[House Report 110-535]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



110th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session                                                     110-535

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



 
                   CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER ACT OF 2008

                                _______
                                

 March 3, 2008.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania, from the Committee on House Administration, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 5159]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

  The Committee on House Administration, to whom was referred 
the bill (H.R. 5159) to establish the Office of the Capitol 
Visitor Center within the Office of the Architect of the 
Capitol, headed by the Chief Executive Officer for Visitor 
Services, to provide for the effective management and 
administration of the Capitol Visitor Center, and for other 
purposes, having considered the same, report favorably thereon 
with an amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do 
pass.
  The amendment is as follows:
  Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

  (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Capitol Visitor 
Center Act of 2008''.
  (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

    TITLE I--ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER

                  Subtitle A--Description of Facility

Sec. 101. Description and purposes of Capitol Visitor Center.
Sec. 102. Oversight of committees.
Sec. 103. Special rule for certain spaces in the Capitol Visitor 
Center.

   Subtitle B--Office of the Capitol Visitor Center; Chief Executive 
                      Officer for Visitor Services

Sec. 111. Establishment.
Sec. 112. Appointment and supervision of Chief Executive Officer for 
Visitor Services.
Sec. 113. General duties of Chief Executive Officer.
Sec. 114. Acceptance of gifts and volunteer services.
Sec. 115. Special rules regarding certain administrative matters.

     TITLE II--RELATED SERVICES PROVIDED AT CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER

                 Subtitle A--Related Services Described

Sec. 201. Gift shop.
Sec. 202. Food service operations.
Sec. 203. Licenses and other agreements for operations or other 
functions.

           Subtitle B--Capitol Visitor Center Revolving Fund

Sec. 211. Establishment; accounts.
Sec. 212. Deposits in the Fund.
Sec. 213. Use of monies.
Sec. 214. Administration of Fund.

             TITLE III--TREATMENT OF CAPITOL GUIDE SERVICE

      Subtitle A--Transfer to Office of the Capitol Visitor Center

Sec. 301. Transfer of Capitol Guide Service.
Sec. 302. Duties of employees of Capitol Guide Service.

       Subtitle B--Office of Congressional Accessibility Services

Sec. 311. Establishment of Office of Congressional Accessibility 
Services.
Sec. 312. Director of Accessibility Services.
Sec. 313. Transfer from Capitol Guide Service.

            Subtitle C--Technical and Conforming Amendments

Sec. 321. Technical and conforming amendments.

                       Subtitle D--Transfer Date

Sec. 331. Transfer date.

                      TITLE IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations.

    TITLE I--ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER

                  Subtitle A--Description of Facility

SEC. 101. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSES OF CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER.

  (a) Treatment as Part of Capitol.--In this Act, the ``Capitol Visitor 
Center'' is the facility authorized for construction under the heading 
``Capitol Visitor Center'' under chapter 5 of title II of division B of 
the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 
1999 (Public Law 105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-569), and such facility shall 
be considered to be part of the United States Capitol for all 
provisions of law in accordance with this Act.
  (b) Purposes of the Facility.--In accordance with the provisions of 
this Act, the Capitol Visitor Center shall be used to--
          (1) provide enhanced security for persons working in or 
        visiting the United States Capitol; and
          (2) improve the visitor experience by providing a structure 
        that will afford improved visitor orientation and enhance the 
        educational experience of those who have come to learn about 
        Congress and the Capitol.
  (c) Conforming Amendment Relating to Visitor Center Space in the 
Capitol.--Section 301 of the National Visitor Center Facilities Act of 
1968 (2 U.S.C. 2165) is repealed.

SEC. 102. OVERSIGHT OF COMMITTEES.

  The Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate and the 
Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives 
(hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``supervising Committees'') 
shall exercise policy review and oversight over the Capitol Visitor 
Center.

SEC. 103. SPECIAL RULE FOR CERTAIN SPACES IN THE CAPITOL VISITOR 
                    CENTER.

  (a) Senate and House of Representatives Expansion Space.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Senate and House 
of Representatives expansion space described as ``unassigned space'' 
under the heading ``Architect of the Capitol, Capitol Visitor Center'' 
in the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2002 (Public Law 107-68; 
115 Stat. 588)--
          (1) shall not be treated as part of the Capitol Visitor 
        Center for purposes of this Act; and
          (2) shall be treated for purposes of law (including rules of 
        the House of Representatives and Senate)--
                  (A) in the case of space assigned for the use of the 
                Senate, as part of the Senate wing of the Capitol and 
                subject to the authority and control of the Committee 
                on Rules and Administration of the Senate, or
                  (B) in the case of space assigned for the use of the 
                House, as part of the House of Representatives wing of 
                the Capitol and subject to the authority and control of 
                the Speaker.
  (b) Treatment of Congressional Auditorium and Related Adjacent 
Areas.--
          (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
        Act, the space in the Capitol Visitor Center known as the 
        Congressional Auditorium, together with each of the areas 
        referred to in paragraph (2), shall be assigned for 
        Congressional use by the Chief Executive Officer for Visitor 
        Services under guidelines established by the supervising 
        Committees.
          (2) Areas described.--The areas referred to in this paragraph 
        are as follows, as identified and designated by the Architect 
        of the Capitol on October 1, 2007:
                  (A) The North Congressional Meeting Room (CVC268) and 
                the South Congressional Meeting Room (CVC217).
                  (B) The North Pre-function Area (CVC268CR) and the 
                South Pre-function Area (CVC217CR).
                  (C) Lobbies CVC215 and CVC 212.
                  (D) The North Cloak Room (CVC210) and the South Cloak 
                Room (CVC208).
                  (E) The Projection Room (CVC209).
                  (F) The Green Room (CVC207).
                  (G) The TV Control Room (CVC105).
                  (H) Offices CVC101, CVC102, CVC103, CVC104, CVC106, 
                CVC204, and CVC205.

   Subtitle B--Office of the Capitol Visitor Center; Chief Executive 
                      Officer for Visitor Services

SEC. 111. ESTABLISHMENT.

  There is established within the Office of the Architect of the 
Capitol the Office of the Capitol Visitor Center (in this Act referred 
to as the ``Office''), to be headed by the Chief Executive Officer for 
Visitor Services (in this Act referred to as the ``Chief Executive 
Officer'').

SEC. 112. APPOINTMENT AND SUPERVISION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR 
                    VISITOR SERVICES.

  (a) Appointment.--The Chief Executive Officer shall be appointed by 
the Architect of the Capitol.
  (b) Supervision and Oversight.--The Chief Executive Officer shall 
report directly to the Architect of the Capitol and shall be subject to 
policy review and oversight by the supervising Committees.
  (c) Removal.--Upon removal of the Chief Executive Officer, the 
Architect of the Capitol shall immediately notify the supervising 
Committees and the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
Representatives and Senate, stating the reasons for the removal.
  (d) Compensation.--The Chief Executive Officer shall be paid at an 
annual rate of pay equal to the annual rate of pay of the Deputy 
Architect of the Capitol and Chief Operating Officer of the Office of 
the Architect of the Capitol.
  (e) Transition for Current Chief Executive Officer for Visitor 
Services.--
          (1) Appointment.--The individual who serves as the Chief 
        Executive Officer for Visitor Services under section 6701 of 
        the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and 
        Iraq Accountability Appropriation Act of 2007 (2 U.S.C. 1806) 
        as of the date of the enactment of this Act shall be the first 
        Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services appointed by the 
        Architect under this section.
          (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 6701 of the U.S. Troop 
        Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq 
        Accountability Appropriation Act of 2007 (2 U.S.C. 1806) is 
        repealed.

SEC. 113. GENERAL DUTIES OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.

  (a) Administration of Facilities, Services, and Activities.--
          (1) In general.--Except to the extent otherwise provided in 
        this Act, the Chief Executive Officer shall be responsible 
        for--
                  (A) the operation, management, and budget preparation 
                and execution of the Capitol Visitor Center, including 
                all long term planning and day-today operational 
                services and activities provided within the Capitol 
                Visitor Center; and
                  (B) in accordance with subtitle A of title III, the 
                management of guided tours of the interior of the 
                United States Capitol.
          (2) Independent budget submission.--
                  (A) In general.--The proposed budget for the Office 
                for a fiscal year shall be prepared by the Chief 
                Executive Officer, and shall be included without 
                revision in the proposed budget for the year for the 
                Office of the Architect of the Capitol (as submitted by 
                the Architect of the Capitol to the President).
                  (B) Exclusion of costs of general maintenance and 
                repair of visitor center.--In preparing the proposed 
                budget for the Office under subparagraph (A), the Chief 
                Executive Officer shall exclude costs attributable to 
                the activities and services described in section 115(b) 
                (relating to continuing jurisdiction of the Architect 
                of the Capitol for the care and superintendence of the 
                Capitol Visitor Center).
  (b) Personnel and Other Administrative Provisions.--
          (1) Personnel, disbursements, and contracts.--In carrying out 
        this Act, the Chief Executive Officer shall have the 
        authority--
                  (A) to appoint, hire, and fix the compensation of 
                such personnel as may be necessary for operations of 
                the Office, except that no employee may be paid at an 
                annual rate in excess of the maximum rate payable for 
                level 15 of the General Schedule unless otherwise 
                authorized by law;
                  (B) to disburse funds as may be necessary and 
                available for the needs of the Office (consistent with 
                the requirements of section 213 in the case of amounts 
                in the Capitol Visitor Center Revolving Fund); and
                  (C) to designate an employee of the Office to serve 
                as contracting officer for the Office, subject to 
                subsection (c).
          (2) Temporary assignment of personnel.--The Chief Executive 
        Officer shall temporarily assign personnel of the Office based 
        on a request from the Capitol Police Board to assist the United 
        States Capitol Police by providing ushering and informational 
        services, and other services not directly involving law 
        enforcement, in connection with--
                  (A) the inauguration of the President and Vice 
                President of the United States;
                  (B) the official reception of representatives of 
                foreign nations and other persons by the Senate or 
                House of Representatives; or
                  (C) other special or ceremonial occasions in the 
                United States Capitol or on the United States Capitol 
                Grounds that require the presence of additional 
                Government personnel.
          (3) Agreements with the office of the architect of the 
        capitol, with other legislative branch agencies, and with 
        offices of the senate and house of representatives.--Subject to 
        the approval of the supervising Committees, the Chief Executive 
        Officer may place orders and enter into agreements with the 
        Office of the Architect of the Capitol, with other legislative 
        branch agencies, and with any office or other entity of the 
        Senate or House of Representatives for procuring goods and 
        providing financial and administrative services on behalf of 
        the Office, or to otherwise assist the Chief Executive Officer 
        in the administration and management of the Capitol Visitor 
        Center.
  (c) Requiring Approval of Certain Contracts.--The Chief Executive 
Officer may not enter into a contract for which the amount involved 
exceeds $250,000 without the prior approval of the supervising 
Committees.
  (d) Semiannual Reports.--The Chief Executive Officer shall submit a 
report to the supervising Committees not later than 45 days following 
the close of each semiannual period ending on June 30 or December 31 of 
each year on the financial and operational status during the period of 
each function under the jurisdiction of the Chief Executive Officer. 
Each such report shall include financial statements and a description 
or explanation of current operations, the implementation of new 
policies and procedures, and future plans for each function.

