,000 to Putnam County, New York for the
construction of a senior center.
332. $350,000 to Orange County, New York for the
restoration and historic preservation of the Delaware and
Hudson Canal.
333. $300,000 to the Sephardic Community Center in
Brooklyn, New York for the renovation and build out of
facilities.
334. $250,000 to Keuka College in Keuka Park, New York for
the renovation of Ball Hall.
335. $250,000 to St. Bonaventure University in Allegany,
New York for building construction and renovation.
336. $250,000 to the Strand Theater Arts Center in
Plattsburgh, New York for the conversion of the Strand Theater
into a performing arts center.
337. $250,000 to Hamilton County, New York for the Wakely
Lodge.
338. $250,000 to Orleans County Cornell Cooperative
Extension in Albion, New York for construction of an education
center at the Orleans County fairgrounds.
339. $250,000 to the New York State Education and Research
Network in Syracuse, New York for the construction and
renovation of a disaster recovery and business continuation
facility in Syracuse, New York.
340. $200,000 to the Children's Museum in Utica, New York
for building renovations.
341. $200,000 to the Unity House of Troy, Inc., Troy, New
York for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
342. $200,000 to the Amherst Youth Foundation in Amherst,
New York for renovations to the Independent Health Youth &
Family Center in Williamsville, New York.
343. $200,000 to the New York City College of Technology
for renovation and build out of facilities.
344. $200,000 to Gouverneur Health Services in New York,
New York for construction, renovation and build out of a
nursing facility.
345. $150,000 to the City University of New York, Queens,
in Queens, New York for museum construction, renovation, and
build out.
346. $150,000 to the Mt. Vernon Public Library in Mt.
Vernon, New York for renovation and build out.
347. $150,000 to the Hudson Guild Fulton Center, New York,
New York for construction, renovation and build out of a
community services center.
348. $150,000 to the Brooklyn Children's Museum in
Brooklyn, New York for facility construction, renovation, and
build out.
349. $150,000 to the City College of New York for planning
and design, construction, renovation and build out of
multipurpose facilities.
350. $150,000 to the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club West
Bronx Clubhouse in New York, New York for renovation and build
out of a youth facility.
351. $150,000 to Southside United Housing in Brooklyn, NY
for renovation and build out of housing.
352. $150,000 to Greenpoint Manufacturing Design Center in
Brooklyn, New York for planning and design, construction,
renovation, and build out of multipurpose facilities,
industrial park development, and streetscape improvements.
353. $150,000 to the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra in
Syracuse, New York for renovations to the Crouse-Hinds Theatre
in the Mulroy Civic Center.
354. $150,000 to the Catalpa, New York YMCA for renovation
and build out of a multipurpose facility.
355. $100,000 to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4927, in
Centereach, New York for building renovation and build out.
356. $100,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Geneva Inc. in
Geneva, New York for the construction of a facility.
357. $100,000 to the Harding Community Center in the Bronx,
New York for construction, renovation, and build out of a
multipurpose facility.
358. $100,000 to the Town of Orchard Park, New York for
park and streetscape improvements, and planning and design and
construction of a facility.
359. $100,000 to Orange County Community College in
Newburgh, New York for planning and design and construction of
a multipurpose facility.
360. $100,000 to the Sayville, New York American Legion
Post for renovation and build out of a historic building.
361. $100,000 to Mount Pleasant, New York for renovation
and build out of a public library.
362. $100,000 to the University at Albany, State University
of New York for facility renovation and build out.
363. $100,000 to the USS Slater Destroyer Escort Historical
Museum in Albany, New York for preservation and upgrades.
364. $100,000 to New York Families for Autistic Children
(NYFAC), Inc., in Ozone Park, New York for planning and design
and construction of a multipurpose facility.
365. $100,000 to Alianza Dominicana, in New York, New York
for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out
of a multipurpose facility.
366. $100,000 to the Village of Lewiston, New York for
construction, renovation, and build out of multipurpose
facilities, park improvements, and streetscape improvements.
367. $100,000 to the Columbia County, New York Agricultural
Association for renovation of the Main Fair House.
368. $100,000 to the Delaware County E-Center in Delhi, New
York for the construction of a small business incubator.
369. $100,000 to Common Ground Community in New York, New
York for renovation and build out of multipurpose facilities.
370. $75,000 to St. Anselm's Church and School, Bronx, New
York for facility renovation and build out.
371. $75,000 to Fordham University in New York, New York
for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose
facility.
372. $500,000 to WAMC Northeast Public Radio in Albany, New
York for facilities expansion and rehabilitation.
373. $300,000 to the Town of Clarkstown, New York for
mainstreet revitalization and streetscape improvements.
374. $200,000 to the Gerry Foundation, Inc. in Liberty, New
York for building demolition and streetscape improvements.
375. $200,000 to Group Ministries, Inc., in Buffalo, New
York for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
376. $100,000 to the Town of Harrison, New York for
downtown revitalization and streetscape improvements.
377. $100,000 to the Village of Elmsford, New York for
mainstreet revitalization and streetscape improvements.
378. $100,000 to the Village of Bellerose, New York for
park and streetscape improvements.
379. $500,000 to the University of Cincinnati in
Cincinnati, Ohio for construction of the Medical Sciences
Building.
380. $500,000 to the City of Cincinnati, Ohio for
remediation of the Phase I redevelopment.
381. $500,000 to the City of Springfield, Ohio for land
acquisition and relocation and demolition of residential and
commercial properties.
382. $500,000 to the Neighborhood Housing Partnership in
Springfield, Ohio for the acquisition and redevelopment of
blighted properties within the boundaries of Selma Road, Drexel
Avenue, Clifton Avenue, and Euclid Avenue.
383. $500,000 to HAP Community Action in Glouster, Ohio for
the construction of a building.
384. $500,000 to the Audubon Society in Columbus, Ohio for
the construction of a new Audubon Nature Center on the Whittier
Peninsula.
385. $500,000 to the Franklin Park Conservatory in
Columbus, Ohio for the renovation and construction of
facilities.
386. $300,000 to the Springfield Arts Council in
Springfield, Ohio for the construction of the west plaza
comfort station.
387. $300,000 to Ross County, Ohio for development of an
industrial park and multipurpose building.
388. $250,000 to the Marsh Foundation in Van Wert, Ohio for
building renovations to a facility.
389. $250,000 to the St. Mary Development Corporation in
Dayton, Ohio for the demolition of blighted properties and
streetscape improvements.
390. $250,000 to the St. Mary Development Corporation in
Dayton, Ohio for building demolition.
391. $250,000 to Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio
for the construction of a Creative Arts Center Annex.
392. $200,000 to the University of Toledo in Ohio for
construction, renovation, and build out of a Clean and
Alternative Energy Center.
393. $200,000 to Carroll County, Ohio for the construction
of a community center.
394. $200,000 to the Youngstown, Ohio Central Area
Community Improvement Corp. for planning and design,
construction, renovation and build out of a multipurpose
facility.
395. $175,000 to the Union County Veterans Remembrance
Committee in Union County, Ohio for the construction of a
veterans monument.
396. $100,000 to Starr Commonwealth in Van Wert, Ohio for
building renovations to a facility.
397. $100,000 to the Village of Jamestown, Ohio for
building renovations to the Jamestown Opera House.
398. $100,000 to the Goodrich Gannett Neighborhood Center
in Cleveland, Ohio for construction, expansion, renovation and
build out of facilities.
399. $100,000 to Connecting Point in Toledo, Ohio for
planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of
community services facilities.
400. $100,000 to the West Creek Preservation Committee in
Parma, Ohio for renovation and build out of a historic
building.
401. $500,000 to the Stark County Park District in
Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania for the acquisition of land in
Bethlehem Township, Ohio for the purposes of developing a new
park.
402. $500,000 to the City of Green, Ohio for the Southgate
Farm Acquisition project.
403. $100,000 to the City of Lorain, Ohio for building
acquisition, renovation, and build out.
404. $250,000 to the City of Lebanon, Ohio for streetscape
improvements.
405. $400,000 to the American Indian Cultural Center and
Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the construction of the
American Indian Cultural Center and Museum.
406. $350,000 to the Oklahoma City National Memorial
Foundation in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the construction of
the Oklahoma City Memorial.
407. $250,000 to the Ardmore Community Resources Center in
Ardmore, Oklahoma for the construction of Phase 2 of the
development of a community resource center.
408. $250,000 to the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage
Center in Enid, Oklahoma for facility renovation and build out.
409. $100,000 to Eastern Oklahoma State College, in
Wilburton, Oklahoma for construction and renovation of a
multipurpose facility.
410. $75,000 to the City of Astoria, Oregon for planning
and design and construction of a Chinese heritage park.
411. $100,000 to the City of Eugene, Oregon for demolition,
planning and design, construction, renovation, and build out of
a field science laboratory at the West Eugene Wetlands
Education Center.
412. $100,000 to Depoe Bay Neighbors for Kids, Depoe Bay,
Oregon for construction, renovation and build out of a facility
designed to provide educational and recreational activities for
children.
413. $100,000 to the Community College of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania for the expansion of the Northeast Regional
Center.
414. $500,000 to Montgomery County Community College in
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania for construction of a facility.
415. $350,000 to the Titusville YMCA in Titusville
Pennsylvania for building renovations.
416. $310,000 to the Waynesburg College Center in
Pennsylvania for construction of a multipurpose facility.
417. $300,000 to the Jefferson Square Community Development
Corporation, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for planning and
design, construction, renovation and build out of housing.
418. $300,000 to the City Wide Youth Agency in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for planning and design,
construction, renovation, and build out of multipurpose
facilities.
419. $300,000 to Armstrong County, Pennsylvania for
rebuilding the Belmont Complex.
420. $250,000 to the Lafayette College in Easton,
Pennsylvania for streetscape improvements.
421. $250,000 to the Butler Penn Theater Community Trust in
Butler, Pennsylvania for facility planning, construction, and
redevelopment.
422. $250,000 to EDC Finance Corporation of Lancaster,
Pennsylvania for the demolition and remediation of the
decommissioned Armstrong World Industries plant.
423. $250,000 to the Carlisle Regional Performing Arts
Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania for the renovation of the
Carlisle Theater.
424. $250,000 to the Greater Honesdale Partnership, Wayne
County, Pennsylvania in Honesdale, Pennsylvania for the
purchase and reconstruction of a building.
425. $250,000 to the Central Bradford Progress Authority in
Towanda, Pennsylvania for the acquisition or construction of an
economic development facility.
426. $250,000 to the Factoryville Borough/Clinton Joint
Municipal Authority in Factoryville Borough, Pennsylvania for
the extension of sewer lines for the expansion of Keystone
College.
427. $240,000 to Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
for construction, renovation and build out of a multipurpose
facility.
428. $200,000 to the University of Pittsburgh at
Greensburg, Pennsylvania for the expansion of McKenna Hall.
429. $200,000 to Greene County, Pennsylvania for
construction, renovation and build out of recreational
facilities.
430. $200,000 to the Pennsylvania Hunting and Fishing
Museum in Tionesta, Pennsylvania for construction and
renovation of a facility.
431. $200,000 to Downtown Lewistown, Inc. in Lewistown,
Pennsylvania for the redevelopment, build out, and renovation
of a former regional bank headquarters building.
432. $200,000 to Widener University's Small Business Center
in Chester, Pennsylvania for renovations to the Small Business
Development Center.
433. $100,000 to LaSalle University in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania for capitalization of a loan fund.
434. $100,000 to the Focus on Renewal Cultural Arts Center,
in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania for planning and design and
construction of a recreational and education facility.
435. $100,000 to the Bucks County Pennsylvania Community
College, Lower Bucks Campus in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania
for the construction of a permanent campus.
436. $100,000 to the Churchville Nature Center in Bucks
County, Pennsylvania for the construction and build out of the
Churchville Nature Center.
437. $100,000 to the Self Help Movement in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania for renovations of a facility.
438. $100,000 to the FM Kirby Center in Wilkes Barre,
Pennsylvania for facility renovation and build out of a
historic building.
439. $100,000 to the Northern Blair County Recreation
Commission in Antis Township, Pennsylvania for construction of
fitness center, recreational sports fields and other
enhancements to recreational facilities in Antis Township,
Pennsylvania.
440. $100,000 to the Fayette County Agricultural
Improvement Association in Dunbar, Pennsylvania for renovations
and build out of an outdoor arena that is used for the county
fair.
441. $75,000 to the Ambler Theater in Ambler, Pennsylvania
for facility construction, renovation and build out, and
handicap-accessibility improvements, for a nonprofit community
theater.
442. $50,000 to the Lower Bucks County Chapter of Disabled
American Veterans 117 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania for
renovation and build out of a facility in Bucks County,
Pennsylvania.
443. $50,000 to the Caldonia Theater Company in
Fayetteville, Pennsylvania for facility renovations.
444. $300,000 to the Municipality of Monroeville,
Pennsylvania for streetscape improvements.
445. $100,000 to the Borough of Robesonia, Pennsylvania for
streetscape improvements.
446. $75,000 to the Mayfair Community Development
Corporation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for construction,
renovation, and build out of a multipurpose facility, and
streetscape improvements.
447. $250,000 to the Municipality of Yauco, Puerto Rico for
the construction of low income housing units.
448. $150,000 to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community
Center in Newport, Rhode Island for renovation and build out of
a community center.
449. $150,000 to the City of Central Falls, Rhode Island
for park improvements and renovation and build out of
facilities.
450. $100,000 to Rhode Island College for renovation and
build out of a multipurpose facility.
451. $100,000 to Greenwood County, South Carolina for the
construction of a library.
452. $400,000 to the Township of Rembert, South Carolina
for planning and design and construction of a community center.
453. $250,000 to the City of Charleston, South Carolina for
the construction of the Spirit of South Carolina.
454. $250,000 to the City of Charleston, South Carolina for
improvements to the Spring Street/Fishburne Street drainage
basin.
455. $150,000 to the Choppee Regional Resource Center in
Georgetown County, South Carolina for planning and design and
construction of a multipurpose facility.
456. $150,000 to the Richland County Recreation Commission
in Columbia, South Carolina for construction, expansion,
renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
457. $150,000 to Williamsburg County, South Carolina for
renovation and build out of multipurpose facilities.
458. $150,000 to the city of Walterboro, South Carolina for
planning and design and construction of a multipurpose
facility, and streetscape improvements.
459. $150,000 to the Progressive Club in John's Island,
South Carolina for renovation and build out of a multipurpose
facility.
460. $150,000 to the Brainerd Institute Foundation in
Chester, South Carolina for renovation and build out of
multipurpose facilities.
461. $150,000 to Chester County, South Carolina Council for
planning and design and construction of a multipurpose
facility.
462. $150,000 to the City of Rock Hill, South Carolina for
planning and design, construction, renovation, and build out of
multipurpose facilities, industrial park development, and
streetscape improvements.
463. $100,000 to the City of North Charleston, South
Carolina for planning and design, construction, renovation and
build out of multipurpose facilities.
464. $400,000 to The Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place in Ft.
Pierre, South Dakota for facility construction and build out.
465. $100,000 to Saint Joseph's Indian School in
Chamberlain, South Dakota for planning and design and
construction of facilities.
466. $100,000 to the City of Jackson, Tennessee for
construction, renovation, and build out of recreational
facilities, and park improvements.
467. $400,000 to the Oak Ridge Nanotechnology
Commercialization Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee for the
construction of the Oak Ridge Nanotechnology Commercialization
Center.
468. $150,000 to the African American History Foundation of
Nashville, Tennessee for planning and design and construction
of a museum.
469. $150,000 to Overton County, Tennessee for planning and
design and construction of a new library.
470. $100,000 to Roane State Community College in Harriman,
Tennessee for planning and design, construction and build out
of a business incubator center.
471. $100,000 to Lemoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee
for planning and design and construction of housing.
472. $100,000 to Cannon County, Tennessee for downtown
revitalization and streetscape improvements.
473. $850,000 to the John Nance Garner Museum in Uvalde,
Texas for building renovations.
474. $750,000 to the City of Temple, Texas for the
acquisition and renovation of a facility.
475. $750,000 to Southwestern University in Georgetown,
Texas for the construction of the Center for Lifelong Learning.
476. $600,000 to the City of Bellmead, Texas for facility
construction, renovation and build out.
477. $400,000 to the City of Fort Worth, Texas for facility
design, construction, and property acquisition as part of the
Trinity River Vision Plan.
478. $250,000 to the City of Arlington Chamber of Commerce
in Arlington, Texas for the construction of the Entrepreneur
Center.
479. $250,000 to the Hearne Economic Development Corp., in
Hearne, Texas for renovation, build out, and conversion of
historic Camp Hearne facilities.
480. $250,000 to Texas College Tyler, Texas for the
construction of the Texas College Single Parent Support
Learning Complex.
481. $150,000 to the Mt. Zion Federal Credit Union in San
Antonio, Texas for purchase, construction, renovation, and
build out of a facility.
482. $150,000 to Harris County Precinct Three, Texas for
construction and build out of a multipurpose facility.
483. $150,000 to the Houston Hispanic Forum in Texas for
construction, renovation and build out of a new Hispanic
Cultural and Educational Center.
484. $150,000 to the Port of Brownsville, Texas for
planning and design and construction of a dock facility.
485. $100,000 to the Southwest Key Program, Inc., in
Austin, Texas for planning and design and construction of a
multipurpose facility.
486. $100,000 to the Houston Zoo in Texas for planning and
design and construction of an educational facility.
487. $100,000 to the City of San Juan, Texas for planning
and design and construction of a new library.
488. $100,000 to the Houston Zoo in Houston, Texas for the
construction of the Outdoor Life Science Learning Center.
489. $100,000 to the El Paso, Texas History Museum for
construction, renovation and build out of a museum.
490. $100,000 to the El Paso, Texas Empowerment Zone for
planning and design and construction of multipurpose
facilities, and streetscape improvements.
491. $100,000 to the City of San Antonio, Texas for
planning and design and construction of a pedestrian bridge,
and streetscape improvements.
492. $225,000 to Southern Utah University for planning and
design and construction of facilities, in connection with the
USF Center project.
493. $225,000 to the Western Mining and Railroad Museum in
Helper, Utah for planning and design, construction, renovation
and build out of the facility.
494. $500,000 to the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond,
Virginia for facility construction and renovation.
495. $400,000 to the Bayview Citizens for Social Justice,
Inc. in Bayview, Virginia for the construction of two multi-
purpose buildings.
496. $250,000 to the Fairfax County, Virginia Park
Authority for revitalization of Ossian Park in Annandale,
Virginia.
497. $250,000 to the City of Chesapeake, Virginia for
development and construction of Heritage Park.
498. $250,000 to the Art Museum of Western Virginia in
Roanoke, Virginia for the construction of a new facility.
499. $250,000 to Shenandoah University in Winchester,
Virginia for the construction of a business school.
500. $180,000 to the Historic Roanoke City Market in
Roanoke, Virginia for facility renovations.
501. $150,000 to the Russell County, Virginia Industrial
Development Authority for construction, renovation, and build
out of a technology workforce training center in Lebanon,
Virginia.
502. $150,000 to the Arlington, Virginia Housing
Corporation for planning and design and construction of
multipurpose facilities, and outdoor improvements.
503. $150,000 to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria,
Virginia for renovation and build out of a multipurpose
facility.
504. $100,000 to the Town of Clarksville, Virginia for
construction of the Clarksville Community Center.
505. $100,000 to the Town of Rocky Mount, Virginia for the
Crooked Road Project.
506. $100,000 to the Bassett Historical Center in Henry
County, Virginia for facilities construction.
507. $100,000 to Schuyler Community Center in Nelson
County, Virginia for structural repairs to the Schuyler
Community Center.
508. $75,000 to the Town of Boydton, Virginia for the
continuation of the revitalization of the central business
district.
509. $70,000 to the Shenandoah County, Virginia Performing
Arts Center for the renovation of the Edinburg School as it
converts into the Shenandoah County Performing Arts Center.
510. $50,000 to Fairfax County, Virginia Park Authority for
field improvements in Annandale, Virginia.
511. $50,000 to the Clarksville Fine Arts Center in
Clarksville, Virginia for facility renovations.
512. $150,000 to Henrico County, Virginia for land
acquisition, planning and design, and construction of a
memorial and visitors center.
513. $100,000 to the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands
for planning and design and construction of a visitors center.
514. $150,000 to Champlain Valley, Vermont Agency on Aging
for construction, renovation and build out of senior centers.
515. $100,000 to the Snohomish County, Washington Economic
Development Commission for economic development planning
activities.
516. $250,000 to Virtual Possibilities Network in Spokane,
Washington for expansion and upgrades to infrastructure and
supporting ancillary applications.
517. $150,000 to the Seattle, Washington Housing Authority
for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose
facility.
518. $100,000 to the Washington Technology Center in
Vancouver, Washington for facility renovation and build out.
519. $100,000 to the Nisqually Indian Tribe, in Washington
state for site preparation, in advance of economic development
activities.
520. $100,000 to the Hamilton, Washington Public
Development Authority for land acquisition, planning and
design, and construction of housing and infrastructure, to
assist in the redevelopment of Hamilton, Washington.
521. $300,000 to the North Central Wisconsin Regional
Planning Commission for capitalization of a revolving loan
fund.
522. $250,000 to Impact Seven in Almena, Wisconsin for land
acquisition, planning and design, construction, renovation and
build out of multipurpose facilities.
523. $250,000 to the City of Cedarburg, Wisconsin for the
demolition of a former manufacturing facility.
524. $200,000 to the Hudson Area Joint Library in Hudson,
Wisconsin for planning and design and construction of a new
library.
525. $200,000 to the Marshfield, Wisconsin Area Chamber of
Commerce for capitalization of a revolving loan fund.
526. $150,000 to the Madison Development Corporation, in
Madison, Wisconsin for facility development and equipment
purchase and installation.
527. $150,000 to the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern
Wisconsin, in Madison, Wisconsin for facility renovation, build
out, and construction.
528. $150,000 to the Metropolitan Business Collaborative in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin for planning and design and construction
of a multipurpose facility.
529. $150,000 to the Garfield Park Development LLC in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin for industrial park development.
530. $100,000 to the Chippewa Valley Technical College in
Eau Claire, Wisconsin for planning and design, construction,
renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
531. $300,000 to Marshall University in Point Pleasant,
West Virginia for the construction and build out of the
Marshall Mid-Ohio Valley Center.
532. $200,000 to the Kanawha Valley YMCA in Charleston,
West Virginia for facility renovations and build out.
533. $150,000 to the Southern West Virginia Community and
Technology College for construction, renovation and build out
of a multipurpose facility.
534. $100,000 to the City of Romney, West Virginia for the
renovation and conversion of the Coca Cola bottling plant into
a culture and arts center.
535. $100,000 to the Marion County, West Virginia Vietnam
Veterans Memorial, Inc. for facilities construction and
renovation and build out of a community center.
536. $100,000 to the Metropolitan Theatre Foundation in
Morgantown, West Virginia for construction, renovation and
build out of facilities.
537. $100,000 to the City of Weirton, West Virginia for
planning and design, construction, renovation, and build out of
facilities.
538. $100,000 to the Monongalia County, West Virginia
Schools Foundation, Inc. for construction of recreational
facilities.
539. $100,000 to the West Virginia Northern Community
College in Wheeling, West Virginia for planning, design,
construction, renovation and build out of facilities.
540. $100,000 to the City of Clarksburg, West Virginia for
planning associated with economic revitalization of the area.
541. $100,000 to Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi,
West Virginia for planning and design, construction,
renovation, and build out of facilities.
542. $100,000 to Connected Technologies Corridors, Inc. in
Beckley, West Virginia for construction, renovation and build
out of multipurpose facilities.
543. $250,000 to Ark Regional Services of Laramie, Wyoming
for construction of a facility.
544. $250,000 to the Dubois Community Project, Inc. of
Dubois, Wyoming for the construction, renovation, and build out
of facilities.
The Committee directs HUD to implement the Neighborhood
Initiatives program as follows:
1. $600,000 to Center for Creative Land Recycling in San
Francisco, California for technical assistance for land
remediation and redevelopment.
2. $400,000 to Westfield Vocational/Technical High School
in Westfield, Massachusetts for upgrading facilities and
equipment.
3. $750,000 to Walsh College in Troy, Michigan for the
construction of a main campus library.
4. $1,000,000 to the Neighborhood Initiative Program in
Syracuse, New York for the continuation of the Neighborhood
Initiative Program.
5. $375,000 to the Metropolitan Development Association in
Syracuse, New York for the continuation of the Essential New
York Initiative.
6. $1,250,000 to Bucks County Community College in Bucks
County, Pennsylvania for facilities design and construction.
7. $750,000 to Pennsylvania Highlands Community College for
land acquisition, planning and design, construction,
renovation, and build out of facilities.
8. $2,000,000 to the City of Charleston, South Carolina for
planning and design, construction and build out of the City of
Charleston's International African American Museum.
9. $250,000 to NWCEP, Inc. in Ashland, Wisconsin for
education and training, emergency assistance, and related
services for displaced workers and their families.
The Committee agrees with the Administration's proposal to
shift the Youthbuild program to the Department of Labor. This
move will allow for better management of the program and is
more aligned with the objectives of that department.
Additionally, the Committee has maintained the formula
program at the highest possible level for fiscal year 2007,
consistent with the need to fund Section 8 rental assistance
programs, meet the public housing operating expenses
administered by public housing authorities, as well as the
housing programs for the elderly and disabled. This effort has
been complicated by what can only be described as the
Administration's arbitrary cut to the CDBG program. The
Administration has justified the proposed reduced funding level
relative to fiscal year 2006 as part of a reform of the program
to be coupled with a change to the formula for distributing
funds. Yet despite months of lead time prior to the submission
of the Administration's budget request, it has failed to
deliver a reform proposal in time to be considered and acted on
by the relevant committees of jurisdiction.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LOAN GUARANTEES PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Program cost:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006..................... $3,713,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................. - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -3,713,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
Limitation on Guaranteed loans:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006..................... $137,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................. - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -137,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Section 108 Loan Guarantees program underwrites private
market loans to assist local communities in the financing of
the acquisition and rehabilitation of publicly-owned real
property, rehabilitation of housing, and certain economic
development projects.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends no funds for this program as was
proposed in the budget. No funds were requested by the
administration. In fiscal year 2006, $3,712,500 was provided
for program costs with a loan limitation of $137,500,000. While
the Committee recognizes that there is a place for a non-
competitive loan program to fill gaps in funding at the local
level, this program is not consistent with current government
loan principles and has not been fully utilized due to the
reluctance to use Community Development Block Grant funds as
collateral.
Brownfields Redevelopment
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $9,900,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -9,900,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Brownfields Redevelopment program provides competitive
economic development grants in conjunction with section 108
loan guarantees for qualified Brownfields projects. Grants are
made in accordance with section 108(q) selection criteria. The
goal of the program is to return contaminated sites to
productive uses with an emphasis on creating substantial
numbers of jobs for lower-income people in physically and
economically distressed neighborhoods.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends no funding for the Brownfields
Redevelopment Program at HUD. The budget request has proposed
no funding for the past several years. Congress enacted
$9,900,000 in fiscal year 2006 for the program while also
rescinding $10,000,000 of unobligated balances. The Committee
believes that due to the recent dramatic increases in funding
in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and expanded EPA
authority in recent authorizations for this program, HUD
funding is no longer essential or appropriate. The House has
already provided $2,336,442,000 in the fiscal year 2007
appropriations bill for the EPA program.
Home Investment Partnerships Program
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $1,757,250,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 1,916,640,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,916,640,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +159,390,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The HOME investment partnerships program uses formula
allocations to provide grants to States, units of local
government, Indian tribes, and insular areas for the purpose of
expanding the supply of affordable housing in the jurisdiction.
Upon receipt, State and local governments develop a
comprehensive housing affordability strategy that enables them
to acquire, rehabilitate, or construct new affordable housing,
or to provide rental assistance to eligible families.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,916,640,000 for activities
funded under this account, $159,390,000 above the level enacted
in fiscal year 2006 and the same as the request. Funds are
provided as follows:
--Formula Grants: $1,827,945,000 for formula grants
for participating jurisdictions (States, units of local
government and consortia of units of local government)
and insular areas, an increase of $151,297,000 above
the amount enacted for fiscal year 2006 and $28,303,000
above the amount requested. Of the amount provided,
pursuant to the authorizing statute, at least 15
percent of each participating jurisdiction's allocation
is reserved for housing that is developed, sponsored,
or owned by Community Housing Development Organizations
(CHDOs);
--HOME/CHDO Technical Assistance: $9,900,000 for
technical assistance activities for State and local
participating jurisdictions and non-profit CHDOs. The
Committee notes that the HOME statute authorizes
technical assistance to be provided through contracts
with eligible non-profit intennediaries as well as with
other organizations recommended by participating
jurisdictions and therefore directs HUD to use
$3,500,000 to contract with qualified non-profit
intermediaries to provide CHDO, technical assistance in
fiscal year 2007;
--Housing Counseling: $41,580,000, plus an additional
$9,000,000 for contracts to provide counseling of
prospective HECM borrowers as required by subsection
(f) of section 255 of the National Housing Act (12
D.S.C. 1715z-20);
--Working Capital Fund: no less than $3,465,000 for
transfer to the Working Capital Fund to support the
development and modification of information technology
systems that serve programs and activities under
Community Planning and Development. In addition to the
amounts above; and
--Down-payment Assistance Initiative: $24,750,000 for
the Down-payment Assistance Initiative to be allocated
by the Secretary to participating jurisdictions to
provide down-payment assistance to low income families
to help them achieve homeownership.
Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $60,390,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 39,700,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 60,390,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +20,690,000
Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) funds
assist low-income homebuyers willing to contribute ``sweat
equity'' toward the construction of their houses. The funds
will increase nonprofit organizations' ability to leverage
funds from other sources and produce at least 2,000 new
homeownership units. In 2006, SHOP became a separate account.
SHOP was previously funded as a set-aside within the Community
Development Fund.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $60,390,000 for the Self Help and
Assisted Homeownership Program. This account funds programs
that previously have been funded as set asides within the
Community Development Fund. This is the same as the fiscal year
2006 funding level and $20,690,000 above the budget request.
The budget request did not propose any funding in this
account beyond the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program.
However, programs within this account provide a critical role
promoting affordable housing and the ability to maximize the
federal investment in these activities; a role that is all the
more critical in the context of fiscal restraint and
demonstrated results. Therefore language is included that
provides:
--$21,920,000 for the Self Help Homeownership
Program;
--$32,000,000 for the National Community Development
Initiative (NCDI) for LISC and Enterprise Foundation,
of which $1,000,000 is for capacity building activities
administered by Habitat for Humanity and not less than
$1,000,000, is for rural areas;
--$1,980,000 for the National Housing Development
Corporation;
--$3,500,000 for the Housing Assistance Council; and
--$990,000 for Technical Assistance.
Homeless Assistance Grants
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $1,326,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 1,535,990,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,535,990,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +209,390,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The homeless assistance grants account provides funding for
the following homeless programs under title IV of the McKinney
Act: (1) the emergency shelter grants program; (2) the
supportive housing program; (3) the section 8 moderate
rehabilitation (Single Room Occupancy) program; and (4) the
shelter plus care program. This account also supports
activities eligible under the innovative homeless initiatives
demonstration program.
committee recommendation
The Committee recommends funding homeless programs at
$1,535,990,000, an increase of $209,390,000 above the enacted
level for 2006 and the same as the budget request. The
recommendation includes no less than $285,000,000 for full
funding of the costs associated with the renewal of all
expiring Shelter Plus Care contracts. Language is included in
the bill requiring funds to be made available for this purpose.
Funding for the Prisoner Re-entry Initiative and the Samaritan
bonus are not included. The recommendation also includes
$10,395,000 for technical assistance and data analysis, and no
less than $2,475,000 for transfer to the Working Capital Fund
for development and modifications of information technology
systems that serve activities under Community Planning and
Development. The Committee directs the Department to ensure to
the largest extent possible that funding is made available for
all eligible activities including permanent housing,
transitional housing, and supportive service.
Language is included in the bill that: (1) requires not
less than 30 percent of the funds appropriated, excluding
amounts made available for renewals under the shelter plus care
program, be used for permanent housing; (2) requires the
renewal of all expiring shelter plus care contracts; (3)
requires funding recipients to provide a 25 percent match for
social services activities; (4) requires all homeless programs
to coordinate their programs with mainstream health, social
services, and employment programs; and (5) provides two year
availability for obligation of funds provided under this
account, except that no year availability is provided for the
portion of funding necessary to meet initial contract
requirements for the Single Room Occupancy program.
Housing Programs
Project-Based Rental Assistance
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $5,037,417,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 5,675,700,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 5,475,700,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +438,283,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -200,000,000
The Project-Based Rental Assistance account (PBRA) provides
a rental subsidy to a private landlord tied to a specific
housing unit so that the properties themselves, rather than the
individual living in the unit, remain subsidized. Amounts
provided in this account include funding for the renewal of
expiring project-based contracts, including Section 8, moderate
rehabilitation, and single room occupancy (SRO) contracts,
amendments to Section 8 project-based contracts, and
administrative costs for performance-based, project-based
Section 8 contract administrators and costs associated with
administering moderate rehabilitation and single room occupancy
contracts.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee provides a total of $5,475,700,000 for the
annual renewal of project-based contracts, of which
$145,500,000 is for the costs of contract administrators and
$3,960,000 is for the Working Capital Fund. This funding level
is $438,283,000 above the enacted level for fiscal year 2006
and is $200,000,000 below the budget request. The Committee's
recommendation includes the use of project-based recaptures for
the renewal of project-based contracts and amendments as well
as for performance-based contract administrators in 2007.
The Committee remains concerned that the Department take
adequate measures to avoid late or delayed payments to
providers of Project Based Section 8 rental housing. GAO's
report ``Project-Based Rental Assistance: HUD Should Streamline
Its Processes to ensure Timely Housing Assistance Payments
(GA)-06-57)'' recommended three specific areas for improvement
which the Department agreed would enhance performance in this
area. These include: (1) streamlining and automating the
contract renewal process; (2) developing systematic means to
better estimate the amounts that should be allocated to
project-based assistance contracts, monitor ongoing funding
needs of each contract, and ensure that additional funds are
promptly obligated to contracts when necessary to prevent
payment delays; and, (3) notify owners promptly if payments
will be made late and the date by which HUD expects to make the
monthly payment to the owner.
