[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.
* * * * * * *