SEC. 114. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS AND VOLUNTEER SERVICES.

  (a) Acceptance of Gifts.--
          (1) Authority to accept and use gifts.--The Chief Executive 
        Officer, with the approval of the supervising Committees, is 
        authorized to receive, accept, and hold unrestricted gifts of 
        money on behalf of the Capitol Visitor Center, and to use the 
        gifts for the benefit of the Capitol Visitor Center
          (2) Acceptance of gifts of works of art and other related 
        objects by other legislative branch entities.--
                  (A) In general.--In the case of a gift consisting of 
                a work of art, historical object, or exhibit for which 
                the authority to accept the gift for display in the 
                Capitol is provided to an entity referred to in 
                subparagraph (B), the entity shall have the authority 
                to accept the gift for display in the Capitol Visitor 
                Center in accordance with the authority provided under 
                applicable law.
                  (B) Entities described.--The entities referred to in 
                this subparagraph are as follows:
                          (i) The Joint Committee on the Library under 
                        section 1831 of the Revised Statutes of the 
                        United States (2 U.S.C. 2133).
                          (ii) The United States Capitol Preservation 
                        Commission under section 801 of the Arizona-
                        Idaho Conservation Act of 1988 (2 U.S.C. 2081).
                          (iii) The House of Representatives Fine Arts 
                        Board under section 1000 of the Arizona-Idaho 
                        Conservation Act of 1988 (2 U.S.C. 2121).
                          (iv) The Senate Commission on Art under 
                        section 1 of Senate Resolution 382, Ninetieth 
                        Congress, agreed to October 1, 1968 and enacted 
                        into law by section 901(a) of Public Law 100-
                        690 (2 U.S.C. 2101).
          (3) Annual report on gifts accepted.--Each semiannual report 
        submitted under section 113(d) shall include a description of 
        each accepted by the Chief Executive Officer under this 
        subsection during the period covered by the report.
  (b) Acceptance of Volunteer Services.--Notwithstanding section 1342 
of title 31, United States Code, the Chief Executive Officer may accept 
and use voluntary and uncompensated services for the Capitol Visitor 
Center as the Chief Executive Officer determines necessary. No person 
shall be permitted to donate his or her personal services under this 
section unless such person has first agreed, in writing, to waive any 
and all claims against the United States arising out of or connection 
with such services, other than a claim under the provisions of chapter 
81 of title 5, United States Code. No person donating personal services 
under this section shall be considered an employee of the United States 
for any purpose other than for purposes of chapter 81 of such title. In 
no case shall the acceptance of personal services under this subsection 
result in the reduction of pay or displacement of any employee of the 
Office.

SEC. 115. SPECIAL RULES REGARDING CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS.

  (a) Special Rules Regarding Security.--
          (1) Security jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies 
        unaffected.--Nothing in this Act granting any authority to the 
        Chief Executive Officer shall be construed to affect the 
        exclusive jurisdiction of the United States Capitol Police, the 
        Capitol Police Board, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of 
        the Senate, and the Sergeant at Arms of the House of 
        Representatives to provide security for the Capitol Visitor 
        Center.
          (2) Attendance of chief executive officer at certain meetings 
        of capitol police board.--At the request of the Capitol Police 
        Board, the Chief Executive Officer shall attend any portion of 
        any meeting of the Capitol Police Board during which the Board 
        considers issues relating to the security of the Capitol 
        Visitor Center, including activities described in paragraph 
        (3), or other issues relating to services provided by employees 
        of the Office.
          (3) Consultation with capitol police board on security 
        matters.--The Office shall consult with the Capitol Police 
        Board in carrying out any activity which affects the security 
        of the Capitol Visitor Center or any other part of the Capitol, 
        including activities relating to the hours of operation, tour 
        routes and the number of visitors per tour guide, and other 
        activities relating to the entry of members of the general 
        public into the Capitol and the movement of members of the 
        general public within the Capitol.
          (4) Plan for background checks for employees.--The Chief 
        Executive Officer, in coordination with the Chief of the 
        Capitol Police, shall develop plans and procedures for 
        conducting criminal history background checks on employees of 
        the Office and individuals seeking employment with the Office 
        (including employees of the Capitol Guide Service who are 
        transferred to the Office under title III).
  (b) Special Rules Regarding Care and Maintenance of Facilities.--
          (1) Architect of the capitol jurisdiction unaffected.--
        Nothing in this Act granting any authority to the Chief 
        Executive Officer (including section 114) shall be construed to 
        affect the exclusive jurisdiction of the Architect of the 
        Capitol for the care and superintendence of the Capitol Visitor 
        Center or any other part of the Capitol, and all maintenance 
        services, groundskeeping services, improvements, alterations, 
        additions, and repairs for the Capitol Visitor Center shall be 
        carried out pursuant to the direction and supervision of the 
        Architect subject to the oversight of Congress under applicable 
        law (including rules of the House of Representatives and 
        Senate).
          (2) Budget submission.--The Architect of the Capitol shall 
        submit with the annual budget for the Office of the Architect 
        of the Capitol for a fiscal year a separate, detailed statement 
        of the costs anticipated to be incurred during the year for the 
        activities and services described in paragraph (1) which are 
        excluded from the annual budget for the Office which is 
        submitted by the Chief Executive Officer under section 
        113(a)(2).
  (c) Special Rule Regarding Exhibits and Tours.--The Chief Executive 
Officer shall consider comments and recommendations from the Clerk of 
the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate regarding 
the content of exhibits contained in and tours operated out of the 
Capitol Visitor Center.

     TITLE II--RELATED SERVICES PROVIDED AT CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER

                 Subtitle A--Related Services Described

SEC. 201. GIFT SHOP.

  (a) Establishment.--In consultation with the supervising Committees, 
the Chief Executive Officer shall establish a gift shop within the 
Capitol Visitor Center for the purpose of providing for the sale of 
gift items.
  (b) Exception to Prohibition of Sale or Solicitation on Capitol 
Grounds.--Section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code, shall not 
apply to any activity carried out under this subsection.

SEC. 202. FOOD SERVICE OPERATIONS.

  (a) Restaurant, Catering, and Vending.--The Chief Executive Officer 
is authorized to establish within the Capitol Visitor Center a 
restaurant and other food service facilities, including catering 
services and vending machines.
  (b) Use of Contract to Carry Out Food Service Operations.--The Chief 
Executive Officer shall carry out all food service operations within 
the Capitol Visitor Center pursuant to a contract entered into with a 
private vendor.
  (c) Exception to Prohibition of Sale or Solicitation on Capitol 
Grounds.--Section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code, shall not 
apply to any activity carried out under this subsection.

SEC. 203. LICENSES AND OTHER AGREEMENTS FOR OPERATIONS OR OTHER 
                    FUNCTIONS.

  (a) Authority.--The Chief Executive Officer is authorized--
          (1) subject to the approval of the supervising Committees, to 
        enter into licenses and other agreements to allow operations or 
        other functions to occur within the Capitol Visitor Center; and
          (2) to assess and collect charges or other fees as may be 
        appropriate under such licenses and agreements, including the 
        recoupment of costs associated with the operation or function 
        being held.
  (b) Exception to Prohibition of Sale or Solicitation on Capitol 
Grounds.--To the extent that a license or agreement entered into by the 
Chief Executive Officer under this section permits any person to sell 
or solicit the sale of goods or services within the Capitol Visitor 
Center, section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code, shall not 
apply to the sale or solicitation of sales of such goods or services.
  (c) Approval of Congress Required for Certain Events.--No event 
intended for purposes other than those described in section 101(b) 
shall be held in the central hall of the Capitol Visitor Center unless 
authorized by a resolution agreed to by both houses of the Congress.