The Committee understands that the Department has engaged
consultants to develop measures to implement these
recommendations. Accordingly, the Department is directed to
provide the Committee with a report on progress achieved in
reducing the incidence of late payments to project-based
providers and other measures to implement GAO's recommendations
to accompany the Department's fiscal year 2007 Operating Plan
submission. The report is to include a preliminary allocation
plan for fiscal year 2007 funding requirements for both
project-based contract renewal and amendment funding needs in
fiscal year 2007. In addition, the report accompanying the
Operating Plan is to address how the proposed fiscal year 2007
program for project based-based renewals and amendments, as
reflected in the preliminary allocation plan, is to be funded
using a combination of new budget authority and recaptures in
fiscal year 2007.
The Department is directed to submit supporting
documentation accompanying the fiscal year 2008 project-based
Section 8 budget request. This documentation is to include a
project-by-project analysis that verifies the funding request
for renewals and amendments.
HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $734,580,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 545,490,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 734,580,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +189,090,000
The Housing for the Elderly (Section 202) program provides
eligible private, non-profit organizations with capital grants
to finance the acquisition, rehabilitation or construction of
housing intended for low income elderly people. In addition,
the program provides project-based rental assistance contracts
(PRAC) to support operational costs for units constructed under
the program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $734,580,000 for the Section 202
program for fiscal year 2007, the same level as enacted for
fiscal year 2006 and $189,090,000 above the request for fiscal
year 2007. The recommendation allocates funding as follows:
--$603,900,000 for new capital and project rental
assistance contracts (PRAC);
--$44,550,000 for one year renewals of expiring PRAC
payments;
--$59,400,000 for service coordinators and the
continuation of congregate services grants;
--$24,750,000 for grants to convert section 202
projects to assisted living facilities; and
--No less than $1,980,000 to be transfered to the
Working Capital Fund to support the development of and
modifications to information technology systems, which
support programs and activities for the elderly.
The Committee continues language relating to the initial
contract and renewal terms for assistance provided under this
heading. Language is also included to allow these funds to be
used for inspections and analysis of data by HUD's Real Estate
Assessment Center (REAC).
Housing for Persons With Disabilities
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $236,610,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 118,800,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 236,610,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +117,810,000
The Housing for Persons with Disabilities (Section 811)
program provides eligible private, non-profit organizations
with capital grants to finance the acquisition, rehabilitation
or construction of supportive housing for disabled persons and
provides project-based rental assistance (PRAC) to support
operational costs for such units.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $236,610,000 for Section 811
activities, the same as fiscal year 2006 enacted level, and
$117,810,000 above the budget request. In doing so, the
Committee rejects the proposal to all but eliminate funding for
the construction of facilities that accommodate low income
disabled individuals. The Committee finds that, in fact, there
is universal agreement at all levels of analysis that facility
construction is needed for this program in fiscal year 2007.
The recommendation allocates funding as follows:
--Up to $145,875,000 for capital grants and PRAC;
--$74,745,000 for renewals or amendments of expiring
tenant-based rental assistance;
--$15,000,000 for PRAC renewals;
--$990,000 for transfer to the Working Capital Fund
for the development and maintenance of information
technology systems for programs and activities for
housing for persons with disabilities programs; and
--No funds are provided for ``mainstream'' vouchers
in fiscal year 2007.
The Committee continues language allowing these funds to be
used for inspections and analysis of data by HUD's REAC program
office.
The Committee directs HUD to report to the Committees on
Appropriations by March 1, 2007, the number of non-elderly
disabled vouchers that are still in circulation and being used
by non-elderly disabled individuals.
Housing Counseling
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... $44,550,000
Recommended in the bill - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -44,500,000
Section 106 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of
1968 authorized HUD to provide housing counseling services to
homebuyers, homeowners, low and moderate income renters, and
the homeless.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee does not recommend the creation of a separate
account for housing counseling activities, but instead has
provided $41,580,000 for this activity as a set-aside within
the HOME Investments Partnership Program account.
Flexible Subsidy Fund
(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 authorized
HUD to establish a revolving fund into which rental collections
in excess of the established basic rents for units in Section
236 subsidized projects are deposited. Subject to approval in
appropriations acts, the Secretary is authorized under the
Housing and Community Development Amendment of 1978 to transfer
excess rent collections received after 1978 to the Troubled
Projects Operating Subsidy program, renamed the Flexible
Subsidy Fund.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends that the account continue to serve
as a repository of excess rental charges appropriated from the
Rental Housing Assistance Fund. Although these resources will
not be used for new reservations, they will continue to offset
flexible subsidy outlays and other discretionary expenditures
to support affordable housing projects.
The Committee's recommendation includes language identical
to language carried in prior years, to allow surplus funds
derived from rental collections which were in excess of
allowable rent levels to be returned to project owners only for
the purposes of rehabilitating and renovating those properties.
Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $13,000,000
Offsetting collections............................ 13,000,000
Budget request, 2007.................................. 16,000,000
Offsetting collections............................ 16,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 16,000,000
Offsetting collections............................ 16,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +3,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety
Standards Act of 1974, as amended by the Manufactured Housing
Improvement Act of 2000, authorized the Secretary to establish
Federal manufactured home construction and safety standards for
the construction, design, and performance of manufactured
homes.
All manufactured homes are required to meet the Federal
standards, and fees are charged to producers to cover the costs
of administering the Act.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends up to $16,000,000 for the
manufactured housing standards programs to be derived from fees
collected and deposited in the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust
Fund established pursuant to the Manufactured Housing
Improvement Act of 2000. The amount recommended is the same as
the budget request and $3,000,000 above the fiscal year 2006
enacted level. Language contained in previous Acts is continued
to ensure that the net expenditures do not exceed fee
collections at the end of the fiscal year.
In addition, The Committee includes language allowing the
Department to collect fees from program participants for the
dispute resolution and installation programs. These fees are to
be deposited into the trust fund and may be used by the
Department subject to the overall cap placed on the account.
Federal Housing Administration
MUTUAL MORTGAGE INSURANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitation of Limitation of Administrative
direct loans guaranteed loans expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006..................... $50,000,000 $185,000,000,000 $351,450,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................... 50,000,000 185,000,000,000 351,450,000
Recommended in the bill............................. 50,000,000 185,000,000,000 351,450,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................. - - - - - - - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007................ - - - - - - - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) mutual mortgage
insurance program account includes the mutual mortgage
insurance (MMI) and cooperative management housing insurance
funds. This program account covers unsubsidized programs,
primarily the single-family home mortgage program, which is the
largest of all the FHA programs. The cooperative housing
insurance program provides mortgages for cooperative housing
projects of more than five units that are occupied by members
of a cooperative housing corporation.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends the following limitations on loan
commitments in the MMI program account: $185,000,000,000 for
loan guarantees and $50,000,000 for direct loans. The
recommendation also includes $351,450,000 for administrative
expenses, of which $347,490,000 is transferred to Salaries and
Expenses, and $3,960,000 is transferred to the Office of
Inspector General. In addition, $52,400,000 is provided for
non-overhead administrative contract expenses, of which
$23,562,000 is transferred to the Working Capital Fund for
development and modifications to information technology systems
that serve programs or activities under the Office of Housing
or the Federal Housing Administration. The Committee continues
language, as requested, appropriating additional administrative
expenses in certain circumstances.
GENERAL AND SPECIAL RISK PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Limitation of Limitation of Administrative
direct loans guaranteed loans expenses Program costs
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006...... $50,000,000 $35,000,000,000 $229,086,000 $8,712,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007..... 50,000,000 35,000,000,000 229,086,000 8,600,000
Recommended in the bill.............. 50,000,000 35,000,000,000 229,086,000 8,600,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006.. - - - - - - - - - -112,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007. - - - - - - - - -
The Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) general and
special risk insurance (GI and SRI) program account includes 17
different programs administered by FHA. The GI fund includes a
wide variety of insurance programs for special purpose single
and multi-family loans, including loans for property
improvements, manufactured housing, multi-family rental
housing, condominiums, housing for the elderly, hospitals,
group practice facilities, and nursing homes. The SRI fund
includes insurance programs for mortgages in older, declining
urban areas that would not be otherwise eligible for insurance,
mortgages with interest reduction payments, mortgages for
experimental housing, and for high-risk mortgagors who would
not normally be eligible for mortgage insurance without housing
counseling.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends the following limitations on loan
commitments for the general and special risk insurance program
account as requested: $35,000,000,000 for loan guarantees and
$50,000,000 for direct loans.
As requested, the recommendation includes $8,600,000 in
direct appropriations for credit subsidy. The recommendation
also includes $229,086,000 for administrative expenses, of
which $209,286,000 is transferred to Salaries and Expenses and
$19,800,000 is transferred to the Office of Inspector General.
An additional $72,778,000 is provided for non-overhead
administrative expenses, of which no less than $10,692,000 is
transferred to the Working Capital Fund for development and
modifications to information technology systems that serve
activities under the Office of Housing or the Federal Housing
Administration.
The Committee is very concerned with the proposed increase
in the annual premium charged for most multi-family loan
guarantees in the fiscal year 2007 request. The stated
rationale for this substantial premium increase is to offset
administrative costs associated with these programs. However no
detailed explanation has been given for the amount of this
premium increase, its likely adverse effect on loan volume and
affordable rental housing production, or the resulting rent
increases necessary to cover the cost of the larger premium
payments. Moreover, the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990
specifically mandates that administrative costs associated with
loan guarantee programs be paid from discretionary
appropriations rather than being reflected in the credit
programs financing.
The Committee sees no merit in the Administration's
argument that these mortgage insurance premiums should be
raised because these programs have not clearly demonstrated
effectiveness in meeting affordable housing goals. Raising
program costs can only diminish the contribution of these
programs in expanding lower cost housing opportunities. In the
face of the growing nationwide shortage of affordable housing,
imposing further constraints on FHA rental housing development
makes little sense.
The proposed mortgage insurance premium increase reverses
the previous policy of the Administration to work towards the
lowest premium allowable while still enabling FHA to offer this
rental housing financing at no cost to the taxpayers. For the
largest moderate income rental housing development program
offered by FHA, the proposed premium represents more than a 71
percent increase in annual cost. These very substantial premium
increases would also be levied against the FHA nursing home and
hospital financing programs.
Given the very substantial size of the premium increase and
the abrupt reversal of the underlying policy of the Department
in setting these premiums, the Committee believes strongly that
full notice and comment rulemaking would be the only
appropriate mechanism to pursue this proposal, and so directs
the Department. Such administrative procedures would accord FHA
industry partners, including lenders, developers, and builders,
an opportunity to comment on the proposal. It would also permit
a full assessment of the likely impact of such a premium
increase on the volume of multifamily rental housing
development, and the consequential effects of higher financing
costs on rents borne by moderate income residents.
Therefore, the Department is directed to submit to the
appropriate Committees of Congress a thorough assessment of the
potential adverse effects of the proposed premium structure,
including the evaluation of alternatives such as utilizing
negative subsidy and program revenues to cover administrative
costs, before proceeding with implementation of the fee
increases proposed in the budget.
Government National Mortgage Association
GUARANTEES OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Limitation of guaranteed loans:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006.................. $200,000,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007................. 100,000,000,000
Recommended in the bill.......................... 100,000,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................ -100,000,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007............... - - -
Administrative expenses:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006.................. $10,700,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007................. 54,000,000
Recommended in the bill.......................... 10,700,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................ - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007............... -43,300,000
The guarantee of mortgage-backed securities program
facilitates the financing of residential mortgage loans insured
or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, the
Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Rural Housing Services
program. The Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA)
guarantees the timely payment of principal and interest on
securities issued by private service institutions such as
mortgage companies, commercial banks, savings banks, and
savings and loan associations that assemble pools of mortgages,
and issues securities backed by the pools. In turn, investment
proceeds are used to finance additional mortgage loans.
Investors include non-traditional sources of credit in the
housing market such as pension and retirement funds, life
insurance companies, and individuals.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The recommendation includes a $100,000,000,000 limitation
on loan commitments for mortgage-backed securities as
requested, a $100,000,000,000 reduction from the level provided
in fiscal year 2006. The Committee also recommends $10,700,000
for administrative expenses to be transferred to Salaries and
Expenses.
The Committee rejects the budget proposal to charge issuers
an upfront fee to offset the administrative expenses of the
program. No detailed explanation has been provided to justify
this change from prior years or its likely adverse effect on
volume and affordable rental housing production. Raising
program costs can only diminish the contribution of GNMA in
expanding lower cost housing opportunities. In the face of the
growing nationwide shortage of affordable housing, and the goal
of increased homeownership, imposing this change to the way
GNMA conducts business makes little sense.
Policy Development and Research
RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $55,787,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 68,360,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 55,787,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -12,574,000
The Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 directs the
Secretary to undertake programs of research, studies, testing,
and demonstrations related to the HUD mission. These functions
are carried out internally through contracts with industry,
non-profit research organizations, and educational institutions
and through agreements with State and local governments and
other Federal agencies.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $55,787,000 for the Office of
Policy Development and Research. This is the same level of
funding as enacted for fiscal year 2006 and $12,574,000 below
the budget request. Of the amounts made available, language is
included to designate:
--$30,393,000 for basic research;
--$20,394,000 for grants to institutions of higher
education funded under Section 107; and
--$5,000,000 for the PATH program. The Committee
continues language that exempts 50 percent of the funds
provided from competition. The Committee agrees with
the proposal to administer this program within Policy
Development and Research. The Department is encouraged
to incorporate steel and other PATH technologies that
have high durability and resistance to both termites
and mold to the extent possible in its response to
natural disasters.
Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
FAIR HOUSING ACTIVITIES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $45,540,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 44,550,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 44,550,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -990,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Fair Housing Act, title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of
1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988,
prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of
housing and authorizes assistance to State and local agencies
in administering the provision of fair housing statutes. The
Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) assists State and local
fair housing enforcement agencies that are certified by HUD as
``substantially equivalent'' to HUD with respect to enforcement
policies and procedures. FHAP assures prompt and effective
processing of complaints filed under title VIII that are within
the jurisdiction of State and local fair housing agencies. The
Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) alleviates housing
discrimination by providing support to private nonprofit
organizations, State and local government agencies and other
nonfederal entities for the purpose of eliminating or
preventing discrimination in housing, and to enhance fair
housing opportunities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total of $44,550,000 for this
account, a decrease of $990,000 below the fiscal year 2006
enacted level and the same as the Administration's budget
request. Of this amount, $25,750,000 is for FHAP and
$18,800,000 is for FHIP.
The Committee expects HUD to continue to provide quarterly
reports on obligation and expenditure of these funds,
delineated by each program and activity.
Office of Lead Hazard Control
LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $150,480,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 114,840,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 114,840,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -35,640,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Lead Hazard Reduction Program, authorized under the
Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, provides grants
to State and local governments to perform lead hazard reduction
activities in housing occupied by low income families. The
program also provides technical assistance, undertakes research
and evaluations of testing and cleanup methodologies, and
develops technical guidance and regulations in cooperation with
the Environmental Protection Agency.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $114,840,000 for this account, the
same as the budget request. Amounts provided are to be
allocated as follows:
--$91,674,000 for the lead-based paint hazard control
grant program to provide assistance to State and local
governments and Native American tribes for lead-based
paint abatement in private low income housing;
--$8,712,000 for Operation LEAP (Lead Elimination
Action Program), which provides competitive grants to
non-profit organizations and the private sector for
activities, which leverage funds for local lead hazard
control programs;
--$5,742,000 for technical assistance and support to
State and local agencies and private property owners;
and
--$8,712,000 for the Healthy Homes Initiative for
competitive grants for research, standards development,
and education and outreach activities to address lead-
based paint poisoning and other housing-related
diseases and hazards.
The Committee continues language delegating the authority
and responsibility for performing environmental review for the
Healthy Homes Initiative, LEAP, and Lead Technical Studies
projects and programs to governmental entities that are
familiar with local environmental conditions, trends and
priorities.
The Committee reminds the Department that all funding
provided under this heading is to be competitively awarded as
required under the HUD Reform Act of 1989 and Section 305 of
the Administrative Provisions under this title.
Management and Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $573,210,000
Transfers FHA/GNMA.................................... 568,542,000
Total............................................. 1,141,752,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 593,893,000
Transfers............................................. 567,907,000
Total............................................. 1,161,800,000
Recommended in this bill.............................. 573,210,000
Transfers............................................. 567,908,000
Total............................................. 1,141,118,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -634,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -20,682,000
This account finances all salaries and related costs
associated with administering the programs of the Department of
Housing and Urban Development, except for the Office of
Inspector General and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise
Oversight. These activities include housing, mortgage credit
and secondary market programs, community planning and
development programs, departmental management, legal services,
field direction and administration.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends total funding of $1,141,118,000
for the salaries and expenses of the Department. This is
$634,000 less than the fiscal year 2006 enacted amount and
$20,682,000 below the budget request.
The Committee has provided funding based on the
Department's requested level of FTEs and object classes. The
Department is limited to the object class levels that are
described in the 2007 Congressional Budget Submission (page I-
4.) This is the distribution that HUD must use unless changes
are granted as part of the Department's Operating Plan.
Language is included to allow the Department to transfer up
to $15,000,000 from Salaries and Expenses to the Working
Capital Fund after receipt and approval of an Operating Plan
change detailing the uses of the transfers and the object
classes being reduced in this account.
Funding for indemnities is at the budget request level but
is further limited to non-programmatic litigation and is
restricted to the payment of attorney fees only. Program-
related litigation must be paid from the individual program
office Salary and Expenses allocation. The budget submission
must include program-related litigation costs as a separate
line item request.
The Committee is concerned about an April 28, 2006, speech
in which the Secretary indicated that a contract award was
denied due to the political views of the contract applicant.
Contract award decisions must be based solely on providing the
best value to the taxpayer. The use of contract awards as a
means of rewarding political supporters or punishing political
opponents is not acceptable. The Committee will continue to
monitor the Department's compliance with the Federal
Acquisition Regulation. In addition, the Committee directs GAO
to review all contract decisions in which the Secretary was
personally involved during his time at the Department for
adherence to the Federal Acquisition Regulation and report
their findings to the Committees on Appropriations by April 1,
2007.
Operating Plans/Reprogramming Requirements.--All
Departments within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction are required
to submit operating plans and reprogramming letters and
reorganization proposals for Committee approval. HUD is
reminded that operating plans or reprogramming requirements
apply to any reallocation of resources totaling more than
$500,000 among any program, project or activity as well as to
any significant reorganization within offices or the proposed
creation or elimination of any program or office, regardless of
the dollar amount involved and any reorganization, regardless
of the dollar amount involved. Object class changes above
$500,000 also are subject to operating plan or reprogramming
requirements. Unless otherwise specified in this Act or the
accompanying report, the approved level for any program,
project, or activity is that amount detailed for that program,
project, or activity in the Department's annual detailed
Congressional submission. These requirements apply to all funds
provided to the Department. The Department is expected to make
any necessary changes during fiscal year 2007 to its current
procedures and systems to ensure that it is able to meet the
necessary operating plan and reprogramming requirements applied
to other agencies funded in the bill.
Budget Submission.--The Committee expects the Department's
fiscal year 2008 submission to be submitted in the identical
format and continues its direction that strategic planning
documents, formats or materials are not to be incorporated into
the submission. The Committee continues language under
Administrative Provisions setting forth such requirements.
Language is included in the bill, similar to language
carried in prior Acts, which designates amounts provided from
various accounts for Salaries and Expenses and which requires
the Department to implement appropriate funds control and
financial management procedures.
The Committee has noted in previous years the importance of
the central budget offices of the departments, agencies, and
commissions funded under this Act. Therefore, the Committee
directs that the central budget office within the Chief
Financial Office, which functions as the central budget and
policy office and contributes significantly to the Department's
funds control efforts be staffed at a level of no less than 61
FTEs of which 11 FTEs are associated with the Working Capital
Fund and 50 with the Departmental Management account. Further,
the Committee directs the Department to fill mission critical
positions immediately. In addition the Committee directs the
Department to effectuate the transfer of the Working Capital
Fund Accounting unit to the Office of Budget, as agreed to by
the Committee and the Department, no later than July 1, 2006.
Working Capital Fund
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $195,030,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 219,780,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 100,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -95,030,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -119,780,000
The Working Capital Fund was established pursuant to 42
U.S.C. 3535 to provide necessary capital for the development
of, modifications to, and infrastructure for Department-wide
information technology systems, and for the continuing
operation of both Department-wide and program-specific
information technology systems.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee remains committed to improving HUD's
information technology capacity. To a large extent, both HUD's
and Congress' ability to oversee the effectiveness of HUD's
programs is undermined due to the failure of HUD's information
systems to provide the information necessary to assess program
performance and ensure effective resource management. The
Committee recommends $100,000,000 in direct appropriation for
the Working Capital Fund to support Department-wide information
technology system activities, this is $95,030,000 below the
fiscal year 2006 level and $119,780,000 below the budget
request. In addition to the direct appropriation for
Department-wide systems, funds are transferred from various
accounts to be used exclusively for program-specific
information technology requirements.
The Committee has included language that precludes the use
of these or any other funds appropriated previously to the
Working Capital Fund or program offices for transfer to the
Working Capital Fund that would be used or transferred to any
other entity in HUD or elsewhere for the purposes of
implementing the Administration's ``e-Gov'' initiative without
the Committee's approval in HUD's operating plan. The Committee
directs that funds appropriated for specific projects and
activities should not be reduced or eliminated in order to fund
other activities inside and outside of HUD without the
expressed approval of the Committee. HUD is not to contribute
or participate in activities that are specifically precluded in
legislation, unless the Committee agrees to a change.
Office of Inspector General
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation FHA funds Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006.............................. $81,180,000 $23,760,000 $104,940,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007............................. 83,240,000 23,760,000 107,000,000
Recommended in this bill..................................... 83,240,000 23,760,000 107,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006.......................... +2,060,000 - - - +2,060,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007......................... - - - - - - - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Office of Inspector General (IG) provides agency-wide
audit and investigative functions to identify and correct
management and administrative deficiencies that create
conditions for existing or potential instances of waste, fraud,
and mismanagement. The audit function provides internal audit,
contract audit, and inspection services. Contract audits
provide professional advice to agency contracting officials on
accounting and financial matters relative to negotiation,
award, administration, re-pricing, and settlement of contracts.
Internal audits evaluate all facets of agency operations.
Inspection services provide detailed technical evaluations of
agency operations. The investigative function provides for the
detection and investigation of improper and illegal activities
involving programs, personnel, and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $107,000,000 for the Office of
Inspector General, an increase of $2,060,000 above the amount
provided in fiscal year 2006 and the same as the budget
request. Of this amount, $23,760,000 is derived from transfers
from Federal Housing Administration funds.
Language is included in the bill which: (1) designates
amounts available to the Inspector General from other accounts;
and (2) clarifies the authority of the Inspector General with
respect to certain personnel issues.
The Committee is aware that the IG has advocated forcing
HUD to rescind obligated balances for project-based contracts
that have already received appropriations and which are
obligated on live contracts. The Committee is strongly opposed
to the rescission of funds that may still be needed in the
future and which, if enacted, could force the Committee to
appropriate funds a second time.
This situation has also occurred in the Section 236 program
with amounts rescinded in fiscal year 2005 declared in excess
only to have appropriations required in fiscal year 2006. The
IG is instructed to identify in any audit or non-audit related
decision, recommendation, or conclusion that refers to excess
funds available for rescission those funds which are obligated
on active contracts. Further, the IG is to include in its
operating plan any proposed evaluation of active programs,
contracts or projects instituted for the purpose of identifying
excess funds for rescission.
The Committee also includes language that precludes the
audit of the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) on
any terms and conditions other than those currently in effect,
and which have been in effect for years. GNMA does not belong
under credit reform rules and has never been subjected to those
rules in any previous audit.
The Committee directs the IG to report on its audits and
investigative efforts either in place or currently planned,
related to the use of Departmental funds in the rebuilding
efforts in the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of the 2005
hurricanes. The Committee requests that the IG provide an
update on their efforts in this regard no later than January 1,
2007.
OFFICE OF FEDERAL HOUSING ENTERPRISE OVERSIGHT SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $60,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 62,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 62,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO)
was established in 1992 to regulate the financial safety and
soundness of the two housing government-sponsored enterprises
(GSEs)--the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)
and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac).
The office was authorized in the Federal Housing Enterprises
Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, which also provided
enhanced authority to enforce these standards. In addition to
financial regulation, the OFHEO monitors the GSEs compliance
with affordable housing goals that were contained in the Act.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $62,000,000 for OFHEO, as the
budget requested, to be derived from fees assessed to the GSEs
and deposited into the Federal Housing Enterprises Oversight
Fund.
Administrative Provisions
Section 301 relates to the division of financing adjustment
factors, as requested.
Section 302 prohibits available funds from being used to
investigate or prosecute lawful activities under the Fair
Housing Act, which was proposed for deletion.
Section 303 continues language to correct an anomaly in the
HOPWA formula that results in the loss of funds for certain
States.
Section 304 authorizes the Secretary to waive certain
requirements related to an assisted living pilot project, as
requested.
Section 305 continues language requiring funds appropriated
to be distributed on a competitive basis in accordance with the
Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989.
Section 306 continues language, carried in previous years,
regarding the availability of funds subject to the Government
Corporation Control Act and the Housing Act of 1950.
Section 307 continues language, carried in previous years,
regarding allocation of funds in excess of the budget
estimates.
Section 308 continues language, carried in previous years,
regarding the expenditure of funds for corporations and
agencies subject to the Government Corporation Control Act.
Section 309 continues language, carried in previous years,
requiring submission of a spending plan for technical
assistance, training and management improvement activities
prior to the expenditure of funds.
Section 310 continues language requiring the Secretary to
provide quarterly reports on uncommitted, unobligated and
excess funds in each departmental program and activity.
Section 311 extends a technical amendment included in the
fiscal year 2000 appropriations Act relating to the allocation
of HOPWA funds in the Philadelphia and Raleigh-Cary
metropolitan areas. A proviso is added to allow a state to
administer the HOPWA program in the event that a local
government is unable to undertake the HOPWA grants management
functions.
Section 312 continues language setting certain requirements
for the Department's annual congressional justification of
appropriations.
Section 313 continues language carried in previous years
elsewhere in this title requiring public housing authorities to
continue to reserve incremental vouchers funded in previous
years for persons with disabilities upon turnover.
Section 314 relates to state authority regarding
participation on housing boards.
Section 315 continues language in previous acts specifying
the allocation of Indian Block grants to Native Alaskan
recipients.
Section 316 prohibits the IG from changing the basis on
which the audit of GNMA is conducted.
Section 317 continues language carried in previous years
elsewhere in this title requiring public housing authorities to
continue to reserve incremental vouchers funded in previous
years for family unification upon turnover.
Section 318 continues language clarifying that the projects
selected by HUD for Section 202b assistance prior to December
1, 2003 are also eligible to use the limited partnership
ownership structure. No more than three commercial properties
are authorized to receive grants under section 202b of the
Housing Act of 1959.
Section 319 continues language requiring that athletic
scholarships for housing shall be considered part of adjusted
income for purposes of eligibility for Section 8.
Section 320 continues language requiring priority
consideration for Moving to Work Demonstration applications
from Santa Clara/San Jose and San Bernardino.
Section 321 clarifies the ability of HUD to have no more
than 32 active Moving to Work Demonstration Agreements at any
time.
Section 322 requires the cancellation of contract authority
from fiscal years 1974 and earlier upon contract expiration or
termination.
Section 323 continues language requiring the Secretary to
maintain Section 8 assistance on certain properties occupied by
elderly or disabled families.
Section 324 clarifies that the Government National Mortgage
Association is not subject to the accounting and budgetary
requirements of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990.
Section 325 begins the process of modernizing the Federal
Housing Administration. These changes will begin the transition
of FHA from a ridged, one-sizefits-all operating stance to a
more flexible array of loan offerings designed to meet the
individual needs of families not served, or ill-served by the
private marketplace.
Section 326 makes a technical correction with regard to
COBG formula funding to the cities of Alton, Illinois, and
Granite City, Illinois.
The Committee does not recommend several new administrative
provisions proposed in the budget to amend various housing
authorization statutes.
TITLE IV--THE JUDICIARY
The funds recommended by the Committee in title IV of the
accompanying bill are for the operation and maintenance of
United States Courts and include the salaries of judges,
magistrates, probation and pretrial services officers, and
supporting personnel and other expenses of the Federal
Judiciary.
In addition to direct appropriations, the Judiciary
collects fees and has various carryover authorities. The
Judiciary uses these non-appropriated funds to offset its
direct appropriation requirements. Consistent with prior year
practices, the Committee expects the Judiciary to submit a
financial plan, allocating all sources of available funds
including appropriations, fee collections, and carryover
balances. The Judiciary should consider this financial plan to
be the baseline for determining if reprogramming notification
is required. The Committee expects the plan to be submitted
within 90 days after enactment of this Act.
Supreme Court of the United States
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $60,143,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 63,405,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 63,405,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +3,262,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $63,405,000
for fiscal year 2007 for the salaries and expenses of personnel
and the cost of operating the Supreme Court, excluding the care
of the building and grounds. The recommendation is $3,262,000
above the fiscal year 2006 level and is the same as the request
for this account. The recommendation provides inflationary and
other standard adjustments and supports additional three staff
to support information technology (IT) operations of the Court.
For the second year, the Committee has included bill
language making $2,000,000 available until expended for the
purpose of making information technology investments. The
Committee directs the Supreme Court to provide an annual
report, to be included in its budget justification materials,
showing information technology carry-over balances and
describing each expenditure made in the previous fiscal year
and planned expenditures in the budget year.
Care of the Building and Grounds
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $5,568,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 12,959,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 12,959,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +7,391,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $12,959,000
for fiscal year 2007 for personnel and other services relating
to the Supreme Court building and grounds, which is supervised
by the Architect of the Capitol. The recommendation is the same
as the request and $7,391,000 above the fiscal year 2006 level.
The Committee expects to be informed of any changes to the
scope and projected completion date of the original building
modernization project. Language in the bill allows funds to
remain available until expended.
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $23,780,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 26,300,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 26,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,220,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -300,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $26,000,000
for fiscal year 2007 for the salaries and expenses of the
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The
recommendation is $2,220,000 above the fiscal year 2006
appropriation and $300,000 below the request.
The Committee has included funding for leased office space
for senior judges. However, prior to the obligation of these
funds, the Committee directs the Court to report back to the
Committee the employment status of each of the five judges for
which this space is needed. The Committee does not support the
leasing of additional space for any other purpose.
United States Court of International Trade
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $15,345,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 16,182,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 16,182,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +837,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $16,182,000
for fiscal year 2007 for the salaries and expenses of the
United States Court of International Trade. The Committee
recommendation is the same as the budget request and $837,000
above the fiscal year 2006 level.
Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $4,308,345,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 4,687,244,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 4,556,114,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +247,769,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -131,130,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,556,114,000
for the operations of the regional courts of appeals, district
courts, bankruptcy courts, the Court of Federal Claims, and
probation and pretrial services offices. The recommendation is
$247,769,000 above the fiscal year 2006 appropriation and
$131,130,000 below the request.
The Committee understands that the Judiciary's staffing,
operations and maintenance, and information technology
resources are allocated to the courts according to formulas
that are approved by the Judicial Conference and equitably
distribute resources based on the workload of each district.
The Committee believes this is the optimal method of making
such allocations and expects the Judiciary to continue to
allocate its resources using this system. The Committee also
expects the Administrative Office to periodically update the
formulas to ensure their accuracy.
The Committee supports the fiscal year 2007 request for new
magistrate judges and support staff needed to meet increased
Federal Judiciary requirements as a result of higher caseloads
on the southwest border of the United States. The Committee
provides adquate funding to fill the approved positions in New
Mexico, California, and Colorado.
The Committee is concerned with the Judiciary's practice of
including one-time windfalls of offsetting collections and
prior year carryover funds in the fiscal year 2007 funding
base. The Committee notes that such an approach allows the
Judiciary to present a budget request without otherwise
necessary cost savings and budgetary tradeoffs that are
expected of Executive Branch agencies in this Act. The
Committee urges the Federal Judiciary to discontinue this
practice in developing its fiscal year 2008 budget submission.
From funds appropriated under this heading, the Committee
provides $500,000 for the Florida Council on Compulsive
Gambling Screening, Assessment and Pre-Trial Diversion Program
within the drug courts and juvenile justice diversion programs
of the State of Florida. The Committee intends for these funds
to support state-wide expansion of the program.
VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION TRUST FUND
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $3,795,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 3,952,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,952,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +157,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee recommends a reimbursement of $3,952,000 for
fiscal year 2007 from the Special Fund to cover expenses of the
Claims Court associated with processing cases under the
National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. This amount is
$157,000 above the amount available in fiscal year 2006 and
equal to the request.
DEFENDER SERVICES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $709,830,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 803,879,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 750,033,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +40,203,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -53,846,000
This account provides funding for the operation of the
Federal Public Defender and Community Defender organizations
and for compensation and reimbursement of expenses of panel
attorneys appointed pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act (CJA)
for representation in criminal cases.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $750,033,000
for fiscal year 2007. The recommendation is $40,203,000 above
the fiscal year 2006 level and $53,846,000 below the request.
FEES OF JURORS AND COMMISSIONERS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $60,705,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 63,079,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 63,079,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,374,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $63,079,000
for payments to jurors, which is $2,374,000 above the fiscal
year 2006 level and the same as the request.
COURT SECURITY
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $368,280,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 410,334,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 400,334,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +32,054,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -10,000,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $400,334,000
for Court Security in fiscal year 2007 to provide for necessary
expenses of security and protective services in courtrooms and
adjacent areas. This is an increase of $32,054,000 above the
fiscal year 2006 level and $10,000,000 below the request.
The recommendation provides for inflationary increases, 34
additional court security officers, and half of the 50 percent
increase requested for additional equipment and security
systems. The Committee notes concern over the high cost to
purchase 340 digital video recorders.
Bill language is included allowing up to $15,000,000 to
remain available until expended.
Administrative Office of the United States Courts
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $69,559,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 75,333,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 73,800,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +4,241,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -1,533,000
The Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AO)
provides administrative and management support to the United
States Courts, including the probation and bankruptcy systems.
It also supports the Judicial Conference of the United States
in determining Federal Judiciary policies, in developing
methods to allow the courts to conduct business efficiently and
economically, and in enhancing the use of information
technology in the courts.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $73,800,000
for the salaries and expenses of the AO, which is $4,241,000
above the fiscal year 2006 level and $1,533,000 below the
request.