           Subtitle B--Capitol Visitor Center Revolving Fund

SEC. 211. ESTABLISHMENT; ACCOUNTS.

  There is established in the Treasury of the United States a revolving 
fund to be known as the Capitol Visitor Center Revolving Fund (in this 
section referred to as the ``Fund''), consisting of the following 
individual accounts:
          (1) The Gift Shop Account.
          (2) The Miscellaneous Receipts Account.

SEC. 212. DEPOSITS IN THE FUND.

  (a) Gift Shop Account.--There shall be deposited in the Gift Shop 
Account all monies received from sales and other services by the gift 
shop established under section 201, together with any interest accrued 
on balances in the Account.
  (b) Miscellaneous Receipts Account.--There shall be deposited in the 
Miscellaneous Receipts Account each of the following (together with any 
interest accrued on balances in the Account):
          (1) Any gifts of money accepted under section 114(a).
          (2) Any net profits or commissions paid to the Capitol 
        Visitor Center under any contract for food service operations 
        entered into under section 202(b).
          (3) Any charges or fees collected from the operations or 
        other functions within the Capitol Visitor Center under 
        licenses or other arrangements entered into under section 
        203(a).
          (4) Any other receipts received from the operation of the 
        Capitol Visitor Center

SEC. 213. USE OF MONIES.

  (a) Gift Shop Account.--
          (1) In general.--All monies in the Gift Shop Account shall be 
        available without fiscal year limitation for obligation by the 
        Chief Executive Officer in connection with the operation of the 
        gift shops under section 201(a), including supplies, 
        inventories, equipment, and other expenses. In addition, such 
        monies may be used by the Chief Executive Officer to reimburse 
        any applicable appropriations account for amounts used from 
        such appropriations account to pay the salaries of employees of 
        the gift shops.
          (2) Obligation of funds remaining after use of funds for gift 
        shop.--To the extent monies in the Gift Shop Account are 
        available after disbursements and reimbursements are made under 
        subparagraph (A), the Chief Executive Officer may obligate such 
        monies for the operation of the Capitol Visitor Center, after 
        consultation with--
                  (A) the supervising Committees; and
                  (B) the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
                Representatives and Senate.
  (b) Miscellaneous Receipts Account.--All monies in the Miscellaneous 
Receipts Account shall be available without fiscal year limitation for 
obligation by the Chief Executive Officer for the operations of the 
Capitol Visitor Center, after consultation with--
          (1) the supervising Committees; and
          (2) the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
        Representatives and Senate.

SEC. 214. ADMINISTRATION OF FUND.

  (a) Obligations.--Obligations from the Fund may be made by the Chief 
Executive Officer.
  (b) Investment Authority.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest 
any portion of the Fund that, as determined by the Chief Executive 
Officer, is not required to meet current expenses. Each investment 
shall be made in an interest-bearing obligation of the United States or 
an obligation guaranteed both as to principal and interest by the 
United States that, as determined by the Chief Executive Officer, has a 
maturity date suitable for the purposes of the Fund. The Secretary of 
the Treasury shall credit interest earned on the obligations to the 
Fund.
  (c) Audit.--The Fund shall be subject to audit by the Comptroller 
General at the discretion of the Comptroller General.

             TITLE III--TREATMENT OF CAPITOL GUIDE SERVICE

      Subtitle A--Transfer to Office of the Capitol Visitor Center

SEC. 301. TRANSFER OF CAPITOL GUIDE SERVICE.

  (a) Transfer of Authorities and Personnel to Office of the Capitol 
Visitor Center.--Except as provided in subsection (c), effective on the 
transfer date--
          (1) the contracts, liabilities, records, property, and other 
        assets and interests of the Capitol Guide Service, established 
        pursuant to section 441 of the Legislative Reorganization Act 
        of 1970 (2 U.S.C. 2166), and the employees of the Capitol Guide 
        Service, are transferred to the Office, except that the 
        transfer of any amounts appropriated to the Capitol Guide 
        Service that remain available as of the transfer date shall 
        occur only upon the approval of the Committees on 
        Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate; and
          (2) the Capitol Guide Service shall be subject to the 
        direction, supervision, and control of the Chief Executive 
        Officer in accordance with this subtitle.
  (b) Treatment of Employees of Capitol Guide Service at Time of 
Transfer.--
          (1) In general.--Any individual who is an employee of the 
        Capitol Guide Service on a permanent basis on the transfer date 
        who is transferred to the Office under subsection (a) shall be 
        subject to authority of the Chief Executive Officer under 
        section 302(b), except that the individual shall not be reduced 
        in grade, compensation, rate of leave, or other benefits that 
        apply with respect to the individual at the time of transfer 
        while such individual remains continuously so employed as a 
        Capitol Guide within the Office, other than for cause.
          (2) Eligibility for immediate retirement on basis of 
        involuntary separation.--For purposes of sections 8336(d) and 
        section 8414(b) of title 5, United States Code, an individual 
        described in paragraph (1) who is separated from service with 
        the Office shall be considered to have separated from the 
        service involuntarily if, at the time the individual is 
        separated from service--
                  (A) the individual has completed 25 years of service 
                under such title; or
                  (B) the individual has completed 20 years of service 
                under such title and is 50 years of age or older.
          (3) Continuation of participation in student loan repayment 
        program.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if an 
        individual described in paragraph (1) has a written service 
        agreement in effect under section 102 of the Legislative Branch 
        Appropriations Act, 2002 (2 U.S.C. 60c-5) at the time the 
        individual is transferred to the Office, the agreement shall 
        remain in effect in accordance with the terms and conditions 
        applicable to the agreement at the time the individual is 
        transferred (including the provisions of such section 
        permitting the individual to enter into additional service 
        agreements for successive 1-year periods of employment), except 
        that in applying such section to the individual, the following 
        shall apply:
                  (A) The Office shall serve as the employing office, 
                and the Chief Executive Officer shall serve as the head 
                of the employing office.
                  (B) The Architect of the Capitol shall carry out the 
                responsibilities of the Secretary of the Senate.
                  (C) Any reference to the Committee on Rules and 
                Administration of the Senate and the Committee on 
                Appropriations of the Senate shall be treated as a 
                reference to the supervising Committees.
                  (D) If the individual is required to make any 
                reimbursement under such section with respect to 
                payments made after the individual is transferred, the 
                individual shall reimburse the Office of the Architect 
                of the Capitol.
          (4) Prohibiting imposition of probationary period.--The Chief 
        Executive Officer may not impose a period of probation with 
        respect to the transfer of any individual who is transferred to 
        the Office under subsection (a).
  (c) Exception for Congressional Special Services Office.--This 
section does not apply with respect to any employees, contracts, 
liabilities, records, property, and other assets and interests of the 
Congressional Special Services Office of the Capitol Guide Service that 
are transferred to the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services 
under subtitle B.

SEC. 302. DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES OF CAPITOL GUIDE SERVICE.

  (a) Provision of Guided Tours.--
          (1) Tours.--In accordance with this section, the Capitol 
        Guide Service shall provide guided tours of the interior of the 
        United States Capitol without charge, including the Capitol 
        Visitor Center, for the education and enlightenment of the 
        general public.
          (2) Acceptance of fees prohibited.--An employee of the 
        Capitol Guide Service shall not charge or accept any fee, or 
        accept any gratuity, for or on account of his official 
        services.
          (3) Regulations of chief executive officer.-- All such tours 
        shall be conducted in compliance with regulations approved by 
        the Chief Executive Officer.
  (b) Authority of Chief Executive Officer.--In providing for the 
direction, supervision, and control of the Capitol Guide Service, the 
Chief Executive Officer is authorized--
          (1) subject to the availability of appropriations, to 
        establish and revise such number of positions of Guide in the 
        Capitol Guide Service as the Chief Executive Officer considers 
        necessary to carry out effectively the activities of the 
        Capitol Guide Service;
          (2) to appoint, on a permanent basis without regard to 
        political affiliation and solely on the basis of fitness to 
        perform their duties, a Chief Guide and such deputies as the 
        Chief Executive Officer considers appropriate for the effective 
        administration of the Capitol Guide Service and, in addition, 
        such number of Guides as may be authorized;
          (3) with the approval of the supervising Committees, with 
        respect to the individuals appointed pursuant to paragraph 
        (2)--
                  (A) to prescribe the individual's duties and 
                responsibilities,
                  (B) to fix, and adjust from time to time, respective 
                rates of pay at single per annum (gross) rates, and
                  (C) to take appropriate disciplinary action, 
                including, when circumstances warrant, suspension from 
                duty without pay, reduction in pay, demotion, or 
                termination of employment with the Capitol Guide 
                Service, against any employee who violates any 
                provision of this section or any regulation prescribed 
                by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to paragraph 
                (7);
          (4) to prescribe a uniform dress, including appropriate 
        insignia, which shall be worn by personnel of the Capitol Guide 
        Service;
          (5) from time to time and as may be necessary, to procure and 
        furnish such uniforms to such personnel without charge to such 
        personnel;
          (6) to receive and consider advice and information from any 
        private historical or educational organization, association, or 
        society with respect to those operations of the Capitol Guide 
        Service which involve the furnishing of historical and 
        educational information to the general public; and
          (7) with the approval of the supervising Committees, to 
        prescribe such regulations as the Chief Executive Officer 
        considers necessary and appropriate for the operation of the 
        Capitol Guide Service, including regulations with respect to 
        tour routes and hours of operation, number of visitors per 
        guide, staff-led tours, and non-law enforcement security and 
        special event related support.
  (c) Provision of Accessible Tours in Coordination With Office of 
Congressional Accessibility Services.--The Chief Executive Officer 
shall coordinate the provision of accessible tours for individuals with 
disabilities with the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services 
established under subtitle B.

       Subtitle B--Office of Congressional Accessibility Services

SEC. 311. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ACCESSIBILITY 
                    SERVICES.

  (a) Establishment.--There is established in the legislative branch 
the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, to be headed by the 
Director of Accessibility Services.
  (b) Supervision and Control.--The Office of Congressional 
Accessibility Services shall be subject to the direction, supervision, 
and control of the Capitol Police Board.
  (c) Mission and Functions.--
          (1) In general.--The Office of Congressional Accessibility 
        Services shall--
                  (A) provide and coordinate accessibility services for 
                individuals with disabilities, including Members of 
                Congress, employees of the House of Representatives and 
                the Senate, and visitors, in the United States Capitol 
                Complex; and
                  (B) in consultation with the Office of House 
                Employment Counsel and the Senate Chief Counsel for 
                Employment, provide information regarding accessibility 
                for individuals with disabilities, as well as related 
                training and staff development, to Members of Congress 
                and employees of the House of Representatives and 
                Senate.
          (2) Specific functions.--The Director of Accessibility 
        Services shall submit to the supervising Committees a list of 
        the specific functions that the Office of Congressional 
        Accessibility Services will perform in carrying out this 
        subtitle with the approval of the supervising committees. The 
        Director of Accessibility Services shall submit the list not 
        later than 30 days after the transfer date.
          (3) No effect on authority of employment counsels.--Nothing 
        in this subtitle shall be construed to limit any authority or 
        function of the Office of House Employment Counsel or the 
        Senate Chief Counsel for Employment that such Office or Counsel 
        carries out prior to the transfer date.
          (4) United states capitol complex defined.--In this 
        subsection, the term ``United States Capitol Complex'' means 
        the Capitol buildings (as defined in section 5101 of title 40, 
        United States Code) and the United States Capitol Grounds (as 
        described in section 5102 of such title).
  (d) Conforming Amendment.--Section 310 of the Legislative Branch 
Appropriations Act, 1990 (2 U.S.C. 130e) is repealed.

SEC. 312. DIRECTOR OF ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES.

  (a) Appointment and Removal; Compensation.--
          (1) Appointment.--The Director of Accessibility Services 
        shall be appointed by the Capitol Police Board.
          (2) Removal.--The Director of Accessibility Services may be 
        removed by the Capitol Police Board, upon notification to the 
        supervising Committees.
          (3) Compensation.--The Director of Accessibility Services 
        shall be paid at an annual rate of pay determined by the 
        Capitol Police Board, except that such rate may not exceed the 
        maximum rate payable for level 15 of the General Schedule.
          (4) Transition for current head of congressional special 
        services office of capitol guide service.--The individual 
        serving as the head of the Congressional Special Services 
        Office of the Capitol Guide Service as of the transfer date 
        shall be appointed by the Capitol Police Board as the first 
        Director of Accessibility Services under this subtitle.
  (b) Personnel and Other Administrative Functions.--
          (1) Personnel, disbursements, and contracts.--In carrying out 
        the functions of the Office of Congressional Accessibility 
        Services under section 311, the Director of Accessibility 
        Services shall have the authority--
                  (A) to appoint, hire, and fix the compensation of 
                such personnel as may be necessary for operations of 
                the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, 
                except that no employee may be paid at an annual rate 
                in excess of the annual rate of pay for the Director of 
                Accessibility Services;
                  (B) to disburse funds as may be necessary and 
                available for the needs of the Office of Congressional 
                Accessibility Services; and
                  (C) to serve as contracting officer for the Office of 
                Congressional Accessibility Services.
          (2) Agreements with the office of the architect of the 
        capitol, with other legislative branch agencies, and with 
        offices of the senate and house of representatives.--Subject to 
        the approval of the supervising Committees, the Director of 
        Accessibility Services may place orders and enter into 
        agreements with the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, 
        with other legislative branch agencies, and with any office or 
        other entity of the Senate or House of Representatives for 
        procuring goods and providing financial and administrative 
        services on behalf of the Office of Accessibility Services, or 
        to otherwise assist the Director in the administration and 
        management of the Office of Accessibility Services.
  (c) Semiannual Reports.--The Director of Accessibility Services shall 
submit a report to the supervising Committees not later than 45 days 
following the close of each semiannual period ending on June 30 or 
December 31 of each year on the financial and operational status during 
the period of each function under the jurisdiction of the Director. 
Each such report shall include financial statements and a description 
or explanation of current operations, the implementation of new 
policies and procedures, and future plans for each function.

SEC. 313. TRANSFER FROM CAPITOL GUIDE SERVICE.

  (a) Transfer of Authorities and Personnel of Congressional Special 
Services Office of Capitol Guide Service.--In accordance with the 
provisions of this subtitle, effective on the transfer date--
          (1) the contracts, liabilities, records, property, and other 
        assets and interests of the Congressional Special Services 
        Office of the Capitol Guide Service, and the employees of such 
        Office, are transferred to the Office of Congressional 
        Accessibility Services established under section 311(a), except 
        that the transfer of any amounts appropriated to the 
        Congressional Special Services Office that remain available as 
        of the transfer date shall occur only upon the approval of the 
        Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
        and Senate; and
          (2) the employees of such Office shall be subject to the 
        direction, supervision, and control of the Director of 
        Accessibility Services.
  (b) Treatment of Employees at Time of Transfer.--
          (1) In general.--Any individual who is an employee of the 
        Congressional Special Services Office of the Capitol Guide 
        Service on a permanent basis on the transfer date who is 
        transferred under subsection (a) shall be subject to authority 
        of the Director of Accessibility Services under section 312, 
        except that the individual shall not be reduced in grade, 
        compensation, rate of leave, or other benefits that apply with 
        respect to the individual at the time of transfer while such 
        individual remains continuously so employed within the Office 
        of Congressional Accessibility Services established under 
        section 311(a), other than for cause.
          (2) Eligibility for immediate retirement on basis of 
        involuntary separation.--For purposes of section 8336(d) and 
        section 8414(b) of title 5, United States Code, an individual 
        described in paragraph (1) who is separated from service with 
        the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services shall be 
        considered to have separated from the service involuntarily if, 
        at the time the individual is separated from service--
                  (A) the individual has completed 25 years of service 
                under such title; or
                  (B) the individual has completed 20 years of service 
                under such title and is 50 years of age or older.
          (3) Prohibiting imposition of probationary period.--The 
        Director of Accessibility Services may not impose a period of 
        probation with respect to the transfer of any individual who is 
        transferred to the Office of Congressional Accessibility 
        Services under subsection (a).

            Subtitle C--Technical and Conforming Amendments

SEC. 321. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

  (a) Existing Authority of Capitol Guide Service.--Section 441 of the 
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 (2 U.S.C. 2166) is repealed.
  (b) Coverage Under Congressional Accountability Act of 1995.--
          (1) Treatment of employees as covered employees.--Section 
        101(3)(C) of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 
        U.S.C. 1301(3)(C)) is amended to read as follows:
                  ``(C) the Office of Congressional Accessibility 
                Services;''.
          (2) Treatment of office as employing office.--Section 
        101(9)(D) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 1301(9)(D)) is amended by 
        striking ``the Capitol Guide Board,'' and inserting ``the 
        Office of Congressional Accessibility Services,''.
          (3) Rights and protections relating to public services and 
        accommodations.--Section 210(a)(4) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 
        1331(a)(4)) is amended to read as follows:
          ``(4) the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services;''.
          (4) Periodic inspections for occupational safety and health 
        compliance.--Section 215(e)(1) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 
        1341(e)(1)) is amended by striking ``the Capitol Guide 
        Service,'' and inserting ``the Office of Congressional 
        Accessibility Services,''.
  (c) Treatment as Congressional Employees for Retirement Purposes.--
Section 2107(9) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as 
follows:
          ``(9) an employee of the Office of Congressional 
        Accessibility Services.''.
  (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on the transfer date.

                       Subtitle D--Transfer Date

SEC. 331. TRANSFER DATE.

  In this title, the ``transfer date'' means the date on which the 
Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with the Architect of the 
Capitol, certifies that a certificate of occupancy for the Capitol 
Visitor Center has been issued by the appropriate authorities.

                      TITLE IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
carry out this Act.

                       Purpose of the Legislation

     The Capitol Visitor Center Act of 2008 (H.R. 5159) 
provides for the management and administration of the Capitol 
Visitor Center, provided for by H.R. 4328, FY1999 Omnibus 
Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act 
(Public Law 105-277).

                              Bill Summary

     H.R. 5159 establishes a framework for the day to day 
operations, management and overview of the Capitol Visitor 
Center.
    To accomplish this goal, the bill: (1) provides a legal 
description of the Capitol Visitor Center and its intended 
purposes; (2) designates the committees that shall exercise 
policy review and oversight over the Visitor Center; (3) 
establishes rules for the use of certain spaces in the Center; 
(4) establishes the Office of the Capitol Visitor Center within 
the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, transfers the Chief 
Executive Officer for Visitor Services to the Office of the 
Capitol Visitor Center, and defines the general duties and 
functions of the Office; (5) establishes related Visitor Center 
services such as the gift shop and restaurants; (6) establishes 
in the Treasury of the United States a revolving fund to be 
known as the Capitol Visitor Center Revolving Fund; (7) 
transfers the Capitol Guide Service to the Office of the 
Capitol Visitor Center; and (8) establishes the Office of 
Congressional Accessibility Services headed by a Director of 
Accessibility Services.