Federal Judicial Center
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $22,127,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 23,787,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 23,500,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +1,373,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -287,000
The Center improves the management of Federal Judicial
dockets and court administration through education for judges
and staff, and research, evaluation, and planning assistance
for the courts and the Judicial Conference.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $23,500,000
for the salaries and expenses of the Federal Judicial Center
for fiscal year 2007, which is $1,373,000 above the fiscal year
2006 level and $287,000 below the request.
Judicial Retirement Funds
PAYMENT TO JUDICIARY TRUST FUNDS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $40,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 58,300,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 58,300,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +17,700,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
These funds cover the estimated annuity payments to be made
to retired bankruptcy judges, magistrate judges, Claims Court
judges, and spouses and dependent children of deceased judicial
officers.
The Committee provides $58,300,000 for payments to the
Judicial Officers' Retirement Fund, the Judicial Survivors'
Annuities Fund, and the Claims Court Judges Retirement Fund for
fiscal year 2007. This amount is the same as the budget request
and $17,700,000 above the fiscal year 2006 level. These
payments are considered mandatory for budget scorekeeping
purposes.
United States Sentencing Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $14,256,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 15,740,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 15,500,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +1,244,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -240,000
The purpose of the Commission is to establish, review, and
revise sentencing guidelines, policies, and practices for the
Federal criminal justice system. The Commission is also
required to monitor the operation of the guidelines and to
identify and report necessary changes to the Congress.
The Committee recommends $15,500,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the United States Sentencing Commission for fiscal
year 2007, which is $1,244,000 above the fiscal year 2006
appropriation and $240,000 below the request.
Administrative Provisions--The Judiciary
Section 401. The Committee continues language to permit
funds in the bill for salaries and expenses for the Judiciary
to be available for employment of experts and consultant
services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.
Section 402. The Committee continues language that permits
up to 5 percent of any appropriation made available for fiscal
year 2007 to be transferred between Judiciary appropriations
accounts provided that no appropriation shall be decreased by
more than 5 percent or increased by more than 10 percent by any
such transfer except in certain circumstances. In addition, the
language provides that any such transfer shall be treated as a
reprogramming of funds under sections 805 and 810 of the
accompanying bill and shall not be available for obligation or
expenditure except in compliance with the procedures set forth
in that section.
Sec. 403. The Committee continues language authorizing not
to exceed $11,000 to be used for official reception and
representation expenses incurred by the Judicial Conference of
the United States.
Sec. 404. The Committee continues language requiring a
financial plan for the Judiciary within 90 days of enactment of
this Act.
Sec. 405. The Committee includes language amending the
Judicial Improvement Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-650).
TITLE V--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Federal Payments
Federal Payment for Resident Tuition Support
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $32,868,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 35,100,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 35,100,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,232,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $35,100,000
for the resident tuition support program, $2,232,000 above the
fiscal year 2006 appropriation and the same as the budget
request. Of the amounts made available, not more than
$1,200,000 may be used for administrative expenses.
The Resident Tuition Support program was created by the
District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999 to provide
District college-bound students the opportunity to expand their
higher education choices. The program receives its funding
through a Federal appropriation which is deposited into a
dedicated account under the control of the District of Columbia
Chief Financial Officer. These funds are to be used on behalf
of eligible District of Columbia residents to pay an amount
based upon the difference between in-State and out-of-State
tuition at eligible public and private institutions of higher
education.
Federal Payment for Emergency Planning and Security Costs
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $13,365,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 8,533,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 8,533,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -4,832,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $8,533,000
for emergency planning and security costs, $4,832,000 below the
fiscal year 2006 appropriation and the same as the budget
request. These funds are for emergency planning and security
costs related to the presence of the Federal government in the
District of Columbia and surrounding jurisdictions.
Federal Payment to the District of Columbia Courts
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $216,723,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 196,629,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 219,629,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,906,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +23,000,000
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $219,629,000
for operation of the District of Columbia Courts, $2,906,000
above the fiscal year 2006 appropriation and $23,000,000 above
the budget request. This amount includes $9,401,000 for the
Court of Appeals, $89,646,000 for the Superior Court,
$46,653,000 for the Court System, and $73,929,000 for capital
improvements to courthouse facilities. The Committee recommends
an increase of $23,000,000 over the request for facilities
improvements to meet the costs of renovating the Old
Courthouse, similar to recommendations and reprogramming
actions the Committee has taken with the General Services
Administration to meet the escalating construction costs
affecting other Federal courthouses.
Defender Services in the District of Columbia Courts
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $43,560,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 43,475,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 43,475,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -85,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee recommends $43,475,000 for Defender Services
in District of Columbia Courts, $85,000 below the fiscal year
2006 appropriation and the same as the budget request. The
Committee continues to allow funds provided to the District of
Colombia Courts to be used for Defender Services, with a
modification. The Committee caps this authority at $2,000,000,
or roughly 5 percent of the Defender Services appropriation,
for fiscal year 2007. These funds provide payment for counsel
appointed in proceedings in the Family Court of the Superior
Court and under the District of Columbia Guardianship,
Protective Proceedings, and Durable Power of Attorney Act of
1986.
Federal Payment to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency
for the District of Columbia
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 \1\................... $169,839,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 181,653,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 181,653,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +11,814,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
\1\ Represents the funds for the Court Services and Offender Supervision
Agency for the District of Columbia and not the Public Defender
Service for the District of Columbia, which the Committee proposes
funding under a separate account in fiscal year 2007.
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $181,653,000
for the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA),
$11,814,000 above the fiscal year 2006 appropriation and the
same as the budget request. Of the amounts provided,
$135,457,000 is for the Community Supervision Program and
$46,196,000 is for the Pretrial Services Agency, and not to
exceed a total of $560,000 is for information technology
infrastructure enhancement acquisitions. The increase in funds
over the prior year is due to (1) the increased capacity and
operations at Karrick Hall (the District's Re-entry and
Sanctions Center) and (2) an effort to reduce the ratio of
defendants to pretrial services officers from 124:1 to
aqpproximately 100:1.
Federal Payment to the Public Defender Service for the District of
Columbia
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 \1\................... $29,535,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 32,710,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 32,710,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +3,175,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
\1\ In fiscal year 2006, the Committee funded the Public Defender
Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) through the Court Services
and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia.
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $32,710,000
for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
(PDSDC), $3,175,000 above the fiscal year 2006 appropriation
and the same as the budget request. In prior years, PDSDC was
funded as a part of the Court Services and Offender Supervision
Agency (CSOSA). While PDSDC and CSOSA have established a
cordial relationship, the missions of the two organizations are
not the same. The PDSDC, like public defender agencies of other
jurisdictions, should have an independent budget submission and
appropriation. Therefore, the Committee has revised the account
structure for CSOSA and PDSDC and includes a general provision
(section 530) which creates an independent process public
defender service in terms of budgeting and funds execution.
Federal Payment to the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $6,930,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 7,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 7,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +70,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $7,000,000 to
the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA),
$70,000 above the fiscal year 2006 appropriation and the same
as the budget request. These funds are to continue
implementation of the Combined Sewer Overflow Long-Term Plan
and are to be matched 100 percent by WASA.
Federal Payment for Bioterrorism and Forensics Labs
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $4,950,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -4,950,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee's recommendation does not include funds for
the bioterrorism lab consistent with the budget request. In
prior years, the Committee has provided almost $40,000,000
towards the design and planning of a forensic sciences
laboratory facility for the District. The Committee is
supportive of this endeavor and encourages the District to
continue with the planning and site selection process. Based on
information from District officials, construction of the
facility would commence in fiscal year 2008. The Committee will
consider funds for construction during the fiscal year 2008
appropriations.
Federal Payment for Navy Yard Metro Station
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... $20,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -20,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee's recommendation does not include $20,000,000
for expansion of the Navy Yard Metro station as recommended in
the budget request. Funds for this purpose were not requested
or provided in the previous year. The Committee makes this
decision without prejudice, but encourages the District to work
with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the
General Services Administration to create a cost sharing
proposal similar to the arrangement used to finance the New
York Avenue Station.
Federal Payment for Central Library and Branch Locations
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... $30,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -30,000,000
The Committee's recommendation does not include funds for
the costs associated with construction of a new central library
as proposed in the budget request. The Committee supports the
concept and encourages the District of Columbia to further
refine the proposal, including cost estimates, financing,
construction plans, and a plan for the current library
building.
Federal Payment to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $1,287,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 1,300,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,300,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +13,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $1,300,000 to
the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), $13,000 above
the fiscal year 2006 appropriation and the same as the budget
request. These funds are to support initiatives related to the
coordination of Federal and local criminal justice resources in
the District of Columbia. Similar to the prior year, the
Committee directs the CJCC to submit annual performance
measures in an annual report.
Federal Payment to the Office of Chief Financial Officer of the
District of Columbia
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $28,908,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... 5,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -23,908,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +5,000,000
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $5,000,000
for the Chief Financial Officer of the District of Columbia,
$23,908,000 below the fiscal year 2006 appropriation and
$5,000,000 above the budget request. These funds are for
education, public safety, health, economic development, and
infrastructure initiatives in the District of Columbia. The
Committee directs each grantee to submit a comprehensive budget
and a report on the activities to be carried out with the funds
no later than March 15, 2007. The District CFO will submit a
comprehensive report no later than April 30, 2007, to the
Committees on Appropriations highlighting which grantees did
not comply with the reporting requirements. The Committe
requires that any funds to these grantees must be spent
primarily in the District of Columbia to benefit District
residents.
National Children's Alliance............................ $200,000
Library Improvements.................................... 1,000,000
STEEED Youth Education and Recreation Program........... 50,000
Excel Institute......................................... 950,000
Capitol Area Food Bank.................................. 125,000
Southeastern University................................. 250,000
N Street Village........................................ 400,000
Georgetown Metro Connection............................. 200,000
Perry School............................................ 50,000
DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation...... 125,000
MenzFit................................................. 100,000
Food and Friends........................................ 150,000
Whitman-Walker Clinic................................... 375,000
College Bound, Inc...................................... 150,000
Everybody Wins.......................................... 50,000
Anacostia Waterfront Initiative......................... 100,000
Eastern Market.......................................... 100,000
Metropolitan Police Department bullet proof vests....... 300,000
GWU Cancer Institute.................................... 325,000
Federal Payment for School Improvement
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $39,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 40,800,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 40,800,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +1,200,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $40,800,000
for school improvement, $1,200,000 above fiscal year 2006 and
the same as the budget request. These funds are allocated as
follows: $13,000,000 to improve public school education in the
District of Columbia, $13,000,000 to expand quality charter
schools, and $14,800,000 to the Secretary of Education for
opportunity scholarships for low-income children in the
District of Columbia, of which $1,800,000 is for administrative
expenses.
While the Committee is satisfied with the overall financial
health of the District, the Committee is very concerned about
the dismal state of the District's public schools. By the
District's own data, families with children are moving out of
the District, children in the District are leaving public
schools for private or charter schools, and student achievement
test scores are dropping. The U.S. Department of Education has
classified the District of Columbia Public School system (DCPS)
as ``high risk'' for failing to properly account for Federal
education grants. Children and parents in DC deserve better.
The District and DCPS are facing at a minimum three major
challenges: student achievement scores, fiscal responsibility,
and a massive capital infrastructure investment. In the view of
the Committee, the DCPS should focus its efforts on providing
quality education to DC students and consent to the
establishment of other independent agencies to oversee the
other challenges. The Committee is not assuming to supervise
the school system in fiscal year 2007, but instead strongly
urges DCPS to take action this year to restore confidence in
the school system before Federal action becomes necessary.
The Committee directs DCPS Chief Financial Officer to take
a greater role in overseeing the management and accounting of
all DCPS funds and assets, similar to the independent and
confirmed position of the DC Chief Financial Officer. The
recent classification of ``high risk'' by the U.S. Department
of Education demonstrates the need for greater financial
accountability, separate from the Superintendent and the School
Board.
The Committee recommends DCPS create a team to thoroughly
assess the capital infrastructure holdings of the system. The
Committee is not advocating building closure as an ultimate
goal, but rather a realistic inventory of the buildings, the
investment required to bring each facility up to a quality
standard, and a good common sense plan to meet the needs of the
students and the community. The Committee commends DCPS for
starting the process and the commitment to address the capital
infrastructure issues facing the school system. However, the
Committee suggests that a review of the DCPS facilities is an
involved task requiring more expertise in this area rather than
establishing a committee within the system, thus diverting
resources away from education.
The Committee recognizes that the Federal funds provided to
DCPS in this bill are minimal compared to the funds provided by
the U.S. Department of Education and the local funds from DC
taxpayers. However, the economic growth and stability of the
District is at risk without a healthy public school system.
District of Columbia Funds
The Committee recommends a total of $8,996,915,000 for the
operating expenses of the District of Columbia as contained in
the fiscal year 2007 proposed budget and financial plan
submitted to the Congress by the Government of the District of
Columbia in June 2006. Of the total, $5,079,758,000 is from
local funds, $2,011,321,000 is from Federal grant funds,
$1,897,951,000 is from other funds, $7,885,000 is from private
funds, and $170,052,000 is from prior year funds. In addition,
an increase of $2,400,757,000 is for capital construction
projects. The Committee directs that any changes to the
financial plan as submitted by the District must follow the
reprogramming guidelines.
With the expanded authority to use District funds, the
Committee expects the District government to first and foremost
address capital infrastructure needs.
The Committee commends the DC leadership on the continued
financial health of the District. The coming year will bring a
different slate of leaders to the District. The Committee
expects the future administration and council to adhere to the
same fiscal discipline and responsibility demonstrated in
recent years, and the sound principles set forth by the Chief
Financial Officer. Consistent with last year's report, the
Committee expects the District government to use the flexible
authority allowed in sections 523, 524, and 525 to first and
foremost address capital infrastructure and other one-time
needs.
The Committee does not recommend funds for a new U.S. Coast
Guard headquarters at the St. Elizabeths West Campus as
proposed in the General Services Administration budget request.
At the April 6, 2006 Committee hearing, the District leadership
expressed great concern and frustration with the financial
structural imbalance of the District. In the opinion of the
Committee, turning the St. Elizabeths West Campus into a
Federal building compound would do little to bring balance to
the District, and little to bring lasting investment to the
surrounding neighborhood and ward. The Committee strongly
encourages the District to consider alternative development
plans for the West Campus to address neighborhood needs such as
mixed-use development, mixed-income housing, retail, grocery,
services, and vocational training or education facilities.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Section 501. The Committee continues the provision that
specifies that an appropriation for a particular purpose or
object shall be considered as the maximum amount that may be
expended for said purpose or object.
Section 502. The Committee continues the provision that
permits funds for travel and payment of dues.
Section 503. The Committee continues the provision that
appropriates funds for refunding overpayments of taxes
collected and for paying settlements and judgments against the
District of Columbia government.
Section 504. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the use of appropriation for publicity or propaganda
purposes.
Section 505. The Committee modifies the provision that
establishes reprogramming and transfer requirements with
respect to notification requirements.
Section 506. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits use of funds only to the objects for which the
appropriations were made.
Section 507. The Committee continues the provision that
clarifies the pay setting authority for District employees as
the District's Merit Personnel Act rather than title 5 of the
United States Code.
Section 508. The Committee continues the provision that
directs the Mayor of the District of Columbia to submit new
fiscal year 2007 revenue estimates as of the end of such
quarter.
Section 509. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the District government from renewing or extending
sole source contracts without opening them to the competitive
bidding process as set forth in section 303 of the District of
Columbia Procurement Practices Act of 1985.
Section 510. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the use of Federal funds for salaries, expenses, or
other costs associated with the offices of U.S. Senator or
Representative under section 4(d) of the D.C. Statehood
Constitutional Convention Initiatives of 1979.
Section 511. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits Federal funds made available in this Act from being
used to implement or enforce any system of registration for
unmarried cohabitating couples.
Section 512. The Committee continues the provision that
allows the mayor to accept, obligate, and expend Federal,
private, and other grants received by the District government
that are not reflected in the amounts appropriated in this Act.
Section 513. The Committee continues the provision that
restricts the use of official vehicles to official duties and
not between a residence and workplace, except in the case of a
police officer who resides in the District of Columbia at the
discretion of the Chief, an officer or employee of the D.C.
Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department who resides in
the District of Columbia and is on call 24 hours a day, the
Mayor of the District of Columbia, and the Chairman of the
Council of the District of Columbia.
Section 514. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the use of funds for the audit of the District
government's annual financial statements unless the DC
Inspector General either conducts, or contracts for, the audit.
Section 515. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the use of appropriated funds by the Corporation
Counsel or any other officer or entity of the District
government to provide assistance for any petition drive or
civil action which seeks to require Congress to provide for
voting representation in Congress for the District of Columbia.
Section 516. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the use of any funds in this Act to carry out any
program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for the
hypodermic injection of any illegal drug.
Section 517. The Committee continues the provision that
requires the Chief Financial Officers of the District of
Columbia to certify that they understand the duties and
restrictions applicable to their agency as a result of this
Act.
Section 518. The Committee continues the provision that
includes a ``conscience clause'' on legislation that pertains
to contraceptive coverage by health insurance plans.
Section 519. The Committee continues the provision that
requires the Mayor of the District of Columbia to submit
quarterly reports on various issues pertaining to the District
of Columbia.
Section 520. The Committee continues the provision that
requires the CFO to submit a revised appropriated funds
operating budget in the format of the budget that the District
government submitted pursuant to section 442 of the DC Home
Rule Act for all agencies no later than 30 calendar days after
the date of enactment of this Act.
Section 521. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the use of any funds in the Act to: (1) pay the fees
of an attorney who represents a party in an action or any
attorney who defends any action, including an administrative
proceeding, brought against D.C. Public Schools under the
Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA) in excess of $4,000
for that action; (2) pay the fees of an attorney or firm whom
the CFO determines to have a pecuniary interest, either through
an attorney, officer or employee of the firm, in any special
education diagnostic services, schools, or other special
education service providers; and (3) require all savings to be
used to expand special education services within the District.
Section 522. The Committee continues the provision that
requires attorneys in special education cases brought under
IDEA to comply with several reporting requirements and allow
the Inspector General to conduct investigations to determine
the accuracy of the certifications.
Section 523. The Committee continues the provision that
allows for appropriations in this Act to be increased by no
more than $42,000,000 from unexpended general funds, and may be
used only for one-time expenditures, to avoid deficit spending,
for debt reduction, for program needs, or to avoid revenue
shortfalls.
Section 524. The Committee continues the provision that
allows the District to Spend ``Other-Type Funds'' under certain
conditions.
Section 525. The Committee continues the provision that
allows for short-term borrowing from the emergency and
contingency reserve funds established under section 450A of the
District of Columbia Home Rule Act (Public Law 98-198; D.C.
Official Code, sec. 1-204.50a) under certain circumstances.
Section 526. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds to change the legality of marijuana use.
Section 527. The Committee continues the provision relating
to abortion.
Section 528. The Committee continues the provision granting
authority to the CFO with respect personnel and preparing
financial statements audits. The Committee directs the CFO to
report to the Committees on Appropriations 30 days after
utilizing this authority.
Section 529. The Committee continues the provision
exempting the CFO from certain provisions of the District of
Columbia Procurement Practices Act.
Section 530. The Committee recommends a new provision which
allows the Public Defender Services of the District of Columbia
to operate outside of the Court Supervised Offender Services
Agency for budgeting.
Section 531. The Committee includes a new provision that
makes technical corrections to Public Law 109-115 regarding
``Federal Payment for School Improvement''.
Section 532. The Committee continues the provision which
limits references to ``this Act'' as referring to only this
title.
TITLE VI--EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO
THE PRESIDENT
These funds provide for the compensation of the President
as well as official expenses of the Executive Office of the
President, as authorized by title 3, United States Code.
Compensation of the President
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $450,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 \1\.................. 450,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 450,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
\1\ Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.
These funds provide for the compensation of the President,
including an expense allowance as authorized by 3 U.S.C. 102.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $450,000 for
Compensation of the President, including an expense allowance
of $50,000. These are the same as amounts as appropriated in
fiscal year 2006 and the same as requested by the President.
The bill specifies that any unused amount shall revert to the
Treasury consistent with 31 U.S.C. 1552.
White House Office
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $53,292,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 \1\.................. 51,952,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 51,952,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -1,340,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
\1\ Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.
The Salaries and Expenses account of the White House Office
supports staff and administrative services necessary for the
direct support of the President, including costs for the
Homeland Security Council.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $51,952,000
for the White House Office, which is $1,340,000 less than the
fiscal year 2006 level and the same as in the Administration's
request. This account also includes up to $1,500,000 for the
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.
Executive Residence at the White House
OPERATING EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $12,312,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 \1\.................. 12,041,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 12,041,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -271,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
\1\ Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.
These funds provide for the care, maintenance, and
operation of the Executive Residence, including official and
ceremonial functions of the President.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $12,041,000
for the operating expenses of the Executive Residence, a
decrease of $271,000 from the amounts appropriated in fiscal
year 2006 and the same as the amounts requested by the
President. The bill includes the same restrictions on
reimbursable expenses for use of the Executive Residence as
were enacted in fiscal year 2006.
White House Repair and Restoration
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $1,683,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 \1\.................. 1,600,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,600,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -83,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
\1\ Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.
To provide for the repair, alteration, and improvement of
the Executive Residence at the White House; a separate account
was established in fiscal year 1996 to program and track
expenditures for capital improvement projects at the Executive
Residence at the White House.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,600,000 for
White House Repair and Restoration, a decrease of $83,000 below
the amount enacted in fiscal year 2006 and the same as the
amount requested by the President.
Council of Economic Advisers
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $4,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 \1\.................. 4,002,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 4,002,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
\1\ Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.
The Council of Economic Advisers analyzes the national
economy and its various segments, advises the President on
economic developments, recommends policies for economic growth
and stability, appraises economic programs and policies of the
Federal Government, and assists in preparation of the annual
Economic Report of the President to Congress.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,002,000 for
the Council of Economic Advisers, an increase of $2,000 from
the amount enacted in fiscal year 2006 and the same as
requested by the President.
Office of Policy Development
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $3,465,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 \1\.................. 3,385,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,385,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -80,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
\1\ Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.
The Office of Policy Development supports the National
Economic Council and the Domestic Policy Council in carrying
out their responsibilities to advise and assist the President
in the formulation, coordination, and implementation of
economic and domestic policy. The Office of Policy Development
also provides support for other domestic policy development and
implementation activities, as directed by the President.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,385,000 for
the Office of Policy Development, a decrease of $80,000 from
the amount enacted in fiscal year 2006 and the same as the
request.
National Security Council
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $8,618,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 \1\.................. 8,405,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 8,405,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -213,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
\1\ Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.
The National Security Council advises the President on the
integration of domestic, foreign, and military policies
relating to national security.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $8,405,000 for
the National Security Council, a decrease of $213,000 from the
amount appropriated in fiscal year 2006 and the same as
requested by the President.
Office of Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $88,429,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 \1\.................. 102,417,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 91,393,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,964,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -11,024,000
\1\ Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.
The Office of Administration is responsible for providing
cost-effective, administrative services to the Executive Office
of the President. These services, defined by Executive Order
12028 of 1977, include financial, personnel, library and
records services, information management systems support, and
general office services.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $91,393,000
for the Office of Administration, an increase of $2,964,000
above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2006 and a
decrease of $11,024,000 below the amount requested by the
President.
Enterprise services program.--The Committee continues the
Enterprise Services Program and fully funds the Office of
Administration as requested except for funds for General
Services Administration (GSA) rental payments for the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of National Drug
Control Policy (ONDCP). The Committee recommends funding for
OMB rent ($7,405,000) and ONDCP rent ($3,619,000) under their
respective headings for ``Salaries and Expenses'' and provides
the same levels of funding as the President's request. The
Committee has provided the remaining level of GSA rent and all
miscellaneous costs in the Enterprise Services Program, as
requested.
The Committee recommends funding for all Office of
Administration activities at the requested level for each
activity in fiscal year 2007.
Office of Management and Budget
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $76,161,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 68,780,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 76,185,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +24,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +7,405,000
The Office of Management and Budget assists the President
in the discharge of budgetary, economic, management, and other
executive responsibilities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $76,185,000
for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), an increase of
$24,000 above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2006 and
$7,405,000 above the amount requested by the President.
The Committee recommends $7,405,000 under this heading for
rental payments to GSA instead of providing these funds under
the heading ``Office of Administration.''
The Committee recommends a limitation of $3,000 for
reception and representation expenses as requested by the
President.
``E-Gov'' initiative.--The Committee continues to express
serious concerns about the continued forced implementation of
this initiative on departments and agencies. Many aspects of
this initiative are fundamentally flawed, contradict underlying
program statutory requirements and have stifled innovation by
forcing conformity to an arbitrary government standard.
Therefore, the Committee continues to include a government-wide
general provision that precludes the use of funds for the ``e-
Gov'' initiative prior to consultation with the Committee on
Appropriations. The Committee urges OMB to work directly with
the individual subcommittees in advance so that approved
initiatives can move forward without disruption.
Office of National Drug Control Policy
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $26,639,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 23,309,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 26,928,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +289,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +3,619,000
The Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization
Act of 1998 charges the Office of National Drug Control Policy,
established by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, with developing
policies, objectives and priorities for the National Drug
Control Program as defined by the Act and Executive Order
12880.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $26,928,000
for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), an
increase of $289,000 from the enacted fiscal year 2006 level
and a $3,619,000 increase over the President's request.
The Committee recommends $3,619,000 under this heading for
rental payments to GSA instead of providing these funds under
the heading ``Office of Administration.''
The Committee recommends funding to support the requested
level of 123 FTEs.
The Committee is concerned about the ONDCP's programmatic
priorities as reflected in its 2007 budget request.
Specifically, the Committee rejects again in 2007 the proposal
to move the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA)
program to the Department of Justice. Additionally, the
Committee notes its concern that the ONDCP has resisted
focusing its programs to fighting the alarming rise in domestic
methamphetamine production, trafficking and abuse. The
Committee cannot ensure future funding for ONDCP's priorities
if ONDCP continues to ignore the concerns of Congress.
Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $29,700,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 9,600,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 19,600,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -10,100,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +10,000,000
Pursuant to the Office of National Drug Control Policy
Reauthorization Act of 1998 (title VII of Division C of Public
Law 105-277), the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center
serves as the central counterdrug research and development
organization for the United States Government.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $19,600,000
for the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center, a decrease of
$10,100,000 from the fiscal year 2006 enacted levels and an
increase of $10,000,000 over the President's request. Included
in the appropriation is $9,600,000 for supply and demand
reduction research as requested by the President and
$10,000,000 for the Technology Transfer Program, which was
terminated in the President's request.
The Committee notes that ONDCP did not include in its
fiscal year 2007 budget submission an analysis of options and
recommendations for the future course of counterdrug technology
research as required in the fiscal year 2006 House report. The
Committee, therefore, again directs the Director of the ONDCP
to transmit this report with the 2008 budget submission.
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $224,730,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... 227,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,270,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +227,000,000
The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program
was established by the Director of ONDCP pursuant to section
1005 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, and now as
reauthorized by section 707 of the Office of National Drug
Control Policy Act of 1998 to provide assistance to Federal and
State and local law enforcement entities operating in those
areas most adversely affected by drug trafficking.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $227,000,000
for the HIDTA Program, an increase of $2,270,000 over the
enacted fiscal year 2006 level and $227,000,000 above the
President's request. The Committee rejects the Administration's
proposal to shift HIDTA funding to the Department of Justice.
The HIDTA program serves to enhance and coordinate drug
control effects among local, State, and Federal law enforcement
agencies in order to eliminate or reduce drug trafficking, and
the Committee supports a vigorous HIDTA program. To achieve its
mission, the HIDTA program must continue to enhance individual
and national performance and work to develop a system that
enhances the synchronization of drug control efforts.
When complying with section 602, the Committee expects that
HIDTAs existing in fiscal year 2007 shall receive funding at
least equal to the fiscal year 2006 initial allocation level.
As ONDCP reviews candidates for new HIDTA funding, the
Committee recommends increased funding for the Appalachian,
Central Valley, and Lake County HIDTAs.
Other Federal Drug Control Programs
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $192,951,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 212,160,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 194,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +1,049,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -18,160,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $194,000,000
for Other Federal Drug Control Programs, an increase of
$1,049,000 above the enacted fiscal year 2006 level and
$18,160,000 below the President's request.
The Committee recommends funding for the following programs
for fiscal year 2007:
Drug Free Communities................................... $80,000,000
National Drug Court Institute........................... 1,000,000
National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws............. 1,000,000
National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign................. 100,000,000
United States Anti-Doping Agency........................ 8,500,000
World Anti-Doping Agency Dues........................... 1,500,000
Performance Measures Development........................ 1,980,000
The Committee directs ONDCP to maintain funding for non-
advertising services for the Media Campaign at a level not less
than the fiscal year 2003 ratio of service funding to total
funds and to continue the corporate outreach program as it
operated prior to its cancellation.
The Committee has supported past education efforts to
demonstrate the consequences of using performance-enhancing
drugs. Although this program was successful, all professional
sports, including Major League Baseball, must undertake a
comprehensive campaign to educate youth on the dangers of
steroid use. Professional sports must work closely with U.S.
Anti-doping Administration (USADA) and other organizations to
educate high school, middle school and grade school children on
the dangers of performance enhancing drugs.
Unanticipated Needs
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $990,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 11,789,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +10,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -10,789,000
These funds enable the President to meet unanticipated
emergencies in support of the national interest, security, or
defense.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,000,000 for unanticipated
needs, an increase $10,000 above the enacted fiscal year 2006
level and $10,789,000 below the President's request.
Expenditures from this account may be authorized by the
President.
(RESCISSION)
The President's request includes a rescission of
$11,789,000 from Public Law 101-130 and 103-211 as provided to
respond to various natural disasters. The Committee does not
include this rescission of emergency funds to offset non-
emergency appropriations.
Special Assistance to the President and the Official Residence of the
Vice President
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $4,410,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 4,352,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 4,352,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -58,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
These funds support the official duties and functions of
the Office of the Vice President.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,352,000 for
the Office of the Vice President, a decrease of $58,000 below
the amount enacted for fiscal year 2006 and the same as
requested by the President.
Operating Expenses
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $322,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 317,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 317,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -5,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
These funds support the care and operation of the Vice
President's residence and specifically support equipment,
furnishings, dining facilities, and services required to
perform and discharge the Vice President's official duties,
functions and obligations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $317,000 for
the Operating Expenses of the Vice President's residence, a
decrease of $5,000 below the amount enacted in fiscal year 2006
and the same as requested by the President.
Administrative Provisions--Executive Office of the President and Funds
Appropriated to the President
Section 601. The Committee continues language to permit the
transfer of not to exceed 10 percent of funds from certain
offices within the Executive Office of the President.
Section 602. The Committee includes a new provision
requiring a financial plan by the Director of the ONDCP prior
to the obligation of funds in fiscal year 2007.
TITLE VII--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $5,881,590
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 5,956,590
Recommended in the bill............................... 5,956,590
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +75,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance
Board (Access Board) was established by section 502 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Access Board is responsible for
developing guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities
Act, the Architectural Barriers Act, and the Telecommunications
Act. These guidelines ensure that buildings and facilities,
transportation vehicles, and telecommunications equipment
covered by these laws are readily accessible to and usable by
people with disabilities. The Access Board is also responsible
for developing standards under section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act for accessible electronic and information
technology used by Federal agencies. In addition, the Access
Board enforces the Architectural Barriers Act, and provides
training and technical assistance on the guidelines and
standards it develops.
The Access Board also has additional responsibilities under
the Help America Vote Act. The Access Board serves on the Board
of Advisors and the Technical Guidelines Development Committee,
which helps Election Assistance Commission develop voluntary
guidelines and guidance for voting systems, including
accessibility for people with disabilities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $5,956,590 for the operations of
the Access Board, an increase of $75,000 over fiscal year 2006
and the same as the budget request.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $62,370,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 62,370,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 62,370,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Consumer Product Safety Act established the Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an independent Federal
regulatory agency, to reduce unreasonable risk of injury
associated with consumer products. Its primary responsibilities
and overall goals are: to protect the public against
unreasonable risk of injury associated with consumer products;
to develop uniform safety standards for consumer products,
minimizing conflicting State and local regulations; and to
promote research into prevention of product-related deaths,
illnesses, and injuries.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $62,370,000 for fiscal year 2007,
the same as both the budget request and fiscal year 2006. The
bill also includes language that limits official reception and
representation expenses to no more than $500 in fiscal year
2007.
Election Assistance Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $14,058,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 16,908,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 16,908,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,850,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was established by
the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) and is charged with
implementing provisions of that Act relating to the reform of
federal election administration throughout the United States,
including the development of voluntary voting systems
guidelines, the certification and testing of voting systems,
studies of election administration issues, and the
implementation of election reform payments to states as well as
grant programs related to election reform.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $16,908,000 for the EAC, an
increase of $2,850,000 above the fiscal year 2006 enacted level
and the same as the budget request.
The Committee also provides the budget request for research
and development activities, including the transfer of
$4,950,000 to the National Institute of Standards and
Technology.
The Committee urges the EAC to provide $250,000 for the
HAVA college program. This program, first implemented during
the 2004 election, recruits and trains young people in
colleges, universities, and community colleges to serve as
nonpartisan pollworkers, helping to address a nationwide
pollworker shortage.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $30,690,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 26,256,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 26,256,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -4,434,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
Funding for the Office of the Inspector General at the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is provided pursuant to
31 U.S.C. 1105(a)(25), which requires a separate appropriation
account for appropriations for each Office of Inspector General
of an establishment defined under section 11(2) of the
Inspector General Act of 1978.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommendation, the same as the budget
request, provides for the transfer of $26,256,000 from the Bank
Insurance Fund, the Savings Association Insurance Fund, and the
FSLIC Resolution Fund to finance the Office of Inspector
General for fiscal year 2007.
Federal Election Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $54,153,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 57,138,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 57,138,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,985,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Commission administers the disclosure of campaign
finance information, enforces limitations on contributions and
expenditures, supervises the public funding of Presidential
elections, and performs other tasks related to Federal
elections.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $57,138,000
for the Federal Election Commission (FEC), an increase of
$2,985,000 over amounts appropriated in fiscal year 2006 and
the same as the budget request.