                        Committee Consideration

     On Wednesday, October 17, 2007, the Committee held a 
hearing dealing with oversight and operational issues 
pertaining to the Capitol Visitor Center. The issues and 
organizational structure discussed at that hearing helped to 
form the foundation of H.R. 5159, introduced by Chairman Brady 
and Ranking Minority Member Ehlers on January 29, 2008. On 
February 12, 2008, the Committee considered H.R. 5159 and 
ordered it reported favorably to the House with one amendment. 
No recorded votes were taken during the Committee's 
consideration of the bill.

                    Background and Need for H.R. 5159

     The idea for the implementation of a centrally located 
facility to better manage visitors to the U.S. Capitol had been 
discussed since the 104th Congress. Bills were introduced in 
both the House (H.R. 1230) and Senate (S. 954) during the 104th 
Congress to authorize the implementation and construction of a 
Capitol Visitor Center but no action was taken on either bill.
     During the 105th Congress three bills were introduced; two 
in the House (H.R. 20 and H.R. 4347) and one in the Senate (S. 
1508). All three bills authorized the planning and construction 
of a Capitol Visitor Center, but none of these bills was 
reported out of the committees to which they were referred.
     However, the 1998 entry into the Capitol by a gunman and 
shooting of two Capitol Police officers illustrated the 
security vulnerabilities of the Capitol complex. As a result, 
language was included in H.R. 4328, the Omnibus Consolidated 
and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for FY1999, which 
provided money for the planning, design and construction of a 
Capitol Visitor Center.
     A design and engineering obligation plan was approved by 
the House and Senate legislative appropriations subcommittees 
in November 1999 and January 2000. Design development work for 
the center was started on January 31, 2000, and on June 20, 
2000 a ceremonial groundbreaking took place.
     The Capitol Visitor Center constitutes the largest 
expansion to the Capitol complex since the Civil War. With the 
center currently scheduled to open in the fall of 2008, the 
Center needs an established blueprint for its internal 
operations and organization in order to carry out the main 
objectives of the Center: security, functional improvements, 
visitor education and comfort (1999 Revalidation Study, p.7).
                             Congress of the United States,
                                    Washington, DC, March 30, 2007.
Mr. Stephen Ayers,
Acting Architect of the Capitol, The Capitol, Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Ayers: As we move closer to the completion of the 
Capitol Visitor Center (CVC), operational planning has taken on 
great importance. Two critical issues that impact the 
operations of the CVC are the administration of the facility 
and recruiting a qualified person to manage the operations of 
the facility.
    The bi-cameral and bi-partisan Leadership of the 110th 
Congress has concluded that the management of the operations 
and administration of the CVC, including the administration and 
management of its facilities and visitor services, should be 
carried out within the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) 
organization. That conclusion is based on the condition that 
managing the operations and administration of the CVC shall be 
carried out as a separate, self-contained line of business for 
the AOC, independently run under the direct management of a 
Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services (CEOVS), who 
reports to the AOC, as well as to the Committees of the House 
of Representatives and the Senate with responsibilities for the 
operation, management and funding of the CVC. Although the 
Architect will be responsible for the CVC, we expect the CEOVS 
to: conduct both long term planning and day-to-day operations; 
interact and be the CVC point person with leadership and 
oversight committees; develop and prepare the CVC budget; be 
responsible for the efficiency and effectiveness of the visitor 
experience; and be the outside spokesperson for the CVC. The 
annual rate of pay for the CEOVS shall be equivalent to that of 
the AOC's Chief Operating Officer.
    To maximize the effectiveness of the visitor services 
component in CVC operations, we also conclude that the Capitol 
Guide Service be part of this independently run function, under 
the management of the AOC, but specifically reporting to the 
CEOVS.
    We recognize that in order to effect these changes 
statutory modifications appear to be necessary. Notwithstanding 
the timing of such legislation, we encourage you to start 
planning for CVC operations under this structure and to begin 
recruitment for and subsequently hire a Chief Executive Officer 
for Visitor Services as soon as possible.
    Oversight responsibility for the operations of the CVC, 
including the CEOVS and the Capitol Guide Service, shall rest 
with the Senate Rules Committee and the Committee on House 
Administration.
    As you know, under current statutes, the Capitol 
Preservation Commission (CPC) and the respective Committees on 
Appropriations will continue their responsibilities over the 
CVC.
    We look forward to working with you and the appropriate 
Committees to bring about these organizational changes; and 
your continued consultation, as you plan for the management, 
operation and opening of the CVC.
            Sincerely,
                                   Harry Reid,
                                           Majority Leader, U.S. 
                                               Senate.
                                   Nancy Pelosi,
                                           Speaker, U.S. House of 
                                               Representatives.
                                   Mitch McConnell,
                                           Republican Leader, U.S. 
                                               Senate.
                                   John A. Boehner,
                                           Republican Leader, U.S. 
                                               House of 
                                               Representatives.

                   Analysis of the Bill (as Reported)