Administrative Fine Program.--The Committee commends the
FEC on the implementation of the Administrative Fine Program,
which authorizes the FEC to assess fines for reporting
violations and has been successful in leading to the decrease
in number of late or non-filed reports. The Committee is
concerned, however, that this program has not yet been
permanently authorized. In fact, the Committee extended the
Program's authorization to December 31, 2008, in the
Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the
Judiciary, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act of 2006
(Public Law 109-115). Therefore, the Committee directs the FEC
to work with the authorizing committee of jurisdiction to
achieve permanent authorization for the Administrative Fine
Program. The FEC should work with the authorizers of
jurisdiction during fiscal year 2007, prior to the Subcommittee
markup of the fiscal year 2008 appropriations bill.
Federal Labor Relations Authority
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $25,213,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 25,218,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 25,218,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +5,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
Established by title VII of the Civil Service Reform Act of
1978, the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) serves as a
neutral arbiter in the labor activities of non-postal Federal
employees, Departments and agencies, and Federal unions on
matters outlined in the Act, including collective bargaining
and the settlement of disputes. Establishment of the FLRA gives
full recognition to the role of the Federal Government as an
employer. Under the Foreign Service Act of 1980, the FLRA also
addresses similar issues affecting Foreign Service personnel by
providing full staff support for the Foreign Service Impasse
Disputes Panel and the Foreign Service Labor Relations Board.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $25,218,000
for the Federal Labor Relations Authority, an increase of
$5,000 above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2006 and
the same as the budget request.
Federal Maritime Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $20,294,010
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 21,474,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 21,474,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +1,179,990
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) was established in
1961 as an independent government agency, responsible for the
regulation of international waterborne commerce of the United
States. In addition, FMC has responsibility for licensing and
bonding ocean transportation intermediaries and assuring that
vessel owners or operators establish financial responsibility
to pay judgment for death or injury to passengers, or
nonperformance of a cruise, on voyages from U.S. ports. It
monitors the activities of ocean common carriers, who operate
in the U.S./foreign commerce to ensure just and reasonable
practices, maintains a trade monitoring and enforcement
program, monitors the laws and practices of foreign governments
which could have a discriminatory or other impacts on shipping
conditions in the U.S., among other activities. The principal
shipping statutes administered by the FMC are the Shipping Act
of 1984 (46 U.S.C. app. 1710 et seq.), the Foreign Shipping
Practices Act of 1988 (46 U.S.C. app. 1701 et seq.), and
section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (46 U.S.C. app.
876).
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $21,474,000 for the Federal
Maritime Commission, the same as the budget request and
$1,179,990 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006.
General Services Administration
FEDERAL BUILDINGS FUND
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2006........ ($7,752,745,000)
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, fiscal (8,046,666,000)
year 2007............................................
Recommended in the bill............................. (7,740,527,000)
Bill compared with:
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2006......... (-12,218,000)
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2007 estimate (-306,139,000)
The Federal Buildings Fund (FBF) finances the activities of
the Public Buildings Service, which provides space and services
for Federal agencies in a relationship similar to that of
landlord and tenant. The FBF, established in 1975, replaces
direct appropriations by using income derived from rent
assessments, which approximate commercial rates for comparable
space and services. The Committee makes funds available through
a process of placing limitations on obligations from the FBF as
a way of allocating funds for various FBF activities. The
Committee may also appropriate funds into the FBF as a way of
covering the difference between the total revenues coming into
the FBF and the total limitation on the expenditure from the
FBF.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $7,740,527,000 for
the Fund, a decrease of $12,218,000 below the fiscal year 2006
enacted levels, a decrease of $306,139,000 below the request.
To carry out the purposes of the Federal Buildings Fund
established pursuant to section 210(f) of the Federal Property
and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended (40 U.S.C.
592), the revenues and collections deposited into the Fund,
shall be available for necessary expenses in the aggregate
amount of $7,740,527,000 of which:
(1) $383,956,000 for construction (including funds for
sites and expenses and associated design and construction
services) of additional projects at the following locations:
New Construction:
Arizona: Nogales, Nogales West Border Station, $9,836,000.
San Luis, Border Station II, $42,029,000.
California: Calexico, Calexico West Border Station,
$14,350,000.
District of Columbia:
For transfer to the Navy for certain permanent relocation
expenses pursuant to section 1(e) of Public Law 108-268,
$52,835,000.
Remote Delivery Facility II, $39,612,000.
St. Elizabeths West Campus Infrastructure, $6,444,000.
Maryland: Montgomery County, Food and Drug Administration
Consolidation, $178,526,000.
New Mexico: Columbus, Border Station, $2,629,000.
Texas: El Paso, Ysleta Border Station, $20,217,000.
McAllen, Anzalduas Border Station, $7,478,000.
Nonprospectus Construction, $10,000,000.
The Committee directs that each of the foregoing limits of
costs on new construction projects may be exceeded to the
extent that savings are affected in other such projects, but
not to exceed 10 percent of the amounts included in an approved
prospectus, if required, unless advance approval is obtained
from the Committees on Appropriations of a greater amount;
(2) $866,194,000 for repairs and alterations, which
includes associated design and construction services:
Repairs and Alterations:
District of Columbia: Eisenhower Executive Office Building,
Phase II, $56,000,000.
Harry S Truman Building, $4,629,000.
Main Interior Federal Building, $47,179,000.
Mary E. Switzer Federal Building, $50,881,000.
Illinois: Chicago, Dirksen United States Courthouse,
$96,571,000.
Maryland: Laurel, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and
Drug Administration, $6,028,000.
Silver Spring, Building 130 Center for Radiological Devices
and Health, $5,793,000.
Missouri: Kansas City, Richard Bolling Federal Building,
$96,608,000.
New Mexico: Albuquerque, Federal Building, $5,783,000.
New York: New York, Thurgood Marshall Courthouse,
$46,385,000.
Wisconsin: Milwaukee, United States Federal Building
Courthouse, $5,599,000.
Special Emphasis Programs:
Chlorofluorocarbons Program, $10,000,000.
Energy Program, $15,000,000.
Fire and Life Safety Program, $10,000,000.
Glass Fragment Retention Program, $10,000,000.
Design Program, $24,825,000.
Basic Repairs and Alterations, $374,913,000.
The Committee directs that funds made available in this or
any previous Act in the Federal Buildings Fund for Repairs and
Alterations shall, for prospectus projects, be limited to the
amount identified for each project, except each project in this
or any previous Act may be increased by an amount not to exceed
10 percent unless advance approval is obtained from the
Committees on Appropriations of a greater amount. Additionally,
the Committee directs that additional projects for which
prospectuses have been fully approved may be funded under this
category only if advance approval is obtained from the
Committees on Appropriations, and that the amounts provided in
this or any prior Act for ``Repairs and Alterations'' may be
used to fund costs associated with implementing security
improvements to buildings necessary to meet the minimum
standards for security in accordance with current law and in
compliance with the reprogramming guidelines of the appropriate
Committees of the House and Senate.
(3) $163,999,000 for installment acquisition payments
including payments on purchase contracts;
(4) $4,322,548,000 for rental of space; and
(5) $2,003,830,000 for building operations.
CONSTRUCTION AND ACQUISITION
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2006........ ($792,056,000)
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, fiscal (690,095,000)
year 2007............................................
Recommended in the bill............................. (383,956,000)
Bill compared with:
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2006......... (-408,100,000)
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2007 estimate (-306,139,000)
The construction and acquisition activity funds site,
design, construction, and management and inspection costs for
construction of new Federal facilities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $383,956,000 for
construction and acquisition, a decrease of $408,100,000 below
the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and $306,139,000 below the
request. The Committee does not include $306,139,000 as
requested for new construction of the Coast Guard Consolidation
and Development of St. Elizabeth's Campus in Washington, DC.
Fiscal year 2007 is the second year of a two-year
moratorium imposed by the Federal Judiciary for new major
courthouse construction projects.
The Committee is concerned about the allocation of leased
General Services Administration (GSA) office space in the
Greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. Evidence indicates
that there is a disparity between the leased space awarded in
Prince George's County and that in nearby jurisdictions in the
Greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. Specifically, the
Committee is concerned with the lack of space awarded around
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) stations
in Prince George's County, Maryland.
U.S. Customs Cargo Inspection Facility Initiative (Detroit,
MI).--The Committee notes that a total of $34,857,000 has been
approved in prior year appropriations bills for the U.S.
Customs Cargo Inspection Facility at Ambassador Bridge,
Detroit, Michigan. In House Report 108-243, the Committee
directed the GSA to, among other things, work with the Federal
inspection agencies and the Ambassador Bridge to resolve any
outstanding issues regarding facility enhancements and to move
immediately to ensure that the much-needed improvements are
made quickly, including all steps necessary to implement
critical interim improvements and to expedite the
implementation of integrated border inspection areas, such as
reverse inspection sites, at the Ambassador Bridge once
agreements have been reached between the United States and
Canada and operational details established by the respective
border agencies.
The Committee notes that GSA is constructing Border Station
improvements at the U.S. Customs Cargo Inspection Facility,
Ambassador Bridge, as authorized funded in the fiscal year 2005
appropriation Act. The Committee further notes that a concept
for a comprehensive international inspection center complex has
been developed by the Ambassador Bridge companies to provide as
many as 100 new inspection booths and other facilities to
enhance the flow of commerce and the law enforcement operations
at the bridge. GSA has engaged in discussions with the
Ambassador Bridge companies and the federal inspection services
regarding the future viability of this concept. The Committee
directs GSA to continue to meet with the Ambassador Bridge
companies, the federal inspection agencies, and other
stakeholders to facilitate the continued development of the
U.S. Customs Cargo Inspection Facility and the surrounding
neighborhood, including due consideration of the proposed
international inspection center.
REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2006........ ($861,376,000)
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, fiscal (866,194,000)
year 2007............................................
Recommended in the bill............................. (866,194,000)
Bill compared with:
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2006......... (+4,818,000)
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2007 estimate (- - -)
The repairs and alterations activity funds design,
construction and management and inspection for the repair,
alteration, and modernization of existing real estate assets.
It funds projects to improve health and safety, recapture
vacant non-revenue producing Government-owned and leased space,
and various special programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $866,194,000 for
repairs and alterations, an increase of $4,818,000 from the
fiscal year 2006 enacted level and the same as the request. The
Committee directs GSA to embark on the projects included in the
budget request in priority order, starting with those projects
that address safety and health needs and moving next to the
projects with completed designs.
INSTALLMENT ACQUISITION PAYMENTS
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2006........ ($168,180,000)
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, fiscal (163,999,000)
year 2007............................................
Recommended in the bill............................. (163,999,000)
Bill compared with:
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2006......... (-4,181,000)
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2007 estimate (- - -)
The installment acquisition payments activity funds
interest payment for facilities constructed under the Public
Building Amendment of 1972 and lease-purchase agreements since
1987, a total of 80 projects.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $163,999,000 for
installation acquisition payments, a decrease of $4,181,000
below the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and the same as the
budget request. Based on this funding level, 68 of the original
80 projects will be paid off, leaving 12 projects remaining.
RENTAL OF SPACE
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2006........ ($4,046,031,000)
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, fiscal (4,322,548,000)
year 2007............................................
Recommended in the bill............................. (4,322,548,000)
Bill compared with:
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2006......... (+276,517,000)
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2007 estimate (- - -)
The rental of space program funds lease payments, temporary
space for Federal employees during major repair and alteration
projects, and relocations from Federal buildings due to forced
moves and relocations as a result of health and safety
conditions.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $4,322,548,000 for
rental of space, an increase of $276,517,000 above the fiscal
year 2006 enacted level and the same as the budget request.
BUILDING OPERATIONS
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2006........ ($1,885,102,000)
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, fiscal (2,003,830,000)
year 2007............................................
Recommended in the bill............................. (2,003,830,000)
Bill compared with:
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2006......... (+118,728,000)
Availability limitation, fiscal year 2007 estimate (- - -)
The building operations activity funds cleaning,
maintenance, utilities, fuel, grounds, maintenance, space
acquisitions and assignment services in government-owned
facilities and in leased space when not provided by the lessor.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $2,003,830,000 for
building operations, an increase of $118,728,000 above the
fiscal year 2006 enacted level and the same as the budget
request.
GENERAL ACTIVITIES
GOVERNMENT-WIDE POLICY
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $52,268,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 52,550,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 52,550,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +282,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
This appropriations account provides for government-wide
policy and evaluation activities associated with the management
of real and personal property assets and certain administrative
services; government-wide policy support responsibilities
relating to acquisition, telecommunications, information
technology management, and related technology activities; and
services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommendation provides $52,550,000, an
increase of $282,000 from fiscal year 2006 level and the same
as the request. This funding level assumes that the office of
government-wide policy will continue to focus its activities on
core policy and regulatory activities that support statutory
mission requirements, and eliminate activities that are not
clearly policy-related.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $98,891,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 83,032,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 83,032,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -15,859,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
This account provides appropriations for activities that
are not feasible for a user fee arrangement. Included under
this heading are the Office of Citizen Services and
Communications (OCSC), personal property utilization and
donation activities, select management and administration
activities and support of government-wide emergency management
activities, and the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $83,032,000
for operating expenses, a decrease of $15,859,000 below the
fiscal year 2006 enacted level and the same as the budget
request. Fiscal year 2006 appropriations included a one-time
cost of GSA relocation at a level of $16,153,000.
The Committee recognizes that Public Service Recognition
Week, a program of the Public Employees Roundtable, has
educated America about the value of the career workforce, which
carries out the daily operations of government. This program
has existed for over 10 years and plays an important role in
the education of our nation's youth by providing them with
timely information about their government. The Committee urges
the GSA to support the mission of the Public Employees
Roundtable and provide $150,000 in administrative and
logistical assistance to Public Service Recognition Week
activities.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $42,976,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 44,312,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 44,312,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +1,336,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
This appropriation provides agency-wide audit and
investigative functions to identify and correct GSA management
and administrative deficiencies that create conditions for
existing or potential instances of fraud, waste, and
mismanagement. The audit function provides internal audit and
contract audit services. Contract audits provide professional
advice to GSA contracting officials on accounting and financial
matters relative to the negotiation, award, administration,
repricing, and settlement of contracts. Internal audits review
and evaluate all facets of GSA operations and programs, test
internal control systems, and develop information to improve
operating efficiencies and enhance customer services. The
investigative function provides for the detection and
investigation of improper and illegal activities involving GSA
programs, personnel, and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $44,312,000
for the Office of Inspector General, an increase of $1,336,000
above the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and the same as the
budget request.
ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT (E-GOV) FUND
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $2,970,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 5,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +30,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. -2,000,000
The appropriation provides support for interagency
electronic government (``e-Gov'') initiatives that utilize the
Internet or other electronic methods as a means to increase
Federal government accessibility, efficiency, and productivity.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,000,000 for
the ``e-Gov'' fund, an increase of $30,000 above the fiscal
year 2006 enacted level and $2,000,000 below the budget
request.
The Committee again does not include a general provision
proposed in the fiscal year 2007 budget request allowing the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to use $40,000,000 of
surplus funds in the General Supply Fund to finance OMB's list
of ``e-Gov'' initiatives across government. The Committee
refuses to relinquish oversight of the development and
procurement of information technology projects of the various
agencies under its jurisdiction. The Committee directs GSA to
evaluate the pricing structure of its services to Federal
agencies to determine if GSA is overcharging its Federal
clients and report back to the Committee on Appropriations its
findings no later than 120 days after enactment of this act.
ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $2,922,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 3,030,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,030,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -108,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
This appropriation provides support consisting of pensions,
office staffs, and related expenses for former Presidents
Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, George Bush and Bill Clinton and
for pension and postal franking privileges for the widow of
former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Also, this appropriation is
authorized to provide funding for security and travel related
expenses for each former President and the spouse of a former
President pursuant to section 531 of Public Law 103-329.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,030,000 for
allowances and office staff of former Presidents, a decrease of
$108,000 below the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and the same
as the budget request. The following table describes the
distribution of the funds:
FISCAL YEAR 2007 BUDGET ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ford Carter Bush Clinton Widows Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personal Compensation..................................... 96 96 96 96 0 384
Personnel Benefits........................................ 24 2 63 64 0 153
Benefits for Former Presidents............................ 188 188 188 197 20 781
Travel.................................................... 46 2 55 64 0 167
Rental Payments to GSA.................................... 105 102 175 498 0 880
Communications, Utilities and Miscellaneous Charges:
Telephone............................................. 16 10 16 77 0 119
Postage............................................... 9 15 13 15 8 60
Printing.............................................. 5 5 14 9 0 33
Other Services........................................ 37 82 65 113 0 297
Supplies and Materials................................ 18 5 15 16 0 54
Equipment............................................. 6 7 48 11 0 72
Infrastructure Contingency Planning................... 0 0 0 0 0 30
-----------------------------------------------------
Total Obligations................................. 550 514 748 1,160 28 3,030
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL CITIZEN INFORMATION CENTER FUND
Appropriations, fiscal year 2006...................... $14,850,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 16,866,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 16,866,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,016,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Consumer Information Center (CIC) was established
within the General Services Administration (GSA) by Executive
Order on October 26, 1970, to help Federal departments and
agencies promote and distribute consumer information collected
as a byproduct of the Government's program activities.
The Federal Information Center (FIC) program was
established within the GSA in 1966, and was formalized by
Public Law 95-491 in 1980. The program's purpose is to provide
the public with direct information about all aspects of Federal
programs, regulations, and services. To accomplish this
mission, contractual services are used to respond to public
inquiries via a nationwide toll-free telephone call center.
In 2000, the CIC assumed responsibility for the operations
of the FIC program with the resulting organization being
officially named the Federal Consumer Information Center. The
Federal Consumer Information Center combines the nationwide
toll-free telephone assistance program and the database of the
FIC with the CIC website and publications distribution
programs.
During fiscal year 2002, the Federal Consumer Information
Center became part of GSA's newly established Office of Citizen
Services and Communications and was renamed the Federal Citizen
Information Center (FCIC). The new Office serves as a central
federal gateway for citizens, businesses, other governments,
and the media to obtain information and services from the
government. FCIC assumed operational control of the
FirstGov.gov website in fiscal year 2002.
Public Law 98-63, enacted July 30, 1983, established a
revolving fund for the CIC. Under this fund, FCIC activities
are financed from the following: annual appropriations from the
general funds of the Treasury, reimbursements from agencies for
distribution of publications, user fees collected from the
public, and any other income incident to FCIC activities. All
are available as authorized in appropriation acts without
regard to fiscal year limitations. The bill includes a
limitation of $18,000,000 on the availability of the revolving
fund. Any revenues accruing to this fund in excess of this
amount shall remain in the fund and are not available for
expenditure except as authorized in appropriation Acts.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
For fiscal year 2007, the Committee recommends $16,866,000,
an increase of $2,016,000 over the level for fiscal year 2006
and the same as the budget request.
The appropriation will be augmented by reimbursements from
Federal agencies for distribution of consumer publications,
user fees from the public, and other income.
GENERAL PROVISIONS--GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Section 701. The Committee continues the provision that
provides that costs included in rent received from government
corporations for operation, protection, maintenance, upkeep,
repair and improvement shall be credited to the Federal
Buildings Fund.
Section 702. The Committee continues the provision
providing authority for the use of funds for the hire of motor
vehicles.
Section 703. The Committee continues the provision
providing that funds made available for activities of the
Federal Buildings Fund may be transferred between
appropriations with advance approval of the Congress.
Section 704. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds for developing courthouse
construction requests that do not meet GSA standards and the
priorities of the Judicial Conference.
Section 705. The Committee continues the provision
providing that no funds may be used to increase the amount of
occupiable square feet, provide cleaning services, security
enhancements, or any other service usually provided, to any
agency which does not pay the requested rent.
Section 706. The Committee continues the provision that
permits GSA to pay small claims (up to $250,000) made against
the government.
Section 707. The Committee includes a new provision
requested by the President that proposes merging the General
Supply Fund and the Information Technology Fund into a new
Acquisition Services Fund. The Committee does not include
transfer language as requested by the President.
Merit Systems Protection Board
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $37,823,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 39,110,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 39,110,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +1,287,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an
independent, quasi-judicial agency established to protect the
civil service merit system. The MSPB adjudicates appeals
primarily involving personnel actions, certain Federal employee
complaints, and retirement benefits issues. The MSPB reports to
the President whether merit systems are sufficiently free of
prohibited employment practices.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $39,110,000
for the Merit Systems Protection Board, an increase of
$1,287,000 above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2006
and the same as the budget request. This amount includes up to
$2,579,000 which is transferred from the Civil Service
Retirement and Disability Fund. The recommendation provides
funding for mandatory pay raises and training, increased rent
payments, and the one-time cost of relocating the San Francisco
office into a building that is fully compliant with current
safety standards for seismic activity.
Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental
Policy Foundation
MORRIS K. UDALL SCHOLARSHIP AND EXCELLENCE IN NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL
POLICY TRUST FUND
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $1,980,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... 2,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +20,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +2,000,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $2,000,000 for the activities of
the Morris K. Udall Foundation, an increase of $20,000 above
the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and $2,000,000 above the
request.
ENVIRONMENTAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION FUND
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $1,881,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 693,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 2,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +119,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +1,307,000
Public Law 105-156 established the United States Institute
for Environmental Conflict Resolution as part of the Morris K.
Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental
Policy Foundation. It also established in the Treasury an
Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund to be available to
establish and operate the Institute. The purpose of the
Institute is to conduct environmental conflict resolution and
training.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,000,000 for
the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund, an increase of
$119,000 above the fiscal year 2006 enacted level.
National Archives and Records Administration
OPERATING EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $280,215,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 289,605,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 289,605,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +9,390,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
This appropriation provides the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA) with funds for its basic
operations dealing with management of the Government's archives
and records, operation of Presidential libraries, and for the
review for declassification of classified security information.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $289,605,000
for the operating expenses of NARA, an increase of $9,390,000
above the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and the same as the
budget request.
ELECTRONIC RECORDS ARCHIVE
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $37,535,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 45,455,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 45,455,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +7,920,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The electronic records archive appropriations supports all
direct NARA actions and activities associated with this major
project for preserving digitally created records for archival
purposes, storing and managing them electronically, and
ensuring appropriate long-term access. The appropriation
supports a program office, research partnerships, and
information technology analysis and design.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $45,455,000
for the electronic records archive of the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA), an increase of $7,920,000 above
the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and the same as the budget
request.
As stated in the Committee's report for fiscal year 2006,
NARA is directed to submit to the House and Senate Committees
on Appropriations quarterly reports on the cost, schedule, and
performance of the Electronic Records Administration (ERA)
project. These quarterly reports should provide information on
the status of the project's schedule, budget, and expenditures
as measured against a reported baseline; a prioritization of
project risks and their mitigation efforts; and corrective
actions taken to manage identified schedule slippages, cost
overruns, or quality problems should they occur.
REPAIRS AND RESTORATION
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $9,585,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 13,020,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 13,020,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +3,435,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
This appropriation provides for the repair, alteration, and
improvement of Archives facilities and Presidential libraries
nationwide. It enables the National Archives to maintain its
facilities in proper condition for visitors, researchers, and
employees, and also maintain the structural integrity of the
buildings.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,020,000
for repairs and restoration, an increase of $3,435,000 above
the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and the same as the budget
request.
NATIONAL HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS AND RECORDS COMMISSION GRANTS PROGRAM
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $7,425,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... 7,500,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +75,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +7,500,000
This program provides for grants funding that the
Commission makes, nationwide, to preserve and publish records
that document American history. Administered within the
National Archives and Records Administration, which preserves
federal records, the NHPRC helps state, local, and private
institutions preserve non-federal records, helps publish the
papers of major figures in American history, and helps
archivists and records managers improve their techniques,
training, and ability to serve a range of information users.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $7,500,000 for
the National Historical Publications and Research Commission
grants program, an increase of $75,000 above the fiscal year
2006 enacted level and $7,500,000 above the budget request of
which, $2,000,000 shall be transferred to the operating
expenses account for the staffing and operating expenses of the
National Historical Publications and Records Administration.
National Credit Union Administration
CENTRAL LIQUIDITY FACILITY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitation on direct Limitation on
loans administrative expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2007 recommendation............................... (1,500,000,000) ($331,000)
Fiscal year 2006 appropriation................................ (1,500,000,000) (323,000)
Fiscal year 2007 budget request............................... (1,500,000,000) (331,000)
Comparison with fiscal year 2006 appropriation............ (0) (+8,000)
Comparison with fiscal year 2007 request.................. (0) (0)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee recommends a limitation of $1,500,000,000 on
CLF lending activity to member credit unions from borrowed
funds. This limitation represents the same level as fiscal year
2006 and the same as the budget request. The Committee expects
to be kept apprised of CLF lending activity.
The Committee recommends the budget request of not more
than $331,000 for administrative expenses, an increase of
$8,000 above the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and the same as
the budget request.
community development revolving loan fund
Fiscal year 2007 recommendation....................... $941,000
Fiscal year 2006 appropriation........................ 941,000
Fiscal year 2007 budget request....................... 941,000
Comparison with fiscal year 2006 appropriation........ - - -
Comparison with fiscal year 2007 request.............. - - -
The Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Program
(CDRLF) was established in 1979 to assist officially designated
``low-income'' credit unions in providing basic financial
services to low-income communities. Low-interest loans and
deposits are made available to assist these credit unions.
Loans or deposits are normally repaid in five years, although
shorter repayment periods may be considered. Technical
assistance grants are also available to low-income credit
unions. Earnings generated from the CDRLF are available to fund
technical assistance grants in addition to funds provided for
specifically in appropriations acts. Grants are available for
improving operations as well as addressing safety and soundness
issues.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
For fiscal year 2007 the Committee recommends $941,000 for
the National Credit Union Administration's Community
Development Revolving Loan Fund for technical assistance
grants. While the Administration and NCUA have not requested
additional funds for loans in fiscal year 2007, the Committee
expects the CDRLF to continue making loans from their available
funds derived from repaid loans and interest earned on previous
loans to designated credit unions.
National Transportation Safety Board
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $75,933,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 79,594,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 81,594,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +5,661,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +2,000,000
Initially established along with the Department of
Transportation (DOT), the National Transportation Safety Board
(NTSB) commenced operations on April 1, 1967, as an independent
federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every
civil aviation accident in the United States as well as
significant accidents in the other modes of transportation--
railroad, highway, marine and pipeline--and issuing safety
recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. Although
it has always operated independently, NTSB relied on DOT for
funding and administrative support until the Independent Safety
Board Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-633) severed all ties between
the two organizations effective April of 1975.
In addition to its investigatory duties, NTSB is
responsible for maintaining the government's database of civil
aviation accidents and also conducts special studies of
transportation safety issues of national significance.
Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of international
treaties, NTSB supplies investigators to serve as U.S.
Accredited Representatives for aviation accidents overseas
involving U.S.-registered aircraft, or involving aircraft or
major components of U.S. manufacture. NTSB also serves as the
``court of appeals'' for any airman, mechanic or mariner
whenever certificate action is taken by the Administrator of
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the U.S. Coast
Guard Commandant, or when civil penalties are assessed by FAA.
In addition, the NTSB operates the NTSB Academy in Ashburn,
Virginia.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $81,594,000 for salaries and
expenses, an increase of $5,661,000 above fiscal year 2006 and
$2,000,000 above the budget request. The Committee is concerned
by the decline in the rate of on-site investigations of fatal
and serious aviation accidents. In fact, the percentage of
fatal aviation accidents to which a regional investigator
traveled dropped from 76 percent in fiscal year 2003 to 62
percent in fiscal year 2005. Despite this reduction in
coverage, the NTSB has requested only 399 full time equivalent
staff years (FTE) for fiscal year 2007, a 19 FTE reduction from
fiscal year 2005. The Committee, therefore, provides $2,000,000
above the budget request for an additional 11 FTE to hire
accident investigators. Furthermore, the Committee directs that
none of these additional funds shall be used for the Academy.
(RESCISSION)
The bill includes a rescission of $1,664,000 from the
remaining funds made available in Public Law 106-246 for the
investigations of Egypt Air 990 and Alaska Air 261, as proposed
in the budget request.
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation
PAYMENT TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD REINVESTMENT CORPORATION
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $116,820,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 119,790,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 119,790,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +2,970,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation was created by
the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act (title VI of the
Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978, Public
Law 95-557, October 31, 1978). Neighborhood Reinvestment
Corporation now operates under the trade name ``NeighborWorks
America.'' NeighborWorks America helps local communities
establish working efficient and effective partnerships between
residents and representatives of the public and private
sectors. These partnership-based organizations are independent,
tax-exempt, community-based nonprofit entities, often referred
to as NeighborWorks organizations.
Neighborhood Reinvestment also provides grants to
Neighborhood Housing Services of America (NHSA), the
NeighborWorks network's national secondary market. The mission
of NHSA is to utilize private sector support to replenish local
NeighborWorks organizations' revolving loan funds. These loans
are used to back securities that are placed with private sector
social investors.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a funding level of $119,790,000
for fiscal year 2007, the same amount as the budget request and
an increase of $2,970,000 when compared to the fiscal year 2006
appropriation.
Office of Government Ethics
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $11,037,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 11,489,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 11,489,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +452,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Office of Government Ethics (OGE), established by the
Ethics in Government Act of 1978, partners with other executive
branch Departments and agencies to foster high ethical
standards. The OGE issues and monitors rules, regulations, and
memoranda pertaining to the prevention and resolution of
conflicts of interest, post-employment restrictions, standards
of conduct, and financial disclosure for executive branch
employees.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $11,489,000
for the Office of Government Ethics, an increase of $452,000
above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2006 and the same
as the budget request.
Office of Personnel Management
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $121,295,790
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 111,095,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 111,095,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -10,200,790
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the Federal
Government agency responsible for management of Federal human
resources policy and oversight of the merit civil service
system. Although individual agencies are increasingly
responsible for personnel operations, OPM provides a
Government-wide policy framework for personnel matters, advises
and assists agencies (often on a reimbursable basis), and
ensures that agency operations are consistent with requirements
of law, with emphasis on such issues as veterans preference.
OPM oversees examining of applicants for employment, issues
regulations and policies on hiring, classification and pay,
training, investigations, and many other aspects of personnel
management, and operates a reimbursable training program for
the Federal Government's managers and executives. OPM is also
responsible for administering the retirement, health benefits
and life insurance programs affecting most Federal employees,
retired Federal employees, and their survivors.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $111,095,000
for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), a decrease of
$10,200,790 below the enacted fiscal year 2006 level and the
same as the fiscal year 2007 budget request.
The Committee's recommendation includes $6,913,000 for the
enterprise human resources integration project and $1,436,000
for the e-human resources line of business project as proposed
in the budget request. The Committee does not fund the proposed
$26,730,000 increase for retirement systems modernization and
in doing so only provides $100,178,000 from appropriate trust
funds to OPM.
The Committee does not fund the proposed $2,129,000
increase in general funds for pay and performance
modernization. As such, the request for Strategic Human
Resources Policy is reduced by $1,000,000 and the request for
Human Capital Leadership and Merit Systems Accountability is
reduced by $1,129,000. Instead the requested funding level for
the Management Services Division is increased by that same
$2,129,000.
The Committee directs OPM to continue the process of
implementing and refining the new human resources management
systems at the Department of Defense and the Department of
Homeland Security before expanding to other agencies and
departments.
The Committee notes that the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) has provided useful recommendations to OPM's
retirement system modernization effort. The Committee directs
GAO to continue to monitor the implementation of the
modernization program and provide an update to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations by March 1, 2007 as to
OPM's progress in converting the agency's paper personnel file
system into a secure digital system.
Operating Plans.--The Committee directs the office to
submit an operating plan for fiscal year 2007, signed by the
director for review by the Committees on Appropriations of both
the House and Senate within 60 days of the bill's enactment.
The operating plan must include funding levels including an
identification of carryover funds for the various offices,
centers, programs, and initiatives covered in the budget
justification and supporting documents referenced in the House
and Senate appropriations reports, and the statement of the
managers.
Budget Justifications.--While the budget justification
materials are improved over the fiscal year 2006 submission,
there is still a good deal of improvement to be done. For
example, dollars requested are not currently broken out between
trust fund and general funds for specific programs or
activities within organizations. Additionally, when providing a
total that includes reimbursements, OPM should also provide the
breakout of direct appropriation and reimbursement. The
Committee directs OPM to include these changes in future budget
justifications. Finally, the Committee directs OPM to continue
its efforts to include in the budget justification for the
Committees on Appropriations clear, detailed, and concise
information on how the programs will be funded and how they
will be measured.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $2,050,290
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 1,598,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,598,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -452,290
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
This appropriation provides agency-wide audit,
investigative, evaluation, and inspection functions to identify
management and administrative deficiencies, which may create
conditions for fraud, waste and mismanagement. The audits
function provides internal agency audit, insurance audit, and
contract audit services. Contract audits provide professional
advice to agency contracting officials on accounting and
financial matters regarding the negotiation, award,
administration, repricing, and settlement of contracts.
Internal audits review and evaluate all facets of agency
operations, including financial statements. Evaluation and
inspection services provide detailed technical evaluations of
agency operations. Insurance audits review the operations of
health and life insurance carriers, health care providers, and
insurance subscribers. The investigative function provides for
the detection and investigation of improper and illegal
activities involving programs, personnel, and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,598,000 for
the Office of Inspector General of the Office of Personnel
Management, $452,290 below the fiscal year 2006 enacted level
and the same as the fiscal year 2007 budget request. In
addition, the recommendation also provides $16,165,710 from
appropriate trust funds to the Office of Inspector General.
GOVERNMENT PAYMENT FOR ANNUITANTS, EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2005....................... $8,204,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2006...................... 8,765,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 8,765,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2005................... +561,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2006.................. - - -
This appropriation covers: (1) the Government's share of
the cost of health insurance for annuitants as defined in
sections 8901 and 8906 of title 5, United States Code; (2) the
Government's share of the cost of health insurance for
annuitants who were retired when the federal employees health
benefits law became effective, as defined in the Retired
Federal Employees Health Benefits Act of 1960; and (3) the
Government's contribution for payment of administrative
expenses incurred by the Office of Personnel Management in
administration of the Act.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a mandatory appropriation of
$8,765,000,000 for the Government Payment for Annuitants,
Employees Health Benefits, an increase of $561,000,000 above
the fiscal year 2006 enacted level, and the same as the
Administration's request.
GOVERNMENT PAYMENT FOR ANNUITANTS, EMPLOYEES LIFE INSURANCE
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $39,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 39,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 39,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
This appropriation finances the Government's share of
premiums, which is one-third the cost, for basic life insurance
for annuitants retiring after December 31, 1989, and who are
less than 65 years old.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a mandatory appropriation of
$39,000,000 for the Government Payment for Annuitants,
Employees Life Insurance, the same as both the fiscal year 2006
enacted level, and the Administration's request for fiscal year
2007.