    Section 1. Short title of the Act--(the ``Capitol Visitor 
Center Act of 2008'').
    Section 101. This section provides a legal definition of 
the ``Capitol Visitor Center.'' Under this provision the 
Capitol Visitor Center shall be considered to be part of the 
United States Capitol for all provisions of law. The section 
lays out the purposes of the Capitol Visitor Center (1) to 
provide enhanced security for persons working in or visiting 
the Capitol; and (2) to improve the experience of Visitor to 
the Capitol by providing a structure that will improve visitor 
orientation and enhance the educational experience of visiting 
the Capitol. This section also repeals provisions of the 
National Visitor Center Facilities Act of 1968 pertaining to 
the availability and use of existing visitor space in the 
Capitol building.
    Section 102. This section designates the Committee on Rules 
and Administration of the Senate and the Committee on House 
Administration of the House as the committees that shall 
exercise policy review and oversight of the Capitol Visitor 
Center.
    Section 103. This section stipulates that the Senate and 
House expansion space are not to be treated as part of the 
Capitol Visitor Center for the purposes of the Act. The space 
assigned for the use of the Senate would be considered part of 
the Senate wing of the Capitol and subject to the authority and 
control of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the 
Senate. The space assigned for the use of the House would be 
considered part of the House wing of the Capitol and subject to 
the authority and control of the Speaker.
    This section further provides that certain spaces in the 
Capitol Visitor Center be assigned for congressional use by the 
Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services, under guidelines 
established by the Committee on House Administration and the 
Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate.
    The following rooms would be assigned for use in this 
manner: the Congressional Auditorium; the North and South 
Congressional Meeting Rooms (CVC268 and CVC217); the North and 
South Pre-function Areas (CVC268CR and CVC217CR); Lobbies 
CVC215 and CVC212; the North and South Cloak Rooms (CVC210 and 
CVC208); the Projection Room (CVC209); the Green Room (CVC207); 
the TV Control Room (CVC105); and Offices CVC101, CVC102, 
CVC103, CVC104, CVC106, CVC204, and CVC205.
    Section 111. This section establishes the Office of the 
Capitol Visitor Center within the Office of the Architect of 
the Capitol, headed by the Chief Executive Officer for Visitor 
Services.
    Section 112. This section provides that the Chief Executive 
Officer shall be appointed by the Architect of the Capitol. The 
Chief Executive Officer reports directly to the Architect of 
the Capitol and is subject to policy review and oversight of 
the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on 
Rules and Administration of the Senate.
    This section also stipulates that upon removal of the Chief 
Executive Officer, the Architect of the Capitol shall 
immediately notify the Committee on House Administration and 
the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, as 
well as the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, stating 
the reasons for removal.
    The Chief Executive Officer shall be paid at the annual 
rate equal to the Deputy Architect of the Capitol and the Chief 
Operating Officer of the Office of the Architect of the 
Capitol.
    The current Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services as 
of the date of enactment of the Act shall become the first 
Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services appointed by the 
Architect under this section.
    This section also includes conforming provisions that 
repeal existing law regarding the position, compensation, and 
duties of the Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services.
    Section 113. This section defines the duties of the Chief 
Executive Officer for Visitor Services. The Chief Executive 
Officer would be responsible for the operation, management, and 
execution of the Capitol Visitor Center, including all long-
term planning and day-to-day operations. The Chief Executive 
Officer would also be responsible for the management of guided 
tours of the interior of the Capitol, as provided in Title III.
    The Chief Executive Officer would prepare the proposed 
budget for the Office of the Capitol Visitor Center, and the 
proposed budget would be included without revision in the 
proposed budget for the year for the Office of the Architect of 
the Capitol. The Chief Executive Officer would exclude from a 
proposed budget costs attributable to the care and 
superintendence of the Capitol Visitor Center, as provided in 
Section 115 of Title I.
    The Chief Executive Officer would have authority to hire 
personnel as may be necessary for operations of the Office. The 
maximum pay rate for such personnel is set at the maximum rate 
payable for level 15 of the General Schedule. The Chief 
Executive Officer would have the authority to disburse funds 
for the needs of the Office and to designate an employee of the 
Office to serve as the contracting officer.
    The Chief Executive Officer shall assign office personnel 
to the Capitol Police upon request of the Capitol Police Board 
for services not directly involving law enforcement, in 
connection with the Presidential and Vice-Presidential 
Inauguration; the official reception of representatives of 
foreign nations; and other special or ceremonial occasions.
    The Chief Executive Officer is authorized to place orders 
and enter into agreements with the Office of the Architect, 
other legislative branch agencies, and with entities of the 
House and Senate for procuring goods or providing assistance in 
the administration and management of the Office, subject to 
approval of the Committee on House Administration and the 
Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate. The Chief 
Executive Officer may not enter into contracts for amounts over 
$250,000 without prior approval from the supervising 
Committees.
    The Chief Executive Officer is directed to submit a semi-
annual report to the Committee on House Administration and the 
Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, which 
would include financial statements.
    Section 114. This section authorizes the Chief Executive 
Officer, with the approval of the supervising Committees, to 
accept gifts of money on behalf of the Capitol Visitor Center. 
It also authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library, the 
United States Capitol Preservation Commission, the House of 
Representatives Fine Arts Board, and the Senate Commission on 
Art to accept any works of art, historical objects, or exhibits 
for display in the Capitol Visitor Center that they otherwise 
would have the authority to accept.
    The section stipulates that the semi-annual report of the 
Chief Executive Officer should include a description of each 
gift accepted. The Chief Executive Officer is authorized to 
accept volunteer and uncompensated services. However, all 
volunteers would be required to waive all claims against the 
United States arising out of or connected to such services, 
except for claims under chapter 81 of Title 5. Volunteers would 
not be considered employees of the United States, except under 
chapter 81 of Title 5. The acceptance of volunteer services may 
not result in the reduction of pay or displacement of an 
employee of the Office.
    Section 115. This section clarifies that nothing in the Act 
granting authority to the Chief Executive Officer would be 
construed as affecting the jurisdiction of the Capitol police, 
the Capitol Police Board, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper 
of the Senate, and the Sergeant at Arms of the House to provide 
security for the Capitol Visitor Center. At the request of the 
Capitol Police Board, the Chief Executive Officer shall attend 
meetings of the Capitol Police Board relating to the Capitol 
Visitor Center, and that the Chief Executive Officer shall 
consult with the Capitol Police Board in carrying out any 
activity that affects the security of the Capitol Visitor 
Center or any other part of the Capitol. The Chief Executive 
Officer is directed to develop, in coordination with the Chief 
of the Capitol Police, plans and procedures for conducting 
criminal background checks on employees and those seeking 
employment in the Office.
    This section also stipulates that nothing in the Act 
granting authority to the Chief Executive Officer shall be 
construed as affecting the jurisdiction of the Architect of the 
Capitol for care and superintendence of the Capitol Visitor 
Center or any part of the Capitol.
    The Architect of the Capitol is directed to submit a 
separate statement, with the annual budget for the Office of 
the Architect, of the costs of care and superintendence of the 
Capitol Visitor Center.
    The Chief Executive Officer is directed to consider 
comments and recommendations from the Clerk of the House and 
the Secretary of the Senate regarding exhibits and tours.
    Section 201. This section provides for the Chief Executive 
Officer, in consultation with the supervising Committees, to 
establish a gift shop within the Capitol Visitor Center, and 
exempt the gift shop from the prohibition on sales and signs in 
40 U.S.C. Sec. 5104(c).
    Section 202. This section establishes a restaurant and 
other food service facilities within the Capitol Visitor 
Center, including catering services and vending machines. All 
food service operations are required to be carried out pursuant 
to a contract with a private vendor. Food services are exempt 
from the prohibition on sales and signs in 40 U.S.C. 
Sec. 5104(c).
    The section prohibits all events other than those for the 
defined purposes of the Capitol Visitor Center from being held 
in the central hall unless authorized by a resolution agreed to 
by both houses of the Congress.
    Section 211. This section establishes a revolving fund in 
the Treasury of the United States known as the Capitol Visitor 
Center Revolving Fund with two individual accounts: the Gift 
Shop Account and the Miscellaneous Receipts Account.
    Section 212. This section stipulates that all monies 
received by the gift shop are to be deposited in the Gift Shop 
Account. The Miscellaneous Receipts Account would receive all 
gifts of money, all net profits or commissions paid to the 
Capitol Visitor Center under any food service contract, any 
charges or fees collected under licenses or other arrangements, 
and any other receipts received from the operation of the 
Capitol Visitor Center.
    Section 213. This section provides that all monies in the 
Gift Shop Account be available without fiscal year limitation 
for obligation by the Chief Executive Officer in connection 
with the operation of the gift shop or to reimburse any 
applicable appropriations account for amounts used to pay the 
salaries of employees of the gift shop. Any monies available 
after such obligations and reimbursements could be obligated by 
the Chief Executive Officer for the operations of the Capitol 
Visitor Center after consultation with the supervising 
Committees and the Committees on Appropriations of the House 
and Senate.
    This section establishes that all monies in the 
Miscellaneous Receipts Account shall be available without 
fiscal year limitation for obligation by the Chief Executive 
Officer for the operations of the Capitol Visitor Center, after 
consultation with the supervising Committees and the Committees 
on Appropriations of the House and Senate.
    Section 214. This section authorizes the Chief Executive 
Officer to make obligations from the Revolving Fund and directs 
the Secretary of the Treasury to invest any portion of the Fund 
that is not required to meet current expenses, as determined by 
the Chief Executive Officer. The section stipulates the type of 
investments that may be made, and directs the Secretary of the 
Treasury to credit interest earned to the Fund. The section 
also makes the fund subject to audit by the Comptroller General 
at his discretion.
    Section 301. Section 301 transfers the contracts, 
liabilities, records, property, employees, and other assets and 
interests of the Capitol Guide Service to the Office of the 
Capitol Visitor Center. The transfer of any amounts 
appropriated to the Guide Service that remain available at the 
time of the transfer would occur only upon the approval of the 
Committees of Appropriations of the House and Senate.
    The Capitol Guide Service is subject to the direction, 
supervision, and control of the Chief Executive Officer. 
Individuals employed by the Capitol Guide Service on a 
permanent basis at the time of transfer would not be reduced in 
grade, compensation, rate of leave, or other benefitsthat apply 
with respect to the individual at the time of the transfer, other than 
for cause, while such individual remains continuously employed as a 
Capitol Guide.
     Any employee of the Guide Service who is separated from 
service with the Office would be considered to have separated 
involuntarily if the employee had completed 25 years of 
service, or 20 years of service and is 50 years of age or 
older, under the provisions of sections 8336(d) and 8414(b) of 
title 5.
     The section also provides that for Guide Service employees 
who have written service agreements under the student loan 
repayment program, such agreements will remain in effect. 
Certain technical conforming provisions are contained in the 
section. The Chief Executive Officer is prohibited from 
imposing a period of probation on any Guide Service employee 
transferred to the Office.
     This section does not apply to employees, contracts, 
liabilities, records, property, and other assets and interests 
of the Congressional Special Service Office of the Capitol 
Guide Service that are transferred under subtitle B of this 
title to the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services.
     Section 302. Section 302 provides for the duties of the 
Capitol Guide Service. The Guide Service would provide free 
tours of the interior of the United States Capitol, and 
employees of the Guide Service would be prohibited from 
accepting any fee or gratuity for official services. All such 
tours shall be conducted in compliance with regulations of the 
Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer is 
authorized, subject to availability of appropriations, to 
establish and revise the number of Guides, and to appoint a 
Chief Guide and Deputy Guides, without regard to political 
affiliation and solely on the basis of fitness to perform their 
duties.
     The Chief Executive Officer is authorized, with the 
approval of the supervising Committees, to prescribe the 
duties, responsibilities, and rates of pay of the Guides, and 
to take appropriate disciplinary action against any employee 
who violates provisions of this section or regulations 
prescribed by the Chief Executive Officer.
     The Chief Executive Officer is authorized to prescribe a 
uniform dress and insignia for personnel of the Guide Service 
and to procure and furnish such uniforms without charge. The 
Chief Executive Officer may receive and consider advice and 
information from historical or educational organizations with 
regard to operations of the Guide Service that involve 
furnishing historical or educational information to the public.
     The Chief Executive Officer, with approval of the 
supervising Committees, may prescribe regulations for the 
operations of the Guide Service.
     The Chief Executive Officer is directed to coordinate the 
provision of accessible tours for individuals with disabilities 
with the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services.
     Section 311. Section 311 establishes in the legislative 
branch the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, 
which would be headed by the Director of Accessibility 
Services. The Office is subject to the direction, supervision, 
and control of the Capitol Police Board.
     The Office shall provide and coordinate accessibility 
services for Members, employees, and Visitors to the United 
States Capitol Complex. The Office would also provide in 
consultation with the Office of House Employment Counsel and 
the Senate Chief Counsel for Employment, information regarding 
accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and related 
training, to Members and employees of the House and Senate.
     The section provides that the Director of Accessibility 
Services submit to the supervising Committees within 30 days of 
the transfer a list of the specific functions the Office will 
carry out in relation to its duties. The section also 
stipulates that no portion of the subtitle shall be construed 
as to limit the authority or function of the Office of House 
Employment Counsel or the Senate Chief Counsel for Employment 
carried out prior to the transfer date.
     ``United States Capitol Complex'' is defined as the 
Capitol buildings and the United States Capitol Grounds.
     The establishment of the Special Services Office and 
related legislation found in 2 U.S.C. Sec. 130e is repealed.
     Section 312. Section 312 provides that the Director of 
Accessibility Services shall be appointed by the Capitol Police 
Board and may be removed by the Capitol Police Board upon 
notification of the supervising Committees. The Capitol Police 
Board is also authorized to set the rate of pay for the 
Director at no greater than the maximum rate payable for level 
15 of the General Schedule.
     The current head of the Congressional Special Services 
Office of the Capitol Guide Service as of the date of transfer 
is the first Director of Accessibility Services appointed by 
the Capitol Police Board.
     The Director of Accessibility Services is authorized to 
appoint, hire, and fix the compensation rate of personnel 
necessary for the operations of the Office of Congressional 
Accessibility Services. No employee would be eligible to be 
paid at an annual rate in excess of the rate of pay for the 
Director.
     The Director is authorized to disburse funds and serve as 
contracting officer for the Office. The Director may place 
orders and enter into agreements with the Office of the 
Architect, other legislative branch agencies, and with entities 
of the House and Senate for procuring goods or providing 
assistance in the administration and management of the Office, 
subject to approval of the Committee on House Administration 
and the Committee on Rules and Administration in the Senate.
     The Director shall submit a semi-annual report to the 
Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Rules 
and Administration of the Senate, which would include financial 
statements and a description of operations, the implementation 
of new policies, and future plans.
     Section 313. Section 313 transfers the contracts, 
liabilities, records, property, employees, and other assets and 
interests of the Congressional Special Services Office to the 
Office of Congressional Accessibility Services. The transfer of 
any amounts appropriated to the Congressional Special Services 
Office that remain available at the time of the transfer would 
occur only upon the approval of the Committees of 
Appropriations of the House and Senate.
     The employees of the Office of Congressional Accessibility 
Services shall be subject to the direction, supervision, and 
control of the Director of Accessibility Services. Individuals 
employed by the Congressional Special Services Office of the 
Capitol Guide Service on a permanent basis at the time of 
transfer may not be reduced in grade, compensation, rate of 
leave, or other benefits that apply with respect to the 
individual at the time of the transfer, other than for cause, 
and while such individual remains continuously employed.
     Employees of the Guide Service who are separated from 
service with the Office would be considered to have separated 
involuntarily if they had completed 25 years of service, or 20 
years of service and are 50 years of age or older, under the 
provisions of sections 8336(d) and 8414(b) of title 5. The 
Director of Accessibility Services may not impose a period of 
probation on any employee transferred to the Office from the 
Congressional Special Services Office.
     Section 321. Section 321 repeals the existing authority of 
the Capitol Guide Service. This section also makes several 
technical conforming amendments concerning the Congressional 
Accountability Act and the treatment of employees of the Office 
of Congressional Accessibility Services as Congressional 
employees for retirement purposes.
     Section 331. Section 331 defines the ``transfer date'' as 
the date on which the Chief Executive Officer, in consultation 
with the Architect of the Capitol, certifies that a certificate 
of occupancy for the Capitol Visitor Center has been issued.
     Section 401. Section 401 authorizes to be appropriated 
such sums as necessary to carry out this Act.