PAYMENT TO CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $10,434,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 10,532,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 10,532,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +98,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
This appropriation provides for payment of annuities,
including the payment of annuities under special acts for
persons employed on the construction of the Panama Canal or
their widows and widows of employees of the Lighthouse Service;
payment of the Federal government share of retirement costs of
the unfunded liability resulting from any statute authorizing
new or liberalized benefits, extension of retirement coverage,
or pay increases; transfers for interest on unfunded liability
and payment of military service annuities covering interest on
the unfunded liability and annuity disbursements for military
service; payments for spouse equity providing survivor
annuities to eligible former spouses of annuitants who died
between September 1978 and May 1986 and did not elect survivor
coverage; and transfers for payment of FERS supplemental
liability covering annual amortization payments financing
supplemental liabilities for FERS.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a mandatory appropriation of
$10,532,000,000 for the Payment to Civil Service Retirement and
Disability Fund, an increase of $98,000,000 above the fiscal
year 2006 enacted level, and the same as the Administration's
request.
Office of Special Counsel
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $15,171,750
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 15,937,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 15,937,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... 765,250
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Office of Special Counsel: (1) investigates federal
employee allegations of prohibited personnel practices
(including reprisal for whistleblowing) and, when appropriate,
prosecutes before the Merit Systems Protection Board; (2)
provides a channel for whistleblowing by federal employees; and
(3) enforces the Hatch Act. The Office may transmit
whistleblower allegations to the agency head concerned and
require an agency investigation and a report to the Congress
and the President when appropriate.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $15,937,000
for the Office of Special Counsel, an increase of $765,000
above the fiscal year 2006 enacted level, and the same as the
fiscal year 2007 budget request.
Selective Service System
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $24,750,000
Budget Request, fiscal year 2007...................... 24,255,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 24,255,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -495,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Selective Service System was established by the
Selective Service Act of 1948. The basic mission of the System
is to be prepared to supply manpower to the Armed Forces
adequate to ensure the security of the United States during a
time of national emergency. Since 1973, the Armed Forces have
relied on volunteers to fill military manpower requirements,
but selective service registration was reinstituted in July,
1980.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
For fiscal year 2007, the Committee recommends $24,255,000
for the Selective Service System, $495,000 below the fiscal
year 2006 funding level and the same as the budget request, to
be spent as outlined in the budget justification document.
U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness
OPERATING EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $1,782,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 2,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 2,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... +218,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The Committee recommends $2,000,000 for operating expenses
of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, the same as the
requested level and $218,000 above the enacted amount for
fiscal year 2006. The Committee encourages the Council to
continue to work closely with the Department of Housing and
Urban Development to not only develop but also implement
government-wide response to the national problem of
homelessness.
United States Postal Service
PAYMENT TO THE POSTAL SERVICE FUND
The Postal Service is funded almost entirely by Postal rate
payers rather than tax payers. Funds provided to the Postal
Service in the Payment to the Postal Service Fund include the
costs of revenue forgone on free and reduced-rate mail for the
blind and overseas voters; reconciliation adjustments for
amounts appropriated for free and reduced rate mail and the
actual amounts required; and partial reimbursement for losses
which the Postal Service incurred as a result of insufficient
appropriations in fiscal years 1991 through 1993 and the
additional revenues it would have received between 1993 and
1998 in the absence of certain rate phasing provisions of the
Revenue Forgone Act of 1993. Congress does not provide funds
for either general operations or capital investments.
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $115,917,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 79,915,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 108,915,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -7,002,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. +29,000,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $108,915,000
in fiscal year 2006 for Payment to the Postal Service Fund, an
increase of $29,000,000 above the President's request. This
amount includes $29,000,000 for revenue forgone on free and
reduced-rate mail pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 2401(d) and $79,915,000
is provided as an advance appropriation for fiscal year 2008.
The Committee has concerns with the new process implemented
this year by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). In past
years, the OMB would use the Postal Service's audit figures to
base the advance appropriation request for free mailings for
the blind and overseas voters. However, this year it appears
that OMB simply took the average appropriation over a series of
years to derive the President's request, apparently for the
sole reason that the Postal Service's audit figures were higher
than in previous years. This new system could produce funding
amounts that may be either significantly lower or higher than
actual sums that the Postal Service needs. Providing less than
the Postal Service needs will only compound their financial
burdens, something that the Committee has strongly urged the
Postal Service to try and repair. In addition, the Committee
would certainly not want to provide more funding than the
Postal Service actually needs for these activities. The
Committee is concerned that OMB's new use of averages in
determining the amount for free mail is inaccurate and the
Committee urges OMB to continue to use Postal Service audit
figures in the future.
United States Tax Court
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006....................... $47,518,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007...................... 47,110,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 47,110,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006................... -408,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007.................. - - -
The U.S. Tax Court adjudicates controversies involving
deficiencies in income, estate, and gift taxes. The Court also
has jurisdiction to determine deficiencies in certain excise
taxes to issue declaratory judgments in the areas of
qualifications of retirement plans, exemption of charitable
organizations, and to decide certain cases involving disclosure
of tax information by the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue
Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $47,110,000 for the U.S. Tax
Court, the same as the budget request and $408,000 below the
amounts provided in fiscal year 2006.
TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS, THIS ACT
Section 801. The Committee continues the provision
requiring pay raises to be funded within appropriated levels in
this Act or previous appropriations Acts.
Section 802. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting pay and other expenses for non-Federal parties in
regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings funded in this Act.
Section 803. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting obligations beyond the current fiscal year and
prohibits transfers of funds unless expressly so provided
herein.
Section 804. The Committee continues the provision limiting
consulting service expenditures of public record in procurement
contracts.
Section 805. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds in this Act to be transferred without express
authority.
Section 806. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds to engage in activities that would
prohibit the enforcement of section 307 of the 1930 Tariff Act.
Section 807. The Committee continues the provision
concerning employment rights of Federal employees who return to
their civilian jobs after assignment with the Armed Forces.
Section 808. The Committee continues the provision
concerning compliance with the Buy American Act.
Section 809. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds by any person or entity convicted
of violating the Buy American Act.
Section 810. The Committee continues the provision
specifying reprogramming procedures by subjecting the
establishment of new offices and reorganizations to the
reprogramming process.
Section 811. The Committee continues the provision
providing that fifty percent of unobligated balances may remain
available for certain purposes.
Section 812. The Committee continues the provision
providing that funds used by the Executive Office of the
President not be used to request any official background
investigation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Section 813. The Committee continues the provision
requiring that cost accounting standards not apply to a
contract under the Federal Health Benefits Program.
Section 814. The Committee continues the provision
regarding non-foreign area cost of living allowances.
Section 815. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the expenditure of funds for abortions under the
FEHBP.
Section 816. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the expenditure of funds for abortions under the
FEHBP unless the life of the mother is in danger or the
pregnancy is a result of an act of rape or incest.
Section 817. The Committee continues the provision waiving
restrictions on the purchase of non-domestic articles,
materials, and supplies in the case of acquisition by the
Federal Government of information technology.
Section 818. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds for a proposed rule relating to
the determination that real estate brokerage is a financial
activity.
Section 819. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds for eminent domain unless such a
taking is employed for a public use but does not repeat the
requirement for a study by the Government Accountability
Office.
TITLE IX--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Departments, Agencies, and Corporations
Section 901. The Committee continues the provision
authorizing agencies to pay costs of travel to the United
States for the immediate families of federal employees assigned
to foreign duty in the event of a death or a life threatening
illness of the employee.
Section 902. The Committee continues the provision
requiring agencies to administer a policy designed to ensure
that all of its workplaces are free from the illegal use of
controlled substances.
Section 903. The Committee continues the provision
regarding price limitations on vehicles to be purchased by the
Federal Government.
Section 904. The Committee continues the provision allowing
funds made available to agencies for travel, to also be used
for quarter allowances and cost-of-living allowances.
Section 905. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the government, with certain specified exceptions,
from employing non-U.S. citizens whose posts of duty would be
in the continental U.S.
Section 906. The Committee continues the provision ensuring
that agencies will have authority to pay GSA bills for space
renovation and other services.
Section 907. The Committee continues the provision allowing
agencies to finance the costs of recycling and waste prevention
programs with proceeds from the sale of materials recovered
through such programs.
Section 908. The Committee continues the provision
providing that funds may be used to pay rent and other service
costs in the District of Columbia.
Section 909. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting payments to persons filling positions for which
they have been nominated after the Senate has voted not to
approve the nomination.
Section 910. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting interagency financing of groups absent prior
statutory approval.
Section 911. The Committee continues the provision
authorizing the Postal Service to employ guards and give them
the same special police powers as certain other federal guards.
Section 912. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds for enforcing regulations
disapproved in accordance with the applicable law of the U.S.
Section 913. The Committee continues the provision limiting
the pay increases of certain prevailing rate employees.
Section 914. The Committee continues the provision limiting
the amount of funds that can be used for redecoration of
offices under certain circumstances.
Section 915. The Committee continues the provision to allow
for interagency funding of national security and emergency
telecommunications initiatives.
Section 916. The Committee continues the provision
requiring agencies to certify that a Schedule C appointment was
not created solely or primarily to detail the employee to the
White House.
Section 917. The Committee continues the provision
requiring agencies to administer a policy designed to ensure
that all workplaces are free from discrimination and sexual
harassment.
Section 918. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the payment of any employee who prohibits,
threatens or prevents another employee from communicating with
Congress.
Section 919. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting Federal training not directly related to the
performance of official duties.
Section 920. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the expenditure of funds for implementation of
agreements in nondisclosure policies unless certain provisions
are included.
Section 921. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting propaganda, publicity and lobbying by executive
agency personnel in support or defeat of legislative
initiatives.
Section 922. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting any federal agency from disclosing an employee's
home address to any labor organization, absent employee
authorization or court order.
Section 923. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds to be used to provide non-public information
such as mailing or telephone lists to any person or
organization outside the government without the approval of the
Committees on Appropriations.
Section 924. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds for propaganda and publicity
purposes not authorized by Congress.
Section 925. The Committee continues the provision
directing agency employees to use official time in an honest
effort to perform official duties.
Section 926. The Committee continues the provision
authorizing the use of funds to finance an appropriate share of
the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board.
Section 927. The Committee continues the provision, with
technical modifications, authorizing agencies to transfer funds
(not to exceed $10,000,000) to the Government-wide Policy
account of GSA to finance an appropriate share of various
government-wide boards and councils.
Section 928. The Committee continues the provision that
permits breast feeding in a federal building or on federal
property if the woman and child are authorized to be there.
Section 929. The Committee continues the provision that
permits interagency funding of the National Science and
Technology Council and provides for a report on the budget and
resources of the National Science and Technology Council. The
report should include the entire budget of the National Science
and Technology Council.
Section 930. The Committee continues the provision
requiring documents involving the distribution of federal funds
to indicate the agency providing the funds and the amount
provided.
Section 931. The Committee repeals the provision extending
authorization for agency franchise funds.
Section 932. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds to monitor personal information
relating to the use of federal internet sites to collect,
review, or create any aggregate list that includes personally
identifiable information relating to access to or use of any
federal internet site of such agency.
Section 933. The Committee continues the provision
requiring health plans participating in the FEHBP to provide
contraceptive coverage and provides exemptions to certain
religious plans.
Section 934. The Committee continues the provision
providing recognition of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency as the
official anti-doping agency.
Section 935. The Committee continues a provision allowing
funds for official travel to be used by departments and
agencies, if consistent with OMB and Budget Circular A-126, to
participate in the fractional aircraft ownership pilot program.
Section 936. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds for implementation of OPM regulations
limiting detailees to the Legislative Branch, and implementing
limitations on the Coast Guard Congressional Fellowship
Program.
Section 937. The Committee continues the provision that
restricts the use of funds for federal law enforcement training
facilities.
Section 938. The Committee continues the provision
concerning the use of funds for the ``e-Gov'' initiative that
were not appropriated specifically for that purpose.
Section 939. The Committee continues the provision
regarding public-private competitions in reference to OMB
Circular A-76.
Section 940. The Committee continues a provision, with
modifications, providing that the adjustment in rates of basic
pay for employees under statutory pay systems taking effect in
fiscal year 2007 shall be an increase of 2.7 percent.
Section 941. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits executive branch agencies from creating prepackaged
news stories that are broadcast or distributed in the United
States unless the story includes a clear notification within
the text or audio of that news story that the prepackaged news
story was prepared or funded by that executive branch agency.
This provision confirms the opinion of the Government
Accountability Office dated February 17, 2005 (B-304272).
Section 942. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds used in contravention of section 552a of
title 5, United States Code or section 552.224 of title 48 of
the Code of Federal Regulations.
Section 943. The Committee continues the provision
requiring agencies to evaluate the creditworthiness of an
individual before issuing the individual a government travel
charge card and limits agency actions accordingly.
Section 944. The Committee continues the provision limiting
these general provisions to title V.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT REQUIREMENTS
The following items are included in accordance with various
requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives:
Constitutional Authority
Clause 3(d)(1) of the rule XXIII of the Rules of the House
of Representatives states:
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 from 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.
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.
Appropriations Not Authorized by Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following table lists the
appropriations in the accompanying bill that are not authorized
by law:
[Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations in
Last Year of Authorization Last Year of Amount of Program
Authorization Level Authorization or New Fees
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title I--Department of
Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration:
Safety and Operations........... 1998 n/a n/a 150,083
Railroad Safety................. 1998 90,739 57,050 n/a
Grants to the National Passenger 2002 955,000 826,476 900,000
Railroad Corporation...........
Maritime Administration:
Operations and Training......... 2006 122,249 128,527 116,442
Maritime Security Program....... 2006 156,000 154,440 154,400
Maritime Guaranteed Loan Program n/a n/a n/a n/a
(Title XI).....................
Administrative Expenses..... 2006 1,426 4,085 3,317
Ship Disposal Program........... 2006 21,000 20,790 25,740
National Defense Tank Vessel 2006 n/a n/a n/a
Construction Program...........
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration:
Administrative Expenses..... n/a n/a n/a 17,721
Pipeline Safety................. 2006 82,500 72,280 75,735
Surface Transportation Board........ 1998 12,000 13,850 25,618
Research and Innovative Technology
Administration:
Research and Development........ n/a n/a n/a 6,367
Title II--Department of the Treasury
Departmental Offices \1\,\2\,\3\.... n/a n/a n/a 223,786
Department-wide Systems and Capital n/a n/a n/a 34,032
Investments........................
Office of the Inspector General..... n/a n/a n/a 17,352
Inspector General for Tax n/a n/a n/a 136,469
Administration.....................
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network 2005 35,500 10,416 84,066
Financial Management Service........ n/a n/a n/a 233,654
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade n/a n/a n/a 92,604
Bureau.............................
Bureau of Public Debt............... n/a n/a n/a 180,789
Community Development and Financial 1998 60,000 80,000 40,000
Institutions Fund
Internal Revenue Service:
Taxpayer Services............... n/a n/a n/a 2,059,151
Enforcement \4\................. n/a n/a n/a 4,757,126
Operations Support.............. n/a n/a n/a 3,438,404
Business Systems Modernization.. n/a n/a n/a 212,310
Health Insurance Tax Credit 2004 20,000 40,000 14,846
Administration.................
TITLE III--Department of Housing and
Urban Development
Rental Assistance:
Section 8 contract renewals and 1994 8,446,173 5,458,106 20,851,790
administrative expenses........
Section 441 contracts........... 1994 109,410 150,000 48,150
Section 8 preservation, 1994 759,259 541,000 149,300
protection, and family
unification....................
Contract Administrators......... n/a n/a n/a 145,300
Public Housing Capital Fund..... 2003 3,000,000 2,712,255 2,178,000
Public Housing Operating Fund... 2003 2,900,000 3,576,600 3,564,000
Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant. 2005 n/a 8,928,000 8,815
Native Hawaiian Housing Loan 2005 n/a 992,000 1,010
Guarantee Fund.....................
Housing Opportunities for Persons 1994 156,300 156,000 300,100
with AIDS..........................
Rural Housing and Economics n/a n/a n/a .................
Development........................
Community Development Fund:
Community Development Block 1994 4,168,000 4,380,000 3,872,580
Grants.........................
Economic Development Initiatives n/a n/a n/a 250,000
Neighborhood Initiatives........ n/a n/a n/a 20,000
HOME Investment Partnerships........ 1994 2,173,612 1,275,000 1,891,890
Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership
Opportunity:
Capacity Building............... 1994 25,000 20,000 32,000
Housing Assistance Council...... n/a n/a n/a 3,500
Self-Help Housing Opportunity 2000 n/a 20,000 21,920
Program........................
National Housing Development n/a n/a n/a 1,980
Corporation....................
Homeless Assistance Grants.......... 1994 465,774 599,000 1,535,990
Housing for the Elderly............. 2003 n/a 783,286 734,580
Housing for Persons with 2003 n/a 250,515 236,610
Disabilities.......................
FHA General and Special Risk Program
Account:
Limitation on guaranteed loans.. 1995 n/a (20,885,072) (35,000,000)
Limitation on direct loans...... 1995 n/a (220,000) (50,000,000)
Credit Subsidy.................. 1995 n/a 188,395 8,600
Administrative Expenses......... 1995 n/a 197,470 301,864
GNMA Mortgage-Backed Securities Loan
Guarantee Program Account:
Limitation on guaranteed loans.. 1996 (110,000,000) (110,000,000) (100,000,000)
Administrative Expenses......... 1996 n/a 9,101 10,700
Policy Development and Research..... 1994 36,470 35,000 55,787
Fair Housing Activities, Fair 1994 26,000 20,481 18,800
Housing Initiatives Program........
Lead Hazards Reduction Program...... 1994 276,000 185,000 114,840
Salaries and Expenses............... 1994 1,029,496 916,963 1,141,118
Title V--District of Columbia
Emergency Planning and Security n/a n/a n/a 8,533
Costs..............................
District of Columbia Water and Sewer n/a n/a n/a 7,000
Authority..........................
Office of the Chief Financial n/a n/a n/a 5,000
Officer............................
School Improvement.................. n/a n/a n/a 40,800
Title VI--Executive Office of the
President
Compensation of the President 1999 n/a n/a 450
White House Office, Salaries and 1978 n/a n/a 51,952
Expenses...........................
Executive Residence, Operating 1978 n/a n/a 12,041
Expenses...........................
Executive Residence, White House 1978 n/a n/a 1,600
Repair and Restoration.............
Council of Economic Advisors........ 1978 n/a n/a 4,002
Office of Policy Development........ 1978 n/a n/a 3,385
National Security Council........... 1978 n/a n/a 8,405
Office of Administration............ 1978 n/a n/a 91,393
Office of Management and Budget..... 2003 n/a n/a 76,185
Office of National Drug Control
Policy (ONDCP):
ONDCP, Salaries and Expenses.... 2004 n/a n/a 26,928
ONDCP, Salaries and Expenses, 2004 n/a n/a 1
Model State Drug Laws..........
ONDCP, Counterdrug Technology 2004 n/a n/a 9,600
Assessment Center, Counterdrug
R&D............................
ONDCP, Counterdrug Technology 2004 n/a n/a 10,000
Assessment Center, Technology
Transfer.......................
ONDCP, High Intensity Drug 2004 n/a n/a 227,000
Trafficking Areas..............
ONDCP, Other Federal Drug 2004 n/a n/a 13
Control (except Drug-Free
Communities)...................
ONDCP, Other Federal Drug 2004 n/a n/a 100
Control, Media Campaign........
Unanticipated Needs................. 1978 n/a n/a 1,000
Special Assistance to the 1978 n/a n/a 4,352
President, Salaries and
Expenses.......................
Title VII--Independent Agencies
Election Assistance Commission...... 2005 10,000 13,888 16,908
Federal Election Commission......... 1981 9,400 51,742 57,138
General Services Administration:
Federal Building Fund........... n/a n/a n/a n/a
Construction and Acquisition.... n/a n/a n/a n/a
Repairs and Alterations......... n/a n/a n/a n/a
National Transportation Safety Board 2006 87,539 75,933 81,594
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Appropriations for International Affairs activities were permanently authorized in 31 U.S.C. Sec. 325(b)
(1982).
\2\ Appropriations for OFAC activities related to Cuba were permanently authorized in 22 U.S.C. Sec. 6009
(1992).
\3\ Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Strategy were permanently authorized in 31 U.S.C. Sec. 5355 (2005).
\4\ The Earned Income Tax Credit compliance program was authorized in P.L. 105-33 (2002).
Transfer of Funds
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following statement is submitted
describing the transfers of funds provided in the accompanying
bill.
The Committee recommends the following transfers:
Under Title I--Department of Transportation
Under the Office of the Secretary, ``Salaries and
expenses'', the Secretary of Transportation is allowed to
transfer amounts among the individual offices of the Office of
the Secretary, subject to certain conditions.
Under the Office of the Secretary, ``Payments to air
carriers,'' the Secretary of Transportation is allowed to
transfer overflight fees collected to the Federal Aviation
Administration to repay funds borrowed during the fiscal year
to fund the essential air service program.
Under Federal Aviation Administration, ``Operations'', the
Administrator is allowed to transfer up to two percent of
certain funds subject to conditions.
Under Federal Transit Administration, ``Administrative
expenses'', the Administrator is authorized to transfer funds
between offices.
Section 162. The Committee continues the provision that
allows transit funds appropriated before October 1, 2006, that
remain available for expenditure to be transferred.
Under Maritime Guaranteed Loan (Title XI) Program Account,
``Operations'', the Committee authorizes funds to be
transferred to operations and training.
Section 189. The Committee continues a provision allowing
the Secretary of Transportation to transfer unexpended sums
from ``Office of the secretary, salaries and expenses'' to
``Minority business outreach''.
Under Title II--Department of the Treasury
Under the Department of the Treasury, ``Departmental
offices, salaries and expenses'', up to three percent, may be
transferred between program activities of the Departmental
Offices; and that of the $5,114,000 for the Treasury-wide
Financial Statement Audit and Internal Control program, such
amounts as necessary may be transferred to the Department's
offices and bureaus.
Under the Department of the Treasury, ``Department-wide
systems and capital investments programs'', amounts necessary
to satisfy the requirements of the Department's offices,
bureaus, and other organizations may be transferred.
Under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), ``Enforcement'',
up to $10,000,000 may be transferred to ``Operations support''
for management of the Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement
program.
Section 201 allows the transfer of five percent of any
appropriation (or three percent of IRS, ``Enforcement'') made
available to the IRS to any other IRS appropriation, subject to
prior Congressional approval.
Section 208 allows the transfer of 20 percent of the IRS
Taxpayer Services, Enforcement, and Operations Support
appropriations necessary to implement the new IRS account
structure, subject to a 30 day notification period.
Section 211 authorizes transfers, up to two percent,
between Departmental Offices, Office of the Inspector General,
Financial Management Service, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and the Bureau of
the Public Debt appropriations under certain circumstances.
Section 212 authorizes transfers, up to two percent,
between the IRS and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax
Administration under certain circumstances.
Section 215 authorizes the transfer of funds from the
``Financial management service, salaries and expenses'', to the
``Debt collection fund'' as necessary to cover the cost of debt
collection.
Under Title III--Department of Housing and Urban Development
The Committee has included language under the Department of
Housing and Urban Development transferring the following
amounts to the salaries and expenses account for administrative
expenses: ``FHA mutual mortgage insurance program account''
($347,490,000); ``FHA general and special risk insurance
program account'' ($209,286,000); ``GNMA guarantees of
mortgage-backed securities loan guarantee program account''
($10,700,000); ``Indian housing loan guarantee fund program
account'' ($247,500); ``Native Hawaiian housing loan guarantee
fund'' ($35,000); and ``Native American housing block grants
account'' ($148,500).
The Committee has included language under the Department of
Housing and Urban Development transferring no less than the
following amounts to the working capital fund under the
salaries and expenses account for development and management of
information technology systems: ``Tenant-based rental
assistance'' ($5,900,000); ``Project-based rental assistance''
($3,960,000); ``Public housing capital fund'' ($14,850,000);
``Housing opportunities for people with AIDS'' ($1,485,000);
``HOME investment partnership program account'' ($3,465,000);
``Homeless assistance grants account'' ($2,475,000); ``Housing
for the elderly account'' ($1,980,000); ``Housing for persons
with disabilities account'' ($990,000); ``FHA mutual mortgage
insurance program account'' ($23,562,000); ``FHA general and
special risk insurance program account'' ($10,692,000).
The Committee has included language under the Department of
Housing and Urban Development transferring $23,760,000 from the
various funds of the Federal Housing Administration to the
Office of Inspector General.
The Committee has included language under the Department of
Housing and Urban Development transferring $62,000,000 from the
``Federal housing enterprise oversight fund'' to the ``Office
of federal housing enterprise oversight account''.
Under Title IV--The Judiciary
Under the Judiciary, ``Courts of appeals, district courts,
and other judicial services'', funds may be transferred to the
United States Marshals Service for courthouse security.
Section 402. The Committee continues a provision permitting
the Judiciary to transfer up to five percent of any
appropriation with certain limitations.
Under Title V--District of Columbia
The Committee has included language transferring fines
collected under DC Official Code section 50-2201.05(b)(1) and
(2) in the general funds to the Office of the Attorney General
of the District of Columbia.
The Committee has included language to allow the District
of Columbia to transfer local funds in certain instances.
Under Title VI--Executive Office of the President
Language is included under Office of National Drug Control
Policy, ``Counterdrug technology assessment center'', allowing
for the transfer of funds to other Federal departments or
agencies.
Language is included under Federal Drug Control Programs,
``High intensity drug trafficking areas program'', which allows
for the transfer of funds to other Federal departments or
agencies.
Language is included under Federal Drug Control Programs,
``Other Federal drug control program'', allowing the transfer
of funds to other Federal departments or agencies.
Language is included under Special Assistance to the
President and the Official Residence of the Vice President,
``Operating expenses'', allowing the transfer of funds to other
Federal departments or agencies.
Section 601. The Committee continues a provision permitting
the Executive Office of the President to transfer up to 10
percent of any appropriation, subject to a 15 day notification
period.
Under Title VII--Independent Agencies
Under Title VII Independent Agencies, a number of transfers
are allowed: 1) the General Services Administration allowances
and Office Staff for Former Presidents account may transfer
such sums as necessary to the Department of the Treasury for
certain pension benefits; 2) the General Services
Administration Electronic Government Fund may transfer
$3,000,000 to Federal departments in pursuit of programs goals;
3) under the Election Assistance Commission, $4,950,000 is
transferred to the National Institute of Standards and
Technology; 4) under Merit Systems Protection Board, up to
$2,579,000 is transferred from the Civil Service Retirement and
Disability Fund; 5) under Morris K. Udall Scholarship and
Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation, a
certain percentage of funds may be transferred to the Native
Nations Institute for necessary expenses; 6) under the National
Archives and Records Administration, $2,000,000 is transferred
from the National Historical Publications and Records
Commission to the operating expenses account; 7) under Office
of Personnel Management, amounts from certain trust funds are
transferred to the salaries and expenses account for
administrative expenses; and 8) under Office of Personnel
Management, Office of Inspector General, amounts from certain
trust funds are transferred to the salaries and expenses
account for administrative expenses.
Section 703. The Committee continues the provision
providing that funds made available for activities of the
Federal Building Fund may be transferred with advance approval
from the Committees on Appropriations.
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):
TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE
* * * * * * *
SUBTITLE VII--AVIATION PROGRAMS
* * * * * * *
PART A--AIR COMMERCE AND SAFETY
* * * * * * *
SUBPART III--SAFETY
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 443--INSURANCE
* * * * * * *
Sec. 44302. General authority
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(f) Extension of Policies--
(1) In general-The Secretary shall extend through
August 31, [2006,] 2007, and may extend through
December 31, [2006,] 2007, the termination date of any
insurance policy that the Department of Transportation
issued to an air carrier under subsection (a) and that
is in effect on the date of enactment of this
subsection on no less favorable terms to the air
carrier than existed on June 19, 2002; except that the
Secretary shall amend the insurance policy, subject to
such terms and conditions as the Secretary may
prescribe, to add coverage for losses or injuries to
aircraft hulls, passengers, and crew at the limits
carried by air carriers for such losses and injuries as
of such date of enactment and at an additional premium
comparable to the premium charged for third-party
casualty coverage under such policy.
* * * * * * *
Sec. 44303. Coverage
(a) * * *
(b) Air Carrier Liability for Third Party Claims Arising Out
of Acts of Terrorism.--For acts of terrorism committed on or to
an air carrier during the period beginning on September 22,
2001, and ending on December 31, [2006,] 2007, the Secretary
may certify that the air carrier was a victim of an act of
terrorism and in the Secretary's judgment, based on the
Secretary's analysis and conclusions regarding the facts and
circumstances of each case, shall not be responsible for losses
suffered by third parties (as referred to in section
205.5(b)(1) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) that
exceed $100,000,000, in the aggregate, for all claims by such
parties arising out of such act. If the Secretary so certifies,
the air carrier shall not be liable for an amount that exceeds
$100,000,000, in the aggregate, for all claims by such parties
arising out of such act, and the Government shall be
responsible for any liability above such amount. No punitive
damages may be awarded against an air carrier (or the
Government taking responsibility for an air carrier under this
subsection) under a cause of action arising out of such act.
The Secretary may extend the provisions of this subsection to
an aircraft manufacturer (as defined in section 44301) of the
aircraft of the air carrier involved.
* * * * * * *
----------
DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND STATE, THE JUICIARY, AND RELATED
AGENCICES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1998
(Public Law 105-119)
Sec. 122. (a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(g)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject
to paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized
to establish, for a period of [8] 9 years from date of
enactment of this provision, a personnel management
demonstration project providing for the compensation and
performance management of not more than a combined total of 950
employees who fill critical scientific, technical, engineering,
intelligence analyst, language translator, and medical
positions in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
* * * * * * *
----------
SECTION 3333 OF TITLE 31, UNITED STATES CODE
Sec. 3333. Relief for payments made without negligence
(a)(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
[(3) The amount of the relief shall be charged to the Check
Forgery Insurance Fund (31 U.S.C. 3343). A recovery or
repayment of a loss for which replacement is made out of the
fund shall be credited to the fund and is available for the
purposes for which the fund was established.]
(3) The amount of the relief, and the amount of any relief
granted to an official or agent of the Department of the
Treasury under section 3527 of this title, shall be charged to
the Check Forgery Insurance Fund under section 3343 of this
title. A recovery or repayment of a loss for which replacement
is made out of the fund shall be credited to the fund and is
available for the purposes for which the fund was established.
* * * * * * *
----------
NATIONAL HOUSING ACT
* * * * * * *
TITLE II--MORTGAGE INSURANCE
* * * * * * *
insurance of mortgages
Sec. 203. (a) * * *
(b) To be eligible for insurance under this section a
mortgage shall comply with the following:
(1) * * *
(2) Involve a principal obligation (including such
initial service charges, appraisal, inspection, and
other fees as the Secretary shall approve) in an
amount--
[(A) not to exceed the lesser of--
[(i) in the case of a 1-family
residence, 95 percent of the median 1-
family house price in the area, as
determined by the Secretary; in the
case of a 2-family residence, 107
percent of such median price; in the
case of a 3-family residence, 130
percent of such median price; or in the
case of a 4-family residence, 150
percent of such median price; or]
(A) not to exceed the lesser of--
(i) the median house price in the
area, as determined by the Secretary;
or
(ii) [87 percent of] the dollar
amount limitation determined under
section 305(a)(2) of the Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation Act for a
residence of the applicable size;
except that the dollar amount
limitation in effect for any area under
this subparagraph may not be less than
the greater of the dollar amount
limitation in effect under this section
for the area on the date of the
enactment of the Departments of
Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban
Development, and Independent Agencies
Appropriations Act [for Fiscal Year],
1999 or [48] 65 percent of the dollar
limitation determined under section
305(a)(2) of the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation Act for a
residence of the applicable size; and
[(B) not to exceed an amount equal to the sum
of--
[(i) the amount of the mortgage
insurance premium paid at the time the
mortgage is insured; and
[(ii) in the case of--
[(I) a mortgage for a
property with an appraised
value equal to or less than
$50,000, 98.75 percent of the
appraised value of the
property;
[(II) a mortgage for a
property with an appraised
value in excess of $50,000 but
not in excess of $125,000,
97.65 percent of the appraised
value of the property;
[(III) a mortgage for a
property with an appraised
value in excess of $125,000,
97.15 percent of the appraised
value of the property; or
[(IV) notwithstanding
subclauses (II) and (III), a
mortgage for a property with an
appraised value in excess of
$50,000 that is located in an
area of the State for which the
average closing cost exceeds
2.10 percent of the average,
for the State, of the sale
price of properties located in
the State for which mortgages
have been executed, 97.75
percent of the appraised value
of the property.]
(B) not to exceed the appraised value of the
property, plus any initial service charges,
appraisal, inspection and other fees in
connection with the mortgage as approved by the
Secretary.
* * * * * * *
[(9) Be executed by a mortgagor who shall have paid
on account of the property (except with respect to a
mortgage executed by a mortgagor who is a veteran) at
least 3 per centum, or such larger amount as the
Secretary may determine, of the Secretary's estimate of
the cost of acquisition (excluding the mortgage
insurance premium paid at the time the mortgage is
insured) in cash or its equivalent: Provided, That with
respect to a mortgage executed by a mortgagor who is
sixty years of age or older as of the date the mortgage
is endorsed for insurance or with respect to a mortgage
meeting the requirements of subsection (i) of this
section, or with respect to a mortgage covering a
single-family home being purchased under the low-income
housing demonstration project assisted pursuant to
section 207 of the Housing Act of 1961, or with respect
to a mortgage covering a housing unit in connection
with a homeownership program under the Homeownership
and Opportunity Through HOPE Act, the mortgagor's
payment required by this subsection may be paid by a
corporation or person other than the mortgagor under
such terms and conditions as the Secretary may
prescribe: Provided further, That for] (9) Be executed
by a mortgagor who shall have paid on account of the
property, in cash or its equivalent, an amount, if any,
as the Secretary may determine based on factors
determined by the Secretary and commensurate with the
likelihood of default. For purposes of this paragraph,
the Secretary shall consider as cash or its equivalent
any amounts borrowed from a family member (as such term
is defined in section 201), subject only to the
requirements that, in any case in which the repayment
of such borrowed amounts is secured by a lien against
the property, such lien shall be subordinate to the
mortgage and the sum of the principal obligation of the
mortgage and the obligation secured by such lien may
not exceed 100 percent of the appraised value of the
property plus any initial service charges, appraisal,
inspection, and other fees in connection with the
mortgage.
(c)(1) * * *
(2) [Notwithstanding] Except as provided in paragraph (3)
and notwithstanding any other provision of this section, each
mortgage secured by a 1- to 4-family dwelling that is an
obligation of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund or of the
General Insurance Fund pursuant to subsection (v) and each
mortgage that is insured under subsection (k) or section
234(c),, shall be subject to the following requirements:
(A) * * *
* * * * * * *
(3) Flexible risk-based premiums.--
(A) In general.--For any mortgage insured by the
Secretary under this title that is secured by a 1- to
4-family dwelling and for which the loan application is
received by the mortgagor on or after October 1, 2006,
the Secretary may establish a mortgage insurance
premium structure involving a single premium payment
collected prior to the insurance of the mortgage or
periodic payments, or both, without regard to any
maximum or minimum premium amounts set forth in this
subsection. The rate of premium for such a mortgage may
vary during the mortgage term as long as the basis for
determining the variable rate is established before the
execution of the mortgage. The Secretary may change a
premium structure established under this subparagraph
but only to the extent that such change is not applied
to any mortgage already executed.
(B) Establishment and alteration of premium
structure.--A premium structure shall be established or
changed under subparagraph (A) only by providing notice
to mortgagees and to the Congress, at least 30 days
before the premium structure is established or changed.
(C) Considerations for premium structure.--When
establishing a premium structure under subparagraph (A)
or when changing such a premium structure, the
Secretary shall consider the following:
(i) The effect of the proposed premium
structure on the Secretary's ability to meet
the operational goals of the Mutual Mortgage
Insurance Fund as provided in section 202(a).
(ii) Underwriting variables.
(iii) The extent to which new pricing under
the proposed premium structure has potential
for acceptance in the private market.
(iv) The administrative capability of the
Secretary to administer the proposed premium
structure.
(v) The effect of the proposed premium
structure on the Secretary's ability to
maintain the availability of mortgage credit
and provide stability to mortgage markets.
* * * * * * *
INSURANCE OF HOME EQUITY CONVERSION MORTGAGES FOR ELDERLY HOMEOWNERS
Sec. 255. (a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(g) Limitation on Insurance Authority.--[The aggregate number
of mortgages insured under this section may not exceed
250,000.] In no case may the benefits of insurance under this
section exceed the maximum dollar amount [established under
section 203(b)(2) for 1-family residences in the area in which
the dwelling subject to the mortgage under this section is
located] limitation established under section 305(a)(2) of the
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act for a 1-family
residence.
* * * * * * *
(i) Protection of Homeowner and Lender.--
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and
in order to further the purposes of the program
authorized in this section, the Secretary shall take
any action necessary--
(A) * * *
* * * * * * *
(C) to provide any mortgagee under this
section with funds not to exceed the
[limitations] limitation in subsection (g) to
which the mortgagee is entitled under the terms
of the insured mortgage or ancillary contracts
authorized in this section.
* * * * * * *
----------
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICIAL CODE
* * * * * * *
TITLE 2--GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 16--PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE
* * * * * * *
Sec. 2-1607. Appropriation; public grants and private contributions.
(a) [There are authorized to be appropriated through the
Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District
of Columbia (or, until such Agency assumes its duties pursuant
to Sec. 24-133(a), through the Trustee appointed pursuant to
Sec. 24-132) in each fiscal year such sums as may be necessary
to carry out this chapter. Funds appropriated pursuant to this
subsection shall be transmitted by the Agency (or, if
applicable, by the Trustee) to the Service.] There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Service in each fiscal
year such funds as may be necessary to carry out this chapter.
The Service may arrange by contract or otherwise for the
disbursement of appropriated funds, procurement, and the
provision of other administrative support functions by the
General Services Administration or by other agencies or
entities, not subject to the provisions of the District of
Columbia Code or any law or regulation adopted by the District
of Columbia Government concerning disbursement of funds,
procurement, or other administrative support functions. The
Service shall submit an annual appropriations request to the
Office of Management and Budget.
* * * * * * *
TITLE 24--PRISONERS AND THEIR TREATMENT
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 1--TRANSFER OF PRISON SYSTEM TO FEDERAL AUTHORITY
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER III--OFFENDER SUPERVISION AND PAROLE
* * * * * * *
Sec. 24-133. Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency.
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
[(f) Receipt and Transmittal of Appropriations for Public
Defender Service.--The Director of the Agency shall receive and
transmit to the District of Columbia Public Defender Service
all funds appropriated for such agency.]
* * * * * * *
----------
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006
DIVISION B--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006
That the following sums are appropriated, out of any money in
the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the District of
Columbia and related agencies for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2006, and for other purposes, namely:
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Federal Funds
* * * * * * *
FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
For a Federal payment for a school improvement program in the
District of Columbia, $40,000,000, to be allocated as follows:
for the District of Columbia Public Schools, $13,000,000 to
improve public school education in the District of Columbia;
for the State Education Office, [$13,000,000 to expand quality
public charter schools in the District of Columbia, to remain
available until September 30, 2007] $13,000,000 to expand
quality public charter schools in the District of Columbia, of
which $4,000,000 shall be for the direct loan fund and shall
remain available until expended, $2,000,000 shall be for credit
enhancement and shall remain available until expended, and the
remainder shall remain available until September 30, 2007; for
the Secretary of the Department of Education, $14,000,000 to
provide opportunity scholarships for students in the District
of Columbia in accordance with division C, title III of the
District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2004 (Public Law 108-
199; 118 Stat. 126), of which up to $1,000,000 may be used to
administer and fund assessments.
* * * * * * *
----------
TITLE 40, UNITED STATES CODE
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 3--ORGANIZATION OF GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
SUBCHAPTER I--GENERAL
Sec.
301. Establishment.
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER III--FUNDS
[321. General Supply Fund.
[322. Information Technology Fund.]
321. Acquisition Services Fund.
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER III--FUNDS
Sec. 321. [General Supply] Acquisition Services Fund
(a) Existence.--The [General Supply] Acquisition Services
Fund (the Fund) is a special fund in the Treasury. The Fund
shall replace the General Supply Fund and the Information
Technology Fund. Capital assets and balances remaining in the
General Supply Fund and the Information Technology Fund as in
existence immediately before February 1, 2007 shall be
transferred to the Acquisition Services Fund and shall be
merged with and be available for the purposes of the
Acquisition Services Fund. Any liabilities, commitments, and
obligations of the General Supply Fund and the Information
Technology Fund as in existence immediately before February 1,
2007 shall be assumed by the Acquisition Services Fund.
(b) Composition.--
(1) In general.--[The Fund is composed of amounts
appropriated to the Fund and the value, as determined
by the Administrator of General Services, of personal
property transferred from executive agencies to the
Administrator under section 501(d) of this title to the
extent that payment is not made or credit allowed for
the property.] The Fund is composed of amounts
authorized to be transferred to the Fund or otherwise
made available to the Fund.
(2) Other credits.--
[(A) In general.--The Fund shall be credited
with all reimbursements, advances, and refunds
or recoveries relating to personal property or
services procured through the Fund, including--
[(i) the net proceeds of disposal of
surplus personal property; and
[(ii) receipts from carriers and
others for loss of, or damage to,
personal property.
[(B) Reappropriation.--Amounts credited under
this paragraph are reappropriated for the
purposes of the Fund.] The Fund shall be
credited with all reimbursements, advances, and
refunds or recoveries relating to personal
property or services procured through the Fund,
including--
(A) the net proceeds of disposal of surplus
personal property;
(B) receipts from carriers and others for
loss of, or damage to, personal property; and
(C) receipts from agencies charged fees
pursuant to rates established by the
Administrator.
(3) [Deposit of fees.--Fees collected by the
Administrator under section 313 of this title may be
deposited in the Fund to be used for the purposes of
the Fund.] Cost and capital requirements.--The
Administrator shall determine the cost and capital
requirements of the Fund for each fiscal year and shall
develop a plan concerning such requirements in
consultation with the Chief Financial Officer of the
General Services Administration. Any change to the cost
and capital requirements of the Fund for a fiscal year
shall be approved by the Administrator. The
Administrator shall establish rates to be charged
agencies provided, or to be provided, a supply of
personal property and non-personal services through the
Fund, in accordance with the plan.
(4) Deposit of fees.--Fees collected by the
Administrator under section 313 of this title may be
deposited in the Fund, to be used for the purposes of
the Fund.
(c) Uses.--
(1) In general.--The Fund is available for use by or
under the direction and control of the Administrator
for--
(A) procuring, for the use of federal
agencies in the proper discharge of their
responsibilities--
(i) personal property (including the
purchase from or through the Public
Printer, for warehouse issue, of
standard forms, blankbook work,
standard specifications, and other
printed material in common use by
federal agencies and not available
through the Superintendent of
Documents); [and]
(ii) nonpersonal services; and
(iii) personal services related to
the provision of information technology
(as defined in section 11101(6) of this
title);
* * * * * * *
(d) Payment for Property and Services.--
(1) * * *
(2) Prices fixed by administrator.--The Administrator
shall fix prices at levels sufficient to recover--
(A) so far as practicable--
(i) * * *
* * * * * * *
(iv) the cost of personal services
employed directly in the repair,
rehabilitation, and conversion of
personal property; [and]
(v) the cost of personal services
employed directly in providing
information technology (as defined in
section 11101(6) of this title); and
[(v)] (vi) the cost of amortization
and repair of equipment used for lease
or rent to executive agencies; and
* * * * * * *
[(f) Treatment of Surplus.--
[(1) Surplus deposited in treasury.--As of September
30 of each year, any surplus in the Fund above the
amounts transferred or appropriated to establish and
maintain the Fund (all assets, liabilities, and prior
losses considered) shall be deposited in the Treasury
as miscellaneous receipts.
[(2) Surplus retained.--From any surplus generated by
operation of the Fund, the Administrator may retain
amounts necessary to maintain a sufficient level of
inventory of personal property to meet the needs of the
federal agencies.]
(f) Transfer of Uncommitted Balances.--Following the close of
each fiscal year, after making provision for a sufficient level
of inventory of personal property to meet the needs of Federal
Agencies, the replacement cost of motor vehicles, and other
anticipated operating needs reflected in the cost and capital
plan developed under subsection (b), the uncommitted balance of
any funds remaining in the Fund shall be transferred to the
general fund of the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
* * * * * * *
[Sec. 322. Information Technology Fund
[(a) Existence.--There is an Information Technology Fund in
the Treasury.
[(b) Cost and Capital Requirements.--
[(1) In general.--The Administrator of General
Services shall determine the cost and capital
requirements of the Fund for each fiscal year. The cost
and capital requirements may include amounts--
[(A) needed to purchase (if the Administrator
has determined that purchase is the least
costly alternative) information processing and
transmission equipment, software, systems, and
operating facilities necessary to provide
services;
[(B) resulting from operations of the Fund,
including the net proceeds from the disposal of
excess or surplus personal property and
receipts from carriers and others for loss or
damage to property; and
[(C) that are appropriated, authorized to be
transferred, or otherwise made available to the
Fund.
[(2) Submitting plans to office of management and
budget.--The Administrator shall submit plans
concerning the cost and capital requirements determined
under this section, and other information as may be
requested, for review and approval by the Director of
the Office of Management and Budget. Plans submitted
under this section fulfill the requirements of sections
1512 and 1513 of title 31.
[(3) Adjustments.--Any change to the cost and capital
requirements of the Fund for a fiscal year shall be
made in the same manner as the initial fiscal year
determination.
[(c) Use.--
[(1) In general.--The Fund is available for expenses,
including personal services and other costs, and for
procurement (by lease, purchase, transfer, or
otherwise) to efficiently provide information
technology resources to federal agencies and to
efficiently manage, coordinate, operate, and use those
resources.
[(2) Specifically included items.--Information
technology resources provided under this section
include information processing and transmission
equipment, software, systems, operating facilities,
supplies, and related services including maintenance
and repair.
[(3) Cancellation costs.--Any cancellation costs
incurred for a contract entered into under subsection
(e) shall be paid from money currently available in the
Fund.
[(4) No fiscal year limitation.--The Fund is
available without fiscal year limitation.
[(d) Charges to Agencies.--If the Director approves plans
submitted by the Administrator under subsection (b), the
Administrator shall establish rates, consistent with the
approval, to be charged to agencies for information technology
resources provided through the Fund.
[(e) Contract Authority.--
[(1) In general.--In operating the Fund, the
Administrator may enter into multiyear contracts, not
longer than 5 years, to provide information technology
hardware, software, or services if--
[(A) amounts are available and adequate to
pay the costs of the contract for the first
fiscal year and any costs of cancellation or
termination;
[(B) the contract is awarded on a fully
competitive basis; and
[(C) the Administrator determines that--
[(i) the need for the information
technology hardware, software, or
services being provided will continue
over the period of the contract;
[(ii) the use of the multiyear
contract will yield substantial cost
savings when compared with other
methods of providing the necessary
resources; and
[(iii) the method of contracting will
not exclude small business
participation.
[(2) Effect on other law.--This subsection does not
limit the authority of the Administrator to procure
equipment and services under sections 501-505 of this
title.
[(f) Transfer of Uncommitted Balance.--After the close of
each fiscal year, any uncommitted balance remaining in the
Fund, after making provision for anticipated operating needs as
determined by the Office of Management and Budget, shall be
transferred to the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
[(g) Annual Report.--The Administrator shall report annually
to the Director on the operation of the Fund. The report must
address the inventory, use, and acquisition of information
processing equipment and identify any proposed increases to the
capital of the Fund.]
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 5--PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER IV--PROCEEDS FROM SALE OR TRANSFER
* * * * * * *
Sec. 573. Personal property
The Administrator of General Services may retain from the
proceeds of sales of personal property the Administrator
conducts amounts necessary to recover, to the extent
practicable, costs the Administrator (or the Administrator's
agent) incurs in conducting the sales. The Administrator shall
deposit amounts retained into the [General Supply Fund]
Acquisition Services Fund established under section 321(a) of
this title. From the amounts deposited, the Administrator may
pay direct costs and reasonably related indirect costs incurred
in conducting sales of personal property. At least once each
year, amounts retained that are not needed to pay the direct
and indirect costs shall be transferred from the [General
Supply Fund] Acquisition Services Fund to the general fund or
another appropriate account in the Treasury.
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER VI--MOTOR VEHICLE POOLS AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
* * * * * * *
Sec. 604. Treatment of assets taken over to establish motor vehicle
pools and transportation systems
(a) * * *
(b) Addition to [General Supply Fund] Acquisition Services
Fund.--If the Administrator takes over motor vehicles or
related equipment or supplies under section 602 of this title
but reimbursement is not required under subsection (a), the
value of the property taken over, as determined by the
Administrator, may be added to the capital of the [General
Supply Fund] Acquisition Services Fund. If the Administrator
subsequently returns property of a similar kind under section
610 of this title, the value of the property may be deducted
from the Fund.
Sec. 605. Payment of costs
(a) Use of [General Supply Fund] Acquisition Services Fund To
Cover Costs.--The [General Supply Fund] Acquisition Services
Fund provided for in section 321 of this title is available for
use by or under the direction and control of the Administrator
of General Services to pay the costs of carrying out section
602 of this title, including the cost of purchasing or renting
motor vehicles and related equipment and supplies.
(b) Setting Prices To Recover Costs.--
(1) * * *
(2) Increment for replacement cost.--In the
Administrator's discretion, prices may include an
increment for the estimated replacement cost of motor
vehicles and related equipment and supplies.
Notwithstanding section [321(f)(1)] 321(f) of this
title, the increment may be retained as a part of the
capital of the [General Supply Fund] Acquisition
Services Fund but is available only to replace motor
vehicles and related equipment and supplies.
* * * * * * *
----------
SECTION 403 OF THE GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT REFORM ACT OF 1994
(Public Law 103-356)
SEC. 403. FRANCHISE FUND PILOT PROGRAMS.
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
[(f) Termination.--The provisions of this section shall
expire on October 1, 2006.]
----------
SECTION 203 OF THE JUDICIAL IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 1990
SEC. 203. DISTRICT JUDGES FOR THE DISTRICT COURTS.
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(c) Temporary Judgeships.--The President shall appoint, by
and with the advice and consent of the Senate--
(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
Except with respect to the district of Kansas, the western
district of Michigan, the eastern district of Pennsylvania, and
the northern district of Ohio, the first vacancy in the office
of district judge in each of the judicial districts named in
this subsection, occurring 10 years or more after the
confirmation date of the judge named to fill the temporary
judgeship created by this subsection, shall not be filled. The
first vacancy in the office of district judge in the district
of Kansas occurring 20 years or more after the confirmation
date of the judge named to fill the temporary judgeship created
for such district under this subsection, shall not be filled.
The first vacancy in the office of district judge in the
western district of Michigan, occurring after December 1, 1995,
shall not be filled. The first vacancy in the office of
district judge in the eastern district of Pennsylvania,
occurring 5 years or more after the confirmation date of the
judge named to fill the temporary judgeship created for such
district under this subsection, shall not be filled. The first
vacancy in the office of district judge in the northern
district of Ohio occurring 15 years or more after the
confirmation date of the judge named to fill the temporary
judgeship created under this subsection shall not be filled.
For districts named in this subsection for which multiple
judgeships are created by this Act, the last of those
judgeships filled shall be the judgeships created under this
section.
* * * * * * *
Rescissions
Pursuant to the provisions of 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:
Title I--Department of Transportation
Office of the Secretary, Compensation for Air -$50,000,000
Carriers.........................................
Federal Aviation Administration, Grants-in-aid for -25,000,000
Airports.........................................
Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid -2,000,000,000
Highways.........................................
Federal Highway Administration.................... -164,456,026.53
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Motor -27,122,669
Carrier Safety...................................
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, -3,419,816
National Motor Carrier Safety Program............
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, -6,772,751
Operations and Research..........................
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, -8,553
National Driver Register.........................
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, -5,646,863
Highway Traffic Safety Grants....................
Federal Transit Administration, Formula and Bus -28,660,920
Grants...........................................
Federal Transit Administration, Capital Investment -17,760,000
Grant............................................
Maritime Administration, Maritime Guaranteed Loan -2,000,000
Program Account..................................
Maritime Administration, National Defense Tank -74,400,000
Vessel Construction Program......................
Title III--Department of Housing and Urban Development
Public and Indian Housing, Housing Certificate Fund... -2,000,000,000
Title VII--Independent Agencies
National Transportation Safety Board, Salaries and -1,664,000
Expenses.............................................
Changes in the Application of Existing Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following statements are
submitted describing the effect of provisions proposed in the
accompanying bill which may be considered, under certain
circumstances, to change the application of existing law,
either directly or indirectly. The bill provides that
appropriations shall remain available for more than one year
for a number of programs for which the basic authorizing
legislation does not explicitly authorize such extended
availability. The bill provides, in some instances, for funding
of agencies and activities where legislation has not yet been
finalized. In addition, the bill carries language, in some
instances, permitting activities not authorized by law, or
exempting agencies from certain provisions of law, but which
has been carried in appropriations acts for many years.
The bill includes limitations on official entertainment,
reception and representation expenses for the Secretary of
Transportation, the Secretary of the Treasury and the National
Transportation Safety Board. Similar provisions have appeared
in many previous appropriations Acts. The bill includes a
number of limitations on the purchase of automobiles,
motorcycles, or office furnishings. Similar limitations have
appeared in many previous appropriations Acts. Language is
included in several instances permitting certain funds to be
credited to the appropriations recommended.
In Title VII of the bill, in connection with the General
Services Administration, certain limitations on availability of
revenue in the federal buildings fund and certain legislative
provisions have been carried forward from last year.
The bill continues a number of general provisions applying
to agencies covered by the bill as well as certain provisions
applying government-wide. These provisions have been carried in
the prior year appropriations bill, and some have been carried
for many years. Additionally, the Committee includes a number
of new general provisions.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Language is included under Office of the Secretary,
``Salaries and expenses'' specifying certain amounts for
individual offices of the Office of the Secretary and official
reception and representation expenses, and specifying transfer
authority among offices.
Language is included under Office of the Secretary,
``Salaries and expenses'' which would allow crediting the
account with up to $2,500,000 in user fees.
Language is included under Office of the Secretary,
``Transportation planning, research, and development'' which
provides funds for conducting transportation planning,
research, systems development, development activities and
making grants, and makes funds available until expended.
Language is included that limits operating costs and
capital outlays of the Working Capital Fund for the Department
of Transportation; provides that services shall be provided on
a competitive basis, except for non-DOT entities; restricts the
transfer for any funds to the Working Capital Fund with
approval; and limits special assessments or reimbursable
agreements levied against any program, project or activity
funded in this Act to only those assessments or reimbursable
agreements that are presented to and approved by the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations.
Language is included under the Office of the Secretary,
``Minority business resource center'' which limits the amount
of loans that can be subsidized, and provides funds for
administrative expenses.
Language is included under Office of the Secretary,
``Minority business outreach'' specifying that funds may be
used for business opportunities related to any mode of
transportation, and limits the availability of funds.
Language is included under the Office of the Secretary,
``Payments to air carriers'' that provides funds from the
Airport and Airway Trust Fund, allows the Secretary of
Transportation to consider subsidy requirements when
determining service to a community, provides funds to carry out
3 marketing incentive programs, and allows the Secretary to
repay any funds borrowed from the Federal Aviation
Administration to fund the essential air service program.
Language is included under Office of the Secretary,
``Compensation for air carriers'' which rescinds funds.
Section 101. The Committee continues a provision allowing
reimbursement for fees collected and credited under 49 U.S.C.
45303.
Section 102. The Committee continues a provision allowing
the Secretary of Transportation to transfer unexpended sums
from ``Office of the Secretary, Salaries and Expenses'' to
``Minority Business Outreach''.
Section 103. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting the Office of the Secretary of Transportation from
approving assessments or reimbursable agreements pertaining to
funds appropriated to the modal administrations in this Act,
unless such assessments or agreements have completed the normal
reprogramming process for Congressional notification.
Section 104. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds to implement an essential air
service local cost participation program.
Language is included under the Federal Aviation
Administration, ``Operations'' that provides funds for
operations and research activities related to commercial space
transportation, administrative expenses for research and
development, establishment of air navigation facilities, the
operation (including leasing) and maintenance of aircraft,
subsidizing the cost of aeronautical charts and maps sold to
the public, lease or purchase of passenger motor vehicles for
replacement; funds for certain aviation program activities; and
specifies transfer authority among offices.
Language is included under the Federal Aviation
Administration, ``Operations'' that prohibits funds to plan,
finalize, or implement any regulation that would promulgate new
aviation user fees not specifically authorized by law after the
date of enactment of this Act.
Language is included under the Federal Aviation
Administration, ``Operations'' that credits funds received from
States, counties, municipalities, foreign authorities, other
public authorities, and private sources for expenses incurred
in the provision of agency services.
Language is included under the Federal Aviation
Administration, ``Operations'' that provides $8,000,000 for the
contract tower cost sharing program.
Language is included under the Federal Aviation
Administration, ``Operations'' permitting the use of funds to
enter into a grant agreement with a nonprofit standard setting
organization to develop aviation safety standards.
Language is included under the Federal Aviation
Administration, ``Operations'' that prohibits the use of funds
for new applicants of the second career training program.
Language is included under the Federal Aviation
Administration, ``Operations'' that prohibits the use of funds
for Sunday premium pay unless an employee actually performed
work during the time corresponding to the premium pay.
Language is included under the Federal Aviation
Administration, ``Operations'' that prohibits funds from being
used to operate a manned auxiliary flight service station in
the contiguous United States.
Language is included under the Federal Aviation
Administration, ``Operations'' that prohibits funds for
conducting and coordinating activities on aeronautical charting
and cartography through the Working Capital Fund.
Language is included under the Federal Aviation
Administration, ``Operations'' that prohibits the use of funds
to purchase store gift cards or gift certificates through a
government-issued credit card.
Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration,
``Facilities and equipment'' that provides funds for
acquisition, establishment technical support services,
improvement by contract or purchase, and hire of air navigation
and experimental facilities and equipment; engineering and
service testing, construction and furnishing of quarters and
related accommodations at remote localities; and the purchase,
lease, or transfer of aircraft.
Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration,
``Facilities and equipment'' that provides funds from the
Airport and Airway Trust Fund and limits the availability of
funds.
Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration,
``Facilities and equipment'' that allows certain funds received
for expenses incurred in the establishment and modernization of
air navigation facilities to be credited to the account.
Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration,
``Facilities and equipment'' that requires the Secretary of
Transportation to transmit a comprehensive capital investment
plan for the Federal Aviation Administration.
Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration,
``Research, engineering, and development'' that provides funds
from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for research,
engineering, and development, including construction of
experimental facilities and acquisition of necessary sites by
lease or grant; and limits the availability of funds.
Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration,
``Research, engineering, and development'' that allows certain
funds received for expenses incurred in research, engineering
and development to be credited to the account.
Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration,
``Grants-in-aid for airports'' that provides funds from the
Airport and Airway Trust Fund for airport planning and
development; noise compatibility planning and programs;
procurement, installation, and commissioning of runway
incursion prevention devices and systems; grants authorized
under section 41743 of title 49, U.S.C.; and inspection
activities and administration of airport safety programs; and
limits the availability of funds.
Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration,
``Grants-in-aid for airports'' that limits funds available for
the planning or execution of programs with obligations in
excess of $3,700,000,000.
Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration,
``Grants-in-aid for airports'' that prohibits funds for the
replacement of baggage conveyor systems, reconfiguration of
terminal baggage areas, or other airport improvements that are
necessary to install bulk explosive detection systems.
Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration,
``Grants-in-aid for airports'' that provides not more than
$74,970,615 for administration.
Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration,
``Grants-in-aid for airports'' that specifies $10,000,000 for
the airport cooperative research program and $10,000,000 for
the Small Community Air Service Development Program.
Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration,
``Grants-in-aid for airports'' that rescinds contract authority
above the obligation limitation.
Section 110. The Committee retains a provision requiring
FAA to accept landing systems, lighting systems, and associated
equipment procured by airports, subject to certain criteria.
Section 111. The Committee retains, with modification, a
provision limiting the number of technical workyears at the
Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development. The
modification raises the limitation from 375 in fiscal year 2006
to 380 in fiscal year 2007.
Section 112. The Committee retains a provision prohibiting
FAA from requiring airport sponsors to provide the agency
``without cost'' building construction, maintenance, utilities
and expenses, or space in sponsor-owned buildings, except in
the case of certain specified exceptions.
Section 113. The Committee retains a provision allowing
reimbursement of funds for providing technical assistance to
foreign aviation authorities to be credited to the operations
account.
Section 114. The Committee retains a provision prohibiting
funds to change weight restrictions or prior permission rules
at Teterboro Airport, Teterboro, New Jersey.
Section 115. The Committee continues a provision extending
the current terms and conditions of FAA's aviation insurance
program, commonly known as the ``war risk insurance'' program,
for one additional year, from December 31, 2006 to December 31,
2007. Although the underlying program is authorized until March
2008, certain provisions including premium price caps were set
to expire at the end of this calendar year. The Committee
recommendation preserves the status quo under this program, a
savings of $125,000,000 from the budget estimate. Savings
accrue because the bill's provisions result in additional
revenue from insurance premiums, which were assumed to be zero
in the budget estimate for fiscal year 2007.
Section 116. The Committee retains a provision that
prohibits funds for engineering work related to an additional
runway at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans,
Louisiana.
Language is included under the Federal Highway
Administration, ``Limitation on administrative expenses'' that
limit the amount to be paid together with advances and
reimbursements received.
Language is included under the Federal Highway
Administration, ``Federal-aid highways'' that limits the
obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety
construction programs; limits the amount available for the
implementation or execution of programs for transportation
research, which shall not apply to any authority previously
made available for obligation; authorizes funds for the motor
carrier safety grant program, the amount of which shall be
transferred to the Federal motor Carrier Safety Administration;
allows the Secretary to collect and spend fees, which are
available until expended; and that such amounts are in addition
to administrative expenses and are not subject to any
obligation limitation or limitation on administrative expenses
under section 608 of title 23, U.S.C.
Language is included under the Federal Highway
Administration, ``Federal-aid highways'' that liquidates
contract authority and rescinds unobligated balances with
certain limitations.
Section 120. The Committee includes a provision that
distributes obligation authority among federal-aid highway
programs.
Section 121. The Committee continues a provision that
credits funds received by the Bureau of Transportation
Statistics to the federal-aid highways account.
Section 122. The Committee includes a provision that
provides additional funding to the transportation, community,
and system preservation program.
Section 123. The Committee includes a new provision that
clarifies funding for a Monterey, California, highway bypass
included in Public Law 102-143.
Section 124. The Committee includes a new provision
rescinding unobligated balances from previous appropriations
acts.
Section 125. The Committee includes a new provision
rescinding unobligated balances made available under section
188(a)(1) of title 23, U.S.C.
Section 126. The Committee includes a new provision
rescinding funds made available under section 104(a) of title
23, U.S.C.
Section 127. The Committee includes a new provision
rescinding unobligated balances made available under title 5 of
Public Law 109-59.
Section 128. The Committee includes a new provision that
clarifies funding for a Marlboro, New Jersey highway project
included in section 378 of Public Law 106-346.
Section 129. The Committee includes a new provision that
prohibits any of the funds provided in or limited by this Act
from being used by the State of Alaska to develop, plan,
design, or construct a bridge connecting the Island of Gravina
and the community of Ketchikan or the Knik Arm Bridge. The
provision also prohibits the FHWA from reimbursing the State of
Alaska for these expenses.
Language is included under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, ``Motor carrier safety grants'' that provides a
limitation on obligations and liquidation of contract
authorization, including specifying amounts available for the
commercial driver's license improvements program, border
enforcement grants program, the performance and registration
information system management program, the commercial vehicle
information systems and networks deployment program, the safety
data improvement program, and the commercial driver's license
information system modernization program.
Language is included under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, ``Motor Carrier Safety Operations and
Programs'', including research and technology programs and
commercial motor vehicle operator's grants; and prohibits funds
for outreach and education.
Language is included under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, ``Motor Carrier Safety'' that rescinds
unobligated balances from prior appropriations Acts.
Language is included under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, ``National Motor Carrier Safety Program'' that
rescinds unobligated balances from prior appropriations Acts.
Section 130. The Committee continues a provision subjecting
funds appropriated in this Act to the terms and conditions of
section 350 of Public Law 107-87, including a requirement that
the secretary submit a report on Mexico-domiciled motor
carriers.
Language is included under National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, ``Operations and research'' that limits the
availability of funds and prohibits the planning or
implementation of any rulemaking on labeling passenger car
tires for low rolling resistance.
Language is included under National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, ``Operations and research'' that provides a
limitation on obligations from the Highway Trust Fund, limits
the availability of funds, and rescinds unobligated balances
from prior year appropriations Acts.
Language is included under the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration ``National driver register'' that
provides a limitation on obligations from the Highway Trust
Fund and rescinds unobligated balances from prior year
appropriations Acts.
Language is included under the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration ``Highway traffic safety grants'' that
provides a limitation on obligations from the Highway Trust
Fund, limits the availability of funds, and specifies the
amounts for certain programs.
Language is included under National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, ``Highway traffic safety grants'' prohibiting
the use of funds for construction, rehabilitation or remodeling
costs or for office furniture for state, local, or private
buildings.
Language is included under National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, ``Highway traffic safety grants'' that provides
$750,000 for the High Visibility Enforcement Program.
Language is included under National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, ``Highway traffic safety grants'' limiting the
amount of funds available for technical assistance to states
under section 410.
Language is included under National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, ``Highway traffic safety grants'' that rescinds
unobligated balances from prior year appropriation Acts.
Section 140. The Committee continues a provision that
provides funding for travel and related expenses for state
management reviews and highway safety core competency
development training.
Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration,
``Safety and operations'' limiting the availability of funds.
Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration,
``Railroad research and development'' limiting the availability
of funds.
Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration,
``Railroad rehabilitation and improvement program'' authorizing
the Secretary to issue fund anticipation notes necessary to pay
obligations under sections 511 and 513 of the Railroad
Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act.
Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration,
``Railroad rehabilitation and improvement program'' that
prohibits new direct loans or loan guarantee commitments using
federal funds for credit risk premium under section 502 of the
Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act.
Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration,
``Capital and debt service grants to the national railroad
passenger corporation'' that provides funds for the maintenance
and repair of capital infrastructure; limits the availability
of funds; specifies funds for debt service obligations; directs
the Secretary to approve funding for capital expenditures;
prohibits the use of funds to subsidize operating losses; and
prohibits the use of funds for capital projects not approved by
the Secretary.
Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration,
``Efficiency incentive grants to the national railroad
passenger corporation'' that limits the availability of funds;
allows the Secretary to make to make grants for the purpose of
maintaining the operation of existing of new Amtrak routes,
which should not be interpreted as to encourage or discourage
adjusting existing routes or frequencies; the Secretary is
authorized to reserve and transfer funds to the Surface
Transportation Board to respond to the cessation of commuter
rail operations, and grant those funds to the Corporation if no
directed service orders have been issued; the Secretary may
make grants after receipt and approval of Amtrak's business
plan, if in the interest of the transportation system; the
Secretary shall approve funding for operating losses only after
reviewing a grant request for each specific route, which shall
be accompanied by specific information; the Corporation shall
achieve savings through operating efficiencies; specifies an IG
report on the saving accrued; that prohibits the use of funds
to subsidize net losses of food and beverage service and
sleeper car service in the event the IG cannot verify losses;
Amtrak shall submit a plan to improve the financial performance
of food and beverage and first class service, including
specific information; Amtrak shall submit a report on overhead
expenses, including the expenses associated with intercity
passenger rail reservations and ticketing; Amtrak shall reduce
its system over head expenses; specifies funds for the
managerial cost accounting system if the IG deems necessary;
the IG shall review and comment on the managerial cost
accounting system after its development; Amtrak provide a plan
to improve its management cost accounting system, including a
plan to improve or replace the Route Profitability System; the
Corporation shall submit a comprehensive business plan, which
shall include specific information on targets, accounting for
such targets, description of work to be funded with costs
estimates, and a timetable for completion of projects; the
Corporation shall provide monthly reports; prohibits funds to
be used for operating expenses not approved by the Secretary;
the Corporation shall post all plans on their website;
prohibits the use of funds until the Corporation agrees to
certain conditions; the Secretary may condition the award of
efficiency incentive grants on reform requirements; and
prohibits funds to support any route on which Amtrak offers a
discounted fare of more than 50 percent off the normal, peak
fare.