              Matters Required Under the Rules of the House


                        CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY

     Clause 3(d)(1) of House Rule XIII requires each Committee 
report on a public bill or joint resolution to include a 
statement citing the specific constitutional power(s) granted 
to the Congress on which the Committee relies for enactment of 
the measure under consideration.
     The Committee cites the legislative power broadly granted 
to Congress under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

                            COMMITTEE VOTES

     Clause 3(b) of House Rule XIII requires the results of 
each recorded vote on an amendment or motion to report, 
together with the names of those voting for and against, to be 
printed in the Committee report. No recorded votes were taken 
during the Committee's consideration of H.R. 5159.

                  CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ESTIMATE

     Clause 3(c)(3) of House Rule XIII requires the report of a 
committee on a measure which has been approved by the Committee 
to include a cost estimate prepared by the Director of the 
Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 403 of the CBA 
(Congressional Budget Act), if timely submitted. The Director 
submitted the following estimate:

                                                 February 26, 2008.
Hon. Robert A. Brady,
Chairman, Committee on House Administration,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has 
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5159, the Capitol 
Visitor Center Act of 2008.
    If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Deborah Reis.
            Sincerely,
                                                   Peter R. Orszag.
    Enclosure.

H.R. 5159--Capitol Visitor Center Act of 2008

    Summary: H.R. 5159 would authorize the appropriation of 
whatever amounts are necessary to operate the new capitol 
visitor center (CVC) at the U.S. Capitol building. Assuming 
appropriation of the necessary amounts, CBO estimates that 
implementing the legislation would cost $166 million over the 
2009-2013 period. Enacting the bill would have no impact on 
revenues and no net impact on direct spending.
    H.R. 5159 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector 
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) 
and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal 
governments.
    Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated 
budgetary impact of H.R. 5159 is shown in the following table. 
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 800 
(general government).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                                                   2008    2009    2010    2011    2012    2013
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION

Spending Under Current Law for CVC and Capitol Guide Operations:
    Budget Authority\1\.........................................      14       0       0       0       0       0
    Estimated Outlays...........................................       9       5       0       0       0       0
Proposed Changes:
    Estimated Authorization Level...............................       0      31      34      35      36      37
    Estimated Outlays...........................................       0      25      33      35      36      37
CVC Spending Under H.R. 5159:
    Estimated Authorization Level/Budget Authority..............      14      31      34      35      36      37
    Estimated Outlays...........................................       9      30      33      35      36      37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\The 2008 level is the amount appropriated for that year for the CVC operations and the Capitol Guide Service.

    Basis of estimate: H.R. 5159 would establish an operating 
structure for the new CVC that would include moving the Capitol 
Guide Service into the center's operations and creating within 
it an office of accessibility from an existing part of the 
guide operation. The bill would authorize the CVC to operate 
restaurants and gift shops through revolving funds and would 
allow the center to retain any profits from those operations 
for the CVC expenses. Finally, the bill would authorize the 
appropriation of whatever amounts are necessary for those 
purposes.
    Assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts, CBO 
estimates that operating the CVC as required by the bill would 
cost $25 million from appropriations for 2009, the center's 
first full year of operation. We expect that costs to maintain 
the center and employ about 275 guides and other workers would 
rise to $37 million annually by 2013. CBO estimates that total 
costs over the 2009-2013 period would be $166 million.
    Beginning in 2009, the CVC also would establish appropriate 
revolving funds to operate commercial activities, such as gift 
shops and restaurants, under the authority provided in the 
bill. All income earned from such commercial operations would 
be deposited in the funds and would be available without 
further appropriation for those operations. Income to and 
spending from those revolving funds would increase offsetting 
receipts and direct spending, but CBO estimates that such 
transactions would offset each other in most years.
    This estimate is based on information provided by the 
Architect of the Capitol (which would manage the CVC) and the 
Capitol Guide Service.
    Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 5159 
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as 
defined in UMRA and would not affect the budgets of state, 
local, or tribal governments.
    Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Deborah Reis; Impact 
on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Elizabeth Cove; Impact 
on the Private Sector: Paige Piper/Bach.
    Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant 
Director for Budget Analysis.

                            FEDERAL MANDATES

    Section 423 of the CBA requires a committee report on any 
public bill or joint resolution that includes a federal mandate 
to include specific information about such mandates. The 
Committee states that H.R. 5159 includes no federal mandates.

                        PREEMPTION CLARIFICATION

    Section 423 of the CBA requires a Committee report on any 
public bill or joint resolution to include a committee 
statement on the extent to which the measure is intended to 
preempt state or local law. The Committee states that H.R. 5159 
is not intended to preempt any state or local law.

                           OVERSIGHT FINDINGS

    Clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII requires each Committee report 
to contain oversight findings and recommendations required 
pursuant to clause 2(b)(1) of House Rule X. The Committee has 
general oversight authority over the Architect of the Capitol 
and the United States Capitol Police.
    In 1998, Congress enacted legislation (H.R. 4328, the 
Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations 
Act for FY1999 (Pub. L. 105-277)) appropriating money to the 
Architect of the Capitol for planning and construction of a 
Capitol Visitor Center. In the exercise of its oversight 
responsibilities, the Committee finds the new proposed 
organizational structure and offices established by H.R. 5159, 
under the guidance of the Architect, as necessary to carry out 
the day-to-day operations and fulfillment of the goals of the 
Capitol Visitor Center. The Committee recommends enactment of 
H.R. 5159, with one amendment, in order to meet the original 
objectives of the Capitol Visitor Center (``* * * providing 
greater security for all persons working in or visiting the 
United States Capitol'' and ``enhance[ing] the educational 
experience of those who have come to learn about the Capitol 
building and Congress,'' conference report to accompany H.R. 
4328, 105th Cong., 2nd sess., H. Rpt. 105-825, p. 590).

         STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

    Clause 3(c)(4) of House Rule XIII requires committee 
reports to include a statement of general performance goals and 
objectives. The Committee believes that the organizational 
structure, as embodied in H.R. 5159 and recommended to the 
House with one amendment, will meet both goals of the Capitol 
Visitor Center--enhanced security and improved visitor 
experience as expressed by the conferees in Pub. L. 105-277.

                       CONGRESSIONAL ``EARMARKS''

    Clause 9 of House Rule XXI requires committee reports on 
public bills and resolutions to contain an identification of 
congressional ``earmarks,'' limited tax benefits, limited 
tariff benefits, and the names of requesting Members. The bill 
contains no such items either as introduced or as reported to 
the House.

             CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT APPLICABILITY

    Section 102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act 
of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-1) (CAA) requires each report on a public 
bill or joint resolution relating to terms and conditions of 
employment or access to public services or accommodations to 
describe the manner in which the legislation applies to the 
Legislative Branch.
    Currently, employment related claims raised by the Capitol 
Guide Service are resolved using the procedures established 
under the CAA. The transfer of the Capitol Guide Service to the 
Office of the Capitol Visitor Center will not alter the 
applicability of the CAA to guide service employees transferred 
or hired. Likewise, the creation of the Congressional 
Accessibility Services will fall under the Capitol Police Board 
which resolves employment related matters through the CAA.