Section 150. The Committee continues a provision that
allows FRA to purchase promotional items for Operation
Lifesaver.
Language is included under Federal Transit Administration,
``Administrative Expenses'' specifying the amounts for certain
offices and the transfer authority among offices.
Language is included under Federal Transit Administration,
``Administrative Expenses'' prohibiting funds for a permanent
office of transit security; specifying the amount to reimburse
the IG for certain costs, and directing the submission of the
annual report on new starts.
Language is included under Federal Transit Administration,
``Formula and Bus Grants'' that provides a limitation on
obligations from the Highway Trust Fund, liquidation of
contract authorization for the operating expenses of the
agency, limits the availability of funds, and rescinds
unobligated balances.
Language is included under Federal Transit Administration,
``Research and University Centers'' that limits the
availability of funds and specifies the amounts for certain
offices and programs.
Language is included under Federal Transit Administration,
``Capital Investment Grants'' that limits the availability of
funds, specifies certain amounts for specific projects, and
rescinds unobligated balances.
Section 160. The Committee continues the provision that
exempts previously made transit obligations from limitations on
obligations.
Section 161. The Committee continues the provision that
allows unobligated funds for projects under ``Capital
Investment Grants'' and bus and bus facilities under ``Formula
and Bus Grants'' in prior year appropriations Acts to be used
in this fiscal year.
Section 162. The Committee continues the provision that
allows for the transfer of prior year appropriations from older
accounts to be merged into new accounts with similar, current
activities.
Section 163. The Committee recommends a new provision as
proposed in the budget request that allows FTA to provide
grants for 100 percent of the net capital cost of a factory-
installed or retrofitted hybrid electric system in a bus.
Section 164. The Committee modifies a provision that allows
unobligated funds for projects under ``Capital Investment
Grants'' and bus and facilities under ``Formula and Bus
Grants'' to be used in this fiscal year for activities eligible
in the year the funds were appropriated.
Section 165. The Committee recommends a new provision which
clarifies the calculations for determining the net costs of the
San Gabriel Valley Metro Gold Line transit project.
Language is included under the Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation that authorizes expenditures,
contracts, and commitments as may be necessary.
Language is included under the Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation ``Operations and Maintenance'' that
provides funds derived from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.
Language is included under Maritime Administration,
``Maritime Security Program'' that limits the availability of
funds.
Language is included under Maritime Administration,
``Operations and Training'' that provides dedicated funds for
salaries and benefits of employees of the United States
Merchant Marine Academy, capital improvements at the United
States Merchant Marine Academy, and the State Maritime Schools
Schoolship Maintenance and Repair; and limits the availability
of some funds.
Language is included under Maritime Administration, ``Ship
Disposal'' that limits the availability of funds.
Language is included under Maritime Administration,
``Maritime Guaranteed Loan (Title XI) Program Account'' that
provides for the transfer to Operations and Training and
rescinds unobligated balances.
Language is included under Maritime Administration,
''National Defense Tank Vessel Construction Program'' that
rescinds unobligated balances.
Section 170. The Committee continues a provision that
allows the Maritime Administration to furnish utilities and
services and make repairs to any lease, contract, or occupancy
involving government property under the control of MARAD and
retal payments shall be covered into the Treasury as
miscellaneous receipts.
Section 171. The Committee continues a provision that
prohibits obligations incurred during the current year from
construction funds in excess of the appropriations contained in
this Act or in any appropriations Act.
Language is included under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration, ``Administrative expenses'' which
specifies the amount derived from the Pipeline Safety Fund.
Language is included under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration, ``Hazardous materials safety'' which
limits the availability of a certain amount and allows up to
$1,200,000 in fees collected under 49 U.S.C. 5108(g) to be
deposited in the general fund of the Treasury as offsetting
receipts.
Language is included under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration, ``Hazardous materials safety'' that
credits certain funds received for expenses incurred for
training and other activities incurred in performed of
hazardous materials exemptions and approval functions.
Language is included under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration, ``Pipeline safety'' which specifies the
amounts derived from the Pipeline Safety Fund and the Oil Spill
Liability Trust Fund, and limits their period of availabilitiy.
Language is included under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration, ``Pipeline safety'' that requires the
agency to fund the one-call state grant program.
Language is included under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration, ``Emergency Preparedness Grants'' which
specifies the amount derived from the Emergency Preparedness
Fund, limits the availability of some funds, and prohibits
funds from being obligated by anyone other than the Secretary
or his designee.
Language is included under Research and Innovative
Technology Administration, ``Research and development'' that
limits the availability of funds and credits to the
appropriation funds received from States and other sources for
expenses incurred for training.
Language is included under Office of Inspector General,
``Salaries and expenses'' that provides the Inspector General
with all necessary authority to investigate allegations of
fraud by any person or entity that is subject to regulation by
the Department of Transportation. Language is also included
under Office of Inspector General, ``Salaries and expenses''
that authorizes the Office of Inspector General to investigate
unfair or deceptive practices and unfair methods of competition
by domestic and foreign air carriers and ticket agents.
Language is included under Surface Transportation Board,
``Salaries and expenses'' allowing the collection of $1,250,000
in fees established by the Chairman of the Surface
Transportation Board; and providing that the sum appropriated
from the general fund shall be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar
basis as such fees are received.
Section 180. The Committee continues the provision allowing
the Department of Transportation to use funds for aircraft;
motor vehicles; liability insurance; uniforms; or allowances,
as authorized by law.
Section 181. The Committee continues the provision limiting
appropriations for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 to the
rate for an Executive Level IV.
Section 182. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds in this Act for salaries and expenses of more
than 110 political and Presidential appointees in the
Department of Transportation, and prohibits political and
Presidential personnel assigned on temporary detail outside the
Department of Transportation.
Section 183. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds for the implementation of section 404 of
title 23, United States Code.
Section 184. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting recipients of funds made available in this Act from
releasing personal information, including social security
number, medical or disability information, and photographs from
a driver's license or motor vehicle record, without express
consent of the person to whom such information pertains; and
prohibits the withholding of funds provided in this Act for any
grantee if a state is in noncompliance with this provision.
Section 185. The Committee continues the provision allowing
funds received by the Federal Highway Administration, Federal
Transit Administration, and the Federal Railroad Administration
from states, counties, municipalities, other public
authorities, and private sources to be used for expenses
incurred for training may be credited to each agency's
respective accounts.
Section 186. The Committee continues the provision
authorizing the Secretary of Transportation to allow issuers of
any preferred stock to redeem or repurchase preferred stock
sold to the Department of Transportation.
Section 187. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds in Title I of this Act from being issued for
any grant unless the Secretary of Transportation notifies the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not less than
three full business days before any discretionary grant award,
letter of intent, or full funding grant agreement totaling
$1,000,000 or more is announced by the department or its modal
administrations.
Section 188. The Committee continues a provision for the
Department of Transportation allowing funds received from
rebates, refunds, and similar sources to be credited to
appropriations.
Section 189. The Committee continues a provision allowing
amounts from improper payments to a third party contractor that
are lawfully recovered by the Department of Transportation to
be available to cover expenses incurred in recovery of such
payments.
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Language has been included for Departmental Offices,
``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for operation
and maintenance of the Treasury Building and Annex; hire of
passenger motor vehicles; maintenance, repairs, and
improvements of, and purchase of commercial insurance policies
for real properties leased or owned overseas; official
reception and representation expenses; unforeseen emergencies
of a confidential nature; Treasury-wide financial audits and
the period of availability and the transfer of these funds;
information technology modernization requirements; and
specifying certain amounts for individual offices of the
Departmental Offices and specifying transfer authority among
offices.
Language has been included for the Department-wide Systems
and Capital Investments Program that provides funds for the
development and acquisition of automated data processing
equipment, software, and services; provides transfer authority;
limits the availability of funds; and restricts the use of
funds to support or supplement IRS Operations Support or
Business Systems Management.
Language has been included for the Office of Inspector
General, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds to
carry out the provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978,
including the hire of vehicles, and specifies amounts for
official travel expenses, official reception and representation
expenses, and unforeseen emergencies of a confidential nature.
Language has been included for the Treasury Inspector
General for Tax Administration, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that
provides funds to carry out the provisions of the Inspector
General Act of 1978, the purchase and hire of motor vehicles
and services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; and specifies amounts
for travel expenses, official reception and representation
expenses, and unforeseen emergencies of a confidential nature.
Language has been included for the Air Transportation
Stabilization Program Account to charge fees to a borrower
associated with bankruptcy proceedings of the borrower.
Language has been included for the Financial Crime
Enforcement Network, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides
funds for hire of vehicles; the travel and training of non-
federal and foreign government personnel attending meetings or
training involving domestic or foreign financial law
enforcement, intelligence, and regulation; a specific amount
for official reception and representation expenses; the
purchase of personal services contracts; and assistance to
Federal law enforcement agencies with or without reimbursement.
Language is also included that limits the availability of a
certain amount.
Language has been included for the Financial Management
Service, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides a certain
amount for official reception and representation expenses and
limits the availability for systems modernization funds.
Language has been included for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax
and Trade Bureau, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides
funds for the hire of passenger motor vehicles and laboratory
assistance to state and local agencies with or without
reimbursement. Language is also included with specifies the
amounts for official reception and representation expenses and
cooperative research and development.
Language has been included for the U.S. Mint, ``United
States Mint Public Enterprise Fund'' that identifies the source
of funding for the operations and activities of the U.S. Mint
and specifies the level of funding for circulating coinage and
protective service capital investments.
Language has been included for the Bureau of the Public
Debt, ``Administering the Public Debt'' that specifies funds
for official reception and representation expenses and systems
modernization; and provides that appropriations from the
General Fund will be reduced as fees are collected, and that a
portion of the funds are to be derived from the Oil Spill
Liability Trust Fund for administration of the Fund.
Language is included for the Community Development
Financial Institutions Fund Program Account that provides for
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 but at certain rates;
specific amounts for administrative expenses, the cost of
direct loans, and administrative expenses to carry our the
direct loan program; the cost of direct loans; and the
principal amount of the direct loans.
Language is included under Internal Revenue Service,
``Taxpayer Services'' that provides funds for pre-filing
assistance and education, filing account services, taxpayer
advocacy services, services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; and
dedicating funding for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly
Program and low-income taxpayer clinic grants.
Language is included for Internal Revenue Service,
``Enforcement'' that provides funds to provide legal and
litigation support, conduct criminal investigations, enforce
criminal statutes, purchase and hire of vehicles, provide
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; dedicating funding for
the Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement program and
associated transfer authority.
Language is included for the Internal Revenue Service,
``Operations Support'' that provides funds for operating and
supporting taxpayer services and tax law enforcement programs;
rent; facilities services; printing; postage; physical
security; headquarters and other IRS-wide administration
activities; research and statistics of income;
telecommunications; information technology development,
enhancement, operations, maintenance, and security; hire of
passenger motor vehicles; services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109;
and dedicating funding for information technology support,
research, the IRS Oversight Board, and official reception and
representation expenses.
Language has been included for Internal Revenue Service,
``Business Systems Modernization'' that provides for the
business systems modernization program, including capital asset
acquisition of information technology, including management and
related contractual costs of said acquisitions, including
contractual costs associated with operation authorized by 5
U.S.C. 3109 and that restricts the use of the funds.
Language is included for the Internal Revenue Service,
``Health Insurance Tax Credit Administration'' to implement the
health insurance tax credit included in the Trade Act of 2002
(Public Law 107-210).
Section 201. The Committee modifies a provision that allows
for the transfer of five percent (three percent in the case of
Enforcement) of any appropriation made available to the IRS to
any other IRS appropriation.
Section 202. The Committee continues a provision that
requires the IRS to maintain a training program in taxpayer
rights, dealing courteously with taxpayers, and cross-cultural
relations.
Section 203. The Committee continues a provision that
requires the IRS to institute policies and procedures that will
safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayer information.
Section 204. The Committee continues a provision that makes
funds available for improved facilities and increased manpower
to provide efficient and effective 800 number help line service
for taxpayers.
Section 205. The Committee modifies a provision that
directs $166,249,000 to be available for the Taxpayer Advocate
Service; $166,101,000 from Taxpayer Services and $148,000 from
Operations Support.
Section 206. The Committee includes a provision that
prohibits the use of funds to develop or provide free
individual tax electronic preparation and filing products or
services, other than the Free File program and the IRS's
Taxpayer Assistance Centers, Tax Counseling for the Elderly,
and volunteer income tax assistance programs. This provision
also prohibits the use of funds to develop or implement direct
interactive electronic individual income tax preparation or
filing services or products, or a return-free system as
described in section 2004 of the Internal Revenue Service
Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. The Committee understands
this will not impact any current IRS taxpayer programs or
services.
Section 207. The Committee includes a provision that
designates taxpayer service and tax law enforcement programs
for fiscal year 2007 and thereafter as made up of Taxpayer
Services, Enforcement, and Operations Support appropriations.
Section 208. The Committee includes a provision that allows
for the transfer of up to 20 percent between the Taxpayer
Services, Enforcement, and Operations Support accounts to
implement the restructuring of the IRS accounts, following a 30
day notification of the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations.
Section 209. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting funds made available in this Act to be used to
enter into, renew, extend, administer, implement, enforce, or
provide oversight of any qualified tax collection contract.
Section 210. The Committee continues a provision that
allows the Department of the Treasury to purchase uniforms,
insurance, and motor vehicles without regard to the general
purchase price limitation, and enter into contracts with the
State Department for health and medical services for Treasury
employees in overseas locations.
Section 211. The Committee continues a provision that
authorizes transfers, up to two percent, between ``Departmental
Offices, Salaries and Expenses'', ``Office of the Inspector
General'', ``Financial Management Service'', ``Alcohol and
Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau'', ``Financial Crimes Enforcement
Network'', and the ``Bureau of the Public Debt'' appropriations
under certain circumstances.
Section 212. The Committee continues a provision that
authorizes transfer, up to two percent, between the Internal
Revenue Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax
Administration under certain circumstances.
Section 213. The Committee continues a provision limiting
funds for the purchase of law enforcement vehicles unless the
purchase is consistent with vehicle management principles.
Section 214. The Committee continues a provision that
prohibits the Department of the Treasury from undertaking a
redesign of the one dollar Federal Reserve note.
Section 215. The Committee continues a provision that
provides for transfers from and reimbursements to ``Financial
Management Service, Salaries and Expenses'' for the purposes of
debt collection.
Section 216. The Committee continues a provision extending
the pay demonstration program.
Section 217. The Committee continues a provision that
requires Congressional approval for the construction and
operation of a museum by the Mint.
Section 218. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds in this Act from being used to merge the Mint
and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing without the approval
of the House and Senate committees of jurisdiction.
Section 219. The Committee includes a new provision
providing a technical correction to 31 U.S.C. 3333(a)(3),
clarifying that the Check Forgery Insurance Fund is the
appropriate funding source for disbursing errors for which
relief has been granted under 31 U.S.C. 3527.
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Tenant-based rental assistance'', which
designates funds for various programs, activities, and
purposes, and specifies the uses and availability of such
funds.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Tenant-based rental assistance'', which
specifies funds for certain programs and limits the use of
certain funds; specifies the methodology for allocation of
renewal funding; directs the Secretary to the extent possible
to pro rate each public housing agency's (PHA) allocation;
directs that those PHAs participating in Moving to Work, shall
be funded according to that agreement; specifies the amount for
additional rental subsidy due to unforeseen emergencies and
portability; provides that additional tenant protection rental
assistance costs be funded by prior year unobligated balances;
provides for the transfer of funds to the Working Capital Fund;
specifies the amounts available to the Secretary to allocate to
PHA that need additional funds and for fees; provides the
criteria to allocate a portion of Administrative Fees; and
directs that all funds shall be only for activities related to
the provision of tenant-based rental assistance authorized
under section 8.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Housing certificate fund'', which rescinds prior
year funds; allows the Secretary to rescind funds from other
accounts if there are insufficient unobligated balances;
directs the Secretary to report where the rescission is taken;
and identifying which balances are available for rescission.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Public housing capital fund'', which limits the
availability of funds; limits the delegation of certain waiver
authorities and prohibits funds from being used for certain
activities; specifies the total amount available for certain
activities; prohibits funds from being used for certain
purposes; and specifies the amount for grants, support
services, service coordinators and congregate services, to
support the costs of administrative and judicial receiverships,
and to support the ongoing Public Housing Financial and
Physical Assessment activities of the Real Estate Assessment
Center.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Public housing operating fund'', which sets the
basis for the allocation of funds; specifies the amount for
bonus funds and technical assistance; and prohibits the use of
funds under certain conditions.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Native American Housing Block Grants'', which
limits the availability of funds; specifies the formula for
allocation; specifies the amounts for technical assistance and
capacity building, to support the inspection of Indian housing
units, administrative expenses, to subsidize the total
principal amount of any notes, and the cost of guaranteed
notes, which are defined in section 502 of the Congressional
budget Act of 1974.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant'', which
limits the availability of funds and specifies the amount for
training and technical activities.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund Program
Account'', which limits the availability of funds; specifies
how to define the costs of modifying loans; specifies the
amount and availability of funds to subsidize total loan
principal; and provides a dedicated amount for administrative
expenses and allows for its transfer to ``Salaries and
Expenses''.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Native Hawaiian Loan Guarantee Fund Program
Account'', which limits the availability of funds; specifies
how to define the costs of modifying loans; specifies the
amount and availability of funds to subsidize total loan
principal; and provides a dedicated amount for administrative
expenses and allows for its transfer to ``Salaries and
Expenses''.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS'',
which limits availability of funds, sets forth certain
requirements for the allocation and renewal of funds and
contracts, and specifies funds available for training,
oversight, and technical assistance activities, and the amount
available for transfer to the Working Capital Fund.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Community development fund'', which specifies
the allocation of certain funds; limits the use and
availability of certain funds; specifies the amount made
available for grants to federally-recognized Indian tribes,
emergencies, Economic Development Initiatives with certain
restrictions, and neighborhood initiatives with certain
restrictions; and makes technical changes to the uses of
certain funds.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Home investment partnerships program'', which
limits the availability of funds; specifies the allocation of
certain funds for certain purposes; and provides for the
transfer of funds to the Working Capital Fund.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity
Program'', which limits the availability of funds and specifies
the allocation of certain funds for certain purposes.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Homeless assistance grants'', which limits the
availability of funds; establishes certain minimum funding and
matching requirements; specifies the allocation of certain
funds for certain purposes; directs the Secretary to renew
contracts under certain conditions; requires grantees to
integrate homeless programs with other social service
providers; and provides for the transfer of funds to the
Working Capital Fund.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Project-Based Rental Assistance'', which limits
the availability of funds; specifies the amount for certain
programs; specifies the allocation of certain funds for certain
purposes; and provides for the transfer of funds to the Working
Capital Fund.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Housing for the elderly'', which specifies the
allocation of certain funds; designates certain funds to be
used only for certain grants; allows the Secretary to waive
certain provisions governing contract terms; and provides for
the transfer of funds to the Working Capital Fund.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Housing for persons with disabilities'', which
specifies the allocation of certain funds; allows funds to be
used to renew certain contracts; allows the Secretary to waive
certain provisions governing contract terms; and provides for
the transfer of funds to the Working Capital Fund.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Rental Housing Assistance'', which limits the
availability of funds.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Manufactured housing fees trust fund'', which
limits the availability of funds and permits fees to be
assessed, modified, and collected, and permits temporary
borrowing authority from the General Fund of the Treasury.
Language is included under the Department of Housing and
Urban Development, ``Mutual Mortgage Insurance Program
Account'', which sets a loan principal limitation; limits the
obligations to make direct loans; specifies funds for specific
purposes; allows for the transfer of funds ``Salaries and
Expenses'', ``Office of Inspector General'', and the Working
Capital Fund; allows for additional contract expenses as
guaranteed loan commitments exceed certain levels.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``General and Special Risk Program Account'',
which limits the amount of commitments to guarantee loans;
specifies funds for specific purposes; and allows for the
transfer of funds ``Salaries and Expenses'', ``Office of
Inspector General'', and the Working Capital Fund.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Government National Mortgage Association'',
which limits new commitments to issue guarantees, specifies
amounts for administrative expenses, and allows for the
transfer of funds to ``Salaries and Expenses''.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Policy Development and Research'', which limits
the availability of funds; specifies funds for the Partnership
for Advancing Technology in Housing Initiative, of which a
certain amount is not subject to certain requirements, and that
related activities shall be administered by the Office of
Policy Development and Research; and specifies the amount for
grants.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Fair housing and equal opportunity'', which
limits the availability of funds, authorizes the Secretary to
assess and collect fees, and places restrictions on the use of
funds for lobbying activities.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Office of Lead Hazard Control'', which limits
the availability of funds, specifies the amount of funds for
specific purposes, specifies the treatment of certain grants,
and specifies recipient matching and application requirements.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Management and Administration'', which specifies
the allocation of funds; identifies the transfer to
``Management and Administration''; sets forth certain
authorities of, and requirements on, the office of the Chief
Financial Officer; defines the point of obligation of funds;
provides for funds to be transferred to the Working Capital
Fund; and directs the Secretary to fill certain vacancies.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Working Capital Fund'', which limits the purpose
and availability of funds, including funds transferred.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Office of Inspector General'', which specifies a
certain amount provided from the various funds of the Federal
Housing Administration, and directs that the IG shall have
independent authority over all personnel issues within the
office.
Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban
Development, ``Office of Federal Housing Enterprise
Oversight'', which limits the availability of certain funds,
directs the submission of a spending plan, specifies the
amounts for certain activities, and permits temporary borrowing
authority from the General Fund of the Treasury.
Section 301 relates to the division of financing adjustment
factors, as requested.
Section 302 prohibits available funds from being used to
investigate or prosecute lawful activities under the Fair
Housing Act, which was proposed for deletion.
Section 303 continues language to correct an anomaly in the
HOPWA formula that results in the loss of funds for certain
States.
Section 304 authorizes the Secretary to waive certain
requirements related to an assisted living pilot project, as
requested.
Section 305 continues language requiring funds appropriated
to be distributed on a competitive basis in accordance with the
Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989.
Section 306 continues language, carried in previous years,
regarding the availability of funds subject to the Government
Corporation Control Act and the Housing Act of 1950.
Section 307 continues language, carried in previous years,
regarding allocation of funds in excess of the budget
estimates.
Section 308 continues language, carried in previous years,
regarding the expenditure of funds for corporations and
agencies subject to the Government Corporation Control Act.
Section 309 continues language, carried in previous years,
requiring submission of a spending plan for technical
assistance, training and management improvement activities
prior to the expenditure of funds.
Section 310 continues language requiring the Secretary to
provide quarterly reports on uncommitted, unobligated and
excess funds in each departmental program and activity.
Section 311 extends a technical amendment included in the
fiscal year 2000 appropriations Act relating to the allocation
of HOPWA funds in the Philadelphia and Raleigh-Cary
metropolitan areas. A proviso is added to allow a state to
administer the HOPWA program in the event that a local
government is unable to undertake the HOPWA grants management
functions.
Section 312 continues language setting certain requirements
for the Department's annual congressional justification of
appropriations.
Section 313 continues language carried in previous year
elsewhere in this title requiring public housing authorities to
continue to reserve incremental vouchers funded in previous
years for persons with disabilities upon turnover.
Section 314 relates to state authority regarding
participation on housing boards.
Section 315 continues language in precious acts specifying
the allocation of Indian Block grants to Native Alaskan
recipients.
Section 316 prohibits the IG from changing the basis on
which the audit of GNMA is conducted.
Section 317 continues language carried in previous years
elsewhere in this title requiring public housing authorities to
continue to reserve incremental vouchers funded in previous
years for family unification upon turnover.
Section 318 continues language clarifying that the projects
selected by HUD for Section 202b assistance prior to December
1, 2003 are also eligible to use the limited partnership
ownership structure. No more than three commercial properties
are authorized to receive grants under Section 202b of the
Housing Act of 1959.
Section 319 continues language requiring that athletic
scholarships for housing shall be considered part of adjusted
income for purposes of eligibility for Section 8.
Section 320 continues language requiring priority
consideration for Moving to Work Demonstration applications
from Santa Clara/San Jose and San Bernardino.
Section 321 clarifies the ability of HUD to have no more
than 32 active moving to Work Demonstration Agreements at any
time.
Section 322 requires the cancellation of contract authority
from fiscal years 1974 and earlier upon contract expiration or
termination.
Section 323 continues language requiring the Secretary to
maintain Section 8 assistance on certain properties occupied by
elderly or disabled families.
Section 324 clarifies that the Government National Mortgage
Association is not subject to the accounting and budgetary
requirements of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990.
Section 325 begins the process of modernizing the Federal
Housing Administration. These changes will begin the transition
of FHA from a rigid, one-size-fits-all operating stance to a
more flexible array of loan offerings designed to meet the
individual needs of families not served or ill-served by the
private marketplace.
Section 326 makes a technical correction with regard to
CDBG formula funding to the cities of Alton, Illinois, and
Granite City, Illinois.
TITLE IV--THE JUDICIARY
Under Supreme Court, ``Salaries and expenses'' language is
included permitting certain funds to remain available until
expended and specifying certain amounts for specific purposes.
Under Supreme Court, ``Care of the Building and Grounds''
language is included permitting funds to remain available until
expended
Under Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other
Judicial Services, ``Salaries and Expenses'' language is
included specifying certain funds remain available until
expended for specific purposes. Language is also included
providing funding from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust
Fund for certain purposes.
Under Defender Services, language is included permitting
funds to remain available until expended.
Under Fees of Jurors and Commissioners, language is
included permitting funds to remain available until expended
and specifying limitations for the compensation of land
commissioners.
Under Court Security, language is included permitting
certain funds to remain available until expended, which may be
transferred to the United States Marshals Service.
Under Administrative Office of the United States Courts,
``Salaries and expenses'' language is included specifying
certain amounts for official reception and representation
expenses.
Under Federal Judicial Center, ``Salaries and expenses''
language is included permitting certain funds to remain
available until expended for education and training, and
specifying certain amounts for official reception and
representation expenses.
Under Judicial Retirement Funds, ``Payment to Judiciary
Trust Funds'' language is included specifying certain amounts
for payments to specific trust funds.
Under United States Sentencing Commission, ``Salaries and
expenses'' language is included specifying certain amounts for
official reception and representation expenses.
Section 401. The Committee continues language to permit
funds in the bill for salaries and expenses for the Judiciary
to be available for employment of experts and consultant
services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.
Section 402. The Committee continues language that permits
up to 5 percent of any appropriation made available for fiscal
year 2007 to be transferred between Judiciary appropriations
accounts provided that no appropriation shall be decreased by
more than 5 percent or increased by more than 10 percent by any
such transfer except in certain circumstances. In addition, the
language provided that any such transfer shall be treated as a
reprogramming of funds under sections 805 and 810 of the
accompanying bill and shall not be available for obligation or
expenditure except in compliance with the procedures set forth
in that section.
Section 403. The Committee continues language authorizing
not to exceed $11,000 to be used for official reception and
representation expenses incurred by the Judicial Conference of
the United States.
Section 404. The Committee continues language requiring a
financial plan for the Judiciary within 90 days of enactment of
this Act.
Section 405. The Committee includes language amending the
Judicial Improvement Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-650).
TITLE V--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Language under ``Federal Payment for Resident Tuition
Support'' provides that the amount appropriated shall remain
available until expended; specifies conditions for the use,
award, and financial accounting of funds; requires a quarterly
financial report; and specifies the amount available for
administrative expenses.
Language under ``Federal Payment for Emergency Planning and
Security Costs in the District of Columbia'' provides that the
amount appropriated shall remain available until expended, is
available for reimbursement for certain events, and is
available only after it has been apportioned pursuant to
chapter 15 of title 31, U.S.C.
Language under ``Federal Payment to the District of
Columbia Courts'': (1) provides that all amounts under this
heading shall be apportioned quarterly by the Office of
Management and Budget and obligated and expended in the same
manner as funds appropriated for salaries and expenses of other
Federal agencies, with payroll and financial services to be
provided on a contractual basis with the General Services
Administration; (2) specifies certain amounts for specific
purposes; (3) allows funds made available for capital
improvements to remain available until September 30, 2008; and
(4) provides for the reallocation of funds.
Language under ``Defender Services in the District of
Columbia Courts'': (1) provides that the amount appropriated
shall remain available until expended; (2) authorizes funds
provided in other appropriations to be used for payments under
this heading; (3) specifies who shall administer these funds;
and (4) provides that all amounts under this heading shall be
apportioned quarterly by the Office of Management and Budget
and obligated and expended in the same manner as funds
appropriated for salaries and expenses of other Federal
agencies, with payroll and financial services to be provided on
a contractual basis with the General Services Administration.
Language under ``Federal Payment to the Court Services and
Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia'': (1)
specifies certain amounts for specific purposes and programs;
(2) provides that all amounts under this heading shall be
apportioned quarterly by the Office of Management and Budget
and obligated and expended in the same manner as funds
appropriated for salaries and expenses of other Federal
agencies; (3) authorizes the Director to accept and use gifts
to support offender and defendant programs and equipment and
vocational training services to educate and train offenders and
defendants, and details for recording the acceptance of such
gifts; and (4) authorizes the Director to charge fees to cover
the costs of training and materials distributed at conferences.
Language under ``Federal Payment to District of Columbia
Public Defender Service'' provides that all amounts under this
heading shall be apportioned quarterly by the Office of
Management and Budget and obligated and expended in the same
manner as funds appropriated for salaries and expenses of other
Federal agencies.
Language under ``Federal Payment to the District of
Columbia Water and Sewer Authority'' provides that the amount
appropriated shall remain available until expended and that the
District shall provide a 100 percent match.
Language under ``Federal Payment to the Criminal Justice
Coordinating Council'' provides that the amount appropriated
shall remain available until expended to support initiatives
related to the coordination of Federal and local criminal
justice resources.
Language under ``Federal Payment to the Office of the Chief
Financial Officer of the District of Columbia'' provides funds
for projects as identified in the Statement of the Managers,
and that recipients shall submit a budget and reports on the
activities to be carried out with the identified funds.
Language under ``Federal Payment for School Improvement''
provides certain amounts for specific purposes, including funds
to expand quality public charter schools in the District of
Columbia, which shall remain available until September 20,
2008.
Language under ``District of Columbia Funds'' (1) limits
the amount provided in this Act for the District of Columbia;
(2) identifies the source of funds, including a rescission of
prior year local funds; (3) establishes the District's
intradistrict authority; (4) sets funds subject to the
provisions of and allocated and expended as proposed in the
fiscal year 2007 District of Columbia Budget and Financial
Plan; (5) provides conditions for increasing the amount
provided; and (6) directs the Chief Financial Officer to assure
the District of Columbia meets all requirements, but prohibits
the reprogramming of capital projects.
Section 501. The Committee continues the provision that
specifies that an appropriation for a particular purpose or
object shall be considered as the maximum amount that may be
expended for said purpose or object.
Section 502. The Committee continues the provision that
permits funds for travel and payment of dues.
Section 503. The Committee continues the provision that
appropriates funds for refunding overpayments of taxes
collected and for paying settlements and judgments against the
District of Columbia government.
Section 504. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the use of appropriation for publicity or propaganda
purposes.
Section 505. The Committee modifies the provision that
establishes reprogramming and transfer requirements with
respect to notification requirements.
Section 506. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits use of funds only to the objects for which the
appropriations were made.
Section 507. The Committee continues the provision that
clarifies the pay setting authority for District employees as
the District's Merit Personnel Act rather than title 5 of the
United States Code.
Section 508. The Committee continues the provision that
directs the Mayor of the District of Columbia to submit new
fiscal year 2007 revenue estimates as of the end of such
quarter.
Section 509. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the District government from renewing or extending
sole source contracts without opening them to the competitive
bidding process as set forth in section 303 of the District of
Columbia Procurement Practices Act of 1985.
Section 510. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the use of Federal funds for salaries, expenses, or
other costs associated with the offices of U.S. Senator or
Representatives under section 4(d0 of the D.C. Statehood
Constitutional Convention Initiatives of 1979.
Section 511. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits Federal funds made available in this Act from being
used to implement or enforce any system of registration for
unmarried cohabitating couples.
Section 512. The Committee continues the provision that
allows the mayor to accept, obligate, and expend Federal,
private, and other grants received by the District government
that are not reflected in the amounts appropriated in this Act.
Section 513. The Committee continues the provision that
restricts the use of official vehicles to official duties and
not between a residence and workplace, except in the case of a
police officer who resides in the District of Columbia at the
discretion of the Chief, an officer or employee of the D.C.
Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department who resides in
the District of Columbia and is on call 24 hours a day, the
mayor of the District of Columbia, and the Chairman of the
Council of the District of Columbia.
Section 514. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the use of funds for the audit of the District
government's annual financial statements unless the DC
Inspector General either conducts, or contracts for, the audit.
Section 515. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the use of appropriated funds by the Corporation
Counsel or any other officer or entity of the District
government to provide assistance for any petition drive or
civil action which seeks to require Congress to provide for
voting representation in Congress for the District of Columbia.
Section 516. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the use of any funds in the Act to carry out any
program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for the
hypodermic injection of any illegal drug.
Section 517. The Committee continues the provision that
requires the Chief Financial Officers of the District of
Columbia to certify that they understand the duties and
restrictions applicable to their agency as a result of this
Act.
Section 518. The Committee continues the provision that
includes a ``conscience clause'' on legislation that pertains
to contraceptive coverage by health insurance plans.
Section 519. The Committee continues the provision that
requires the Mayor of the District of Columbia to submit
quarterly reports on various issues pertaining to the District
of Columbia.
Section 520. The Committee continues the provision that
requires the CFO to submit a revised appropriated funds
operating budget in the format of the budget that the District
government submitted pursuant to section 442 of the DC Home
Rule Act for all agencies no later than 30 calendar days after
the date of enactment of this Act.
Section 521. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits the use of any funds in the Act to: (1) pay the fees
of an attorney who represents a party in an action or any
attorney who defends any action, including an administrative
proceeding, brought against D.C. Public Schools under the
Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA) in excess of $4,000
for that action; (2) pay the fees of an attorney or firm whom
the CFO determines to have a pecuniary interest, either through
an attorney, officer or employee of the firm, in any special
education diagnostic services, schools, or other special
education service providers; and (3) require all savings to be
used to expand special education services within the District.
Section 522. The Committee continues the provision that
requires attorneys in special education cases brought under
IDEA to comply with several reporting requirements and allow
the Inspector General to conduct investigations to determine
the accuracy of the certifications.
Section 523. The Committee continues the provision that
allows for appropriations in this Act to be increased by no
more than $42,000,000 from unexpended general funds, and may be
used only for one-time expenditures, to avoid deficit spending,
for debt reductions, for program needs, or to avoid revenue
shortfalls.
Section 524. The Committee continues the provision that
allows the District to spend ``Other-Type Funds'' under certain
conditions.
Section 525. The Committee continues the provision that
allows for short-term borrowing from the emergency and
contingency reserve funds established under section 450A of the
District of Columbia Home Rule Act (Public Law 98-198; D.C.
Official Code, sec. 1-204.50a) under certain circumstances.
Section 526. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds to change the legality of marijuana use.
Section 527. The Committee continues the provision relating
to abortion.
Section 528. The Committee continues the provision granting
authority to the CFO with respect to personnel and preparing
financial statement audits. The Committee directs the CFO to
report to the Committees on Appropriations 30 days after
utilizing this authority.
Section 529. The Committee continues the provision
exempting the CFO from certain provisions of the District of
Columbia Procurement Practices Act.
Section 530. The Committee recommends a new provision which
allows the Public Defender Services of the District of Columbia
to operate outside of the Court Supervised Offender Services
Agency for budgeting.
Section 531. The Committee includes a new provision that
makes technical corrections to Public Law 109-115 regarding
``Federal Payment for School Improvement''.
Section 532. The Committee continues the provision which
limits references to ``the Act'' as referring to only this
title.
TITLE VI--EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Language under the Executive Office of the President and
Funds Appropriated to the President, ``Compensation of the
President'', provides that unused amounts of the President's
expense allowance will revert to the Treasury; mandates funds
are only available for their stated purpose; and specifies an
amount for an expense allowance.
Language under the White House Office, ``Salaries and
Expenses'', provides funds for services authorized by 5 U.S.C.
3109, subsistence expenses, hire of vehicles, newspapers,
periodicals, teletype news service, travel, and official
entertainment expenses. Language is also included specifying
funds available for the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight
Board.
Language under the Executive Residence at the White House,
``Operating Expenses'', provides funds for official
entertainment expenses of the President, and the care,
maintenance, repair and alteration, refurnishing, improvement,
heating, and lighting, including electric power and fixtures,
of the Executive Residence at the White House.
Language under the Executive Residence at the White House,
``Reimbursable Expenses'', specifies the authorized use of
funds; specifies that reimbursable expenses are the exclusive
authority of the Executive Residence to incur obligations and
receive offsetting collections; requires the sponsors of
political events to make advance payments; requires the
national committee of the political party of the President to
maintain $25,000 on deposit; requires the Executive Residence
to ensure that amounts owed are billed within 60 days of a
reimbursable event and collected within 30 days of the bill
notice; authorizes the Executive Residence to charge and assess
interest and penalties on late payments; authorizes all
reimbursements to be deposited into the Treasury as a
miscellaneous receipt; requires a report to the Committee on
the reimbursable expenses within 90 days of the end of the
fiscal year; requires the Executive Residence to maintain a
system for tracking and classifying reimbursable events; and
specifies that the Executive Residence is not exempt from the
requirements of subchapter I or II of chapter 37 of title 31,
United States Code.
Language under White House Repair and Restoration provides
funds for the repair, alteration, improvement, required
maintenance, safety and health issues, and continued
preventative maintenance of the Executive Residence at the
White House and limits the availability of funds.
Language under Office of Management and Budget, ``Salaries
and Expenses'', provides funds for expenses, the hire of
vehicles, carrying out provisions of chapter 35 of 44 U.S.C.;
specifies funds for official representation expenses; directs
that funds shall be applied only to items for which
appropriations were made; prohibits the review of agricultural
marketing orders and the alteration of certain testimony;
prohibits the use of funds for the purpose of altering the
transcript of testimony except for non-OMB officials; and
specifies the amount of time to perform budgetary policy
reviews of water resource matters on which the Chief of
Engineers has reported before the report is considered
approved, and specifies notification requirements.
Language under the Office of National Drug Control Policy,
``Salaries and Expenses'', provides funds for expenses,
research, official reception and representation expenses,
participation in joint projects, and allows for the acceptance
of gifts. Language is also included providing funds for policy
research and evaluation and making these funds available until
expended.
Language under the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center
provides funds for counternarcotics research and development
and the technology transfer program, and provides for the
transfer of funds to other Federal departments or agencies.
Language under the Federal Drug Control Programs, ``High
Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program'', provides a certain
level of funding for State, local and Federal drug control
efforts, and provides for the transfer of funds to Federal
agencies and departments. Language is also included specifying
the amount of funds for auditing and associated activities and
for developing and implementing a data collection system, and
regarding the availability of funds.
Language under Other Federal Drug Control Programs provides
funds to support a national anti-drug campaign for youth, a
national media campaign, matching grants to drug-free
communities, the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America for
the National Community Anti-Drug Coalition Institute, the
National Drug Court Institute, the National Alliance for Model
State Drug Laws, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the U.S.
membership dues to the World Anti-Doping Agency, and evaluation
and research related to National Drug Control Program
performance measures; limits the availability of funds;
requires a certain level of funding for non-advertising
services of the media campaign and the continuation of the
corporate outreach program; provides for the transfer of some
funds to other Federal departments and agencies; and specifies
conditions for the expense of national media campaign funds.
Language under Special Assistance to the President and the
Official Residence of the Vice President, ``Salaries and
Expenses'', enables the Vice President to provide assistance to
the President, services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109,
subsistence, and the hire for vehicles.
Language under Special Assistance to the President and the
Official Residence of the Vice President, ``Operating
Expenses'', provides funds for operation and maintenance of the
official residence of the Vice President, the hire of vehicles,
official entertainment expenses and provides for the transfer
of funds as necessary.
Section 601. The Committee continues language to permit the
transfer of not to exceed 10 percent of funds from certain
offices within the Executive Office of the President.
Section 602. The Committee includes a new provision
requiring a financial plan by the Director of the ONDCP prior
to the obligation of funds in fiscal year 2007.
TITLE VII--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
Language is included for the Architectural and
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, ``Salaries and
Expenses'' that allows for the credit to the appropriation of
funds received for publications and training expenses.
Language is included for the Consumer Product Safety
Commission, ``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for
expenses, the hire of motor vehicles, services as authorized by
5 U.S.C. 3109, nominal awards, and official reception and
representation expenses.
Language is included for the Election Assistance
Commission, ``Salaries and Expenses'' that allows for the
transfer of funds to the National Institute of Standards and
Technology for election reform activities.
Language is included for the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, ``Office of Inspector General'' that provides for
the funds to be derived from the Bank Insurance Fund, the
Savings Association Insurance Fund, and the FSLIC Resolution
Fund, or any successor to these funds.
Language is included for the Federal Election Commission,
``Salaries and Expenses'' that specifies funds for internal
automated data processing systems and reception and
representation expenses; authorizes the registration fees for
FEC hosted conferences; and allows for fees collected to be
transferred to and merged with the appropriation.
Language is included for the Federal Labor Relations
Authority, ``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, the hire of experts and
consultants, hire of motor vehicles, and the rental of
conference rooms; authorizes travel payments to public members
of the Federal Service Impasses Panel; and allows for fees
collected to be transferred to and merged with the
appropriation.
Language is included for the Federal Maritime Commission,
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for services
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, the hire of passenger motor
vehicles, uniforms and allowances, and official reception and
representation expenses.
Language is included for the General Services
Administration, ``Federal Buildings Fund'' that allows for
revenues and collections to be deposited in the Fund; specifies
the conditions under which funds made available can be used and
designates certain projects that can be undertaken; limits the
availability of funds; and requires the approval to change the
amounts identified in the report. Many technical provisions
have been included regarding use of funds in the Federal
Buildings Fund that are not specifically authorized by law.
Language has been included that limits project funds available
for construction and repair and alteration of buildings not
authorized by law. A more detailed analysis of the Federal
Buildings Funds can be found in the General Services
Administration chapter of this report.
Language is included for General Services Administration,
``Government-wide Policy'' that provides funds for policy and
evaluation activities associated with the management of real
and personal property assets and certain administrative
services; support responsibilities relating to acquisition,
telecommunications, information technology management, and
related technology activities; and services authorized by 5
U.S.C. 3109.
Language is included for General Services Administration,
``Operating Expenses'' that provides funds for expenses for
activities associated with personal and real property;
technology management and activities; information access
activities; agency-wide policy direction and management; other
support services; and official reception and representation
expenses.
Language is included for the General Services
Administration, ``Office of Inspector General'' that provides
funds for information and detection of fraud; and for awards in
recognition of efforts that enhance the office.
Language is included for the General Services
Administration, ``Electronic Government Fund'' that provides
funds for conducting activities electronically, limits the
availability of funds, and allows these funds to be
transferred.
Language is included for the General Services
Administration, ``Allowances and Office Staff for Former
Presidents'' that allows a portion of these funds to be
transferred.
Language is included for the General Services
Administration, ``Federal Citizen Information Center Fund''
that authorizes funds to be deposited in the Fund and limits
the availability of funds in the Fund.
Section 701. The Committee continues the provision that
provides that costs included in rent received from government
corporations for operation, protection, maintenance, upkeep,
repair and improvement shall be credited to the Federal
Buildings Fund.
Section 702. The Committee continues the provision
providing authority for the use of funds for the hire of motor
vehicles.
Section 703. The Committee continues the provision
providing that funds made available for activities of the
Federal Buildings Fund may be transferred between
appropriations with advance approval of the Congress.
Section 704. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds for developing courthouse
construction requests that do not meet GSA standards and the
priorities of the Judicial Conference.
Section 705. The Committee continues the provision
providing that no funds may be used to increase the amount of
occupiable square feet, provide cleaning services, security
enhancements, or any other service usually provided, to any
agency which does not pay the requested rent.
Section 706. The Committee continues the provision that
permits GSA to pay small claims (up to $250,000) made against
the government.
Section 707. The Committee includes a new provision
requested by the President that proposes merging the General
Supply Fund and the Information Technology Fund into a new
Acquisition Services Funds. The Committee does not include
transfer language as requested.
Language is included for the Merit Systems Protection
Board, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, rental of conference
rooms, hire of passenger motor vehicles, direct procurement of
survey printing, official reception and representation
expenses, and administrative expenses to adjudicate retirement
appeals, and provides for the transfer of some funds.
Language is included for the Morris K. Udall Scholarship
and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation,
``Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National
Environmental Policy Trust Fund'', that limits the availability
of funds, specifies an amount for financial audits, and
provides for the transfer of some funds.
Language is included for the Morris K. Udall Scholarship
and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation,
``Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund'' that limits the
availability of funds.
Language is included for National Archives and Records
Administration, ``Operating Expenses'', that provides funds for
the hire of passenger motor vehicles, activities of the Public
Interest Declassification Board, and the review and
declassification of documents; and authorizes the use of excess
funds from the amount borrowed for construction for certain
purposes.
Language is included for National Archives and Records
Administration, ``Electronic Records Archives'' that provides
funds for the development of electronic records archives,
research and analysis, design, development and program
management; and limits the availability of funds.
Language is included for National Archives and Records
Administration, ``Repairs and Restoration'' that provides funds
for the repair, alteration, improvement, and storage; and
limits the availability of funds.
Language is included for National Archives and Records
Administration, ``National Historical Publications and Records
Commission Grants Program'' that provides funds for allocations
and grants for historical publications and records; provides of
the transfer of funds for operating expenses; and limits the
availability of funds.
Language is included under the National Credit Union
Administration, ``Central Liquidity Facility'' that limits
gross obligations and administrative expenses.
Language is included under the National Credit Union
Administration, ``Community Development Credit Union Revolving
Loan Fund'' that provides funds for technical assistance and
limits the availability of funds.
Language is included under National Transportation Safety
Board, ``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for hire
of passenger motor vehicles and aircraft, services authorized
by 5 U.S.C. 3109, uniforms or allowances therefore, and
official reception and representation expenses; and rescinds
prior year unobligated balances.
Language is included under Office of Government Ethics,
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for services
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, rental of conference rooms, hire
of passenger motor vehicles, and official reception and
representation expenses.
Language is included under Office of Personnel Management,
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for services
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, medical examinations for veterans,
rental of conference rooms, hire of passenger motor vehicles,
official reception and representation expenses, advances for
reimbursements, payment of per diem and/or subsistence
allowances, the Enterprise Human Resources Integration project,
the Human Resources Line of Business project, and the transfer
of administrative expenses; limits the availability of some
funds; directs that provisions shall not affect other
authorities; prohibits for the Legal Examining Unit; and
authorizes the acceptance of donations under certain
conditions.
Language is included for Office of Inspector General,
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for services
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, hire of passenger motor vehicles,
rental of conference rooms, and the transfer of administrative
expenses.
Language is included for Payment to Civil Service
Retirement and Disability Fund that authorizes payments of
certain annuities from the Civil Service Retirement and
Disability Fund.
Language is included for Office of Special Counsel,
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for services
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, payment of fees and expenses for
witnesses, rental of conference rooms, and the hire of
passenger motor vehicles.
Language is included for Selective Service System,
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for attendance of
meetings, training, uniforms, hire of passenger motor vehicles,
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, and official reception
and representation expenses; authorizes certain exemptions
under certain conditions; and prohibits funds used in
connection with the induction of any person into the Armed
Forces of the United States.
Language is included for the United States Interagency
Council on Homelessness, ``Operating Expenses'' that provides
funds for salaries, travel, hire of passenger motor vehicles,
rental of conference rooms, and the employment of experts and
consultants.
Language is included for the United States Postal Service,
``Payment to the Postal Service Fund'' that provides funds for
revenue foregone; limits the availability of obligation of some
funds; stipulates that mail for overseas voting and mail for
the blind is free; stipulates that 6-day delivery and rural
mail delivery shall continue at not less than the 1983 level;
prohibits funds from being used to charge a fee to a child
support enforcement agency seeking the address of a postal
customer; and prohibits funds from being used to consolidate or
close small rural and other small post offices.
Language is included for the United States Tax Court,
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for contract
reporting and services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; and that
travel expenses of the judges shall be paid upon written
certificate of the judge.
TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS, THIS ACT
Section 801. The Committee continues the provision
requiring pay raises to be funded within appropriated levels in
this Act or previous appropriations Acts.
Section 802. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting pay and other expenses for non-Federal parties in
regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings funded in this Act.
Section 803. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting obligations beyond the current fiscal year and
prohibits transfers of funds unless expressly so provided
herein.
Section 804. The Committee continues the provision limiting
consulting service expenditures of public record in procurement
contracts.
Section 805. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds in this Act to be transferred without express
authority.
Section 806. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds to engage in activities that would
prohibit the enforcement of section 307 of the 1930 Tariff Act.
Section 807. The Committee continues the provision
concerning employment rights of Federal employees who return to
their civilian jobs after assignment with the Armed Forces.
Section 808. The Committee continues the provision
concerning compliance with the Buy American Act.
Section 809. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds by any person or entity convicted
of violating the Buy American Act.
Section 810. The Committee continues a provision specifying
reprogramming procedures by subjecting the establishment of new
offices and reorganizations to the reprogramming process.
Section 811. The Committee continues the provision
providing that fifty percent of unobligated balances may remain
available for certain purposes.
Section 812. The Committee continues the provision
providing that funds used by the Executive Office of the
President not be used to request any official background
investigation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Section 813. The Committee continues the provision
requiring that cost accounting standards not apply to a
contract under the Federal Health Benefits Program.
Section 814. The Committee continues the provision
regarding non-foreign area cost of living allowances.
Section 815. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the expenditure of funds for abortions under the
FEHBP.
Section 816. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the expenditure of funds for abortions under the
FEHBP unless the life of the mother is in danger or the
pregnancy is a result of an act of rape or incest.
Section 817. The Committee continues the provision waiving
restrictions on the purchase of non-domestic articles,
materials, and supplies in the case of acquisition by the
Federal Government of information technology.
Section 818. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds for a proposed rule relating to
the determination that real estate brokerage is a financial
activity.
Section 819. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds for eminent domain unless such a
taking is employed for a public use but does not repeat the
requirement for a study by the Government Accountability
Office.
TITLE IX--GOVERNMENT-WIDE PROVISIONS
Departments, Agencies, and Corporations
Section 901. The Committee continues the provision
authorizing agencies to pay costs of travel to the United
States for the immediate families of federal employees assigned
to foreign duty in the event of a death or a life threatening
illness of the employee.
Section 902. The Committee continues the provision
requiring agencies to administer a policy designed to ensure
that all of its workplaces are free from the illegal use of
controlled substances.
Section 903. The Committee continues the provision
regarding price limitations on vehicles to be purchased by the
Federal Government.
Section 904. The Committee continues the provision allowing
funds made available to agencies for travel, to also be used
for quarter allowances and cost-of-living allowances.
Section 905. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the government, with certain specified exceptions,
from employing non-U.S. citizens whose posts of duty would be
in the continental U.S.
Section 906. The Committee continues the provision ensuring
that agencies will have authority to pay GSA bills for space
renovation and other services.
Section 907. The Committee continues the provision allowing
agencies to finance the costs of recycling and waste prevention
programs with proceeds from the sale of materials recovered
through such programs.
Section 908. The Committee continues the provision
providing that funds may be used to pay rent and other service
costs in the District of Columbia.
Section 909. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting payments to persons filling positions for which
they have been nominated after the Senate has voted not to
approve the nomination.
Section 910. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting interagency financing of groups absent prior
statutory approval.
Section 911. The Committee continues the provision
authorizing the Postal Service to employ guards and give them
the same special police powers as certain other federal guards.
Section 912. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds for enforcing regulations
disapproved in accordance with the applicable law of the U.S.
Section 913. The Committee continues the provision limiting
the pay increases of certain prevailing rate employees.
Section 914. The Committee continues the provision limiting
the amount of funds that can be used for redecoration of
offices under certain circumstances.
Section 915. The Committee continues the provision to allow
for interagency funding of national security and emergency
telecommunications initiatives.
Section 916. The Committee continues the provision
requiring agencies to certify that a Schedule C appointment was
not created solely or primarily to detail the employee to the
White House.
Section 917. The Committee continues the provision
requiring agencies to administer a policy designed to ensure
that all workplaces are free from discrimination and sexual
harassment.
Section 918. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the payment of any employee who prohibits,
threatens or prevents another employee from communicating with
Congress.
Section 919. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting Federal training not directly related to the
performance of official duties.
Section 920. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the expenditure of funds for implementation of
agreements in nondisclosure policies unless certain provisions
are included.
Section 921. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting propaganda, publicity and lobbying by executive
agency personnel in support or defeat of legislative
initiatives.
Section 922. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting any federal agency from disclosing an employee's
home address to any labor organization, absent employee
authorization or court order.
Section 923. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds to be used to provide non-public information
such as mailing or telephone lists to any person or
organization outside the government without the approval of the
Committees on Appropriations.
Section 924. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds for propaganda and publicity
purposes not authorized by Congress.
Section 925. The Committee continues the provision
directing agency employees to use official time in an honest
effort to perform official duties.
Section 926. The Committee continues the provision
authorizing the use of funds to finance an appropriate share of
the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board.
Section 927. The Committee continues the provision, with
technical modifications, authorizing agencies to transfer funds
(not to exceed $10,000,000) to the Government-wide Policy
account of GSA to finance an appropriate share of various
government-wide boards and councils.
Section 928. The Committee continues the provision that
permits breast feeding in a federal building or on federal
property if the woman and child are authorized to be there.
Section 929. The Committee continues the provision that
permits interagency funding of the National Science and
Technology Council and provides for a report on the budget and
resources of the National Science and Technology Council. The
report should include the entire budget of the National Science
and Technology Council.
Section 930. The Committee continues the provision
requiring documents involving the distribution of federal funds
to indicate the agency providing the funds and the amount
provided.
Section 931. The Committee repeals the provision extending
authorization for agency franchise funds.
Section 932. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting the use of funds to monitor personal information
relating to the use of federal internet sites to collect,
review, or create any aggregate list that includes personally
identifiable information relating to access to or use of any
federal internet site of such agency.
Section 933. The Committee continues the provision
requiring health plans participating in the FEHBP to provide
contraceptive coverage and provides exemptions to certain
religious plans.
Section 934. The Committee continues the provision
providing recognition of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency as the
official anti-doping agency.
Section 935. The Committee continues a provision allowing
funds for official travel to be used by departments and
agencies, if consistent with OMB and Budget Circular A-126, to
participate in the fractional aircraft ownership pilot program.
Section 936. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds for implementation of OPM regulations
limiting detailees to the Legislative Branch, and implementing
limitations on the Coast Guard Congressional Fellowship
Program.
Section 937. The Committee continues the provision that
restricts the use of funds for federal law enforcement training
facilities.
Section 938. The Committee continues the provision
concerning the use of funds for the ``e-Gov'' initiative that
were not appropriated specifically for that purpose.
Section 939. The Committee continues the provision
regarding public-private competitions in reference to OMB
Circular A-76.
Section 940. The Committee continues a provision, with
modification, providing that the adjustment in rates of basic
pay for employees under statutory pay systems taking effect in
fiscal year 2007 shall be an increase of 2.7 percent.
Section 941. The Committee continues the provision that
prohibits executive branch agencies from creating prepackaged
news stories that are broadcast or distributed in the United
States unless the story includes a clear notification within
the text or audio of that news story that the prepackaged news
story was prepared or funded by the executive branch agency.
This provision confirms the opinion of the Government
Accountability Office dated February 17, 2005 (B-304272).
Section 942. The Committee continues the provision
prohibiting funds used in contravention of section 552a of
title 5, United States Code or section 552.224 of title 48 of
the Code of Federal Regulations.
Section 943. The Committee continues the provision
requiring agencies to evaluate the creditworthiness of an
individual before issuing the individual a government travel
charge card and limits agency actions accordingly.
Section 944. The Committee continues the provision limiting
these general provisions to title V.
Comparison With the 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 (Public Law 93-344), 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(a) allocation.
Five-Year Outlay Projections
In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the
Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974
(Public Law 93-344), as amended, the following table contains
five-year projections associated with the budget authority
provided in the accompanying bill as provided to the Committee
by the Congressional Budget Office.
Financial Assistance to State and Local Governments
In accordance with section 308(a)(1)(C) of the
Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974
(Public Law 93-344), as amended, the Congressional Budget
Office has provided the following estimates of new budget
authority and outlays provided by the accompanying bill for
financial assistance to state and local governments.
ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF HON. JOHN W. OLVER
Although there are serious deficiencies in the bill adopted
by the Committee, it is a substantial improvement over the
insufficient budget that was requested by the President for the
agencies and programs funded within the Transportation,
Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia and Independent Agencies subcommittee. The
President's FY 2007 budget included significant cuts to
aviation, essential air service, intercity passenger rail,
public housing and community development programs below the
Fiscal Year 2006 enacted level. In total, the President
recommended nearly $3 billion in reductions to programs under
the Subcommittee's jurisdiction.
Despite the Subcommittee's allocation, the bill manages to
reject at least some of the program reductions proposed by the
President. For example, the bill restores a total of $306.9
million in funding for housing programs for the elderly and
disabled which brings the programs up to the level funded in FY
2006. In addition, the bill includes $4.2 billion for the
Community Development Block Grant program which represents a
slight increase of $22 million above the FY 2006 level. The
$1.17 billion increase above the President's request will fund
activities to serve over 6 million low- and moderate-income
persons.
With regard to transportation funding, the bill meets the
aviation, highway and transit funding guarantees mandated by
Vision 100 and SAFETEA-LU. As such, the bill includes $3.7
billion for airport grants and $3.11 billion for the Federal
Aviation Administration's air traffic control modernization
program required by Vision 100. The bill also includes a $16
million increase for additional aviation safety inspectors.
These funding levels represent dramatic increases above the
President's budget request and significant increases above last
year's level. As required by SAFETEA-LU, the bill includes $104
million in additional funding for transit and highway safety
programs.
A careful review of the bill, however, illuminates how the
requirement to meet the transportation funding guarantees,
combined with an inadequate level of discretionary resources,
resulted in programmatic reductions or eliminations in
virtually every other title of the bill. Simply put, it is
exceedingly difficult to balance the resource needs of all of
the agencies and programs included in the Subcommittee's broad
and far-reaching jurisdiction when a significant portion is
protected in a legislative lockbox and the rest have to fight
for scarce remaining discretionary resources. This is not
intended to denigrate the importance of investing in our
nation's transportation infrastructure but rather a budgetary
reality and challenge that the Committee must face. Housing
programs for the poor are forced to compete with the funding
needs of the Federal Judiciary; programs which support the war
on drugs; the Federal payments for the District of Columbia;
and numerous other agencies and programs that fall within the
jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.
Amtrak
The annual battles over funding for the National Passenger
Railroad Corporation (Amtrak) have become so familiar that
there is an element of deja vu. The bill includes $900 million
for Amtrak which is $394 million below the FY 2006 enacted
level. Amtrak's own Board of Directors, each of whom were
appointed by President Bush, stated that Amtrak needs $1.598
billion in Fiscal Year 2007 in order to maintain service and
for capital investments needed to assure basic safety and
reliability of the passenger service.
It is certain that the Committee's funding level for Amtrak
is woefully insufficient to ensure that our nation will
continue to enjoy a nationwide intercity passenger rail system.
Indeed, the funding level included in the Committee bill, if
enacted, require a significant review of Amtrak's current
operations and a restructuring of the railroad's route system.
Over the last few years, there has been a consistent call
by the Administration and majority party for Amtrak reform.
Despite the fact that Amtrak is now on its third chief
executive officer in less than four years and has not had a
full Board of Directors in nearly three years, Amtrak--even
with changing leadership--has made some significant reforms and
progress. For example, Amtrak's ridership has increased nearly
11 percent and reduced its corporate debt by nearly the same
percentage. In addition, Amtrak's injury rate has been reduced
by 40 percent in two years which is a testament to the safety
practices of Amtrak's dedicated workforce.
During the current fiscal year, Amtrak started to make
reforms to the food, beverage and first class service as
required in last year's bill. The Fiscal Year 2007 bill
requires Amtrak to make additional reforms to the Amtrak's
food, beverage and first class services so that these services
are revenue neutral by October 1, 2008. The results of last
year's reforms are not yet fully known and therefore cannot be
assessed. In addition, the bill requires Amtrak to reduce its
system overhead expenses by 10 percent annually.
The funding level provided in the bill would require Amtrak
to achieve savings of $394 million in a single year. This is an
unrealistic and unachievable goal. The Democratic alternative
amendment that was offered and defeated in Committee would have
provided Amtrak with an additional $400 million, of which $300
million would have been dedicated toward Amtrak's capital needs
and $100 million in efficiency incentive grants.
Housing and Community Development Programs
As mentioned above, the Committee bill reformed some cuts
to housing and community development programs. In particular,
the bill increases funding for the community development block
grant program slightly above last year.
The Committee bill has made substantial increases in the
following areas:
Homeless Assistance grants are increased by
$209 million, or 16%, over Fiscal Year 2006;
The HOME Investment Partnerships program is
increased $159 million, or 9%, over FY 06; and,
The Housing Opportunities for Persons with
AIDS program is increased by $14 million, or 5%, over
FY 06.
But there are also some serious problems in other housing
and community development programs in of the bill:
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund:
The bill includes $40 million for the CDFI Fund, a cut of $14.5
million, or 26.6%, below last year. While the bill is an
improvement on the President's request, which sought to cut the
program down to just $7.8 million, the program has steadily
declined in funding since FY 2001, when it received $118
million. CDFI provides funding for activities of local
financial institutions who invest in redevelopment activities
in economically-depressed areas, and every dollar of federal
funding leverages 21 dollars in private investment.
Housing for the Elderly is funded at last year's level of
$735 million. While the bill wisely rejects the President's
proposal to cut this program by more than 25%, the resource
needs for elderly housing continue to grow as the baby boom
population ages.
Housing for Persons with Disabilities is funded at last
year's level of $237 million. Again, the bill wisely did not
agree to the proposal of the President, who sought to cut the
program by 50%, yet the funding level in the bill is still $18
million, or 7%, below what was provided in Fiscal Year 2004.
Tenant-based rental assistance: The bill contains a cut of
$100 million below the President's request for funding for
renewals of tenant-based vouchers. Specifically, the cut is
targeted at the administrative funding for Public Housing
Authorities to administer the tenant-based rental assistance
program, which is cut from $1.28 billion in the request, down
to $1.18 billion.
Project-based rental assistance: Funding for renewals is
cut $200 million, or 3.6% below the President's request of $5.5
Billion. This cut could translate into as many as 34,000 fewer
families receiving housing assistance.
Rural Housing and Economic Development: This program
provides resources to support comprehensive community
development efforts in rural communities. It received $16.8
million in FY 06, but the Committee's bill adheres to the
President's budget request zeroing out the program.
The Public Housing Capital Fund is funded at $2.18 billion,
a reduction of $261 million, or 10.7%, below FY 06. Funding for
this account has declined steadily since FY 2001, when $3
billion was provided. There is a $20 billion backlog in public
housing capital repair needs that this funding level would not
address.
The Public Housing Operating Fund is level funded, at $3.56
Billion. The Administration requested $3.56 Billion as well,
yet HUD's own budget documents report that the request will
cover just 85% of the overall public housing operating
requirement. In addition, the HUD budget submission does not
take into account the increases in utilities costs that public
housing authorities have experienced, and thus some argue that
this funding level will only cover 78% of the operating
requirement. Clearly we need to do far more for the Public
Housing Operating Fund than this bill provides.
HOPE VI: HUD's program for revitalizing severely-distressed
public housing is zeroed out in the Committee bill. Here again,
the Committee bill adheres to the President's request to zero
out HOPE VI. This is the fourth year in a row that the
Administration has proposed eliminating the program. I am
disappointed that the majority is once again attempting to
eliminate this valuable program. The program received strong
bipartisan support during House Floor consideration of last
year's T-THUD appropriations bill, and I am hopeful that we can
work together to restore funding to the program as we move
forward.
Other housing and community development deficiencies: The
bill cuts funding for Fair Housing Activities by $1 million, or
2.2% below the FY 06 level. Funding for Lead-based Paint and
Hazard Reduction is cut by $35.6 million, or 23.7%, below last
year. In addition, the bill eliminates funding for Brownfields
Redevelopment, Section 108 Loan Guarantees, Empowerment Zones,
and La Raza activities. I am hopeful that we can address these
issues as the process moves forward.
Last year's Committee report recognized that the
``snapshot'' funding formula may have had an adverse impact on
some public housing agencies in the section 8 voucher program.
Public housing agencies who have lost funding under this
formula are assisting as many as 100,000 fewer families than
would have been the case had the ``snapshot'' funding formula
never been implemented in the first place. I am hopeful that
Congress will soon reform the flawed funding formula for the
tenant-based voucher program.
Full Committee Amendment
During Full Committee consideration of the bill, I offered
an amendment that would have increased funding for several
critical areas of the bill. The funding would have been
completely offset by slightly reducing the size of the tax cut
for millionaires. I am disappointed that the majority rejected
my amendment. The amendment would have provided the following
increases:
$400 million more for Amtrak;
$40 million more for the Community
Development Financial Institutions Fund;
$144 million more to restore the cut in
Tenant-based housing vouchers;
$261 million more for the Public Housing
Capital Fund;
$636 million more for the Public Housing
Operating Fund, which is the amount that HUD's own
budget admits its request leaves ``unfunded'';
100 million for the HOPE VI program;
$30 million for Rural Housing and Economic
Development;
$65.4 million more for Housing for the
Elderly; and
$24.4 million more for Housing for Persons
with Disabilities.
Other Aspects of the Bill
The bill's overall funding for the Internal Revenue Service
is just 0.9% above the enacted level for FY 06. I am concerned
that we are not providing enough resources both for IRS
services to taxpayers and for tax law enforcement, and I am
hopeful that we can address these needs as the process moves
forward.
The bill does not contain any funding for the Youthbuild
program. There is a pending proposal to transfer the program
from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to the
Department of Labor. I understand that the subcommittee on
Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education intends to fund
Youthbuild in the Fiscal Year 2007 Labor-HHS-Education
appropriations bill, and I welcome that.
The bill provides $575.2 million for the Federal payments
to the District of Columbia. Included within this total is a
$23 million increase to the D.C. Courts for the renovation of
the Old Courthouse. The President's budget only requested $7
million for this purpose. The completion of the Old Courthouse
will alleviate the cramped quarters in the Moultrie Courthouse.
The bill does not include funding for the Navy Yard Metro
within the District of Columbia portion of the bill, however, I
am pleased that funding for this project was included within
the Federal Transit Administration's capital investment grant
account.
In addition, the bill continues a provision included in
last year's bill which allows the District of Columbia to
administer locally generated funds. I am disappointed, however,
that the bill continues to carry a variety of provisions which
limit the District's ability to exercise home rule. In
particular, it is disappointing that the provision prohibiting
the District of Columbia from using its own local resources to
utilize every available tool to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.
The District of Columbia has the highest incidence of new AIDS
cases of all large cities in the country and a rate eleven
times higher than the national average.
The Committee bill does not include any funding for the
Office of Personnel Management's retirement system
modernization program. The Office of Personnel Management
currently manages 144,000 drawers of paper records for federal
employees. It is critical that adequate resources are provided
to improve the processing of federal retiree annuities. As the
bill moves forward, these resources must be restored.
Among the independent agencies, the National Historical
Publications and Records Commission grant program that is
administered by the National Archives and Records
Administration is funded at $7.5 million, the same level as
Fiscal Year 2006. This program helps state, local and private
institutions preserve records and publish important documents
in our nation's history and I am pleased that the Chairman
restored funds for this program.
The bill also includes a $2 million increase for the
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB serves an
important investigatory and safety function in determining the
causes of major transportation crashes. The increase provided
in the bill will allow the NTSB to hire additional
investigators and safety experts.
Finally, I am pleased that the bill includes two general
provisions that benefit our nation's dedicated federal
workforce. The first provision will ensure that civilian and
military federal employees will receive a 2.7 percent increase
in pay. The second provision continues the competitive sourcing
provision that was included in last year's bill.
Conclusion
The bill adopted by the Committee improves upon the budget
presented by the President, however, it still needs much work
to address the problems that remain. I will continue to seek
improvements outlined above as this bill moves through the
Congress.
John W. Olver.