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

  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):

NATIONAL VISITOR CENTER FACILITIES ACT OF 1968

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



                   TITLE III--CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER

  [Sec. 301. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
Architect of the Capitol, in consultation with the House Office 
Building Commission and the Senate Office Building Commission, 
is hereby authorized and directed to provide adequate space and 
facilities in the Capitol Building for an educational and 
informational center and information and distribution stations 
to afford visitors to the Capitol Building an opportunity to 
acquire (1) information relative to Congressional offices, (2) 
assistance relative to their visit to the Capitol, (3) 
pamphlets, books, drawings, slides and photographs, and related 
materials, and (4) information about the Capital and the 
history of the Capitol Building and past and present 
Congresses. All materials distributed by such educational and 
informational center and such stations shall first be approved 
by the Architect of the Capitol, after consultation with the 
House Committee on House Administration, the Senate Committee 
on Rules and Administration, the United States Capitol 
Historical Society, and such other educational and historical 
groups as the Architect of the Capitol deems appropriate. The 
Architect of the Capitol is hereby authorized to enter into 
such agreements as may be reasonably necessary to operate such 
educational and informational center and stations.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


   U.S. TROOP READINESS, VETERANS' CARE, KATRINA RECOVERY, AND IRAQ 
ACCOUNTABILITY APPROPRIATION ACT OF 2007

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



TITLE VI--OTHER MATTERS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                               CHAPTER 7


LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



                    GENERAL PROVISION--THIS CHAPTER

  [Sec. 6701. (a) There is established in the Office of the 
Architect of the Capitol the position of Chief Executive 
Officer for Visitor Services (in this section referred to as 
the ``Chief Executive Officer''), who shall be appointed by the 
Architect of the Capitol.
  [(b) The Chief Executive Officer shall be responsible for the 
operation and management of the Capitol Visitor Center, subject 
to the direction of the Architect of the Capitol. In carrying 
out these responsibilities, the Chief Executive Officer shall 
report directly to the Architect of the Capitol and shall be 
subject to policy review and oversight by the Committee on 
Rules and Administration of the Senate and the Committee on 
House Administration of the House of Representatives.
  [(c) The Chief Executive Officer shall be paid at an annual 
rate equal to the annual rate of pay for the Chief Operating 
Officer of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol.
  [(d) This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 
2007 and each succeeding fiscal year.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


              LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1990

  Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the 
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the Legislative Branch 
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1990, and for other 
purposes, namely:

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  [Sec. 310. There is established, as a joint office of 
Congress, the Special Services Office, which (under the 
supervision and control of a board, to be known as the Special 
Services Board, comprised of the Sergeant at Arms of the House 
of Representatives, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the 
Senate, and the Architect of the Capitol) shall provide special 
services to Members of Congress, and to officers, employees, 
and guests of Congress.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


LEGISLATIVE REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1970

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



TITLE IV--CONGRESS AS AN INSTITUTION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



                   Part 4--The Capitol Guide Service


       [ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF THE CAPITOL GUIDE SERVICE

  [Sec. 441. (a) There is hereby established an organization 
under the Congress of the United States, to be designated the 
``Capitol Guide Service'', which shall be subject to the 
direction, supervision, and control of a Capitol Guide Board 
consisting of the Architect of the Capitol, the Sergeant at 
Arms of the Senate, and the Sergeant at Arms of the House of 
Representatives.
  [(b) The Capitol Guide Service is authorized and directed to 
provide guided tours of the interior of the United States 
Capitol Building for the education and enlightenment of the 
general public, without charge for such tours. All such tours 
shall be conducted incompliance with regulations prescribed by 
the Capitol Guide Board.
  [(c) The Capitol Guide Board is authorized--
          [(1) with the prior approval of the Committee on 
        Rules and Administration of the Senate and the 
        Committee on House Oversight of the House of 
        Representatives, to establish and revise such number of 
        positions of Guide in the Capitol Guide Service as the 
        Board considers necessary to carry out effectively the 
        activities of the Capitol Guide Service;
          [(2) to appoint, on a permanent basis, without regard 
        to political affiliation, and solely on the basis of 
        fitness to perform their duties, a Chief Guide, a 
        Deputy Chief Guide, and an Assistant Chief Guide, and, 
        in addition, such number of Guides as may be authorized 
        under subparagraph (1) of this subsection;
          [(3) to prescribe their duties and responsibilities;
          [(4) with the prior approval of the Committee on 
        Rules and Administration of the Senate and the 
        Committee on House Oversight of the House of 
        Representatives, to fix, and adjust from time to time, 
        their respective rates of pay at single per annum 
        (gross) rates; and
          [(5) to terminate their employment as the Board 
        considers appropriate.
  [(d) The Capitol Guide Board shall--
          [(1) prescribe a uniform dress, including appropriate 
        insignia which shall be worn by personnel of the 
        Capitol Guide Service when on duty; and
          [(2) from time to time, as may be necessary, procure 
        and furnish such uniforms to such personnel without 
        charge to such personnel.
  [(e) An employee of the Capitol Guide Service shall not 
charge or accept any fee, or accept any gratuity, for or on 
account of his official services.
  [(f) The Capitol Guide Board may detail personnel of the 
Capitol Guide Service to assist the United States Capitol 
Police by providing ushering and informational services, and 
other services not directly involving law enforcement, in 
connection with the inauguration of the President and Vice 
President of the United States, the official reception of 
representatives of foreign nations and other persons by the 
Senate or House of Representatives, and other special or 
ceremonial occasions in the United States Capitol Building or 
on the United States Capitol Grounds which require the presence 
of additional Government personnel and which cause the 
temporary suspension of the performance of the regular duties 
of the Capitol Guide Service.
  [(g) The Capitol Guide Board may receive and consider advice 
and information from any private historical or educational 
organization, association, or society with respect to those 
operations of the Capitol Guide Service which involve the 
furnishing of historical and educational information to the 
general public.
  [(h) With the prior approval of the Committee on Rules and 
Administration of the Senate and the Committee on House 
Oversight of the House of Representatives, the Capitol Guide 
Board shall prescribe such regulations as the Board considers 
necessary and appropriate for the operation of the Capitol 
Guide Service.
  [(i) The Capitol Guide Board may take appropriate 
disciplinary action, including, when circumstances warrant, 
suspension from duty without pay, reduction in pay, demotion, 
or removal from employment with the Capitol Guide Service, 
against any employee who violates any provision of this section 
or any regulation prescribed by the Board pursuant to this 
section.
  [(j)(1) Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United 
States Code, the Capitol Guide Service is authorized to accept 
voluntary personal services.
  [(2) No person shall be permitted to donate personal services 
under this subsection unless the person has first agreed, in 
writing, to waive any claim against the United States arising 
out of or in connection with such services, other than a claim 
under chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code.
  [(3) No person donating personal services under this section 
shall be considered an employee of the United States for any 
purpose other than for purposes of chapter 81 of title 5, 
United States Code.
  [(4) In no case shall the acceptance of personal services 
under this section result in the reduction of pay or 
displacement of any employee of the Capitol Guide Service.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1995

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



                            TITLE I--GENERAL

SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.

  Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Act, as 
used in this Act:
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Covered employee.--The term ``covered employee'' 
        means any employee of--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  [(C) the Capitol Guide Service;]
                  (C) the Office of Congressional Accessibility 
                Services;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (9) Employing office.--The term ``employing office'' 
        means--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (D) [the Capitol Guide Board,] the Office of 
                Congressional Accessibility Services, the 
                Capitol Police Board, the Congressional Budget 
                Office, the Office of the Architect of the 
                Capitol, the Office of the Attending Physician, 
                the Office of Compliance, and the Office of 
                Technology Assessment.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE II--EXTENSION OF RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  PART B--PUBLIC SERVICES AND ACCOMMODATIONS UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH 
                        DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990

SEC. 210. RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES 
                    ACT OF 1990 RELATING TO PUBLIC SERVICES AND 
                    ACCOMMODATIONS; PROCEDURES FOR REMEDY OF 
                    VIOLATIONS.

  (a) Entities Subject to This Section.--The requirements of 
this section shall apply to--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(4) the Capitol Guide Service;]
          (4) the Office of Congressional Accessibility 
        Services;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


           PART C--OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT OF 1970

SEC. 215. RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS UNDER THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND 
                    HEALTH ACT OF 1970; PROCEDURES FOR REMEDY OF 
                    VIOLATIONS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Periodic Inspections; Report to Congress.--
          (1) Periodic inspections.--On a regular basis, and at 
        least once each Congress, the General Counsel, 
        exercising the same authorities of the Secretary of 
        Labor as under subsection (c)(1), shall conduct 
        periodic inspections of all facilities of the House of 
        Representatives, the Senate, [the Capitol Guide 
        Service,] the Office of Congressional Accessibility 
        Services, the Capitol Police, the Congressional Budget 
        Office, the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, the 
        Office of the Attending Physician, the Office of 
        Compliance, the Office of Technology Assessment, the 
        Library of Congress, and the General Accounting Office 
        to report on compliance with subsection (a).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



PART III--EMPLOYEES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBPART A--General Provisions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



CHAPTER 21--DEFINITIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



Sec. 2107. Congressional employee

  For the purpose of this title, ``Congressional employee'' 
means--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(9) an employee of the Capitol Guide Service.]
          (9) an employee of the Office of Congressional 
        Accessibility Services.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                                  
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